Decades of outstanding work in teaching, leadership, organization, volunteering and community support recently earned Richard Bush, professor and chair of technology education, the SUNY Chancellor’s Award for Excellence in Faculty Service.

A two-time technology education graduate of SUNY Oswego, Bush joined the faculty of his alma mater in 1998 and impacted generations of students through his skills as a teacher, his commitment to student success and dedication to the campus and community.

In nominating Bush for the prestigious honor, Laura Spenceley –- dean of the College of Education, Health and Human Services -– cited his “exemplary leadership and dedication” as “the driving force behind numerous campus-wide events and a steadfast presence on campus.”

“In the School of Education, he has been a go-to leader for coordinating special programs and outreach efforts well beyond expectations,” Spenceley wrote. “His attention to fostering a sense of community and inclusivity has strengthened relationships within the department, and his forward-thinking approach has resulted in innovative ways to enhance departmental visibility and engagement with the broader university and community of technology educators.”

Multiple student nomination letters noted Bush’s willingness to go above and beyond to support their studies inside and outside the classroom. His role in providing a feeling of belonging for technology students and others was a recurring theme.

“Beyond his exceptional teaching, Professor Bush fosters a sense of community within the department, encouraging collaboration, support and a shared passion for technology education,” wrote Bryleigh Beauchat, who earned a master’s (2025) and bachelor’s (2024) in technology education. “With each generation, he shapes the field of education by empowering his students to make meaningful contributions to the profession.”

Beauchat is among many students who consider Bush a mentor, many of whom were in the Oswego Technology Student Association, which continues to rack up several trophies at each regional or national competition they attend. “Professor Bush encourages us all to attend and expand our knowledge, often sharing his own experiences and lessons from when he was a student to where he is now,” Beauchat noted.

Named the Technology and Engineering Educators Collegiate Association’s Outstanding National Advisor in 2022, Bush not only prepares students for the competition through his knowledge and teaching skills, but also coaches and supports them in any way he can, including long stints driving a van across several states to student competitions and conferences.

Bush’s impact directly leads to Lakers thriving in their chosen career fields, many in turn making a teaching impact on students everywhere, said Beauchat, who is joining the teaching ranks at Rome Free Academy this fall.

“His passion for technology education is the major reason why so many students are successful in the program, inspiring them to pursue their careers in the field,” Beauchat wrote. “Many of the students who graduate from this program leave to have successful, long and passionate careers.”

Inspiration and role model

Fellow technology education faculty member and longtime colleague Daniel Tryon noted that beyond Bush’s impressive credentials, few people see “the thousands and thousands of little selfless acts that Rich performs in our department, our school, our institution, and our community.” Tryon said Bush “is always the 'go-to' person for doing what needs to be done.”

Tryon said he has seen Bush give tours on weekdays and weekends to prospective students, host open laboratory hours for students who need extra help, serve on countless committees, organize myriad field trips and outings, advise undeclared students during summers and help with fundraising and recruitment activities that will help the department and university continue to thrive. “Rich Bush is the most selfless person I know,” he added.

“For years and years and years, I have witnessed Rich volunteer for service within the SUNY Oswego community that fell above and beyond his job requirements,” Tryon wrote. “He constantly puts the service to our students, the success of our institution and the vibrancy of our community above his own self-interests. He is an inspiration to me and should be a role model for us all.”

Bush’s leadership included co-chairing the fall 2024 Inauguration Week activities for President Peter O. Nwosu as well as serving as the longest-standing member of the Public Ceremonies Committee, crucial to the inauguration, Commencement, Honors Convocation and other key happenings.

The other co-chair for Inauguration Week, the since-retired Vice President for University Advancement Mary Canale, noted Bush’s “pivotal role” in providing leadership that “fostered a collective effort that showcased the university's spirit and highlighted student involvement in every aspect of the event, ensuring that their contributions were celebrated and recognized.”

“Beyond the inauguration, Rich actively engages with our alumni throughout the year,” Canale noted. “He leads by example, as his philanthropic commitment to the university is evidenced by his establishment of the Bush Family Scholarship to support a student in the school who intends to pursue a career in teaching.”

As a leader on the Public Ceremonies Committee, Bush “plays a crucial role in organizing our graduation ceremonies, ensuring that these significant milestones are conducted with the utmost respect and dignity,” Canale wrote. “His dedication to these important events exemplifies his deep commitment to our students’ success and the university’s values.”

Community and campus involvement 

Many in the greater Oswego community supported his nomination as well, including his leadership and hands-on dedication to the boards of the H. Lee White Marine Museum and Oswego Maritime Foundation, among other efforts. 

Mercedes Neiss, executive director for the marine museum, praised Bush’s work in establishing a family boat building program – in collaboration with Tryon and SUNY Oswego students – that assisted more than 75 families, “many who had never had an experience building anything with their hands, much less as a family unit,” in constructing their own boats. Bush also donated his talents to a boat-building exhibit the museum provided at the New York State Fair, constructing a small craft in less than two weeks and bringing attention to the art of boat construction, the organization and Oswego’s rich maritime history.

Neiss also noted Bush’s critical leadership in the marine museum negotiating a lease agreement with the City of Oswego to begin restoration and preservation activities on the iconic Oswego Lighthouse, enabling the marine museum to set up a not-for-profit guild to support their activities, helping design and construct an exhibition on Oswego’s historic lighthouses over the years, spearheading a shipwreck conservation program and volunteering as a greeter and resource for tall-ship visits to Oswego Harbor.

“Rich was selected as our 2018 Volunteer of the Year,” Neiss wrote. “While he has donated thousands of hours, the true impact he has made has been on the thousands of individuals, whether it be students, colleagues, families, New York citizens and visitors from beyond.”

Bush also provides leadership for a key campus event connecting alumni, students and others with educational and networking opportunities through the Technology Department’s annual Fall Conference.

“Mr. Bush has overseen our 75th to 85th Fall Conferences; this annual event hosted by the Technology Department welcomes more than 400 in-service technology educators, industry partners, vendors, and pre-service educators from across the country over two days of programming,” Spenceley wrote. 

“Similarly, Mr. Bush has played a crucial role in bringing the VEX Robotics competition back to campus following the pandemic,” Spenceley added. “Not only does VEX provide rich collaboration and applied learning for our pre-service candidates, but it also allows middle school students from across our region to engage in learning by doing on our campus, leaving them with the belief they belong on a college campus.”

Bush’s role in creating memorable experiences for the campus community includes collaborating with art and design faculty member Benjamin Entner to create an annual Iron Pour event on campus that incorporates a number of academic programs while fostering a festive atmosphere. It is, nominators said, one of many often out-of-the-limelight activities that shine a light on student opportunities while supporting connections within and beyond the community.

“Mr. Bush’s service is characterized by his humility, dedication and tireless work ethic,” Spenceley noted. “Through his service to SUNY Oswego, his professional community and his department, Mr. Bush’s leadership, dedication and impact have changed the fabric of our institution and what it means to be part of the Laker community.”