Post date: Oct 15, 2009 6:16:57 AM

POUGHKEEPSIE (Nov. 25, 2014) – Marist Chemistry Instructor Maung Htoo, Ph.D., recently received the Liberty Medal, in honor of his 32-year career at IBM and his continued involvement in educating the next generation of scientists through his teaching at Marist and as longtime director of the Dutchess County Regional Science Fair.

The award, along with a New York State Senate proclamation, was presented by State Sen. Terry Gipson during a ceremony in President Dennis J. Murray's office. Also attending was School of Science Dean Jim DuMond.

The New York State Senate Liberty Medal was created in 2000 and is one of the highest civilian honors a New York resident can receive. It is awarded by the New York state Senate to individuals who have merited special commendation for exceptional, heroic or humanitarian acts and achievements on behalf of their fellow New Yorkers.

In his 25 years of service to the Dutchess County Regional Science Fair, Htoo quickly went from judge to director of the fair, which was the first in New York State and is the longest-running one in the country affiliated with the International Science and Engineering Science Fair Organization. The senate citation states, " The success, growth and longevity of this program are a direct result of Dr. Htoo's energy, passion, commitment and drive; he injects his innovation, focus and unyielding energy into the program and to the many volunteers."