Clifton Turner, Homecoming honoree, has flourished in Big Apple

How many doors can a Business Administration degree open for SUNY Fredonia graduates? For Clifton C. Turner (’84), it’s quite a few. And impressive ones, too. He will receive the Alumni Association's Outstanding Achievement Award at Homecoming Oct. 10.

His degree from Fredonia, which included a concentration in Marketing, led to high-level management positions with General Motors and retail giants Bloomingdale’s and LensCrafters, even a network television debut on the “David Letterman Show.”

It was an active role on campus that enabled Mr. Turner, one of three SUNY Fredonia alumni who will receive Achievement Awards on Saturday during Homecoming, to compete in the outside world once he left campus.

But the word “active” falls incredibly short to describe Mr. Turner and the numerous roles he held from 1980 and 1984 at SUNY Fredonia. For starters, he had the unique distinction of being elected President of his class for three consecutive years, was the student representative to the College Council for two years and a four-year member of the Student Association. He also coordinated the 1982 Dance Marathon for the Muscular Dystrophy Association and reigned as Homecoming King in 1982.

Mr. Turner became an Army Cadet between his sophomore and junior years, was a counselor for the New York State Summer School of the Arts program for two years and served as a campus tour guide. His last official act as a student was to deliver the 1984 Senior Class President address. And it did it with style, surprising everyone by dedicating a song to his class.

After graduation, Mr. Turner became a manager at the General Motors plant in Tarrytown, N.Y., where he directed the Material department and supervised training programs for 6,000 hourly and salary workers. He won accolades in the tri-state area for organizing the largest United Way campaign at the Tarrytown plant, winning the “Most Creative Award” for his efforts and raising GM’s profile in the community.

In 1991, Mr. Turner joined Bloomingdale’s in White Plains, where he completed the retailer’s exclusive Executive Training program. He managed Housewears and Men’s departments and, drawing upon shrewd marketing talent, introduced a new designer label, Tommy Hilfiger, at the White Plains store. So successful was his launch that Mr. Turner won a top sales award, plus the opportunity to actually meet the legendary designer, who later hired the SUNY Fredonia grad to manage his new flagship store in Westchester.

During a five-year career with Hilfiger, Mr. Turner managed multiple stores and became a personal shopper for many of the designer’s celebrity clients. At the SUNY Fredonia grad’s urging, Mr. Hilfiger invited SUNY Fredonia Acting President Dallas Beal and his wife, Kris; along with former Vice-President for Student Affairs Robert Coon and his wife, Shirley; former Vice President for University Advancement Jean Malinoski and her husband, Tom; and Director of Alumni Affairs Patty Feraldi to his exclusive showroom for a behind-the-scenes look at the fashion industry.

LensCrafters, the first optical retailer to offer new glasses in about an hour, recruited Mr. Turner in 1998 to manage outlets in Manhattan, including its flagship store at the World Trade Center. Mr. Clifton lost many friends and clients on 9/11, but his entire staff survived. He went on to became a spokesman for LensCrafters Worldwide, which ultimately opened the door to recurring roles on two WTBS programs and an appearance in a “David Letterman Show” skit.

In 2008, Mr. Turner joined the airport security industry, managing operations in the Westchester airport and Grand Central Terminal. He now serves as an airport security consultant.

Despite considerable career success, Mr. Turner has never forgotten SUNY Fredonia. He helped the Alumni Association organize 10 reunions in New York City, was invited back to campus as a featured guest speaker for the “Alumni Spotlight Series” in 1997 and represented former President Donald McPhee at a commencement ceremony in New Rochelle. Mr. Turner has made numerous contributions to the Alumni Association, including a Willie Mays signed baseball, and Educational Development Program, has given donations of free clothing and eyewear to student organizations for fashion shows and also mentored students.

His financial generosity extended to the Black Student Union’s efforts to reach its goal of $10,000 for Nabta scholarships in 2008 and also to the Fredonia College Foundation.

Mr. Turner points to his parents, Theoplis and Eliza, and grandparents, Adlena and Eugene, for giving him a strong foundation in life. “Plain and simple, they are my heroes, and I couldn’t have asked for better role models.” He also counts many SUNY Fredonia teachers, administrators and friends as supporters.