Gerald Curtin is forever linked with Dowling College. He received his B.A from Dowling in 1971 and graduated with his wife Rose Mary. He received extensive special education and secondary school certification. In 1973, he received his M.A. from Adelphi University.
He served as the first lacrosse coach at Dowling and has helped to establish the lacrosse team as one of the premier clubs on Long Island. Curtin has kept lacrosse alive at Dowling since 1967 when he started a club team. In 1972, lacrosse achieved varsity status and Dowling was accepted as a member of the United States Intercollegiate Lacrosse Association. From 1972-76, Jerry’s teams had a record of 41-17, including a 3-2 victory over the University of Notre Dame in 1972 at the LaSalle Center.
He is still involved with the college today, serving as a Dowling College trustee as well as being a member of the President’s Council. He received the first Undergraduate Alumnus of the Year Award in 1993.
Outside of the college, Jerry is very active in the community, specifically with the Boy Scouts. He is Vice-President of Programs for the Suffolk County Boy Scouts and was the Chairman of the 1997 National Jamboree Committee, one of the largest undertakings of the Boy Scouts. In addition, he is Scoutmaster of Troop 205. In 1991, he received the Boy Scouts of America District Chairman Award. He also is a member of the Suffolk County Industrial Development Association, as well as with the Islip Town Economic Development Commission. In 1994, he also received the Jenkins Memorial PTA Award. He also volunteers some of his time at South Side and Good Samaritan Hospitals.
In 1971, Jerry Curtin began his professional career as a special education teacher at Boces III in Dix Hills, New York, where he served for three years. In 1974, he switched to the administration side as a director of special education for the Kings Park schools. Three years later, he moved from education to business and later pioneered and developed an infrared technology known as thermography. With this new technology, Marine Thermostat was formed as a company, with Jerry as president. U.S. aircraft carriers worldwide have instituted a preventative maintenance program for electrical-mechanical equipment using this new technology. His company was also involved in the inspections for Navy ships worldwide. Jerry has been chief executive officer of Statewide Roofing, Inc. since 1984. In 1990, the company was recognized as one of Long Island’s fastest growing companies.
The Curtin’s are the fifth generation of their family and currently reside in Great River. Jerry and Rose Mary have two children, Gerilyn and Timothy, who are both now in college. Mr. Curtin is a true example of the Dowling College spirit and purpose. His dedication to education and community serve as a benchmark for all of us to follow. It is their belief that to make things happen, we must all take the lead and guide our children.
Return to List