Joe Drago was presented the Arnold H. Barben Award by Clarkson University in Potsdam, New York on July 10, 2004 during the Annual Clarkson Hockey Reunion.
The Arnold H. Barben Award is intended to recognize the important role that hockey has played in the history of the University. This award is presented annually to a Clarkson University Varsity C hockey alumnus who has demonstrated outstanding professional achievement, has contributed to the betterment of his community and has worked unselfishly for his alma mater. Helen Barben, of Seneca Falls, New York, established the Barben Award in 1980 in memory of her late husband, a member of the class of 1927.
A solid two-way player for the Golden Knights, who skated as both a wing and a defenseman, Drago graduated from Clarkson in 1963 with a Bachelor of Science degree in Business Administration. Playing under head coach Len Ceglarski, the Sudbury, Ontario native was a key member of three of Clarkson’s most successful teams during the 1960s. During his time at Clarkson, the Golden Knights compiled a 56-15-3 record and participated in two NCAA Tournaments, finishing as national runner-ups in 1962 and gaining a third place trophy in 1963. Drago skated in 44 games with the Green and Gold from 1960-63 and recorded six goals and seven assists.
After gradation, Drago pursued a lengthy career in education before his retirement in 1996. A successful teacher, coach and community leader, Dargo earned numerous awards for his involvement, dedication and commitment to education, charities and sports.
Drago served as an educator for 33 years. As a secondary school principal for 25 years of his tenure, Drago was able to implement a number of school and community initiatives benefiting the Sudbury region. Among his many professional awards, he earned the Award of Excellence from the Sudbury Board of Education and the Award of Excellence in Education from the Ontario Secondary School Teachers’ Federation.
Beyond his professional career, Drago was also involved with a number of Sudbury area charities and organizations. For 12 years he sat on the Sudbury Memorial Hospital Board of Governors and for 14 years with the Sudbury Memorial Hospital Foundation. He has also been involved with the Sudbury District Health Council, the Salvation Army, the Sudbury Food Bank, the House of Kin (charitable organization providing low cost accommodation for families of out-of-town hospital patients), the Alzheimer Society of Canada, the Canadian Association of Retired Persons and the Heart and Soul Capital Campaign for Health Care, to name a few.
On April 26, 2003, Drago was the recipient of the Centennial Award. Presented by the Sudbury Regional Hospital Foundation, the award is the Ontario Medical Association’s highest honor given to a non-physician.
Dargo has also been heavily involved in sports. He has coached at the Midget, High School, Junior Major Junior, Intermediate and Senior levels. He has been involved with the Sudbury Wolves Major Junior “A” organization for 17 years (serving as Director of Operations, Coach, General Manager, President, part owner and Governor). For 12 years, Drago served as Commissioner for the Northern Ontario Junior Hockey Association (NOJHA) and later as the OHF Junior Council Chair. Currently, he is the 2nd Vice President for the Ontario Hockey Federation. He has also been involved with boxing at the regional and provincial levels.
Drago was honored on November 16, 2003 with the Commemorative Medal for the Golden Jubilee of Her Majesty Queen Elizabeth II. The medal is awarded to Canadians who have made significant contributions to their fellow citizens, their community and to Canada.
Because of Arnold and Helen Barben’s commitment to young people and to serving their community, it was particularly fitting and it was with great pride that Clarkson University recognizes Joe Drago, Class of 1963, as the twenty-second recipient of the Arnold H. Barben Award.
Established in 1980 by Mrs. Helen Barben of Seneca Falls, New York, the award is a memorial to her husband, the late Arnold H. Barben, a member of the Class of 1927. It is presented annually to a Varsity C. Hockey Alumnus who has distinguished themselves by their commitment and continued interest in Clarkson’s welfare, achieved significant success in their chosen careers, and has been active in bettering the communities in which they live. These qualities exemplified Arnold Barben. The award is also intended to recognize the important role that hockey has played in the history and the culture of the University.
While at Clarkson, Mr. Barben was manager of the hockey team and was instrumental in raising Clarkson hockey from club to intercollegiate status during the mid-1920’s. He enjoyed extraordinary professional success with Goulds Pumps, Inc., Where he was employed for 43 years. He retired as senior vice president and a member of its board of directors. He was a well-known industrialist and historian in central New York, and was recognized for his high professional standards and extraordinary sense of civic duty.
Mrs. Barben has remained interested and active in Clarkson affairs. For many years, she returned to campus for alumni reunion and to take part in the Barben award presentation. Mrs. Barben provides ongoing support for Clarkson students through the Arnold and Helen Barben scholarship and loan fund, and by funding a scholarship for students interested in attending Clarkson from her hometown of Seneca Falls, New York.
