Samuel Rowser

Samuel Rowser, a lifelong resident of Syracuse, NY has spent nearly 40 years being a trusted mentor to first-generation college students, helping them to start college, earn degrees and gain employment;supporting them every step of the journey. On Point for College, a non-profit program that has helped over 11,600 inner-city and rural youth from Syracuse, Utica, NYC and other counties in Central New York to enroll in and succeed in college. The students are usually the first person in their family to go to college. These young adults have had the desire to go to college, but felt that the opportunity was out of their reach. Sam became Executive Director of On Point in September 2016.He began this journey at On Point for College as Program Associate – the first employee Founder Ginny Donohue was able to hire. He embodies the mission of On Point for College: We develop the programs and cultivate the relationships to change the lives of traditional and non-traditional, 17-29 year old students by breaking down barriers through access to training, college and career for success in life. We work with students from application to graduation and beyond. Helping underserved youth earn college degrees has become Sam’s life’s work. From 3 a.m. trips to New York City to transport students to and from college, to advocacy on behalf of students locally in Albany and nationally through the National College Attainment Network (NCAN), to a phone that is answered 19 hours per day, seven days a week, Sam’s tireless work has changed the lives of thousands of students who never thought college was a possibility."You have to educate yourself," he said. "That's what I loved most about college." Sam has an A.S. in Business Administration from Onondaga Community College, B.S. in Interdisciplinary Studies with a Minor in Psychology and a Master in Business Administration from Columbia College. He was formerly an Admissions Counselor with Onondaga Community College.and a Career Development Specialist at Southwest Community Center before joining the On Point for College staff. Sam provides public presentations to inform audiences (parents, urban youth and policy makers) about college enrollment and retention. Sam was instrumental in the training of our New York City partners and the replication of On Point for College in the city of Utica and outreach sites in Oswego, Cayuga, Herkimer and Madison counties.Sam Rowser was one of the few invited to shake President Barack Obama's hand at his 2013 talk about college affordability at Syracuse's Henninger High School. To Sam, the handshake was the ultimate recognition for the work he has done to get thousands into college. Other honors include: Syracuse Inner City Unsung Hero Award – 2023, CenterState CEO 2020 Economic Champion, Mohawk Valley Frontiers - Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. Award for Outstanding Community Service – 2017, Cuse Connection Outstanding Community Service award – 2016, NAACP Community Service Award –2014, Alliance Network Outstanding Commitment to Education – 2013, The Dr. David B. Swedlow Memorial College Access Staff Member Award of Excellence through National College Access Network (NCAN)-2011,