Joseph Norton ‘40, M ‘41
Major: French
Profession: retired counselor and professor
Hometown: Albany, NY

If you want to learn about some of the benefits of a having a well-rounded liberal arts education from St. Lawrence University, just ask Joe Norton. A French major, Joe’s advisor was a math professor, who encouraged him to take several math classes. He co-founded the Outing Club with Anders Lunde in 1938 and is still an avid skier today. He also was on the debate team, in the band, and in several other organizations.

After graduation, Joe used his French skills as a liaison officer with the French during World War II. After the war, with his math skills, he took a job as a math teacher. Eventually Joe decided that he wanted to go into counseling, and returned to St. Lawrence University to get his master’s degree. He continued on to Syracuse University, where he obtained a Ph.D. in psychology. He then worked at colleges such as Michigan State University, Knox College, Alfred University, and finally SUNY Albany, where he taught for 20 years. He has been a consultant for the U.S. Social Security Administration, president of the New York State Personnel and Guidance Association, and a leader of numerous gay and lesbian organizations. He also co-founded the AIDS Council of Northeastern New York and has received many honors for his work on behalf of the homeless and the oppressed, including the Sol Feinstone Award from St. Lawrence.