Bio

When Chris Schmid graduated from SUNY Orange in 1954, he proudly accepted the College’s “Athlete of the Year” Award. Schmid was a standout for the Colts’ men’s basketball, soccer, and tennis teams.

Upon graduation from Orange County Community College, Schmid earned a bachelor’s degree from Cornell in 1956 and a master’s degree in education from the University of Rochester in 1960. He was a high school teacher and coach from 1956-62 before joining the physical education faculty at Union College in Schenectady, N.Y., in 1962.

He was an assistant coach with the men’s basketball, football, and lacrosse teams from 1962-70. He served as head coach of the basketball team from 1966-69, leading the Dutchmen to a 25-35 record.

Since retiring from teaching and coaching in 1970 to pursue a successful real estate career, Schmid has been a loyal and longtime supporter of both SUNY Orange and Union College. He has singlehandedly provided countless scholarships to help students attend SUNY Orange and is one of the College’s staunchest benefactors.

In 2009, he was inducted into the Union College Athletic Hall of Fame. He founded and organized the Fighting Dutchmen Gridiron Club and has supported many initiatives undertaken by the Union athletic department. Additionally, he has mentored countless former Dutchmen student-athletes.