Michael Stammel is being inducted into the Hall of Fame for his many contributions to the school, his volunteerism, and longtime governmental service to the city and county of Rensselaer. Mike is an alumnus of the class of 1972.
In high school he was a member of the Drama Club and played varsity football and baseball. He has an Associates in Science Degree from Empire State College in Emergency Management and Fire Service. He has worked for Amtrak in Emergency Management and Corporate Security for 39 years. Mike was Alderman for the city’s fifth Ward from 1994-2000, then he was elected to the County Legislature, representing the City and has held that position ever since. This service won him the Pelletier Institute Award from Cornell University for his accomplishments in local government. As county legislator, Mike has served as Chair and Judiciary of the County Public Safety Committee, the Contract Committee, the Capital District Regional Committee, and for the Capital District Transportation Committee. Mike’s volunteerism is considerable. He has served on the ambulance squad as an EMT for 25 years and as a fireman with the Minks-Claxton Engine #2 for 43 years, and was made Fireman of the Year in 1990. The Rensselaer County Sheriff ‘s Office recognized Mike with a Special Award in 2005 and the Rensselaer County Legislature for coming to the aid of an ill person at the R.O.U.S.E. Picnic. This is an event the county holds for seniors every year. He is a board member for the Little League, The Boys and Girls Club, and has coached both Little League baseball and Pop Warner Football. He was also on the Rensselaer Festivities Committee for the Centennial. Mike was very instrumental in securing funding to keep the Senior Center open when it was slated for closure. Mike is a current member of the Kiwanis, Sons of the American Legion and has served as 1st Commander for Rensselaer County and is a member of the Rensselaer Woods Club. Mike has been very supportive to the Alumni Association whenever asked. He lives in Rensselaer and has 2 children and 6 grandchildren. Mike was nominated by Alumni Association Vice President and alumna, Deborah Irving Reimann ’74.