John T. O’Shaughnessy ’88 was presented the 2017 Minerva Award by SUNY Potsdam Kristin G. Esterberg during Reunion Weekend.
The SUNY Potsdam Alumni Association recently presented the 2017 Minerva Award to John T. O’Shaughnessy ’88, during the College’s Reunion Weekend.
The Minerva Award is presented annually to an alumnus or alumna who has demonstrated outstanding professional achievement in his or her field. It is the highest honor that a SUNY Potsdam graduate can receive from the association. O’Shaughnessy was recognized for his distinguished and innovative career and his contributions to inspiring SUNY Potsdam students.
About the recipient:
John T. O’Shaughnessy is the founder and CEO of Matrix Surgical USA, a pioneer in the design, development, manufacturing and distribution of innovative biomaterials and surgical devices used for the cranium, face and ears. Since the inception of Matrix Surgical in 2011, the company’s product has gone on to be sold in more than 80 countries around the world, constituting about one-fourth of the industry worldwide.
While O’Shaughnessy is very happy with the success of his company, his greatest satisfaction comes from knowing that he is helping people all over the world to overcome birth defects or rebuild their lives following a traumatic head injury. Through an organization called Mending Kids, his company has donated implants that are used to reconstruct the ears of children born with microtia, a congenital deformity wherein the child is born without outer ears and ear canals, causing significant hearing loss. O’Shaughnessy had the opportunity to meet Paul Stanley of the rock group Kiss, who was born with microtia and has become a champion for children with the disorder. He met the rock star at the bedside of a child following surgery using implants manufactured and donated by Matrix.
O’Shaughnessy is a published author, contributor to the business press and highly sought-after speaker/panelist on matters of globalization, entrepreneurship, startups and the global medical technology market.
Recently, he returned to SUNY Potsdam to speak with students, meet with campus personnel and attend events at the Delta Kappa Theta fraternity, commemorating the 30th anniversary of his pledge class. While on campus, O’Shaughnessy spoke to students in community health and business administration classes, and he presented an open forum, titled “From Start-Up to Profitability: Lessons Learned from a Serial Entrepreneur.” During his visit, he was presented the 2016 Distinguished Alumni Speaker Award by Director of Alumni Relations Mona Vroman.
O’Shaughnessy also visited the college’s Center for Applied Learning to discuss opportunities for student internships, study abroad and entrepreneurial projects. After returning home from Potsdam, he donated the College’s first 3D printer, which is used at the Center for Applied Learning to encourage student and faculty innovation.
To find out more about Reunion Weekend at SUNY Potsdam, visit www.potsdam.edu/alumni.
Founded in 1816, The State University of New York at Potsdam is one of America’s first 50 colleges—and the oldest institution within SUNY. Now in its third century, SUNY Potsdam is distinguished by a legacy of pioneering programs and educational excellence. The College currently enrolls approximately 4,000 undergraduate and graduate students. Home to the world-renowned Crane School of Music, SUNY Potsdam is known for its challenging liberal arts and sciences core, distinction in teacher training and culture of creativity. To learn more, visit www.potsdam.edu.
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