Susan Colgate Cleveland Medal for Distinguished Service

The Susan Colgate Cleveland Medal for Distinguished Service is the college’s highest honor. It is presented to individuals who exemplify Susan Colgate Cleveland’s attributes, ensuring that her work, dedication and influence will be remembered by future generations.

Deborah L. Coffin ’76

Alumna and Member of the Board of Trustees

Deborah’s connection to Colby-Sawyer College began well before she first set foot on campus as an undergraduate student in 1972. Ten years earlier, Deborah’s father, David L. Coffin Sr., joined the college’s Board of Trustees, on which he served for 16 years, including four as its chair. Today, Deborah receives the college’s highest honor — the Susan Colgate Cleveland Medal for Distinguished Service — which Deborah’s father also received in 2000.

Deborah has made remarkable contributions to her alma mater and the broader community. After earning her bachelor’s degree in business administration in 1976, Deborah received a Master of Science in human services from New Hampshire College. Deborah has had a varied career that reflects her diverse talents and interests. She was a therapist in New London, counseling individuals, adolescents and families on addiction and relationships. Deborah taught at Colby-Sawyer College and Granite State College. An entrepreneur, she also owned two businesses in the local area.

Deborah served on several college alumni groups and in 2015 Deborah was appointed to the Colby-Sawyer Board of Trustees. In 2019, Deborah was awarded the college’s Distinguished Alumni Award. In 2014, the Coffin family was inducted into Colby-Sawyer’s Legends Society for lifetime giving totaling more than $1 million. Deborah made a significant gift to the Davidow Center for Art + Design, funding the Deborah L. Coffin ’76 Family Ceramics Studio in memory of Deborah’s late brother, David L. Coffin Jr. ’75. Deborah has lent her talents to many civic and nonprofit organizations, including the League of New Hampshire Craftsman, Habitat for Humanity and as chair of the Wildlife Heritage Foundation of New Hampshire. She is a talented artisan, skilled in many forms and always learning new techniques.

In recognition of the exceptional contributions she has made to the college and beyond, Deborah is this year’s recipient of the college’s highest honor, the Susan Colgate Cleveland Medal for Distinguished Service. The medal recognizes the institution’s gratitude for the remarkable way in which Deborah exemplifies its first leader’s attributes, ensuring that her work, dedication and influence will be remembered.