Beekman Boys To Debate, Receive

Honorary Doctorates At Cobleskill

COBLESKILL – The Fabulous Beekman Boys will receive honorary doctorates at SUNY Cobleskill’s commencement Saturday, May 9, and stage a debate, “The Reality of Life After College,” the college announced today.

Dr. Brent Ridge and Mr. Joshua Kilmer-Purcell of Sharon Springs, the TV stars and agri-entrepreneurs, will compete with each other to see who can offer the best advice to the grads.

Dr. Debra H. Thatcher, acting president of SUNY Cobleskill, will moderate the debate. Upon its conclusion, graduates and guests will vote to select the winner.

Dr. Ridge played a leading role in the development and funding of the Mount Sinai School of Medicine’s Acute Care for the Elderly – now known as the Martha Stewart Center for Living.

The two have used their successful business ventures to fund philanthropic ventures in rural New York State, including the “Mortgage Lifter” program that supports creative projects designed by local farmers to enhance farming operations.