Carol Parkinson Arnold '73 Honored with Distinguished Alumni Award
Clinton Community College Vice President for Institutional Advancement Steve Frederick (left) presents the Alumni Association’s Distinguished Alumni Award to Carol Parkinson Arnold, with Jim Jock (right), Class of ’86 and past Alumni Association president.
The Clinton Community College Alumni Association named Carol Parkinson Arnold '73 as the recipient of its Distinguished Alumni Award at its fall 2025 reunion celebration.
From Clinton Graduate to Industry Leader
A Keeseville, New York, native and proud 1973 Clinton graduate, Arnold’s life story reflects decades of professional achievement, personal resilience and community service.
After earning her associate degree in business administration, Arnold launched a 40-year career with DuPont in Delaware. Rising to the role of engineering knowledge management leader, she developed systems for intellectual property management and training programs, earning respect for her collaborative leadership style.
Adventure and Achievement
Beyond her career, Arnold embraced adventure and athleticism. A former distance runner, she completed seven marathons and was chosen to carry the Olympic torch for the 1980 Winter Games in Lake Placid—a role awarded for athletic ability, poise and an essay capturing the Olympic spirit. The experience included media appearances, wilderness training and a cross-state relay she recalls as unforgettable.
Arnold’s adventurous spirit extended worldwide, from solo European travels at 18 to business trips across continents. Her entrepreneurial side stood out through real estate investments, often making quick decisions that paid off through strategic planning.
A Commitment to Community
Since retiring and returning to the North Country, Arnold has remained involved in community service. She serves on the Clinton Community College Alumni Board, the Clinton County Historical Association, Rotary International, the Rockwell Kent Gallery and supports initiatives like the JCEO Backpack Program and the Mayor’s Charter Commission.
“The first time anyone meets Carol they will quickly realize she is a force of nature,” said Clinton Community College Vice President for Institutional Advancement Steve Frederick. “She is an incredibly generous community servant and a big thinker. The North Country is so fortunate that Carol decided to return home upon her retirement from DuPont.”
Guided by the belief that experiences matter more than possessions, Arnold lives by a favorite Robert Frost-inspired quote: “I took the one less traveled by, and that has made all the difference.”
She hopes to be remembered as a generous soul, a protector of the Adirondacks and someone who encouraged others to reach beyond their limits.