Syracuse University

Brian P. McLane ′69
For Excellence in Social Activism and Disability Rights

Born with cerebral palsy, Brian McLane learned at an early age not to accept limits on his abilities. He was the first wheelchair-bound student to graduate from his high school and went on to graduate from the Newhouse School with a degree in broadcast journalism. Under his leadership, a six-member service fraternity with a poor campus image turned into a leading advocacy organization for making SU and other campuses nationwide more accessible to people with disabilities.

McLane went on to earn a master's degree in sports administration from Ohio University. He worked for a time in television and coached a semiprofessional basketball team that recorded 132 wins against 37 losses over six seasons. He is the former director of public and membership relations for the Syracuse Chamber of Commerce and served as executive assistant to state assemblyman Mel Zimmer for five years. He was also director of parks and recreation for the Town of Cicero for four years, building a highly successful program.

McLane served in the administration of former New York Governor Mario Cuomo as assistant commissioner in the New York State Office of Parks, Recreation and Historic Preservation for six years before assuming the position of assistant commissioner of the New York State Education Department's Office of Vocational and Educational Services for Individuals with Disabilities.

McLane is known as a champion for the rights of individuals with disabilities, including lobbying for and consulting on the design of facilities for the physically disabled in the Carrier Dome and other major public venues. His advocacy efforts have been recognized by his induction into the National Hall of Fame for People with Disabilities in 2000, the receipt of the Caritas Medal from Niagara University, the Community Leadership award from Hudson Valley Community College, and numerous other awards and recognitions.

A devoted SU alumnus, McLane serves as a member of the National Alumni Board and has a fund established in his name for support services for students with disabilities, as well as a fellowship in his name at the Maxwell School of Citizenship and Public Affairs. In 2003, he was named fan of the year for his devotion to SU Athletics, and in 2004 was recognized by the University as a Letter Winner of Distinction. He also serves as a member of the University's Athletic Policy Board.

McLane currently serves as president and founder of Paradigm Solutions, a strategic alliance company that specializes in helping individuals in the area of creative problem solving, community and government relations, and networking. The company also works in the area of federal and state legislative advocacy, working with clients to move beyond compliance and helping them recognize market opportunities for their companies.

In January 2006, McLane became executive director of SU's Burton Blatt Institute. In this capacity, he works with BBI chairman Peter Blanck to provide strategic direction that will enable the institute to establish centers on innovation in meeting the unique needs of persons with disabilities.