CAMPUS
THE ELMIRA COLLEGE MAGAZINE
MESSAGE FROM THE PRESIDENT
We began the 2024-25 academic year by welcoming the largest number of incoming students in more than a decade as well as significant success in fundraising. The increase in enrollment was achieved without sacrificing student academic quality or increasing the amount of institutional aid. A few of the specific programs that helped to boost enrollment include the Soaring Eagles Take Flight Initiative and our accelerated BS/DO degree offered in partnership with Lake Erie College of Osteopathic Medicine (LECOM). Recruiting for the Class of 2029 is well underway and is supported by the introduction of a BS in Social Work and new student life and athletic programs, including the Golden Groove Pep Band and proposed club teams in dance and men’s ice hockey.
The College exceeded its budgeted fundraising goal by 27 percent for the 2023-24 year and is already well on the way to exceeding this number in 2024-25. The addition of a new artificial turf field this fall has enabled us to reintroduce men’s and women’s intercollegiate lacrosse and create a vibrant and engaging campus experience for all students. Some of the articles included in this issue of Campus Magazine provide real evidence that Elmira is on track to achieving its strategic goals.
In addition, a number of working groups consisting of faculty, staff, and administration were appointed earlier this year to accelerate the College’s five-year strategic plan and prepare for the upcoming March 2025 accreditation visit by the Middle States Commission on Higher Education (MSCHE). This effort to “Reimagine EC” focuses on identifying programs and services that have a maximum impact on the student experience and enhancing the institution’s overall effectiveness and efficiency. Recommendations resulting from the Reimagining EC initiative will be reviewed by the Board of Trustees in November and implemented after the first of the year.
These initial signs of success and momentum are largely due to the support of alumni and friends of the College who believe in our vision for the future and what we can offer to students interested in a holistic education and campus experience.
Throughout its long history, Elmira College has been known for its ability to provide students with access to an outstanding private education and the opportunity to pursue successful careers. I encourage you to join us as we chart the course towards a bright future for EC.
Yours,
Charles W. Lindsay, PhD Elmira College President
SUMMERTIME FUN RESEARCH
Each summer, the Obler Summer Research program, created in memory of Rose and Norman Obler by the couple’s children to honor their parents’ legacy and dedication to education, supports a small group of students who stay on campus to conduct research under faculty guidance.
Abigail “Abby” Belcher ’26, Biochemistry
Research Title: Sedimentology of Hurricane Zone in St. John, U.S. Virgin Islands
The purpose of this study was to test surface samples and describe and analyze vibracores, in hopes of gathering insights on the sand and gravel left after a hurricane.
I learned a multitude of environmental field methods to analyze the data I collected in St. John. With guidance from my principal investigator, I learned how to work independently. Using the field methods, I developed understandings from the findings in terms of major hurricane deposition. This experience will be very useful when it comes to doing more research in the future and will open lots of doors for potential conferences!
Victoria Behun ’26, Biochemistry, and Lauralie Grainer ’25, Biochemistry
Research Title: Use of IoT and Arduino Microcontrollers to Monitor Athletic Health Parameters
The objective of this research is to make a device small enough to wear that collects health data like heart rate and blood oxygen content. The data collected can be saved for later review to help improve health outcomes.
“We are currently still working on the project to make the data collected from the sensors to be read in realtime on Arduino Cloud, which is a website that makes data from Arduino to be read in real-time,” explained Behun. “The overall summer research was very engaging and fun. As a group, we all participated in weekly activities and lunches. We all made presentations to update everyone on our progress.”
“I learned how to work with others and use different analytical techniques to build my own research prompts while building off other’s work to create a larger-scale, more efficient research project,” shared Grainer.
MacKenzie Brown ’26, Clinical Lab Science and Biochemistry
Research Title: Correlation Between BoLA-DRB3 Allelic Differences and Resistance to Parasitic Infection
In this program I learned so much. Not only did I learn more about genetics and specific types of genetic researching, this program showed me what it’s like working in a lab every day, having more responsibility with materials and keeping strict records about what is being done, more so than what’s able to be taught in classes.
Michael Connor ’26, Chemistry
Research Title: Computationally Modeling Carbon Capture Mechanisms
I used a program called “Gaussian Functions” to model the individual Carbon atoms and molecular bonds to see how they would interact. This was all to test carbon capture reactions proposed in a previous research paper.
I’m a Chemistry major and this research used straight chemistry at the highest level. I want to go into pharmaceuticals and understanding how these molecules interact and how modern computers are able to help model molecules will help if I’m researching and manufacturing drugs.
D’Asia Jones ‘25 finds a way to combine some summer fun with her research studies.
D’Asia Jones ’25, Environmental Science Research Title: Computational Benchmarking of Properties of Halogen Bonds
This research continued Dr. Bidwell’s research from grad school on halogen bonds and modeled them using computational chemistry programs. The point of the research was to model halogen bonds because they are not used as much compared to other element groups on the periodic table.
This was a new experience for me. As an Environmental Science major, I had no experience with chemistry. Over the six-week experience, I learned how to model halogen bonds in a program called Gaussian™, learned the difference between halogen and covalent bonds, and understood the bond angles and lengths using computational chemistry. By the end of the six weeks I had made my first scientific poster, made new friendships, and built deeper relationships with professors.
Owen Mascaro ’26, Environmental Science
Research Title: Dye Sensitized Solar Cells (DSSCs) Utilizing C-Phycocyanin Isolated from Spirulina Biomass as the Photosensitive Element with Dr. Michael Selig
This research studied the application and sustainable development of Dye Sensitized Solar Cells (DSSCs), which have implications for renewable solar energy. It focused on increasing power output and connecting multiple cells together to increase performance.
Being an Environmental Science major, this research allowed me to make great use of and understand the importance of chemistry in real-world applications. Being able to create sustainable energy cells has massive applications that can only be further realized through collaborative efforts between all branches of science. It opened a slew of new doors for me that focus on utilizing chemistry for environmental conservation, remediation, and problem solving. This work and further development of it has definitely piqued my interest as a future career path, and I am very grateful for the opportunity!
Nathan “Nate” Romano ’25, Biology
Research Title: Expression and Purification of Transthyretin for Binding Studies
This research aimed to express and purify a protein called transthyretin in order to test its ability to bind (connect) with other biological molecules.
I learned a lot from this program, namely how to persevere through difficult situations. A lot of my experiments went awry due to many different factors both in and out of my control, which was very frustrating for me. However, thanks to the support I received from my family, peers, and professors, I was able to work through these frustrations and get some good results. This lesson will serve me very well in my future as I plan on pursuing a master's degree in biochemistry.
Jessica “Jess” Yesensky ’26, Biochemistry and Environmental Science
Research Title: Assessing Undeveloped Volume for Carolina Watershed in St. John, USVI with Dr. Trevor Browning
The research aims to quantify the impacts of human-driven land use change. The greatest reduction of Undeveloped Volume, or unused land, occurs when larger areas of unused land become split up due to new developments. New roads have a larger impact than new buildings.
The Obler Summer Research Program helped me become more independent when it comes to research and allowed me to improve my skills in modeling, analysis, and communicating my work to others. I will build off this experience as I continue to do research at Elmira and next summer as I join a research project with the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration.
Soaring Higher
Enrollment, Fundraising Strategies Pave Elmira’s Path to Vibrant Future
Elmira College began the 2024-25 academic year fueled by significant fundraising and enrollment success, including 304 new first-year and transfer students who’ve brought renewed energy to campus. That’s thanks, in part, to Dennis Kelly, Vice President of Enrollment Management, and Paula Lee Hobson, Vice President of Institutional Advancement and Alumni Engagement, who elevated plans and initiatives into successful strategies. But Kelly and Hobson aren’t resting on their laurels. With the new recruiting cycle and fiscal year underway, they’re ready to capitalize and build on that momentum.
So what’s planned?
First, continue the things that worked well for Fall 2024 recruitment, including strengthened collaborations across the campus. Renewed energy and focus from Enrollment Management, Institutional Advancement, Alumni Engagement, Communications and Marketing, Athletics, and Academic Affairs have everyone working hand-inhand to introduce new students to, and remind former students about, what makes EC special.
Beyond the enhanced collaboration, Kelly is strategically shifting the recruitment process to engage prospective students earlier while reducing obstacles that impede enrollment. He’s already getting the word out to prospective students about EC’s affordability programs like Take Flight, The Northern Tier Award, and Talent Awards for creative endeavors like Art, Theatre, and the Golden Groove Pep Band.
“These programs were very successful even though we introduced them part way through our enrollment cycle last year,” said Kelly. “So phase two is to build awareness earlier and reach out to larger groups of prospective students in new and expanding territories.”
This year includes a new affordability program aimed at students who are Pennsylvania residents. The Good Neighbor program helps to clarify to students that “whether they are in-state or out-of-state, an Elmira College education is affordable,” explained Kelly.
The recruitment team is also incorporating artificial intelligence into their recruitment efforts this year to engage early and often with prospective students. In September, the recruitment team introduced Olivia, named after alumna Olivia Langdon Clemens ’64. This AI recruiter chats with students across different platforms, including over the phone, and has already reached out to more than 130 prospective students.
When prospective students express a strong interest in EC, the recruitment team is partnering with other offices on campus to turn that into action by offering new and enhanced, immersive experiences.
For example, during overnight campus stays students interested in the Pep Band can bring their instrument and play with the group during an event. For athletes and sports enthusiasts, the chance to attend a team competition adds another layer of excitement. These engaging, personalized experiences are designed to deepen students’ connections with the College and expand on the normal overnight stays and class visits.
Working together, Kelly and Hobson are unifying the connection between enrollment efforts and alumni engagement, with alumni an active part of the enrollment process. Already, alumni are speaking at prospective student events and members of the Alumni Board are participating in an outreach program to congratulate newly accepted students.
Another collaboration between Kelly and Hobson has been to strengthen the connection between enrollment success and continued fundraising success. With each gift, the College can offer more scholarships and aid, enhance academic programs, and improve facilities.
That’s why, with the support of the Elmira College Board of Trustees, Hobson added two remote major gift officers who are located where the College has large populations: Florida and the Mid-Atlantic States. She’s seeking a third officer in New England. The new team members will help deepen the College’s engagement with alumni across the country.
In addition to hiring frontline fundraisers, the President and senior leadership have been on the road meeting with alumni and friends at alumni-hosted events across the country to share College updates – ranging from Texas to Colorado, Minnesota to Florida, and Maine to Massachusetts. And Hobson plans to expand those offerings in the coming year.
“Our sincere thanks to those alumni who stepped up to host events this last fiscal year for the College,” Hobson said. “We are truly grateful that you helped us raise additional funds and served as positive ambassadors for EC. We are currently seeking alumni hosts in California, Florida, Georgia, Massachusetts, Pennsylvania, Rhode Island, and Washington DC. Please let us know if you can help us in any of these regions.”
Adding to the efforts of the major gift officers, the Institutional Advancement and Alumni Engagement teams are building initiatives that connect alumni with current EC students in meaningful ways. In her letter on page 10, Hobson outlines how alumni time and expertise, particularly through the Under Wing Mentoring Program, will enhance the student experience and guide EC students to continued success after they graduate, which in turn, aids recruitment efforts.
“Alumni play an integral role in continuing EC’s enrollment momentum and ultimate success,” Hobson added. “We are in continuous awe of how passionate and generous everyone has been. Thanks to alumni, friends, employees, and students our traditions can continue to gain new life, ensuring they not only endure but evolve for future generations to enjoy."
As Kelly and Hobson continue to develop and implement holistic strategies, the energy on campus is palpable and with momentum building, the future looks bright. After all, when everyone pulls together, there’s no limit to how high EC can soar.
Oh, The Places You Can Go: Criminal Justice
It’s been over twenty years since Tim Ortwein ’01 graduated, but his Elmira College experiences still resonate with newer graduates like Mary Preston ’17 and Alexandra Brockhuizen ’22. Despite following different career paths, the three Criminal Justice majors shared how EC fostered the critical thinking and investigative skills they use daily.
Ortwein, a triple major in Criminal Justice, Human Services, and Psychology, is Director, Bank Secrecy Act and Anti-Money Laundering Investigations for Broadview Credit Union in Alford, Massachusetts. But he didn’t start in the banking industry investigating potential fraud. His first job was street-level policing with the Loudoun County Sheriff’s Office before becoming a detective and eventually a financial crimes investigator with the Office of the Attorney’s General in Virginia. There, he began managing people and adopted a “360-degree perspective.”
“What helped in the transition from officer to detective was the ability to communicate and connect with people,” he explained. “Most of the courses at EC had written exams and practicals, which developed the writing and critical-thinking skills I needed to transition into the workforce. Now I’m writing all the time and need to present logical arguments and documented information.”
Preston, a double major in Criminal Justice and Philosophy and Religions, and Brockhuizen, a triple major in Criminal Justice, Political Science, and Legal Studies, headed straight to law school but pursued different branches of the law.
Preston is a lawyer for New York State in the Office for Information Technology Services. She previously worked as a public defender. Her days “never look the same” but she’s often conducting sensitive investigations related to personnel issues. She dreams of arguing a case before the United States Supreme Court.
Criminal Justice at EC
“The Criminal Justice major at Elmira College gave me a bigger view of the legal system and how the United States operates as a whole.”
-Tim Ortwein ’01
The Criminal Justice major recently added four concentrations, giving students more options and helping them direct their studies to align with their career aspirations. Concentrations include:
• Comprehensive Criminal Justice. Ideal for students uncertain about their career aspirations.
• Corrections. Students learn about the prison system and establishing law and order.
• Cybersecurity. Prepares students for a lucrative career protecting against cybercriminals.
• Pre-Law. Prepares students who want to pursue a law degree.
Brockhuizen will soon wrap up law school and jump into a role with Bond, Schoeneck & King law firm. She’s interested in labor employment and school law, helping all types of schools manage labor disputes, student complaints, contracts, policies, and more.
EC’s integrated curriculum, small class sizes, and supportive faculty gave each of them a “leg up” in law school.
“We learned how to read, think, write, and learn about the criminal justice system, which I found helpful,” explained Brockhuizen. “We covered a lot of theory, which is what is taught in law school. And the way my professors taught forced me to pay attention in class.”
“I think a lot of my fellow law students weren’t comfortable approaching professors,” shared Preston. “On day one, I was fine. I was taught to ask questions and engage at EC, so I was not afraid. It helped me create a stronger relationship with my graduate professors.”
Ortwein, too, benefited from the close bonds he formed with faculty.
“I chose EC for the small community. The coziness of Elmira. And from an educational perspective, it meant we knew our professors more intimately than students at a large, public university,” he said.
The supportive community at EC extended beyond the classroom into clubs, activities, sports, and friends.
“Being a student-athlete, being a COVID college kid, being at a smaller school, and working with professors, coaches, and administrative staff, I learned how to advocate for myself and to put my best foot forward when talking to employers and in my internships,” shared Brochhuizen.
“The best thing I learned at EC was not solely learned in the classroom,” remarked Preston. “It was to advocate for myself. Because how can you advocate for someone else if you can’t advocate for yourself? People think advocating is about standing up for yourself when there’s a problem, but sometimes it’s about getting clarification and getting the info you need. Going to Elmira College was the best choice because it helped me hone my voice before understanding I had one.”
No matter which path Criminal Justice majors from Elmira College choose, whether it’s policing, financial crime investigation, or pursuing one of the many branches of law, they all carry with them the same investigative, critical thinking, and personal advocacy skills that will guide them long after they leave EC.
Turf Transformation Sparks Campus Spirit
The Campus Field has been fully upgraded to a turf field and has generated energy and excitement throughout the student body. The purple and gold soaring eagle head at the center of the field looks fantastic in the evening under the new LED lights. The bleachers are filled with more fans cheering on the field hockey, men’s soccer, and women’s soccer teams, and hundreds of students are flocking to the field for various events and activities like the Chuck Lawnsay intramural games.
“The new turf has brought many new opportunities to campus for students to get involved,” observed Riley Spencer ’26, a Business Administration major. “As students, we have had multiple intramural events on the turf, including flag football under the lights every Monday night. The turf has no doubt revived student engagement this year.”
“The turf field has undoubtedly brought more energy to games and events held on campus,” shared Johanna Knickerbocker ’26, a Speech and Hearing major. “It is amazing to see how nice the field looks and to be able to hear everyone cheering. I’ve attended several games there, and it is nice to see how many more people show up now that we have the new field. I also have seen more students on the field playing soccer recreationally than before.”
Even as the seasons change, groups are expected to use the Campus Field in fun, new ways beyond the team competitions, further sparking engagement among all of EC’s students.
Help EC further fund the Turf Field project with your generous philanthropic support. Every gift matters!
2024 EC Athletics Hall of Fame
“The Elmira College Department of Athletics enshrined its fifth group of honorees into the Athletics Hall of Fame on October 5, 2024. The class included Ross Shepherd ’81 (Men’s Soccer), Jeff Franey ’00 (Men’s Lacrosse), Brandon Christo ’09 (Men’s Golf), and the 2013 National Champion Women’s Ice Hockey team.”
Ross Shepherd ’81 (Men’s Soccer) - Shepherd ’81, a three-year captain of the men’s soccer team at Elmira and the 1980 recipient of the Wayne Moschetti ‘73 Memorial Award, was named to the Private College Athletic Conference All-Star Second Team in 197879 and was named the EC Most Valuable Player that same season. Following graduation, Shepherd helped coach the Soaring Eagles, taking over for previous head coach Bob Crandall.
Jeff Franey ’00 (Men’s Lacrosse) - Franey led EC Lacrosse to a program-best 12-7 record during his All-American campaign in 2000 as the Soaring Eagles reached the ECAC Upstate NY title game, beating SUNY Potsdam 16-10 in the tournament semifinal. Following his senior season, Franey was named to the Empire 8 AllConference First Team and was a USILA North-South Senior All-Star Game participant. He also earned USILA Scholar All-American honors. Franey netted 65 goals his senior season, the most in Elmira history, while also tallying 74 points, which ranks as second-most in a single season.
Brandon Christo ’09 (Men’s Golf) - Christo was named to the Golf Coaches Association of America (GCAA) DIII PING All-America Third Team following his senior year in 2009. He appeared in 15 tournaments during the 2008-09 season for the Soaring Eagles and brought home eight individual victories while finishing better than 93.8% of his opponents. Christo went on to set the program’s single-season record for scoring average with a 74.05 through 22 rounds played and finished the season with a 35 national rating. His 36-hole total of 139 (-3) at the ECAC Division III Metro-Upstate Championships set the program record, which still stands for the Soaring Eagles.
2013 National Champion Women’s Ice Hockey Team - Coached by Dean Jackson and Nick Carpenito, the 2013 Elmira College Women’s Ice Hockey team tallied a 24-5-1 record and defeated rival Middlebury College 1-0 to win the program’s third NCAA DIII National Championship in 12 years. Taylor Steadman ‘16 scored the game-winning goal with Samantha Curk ‘13 getting credit for the assist. Steadman, Lauren Sullivan ‘13, and Ashley Ryan ‘15 were all named to the NCAA All-Tournament team.
A Note From The Desk Of Paula Lee Hobson
Vice President, Institutional Advancement & Alumni Engagement
The wind is at our back as we enter the new academic year! The College exceeded its fundraising and enrollment goals by 27% each in 2024, which puts us in the best possible position to implement our Strategic Plan successfully. In a time when other institutions are struggling, Elmira College blew by our projections with new leadership and hardworking teams. Leveraging that success, President Lindsay created faculty and staff working groups who met throughout the summer and fall to operationalize the Strategic Plan by creating specific, focused tactics to ensure that our student success, financial, and innovation goals are met.
What does that mean for our alumni? How do you get involved?
We are asking for your time, expertise, and philanthropic support: serve as a mentor to a student in the new Under Wing Mentoring Program; be an advocate, messenger, and host at alumni events across the United States; and make an investment in the College.
In just one hour, an Under Wing alumni mentor can provide career preparation support. You can coach, participate in informational interviews, connect your mentee(s) with internship opportunities, review resumes and cover letters, or present in EC classes either faceto-face or virtually. Our short-term goal is to prepare our students with real-world skills so that they can be successful from the outset of their first professional interview. Our long-term goals are to improve student retention and graduation rates while increasing alumni engagement.
Under Wing is a joint project between the Center for Academic & Professional Excellence and Institutional Advancement & Alumni Engagement. The team is providing pre-career workshops for 25 students in the fall 2024 program pilot who will then be matched with 25 alumni who have career paths of interest to the students. Students who may not know what career they want to pursue will be matched with an alumnus or alumna who will help them explore their interests. Students were nominated for this pilot by faculty, staff, and athletic coaches. Our next step will be to double the number of students in the program each term, starting with the current seniors and juniors, with the ultimate goal of providing an alumni mentor for every student who would like one.
We are using existing software, AlumniFire and Handshake, to manage the initiative. Please consider registering today to become an alumni mentor. Our students need alumni from all career fields to take them under their wing.
Your support of alumni events is also critically important. We are seeking alumni to help us share the College’s successes with fellow
alumni at regional events. You can host fellow alumni in your home or at a local restaurant or club and an EC leader will join you faceto-face or virtually to share College updates and plans. We are currently seeking alumni hosts for 2024-2025 in Florida, Georgia, Massachusetts, Pennsylvania, Rhode Island, and Washington DC. We are seeking hosts everywhere for the future, so please sign up today or reach out to Alumni Engagement.
Lastly, President Lindsay launched the Fund for Elmira College this year to ensure the College could implement and sustain the tactics in the Strategic Plan, such as launching new academic programs and supporting faculty and students in Term III and summer international research programs. The Fund also supports unplanned operational expenses and expands athletic and recreational program offerings like the Chuck Lawnsay intramurals, which are now held year-round.
The College launched new and revised undergraduate majors in Forensic Science, Social Work, and Criminal Justice, along with concentrations and minors in Cybersecurity, Fashion Business Generalist, Digital Marketing, Sports Management, and Esports & Gaming Administration. These new programs require faculty to be hired and equipment to be purchased in advance of enrolling the first students. Your philanthropy will ensure the successful launch of these and future new academic programs.
We are asking our alumni, parents, families, and friends to consider making a stretch gift - a larger gift than in the past - this year, committing to a multi-year pledge to the College, and creating a planned gift in their estate plans. With your help, we are building a financially strong and forward-looking Elmira College.
Be it ever so,
Paula Lee Hobson
Ready to get involved in the Under Wing Mentoring Program? Want to learn more about how to host an alumni event in your area, or options for making your stretch gift? Reach out to the Office of Alumni Engagement today!
(607) 735-1855
alumni@elmira.edu www.elmira.edu/alumni
Beyond the Books
New Program Focuses on Professional, Soft Skills
Twenty Elmira College students, dressed in their best business professional outfits, recently gathered in the Campus Center. Their evening began with light, nervous chatter as they practiced how to network. Then, as they sat down to dinner, they learned where to put their napkin, which fork to use, and other business etiquette dos and don’ts. After dinner, the students walked away with more poise and confidence.
The experience was a pivotal part of the Under Wing Mentoring Program developed by the Office of Institutional Advancement & Alumni Engagement and the Center for Academic and Professional Excellence (CAPE).
“Soon after I arrived at EC, I realized that our students are unbelievably bright and talented, but many lack the professional polish employers seek,” explained Paula Lee Hobson, Vice President of Institutional Advancement and Alumni Engagement. “On the flip side of the coin, our alumni often asked us to give them meaningful things to do that would have an immediate impact. This program came out of those two elements: provide hands-on preparatory training and connect our alumni with students interested in their career fields.”
Those two points led Hobson, who had implemented similar programs at other schools, to seek out Stephanie Johnson, Director of the Center for Academic and Professional Excellence and Dean of Retention and Student Success. Johnson was on board.
The Office of Career Services, an office within CAPE, provided a series of workshops that participating students attended prior to the Beyond the Books: Soaring to Professional Success etiquette networking event and dinner. The workshops guided students through the process of drafting resumes and cover letters, participating in mock interviews, and developing a LinkedIn professional networking profile. At the networking event and dinner, students received professional headshots.
“Evident from the etiquette dinner, the students who come out of this program are prepared, more confident, and empowered to leap into career networking!” asserted Stephanie Johnson, Director of CAPE and Dean of Retention and Student Success.
“I practiced professional skills and learned more about myself,” shared Emily Lenzen ’27, a Business Administration major. “I appreciate the opportunity to speak with well-rounded individuals and leaders here at Elmira College. I feel better prepared for those tougher questions in interviews and how to leave a positive impression on employers.”
“The dinner especially taught me how to improve my communication skills while using proper dining techniques,” added Nicholas Lees ’25, also a Business Administration major. “These are invaluable skills as they help you stand out in a room full of other candidates. The expertise that I gained from this experience will be important for me as I continue searching for the career job that best suits me for my future.”
With the dinner behind them, students in the program are now ready to be paired with alumni working in their fields of interest. And that, says Hobson, leads to what the program is all about.
“My ultimate dream for every student is to walk across the graduation stage knowing they’re ready for a good job in their career field, and for our alumni to feel connected and proud of their role in our students' lives.”
Nanette Smith Callihan ’79 2024 Distinguished Service Award
This year’s Distinguished Service Award recipient, Nanette Smith Callihan ’79, is a dedicated Elmira College alumna. With a successful career in Human Relations for nonprofit organizations, Callihan currently serves as Chief HR Officer with Harvard Medical Faculty Physicians at Beth Israel Deaconess Medical Center in Boston.
Callihan received the Award in honor of her time and financial support to EC. She served as an Alumni Board member from 2010 - 2019, chaired the Awards, Recognitions, and Events Committee, started the EC Boston alumni chapter, and serves as Class of 1979 president. A faithful donor, she supports student scholarships and the Fund for Elmira College. She recently joined the EC Board of Trustees.
Her dedication to Elmira College is a family legacy that started with her grandmother, who graduated from EC in 1919.
“I was close to my grandmother and learned about Elmira College from her. She held EC Club meetings at my house when I was little and organized a fundraising booth at a fair in Highland, New York,” remembered Callihan. The year Callihan graduated from EC was her grandmother’s 60th Reunion. “She gave me her college ring at my graduation, which I still have.”
Callihan’s EC experiences deepened her volunteer spirit and talents for helping others, characteristics that have helped her excel in the nonprofit sector.
“I saw the value of giving back at EC. We had to do community service as a requirement but I was interested in volunteering.”
Faith Lamprey ’74 2024 Distinguished Achievement Award
Faith Lamprey ’74 was honored with the 2024 Distinguished Achievement Award at Reunion 2024. In her acceptance remarks, she reflected on her time as a student at Elmira College and how those experiences were important to her later career success and commitment to service.
Initially drawn to EC’s progressive education for women, Lamprey became active in addressing discrimination against female students at the time.
“For example, in athletics, men were given scholarships and every perk while the women’s teams couldn’t even get our locker room cleaned,” she reminisced.
Lamprey took action when persistent issues arose. After the women’s showers repeatedly backed up, she and a teammate, fresh from a post-workout shower and wrapped in their towels, collected muck from the floor and went down the hall to dump it on the athletic director’s desk. “It shocked him,” she recalled. “From then on, the locker room was cleaned.”
After EC, her determination propelled her through the male-dominated computer consulting field. She quickly rose through the ranks of established firms before founding her own company, Aurora Technologies. Initially an all-female firm, the company thrived by embracing women who wanted flexible work arrangements, and at one point, she had 16 employees.
At EC, she has remained a dedicated alumna, serving as a delegate at inaugurations, Reunion Chair, Class President, and Class Reporter, and generously supported the Student Alumni Council, student scholarships, and Fund for Elmira College.
“I encourage everyone to keep standing up for their rights, even if it means stomping down a hall wrapped in a towel.”
Dick Richardson ’74 2025 Bette A. Mammone ‘78 Honoree
Joining the annual list of alumni selected for the Bette A. Mammone ’78 Memorial Academy is Dick Richardson ’74. He was chosen for his success in business, leadership, community, and educational and philanthropic endeavors.
Richardson’s prestigious career includes two U.S. patents in adult learning design; serving as Director of Global Leadership Development at IBM; founding and serving as Chief Executive Officer of Experience to Lead, a leader in experiential learning; and founding and serving as CEO of SuccessBreaks, a leading edge learning source for entrepreneurs.
Richardson has earned the Entrepreneur of the Year in Business and Professional Services category from the American Business Association. He is also a survivor of Flight 1549, commonly called the “Miracle on the Hudson.” Richardson received his Bachelor of Arts in Philosophy and Economics from Elmira College in 1974.
As part of the Mammone Academy, Richarson will give a keynote speech on Monday, March 10, 2025.
Victoria Wright ’28 What Your Support Means to...
I recently transferred to Elmira College from Cottey College, a much smaller school located in Ohio. So when I was comparing my options, I knew EC would be a terrific fit for me with its vibrant community. It’s a place where people know you and you’re given the same opportunities as everyone else, a place like home. This was especially important to me because I come from a working-class background where higher education isn’t always financially possible.
At EC, I’ve always felt welcomed. Faculty are so helpful and make sure I’m learning something new. When I have a problem, I always know who to reach out to among the staff, and we always find a way to make things work. Transferring can and will present several problems, but everyone here made certain I was able to work through things and stay on course.
My family and I are endlessly grateful for the financial and academic support I’m receiving. Knowing that I can go to school and follow my passions and dreams has significantly shaped my outlook. Just as others have paid it forward to help me, I plan on doing the same. I want to work for non-profit organizations and would love to someday support future Soaring Eagles.
Passing the Flame
Wisdom from Gabriella Swift ’26 to the Class of 2028
The Candlelight Ceremony is a beloved tradition at Elmira College. During the Fall Welcome ceremony, speakers address the new students, sharing their personal journeys at EC and imparting nuggets of wisdom.
This year, the Impressive Class of 2028 heard from Gabriella Swift ’26, a Criminal Justice major. Like the lights on the water, Swift reflected on her tenure at Elmira College while giving the new students sage advice. Below is a selection of her speech:
“Three years ago, I myself was sitting on that hill, listening to James Blair give a speech of a similar nature. I, just like you, was exhausted after days of information and new people, but also slightly mortified at the idea of moving seven hours away, and basically starting my life over.
Joining a plethora of clubs, starting many jobs, and taking on leadership roles was my way of filling a void when I first came to Elmira. Throughout those experiences, I soon learned how to confide within myself. Initially, I was distracted with the need for validation from others, but once I found my true place here at Elmira, I learned that the only validation I needed was from myself. I found true friends in the most unexpected places. The most important friend I made in this discovery was myself.
I have also grown into a person I would have never envisioned myself being. I have not only furthered my education but found happiness and comfort in who I am, just as I hope you all will. I have learned life is not truly as linear as many may believe it to be. So, if you take nothing else from what I have said, I want you to know at least this. During your time at EC, I want you to find your space. In people’s hearts, in their memories, and in their everyday lives as you bring those around you joy.”
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SOARING EAGLES ATHLETIC BOOSTER CLUB
ALUMNI BOARD
EXECUTIVE COMMITTEE:
Dawn Stever Marullo ’03, President
Richard Kozan ‘95, Vice President
Joshua Poupore ’02, Treasurer
MEMBERS
Susan Bresson ’85
Jacqueline Cohen ‘07
Dawn Radley Dana ‘78
Megan Darby ’01
Meagen Mulherin Donoghue ‘97
Thomas Finnigan III ‘18
John Hurley ‘71
Katrina Babcock Keefe ‘91
Karl Koeppel ‘07
Laurie Kelechava ‘73
Richard Kozan ‘95
Lori Ceppaglia Kriegel ‘95
Alison Mandel ‘72
Tyrone Marsh ‘96
Krista Matia ‘09
Megan Metro ‘08
Timothy Pierce ‘78
Joshua Poupore ‘02
James Redmond ‘78
Jean Ryan ‘11
Katherine Slye-Hernandez ’12, Secretary
Laurie Kelechava ’73, Trustee Representative
Cheryl Broomall Shallish ‘71
Christopher Shelanskey ‘08
Susan Bitensky Siegel ‘71
Wendy Slater ’93, MSEd ’98
Katherine Slye-Hernandez ‘12
Dawn Marullo Stever ‘03
Lauretta Steenburg Weller ‘78
Noah Zazulia ‘11, MS ’13
Andrea Nickerson Zazulia ’11, MS ’13
Alumni Board Members on campus during their Fall 2024 meeting.
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IN MEMORIAM
Sharon Kerschensteiner Ahlgren ’76
April 14, 2024
Andrea Rollins Aiello ’53
June 22, 2024
David Allington ’76
November 4, 2023
Eleanor Cini Andaloro ’64
June 14, 2024
Ann Marie Paquin Anderson ’47
November 4, 2023
William Benedict ’75
December 11, 2023
Patricia Fisher Boerner ’62
February 17, 2024
Marilyn Blanchard Bonapace ’63
December 7, 2023
J. Bosanko, MS ’77
February 16, 2024
Gaynelle Tuttle Bowen ’83
March 9, 2024
Lynn Laubach Brewer ’63
July 21, 2024
Virginia Butler Browne ’52
June 15, 2024
Judith Buckley ’86
December 1, 2023
Gail Callahan, MS ’74
June 11, 2024
Joanne Carpenter ’87
September 20, 2024
Karen McKenna Carroll ’54
September 10, 2024
Janice Cartwright ’79
December 10, 2023
Erma Felton Chilson ’52
November 21, 2023
Elizabeth Chilson ’75
May 3, 2024
Richard Clements ’71, MS ’76
July 23, 2024
C. Brooke Oas Condon ’72
March 12, 2024
Mary Cowley, MS ’77
August 7, 2024
Ben Curtis ’99
February 16, 2024
Melissa Daddona ’01
December 26, 2023
Lynne Heller Dean ’64
August 3, 2024
James Dudley ’79
January 23, 2024
Lynus Duger ’86
May 23, 2024
Harry Edwards ’79
March 13, 2024
Anne Bailey Emerson, MS ’78
June 6, 2024
Nancy Steele English ’63
January 3, 2024
Suzanne Fahrenkrug ’20
December 2, 2023
Erica Fenton ’96
October 8, 2024
Barbara Ferris ’61
September 22, 2024
Laura Young Frey ’48
October 17, 2023
Regina Giordano Fromhold ’53
April 17, 2024
Kathleen Thomas Gahn ’61
May 4, 2024
Donna Tillinghast Gibson, MS ’76
July 4, 2024
Charles Gilbert ’76
October 29, 2023
Betty Stoloff Goodfarb ’52
October 25, 2023
C. Michael Goodman, MS ’90
September 18, 2024
Patricia Strazik Groff ’77
April 17, 2024
Margaret Grow, MS ’91
January 5, 2024
Carolyn Grande Harder ’65
March 22, 2024
Judith Curtis Hawkes ’60
February 26, 2024
John Hayes ’69
November 11, 2023
Anne Robbins Holmquist ’74
October 19, 2024
Keith Horne, MS ’75
October 20, 2024
Barbara Dann Horton, MS ’85
November 15, 2023
Karin Peterson Howland ’63
April 27, 2024
Jean Hart Hughes ’47
April 3, 2024
Nancy Husisian, MS ’68
March 15, 2024
Nancy Grassey Hutcheson ’52
January 1, 2024
Kathleen Jacklin ’50
July 2, 2024
Suzanne Weal Jaeger ’49
June 22, 2024
Philip Johnson, MS Ed ’88
October 13, 2023
Nicholas Kentop ’75
October 24, 2024
Merril Kephart, MS ’70
May 26, 2024
James Kerestes ’70
March 13, 2024
William Kinney, MS ’75
February 5, 2024
Cheryl Knowles ’90
May 27, 2024
Eugene Kozemko, MS ’71
February 17, 2024
Marilyn Jones Lynough ’48
September 6, 2024
As of October 31, 2024
Sharon Lovell Manzari ’60
December 18, 2023
Janet Trenery McCabe ’60
July 19, 2024
Marguerite Cloke McDonough, MS ’72
September 18, 2024
Anne Lapres McEvoy ’76
November 10, 2023
John McGill ’73
March 2, 2024
Gloria Gay Milks ’52
December 17, 2023
Amy Turner Miller ’95
February 16, 2024
Maria Koutsogiannis Modlin ’75
December 3, 2023
Mary Christine Munger Mostofi ’66
November 8, 2023
Dave Murdock ’80
August 1, 2024
Beverly Murphy ’86
October 18, 2023
Anthony Nero ’70
February 20, 2024
Cynthia Luckenbill Novak, MS ’75
May 12, 2024
Adolphus Obadeyi ’72
April 18, 2024
Carolyn Oldroyd, MS ’79
October 23, 2023
Patricia O’Neill-Coley ’71
May 13, 2024
Maxine Smith Palczynski ’55
April 25, 2024
Brian Pappalardo ’81
March 24, 2024
Ann Borland Pardy ’62
July 2, 2024
Patrick Patterson ’77, MS ’79
August 16, 2024
Ruth Casler Pence ’48
July 15, 2024
Lee Cudhea Pierce ’73
June 29, 2024
Diann Piersons, MS ’87
December 3, 2023
Margaret Wolcott Riviere ’63
March 12, 2024
Charles Roberts ’69
November 15, 2023
Grace Rosettie, MS ’75
July 10, 2024
John Rudd, MS ’68
March 6, 2024
Patricia McMahon Sackinger ’70
November 14, 2023
Sheila Aber Schuster ’87
April 18, 2024
Pamela Secrist ’87
April 10, 2024
Joseph Shenosky ’75
April 12, 2024
Ruth Rathbun Shumaker ’82
October 18, 2023
Sue Jackson Sloan ’59
October 22, 2023
Donald Smith, MS Ed ’73
March 23, 2024
Joseph Sojka ’73
December 11, 2023
Barbara Squires ’88
May 10, 2024
Elaine Russell Stewart ’76
October 19, 2023
Nancy Gregory Strite ’85, MS ’90
December 29, 2023
Olivia Stroman ’79
February 14, 2024
John Sutton ’70, MS ’75
January 4, 2024
Gail Thomas ’66
December 17, 2023
S. Abresch Thompson ’61
July 25, 2024
Carolyn VanTassel Turnbull ’60
March 22, 2024
Eugenia Economides Vollmann ’65
November 18, 2023
Dennis Wall ’79
May 18, 2024
Anne Tufillaro Wasserstrom ’60
August 25, 2024
Patricia Mayshak Watson ’57
July 30, 2024
Barbara Gardner Watts ’78
February 10, 2024
Raymond Winieski, MS ’70
November 19, 2023
Lieba Beube Wolfgang ’59
October 10, 2024
Jeanne Wrinkle, MS ’84
October 29, 2023
Virginia Wellinghoff Yost ’64
July 11, 2024
Carrie Zeigler ’84, MS ’91
August 10, 2024
Wendy Zepp ’98
July 19, 2024
Elmira College
One Park Place
Elmira, New York 14901
www.elmira.edu
Celebrating the anniversary classes ending in 0 and 5. All classes welcome!
