Spring 2026 OSWEGO Alumni Magazine

ON OUR CAMPUS

Many Lakers may not recognize this view, as it shows the campus of SUNY Oswego at Syracuse set within the city landscape. Established in 2008, the downtown campus offers a distinct extension of the Oswego experience. Learn more on page 35.

Photo by Mike Roy. Submit your own campus photo to: alumni@oswego.edu.

OSWEGO Alumni Magazine

Spring 2026: Vol. 52, No. 1

Publisher Laura Pavlus Kelly ’09

Editor

Margaret D. Spillett

Designer

Jennifer Broderick

Contributing Writers

Jerry Carricoli

Tom Carricoli

Jeff Knauss ’07

Photographer Jim Russell ’83 Class Notes/ In Memoriam Compiler Emily Cole ’17

Office of Communication and Marketing

Contributing Photographers

Mike Roy (inside cover, 35)

Office of Communication and Marketing

Illustrations

Adobe Stock Images

Yellow House Creative Services

Interns

Niko Antoniou ’26

Kayla Kubelka ’26

Gabriella Misciagna ’26

Jose Vazquez Nava ’27

Emily Sosa ’26

On the cover:

Photo illustration by Yellow House Creative Services, owned and operated by David Owens ’15 and Rebecca Stryker Owens ’09 M’14. Pictured from left clockwise

Greg Herrmann ’91, Matthew Androsko ’06, Cassandra Knight ’18, Alexandria Delfino ’23, Jeff Knauss ’07 and Marcus McFee-Walters ’17.

Office of University Advancement

King Alumni Hall, Oswego, N.Y. 13126

Phone: 315-312-3003

Email: alumni@oswego.edu Website: alumni.oswego.edu f facebook.com/oswegoalumni I @oswegoalumni @oswegoalumni

OSWEGO is published two times a year by the Oswego Alumni Association Inc., King Alumni Hall, State University of New York at Oswego, Oswego, N.Y. 13126. It is distributed free of charge to alumni, friends, faculty, staff and families of current students, with support from The Fund for Oswego. Printed May 2026.

OSWEGO Alumni Magazine is printed on recycled paper with inks that are non-toxic, contain no heavy metals and are composed of bio-derived renewable resources ranging from 25-40% (as a percentage of total ink weight).

37 Lessons from Life in the Wild: Rick Head ’75 39 Four Degrees and a Lifetime of Connection: Robert Hageny ’86 ’99 M’06 ’16

41 From Oswego to Olympic Gold: Katie Kranze Million ’91

45 Rooted in Style: Cara Hill Kaczor ’14

47 Finding Her Story in Upstate NY: Adriana Loh ’21

Have news to share?

Send us your news! We want to hear about your new job, promotion, marriage, babies, visits with Oswego alumni or even just a change in your address.

Submissions received between Jan. 1-June 30 will run in our fall/winter issue, and between July 1-Dec. 31 in our spring/ summer issue.

To submit your class note, email alumni@oswego.edu, call 315-312-3003 or complete the class note form online at alumni.oswego.edu. You can also mail submissions to the OSWEGO Alumni Magazine, King Alumni Hall, Oswego, N.Y. 13126.

Please note: Class notes included in the magazine come from a variety of sources, such as alumni submissions, news releases, social media posts and news media reports.

From the President

Dear Members of the Laker community,

As I look across the landscape of Central New York today, I see a region on the precipice of a historic transformation. From the rise of the semiconductor corridor to the revitalization of our local main streets, Central New York is surging with new energy and SUNY Oswego stands as a primary engine driving toward the future.

Our strategic plan, "Transforming Lives, Igniting Possibilities," sets forth our institutional goals as a promise to our students and our neighbors. It recognizes that when we transform the life of a single student, we ignite possibilities for an entire community. This special issue of OSWEGO Alumni Magazine celebrates that ripple effect by highlighting the profound impact our 96,000+ alumni have on the social, cultural and economic fabric of our home.

Currently, one out of every 82 jobs in the Central New York region is supported by the activities of SUNY Oswego. Whether it is the $419 million in total economic output we generate annually or the 30,000 hours of service our students contribute to local nonprofits, our "Laker impact” is deep and enduring. But as we look toward the horizon, we know we must do more.

Through Vision 4040, we have set an ambitious course to double the number of high-value credentials we award by the year 2040. We are adapting our academic programs to meet future needs in the region, including preparing the workforce for the largest single private investment in New York state history through Micron’s $100 billion investment to build a "megafab" semiconductor facility in nearby Clay, N.Y. As the lead convener for the Oswego County Micron Strategy Steering Committee, we are ensuring that the expected 50,000 new positions are filled by locally educated talent. By expanding our programs in engineering, health sciences and data analytics, we are ensuring that the 25,000 alumni currently living in the five-county CNY region are joined by thousands more who are equipped to lead in the 21st-century economy.

In the pages that follow, you will meet alumni like Cara Hill Kaczor ’14, Jeff Knauss ’07 and Dr. Marisa Maher ’16 who embody the entrepreneurial spirit we cultivate in our College of Business and Entrepreneurship. You will see how our College of Education, Health and Human Services continues to inspire excellence in local classrooms and how graduates of the College of Communication, Media and the Arts are informing and enriching our communities. Alumni from the College of Liberal Arts, Sciences and Engineering drive broad community impact by fueling innovation, solving complex problems, advancing public well-being and strengthening the cultural, educational and economic fabric of the region.

Higher education is the most effective tool we have for social mobility. Our graduates earn higher incomes, stay healthier and contribute more to the civic life of their towns. When you support SUNY Oswego, you are investing in a region that is less dependent on social services and more focused on innovation.

As we move forward, we do so with the understanding that SUNY Oswego and Central New York are inextricably linked. We are rooted in this soil, we are fueled by the eagerness of our students and we are committed to igniting possibilities for generations to come.

Remain well,

Peter O. Nwosu, Ph.D. President

STATE UNIVERSITY OF NEW YORK AT OSWEGO LEADERSHIP TEAM

Peter O. Nwosu, President

Rick Buck ’05 M’10, Interim Vice President for Enrollment Management

Kendra N. Cadogan, Chief Diversity and Inclusion Officer

Jamal Coleman, Director of Operations, Office of the President

Karen Crowe, Vice President for Marketing and Communications

Kristi Eck, Assistant Vice President for Workforce Innovation and External Relations

Kristen Eichhorn, Interim Provost and Vice President for Academic Affairs

Vicki Cafalone Furlong ’08 M’10, Vice President for Administration and Finance

Kathleen Kerr, Vice President for Student Affairs

Heath Wood, Vice President for University Advancement

Murat Yaşar, Deputy to the President for Strategy, Planning and Special Projects

OSWEGO ALUMNI ASSOCIATION INC. BOARD OF DIRECTORS

Justin Dobrow ’17, President

Justin Brantley '15 M'16, First Vice President

Paul Austin '92, Second Vice President

Phillip Grome ’89*, Immediate Past President

Laura Pavlus Kelly ’09, Executive Director

Marc Beck ’93*

Brad Bernstein ’89

Harry Bronson ’82

Austin Byrd ’10

Michael Byrne ’79*

Shoy Colbourne ’09

Michael Demas ’65

Nicole Knapp Ey '02

Chelsea Giovo ’13

Adam Glaser ’00

Thaina Gonzalez ’92*

Jennifer Warner Janes ’91*

Rufaro Matombo ’12

Steve Messina ’91*

Dana Segall Murphy ’99*

Peter O. Nwosu**

Hannah O’Brien ’17 M’19

Dresden Engle Olcott ’88

Meet Patel '26

(Student Representative)

Dee McGowan Perkins ’85

Kenny Roffo '17

Aziz Sarimsakov ’24

Carolyn Settzo ’77

Tucker Sholtes ’15

Yvonne Spicer ’84 M’85

Hank Volpe ’73

Sheneya Wilson ’15 M’16

Heath Wood** * At large ** Ex officio

OSWEGO UNIVERSITY FOUNDATION, INC. BOARD OF DIRECTORS

Doreen Mochrie ’85, Chair

Mark Baum ’81, Vice Chair

Vicki Cafalone Furlong ’08 M’10, Treasurer

James Triandiflou ’88, Secretary

Heath Wood, President

Peter O. Nwosu, Vice President

Kathy Bower ’85

Bill Burns ’83

Pamela D. Caraccioli

Jennifer Carey ’85 ’92

Joseph F. Coughlin ’82

Rose Cardamone Crane ’81

Dianora De Marco ’14 M’15

James A. Dowd ’89

Bob Garrett ’83

Kendis Gibson ’94

Janette Hausler ’89

Aunrée Houston ’00

Matt Jenal ’78

Marcus McFee-Walters ’17

Robert Moritz ’85

Colleen Murphy ’77

Jeff Ragovin ’00

Holly Reitmeier ’17 M’18

Al Roker ’76

Susannah Melchior

Schaefer ’90

Jennifer Shropshire ’86

William Spinelli ’84

Janayah Tolbert ’26 (Student Board Member)

Joe Yacura ’74

Tom Yates ’89

Endowment Performance Fuels Student Success and Institutional Strength

SUNY Oswego’s endowment continues to deliver strong results, outperforming national benchmarks and peer institutions while directly advancing opportunities for students.

As of June 30, 2025, returns exceeded the NACUBO average over one year (11.6% vs. 10.9%), three years (13.4% vs. 10.0%), five years (11.2% vs. 10.2%) and 10 years (9.0% vs. 7.7%). Oswego’s performance also stands out among peer institutions and remains competitive with significantly larger, aspirational endowments — surpassing those institutions over three- and 10-year periods.

The Oswego University Foundation’s rate of return exceeded the average of all 657 U.S. colleges and universities and affiliated foundations who participated in the 2025 National Association of College and University Business Officers (NACUBO) and Commonfund Study of Endowments, which released the results on Feb. 12, 2026.

The following week, Mark Slayton, assistant vice president for university advancement finance, operations and technology, joined leadership from Commonfund and NACUBO to present a webinar discussing the results from the 2025 NACUBO-Commonfund Study. The webinar looked back at the investment returns, asset allocations and other factors that influenced performance during fiscal year 2025.

"The foundation has participated in the NACUBO study for nearly 25 years; this data is critical to benchmarking our perfor-

NACUBO/Commonfund Survey Results

Comparison of Rates of Return by Time and Endowment Size June 30, 2025

mance and helps us maximize benefits for current students while securing the same advantages for future generations of SUNY Oswego students,” Slayton said.

These results represent strong financial stewardship and translate into real impact. Endowment growth supports scholarships, enhances academic programs and creates transformative student experiences.

“The fact that our endowment performance consistently exceeds national benchmarks, even outperforming much larger institutions over the long term, is a direct result of the sophisticated partnership with our Investment Committee,” said Vice President for University Advancement

GOLD Alumni Show Their Love for Oswego

GIVE TO WHAT YOU GIVING CHALLENGE

When the GOLD Giving Challenge invited alumni from the Classes of 2016–2025 to “Give to What You Love,” recent graduates responded in true Laker fashion.

Heath Wood. “These alumni volunteers provide a level of expertise and strategic agility that is rare for an institution of our size. Their work ensures that the resources entrusted to us by our donors are managed with the highest level of care and efficacy.

“By securing these top-tier returns, our committee is actively fueling the structural support our students need to succeed,” Wood said. “This fiscal strength allows us to scale critical interventions, like expanded scholarship programs and innovative experiential learning partnerships, ensuring that SUNY Oswego remains a place where students come to grow, connect and thrive. We are grateful for their leadership and the tangible impact their expertise has every day on our students, faculty and community.”

More than 300 GOLD alumni made a gift during the February campaign, successfully unlocking a $30,000 challenge gift from Dr. Yvonne Spicer ’84 M’85, Oswego Alumni Association Board of Directors member. In total, the effort generated more than $36,000 to support current students.

Last year, the foundation provided almost $3 million to campus in the form of 900 student scholarships and support for more than 300 separate department or program funds.

Every gift invested in Oswego’s endowment continues to grow in value and purpose, ensuring lasting benefits for today’s students and future generations.

Learn more about the Oswego University Foundation’s endowment at alumni.oswego.edu/endowment.

First ACE Graduate Reflects on Her Oswego Experience

Crossing the stage at Commencement is a milestone for any college graduate. But when Emily Colledge ’25 (above center) of Brewerton, N.Y., graduated in December, she made history as the first student to complete her degree through SUNY Oswego’s Advancing Completion through Engagement (ACE) program.

“Seeing Emily cross the stage as the first ACE graduate was extremely exciting,” said Jordan Perry Pritchard ’14 M’19, (above left) ACE program director. “We take time to build relationships with each student in the program so their accomplishments mean a lot to us. Having the program's first graduate is encouraging, knowing that all our efforts are positively impacting our students.”

SUNY’s ACE program provides students with the support they need to finish their degrees on time. Supports include funding for textbooks and other costs of attendance, academic assistance, comprehensive personalized advisement and career development activities. The program focuses on high-risk populations who often face significant barriers to academic success, including firstgeneration, Pell-eligible, transfer and underrepresented students.

While Colledge said she always imagined herself earning a bachelor’s degree, ACE gave her the extra support — and confidence — that made her Oswego experience more successful.

She began her college career as a vocal music major at Onondaga Community

before transferring to SUNY

to pursue music therapy. After facing academic and personal challenges, she withdrew and looked for a more supportive environment closer to home. She transferred to SUNY Oswego in fall 2024 as a psychology major with a minor in expressive arts therapy, which allowed her to integrate music, writing, movement and art into her studies.

“I vividly remember I was in Lanigan, and I was sitting on one of the couches going through my emails when I saw the email about applying for the ACE program,” Colledge said.

After talking it over with her family, including her sister Abigail Colledge M’26, she decided to apply.

Through ACE, she received monthly stipend assistance for meals, textbooks and course materials, along with individualized guidance from an academic advisor who helped her navigate degree requirements, complete an independent study and stay motivated during challenging periods.

Colledge was paired with Stephanie Keltz ’05, her ACE academic advisor, who explained the program’s expectations, including meeting at least four times a semester and attending workshops, and quickly became a trusted support.

“I loved having the personal connection to Stephanie,” Colledge said.

In addition to problem-solving and planning, Keltz became a friendly, consistent presence.

“Sometimes we didn't talk about academics,” Colledge said. “Sometimes I just went in and we'd chat. She’d ask about my sister and my family. It was really nice to have that.

“I think I would have completed my degree without the program, but in the harder moments, like falling into that slump, it was much easier to bounce back having the program. It provided that extra support that really helped push me forward.”

SUNY Oswego currently has 409 students enrolled in ACE — the largest program across SUNY, according to Pritchard. ACE is supported by the SUNY Transformation Fund along with external funding from JFEW (Jewish Foundation of Education of Women) and Robin Hood.

The pilot launched in spring 2024 with 35 students, followed by a full cohort of 375 students in fall 2024. Early outcomes show strong results.

“The results of ACE are showing the program is effective, especially for the students we want to reach the most,” Pritchard said. “ACE students are achieving higher GPAs, earning more credits and have a significantly higher retention rate than their peers. 84 percent of our ACE students from high-risk populations returned for their second year, compared to 69 percent of similar students not enrolled in the program.”

Colledge said she saw that impact firsthand.

“Our support wasn’t just our ACE advisor; it spiderwebbed out to everyone on campus,” she said. “ACE helped direct students to financial aid, career services, internships and getting involved in activities.”

As she looks ahead, Colledge said her time at Oswego helped clarify her future.

“I actually figured out a lot about myself,” she said. “I thought I was set on expressive arts therapy, but through my conversations with so many people, I realized special education is the route I want to pursue.

“As the first ACE graduate, I hope that I honor the program,” she added. “College is hard. This program provides support that previous students have wished they had. We always want the next generation to have it better than we had. That’s what I want to do — help the next students get to a place where they feel like they're meeting their capabilities.”

College

Fredonia

James Dowd ’89 Delivers an Inspiring Address to December Graduates

The Deborah F. Stanley Arena and Convocation Hall was filled with anticipation and a touch of nervous energy as graduates, families, faculty and friends gathered on Dec. 13, 2025, to celebrate Commencement. Taking the podium for the keynote address, Pathfinder Bank President and CEO James A. Dowd ’89 (above) greeted the Class of 2025 with humor and empathy, acknowledging both their accomplishment and their uncertainty about what comes next.

“You’ve made it through all the hard work, the late nights, the early mornings, the cram sessions,” he said, before adding with a grin that those who carried their group projects were “already qualified as members of management.”

Dowd, who is a member of the Oswego University Foundation Board of Directors, addressed hundreds of undergraduates

and graduate students and their families, friends and supporters both in person and via live stream, with a recording of the whole ceremony available online at youtube.com/sunyoswegovideo.

The speaker reminded graduates that he once sat exactly where they were — unsure of the future and armed with more questions than answers. As a student, he applied for an internship at a small local bank simply to build his résumé, imagining it as a temporary stepping stone.

“I pictured myself moving on to something bigger,” he said. “Reaching for a corner office in a tall building in a major city, I just needed to start somewhere.”

That “somewhere” turned out to be far more consequential than he ever imagined. Thirty-six years later, he returned to campus as president and CEO of the very

OAA Welcomes New Graduates into Alumni Family

On Dec. 12, the Oswego Alumni Association (OAA) hosted the December Commencement Eve Reception for graduates and their families in the Sheldon Hall Ballroom. December graduate Kritika Parajuli ’25 served as the emcee for the evening. During the event, graduates and their guests enjoyed hearty hors d'oeuvres while Derek Sexton ’16 (pictured at right) introduced them to the many ways they can stay connected to their alma mater via lifelong Career Services resources, the Alumni Sharing Knowledge program, alumni admis-

sions opportunities, Graduates Of the Last Decade (GOLD) Leadership Council, alumni communications and events such as the annual Reunion Weekend in June. Sexton shared: “Graduating does not mean the door is closing on you on your way out. Rather, the door is kept open for you to come back at any time.” Graduates were also invited to get a professional portrait taken and heard from Director of Career Services Gary Morris ’88 and OAA Executive Director Laura Pavlus Kelly ’09 who led a toast to the graduates.

same institution, Pathfinder Bank — now a publicly traded company.

“If you told me back that day that I’d return here not as an intern but as the person responsible for leading the organization, I never would have believed it,” he said. “Success doesn’t always show up where you expect it.”

Through stories of making photocopies, running lunch orders and tackling unglamorous tasks with care, he underscored a lesson that resonated throughout the arena: small things matter.

“The little things build trust, and trust builds opportunity,” he said, urging graduates to take pride in every role they take on, no matter how modest it may seem.

As his career unfolded, the speaker explained, his definition of success changed. Titles and corner offices gave way to purpose and personal fulfillment.

“You really don’t need to have it all figured out,” he told the Class of 2025. “Life rarely unfolds in a neat timeline.”

He closed by encouraging graduates to stay curious, say yes to opportunities that feel a little scary and allow their goals to evolve.

“Plans change. It doesn’t mean you failed. It means you’re adapting,” he said, leaving students with a final charge that drew smiles and nods across the crowd: go forward kindly and courageously — “one step, one opportunity, one lunch order and one brave yes at a time.”

Research and Scholarly Activities

SUNY Oswego Strengthens Micron Semiconductor Partnerships Through Taiwan Visit

During a recent visit to Taiwan, representatives from SUNY Oswego advanced international partnerships aimed at preparing students for careers in the growing semiconductor industry, including opportunities connected to Micron Technology’s planned microchip fabrication facility in Clay, N.Y.

The trip — part of a U.S. Department of State IDEAS grant supporting expanded education abroad — brought Oswego faculty and staff together with leaders in industry, higher education and government. The delegation toured Micron’s A3 Fab in Taichung, gaining insight into the type of advanced manufacturing environment expected in Central New York, and met with company leaders to discuss internships, workforce development and long-term collaboration.

Joshua McKeown, associate provost for international education, said the visit positions Oswego within the global semiconductor ecosystem. With Micron planning a $100 billion investment in the region over the next two decades, he noted that Oswego is well-prepared to contribute to workforce development. The university

graduates students in computer science, engineering and chemistry, and is home to New York’s strongest career and technical education program — preparing teachers who will train the next generation of technicians and manufacturing professionals.

Faculty participants, including representatives from electrical and computer engineering and chemistry, explored ways to enhance career readiness through initiatives such as microcredentials and industry-aligned programming.

The delegation also met with partners at National Yang Ming Chiao Tung University, the Taiwan Semiconductor Research Institute and the American Institute in Taiwan, strengthening university-industry-government connections and laying groundwork for exchange programs and collaborative research.

Beyond technical preparation, McKeown emphasized the importance of cultural competence in a global industry. Expanded study abroad and exchange opportunities in Taiwan and South Korea would help students build language skills and crosscultural understanding critical to working in international semiconductor networks.

Eight Oswego faculty members have participated in the visits to date, with plans to continue developing partnerships. McKeown described the initiative as a long-term investment in capacity building, ensuring SUNY Oswego plays a meaningful role in cultivating the talent pipeline for Central New York’s largest-ever economic development project.

Business Professor Leads Ethical AI Innovation Across SUNY

Mohammad Tajvarpour, a professor in SUNY Oswego’s College of Business and Entrepreneurship, has been named one of 20 members of the inaugural SUNY AI for the Public Good Fellows cohort.

Among the first faculty in the nation to develop a ChatGPT-focused business course, Tajvarpour is helping lead systemwide conversations on the ethical and responsible use of artificial intelligence. As a fellow, he collaborates with colleagues across SUNY to shape best practices for integrating AI into academics and professional preparation.

Faculty-Student Research Team Publishes Microbiology Discovery

A faculty-student research project has led to a groundbreaking microbiology discovery and a publication in the Journal of Bacteriology. Biological sciences professor Peter Newell and student researchers Madison Babcock ’24, Kristin Romanelli ’25, Samantha Gonzalez ’27 and Genevieve Robinson ’26 identified a previously unstudied regulatory system in the bacterium Vogesella indigofera, known for its striking blue pigment.

The project began during a Shineman Center outreach event when a child asked why a bacterial colony was bright blue, sparking two years of research. The team sequenced the organism’s genome and discovered a novel two-component signaling system with a unique protein structure never before described.

Beyond advancing basic science, the project provided students with hands-on experience in experimental design, genetics and scientific publishing, with several incorporating the research into senior theses and launching scientific careers and graduate study.

SUNY

Grant Expands Campus Capacity to Support Student Mental Health

SUNY Oswego is among the campuses receiving funding through State University of New York’s Mental Health First Aid Grant Program, announced Jan. 8 by Chancellor John B. King Jr. The grants, up to $8,000, aim to strengthen campuswide approaches to student mental health and expand training for faculty, staff and non-clinical personnel.

At Oswego, the funding will support certification of a campus trainer to deliver the eight-hour mental health first aid course,

beginning with Residence Life and Housing staff and expanding to the broader campus and community partners. The initiative complements existing QPR suicide-prevention training and increases capacity to recognize and respond to students in distress.

Systemwide, SUNY estimates the program could train nearly 3,000 employees annually, reinforcing its broader commitment to student well-being and access to mental health resources.

Rankings Round-Up

Recognition

for Strong Online Offerings

SUNY Oswego continues to rank high among public online offerings in New York state, including #1 for best online bachelor’s in business programs and #2 for its online master of business administration (MBA), according to U.S. News and World Report 2026 Online Programs Rankings released on Jan. 27.

Oswego’s online master’s in education program ranked fifth overall among public schools in New York state, while its overall online bachelor’s programs were seventh in the state among public schools.

Exceptional Sustainability

SUNY Oswego’s range of sustainability activities once again earned recognition in Princeton Review’s "Guide to Green Colleges" for 2026.

Oswego is among 388 colleges in the U.S. and around the world to receive high rankings for exceptional programs, policies and practices related to sustainability and the environment.

SUNY Oswego’s commitment to serving online and non-traditional learners has received additional recognition recently, including its integrated professional studies program earning the American Association for Adult and Continuing Education Malcolm S. Knowles Award for outstanding achievement in adult education.

Oswego Faculty Member Tapped for Key UNICEF Global Education Review

SUNY Oswego professor Benjamin Ogwo was appointed principal evaluator for a major global workforce development initiative led by UNICEF. The project will assess UNICEF’s efforts to help adolescents and young people worldwide acquire transferable skills essential for employment and civic engagement.

Ogwo, who chairs Oswego’s Career and Technical Education program in the College of Education, Health and Human Services, will lead a comprehensive evaluation spanning more than 190 countries across seven global regions. The review will examine program effectiveness, organizational commitments and outcomes, while offering recommendations to strengthen future initiatives.

Overall rankings were as follows:

• Best Online Bachelor's in Business: #1 New York state public school; #2 in New York state; #70 overall

• Best Online MBA: #2 New York state public school; #8 in New York state; #119 overall

• Overall Best Online Bachelor's Programs: #7 New York state public school; #9 in New York state; #135 overall

• Overall Best Online Master's in Education Programs: #5 New York state public school; #13 in New York state; #176 overall

Among its many green initiatives are:

• The Bee Campus USA designation

• Tree Campus Higher Education recognition from the Arbor Day Foundation

• Geothermal exchange system

• Great Lakes Institute

• Urban food forest

• Comp(Oz)t program

• OzThrift program

• Maple on Tap

• BikeShare program

• Permaculture Living Laboratory

• Shining Waters lakeside cleanup

... And many more.

Learn more at: oswego.edu/sustainability.

Lakers Record Historic Ice Hockey Moments

Jersey in Honor of Pete Sears ’71

The Oswego State Laker Men's Ice Hockey team honored one of the program's pioneer players, its first All-American, and 1972 Olympic silver medalist, goaltender Gordon "Pete" Sears ’71 when they retired his jersey, No. 1, and raised it to the rafters of the Deborah F. Stanley Arena and Convocation Hall at the Marano Campus Center on Nov. 15.

Oswego State in 1971; as well as Oswego State Athlete of the Year in 1971.

Laker Women’s Hockey Marks 20 Years Since Relaunch with Spirited Reunion

On Nov. 14–15, the Oswego State women’s ice hockey community gathered for a weekend of competition, nostalgia and celebration, marking 20 years since the program’s NCAA relaunch. More than 50 former players and family members returned to campus, with many alumnae taking the ice once again during a game held Nov. 15 at the Deborah F. Stanley Arena and Convocation Hall in the Marano Campus Center.

The weekend also offered a chance to reflect on the program’s evolution. Nancy Begell VanEtten ’75, who played on Oswego’s earliest women’s teams in the 1970s, said the event underscored how far the sport has come.

After being recruited by Clarkson University, Sears came to Oswego State in 1965 from Lake Placid, N.Y., as a standout goaltending prospect, as well as an all-star baseball and football player while in high school. Following his sophomore year, his college career was interrupted when he tried out for the 1968 U.S. Olympic Men's Hockey Team. Though he did not make the team that year, he impressed and caught the eye of Olympic head coach Murray Williamson, who also would coach the 1972 Olympic squad.

Further interruption to Sears' Oswego State career occurred near the end of 1967 when he was drafted and served as a combat infantry squad leader during the Vietnam War in 1968.

Upon returning as a veteran from active duty in the United States Army, Sears came back to Oswego State where he backstopped the burgeoning Lakers hockey team under new head coach Herb Hammond. He went on to a stellar career and earned recognition as the program's first All-American following the 196970 season. Sears earned other athletic accolades, including Oswego State Hockey Most Valuable Player in 1967, 1970 and 1971; All-Conference baseball player for

Upon graduation and with Olympic hockey aspirations still occupying his dreams, Sears embarked on realizing his goal of competing in the Olympics. That dream came true when he was named as a member of the 1972 U.S. Men's Olympic Hockey Team that went on to win a silver medal in Sapporo, Japan.

Following the Olympics, Sears returned to Oswego where he became a history teacher in Mexico, N.Y., followed by more than 30 years at the Oswego Middle School where he taught 7th grade social studies. He became head coach of the Oswego High School Boys Varsity Hockey Team in 1979-80 and led his teams to 10 Section III League titles, five Section III championships and three appearances in the New York State Division I Boy's Ice Hockey Championship game. He was inducted into the Oswego State Hockey Hall of Fame in 1990, Oswego City Softball Hall of Fame in 1991, the Oswego State Athletics Hall of Fame in 2001, New York State High School Hockey Hall of Fame in 2000 and the Lake Placid Sports Hall of Fame in 2006.

When she first joined, opportunities for women in athletics were limited. Most early players could skate but had little knowledge of the game’s rules or strategy; what they lacked in structure, they made up for in determination.

The original club team disbanded after the 1984–85 season before being relaunched in 2006 as an NCAA Division III varsity program. Though VanEtten no longer skates, she attended to reconnect and share experiences with younger generations.

For head coach Mark Digby, those connections are central to the event’s significance.

“It’s a great opportunity to bring back the players who helped build our program,” Digby said. “The university’s commitment to relaunching women’s hockey was a major step forward, not just for athletics, but for women’s sports at Oswego.”

Men’s Ice Hockey Retire No. 1

Student-Run Investment Club’s Endowment Fund Passes $1 Million Mark

In 2011, New York businessman Gordon A. Lenz '58 donated $100,000 to seed the newly formed student-run Investment Club so that Oswego students could learn to manage real money in the stock market. Lenz also donated funds to purchase a Bloomberg Terminal that is housed within the College of Business and Entrepreneurship’s Gordon A. Lenz Center for Finance, Insurance and Risk Management in Rich Hall.

A few years later, Wall Street professionals and alumni couple, Doreen Mochrie ’85 and Christopher Tuohy ’81, added another $100,000 in seed money for the club to manage.

By 2023, the Investment Club’s fund stood at $600,000, and then last August, the fund reached a milestone by surpassing the $1 million mark.

Enterprise Mobility Supports Students’ Career Development

“We have built on the strength of others,” said Investment Club Chief Investment Officer Emmanuel Duke M’25. “A million is not just a number. It’s a story.”

Karsen DePasquale ’26, chief executive officer of the club, described how the roles and responsibilities within their organization and even meeting structure and activities mirror what he expects to see in his professional workplace.

On Feb. 10, Jody Giarrusso, talent acquisition manager at Enterprise Mobility (center) presented members of the SUNY Oswego community with a check from Enterprise Mobility Foundation for $23,500 to support student programs within the Career Services Office and the College of Business and Entrepreneurship. Pictured here are (from left) Heath Wood, vice president for University Advancement; Kristin Sotak, associate dean of the College of Business and Entrepreneurship; Jody Giarrusso, recruiter for Enterprise Mobility; Gary Morris ’88, director of Career Services; and Jennifer Hill, executive director of corporate and foundation relations.

Find the Founder!

“It really gives you that look into how the career and industry might look after you get out of school,” DePasquale said.

Steven Jordan, the Marcia Belmar Willock ’50 Professor of Practice in Finance and Investment Club advisor, emphasized that the students are the decision-makers and lead the fund’s investments.

“When you’re in class, you just learn theory and theory is based on really strong assumptions,” Jordan said. “But when you’re investing real money in the real market, you get faced with the fact that people aren’t rational all the time, and there are trading costs and there are taxes. All these things affect investment decisions.”

SUNY Oswego Joins NSF-Funded Adirondack Wildfire Initiative

In the Fall 2025 issue, the Sheldon statue can be found in the lower right hand portion of the Hewitt Hall exterior image on Page 11. Grand prize winner of some Oswego swag and a Sheldon Hall print is Holly Close Schopp ’82 M’91. Winning Sheldon Hall prints are Margaret McHugh Davis ’64, Brian Baker ’76, Alisa Lazen Marcal ’93, Faith Scruton O’Brien ’06 and Jonathan Doyle M’25.

A tiny replica of the Sheldon statue, pictured here, is hidden somewhere in this issue. Find the Founder and complete the online submission form at alumni.oswego. edu/findthefounder or via mail at Find the Founder, 319 Sheldon Hall, 301 Washington Blvd., Oswego, N.Y. 13126.

We will draw one entry at random from all the correct answers and the winner will receive an Oswego-branded prize and a print of Sheldon Hall, and the next five winning entries will receive the Sheldon Hall print. Submit your entry by June 30, 2026.

SUNY Oswego has joined FIRE-NET: Adirondack Fire Futures, a National Science Foundation–supported collaboration addressing wildfire risk, climate adaptation and community resilience across northern New York. Professor Gwen Kay, historian of science and medicine, represents the university, contributing expertise in governance, policy and climate communication. SUNY Oswego also brings leadership in carbon accounting, emissions reduction and climate planning. Students will research Adirondack community resilience. FIRENET partners plan a 2026 symposium to advance coordinated regional responses through research, public engagement and cross-campus collaboration.

Alumni Provide for Students’ Basic Needs through SHOP

One simple question — “Do you have a winter coat?” — made sure a student didn’t have to face winter without one.

For April Lopez, (above) assistant dean of students and basic needs case manager at SUNY Oswego, that moment captures why SHOP — Students Helping Oz Peers — has become one of the university’s most essential resources.

What began as a student project in 2016 is now a campus-wide program sustained by collaboration, student involvement and growing alumni support. SHOP provides free food, clothing, hygiene supplies and professional attire to hundreds of students each semester, helping ensure that basic needs do not stand in the way of academic success.

“I oversee the shop in the pantry, but also work on other food-related and technology resources as part of a broader initiative to support student basic needs,” Lopez said.

Her commitment to SHOP is both professional and personal. Before joining Oswego in 2024, she ran a food pantry at Iowa State University and studied food systems in graduate school. She also has lived experience with food insecurity.

“I just really care about ensuring that students have access to resources they need, especially when it comes to food,” Lopez said. “I want to push toward destigmatizing and normalizing seeking assistance. I want them to know these resources are here for them.”

Growing to Meet the Need

As demand increased, SHOP moved from the health center to Penfield Library. Old bookshelves were replaced with pantry shelving, inventory systems were improved and staffing expanded to include professional staff, graduate assistants, interns and volunteers.

“My role was the first professional staff position to oversee it,” Lopez said.

Today, SHOP receives food from the regional food bank every two weeks and incorporates student feedback to better serve different populations, including international students.

For Avery David ’26, a human development major and SHOP operations intern, the work is deeply meaningful.

“As a SHOP intern, I help maintain the pantry space, check out students, restock shelves and manage our inventory system,” David said. “I also assist with tabling events and pop-up shops.”

Working at SHOP changed how he sees campus.

“It opened my eyes to how many students struggle with food insecurity,” he said. “It made me see campus more empathetically.”

He recalled helping a student who rushed in before a job interview, worried they had nothing appropriate to wear.

“I was able to point that student in the right direction so they could get the proper attire,” David said. “SHOP helps relieve stress and provides a judgment-free environment.”

Powered by Alumni Generosity

SHOP’s budget relies entirely on donations, which allow the program to purchase essential items like detergent and hygiene supplies that are not always available through the food bank.

A few alumni have played particularly transformative roles.

Christie Sommers ’73 (above) established an endowed fund to support SHOP in perpetuity.

“Because providing shelter, safety, food and essential needs is care-taking,” Sommers said during her remarks at the 2025

Scholars Brunch. “If you see a need, meet that need and care for one another.”

Another major supporter is Steven Messina ’91, a partner at the multinational law firm Skadden, Arps, Slate, Meagher and Flom LLP and a member of the Oswego Alumni Association Board of Directors.

“He donated $50,000 to SHOP, which made it possible for us to sustain ourselves for the foreseeable future,” Lopez said.

Messina said his support stems from a belief in alumni responsibility and community.

“It’s a real family,” Messina said. “The alumni network at Oswego is very strong, and we look to support current students because they’re part of that family, too.”

Learning about the level of need on campus motivated him to give.

“There shouldn’t be any SUNY Oswego student who has to worry about where their next meal is coming from,” Messina said.

Building Momentum

Michael Paestella, director of alumni engagement, sees SHOP as a place where alumni can make a lasting impact.

“When I look at SHOP, I think about how alumni can create a long-term effect,” he said. “Sustained giving can transform something small into something foundational.”

During Reunion Weekend last year, alumni brought bags of nonperishable food after learning about SHOP. More opportunities to support the pantry will be available during Reunion Weekend 2026, June 4-7.

“It was really cool to see,” Paestella said. “Alumni immediately understood, ‘Oh, I can help with this.’ Education is key.”

Lopez said the impact goes far beyond supplies.

“When students feel seen and supported, it changes their trajectory,” she said.

“SHOP isn’t just about food or clothing. It’s about dignity, belonging and opportunity.”

Messina agrees.

“Even small amounts make a difference,” he said. “By giving students the opportunity not to worry about basic needs, they can focus on their studies and their future.”

Learn more at oswego.edu/shop.

New York City Career Connections Marks 25 Years of Alumni-Student Networking

On Jan. 20, 2026, SUNY Oswego students traveled to Manhattan for the annual New York City Career Connections event, hosted by University Advancement. The award-winning program connects current students with alumni professionals through workplace visits, networking and career panels.

“Now in its 25th year, New York City Career Connections stands as a proud SUNY Oswego tradition,” said Emily Cole ’17, associate director of alumni engagement. “For a quarter century, alumni have welcomed us into their Manhattan workplaces to connect with students, share real-world experiences and help guide them as they prepare to enter the workforce.”

Morning Employer Site Visits

The day began around 9 a.m. with students visiting one of four employer sites:

• Adobe — Hosted by David Pearlman ’92, vice president of education and healthcare. Pearlman shared his career journey,

Annual Career Fair Draws 600+ Attendees

provided a company overview and led a tour and Q&A.

• 5W Public Relations — Hosted by Chris Thatcher ’08, senior vice president. Students learned about agency culture, client work and daily life in public relations.

• KPMG — Hosted by Ryan Dadey ’14 M’17, advisory director. Robert Cowan ’07 M’08, audit manager; Elise Tartaglia ’14 M’15, human capital advisory manager; Erin Gantley ’19 M’20, audit and accounting advisory services senior associate; and Caitlyn Zimmerman ’17 M’18, audit manager, joined to discuss career pathways and collaboration.

• NBCUniversal — Hosted by Justin Dobrow ’17, director of partner operations and solutions with NBC/Peacock. Kendall Smith ’15, automation manager of platform monetization, and Vincent Fleszar ’13, senior manager of programmatic strategic planning, joined a panel discussion, followed by networking with

On March 4, 100+ organizations came to the Swetman Gymnasium to meet with over 600 students at the Dream Big: Spring 2026 Career, Internship and Exploration Fair. Over 200 representatives, including nearly 50 alumni, spoke with students about internships, summer positions, volunteer opportunities and full-time jobs after graduation.

Elizabeth Anderson ’19, Neil Scher ’86, Briana Watson ’20 M’21, Michelle Garcia ’06 and Adam Luis ’05. Students then toured 30 Rock, including the studios of Late Night with Seth Meyers and The Kelly Clarkson Show.

Afternoon at LinkedIn

Students reconvened at the LinkedIn headquarters in the Empire State Building. Jared Wohl, senior account director, led a presentation on using LinkedIn as a professional tool, including LinkedIn Learning and artificial intelligence features.

That was followed by an alumni panel titled “Success in the City: How to Make it in the Big Apple.” Panelists included:

• John Mongiello ’14, video editor at HBO

• Sheneya Wilson ’15 M’16, founder of FOLA Financial LLC

• Reed Motti ’18, marketing manager with For Them

• Mathews Frank ’24, router at The Chef’s Warehouse

The panel was moderated by Gabriella Misciagna ’26. Students asked questions about career transitions, networking and navigating life in New York City. The day concluded with networking and a tour of LinkedIn’s facilities.

“These meaningful connections not only honor our shared Oswego legacy, but also create opportunities that benefit students long after graduation,” Cole said.

Innovation, Community Shine at 86th Technology Fall Conference

On Oct. 30-31, SUNY Oswego hosted its 86th annual Technology Fall Conference, welcoming over 350 attendees, including technology students, alumni and industry partners, for a robust program of more than 30 sessions, exhibits and workshops. The conference featured a mix of topics such as artificial intelligence and advanced manufacturing, while also highlighting more traditional making and design-thinking sessions. Don’t miss the 87th conference, scheduled for Oct. 29-30, 2026, at SUNY Oswego. Learn more at fallconference.com.

Newsmakers

Two Oswego students on National Grid Foundation’s inaugural Youth Advisory Council

Oghenetega (Tega) Adjoh ’26 and Sarah Dorme ’26 are among 12 young leaders from New York and Massachusetts selected for the National Grid Foundation’s inaugural Youth Advisory Council.

The initiative amplifies youth voices and helps shape the foundation’s social impact work, particularly in STEM education and literacy. Council members will advise on youth initiatives, provide insight into grant-making for energy education programs and connect with peers committed to community impact.

Adjoh, from the Bronx, is a student government leader and civic advocate. A double major in finance and operations management and information systems, she serves as president of the Student Association, treasurer of the SUNY Student Assembly and a peer leader in the Educational Opportunity Program.

Dorme, from Nanuet, is a psychology major, mental health advocate and president of the campus chapter of the Association of Black Psychologists.

Oswego Professor’s Wildlife Video Installation Featured at National Museum

Tiffany Deater M'10, cinema and screen studies professor, showcased her threepart video installation, What Lives Underneath, at the National Museum of Wildlife Art November 2025 through Jan. 4, 2026. The exhibition featured contemplative video essays drawn from Deater’s spontaneous encounters with the natural world — from insects in a Kansas ice storm to intimate wildlife moments close to home.

Blending art and environmental inquiry, the installation examined how humans relate to and value different species. One segment, “Tornado Lake,” challenged viewers to confront ethical contradictions in wildlife treatment.

At SUNY Oswego, Deater integrates her filmmaking practice into courses such as “Cinema and the Environment” while helping lead the university's ecocinema minor. Through quiet observation and probing questions, she hopes audiences reconsider their relationship with the natural world.

UP Officer Scott Maynard Earns SUNY Professional Service Award

SUNY Oswego University Police Officer

Scott Maynard (left) earned SUNY’s Professional Service Award, an honor that

recognizes members for acts that greatly enhance the operation of their respective University Police departments.

Maynard was among the recipients of the 2025 University Police Awards, the highest recognition by the SUNY Police Chiefs Association, SUNY Chancellor John B. King Jr. announced in December. He was recognized for his “outstanding service, leadership and dedication to both law enforcement and community engagement.”

Maynard joined Oswego’s University Police as a dispatcher in 2014 before joining the officer ranks around a decade ago, graduating from the CNY Regional

Freshman’s Creative Work Published in ‘New York Times’

Getting published in the New York Times is a dream for many writers. For freshman creative writing major Kayde Knorr ’29, it’s an amazing feat achieved in just the first semester at SUNY Oswego.

Knorr’s piece, “Dating Straight Boys,” ran in the New York Times Tiny Love Stories (TLS) series on Nov. 19, even providing the title to the roundup of micro essays published that day.

Knorr takes Sari Fordham’s “Introduction to Nonfiction” class, which includes TLS and Five Minute Lit assignments “to consider the difference between show and tell in creative nonfiction,” Fordham explained.

“Her class is my favorite,” Knorr said of Fordham’s course. “I really admire her teaching style. She provides encouragement and motivation, and had confidence in me when I didn’t have confidence in myself. Without her I would not have done it.”

Law Enforcement Academy in Onondaga County.

The nomination noted the sizable amount of work Maynard contributes to the Oswego County Sheriff’s Police Academy, providing training as a leader or assistant. In the previous year, Maynard logged 139 hours of instructor time for rising law enforcement professionals. Beyond his key roles in training and leadership, Maynard is a key contributor to community service and outreach campaigns.

Theatre Students Shine at American College Theatre Festival

SUNY Oswego theatre students earned multiple awards and recognitions at the American College Theatre Festival (ACTF) Region 2 Conference in mid-January, showcasing their work to peers, educators and industry professionals from across the Mid-Atlantic region.

Artemis Doyle ’26, a double major in theatre and music, received second place in the National ACTF Award for Design Excellence in Scenic Design for their work

Oswego Technology Student Association Earns Multiple Awards at Regional Conference

The Oswego Technology Student Association (OTSA) earned top honors at the Technology and Engineering Education Collegiate Association (TEECA) East Conference Nov. 6-8, 2025, in Rehoboth Beach, Del., where they competed against colleges from across the region.

SUNY Oswego students placed in eight of nine competitions, including five first-place finishes — the most in the organization’s history. Twenty-five students represented Oswego, the largest group the club has ever brought to the conference. SUNY Oswego is currently the only SUNY institution that participates in TEECA.

The conference provided students with opportunities to showcase technical, design and communication skills while building professional experience and connections.

on SUNY Oswego’s production of The Grown Ups.

In directing, Thomas Kan ’27, a theatre major and creative writing minor, was recognized as a student director in the National Playwriting Program’s 10-minute play competition. Cadence Vanderstouw ’27, a cinema and screen studies major with minors in creative writing and live event design, was selected as a Stage Directors and Choreographers Regional Finalist for presenting a scene from The Language Archive starring theatre major Ariana Palmer ’27 and Kan.

In performance competitions, Ben Capilets ’27, a music major and theatre minor, earned Outstanding Dramatic Performance through the Musical Theatre Intensive program. Cameron Humphrey ’26, a theatre and English major and a music minor, and theatre major Faith Wilk ’27 were finalists in the Irene Ryan Acting Competition, with Wilk also named a finalist in the Musical Theatre Intensive.

Triandiflou Institute Names Celinet Duran-Jimenez Faculty Fellow

SUNY Oswego’s Triandiflou Institute for Equity, Diversity, Inclusion and Transformative Practice announced the appointment of Celinet Duran-Jimenez, assistant professor in the Criminal Justice Department, as its newest Faculty Fellow.

Duran-Jimenez earned her Ph.D. in criminal justice from CUNY Graduate Center/John Jay College of Criminal Justice in 2023 and is a scholar of justice and equity, with research focused on domestic terrorism, extremist violence and systemic oppression. She currently serves as a co-principal investigator for the United States Extremist Crime Database.

As Faculty Fellow, Duran-Jimenez will support student research and mentorship, lead community engagement efforts and promote inclusive excellence across campus.

President Nwosu Named to City & State’s 2025 Upstate Power 100

SUNY Oswego President Peter O. Nwosu has been named to City & State’s 2025 Upstate Power 100, a list recognizing leaders who are shaping the future of politics, policy, education, business and community life across the region. The annual ranking highlights individuals whose work is driving progress in Upstate New York.

President Nwosu was selected for his leadership in advancing SUNY Oswego’s Vision 4040, a long-term commitment to doubling the number of degrees and credentials the university awards by 2040. The initiative aims to expand access, strengthen regional partnerships and prepare Central New Yorkers for the opportunities emerging across the state’s growing economy.

In recognizing President Nwosu, City & State noted the essential role higher education plays in supporting major economic developments such as Micron Technology’s planned investment in nearby Clay. Under President Nwosu’s leadership, SUNY Oswego has worked to align academic programs and workforce preparation with the

region’s evolving needs, including new efforts in microcredentials, advanced manufacturing pathways and adult learner access.

He was one of five educational leaders elected to the American Association of State Colleges and Universities (AASCU) Board of Directors on Nov. 17 during the organization’s Annual Conference for Presidents and Chancellors in Nashville. He also serves as chair of AASCU’s Committee on Student Success, a position he has held since December 2024.

Our CNY Impact

On any given morning, SUNY Oswego’s 25,000 graduates who live and work in Central New York are quietly shaping the region’s future. They leave a lasting imprint through their actions and connections to the people and places in Central New York.

They are educators, engineers, entrepreneurs, artists, public servants and community leaders. Some arrived as first-generation college students. Others came from nearby towns with the intention of staying close to home. Many discovered Central New York during their time at Oswego and made the intentional choice to build their lives here.

That choice is shaping our communities in powerful ways. In schools, Oswego graduates carry forward a legacy that dates back to the university’s founding as a teachers’ college — preparing the next generation with the same sense of purpose that first brought them into the classroom. In healthcare settings, they expand access, improve outcomes and provide stability for families navigating complex challenges. In business and finance, they help individuals and organizations plan, grow and invest in the future.

From classrooms to cutting-edge industries, SUNY Oswego alumni are driving economic growth, innovation and community well-being across the region.

Across industries, they are solving problems, creating jobs and driving innovation.

Some are launching companies or scaling new technologies. Others are maintaining critical infrastructure or protecting natural resources. Many are serving in government, nonprofit and civic roles working to strengthen the communities they call home.

The impact grows stronger with each graduating class.

According to SUNY Oswego’s Career Services 2024 Graduate Report, 85 percent of graduates remain in New York state, with more than a third choosing to stay in Central New York. Those new graduates infuse their fresh perspectives and current learning into their workplaces, driving the region forward.

Central New York is undergoing transformation. Advanced manufacturing and energy sectors are expanding with Micron Technology’s $100 billion semiconductor "megafab" project in nearby Clay, N.Y., as well as with a strong regional presence by such companies as National Grid, Lockheed Martin, Novelis, SRC, Saab Sensis, Welch Allyn (Hillrom) and Constellation Energy, among others.

It’s4 a.m., and a Jack Johnson song wakes Soheila Ahmad Clark ’08 in her Liverpool house. She heads to the gym before returning home to prepare for the work day. Thankfully, none of the 25 teachers or assistants at the Northminster Early Childhood Center in North Syracuse have called in sick. A little less of a morning scramble today. She shuffles her 10-year-old son onto the school bus and then she heads into work herself.

As director of the Early Childhood Center, Clark — or Ms. Soheila as she is known at school — looks forward to welcoming the 108 children, ages 3 to 5, as they arrive at the center. She is the smiling face that reassures the children that they will have a great day filled with play-based learning and social interaction.

She and her staff share the same lofty goal: “Our No. 1 goal is to foster a lifelong love of learning. We create a warm and welcoming environment that is fun and exciting. They get to move and play outside. We want to create that love of learning that hopefully they will carry with them forever.”

InSkaneateles, entrepreneur Jeff Knauss ’07 wakes after his typical short power sleep of 4.5 hours — just enough to recharge for the busy day ahead. He’s on the first of a dozen Zoom meetings by 8 a.m. as his days fly by on warp speed.

In February 2025, he and his friendturned-business partner, Jake Tanner, a former SUNY Oswego student, launched Arcovo AI, a new venture already gaining rapid traction. (Their first venture, the Syracuse-based Digital Hyve marketing firm in Syracuse, found early success after its 2014 launch and was later sold as they pursued other opportunities.) Now, Arcovo AI is outpacing their first venture. In the first quarter of 2026, the company surpassed its total 2025 revenue and is on track to generate 30 times that figure by year’s end.

“Jake and I cooked up the idea in December 2024, so it was about a five- or six-week sprint from concept to launch,” Knauss said. “We moved fast because the opportunity to become experts in AI is a finite window. Success loves speed and execution.”

Healthcare systems are evolving, with new facilities and investments reported regularly, including a recently announced expansion of SUNY Upstate Medical Center’s CNY Biotech Accelerator in Syracuse.

School districts and higher education institutions are adapting to changing student needs. SUNY Oswego’s Vision 4040 plans to meet regional workforce needs through modernized academic programs, increased online and Syracuse campus programs, and expanded microcredentials.

Local governments are navigating economic growth, infrastructure demands and community well-being. Cultural institutions are redefining how stories are told and shared.

Oswego alumni are not simply working here. They are building here, leading here, staying here.

In doing so, they are shaping the future and leaving a lasting impact on Central New York.

Inthe northern part of Central New York, Greg Herrmann ’91 is grateful to be waking to the sun rather than his pager calling him to an emergency. As assistant chief of the Oswego Town Volunteer Fire Department, Herrmann doesn’t leave his house without his pager. It’s part of his everyday routine.

Herrmann and the other volunteers of the 29.3-square-mile fire district, which includes the SUNY Oswego campus, responded to 636 calls last year — an average of nearly two per day. While the department has a total of 50 volunteers, about eight typically respond to each call, down from roughly 14 two decades ago.

“The volunteer fire service in New York, actually in the U.S., has seen a huge decline in membership,” Herrmann said.

He actively recruits new members from his neighbors and acquaintances in the area, including SUNY Oswego students and his own family.

“I am proud to say my family is continuing the fire service to our community and making a difference everyday.”

Alumni in CNY

CNY Engine

Unlike states with a few large campuses, New York’s 64-campus SUNY system distributes economic and educational impact across regions. These campuses, which include research universities to comprehensives like SUNY Oswego to community and technical colleges, drive local economies through employment, business activity, housing stability and “brain gain” as graduates remain in the area.

In Oswego County, SUNY Oswego contributed an estimated $419 million to the economy in 2019–2020, according to Emsi, through alumni earnings, operations, student and visitor spending, construction, research and community engagement. The university’s capital projects exceeded $183 million, injecting more than $135 million into the regional economy between 2019 and 2025, while researchers secured $7.6 million in external funding, the largest such funding at the university and placing us on the path to the new Carnegie Elective Classification for research colleges and universities.

SUNY Oswego is the county’s largest employer, with more than 3,525 employees, including 58 percent living locally. Students further strengthen the region through 13,386 service hours and 4,248 applied learning experiences in 2024 alone.

The impact extends beyond economics. Regions with more college graduates see higher incomes, better health and reduced reliance on public assistance. In Central New York, where about 1 in 6 adults holds a bachelor’s degree, increasing attainment could raise average household income by more than $7,000.

Nearly 25,000 of SUNY Oswego’s 96,000 alumni already call the region home and are helping shape its future every day.

25,000 Oswego alumni in the region

5 Counties in Central New York

Top Employers of Alumni in CNY

SUNY Oswego: 694 alumni.

Syracuse City School District: 241 alumni.

Syracuse University: 145 alumni.

Upstate Medical University: 142 alumni.

National Grid: 103 alumni.

CLASE: College of Liberal Arts, Sciences and Engineering

CoEHHS: College of Education, Health and Human Services

COBE: College of Business and Entrepreneurship

CMA: College of Communication, Media and the Arts

Breaking Barriers to Access

Education drives stronger communities, yet Oswego County faces higher rates of poverty, food and housing insecurity and health challenges than state and national averages.

SUNY Oswego aims to change that through Vision 4040, which seeks to award 40,000 credentials by 2040 — boosting income and reducing reliance on public assistance.

Supporting this effort, the new SUNY Oswego Direct initiative simplifies the college application process and expands access for students across Central New York.

Around 100 high schoolers took part in SUNY Oswego’s inaugural Direct Day on Feb. 26, launching a new access initiative to provide eligible public high school seniors in Oswego County and the Syracuse City School District simplified pathways to apply for admission.

SUNY Oswego Direct and an upcoming Laker Scholars summer bridge program are two new admissions initiatives that will better support access and success for students in the region.

SUNY OSWEGO CNY GRADUATES’ COLLEGES

CLASE

During the Oswego Direct Day open house, students, high school staff and families met with university leadership from each of the university’s four colleges and with staff from more than 40 offices, including admissions, financial aid, housing and support services; took campus tours; and received on-site guidance about the SUNY Oswego admissions process. Partnering school districts provided bus transportation for high school students who wanted to attend.

Launched early in 2026, SUNY Oswego Direct provides an application process that removes application steps, reduces the time from application to admissions offer and provides students who meet need-based requirements with scholarships to make education more affordable.

SUNY Oswego Direct “is a win for our students and a win for Oswego County,” said Jeremy Belfield ’03 M’07 CAS’10, district superintendent and executive officer for the Center for Instruction, Technology & Innovation. “By eliminating the cost and stress of the application process, SUNY Oswego is ensuring that every eligible local student has the opportunity to pursue their dreams. As an alum, I couldn’t be prouder to see this level of commitment to our local schools and the next generation of Lakers.”

Those completing the 2026 SUNY Oswego application by March 15, as well as FAFSA (Free Application for Federal Student Aid) and TAP (Tuition Assistance Program) applications, received priority scholarship consideration for scholarships of up to $3,000 per year if they met the guidelines.

SUNY Oswego Direct also partners with Say Yes Syracuse and On Point for College, the latter founded by Ginny Donohue ’88, to provide free college planning and financial aid support to students in participating districts.

Attendees also had the opportunity to learn more about SUNY Oswego's new Laker Scholars summer bridge program which will provide eligible students with a pathway into SUNY Oswego for fall 2026. The invitation-only Laker Scholars program is for seniors conditionally admitted to SUNY Oswego for fall 2026, pending successful completion of a four-week on-campus session.

Helping CNY Students Succeed in College

Ginny Donohue ’88 Founder, On Point for College December 2023 SUNY Honorary Degree Recipient

Virginia “Ginny” Donohue ’88 quit her corporate job to pursue a dream of helping 1,000 first-generation students enroll in college. She founded the Syracuse, N.Y.,-based nonprofit On Point for College in 1999, and by the time she retired from the organization in 2006, she had helped 8,700 students enroll in college. The program has expanded and now helps thousands of students in six CNY counties (Cayuga, Onondaga, Oneida, Oswego, Madison and Herkimer).

Priming the Pipeline

SUNY Oswego’s Hometown University Internship program completed its inaugural semester in fall 2025, connecting students with local organizations through a blend of paid professional experience and leadership development.

Funded by the SUNY Oswego Internship Impact Fund and managed by the Office of Experiential Learning, the program places students in 10-hour-per-week internships while also providing a weekly leadership seminar led by Kristi Eck, assistant vice president for workforce innovation and external relations.

Five students — (from left) Sophia Lyons ’26, Kayla Moore ’27, Amanda Rivera ’25, George Balogun ’27 and Aileigh Ray ’26 — were selected for the first cohort and matched with placements across Oswego County, including the City of Oswego and Operation Oswego County.

“The Hometown University Internship initiative was an excellent opportunity to showcase our long-standing community partners and connect them with our talented students,” said Mallory Bower, director of Experiential Learning.

Students described the experience as both professionally and personally impactful. “This internship pushed me to where I needed to be professionally and gave me the opportunity to network in my dream field,” said Ray.

Community partners also praised the program, with supervisors noting students’ professionalism and strong work ethic. Plans are underway to expand the program in future semesters, further strengthening connections between SUNY Oswego and the surrounding community.

Educating the Future

Founded as a teachers’ college in 1861, SUNY Oswego has made its deepest imprint on the field of education and its alumni have helped to transform learning and educational systems not only in the United States, but globally. With more than 5,300 education alumni living and working in the five-county region, Lakers serve as integral architects of the Central New York educational system. Our alumni occupy critical roles from classroom teachers to district superintendents to higher education professors.

Educational institutions are the largest individual employers in the CNY region, and appear in the top five to 10 employers in every county. Within the five counties, there are 15 distinct degree-granting institutions (nine public SUNY institutions and six private colleges/universities).

Their presence creates a powerful feedback loop that elevates learning.

“Strong colleges help prepare strong teachers, and strong teachers nurture capable, confident students who are ready to contribute to their communities," said Dr. Neal Capone ’96 CAS’08, (below) superintendent of DeRuyter Central School District in Madison County. “Public schools are the cornerstone of healthy communities. When schools thrive, communities thrive. I am grateful to be part of work that strengthens not only students’ futures, but the future of the region itself.”

out of the top 14 employers of alumni in Madison County are educational institutions

MADISON COUNTY

Diane Kruse Bush ’92 M’99, (above) director of instructional technology at Altmar-Parish-Williamstown Central School District in Oswego County, also emphasized the symbiotic relationship between area schools, alumni educators and SUNY Oswego’s College of Education, Health and Human Services.

“As a former cooperating teacher, I have worked with many student teachers from SUNY Oswego, and so, I have also had an opportunity to work with their professors and coordinators to provide input on how to better prepare candidates for their future as teachers,” she said. “It is important for higher education and K-12 schools to have an ongoing conversation regarding what each needs from the other, as each feeds the other.”

This stewardship of the educational process helps ensure that graduates are career-ready — a goal emphasized by Quindell Williams ’11 CAS’22, (above) a workforce talent and development coach for the Syracuse City School District in Onondaga County.

“I now serve the students in the district that I once attended as a student,” Williams said. “So, I have a better understanding of the challenges our students face and can better prepare them. Training our youth to be prepared and ready for careers in many different industries is crucial to the future success of this community. With the construction of I-81, Micron and so many other projects, we are doing our best to make sure our students are not only prepared for what’s to come but also first in line to seize the opportunity!”

For Le Moyne College environmental sciences professor Dr. Hilary A. McManus ’98, she hopes her students recognize their important role in preserving the future and stewarding the region’s beauty and many natural resources.

“We can teach people about climate change, biodiversity loss and environmental degradation, but translating that knowledge into meaningful action is an entirely different challenge,” McManus said. “People protect what they love, and they love what they know deeply. I focus on designing learning experiences, in classrooms, in workshops and in the field, that move people from knowing to caring to doing.”

Longtime educator and Mexico Elementary Librarian Megan Thomson Cernaro ’01 M’04 (below left) combines her love of books, creativity and connection in a way that reaches every child.

“I wanted to create environments where students feel safe, believe in themselves and are excited to learn,” said Cernaro, the 2026 New York State Rural Teacher of the Year.

“Helping students discover what they are capable of continues to inspire me every day.”

IN

THEIR

OWN WORDS…

On education transforming lives

Dr. Hilary A. McManus ’98

Biology and Music

Environmental Sciences

Professor and Program Director

Le Moyne College in Onondaga County

“

We all have the ability to create ripples of change ... My hope is that they carry these ‘aha’ moments with them and pass them on to friends and family — ripples make waves.

”

Soheila Ahmad Clark ’08 cultivates curiosity and a passion for discovery in the youngest of students, laying the groundwork for a lifetime of learning.

“We are the foundation for these students’ education,” said Clark, director of the Northminster Early Childhood Center that partners with Liverpool and North Syracuse central school districts to provide a universal pre-K program.

“Introducing them to a school setting, fostering a love for learning and helping to establish routines and structures is crucial," she said. "They’re little sponges and take in so much, so we give them the tools to problem-solve, handle their emotions, get along with friends and work independently. We help young students start their lifelong journey as learners.”

By the Numbers

5,309

Total College of Education, Health and Human Services (CoEHHS) alumni residing in the CNY 5-county region.

58%

Percentage of CoEHHS alumni who specialized in Childhood Education.

21%

Percentage of CoEHHS alumni specialized in Adolescence Education.

12%

Percentage of CoEHHS alumni specialized in Technology Education.

28%

Portion of regional alumni who returned to Oswego to earn a Graduate Degree.

Investing in Community

While educational institutions are the largest employer in the region, accounting for the top five to 10 employers throughout each county, business-related companies employ the most Laker alumni across fields. In addition, more than 300 CNY Lakers from a variety of academic backgrounds are advancing the local economy as entrepreneurs, freelancers and independent professionals, channeling their diverse talents and strengths into a vibrant workforce. (See related graphic on page 34.)

Graduates of the College of Business and Entrepreneurship make up a strong contingent at several accounting firms, banks and financial planning companies in the region. Employees — both those who have earned their undergraduate degrees at SUNY Oswego and those from other colleges — enroll in Oswego’s on-campus, online or hybrid MBA program, whose popularity is reflected in the 57-percent enrollment growth between 2015 to 2025.

Within that growing presence, many Lakers in finance are also working to reshape how their field is understood and who it serves.

In some people’s thinking, financial professionals are individuals who provide investment guidance to wealthy people. But for several Lakers who work in finance, overcoming that mindset is one of the biggest challenges to their goal: helping Central New York residents — their friends and neighbors — find peace of mind knowing that they have a plan in place for their futures.

5,833 individuals

While education has the largest organizational presence, the Business sector is the largest overall employer of regional alumni

“I’m focused on addressing the financial wellness gap that exists within many communities,” said Marcus McFee-Walters ’17, (below left) a certified financial retirement specialist and financial advisor at Equitable Advisors in Syracuse. “Too many individuals and families feel uncertain about how to manage their finances, invest effectively or prepare for retirement. That lack of confidence often stems from limited access to financial education and financial literacy earlier in life.”

Closing the Financial Wellness Gap

McFee-Walters actively maintains ties to SUNY Oswego and other educational institutions to help infuse financial management concepts into his formal and informal interactions with students.

“Many students graduate from high school or college without a strong understanding of personal finance, investing or how to prepare themselves financially for the world ahead,” he said. “Because of that, I’ve prioritized spending time with students in classrooms and speaking on foundational financial concepts through Finance 101-style discussions. Helping students develop financial confidence early in life can have a lasting impact on their ability to build stable and successful futures.”

IN THEIR OWN WORDS…

On staying in CNY

Central New York began to feel like home during my time at SUNY Oswego. The region has given me the opportunity to build meaningful relationships with clients and become part of a community that has played an important role in launching my career ... As someone who plans to build my career and raise my family in Central New York long-term, being involved in helping strengthen the region is very important to me.

Marcus McFee-Walters ’17

Finance

Financial Advisor

Equitable Advisors in Onondaga County ”

Bringing Financial Literacy to Campus

Kurt D’Angelo ’02 M’07, (right) a vice president and financial consultant at Equitable Advisors in Syracuse, takes that a step further. He has been partnering with SUNY Oswego’s Career Services office to develop a series of professional development workshops focused on financial literacy.

For example, in February, D’Angelo presented on “Adulting Your Wallet,” one of the semester’s most well-attended, successful Career Services events that provided practical tips and financial knowledge to the standing-room-only group of students in attendance. He sees these student-facing events as an extension of the work he does every day in the broader region.

“Our team has a huge impact in the lives of many people and their families in the CNY community,” D’Angelo said. “We help them have peace of mind knowing there is a plan in place to achieve their financial goals.”

Strengthening Communities Through Banking

In banking and risk management, alumni are guiding institutions and communities through complex challenges. Paloma Sarkar M’11, (above) an enterprise risk manager at Pathfinder Bank, works alongside president and CEO James A. Dowd ’89 to sustain local economies and foster development.

“Working for a community bank, I have been able to see the impact of my work on the communities we serve,” said Sarkar, who came to the internationally AACSB-accredited MBA program from Kolkata, India. “Whether it be helping a neighbor figure out their escrow statement or working with small business owners that are investing in our communities, these types of experiences have made an impact on my life and have created those community connections that have kept me living here in CNY.”

Investing in What Matters Most

D’Angelo said living within CNY helps establish a common bond with the people he serves.

“Who is going to care for you, your family or your business more; someone you know or a stranger halfway across the country?” he asked, adding that he finds satisfaction in seeing their success. He said that his favorite part of the job is: “having clients give me hugs or crying tears of joy knowing that they and their family have a plan in place. Seeing my associates get married, have kids, buy a house, go on vacation and achieve their own goals is truly inspiring!”

Top Regional Business and Finance Employers of Lakers Pathfinder Bank

A primary financial hub for alumni in Oswego and Onondaga counties, employing several Laker executives including the president and CEO

Equitable Advisors (formerly AXA):

A major employer in Syracuse and a key partner for university financial literacy initiatives, with dozens of alumni serving as financial advisors and vice presidents

Bankers Life

A high-volume recruiter for business talent in the region and a top-five employer for a recent graduating class (2023)

Community Bank System, Inc.

A critical regional banking anchor with a presence in almost every CNY county

McNeil & Co.

A leading employer of Laker talent in the financial and insurance sectors of Cortland and Madison counties

IN THEIR OWN WORDS…

On making a difference

Initially, my goal was to move to New York City or a bigger city and work for a large financial institution there. I did an internship at Pathfinder Bank and was offered a full-time position here at the bank after graduation. I have the opportunity to … influence changes in ways I didn’t even imagine. I understood the importance of serving and giving back to the communities that have welcomed me and have the privilege to pay it forward.

Paloma Sarkar M’11

MBA Management

First Vice President, Enterprise Risk Manager Pathfinder Bank in Oswego County ”

Powering the Region 993

Across Central New York, SUNY Oswego alumni are helping power a rapidly evolving technology and advanced manufacturing sector — fueling innovation, strengthening infrastructure and building the workforce behind the region’s economic momentum.

With close to 25,000 alumni living across the five-county region, graduates contribute to a growing ecosystem that spans energy, software, telecommunications, defense and emerging technologies. From global companies to startups, alumni are applying technical expertise and entrepreneurial thinking to solve complex challenges and create new opportunities.

For many, that impact is both immediate and tangible.

Alexandria Delfino ’23, (below) an engineer with National Grid, ensures the operational continuity of critical infrastructure.

“Having a direct part in the operation of … New York state’s power grid is very rewarding,” she said.

Whether restoring power after storms or planning for future demand, alumni like Delfino help ensure the region’s resilience.

alumni are employed in this sector

( 9% of the tracked regional workforce) and this sector is a primary focus of the university’s Vision 4040 strategy

Others are building and scaling companies that shape the future of work. Serial entrepreneur Jeff Knauss ’07, (above) co-founder of the fast-growing firm, Arcovo AI in Syracuse, points to the region’s unique advantages. (See related story on page 52.)

“The density of colleges and universities in CNY creates a strong pipeline of educated talent,” Knauss said.

That pipeline enables companies to innovate locally while offering graduates meaningful career paths close to home.

In established industries, alumni contribute to cutting-edge advancements. Melissa Appleby ’97, a senior software engineer focused on ground-based radar at Lockheed Martin, said her SUNY Oswego education prepared her well for her career.

IN THEIR OWN WORDS… On living in CNY

Melissa Appleby ’97

Computer Science

Senior Software Engineer

Lockheed Martin in Onondaga County

Besides the great work opportunity that presented itself, I love the size and geography of the region. It has something for every interest, and I’m probably in the minority here, but the weather is also a big draw for me.

“I received the technical education needed to do the job I was hired for,” Appleby said. “But more importantly, it taught me how to learn so I can keep up with the constant change in technologies, and gave me confidence to know that I could absolutely be successful in a field where there were few women.”

Her work and that of many others support national defense systems while reinforcing the region’s role in high-tech development.

At the same time, business leaders like Vincent Cioci ’15, (above) CEO of Luck Grove in Syracuse, are expanding infrastructure and opportunity at scale. His company’s work in telecommunications is helping connect underserved communities, “enabling remote work, virtual healthcare, education and everyday connectivity.”

These efforts demonstrate how technology and manufacturing intersect with quality of life and economic growth.

“We employ more than 300 people nationwide, with over 100 employees based in our Syracuse office alone, in addition to numerous partner companies we collaborate with on projects,” Cioci said. “It’s incredibly rewarding to know we are creating meaningful careers within our community while contributing to the growth of a rapidly expanding industry.”

A defining strength of the sector is its close connection to higher education. Alumni frequently collaborate with institutions, advise on curriculum and help align academic programs with workforce needs.

For example, Delfino serves on SUNY Oswego’s Engineering Advisory Board, through which she can share input about the education of engineers, and the development of new methods and capabilities for solving challenging technological problems through innovative research and practice. She also connects with students to offer career advice and share how she applies her coursework in her current role.

Knauss shares Delfino’s passion for speaking with the universities in the region and in keeping communication lines open between higher education and industry.

“I regularly get asked to speak with administration at colleges and universities about the future of work, particularly now with AI transforming how businesses operate,” said Knauss, who presented about AI to the SUNY Oswego campus on April 1. “These conversations matter because what students learn today needs to prepare them for a workforce that looks very different than it did even five years ago.”

Workforce development is a top priority for Cioci as well.

“There is a significant labor shortage across telecommunications and utilities,” he said. “Pairing industry-led training with educational programs and seminars will be critical to preparing individuals to enter this workforce.”

The workforce is evolving fast, and SUNY Oswego is at the forefront of preparing for those changes.

SUNY Oswego President Peter O. Nwosu heads up the Oswego County Micron Steering Committee, which has convened a group of community, government and higher education leaders to prime the talent pipeline as well as ensure the physical and community infrastructure is in place to handle the expected growth from Micron Technology’s $100 billion investment in a megafab chip plant in Clay, N.Y.

“Partnerships with regional leaders are preparing us for the opportunities that Micron's historic investment will bring to Central New York,” President Nwosu shared with the campus community last fall. “Our Regional Center for STEM Excellence is already making a difference for teachers and students across the county, while paid internships — up 41 percent last year — are providing more students with career-defining experiences. These connections reinforce what we know to be true: when SUNY Oswego grows, our community and region grow as well.”

Top Regional Business and Finance Employers of Lakers

National Grid:

This utility giant is the leading employer in this sector, with 103 tracked alumni in the region. It is a top-five overall employer in Onondaga County and was a top-ten recruiter for the Class of 2023. Alumni serve in critical infrastructure roles such as associate engineer, operator training simulator engineer and senior program manager.

Novelis

A primary industrial anchor in Oswego County, Novelis employs 77 tracked alumni. It is ranked as the second-largest employer of Laker talent in Oswego County. Graduates at this facility hold diverse technical and operational roles, including automation engineer, quality lead, engineering drafter and process technologist.

Lockheed Martin

This defense and aerospace leader employs 70 tracked alumni in the region. It is identified as a top regional employer for recent graduates and a primary anchor in the advanced manufacturing sector. Alumni are heavily concentrated in hightech positions such as senior software engineer, systems engineer and hardware design engineer.

SRC

(Syracuse Research Corp):

This research and development firm is a major hub for Laker talent in Onondaga County, employing 69 tracked alumni. The organization utilizes Oswego graduates in specialized capacities including director of production engineering, integration and test engineer and software engineer.

Constellation

(formerly Entergy/Exelon):

A vital player in the region’s energy sector, Constellation employs 62 tracked alumni. It is a top-five employer for alumni in Oswego County. Laker graduates at Constellation serve in essential energy production roles, such as nuclear reactor operator, electrical design engineer and strategic systems engineer.

Healing Body and Mind

Hospitals and healthcare facilities are the top employers in Onondaga and Cayuga counties, and among the top two private employers in Oswego County. They also rank as top employers of Laker alumni in those counties.

Student interest in health-related programs matches the job opportunities. For example, over the past 10 years, enrollment in the university’s graduate programs in health promotion and wellness and in counseling and psychology programs jumped 350 percent and 36 percent, respectively. The university is responding to the market demands by expanding programs that prepare Lakers for careers in health and human services.

In July 2025, the university renamed the School of Education to the College of Education, Health and Human Services to reflect the broader scope of programs and setting the stage for future growth in such critical areas as nursing, social work and helping professions.

In addition, the university offers students a pre-health studies program, tailored for students interested in pursuing advanced studies in health science fields such as medical school. Such a program didn’t exist when Dr. Mitchell “Mickey” Lebowitz ’81 (left) was studying at SUNY Oswego.

It was a study abroad experience in Israel that planted the idea of attending medical school. When he returned to SUNY Oswego in his senior year, he crammed his schedule with pre-med science courses and ended up extending his undergraduate education into a fifth year to complete those requirements. He finished his Oswego experience with a flourish, earning Student-Athlete of the Year and top Zoology student recognition before enrolling in med school at SUNY Upstate in Syracuse.

During his four decades as a physician in Syracuse, Dr. Lebowitz put his liberal arts education to use and found creative ways to improve patient care and outcomes.

Most memorably, Lebowitz recruited fellow physicians at Crouse Hospital to perform in a music video for his medical rap, “HAC No,” using humor to educate audiences about serious hospitalacquired conditions such as C-diff and MRSA.

Today, Dr. Lebowitz shares his vast knowledge of medicine, clinician coaching and emotional intelligence before state medical groups, and the award-winning endocrinologist/diabetologist has also authored two books about his career in medicine. His most recent, The EQ Prescription (River Grove Books, 2025), encourages medical professionals to manage emotions in high-stress situations by prioritizing self-care, improving personal well-being and ultimately enhancing patient outcomes.

Lebowitz is one of many Lakers working on the frontlines to expand access to care, support vulnerable populations and improve quality of life across the region. Their work spans clinical care, counseling, wellness and social services — addressing diverse needs with compassion and expertise.

Treating the Whole Person

Dr. Marisa Maher ’16, (above right) a doctor of acupuncture and Chinese medicine and owner of EnerQi Acupuncture & Wellness in Camillus, emphasizes treating the whole person through integrative, patient-centered care.

“My goal is for every person who walks into my office to feel heard and understood,” she said. “I am also passionate about integrative healthcare and maintaining strong relationships with other healthcare professionals, so patients receive the most well-rounded and collaborative care possible.”

Before opening her wellness center, Dr. Maher identified a gap in access to acupuncture and integrative medicine across Central New York. She saw this as an opportunity to meet a need.

“Being in a region with strong educational institutions fosters a culture that values evidence-informed care and openness to integrative medicine, which positively impacts both my practice and my patients,” Dr. Maher said.

Expanding Access to Mental Health Care

At CreekSide Counseling Services, with locations in Oswego and Watertown, U.S. Army veteran John Randall M’14 and his wife, clinical director Jordan Oathout Randall M’14, (right) have built a practice focused on accessibility and impact amid growing demand for mental health services.

“We find our goal is to be a safe place for anyone seeking to improve their mental health,” Jordan Randall said.

Their practice not only serves clients but also trains future professionals, reinforcing a cycle of care and learning within the region. Several SUNY Oswego students enrolled in the graduate mental health counseling program complete internships and practicum at their center.

“We currently employ six SUNY Oswego graduates and have plans to hire a seventh when he graduates in May,” Randall said. “We share a common understanding of our profession and have a vested interest in the students who complete their internships with us. We hope for CreekSide to continue to be a place for students to come to and learn, and for the community to receive much needed psychological support.”

14%

of the regional alumni workforce Human Services (884) and Healthcare (689) — combined

Empowering Families and Advocates

In community-based roles, alumni are addressing systemic challenges and supporting individuals who might otherwise fall through the cracks.

Cassandra Knight ’18, (above left) an intensive case coordinator with AccessCNY, empowers families by coordinating services for youth under 21 with intellectual and developmental disabilities and mental health needs.

“My work strengthens Central New York by empowering individuals and families to recognize the power of their own voices,” she said. “By encouraging self-advocacy, I help people speak up, ask questions and build supportive networks that benefit everyone.”

One Interaction at a Time

Together, these alumni are not only delivering care — they are building a more responsive and inclusive health and human services network across Central New York.

“I believe the way to do that is one interaction at a time — to connect with each individual,” Lebowitz said. “I hope that by helping them feel seen, heard, understood, valued and appreciated, I am a positive influence on my patients’ medical conditions and on their personal lives.”

Top Regional Health and Human Services Employers of Lakers Upstate Medical University

This institution is a primary anchor for the region, employing at least 142 tracked alumni. It is ranked as a top five overall employer for Onondaga County and a top employer for Madison County.

Oswego County Opportunities, Inc. (OCO)

This organization is identified as a top five overall employer in Oswego County. It serves as a major hub for human services, employing alumni in roles such as case managers, health educators and program coordinators.

Oswego Health

A significant regional healthcare provider, it is listed as a top employer for alumni in Oswego County. Alumni at this site hold various medical and administrative positions, including mental health counseling and patient services.

Auburn Hospital (Auburn Community Hospital)

This facility is ranked as a top five employer for alumni in Cayuga County.

Liberty Resources

This human services agency employs a high volume of Laker alumni in roles such as mental health therapists and program specialists.

IN THEIR OWN WORDS…

On staying in CNY

“I felt a strong pull to give back to the community that raised me. CNY shaped who I am, supported my growth and gave me opportunities that I’m grateful for. Staying here allows me to pour that same support back into the place — and the people — that mean the most to me.”

Human Development, Health Science minor Intensive Case Coordinator AccessCNY in Onondaga County ”

Cassandra Knight ’18

Serving the Public Good

Many Lakers develop such strong ties to the region that they commit to public service through roles essential to local government and civic life. They leave their lasting imprint by shaping public policy, protecting their communities, investing in critical infrastructure, preserving regional history and improving the region directly through their day-to-day work.

In many ways, Representative John W. Mannion M’98 (above) is the pinnacle of regional service. Transitioning from a 30-year career in the classroom to a seat in the U.S. House of Representatives, Mannion emphasizes that his Oswego foundation gave him "the tools to lead — in a classroom and in public life."

Additionally, his Oswego experience helps connect him to the many constituents in the region and others beyond who are also Laker alumni, including his communications director and senior advisor David D. Doyle ’00.

“SUNY Oswego graduates are everywhere in Central New York — leading schools, running businesses, serving in government, strengthening nonprofits and contributing to every major institution in the region,” Mannion said. “I meet fellow alumni regularly both in the district and in Washington. I’ve also hired SUNY Oswego graduates because they bring a strong work ethic, share my commitment to public service and understand what it means to serve with integrity.”

886 alumni working in Community and Social Services and serve as the civic heart of the region

That regional impact is especially visible in the City of Oswego itself.

For City of Oswego Mayor Robert A. Corradino ’77, (left) whose family has lived in the area for more than a century, the ties to his alma mater are both personal and deeply rooted in the community, with significant overlap among city residents, alumni, students and university employees.

“SUNY Oswego continues to be a cornerstone of our region’s success, and I’m grateful for the ongoing partnership between President Nwosu and the City of Oswego,” he said. “Together, we’re building a stronger future for Oswego and the entire Central New York area.”

In the neighboring Town of Oswego, Greg Herrmann ’91 M’01, (left and below) assistant chief of the town’s volunteer fire department, puts his knowledge of his alma mater and its physical layout to use in protecting the SUNY Oswego campus and residence halls.

A native of Long Island, he expected to return there after completing his degree in technology education, but he and his wife, Donna Williams Herrmann ’91 M’01, have now lived here for 30 years, raising their family and planting firm roots in the region.

“One of the rewarding parts of the volunteer fire service is helping people in your community,” said Herrmann, who was involved in Student Association Volunteer Ambu lance Corps (SAVAC) as a student. “We do it everyday and see the rewards frequently. There are those times when you save someone from a house fire, perform CPR on a patient and successfully bring them back to life. Those are huge wins.”

While he works alongside many Oswego alumni at the fire department, he tries to connect with current students to encourage them to volunteer as well.

“We have had many students become active firefight ers/EMS providers with us and then continue to serve back in their home communities after graduation — getting an education in community service in addition to their degree at SUNY Oswego,” Herrmann said.

In the southwestern portion of the CNY region, Lakers carry on the commitment to protect and serve.

Auburn City Police Chief Matthew Androsko ’06 (right) worked as an officer under retired Chief Shawn Butler ’16 and now serves as chief to Special Patrol Officer Christopher Major ’97. Androsko said he hopes the department will recruit more Lakers to serve the people of Auburn and continue the tradition of Oswego alumni as police chiefs.

“Being able to understand the people and their needs helps develop relations with the City of Auburn and the greater Auburn area,” Androsko said. “My staff and I are able to keep the people and their properties safe and will continue to do so. Through my education at SUNY Oswego, I was able to learn and develop a good, strong base and then was able to build a long fulfilling career that I thoroughly enjoy.”

Lakers’ commitment to serving others extends beyond public safety into other critical areas of community life.

IN THEIR OWN WORDS…

On living in CNY

CNY is home for me. I wanted to go to school here, obtain a career here and start a family here. I have accomplished all of those personal goals throughout the years. I am proud to say I am from CNY.

Androsko ’06

Lizeth Ortega-Bates ’21, (left) an immigration program manager and a Department of Justice accredited representative at Volunteer Lawyers Project of CNY, supports the community through direct legal advocacy and a commitment to accessibility, representing immigrants before U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services and helping them navigate complex processes. Her work focuses especially on clients with disabilities, assisting with citizenship applications, medical exemptions, guardianships and connections to additional legal resources.

"As an immigrant myself, every time I see a client walk up to receive their naturalization certificate feels like a full circle moment for me," she said. "Although I am helping one individual, the effect really resonates with more than just that person. It goes down to all the people behind them, their support system."

The work of Syracuse native David Haas ’09 (right) also extends beyond one individual, as he focuses on supporting families during times of medical need.

As executive director of Sarah’s Guest House, he helps provide lodging for more than 1,200 patients and families who need access to treatment in the region each year.

“When families can focus on healing instead of worrying about costs and logistics, it strengthens not just individual outcomes, but our entire healthcare system and community,” Haas said.

He also created and manages @syracusehistory, a social media account, through which he shares stories about Syracuse history to evoke pride and sometimes to spark action.

“By connecting residents to the city’s past we’re helping preserve and improve Syracuse for the future,” said Haas, a 2025 Alumni Community Service Award winner.

Ultimately, whether in government offices, emergency services or nonprofit leadership, Lakers share a common commitment to the region they call home.

“We believe in this community — its people, its potential and its future,” Mannion said.

Top Regional Public Service Employers of Lakers

New York State (Aggregated Agencies)

The state is a massive regional employer for Laker alumni, with graduates serving across numerous departments and agencies in Central New York. Alumni hold critical civic roles within the NYS Police, and the state departments of labor, transportation, corrections and courts.

Oswego County (Governmental Entities)

Beyond the local university, the county government is a primary employer for regional alumni, who work in law enforcement, tourism and weights and measures.

Onondaga County (Governmental Entities)

This is a primary civic employer in the Syracuse area, with 79 alumni specifically tracked in its municipal government operations, including the comptroller's office, environmental protection, parks and recreation, law enforcement and public libraries.

City of Syracuse

The city government is a noteworthy organizational employer for Onondaga County alumni. Lakers serve in critical municipal capacities from budgets and economic development to police and fire services.

The YMCA

The YMCA branches across CNY are a top 10 employer for the Class of 2023, with alumni working in youth development, sports management and family and community programming.

Matthew

Public Justice, Forensic Science minor Police Chief City of Auburn in Cayuga County

Enriching Lives 10%

Whether through a powerful performance, an inspiring lesson or a searing investigative report, media and the arts professionals expand minds, spark dialogue, build cultural bridges and enrich communities.

Members of the media and artists have often given voice to underrepresented stories, providing a window into other people’s perspectives and their lived experiences but also uniting diverse groups by drawing on universal themes.

With close to 25,000 alumni living across the five-county region, including over 2,300 graduates from the College of Communication, Media and the Arts, Oswego’s imprint in the cultural life of CNY is both deep and expansive. From newsrooms to theaters, dance studios to community arts centers, alumni are building careers and communities through their craft.

Telling the Region’s Stories

Laker journalists, including Spectrum News multimedia reporter Adriana Loh ’21 (see related story on page 47) and Palladium-Times reporter Ken Sturtz ’12, recognize the vital role that media plays in connecting people and sharing information that helps guide a democratic society.

“We hold government and those in power to account, as well as sharing deeply meaningful stories of people in the community,” said Sturtz, of the Oswego-based news outlet. “A big part of our job is informing readers about what is happening in Central New York, and there is a lot to explain right now from politics and government, to the impact of Micron.”

Loh and Sturtz emphasized the growing importance of local news at a time when national and global coverage can fuel polarization through algorithm-driven echo chambers.

“Local news is an underestimated source,” said Christina Galvin Argus ’18 M’19, former managing producer at NewsChannel 9 in Syracuse. “It connects people, brings people together and covers voices and events that may otherwise have been overlooked by larger markets.”

All three credit their hands-on experiences at Oswego, including working for student media outlets, with laying the foundation for their career success.

“I gained a tremendous amount of practical experience while I was still a student through internships and the student newspaper, The Oswegonian,” Sturtz said. “That gave me a leg up when I entered the workforce.”

Behind the Scenes of CNY’s Performing Arts

Throughout the region, Lakers are playing supporting roles at such professional performance venues as the REV Theatre in Auburn and Syracuse Stage. The latter benefits from the technical expertise of recent graduate Garrett Frink ’23, a sound engineer and board operator, who works alongside Kat Larrabee ’24, electrician and board operator, and Bianca Stevenson ’24, assistant audience services manager.

of the regional alumni footprint — College of Communication, Media and the Arts (CMA) has 2,305 graduates in the 5-county region

Frink’s work ranges from “hanging speaker systems designed for each show” to “preparing wireless mics and receivers” and managing the sound board. He credits his Oswego education, particularly audio production and recording courses, and an internship at the Oswego Music Hall with helping prepare him for career success.

He sees firsthand how live performance brings people together.

“You can see a wide variety of community members in the same audience walking away with different aspects of the shows,” he said.

Skaneateles Music Festival Board of Directors member Michaele “Miki” Long Bangs ’70 said witnessing the impact of her work on the community has fueled her volunteerism for decades. She helps coordinate housing and meals for visiting musicians and assists in selecting the Robinson Scholarship recipients, including Christopher Spinelli ’20 who went on to study piano at Oswego.

The festival’s reach is significant — 14 concerts each season plus outreach events across three counties — and alumni like Bangs help ensure its future by expanding audiences and championing diverse programming. She draws on her Laker network, including Linda and Dan Scaia ’68 and Sarah and Kevin Goode ’75, to help host and house musicians from around the world.

“We are trying to program music for a diverse array of composers, genres, cultures and artists,” Bangs said. “Having musicians in our home from around the world has been the greatest gift. We just love the Skaneateles community and living near our college friends and family.”

Keeping Cultural Traditions Alive

For Molly Francis-Lutwin ’09, owner of the Francis Academy of Irish Dance in Syracuse, the arts are a vehicle for heritage, mentorship and community cohesion.

“I take pride and joy teaching the tradition of Irish dance, but also being a mentor and coach to so many children in our community,” said the Tipperary Hill resident.

Her school performs across the region, helping “keep the tradition and art of Irish dance alive in the community.”

“I love that I can add and contribute to the region that raised me,” she said. “I also love carrying on the tradition and culture of IrishAmerica which contributed so much to my own upbringing.”

Francis-Lutwin, who earned a BFA in art and a minor in sculpture, acknowledges her Oswego experience with shaping her creative leadership.

“SUNY Oswego made me further understand the benefits of criticism … looking at things from different perspectives and incorporating new ideas,” she said.

Promoting Self-Expression throughout Life

At 83, Faye Elaine Best ’89 (above) continues to teach at the Wm. Michael Center for Arts in Fulton — a space she and her husband built in 1990. Her work has touched generations, especially students with special needs.

“Music gives these young people with special needs a voice,” Best said. “Some of them don’t have a voice, but if they can sit down at a piano and play something … it gives them a voice.”

Her center has become a hub for creativity, confidence and belonging, and her own journey reflects the transformative power of education at any stage of life.

Best enrolled at Oswego at age 42 alongside two of her children, Brian Pringle ’01 and Walter Best ’01, an experience she describes as life-changing.

“I couldn’t have done it without Oswego,” she said. She plans to continue teaching as long as she can, hoping her students carry their love of music forward.

“I reached a lot of people,” she said. “We remind people what is important in life.”

Top Regional Media and Arts Employers of Lakers NewsChannel 9 WSYR (Nexstar Broadcasting)

As a primary hub for Laker talent, this organization employs alumni as managing producers, broadcast meteorologists, news producers, photojournalists and account executives.

Advance Media New York / The Post-Standard

This media group utilizes Oswego graduates in various capacities, including reporters, editors, sales directors and visibility associates.

WCNY Public Media

Alumni at this public broadcasting outlet hold positions such as multimedia graphic designer, senior promotions producer and digital marketing coordinator.

Spectrum News

Graduates from across multiple decades serve this network as multimedia journalists, political writers and meteorologists.

ABC Creative Group

This Syracuse-based agency is identified as a top regional employer for the Class of 2023 and employs Lakers in creative roles such as graphic designer, front-end developer and videographer.

Land of Lakers — Specialty Spotlights

With more than 140 undergraduate majors and minors and more than 40 graduate level programs, SUNY Oswego offers Central New York residents a wide range of academic disciplines to pursue. The university is also developing new programs to meet the needs of regional employers and expected areas of growth.

Beyond the fields previously mentioned, SUNY Oswego has carved out a few other unique pockets of academic excellence. What follows is a sampling of some historic and emerging academic areas where SUNY Oswego alumni are making significant contributions.

Atmospheric and Geological Sciences — Meteorology

While Al Roker ’76 might be America’s favorite weatherman, Laker meteorologists are also well represented across many news stations and weather agencies in the region, including CNY Central, Spectrum News, FLX Weather and NewsChannel 9.

They are visible, trusted sources of weather information who guide Central New Yorkers through dramatic swings in temperatures, lake-effect snow, summer thunderstorms and everything in between.

SUNY Oswego boasts the only meteorology program situated directly on a Great Lake, transforming Lake Ontario into a real-time laboratory.

“Learning how to forecast the weather here was not just about reading from a textbook … but also physically having a front row seat to what we were learning how to forecast: waterspouts, lake-effect snow bands and of course, those amazing Oswego sunsets,” said Carson Metcalf ’16, (above) meteorologist at NewsChannel 9.

The Shineman Center’s meteorology labs offer hands-on experience with tools like a weather balloon system, wind tunnel, microsensor instrumentation and a mesoscale modeling system

that provides local forecast data. Students also engage in research through the Lake-Effect Storm Prediction and Research Center, gaining experience that translates directly into professional forecasting.

Central New York’s famously unpredictable weather and its four seasons help prepare students to enter the field with confidence. They graduate ready to help communities anticipate and respond to changing conditions.

“I feel my work helps CNY communities prepare for all types of weather,” said John DiPasquale ’99, (right) also a meteorologist at NewsChannel 9. “I am always trying to be as detailed as possible with the forecast so everyone knows who has the best chance of seeing the most snow, heaviest rain, strongest winds and severe thunderstorms.”

Cinema and Screen Studies

In 2005, the university launched its cinema and screen studies major and has produced alumni who are raising the profile of Laker filmmakers in Upstate New York and beyond. The creative landscape of Central New York is being vibrantly reshaped by the talent and technical prowess of SUNY Oswego’s cinema and screen studies alumni. From prestigious national accolades to large-scale public art installations, these graduates are driving the growth of the regional film economy.

Through the Urban Video Project and partnerships with the Everson Museum in Syracuse, graduates like Derrick Benton ’18, Victoria Diana ’15 (below) and Andrew Nimetz ’20 have brought high-caliber storytelling to the public square, supported by $40,000 CNY Short Film Competition grants. After directing the 11th annual SUNYWide Film Festival as a student in 2022, Noah Ramer ’22 brought his experience to serve as director of communications for the Adirondack Film/Lake Placid Film Festival.

In early April, Diana returned to campus to assist with the first Hewitt Film Festival and nurture future Laker filmmakers, such as Quinn Galuski ’27, whose screenplay "Sweetest Ambrosia" earned a 2026 Award of Excellence from the national Broadcasting Education Association.

Human-Computer Interaction

As New York’s first program of its kind, the Human-Computer Interaction master’s program, directed by Professor Damian Schofield (above), has spent more than two decades bridging the gap between human intuition and machine efficiency.

Alumni like Christopher Shannon ‘18 M’20, a user experience (UX) researcher at Excellus Blue Cross Blue Shield in Syracuse, and Anna Shannon M’20, a UX designer at TEK Systems, help people seamlessly interact and navigate with their company’s products and services through information organization and intuitive design.

With a fall 2025 enrollment of four dozen students, the HCI program graduates a steady stream of skilled professionals who are eager to assist companies in designing and employing technology, including artificial intelligence, to maximize customer satisfaction and business efficiencies.

Physics

SUNY Oswego’s physics program has become a vital pipeline for technical talent and economic growth in Central New York. Through the visionary support of Paul Vianco ’80, who committed over $500,000 to support scholarships for CNY high school students to study physics at SUNY Oswego and to fund handson summer research experiences for them, more students are being drawn into high-impact learning experiences that connect theory and practical applications in physics-related professions.

The impact of these "future graduates" is already felt locally. Carter Stone ’28, a Watertown native, leveraged a Vianco scholarship to develop AI-driven tools for an astronomy course, expanding the region's expertise in burgeoning technologies. Other students, such as Hudson Miller ’25, have transitioned directly into the CNY workforce as test engineers at Lockheed Martin, applying experimental skills learned in the Shineman Center to national defense and aerospace sectors. Meanwhile, former NASA scientist Kenny Roffo ’17 returned to his hometown of Fulton, N.Y., to be closer to family and now serves as director of engineering at Fermenta Discovery Inc.

Through Vianco’s philanthropy that targets CNY high school students, the physics program ensures a steady influx of skilled professionals into the local workforce and secures the region’s place in the global scientific community.

Zoology

SUNY Oswego’s zoology program has long been a launchpad for students who want to protect and work closely with the animal world. With a curriculum rooted in scientific inquiry and hands-on experience, the program prepares graduates for careers ranging from conservation and ecology to veterinary science and zoo management.

Central New York’s own Rosamond Gifford Zoo is a testament to that impact, as more than a dozen Oswego alumni work across its animal care teams.

Alinda Dygert ’18, (second from right below) an animal care specialist in the zoo’s elephant department, grew up in Mexico and remembers visiting the zoo as a child.

“Now, I get to work here,” Dygert said. “I helped with the birth of our miracle elephant twins, Yaad and Tukada. This was a oncein-a-lifetime opportunity that I was able to be a part of, and I’ll never take that for granted. Having them here has been amazing, and has drawn in people from all over the world to see them.”

Lakers have a strong showing at the Rosamond Gifford Zoo at Burnet Park in Syracuse. Pictured here from left are: Allison Angona ’11, membership manager; Heidi Strong ’04, director of development; Kalli Miller ’19, zoo keeper; Nate Golden ’23, zoo keeper; Amelia Alexander ’23, zoo keeper; Caroline Kenneally ’25, seasonal zoo keeper; Alinda Dygert ’18, zoo keeper; and Heather Jennings ’14, zoo keeper. Missing from the photo are Aidan Savage ’24, seasonal zoo keeper; Emily Barbay ’18, zoo keeper; Autumn Fluty ’23, seasonal zoo keeper; Rachel Brase ’24, zoo keeper; JoAnn Parks '20, seasonal zoo keeper; Nicole Zafarana '24, zoo keeper; Kelsey Ibach '23, seasonal zoo keeper; and Vanessa Choquette '24, seasonal zoo keeper.

Laker-Led Ventures

The impact of SUNY Oswego graduates extends into every corner of the Central New York economy, spanning the vibrant communities of Cayuga, Cortland, Madison, Onondaga and Oswego counties. While this feature has highlighted specific sectors, the Laker impact is truly felt across an exhaustive range of industries and professions throughout the region.

From visionary CEOs and pioneering researchers to dedicated entry-level assistants and local entrepreneurs, our alumni are the engines of regional progress. The following list showcases a sampling of the more than 300 Laker-owned and led businesses, illustrating how our graduates contribute their specialized skills and tireless work ethic to advance the prosperity of Central New York.

Cayuga County

Hipkens Law Office

Auburn

Chelsey Hipkens ’13 History

Simple Roast Coffee Company

Auburn

Matt Peirson ’09 Business Administration

Onondaga County

Advantage Chiropractic & Wellness Cicero

Dr. Chantel L. Martin Moran '99 Biology

Alliance Archaeological Services

Manlius

Nikki Waters ’94 History

Barklyn Grace

Clay

Kelsey Harvey ’13 Business Administration

Branches of Growth

Syracuse

Katherine Sargent Hyatt ’07 M’10 CAS’10

Psychology/Mental Health Counseling/ Counseling Services

CNY Pet Training & Behavior

Baldwinsville

Danielle Basciano ’98 Psychology

DIY CareerGuy LLC

Syracuse

Adam Marinelli '04 M'08 '10

Public Relations/Counseling/Wellness Management

KB Boutiques

Marcellus and Skaneateles

Cara Hill Kaczor ’14 Accounting

Law Office of Daniel J. Petrone

Syracuse

Daniel J. Petrone ’02 History, Economics minor

Midlakes Navigation

Skaneateles

Peter Wiles ’78 Business Administration

Off the Muck Market

North Syracuse

Carl Chappell ’09 Finance, Economics minor

Peaceful Schools

Syracuse

Dr. Lura L. Lunkenheimer ’92 M’95 Sociology and Psychology/School Psychology

Royal Promise Productions

Syracuse

Jessica Denson Corbett ’13 Psychology

Scheu Consulting Services

Fayetteville

Peter Scheu ’78 Theatre

Shining Stars Daycare

East Syracuse, Liverpool and Manlius

Stella Barbuto Penizotto ’93 Childhood Education

Sollecito Landscaping Nursery

Syracuse

Megan Cree Sollecito ’77

English

OSWEGO COUNTY ONONDAGA COUNTY

CAYUGA COUNTY

Syracuse Realty Group

Syracuse

Michael Arcuri ’95 Accounting

Tuxedo Junction Fine Art Camillus

Donna Santy Wymore ’77 Theatre

Oswego County

Chasin’ Tail Adventures Oswego

CORTLAND COUNTY MADISON COUNTY

Captain Andy Bliss ’04 Technology Management, Business minor

Chirello Advertising

Fulton

Steve Chirello ’77 English

Dain-Cullinan Funeral Home Oswego

Michael Cullinan ’79 Business Administration

Designs of Elegance Pulaski

Robin Warren Philips ’92 History

Dogs Among Us Oswego

Andrea Giordano ’85 Psychology

Feeder Creek Lodge

Pulaski

Susan Dunn ’93 Biology

Licatese Chiropractic Oswego

Dr. Anthony Licatese '01 Biology

The Mix

Oswego

Katherine Pullen Greene '92

Business Administration

New York Adaptive Golf

Oswego

Greg Callen ’99

Public Justice

Ontario Orchards

Oswego

June Ouellette ’79 Adolescence Education

Oswego Hospitality Group/Little Lukes

Preschool & Childcare Centers/Rehab

Resources NY/Fajita Grill/Planet Fitness

Franchise/WIRED Telecom

Ed Alberts M’92 M’97

Management/Business Administration

Pickled Punks Plush

Fulton

Isaac Bidwell ’08 Art/Marketing

The Press Box

Oswego

Steven Canale ’76

Business Administration

Skully’s Turf and Tar

Fulton

Christian Scoville ’17

Sociology

Stone Creek Golf Course

Oswego

Scott Baker M’08 CAS’13 Education/Educational Leadership

Valley Locksmith

Fulton

Richard Rebeor ’76

Public Justice

Class Notes

From The Archives

SUNY Oswego at Syracuse

The SUNY Oswego Metro Center in downtown Syracuse officially opened in 2008 as an extension site, providing graduate and undergraduate programs for the Central New York area. Located in the Atrium at 2 Clinton Square, it was later designated as a branch campus in May 2015 after significant growth. At that time, students — especially busy working adults studying part time — could earn Oswego degrees and certificates without leaving Syracuse.

Today, SUNY Oswego at Syracuse offers three bachelor’s degree completion and five master’s degree programs. In April 2026, President Nwosu announced the expansion of SUNY Oswego at Syracuse to include an additional 10,000 square feet of space to support new instructional and laboratory facilities, along with faculty and staff offices. The campus will also feature dedicated student spaces, including a lounge, study areas, a bookstore and dining options. In addition, the site houses the Office of Workforce Innovation and External Relations, further strengthening our engagement with industry and community partners. The facility also hosts events and offers training programs.

SUNY Oswego at Syracuse, located directly across from Micron's headquarters in downtown, plays a key role in achieving Vision 4040, which articulates the goal of increasing the awareness, utilization and impact of that campus. With some real estate analyses projecting Onondaga County to grow by as much as 25 percent over the next 20 years, the Syracuse campus is well-positioned to meet the region’s growing demand for education and a highly skilled workforce.

Do you have a favorite photo from your college days that you’d like featured in an alumni communication? Send the photo and a description, along with your name and class year, to alumni@oswego.edu; or King Alumni Hall, Oswego, N.Y. 13126.

SUBMITTING A CLASS NOTE

To submit your class note, email alumni@oswego.edu, call 315-3123003 or complete the class note form online at alumni.oswego.edu.

You can also mail submissions to the OSWEGO Alumni Magazine, King Alumni Hall, Oswego, N.Y. 13126.

Editor’s Note:

This section contains highlights of some submissions received between July 1, 2025-Dec. 30, 2025. To see all of the Class Notes, visit the online magazine at alumni.oswego.edu/ magonline.

1960s

John Wynne ’66 of Melbourne, Fla., retired from a dedicated 32-year career teaching math and coaching on Long Island. John and his wife, Judy, moved to Melbourne, Fla., where they will celebrate their 54th anniversary in June. They have two grown daughters, Patricia and Kathleen, and have returned to Oswego for events and reunions over the years, enjoying the changes on campus and reflecting on many fond memories from John’s student days. At Oswego, he was a member of the baseball team, the basketball team and Delta Kappa Kappa.

Thomas Fencil ’67 and Kathleen Healy Fencil ’67 of Nashua, N.H., recently recognized their 57th anniversary. Tom is a long-time hospice volunteer and fourthgrade mentor. Kathy continues to grow even smarter than him through all manner of reading and studying.

Martin Salamack ’68 of Middletown, N.Y., retired as chief psychologist at the Federal Correctional Institution in Otisville, N.Y., and currently maintains a limited private practice in Middletown, N.Y. During his time at Oswego, he became a member of Beta Tau Epsilon.

Gregory Switzer ’69 of Sodus Point, N.Y., retired after 31 years teaching high school at Wayne Central School District in Ontario Center, N.Y. During that time he also was an outboard mechanic, was a captain of charter boats and owned storage and rental properties. He is married and has two daughters and seven grandchildren. At Oswego, he became a member of Delta Kappa Kappa.

1970s

Harold Adler ’70 of Delmar, N.Y., is a New York State Attorney Emeritus, following 17 years representing the poor, homeless tenants facing eviction and children with special needs. He handled many class actions as a senior trial attorney in NYC Legal Services. He then served as a New York State Judge, mostly assigned to Supreme Court, Criminal Division, for 27 years. At Oswego, he became a member of Beta Tau Epsilon Fraternity and the Oswegonian.

Darla Niles Conrad ’71 of Land O’ Lakes, Fla., retired from being a librarian. At Oswego, she became a member of Theta Chi Rho.

Francine Zolkower Wolf ’71 of Largo, Fla., is the owner and producer of ZaZu Productions LLC. Despite being displaced from her home following damage from Hurricane Milton, she recently celebrated a career highlight: her autobiographical solo show, Francine Wolf: Please Don’t Tell My Kids, was nominated by BroadwayWorld.com as one of the region’s Best New Plays of 2024. At Oswego, she was a member of Pi Delta Chi.

Karen Foresti Hempson ’73 of Skaneateles, N.Y., became an author after a teaching career at SUNY Cortland. She has written two books, Bean Pickers: American Immigrant Portraits and Shellback. Karen’s essays and stories have also appeared

in four anthologies. She has lectured to numerous historical societies, libraries and organizations on her writings. Her four grandchildren encouraged her to donate time at a local library to teach creative writing to pre-teens. She also serves as a docent to the Seward House Museum. Every year, she and her husband vacation with dear classmates, most of whom are from the Class of 1973.

Henry Sautter ’73 of Tucson, Ariz., is an artist and photographer for Sautter Photography.

Christina Alger Jokajtys M’75 of Boonville, N.Y., is a fourth-grade teacher at Adirondack Central School District in Boonville, N.Y.

Daniel McCartney ’75 of East Fishkill, N.Y., retired from IBM after 45 years in the human resources organization. His career included both management and staff assignments in compensation, recruiting, industrial relations, diversity and inclusion, acquisitions and mergers, and technical leadership development, to name a few. After retiring, he and his wife of 40 years, Johnine, hiked across northern Spain. Dan enjoys hiking, camping, volunteering with a local Boy Scouts troop and spending time with his four children and four grandchildren. He also enjoys traveling to Boston a few times each year to attend Boston College (where two daughters attended) football, basketball and hockey games with

Al Roker ’76 Celebrates 30 Years with ‘Today’ Show

On Jan. 27, NBC celebrated the 30th "Aliversary" in honor of Al Roker ’76, who marked 30 years on the Today show. As part of the celebration, some alumni from a broadcasting class he taught surprised him live on the show. Joining him from left are Kaley Richmond ’24, morning news producer at NewsChannel 9 in Syracuse; Scott Brubaker ’24, a reporter and multimedia journalist at WENY-TV in Elmira; and Jolie Santiago ’24, a producer/reporter at WNYT NewsChannel 13 in Albany.

a group of friends that includes Frederick Klemm ’76 and Mark McCartney ’78. He also stays in touch with his high school friends from Newburgh, including Jerome Jackson ’81.

Alan Spindler ’75 of Rome, N.Y., is an exclusive agent with Allstate Insurance. At Oswego, he was involved with WOCR as a DJ, the Wind Ensemble, Solid State and Sigma Gamma fraternity. He enjoyed music, cheering on the men’s ice hockey team and spending time with his fraternity brothers and friends. Now, Alan serves as a board volunteer in his hometown and continues to support Laker men’s ice hockey as a board member of the Herb Hammond Fund and the Oswego State Blueline Club.

Janet Kucharavy Caruso ’76 of Southampton, Mass., is a school psychologist for Agawam School District in Feeding Hills, Mass. At Oswego, she enjoyed attending concerts with friends and watching the sunsets. Now, she enjoys art, visiting her grandchildren and being a groupie with her husband’s band.

Lynn Murphy ’76 of Topsfield, Mass., is a trial attorney.

Patrick Nulty ’76 of Snow Camp, N.C., is retired. He enjoys visiting his family, walking, reading and working out. At Oswego, he became a member of Delta Kappa Kappa fraternity and varsity football. His favorite Oswego memories are beer blasts after football games, working at Buck’s and dining hall food.

James Rogers ’76 of Georgetown, Texas, is retired. He and his wife celebrated their 50th wedding anniversary with a party in Penn Yan, N.Y., and trips to Nova Scotia, Newfoundland, Greenland, Iceland, Philippines, Singapore, Taiwan, Nepal and Bhutan. James enjoys playing golf with his brother, Peter Rogers ’84, at Pebble Beach, Spyglass Hill, Spanish Bay and other Monterey courses after the AT&T ProAm. He looks forward to celebrating his 50th Oswego Reunion in June.

Floyd Wally Roper ’76 of Endwell, N.Y., retired from New York State Department of Labor. At Oswego, he was a member of WRVO and enjoyed athletics, film and social life. His favorite Oswego memory is the Waterbury Hall community. Now, Wally enjoys serving as president of his local senior center, cemetery association and former volunteer firefighter.

Lessons from a Life in the Wild

Somewhere in the vast blue of the Indian Ocean, scuba diver Rick Head ’75 shared a quiet but electric moment with some of the sea’s most misunderstood residents — ragged-tooth and black-tip sharks.

“They might be the scariest looking,” he said, “but they were friendly and inquisitive.”

Moments like this are just one example of the remarkable encounters Head experienced during a 30-year career with the New York State Department of Environmental Conservation (DEC) and a lifetime spent outdoors. Over the years he confiscated illegally possessed animals, including Bengal tigers, faced spitting cobras and, at one point, found himself being charged by a herd of Cape buffalo.

Those experiences gave him not only incredible stories, but a philosophy for life: one more step.

“It means no matter what,” Head said, “no matter how many times you get knocked down, you get back up.”

Head first considered the DEC after a chance meeting with an officer. The officer described a trip to Alaska as part of a New York State bald eagle restoration project and that story inspired Head to pursue a career in environmental protection.

He decided to take the Civil Service exam and apply. Despite scoring a 97, he wasn’t initially selected for an interview.

Head moved on, taking a job with his father at an insurance administration agency. Then, unexpectedly, the DEC called with an opportunity to enter its training program. At 36 years old, the bootcamp-style training was demanding.

“It was not easy to keep up with 20-year-olds,” he said. “But my determination was indomitable.”

Part of the training emphasized positive self-talk, a mindset Head embraced.

“Positive self-talk is critical to happiness,” he said. “Negative thoughts are always there; you need to capture

them. If you practice positive affirmations, you can program your brain. You can really do anything.”

One of his most meaningful moments came on his very first day on the job. Assigned to Queens, N.Y., Head rescued an owl floating in the East River and brought it to a wildlife rehabilitation specialist. In that moment, he knew he had found the right path. Over three decades, Head tracked deer poachers, illegal clammers and others harming the environment. His dedication earned him DEC Officer of the Year in 2019.

“I had a 30-year career and never worked a day,” he said. “No one ever felt luckier to have the job than I did.”

Head’s story began as a psychology major at SUNY Oswego, where he built the work ethic that shaped his career and friendships that have lasted throughout his life.

“I have four close friends from Oswego,” he said. “They are relationships so strong that distance can’t hurt it.”

Mark Collier ’74, Head’s roommate in Seneca Hall, agreed.

“[Head] is the kind of friend everyone wants to have,” Collier said. “I still regard him as one of my very best friends after 52 years.”

Now retired in Lafayette, N.Y., Head spends his days hiking, riding his Harley and practicing ninjutsu.

His advice is simple: “Make memories. Walk in nature. Sometimes it’s the little things that are unforgettable. As a Maasai warrior once said: Hakuna Matata.”

EVENTS

May 15

May 16

June 4-7

Commencement Eve Torchlight Ceremony

Commencement

Reunion Weekend 2026

June 6 Oswego Alumni Association Board of Directors Meeting

Oct. 1-2

Founder’s Celebration

Oct. 2 Oswego Alumni Association Board of Directors Meeting

Oct. 2 Oswego University Foundation Board of Directors Meeting

*University Advancement also arranges virtual and in-person “Pizza with Professionals,” “Test Drive Your Career” and other events that connect students with alumni throughout the semester. For more information and to get involved, contact careerservices@oswego.edu.

alumni.oswego.edu

Peter Steurer ’76 of Asheville, N.C., retired in 2010 after 33 years as a National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration meteorologist, first forecasting weather and then 30 years working on climate and climate change matters. In the years since, he has been building new homes every Thursday for Asheville Habitat for Humanity, maintaining several trails in the Pisgah National Forest, growing plants and reconnecting online with long ago friends. Pete is planning to attend the 50-year class reunion in 2026 and is hoping to see those long-ago friends again.

Sharon DeSantis Mikesell ’78 of Sioux Falls, S.D., is mostly retired and RVing full time with her husband. She is a contract business consultant at UC Merced Small Business Development Center/Central CA SBDC Network. She urges alumni to check out their RV adventures on YouTube @ MobileMikesells. At Oswego, she was a member of Alpha Epsilon Rho, the broadcasting honor society.

James Costello ’79 of Camillus, N.Y., retired after 35 years of working at Hillbrook Secure Detention Center in Syracuse, N.Y. Jim would love to hear from friends.

Mark Lepkowski ’79 of East Lyme, Conn, is senior director, research and development quality assurance for Apellis Pharmaceuticals.

Cynthia Murabito Snyder ’79 of Oswego, retired as an account clerk from the Baldwinsville Public Library. She works parttime during tax season doing tax preparation. Cynthia enjoys traveling, including to Sicily, Denmark and Sweden, and catching up on artistic endeavors.

1980s

Amy Benevento ’80 of Raleigh N.C., is the president/owner of Blue Star Graphic Services. During the day, she creates computer artwork for business presentations for corporations. On most evenings, she teaches martial arts to students of Red Sun Academy of Martial Arts, a school she opened in 1980. She published her first novel, Jackel Island, in 2012, and recently finished her second novel, The Variant, which will be published in 2026.

Lee Hyde ’80 and Doris Drake Hyde ’78 of Durham, N.C., hit the ground running after Lee’s March 2025 retirement, racking up more than 7,000 miles between Tampa, North Carolina and Denver for the Barbershop Harmony Society International Convention. Their road trips even included traveling with crates for six animals. The couple have grandchildren in Illinois and hope to make the trip to see them soon. At Oswego, Doris was a member of choir, mixed chorus, Choralaires and Festival Chorus. Lee was an on-air host for WRVO.

Brian Simchik ’80 of Oneida, N.Y., is the chief financial officer of Oneida Molded Plastics.

Thomas Smurthwaite ’80 of Rochester, N.Y., shares prone mobility solutions for tractors, watercrafts and motor vehicles to those who suffered similar injuries that he did. Thomas was injured during his service as a volunteer firefighter.

Michael Oropallo ’81 of Auburn, N.Y., cochair of Barclay Damon’s Outdoor & Wildlife Team, represented the Dallas Safari Club at the 20th Conference of the Parties to the Convention on International Trade in Endangered Species of Wild Fauna and Flora (CITES). Michael was recently elected an assistant vice president of the Dallas

Safari Club, a not-for-profit organization dedicated to the conservation of wildlife through public engagement, education and advocacy for well-regulated hunting and sustainable use. He is representing the organization at the 20th Conference of the Parties in his role as assistant vice president.

Scott Warbritton ’82 of Sugar Grove, Ohio, retired from being an IT quality engineer for Nationwide Insurance Foundation.

Edward Awad ’83 of Liverpool, N.Y., is a patient optometric technician for Mondo Optical.

James Livi ’83 of Syracuse, N.Y., is the owner of Mega Bubble Man Productions. He obtained his teaching degree and taught in school assemblies across New York state through Mega Bubble Man Productions.

James McGarvey ’84 of Levittown, N.Y., is a radio frequency engineer for AMC Networks Broadcasting and Technology. At Oswego, he became a member of Delta Kappa Kappa.

Timothy A. Barkley ’85 of Charleston, S.C., is the publisher of Charleston Home + Design magazine, host of Talking About a Home and organizer of the Charleston Home + Design Show, Daniel Island Luxury Home Tour and Charleston Fall Home Show. Charleston Home + Design magazine recently celebrated its 26th year in business. Tim lives in Charleston with his wife and two daughters. At Oswego, he was a member of the Oswegonian

Dorothy O’Connor Damone ’86 of Hereford, Ariz., is enjoying retirement in Arizona and playing flute in her free time. At Oswego, she was a member of WRVO and the Newman Center. Her favorite memory from her time at Oswego is the dance marathon.

Tammy Sherman Duthu ’88 of Lake Alfred, Fla., retired from being a teacher at Litchfield Elementary School District in Litchfield Park, Ariz.

Dresden Engle Olcott ’88 of Rochester, N.Y., is the director of Dresden Public Relations. She is loving her career running a PR firm representing corporations, from space defense to pasta sauce, and arts organizations and musicians, including helping launch the Soundtrax Film Music Festival at Eastman School of Music. At Oswego, she was a founding sister of Alpha Epsilon Phi Sorority, and involved in the Oswegonian, Eye on Oswego, Newman Center and

the Blackfriars. She enjoyed watching the sunsets with her boyfriend and having fun with her sorority sisters. Now, Dresden enjoys being a professional comedian, spending time with her family and having fun with her two 19-year-old daughters.

Charles Swanson ’88 of Manlius, N.Y., is a director/principal customer success account manager for Microsoft Corporation. He was selected as Microsoft’s back-to-back Superbowl contest winner for being top in his role in the U.S. twice, attending the game and Superbowl week with around 100 of his co-workers. Over the last 18 years, Chuck has been managing some of Microsoft’s largest Fortune manufacturing customers. Before that, he owned his own IT business for 12 years as a Microsoft trainer/contractor. At Oswego, he was both Delta Kappa Kappa president and pledge master in Fall 1986 and says hi to DKK brothers.

1990s

Lisa Baker ’90 of Cazenovia, N.Y., executive coach, facilitator and founder of Simplified Coaching. She recently earned the Master Certified Coach credential from the International Coaching Federation.

Michael Costello ’90 of Londonderry, N.H., recently retired. He proudly serves on the board of Together Connected, a registered 501(c)(3) he started with his family. Together Connected enhances people’s lives by providing a means to communicate so no person is left alone.

Marc Heller ’90 of Washington, D.C., is a reporter for E&E News. He covers agriculture and the national forests and enjoys traveling on assignment several times a year. This photo was taken in the Willamette National Forest in Oregon, where Marc was working on a story about balancing environmental protection, wildfire mitigation and timber production on national forests. During his time at Oswego, he was a member of WOCR and the Oswegonian.

Four Degrees and a Lifetime of Connection

As the advanced technology classroom operations manager at SUNY Oswego, Robert Hageny ’86 ’99 M’06 ’16 is the person faculty turn to when the digital world doesn't cooperate. He fields urgent requests from instructors facing technical glitches or staff navigating the highstakes logistics of major campus events like Commencement and Torchlight.

“Of course, we try our best to avoid anyone having difficulties with the technology,” Hageny said. “But having strong relationships helps. I try to make people feel comfortable calling for help, so they know they’ll get the assistance they need.”

This passion for media and communication began early. As a teenager in Oswego, Hageny discovered radio through local station WSGO after meeting news director Bill Foley ’74. A single tour ignited a lifelong curiosity. Soon, the 15-yearold was volunteering and learning the craft firsthand.

“I didn’t even have a driver’s license yet, so my mom or dad would take me out there,” he said.

When it came time for college, SUNY Oswego was the natural choice. His academic path evolved alongside his professional interests, eventually leading him to earn four degrees — three bachelor’s degrees and an MBA — all built on coursework completed at Oswego. Balancing a career and the classroom required persistence; he often progressed just one course at a time while working full-time.

“That’s all I could do,” he said. “But after I completed everything, it just feels so good.”

His professional journey also remained closely tied to campus. In the early 1990s Hageny worked at the on-campus WRVO Public Media, producing programming including Energy Matters, an educational series focused on energy conservation. The work allowed him to travel and interview experts around the country.

“I learned a lot about conservation just by visiting these people,” he said.

He returned to SUNY Oswego in 2000, joining Campus Technology Services. Today, Hageny oversees audiovisual systems that support teaching and major campus events and ensures that everything runs smoothly.

While much of his work happens behind the scenes, Hageny’s influence is felt across campus. Beyond supporting faculty, he has mentored dozens of student employees, teaching them that technical expertise must be paired with empathy. For Hageny, the job has always been about people as much as technology.

“I like people and I like to see them be successful,” he said. “I’ve built so many relationships here to the point where I really consider most people friends now.”

This sense of community extends into his personal life. Many of his closest friends, including retired SUNY Oswego Police Chief and former DJ business partner Kevin Velzy ’83 M’14, are fellow Lakers. Hageny and his wife, Terri Salander Hageny ’90, are also deeply involved in the Oswego community through church and volunteer service.

“We’re blessed. We’ve been given so much,” Hageny said. “Why not give back?”

Hageny describes a career defined not by a single role but by continuous learning and service.

“I’ve never worked a day in my life,” he said. “That’s the truth.”

Laker Love Stories

Every year around Valentine’s Day, the Laker family shares stories of love that began on the shores of Lake Ontario. As this issue celebrates Central New York, we’re highlighting couples who met through their shared experiences at SUNY Oswego and continue their lives together in the CNY region.

Mary Gibson Allen ’81 and Gerard Allen ’79 of Baldwinsville fell in love in March 1980 and will celebrate 45 years of marriage this September.

Stacie Blackmer Rockhill ’93 and Stephen Rockhill ’94 M’99 of North Syracuse built lifelong friendships at SUNY Oswego, and found each other. They will celebrate nearly 33 years together and 30 years of marriage this September.

Love Stories OSWEGO

Michael Hoang Huynh ’98 M’03 and Christy Harrison Huynh ’98 M/CAS’08 of Mexico met during their first semester at SUNY Oswego in fall 1994 through Newman Club, and this summer, they will celebrate 25 years since marrying at the Newman Center.

Kara Tubbs Murray ’03 and Paul Murray ’03 of Oswego met through a mutual friend and shared many classes together in Snygg Hall.

Kayle Light-Curtin ’11 and David Curtin ’10 of Cazenovia met during the winter break between the fall 2008 and spring 2009 semesters on a SUNY Oswego Ski Club trip to Mont Tremblant; they married in 2015 and, 17 years after they started dating, they still enjoy hitting the slopes — now with two future Lakers in tow.

Monica Espada Maddaloni ’20 and Christopher Maddaloni ’20 of Oswego first met as summer RAs in 2019 — initially not hitting it off, but quickly growing close as their friend groups merged and they spent the summer together.

When COVID prompted them to leave campus, Christopher moved in with Monica’s family, where they celebrated graduation in her living room with champagne and a handmade banner. From there, they built a life together — getting an apartment, saving for and buying a home, and marrying on Aug. 2, 2025. They celebrated their first Valentine’s Day as Mr. and Mrs. on Feb. 14, 2026.

From Oswego to Olympic Gold

When the U.S. women’s ice hockey team clinched Olympic gold in Milan in dramatic overtime fashion, Katie Kranze Million ’91 wasn’t on the ice — but she was running toward it.

“We were all jumping up and down,” she recalled of watching from the management suite. “And then we were like sprinting as fast as we could through this maze to get down to the bench to see everybody and hug everybody. That’s something I’ll never forget.”

For Million — a Hannibal, N.Y., native and proud marketing graduate — the gold medal marked a moment many years in the making.

“It’s still a little bit surreal,” she said. “It’s an unbelievable group of women who competed and won the gold. I can’t stress enough how incredible these women are. They’re just the best of the best — not only on the ice, but off the ice.”

Million came to SUNY Oswego intending to study business and stay close to home. The College of Business and Entrepre-

neurship “checked all the boxes,” she said. She also credits the relationships she built, including through her sorority, Alpha Sigma Chi, as a lasting part of her Oswego experience.

As general manager for USA Hockey’s women’s national team, Million oversees everything from roster decisions to staffing and logistics — what she calls “the team behind the team.”

Her leadership philosophy is straightforward: “My philosophy is you bring in the best people for the positions and let them do their jobs. I’m not going to tell the doctor how to be a doctor. I hire the best people and trust them.”

Constructing an Olympic roster, however, comes with emotional weight.

“December 31st was the best day ever and the worst day all combined into one,” she said of making final calls. “Getting to tell someone they’re going to the Olympics — and then having to make seven difficult phone calls. It’s an emotional roller coaster.”

This Olympic cycle was different. Instead of centralizing for months, players balanced professional and collegiate seasons, and came together periodically for training camps.

“It ended up being the right amount of time,” she said. “They were so bonded from the very beginning — just all in on whatever it takes to win.”

Although Million never played hockey competitively, her passion for the sport deepened during 17 years as director of events for the Olympic Regional Development Authority in Lake Placid, N.Y.

There, she built relationships with members of the 1980 U.S. Olympic men’s hockey team — the group that stunned the Soviet Union in the legendary Miracle on Ice. Today, she serves as their general manager, coordinating appearances, managing communications and helping organize their annual hockey camp.

Even with her behind-the-scenes role, one Olympic moment stands above the rest.

“I’ll never forget just being arm-in-arm with the girls and our staff during the national anthem,” she said. “It was so emotional.”

And while she didn’t receive a medal herself, that suits her just fine.

“It’s really about the players and what they accomplished,” she said. “I’m a behind-the-scenes kind of person anyway. I’m okay with that.”

Million is particularly energized by the continued growth of women’s hockey, especially with the rise of a professional league and increased visibility following the Olympics.

“Every four years we see a boost,” she said. “But I think this time we’re going to see a huge bump. That’s what we’re all about — growing the game and making it accessible to everybody.”

As soon as the team left Milan, the next four-year cycle began. France 2030 is already on the horizon.

“My job starts now,” she said. “Hockey never stops.”

Oswego Matters |

As a legacy Laker, I’ve had green and gold in my veins for decades and have considered the shores of Lake Ontario another version of “home” for more than half of my life. From my days as an excited first-year student moving into Cayuga Hall to my current role as the Oswego Alumni Association’s executive director, I’ve seen this campus through many different lenses. But lately, we’re taking the concept of “home” to a whole new level as we lean into our identity as Central New York’s “hometown university.”

By now, you’ve heard about Vision 4040, President Nwosu’s ambitious roadmap to award 40,000 academic credentials per decade by 2040. This isn’t just a target on a spreadsheet; it’s SUNY Oswego’s commitment to the Central New York region. Our alumni are the backbone of Central New York’s workforce and culture. From mentors in our Alumni Sharing Knowledge (ASK) program sharing career advice with fellow Lakers, to Admissions volunteers who help us welcome and encourage the next generation of Lakers, to Loyal Lakers who contribute financially year

Jeffrey Langdon ’91 of Solvay, N.Y., is a senior account representative for UL Solutions. At Oswego, he became a member of Sigma Tau Chi and enjoyed watching the sunsets.

David Rovitelli ’91 of Webster, N.Y., is the director of technology and communications for East Rochester Union Free School District in East Rochester, N.Y.

Daniel Walker ’91 of Glen Ridge, N.J., is a lighting designer for Full Spectrum Productions. The most recent shows that he’s worked on include Oedipus, Operation Mincemeat, The Hills of California, Prima Facie with Jodie Comer, The Old Vic's A Christmas Carol, Radio City Christmas Spectacular, Enemy of the People with Ann Dowd, The Marvelous Mrs. Maisel episodes 307/308, Sea Wall/A Life with Jake Gyllenhaal, Three Tall Women with Glenda Jackson, Springsteen on Broadway, 1984, Cats Broadway Revival, Once tour and Paramour Cirque Du Soleil on Broadway. During his time at Oswego, he was a member of the

after year to support our alma mater … you are proving that Oswego doesn't just exist in CNY — it powers it. Your philanthropy and volunteerism aren't just a way of giving back; they are investments in the regional economy and the upward mobility of our students. Whether you are a teacher in Cortland, an engineer in Oswego or an entrepreneur in Syracuse, your success is the ultimate reflection of our mission.

If you’re currently residing outside of Central New York, don’t fret that you’re out of sight, out of mind! Keep an eye out for Local Lakers events “in your neck of the woods.” Whether it’s a regional happy hour, a family-friendly activity or a professional networking mixer, there’s a way to find your Oswego family nearby. In the past six months we’ve hosted gatherings in Naples, Fla.; Raleigh, N.C.; Boston, Mass.; and Washington, D.C. … will your city be next?

Of course, nothing beats a trip back “home” for the real thing, right? The good news is: Reunion Weekend 2026 (June 4 - 7) is right around the corner!

Shaun Cassidy Fan Club, Alpha Psi Omega and Blackfriars.

Kevin Jones ’92 of Snoqualmie, Wash., is a police officer for the Seattle Police Department. Kevin served in the United States Army.

Sheila Simpson Cordaro ’93 of Arlington, Va., became an “Iron Man” at the 2025 competition in Lake Placid, N.Y. She feels the motivation to endure this challenge, in part, as a result of the professors and the climate of the university. Throughout her business career and her Fit for Moms program, she often reflects back to lessons learned at her alma mater.

Catherine Coon Farina ’93 of Webster, N.Y., retired as a homicide investigator for the Rochester Police Department and is currently a Title IX investigator for Rochester Institute of Technology. At Oswego, she enjoyed walking to Bev’s for ice cream and became a member of Alpha Epsilon Phi. Now, Catherine enjoys camping and golfing.

(Oh, and bonus: summer in Oswego is snowsuit-free … usually.) It’s the perfect time to reminisce, celebrate milestone anniversaries and witness firsthand the our impact we’re continuing to make as a “hometown university” — locally and globally. See you there, Laker fam!

Executive Director

Claudia Fragnito ’93 of Mashpee, Mass., works in business development for American Express. She lives on Cape Cod with her partner, Matthew, their 12-year-old daughter, Isabella, and their 1-year-old golden retriever, Zoe. She enjoys spending time in nature and photography.

Dean Kakadelis ’93 of Parlin, N.J., is the scrum senior product owner at 7-Eleven Inc.

Michele Michelon Kane ’93 of Wilmington, Del., is director of housing operations at University of Delaware in Newark, where she has been employed for 27 years. Michele has two sons who both attend the University of Delaware. She loves seeing their college experience. At Oswego, she became a member of Omicron Xi.

Alfred Tienken ’94 M’95 M’97 of Syracuse, N.Y., is an audit supervisor for the New York State Office for People with Developmental Disabilities. At Oswego, he was a resident assistant in Onondaga Hall.

Laura Pavlus Kelly ’09

Oswego Alumni Association, Inc.

Scott VanVlack ’94 of Mount Savage, Md., retired after 30 years as a middle school technology education teacher in Western Maryland. He is now pursuing a new career in agriculture equipment sales.

Randi Farkas ’95 of Forest Hills, N.Y., is a senior prospective payment system coordinator for Rusk Rehabilitation at NYU Langone Health. At Oswego, she enjoyed watching the sunsets, trips to Bev's and Water Street, May Day, Spring Fest and cars buried in snow. Randi was a member of Auxiliary Services.

Penny Solomon Allan ’98 of Glenville, N.Y., is a registered nurse for the ACT Team at Mohawk Opportunities. At Oswego, she was a member of WNYO.

Giovanna Colosi ’98 M’04 of Cicero, N.Y., is a librarian at Syracuse University. She graduated with her Certificate of Advanced Study in Disability Studies from the School of Education at Syracuse University in May 2024. Giovanna was also elected to the Board of Trustees at the Central NY Library Resources Council. At Oswego, she was a member of Kappa Delta Pi honor society.

Michelle Racette Robinson ’98 of Rochester, N.Y., is director at Ipsos Public Affairs. She is responsible for managing KnowledgePanel Omnibus online research solution. She lives with her husband and two children. At Oswego, she became a member of Mu Beta Psi.

2000s

Lisa Rice Page ’00 of Maine, N.Y., is a data entry specialist for National Pipe & Plastics. At Oswego, she was a member of the concert band and college community orchestra.

Edward Przywara ’00 of Clay, N.Y., retired after 21 years of federal service as a budget analyst with the Department of Veterans Affairs in Syracuse, N.Y.

Jennifer Relyea Yager ’00 of Schenectady, N.Y., is the senior student services administrator and academic advisor for Rensselaer Polytechnic Institute. At Oswego, she was a member of Del Sarte, Vega honor society and Spanish Club.

Brian Culkin ’01 of Clayton, N.C., is a senior training supervisor for Conduent. He recently took a trip to Ireland with his local Rugby club along with Zachary Parchomenko ’09. Brian discovered a game and sport he loves and has been playing for

two years. At Oswego, he became a member of Mu Beta Psi and WTOP-10.

Robert Whitaker Jr. ’02 of Camillus, N.Y., is included in the "Best Lawyers in America" for 2026 and “Upstate New York Super Lawyers” for 2025. Robert is a partner in the labor and employment, construction and intellectual property practices at Hancock Estabrook LLP. He is the chair of the firm’s labor and employment department and leader of the military law practice and formerly served as chair of the firm’s hiring committee.

Dr. Leah Walker Deasy ’03 M’06 of Oak Ridge, Tenn., is the dean of social science, business and education at Roane State Community College.

Jaime Donahoe Lamberto ’03 M’05 of Utica, N.Y., is a senior career exploration specialist for Oneida-Herkimer-Madison BOCES.

Brian Schwartz ’03 M’08 of Waterbury, Vt., is a teacher at Lamoille North Supervisory Union and School Districts in Hyde Park, Vt.

Eric Potts ’05 of Glenville, N.Y., is a court officer for the NYS Office of Court Administration. He enjoys training and competing in multiple marathons a year.

Matthew Wentworth M’06 (above) of Milford, Pa., was named as one of 43 exemplary elementary and middle-level principals from across the nation to receive the award of 2025 National Distinguished Principal by the National Association of Elementary School Principals. He was also named New York State Elementary Principal of the Year by School Administrators Association of New York State. Matthew is the principal of Goshen Intermediate School in Goshen, N.Y. SUNY Oswego holds a special place in Matthew’s heart because his grandmother, June Wagoner Robbins ’51, graduated from Oswego’s School of Education, and following in her footsteps remains one of the proudest parts of his career.

To celebrate their 40th birthdays and 22 years of friendship, Jenn Beach Brillante ’07, Jenna Brockway Facciolo ’06 CAS’23, Nicole Mazziotti Ebert ’07, Christine Volk Quenzer ’07 and Jess Lyons Carroll ’07 (pictured above, from left) returned to Oswego for a weekend filled with laughter, memories and nostalgia. The five met freshman year in Oneida Hall, lived together in Onondaga their second year and have maintained what is now a lifelong friendship. Jenn Beach Brillante ’07 is the president of C&D Advertising and lives in Rome, N.Y., with her husband, Christopher Brillante ’08, and three children. Jenna Brockway Facciolo ’06 CAS’23 is dean of students for Bellamy Elementary School in Rome, N.Y., where she lives with her husband and five children. Nicole Mazziotti Ebert ’07 is an English as a new language teacher and lives in East Setauket, N.Y., with her husband and two children. Christine Volk Quenzer ’07 is a school social worker and lives in West Sayville, N.Y., with her husband and two children. Jess Lyons Carroll ’07 is an executive search consultant for Gravitas Search Partners and lives in Madison, Conn., with her husband and four children.

Robert Ryan ’07 of Auburn, N.Y., is the transition coordinator for Hillside Children's Center.

LeAnne St. Gelais Shaler ’07, David Kailer ’11, Hunter Sutherland ’18 and Krista Izzo-LaBrie ’09 (above, from left) brought the Laker spirit and memories to School Spirit Day at INFICON in Syracuse, N.Y.

ALUMNI BOOKSHELF

We celebrate and share the success of Oswego alumni authors, illustrators and recording artists, who may ask their publisher/ distributor to send a copy of the work to the Oswego University Advancement office to be considered for this column and our website, where cover photos of all works in this column will be displayed.

To see all book covers, please visit alumni.oswego.edu/ magonline.

Jennifer Cecilia Boulanger ’76

A Song for Olaf: A Memoir of Sibling Love at the Dawn of the HIV-AIDS Pandemic

Mnemosyne Books, 2025.

Set against the cultural upheaval of 1969 and beyond, A Song for Olaf is a poignant memoir of a vibrant, music-loving young man coming of age as a gay Italian-American, whose life and legacy — shaped by family, love and the harsh realities of homophobia and the AIDS crisis — are tenderly preserved through his sister’s eyes.

Dr. Mitchell “Mickey” Lebowitz ’81

The EQ Prescription: Put Yourself First to Thrive in Health Care

River Grove Books, 2025.

The book shows how to use emotional intelligence and the concept of the “Zone” to help healthcare professionals reduce burnout, improve performance and find greater fulfillment while delivering high-quality patient care.

Janet Timlin Fash ’84

Lifeguard: A Love Story

Simon & Schuster, 2026.

This memoir follows Janet Fash’s journey from an unlikely recruit to New York City’s first female lifeguard chief, capturing her decades at Rockaway Beach as she navigates danger, camaraderie and gender barriers in a job that becomes her life’s calling.

Glenn Miller ’91

Goon

Peasantry Press, 2025.

After being sent to a harsh Florida detention center, a sensitive foster teen, Goon, finds hope through bonds with rescued horses and a fellow outsider, ultimately confronting violence, a hurricane and his own guilt in a journey toward redemption and self-worth.

Jeffrey Solan ’95

Leveraging Today's Social Media: Its Role in School District Improvement and Success

Bloomsbury Publishing, 2025.

The book highlights how with thoughtful policies and a focus on digital citizenship, schools can harness social media to enhance learning, strengthen communication and build more connected, effective educational communities.

Joshua Louis ’13

The Microfiction Method: 100-Word Stories, Essential Lessons & Prompts to Get You Writing (And Publishing) When Nothing Else Can

J. Louis Creative, 2025.

The Microfiction Method shows aspiring writers how to build a consistent, sustainable writing practice — and grow their skills and audience — by starting small and crafting powerful stories just 100 words at a time.

OSWEGO ALUMNI

The Oswego Alumni Association offers this free online book club and facilitated discussion forum, in partnership with the Professional Book Club (PBC) Guru. Joining is completely free; participants just have to get a copy of the book to enjoy. The book club will read one book every two months so that members will have plenty of time for each book.

Why Join?

1. Embrace Lifelong Learning.

2. Reading Is Good for You.

3. Connect with the Laker Community. Plus, the free virtual Author Talks connects you to the author of the Oswego Alumni Book Club's latest reading selection!

Learn more at pbc.guru/oswego.

Michael Anderson ’09 of Frederick, Md., is the associate vice president of enrollment services at Frederick Community College. At Oswego, he was a member of the men's track and field team, men's cross country team, a Laker Leader and a member of the geology club.

Matthew Wilson ’09 M’11 of Binghamton, N.Y., is an art teacher for Chenango Valley (N.Y.) High School. He was selected as one of 50 Voya Unsung Heroes in the country and one of two in New York state. Voya Financial awards grants to U.S. educators each year to fund innovative teaching methods and creative educational projects that normal budgets may not cover. Wilson’s project, “Introduction to Encaustics,” teaches students an ancient art form using beeswax and pigment to create works of art with rich texture and vibrant colors. At Oswego, he was a member of the men’s cross country team.

2010s

Nicholas Liberati ’10 of Lexington, Mass., is the director of communications and content for Niche. At Oswego, he was a member of the men’s soccer team.

Matthew Slimowicz ’10 M’25 of Vestal, N.Y., works in production control for Lockheed Martin. During his time at Oswego, he was a member of the Future Alumni Network.

Stephanie Sweeney Backes ’11 of Rutland, Vt., is the marketing manager for Casella Waste Systems. At Oswego, she was a member of WTOP-10 TV and Del Sarte Dance Club.

Shawn Bernstein ’11 of Castle Rock, Colo., is a senior client manager at Marsh McLennan Agency. At Oswego, he was the president of the history club.

Scott Reynolds ’11 of Palm Coast, Fla., is the coordinator of assessment and accountability for Flagler Schools in Bunnell, Fla., and started his tenure as president of the Florida Council of Teachers of Mathematics.

Kelsey Labbe ’15 M’16 of Hamilton, Ont., Canada, is an international study advisor for Brock University and a member of the Canadian Naval Reserves. At Oswego, she was a member of the college community orchestra and college choir.

Megan Samson ’16 of Unionville, Va., is an office coordinator and assistant facility security officer for Strategic ACI.

Rooted in Style

The ancestors of Cara Hill Kaczor ’14 (above left) have called the lands of Central New York home for thousands of years. Having grown up on the Onondaga Nation, she knew she wanted to build something of her own while staying connected to the region that shaped her.

Today, she is the owner and manager of KB Boutiques in Marcellus and Skaneateles, a retail business focused on providing women across the region with a comfortable, affordable and confidence-building shopping experience.

“I chose to stay in the CNY region to establish my brand based on what suits Central New Yorkers in a fashion sense,” Kaczor said. “Staying close to my hometown helps me maintain a balance between family and work.”

That connection to place and people is a defining element of her business. At KB Boutique, Kaczor has created a space where customers feel empowered and valued.

“My work as an owner of a boutique impacts the community by offering a place to shop with confidence — in yourself and in spending your hardearned money on quality items,” she said. “I also help the economy by providing jobs to several young women looking to earn money throughout high school and college.”

Kaczor has seen firsthand how CNY’s college ecosystem contributes to the vitality of the region. The steady flow of students and families helps sustain small businesses and allows for faster inventory turnover. She also appreciates the region’s distinctive four seasons.

“One season may last a little longer than we’d like, but then again, I went to school in Oswego!” she joked. “But we have four beautiful seasons to style all of our beautiful customers for. The presence of higher education institutions helps businesses like mine, as well as our customers.”

While she looks forward to future collaborations with local colleges, Kaczor is already passionate about economic education. She believes it is vital for students to understand how local spending allows small businesses to support individuals and community causes.

“I believe it is very important to educate students on how the economy works in a large and small scale,” she said. “It could help them understand the impact of more local spending, so small businesses can further support individuals and financially support local causes.”

Navigating a landscape dominated by online giants, Kaczor leans into what makes her business unique: the human element.

“I see the increasing reliance on online shopping and big monopolies as a challenge,” she said. “I focus on positive environments and the customer experience to help consumers differentiate between the two experiences.”

Kaczor credits her SUNY Oswego education with giving her the tools and confidence to run her businesses independently.

“SUNY Oswego helped me in many different areas,” she said. “As a graduate in accounting, I’ve been able to run my businesses' financials solely, which has allowed me to be confident in making further business decisions.”

Today, she continues to build her business in the region she proudly calls home.

“This is my home and has been my ancestors’ home for thousands of years,” Kaczor said. “It means a lot to give back to my community in any way I can.”

Register now for the biggest alumni party of the year! June 4 – 7, 2026

All class years, Greeks and groups are always welcome! alumni.oswego.edu/reunion

Special Milestone Class and Group Reunions are planned for:

2001 – 25th

1995, 1996, 1997 – 30th

1986 – 40th

1976 – 50th

1971 – 55th

1966 – 60th

1961 – 65th

1956 – 70th

1951 – 75th

Alpha Epsilon Phi – 40th Anniversary

Delta Kappa Kappa – 100th Anniversary Shaun Cassidy Fan Club/Improv Comedy Club – Mini-Reunion

Registration for all Reunion 2026 events and on-campus housing in Waterbury and Scales halls is now open. Get the latest details online at alumni.oswego.edu/reunion or scan the QR code. reunion@oswego.edu f facebook.com/oswegoalumni | I @oswegoalumni

Heather Clark Mattioli ’17 of Highland, N.Y., is the assistant director of advancement communications content at Vassar College in Poughkeepsie, N.Y.

Alan McReynolds ’18 is senior resource support and data specialist for the New York State Office of Indigent Legal Services.

Kimberly Smith ’18 of Woodstock, Ga., served with New York Stands with Puerto Rico on a trip to rebuild the community of Toa Baja, Puerto Rico.

2020s

Emily Bozogian M’20 of Chittenango, N.Y., is a digital content specialist for SUNY Polytechnic Institute in Utica, N.Y.

Anthony Notaro ’20 M’21 of Manlius, N.Y, is a financial analyst for SRC Inc.

Keaton Maring ’22 of San Francisco, Calif., is a junior associate at Heisler Rosenfeld Zaragoza law firm. Keaton does trust and estates work, focusing on conservatorships. At Oswego, she was a member of the women’s swimming and diving team, Women’s Center, ARTSwego student representative and a member of the Student Art Exhibition Committee.

Emmie Doose ’23 of Ithaca, N.Y., is a customer service representative for Dataflow Inc. At Oswego, she was a member of the Story Tellers’ Guild.

Kaylyn Jones ’23 M’24 of Utica, N.Y., is the institutional research coordinator for SUNY Polytechnic Institute.

Alec Rich ’24 of Charleston, S.C., is an account manager for TK Elevator. He is also pursuing a Master of Business Administration at Auburn University.

Wyoma Svarczkopf M’24 of Walden, N.Y., is a business teacher for the Kingston (N.Y.) City School District and a SUNY Orange Foundation board member.

Finding Her Story in Upstate NY

After graduating with a degree in broadcasting and mass communication, New York City native Adriana Loh ’21 decided to build her career as a multimedia journalist with Spectrum News 1 in the Central New York area she had grown to love as a student.

“I chose to stay in the Upstate New York region because it felt like home to me — the tight-knit communities, rich resources, the history and, of course, less traffic,” she said.

Since joining Spectrum in August 2022, Loh has focused on high-impact storytelling, including coverage of hate crimes and local protests and rallies. She sees her work in journalism and community reporting as essential within a democratic society.

"Journalism cultivates a feeling of belonging and a collective identity, linking neighbors through narratives and showcasing local successes," she said. "It aids in promoting civic participation and ensuring accountability of those in power, which in turn enhances community well-being."

Loh traces her passion for journalism and her early success in her career to her SUNY Oswego education.

“SUNY Oswego really inspired and supported me to be in the role I am in today,” she said. “Without its amazing faculty, clubs, organizations and the friendships I made along the way, none of this would ever have been possible.”

serving as the public relations director for WNYO, entertainment news anchor for WTOP-10 TV and a resident assistant at Oneida Hall. She joined Phi Sigma Sigma sorority and also worked at the on-campus box office.

After graduating from Oswego, Loh earned a master’s degree from Syracuse University and credited her educational experiences with launching her into the professional arena.

“My knowledge of local enterprises, urban infrastructure and having those pre-existing relationships developed through my internships and academic projects helped make a more seamless and effective transition from a student to a professional," she said.

Despite her busy schedule, Loh, a first-generation college graduate, remains a dedicated alumna. By sharing her own experiences with current students, she hopes that she sets an example and inspires others to pursue their dreams. She recently returned to campus as a panelist for the university's Women’s Empowerment Summit, where she urged students to be their own biggest supporters.

Loh said she enjoys interacting with other Lakers through her work — whether they are sources for stories, community members who follow her news stories or other journalists in her or other newsrooms in the region.

“It is amazing to see so many journalists and professionals who all graduated from the same university," she said. "It is really something we are able to bond over, whether it is knowing the same professor, having been in the same club or just having walked down the same halls and knowing we ended up together within the same workspace."

As she builds her career and life in the region, she realized how interconnected everyone is.

Email us at alumni@oswego.edu or submit online at alumni.oswego.edu/classnote.

Loh arrived at SUNY Oswego as a film major, but the university’s immersive media environment quickly drew her in front of the camera. She assumed leadership roles on campus, including

“Living in Upstate you really see how expansive it can be,” she said. “But the connections people have to their community make it feel close-knit. You don't feel all that far away from one another.”

Weddings

Rachel Long ’17 and Ian VanBuren were married on Aug. 11, 2024, at Le Chateau in South Salem, N.Y. From left to right, Connor Wade ’21, Josh Sclafani ’17, Matt Stufano ’16 M’17, Austin O’Neill ’15, Bryce Bachus ’17, Grey Ankenman ’18, Jaclyn Shyptycki Bachus ’16 M’17, Nick De Amicis ’16 M’17, Kelly Doering Albright ’17, Deirdre Leo ’18, Jimmy Albright ’17, Jon Sicherman, Jen Cross Sicherman ’16, Tina Weinman Long ’88, John Long ’89, Mary Ellen Healy Long ’92 M’97, Greg Long, Teresa Weinman Cross ’83, Mike Cross ’83, Greg Wissman ’16, Sarah Balseiro Monetary ’16 and Dave Manke ’18.

Jon Russo '16 M'18 and Rachel Edic '17 M'18 were married June 22, 2024, at The Century House in Latham, N.Y. Lakers in attendance included Christpher Wood ‘16 M’22, Justin Schimek ‘16 M’22, Ashley Wheeler Schimek ‘08 M’10, Brooke Ebersold Brenon ’19, Jaclyn Shyptycki Bachus ’16 M’17, Bryce Bachus ’17, Savannah Wilson ’16, Donna Matteson ’83 M’88, Christopher McDermith ’17, Niki Blatnick M’25, Sebin Joseph ’17, Garrett Domblewski ’16, Charles Edic ’18, Nate Gilman ’13, Kevin Smith ’05, Sharon “Sherry” Samia Phillips ’84, Eric Phillips ’86 and Tyler Edic ’13. Jon works as a capital planning architect for the SUNY Construction Fund in Albany, N.Y., and Rachel works as a technology education teacher at Shaker High School in the North Colonie (N.Y.) Central School District.

Melissa LaBonte ’18 and Brian Dorsey ’18 were married on June 14, 2025, at the Grandview on the Hudson River in Poughkeepsie, N.Y. From left are Shelby Rogers ’18, Michael Leone ’19, Jason Gavigan ’18, Brian Dorsey ’18, Ben Mulson ’18, Melissa LaBonte ’18, Michael Abrams ’18 M’19, Claire Wajda ’17 and Lauren Sandford ’18.

Leeann Dragos Seybold ’19 and Matthew Seybold ’19 were married on Oct. 21, 2023, in Valatie, N.Y., and celebrated their marriage in Castleton-on-Hudson, N.Y. From left to right are John Christopher ’20 M’21, Rachel Janish ’21, Ben Grieco ’05, Matthew Seybold ’19, Leeann Dragos ’19, Elaine Fuerst Dragos ’86, Amelia DeJarnette ’19 and Peter Humphreys ’19.

Jeffrey Peterson ’18 and Amanda Betz Peterson ’19 were married on July 12, 2025, at Battello in Jersey City, N.J., surrounded by family and friends.

Jeanne Castelluzzo Porterfield '77 married Duane Porterfield on Aug. 1, 2025, at Holy Cross Church in Ovid, N.Y. The reception was held at Ginny Lee Cafe, with dinner, dancing and fireworks.

In Memoriam

Sylvia Maydeck Berg ’51 of Charleston, S.C., April 11, 2024.

Jean Zummo LiPetri ’52 of Farmingdale, N.Y., Feb. 16, 2025.

Frank Grippe ’54 of Corinth, N.Y., May 13, 2025.

Barbara Schulz Walker ’54 of Cold Spring, N.Y., Dec. 6, 2023.

Mary Skelly Valentine ’55* of New Hartford, N.Y., May 17, 2025.

Joan Terpening Case ’57 of Fayetteville, N.Y., July 24, 2025.

John Hughes ’58 of Red Hook, N.Y., Aug. 15, 2023.

Vernon Tryon ’58, Professor Emeritus of Technology, of Oswego, Aug. 10, 2025.

Donna Zimmerman Cliffe ’59 of Cazenovia, N.Y., July 31, 2025.

Vincent D’Ambrosio ’60 M’64,* Professor Emeritus of Technology, of Oswego, Aug. 15, 2025.

J. Scott Lavonas ’61 of Latham, N.Y., and St. Augustine, Fla., Oct. 22, 2023.

Paul Murphy ’61 of Skaneateles, N.Y., Aug. 2, 2025.

Erwin Baumann ’62 of Palm City and Wellington, Fla., July 20, 2025.

Nancy Cramer Gates ’62 of Copenhagen, N.Y., Aug. 1, 2025.

Adele Smiros Keegan ’62 of Auburn, N.Y., Nov. 1, 2024.

Susanne Hall Heagle ’65 of Parish, N.Y., Jan. 13, 2024.

Edwin Wilmarth M’65 of Deposit, N.Y., June 27, 2025.

Eleanor Puccia Caltabiano ’67 of Liverpool, N.Y., July 3, 2025.

Frank Campisi ’67 of Aurora, Ohio, Aug. 19, 2023.

Jean Misner Carr ’67 of Bay Shore, N.Y., June 11, 2025.

Dorothy Richter Rumreich ’67 of Tampa, Fla., Oct. 9, 2024.

Terence Ryan ’67 of Centerport, N.Y., Sept. 12, 2025.

Nancy Milliman ’68 of Romulus, N.Y., Aug. 10, 2024.

Alice Judd Davis ’69 of Fulton, N.Y., Feb. 21, 2025.

David Privatera ’69 of Macedon, N.Y., Jan. 24, 2025.

Francis Rookey ’69 of Rochester, Minn., Oct. 8, 2025.

Suzanne Joyce Savary ’69 of Newport Beach, Calif., July 16, 2023.

Patricia Smith ’69 of Syracuse, N.Y., Aug. 12, 2025.

Jeffrey Loesch ’70 of Mount Sinai, N.Y., Sept. 20, 2025.

Peter Albano ’71 of Port Dover, Ontario, Canada, Aug. 15, 2025.

John Beggs ’71 of Rome, N.Y., Sept. 1, 2024.

Dr. Charles “Chas” Durant ’71 of Knoxville, Tenn., Sept. 26, 2025.

John Long ’71 of Tonawanda, N.Y., July 20, 2025.

David Chamberlain ’73 of Oswego, Jan. 1, 2024.

Robert Manning ’73 of Leesburg, Fla., April 20, 2024.

Audrey Moyer Parkhurst ’73 of Brocton, N.Y., Oct. 21, 2025.

Roy Wires ’73 of St. Augustine, Fla., Feb. 27, 2025.

Patricia Burke Delia ’74 of Oswego, Aug. 31, 2025.

Howard Gordon ’74 M’78, former Executive Assistant to the SUNY Oswego President, of Syracuse, N.Y., July 31, 2025.

Rosalind Mulye ’74 of Baldwinsville, N.Y., Dec. 7, 2024.

Patrick Colwell ’75 of Glastonbury, Conn., Feb. 10, 2024.

Michael Lennon ’75 of Utica, N.Y., Feb. 10, 2025.

Sanford Miller ’75 of Ormond Beach, Fla., Aug. 26, 2025.

Thomas Hanna ’76 of Liverpool, N.Y., Oct. 19, 2025.

Clayton Kriechbaum ’76 of Eden, N.Y., Dec. 26, 2024.

Rene Patton-Cox ’76 of Townsend, Del., July 21, 2025.

Mary Cuffney Talbo ’76 of Honeoye, N.Y., Dec. 27, 2024.

Scott Flood ’77 of Rochester, N.Y., Aug. 16, 2024.

Theresa Andrew ’78 of Valley Falls, N.Y., Aug. 10, 2025.

Leanne Shank ’78 of New Hope, Pa., Dec. 7, 2025.

Henry Berg ’79 of Levittown, N.Y., Feb. 18, 2024.

Jeffrey Schramm ’79 of Sante Fe, N.M., Nov. 15, 2024.

Ronald Beekman ’80 of Oakland, N.J., June 11, 2024.

Kenneth Walker ’80 of West Barnstable, Mass., Sept. 23, 2024.

Thomas Richards ’83 of Fulton, N.Y., Feb. 20, 2024.

Susanna Estrella-DeMott ’84 of Oswego, Oct. 2, 2025.

James Schefcick ’87 of Hannibal, N.Y., July 23, 2025.

Zaaron Allen ’88 of Gulfport, Miss., May 22, 2025.

Karen Oakes ’88 of Syracuse, N.Y., Oct. 1, 2023.

Timothy Mollen ’91 of Binghamton, N.Y., Aug. 18, 2025.

Kelly Sullivan ’93 of Bluffton, S.C., July 21, 2025.

Theresa Ruggio Domachowski ’94 of Liverpool, N.Y., July 27, 2025.

George Stooks ’94 M’97 of Honeoye Falls, N.Y., Sept. 26, 2025.

April Phillips Karley ’95 of Canandaigua, N.Y., Feb. 8, 2023.

David Parker ’95 of Mexico, N.Y., July 9, 2025.

Dana Perry ’96 of Clay, N.Y., Dec. 11, 2025.

Bruce Daugherty M’99 of Watertown, N.Y., March 17, 2025.

Stacie Howland Garafolo ’99 M’01 of Oswego, Oct. 21, 2025.

Richard Pirson ’99 of Hamburg, N.Y., July 5, 2025.

Terri Birtel Sweeting ’00 of Vero Beach, Fla., Nov. 21, 2025.

Aaron Astafan ’04 of Baldwinsville, N.Y., May 26, 2023.

Steven Lesinski ’04 of West Chazy, N.Y., March 7, 2024.

Kdee Luke Raflowski ’12 M’14 CAS’14 of Oswego, July 29, 2025.

Joshua Massarini ’13 of Cicero, N.Y., Feb. 4, 2024.

Joseph "Joey" Barbagallo ’22 of Fulton, N.Y., June 29, 2025.

Leon Carapetyan,* Professor Emeritus of Voice, of Oswego, Aug. 20, 2025.

Dr. Lynn Hemink,* Associate Dean for Arts and Sciences, of Fresno, Calif., Aug. 11, 2025.

Ronald Sorensen, Professor Emeritus of Technology, June 15, 2025.

E. Jane West, Former Associate Register, of Oswego, Aug. 5, 2025.

* A fund has been established in honor of this SUNY Oswego community member. Gifts can be made at alumni.oswego.edu/ givenow or sent to the Oswego University Foundation, 219 Sheldon Hall, SUNY, Oswego, N.Y. 13126. Please indicate the name of the person you wish to honor.

SUBMITTING AN OBITUARY

We will share the news of a SUNY Oswego community member’s death when we receive the information from a family member, friend or another source in the form of a previously published notice, typically from a newspaper or funeral home. Please send such notices to University Advancement c/o In Memoriam, 219 Sheldon Hall, Oswego, N.Y. 13126; or email alumni@oswego.edu.

CREATE A LEGACY THAT LASTS

Your Oswego experience doesn’t have to end at graduation. Through a planned gift, you can support future generations of Lakers while reflecting the values that shaped your own journey.

I decided to include Oswego in my estate plan because I value the education I received and the commitment made to students by faculty and staff.

My engagement began through volunteering and grew into meaningful relationships with the College of Business and Entrepreneurship. It’s empowering to connect with students and support their success. The financial gifts I make only add to the growth of the university that enhances my volunteer work.”

— Bridget Curran ’92, Sheldon Legacy Society member

Learn how you can make a lasting impact through your estate plans. Contact a member of our Philanthropic Engagement team at sheldonlegacy@oswego.edu or 315-312-3003, or visit alumni. oswego.edu/plannedgiving.

THE LASTWord

Building Where It Matters

I never planned to be an entrepreneur.

Growing up in Seneca Castle, a small farming community about an hour from campus, I didn't know what entrepreneurship looked like. My amazing parents had GEDs and worked jobs they openly did not enjoy. A job was a necessary evil to put food on the table. That was my framework.

When I showed up at SUNY Oswego in 2004, I picked public relations because I had no idea how to even think about what a career should look like. I just knew college was what you were supposed to do. By my second semester of senior year, I realized I was not a fan of PR.

So I graduated in 2007 with a degree I didn't love and spent three months sending out 300 handwritten resumes. Got two interviews. I wasn't a standout student. Nothing on my resume made anyone take notice.

But Oswego taught me something that mattered more than grades. It taught me how to connect with people, how to push through when things don't go your way and how to bet on yourself even when the odds look bad.

That first job came from sending an email to someone telling them their website link was broken. They gave me a pity interview. I turned it into eight years in broadcast television, first in Rochester, then Syracuse when I got promoted to manage the advertising department for the local NBC and CBS stations.

That job is how I ended up in Central New York. And I stayed because somewhere along the way, this region stopped being a stepping stone and became home.

In 2014, I met a kid (another SUNY Oswego grad) at the Syracuse Tech Garden who knew more about digital marketing than anyone I'd ever met. He was 22. I was 28 with a three-month-old at home and my wife staying home with our newborn. I was the only income. Starting a company with basically a college student was objectively insane.

We did it anyway.

Digital Hyve grew from a 200 square foot office to 56 employees and $15 million in annual revenue. We hit #52 on the Inc. 5000 list. When we sold in 2021, we structured the deal so all our employees became owners in the acquiring company through an ESOP. It was the proudest moment of my career.

Since then, I've co-founded Arcovo AI, which is building AI-powered employees to transform how businesses operate. I've invested in and helped to launch restaurants like XO Taco, Hidden Fish and Clovers. I’ve started and invested in over 15 companies. I sit on local for-profit and non-profit boards throughout CNY.

People ask why I stayed in Central New York. The honest answer is that I love it here. This region gave me a chance when I didn't have much to offer. Skaneateles Lake and fall colors are beautiful, sure. But what keeps me here are the people who want to build something that matters, right where they are.

In 2021, Oswego gave me an Honorary Doctorate. Standing on that stage, I thought about the kid who sat in those classrooms unsure of what was possible. That kid didn't know people like him started businesses. Didn't know success was something he was allowed to want.

The entrepreneurs and business leaders I admire most are the ones who stay connected to where they came from. Who build where they are instead of always looking somewhere else. Who remember that the community that supported them deserves something back.

That's what Oswego taught me, even if I didn't realize it at the time.

And I’m so grateful for every moment since.

l — Jeff Knauss ’07

He is a serial entrepreneur, angel investor, philanthropist, A.I. strategist, and CEO and co-founder of Arcovo AI in Syracuse.

OSWEGO OBJECT

Since its founding in 1861, students have taken a variety of transportation to arrive on the shores of Lake Ontario. For many of the earliest students, railroads and steamboats brought them to Central New York and Oswego. By the early to mid20th century, automobiles became a more popular mode of transportation, alongside expanding bus services. In the 1939 Ontarian yearbook, Frank L. Gould Bus Lines — serving routes between Watertown, Oswego and Rochester — took out an advertisement to congratulate graduates. By the early 1950s, the university even had its own bus to transport students (pictured above).

Since the early 1970s, bus service has played a vital role in connecting generations of SUNY Oswego students to campus and the surrounding region. The Central New York Regional Transportation Authority (Centro), established in 1970, began operating in Oswego in 1972, creating reliable links between the city, neighboring communities and Syracuse.

For decades, those buses have carried Lakers to their first days on campus, taken them home for breaks and connected them to internships, jobs and everyday life beyond the university. With routes linking SUNY Oswego to major transit hubs and free or reduced fares for students, the familiar ride to and from campus has become a shared experience across generations — one that continues to tie the university to the broader Central New York community.

King Alumni Hall

300 Washington Blvd. Oswego, N.Y. 13126

If OSWEGO is addressed to a family member who has graduated and no longer maintains a permanent address at your home, please clip the address label and return it with the correct address to the Oswego Alumni Association, King Alumni Hall, Oswego, N.Y. 13126, or email the updated address to alumni@oswego.edu.

Please recycle this magazine.

Faculty –HALL OF FAME–

Stan Gosek

For decades, the music of Stanley Gosek echoed through rehearsal rooms, churches and community venues across Oswego, and his life’s work helped shape generations of students while enriching the cultural life of the region.

Gosek passed away on June 30, 2025, at the age of 75, leaving behind a legacy defined as much by the people he inspired as by the music he created.

His musical journey began early. He studied accordion and trumpet as a child and by age 14 was already serving as organist at St. Stephen's Church, a role he would hold for decades. After earning a bachelor’s degree in music education from SUNY Fredonia School of Music and a master’s from Ithaca College, he began teaching in the Oswego City School District before joining SUNY Oswego.

At Oswego, he became a full professor and chair of the music department, teaching jazz studies, contemporary media, arranging, classroom piano and private lessons. As director of the Solid State Jazz Ensemble and the State Singers vocal jazz group, he challenged students with demanding repertoire while fostering the sense of belonging that kept many alumni connected long after graduation.

“He took us on two, two-week tours of Oswego’s sister city, Montserrat—one in 1986 and one in 1989,” former student Rochelle Robinson Goldberg ’91 recalled. “He was revered by those who knew him, and it wouldn’t be uncommon for 20 to 30 members to attend one of his Zoom reunions.”

Gosek’s talents extended beyond his contributions as a teacher, mentor and performer.

“Stan was a prolific composer, creating challenging repertoire in all styles,” Goldberg said. “Several of the selections we performed were named for locations throughout Montserrat.”

Students remember not only the music, but the community he built around it, especially gatherings at his famous annual haunted house.

His brother and Laker Men’s Hockey Head Coach, Ed Gosek ’83 M’01, said that spirit of inclusion was central to who Stan was.

“Before ‘DEI’ was a standard term, Stan lived it,” Ed said. “It didn’t matter who you were or where you came from — if you were willing to put in the work, he wanted to work with you.”

Gosek carried his musical passion into the broader Oswego and surrounding communities. For decades he organized music performances for Oswego Harborfest, directed the Oswego City Jazz Band and performed with his own jazz ensembles throughout the region. For 38 years he also served as organist at St. Stephen’s Church, sharing his music with the community in worship and celebration.

Ed said his brother always viewed music as a way to connect people.

“For Stan, music wasn’t just another subject — it was a way to bring people together,” he said. “He loved the energy of campus and the feeling that he was elevating the cultural standard of the entire Laker family.”

That influence continues today. Tim Herron ’96, who recently returned to SUNY Oswego to teach guitar, honored his late mentor with an original song titled “Stan the Man,” written as part of the Syracuse Acoustic Guitar Project.

Herron’s lyrics paid tribute to the professor who helped shape his path.

“Now I’m here where he used to be — I hope I can be half of what he was to me,” Herron wrote.

“Stan’s legacy isn’t just measured in his accomplishments, but in the hundreds of students who now carry his standard of excellence into the world,” Ed said. “He taught us that you can be tough and demanding while still being the most caring person in the room.”