GIFTS IN ACTION

“I definitely want to understand law because I feel like the communities that I represent and other underrepresented communities aren’t being properly represented on the federal level, and there are so many concerns, for example, in the black community that should kind of be broadcasted and really addressed on a bigger platform,” she said.

In November, Hightower began another internship, this time in the Plattsburgh office of State Assemblyman Billy Jones. Still, she said, she wouldn’t be where she is if it weren’t for the support and resources she’s received from others.

“They’re very essential to my success and to me doing what I’ve done so far,” Hightower said. ¢

To LEARN MORE about Essence Hightower and view more of her photos from Capitol Hill, visit alumni.plattsburgh. edu/webextras.

The Quiet Generosity of Roma Karp ’47

BY ASHLEIGH LIVINGSTON ’10

PHILANTHROPY AND SERVICE are two things Roma Karp ’47 knew well.

In her community of East Hampton, N.Y., the home economics teacher of 35 years volunteered her time to groups such as the Ladies’ Village Improvement Society; gave back to the local high school where she had worked; and was deeply devoted to her church, where she served as Eucharistic minister.

In addition, the alumna generously supported her alma mater, year after year, for decades.

“Roma would tell me at Christmas time, ‘OK, we’ve got to take care of Plattsburgh,’” recalled John Kosinski, Karp’s longtime friend and financial adviser. “She was very, very loyal to the university.”

In fact, between 1982 and 2017, when she passed away at age 93, Karp gifted more than $276,000 to the college. This funding was used to establish an endowment and endowed scholarship, as well as serve the greatest needs of SUNY Plattsburgh students through the Plattsburgh Fund.

It was also important to Karp that she continue supporting her alma mater even after her passing, so the alumna made a point to include the college in her estate plan.

With no children of her own, she left the bulk of her assets to the Roma Karp Foundation, which was established upon her death.

“Plattsburgh is one of the beneficiaries of that foundation,” said Kosinski, who manages the charitable body. “So every year, Plattsburgh will be receiving a check from that foundation.” In addition to the annual disbursements, Karp included a specific bequest of $150,000 to the Plattsburgh Fund in her will.

“Roma’s goal was simple,” said SUNY Plattsburgh Vice President of Institutional Advancement and Executive Director of the Plattsburgh College Foundation Anne Whitmore Hansen. “She wanted to help students experience the advantages of a Plattsburgh education, so they could build a meaningful life, like she did.

“Roma was very proud of her teaching career, and she taught in the Plattsburgh Style. She built deep personal relationships with her students, and the number of Christmas cards she received every year from students, decades later, attested to her impact. I am forever grateful for her selfless philanthropy and for all that she taught me, personally, over the years. She was a teacher, through and through.”

Karp always insisted on making her gifts anonymously and wanted no public acknowledgement during her lifetime.

“She would have been embarrassed by it,” Kosinski explained. “She was a very quiet, very reserved person, and she did a lot of things for charity, but she never wanted any recognition from it.”

Before her passing, Karp agreed to allow the college to publicly acknowledge her philanthropy and the arrangements she had made to provide perpetual support to Plattsburgh for generations to come.

“I think now is the time to give her some recognition,” Kosinski said. “I think it’s very appropriate that the Plattsburgh community realizes what she did.” ¢

Seven Former Cardinals Comprise Plattsburgh State Athletic Hall of Fame Class of 2019

BY BRIAN SAVARD

THE PLATTSBURGH STATE DEPARTMENT OF INTERCOLLEGIATE ATHLETICS AND RECREATION, in conjunction with the Office of Alumni Relations, inducted the Class of 2019 into the Plattsburgh State Athletic Hall of Fame on Friday, Oct. 18, in the Warren Ballrooms.

Comprising the Hall of Fame’s 35th induction class are Randi (Johnson) Bennett ‘03 G’06 (softball), Danielle Blanchard ‘09 (women’s ice hockey), Allison (Busby) Deshane ‘08 (women’s cross country/track and field), Toni (Wiszowaty) Lynch ‘08 G’11 (women’s cross country/track and field), John MacMenamin ‘80 (men’s track and field), Jason Sousa ‘06 (men’s soccer) and Gena (Rosenbaum) Trombley ‘06 (women’s soccer). Bennett helped put the Cardinals on the map as one of the pioneers of the Plattsburgh State softball program. A three-time First-Team All-Region selection, Bennett aided in Plattsburgh State’s three SUNYAC Tournament appearances during her career, and in 2002, the Cardinals qualified for the ECAC Upstate Tournament while posting a 31-15 overall record. The Saugerties, N.Y., native was also a two-time All-SUNYAC selection and earned a spot on the All-ECAC Upstate Second Team in 2002.

One of the most accomplished student-athletes to compete at Plattsburgh State in any sport, Blanchard led the Cardinal women’s ice hockey team to its first two national

Pictured from left to right at the 2019 Plattsburgh State Athletic Hall of Fame induction are Gena (Rosenbaum) Trombley ’06, soccer; Jason Sousa ’06, soccer; Danielle Blanchard ’09, women’s ice hockey; John MacMenamin ’80, track and field; Toni (Wiszowaty) Lynch ’08 G’11, cross country and track and field; Allison (Busby) Deshane ’08, cross country and track and field; and Randi (Johnson) Bennett ’03 G’06, softball.

championships in program history in 2006-07 and 2007-08. In 2007-08, Blanchard earned the Laura Hurd Award, which is awarded annually to the top player in NCAA Division III women’s ice hockey. The Newmarket, Ontario, native earned All-America honors four times during her career and was named the Most Outstanding Player at the 2007 NCAA Division III Tournament.

Deshane was a skilled distance runner who led the Cardinals to a second-place finish at the NCAA Division lll Cross Country Championships in 2007. Deshane’s top individual finish at the national meet came in 2005, as she finished fourth individually at the 2005 NCAA Division III Cross Country Championships with a six-kilometer time of 22:05.9. The Vestal, N.Y., native was an All-American in outdoor track and field (2005) and a two-time All-American in cross country (2005, 2007). Lynch wrapped up her career as one of the most accomplished distance runners in the history of the Plattsburgh State cross country and track and field programs, and she helped the Cardinals finish second at the 2007 NCAA Division III Cross Country Championships. She earned three All-America citations in outdoor track and field (one in 2006, two in 2007), two All-America honors in cross country (2006, 2007) and one All-America plaudit in indoor track and field (2007).

A two-time All-America honoree in the discus throw, MacMenamin remains one of the top throwers in program history. He set the program record of 179’ 3” in the discus throw during the qualifying rounds of the 1980 NCAA Division III Outdoor Track and Field Championships, which was believed to be the fourth-best throw in Division III history at the time. The Granville High School product finished second in the discus throw at the 1978 NCAA Division III Outdoor Track and Field Championships and won the SUNYAC title in the event all four years of college.

One of the key players on the Plattsburgh State men’s soccer team that made a run to the semifinal round of the NCAA Division III Tournament in 2005, Sousa finished his career as one of the most decorated student-athletes in program history. Sousa became the program’s first-ever three-time All-American, which included First-Team All-America honors in 2005. He earned three First-Team All-Region accolades and three FirstTeam All-SUNYAC honors in addition to being named the SUNYAC Player of the Year in 2005. A four-time First-Team All-SUNYAC selection, Trombley remains one of the most impactful offensive players in Plattsburgh State women’s soccer history. Trombley is the program’s all-time leader in goals (60), assists (34) and points (154), and she was a three-time All-Region honoree. The Morrisonville, N.Y., native earned SUNYAC Rookie of the Year laurels in 2002 and was named to the SUNYAC All-Tournament Team in 2003. ¢

Tom Curle ’82 Retires After Storied Career as Plattsburgh State’s Head Men’s Basketball Coach

BY BRIAN SAVARD

PLATTSBURGH STATE HEAD MEN’S BASKETBALL COACH and associate athletic director Tom Curle ‘82, the winningest coach in program history at 292-152 overall, retired after 16 years at the helm of the team to become the director of athletics at William Peace University this past summer. The Cardinals experienced unprecedented success under Curle’s direction, winning five State University of New York Athletic Conference (SUNYAC) titles and making nine appearances in the NCAA Division III Tournament. Plattsburgh State reached the round of 16 at the NCAA Tournament on three occasions under Curle, most recently in 2017-18.

Plattsburgh State enjoyed 14 winning seasons under Curle’s supervision, and throughout his 31-year head coaching career that also saw stops at SUNYIT, Post University and Alfred State, he fashioned an overall record of 556-324. He won his 500th career game on Nov. 15, 2016, when Plattsburgh State topped Clarkson University, 84-68, on the road. Curle finishes his Plattsburgh State coaching career as a four-time SUNYAC Coach of the Year, a two-time National Association of Basketball Coaches (NABC) East Region Coach of the Year and a two-time D3hoops.com East Region Coach of the Year.

Curle’s student-athletes excelled under his guidance, as Plattsburgh State earned 37 All-SUNYAC honors during his 16 years at the helm. Three of his student-athletes were named SUNYAC Player of the Year (Jonathan Patron in 2018-19 and 2017-18, Kyle Richardson in 2015-16 and Anthony Williams in 2006-07 and 2007-08), while four different student-athletes earned All-America citations under his direction. He also coached a pair of Plattsburgh State Athletic Hall of Fame inductees, Curtis Smith and Kris Gibbs-Smith, who were inducted during the fall of 2018.

He is a 1982 SUNY Plattsburgh alumnus and a member of two institutions’ sports halls of fame: Alfred State (2003 inductee) and Waterloo Central High School (2002 inductee). ¢

CENTER FOR CYBERSECURITY AND TECHNOLOGY PROVIDES LEADERSHIP, TRAINING, SERVICES AND COMMUNITY

BY CAMERON GONZALES

IN THE ROUGHLY THREE YEARS SINCE ITS INCEPTION, the SUNY Plattsburgh Center for Cybersecurity and Technology (CCT) has established itself as a key regional player in addressing the technological challenges that society faces in the 21st century. While the center occupies a 400-square-foot space in Au Sable Hall, the CCT network extends much farther.

Hosted by the CCT, the North Country Cybersecurity Conference, for example, brought in scores of professionals from the business, government and technology sectors to educate North Country residents and business professionals on the merits of robust cybersecurity measures.

The second-annual conference, held in October 2018, drew upwards of 170 attendees, a 62 percent increase from the previous year, which conference organizers attribute to the addition of a pre-conference roundtable discussion, “Women in Tech.”

Holly Heller-Ross, dean of library and information technology services, joined five other women in the Lusk Conference Room in Au Sable Hall to address a crowd of 66 individuals about the importance of including women at the tech table.

“One of the things that particularly intrigued me during the discussion was the acknowledgement of persistent discrimination despite well intentions from both men and women,” Heller-Ross said after the event.

Other presenters included Marissa Atkinson ’18, security operations center analyst at the Center for Internet Security; Devi Momot, CEO and acting chief information security officer at Twinstate Technologies; Kim Scalzo ’89, executive director at Open SUNY; Deborah Snyder, former chief information security officer of New York state; and

CCT interns John Keable ’21 (left) and Ryan Lioy ’22 (center) decipher a phishing scheme with CCT Faculty Coordinator Cristian Balan ’99 (right).

CCT interns Japhid Moses ’19 (left) and Rina Abe ’22 (right) practice their programming skills using a Raspberry Pi.

Diane Delaney ’85, security worldwide talent manager at IBM.

In addition to hosting events, the CCT has reached outside its network to collaborate with the local community. In the heart of downtown Plattsburgh, CCT interns have played a part in the operations of the Plattsburgh City Police Community Center, which works to strengthen relationships between the City Police and civilians. “The college and the community have come together, and what we have accomplished as a result truly demonstrates that cooperation benefits all,” said Brad Miller, community resource officer.

According to Miller, the CCT has assisted Community Center efforts in numerous ways, including event management, technical support and networking assistance. Moving forward, however, he is most excited about the possibilities for future collaboration.

“I am hoping to bring in some CCT interns to help organize a cybersecurity and technology literacy program, which would be geared toward senior citizens but could also be used for Scouts to gain a tech merit badge,” Miller said.

“What these interns will be and have been doing for the community of Plattsburgh is extraordinary.”

Aside from involvement with local law enforcement, CCT interns have managed technology-related events of their own. In April 2019, computer science majors Samuel Coveney and Chau Tung Lam Nguyen organized “PlattsHacks,” the first computer programming event held on the SUNY Plattsburgh campus.

Set up as a 24-hour programming marathon, teams utilized their time to develop a unique computer program. The event brought in a total of 65 participants from five colleges in New York state and Vermont.

Coveney credits his ability to organize such a successful event to his involvement with the IBM Cyber Skills Leadership Challenge — another opportunity made Women in Tech roundtable discussion.

Officer Brad Miller (right) poses with a community member at ‘Coloring With a Cop.’

possible through the CCT. The Leadership Challenge is an immersive, 12-week professional development program that prepares participants for technology jobs of the future.

Spearheaded by Delaney, IBM Security Academic Outreach Leader Heather Ricciuto and CCT Coordinator Cristian Balan ’99, the program leverages IBM resources made available at no charge to accredited academic institutions like Plattsburgh and relies on the participation of IBM volunteer mentors. In Spring 2019, the program allowed a diverse group of 14 students to prepare and present to professionals in the industry and receive penalty-free feedback.

“We have collaborated with Balan to try to engage students, to leverage IBM (Security Learning Academy) resources in addition to helping with the refinement of professional skills, such as networking, presenting and teamwork,” Ricciuto said. The IBM Cyber Skills Leadership Challenge is of particular importance to Delaney, who lamented the lack of a cybersecurity program during her years at SUNY Plattsburgh. “It would have definitely been an amazing opportunity for me to get some hands-on learning experience,” she said of the Leadership Challenge.

According to Delaney, IBM sees a multitude of SUNY Plattsburgh applicants from several fields, including finance, management information systems, computer science, and computer security, among others. The company has hired 11 Plattsburgh graduates in the past four years.

It is this relationship, according to Dean of SUNY Plattsburgh’s School of Business and Economics Rowena OrtizWalters, that makes the CCT a niche that allows the college to stand out.

“It is one thing for students to be able to work with these hands-on learning experiences, but it is another to have a place to practice them,” she said.

“We would not be unique in our market if it were not for a place like the CCT.” ¢

Cameron Gonzales hails from New Orleans, La., and majors in international business, marketing and business administration. He is an avid reader, foodie and is expected to graduate in December 2019.

Our Alumni Today

’60s

¢ In May 2019, Dr. Neville Strumpf ’69 (NUR) received an honorary doctorate of science from the University of Pennsylvania. The honor recognizes her “pioneering scholarship and dedication as an educator transforming both standards of care and quality of life for older adults,” according to the university.

¢ Dr. Thomas Moran ‘69 G’73 (AS, EDU) was the recipient of the 2019 Distinguished Alumnus Award, which was presented at his 50th class reunion in June. The Distinguished Alumnus or Alumna Award is presented by the college and the Plattsburgh Alumni Association Board of Directors to honor graduates of SUNY Plattsburgh for their professional achievements, contributions to society and service to the college.

’70s

¢ Dr. David Hedden ’78 (CHE) was promoted to chief scientific officer at BioDuro LLC in San Diego, Calif., Feb. 18, 2019.

¢ Peter J. Cayan ’78 (FNI), a registered dietitian and vice president of supply chain and nutrition solutions for Intalere, was the recipient of Intalere’s 2018 Chairman’s Award for Leadership Excellence. Intalere is a nationally recognized health care consulting firm owned by Intermountain Healthcare in Salt Lake City, Utah. Peter received the

plattsburgh.edu Chairman’s Award in 2017 and was named Intalere’s Executive of the Year in 2015. Peter and his wife, Janice (Prendergast) ’77 (EDU), live in Cape Cod, Mass.

¢ Kerry Quinn ’77 (EDU) was recently inducted into the Cairo-Durham Hall of Fame. He taught middle school social studies for forty years at the school and was honored for his contributions in teaching and coaching and as scoreboard operator and “the Voice of the Mustangs.”

¢ Mel Lucas Gaddy ‘75 (EDU) (left), Kate McDonald Chilton ‘76 (BSC) (center) and Liz Ewing Burns ‘77 (PSY) toured the Canadian Embassy in Washington, D.C., while visiting the district for their fifth-annual friends trip this year. This photo was taken atop the embassy, where Kate’s son, Weston, works. He provided the tour.

THIS ISSUE’S FREE SWAG WINNER,

¢ Airman 1st Class Madison Daquelente ’19 (ART), was selected as a 2019 Woman of Distinction honoree by State Sen. Betty Little as part of the New York State Senate Women of Distinction program, which honors exemplary women from across the state. “Daquelente has distinguished herself in numerous ways while assigned to the 109th Airlift Wing’s Emergency Management Office,” the Senate said in a media release. “Most notable has been her work to lead 18 readiness training sessions, ensuring 270 service members are well trained to survive and operate in a chemical environment.”

GET IN ON THE FUN. Share your wedding, birth and career announcements or other exciting news for a chance to win a SUNY Plattsburgh sweatshirt! Share your success: alumni.plattsburgh.edu/announce.

¢ Dr. Lee A. Wilkinson ’71 (PSY) is a licensed and nationally certified school psychologist in Palm Beach County, Fla., where he provides consultation services and best practice guidance to school systems, agencies, advocacy groups and professionals on a wide variety of topics related to children and youth with autism. He is author of the award-winning books “A Best Practice Guide to Assessment and Intervention for Autism and Asperger Syndrome in Schools” and “Overcoming Anxiety and Depression on the Autism Spectrum: A Self-Help Guide Using CBT.” He is also the editor of a best-selling text in the American Psychological Association (APA) School Psychology Book series, “Autism Spectrum Disorders in Children and Adolescents: Evidence-Based Assessment and Intervention in Schools.” His latest book is “A Best Practice Guide to Assessment and Intervention for Autism Spectrum Disorder in Schools (2nd Edition).”

¢ On Sept. 27, 2019, Daniel Burke ’74 (ECO), a member of the SUNY Plattsburgh College Council, received the 2019 Henry Crandall Award at Crandall Public Library’s annual gala, held at The Queensbury Hotel in Glens Falls, N.Y. The award recognizes an individual who has demonstrated the values and legacy of the library’s founder, including generosity, perseverance, loyalty, compassion, civic pride and philanthropy.

’80s

¢ Jane Millman ’87 (BUS) was recently elected as board chair of the Greater New York Automobile Dealers Association (GNYADA). “We are very fortunate to have someone with Jane Millman’s industry knowledge, experience and insight as chair of the Board of Directors for 2019,” GNYADA President Mark Schienberg said in a media release. “Jane’s vision and leadership skills combined with her commitment to our

From Cardinal Points to Sports Illustrated

BY GERIANNE DOWNS

BAILEY CARLIN ’17 (JOU) has always loved telling stories. “I am at my happiest when I am delivering a story,” the magazine journalism grad said. “I was able to do this at SUNY Plattsburgh through both my classwork and time on Cardinal Points as a writer and then an editor. I knew early on I wanted to have a big hand in Cardinal Points and was thrilled when I became managing editor.”

Two years out of the gate, Carlin is now the associate social media editor/ producer at Sports Illustrated.

“My day-to-day involves a good deal of strategizing and planning for our social media, but I also write, produce and edit a social media show called ‘Unimportant Questions,’ on which I do lighthearted interviews with celebrities, athletes and other notable guests,” he said. “This is the best part of my job.” Carlin characterizes the show as “a blast.” “Getting to talk, face to face, with some of the greatest, most talented athletes in the world is always awe-inspiring,” he said.

The Humble Commander

BY ASHLEIGH LIVINGSTON ’10

IT’S BEEN JUST FIVE YEARS since Rachel Fredericks ’14 (CRI) graduated from the SUNY Plattsburgh Branch Campus at Queensbury, but she’s already made history.

In June 2019, the then-28-yearold was elected commander of the Disabled American Veterans (DAV) Department of New York, becoming the first woman and one of the youngest individuals ever to hold the office.

“I am humbled, first and foremost, beyond words,” said Fredericks, now 29, who joined the Marine Corps at age 17 and received an honorable medical discharge three years later, following a training accident that left her with disabling injuries. The DAV helped her file a service-connected disability claim, utilize GI benefits and obtain a Veterans Affairs home loan, for which she showed her gratitude by volunteering at her local chapter in Troy, N.Y., before becoming involved at the state level.

SUNY Plattsburgh, too, has played an influential role in her life, Fredericks noted.

“I adored the Branch Campus,” she said, “especially as a veteran with some anxiety about returning to the classroom.” association will be a tremendous asset to the GNYADA membership and franchised new car dealers at large in the coming year.”

¢ In April 2019, Dennis Craig ’88 (ECO) was appointed interim president of Purchase College, effective August 1, 2019, following the previously announced departure of President Thomas J. Schwarz. “Dennis Craig was an effective officer-in-charge for the SUNY campus while President Schwarz was on study leave, and we are confident to have him serve as interim president,” SUNY Chairman H. Carl McCall said in a media release.

¢ Jonathan Brown ’80 (BUS) and his wife, Naomi, of Liverpool, England, recently celebrated their 40th wedding anniversary with a trip to the English Lake District. “Properly dressed in my Plattsburgh Soccer T-shirt, we walked and climbed mountains,” Jonathan wrote.

¢ Laurie Guyon ’94 G’96 (CSD, EDU) completed the School Building Leader Certificate of Advanced Study program at SUNY Plattsburgh and is currently enrolled in the School District Leader Graduate Certificate program. She also received the Creative Captain award from Nearpod at the Nearpod Transform conference in February 2019.

¢ Tina (Frey) Clements ’91 (COM) launched her first book on successful communication, titled “The ART of Facilitation,” which is available through rpc – The Retail Performance Company.

¢ Douglas Morrissey ’95 G’97 (COM, HIS, CLG) and Andrea (Wilary) Kozak Morrissey ’93 G’97 (EDU) were married on July 27, 2019, at the Stockade Inn in Schenectady, N.Y.

’90s

¢ Lise-Anne Deoul ’94 (PSY) began a new job as director of the Sullivan County Office For The Aging in Monticello, N.Y., in February 2019.

¢ Gwen Borsenberger ’97 G’99 (CDS) (above) earned a doctorate in speech language pathology from Northwestern University in March 2019 as a member of the program’s inaugural graduating class.

¢ On May 13, 2019, Bruce McDonald ’94 (COM) had his head shaved during the “Brave the Shave” event at Manchester Elementary Middle School in Vermont to benefit St. Baldrick’s Foundation for pediatric cancer research. With the support of sponsors, he raised more than $8,345 for the cause. “I can’t thank you enough,” he said in a message to sponsors. “Your generosity has completely blown me away!” He is pictured with his 9-year-old nephew, Sam, who also participated in the event.

¢ On April 4, 2019, Lane Casadonte ’92 (COM) marked his 25th year at WTVR CBS 6 News in Richmond, Va., where he serves as sports director. He joined the station in 1994 as a news photographer and spent three years as weekend sports anchor before taking on his current role. Casadonte has received numerous accolades for his work, including an Emmy Award in 2018.

¢ Becky (Bradt) Pelton ‘98 (EDU) is pictured greeting New York Gov. Andrew Cuomo during the whitewater rafting portion of the annual Adirondack Challenge in Indian Lake, N.Y. She and husband, Nate Pelton ‘97 (EES) own and operate North Creek Rafting Company in North Creek, N.Y.

¢ SUNY Plattsburgh lecturer Cristian Balan ’99 G’00 (MAT, EDU), director of the Center for Cyber Security and Technology, and Frank Bretthauer ’97 (BIO), campus locksmith, each received a 2019 Faculty or Staff Impact Award from the Plattsburgh Alumni Association at the Campus Welcome in August. The award seeks to recognize faculty or staff members, current or retired, who had a major and lasting positive impact on the lives of alumni.

¢ Bruce Mortenson ’90 (PSY) wrote, “It has been a long time since 1990. I came across a photo of my daughter wearing a shirt I owned while at Plattsburgh. It was a wide neck, midriff shirt that apparently was in style with skinny boys in the North Country. So painful to think that I walked around in public like that. The photo is about 11 years old, and she and her sister are ALUMNI TODAY 29

currently in high school, wearing kind of the same thing.”

¢ Kelly Miller ’98 (PSY) recently published a book, “Jane’s Worry Elephant: A Self-Help Guide for Kids with Anxiety.” It is a passion project that resulted from her daughter’s struggle with anxiety.

’00s

¢ Joe Cosentino ’05 G’08 (MGM, MLS) began a new job as regional director of the National Research Center for College & University Admissions in New York City on Nov. 15, 2018.

¢ Taylour Scanlin ’09 (COM) began a new job as foundation & marketing executive director at Carthage Area Hospital in Carthage, N.Y., on Oct. 1, 2018.

¢ Courtney (Diefenbach) Lapp ’06 G’09 (EDU) and Brandon Lapp welcomed a child, Lily Rose Lapp, on April 21, 2019.

¢ LaShauna Quarles ’05 G’07 (BIO, EDU) began a new job as assistant principal of Westlake Middle School in Broomfield, Colo., on July 1, 2019.

¢ Patrick Furman ’07 (CAS) participated in lectures in Hanoi, Vietnam, where he shared his reaction to the 2019 North Korea–United States Hanoi Summit, which took place in February 2019.

¢ Chris Engel ’01 (COM) of WPDM radio of Potsdam, N.Y., received this year’s Golden Media Award from the Basketball Coaches Association of New York for his coverage of high school sports. He was also recently recognized by the New York State Broadcasters Association for outstanding sports coverage of the 2018 Section 10 Division II boys hockey final between Ogdensburg Free Academy and St. Lawrence Central High School. This marks the second consecutive year he has been recognized by the Broadcasters Association.

¢ C.J. Balzaretti ’03 (HRT) and Thays Barcelos welcomed a child, Hayes Chris Balzaretti, on Sept. 30, 2018.

Fill out the online form with all of the event details, and we will ship a party pack of Plattsburgh swag to your door for you and your friends!

’10s

¢ Pictured from left to right are Plattsburgh alumni Jonathan Vera ’18 (COM), Catherine Caputo ’18 (COM), Vincent Gragnano ’17 (COM), Melissa Offman-Rodriguez ’15 (COM), Tyyani Torres ’15 (COM) and Michael Meere ’16 (COM), all of whom work in production at Verizon FiOS1 News station RNN in Rye, N.Y.

¢ Ashlea ’11 (COM) and Cory ‘10,’11 (PSC, IND) Sullivan welcomed a child, Adelaide Elizabeth Sullivan, on May 26, 2019.

¢ Chyresse Wells ’12 (COM) began a job as public relations strategist at Corning Place Communications in Albany, N.Y., on Oct. 1, 2018.

¢ Lauren Lewis ’13 (JOU) recently published “Spoken Words Fly Away, Written Words Remain,” a book of her poetry. The widely-read poet Tyler Knott Gregson said this of Lewis’ collection: “What a gift, to see the natural world as it is, minute and filled with more miracles than ever go noticed. What a gift, to be able to write of them as they deserve, simply, but filled with wonder, with awe, with joy. This collection reminds us all of what we’re missing.”

¢ Global Education Director Jackie Vogl recently met up with alumni in Tokyo, Japan at an event coordinated by Ayako Ishizuka ‘10 (ACC, MGM). From left to right: Rie Nonaka Watanabe ‘10 (HRT), Miki Kobayashi ‘09 (HRT), Yosuke Takada ‘16 (BUS), Ishizuka, Tatsuma Kasama ‘08 (JOU), Harumi Kubota Griffin ‘11 (NUR) and Vogl.

¢ More than 100 Theta Kappa Beta brothers spanning five decades of Cardinal alumni gathered in Saratoga Springs, N.Y., in July 2019 for their annual barbecue and service project. The project took place at the Guardian House for Women Veterans in Ballston Spa, where brothers assembled and stained picnic tables, spruced up the grounds and made a $200 donation. Good times, laughs and many great stories were shared! SEND US YOUR NEWS Submit your news at alumni.plattsburgh. edu/announce, or send it to Aubrey Bresett, SUNY Plattsburgh, 101 Broad Street, Plattsburgh, NY, 12901, or to aubrey.bresett@plattsburgh.edu.

Receive a Tax Deduction and Make a Gift That Pays You Back for Life.

Contact Us About Charitable Gift Annuities

  plannedgiving@plattsburgh.edu

  800-964-1889

In Memoriam

FACULTY AND STAFF

Robin R. Baker, former faculty member — May 1, 2019 Elizabeth Marie Barber ’82, retired costumer in the theater department — Aug. 24, 2019 Carolyn Bird, retired secretary — April 21, 2019 Mary Dossin, professor emerita of English and Learning Center writing specialist — April 11, 2019 David Hensarling, former faculty of hospitality management — Feb. 23, 2019 Stanley W. Johnson, former department chair of psychology — May 29, 2019 Virginia Jubert ’88, former nursing department staff — July 23, 2019 Lendall “Bud” Haskell, associate professor emeritus of art education — April 8, 2019 Justin David Herzog, former faculty member — April 8, 2019 John Francis Hollop, professor emeritus of mathematics — May 19, 2019 Dr. Rebecca “Becky” Kasper, director of the Center for Teaching Excellence — May 8, 2019 Florence Lavene, retired supervising janitor — April 10, 2019 Rolando Miranda, former faculty of Spanish — Aug. 9, 2019 Patricia Munn, retired CSEA library employee — July 29, 2019 Dr. Sherry Hood Penney, former interim president — May 10, 2019 Harold “Jack” Perkins, former dean of graduate studies — July 26, 2019 Venice Sakell, professor emeritus of French language and literature — Dec. 10, 2018 Dr. Kissu Schin, professor emeritus of biology and genetics — May 7, 2019 Sylvia Thume, retired librarian clerk — July 1, 2019 ’30s Hilda Martin ’39 — March 31, 2019 Verda S. Norcross ’38 — March 23, 2019

’40s ’60s ’50s ’70s Katherine Cross ’45 — Jan. 2, 2019 Elizabeth “Betty” Gregory ’41 G’69 — April 12, 2019 Jeanette M. Miller ’41 — Aug. 3, 2019 Mary Miller ’47 — Dec. 26, 2018 Helen Macey Bouyea Morgan ’46 G’55 — May 18, 2019 Renee F. Scher ’49 — March 17, 2018 Irene Andersen ’52 — May 3, 2018 Joan M. Carpenter ’51 — July 24, 2019 Howard James Creaser Jr. ’56 — Aug. 21, 2019 Lawrence L. Evola ’53 — July 24, 2019 Barbara G. Gorrow ’53 — May 21, 2018 Barbara Larkin ’51 — Oct. 30, 2018 Eva S. Martin ’50 G’53 — May 22, 2019 Imogene Maxon ’53 — April 11, 2019 Kathleen Nagy ’54 — Aug. 7, 2018 Fulton J. Sheehan Sr. ’58 — June 6, 2019 Peggy W. Silk ’55 — June 25, 2019 Jean E. Thorn ’51 — July 30, 2018 Geraldine Wright ’55 — Jan. 25, 2019 Kenneth S. Anderseon Jr. ’69 — May 28, 2019 Louise Colombino ’65 — Oct. 3, 2018 Trudi Elizabeth Egan ’69 — March 14, 2016 Sandra Gardner ’66 — Nov. 7, 2018 June V. King ’60 — July 17, 2019 Robert J. Strang ’63 — Aug. 30, 2018 Fremonti “Fred” Mario Valenti ’63 G’73 — Aug. 4, 2019 Susan K. Wilbur ’67 — March 25, 2019 Robert K. Winning ’61 — Jan. 5, 2019 James Scott Bonner ’76 — March 27, 2019 Gerald “Jerry” Allen Fliss ’76 — May 31, 2019 Joseph H. Libertucci ’74 — Aug. 22, 2018 Nancy Loper ’71 G’75 — April 10, 2019

’80s ’90s ’00s ’10s Cathy Davius ’17 — June 5, 2019 Meagan Rae Giroux ’11 G’12 — Aug. 1, 2019 Noelle F. Lazure ’15 — Feb. 24, 2019 Rosa Irene Maldonado-Lilledahl ’11 — July 20, 2016 Perry Ralph Nunn ’89 — Aug. 29, 2019 Therese Brady Smith ’87 G’92 — Aug. 6, 2019 Kate M. Sullivan ’88 — Sept. 28, 2014 Mark Wallace Vogler ’80 — May 30, 2019 Richard Wilson G’88 — May 5, 2019 Pamela Barker G’94 — April 15, 2016 Patricia “Pat” Ishmael-Condon ’91 — Feb. 5, 2019 Christopher A. White ’94 — Sept. 2, 2018 Sarah S. Chapin Knight ’06 — March 2, 2019 Daniel Patrick Locklin G’01 — April 16, 2019 Mark Pivetta ’03 — April 12, 2019 Joshua James Walker ’01 — June 5, 2019 Mary Anne Mercier G’77 — June 14, 2019 Margaret “Meg” McNally Murphy ’74 — Feb. 14, 2019 Myrna Pichon Nein G’78 — June 1, 2019 Dawn Locke Pollock ’74,’78 — May 16, 2019 Katherine “Kathy” St. John ’70 G’72 — May 9, 2018 Rev. Michael A. Ward ’79 — March 14, 2019 Gale “Spike” Francis Wilkins ’71 — July 10, 2019

Death notices must be accompanied by a copy of an obituary or memorial card. SEND TO Aubrey Bresett, SUNY Plattsburgh, 101 Broad Street, Plattsburgh, NY, 12901, or aubrey.bresett@plattsburgh.edu.

AT THE RISK OF SOUNDING OVERLY SIMPLISTIC, my work as a diversity, equity and inclusion officer is to demonstrate that people matter. As vice president for diversity, equity and inclusion, I pride myself on being a servant leader. In that role, I strive to ensure that all members of SUNY Plattsburgh’s community feel seen and know they matter. This requires that we inspire each other to be fully human, while at the same time, embracing each other’s humanity. For this reason, my work is truly centered on demonstrating that people and their range of human experiences matter.

As I reflect on my first 90 days, I continue to be inspired by SUNY Plattsburgh’s commitment to social justice and equity. But I’m also honest enough to admit that commitment is only the beginning. As we build on diversity, equity and inclusion (DEI) efforts from the past years, I am also inspired and encouraged to forge a vision and intentional practices that realize an institution that is inclusive, just, welcoming and responsive. I’m particularly encouraged by the penchant for my colleagues both on campus and in the wider Plattsburgh community to address the suffering and injustices that continue to plague members of our community who exist in the margins. This commitment and discovery has led us to embark on a journey of campus-wide anti-oppression work at various levels of the institution. In the words of Margaret Wheatley, “There is no power equal to a community discovering what it cares about.”

At an operational level, the Center for Diversity, Equity and Inclusion has extended its operations to include Title IX and the Community HUB (Honoring, Unity and Belonging), both

plattsburgh.edu BY MICHELLE CROMWELL

of which have recently expanded their teams. While Title IX serves as the equity and compliance arm of the center, the HUB is fast becoming the campus’s engine room for social justice education and multicultural programming. It also serves as a place for students to find and be their authentic selves.

At a systemic programming level, we have partnered with the Honors Program and political science department to engage more than 50 community members in a semester-long dialogue project. Participants are reading two books, “Killing Rage” by Bell Hooks and “White Fragility” by Robin DiAngelo, and reflecting on them using the Circle Way method of dialogue.

In addition, we recently held two significant campus-wide events. On Oct. 29, almost 200 campus community members attended the Blueprint Party, at which we collaboratively co-created a vision and blueprint for how the diversity, equity and inclusion work should be done at Plattsburgh. A similar event was held earlier that same day for students. And in collaboration with Michele Carpentier, assistant vice president for enrollment and student success and director of special programs, we celebrated National First Generation Day in November with a week of events commemorating firstgeneration students, staff, faculty and alumni.

The words that come to mind when I reflect on Fall 2019 are community, impact and collaborative spirit. At the end, we demonstrated that our diversity, equity and inclusion work is centered on ensuring that we find our power as a campus community by articulating what we care about and acting on it. I can safely say that we have collectively begun the journey to walk that talk. After all, people matter, and equity is the compass that points us in that direction. ¢