Class Notes

Mark F. Cacozza ’73, Saratoga Springs, NY, retired after 36 years as a principal law clerk for the NYS Supreme Court in Saratoga County. Jim Moore ’75, Ardmore, PA, wrote a memoir, My Whispering Father, in 2020. Sandra Beckwith ’76, Fairport, NY, has earned recognition for her Build Book Buzz book marketing website. It has been named to the 100 Best Websites for Writers list compiled by The Write Life for the third time. Kim Bradford ’76, Mount Pleasant, SC, has been named Area Vice President of Luxury Partnership, Incentive, Financial and Insurance Markets at REIIMAGINE in Charleston, SC. Joanne Vassallo Jamrosz ’81, New Hartford, NY, won several awards at the 2020 Royal Dragonfly Book Awards for her young adult novel, The Dreamer’s Stage. Robert Corriero ’83, Syracuse, NY, is working for SAAB Inc. as a Principal Project Engineer in the Air Traffic Management Division.

Dr. Dean Kostakos ’83, Marietta, GA, practices as a podiatrist at North Fulton Podiatry in Roswell, GA. Leesa Nunno Kelley ’89, Liverpool, NY, is the marketing communications specialist at Hematology-Oncology Associates of Central New York. Denise Leary ’89, North Babylon, NY, was named the 2021 Woman of Distinction by the 15th Legislative District in Suffolk County, NY. Leary is President of the Belmont Lake Civic Association in North Babylon, NY. Beth Gordon Schlesinger ’92, Aurora, IL, is head of communications, photon sciences, at Argonne National Research Laboratory near Chicago. Dianne Quinn ’92, West Milford, NJ, is remarketing sales manager at Mercedes-Benz USA. Shelley Bartolotti ’93, New Hartford, NY, was named Literacy Educator of the Year by the New York State Reading Association. Matthew Mars ’95, Tucson, AZ, was awarded the 2020 USDA/APLU Excellence in College and University Teaching Award for Food and Agricultural Sciences-Western Region. Tara Capponi ’99, Marcy, NY, has been promoted to Media Relations and Public Policy Manager at the Central Association for the Blind and Visually Impaired. Christy DiBrango Harlander ’00, Utica, NY, started a new position as a licensed realtor at Bradley & Associates Real Estate Appraisers in the Utica-Rome area. Jessica Metzler Sinclair ’00, Bronx, NY, is an art teacher and owns a women’s clothing store, Dressed by Jess Boutique. Georgina Parsons ’03, Schenectady, NY, has been named press secretary to the New York State Democratic Conference in Albany. Rebecca Clark ’04, Earlville, NY, has begun a new job as marketing administrator, DLH Properties, Inc. Ami Olson Campbell ’07, Cambridge, MA, is director of community engagement at South Boston Community Development Corporation. Gino Geruntino ’11, Mohawk, NY, has been promoted to Content Marketing Lead at ParTech, Inc. Emily Stull ’11, Spinnerstown, PA, is a video producer for Ruckus Marketing. She was on their team that won the 2020 Emmy Award for Branded Content for the inspiring video “Brian’s Dots,” about an artist who suffered a paralyzing injury. Carolina Guzman ’13, Bronx, NY, has been promoted to senior producer, project management at Digitas Health. Joseph Harrison ’14, Watchung, NJ, has started a new position as mortgage loan originator at AnnieMac Home Mortgage. Ian Malloy ’15, Dell Rapids, SD, has been accepted into Indiana State University’s Master of Science Mathematics program. Allison Antonowicz-Reese ’16, Rome, NY, is married and has two children. Amanda Paladino ’16, Albany, NY, is a staff attorney at the Legal Aid Society of Northeastern New York in Albany. Opeyemi Ogunwomoju ’16, New York City, is systems assistant director of nursing quality at New York City Health and Hospitals. James McClendon ’17, Buffalo, NY, has been named general assignment reporter for Syracuse.com. Marissa Filletti ’17, Marcy, NY, started a new position as a digital content specialist at Terakeet in Syracuse, NY. Alec Snyder ’18, Rochester, NY, was recently listed as the auditor-investigator in legal proceedings in the indictment of a Rochester doctor for manslaughter in opioids overdose death. Sam Northrup ’19, Chadwicks, NY, has joined 3BL Media as assistant director of marketing and content creation. Maria Montero Silva ’20, Utica, NY, is communications coordinator for the Mohawk Valley Latino Association, Inc. Okechukwu Ogbutor G’20, New York City, is a healthcare data analyst for FAIR Health in New York City.

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Zach Schellenger ’17, G’18 and Perri Ottati ’18 were engaged in January 2021.

Richard J. Carnevale ’49, Endwell, NY, October 4, 2020. Ernest W. Clock ’50, Litchfield, CT, May 22, 2020. Dr. Alan M. Sokobin ’50, Toledo, OH, April 3, 2020. Marjorie S. Thurlow ’50, Watertown, MA, November 22, 2020. Anthony L. Trovato ’50, Melbourne, FL, May 17, 2020. William M. Buckley Jr. ’51, New Smyrna Beach, FL, February 05, 2020. Warren J. Cook ’51, New Lexington, OH, January 22, 2020. Carolyn Fix ’51, Fairfax, VA, May 20, 2020. Donald E. Keinz ’51, Utica, NY, January 1, 2021. Dr. Allen G. Noble ’51, Akron, OH, March 24, 2020. Dr. John J. Flagler ’52, Minneapolis, MN, April 25, 2020. Catherine M. Nester ’52, Utica, NY, July 10, 2020. William J. Potter ’52, Liverpool, NY, January 8, 2020. Anthony J. Randazzo ’52, New Hartford, NY, April 1, 2020. Nicholas Redanty Sr. ’52, East Rochester, NY, January 4, 2020. Harlon E. Nichols ’54, State College, PA, March 16, 2021. Frank B. Rossi ’54, Mohawk, NY, November 22, 2020. Russell B. Williams ’54, Sisters, OR, January 1, 2020. Angelo P. Cofano ’55, Issaquah, WA, August 17, 2020. Eugene S. Millhouse ’55, Rome, NY, October 30, 2020. Hugh F. Carville ’56, Delray Beach, FL, February 21, 2020. Louis Damelio ’56, Utica, NY, October 15, 2019. Frank S. Morreale ’56, Utica, NY, December 7, 2020. John W. Nelson ’58, Whitesboro, NY, February 20, 2021. Marshall B. Sitrin ’58, Carrollton, TX, September 9, 2020.

Establishing a charitable gift annuity with Utica College can provide vital support to students and the College by funding scholarships, academic resources, capital projects, and other institutional priorities—while also providing donors with fixed payments for life.

Visit utica.edu/planningyourgift to learn more about charitable gift annuities and to determine if establishing one as part of The Heritage Society may be right for you.

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A Utica College alum has been making a big splash in New York City media outlets with his Division III sports coverage at Yeshiva University in New York, NY. In February, the University’s Sports Information Director Anthony ‘A.J.’ O’Hagan ’11 was recognized by the College Sports Information Directors of America (CoSIDA) as a 2021 CoSIDA Rising Star. Presented annually to two CoSIDA members, the award honors young sports information directors with exceptional “dedication, energy, and enthusiasm for the profession.” In his current role since 2015, O’Hagan oversees the media and public relations for 15 varsity teams, including maintenance of the Yeshiva Maccabees’ website and social media channels, and has coordinated national and regional coverage for his sports teams. A journalism grad, O’Hagan was the sports editor for the The Tangerine and video coordinator for the Pioneers’ men’s ice hockey team during his time at UC. He was named the National Collegiate Journalist of the Year by the National Society for Collegiate Journalists in 2011, and in September 2016, he earned an Alumni Award for Young Leadership from Utica College. While an undergraduate in 2009, O’Hagan, who has autism, formed an Autism Awareness Club at UC and organized campus lectures, fundraising events, movie nights and more to raise awareness. He continues to give independent lectures, serve as a panelist at conferences, and educate others about autism on his social media channels. “A.J.’s dedication to learning and his passion for sports were evident from the start,” says Paul J. MacArthur, professor of public relations and journalism who teaches sports communication courses at Utica College. “I’ve watched A.J.’s career since he left Utica College and his work ethic and passion are evident in everything he does. This award is an honor that speaks to A.J.’s accomplishments and I’m sure there will be many more in his future.”

William C. Van Winkle Jr. ’58, Clifton Park, NY, November 13, 2020. Joseph F. Gaeta ’59, Utica, NY, February 8, 2021. Daniel M. Guggi Sr. ’59, Rome, NY, November 1, 2020. Raymond Hapanowicz ’59, Naples, FL, December 24, 2020. Jason O. Seymour ’59, Rome, NY, August 29, 2020. Suzanna Smith ’59, Chadwicks, NY, January 25, 2020. Dr. Alfred J. Tector Jr. ’59, Milwaukee, WI, December 3, 2020. Frank P. DiSpirito ’60, Utica, NY, December 15, 2020. May C. Duff ’60, Irvine, CA, December 14, 2020. Dominick Ferrare ’60, Rome, NY, July 8, 2020. John E. Hinton ’60, Vestal, NY, May 17, 2020. James J. Klein ’60, New Hartford, NY, February 4, 2021. William L. Warmuth ’60, The Hills, TX, January 23, 2021. Louis J. Alonzo Jr. ’61, South Glens Falls, NY, February 21, 2021. Joseph M. Belmont ’61, Frankfort, NY, February 8, 2020. Sally L. Majka ’61, Rome, NY, January 28, 2021. Thomas A. Mariani ’61, Frankfort, NY, July 15, 2020. Dr. Hobart L. Morris Jr. ’61, Brookfield, NY, March 13, 2021. John H. Roberts II ’61, Rome, NY, November 8, 2020. Eva S. Rosenberg ’61, Beachwood, OH, May 22, 2020. Bernard W. Sullivan ’61, Bluffton, SC, August 4, 2020. Samuel F. Ventura ’61, Whitesboro, NY, February 19, 2021. Gloria Wolak ’61, Whitesboro, NY, January 20, 2021. Jack P. Jones ’62, Clinton, NY, February 2, 2021. Rosemary Kendrick ’62, Madison, WI, November 10, 2020. James D. Lia Esq. ’62, Long Beach, CA, June 5, 2020. Rev. Douglas H. Merchant ’62, Syracuse, NY, November 5, 2020. James R. Schmidt ’62, Chelmsford, MA, March 3, 2020. Stuart H. Talbot ’62, Rome, NY, March 9, 2020. Josephine Longo Vescera ’62, Utica, NY, January 10, 2021. Lynn E. Arthur ’63, Indianapolis, IN, June 14, 2020. Lester C. Cannain ’63, Albuquerque, NM, January 02, 2021.

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Mark your calendars for Utica College Homecoming 2021: Coming Back Together planned for September 24 – 26, 2021. This year’s events will be especially memorable as we celebrate the 75th Anniversary of Utica College’s founding. The weekend will feature a full slate of interesting and fun programs including sporting events, building dedications, special performances, academic offerings, great food, parent gatherings, and Class-Year Reunions. Check utica.edu/homecoming frequently for the most up-to-date information on Homecoming 2021. Pioneers, we can’t wait to see you as we Come Back Together and celebrate Homecoming 2021!

EST. 19 4 6

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Stewart is a Wealth Management Adviser at Northwestern Mutual in New Hartford, NY.

As a Utica College alumnus and a wealth management professional, Tanner Stewart ’10 knows the value of smart financial planning. And according to Stewart, establishing a charitable gift annuity with Utica College is a great way to support Utica College students—and ensure fixed payments for life. We talked with Stewart to learn more.

Tanner Stewart: A charitable gift annuity is a lifelong contract between a nonprofit organization and an individual or couple, established with cash, stocks, mutual funds, bonds, and other marketable securities worth as low as $10,000. This gift is placed in a reserve account and invested. The donor will then receive a fixed payout based on the donor’s age at the time of the gift and the date when the payments begin. At the end of the donor’s life, the remainder of the gift will be dispersed to the College. UM: In addition to supporting UC with your contribution, are there tax benefits to charitable gift annuities, as well? TS: Yes, when using appreciated securities such as stock, gift annuities allow donors to partially eliminate and then defer any remaining capital gain embedded in the donated securities used to fund the gift annuities. In addition, a current charitable tax deduction is recognized at the time of the gift. UM: How does a charitable gift annuity support Utica College? TS: Gift annuities provide crucial support to students by funding scholarships, institutional financial aid, academic resources, capital projects, and many other priorities. Both the donor and the College benefit. To learn more about charitable gift annuities with Utica College, please visit utica.edu/planningyourgift to explore UC’s library of gift-planning resources. C. Thomas Clark ’63, Albany, NY, November 5, 2020. Milton C. Lewis ’63, Whitesboro, NY, January 4, 2021. John F. Mullin ’63, New Hartford, NY, March 19, 2020. Gertrude G. Myers ’63, San Antonio, TX, May 19, 2020. Harry L. Robson ’63, Yorkville, NY, January 9, 2021. Terry Davenport ’64, Fairport, NY, November 9, 2020. William J. Dunn ’64, Bedford, TX, April 3, 2020. James F. Hale ’64, Sauquoit, NY, March 11, 2021. Roger S. Pereto ’64, Rome, NY, November 21, 2020. Richard F. Lewek ’65, Clinton, NY, January 23, 2021. Martha L. Blowers ’66, Union, KY, March 28, 2020. June D. Wainwright ’67, Mohawk, NY, January 1, 2020. Joseph F. Bollettieri ’68, The Villages, FL, January 7, 2020. Terrence J. Murphy ’68, Mohawk, NY, July 21, 2020. James F. Fahey ’69, Schenectady, NY, January 31, 2020. Michael R. Gadek ’69, New York, NY, March 11, 2021. Vincent M. Heck ’69, Rome, NY, September 13, 2020. Wilson H. Tyler ’69, Manchester, CT, December 5, 2020. Warren K. Howlett ’70, Westmoreland, NY, March 4, 2021. Paul B. Montana ’70, Stratham, NH, May 7, 2020. Vincent Miranda ’71, Boonville, NY, December 16, 2020. Karl T. Sanford Jr. ’71, Boonville, NY, December 2, 2020. Bernice Ford Benson ’72, New Hartford, NY, November 21, 2020. Jan S. Medved ’72, Rensselaer, NY, March 31, 2020. Philip E. Cox ’73, Lee, NY, July 2, 2020. Nataline Schmitz ’73, Herkimer, NY, April 2, 2020. Judith A. Sedlow ’73, Santa Fe, NM, February 27, 2020. Frederick J. Murphy Jr. ’74, Hyannis, MA, February 16, 2021. Nancy A. Murphy ’74, Whitesboro, NY, July 2, 2020. Kipling G. Olson ’74, Mayville, NY, February 25, 2021. Neil E. Piper ’74, West Palm Beach, FL, April 1, 2020. Patrick D. Samson ’74, Frankfort, NY, January 1, 2021. Amy Breton ’75, Rome, NY, June 2, 2020. Barbara G. Internicola ’75, Utica, NY, January 27, 2021. Danielle A. Kincaid ’75, Holland Patent, NY, January 20, 2021. Annemaria Rizzo ’75, Orlando, FL, November 11, 2020. Linda M. Specht ’75, Clearwater, FL, August 2, 2020. John J. Story ’76, Clifton Park, NY, February 23, 2021. John G. Groman ’77, Aurora, CO, December 25, 2020. Pauline G. MacDonald ’77, Thendara, NY, August 29, 2020. Rena B. Sunderlin ’77, Utica, NY, November 4, 2020. Theresa M. Beagle ’78, Raleigh, NC, September 4, 2020. David T. Gilot ’78, Whitesboro, NY, December 22, 2020. Hermie Lee Butler ’80, Clinton, NY, July 28, 2020. Joseph P. Delaney ’80, Skaneateles, NY, July 31, 2020. Tauni H. O’Toole ’81, Utica, NY, January 1, 2020. Virginia K. Parker ’81, Clinton, NY, January 13, 2021. Thomas J. DeLuca ’82, Seneca Falls, NY, February 27, 2020. Joan M. Murphy ’82, Rome, NY, September 21, 2020.

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Patricia M. Furbush ’83, Bear, DE, March 12, 2021. Mark S. Kavanaugh ’83, Frederick, MD, November 5, 2020. Richard F. Longley ’84, Concord, NH, April 27, 2020. Irene Siminski ’85, Utica, NY, October 29, 2020. James A. Trapani ’85, Fairport, NY, January 19, 2020. Bruce E. Witter ’85, Brookfield, NY, December 17, 2020. Catherine Wheelock ’87, Sauquoit, NY, February 22, 2021. Dr. Bruce M. Renders ’89, Rome, NY, April 17, 2020. Paul F. Stone ’91, Binghamton, NY, November 9, 2020. Peter M. Bohl ’92, East Greenbush, NY, July 23, 2020. Jessie M. Thorpe ’92, Rome, NY, May 25, 2020. Connie A. Fusco ’93, Queensbury, NY, November 11, 2020. Kelly A. Lane ’93, Leominster, MA, March 28, 2020. Ronald L. Fallon ’94, Sauquoit, NY, March 19, 2021. Anna F. Sharpe ’94, Clinton, NY, January 26, 2021. Lillian M. Vatalaro ’95, Utica, NY, October 16, 2020. Matthew J. Cerio ’97, Camillus, NY, April 21, 2020. William C. Decker ’98, Sandy Hook, CT, August 25, 2020. Michael D. Murray ’98, Frankfort, NY, January 9, 2020. Lorraine A. Lewin ’02, Camden, NY, February 8, 2020. Matthew B. Vescera ’09, Frankfort, NY, January 12, 2021. Rocco A. DePerno ’12, Utica, NY, June 12, 2020. Michael J. Vivacqua G’12, New Hartford, NY, December 4, 2020. Chein Liu-Cudnik G’14, Orlando, FL, September 10, 2020. Tina W. Chang G’15, Pine Brook, NJ, November 7, 2020. Erin A. Hamalainen ’16, Wilmington, NC, May 27, 2020. Jean M. Neumann G’16, Barrington, IL, November 19, 2020. Joseph Issac G’18, Fort Lauderdale, FL, January 16, 2021. Taylor C. Thomas ’18, Broad Brook, CT, March 26, 2020.

Michael D. Damsky, New Hartford, NY, a longtime member of the Utica College Board of Trustees, December 25, 2020. Alfreda Nowak, New Hartford, NY, March 5, 2021. Norberto Rosado Sr., Utica, NY, a member of facilities management staff, December 31, 2020. Raymond Rivera, Utica, NY, a member of facilities management staff, January 2, 2021. Elizabeth Zylka, Utica, NY, volunteer and friend of the grounds department, February 6, 2021.

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The Utica College community was saddened by the passing of Sally Lachut Majka ’61 on January 28, 2021. Majka was a dedicated and passionate public school educator for more than 30 years, first in the Vernon-Verona-Sherrill and Utica City School Districts and later in Fairfax County, Virginia where she spent the majority of her career. Education—and, more specifically, reaching the minds of young people—was her life’s work. While a student at Utica College, Majka majored in social studies and was a member of Chi Beta Sigma and Eta Iota Rho. She continued her education at Syracuse University, where she earned a master’s degree, and at the Catholic University of America in Washington, D.C., where she earned an M.L.S. She and her husband Donald returned to the Utica area following her retirement in 1994, and she remained active in education through volunteerism and philanthropy. Notably, she was a supporter of and regular volunteer at the Utica College Regional Science Fair. Majka is an emerita member of the Utica College Board of Trustees, having served from 2000 to 2005. She received the College Service Award in 2002 and the Pioneer Legacy Award in 2011. She and Don have been generous benefactors of the College, establishing the Sally Lachut Majka Scholarship to benefit students of Polish descent and supporting the College in many ways, from annual giving to support for the biology program, and so much more. Summer Carbone ’17, a biology graduate and a recipient of the Majka Scholarship, shared her experience meeting Sally and Donald Majka at UC’s annual Scholarship Luncheon in 2017: “The Majkas were two of the most kind, respectful, encouraging individuals I have ever met. Sharing an afternoon with them at the Scholarship Luncheon was a privilege. We talked about Mrs. Majka’s career as an elementary school teacher, and she was so genuinely interested in chatting about my future plans. After I walked across the stage during UC’s commencement ceremony in 2017, Mrs. Majka got up from the front row where she was seated, walked up to me and gave me the biggest hug. It was really a special moment, and I will never forget it.”

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