UAlbany Magazine, 175th Anniversary Edition, 2019 March

UAlbany
YEARS OF GREATNESS
 
Celebrating 
University at Albany Magazine  |  Spring 2019
BIG PICTURE
On a sunny day in 1979,  
UAlbany students gather  
to “podiate” and enjoy  
a jam session.
www.albany.edu
1
	 10 	Masters of Creativity   
Haitian-American video journalist Melissa 
“Bunni” Elian, B.A.’10; acclaimed writer 
Nana Kwame Adjei-Brenyah, B.A.’13 – 
and the mischievous Subway Doodle, 
who graduated with best buddy Ben 
Rubin, B.F.A.’92 – use their artistic talents 
to interpret the world around them. 	
 18 	For the Greater Good 
Whether their neighbors in need live 
across town, around the country, or  
in distant lands, University at Albany 
alumni are always ready to extend a 
helping hand.           
	 24 	Celebrating 175 Years 
Take a look back as UAlbany observes  
its 175th anniversary.  	
DEPARTMENTS
	 2	 Around Campus
	 6 	Gifts at Work
	 8 	Alumni Spotlight
	17 	Faculty-Research Focus 
	30 	Student Profile
	31 	The Carillon (Alumni 
News and Notes)
	42 	Alumni Sightings
	44 	Events and Opportunities
	48 	Last Look
FEATURES
CONTENTS
University at Albany Magazine
Spring 2019, Volume 28, Number 1
UAlbany
www.albany.edu
Unleashing Greatness for  
UAlbany’s 175th 
AROUND CAMPUS
S
tuart Milk, international human-rights 
activist, youth advocate, and Harvey Milk 
Foundation co-founder and executive chair, 
visited the University Oct. 
25 to speak about “Global 
LGBT+ Rights and the Power 
of Your Story.” Milk is the 
nephew of 1970s gay-rights 
icon and UAlbany graduate 
Harvey Milk ’51, a San 
Francisco supervisor at the 
time he and the city’s mayor 
were assassinated 40 years ago.
Stuart Milk Visits Campus
Giveaways, refreshments, speeches, and prizes were all on the agenda Jan. 23 in 
the Campus Center when members of the University community gathered to 
“Unleash Greatness” with the kickoff of UAlbany’s yearlong 175th-anniversary 
celebration. Students newly arrived for the beginning of the spring semester, 
faculty, and staff also enjoyed learning about some of the activities – including 
University Art Museum exhibitions, New York State Writers Institute offerings, 
sporting events, and Performing Arts Center presentations – planned for late 
January and beyond. Happy 175th, UAlbany!            
Schell Is Named  
Distinguished Professor
The SUNY Board of 
Trustees has elevated 
Lawrence M. Schell 
of the College of Arts 
and Sciences and 
the School of Public 
Health to the rank 
of Distinguished Professor. Schell, a 
faculty member in the Department 
of Anthropology, holds a joint 
appointment in the Department of 
Epidemiology and Biostatistics. He also 
directs the Center for the Elimination 
of Minority Health Disparities and 
serves as a clinical associate professor in 
Albany Medical College’s Department 
of Pediatrics.   
Patrick Dodson
Patrick Dodson
2 
UAlbany Magazine • Spring 2019
www.albany.edu
3
Olympian ALY RAISMAN discussed her 
life experiences Dec. 3 as the headliner for the 
University’s Fall 2018 Speaker Series. Raisman, one 
of the most decorated American gymnasts of all 
time, won six Olympic medals as a captain of the 
U.S. women’s gymnastics teams, 2012’s “Fierce 
Five” and 2016’s “Final Five.” The author of 
Fierce: How Competing for Myself Changed 
Everything, now uses her platform to 
promote body positivity, advocate for 
sexual-abuse survivors, and push for 
systematic changes within the  
sport of gymnastics.
In November, Samhita Mukhopadhyay ’00 returned to campus for the first time in 
18 years to give the Joan E. Schultz Biennial Lecture, hosted by the Department of 
Women’s, Gender, and Sexuality Studies. The Teen Vogue executive editor’s talk, 
“Feminism Goes Viral: A Women’s Studies Alumna Addresses the Changing Media 
Landscape,” focused on her career, UAlbany’s impact on her work, how blogs have 
helped to launch feminism into the public consciousness, and the ways young writers 
and women can influence change.                     
Influencing Change
Samhita 
Mukhopadhyay 
and Professor of 
Women’s Studies 
Vivien Ng, her 
adviser and 
mentor at UAlbany, 
reconnected last 
November when 
Mukhopadhyay 
returned to campus 
to deliver the Joan 
E. Schulz Lecture.
For more information about  
these stories and  
others, visit us online at  
www.albany.edu/news/.
UALBANY’S 
SCHOOL OF 
EDUCATION
the No. 1  
online graduate  
education in  
the Northeast.
U.S. News &  
World Report
ranked 
#1
Brian Busher
4
UAlbany Magazine • Spring 2019
AROUND CAMPUS
F
ormer University at Albany President 
Karen R. Hitchcock, civic leaders 
Peter M. and Barbara J. Pryor, and 
longtime Capital Region businessman 
and promoter Richard Kotlow were 
honored Nov. 1 at the 39th Citizen 
Laureate Awards Dinner.
Hitchcock, a cell biologist, joined the 
University staff in 1991; served as 
UAlbany president from 1996-2004; 
and led Queen’s University in Ontario, 
Canada, from 2004-08. In the Capital 
Region, she chaired the Albany-Colonie 
Regional Chamber of Commerce and 
the Center for Economic Growth, and 
was a trustee of WMHT and The Doane 
Stuart School.
The Pryors, who held leadership 
positions under New York Gov. 
Nelson A. Rockefeller, are active in the 
community. Peter, who founded the 
Albany Urban League, was president 
and general counsel of Albany’s NAACP 
chapter. He served with the SUNY Board 
of Regents from 1996-2000. Barbara,  
a longtime supporter of the University  
at Albany School of  
Social Welfare, was also a  
member of its Community 
Advisory Board. 
Kotlow retired in 2012 as 
CEO of UHY Advisors NY, 
where he served 40 years in 
leadership positions.  
He has made expansive 
contributions to such Capital 
Region organizations as the 
Albany-Colonie Regional 
Chamber of Commerce and 
the Albany Convention  
and Visitors Bureau.  
Citizen Laureates Are Honored
UAlbany Foundation President George R. Hearst III  
congratulates Academic Laureate Karen R. Hitchcock.
Patrick Dodson
Spring 2019, Volume 28, Number 1
UAlbany magazine is published twice a year for  
alumni, parents, faculty, staff and friends of the 
University at Albany, State University of New York.  
Our objective is to produce a lively, informative 
publication that stimulates pride and interest  
in UAlbany.
UAlbany
Vice President for  
University Advancement
Fardin Sanai
Editorial Staff
Executive Editor
Carol Olechowski
colechowski@albany.edu
Creative Director
Mary Sciancalepore
Associate Creative Director
Agostino Futia, B.A.’01, M.A.’08
The Carillon Editor
Stephanie Snyder
ssnyder2@albany.edu
Writers
Paul Grondahl, M.A.’84; Margaret 
Hartley; Nick Muscavage, 
B.A.’16; Greta J. Petry, M.A.’01; 
Vincent Reda, B.A.’74; Claudia 
Ricci, Ph.D.’96; Stephen 
Shoemaker, B.A.’02;  
Stephanie Snyder
Photographers
Brian Busher; Patrick Dodson; 
Michael Paras 
Web Editor
Melissa Fry, M.B.A.’12
Researchers
Benjamin Brunjes, B.S.’12; 
Deborah Forand; Lisa Gonzalez, 
M.A.’03; Amy Johnston
Mailing Coordinator
Kim Verhoff, B.A.’00
Business Manager
Lillian Lee
UAlbany magazine is available 
online at  
www.albany.edu/ualbanymagazine
The University at Albany’s 
broad mission of excellence in 
undergraduate and graduate 
education, research and public 
service engages more than 17,000 
diverse students in nine schools and 
colleges. For more information about 
this internationally ranked institution, 
please visit www.albany.edu. 
UAlbany’s  
Architecture  
Garners Acclaim
Architect and author Sam Lubell 
says the UAlbany campus is one of 
the 10 most impressive highlights 
of modernist 
architecture on  
the East Coast.
For his Mid-Century 
Modern Travel Guide: 
East Coast USA, 
published last fall 
by Phaidon, Lubell 
compiled a list of 250 
sites along the Eastern Seaboard, 
then selected just 10. In describing 
the University’s uptown campus, 
designed by architect Edward 
Durell Stone in the 1960s, Lubell 
singled out its “cast-concrete and 
stone-paneled structures”; “large 
ornamental overhangs”; “gridded 
stone walkways, colonnades, 
plazas, gardens, sunken fountains, 
and reflecting pools”; “four 
symmetrical residential quads”;  
and “space-age flourishes.”  
In an Oct. 8, 2018 story about  
Mid-Century Modern Travel Guide: 
East Coast USA, Dan Howarth 
of the London-based online 
architecture magazine Dezeen 
noted UAlbany’s selection for  
the work. Other highlights  
included structures designed  
by I.M. Pei, Eero Saarinen,  
and Frank Lloyd Wright.
www.albany.edu
5
A
lumni, friends, and members of the 
campus community gathered at  
  the main fountain Oct. 19 to kick  
    off the public phase of This Is    
      Our Time: The Campaign for the 
University at Albany. A dinner at the Massry 
Center for Business followed; more than  
120 guests attended.
Gifts to the $150-million-dollar campaign 
already total more than $110 million,  
and 140 new endowed scholarships  
have been created.
“Our campaign will continue to elevate 
UAlbany’s standing among the nation’s leading 
research universities,” said President Havidán 
Rodríguez. “The generous support of our 
alumni, friends, faculty, and staff strengthens 
our University’s commitment to serving as 
an engine of opportunity for our remarkably 
diverse student body, and as a force for 
change through our faculty’s groundbreaking 
research and creative works.”
As part of the campaign, the 
University launched its most-
ambitious two-day giving challenge ever, with 
the aim of raising 1,844 gifts between Monday, 
Oct. 22, and Tuesday, Oct. 23. A University at 
Albany Foundation board member pledged to 
donate $1 million to the campaign, provided 
the goal was realized. We are proud to note 
that donors in 43 states and Puerto Rico 
generously made 2,012 gifts, surpassing  
that objective.
$110M+  
to date!
$150M  
Campaign Goal
UAlbany Launches This Is Our Time
Visit www.albany.edu/thisisourtime to learn how you can help!
Campaign 
Progress
6
UAlbany Magazine • Spring 2019
GIFTS AT WORK
T
wo renowned UAlbany alumni – one a novelist, the 
other a screenwriter and producer – will ensure that 
audiences continue to enjoy New York State Writers 
Institute programs that bring celebrated writers and films to 
the Capital Region.
Gregory Maguire, B.A.’76, author of Wicked: 
The Life and Times of the Wicked Witch of 
the West, and Marc Guggenheim, B.A.’92, 
co-creator of the TV series “Arrow” and 
screenwriter for the movie “Green Lantern,” 
have made six-figure pledges to the New  
York State Writers Institute (NYSWI), which  
is based at UAlbany.
“The Writers Institute provides a sort of agora, or ancient 
Greek market square, for the sharing of ideas and ideals,” 
observed Maguire, whose novel inspired Wicked, the sixth-
longest-running Broadway show in history. Through The 
Maguire Family Endowment at NYSWI, the Albany native is 
providing financial support for the institute to host authors 
throughout the year. The $500,000 endowment honors his 
family, and in particular his parents, John Maguire, Helen 
Gregory Maguire, and Marie McAuliff Maguire.
Maguire, whose mother Helen passed away when he was born, 
learned about her from “my father and my second mother 
[Marie],” Helen’s best friend from childhood. “I know that  
her interest in literature was as rich as theirs.” 
There is great value in the power of public higher education, 
as well as in making that education accessible to a part of the 
population previously unable to access it, noted Maguire. 
As an English and studio-art double major at UAlbany, he 
was influenced by Professor Lillian Orsini, a librarian who 
taught a graduate-level class on children’s literature – the 
only one offered at the time. “She let me take the course as a 
sophomore. I already possessed a belief in the value of good 
literature for children. Her generosity of spirit in letting me 
in was nonpareil in my experience,” recalled Maguire, who 
penned his first novel senior year as an independent-study 
project. The Lightning Time was published two years later.
Guggenheim made his $100,000 pledge to sustain NYSWI’s 
Classic Film Series because cinematic history is important to 
him. Although he didn’t attend film school, “I’m a big believer 
Acclaimed Alumni Help Secure NYSWI’s Future 
By Greta J. Petry, M.A.’01
Above, left: Author Gregory Maguire poses with UAlbany President Havidán Rodríguez and the president’s wife, Rosy Lopez,  
at NYSWI’s inaugural Albany Book Festival last fall. Above, right: Marc Guggenheim chats with Purple and Gold students during  
a taping of the interview show “Person Place Thing” with fellow alum Randy Cohen, B.A.’71, last November in New York City.
www.albany.edu
7
that classic films are the best teacher for 
people interested in becoming filmmakers. 
It’s important that these works not fade 
into obscurity and that people continue 
to have easy – which often means ‘free’ – 
access to them.”
At UAlbany, Guggenheim studied in the 
English Honors Program. He credited 
Rosemary Hennessy, his thesis adviser, 
with inspiring his love of writing.
New York State Writers Institute Director 
Paul Grondahl, M.A.’84, thanked Maguire 
and Guggenheim for their “transformative 
gifts.” The “two brilliant writers and 
deeply committed University at Albany 
alumni,” Grondahl added, “have been 
past guests of the Writers Institute, and 
they shared insights into their creative 
imaginations with our students, faculty, 
alumni, and community members. 
“Now, with these major gifts, they are 
helping to ensure that those meaningful 
conversations with writers and filmmakers 
from around the world will continue for 
many years to come. Their generosity 
will allow us to offer the very best literary 
and classic film programming to be found 
anywhere, free and open to the public. 
Thank you, Gregory and Marc. You’re 
part of the Writers Institute family now.”
Last October, Maguire signed books at 
NYSWI’s inaugural Albany Book Festival, 
an event that drew 5,000 participants. In 
an April 2018 appearance co-sponsored 
by the Writers Institute and the UAlbany 
Speaker Series, Guggenheim screened 
clips of his film and television work, 
offered commentary, and participated in  
a question-and-answer session.    
Guggenheim enjoys talking to students 
when he returns to campus. “I love their 
curiosity and passion. They’re growing up 
at such an interesting time, particularly in 
terms of politics and popular culture. It’s 
inspiring to see how many of them want 
to become writers,” he said.  
Keeping “the Educational  
Light” Burning 
By Vincent Reda, B.A.’74
G
iven that Daniel P. Nolan, 
B.S.’74, did not participate 
in an NCAA or intramural 
program – or attend many games 
– in his three years at UAlbany, 
his $1-million unrestricted gift 
to support University athletics is 
ironic. But he’s grateful to UAlbany 
for switching on “the educational 
light” for him – and he wants to 
keep that light burning for  
today’s students.  
Nolan cites “the tremendous 
success of the University’s 
programs in basketball, lacrosse, 
soccer, and other sports” – and 
the resulting “increased pride 
of alumni” – as two reasons for 
making the donation. He also 
recognizes that athletics provide 
a gateway to encouraging alumni 
support for students – many of 
whom lack the resources they 
need to learn and succeed.  
Nolan, who lived at home 
in Colonie while majoring in 
business, worked his way through 
school with part-time jobs at 
Macy’s and Valle’s Steak House. 
He recalls that he loved UAlbany 
and attributes “most of what I’ve 
accomplished” to the University 
and to Albany Law School, where 
he earned a J.D. in 1978. 
His achievements include 28 years 
at Ayco Company, providing tax, 
investment, and financial-planning 
advice to its highest-net-worth 
clients, and founding its Special 
Investment Group. In 2003, after 
the firm’s sale to Goldman Sachs, 
Nolan led the effort to integrate 
Ayco into Goldman Sachs’  
Private Wealth Management 
practice. Since 2008, he has 
served as president and CEO 
of Albany-based Hugh Johnson 
Advisors, LLC.
“Alumni possess critically 
important resources to offer the 
University’s students,” observes 
Nolan, who made the first 
significant contribution to the 2003 
fund that created what is now 
Bob Ford Field at Casey Stadium. 
Those resources, he explains, 
include not only grants and other 
monetary gifts, but “networking 
opportunities, internships, and 
mentoring.”
Nolan began actively supporting 
higher education in the Capital 
Region two decades ago, initially 
as a trustee at The College of 
Saint Rose and later in the same 
capacity at Albany Law School.  
He served as board chair for  
both colleges.
In 2014, Nolan received UAlbany’s 
Community Laureate Award.   
8
UAlbany Magazine • Spring 2019
ALUMNI SPOTLIGHT
Gracie Mercado, B.A.’00
Empowered
By Claudia Ricci, Ph.D.’96
W
hen Gracie Mercado arrived at the University  
at Albany as a freshman in 1996, she was a young 
woman who had not experienced a great deal 
outside of her Bronx neighborhood. For four years, she  
had attended a Catholic high school that prepared her for 
college studies, though it was very regimented. She had 
never held a job, nor had she handled her own finances. 
“I had never even cooked or done my own laundry 
before,” she laughs.
By the time she graduated with honors as an 
English major in 2000, Mercado had landed 
her first job in human resources. She also 
had a credit card and a cell phone and was 
paying her own bills.
“Albany gave me invaluable life skills,” she 
recalls. “The University prepared me for the 
real world. It helped me gain confidence and 
develop independence.”
Today, Mercado, vice president of Human Resources 
for the Golden State Warriors, is responsible for 220 
employees on the business side of the basketball team’s 
operation. Before long, the number of employees will 
skyrocket, as the 2017 and 2018 NBA Championship-
winning Warriors are building a privately financed sports 
arena designed to seat more than 18,000 fans. The Bay  
Area arena will host not only Warriors games, but a  
regular lineup of concerts and family shows.
Mercado, who joined the Warriors in October 2016, will 
lead the organization in hiring more than 100 new full-time 
employees and thousands of part-timers to work in the 
new Chase Center. She is currently strategizing with her 
colleagues to prepare for the upcoming expansion. “We are 
incredibly excited about opening the arena,” says Mercado, 
adding that the prospect of the new facility was a principal 
reason she uprooted herself from New York to take the job 
in California. 
Mercado came to the Warriors very well prepared. From 
2014 to 2016, she was vice president for Human Resources 
for the New Jersey Devils.  Earlier, during her seven years 
with the YES (Yankees Entertainment and Sports) network, 
she was promoted from manager to director of Human 
Resources. Mercado’s career also includes stints at fashion 
giants Coach and Ralph Lauren, where she held various  
HR positions, including one that combined human  
resources with finance. 
What advice does she have for SUNY students? “It’s OK if 
you don’t have your career all figured out at 21 years old,” 
she says. As an undergraduate, Mercado put a lot of pressure 
on herself, trying to chart a career.  She insists that isn’t 
necessary; “there is no perfect path to the perfect job.”  
Mercado notes that “Albany instilled a great work ethic in 
me and empowered me to write my own ticket.” 
www.albany.edu
9
Chris Brennan, B.S.’88
NBA Retail Star
By Nick Muscavage, B.A.’16
W
hile Chris Brennan has kept busy working  
for the National Basketball Association for  
the past 20 years, he always finds time for  
his alma mater.
Brennan, who graduated from UAlbany with a degree 
in communication and marketing and later earned an 
M.B.A. from St. John’s University, is senior vice president, 
overseeing the Retail Partnerships Group at the NBA. He 
is responsible for activating and managing the marketing 
and promotions for all NBA operations and relationships. 
In 2016, Brennan returned to UAlbany to deliver the 
commencement address to communication and journalism 
graduates. “It was a lot of fun,” said the 52-year-old Staten 
Island native, who now lives in Westfield, N.J. His speech 
highlighted the motto he embraces: “Professionalism, 
Patience, and Persistence.” 
“Those are my “three P’s, and I’ve stuck with them pretty 
much my entire life,” he said. Brennan acknowledged 
that the “three P’s” have enabled him to pursue 
opportunities as varied as his first job out of college, 
at Russ Berrie, maker of the iconic toy trolls; his 
merchandising job with Foot Locker; and his 
career with the NBA. 
Since serving as commencement speaker, 
Brennan has visited the University several times 
to talk with students. “I also bring students to the 
NBA every year. We do a question-and-answer [program], 
and we talk about professionalism and ask if they would 
like to be a part of the NBA, at some point,” Brennan 
recalled.
Two years ago, he was instrumental in arranging 
UAlbany’s first internship opportunity with the NBA and 
is “trying to help them apply each year. I do this because 
I have wonderful friendships that came out of UAlbany,” 
said Brennan. 
He met his wife, Michelle (Molinelli) Brennan, B.S.’89, at 
the University, and still takes an annual trip to Dippikill, 
UAlbany’s Adirondack campground, with college friends.
Chris Brennan hosts students interested in  
learning about his career with the NBA,  
as well as about internship opportunities.
N
ana Kwame Adjei-Brenyah is having the kind of 
astonishing literary moment that most writers can 
only dream about.
On Oct. 23, his début story collection, Friday Black, 
received a rave review on the cover of The New York Times 
Book Review, the pinnacle of literary success. Reviewer 
Tommy Orange said the author “has written a powerful and 
important and strange and beautiful collection of stories 
meant to be read right now.”
In December, Friday Black was included in the 100 Notable 
Books for 2018, chosen by The New York Times Book Review 
editors, who hailed Adjei-Brenyah as “a new and  
necessary voice.”
The collection tackles fraught themes, such as racism and 
violence, in a wildly original narrative style shot through 
with dark comedy. Critics have likened his fiction to that 
of such literary lions as Isaac Babel, Ralph Ellison, Anton 
Chekhov, and Kurt Vonnegut. 
Author Roxane Gay praised 
Friday Black as “dark and 
captivating and essential.”
Adjei-Brenyah made a 
triumphant return to campus 
Oct. 30 as part of the Writers 
Institute’s Visiting Writers 
Series. He spoke to large and 
appreciative afternoon and 
evening audiences, including 
several alumni classmates and 
former professors. He also 
had an informal conversation with English majors in the 
morning, at the invitation of English professor and author 
Edward Schwarzschild, whom he considered a mentor.
“Friday Black is no ordinary first book, no ordinary story 
collection,” Schwarzschild said in his introduction to 
Adjei-Brenyah’s Recital Hall evening event. “It is a literary 
sensation, arguably the fiction début of the year. And that’s 
not a former professor making the argument; that’s not 
another proud Great Dane engaging in hyperbolic speech.  
That’s just the way it is. And if you don’t believe me, all you 
have to do is take a look at what they’re saying about Friday 
Black in newspapers and magazines around the country.”
In my interview with Adjei-Brenyah for the Writers Institute 
podcast, he expressed gratitude and humility about the 
homecoming at UAlbany. 
10
UAlbany Magazine • Spring 2019
Nana Kwame Adjei-Brenyah, B.A.’13
A Literary Superstar Arrives
By Paul Grondahl, M.A.’84
University at Albany alumni who found their professional callings in the arts use  
their talents to inform us, make us think – and sometimes, to make us laugh.
FEATURE
Nana Kwame Adjei-Brenyah was featured on the cover 
of the New York Times Book Review in November.
MASTERS OF CR
“It’s great to come back to the place where 
I first allowed myself to admit that I wanted 
to be a writer,” he said. “That idea, that 
possibility, became real at UAlbany.”
Adjei-Brenyah grew up in Spring Valley, N.Y., the son 
of Ghanaian immigrants. He recalled that his parents 
would drop him off at the local library for the day, 
and he would read a lot of fantasy, science fiction, 
and Japanese Manga. “In my house, reading was cool 
because of my older sister,” he said. They had their 
share of sibling rivalry, and when she was accepted at 
Columbia University, he was upset that he, too, did 
not make it into an Ivy League school. 
“I have to be honest: I came to UAlbany with a chip  
on my shoulder,” Adjei-Brenyah acknowledged.  
“I chose it because it was close to home and affordable. 
 I ended up loving UAlbany and making my best friends 
– the people who became like family to me – here. I also 
found wonderful writing mentors here. It was the exact 
place I was meant to be.” 
Adjei-Brenyah praised the assistance of Schwarzschild and 
Lynne Tillman, an English faculty member. Both of them 
are fellows of the Writers Institute. “They helped me  
come into my own as a writer,” he observed. 
While majoring in English and completing minors in 
journalism and film studies, Adjei-Brenyah was active  
in several student organizations, including ASUBA;  
Pan-Caribbean Association; and Lola’s Love, which  
raised money for cancer patients. He went on to earn  
his M.F.A. in creative writing at Syracuse University,  
where he now teaches.
“We had an inkling he was bound for greatness,” recalled 
Amy Biancolli, who attended Adjei-Brenyah’s talk and a 
campus dinner honoring him. She worked with Adjei-
Brenyah during his internship in the arts department at 
the Albany Times Union. “I was bowled 
over by both the mesmerizing genius 
of Friday Black and 
the good-natured 
ease with which 
he’d assumed 
his new role as 
emergent literary 
star,” Biancolli 
commented.
After his evening 
reading, I joined 
Adjei-Brenyah and 
a half-dozen of his 
former classmates at Bombers on Lark Street, a favorite 
hangout from their student days.
“He’s the same Nana we’ve always known,” said Jamere 
Shelby, laughing and reminiscing over orders of chicken 
wings, tacos, and French fries. “Just a great guy. We are all 
so proud of him.”                                                              
Paul Grondahl, M.A.’84, is the director of the Writers Institute; 
the author of several books; and a columnist for the Times Union, 
where he worked 33 years as a reporter.
www.albany.edu
11
Adjei-Brenyah appeared on 
campus in October 2018 to 
talk about his experience at 
UAlbany and his book.
Check out these podcasts featuring Adjei-Brenyah.  
WAMC podcast: https://bit.ly/2T6YRKC      The New York Times: https://nyti.ms/2EmVirH
Patrick Dodson
EATIVITY
12
UAlbany Magazine • Spring 2019
MASTERS OF CREATIVITY
B
y age 14, Melissa “Bunni” Elian was already 
thinking about college. A few years later, when 
she was ready to enroll, the Yonkers, N.Y., 
native “completed a College Board test that would 
assess what kind of job I would like, based on my 
personality.” The test revealed that “it was important 
for me to have a product for whatever I would be 
doing, to see the results of my labor.”  
After considering career options as varied as movie 
director, architect, and graphic designer, Elian, now 
31, enrolled at Penn State to study advertising. A year 
later, she transferred to UAlbany 
as a pre-med student. Though 
she spent two years on that track 
and enjoyed her classes, “I felt I 
wasn’t fulfilling what I envisioned 
for myself. I wanted to travel and 
be more out in the world,” Elian 
recalls. 
University Photo Service (UPS) 
and a Judaic-studies class on 
the creation of Israel persuaded 
Elian to switch her major to 
journalism. For her first UPS 
assignment, “I picked up a 
camera and walked around 
campus taking pictures, filling 
the 36 frames on the roll of film, 
and went back to the office to 
develop it.” Patrick Dodson, 
B.A.’12, a UPS photographer 
who now works as staff 
photographer at UAlbany, “was 
surprised I had come back so 
fast. I was really, really eager,” 
says Elian, who later became 
chief photographer at UPS.
Elian found inspiration 
everywhere: in the “really 
interesting” shape of a 
fellow commuter’s hair, the 
“beautiful light” surrounding 
a subject, the mood of a gathering. An eye for detail 
and a gift for “capturing and sharing” emotions, colors, and 
textures through the lens of a camera would serve her well in 
her chosen profession.
Melissa “Bunni” Elian, B.A.’10
Out in the World
By Carol Olechowski
Melissa “Bunni” Elian visits the University 
Photo Service’s office on campus in January.
Patrick Dodson
www.albany.edu
13
Elian is pictured as a student, working in the University Photo Service darkroom.
In one of Elian’s most memorable 
assignments – for her first job, with her 
hometown newspaper, The Journal News 
– she photographed a farewell ceremony 
for New York Army National Guard soldiers 
preparing to deploy to Afghanistan. Moved 
at the sight of “family members meeting 
each other for potentially the last time, 
separated by just a few feet but not 
touching,” she nervously trained her lens 
on a woman soldier weeping during a 
prayer and captured an unforgettable image 
depicting “the sadness of saying goodbye.” 
In the years since, Elian has held several positions, working 
both freelance and under contract for NBC, as well as for 
The New York Times, Google, and the Obama Foundation. 
The Haitian-American journalist enjoys gaining 
international reporting experience and experiencing the 
independence that comes with it but acknowledges that 
a freelancer has to be “everything: a businessperson, an 
accountant, a marketing department, and a salesperson.” 
Elian welcomes the challenges – and the opportunities – 
that come her way. The latter include covering Afropunk, 
an entertainment entity that employs “musical forms, from 
jazz to hip-hop, to connect the African diaspora, including 
the #BlackLivesMatter movement in the U.S., and uphold 
African traditions,” notes Elian, who credits her UAlbany 
experience with “shaping the work I do.” 
When she completes her graduate studies at Columbia 
University this spring, Elian plans “to establish myself 
more as a business entity. I’m taking a break from my Instagram account, and I 
want to experiment more with Patreon,” a website that enables photographers, 
artists, writers, and other creative types to generate sustainable income while 
working at their crafts. She’ll also re-brand her company, currently known as Quick 
Rabbit Productions.
Elian, who associates the rabbit with creation, chose “Bunni” as her nickname. “I 
was born in April, and my birth year, 1987, was the Chinese Year of the Rabbit. I’m 
like a bunny – carefree and happy, but leery.” She subsequently learned of another 
connection: “In Swahili, the word ‘buni’ means ‘creative’ or ‘inventive.’”  
More recently, Elian has 
covered Afropunk, an 
entertainment entity that 
employs “musical forms, from 
jazz to hip-hop, to connect 
the African diaspora, including 
the #BlackLivesMatter 
movement in the U.S., and 
uphold African traditions.”
Patrick Dodson
14
UAlbany Magazine • Spring 2019
MASTERS OF CREATIVITY
www.albany.edu
15
R
eal or imagined, the underground 
denizens of New York City – giant 
rats, mutant turtles – occupy a 
unique niche in popular culture. 
New creatures are joining them, 
captured on social media as they 
lurk along the rails, skulk around 
station platforms, and even mingle among 
passengers throughout the subway system. 
The strange, usually blue monsters are now 
starting to pop up above ground, too, and will 
soon be prowling television signals. 
The critters are the spawn of artist Subway 
Doodle, a 1992 graduate of UAlbany’s art 
program, and they evolved from a daily 
endeavor meant to reinvigorate his artistic 
side. In 2011, while working as the design 
director at cable-television giant AMC, 
he took inspiration from a fellow subway 
commuter he noticed sketching on a tablet.
“At this point, I’d been in kind of a creative 
rut. I hadn’t really been doing much,”  
he remembered. “So I bought an iPad and 
started drawing on it. And it just  
kind of became an obsession.”
On a whim one day, Subway Doodle took 
a photo with that iPad and sketched over 
it, and the self-imposed challenge took 
on a new angle: Snap a photo and finish 
a doodle on it during the approximately 
20-minute ride from Brooklyn into 
Manhattan. The creatures roaming his 
imagination lent themselves  
to the task. 
“The great thing about monsters is you 
can’t draw them wrong. They’re just easy  
to draw, because they can be anything  
you want,” he said. 
The creatures are at times impish, irreverent, 
or irrepressible. They include a monster 
looming over a sleeping passenger, 
ready to pop an inflated paper bag 
over the rider; a wispy four-armed, 
three-eyed creature with another 
eye and mouth set in its chest, 
dressed in genie garb; and a 
beastie wearing a contented smile, 
curling up for a nap beneath a 
flowering tree, the Brooklyn Bridge 
in the background.
In 2014, SWD, as he tags his 
works, started his Instagram 
account (@subwaydoodle) as 
a way to archive his growing 
portfolio. But as often happens 
with quirky things on the 
Internet, Subway Doodle’s work 
was noticed, and his account 
steadily gained followers. He 
recalled that the account hit a 
Subway Doodle (a.k.a. Ben Rubin, B.F.A.’92)
Embracing His Inner Blue Monster
By Stephen Shoemaker, B.A.’02
Though SWD usually doodles funny scenes in  
New York City, right, he has been known to visit  
the University at Albany, opposite. [Reprints of  
his work are available at themintfarm.com.] 
16
UAlbany Magazine  •  Spring 2019
turning point during a week he was 
working extra-long hours. 
“I kind of missed that flash moment 
where it really just exploded. It 
was very bizarre,” he said. “All of 
a sudden, people are calling, and 
they want to interview me.” Among 
the calls Subway Doodle took were 
some from Hollywood: He recently 
finished a 10-second network 
identification for TBS, and has  
an animated show based on  
his creatures in development  
at another network.
In 2016, he left AMC to found 
The Mint Farm, a Brooklyn-based 
marketing studio specializing in 
video and digital graphics. There, 
Subway Doodle works alongside 
fellow UAlbany graduate Ben Rubin, 
B.F.A.’92, who has an eerily similar 
résumé, to produce work for clients 
that include the History Channel, 
Audible, HBO, Crunchyroll, Marvel, 
and Comedy Central. 
The Mint Farm hit the ground running 
and hasn’t slowed. While Subway 
Doodle’s original sketches were 
done over the span of his commute, 
he now works on them where and 
when he can. He’s also done several 
murals in Brooklyn’s Bushwick 
neighborhood and one just north of 
the city in Mount Vernon. His three 
eyes are now set on some prime wall 
space in Manhattan. 
As his distinctive beasts spread 
across New York City and beyond, 
SWD credits a valuable lesson 
on self-expression learned as a 
student at UAlbany: After weeks 
spent laboring on an oil painting, 
he knocked another out in a few 
days. His professor expressed a 
resounding preference for the  
latter piece.
“He was right. The second one was 
much more expressive, as opposed 
to the first one being in a style that 
wasn’t quite mine. It was really the 
first time I thought about, instead of 
copying other people’s styles, really 
starting to develop my own.” 
It’s a good time to be a blue monster, 
and Subway Doodle is embracing 
the success and opportunities 
his coterie of creatures provided. 
“People are always like, ‘What do 
you do?’ On the professional side, 
with the production company, it’s a 
really long story [about] what I do,” 
he said.
“But only recently, for the first time 
in my life, when people say, ‘What 
do you do?’ the answer can simply 
be, ‘I’m an artist.’ That’s pretty great, 
because I feel like that’s really what 
I’m meant to be doing.”
 Pictured, from top, are one of Ben Rubin’s early artistic  
endeavors, published in the ASP in early 1992; and some  
“monstrously” amusing adventures chronicled by Subway Doodle.
www.albany.edu
17
www.albany.edu
17
FACULTY RESEARCH
I
f you’ve ever felt “stuck on autopilot,” UAlbany 
psychology professor John P. Forsyth, Ph.D., has some 
advice for you: “Connecting with your deeper feelings 
about what’s important to you” makes for a happier, more 
successful life.
Forsyth, a licensed psychologist who directs the University’s 
Anxiety Disorders Research Program, has felt “stuck,” too. 
As a young adult expected to join his parents’ business, he 
took the real-estate exam and failed. “My heart wasn’t in it,” 
Forsyth recalls. 
Instead, he worked for two years as a psychology technician 
at Boston’s National Center for PTSD – Behavioral Sciences 
Division, where he “developed a passion for research.” 
He later earned a Ph.D. in clinical psychology from 
West Virginia University and completed a pre-doctoral 
residency at the University of Mississippi Medical Center’s 
Department of Psychiatry and Human Behavior, where he 
served as chief resident. 
Many of us “go through the motions, doing what we think 
we should be doing, or ought to be doing,” notes Forsyth, 
co-author, with Georg Eifert, Ph.D., of Anxiety Happens: 52 
Ways to Find Peace of Mind. “If left unchecked, we can end up 
living an idea of a life that is not our own, and eventually find 
ourselves headed down a path of regret and despair. To get 
a different outcome in life, we have to be willing to change 
what we’re doing.” 
Forsyth observes: “Once humans develop the capacity for 
language and cognition, we very quickly lose contact with 
the present moment. We over-
identify with thoughts and take 
them literally, even if they don’t 
serve us well: ‘I’m stupid.’ ‘I can’t 
do this.’ ‘I’m not good enough.’”
It’s important instead to focus 
on “the things that matter to 
you in life,” rather than “trying 
to change what you think and 
feel. The more you try to avoid 
a feeling or memory, the more 
you’ll experience it. There’s just 
no healthy way not to think a 
thought without thinking it. It’s like trying not to think about 
a pink elephant. You end up with pink elephants stuck in 
your head.”
We give too much credence to “the inner critic” – thoughts, 
judgments, evaluations, and so on.  “We miss that we are 
historical creatures. Our nervous systems are additive, not 
subtractive. So, what you and I think, feel, remember now is 
a mix of everything that has come before,” explains Forsyth.
Forsyth suggests a few ways to confront  
painful memories and anxiety:
• Put your thoughts on paper. Whatever occurs to you –  
even if it’s painful, like fears about intimacy or social  
anxiety – “write it down.” 
• Ask if a particular thought is helpful or not in the service 
of the life you wish to create. Don’t try to avoid negative 
thoughts: “Whatever goes [into our minds] stays in; that’s 
how our brains work. All thoughts will come and go; they 
need not be trusted or believed.”
• Be more open about what you want to become and do. 
“There is no escaping pain. In turning away from pain, we 
turn away from our lives. Confronting pain openly is how we 
navigate and move with obstacles and problems in life.”
• Step back to gain perspective. “When you become more 
present and more open in your emotional life, you’ll connect 
with your values, and anxiety and depression will lessen.” 
• Treat yourself with “a heavy dose of kindness and 
compassion, the way you would treat a family member, 
friend, or beloved pet. Science shows that self-compassion 
is both a skill and a powerful antidote to needless suffering.  
This skill will help you feel better and live better.”  
Currently on sabbatical, Forsyth will return to UAlbany  
in the fall. He regularly teaches the graduate course  
Adult Psychopathology and an undergraduate course,  
Abnormal Psychology.
Link to John Forsyth’s webpage at www.drjohnforsyth.com/. 
John P. Forsyth, Ph.D.
Deflecting the Pink Elephant
By Carol Olechowski
18
UAlbany Magazine • Spring 2019
D
avid Fleming’s undergraduate major in 
biology in the 1970s did more than just 
teach him what he needed to go on to 
medical school at SUNY Upstate Medical 
Center in Syracuse. The University at Albany also 
helped to prepare him for the extraordinary work 
he does today to improve the health of children and 
families all over the world. 
“Majoring in biology with UAlbany’s great 
professors gave me a strong base in science,” 
Fleming says. But the major required only 30 
specific course credits, leaving him “90 credits 
to take whatever I wanted.” He opted for “very 
cool” electives in art, drama, creative writing, 
and “a whole bunch of social sciences, which 
really prepared me for the work I do.”
Today, Fleming is vice president of Global 
Health Programs at PATH, an international 
not-for-profit public-health agency that works 
in some 70 countries around the world. Before 
joining PATH in 2014, he served for seven years 
as director of Public Health for Seattle and 
Kings County in Washington state. Previous to 
that, Fleming directed the Bill & Melinda Gates 
Foundation’s Global Health Strategies 
Program and also served as the deputy 
director at the U.S. Centers for Disease 
Control (CDC).
Fleming’s career has focused on the 
often glaring disparities in health status 
among peoples around the globe. “The 
world has profound inequities in health,” 
he observes. “In the U.S., we’ve figured 
David Fleming, M.D., B.S.’75
Right Place, Right Time
By Claudia Ricci, Ph.D.’96
FEATURE
The densely crowded slums of Mumbai, India, are 
home to many tuberculosis patients who often do 
not complete treatment for the disease.  
 
In the good works they perform at home and around the  
world, UAlbany alumni strive to improve others’ lives.
FOR THE
Greater Good 
PATH/Prashant Vishwanathan
www.albany.edu
19
out how to make most people live long and healthy lives. 
The question is, how can we make the same thing happen for 
people in other countries around the world?”
Global public health has changed over the years, Fleming 
notes. “Fewer and fewer people are dying from infectious 
diseases. And people are living longer. People are now facing 
environmental and non-communicable diseases, like diabetes 
and hypertension.”
One of the many projects that Fleming is working on for 
PATH involves treating high blood 
pressure in people living in India’s 
urban slums, where hypertension is 
now more common than in the U.S. 
Typically, these people don’t seek 
treatment in government clinics; 
rather, they prefer to see local medical 
providers who generally have only 
modest levels of training. Fleming’s work involves providing 
access to free medications and technical assistance to help 
set up referral networks so that patients who need more 
sophisticated medical care can get it. 
This treatment system, Fleming adds, was a follow-up to 
a PATH project to treat people with tuberculosis in these 
same Mumbai slums. Tens of thousands of TB patients 
who otherwise would not have been successfully treated 
received free diagnostic tests and drugs while continuing 
to see the private provider of their choice. “We decided to 
take this model for TB and make it work for other, non-
communicable diseases,” he says.
In another PATH campaign recently completed in Zambia 
and Tanzania, Fleming oversaw the creation of immunization 
registries using smartphone and other mobile digital 
technology to record and compile information. “With the 
old-fashioned paper systems, Tanzania wasn’t able to do 
much more than immunize the kids who walked in the 
door.” With the advent of smartphones, 
however, health providers can now keep 
track of who was immunized, and for 
what diseases, and who wasn’t. This 
system also has enabled providers to 
monitor the vaccine supply closely.
“If you don’t have a system tracking how 
much vaccine you have, you can run out 
of what you need,” explains Fleming.
At the Gates Foundation, Fleming also helped to develop a 
system whereby a group of donor countries and foundations 
came together to guarantee vaccine manufacturers in advance 
that if companies produced vaccines for poor children in 
low-income countries, they would be paid for and used. The 
pneumococcal vaccine was successfully introduced using this 
Advanced Market Commitment system. As a result, tens of 
millions of children were immunized. 
Health workers in Arusha, Tanzania, use tablets to pull up patient records.
Bill & Melinda Gates Foundation/John Healey
20
UAlbany Magazine • Spring 2019
I
brahim Khan graduated from the 
University at Albany 13 years 
ago, but his new job as chief of 
staff for New York State Attorney 
General Letitia James brings him back 
to the Capital Region frequently. 
Khan, who earned a degree in political 
science, “had a pretty good sense” of 
what he wanted to do with his career. 
At UAlbany, the Long Island native 
served as managing editor of the 
Albany Student Press (ASP) and as 
Muslim Student Association president. 
“I knew I wanted to do something with 
words and ideas. I always thought 
I would go into either journalism or 
some sort of public service. 
“I benefited from the traditional 
classes I took, but I think what really 
helped me was meeting people 
from all over the world, learning to 
produce a newspaper on a deadline 
every week, and taking up leadership 
opportunities,” explained Khan, 34. 
UAlbany’s presence in the state 
capital, he added, made his initial 
foray into politics – as legislative 
director for Assemblyman Phil Ramos 
– possible. From there, Khan held 
various other roles in the political field; 
they ranged from working on Hillary 
Clinton’s 2007 presidential campaign 
to joining a political-consulting firm 
that manages high-profile political 
campaigns. Before joining the attorney 
general’s office, he served as chief of 
staff and deputy public advocate for 
five years for the New York City public 
advocate and campaign manager for 
James’ attorney-general campaign.
James tapped Khan for his new 
position when she took the helm of the 
AG’s office in January. Khan described 
his role as critical to “advancing the 
agenda of the attorney general with an 
eye towards ensuring that the rights of 
all New Yorkers are protected.”
He is excited about that mission: 
“There’s no question that my work 
today remains colored by the people 
I met and the opportunities I had at 
Albany. Given the tumultuous times 
we’re in, there’s a real need to have 
someone who’s a watchdog for New 
Yorkers’ rights, particularly civil rights. 
It’s an opportunity of a lifetime.”
Khan and his wife, Christine (Marrero) 
Khan, B.A.’06, reside in Queens. 
They met at UAlbany, where Christine 
received a degree in communication 
and media. 
FOR THE
Greater Good 
Fleming realizes that he has been 
very fortunate to have a diverse 
and rewarding career filled with 
opportunities “to be in the right 
place at the right time.” But 
then, he was fortunate with his 
UAlbany classes and professors, 
too. Stephen C. Brown, who 
taught invertebrate zoology, 
“was unbelievable,” Fleming 
remembers. “He made me 
appreciate the sophistication and 
beauty of life in these tiny animals 
I’d never given a second thought 
to before.” Another professor, 
John Aronson, permitted Fleming 
to complete a very non-traditional 
paper that speculated on how 
transfer RNA operated in the 
cell to help form amino-acid 
structures.
When it was time to start thinking 
about a career during his junior 
year, Fleming got lucky once 
again. “I was dead set on being 
a wildlife biologist,” he recalls. 
But when he met with his career 
counselor, she diplomatically asked 
him if there were a lot of jobs for 
wildlife biologists. “She asked 
exactly the right question, because 
when I went to take a look, to 
my horror, there were not.” The 
counselor encouraged him instead 
to consider graduate school 
or medical school. Eventually, 
Fleming chose the latter, and the 
rest, of course, is history.
Dr. Prakash Khaitani, a private 
provider, checks a patient seeking 
tuberculosis treatment at a hospital 
in the Govandi area of Mumbai.
PATH/Prashant Vishwanathan
Ibrahim Khan, B.A.’06
Protecting New Yorkers’ Rights
By Nick Muscavage, B.A.’16
www.albany.edu
21
I
n 2016, after two rounds of downsizing at JP Morgan 
Chase in Rochester, N.Y., left all his work based in New 
York City, attorney Howard Grossman found himself 
opting for retirement – and seeking a new challenge to 
keep him busy in a way more locally based and values driven. 
He found that opportunity with Pencils & Paper, a Jewish 
Family Service of Rochester program that helps students in 
the community by ensuring that their teachers have the basic 
supplies necessary for instructional and learning success.
Grossman, then 60 and long active with such organizations 
as Jewish Family Service, consulted other civic leaders. He 
also looked into the Kids in Need Foundation, which sources 
donations and provides support for more than 40 similar 
stores across the country where teachers at high-poverty 
schools “shop” – free of charge – for supplies for students 
whose families cannot afford them. Grossman and Jewish 
Family Service saw a need for such a program in Rochester, 
where “50 percent of kids live in poverty.” Pencils & Paper 
was born in Spring 2016 and later became a Kids in Need 
Foundation affiliate store. 
In Pencils & Paper’s first year of operation, 824 teachers 
shopped for more than $700,000 of materials and benefited 
nearly 21,000 students. In its second year, with several more 
months of shopping ahead, those numbers have already  
been surpassed.
As program co-founder and 
operating manager, Grossman 
oversees the store, orders supplies, 
assures that shelves are stocked, and 
fosters relationships with other community organizations. 
Inventory “comes from recycling unused supplies from local 
companies, national sourcing organizations, and leveraging 
donor dollars through Kids in Need Foundation bulk 
purchasing,” Grossman explains. 
Wegmans, Staples, and the local Association for the Blind 
and Visually Impaired have donated products, and numerous 
businesses, in partnership with the Chamber of Commerce, 
have conducted supply drives to stock the store’s shelves. A 
local real-estate broker donated his commission, assisting 
Pencils & Paper in renting 10,000 square feet of store and 
warehouse space located “within 5 miles of every poor 
kid in Rochester,” Grossman notes. Wegmans provided 
carts, shelving, signage, and design. The store is staffed 
by volunteers and provides opportunities for those with 
developmental disabilities. And as beneficiary of the final 
Howard J. Berman Prize – named for a donor who joined 
Jewish Family Service in giving Pencils & Paper its start –  
the charity has established a $132,000 endowment.    
For Grossman, Pencils & Paper has been “a labor of love.  
It’s nice to be making a difference in an encore career.” 
Howard Grossman, B.S.’77
“Making a Difference” for Kids in Need
By Carol Olechowski
Right: By invitation, teachers shop at Pencils & Paper for school 
supplies; arts-and-crafts materials; and such personal-hygiene 
items as toothbrushes, toothpaste, and deodorant.
Above: Students thank Pencils & Paper for their school supplies. 
UAlbany Magazine • Spring 2019
22
Jacqueline Burton, B.A.’08
Working for  
Social Justice
By Carol Olechowski
W
hen Jacqueline Burton applied for 
admission to the University at Albany, 
she received an unexpected offer: a 
Presidential Scholarship. “I couldn’t 
refuse,” she says. “It was an honor.” 
The only subject Burton knew she wanted to study 
was Spanish. “Coincidentally, I took urban sociology 
and found out that it was part of a broader program. 
UAlbany was one of the two SUNY schools that offered 
a bachelor’s in urban planning – how lucky! I declared a 
major and never looked back,” she remembers. 
For a while, Burton considered a career as an architect. 
Her urban-planning studies, focused on “why places look 
and function as they do; why suburbs exist; the impacts, 
good and bad, policies 
have on people,” were 
“fascinating.” However, 
her studies were 
interrupted just before 
the start of her final 
semester at UAlbany 
when she was diagnosed 
with lymphoma. Burton 
went to stay with her parents in Saratoga Springs while 
undergoing treatment. She returned to the University a 
year later, splitting her coursework into two semesters. 
After graduating in December 2008, Burton worked 
for the Historic Albany Foundation for about a year, 
then “wanted to try new things.” Accepted to Teach For 
America (TFA), she left for New Orleans in 2010. “I’d 
been there once and really loved it,” Burton recalls, “and 
I was eager for the opportunity to live there, helping and 
serving.”  
Burton taught seventh-grade science for a year at an 
all-boys charter school in the city’s Ninth Ward. Even 
five years after Hurricane Katrina had devastated the city, 
the infrastructure remained compromised, and lives were 
still upended. “In my neighborhood, there were a lot of 
empty lots. The school wasn’t in a building; it was set up 
in trailers with fences around them. Many of the children 
had spent the first few years after Katrina in Houston or 
Atlanta, so their educations were interrupted,” relates 
Burton.
After leaving TFA, Burton worked as a secretary with 
a New Orleans architectural firm. She left to study at 
New York University, where she earned a master’s in 
international planning. 
Since 2014, Burton has been with the Ford Foundation, 
a social-justice organization that boasts “a global 
vantage point.” As a Cities and States program grants 
officer working alongside 
“brilliant and passionate” 
colleagues, she appreciates 
“the incredible opportunity 
I have to support people and 
organizations working to 
eradicate inequality around 
the world.” She has traveled 
the U.S. and the world, 
visiting Uganda, Malaysia, Europe, Mexico, Kenya, South 
Africa, Colombia, and Brazil, notes Burton, adding that 
her work has enabled her to use the Spanish-language 
skills she acquired at UAlbany. “Puerto Rico is really top 
of mind for me right now.” 
Burton has learned that “natural disasters impact people 
differently.” She explains: “Those who have more tend 
to live in less flood-prone areas and have less physical 
damage from the storm. They have better insurance, get 
their homes fixed more quickly, and pay for more things 
out of pocket. They’re able to leave when the storm is 
coming and return when it’s over. 
“Marginalized and vulnerable groups are more often 
Michael Paras
FOR THE
Greater Good 
www.albany.edu
23
Jackie Burton pictured at  
the Ford Foundation Center for 
Social Justice in Manhattan.
displaced, and displaced permanently. They have limited 
access to transportation, jobs, and quality housing. I work 
with groups advocating for policy change to impact those 
inequities.” 
The “solid theory and practice” in UAlbany’s urban-
planning courses prepared Burton well for both graduate 
study and her profession. “I learned a lot from Jeff Olson, 
an adjunct who brought in examples of how things are 
done outside the U.S. [Associate Professor] Gene Bunnell 
taught Community and Regional Planning. He was a great 
scholar, a treasure trove of information and a walking 
textbook, and he had a lot of practical experience. He wrote 
my recommendation for graduate school. [Professor] Chris 
Smith, my adviser, was very encouraging when I returned to 
school after undergoing cancer treatment. [Distinguished 
Service Professor] John Pipkin knew all kinds of trivia and 
talked about how buildings affect people emotionally.” 
Pipkin, Smith, and Bunnell are now emeritus faculty.
Burton is also grateful that her scholarship was restored 
when she returned to UAlbany to complete her degree 
requirements. The support she received after her cancer 
treatment, she says, allowed her to resume her studies  
with “renewed energy.”
24
UAlbany Magazine • Spring 2019
A
t its start 175 years ago, the New York 
  State Normal School embraced a noble 
    mission: to educate the men and 
women who would teach the children of  
a young nation.  
From those solid roots as a training ground  
for teachers, the school evolved into a great 
public research university. Today, UAlbany  
still keeps the promise made in 1844 – to 
provide an outstanding education to those  
“who aspire to do great things.”
This special publication of UAlbany magazine 
pays tribute to the University’s 175 years of 
history: to its outstanding people and to its 
educational, research, and social advances, 
which have drawn national and international 
acclaim. The Fall 2019 issue will also include 
some highlights of UAlbany’s status as a  
unique, spirited, and collegial place.
Please join us in proudly reflecting upon  
the University’s past as we embark together  
toward UAlbany’s future.
A Journey Through Time:  
Looking Back at UAlbany’s 175 Years
Above, left: Students gather to study at the Hawley Library in 1940.  
Above, right: In 2017, students work at the Science Library on the uptown campus.
www.albany.edu
25
SCHOOL NAMES 
THROUGH THE YEARS
New York State Normal School   
May 1844 – March 1890
New York State Normal College   
March 1890 – April 1914
New York State College  
for Teachers 
April 1914 – September 1959
State University of New York 
College of Education at Albany   
September 1959 – October 1961
State University of New York 
College at Albany   
October 1961 – August 1962
State University of New York  
at Albany   
August 1962 – September 1986
University at Albany, SUNY   
September 1986 – present
Between 1845 and 1965, commencement was held at various sites. Those venues included the Auditorium Building and Page Hall (1929-1949) on the downtown campus, 
The Palace Theatre in Albany, and Alumni Quad and Thurlow Terrace (1960-1965). The first graduation on the uptown campus took place in 1966 with 1,126 graduates 
receiving their degrees behind Dutch Quad. From 1990-2000, undergraduate commencement was held at the Times Union Center (formerly Knickerbocker/Pepsi Arena.)  
The south lawn on the uptown campus, behind the Science Library, was the setting for the Class of 2001’s graduation. Undergraduate commencement moved to its  
current entry-plaza location in May 2009. At Commencement 2018, degrees were conferred on about 2,320 undergraduate students from 17 states and 19 countries; first-
generation students comprised 31 percent of the class. There were 805 master’s and 134 doctoral graduates, as well as 43 students who earned graduate certificates.
1909: 180
1929: 1,227
1947: 1,330 
1,196 undergraduates 
134 graduate students
1963: 3,858 
3,042 undergraduates 
797 master’s candidates 
19 P.h.D. candidates
1969: 12,143 
8,378 undergraduates 
3,765 graduate students
1982: 15,732  
11,194 undergraduates 
4,538 graduate students
1990: 17,405 
12,459 undergraduate  
4,946 graduate students
2017: 17,746 
13,504 undergraduate  
4,242 graduate students
STUDENT ENROLLMENT
1917
1970
2014
Mike Buetow, New York State College for Teachers, Class of 1946, and  
an unidentified female student sit on the steps of the downtown campus.
161 GRADUATES
2,334 GRADUATES
4,578 GRADUATES
Albert Husted, Class of 1855 
alumnus and mathematics professor, 
led the 44th Company of New York 
Volunteers, comprised primarily 
of our teachers and students. 
They fought in 12 Civil War 
battles. Husted’s life was 
saved when a diary  
blocked a bullet from 
entering his body.
1865
Harriet Twoguns
 First Native American to graduate
1866
Kate Stoneman 
First woman lawyer in New York State
1877
Sensaburo Kudzo
First foreign student to graduate
1884
Evelena Williams 
First African-American graduate of the school
1910
Javier Adriansen 
First Latin-American graduate
1951
Harvey Milk 
Class of 1951 graduate was one of the first  
openly LGBTQ elected officials in the U.S.
1990
H. Patrick Swygert 
First African-American UAlbany president
1995
Karen R. Hitchcock
First woman UAlbany president
2017
Havidán Rodríguez 
First Hispanic/Latino president of  
any of the SUNY four-year campuses
26
UAlbany Magazine • Spring 2019
–––  UALBANY NOTABLE ––– 
FIRSTS
In the early 20th century, a women’s gym class 
is held in the Auditorium basement, where the 
Dewey Library is now located.
GREAT IMPACTS
The University at Albany has an annual economic impact of  
       $1 billion on New York’s Capital Region.
www.albany.edu
27
May 1949
Pedguin is selected as  
school mascot in a contest. 
The winning entry is submitted by Paul Kirsch ’51, who  
later stated he initially called the mascot a pedwin.
May 1965
In another contest, the  
Great Dane is chosen as  
the school’s new mascot.
Kathy Earle ’67 submits the winning selection:  
the Great Dane, “noted for its grandeur, its alertness,  
and its intelligence,” according to the selection committee. 
“It is an animal whose prowess and  
strength are easily recognizable and  
readily admired.” (ASP, May 14, 1965)
1865
President-elect Grover 
Cleveland hands out diplomas 
at commencement.
1938
First Lady Eleanor Roosevelt  
addresses the student body.
1969
Janis Joplin performs in  
the University Gym.
1983
U2 performs on campus in  
an outdoor concert before  
a crowd of 10,000.
1994
Bill Clinton becomes the  
first sitting U.S. president  
to visit the school.
2006
U.S. Senator Hillary Rodham  
Clinton visits UAlbany.
2009
U.S. Secretary of State Colin 
Powell speaks on campus.
2010
Legendary journalist  
Barbara Walters visits for  
a speaking engagement.
2011
NBA Hall of Famer Earvin 
“Magic” Johnson comes to  
the University.
2012
Barack Obama becomes the 
second sitting U.S. president 
to visit campus.
NOTABLE VISITORS: GREATNESS ATTRACTS GREATNESS
WHAT’S A DEMISEMISEPTCENTENNIAL?  
A centennial is a 100th anniversary, but what is a 175th anniversary? It’s a demisemiseptcentennial, of course! 
Demisemiseptcentennial is literally one-half (demi-) x one-half (semi-) x 7 (sept-) x 100 years (centennial).  
Happy demisemiseptcentennial anniversary, UAlbany!
Several students play video games and pinball  
in the Campus Center game room.
1983
Early 2000s
Vendors that opened in the early 2000s included Burger 
King, Dreidel’s Kosher Kafe, Ritazza coffee & tea, Frozen 
Treats (ice cream and frozen yogurt), and Au Bon Pain.
2019
Campus Center food choices continue to evolve. 
Vendors in 2019 include The Sweet Shop Ice Cream and 
Smoothies; Al Dente Pasta Bar; Calypso (Jamaican);;  
The Corner Deli (sandwiches and bagels); Cusato’s 
Pizzeria; Damien’s (salads, wraps, burgers, wings); 
Fountain Grill (breakfast, burgers, milkshakes); Umai 
Sushi; Starbucks; Nikos Cafe (Greek); Star Ginger (fresh 
Asian flavors); SubConnection (subs & salads); The Halal 
Shack (Mediterranean and Middle Eastern flavors);  
1844 Restaurant; and Tres Habeneros (Mexican).
FOOD ON CAMPUS THROUGH THE YEARS
Campus Center snackbar, 1972. Menu: milkshakes 
30¢; toast with jelly 15¢; coffee, tea or milk 14¢
Sayles dining room, 1947
Indian Quad dining hall, 2009
Campus Center cafeteria, 1970s
Be sure to check out the  
fall issue of UAlbany  
for another walk  
down memory lane.
1918
The first on-campus cafeteria 
opened in the basement of 
Husted Hall in the summer of 
1918 as a mess hall for 250 men 
of the Student Army Training 
Corps, which trained officer 
candidates for service in the 
First World War. In the fall, 
the cafeteria was assigned to the 
home-economics department, 
which used it to teach food 
purchasing and preparation 
while distributing three meals a 
day to students and faculty.
1960
A dining hall opens on Alumni 
Quad between Alden and 
Waterbury halls. While the 
dining room was co-ed, there 
were marble staircases on each 
side so men and women could 
enter and exit separately into 
their respective dorms.
1994
The Campus Center extension 
opens with a food court. Vendors 
include Pizza Hut, KFC, Taco 
Bell, McDuff’s hot food stand, 
and Zepps sandwich shop.
28
UAlbany Magazine • Spring 2019
www.albany.edu
29
12 miles  
       of roadway
Four dormitory quads     
     contain more than 
14,000 windows.
fountains 
along a north-
south axis 
4
The main fountain 
reflecting pool, 
holds
160,000  
gallons of water.
Noted architect Edward Durrell Stone designed the uptown campus on what was once the site of 
the Albany Country Club. Purportedly the largest single academic construction ever undertaken, 
the project used more than 270,000 cubic yards of concrete and fifty miles of copper tubing.  
It was rumored that if the 500 architectural drawings for the campus were placed end to end,  
they would extend for a half-mile. In the photo above, Albany Mayor Erastus Corning 2nd and  
Gov. Nelson Rockefeller, pictured at center, view Stone’s model of the uptown campus in 1962.
1897
The college plays its first  
intercollegiate baseball game.
           1924
The women’s varsity 
basketball team 
competes in its first 
intercollegiate match, 
defeating Russell. 
Sage 45 to 32.
1972
This was UAlbany’s first year as an  
NCAA-III athletic institution.
1995
For the first time, the University competed  
in the NCAA’s Division II.
1999
UAlbany begins its first year of competition  
as a Division-I athletic program.
2003
The University wins the America East men’s indoor 
track & field title – the first for any UAlbany team 
since the athletics program joined the America  
East Conference in September 2001.
2006
Men’s basketball makes its first trip to the NCAA 
tournament, becoming the first SUNY school to 
compete in the men’s tournament.
2012
The women’s basketball team competes in the 
NCAA tournament for the first time.
2014
UAlbany’s women’s field hockey team becomes 
the first SUNY school ever to advance to  
Division 1 Final Four competition.
2018
The men’s lacrosse team becomes the first 
Division 1 athletic team in SUNY history to be 
ranked No. 1 in the nation and also becomes  
the second SUNY team ever to make a  
Division 1 Final Four appearance.
–––  ATHLETICS ––– 
GREAT 
CHAMPIONS
1962
more than 
3,500 
trees
more than 
1,000 
 light poles
There are more than  
2,000 pre-cast columns  
on the academic podium. 
UPTOWN CAMPUS BY THE NUMBERS
1844: MDCCCXLIV
30
UAlbany Magazine • Spring 2019
STUDENT PROFILE
M
oises Urena, a former peer leader at the American 
Sign Language High School in downtown Manhattan, 
aspires to work in higher education one day. And 
proudly watching his progress through college is a young fan: 
his 9-year-old sister, Abbygail. 
Urena, a 20-year-old junior in the School of Education, noted 
that Abbygail “is into the arts. She says she wants to be like me 
and come to UAlbany.”
The New York Times has also taken an interest in Urena; the 
paper shared his story in an opinion piece published in the Oct. 
2, 2018 edition. When told he might be interviewed for the 
newspaper, Urena recalled, “I was at a loss for words. I did not 
know people were actually paying attention to the work that 
I have been putting in and it made me feel better ... that I am 
making a difference.”
For Urena, who’s majoring in human development, going 
to college wasn’t an obvious choice. He was homeless for a 
time during high school and, until his junior year there, a 
disengaged student. That’s when he attended a program through 
PeerForward, a national non-profit organization that promotes 
high-school success through peer mentoring. 
After spending two summers as an orientation leader with 
the University at Albany’s Division of Student Affairs, Urena 
continues his mentoring role in a more informal way: He finds 
that other students seek him out for information and guidance 
– or just to vent. “I myself have a few mentors on campus and 
always confide in them when I need help,” he said. His mentors 
include Claudio Gomez, Ekow King, Sari Khatib, Keith Nunez, 
Maritza Martinez, Ashley Walker, Robert Peguero, Alfredo 
Medina, Noah Simon, Marykay Skrabalak, “and many more.” 
Adds Urena: “They guide me in the right direction and give me 
the feeling that they actually care and want to see me succeed. I 
don’t feel I’m talking to an administrator, but more to a family 
member, and I hold that dear to my heart.” 
Urena is planning a career in higher education. He also wants to 
ensure that disadvantaged kids succeed in life.
“In five or 10 years, I see myself as an administrator at a 
university while also running a mentoring and tutoring non-
profit to help students in low-income communities,” Urena said. 
“I want to help make a difference in their lives and hopefully 
send them off to college. I want to do this because I know how it 
feels to be homeless and have someone actually care for you and 
watch out for you. I want to be that for someone else.”
In addition to Abbygail, Urena has a sister, Anjinette, attending 
community college in Rochester. His older brother, William, 
graduated from UAlbany in 2016 with a degree in sociology. 
Once homeless and uninterested 
in studies, Moises Urena turned his 
life around with a commitment to 
education and helping people. 
Patrick Dodson
Moises Urena     Being There for Others
By Margaret Hartley
www.albany.edu
31
1 9 4 8
The Class of 1948 celebrated its 70th reunion during 
Homecoming in October. Class members attended 
the Half-Century Club Breakfast and a luncheon. 
Those able to attend were Eugene McClaren, Eileen 
Abrahms Petterson, Wanda Tomasik Methe, 
Gari Deliganis Paticopoulos, and Eleanor Holbig 
Alland. During Sorority and Fraternity Coffee Hour, 
Eleanor entertained the group with recollections of 
sorority life in the 1940s. 
Ruth Seelbach Elmore sends greetings from Florida. 
John Knox Village is decorated beautifully and hosts 
events for its residents. The village bus transports 
residents to events in the area. In June, Ruth and her 
husband took the Auto Train north to visit relatives  
and friends. 
Joan Sherwood traveled to Phoenix to visit her 
granddaughter and then to Scottsdale to visit Bob 
Kaiser ’49 and Mary Anne. Joan will welcome a new 
great-grandson this year. She still works on church 
archives, plays bridge, and volunteers at the library. 
Donald Sayles has given up downhill skiing  
and sailing the Dulcinea as he approaches 96 years 
of age.
Gari Paticopoulos moved from Florida to Delmar  
to be near family. 
Ruth Doran lives with her brother in Baldwinsville, 
N.Y. She is doing well. 
Eleanor Alland and son James flew to Baltimore  
to spend Christmas with family.
Class councilor: Eleanor Holbig Alland,  
ealland214b@nycap.rr.com
1 9 4 9
Correction: Bob Kaiser and Mary Ann have been 
married 66 years, not 40 as printed in the Fall 2018 
Class Notes. 
Jake and Betsy 
Franks Schühle of 
Cortland celebrated 
their 70th wedding 
anniversary in 
September. They have 
six grandchildren, eight 
great-grandchildren, 
and one great-great-
grandchild (five 
generations)! 
Bonnie Lewis Adkins sends the sad news that Lee, 
her husband of 28 years, passed away Oct. 25 after a 
month in hospice care. 
Elsa Moberg Cox of California says that she still 
drives, goes to four exercise classes, attends church 
activities, manages her home and yard, and frequently 
visits shut-ins. 
Dolores Stocker Eklund still resides in independent 
living and drives locally.
Mary Jane Peris Fredericks celebrated her 
90th birthday with family, including four great-
grandchildren. She feels very blessed.
Jean Pulver Hague still has one foot in Atlanta but is 
spending more time in Juno Beach, Fla. 
Gloria Meistelman Herkowitz celebrated her 
youngest great-grandson’s second birthday in 
November. 
Audrey Schmay Jones lives in the Vermont 
Veterans’ Home in Bennington and goes to target 
practice at the air-rifle shooting range. 
Freddy Laemmerzahl Miller of Oklahoma visited 
her daughter in Delaware during the holidays. 
Anne Sucher Raser traveled with her son 400 miles 
to San Jose for a family Thanksgiving get-together. 
While there, Anne met her newborn twin great-
granddaughters for the first time. 
Juanita Evans Thompson lives with her son and 
daughter-in-law in Farmington, N.Y. She enjoys 
spending time with her grandchildren and great-
grandchildren. 
Glenyce Jones Trainor is in good health and spirits. 
Her husband died 17 years ago, and her son took 
over Trainor Funeral Home in Boonville, N.Y. Glenyce 
serves as secretary-treasurer. She visited her good 
friend Audrey Schmay Jones in Bennington, Vt., last 
summer. 
Bob Kittredge’s wife Diana passed away in October 
at the age of 93. They were married for 63 years. 
Class councilor: Joe Zanchelli,  
jjzanch@yahoo.com
1 9 5 0
Audrey Koch Feathers is enjoying her new role as 
a great-grandmother; Natalie was born in April 2018, 
and Cassidy was born in June 2018. She says, “Just 
call me GG from now on.” Audrey’s daughters, Cindy 
and Suzy, are both lawyers.
Lila Lee Silva Harrington had a busy year. 
She visited family in Scottsdale, Ariz., once for 
Masthead from The Carillon, Winter 1971
32
UAlbany Magazine • Spring 2019
Thanksgiving and again to 
celebrate her 90th birthday. Lila’s 
daughter Leslie visited in July; 
they drove to coastal Maine to 
get their “lobster fix” and enjoy 
family get-togethers. Lila is an 
active resident at Prestwick Chase, 
an independent-living center in 
Saratoga Springs. She serves 
on the executive board of the 
in-house newspaper and enjoys 
aerobics, bingo, the Women’s 
Breakfast Club, Poetry Club, and 
Book Chat.
Harold “Sparky” Vaughn 
remains involved in anti-human-
trafficking activities through the 
Rotary Club. A Rotarian from 
Bangkok was in Washington, D.C., 
in December for consultations. 
Sparky gathers with a small group 
in his building for monthly dinners. 
His granddaughter is the architect 
for the Harvey Milk ‘51 Memorial 
in San Francisco. She studied 
in Florence, Italy. Sparky’s two 
grandsons are lawyers.
Audrey Hartman White attended 
a family reunion in Utah, took her 
granddaughter on a Panama Canal 
cruise in November, and traveled to 
Houston for Thanksgiving and to  
attend her grandson’s graduation 
from Baylor Medical School. 
Audrey says Elly Rapacz finally 
bought a smartphone. 
Class councilor: Harold “Sparky” 
Vaughn, vaughnha@aol.com
1 9 5 2
Nancy Frey Petinelli’s oldest 
grandson will be interning at a 
St. Louis lab on a heart-related 
project; the next-oldest is doing 
community-project work in 
Quito, Ecuador. Nancy’s oldest 
granddaughter is studying 
animation.
Mary Anne Lanni lives in 
Guilderland with her son Joseph. 
Five of her children live in the Capital 
Region. Mary Anne enjoys the 
Philadelphia Orchestra and the NYC 
ballet in Saratoga; the Glimmerglass 
Festival in Cooperstown; and 
museums and theater in 
Williamstown, Mass. She enjoyed a 
lunch date with Joan Barron. 
Jeanne Seymour Earle spent 
the summer cleaning up property 
damage from a tornado. She 
recently spoke to Joan Bennett 
Kelly, who is doing well. 
Bert Jablon and Myra enjoyed 
Thanksgiving with their son Clark’s 
family in Pennsylvania. Their other 
son, Kyle, works in New York City.
Tom Holman spends summers in 
Long Island and the cooler months 
in St. Maarten. He saw Bette 
Midler in Hello, Dolly! last summer. 
Joyce Leavitt Zanchelli 
continues to serve on various 
committees in her church and at 
the UAlbany Alumni Association, 
but has slowed down a bit. She 
resigned from the Yaddo Garden 
Association board. She and Joe 
continue to love Saratoga.
Vicki Eade Eddy became a great-
grandmother in April when Esme 
Stella was born to Vicki’s grandson 
and his wife. Vicki’s son Chris will 
retire from the FBI. He teaches 
Miami University’s leadership 
course. 
Shirley Rosenbaum’s 
granddaughter Eliana worked for a 
congressional candidate and spent 
time in Cuba. Shirley’s grandson 
was selected to play cello in the 
Kentucky State Youth Orchestra. 
Dave Manly and wife Jean plan to 
sell their condo in Hilton Head and  
rent an apartment-sized unit in the 
same area.
Class councilor: Joyce Zanchelli, 
jjzanch@yahoo.com
1 9 5 3
A small but enthusiastic group of 
Red Devils celebrated their 65th 
reunion during Homecoming. 
Rosie Keller Hughes and Joe 
Lombardi arrived wearing their 
beanies. Others who attended 
were Tina Nicastro Beck and 
husband Ray; Betty Coykendall 
Hart; Yvonne Kloosterman 
Farmer; Howie Fenenbock; 
Doug Nielsen and wife Gail;  
and Owen Smith and his wife.  
J Paul Ward and Alice Goewey 
Goebel joined us at the class 
luncheon. Class councilor Rosie 
Keller Hughes appreciates all 
of the thank-you’s she received 
from classmates for helping to 
plan the reunion with the guidance 
of Loida Vera Cruz at the Alumni 
Association.
Doug Nielsen and Gail recently 
moved to a retirement center in 
Liverpool, N.Y. They enjoy visiting  
ALUMNI NEWS & NOTES
Class of 1953 alumni 
Tina Nicastro Beck, 
Doug Nielsen, Joe 
Lombardi, Rosie Keller 
Hughes, Betty Coykendall 
Hart, and Howie 
Fenenbock celebrated 
at Homecoming. Not 
pictured: Yvonne 
Kloosterman Farmer,  
Alice Goewey Goebel,  
J Paul Ward and  
Owen Smith.
www.albany.edu
33
their two great-granddaughters. Doug volunteers  
at the local library. He and Gail are still active in 
their church. Their grandson joined the constabulary 
and is a court official in the Town of Lyons near 
Newark, N.Y.
Louise Petfield Burns visited family in New 
England in the fall. She and one of her daughters 
visited Louise’s brother in Rhinebeck, N.Y. Louise 
enjoys church activities, including Bible studies; 
playing hymns on the piano for seniors; and  
knitting for charity. She exercises at Curves  
during the week. 
Yvonne Kloosterman Farmer visited many 
buildings, including Dewey Library and the 
University Art Museum, during the reunion. 
Carol Wandersee MacDonald moved closer to 
her daughter in Hilton, N.Y., in October. We send 
our sincere sympathies to Carol, whose husband 
recently passed.
Al Brown’s son is president of a professional 
chauffeur business and a member of the Bucket 
& Mop Brigade, a volunteer group that keeps 
America’s military monuments clean. Al served  
in the Air Force and hopes to take an Honor Flight  
in the future. Classmates who are veterans  
are reminded to check for their listings at  
www.alumni.albany.edu/veterans.
One of Beverly Pranitis Railey’s grandchildren 
transferred from St. Lawrence University to a school 
in Pennsylvania, “closer to home and with less snow 
piles.” Bev heard from Pat Aswald.
Marlene Southard Fleming does limited walking, 
doesn’t drive, and has the “I’ve fallen and I can’t get 
up” jewelry around her neck. She enjoys reading 
and knitting. Matt still lives with her and is teaching 
in Watertown, N.Y. Marlene stays in touch with Tillie 
(Mary) Malouf Hecox. If you’d like to contact 
Tillie, please reach out to your class councilor. For 
the last two years, Sally Swanson Devine has not 
responded to birthday and Christmas cards Marlene 
sent to her. If you have any news about Sally, please 
let Rosie know.
After the reunion, Rose Mary (Rosie) Keller 
Hughes fulfilled a bucket-list item and traveled with 
her son and two nephews to the Panama Canal. 
She enjoyed seeing everyone during Homecoming!
Your councilor sent out a survey regarding the 
designation of the reunion class fund. The majority 
of responses were in favor of donating to the Dewey 
Graduate Library, formerly known as Hawley Library. 
Rebecca Mugridge, dean of University Libraries, 
mailed a letter to your councilor expressing her 
appreciation to our class for the donation. The gift 
will help maintain its historic murals and stained-
glass windows. Please stay in contact, Red Devils! 
Share your news with your class councilor. If 
you’re on Facebook, join the Class of ’53 Group 
and connect with classmates. Visit www.facebook.
com/groups/688873657809259/. If you know 
of a classmate’s passing, contact the Alumni 
Association. 
Class notes councilor: Rose Mary Keller Hughes, 
rhughes5@rochester.rr.com
A Message from 
Lee Serravillo  
Executive Director, UAlbany 
Alumni Association
Unleashing Greatness
A year of special celebrations and new opportunities 
T
hroughout 2019, the UAlbany Community will honor the 
University’s 175th anniversary. We hope you’ll join us by sharing 
your favorite moments in University history using the hashtag 
#UAlbany175 on social media. We invite you to infuse UAlbany’s 
history with your own stories — the moments that define you, a  
proud UAlbany alum, as One of the Greats — and show the world  
why Greatness Lives Here. 
At the start of the new year, the Alumni Association, 
in collaboration with Admissions, rolled out an 
exciting program, the Postcards From Alumni 
project. Graduates of the Last Decade (GOLD) 
added a personal touch to UAlbany’s recruitment 
efforts by sending handwritten postcards to highly 
sought-after high-school seniors accepted into the University’s early 
action program. This project, like many of our other programs and 
events, including UCAN, career panels, and professional networking 
receptions, provides alumni an easy way to stay engaged with their alma 
mater and make a difference for current and future Great Danes. 
Our website has a fresh new design and simplified navigation to  
help you easily connect with your most valuable network. Visit  
www.alumni.albany.edu to read new alumni interviews, update  
your contact info, register for events and volunteer opportunities,  
and donate to UAlbany.
Honoring Excellence
For the past 50 years, the Excellence Awards have given us the 
opportunity to recognize alumni and friends who have brought 
distinction to our University through their achievements and service. 
The Alumni Association will honor 14 alumni and friends of the 
University at a very special Excellence Awards Gala on May 4, and will 
welcome back past recipients to celebrate the awards’ 50th anniversary.
Stay Connected on Social Media
Join us in celebrating UAlbany’s 175th Anniversary: #UAlbany175
Share your pride: #UAlbanyAlum    #OneOfTheGreats
Donate to UAlbany: #ThisIsOurTime
QUESTIONS? Email alumniassociation@albany.edu or reach out on        
Twitter,        Instagram, or      Facebook
34
UAlbany Magazine • Spring 2019
1 95 4
The Class of 1954 will celebrate its 65th 
reunion in October! Let your class councilor, 
Joan Paul, know whether or not you plan to 
attend and if you have any reunion ideas by 
emailing her: fpaul1@nycap.rr.com. 
John Allasio and Marge of Auburn Hills, 
Mich., have had some health problems but 
remain active. John’s grandson and great-
grandson, both named John also, are now in 
Michigan, as well.
Sven Sloth and Eileen celebrated his 85th 
birthday on a Southern Caribbean cruise in 
December. Sven began studying at UAlbany 
when he was 16. He wonders if anyone else in 
the Class of ‘54 was born after Dec. 7, 1933.
Joan Hartman has been busy visiting family. 
She reunited with her sister Audrey, brother, 
and sister-in-law in Orlando in December 
2017; spent some time at Disney World; and 
enjoyed visiting with her nephew and his 
family. Joan gathered with her family again 
in September, this time at a resort outside  
of Salt Lake City. She continues to volunteer 
with RSVP.
Jim Thompson meets Bill Floyd for lunch 
each month.
Dillies Pilevsky moved to Riderwood, a 
retirement community in Silver Spring, Md., 
to be closer to his daughter and her family. 
His significant other, Don Kratzer, passed 
away a year and a half ago. Dillies teaches 
at Brookdale Community College and Prince 
George’s Community College Sage Program. 
He would like to hear from classmates; please 
contact the Alumni Association for his phone 
number.
William Floyd’s grandson graduated from 
Marist in May and is now the early morning 
anchor at KTWO-TV in Casper, Wyo. Bill’s 
son Greg is the evening anchor at Channel 
6 in Albany. Bill stays in touch with Naoshi 
Koriyama and received a copy of Naoshi’s 
newest book, A Fresh Loaf of Poetry from 
Japan. Naoshi turned 92 in November.
John Granito and Dolores White Granito 
are doing well. Dolores traveled to Russia; they 
also went on a Viking River Cruise to Paris 
and Normandy with their youngest daughter 
and her family. John and Dolores spent the 
summer on Keuka Lake and attended Dolores’ 
high-school reunion, where they met up with 
Rosemary Bradt Zongrone and John 
Zongrone. John and Dolores welcomed two 
new great-grandchildren in late 2018. They 
plan to go on a Viking Cruise on the Rhone/
Saone rivers in June.
Dorothea “Dottie” Cherubini Potochnik 
lives at Kingsway Community in Schenectady. 
She is in the independent facility in a lovely 
apartment, and Frank is in the nursing home, 
where Bob Coan ’55 and Kathy live right down 
the hallway from Dottie.
Donald Voellinger recently found a house 
in Oldsmar, Fla., where he spends the winter 
months after “finally having enough snow” in 
New York City. He lives in Cape Cod the rest 
of the year.
Arline Lacy Wood is still at The Fountains 
in Millbrook; she lives in an apartment in a 
re-purposed brick firehouse. Arline invites 
classmates to visit. 
Bradford Miller’s new email address is 
icmbwm2018@gmail.com.
Stefanie Patricia Manning of Clearwater, 
Fla., wrote from Rome. She volunteers at a 
nursery school three mornings a week and still 
reviews children’s science books for School 
Library Journal. Her son Steve is head of the 
psychology department at Albertus Magnus 
College. Granddaughter Olivia graduated from 
Brandeis University, granddaughter Julia is a 
junior at Macalister, and grandson Alex is a 
sophomore in high school. 
Class councilor: Joan Paul,  
fpaul1@nycap.rr.com
1 9 5 5
Wilma Baker Thornton is doing well. She 
gave up tennis but is now in her 46th year 
of league bowling. She goes on a cruise 
occasionally. 
During their fall visit with family in Herkimer, 
N.Y., Ed Franco and wife Anne reunited with 
longtime friends Marilyn Gadd Koster and 
Peter McManus ’54 in Albany. 
When the John Keats Society gathered 
to honor the poet’s 223rd birthday in 
Westminster Abbey last fall, Nancy Evans 
Bush’s daughter Katy, a London-based poet 
and blogger, laid the wreath and read from 
Keats’ letters. 
Dorothy Croce Ferguson was honored 
with the Collier County Child Care Resources 
Distinguished Volunteer Award In 2017. She 
served as the Florida organization’s first 
director and volunteered for 20 years.
Class councilor: John Orser,  
xiety3jo@hotmail.com
1 9 5 7
Carole Rising Martin and Charlie celebrated 
several family events in Florida and the 
Northeast. 
Marilyn De Santa DeLorenzo participated 
in several Road Scholar adventures; they 
included visiting Pittsburgh and watching the 
Rose Bowl. 
Sheila Lister Bamberger and Hank toured 
Newfoundland with Road Scholar.
Class councilor: Sheila Lister Bamberger, 
bambergersheila@gmail.com
ALUMNI NEWS & NOTES
APRIL
5  
Reception  
for Avila 
Residents
8  
Alumni  
Reception,  
Encino, Calif.
9
Alumni  
Reception,  
Marina  
del Ray
10 
Alumni  
Reception,  
San  
Francisco
17 
GOLD  
Financial 
Literacy  
for Young 
Professionals
21 
Alumni  
Reception,  
Palo Alto
MAY
4 
Excellence 
Awards Gala
14
Night at the 
Nationals
17 
Torch  
Reception
JUNE
21 
GOLD Cruise
JULY
21 
Night at the 
Valley Cats
AUG.
1 or 2* TBD 
Day at the 
Races 
Calendar 
of  Events
www.alumni.albany.edu
www.albany.edu
35
Gala
May 4, 2019
 University at Albany Alumni Association 
EXCELLENCE AWARDS
Excellence 
 Awards
2019
 
 
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www.albany.edu
35
DISTINGUISHED ALUMNI 
Honors an alumnus or alumna for  
an extraordinary achievement; or 
honors an individual who, over the 
course of a decade or more, has 
exemplified outstanding success in 
a chosen profession or outstanding 
service to society
Monte Lipman, B.A.’86, 
Founder and CEO, Republic 
Records; and Avery Lipman, 
B.A.’88, Founder and 
President, Republic Records
CITIZEN OF THE UNIVERSITY 
Recognizes a non-graduate’s outstanding  
contributions of service, 
leadership or a special gift  
to the University 
University at Albany 
Employees
INTERNATIONAL ALUMNI AWARD 
FOR EXCEPTIONAL ACHIEVEMENT 
Recognizes international graduates who are 
highly distinguished in their professions and 
who have helped their nations and/or the 
world through outstanding contributions to 
government, science, art, education, business  
or human welfare
Binahayati Rusyidi, 
M.S.W.’06, Ph.D.’11, Chair, 
Graduate Social Welfare 
Programs, Universitas 
Padjadjaran, Indonesia
OUTSTANDING YOUNG 
ALUMNI AWARD
Recognizes early outstanding achievements in  
a chosen profession or field and/or service to  
the community by an alumnus or 
alumna aged 35 years or younger
Nora Lum, B.A.’11 
(Awkwafina), Rapper,  
Talk Show Host, Actress
EXCELLENCE IN ALUMNI SERVICE
Recognizes sustained leadership and service  
to the Alumni Association and the University by 
alumni
Doug Ketterer, 
B.S.’87, CEO, 
Atria Wealth 
Solutions; and 
James Neiland, 
B.A.’87,  
Vice President,  
Goldman Sachs
Sharon R. Kantor, Ph.D., 
Esq., B.S.’73, Founder and 
Managing Attorney,  
The Firenza Group Ltd.
EXCELLENCE IN BUSINESS
Pays tribute to alumni for distinction in  
for-profit business 
Marc T. Macaulay, B.S. 
’91, Senior Vice President, 
Deputy Corporate 
Controller, Wells Fargo
EXCELLENCE IN 
COMMUNITY SERVICE
Pays tribute to alumni for time 
volunteered to benefit a  
community or its non-profit 
institutions
Chris Thomas, B.A.’86,  
Attorney, Nixon Peabody LLP
EXCELLENCE IN EDUCATION 
Honors alumni for extraordinary distinction in the 
field of education, including pre-K through post-
secondary classroom teaching, school services,  
and administration/supervision
Cheryl L. Dozier, Ph.D. 
’01, Associate Professor, 
Department of Literacy 
Teaching and Learning, 
University at Albany
EXCELLENCE IN 
ENTREPRENEURSHIP
Recognizes the accomplishments  
of an individual who has 
demonstrated the spirit,  
leadership, and drive of an 
entrepreneur
Jahn Levin, B.S.’89,  
President, Purity Products
EXCELLENCE IN PUBLIC SERVICE 
Recognizes alumni for outstanding contributions 
to local, state, or national communities, generally, 
but not exclusively, through opportunities in 
appointed or elected office 
or public-service non-profit 
organizations
Richard Reyes-Gavilan, 
B.A. ’91, Executive 
Director, DC Public Library
Theresa E. Taylor, M.S.W., 
M.A.’12, Deputy Director, 
The Choice Program, 
The Shriver Center at the 
University of Maryland 
Baltimore County
 
The University at Albany Alumni Association will bestow Excellence Awards on the following alumni and friends for their  
outstanding achievements and service. The awards will be presented at the 2019 Excellence Awards Gala May 4.
MAKE YOUR NOMINATION FOR 2020: 
If you are interested in nominating someone  
for a 2020 Excellence Award, contact the  
Alumni Association at (518) 442-3080 or  
email alumniassociation@albany.edu.  
The deadline is Oct. 11, 2019.  
Visit www.alumni.albany.edu/awards for more details.
36
UAlbany Magazine • Spring 2019
1 9 5 8
Ellen McLaughlin taught pre-
med courses at Samford University 
and served as the school’s 
histologist and embryologist for 40 
years before retiring in 2007. She 
is in great health and continues 
to travel, teach, and give talks 
on natural-history topics. Ellen 
recently published a book on 
wildflowers in Maine.
1 9 6 1
Nancy Rubin Bernstein and 
Sandy spent a few weeks in 
Florida end enjoyed Broadway 
shows in New York.
Nancy Wirtz’s home in 
Paradise, Calif., was destroyed 
by a recent forest fire. “It truly 
was cataclysmic. We had just 
over a half-hour warning…We 
left everything. But we got out, 
unburned,” Nancy said. She did not 
expect to survive and wrote notes 
to all of her loved ones. Nancy 
bought another house in Chico, 
and new and old friends and family 
members are helping her to adjust. 
Please contact your class councilor 
or the Alumni Association for 
Nancy’s new mailing address.
Mel Horowitz still enjoys traveling 
with his wife to timeshares in 
Maine, Florida and Massachusetts; 
spending time with their 
granddaughters; and volunteering 
for Rotary, the US-China Friendship 
Association, the International 
Waldenstrom’s Macroglobulinemia 
Foundation, and UAlbany.
Judy Bleezarde cares for her 
husband, who has Parkinson’s 
disease and has lost most of his 
mobility, limiting their travels. 
They spent Thanksgiving in 
New Hampshire with their older 
son. Their younger son lives in 
Charleston, S.C. Judy still leads a 
monthly book group.
Brad Mundy and Margaret 
are doing well. Margaret enjoys 
quilting, working with church 
music activities, and taking guitar 
lessons. Brad enjoys writing, 
generating instructional materials, 
and working on his family tree.
Jim Kelly visited John Sullivan 
in October and had Thanksgiving 
dinner with James Clavell.
Please send your current email 
address and news to Mel at 
melandsis@yahoo.com. We’d  
love to hear from you!
Class notes councilor: Mel 
Horowitz, melandsis@yahoo.com
1 9 6 2
Earl “Buzz” Welker volunteers 
at hospitals, and enjoys biking 
and walking along the Erie Canal 
in Newark, N.Y. He celebrated 
his 60th high school reunion 
and reports his life filled with 
contentment.
Elena Rabine Halady celebrated 
the arrival of her 10th great-
nephew with family. She and her 
fiancee winter in Del Ray, Fla., 
and enjoy New York summers 
in Lake George, Saratoga 
Springs, Cooperstown, and Fort 
Ticonderoga. Elena stays busy 
ballroom dancing, traveling the 
world, and playing golf and tennis.
Alice Orr, a workshop presenter 
at International Women’s Writing 
Guild, is living her dream of writing 
full time. She has published 16 
novels, three novellas, and a 
memoir. Alice has two children 
and two grandchildren, and lives in 
New York City with her husband. 
Gene Altman is a lifeguard and 
swimming teacher.
Jean Brody Somlo teaches art 
to seniors at Oasis Educational 
Center and exhibits personal 
works.
Robert Sweeney and wife Phyllis 
river-cruised Europe and drove to 
Munich. Their oldest daughter is an 
ordained Methodist minister and a 
pastor. Their second grandchild will 
be a girl. Bob does charity work at 
food banks and a horse range for 
challenged youth. He also helps 
Flagler Beach Historical Museum 
to secure external funding.
Gene Altman and wife Shelley 
Levin Altman ’66 celebrated 
their 60th wedding anniversary 
with family in Oregon. Gene 
is a lifeguard, swim instructor, 
and SCORE mentor for small 
businesses.
Class councilor: Sheril McCormack, 
vanillastar202@yahoo.com
1 9 6 4
Corky Petrick informed us that 
Carol Eaton passed away last 
July. Carol was very active in 
campus life as a member of Psi 
Gamma Sorority, co-associate 
editor of the Torch yearbook, and 
a residence-hall counselor. She 
earned a Ph.D. at Boston University 
and served as superintendent 
of schools in districts in both 
Massachusetts and New York. Your 
co-councilors had the pleasure of 
meeting with Loida Vera Cruz for 
lunch recently, and we discussed 
the upcoming 55th reunion. 
Fifty-fifth reunion committee 
members include Corky Petrick 
and Columba DeFrancesco 
Heinzelman, Paula Dulak, and 
Edward Reid. Please update your 
contact information, if necessary, 
and share your news with us.
Class co-councilors: Alan Minarcik, 
acmouse@hotmail.com;  
Bill Robelee,  
wmrobelee31@gmail.com
1 9 6 5
Elissa Gold Laster is still looking 
for classmates Lana Everett and 
Joyce Judson. Elissa stays busy 
scuba diving, traveling, and making 
jewelry. 
Harriette Cooperman Sacklow 
moved to Brookdale Senior Living 
in Niskayuna, N.Y.
Judy Koblintz Madnick and 
husband Stu enjoyed another 
season of UAlbany basketball as 
season ticket-holders for both the 
men’s and women’s teams. Judy 
was recognized as the UAlbany 
Alum of the Night at a game last 
season. She and Stu are proud 
to be 1844 Champion members 
of the Great Dane Athletic Club 
(GDAC). 
Class councilor: Judy Madnick, 
jmadnick@gmail.com
1 9 6 7
Anne Fischer Klingner retired 
after 27 years as a crisis 
intervention/family support 
program coordinator at Mental 
Health Association in Orange 
County, N.Y. She is working per 
diem at MHA, assisting families 
with Article 17A Guardianship 
petitions through Orange County 
Steve Murphy III ’08  
and Linda Murphy ’09 
welcomed daughter 
Hannah Rose on  
Sept. 21, 2018. 
Brian Fessler ’06, ’07 
and Katie Fessler ’08 
welcomed son  
Calvin Fitzgerald  
on Sept. 6, 2018.
Baby 
Danes
ALUMNI NEWS & NOTES
www.albany.edu
37
Surrogate’s Court. John Klinger 
retired after 35 years as a school-
library media specialist. He is a 
part-time reference librarian at 
SUNY Orange in Middletown, N.Y.
Class councilor: Canon Kay Carol 
Hotaling, FHC, Aspenpaepke@
msn.com
1 96 8
The Class of ’68 celebrated 
its 50th anniversary during 
Homecoming Weekend. We kicked 
off our reunion at a gathering 
around the main fountain on 
Friday night and were welcomed 
by University President Havidán 
Rodríguez and Alumni Association 
President Brian Fessler ‘06, ‘07. 
Saturday’s events included the 
Half-Century Club Breakfast 
and Induction; the President’s 
Showcase; Sorority and Fraternity 
Coffee Hour; and tours of the 
Campus Center, the Veterans Wall 
of Honor, and the University Art 
Museum. We also enjoyed the 
Great Dane Game Day pregame 
event at Casey Stadium and 
cheered on the football team. Our 
reunion dinner was held Saturday 
evening at Treviso Restaurant. We 
looked at memorabilia from the 
Class of 1968 archives, leafed 
through yearbooks, and shared 
memories. We remembered our 
deceased classmates with a 
candle lighting. On Sunday, we 
toured the downtown campus and 
got the chance to look at our first-
year living quarters. We wrapped 
up the reunion with brunch at 
Waterbury/Alden cafeteria.
The Class of ’68 would like to 
thank all who made the reunion 
possible. Classmates who assisted 
with reunion planning including 
Kitti Eaton Michalowicz, who 
helped relocate lost members; 
Michael and Laurel Ginsburg, 
who led the remembrance of our 
deceased classmates; David 
Bopp, who found classmates, 
did venue tours, helped transport 
materials, and put up with the 
ups and downs of making the 
reunion happen; and the Alumni 
Association, the student tour guide, 
and UAlbany dining staff. We were 
a family – the Class of 1968, the 
class that was the bridge between 
the old and the new University at 
Albany experience. 
It has been an honor to serve as 
your class councilor. I am resigning 
now that our 50th reunion has 
come and gone. Please contact 
the Alumni Association if you’re 
interested in representing as class 
councilor.
I wish you all the best for the years 
we still have left to change the 
world!
	
  – Linda Stehr Bopp
Dave Spence retired as president 
emeritus of the Southern Regional 
Education Board in Atlanta, Ga. 
During his 50-year career, he 
served as an administrator, policy 
innovator, and teacher. 
1 9 6 9
Gary Mattson was appointed to 
a second two-year term as the 
non-partisan member of the State 
Financial Audit Monitoring Board, 
City of Covington, Ky. He taught for 
34 years and currently serves as a 
part-time economic-development 
consultant. Gary is a member 
of the Banklick-Licking River 
Watershed Council.
1 9 7 3
Charlotte Biblow 
was named a 2018 
New York Metro 
Super Lawyer. 
UAlbany’s first Telethon was held March 10, 1967, to raise funds for the New York State Association for Mental 
Health. For 24 hours, student musicians, singers, dancers, thespians, comedians, and other entertainers 
played to enthusiastic audiences. Alumni and community members were also welcome to join in the fun. 
Telethon evolved into a weeklong extravaganza culminating in the 24-hour event. Its philanthropic aim also 
expanded to support Big Brothers/Big Sisters of Albany; Wildwood School; Capital District Speech Center; 
Parsons Child and Family Center; Albany Medical Center’s Department of Pediatrics; Albany Boys Club; and 
many other organizations.
Telethon
1967-1987
1967: raised over $5,500
1973: raised $12,500
1976: raised over $24,000
1979: raised $34,895
1982: raised $46,317
1986: raised over $37,800
38
UAlbany Magazine • Spring 2019
1 97 5
Gloria Jean received the New 
York State School Counselor 
Association’s Career Achievement 
Award. She has worked in the 
Capital District for over 30 
years. Gloria was instrumental in 
securing funding for the Child-
Lures abduction-prevention 
program, coordinating the Drug 
Free School Grant Advisory 
Council, and integrating school-
counseling program supports into 
the classroom and school-wide 
assemblies. Most recently, she 
helped develop school-counseling 
program regulations adopted by 
the New York State Education 
Department Board of Regents. 
Gloria retired from the Niskayuna 
School District in 2009 as director 
of K-12 Counseling Services. She 
teaches at The College of Saint 
Rose and provides consultant 
and professional development 
programs for school districts.
Donna Burton retired as a 
tenured full professor after 33 
years at Schaffer Library, Union 
College.
1 9 7 6
Nate Salant’s collection 
of Jerusalem antiquities is 
available for display by non-profit 
organizations as a fundraiser. The 
collection ranges from 4000 BC 
through the Byzantine Period (630 
AD), with an emphasis on the Time 
of the Patriarchs (1550-1250 BC), 
Davidic Kingdom (1050-586 BC), 
Macabbean/Herodian Kingdoms 
(330 BC - 70 AD), Revolts Against 
Rome (67-73 and 132-136 AD), 
and the Early Christian Period 
(330-630 AD). Highlights include 
more than 100 ceramic items, rare 
coins, a silver half-shekel from the 
Second Temple, and two crucifixes 
that belonged to the archbishop of 
Jerusalem in the fourth century. 
Contact NateSalant@Yahoo.com.
1 9 7 7
Stu Bondell was named a 2018 
top music lawyer by Billboard 
magazine. He is executive VP, 
Business and Legal Affairs, 
International, Sony Music 
Entertainment.
Samuel Moskowitz was selected 
by his peers for inclusion in the 
2018 Massachusetts Super 
Lawyers. He is a shareholder at 
Davis, Malm & D’Agostine, P.C., 
Boston.
1 9 7 8
William Bosshart retired after a 
40-year career in accounting and 
insurance. His wife of 20 years, 
Jenette Barrow-Bosshart ’81, 
retired from practice at Otterbourg, 
P.C., in New York City. She was one 
of the first female equity partners 
to join the century-old law firm. 
William and Jenette met on State 
Quad in 1977. They established 
the Barrow-Bosshart Charitable 
Fund 10 years ago.
Class councilor: Nancy Benz, 
sunyacouncilor78@yahoo.com
1 9 7 9
Jack Kull received the Special 
Operations Association’s 
President’s Award of Excellence. 
He is the senior Vietnam War 
Policy Officer; Department of 
Defense POW/MIA Accounting 
Agency; Washington, D.C.
Paul L. Feldman was named a 
2019 Best Lawyer in America. He 
is a shareholder at Davis, Malm & 
D’Agostine, P.C., in Boston.
Daniel Lark retired after serving 
38 years in the information-
technology field. 
1 9 8 0
Jacqueline LaMar retired from 
the federal government and 
relocated to coastal North  
 
ALUMNI NEWS & NOTES
Marjory D. Lyons, 
B.A.’50, M.S., Ph.D., 
published her first book, 
Think you can’t write? 
Think again! A foolproof 
guide to getting your 
story written at last! with 
co-author Beverly Johns.
Naoshi Koriyama, 
B.A.’54, published A 
Fresh Loaf of Poetry 
from Japan. The 
collection includes 
approximately 200 of 
Koriyama’s poems.
Carol Stephenson 
Nolde, B.A.’61, 
published her second 
poetry chapbook, Things 
Live After. Her first 
chapbook, Comfort in 
Stone, is also available 
from Finishing Line 
Press. Both collections 
speak of the many 
changes in rural life 
from the days of her 
childhood on a small 
farm in New York’s 
Sullivan County. 
James S. Pula, 
B.A.’68, is the author 
of Under the Crescent 
Moon with the XI Corps 
in the Civil War, Vol. 2: 
From Gettysburg to 
Victory, 1863-1865. 
Gary Mattson, B.A.’69, 
is the author of American 
Hometown Renewal: 
Policy Tools and 
Techniques for Small 
Towns, published by 
Routledge Press. 
Linda Ford, B.A.’71, 
M.A.’72, published 
Women Politicals 
in America: Jailed 
Dissenters from Mother 
Jones to Lynne Stewart. 
The book is available on 
Amazon.com.
Chauncey DePree, 
B.A.’72, published 
401(k): TAKE CONTROL, 
which provides useful 
tools for selecting 
investments from the 
lineup of mutual funds 
available in your 401(k) 
retirement plan. DePree, 
who served as an 
infantry officer in the 
U.S. Marine Corps, is a 
retired professor. He has 
published in the areas 
of accounting, ethics, 
finance, law, logic, and 
operations research. 
E. Howard 
Ostrom, 
B.A.’73, is 
the author 
of Sherlock 
Holmes 
on Screens. The book 
is part of Mycroft’s 
Brother Sherlock Holmes 
Cyclopaedia. Ostrom 
resides in Ocala, Fla. 
Jeffrey Cramer, 
M.L.S.’78, is the author 
of Solid Seasons: The 
Friendship of Henry 
David Thoreau and 
Ralph Waldo Emerson, 
published 
by Counter-
point.
Gary Robinson, 
M.S.’81, C.A.S.’81, 
is the co-author of 
The Daily Brew: a 365 
Day Guided Journal, 
published by Outskirts 
Press. All proceeds 
from journal sales are 
donated to charity. 
Robinson is the director 
of Counseling Services 
at Hartwick College. 
Bill Howard, M.A.’84, is 
the author of The Battle 
of Ball’s Bluff, 
published by 
The History 
Press. 
Authors & Editors
www.albany.edu
39
Mark A. Schaefer, 
B.A.’90, M.A.’91, is the 
author of The Certainty 
of Uncertainty: The Way 
of Inescapable Doubt 
and Its Virtue. The book 
is a reflection on the 
unavoidable nature of 
uncertainty and doubt 
and why embracing 
them is a good thing 
for individuals and 
communities.
Jayne R. Boisvert, 
Ph.D.’98, is the author 
of Pilgrimage to Paris: 
The Cheapo Snob’s 
Guide to the City and the 
Americans Who Lived 
There, published by 
Open Books. Boisvert 
provides travel tips 
and short biographies 
of famous Americans 
who’ve lived in the 
European city.
Jennifer Degl, 
T.C.H.B.S.’99, 
published her second 
book, Stuck in Bed: The 
Pregnancy Bed Rest 
Picture Book for Kids … 
and Moms. The picture 
book is about pregnancy 
bed rest written from 
a child’s perspective. 
Degl recently started 
Speaking for Moms 
and Babies, Inc., to 
spread awareness 
about maternal and 
neonatal health issues 
through advocacy and 
education.
L. Syd M Johnson, 
M.A.’02, Ph.D.’09, 
is the co-author of 
Chimpanzee Rights: 
The Philosophers’ Brief, 
published by Routledge. 
Lomarsh Roopnarine, 
Ph.D.’02, received 
a GKSL 2018 Book 
Award for The Indian 
Caribbean: Migration 
and Identity in the 
Diaspora, published by 
University of Mississippi 
Press. Roopnarine is 
a professor of Latin 
American and Caribbean 
history at Jackson  
State University.
Jean Chodkowski, 
M.A.’05, is the author of 
A Year in the Anatomy 
of Horse Racing 
Handicapping III and 
numerous other books 
about horse racing, 
based on research she 
did while a student at 
UAlbany. She was a 
guest expert at the 2018 
UAlbany Day at the 
Races. 
Nissim (Tai) 
Kaufmann, Ph.D.’12, 
is the translator of 
STORIES: Sipurei 
Maasiyoth, authored by 
Rav Nachman of Breslev. 
Fiction author John 
Teevan III, B.A.’12, 
M.A.’12, M.S.’14, 
C.G.S.’18, published 
two short-story 
collections, A Mysterious 
Evening in Vienna and 
The Love Letter with a 
Bullet Hole.
Erik Schlimmer, 
M.S.W.’18, reveals the 
story behind Albany’s 
785 street names in 
Cradle of the Union:  
A Street by Street 
History of New York’s 
Capital City.
Carolina. She has been renovating 
her home and was fortunate to 
suffer minimal damage from 
Hurricane Florence. Jacqueline 
serves as president of the New 
Club at Brunswick Forest, is 
yearbook chair of the Daughters 
of the American Revolution Stamp 
Defiance Chapter, and is active in 
the Cape Fear River Watch. Her 
youngest daughter graduated 
from George Mason University in 
December.
1 98 1
Bill Newman was 
recognized as a top 
national financial 
representative by 
Northwestern Mutual 
for the fifth time. He is affiliated 
with the Tronco Network Office, 
based in Latham, N.Y. Bill received 
the UAlbany Alumni Association’s 
Excellence in Business Award  
in 2018. 
Sharon Potoker Liese is the 
creator and executive producer of 
the CBS true-crime series “Pink 
Collar Crimes.”
1 9 8 2
Peter Weinstock was named 
to the National Law Journal’s list 
of Mergers & Acquisitions and 
Antitrust Trailblazers for 2018.
1 9 8 4
Tracy Nimmo Zaweski 
is a franchise owner of 
Home Instead Senior 
Care in Hampton Bays, 
N.Y. Her daughter, Drew, 
is a junior accounting 
major at UAlbany. 
Richard Joslin was 
named a 2019 Best 
Lawyer in America. He 
is an attorney at Collins 
Einhorn Farrell PC in 
Southfield, Mich. 
Wendy Kalman was promoted 
from Willis Re’s Production 
Services unit to Knowledge 
Management Leader for the 
Investment, Risk and Reinsurance 
(IRR) segment of the parent 
company, Willis Towers Watson. 
She has been with the company 
since 2006 and resides in 
Marietta, Ga. Wendy blogs weekly 
for Atlanta Jewish Times/Times 
of Israel.
Joan Phillips was named dean of 
Barry University Andreas School of 
Business. She began her career as 
a marketing professor, then served 
as department chair, associate 
dean, and special assistant to the 
president. She also served as a 
fellow for the American Council on 
Education in 2015-2016.
1 9 8 5
Secretary of Education Betsy 
DeVos appointed Paul Gasparini 
secondary-school principal. He 
chairs the Central New York High 
School Principals Consortium and 
was named state high-school 
principal of the year by the School 
Administrators Association of New 
York State. Paul has served as 
principal of Jamesville-DeWitt High 
School in Dewitt for 17 years.
Gary Farkas joined the UAlbany 
Department of Information 
Technology as a senior solutions 
analyst. He and fellow Telethon 
alumni celebrated the group’s 50th 
anniversary during Homecoming 
2018.
Gerard Campione was elected 
second vice president of the 
Edison Township Education 
Association. He teaches sixth 
grade English at Woodrow Wilson 
Middle School in Edison, N.J.
Mark Gesner is the executive 
director of The Stritch Hub for 
Innovation and Community 
Engaged Learning at Cardinal 
Stritch University. He recently 
completed a manuscript and is 
marketing his work to publishers.
1 9 8 6
Deirdre Sanders of Hamilton 
Brook Smith Reynolds 
in Concord, Mass., was 
sworn in as president 
of the Boston Patent 
Law Association in 
December. 
40
UAlbany Magazine • Spring 2019
Steve Gawley was named 
a 2018 top music lawyer by 
Billboard magazine. He is executive 
VP, Business and Legal Affairs, at 
Universal Music Group. 
Jennifer Manner, senior vice 
president of Regulatory Affairs at 
EchoStar/Hughes, was named one 
of the most powerful women in the 
world in telecommunications and 
media by CableFax.
1 98 7
Cheryl Dessen Korman received 
a Leadership in Law award from 
Long Island Business 
News. She is an 
appellate lawyer at 
Rivkin Radler Attorneys 
at Law in Uniondale, N.Y. 
1 98 9
Sharyn Potter discussed 
individual and societal economic 
and human capital losses 
attributed to sexual violence in 
her TEDx Talk, “Why Society Can’t 
Afford Campus Sexual Violence.” 
The talk can be streamed at  
http://bit.ly/campusviolencecosts.
1 9 9 1
Erika Irish Brown 
was included in Worth 
magazine’s list of the 
top 100 most powerful 
men and women in 
finance for the second consecutive 
year. She was named chief 
diversity officer at Goldman Sachs 
in July.  
Michael Balch joined Saiber LLC 
as partner in the Insurance and 
Reinsurance practice group in the 
Florham Park, N.J. office.
Adam Cotumaccio 
became the executive 
vice president, 
chief impact and 
philanthropy officer 
for the Muscular 
Dystrophy Association. 
Stephen H. Soucy  
was the recipient of 
the LA Theatre Alliance 
2019 Ovation Award 
for Best Production of 
a Musical for Priscilla, 
Queen of the Desert.
1 9 9 3
John M. Bagyi was named a Best 
Lawyer in America for the 13th 
consecutive year. He also was 
named a 2018 Upstate New York 
Super Lawyer.
New York Life Senior Vice 
President Carla Rutigliano 
recently was appointed to the 
executive management committee. 
She will become head of Human 
Resources in July 2019 while 
retaining oversight of Corporate 
Communications, Corporate 
Responsibility and Events 
Management. 
1 9 9 5
Rosa Clemente was featured in 
the News Beat Podcast “The Truth 
About Puerto Rico: A U.S. Colony.” 
Michael Tobman of Tobman 
Strategies in Brooklyn recently 
purchased Queens Tribune. He 
is counsel to Ocean Gold Media. 
Michael serves on the Rockefeller 
College Board of Advisors.
Chermia Smith-Hoeffner was 
named VP of Human Resources at 
the National Audubon Society.
1 9 9 6
Jason Samuels 
of Farrell Fritz in 
Uniondale, N.Y., was 
named a 2018 New 
York Metro Super 
Lawyer. 
Jonathan Temps serves as 
counsel in the North America 
banking, finance and major 
projects practice at Baker 
McKenzie in Chicago. 
Greg Palladino ’12 and 
Caroline Culleton ’12, 
Oct. 19, 2018 
Weddings 
for Danes
ALUMNI NEWS & NOTES
Laine Mackey ’11 and 
Tom Edathikunnel ’11, 
Oct. 27, 2018
Kevin Persaud ’11 and 
Amelia Persaud, 
Aug. 18, 2018
John Scognamiglio ’11 and Leah Rotella ’11, ’13, Oct. 7, 2018 
Madeline Cohen ’12, ’13  
and Cody Toscano ’12,  
July 14, 2018
www.albany.edu
41
1 99 7
Jennifer Riekert was named 
one of Westchester County’s most 
impressive female leaders of 2018 
by 914INC. magazine. She is the 
first female named vice president 
of Communications and Strategic 
Initiatives at New York Medical College 
and is the only female member of 
NYMC’s senior leadership.
1 99 9
Melanie Kadlic Meren completed 
the Political Leaders Program at the 
University of Virginia’s 
Sorensen Institute for 
Political Leadership. She 
is running for the Fairfax 
County School Board in 
November 2019. 
2 00 2
Michael Grignon was elected 
secretary-treasurer of the Association 
of Oncology Social Work Board of 
Directors. He is an Alumni Association 
volunteer. 
2 00 6
Patrick McNeely was 
named one of Business 
Insider’s 25 “Rising Stars 
of Wall Street.” He is a 
corporate banker at Bank 
of America Merrill Lynch. 
Ibrahim Khan was appointed chief 
of Staff by New York Attorney General 
Letitia James in November.
2 00 7
Jessica Chapman 
Bielmann was named 
vice president, account 
director at Quinlan, an 
advertising agency based in Buffalo. 
2 00 8
Sara Richburg joined City Habitats 
in NYC as a licensed real-estate 
salesperson. She is a member of the 
UAlbany Alumni Association Board 
of Directors and the Student Affairs 
Advisory Board. 
2 01 0
CaTyra Polland was 
named a Forty Under 40 
honoree by the Rochester 
Business Journal. 
Jeff Girault was cast in Ben 
Stiller’s Showtime series “Escape at 
Dannemora.” In addition to his work 
on set, Jeff works in the New York 
State Comptroller’s Office.
John Williams received the Pinnacle 
of Achievement Award from the 
Association of School Business 
Officials International. He is CFO of 
Uinta County School District No. 1 in 
Evanston, Wyo.
2 0 1 1
Nora Lum (also known as Awkwafina) 
will star in a new 10-episode Comedy 
Central series inspired by her own 
upbringing in Queens, N.Y.
2 0 1 2
Congresswoman Elise Stefanik (R-NY) 
appointed Anthony Pileggi chief 
of Staff for her office in the 116th 
Congress. Previously, Anthony served 
as the northeast regional political 
director for the National Republican 
Congressional Committee. 
2 0 1 4
Nick Barrato is the co-founder of 
700 Smiles, a fundraising organization 
that supports international children’s 
charity Smile Train and provides free 
surgery to children born with cleft 
palates. Nick and wife Chelsea have 
raised more than $32,000 in two 
years, enough to fund 128 surgeries. 
Nick is one of the top-performing 
consumer-loan officers at SEFCU.
2 0 1 8
Hanna Godson joined HESS 
International Educational Group as an 
English teacher for elementary-aged 
students in Taiwan. 
Michelle Isopo accepted a 
position as adult-services librarian 
at Schuylerville Public Library in 
Schuylerville, N.Y.
B
eing selected for the William Frederick Reyers Sr. 
Community Service Scholarship, says senior business-
administration major Maria Carrasco, is an honor.  
It also provides her “an extra push to work hard.”
Carrasco, an intern with the New York State Division of the 
Budget’s Health Unit, also volunteers as a peer mentor with 
Campus Bound Scholars, a student organization that pairs 
upperclassmen with incoming freshmen and sophomores. 
She enjoys advising younger students on study skills, 
opportunities for campus involvement – and finding  
the best place to eat at the Campus Center.  
After graduation, Carrasco would like to join Teach For 
America; her ultimate career goals include becoming a 
financial adviser. Carrasco’s dream job is to teach financial 
literacy to high-school students so they can become 
motivated and successful by seeing “the real-world 
applications of what they learn in class.” She would also 
love to return to UAlbany someday to mentor students 
interested in entering her field. 
Scholar:  
Maria Carrasco
Donor:  
William Frederick 
Reyers Sr. 
Community  
Service  
Scholarship
For more information about the positive  
impact your support has on the lives of  
University at Albany students, or to  
make a gift online, please visit  
www.albany.edu/giving.
For a complete list  
of class councilors:  
www.alumni.
albany.edu/avc  
or call the Alumni  
Association at  
(518) 442-3080.
42
UAlbany Magazine • Spring 2019
ALUMNI SIGHTINGS
Hundreds of EOP family members attended the 50th-anniversary celebration 
for UAlbany’s Educational Opportunities Program last October.
Stu and Judy Madnick ’65 met Olympic gymnast Aly Raisman 
prior to the University at Albany Speaker Series in December.
Randy Cohen ’71, host of the popular podcast Person Place 
Thing, interviewed writer/producer Marc Guggenheim ’92  
before an alumni audience at SUNY Global Center in New 
York City last November. Listen to the podcast at  
https://personplacething.org/episode-241-marc-guggenheim/.
In January, at Network NYC and Dinner with NYC Great Danes,  
alumni offered students advice for living and working in New York.
GOLD 
Schmooze
In September, young alumni 
who graduated between 
2008 and 2018 and live in 
New York City gathered in 
Times Square for the annual 
GOLD Schmooze.
www.albany.edu
43
A UAlbany family enjoyed the “best seat in the house” at Great Dane Game Day.
Graduating seniors had a chance to connect with  
recent grads and wrap up Homecoming weekend  
at the GOLD Brunch in downtown Albany.
Great Dane tradition: Several families celebrated their 
UAlbany bonds at the annual Legacy Reception.
President Rodríguez and wife Rosy Lopez  
greeted Telethon alumni who attended Homecoming  
to celebrate the program’s 50th anniversary. 
Alumni Association President Brian Fessler 
’06, ’07 greets Class of 1948 members at 
the Half-Century Club Breakfast. 
Chi Sigma Theta sorority sisters pose for a group photo at Homecoming.  
The sorority celebrated its 100th anniversary in 2014.
Go Great Danes! Recent grads  
gathered on the berm to cheer  
on UAlbany at the Homecoming 
football game.
Members of the Class of 1968 enjoyed a tour  
of old haunts at the downtown campus as  
part of their 50th reunion. 
44
UAlbany Magazine • Spring 2019
EVENTS AND OPPORTUNITIES
SAVE 
THE 
DATE
Oct. 19, 2019
MILESTONE REUNIONS   |   OCT. 18, 19 and 20
— 1969  • 1964  • 1959  • 1954 —
Return to a vibrant campus this fall to honor the past and  
celebrate the present. Reconnect with friends and relive the  
memories of your college days at milestone reunions for the  
classes of 1969, 1964, 1959, and 1954. 
If you’re interested in helping to plan your class reunion or want to 
share your contact information, please email the Alumni Association  
at alumniassociation@albany.edu or call (518) 442-3080.
AFFINITY REUNIONS
Part of a special alumni group? If you’re interested in  
having a reunion for your affinity, let us know! 
HOMECOMING 2019 EVENTS INCLUDE: 
Half Century Club Induction &  
Volunteer Appreciation Breakfast
President’s Showcase
Great Dane Game Day
UAlbany Football vs. Rhode Island Rams
Celebrate 175 years of UAlbany history and help us  
Unleash Greatness this spring! Join fellow California-area 
alumni at a reception near you:
C
a
li
fo
r
n
ia
!
 
H
e
y
Encino  
Monday, April 8
Marina del Ray 
Tuesday, April 9
San Francisco  
Wednesday, April 10
Palo Alto 
Thursday, April 11
“What is the essence of life?  
To serve others and to do good.” - Aristotle
Shape UAlbany’s future and promote its tradition  
of service. Explore our volunteer opportunities:
Learn how you can get involved and make a 
difference for your alma mater no matter where you 
live by visiting alumni.albany.edu/volunteer.
• Host an alumni event.
• Donate to UAlbany.
• Represent the 
University at a  
college fair.
• Serve on a board 
committee.
• Offer advice to recent 
grads or current 
students as a  
UCAN advisor.
• Help plan a reunion.
  ...and many more!
alumni.albany.edu/events    
UCAN IS SPONSORED BY THE UALBANY ALUMNI ASSOCIATION.
www.albany.edu
45
“It’s really inspiring to  
me to hear from everyday 
professionals. I like to hear 
how much everyone had  
to go through to make it  
where they are. Hearing 
their stories helps me  
know I can succeed.” 
– Tameka Edwards ’16, ’18, 
Communications
Give or Get career advice 
through the UAlbany  
Career Advisory Network. 
Be an  
Admissions  
Ambassador
Pay It Forward! 
Stay connected with UAlbany,  
share its traditions and values, help  
advance its legacy and grow its diversity. 
Volunteer to be an Admissions  
Ambassador and represent the  
University at a college fair or at an  
accepted student reception in your  
area! Your impact is significant  
because you offer and share a unique  
and positive UAlbany experience  
with the students.
www.alumni.albany.edu/admissions
NYSCT Sorority/ 
Fraternity Coffee Hour
Saturday, Oct. 19
The tradition continues! Meet up with 
your sisters, brothers, and classmates and 
reminisce about your NYSCT days this 
Homecoming. All are welcome.
Recent communications grad Tameka 
Edwards ’16, ’18 connected with  
Shamara Cox ’09, a producer at  
A&E Television Networks, and gained  
valuable career advice through UCAN.  
Read her full story here:  
firsthand.co/creating-new-connections.
To learn more about UCAN, visit  
http://ualbany.firsthand.co 
or call (518) 442-3080. 
46
UAlbany Magazine • Spring 2019
1 9 3 0 s
Dorothy Kuehn Thiel ’35, June 28, 2018
Kenneth T. Doran ’39, Dec. 2, 2018
1 9 4 0 s
Dorothe Posson Hallenbeck ’40, Nov. 7, 2018
Mildred Maasch Komoroski ’42, Oct. 22, 2016
Herbert W. Oksala ’42, Dec. 19, 2014
Ruth Keeler Oksala ’42, Oct. 25, 2018
Lucy Massimilian Rainville ’43, July 13, 2018
Genevieve Young Ertelt ’46, Sept. 11, 2018
Joyce McDonald O’Dea ’46, Oct. 22, 2018
Jane Snyder ’46, June 5, 2018
Lillian K. Kunicka Orsini ’47, July 24, 2018
June Bodach Sodaro ’47, May 14, 2018
Mary E. Emmet Foster ’48, June 29, 2018
Marjorie Harrington ’48, Dec. 15, 2017
Selene Wolf Sheriff ’48, Dec. 24, 2018
Albert F. Beninate ’49, May 22, 2015
William Blasberg, Jr. ’49, June 19, 2018
Betty Uline Engineri ’49, Aug. 15, 2018
Theresa Salamone Guaraldi ’49, Oct. 16, 2018
Gerald Reisner ’49, Sept. 28, 2017
Fred M. Root ’49, June 29, 2018
1 9 5 0 s
Geraldine Kenzie Berglas ’50, Aug. 23, 2018
Alfred C. Di Cesare ’50, Nov. 21, 2018
Robert F. Glenister ’50, March 6, 2013
Selma Nadel Streicher ’50, May 16, 2018
Jeanne B. Bowen Walsh ’50, Feb. 6, 2017
Rose M. Willsey Flint ’51, Sept. 23, 2018
Marianna Cioppa Larson ’51, March 12, 2018
Elyne M. Howard Schulte ’51, Aug. 16, 2017
Doris Myers Silverston ’51, Oct. 27, 2017
James A. Coles ’52, July 11, 2018
Joseph D. Dolan ’52, Oct. 28, 2018
Marilyn W. Lewis Harrison ’52, July 19, 2018
Maureen Davis Mullin ’52, Sept. 24, 2018
Doris V. Vater Ward ’52, Dec. 16, 2018
Kenneth Wooster ’52, Nov. 9, 2018
Arthur F. Hagy ’53, Oct. 20, 2016
Francis P. Hodge ’53, Nov. 5, 2018
Leona Quigley ’53, May 9, 2018
Peggy Smith Stafford ’53, May 27, 2018
Robert A. Ashfield ’55, Nov. 23, 2018
Barbara E. Brundage ’55, Dec. 7, 2018
Custer R. Quick, Jr. ’55, Oct. 27, 2018
Wayne M. Overton ’56, Oct. 2, 2016
William L. Staats ’56, Nov. 4, 2018
Doris E. Vradenburg Miller ’57, Oct. 24, 2018
Ellenor Hughes Bruetsch ’58, Jan. 24, 2018
Michael J. McGraw ’58, Sept. 22, 2018
Reginald L. Less ’59, July 6, 2018
John J. Quirk ’59, April 22, 2018
John Sutter ’59, July 31, 2018
1 9 6 0 s
David E. Feldman ’60, Nov. 26, 2018
Robert I. Sholtz ’60, Sept. 14, 2018
Albert B. Wadsworth ’60, June 24, 2016
Shirley Archambault Warren ’60, June 27, 2018
Arlene M. Stutzenstein Strader ’61, Sept. 29, 2018
Carolyn L. Gardner Hernnkind ’62, Nov. 22, 2018
Nicholas S. Moreno ’62, Dec. 8, 2018
Leigh E. Walker ’62, Nov. 22, 2018
Jack Buchalter ’63, Aug. 12, 2018
Joseph A. Fall ’63, July 24, 2018
Mary Anne Chariton Odell ’63, Sept. 9, 2018
Jean Hook Sandow ’63, Dec. 7, 2018
William J. Simmons ’63, April 16, 2018
Teresa Tomaszewski ’63, Sept. 1, 2017
Carol Eaton ’64, July 31, 2018
Florence Fermo O’Connor ’64, June 22, 2018
Sandra Craig Brownell ’65, Oct. 26, 2018
Lanelle P. Hiemstra ’65, Nov. 14, 2018
Daniel C. Thomas, Jr. ’65, Nov. 19, 2018
John S. Deffigos ’66, Aug. 29, 2018
Elizabeth A. Faxon ’66, Aug. 2, 2018
Susan L. Kulick ’66, March 12, 2018
George Moross ’66, July 28, 2010
Daniel J. Dugan, II ’67, Aug. 20, 2018
Nicholas J. Dugo ’67, Nov. 26, 2018
Gioia Ottaviano ’67, July 7, 2018
James E. Girzone ’67, July 22, 2018
Natalie G. Tinkelman ’67, Nov. 6, 2016
Victoria Sikorski Goga ’68, April 10, 2016
Marque L. Wolfson Miringoff ’68, Nov. 5, 2018
Marian W. Potter ’68, Dec. 6, 2018
Roberta M. Seibert Way ’68, Oct. 26, 2018
William F. Pierce ’69, Dec. 1, 2018
Mario Porretto ’69, July 26, 2018
Barbara Marcus Sax ’69, Oct. 3, 2018
Joseph Spereno ’69, May 11, 2015
1 9 7 0 s
Charles B. Coffin, Jr. ’70, Aug. 3, 2018
Sally H. Gellman ’70, Oct. 2, 2018
Louise E. Kmetz ’70, Dec. 10, 2018
Robert Murray ’70, Nov. 8, 2018
Jon A. Olson ’70, February 11, 2013
Richard W. Spiers ’70, Dec. 18, 2018
Ruth H. Vanderlinde ’70, Sept. 6, 2018
Andrew J. Zambelli ’70, Oct. 26, 2018
John J. Bailey ’71, Dec. 21, 2018
Edward W. Cavanaugh ’71, July 10, 2018
Dianne M. Myers Haneke, Ph.D. ’71, Aug. 6, 2015
John McCarthy ’71, Oct. 1, 2018
Paul B. Remick ’71, June 18, 2018
Robert D. Vessels ’71, July 3, 2018
William L. Wilbanks, Ph.D. ’71, Oct. 9, 2018
Mary Greco Bacon ’72, Oct. 6, 2018
Boulos P. Barsoum ’72, Aug. 8, 2018
Nadine Phillips Lord ’72, April 22, 2017
Betty O. McCanty ’72, July 12, 2018
Carl E. Meacham, Ph.D. ’72, Sept. 2, 2018
Christina Binder Mellema ’72, Aug. 13, 2018
Victor A. Pfaus ’72, June 7, 2017
Richard P. Smith ’72, July 6, 2018
Richard E. Dibble, Ph.D. ’73, Oct. 13, 2018
Harris J. Galinsky ’73, July 1, 2018
Kenneth D. Gonyo ’73, Oct. 10, 2018
Robert J. Maurer ’73, Oct. 23, 2016
Carol Cotugno Miner ’73, Nov. 11, 2018
Mitchell S. Morris ’73, Oct. 5, 2018
Janene A. Richards ’73, July 7, 2018
Eugenia O. Rutherford ’73, Aug. 10, 2018
Barbara P. Tytell ’73, Dec. 23, 2018
John P. Carley ’74, Nov. 19, 2018
Elizabeth L. Burns, Ed.D. ’75, July 9, 2018
Helga Reissner Karker ’75, Aug. 16, 2018
Joseph Z. Korber ’75, July 27, 2013
Rhona L. Landau ’76, Oct. 13, 2017
Peter M. Stenson ’76, Oct. 20, 2018
Krista C. Bookhout Butler ’77, Nov. 4, 2009
Nancy C. Glover ’77, Aug. 6, 2018
Cary E. Klein ’77, Dec. 6, 2018
Michael J. McKeown ’77, April 7, 2015
Ashok Sabherwal ’77, Oct. 2, 2018
Matthew W. Kernan ’78, Oct. 25, 2018
Matthew S. Sefcik ’78, Dec. 23, 2018
Gail R. Coghlan ’79, Oct. 30, 2018
Candice Deyorio Ruccio ’79, May 3, 2013
1 9 8 0 s
Glenn A. Hutchinson ’80, July 19, 2018
Manuel Alvarez, III ’81, February 4, 2010
Patricia M. Ferraioli, Ph.D. ’81, Dec. 9, 2018
Judith E. Tennenbaum ’81, Aug. 14, 2018
Rose C. D’Agostino, Ph.D. ’82, Aug. 17, 2011
Frank J. Gillick ’82, Oct. 29, 2018
George W. Martin ’82, Sept. 17, 2018
Shirish G. Modasra ’82, July 15, 2017
Cindy R. McWilliams ’83, July 8, 2018
Rosemary A. Meleco ’83, July 31, 2018
Mina J. Barry ’86, July 5, 2018
Drew M. Ellis ’86, June 25, 2018
James E. Schultz ’86, Aug. 1, 2018
Elizabeth B. Duel ’87, Sept. 6, 2018
Melissa A. Murray ’87, Oct. 25, 2018
Mary T. Carioto ’88, Dec. 25, 2018
Kenneth R. Denberg ’88, Dec. 28, 2018
Andrew P. Keriazes ’88, Oct. 14, 2017
Suzanne Ryan ’88, Dec. 9, 2015
Eleanor L. Mager ’89, Nov. 18, 2017
1 9 9 0 s
Linda J. Culver ’90, Sept. 22, 2018
Cindy A. Duryea Ginty ’90, February 12, 2016
Adrian A. Clarke ’91, Oct. 12, 2018
Marcia B. Desieno ’91, Aug. 29, 2018
Anita H. Morse ’91, Aug. 20, 2018
Deborah A. Brooks Nelson ’91, May 16, 2017
Dolores W. Birch ’92, Oct. 25, 2018
Michele Delamonico ’92, June 20, 2018
Clifton J. Hebert III ’92, March 21, 2016
Mary C. Albertin ’93, Oct. 27, 2018
Eileen M. Smith Collins ’93, Sept. 12, 2018
Gregory J. Brostek ’95, July 30, 2018
Jennifer Karidis ’95, Nov. 20, 2018
Jane M. Wood ’96, Aug. 17, 2018
Gregory J. Brown ’97, Jan. 8, 2018
Eric Levy ’98, March 31, 2014
Paul A. Pines ’98, June 27, 2018
Daniel C. Stanklus ’98, Jan. 11, 2016
IN MEMORIAM
www.albany.edu
47
2 0 0 0 s
Dennis A. Hull ’01, Aug. 2, 2018
Frank P. Derobertis, Ph.D. ’03, Feb. 19, 2018
Jane Fitting ’04, Aug. 3, 2018
Jeremy J. Vannostrand ’04, Nov. 27, 2018
Christine M. Morse-Sicko ’06, Sept. 14, 2018
Melissa M. Hudson ’08, Aug. 3, 2018
Abigail M. King ’08, Oct. 6, 2018
Robert L. Maresca ’09, April 29, 2017
2 0 1 0 s
Kerry L. Snow ’11, Aug. 11, 2018
Terance M. Haight ’12, Oct. 22, 2018
Dean A. Johnson ’15, July 4, 2018
Gavin Q. Keblish ’15, Aug. 6, 2018
Jonathan F. Whyte-Dixon, Sr. ’16,  
   July 4, 2018
Kimberly Ann Alston ’17, Oct. 31, 2018
Deceased Faculty/Staff
Kevin Burke, Professor, Geological Sciences, 
March 21, 2018
Robert Cartmell, Professor,  Art and Art History,  
Sept. 11, 2018
Charles Edwards, Professor, Biology, Dec. 19, 2016
Joyce Francis, Library Clerk, Sept. 12, 2018 
Francis J. Hoban, Custodial Services, July 23, 2018
Barbara Kellogg, Secretary, Health Center, Nov. 28, 2018
Robert T. Nakamura, Ph.D., Professor, Political Science, 
July 26, 2018
Joseph A. Simone, Paint Shop, Oct. 30, 2018
Harry C. Staley, Lecturer, Theatre, Aug. 6, 2018
Mark Steinberger, Ph.D., Associate Professor,  
Mathematics and Statistics, Sept. 15, 2018
Maurice J. Westmoreland, Ph.D., Associate Professor,  
Languages, Literatures & Cultures, Oct. 23, 2018
Melody J. Wilson Wood, Parking & Mass Transit,  
May 6, 2018
Morris Massry 
Morris Massry, well-known Capital Region 
business leader, philanthropist, and longtime 
University at Albany supporter, passed away  
Oct. 29, 2018. He was 89.
The founder of Tri City Rentals, Massry 
served on the boards of numerous non-profit 
organizations, including the United Way, the 
Center for Disability Services, Daughters of Sarah 
Nursing Home, Proctors, and Temple Beth El. 
His dedication to community service earned him 
such honors as the Cerebral Palsy Humanitarian Award; the Albany JCC Pillars 
Award; the Daughters of Charity National Health System Heritage Award; and 
honorary doctorates from The College of Saint Rose, Albany Medical College, 
and the State University of New York.
For many years, Massry had a close relationship with the University at 
Albany as both foundation director and loyal supporter. The Massry Center 
for Business at UAlbany recognizes his family’s long association with the 
University, as do the Massry Conference Center at the Gen*NY*Sis Center  
for Excellence in Cancer Genomics, the Massry Lecture Series, and the  
Massry Community Fellows Program.  
UAlbany honored Massry in 1987 as The Foundation’s Community Laureate, 
and in 2003, when he was named Citizen of the University.
Survivors include Massry’s wife, Esther, to whom he was married for  
70 years; daughters Jane, Marilyn, Linda, Sheila, and Lisa; son I. Norman;  
11 grandchildren; and seven great-grandchildren.     
ADDRESS, E-MAIL, PHONE  
OR JOB CHANGES
E-mail:  
bbrunjes@albany.edu
Mail:  
Benjamin Brunjes
Office of Development Services  
UAB 209 
University at Albany
1400 Washington Avenue
Albany, NY 12222
ALUMNI NEWS AND NOTES
E-mail:  
alumniassociation@albany.edu
Lee Serravillo, Executive Director
Mail:  
Alumni Association
Alumni House
University at Albany
1400 Washington Avenue
Albany, NY 12222
Ph: (518) 442-3080 
Fax: (518) 442-3207
LETTERS TO THE EDITOR
E-mail:  
colechowski@albany.edu
Mail:  
Carol Olechowski
Editor, UAlbany Magazine
University Development, UAB 209
University at Albany
1400 Washington Avenue
Albany, NY 12222
Ph: (518) 437-4992 
Fax: (518) 437-4957
Here are the best ways to reach us!
UAlbany
48
UAlbany Magazine • Spring 2019
LAST LOOK
F
ive thousand voracious readers made 
their way to the University’s Campus 
Center last fall for The New York  
State Writers Institute’s inaugural  
Albany Book Festival.
Held Sept. 29, the event combined 
appearances by local and national authors, 
publishers, and booksellers with panel 
discussions; book signings; and other 
activities, including children’s programming. 
Notable literati attending included Doris 
Kearns Goodwin; Walter Mosley; Annette 
Gordon-Reed; Khizr Khan; Jonathan 
Santlofer; Radha Agrawal; and UAlbany 
alumnus Gregory Maguire, B.A.’76, author 
of the popular Wicked series. Institute 
founder William Kennedy signed copies of 
the recently published Bootlegger of the Soul: 
The Literary Legacy of William Kennedy.  
Paul Grondahl, director of the Writers 
Institute, noted: “Fall book festivals are 
a fixture in vibrant American cities from 
Miami to Los Angeles. As one of the nation’s 
premier literary presenting organizations, 
we feel that now is the time for the Writers 
Institute to create the inaugural Albany Book 
Festival. We want to capitalize on Albany’s 
grand literary tradition while welcoming 
diverse communities of people to campus in 
a family-friendly, fun-filled event that shows 
off some of our University’s finest assets.” 
Grondahl added that the festival was 
envisioned as a way to bring “book lovers 
of all ages from across the Capital Region” 
together with the University community 
to “honor the transformative power of 
great literature, celebrate the craft of 
acclaimed writers, discuss important topics 
in the national dialogue,” and highlight the 
unifying nature of books.
Doris Kearns Goodwin, author of Leadership in 
Turbulent Times, signs her book.
Gregory Maguire ’76, author of Wicked:  
The Life and Times of the Wicked Witch  
of the West, signs books at the festival.
Author William Kennedy 
speaks at the book festival.
The New York State Writers Institute’s  
Inaugural Book Festival
MARK YOUR 
CALENDARS
The 2nd Annual  
Albany Book  
Festival
Saturday,  
Sept. 14, 2019
Best-selling mystery writers Laura Lippman, Linda Fairstein, Joseph Find,  
and Walter Mosley, from left, participate in a panel discussion about  
mystery writing.  Writers Institute Mark Koplik moderated the panel.
Visitors peruse books on the Podium.
Author Marion Roach Smith leads a free workshop on 
memoir writing.
www.albany.edu/giving
How will you plan for your future?
You can play an important role in shaping the lives of future UAlbany students and ensuring 
educational opportunities exist for the generations that follow. Careful planning is important 
to ensure that your loved ones are taken care of, as well.
We would like to help you organize and plan for the future by offering you a FREE Wills 
Planning Guide: Planning Your Legacy.
To obtain your FREE guide, please contact:  
Lori Matt-Murphy  
Office of Gift Planning  
University at Albany, UAB 226  
1400 Washington Avenue, Albany NY 12222  
(518) 437-5090 or (888) 226-5600, toll free.  
Julian Johnson, 
Class of 2036
Son of Matthew 
Johnson, B.S.’11 
Criminal Justice
1400 Washington Avenue
Division of University Advancement
University Administration Building 209
Albany, NY 12222
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www.albany.edu
You can make  
this her time.
For 175 years, the University at Albany has 
launched hundreds of thousands of students 
into lives of accomplishment. This Is Our Time, 
our $150-million-dollar campaign, builds upon 
that commitment. 
Your gift will secure UAlbany as an engine of 
opportunity for future generations of ambitious, 
hard-working young people. Together, we 
will ensure that programs and facilities 
match ambitions, access matches need, and 
opportunities match dreams. Please join us.
Visit www.albany.edu/thisisourtime  
to learn how you can help!