The Cayuga Spartan for Spring/Summer 2018 by Adam Williams

The Cayuga SPARTAN CAYUGA COMMUNITY COLLEGE â&#x20AC;¢ SPRING/SUMMER 2018

Alum finds his passion in the classroom Students excel at State PBL Conference Cayuga celebrates the Class of 2018

CAYUGA

Dr. Brian M. Durant

COMMUNITY

CCC President

COLLEGE

BOARD OF TRUSTEES Chair Dr. Linda Van Buskirk Vice Chair Stephanie Hutchinson Secretary John Klink ‘66 Board Members Marian Brown John Camardo ‘84 Melina Carnicelli Angela Daddabbo Hon. Patrick Mahunik Student Trustee Joyci T. Raymundo

A NOTE FROM THE PRESIDENT Cayuga Community College takes pride in the success of our students and the role we play in helping them build their future. It takes dedicated, talented staff and faculty — and alumni whose success provides an excellent example — to help students realize and achieve their full potential. Thankfully, we have the staff and faculty to guide our students, and the alumni to show them what is possible. Part of helping students is celebrating their successes and those of our alumni. In that spirit, you will find this edition of The Cayuga Spartan brimming with the highlights of our past and present students, new campus developments and recognition of our staff and faculty. Stories in this edition include: • Our 64th annual commencement and the recognition of our two student recipients of the SUNY Chancellor’s Award for Student Excellence; • A profile of Patrick Yurco, who returned to finish his degree at Cayuga after a five year break and is now an associate professor of biology at Le Moyne College; • Our Phi Beta Lambda team’s rousing success in the PBL State Conference contests, which returned to our Auburn Campus for the first time since 2014; • The success on the court and on the fairway for several of our Spartans’ sports teams; • A celebration of our long-time employees, including the six honored by the State University of New York; • The launch of two new programs, Environmental Studies and Industrial Maintenance Technology; • Recognition of our Emerson and Presidential Scholars. As we mark the end of the 2017-2018 school year, our enrollment continues to rise. Our academic offerings, the talent and reputation of our staff and faculty and the strength of our community partnerships are showing local communities everything Cayuga offers our students. Our increased enrollment is also a reflection of our alumni and their considerable contributions to Cayuga. All of you play a key role in making our institution a cornerstone of Cayuga and Oswego counties. Thank you for your dedication, and I look forward to working with all of you in the year ahead.

About the cover A Warm Welcome: Installed in the summer of 2017, our sign welcomes visitors to the Auburn Campus. Buildings and Grounds surrounded the sign this spring with red geraniums.

SPARTAN NEWS CONTRIBUTORS Editor: Andrew Poole Contributing Photographers: Robert Frame, Doug Lloyd, Amanda Vivenzio, Bruce Walter Graphic Design: Terry Askey-Cole, Askey Design Publication: Jacobs Press (Michael Trapani ‘76 and David Verdi ‘06) 02

The Cayuga SPARTAN Spring/Summer

Student Achievement

GLYN DAVENPORT

MITCHELL PHILLIPS

Glyn Davenport graduated with a degree in Liberal Arts and Science: Mathematics and Science. Davenport was a tutor and the Auburn Campus chapter president of Phi Theta Kappa. Next year, he will attend Rochester Institute of Technology majoring in Applied Mathematics and American Sign Language Interpreting.

Mitchell Phillips graduated in May with a degree in Liberal Arts and Sciences: Mathematics and Science. He served as president of the Student Government and was a student ambassador and member of the Phi Theta Kappa Honor Society. He transferred to SUNY Buffalo to study chemical engineering. 1.

EDWARD VIVENZIO

HARLEQUIN PRODUCTIONS

Edward Vivenzio’s spot news broadcast about the Excelsior Scholarship Program for Cayuga’s WDWN won an inaugural Outstanding Spot News Award in the College Division from the New York State Broadcasters Association. The student-operated station was the only community college station to win an award in the statewide college division.

Cayuga’s Harlequin Productions received several awards from the Theatre Association of New York State for their performances of “Alice in Black and White.” The show about famed photographer Alice Austen earned the entire cast a Meritorious Achievement in Ensemble Work Award, student Hannah Abrams an Excellence in Acting Award for her performance as Austen, and Director Robert Frame an Outstanding Achievement in Directing for overall production design and technical execution.

The Cayuga SPARTAN Spring/Summer

5. 03

Guy Thomas Cosentino Executive Director

CCCC FOUNDATION

CCCC Foundation

2018 BOARD

OF DIRECTORS President Kelley Gridley Vice President John Latanyshyn Treasurer Lisa Green Secretary Aliza Querns Assistant Secretary Patricia Callahan Board Members Dr. Brian Durant Dr. Dennis Golladay Edward Herrling ‘72 Gail Homick Herrling ‘62 Douglas Kinney ‘80 Pamela Kirkwood ‘84 John Klink ‘66 David Mamuscia ‘64 Joseph Reitz Mark Southwick L. Michael Treadwell Caroline Westover David Verdi ‘06 Honorary Directors Peter Emerson Dr. Joseph Karpinski Sr. Daniel Labeille

FROM THE FOUNDATION EXECUTIVE DIRECTOR The spring semester has been a busy one for the Cayuga County Community College Foundation, with several events, additions to our staff, departures from our Board and planning for the rest of 2018.

In an effort to recognize the students our donors and the Foundation help fund, we held two events this spring. The first was our inaugural Fred L. Emerson Foundation Academic Scholars Luncheon in March, where we recognized not only our inaugural class of Scholars but also the support of the Fred L. Emerson Foundation, a long-time supporter of Cayuga Community College. In April we held our second annual Presidential Scholars Luncheon on the Auburn Campus to recognize our new 2017-2018 Presidential Scholars, as well as those who are continuing their studies from the 2016-2017 class, many of whom walked across the stage in Spartan Hall in May for the College’s 64th Commencement. In January, we had two new staff join us, and they have been great additions to our team. Ginny Kent ‘82 joined the Foundation in a newly created position of Associate Director of Development and Director of Alumni Affairs after more than 12 years coordinating the Leadership Cayuga Program for the Cayuga County Chamber of Commerce. Kim Sbelgio has also joined our office as our Administrative Assistant after a number of years working for the Cayuga County United Way. Both of them have been quick studies on what the Foundation does and have been terrific assets as we embark on a number of new ventures.

While we had two additions to our staff, we also lost two members of the Board of the Foundation. Barbara Bateman, the Vice President and Branch Manager from Oswego’s West Utica Street NBT Bank, decided to not seek a third three-year term in January after six years of service to the Board, specifically on our Finance Committee. She chairs a number of organizations in Oswego County, including Operation Oswego County and is concentrating on those duties at this time. NUCOR Plant Manager Drew Wilcox was promoted this spring and is heading up the company’s construction of a new facility in Northern Florida, and departed our Board recently. In the short time he was on our Board, Mr. Wilcox was a great supporter of the Foundation and our work, especially when it came to supporting the children of those who work or worked for Auburn Steel or NUCOR and are attending Cayuga. We cannot thank our departing board members enough for their volunteer work on behalf of the Foundation. They will truly be missed.

The Foundation’s staff will be operating the College’s 45th Craft Fair, to be held the weekend of December 1st and 2nd in Spartan Hall. Those in attendance will see a couple of changes from the past, including local entertainment, more food vendors and activities for children who attend with their families. Finally, I am happy to report that the Foundation has been able to create a system for online giving for donors. While you can still use the stamped self-addressed envelope on pages 19-20 in this Spartan, you can also go to the College’s website at www.cayuga-cc.edu/giving/donate/ and make a secure gift to the College, either as an unrestricted gift or to a specific fund. By the way, it is not too late to make a donation before the end of our fiscal year on August 31st to be listed in the next Spring/Summer edition of the Spartan as a donor. To all of our donors, thank you for your continued support of our students, faculty and staff at Cayuga.

The Cayuga SPARTAN Spring/Summer

Social

Members of the Fred L. Emerson Foundation and the Cayuga Community College Foundation Board are joined by several of the first class of Fred L. Emerson Foundation Academic Scholars. In the bottom row, left to right, are Scholar Diana Rudy, Scholar Michaela Millhoff, Scholar Bailey Schafer, Scholar Erica Helzer, Aliza Querns, Patty Callahan and Elizabeth August. In the second row, from left to right, are Guy Cosentino, Heather Emerson, Sally Wagner, John Latanyshyn, Scholar Matthew Mahunik, Scholar Emily Button, Dr. Linda Van Buskirk and Lisa Green. In the third row are Alex Kinal Wagner, Kelley Gridley, Anthony Franceschelli, Hon. Michael Nozzolio and President Brian Durant. Missing from the photo is Scholar Richard Pflueger.

Inaugural Luncheon Honors Fred. L. Emerson Foundation Academic Scholars

The Cayuga County Community College Foundation hosted a luncheon at the Auburn Campus on March 5th with the inaugural class of Fred L. Emerson Foundation Academic Scholars and several members of the Fred L. Emerson Foundation, including Cayuga alumni Sally Emerson Wager ‘87 and Anthony Franceschelli ‘78.

The second class of Fred L. Emerson Foundation Academic Scholars was notified this spring of their acceptance into the program for the Fall of 2018.

The Fred L. Emerson Foundation created the scholarship in 2017 for first-time, full-time students at Cayuga who come from schools in the Cayuga/Onondaga BOCES service area, have a minimum average of 75 percent and have demonstrated outstanding community involvement, leadership service or a commitment to employment. Seven students were in the inaugural class and were able to bring a guest to the luncheon that was served by alum Luke Szabo ’15, who operates Scratch Farmhouse Catering. Mr. Franceschelli, the Chair of the Fred L. Emerson Foundation, Cayuga Community College President Brian Durant and Board of Trustees Chair Dr. Linda Van Buskirk congratulated the students for their academic work. Foundation Chair Kelley Gridley presented each of the scholars with a gift from the College Foundation.

Bailey Schafer was the lone recipient of the Emerson Foundation Scholarship to graduate in the Class of 2018. She graduated with a degree in Health Sciences.

The Cayuga SPARTAN Spring/Summer

Commencement

The Cayuga SPARTAN Spring/Summer

Commencement

‘A BOND THAT WILL CONNECT ALL OF YOU NO MATTER WHERE YOUR PATH LEADS’ Cayuga celebrates the Class of 2018

President Brian Durant congratulated the graduates, telling them that a community college offers an exceptional education and allows diverse students to share their stories together. That opportunity to learn from each other helps unite people from different backgrounds. “Even as all of you have unique stories, you will now forever have one thing in common: You are Cayuga graduates, the Class of 2018, and I firmly believe that is a bond that will connect all of you no matter where your path leads,” he said. Offering students the chance to find their passion is another part of what makes a community college education special, said Durant. “We don’t force you down a path you’re not ready to walk. We offer options and allow you to find your way. We might clear the pathways and make them visible for you, but you pick which one to walk. And you walk it,” he said. “I’m sure our staff and faculty and your friends and family helped you along the way, but this is your accomplishment.”

Students learn to value and appreciate their differences, said Van Buskirk, and she urged the graduates to continue to do the same in the future. “You’ve already had the pleasure of meeting people who are heading out on different trajectories. Take another look at the pictures of our distinguished alums, and you will see exactly what I mean. Our graduates have dreams and they follow them,” she said. “We honor you all, whatever your chosen path. We know it takes all of you to build and maintain the strong community that we know and cherish. Here at Cayuga, you have been able to meet the full panoply of human endeavor, because it is a community. And it serves a community.”

Photo courtesy of Doug Lloyd

College leaders praised the students for their determination, and urged graduates to continue working hard in pursuit of their goals and to appreciate their differences, while at the same time identifying common ground.

Dr. Linda Van Buskirk, the chair of the College Board of Trustees, told students that a community college offers students the chance to work closely with people whose interests and aspirations are different from their own. Unlike in larger, less personalized schools, where hundreds of students might be grouped into a classroom, Cayuga students can see each other as individuals rather than numbers.

During the ceremony, Durant and Dr. Anne Herron, Provost and Vice President of Academic Affairs recognized Glyn Davenport and Mitchell Phillips, two students graduating with Liberal Arts and Sciences degrees who received the SUNY Chancellor’s Award for Student Excellence.

Photo courtesy of Doug Lloyd

Cayuga’s Class of 2018 celebrated their accomplishments at the College’s 64th annual commencement in May, which saw Spartan Hall filled with friends, family, faculty and staff applauding the students’ success.

The Cayuga SPARTAN Spring/Summer

Commencement Davenport and Phillips addressed their fellow graduates, encouraging them to keep the lessons they learned at Cayuga in mind in the future. Davenport urged students to listen to people with different backgrounds and opinions, and to find similarities between themselves and other people. “Consider other perspectives, and listen — really listen — to those around you. If each of us makes a greater effort to do these tasks daily, who knows how beautiful our world could be for future generations,” he said. Phillips said he was proud to be a member of the Class of 2018, and wished his classmates the best in their future endeavors.

Photo courtesy of Doug Lloyd

“I really just want to encourage you all to keep pushing the needle forward,” said Phillips. “Keep helping and inspiring other people at the center of what drives you and love everyone along the way.” After listening to the speakers, graduates walked the stage to receive their degrees before celebrating with each other, family, and friends.

Photo courtesy of Doug Lloyd

Other featured parts of commencement included the recognition of Loraine Miller, who was honored with the title of Professor Emeritus, and the honoring of six staff and faculty members who received the SUNY Chancellor’s Award for Excellence: Rebecca Devendorf, John Lamphere, Lorelee Lardear, Kelly Quigley Ludemann, Kathy Sipling and Diana Valdina.

The Cayuga SPARTAN Spring/Summer

New Programs

TWO NEW PROGRAMS STARTING THIS FALL Cayuga students interested in environmental careers or developing the skills to maintain and repair industrial equipment will have programs tailored to their needs starting this fall. College leaders announced that two new programs, an Environmental Studies A.S. Degree and an Industrial Maintenance Technology (IMT) Certificate, will launch in Fall 2018, further expanding opportunities for students and helping graduates access growing career fields. “We’re proud and excited to offer these new programs to our students, and we’re confident that students who complete either program will have the skills and training to excel in their chosen field,” said Cayuga President Brian Durant. “Both Environmental Studies and IMT will prepare students for a future in growing industries, with a demonstrated need locally and nationally for people with the skills these programs will emphasize.” Intense student interest led to the college’s decision to create the Environmental Studies program that will prepare students for careers in environmental science, conservation biology, environmental resources management and more. Previously, students interested in environmental studies usually graduated from Cayuga with a Liberal Arts & Science: Mathematics and Science degree, and then pursued environmental studies degrees at other colleges. The new program will make this process easier. “This way, the students and their advisers can clearly see that these courses are the most appropriate for environmental studies and make it easier in terms of scheduling these

courses and gaining the needed skills,” said Christie Waters, former chair of the Division of Natural and Health Sciences, Mathematics and Technology.

team. Local manufacturers provided input, identifying the skills required for industrial maintenance technicians, including a foundation in basic electronics and manufacturing and

Adjunct Professor Dennis Sullivan, pictured with students in a physics course, said the idea for the IMT program started after speaking with employers who were having difficulty finding local workers qualified in industrial maintenance technology. Pictured with Sullivan, from left to right, are Stephanie Hotaling, Kelsey Harroun, Brooke Sherwood and Malissa Woodard.

The Environmental Studies program is a SUNY transfer program, meaning all schools in the SUNY system have agreed that the courses in Cayuga’s new program are the courses a student interested in environmental studies should complete in their first two years of college. The course credit hours are transferable to a SUNY four-year institution.

the ability to maintain, troubleshoot and repair motors, hydraulic systems and HVAC equipment.

Demand from Oswego County industrial leaders including Novelis Corporation and Huhtamaki Corporation spurred Cayuga to create the IMT program, which trains students in mechanical and electrical installation and repair work and prepares them to be a member of an industrial maintenance

Credit from the IMT program can be applied toward an Associate of Applied Science Degree in Cayuga’s Electrical Technology program.

“The key to all technology programs is that they are hands-on, and the focus is on applying the skills,” said Waters. “The focus is on training people who are able to troubleshoot, and that’s a real critical thinking skill. Only practice makes you good at that.”

The Environmental Studies program will be offered at both the Auburn and Fulton Campuses, while the IMT program will only be available at the Fulton Campus. The Cayuga SPARTAN Spring/Summer

Rebecca Reese President ACC/CCC Alumni Association Board

CAYUGA

COMMUNITY COLLEGE

ALUMNI ASSOCIATION 2018–2019 BOARD MEMBERS

FROM THE ALUMNI ASSOCIATION PRESIDENT

President

Dear Fellow Alumni,

Rebecca Reese ‘06

I am delighted to give our Alumni an update on what the Auburn/Cayuga County Community College Alumni Association has been doing since the last issue of The Spartan was mailed.

Vice President

First and foremost, over the last six months we have re-organized the Alumni Association and elected officers who will serve through the 2018-2019 Academic Year. Joining me on the Executive Committee are Amanda Stankus ‘03 as Vice President and Janet Cole ‘72 as Treasurer. We also have John Lamphere ‘74 and Ted Herrling ‘72 continuing as our Board Secretary and Immediate Past President, respectively.

Amanda Stankus ‘03 Treasurer Janet Cole ‘72 Secretary John Lamphere ‘74 Past President Edward (Ted) Herrling ‘72 Board Members Patricia Aldrich ‘95 Josephine Emilio ’90 William (Bill) Jacobs ’73 Douglas Kinney ’80 Dr. Brian Durant, Cayuga Community College President Guy Cosentino, CCCC Foundation Executive Director Ex Officio Members Ginny Kent ’82, Director of Alumni Affairs

We have also added two new Board Members, Josephine Emilio ‘90 and Patricia Aldrich ’95. Both are dedicated alumni who believe in the mission and work of the Alumni Association. We are still looking for alumni who would like to serve our alma mater on our Board, especially who have attended classes on our Fulton Campus. If you are interested or know someone who might be, please let us know at the Alumni Office so we can follow up with them. In June our Board took part in a strategic planning session to not only look at ways to improve our organization and involve more alumni in Association and College activities, but to assist the College in its efforts on both the Auburn and Fulton campuses. One major asset to our work has been the hiring of Ginny Kent ‘82 who brings a wealth of knowledge on how non-profits work and community engagement. The former head of the Cayuga County Chamber of Commerce Leadership Cayuga Program, she has been terrific to work with. One of the highlights of the work of the Alumni Association is our annual Alumni of the Year Awards. This year we had a number of outstanding candidates to consider and were pleased to see the number of nominations that we received from Cayuga’s faculty and staff. A committee of our Board recommended that we present this year’s awards to Suzanne Cirencione ’93, Anthony Franceschelli ’78 and Dr. Patrick Yurco ’97. We had a special off campus reception with the award winners, their guests, the Alumni Association, and members of the Board of Trustees and the College Foundation the week of Commencement at Elderberry Pond in Sennett. It was a terrific event that you can read about across from this letter. To say all three candidates had powerful stories of dedication and inspiration is an understatement. If there was a common theme among these three outstanding alumnus, it is that Cayuga played an important role in helping them to identify their career paths. Finally, I want to thank Dr. Brian Durant for his awarding me his first Distinguished Service Award in May at our event with the Alumni of the Year Award winners. I was totally taken aback. I gratefully accept the award on behalf of our energized and active Alumni Association. Sincerely, Rebecca Reese ‘06 Alumni Board Chair

The Cayuga SPARTAN Spring/Summer

Alumni

Cirencione, Franceschelli, Yurco receive 2018 Alumni Awards

On May 15th, the Alumni Association Board hosted a reception at Elderberry Pond for the 2018 Alumni Award winners, their families, nominators, members of the Board of Trustees and Foundation Board.

This year’s inductees were Suzanne Cirencione ’93 of Ontario County and Anthony Franceschelli ’78 and Dr. Patrick Yurco ’97, both of Auburn. Each was presented with a plaque at the event and recognized later in the week at the College’s commencement in Spartan Hall by Cayuga President Dr. Brian Durant and Alumni Chair Rebecca Reese ’06.

Professor John Lamphere ’74 nominated Ms. Cirencione for this award, and said this about her role with the Ontario County STOP-DWI program: “This allowed her to really showcase her talents and ability, as she was elected to be the NYS STOP-DWI Association Executive Chair, overseeing all 62 counties. I believe this may be the highest elected position for any graduate of CCC at the New York State level.”

Anthony Franceschelli is a Vice President and Regional Executive of Tompkins Trust Company in Auburn, a post he has held since 2002. He received his A.A.S. in business admin-

Foundation Scholarship Program. He served as a member of the Board of the Cayuga County Community College Foundation for nine years, including serving as its Treasurer. Through his work and service to his community, Mr. Franceschelli exhibits many qualities that are symbolic of the mission of the ACC/CCC Alumni Association. A supporter of the College, “… he has made himself available to the leadership of the College, to create partnerships and connections between the College and community,” according to College Foundation Executive Director Guy Cosentino, who nominated him for this award. Mr. Franceschelli lives in Auburn with his wife Jill, and has three children and one grandchild, Willow.

Suzanne Cirencione has accomplished much in her career, and through her advocacy work she exhibits the qualities that align well Dr. Patrick Yurco’s route with the mission of the ACC/CCC to becoming a respectAlumni Association. She is the New ed biology professor York State STOP-DWI Association demonstrates the rich Chair and the current Administrator path an education at of the Ontario County STOP-DWI Cayuga Community Recipients of the 2018 Alumni Award were, from left, Dr. Patrick Program. She is an instructor at Yurco ’97, Suzanne Cirencione ’93 and Anthony Franceschelli ’78. College can provide for the Finger Lakes Law Enforcement a student. Dr. Yurco’s story is one of Academy and is also an adjunct facistration from Cayuga Community our featured articles in this edition of ulty member at Cayuga Community College and a B.S. from Le Moyne The Cayuga Spartan, so more inforCollege and Finger Lakes Community College in Syracuse in 1981. mation on his time at College. Cayuga and his successful career A staunch cheerleader for Cayuga Ms. Cirencione earned a degree in can be found on the pages ahead Community College, he has used criminal justice from Cayuga CommuHe started at Cayuga in 1987, left his position as board chair of the nity College, and went on to earn a without graduating but later returned Auburn Community Hospital and degree in social work at Keuka Coland earned his degree. He went on previous chairmanships of the Merrylege in ’96. She enjoys volunteering to eventually earn his doctorate from Go-Round Theater and the Auburn for the Badge of Honor Association YMCA to connect those organizations SUNY Upstate Medical University, and and the Breast Cancer Coalition of today is the Chair of the Biological to the academic offerings of the Rochester, two causes close to her College. As the President of the Fred Sciences Department at Le Moyne heart. She resides in Ontario County College in Syracuse. He is married L. Emerson Foundation, he was inwith her husband, a lieutenant with to Jessica Cole Yurco and they make strumental, with their Board of Directhe Ontario County Sheriff’s Office, their home in Auburn with their two tors, in creating the Fred L. Emerson and her three children. 3. daughters. The Cayuga SPARTAN Spring/Summer

Patrick Yurco

‘CAYUGA WAS THERE FOR ME’ Patrick Yurco needed a clean slate to rewrite his future. Cayuga gave him the chance.

atrick Yurco knew he made a mistake.

It was his first night working at a local electronics factory. Second shift, 3:30 p.m. to midnight. His role was to float between assignments as needed, and this first night he was working at a machine, in a strange environment with no one nearby. Nothing to do but think and listen to the machinery rattle. “There was no one to talk to. And for eight hours, I did this,” says Yurco, imitating stacking items and placing them in a box. “Time stood still. It was unreal. I’ve never seen anything like it. I’m not kidding, that first night I said ‘I gotta get the hell out of here.’” It was the first shift of several years he spent at the factory. Those years weren’t all a mistake, though. It gave Yurco the time — not to mention the motivation — to consider returning to college and finishing his degree. So in 1994, he went back to college, determined to finish his degree where he started — Cayuga Community College. “I still wasn’t sure if I could do it, because I had no confidence really when it came to academics,” said Yurco. “But without a doubt, Cayuga was there for me. And because it was there for me, I was able to do everything I’ve accomplished since. It was a critical part of the process.”

The Cayuga SPARTAN Spring/Summer

urco’s story is a familiar one at Cayuga, even when the story comes with different details. It’s a story with a slow start, an interlude, and an energetic ending in which the main character succeeds in ways they hadn’t expected. It’s a story that, regardless of how many ways you hear it, never gets tired.

“It allowed me, someone who was not the most committed student, now years removed from high school, to come back and start anew.

They gave me that clean slate. That was huge for me.” For Yurco, now 49 years old and reliving his Cayuga experiences over lunch this spring, the story comes with laughs and jokes, but also an honest self-evaluation and an appreciation for the opportunity Cayuga offered him when he returned to school. “It allowed me, someone who was not the most committed student, now years removed from high school, to come back and start anew. They gave me that clean slate. That was huge for me,” said Yurco.

Now, more than 20 years after Yurco returned to finish his degree at Cayuga, he’s an associate professor of biology at Le Moyne College and department chair of Biological Sciences. For the next three years, he’ll lead a department of more than a dozen faculty members and 500 majors. He’s also the chairman of the Board of Directors for the Auburn Pride, a semi-professional football team. It’s a remarkable change for a guy who jokingly says he started studying radio and TV broadcasting at Cayuga in the late 1980s because it seemed like the least inconvenient subject for him to study. “I was one of those people who couldn’t envision going to college when I was in high school,” said Yurco. “I just didn’t have the grades, because I didn’t do the work, honestly. So, it never occurred to me that I could do well academically, and I carried that over when I went to Cayuga, unfortunately. “Or maybe it worked out for the better, since I found what I wanted to do.” Yurco first found his way to Cayuga in 1987, fresh from Weedsport Junior-Senior High School and attending the local community college because he felt that’s what he was supposed to do.

Patrick Yurco With time at a premium, Yurco shifted research fields and is now dividing his time between studying snails with a population geneticist and black-legged ticks with his students.

that means the most to Yurco. “The people were the best part of Cayuga,” he said. “It’s just an environment where the faculty interact directly with students. At the bigger institutions, you don’t get that. You’d be interacting with teaching assistants and grad students who often don’t want to do what they’re doing.”

The students are examining the frequency of ticks that carry the Lyme disease bacteria, and whether issues such as the time of year, the weather and the temperature influence when people are more likely to be exposed to ticks. The study of black-legged ticks, or deer ticks, is relevant today given the concerns over Lyme disease, said Yurco. “We’re still in the early stages of development,” he said. “One of our goals is to better inform the public of risks associated with ticks.” For the snail study, Yurco and the population geneticist, Devon Keeney, are comparing two species of freshwater snails found in watersheds across New York. They’ve already published one paper on the subject. The study required Yurco to conduct field research for the first time, and he sometimes spent hours in boglike waters, pulling up muck in a hunt for snails that occasionally found him with a fistful of mud and leeches.

Cayuga alum Dr. Patrick Yurco, an associate professor at Le Moyne College, says the “the idea of helping someone achieve their next level of academic success is very rewarding to me.” Yurco is also studying black-legged ticks with some of his students.

“We were in places in New York that I didn’t think existed,” said Yurco. “I loved doing the field research.”

here’s no doubt that for Patrick Yurco, Cayuga Community College is a special place. It’s where he received his first of several collegiate degrees, it’s where he found his chosen career path, and it’s where he was inspired to teach in higher education. But, he sees Cayuga as two separate entities. One is the physical location. The second is the people that make up the college. And, that’s the part

That spirit of personalized attention from faculty combines with a supportive atmosphere among students to make Cayuga special, said Yurco. For the self-described “lousy student” who went on to chair a collegiate science department, Cayuga is not a college that creates a cutthroat academic environment. Instead, it’s a place that encourages students to find the best version of themselves and to achieve everything they can. “You come in, and you do the best you can do, and that’s something you’re allowed to do at Cayuga. You can’t do that everywhere. You’re not limited here because someone is pushing you down a list,” said Yurco. “At some institutions, you’re only as good as how you fit in with the rest of your class. That’s not the case at Cayuga. Here, you’re allowed to achieve as much as you can.”

CAYUGA’S GETTYSBURG EXCURSION SET FOR SEPTEMBER Reservations for the annual alumni excursion to the Gettysburg Battlefield National Military Park are now being accepted.

The bus leaves Cayuga’s Auburn Campus at 8 a.m. Sept. 14 and returns by 9 p.m. Sept. 16.

The popular event is scheduled for Sept. 14-16, 2018, and offers an extensive tour of the battlefield by Cayuga Community College alum, Gettysburg expert and history Professor John Lamphere ‘74. The trip is sponsored by the Cayuga Community College Alumni Association.

Registration forms are available at the Alumni Office or by emailing vkent@cayuga-cc.edu. Full payment is due upon sign-up. Payment can be made by check, cash or credit card. For credit card processing, call the Alumni Office at 315-294-8524. All payments are non-refundable unless cancelled seats can be filled.

The excursion will include a sunset stop at Little Round Top, admission to the Gettysburg Museum and Visitors Center, a personalized tour book and plenty of time to explore downtown. There is a per person fee of $320, based on double-occupancy for hotel rooms. The fee covers round-trip transportation, two nights’ accommodation, admission to the museum, daily beverages and snacks and a complimentary hot breakfast.

The trip is open to the public. Alumni and those who register two people for a room at once receive discounts. For additional rooming options, call the number above or email alumni@cayugacountychamber.com. The Alumni Association is also organizing a trip to New York City later this year and a trip to see a New York Yankees game on Aug. 18. The Cayuga SPARTAN Spring/Summer

PBL

Photo courtesy of Amanda Vivenzio

STUDENTS SHINE AS STATEWIDE PHI BETA LAMDA CONFERENCE RETURNS TO AUBURN CAMPUS

Pictured are students and state officers who attended the PBL Conference at Cayuga this spring.

Phi Beta Lambda members of Cayuga Community College starred at a conference highlighting business ethics and acumen this spring, collecting eight first-place finishes in a series of competitions against students from other New York colleges.

“Over the years, I have seen Future Business Leaders of America-PBL transform students from all walks of life and various majors to take on leadership roles within their community, for their college and for the greater good.”

Photo courtesy of Amanda Vivenzio

Cayuga PBL students turned in stellar performances in competitions against six other colleges in March when the New York State Phi Beta Lambda Leadership Conference returned to the College’s Auburn Campus for the first time since the inaugural conference in 2014.

Three Cayuga students were elected State PBL officers during the annual conference: Marissa Wick, Parliamentarian (second from left); Nick Eveland, Executive Vice President (third from left); and Kathryn Stover, Treasurer (second from right). 16

The Cayuga SPARTAN Spring/Summer

Cayuga PBL Advisor Amy Valente said she was proud of the students, pointing out they helped organize the conference and that they routinely do well in the contests against students from larger universities. “Our students embraced the true characteristics of leadership that represent the PBL mission. I was impressed by their dedication to ensure that the State Leadership Conference was a premier experience. Not only did our students volunteer to plan and manage the event, most of them were also competing in performance events and three of

them were elected into state officer positions,” said Valente. Combined, Cayuga students collected eight first-place finishes, six second-place finishes and three third-place finishes in 10 performance-based competitions and 26 previously held objective events. Competitions consisted of topics such as business ethics, business law, community service, forensic accounting, management concepts and more. Kathryn Stover, a Cayuga PBL member who was elected state PBL treasurer, said preparing for and attending the conference required students to lean on different skills. Planning for the conference stressed team-building and organizational skills, while the conference itself mandated networking. “The conference teaches you about networking — being able to talk to people who understand where you are right now, and in turn they offer pieces of advice on how to get where you want to be,” said Stover. “The competitions, for me at least, teach you to adjust and overcome no matter what has been thrown at you.”

Photo courtesy of Amanda Vivenzio

PBL

Photo courtesy of Amanda Vivenzio

Valente credited the college and faculty for preparing the students both academically and professionally for the future. Co-advisor Jean Fetzko said she was impressed at the students’ efforts, from planning to competing and supporting each other. “I was most impressed with how involved the students were in running the conference, while simultaneously preparing and competing in it,” said Fetzko. “The professionalism and leadership were amazing, but I think the one aspect that impressed me the most was their genuine support of one another, as individuals and chapters, within the organization.” The conference, which offered networking opportunities and competitive events for students, drew 150200 students to the Auburn Campus, where they chose from 10 workshops to attend along with competing in the contests. The top two finishers in each competition were eligible to compete in the national contests this summer in Baltimore. Along with also dominating the competitions, three Cayuga students were elected to statewide PBL positions.

Cayuga Community College PBL member Bethany Jorolemon, left, receives her certificate for winning a forensic accounting competition from State PBL Executive Vice President Lea Inhaber-Courchesne.

Nick Eveland was elected as executive vice president, Marissa Wick was elected as parliamentarian, and Stover was elected as treasurer. Valente also noted that the statewide conference returning to the College is a great step for the program. “Having the statewide conference here increases the visibility that we have throughout New York State. We’re a smaller college, but we do well at the national level. Having it here shows our commitment to the organization and gives our students here a chance to get involved with the planning and execution of something that’s pretty large,” she said.

Photo courtesy of Amanda Vivenzio

Pictured are outgoing and incoming state PBL officers.

Pictured receiving their second-place award in the contest measuring business ethics are Cayuga PBL’s Jayden Janes, left, and Nick Eveland, right. In the middle is State PBL Marketing Director Ashley Hirsh.

Valente, who is also the co-advisor for the state PBL, said the organization offers students a chance to develop their communication and business leadership skills. PBL, which is the collegiate iteration of Future Business Leaders of America, focuses on community service, academic competitions and educational programs to prepare students for the business world. PBL’s emphasis on enhancing leadership and networking skills lasts the students a lifetime, said Valente. “Over the years, I have seen FBLA - PBL transform students from all walks of life and various majors to take on leadership roles within their community, for their college and for the greater good,” she said. The Cayuga SPARTAN Spring/Summer

Scholarships

Presidential Scholarships Cayuga Community College welcomed a new class of Presidential Scholarship recipients this spring. Recipients are chosen from the top 20 percent of their high school classes in Cayuga and Oswego counties. The Cayuga County Community College Foundation started the program as a pilot in 2014 and in 2017 unanimously voted to make it a permanent Foundation program. GRADUATING PRESIDENTIAL SCHOLARSHIP RECIPIENTS Rachel Baldwin

Alexis Lathrop

John Christopher

Nicholas Naum

Morgan Gagliostro

Mikayla Rink

Matthew Goff

Meghan Rowe

Halle Ann Horning

Madison Schattinger

Madison Jorolemon

Lilly Smolak

Tatum Karlik

Jeffrey Stechuchak

Deanna Kinney

Ashton Tharrett

Paige Langtry

PRESIDENTIAL SCHOLARSHIP RECIPIENTS

Brandon Androsko, Weedsport Junior-Senior High School Mia Bevier, Auburn High School Matthew Blair, Auburn High School Elise Booth, Altmar-Parish-Williamstown High School Lyndsey Anne Gass, Paul V. Moore High School Alissa Griffin, Auburn High School Madison Hatt, Jordan-Elbridge High School Emily Klock, Jordan-Elbridge High School Olivia Kowaleski, Auburn High School Joshua Lindstrom, Auburn High School Danielle Mattison, Weedsport Junior-Senior High School Kaleigh McLoughlin, Dana West Junior-Senior High School Kiarah Myers, Auburn High School Madison Reynolds, G. Ray Bodley High School Riccaela Roof, Auburn High School Hannah Sawchuck, Sandy Creek Central High School Gabrielle Syrell, Mexico High School Hannah Townsend, Auburn High School Maeghan Westmiller, Dana West Junior-Senior High School Gracie White, Auburn High School

Thank you for your Gift! We hope you will think about giving to your Alma Mater, Cayuga. Your financial support helps the students, faculty and staff at Cayuga do great things. Your gift is used to support our mission for use on the Auburn and Fulton campuses, to provide students with diverse learning opportunities to discover their passion and advance their personal and professional growth. Annual gifts are among the most important and valuable to Cayuga, because they can be used where the need is the greatest. They also help to meet the new challenges and opportunities of modern higher education. Across from this page is an envelope to allow you to make your donation and mail it in at no cost to you. We also have a new feature, if you go to the Collegeâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s website, and go to the Alumni & Giving tab or directly to: www.cayuga-cc.edu/giving/donate/ you can make a secure donation on-line. Thank you for your support of your alma mater.

The Cayuga SPARTAN Spring/Summer

Sports

BIG IMPROVEMENT IN 2017-2018 SETS STAGE FOR NEXT SPARTANS’ SEASON

Spartans struggled to find their groove, losing two of their first three games. Alberici thought his young roster, with only leading scorer Gabby Bell returning from the previous season, may have played a role in the team’s struggles in January.

The Cayuga women’s basketball team went 10-14 in the 2017-2018 season, but Coach Jim Alberici believes players gained valuable experience that should pay off next season.

The Cayuga women’s basketball team took several big strides forward in the 2017-2018 season, putting themselves in great position to return to the Mid-State Athletic Conference (MSAC) playoffs next season.

assignment,” said Alberici. “In a college basketball game, with the number of possessions each team gets, if you’re in a 10-point game, you’re right there.”

Loren Clifford was named the team’s Most Improved Player, while Erica Helzer received the Coach’s Award for dedication and hard work.

That nine-game jump is the second largest increase in Alberici’s 20 seasons coaching the team.

The Spartans suffered several close losses, including an 11-point loss at home to eventual league champion Onondaga Community College. All told, Cayuga lost five games by 10 points or less. “That’s a few shots here and there, some foul shots, a missed layup or

The Spartans rebounded in early February, winning games against Broome Community College and Jefferson Community College before finishing the season with three straight losses. Bell was voted to the All-Conference Team and was the Spartans’ leading scorer with more than 13 points per game. She finished the season ranked 12th all-time in career points scored in Cayuga history, and was named the team’s Most Outstanding Player.

Featuring a young roster with only one player returning from last season, the Spartans didn’t make the playoffs with a 10-14 overall record and a 3-9 mark in the MSAC, but Coach Jim Alberici noted that the team’s record was an improvement of nine games from the previous season.

“I was really happy with this group of kids. We were young, and I thought they did a great job. They worked hard all year. Would we have liked to win a few more games and make the playoffs? Yes, absolutely. But I thought we were very competitive,” said Alberici.

“That’s part of dealing with the break. We weren’t really used to that because we were so young. It did take us a while to get back into the right rhythm after having almost a month off,” he said.

Gabby Bell was the Spartans’ leading scorer and was voted to the All-Conference Team. She finished her athletic career at Cayuga as the 12th all-time leading scorer.

The Spartans opened the season with a win over Herkimer College and entered the mid-season break with a record of 7-4. That record included wins over Butler County Community College and PittTitusville in a holiday tournament in December. Coming back from the break, the

Alberici saw the 2017-2018 year as a building block for next season, when the Spartans return six players, including Jasmine Walker, Clifford and Helzer, who finished second, third and fourth in scoring this season, respectively. Clifford also tied for the team lead in rebounds, while Helzer led the team in steals and assists. “That’s a real nice starting point for next season. It makes a huge difference when you have some of your top scorers, defenders and rebounders coming back. It doesn’t happen very often to have that many key pieces returning to your team,” he said. “I’m very excited for next year.” The Cayuga SPARTAN Spring/Summer

Sports

DOWNPOURS CAN’T STOP SPARTANS FROM FINDING FAIRWAYS The toughest opponent Cayuga’s men’s golf team faced in 2018 didn’t have a great short game or excel off the tee. What it did have was driving rain, frigid temperatures and a knack for wreaking havoc on practice and tournament rounds. Fighting off the extended bouts of poor weather that plagued Central New York during the spring months, the golf team surged to the finish line of a competitive season that saw three players make the Regional Tournament. “We were competitive throughout the season, and showed great improvement from our first weekend to the final tournament,” said Coach Steve Leary. “Obviously, the story of the golf season was the weather. We played in mostly 30-degree weather, with snow, frost, and ice delays. In all my years of coaching golf, this was the worst spring weather I’ve seen. By far.” Despite the weather hampering practices and causing the cancellation of two tournaments, the Spartans didn’t let it hinder their swings. Throughout seven tournaments, their team average dropped 26 strokes and featured three top-five finishes.

The best part of the Regional Tournament, though, was how the players responded after a tough first day, said Leary. All three of the players climbed the scoreboard on the second day, with Chalupnicki moving from 23rd to 16th and Abraham improving eight slots. “Our guys showed great improvement on the second day of the competition. Day one didn’t go quite as they hoped. It was a struggle, not just for our team but for everyone. They came back and really impressed me, and their effort showed in their scores,” said Leary.

Brady Slimmer averaged 83.5 strokes during the 2018 season for the Spartans.

“We had four new players moving from high school to college tournaments this year, and that’s a huge adjustment. It’s longer days and tougher competition, and it’s about getting that experience because the matches turn from 9-hole tournaments in high school to 18-hole tournaments in college,” said Leary. “I was obviously pleased with how the season turned out.” The Cayuga SPARTAN Spring/Summer

Three players, all in their first year at Cayuga, made regionals. Ryan Chalupnicki finished with a scoring average of 87 strokes and a low score of 82, while Brady Slimmer averaged 83.5 strokes with a low score of 80. Coty Abraham averaged 90 strokes and finished the season with a low score of 81. Chalupnicki placed 16th out of 45 players at the two-day Regional Tournament at Timber Banks Country Club in Baldwinsville, while Slimmer finished 20th and Abraham finished 34th.

The team’s best showing came at the Mohawk Valley Community College Invitational, where the Spartans placed fourth among nine squads. The Spartans finished fifth in the Niagara County Community College Invitational and the Genesee Community College Invitational.

Cayuga men’s golf Coach Steve Leary said the team was competitive all year and saw three players make the Regional Tournament: Ryan Chalupnicki, Brady Slimmer and Coty Abraham.

Looking forward to next year, Leary said he hopes to send more players to regionals and field an experienced squad after having four first-year players in 2018. “Our goal is to continue building on what we did this year. We’ll try to send as many guys to regionals as possible. Hopefully, with our returning players, we’ll have some more experience, and with our new players that should make us strong,” he said.

MEN’S BASKETBALL TEAM REACHES REGIONAL FINAL FOUR A deep postseason run for the Cayuga men’s basketball team ended at the Regional Final Four in 2018, but Coach Tony Borges is confident the team has the right players to push the Spartans even further in the upcoming season. Lighting up the scoreboard on a regular basis, the Spartans rode strong offense and rebounding all the way to the Region III Semi-Finals, where they fell 101-94 to Fulton-Montgomery Community College.

topped 100 points while also outrebounding opponents by a per game average of 40 to 34. The defense, meanwhile, was a work in progress, as the Spartans allowed approximately 74 points per game. “I still think that’s too much. Our goal every year is to keep opponents under about 62 or 60 points per game,” said Borges.

Sports

Two players earn All-Conference honors III tournament pushed the Spartans into a Regional Final Four match with Fulton-Montgomery Community College. Cayuga lost by only seven points despite finishing the game with four players due to foul trouble. “It was a great experience for me as a coach, for the staff and the players. I want to get back there and do it again, and hopefully get to the regional championship and the nationals, which is our goal every year,” said Borges. The team’s two leading scorers, Joseph Staton and Devin Morris, were both named to the All-Conference team, while Staton was named to the second-team All-Region and Morris was named to the thirdteam All-Region.

Cayuga finished the season with a 20-8 overall record and a 9-3 conference mark, finishing tied for first with Onondaga Community College in the Mid-State Athletic Conference. The team’s appearance in the Regional Final Four was their first in Borges’ nine seasons as head coach.

Staton was also named the team’s Most Outstanding Player, while Kobe Mansam was named Most Improved Player and Xavier “I knew we had the Norgbey received the talent. I knew we were The Cayuga men’s basketball team finished with a 20-8 record and made it to the Regional Final Four last season. Coach’s Award, a recgoing to be good and ognition bestowed on a player with The Spartans started the season I knew we weren’t going to have a strong academic record who also strong, going 9-2 in their non-conproblems scoring. My biggest conis heavily involved on campus and in ference schedule. They followed cerns going into the season were the surrounding community. that up with a 9-3 conference record rebounding and defending, and we and defeated Corning Community ended up being a good rebounding Borges was confident that with his College in the Mid-State Athletic team,” said Borges, who for the returning players and several new Conference Semi-Finals 72-67 besecond time was named conference recruits ready to play, the Spartans fore falling to Onondaga Community Coach of the Year. should challenge for the conference College in the conference finals. and regional crowns. Borges’ predictions proved prophetic, as the Spartans averaged 87 points per game and six times

Their victory over North Country Community College in the Region

“I think the sky’s the limit for us next year,” said Borges. The Cayuga SPARTAN Spring/Summer

Employee Recognition

CAYUGA HONORS ITS DEDICATED EMPLOYEES

Leaders of Cayuga Community College thanked long-time employees this semester for their dedication and service, telling them that their contributions are essential to the success of Cayuga and its students.

Certificates were issued for employees who have worked 5, 10, 15, 20, 25 and 30 years of full and part-time service at Cayuga. Employees were also honored for working at least 20 years of accumulated full-time service.

“All of you have dedicated years of your lives to Cayuga and helping our students reach their goals. Cayuga would not be the successful institution that it is without your contributions,” said President Brian Durant. “Thank you very much for your perseverance, determination and your willingness to go the extra mile to help our students.”

Winners of the SUNY Chancellor’s Award for Excellence were also recognized. Recipients were Rebecca Devendorf, John Lamphere, Lorelee Lardear, Kelly Quigley Ludemann, Kathy Sipling and Diana Valdina. Durant also presented outgoing Provost and Vice President for Academic Affairs Dr. Anne Herron with the 2018 Presidential Distinguished Service Award.

3. 1. Provost Anne Herron and President Brian Durant. 2. Professor John Lamphere and President Brian Durant. 3. Adjunct Nursing Instructor Kelly Quigley Ludemann and President Brian Durant. 4. Faculty applaud Professor Emeritus Loraine Miller. 5. Division Chair Christie Waters and President Brian Durant. 5. 24

The Cayuga SPARTAN Spring/Summer

Employee Recognition

Winners of the Chancellorâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s Award for Excellence 2. 1.

3. 1. Rebecca Devendorf 2. John Lamphere 3. Lorelee Lardear 4. Kelly Quigley Ludemann 5. Kathy Sipling 6. Diana Valdina

6. The Cayuga SPARTAN Spring/Summer

Donors

FISCAL YEAR DONOR LIST We have made every attempt to list donor information accurately. We apologize for any errors or omissions and ask that you please contact us at alumni@cayuga-cc.edu with any corrections.

September 1, 2016 through August 31, 2017 Presidents’ Circle- Laureate ($25,000+) Fred L. Emerson Foundation, Inc. Novelis Corporation

Presidents’ Circle- Excelsior ($5,000+) Phillip Ceferattti CNY Community Foundation Edward Dean, 1963 Eastern Shore Associates Fulton Savings Bank Harry and Dorothy George Charitable Trust The Jacobs Press (Michael Trapani, 1976 and David Verdi, 2006) Knights of Columbus Council 207 Mary C. Wejko Living Trust

Presidents’ Circle- Philanthropist ($2,500+) Dixon G. and Mary L. Blodgett Charitable Trust Sharon L. Detzer, 1986 Dr. & Mrs. Arthur Foresman Robert P. Gallagher

Patron ($500+) Auburn Community Hospital Auxiliary Joseph Belth, 1958 Boyle & Anderson PC Daniel Cannucciari Sharon Coolican and Kevin Thomas Joel R. Huhtanen, 1975 John A. and Nancy Karpinski Prof. Steven R. Keeler Douglas Kinney, 1980 Bradley and Anne Komanecky Jackie O. Komanecky Melissa Komanecky Gary & Nancy Kuter Family Fund David P. Mamuscia, 1964 Dr. Cathleen McColgin, 1986 Dr. Lawrence and Jean Poole Michael, 1976 and Molly Trapani

Presidents’ Circle- Sovereign ($1,000+) Anonymous Cayuga Community Fund Leadership Council David Contiguglia, Esq. Guy and Crystal Cosentino Dr. Brian Durant Empire State College Willie M. Testa and Patricia Finkle, 1965 Jeffrey, 1991 and Lisa Green Dr. Dennis Golladay Dr. Anne Herron and Mr. Peter Rafalow Richard and Barbara Knaul, 1963 Kathryn B. and John P. McLane Loraine Miller, 1973 William A. Prosser, 1985 Barbara Rooker Jeffrey and Kelly Rosenthal Dr. Richard Stankus Eric Steenburgh and Meghan Stapleton T. David and Helene Stapleton Myrna Sullivan L. Michael Treadwell Shirley Woodward

The Cayuga SPARTAN Spring/Summer

Edward Herrling, 1972 Gail Homick Herrling, 1962 Margot Hood-Rogers Kurt D. Kabelac, 1965 Stephen Kline Dale Kovarovic Donald Lawler, 1958 Gary A. Marco, 1970 Dawn Matijas-Czolowski, 1996 Michelle McMahon Martin Nodzo, 1969 Col. Thomas J. Powell (Ret.), 1966 John Pysnack, 1982 Edward L. Raymond, 1977 Therese M. Risley Richard Shappell, 1965 Daria A. and James F. Shaw, 1966 Vincent P. Shaw, 1959

Presidential Scholar Morgan Gagliostro graduated with honors in May, earning an A.S. in Health Sciences with a focus in Medical Imaging/Radiography. Earlier this spring, she talked about what being a Presidential Scholar has meant to her. “This opportunity allowed me to concentrate on my studies and not worry about where tuition dollars were coming from. I’ll be transferring to a four-year institution without having any education debt.” Ms. Gagliostro will continue her studies at Upstate Medical University in Syracuse.

Associate ($250+) Susan A. Beck, 1996 Burton Living Trust Cayuga County Community College ESP Cayuga County Medical Society Cuddy & Ward, LLP Gary P. Douglass, 1972

Robert Steigerwald, 1971 Patricia E. Walter, 1961 Prof. Christie Waters Rexford West, 1957 Susan Wiegand, 1964 Valerie & Ray Young, 1982

Donors

Emily Button was named a Fred L. Emerson Foundation Academic Scholar in the fall of 2017 and plans to pursue a career in education. She is on the Spring 2018 Dean’s List. “Being fortunate enough to be a recipient of the Emerson Foundation Scholarship has been fantastic. It has provided me with an easy and stress-free transition into the college experience. I have been able to focus on achieving my academic goals without the constant thought of cost. Receiving this scholarship was my deciding point to attend Cayuga Community College. The scholarship has enabled me to start my degree in childhood education here at CCC with the plans to transfer to a fouryear school to receive my bachelor’s degree in education.” Sustaining Member ($100+) Henry Abbott, 1971 Michael T. Adey, 1969 Donna Alfieri, 1985 Anonymous (2) Joan Beach Paul Bellnier, 1979 Richard Boyle Dennis M. Brewer, 1966 Rocco J. Carbone, 1968 Cayuga Counselor’s Assoc. James Cirincione Randy F. Clark, 1986 William Clark Janet H. Cole, 1972 Bill, 1967 and Kathy Cowmey, 1970 James Cranfield Thomas J. Cuff, 1972 Lucy and Bill Elkovitch, 1965 Carolyn Emerson Faculty Student Association of CCC Christine Fantasia Connors Daniel Ferens Finnerty Family Trust

Grace Fogg Joan Frackelton Chester J. Galka, Jr., 1994 Carol Gassler Edward Giannino, 1974 Gerald Guiney, 1982 Lawrence Harris Teresa R. Hoercher, 1978 Sharon Hoster, 1988 Michael Iacovino James Kissane, 1968 Harold Leonard Mary Alice Lipski Vicki L. Condie MacTavish Mary Ann Maywalt June McCleneghen Jeffrey McDonald James A. Miskell Joseph, 1958 and Joanne Mitchell, 1968 Eileen Moore, 1982 Joan Muldoon Joseph Myers, 2007 Finger Lakes Culinary Bounty Barry L. Pickard, 1958 Mary Pickard Susan Riordan Daniel F. Schultz Carol Schwab John D. Scollan, 1964 Secretaries of Boyle & Anderson Scott Shaft Kathy Sipling Gerald, 1958 and Juliana Smith Rosalia Sowa Susan M. Stiles, 1976 Ronald F. Stowell, 1978 Tracy Swietoniowski, 1990 Stephen Taylor, 1995 Prof. Amy Valente Peter C. Van Vlack, 1963 Rosalie Ward, 1976

D. Ronald Whipple, 1964 Carolyn A, Wood, 1957 Dr. Florentine Worden Joseph Zeoli Prof. Eric Zizza and Cheri Panek

Spartan ($50+) Suzanne Alexander Margaret Bishop, 1985 Cynthia Bouley Gary, Sue, Meghan, and Ryan Coe Ellen Colvin, 1991 Michael Cool Timothy Coville Peter R. Crouse, 1974 Joyce Crowley Baroody James Cuddy, 1977 James Cullinan, 1978 Ernest DeCaro, 1982 Elizabeth DeFurio Rhonda Dixon, 1992 William Dorr, Esq. Carey Eidel Colleen Bellnier Eidson Patty Kahl Fisher Robert Frame Marilyn Fuller, 1999 Margaret Fulton Lisa Greenfield, 1987 Doreen Greule and Jean Kaminski Mary Gutelius David Harbaugh Gerald, 1961 and Luisa Hogan Robert Impaglia Carol Kenny, 1984 Heather Klein-Wrobel B. Gene Kolczynski Kay S. Kraatz, 1986 Judith M. Kulis, 1980 Michael Kulis

Continued Page 28

Erica Helzer is enrolled in the business administration program, and was recently inducted into the honor society Phi Theta Kappa. Erica plays on the CCC women’s basketball team, and tutors math, writing, and business. “I participate in Phi Theta Kappa (PTK) and I am in the honors program. This year I made the Dean’s List. Being able to receive the Fred L. Emerson Foundation Scholarship has provided me the opportunity to attend college to pursue my career. I plan on attending SUNY Oswego to study finance.” The Cayuga SPARTAN Spring/Summer

Donors Spartan from Page 27

Cayugan ($1+)

Donna Laird Julie Legg, 1987 Linda Loomis Lynch Shirley Maassen, 1979 Michael Mancini Chuck Mason Barbara Moody, 1962 Lynn Mozur, 1971 Marie Nellenack Mary Brooke Oropallo and Kristopher Scholl Margaret Osborne Anthony Oughterson, 1989 Bob Padula, 1983 Lorna Park Andrew & Kristi Peterson Louise Phillips Natalie Pieluszczak-Reardon Mark Pinchak, 1984 Vita Marie Racko Paul Rosenberg, 1981 Lynn Rowoth

Charles Adams, 1994 Ann Balloni William Barth Loretta Basile Ann Marie Battle, 1974 Thomas Bebee, 1972 Michael Bellerdine Mary-Ellen Boyle James Brazee, 1983 Joann Brennan Donna Brooks W.T. Bullock Vincent Busce Mark Cahill Rita Campagnola Cynthia Clark CNY PGA Foundation Linda Cote Suzanne Cunliffe Marion Davis Gillian Donaldson

Michaela Millhoff, a Fred L. Emerson Foundation Academic Scholar recipient, is working toward a degree in nursing. “I’m really grateful and honored to have been a recipient of the Emerson Academic Scholarship. It’s a wonderful program for our community, the recipients, and their families. I hope to be a nurse one day and give back to the community that supported me.”

Ron Schoneman Karen Scruton Michele Sedor Linda Simkin, 1991 Donna Smith, 1979 Edward and Georgia Spedding Richard Spencer Leo Stack Melissa Steenburgh Paul Steenburgh Peggy Steenburgh Susan A. Stubbs, 1961 David H. Thayer, 1968 Linda Vitale Inger Wendel Carlton West, 1959 Adam Williams 28

The Cayuga SPARTAN Spring/Summer

Helen M. Dykoschak, 1965 Helen Eshleman Katherine Farrar Laura Farrar Mary Farrell Nancy Ferrara Donna Fletcher, 1991 Robert Flummerfelt, 1962 Joan Freitas M. Grace Frumento, 1956 Elaine Gaklik Agnes Gasparro, 1993 Susan Gawlicky, 1983 Linda Gentilcore, 1976 Donna Glowacki Sheila Graney Wladymir Holak, 1973

William Huther William Keough, 1976 Jean Kiernan Linda Kmyta Gentilcore Susan Kuncio, 1964 Linda Langerlan William E. Lavarnway, 1968 Martha Lollis Laureen Maiorano, 1967 Bernard J. May, Jr., 1970 Sharon L. McGee, 1967 Laurie Michelman, Esq. Joan M. Miller, 1977 Helen Miskell Jerry Nachtrieb, 1979 Linda Nervina Karen Netti, 1982 Terrance Oliver Barry Ostrander, 1980 Michael & Trisha Panarites Andrew Pinchak, 1970 Ramola Piwinski Vincent Puliatti Russell T. Pulver, 1964 Victoria Quimby, 1984 Alice Reynolds Rebecca Rury Martha Russell, 1986 Pamela Schneider-Breck Karen Shea Gladys K. Stevens, 1974 Nancy Steveskey Herb and Joanne M. Terpening, 1966 Katherine Tiegel Anthony Trimboli James & Carole Tripiciano Joyce A. Wallace, 1969 Doris M. Wayne Catherine Wojnowicz, 1967

How Your Donations Are Making a Difference

Your unrestricted contributions help to fund the Cayuga Presidential Scholarships, which is funded by the Cayuga Community College Foundation, Inc. The Cayuga Presidential Scholarship program was established to reward outstanding students in Cayuga and Oswego counties, including students from Jordan-Elbridge and Skaneateles high schools. To be eligible for these full-tuition scholarships, students must graduate in the top 20 percent of their high school class based on academic performance. We have featured some of our scholarship recipients within these pages.

Class Notes We appreciate having our Alums send us their news and updates. In many cases, though, our staff enlists the aid of all available news sources to bring these Class Notes to our readers. We apologize for any omissions or errors that may occur.

1957

Charles B. Wride went on to complete a four-year business degree at Ithaca College, and a master’s in education at Syracuse University. He retired after teaching for 25 years at Mynderse Academy in Seneca Falls. Since 1962, Charlie’s passion has been Auburn baseball. In 2007 Charlie was inducted into Auburn’s Baseball Wall of Fame, and in 2014 into the NY-Penn League Baseball Hall of Fame. He serves as both Auburn and the NY-Penn League Historian. Charlie has earned much respect through his years of advocacy and commitment to local baseball. As we go to press, we have learned that Mr. Wride passed away on June 19th and his family has asked donations in his memory be sent to the Michael C. Wride Memorial Scholarship at the Cayuga Community College Foundation.

1958

Gerald M. Smith shares, “After teaching mathematics for 31 years at Cayuga Community College, I retired in ’99. Since then my ‘rainy day’ projects have been to complete the 4th and 5th editions of my textbook on Statistical Process Control, and just recently the remedial mathematics textbook ‘Math For Life and Life with Math,’ an Amazon Kindle ebook.”

1962

Betty Putnam Short shares, “I’m a volunteer driver for Faith in Action. I

recently celebrated the wedding of my oldest granddaughter.”

1964

Jack Donnelly shares, “I just read the Spring/Summer 2017 Spartan. Well done! It is time I acknowledged the start that CCC gave me back in 1962. I had just been honorably discharged from the U.S. Army and started CCC that fall. It was a good start that continued at SUNY Oswego (1966) and later at the University of Colorado (MSCC 1971). I moved to Boulder in 1969 and have been here since. I love it! Retired now, and enjoying the ‘golden years.’ Thanks for the start I received at Cayuga Community College.” Randolph E. Schmid shares, “After a half-century as a journalist, retirement quite suits me. The opportunity to relax and read all those books I didn’t have time for in the past is quite nice.”

1966

Mitchell Ross shares, “I’m living the dream in retirement. We just welcomed our ninth grandchild!”

1967

Vincent Busce shares, “I’m still enjoying the beauty of Southwest Florida. Playing golf and riding my Harley. Although at times I really miss the Finger Lakes, but I don’t miss the weather!” Roger Needham shares, “I’m a retired CPA and living in New Jersey, near Philadelphia. I’ll always remember Professor Joe Camardo. He was a great teacher!”

1968

Larry McEver shares, “After graduating from Auburn Community College,

I went to the University of Arizona and received a Bachelor of Science Degree in business administration. I was drafted into the Army and served 18 months with the 82nd Airborne Division. After the service I went to work for Anaconda Mining Company, which was bought out by an oil company, ARCO. I worked for 30 years at ARCO in Tucson, Denver and the last 20 in Los Angeles. Now I work part-time for a nonprofit (Beckman Laser Institute, Inc.) that funds research in the study and application of laser technology for medical purposes. I live in a small town in Southern California, four miles from the beach. The weather is perfect – 70 degrees most of the year with an onshore breeze. I don’t have air conditioning, just open the window for cool air.”

1970

Joseph T. Zeolite shares, “I retired in 2003 to South Carolina. My children and four grandchildren are less than an hour away in North Carolina. The College gave me an excellent chance. I went on to eventually earn an M.P.A.”

1972

Janet Holdredge Cole retired from CCC as Professor of Clinical Nursing in May 2017 after 20 years. Her spouse, Jeffrey Cole, also retired in May after 30 years with NYSEG as a gasfitter. Janet is currently serving as Treasurer for the ACC/CCC Alumni Association Board of Directors. Continued on Page 30 The Cayuga SPARTAN Spring/Summer

Class Notes

1973

Nicholas Cristello, of Rochester, formerly of Auburn, passed away on July 20th, 2017 after a long and courageous battle with Parkinson’s disease. Inspired by his father with a passion for electronics, Nick received his Associate’s Degree at CCC in 1973, and completed his education at the Rochester Institute of Technology, where he received a Bachelor’s Degree in electrical engineering. He owned his own business and worked for Ford Motor Company. He is survived by his loving companion, Vicki Aspridy of Rochester. The Greater Rochester Parkinson’s Foundation will be honoring Nick this year at their Moving Day Parkinson’s Walk on September 18th at Monroe Community College. Loraine Liberatore Miller shares, “I’m enjoying teaching part-time after retiring last August. I also miss being a member of the Foundation Board, but am always dedicated to supporting the mission and goals of the College.”

1975

Cynthia Watkins Simpson shares, “I recently relocated to South Carolina and work for the Association for Women in Science as their Chief Business Development Officer.”

1976

William T. Delaney graduated from D’Youville College in 1978 and went on to earn a master’s degree at Barry University in Miami, Florida. Bill was in charge of Crisis Units in Florida for many years. He was regional 30

The Cayuga SPARTAN Spring/Summer

vice president of United Behavioral Health for seven years, and then Director of Psychiatric Emergency Services at Memorial Regional Hospital. He is currently Vice President of Government Affairs at Psychcare/Beacon Health Options, a leader in behavioral health management, serving 40 million people across all 50 states.

1983

Susan Gawlicky shares, “I will soon be starting my 24th year as a Corrections Officer at Auburn Correctional Facility. My daughter, Brianna, is enrolled in the Network Administration Program at Cayuga Community College.”

1984

Theresa Kasper-Clock is enjoying her 28th year practicing dentistry in Auburn. She and her husband, Vince Klock, have four young adult children, and now that they have grown she volunteers more of her time at the regional, state and national levels of dental societies of which she is a member. This year she is President of the Seventh District Dental Society, one of 13 components of the New York State Dental Association. sTheresa was recently on Capital Hill with 400 American Dental Association dentists and dental students voicing Dentistry’s concerns with healthcare reform issues. She has traveled across the state and to the Dominican Republic to donate dental services to the needy, but after all the miles, she really looks forward to coming home to treat her patients in private practice and be with her family.

1986

Patrick M. Moochler, Chief Broadcast Engineer of Communication

Studies at SUNY Oswego, was recently profiled in SUNY Oswego’s News + Events Spotlight feature. Pat is a graduate of the Telcom Program at CCC. When Pat entered CCC he had a different career plan. One day he noticed an exuberant group of students playing hacky-sack in the hall. “Who are those kids?” he thought. They were having more fun that he was. “Somebody told me about their radio and TV program, and I said, ‘Maybe I’ll try that.’ I met some of the students and professors, and I was immediately hooked … once I saw all the equipment, I was definitely hooked.” Pat’s career has provided plenty of brushes with celebrity. “I got to be close when Pope John Paul II and President Clinton met for World Youth Day … The job took me to two Super Bowls … I got to do the 2002 Winter Olympics in Salt Lake City. Then there’s all the bad stuff that goes along with the job: I was one of the first people at Columbine and covered the Jon Benet Ramsey case. I was in Denver from 1991 to 2002.” Today, Pat says he’s proudest of the two high-definition studio facilities he has been instrumental in having become a reality on campus, where tomorrow’s broadcasters learn their craft at Oswego. Pat and his wife, Amy, have two teenagers, Jack and Maura.

1997

Anthony P. Felice shares, “I’m engaged to be married in September 2018 to Catherine Visconte.”

2014

Lindsey G. Bruyere is a Deputy Sheriff with the Oswego County Sheriff’s Office.

Faculty

James Cranfield shares, “After 29 years as Professor of physical education at Auburn/Cayuga Community College, I retired in 1994.

In Memoriam Subsequently, my wife, Sue and I retired to Venice, Florida, where we are involved in golf club ownership. I’m flabbergasted by the quality of this alumni magazine, and pleasantly surprised by how many names I recognized!” Don Lawler shares, “I LOVED teaching at CCC as an adjunct in behavioral sciences. At 81, I’m feeling great and in my 32nd consecutive year at the College. I have a beautiful wife, ill at home for the past 11 years. Granddaughters are seniors and sophomores, and doing very well.”

In Memoriam

Patricia McMahon Callahan passed away November 12th, 2017. Ms. Callahan was a 2013 recipient of the ACC/CCC Alumni Association Award. She served as Alumni Association representative on the Cayuga Community College Foundation and was a supporter of the Foundation. Two scholarships were established by Mrs. Callahan at Cayuga Community College: the Patricia M. Callahan Scholarship in appreciation of her two-year experience at CCC, and the V. H. and P. M. Callahan Scholarship in recognition of her own success and fulfillment as a transferring, nontraditional student at Empire State College. She often said, “It has been my good fortune to be associated with Cayuga Community College, its teachers and personnel. The two-year commitment to CCC by students is the first stage to fulfillment of their chosen career and profession.” She was committed to many charitable causes, including Literacy Volunteers and her local library and food pantry. She is survived by her three children and their spouses: Linda Callahan and John Hughes; David and Barbara Callahan; and Cindy Callahan and John Marshall, and five grandchildren.

Faculty/Staff Passings

Paul Flurschutz passed away peacefully on Saturday, May 27th, 2017. He was born in Dansville, New York and was a graduate of Alfred University and Syracuse University. Mr. Flurschutz enjoyed a long career in education, beginning as a high school math teacher in Auburn. He served as assistant principal, director of guidance, and was instrumental in launching a new city-wide comprehensive high school in 1970, which used a new “mod” system to coordinate classes. He joined Cayuga Community College as a Director of Admissions and Financial Aid, finishing out his fulltime career as Dean of Students and Community Services. He returned to the College to teach mathematics as a part-time adjunct instructor. Not a day goes by that one of his students doesn’t mention how their life was touched by Mr. Flurschutz in so many ways. Cayuga Community College lost a long-time colleague and friend when Margaret (Peggy) Savage died on July 15th, 2017. She was born in Auburn on Aug. 13, 1934 to Edward T. and Alice L. Boyle. She was a graduate of Holy Family High School, the valedictorian and proud member of the class of 1952. She received a Bachelor of Arts degree from The College of New Rochelle in 1956 and received a Master’s degree in education from Syracuse University in 1957. She began teaching at CCC in 1966, and joined full-time faculty in 1971 as Professor of English. From 1981 until 1991 she served as Associate Academic Dean and Director of Continuing Education/Community Services, returning to full-time

teaching in the Fall of 1991. During her career at Cayuga she was a member of several of the College’s Middle States Association Accreditation Committees and was appointed to chair evaluative teams at other community colleges. She was the recipient of the 1995-96 Cayuga Community College’s Award for Excellence given for outstanding excellence in teaching and professional service. She was an executive board member of the Continuing Education Association of New York. According to Dr. Maryanne Felter, who recently retired as a Professor of English and Art History, when remembering her colleague “… she was a powerful, forceful woman, a feminist role model for women faculty at Cayuga. She spoke her mind, argued clearly, thoughtfully, and bravely. She was an unwavering champion for all faculty but was a true advocate for junior women who sought her guidance. She had a wicked sense of humor, a sharp intellect, a real passion for her profession, and an abiding love for (Auburn) Cayuga Community College.“ Many of her students and friends have donated to the Edward T. and Alice L. Boyle Memorial Scholarship in her memory. Ronald “Ron” Snead, 80, of Skaneateles, New York, passed away on November 5th, 2017. Professor Snead was born in Gibson City, Illinois on November 27th, 1936. As a young man, he aspired to become a minister and attended seminary. He later pursued a degree in English literature from Milliken University and a graduate degree in education from Eastern Illinois University. He worked as an Associate Professor of English at Cayuga Community College for more than 20 years. Although he officially retired in 1989, he continued to teach part-time until the Spring of 2017. The Cayuga SPARTAN Spring/Summer

The Cayuga SPARTAN

NON-PROFIT ORG. U.S. POSTAGE PAID Auburn, NY 13021 Permit No. 26

Cayuga Community College 197 Franklin Street Auburn NY 13021-3099

YEA!

coming this fall to

Cayuga Community College Local students could start their very own business before finishing high school thanks to an amazing opportunity coming this fall to Cayuga Community College. The Young Entrepreneurs Academy (YEA!), a prestigious national program offering opportunities for students to develop and launch their own business, will start this fall at Cayugaâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s Auburn Campus. Students 11 through 18 years of age residing in the Cayuga area may apply for admission to the program. Students will meet once a week for three hours in the 8-month program which begins in October. The YEA! application deadline is September 15th. Prospective enrollees must interview before being admitted to the program. Courses will be taught by Cayugaâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s talented faculty, and will guide students through starting their own

business or nonprofit agency. Through the Academy, middle and high school students generate business ideas, conduct market research, write business plans, pitch to a panel of investors, and launch their own companies, transforming them into confident entrepreneurs. YEA! encourages students to pursue their passions and to develop their business and leadership skills, and offers them the chance to learn from experienced members of the business community. Since the Academy began in 2004, YEA! has a proven track record of success with more than 6,000 student enterprises successfully launched, and still being operated today! For more information or to apply, go to www.yeausa. org or contact Program Manager Pam Heleen at Pamela.Heleen@cayuga-cc.edu.