ALUMNI MAGAZINE
SPRING 2022
WOMEN STEM IN
President Dr. Zvi Szafran Director of Public Relations/Web Designer Travis G. Smith Writers Gregory E. Kie Lorette A. Murray Photographer Gregory E. Kie Designer Matthew J. Mulkin '04 & '11 Vice President for Advancement Tracey L. Thompson Director of Alumni Engagement & Communications / Webmaster Jamie L. Burgess '06 College Council Chair Ronald M. O'Neill '63 College Foundation Board of Directors Chair Anne C. Williams '78 Alumni Association Board of Directors President Kelly C. Obermayer '79
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FROM THE PRESIDENT Dear Alumni and Friends, The acceleration of job growth in STEM fields is creating exciting career options and higher salaries for our graduates. And as a college of both access and application, we have an important role to play in closing gender gaps in traditionally male-dominated areas of the STEM labor force. In this issue, you’ll learn how we are carrying on our tradition of being a welcoming and supportive space for female students, bolstered by the support of generous graduates and friends. You’ll also meet inspiring alumnae who are incredible role models for the next generation. The STEM workforce of tomorrow will be asked to solve our most pressing social and environmental issues, such
as climate change, clean energy, data privacy, and more. In addition to their technical knowledge, they will need to be excellent communicators, critical thinkers, team members, and have a high cultural competency–all skills that are woven into our curriculum and co-curriculum. To find the best solutions to these challenges, we need the most diverse group of innovators ready to tackle these problems. As a society, it’s imperative that we work together to break down the barriers that prevent girls and women from pursing STEM careers. Our future depends on it. Best Regards,
Zvi Szafran President, State University of New York at Canton
FROM THE VICE PRESIDENT FOR ADVANCEMENT Dear Friends, The semester is almost over and our seniors are looking forward to Commencement. As the pandemic appears to be winding down, we’re coming back stronger than ever! The Canton College Foundation is having an excellent year, and that’s good news for our students, faculty, staff, and programs. Here are a few highlights: • We’ll award over $665,000 in endowed and annual scholarships for the next academic year, providing critical support to more than 370 students as they pursue their dreams. • We secured twelve new scholarships, along with a new fund to support Student Success initiatives and another to support the Men’s Basketball team. • We increased the Foundation’s endowment by $900,000, which means even more money for scholarships. • We raised more than $1.8 million from alumni, faculty, staff, businesses, and friends, with $663,000 for the Canton Fund, which means more support for vital campus needs. • We’ll have a LIVE Alumni Reunion Weekend June 10-12, which will feature the 2021 Hall of Fame Dinner, Distinguished Alumni and Outstanding Young Alumni Awards. • We surpassed our goals for the 2nd Annual Athletics Giving Week, with more than 500 donors and over $50,000 raised. We are so proud of these successes and could not have achieved them without you–but our work is not finished. The pandemic created severe and ongoing hardships for our students and their families, and many are still struggling. Please join the proud, loyal supporters whose generous contributions help keep our forward momentum going. We want you to be a part of SUNY Canton’s exciting future. Together, we are coming back stronger than ever before. With Best Regards,
Tracey L. Thompson Vice President, Advancement & Executive Director, Canton College Foundation 3
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NEWS College Earns Highest-Ever Marks on U.S. News List The College has earned its best-ever rankings in the most recent U.S. News & World Report’s College edition, jumping up seven spots from the previous year, landing in 12th place on the “Best Regional Colleges – North” list. The College also placed 11th on the “Best Value Regional Colleges – North” list, which, according to the publication, combines the college’s academic quality with the net cost of attendance. When measured against its public peer institutions, SUNY Canton advanced two spots to crack the top 10 and earned ninth place overall on the “Best Public Regional Colleges – North” list. “Collectively, these are the highest rankings we have ever received from U.S. News & World Report,” said President Szafran. “We are seeing the results of the hard work our faculty and staff have put in for years to maintain a high level of academic quality, as well as to develop robust services for both face-to-face and online students, such as advising, tutoring, career assistance, health and wellness, and library resources.”
Paving a Path to Success Alumnus Donald F. (Don) Garrett ’72 and his wife, Jamie Rhoads Garrett, have made a substantial charitable gift to help future generations of students in the Canino School of Engineering Technology. The Garretts pledged $100,000 to the Canton College Foundation, securing naming rights for the Civil Engineering Technology lab in Nevaldine Hall. The classroom space, commonly referred to as the concrete lab, was renamed the Don '72 and Jamie Garrett Civil Engineering Technology Laboratory in October 2021. Don graduated with an Associate of Applied Sciences degree in the Civil Engineering Technology program and went on to launch D. Garrett Construction in 1981. The Garrett’s donation will benefit the Civil Engineering Technology program and the Canton Fund. In addition, Don’s company has pledged $50,000 over five years to the college’s American Institute of Steel Construction Student Chapter, which includes the Student Steel Bridge Team. “It’s hard to believe that I graduated almost 50 years ago,” Don said. “I have very fond memories of SUNY Canton. What I like the most is the friendliness and closeness of the faculty and the students. This is a great college, and I’m very pleased and honored to be able to help it grow.”
Clockwise from top: Don and Jamie Garrett reveal a plaque outside the Nevaldine Hall classroom named in their honor; Don with Canino School of Engineering Technology Dean Michael Newtown ’84 and Associate Professor Dr. Adrienne Rygel; Don and Jamie hold a gift made by the student Steel Bridge Team.
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Remembering Michael Perry: Student Advocate, Mentor, and Friend The College community mourned the loss of a dedicated student advocate and 40-year SUNY Canton employee when Michael J. Perry, retired Executive Director of the College Association, passed away in March. “Mike Perry, or as most of the students knew him, ‘Poppa Mike,’ was one of the greatest student advocates I have ever known,” said Courtney B. Bish, Vice President for Student Affairs and Dean of Students. “He cared deeply about our students and worked tirelessly to ensure they had the best campus experience possible. He was a quick problem-solver, and a person who improved any area that he worked in on campus.” Perry was originally hired as the Director of the Campus Store in 1976. He assumed the role of Director of the Student Union Auxiliary Services, and oversaw the Campus Store, food operations, and the pub in 1978. In 1982, he was promoted to Operations Director
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of the College Association. A year later, he was promoted to Executive Director of the College Association. He retired from the College in 2016. “He was very creative and a mentor to students and staff alike,” said Susan D. Law ’92, retired Director of Dining Services, who worked with Perry throughout her career. “He taught me all the things to do, and all the things not to do. He always had a story to tell to illustrate his points. He was such an advocate for our students and encouraged others to follow his lead. He’ll truly be missed.” Perry helped encourage and create student leaders. He held several interim or temporary roles at the College, including overseeing Student Activities, where he helped bring concerts to the campus and the community. Widely known as the College’s go-to person for new projects, he was instrumental in the creation of the Kennedy Suites Resi-
dence Hall as part of his involvement with Residence Life. Robin I. Gittings, a longtime employee who recently retired from her Instructional Support position in the Veterinary Science Technology program, was a close friend of Perry’s. She also served as both the President and a member of the College Association Board of Directors. “Mike loved life and enjoyed it to the fullest,” she said. “His first love was his family, and secondly SUNY Canton–including the students and staff who worked there.” Perry was a member and a pastPresident of the State Association of Auxiliary Services, Eastern Association of College Auxiliary Services, as well as the National Association of College Auxiliary Services. He was featured in a cover story article in the December 1996 edition of “College Services Administration, Journal of the National Association of College Auxiliary Services.”
“Education is the only cure I can see for society’s problems,” he said in the article. “If we want to improve our lot in life, if we want to solve the puzzles of racism and prejudice, we have to value education.” According to his family, the award Perry appreciated the most was when he was selected for the Paysonian yearbook dedication in 2014. Perry also oversaw the Office of Admissions during a pivotal and transformational period at SUNY Canton. He was a board member of the Canton College Foundation and helped create scholarships and enrollment opportunities. “We appreciated his dedication and hard work for the good of the students,” said Anne C. Williams ’78, Chair of the Canton College Foundation Board of Directors. “His major role in the foundation helped us immensely as we seek to offer
continuing support to future generations of students. He will be missed by many.” Following retirement, Perry served as the Town of Hermon Supervisor and continued working at SUNY Canton as a basketball scorekeeper. According to SUNY Canton Athletic Director Randy B. Sieminski, Perry was working the score table just a few weeks before he passed. “Mike was an incredible student advocate who, along with many others throughout our school’s history, insisted that students should always be our top priority,” Sieminski said. “It’s embedded in everything we do. He is one of SUNY Canton’s all-time, most dedicated employees, and we’ll miss him for so many wonderful reasons.” Perry was inducted into the Collegewide Hall of Fame in 2021, but the ceremony was postponed due to
COVID-19. He will be honored posthumously for his achievements on June 11 during the College’s Alumni Reunion Weekend. “He never hesitated to speak up for what was right for students, and he was always there to help any student that was in need in any way that he could,” said Shamira M. Perez ’11 in her Hall of Fame nomination letter. “Michael Perry was very instrumental in my success as both a student and as a graduate and adult after I left SUNY Canton.” Perry is survived by his four children, Michael J. Perry, Jr., Michelle L. Perry, Catherine C. Perry, Patrick HR Perry, and seven grandchildren. He was previously married to Sherry L. Coppola and Lisa M. Perry (Lowery). Portions of this article were contributed by the Perry family.
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New Esports-Themed Residence Hall Wing Filled to Capacity A new esports housing option in Heritage Hall has been a hub of activity since opening in Fall 2021. The “Esports Wing” features 36 newly renovated rooms with custom furniture to accommodate high-end gaming equipment. The co-ed wing can accommodate approximately 70 students and was filled to capacity with a waiting list upon its debut. To encourage camaraderie and teamwork, the space also features a large circular common lounge space with 10 state-of-the-art gaming computers. Esports Wing resident Andrew J. Lukan ’23 described it as an exceptional experience that has allowed him to build new relationships. “Having an assumption that the other people around you are in the same demographic and like the same things as you make it much easier to approach everyone and strike up a conversation,” he said. “I was able to talk to everyone, and I’ve made a lot of good friends here.”
Investing in Student Success Two retired employees have made a significant gift that will help students succeed academically and professionally. Generous benefactors Dr. William (Professor Emeriti) and JoAnne Fassinger have established the “William J. and JoAnne M. Fassinger Endowed Fund for Student Success.” The couple pledged $50,000 over the next five years to fund initiatives related to career readiness, advising, tutoring, and summer academic programs. “JoAnne and I come from similar backgrounds as the students at Canton,” William said. “We have been blessed with many opportunities throughout our lives, and it is important for us to help ensure they have access to the 21st century tools that will allow them to be successful.” The first project to receive funding is a Career Services Office initiative to implement new software that will enhance students’ job interview skills. “The Fassinger’s gift will allow us to assist an additional 400 students yearly,” said Career Services Director 7
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Dr. William (left) and JoAnne Fassinger (right) have made a generous donation to the Canton College Foundation that will support a variety of student success initiatives.
Julie A. Parkman. “We are truly grateful for their support.” William, who taught in the Criminal Investigation and Criminal Justice programs since 2003, retired in 2015. He was the Advisor for the Criminal Justice Student Association during the entirety of his career, and the 2018 Honors Convocation was named in his honor. JoAnne worked as the College’s Grants Coordinator for 12 years and
retired in 2017. She served as the Habitat for Humanity chapter Co-Advisor with her husband, among many other volunteer endeavors. In recognition of her contributions, she was the 2012 recipient of the College Council’s Excellence in College Service Award. The Fassingers also sponsor an endowed scholarship, which benefits a student who is transferring from a two-year Criminal Justice program into the four-year Criminal Investigation program.
Remembering Ray Modell and Honoring a Historic Gift The entire College community was saddened last Fall upon learning of the passing of a generous alumni supporter and friend, Raymond G. Modell ’62. Modell, 85, passed away Nov. 6, 2021 at his home in Syracuse. Born June 23, 1936 in DeWitt to Adolph and Elsie Himberg Modell, he was the first in his family to attend college. He enrolled in the Electrical Technology program at Canton on the GI Bill after receiving an honorable discharge from the Air Force. After college, he worked as an Electrical Engineer Technician for General Electric and Niagara Mohawk. He credited his education for his successful career and believed very strongly in supporting others in pursuing a degree. For nearly 40 years, Modell donated annually to the Canton College Foundation and established the Modell Family Endowed Scholarship in 2000, which benefits a student in the Electrical Engineering Technology program. Student Tanner J. Rosenbarker of Parishville is the 20212022 recipient of the Modell Family Endowed Scholarship and is grateful for Modell’s generosity to help defray tuition costs. “The award is a genuine gift that I will do my best to pay forward once I am able,” he wrote in a heartfelt letter to Modell in September. Modell designated the College as the beneficiary of estate assets that exceeded $950,000 upon his passing. He
requested approximately $500,000 to be allocated to the endowed scholarship, and the balance to be directed to the Canton Fund. This gift, combined with his previous commitments, totals more than $1 million in lifetime donations. One of his most enduring legacies on campus is his support of veteran students. In recognition of that dedication, the Veterans Lounge was renamed the Raymond G. Modell Veterans Lounge in 2017. At the ceremony, he unveiled a plaque of the renamed space and spoke with students who were grateful for the quiet environment it provided to study and make connections with their peers. “I think this lounge is a great resource for student veterans,” Modell said in 2017. “I know first-hand the problems of coming back to college after being away for a while. This lounge would have been a great benefit to me, and I’m sure it will be to future servicemen and women.” Modell was inducted into the College’s Hall of Fame in 2012 and served on the Alumni Board of Directors from 20012007. He was a regular attendee at Alumni Weekend, and was an incredible ambassador for SUNY Canton. “Ray loved SUNY Canton, and it was evident by the way he spoke about the College’s impact on his life,” said Vice President for Advancement Tracey L. Thompson. “He will be deeply missed, but his generous gift will continue to improve the lives of many generations of future students.”
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ATHLETICS
Follow the Roos at rooathletics.com
Roo Athletics
Stronger Together
Golden Opportunity
The second annual Athletics Giving Week in April 2022 once again showcased the generosity of the SUNY Canton family.
The best collegiate athletes in the world are coming to Lake Placid next January, and the College has been selected as a host site.
@rooathletics
rooathletics
More than 1,500 competitors from 50 countries are set to participate in the 2023 Lake Placid Winter World University Games, and the Roos House Convocation, Athletic and Recreation Center will be one of three arenas that will host men’s and women’s hockey preliminary rounds. Francesco G. Palumbo ’18 is a Senior Venue Manager for Francesco G. Palumbo ’18, a Sports the 2023 Lake Placid Winter World University Games. Management graduate and Canton native, was hired as a Senior Venue Manager for the Games and is working with his alma mater to oversee competition planning and scheduling at Roos House.
Organized by the Athletics Department and the Canton College Foundation, the campaign raised more than $66,000 from alumni, parents, faculty, staff, friends, businesses, and community members. In the spirit of competition, studentathletes and alumni from each sport worked together to win prizes for the most donations.
“It’s a tremendous experience working for the Games while collaborating with many of my mentors at SUNY Canton,” he said. “The event will have a lasting impact on the College and my hometown. Next year, the North Country region will be united in a way that echoes the magical spirit of the 1980 Lake Placid Olympics.”
The men’s hockey team, led by Richard Layo ’76, Taylor Pickering ’16, William Gilliam ’82, and David A. Laughlin ’66, won the top prize with more than $17,000 raised. "This campaign has showed us that SUNY Canton Athletics, as a unit, is far stronger as a whole than in its parts," said Fundraising Committee Chair and Fitness Center Director Bryan Parker. If you are interested in making a gift, visit rooathletics.com/give.
Game On! The SUNY Canton Overwatch team played in the ECAC Hudson
Valley GamerCon Sunday, March 20, at the Albany Capital Center. The College’s premiere esports team dominated championship qualifiers to earn an invitation to the event. Pictured in the foreground is Damian Okrasinski ’23, a Game Design and Development major from Saratoga Springs.
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Women’s Hockey Scores ESPN’s ‘Top 10’ An incredible goal by women’s hockey assistant captain and forward lida Laitinen ’24 made national sports news when ESPN’s “SportsCenter” featured the footage on its popular “Top 10 Plays” show Thanksgiving day. The dangle and snipe maneuver by the Finland native was during an away game against Neumann University Nov. 24. The Roos went on to win 5-2. To watch the play, visit rooathletics.com/sctop10.
Assistant Captain Iida Laitinen's goal against Neumann University aired on ESPN's "Top 10 Plays" in November.
Fitch Family Inspires Success With Donations Two generous gifts from alumnus Andrew Fitch ’19 & ’21 and his parents, Jeffrey and Cheryl Fitch, will benefit students in the classroom and on the court. Andrew, a former forward for the Roos, has established the “Fitch Endowed Fund for Men’s Basketball.” It will support team-building activities, purchase athletic equipment, and more.
earning his associate and bachelor’s degrees in Mechanical Engineering Technology, respectively. Jeffrey and Cheryl have also founded the “Fitch Campus and Community Leadership Endowed Scholarship.” The annual award of $2,199 (the sum of Andrew’s career statistics in points, rebounds, blocks, assists, and steals) will be given to a student who is active
in their community and demonstrates outstanding leadership qualities. “Andrew's involvement and leadership on campus and in the community, along with support he received from the College, church, and others, directly contributed to his success,” they said. “This award aims to provide more students with the same positive college experience.”
“My goal is to help the team grow, create opportunities for players to meet and develop friendships with alumni, and give them the best opportunity to win,” he said. Andrew is currently the top rebounder in College history (862) and is ranked fourth all-time in points (844). He was one of 15 players named to the AllRegion 1 Team by D3hoops.com and was the 2021 North Atlantic Conference Man of the Year. He also excelled academically, receiving the College’s Outstanding Graduate Award in 2019 and SUNY-wide Chancellor’s Award in 2021 upon
Alumnus Andrew Fitch and his parents, Jeffrey and Cheryl, have made generous contributions to the Canton College Foundation.
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WOMEN STEM IN
This June marks the 39th anniversary of Dr. Sally Ride’s historic achievement as the first American woman in space. Like many glass ceilings in science, the achievement was hard-won: talented female pilots had been shut out of the astronaut corps by NASA since the 1960s. In 1962, Congress held a hearing to investigate the discrimination claims by female candidates, many of whom had outperformed their male counterparts during training. NASA representatives, most notably John Glenn, testified that “social order” was among the reasons it was undesirable to send women to space. The dream would have to wait another 20 years. Since Ride blasted off aboard the Space Shuttle in 1983, the percentage of women pursuing science, technology, engineering and math (STEM) careers has increased; however, men still outnumber women in these fields by large margins. According to the American Association of University Women (AAUW), females make up nearly half of all employees in the U.S. economy, yet they hold only 29% of STEM jobs. Many theories exist about why there is such a large discrepancy, but most agree that starting STEM education early, expanding scholarship opportunities, increasing the profile of female role models, and eliminating the stereotypes Glenn referred to in 1962 can close the gender gap for good.
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Starting STEM Early AAUW says that promoting an equitable learning environment in early grades can make all the difference for girls who want to study STEM. For the past 20 years, the College has brought thousands of middle and high-school girls to campus for an educational program called Women in Engineering Day. Hosted by the Canino School of Engineering Technology, the event features inspirational female speakers and hands-on activities in a variety of tech-focused areas to encourage imagination in a supportive space. Women in Engineering Day’s longevity and success is the result of a core group of faculty, staff, and alumni supporters, including Marti King MacArthur ’74 & ’78, who was among the first women in College history to graduate from the Heating and Air Conditioning program. She said the event shines a spotlight on STEM at just the right time in the educational pipeline. “It’s so important to introduce girls to these areas as early as possible to spark that interest,” she said. While participants are experimenting and collaborating with their peers, they meet and learn from staff and faculty along the way. Associate
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Professor Dr. Adrienne Rygel, who is the Program Coordinator for the Civil and Environmental Technology program, leads a demonstration about how chemistry and biology can solve a real-world problem like treating drinking water. “Showing them how fun and interesting science can be, and the great things that it leads to, is the goal,” she said.
Associate Professor Dr. Adrienne Rygel
Role Models Matter Another pivotal time to develop mentorship relationships is when girls start making decisions about their college major. Rygel is always eager to make a connection with juniors and seniors who have an interest in STEM. “During our open houses and other information events, I make sure I’m visible and engaging with girls about our programs and showing them there is female representation among our faculty, ” she said. When Rygel first developed the fouryear Civil and Environmental Engineering Technology degree in 2010, males made up the majority of the program. In the past 12 years, female
students are enrolling at a much higher rate, sometimes comprising half of her classes. With a mentality of leading by example, she weaves anecdotes about her career into the curriculum. Sharing her personal experiences as a geologist in the private sector helps students envision themselves in similar roles. “It’s all about increasing their awareness about the job opportunities available, as well as allowing them to see and hear from women in those fields,” she said. Retaining more female college students in STEM majors by providing networking opportunities is another way to close the gender gap, according to AAUW. Several years ago, Rygel and a group of students started a campus chapter of the Society of Women Engineers (SWE) to encourage more peer-to-peer and mentorship relationships. “SWE brings everyone together and provides an environment where we can all help and support one another,” said Civil and Environmental Engineering Technology graduate and former SWE President Isabela Spelta ’20. AFTER CANTON
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Support Adds Up (L to R): William H. Maxwell, Jenny Lee Ragan, and Marylin A. Galimi ’97
Increasing financial support for STEM scholars is also a piece of the gender parity puzzle. Access to more scholarship opportunities–particularly for those from underrepresented communities–can be a powerful tool. Canton alumni and friends have stepped up to create awards specifically for women. Most recently, four supporters have joined together to establish an endowment that provides financial scholarships to female Electrical Engineering Technology (EET) students. The initiative is led by William H. Maxwell, an Electrical Facilities Engineer at SUNY Upstate Medical University and a member of the College’s EET Advisory Board, who saw an opportunity to encourage diversity by becoming a lead scholarship donor. “There’s always been a gender imbalance in these programs, and the reality is all of us who have a desire to learn have an obligation to give back to the profession, the community, and to science,” he said. Two of his colleagues—alumna Marylin A. Galimi ’97, an EET graduate, and Jenny Lee Ragan, a graduate of Onondaga Community College’s (OCC)
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Architectural Technology program— raised their hands to join him as founding donors. Galimi is SUNY Upstate’s Chief Operating Officer and has more than 25 years’ experience in design operations. Her father was a mechanical engineer in her home country of Venezuela, and growing up she loved science. She heard about Canton after spending time in St. Lawrence County as a high school exchange student and wanted to continue studying in the U.S. “At the time, Venezuela was a prosperous country, but women were not seen as professionals," Galimi said. "It was more about getting married and having a family, and I knew I wanted something different.” She had a positive experience in the largely male-dominated program at Canton and credits the faculty for guiding her in the right direction. “They weren’t just professors, but great advisors,” she recalled. “They understood my situation as an international student and a woman. They recommended I consider becoming an engineering consultant, so I took a job with C&S Engineering in Syracuse. That helped me create a
support network that I built a 20-year career on.” Ragan is the third founding donor and SUNY Upstate's Director of Design and Construction. She also worked at C&S and became acquainted with Canton through construction projects. As a licensed architect, she was the Construction Manager on the iconic campus footbridge replacement project in 2012 and the Design and Construction Manager for an extensive exterior residence hall renovation project in 2015. Ragan said she enjoyed traveling to campus and had many coworkers who were Canton alumni. When Maxwell approached her about the opportunity to donate, she thought about her own experience as an architecture student at OCC. “I received a scholarship my first year of college, and without it, I simply wouldn’t have been able to attend,” she recalled. “It wasn’t a lot of money, but it made a huge difference to me. I am hopeful that this award has a similar impact for its recipients.” Around the same time Maxwell and his colleagues were discussing the scholarship, another EET alumna, Nancy D. Tremlett ’86, stepped
Investing in STEM Alumni, friends, and businesses have made generous investments in Canton scholarships that benefit talented female students who aspire to study STEM.
Nancy D. Tremlett ’86
forward to be the fourth founding donor. A technician for New York Telephone (now Verizon) for most of her career, she was one of the first women in the Central New York area to work in the field traversing manholes and power lines to keep people connected. After 25 years, she said there is still work to be done to increase gender parity in the profession. “I had been thinking for years about how I could assist other women who were interested in EET, but I didn’t know how to go about it. One day, I received a letter from the College asking for assistance for support of this scholarship, and I jumped right in.” Once the eligibility criteria for the award was established, the College began accepting applications for the first “Women in Electrical Engineering Technology Scholarship.” A committee selected a non-traditional student, Sara Lynch, as the inaugural recipient in Fall 2021. Lynch previously attended Alfred University and received a Bachelor of Fine Arts degree with concentrations in painting and ceramics. Upon returning to her hometown of Potsdam, she rented a studio and acquired her own
Sara Lynch
kilns to create commissioned pieces and lead pottery classes. “I had to troubleshoot electrical glitches and needed more advanced instruction than YouTube tutorials to make kiln repairs,” she said. A friend suggested enrolling in Canton’s Electrical Engineering Technology program to upskill. After taking several courses, Lynch began to think about how she could use technology to augment her own afterschool literacy and art workshops. Bringing STEM to girls through the lens of art has the potential to get them excited about tech fields in a new way. “I believe the future of education is multidisciplinary, and with the help of this scholarship, I will be able to fuse art with science and technology for area children,” she said. Community role models like Lynch have the creative ability to make STEM more appealing and welcoming to the next generation of students. As more girls find their niche in a tech space and pursue degrees at colleges like Canton, the U.S. has an opportunity to fill a nationwide skills gap and harness new ideas and innovations to solve tomorrow's challenges.
AAUW Memorial Scholarship Established in 2000 by Carol Grzywinski, Sandy Sarkula, and the St. Lawrence County Branch of the American Association of University Women, the award benefits a female student from St. Lawrence County with leadership potential enrolled in a fouryear program of study. Preference is given to STEM-related fields. Corning Foundation Endowed Scholarship Sponsored by Corning Inc., the award benefits an entering student in the Electrical Engineering Technology curriculum who is a graduate of a St. Lawrence County high school. Preference is given to women and minorities. Catherine Wells Hart Memorial Endowed Scholarship The award was created from donations by friends, family, and businesses upon the passing of Catherine Wells Hart. This scholarship supports a female student pursuing a STEM degree within the Canino School of Engineering Technology. Sheila Smith '82 Endowed Scholarship for Women in STEM The award was established in 2016 and is presented annually to a freshman or continuing female student in a program within the Canino School of Engineering Technology or the Veterinary Science/Veterinary Technology programs.
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Support System B
eing the only female student in the classroom is the norm for Civil and Environmental Engineering Technology student Ladonna S. Smith ’22. She will be the only woman in the program’s graduating class this May, and she has been outnumbered by male peers throughout her college journey. “It can be daunting when you step into a classroom and nobody looks like you,” she said. It was a long time before Smith felt at ease at Canton. Aside from being in a male-dominated program, she said being a woman of color at a predominately white college added another layer of stress. “I was honestly scared at first, because I knew I stood out and sometimes you just want to blend in,” she recalled. “I struggled asking questions and reaching out to professors and students, because I didn’t want to be seen.”
“Dr. Rygel is very thorough in her approach to teaching, and makes learning fun and interesting.” However, as time progressed, she became more confident. Joining a sorority and serving as the Steel Bridge Team Treasurer helped her build a network. Things also started to click when she joined the campus SWE chapter (Society of Women Engineers). She credits this small, but tight-knit group with creating a sense of camaraderie and combating her feelings of loneliness and isolation. “Being involved with SWE can make you feel more comfortable and make you feel like you belong,” she said. Her experience has made her determined to leave a space for those following in her footsteps. As SWE president, she is recruiting new members to whom she can pass the torch with the help of her mentor,
Associate Professor Dr. Adrienne C. Rygel. She credits Rygel with keeping her engaged and enthusiastic not only about SWE, but about her coursework. “She’s very thorough in her approach to teaching, and makes learning fun and interesting,” noting that courses in wastewater and water quality were among her favorites. For her final project, Smith will analyze the nutrients found in nearby Black Lake. After graduation, she wants to make an impact on the planet by maintaining and protecting waterways and other natural habitats. “I am interested in being out in the field and helping the environment as best I can.”
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I
Next-Gen STEM
t came as no surprise to her family when Isabela D. Spelta ’20 announced she was switching her major from Nursing to Civil and Environmental Engineering Technology. “My mom is an architect and my grandfather was an engineer,” she said, noting that her decision was simply carrying on a family tradition. Growing up in Brazil, math and science were a central part of her life. Her parents created an environment where she felt comfortable conducting chemistry experiments at home, no matter how messy.
In high school, an opportunity to study abroad came in the form of a studentexchange program at Gouverneur High School, just 20 minutes from Canton. Spelta’s limited English-language skills made academics a struggle; however, it didn’t discourage her from considering attending college in the U.S. Her familiarity with the area and interest in math and science made Canton an obvious choice. On top of that, she was optimistic about the career opportunities it would create. “I was looking for a good working environment and better income possibilities,” she said, pointing out the high demand for STEM graduates, compared to her home country. “The employment market in Brazil is very 19
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competitive, so it’s difficult to get a well-paying job.”
When arriving at Canton, her English proficiency was still limited so she sought help from the College’s writing tutors.
“All of the career opportunties I’ve had are because of the connections I’ve made through the College’s Career Services Office.” “After switching my major, I was required to write lengthy papers, so I had to work extra hard,” she recalled. “The staff at the [Betty J. Evans] Tutoring Center were amazing.” She also received encouragement from faculty, particularly her mentor and Program Coordinator Associate Professor Dr. Adrienne C. Rygel. “Dr. Rygel is very supportive and involved,” Spelta said, adding that Rygel encouraged her to join the newly-formed student chapter of the Society of Women Engineers. Spelta earned high honors and began volunteering for events like
the annual Women in Engineering Day, which is a College-sponsored program that brings middle and high school girls to campus to learn about STEM programs. She also took advantage of the College’s career fairs and networking events to land internships with the New York Department of Transportation (DOT) and Barrett Paving Materials. “All of the career opportunities I’ve had are because of the connections I’ve made through the College’s Career Services Office.” Her internship with DOT led to a fulltime position as an Engineer in Training in Watertown. She also passed the first part of the multi-step process to become a licensed engineer. A healthy job market makes the prospect of applying for U.S. citizenship appealing. She enjoys the North Country’s rural environment, which is in direct contrast to her upbringing in a metropolitan area. “I come from a big city, so the lifestyle is calmer here–no traffic and four seasons,” she said. “There is also a greater appreciation for labor in the U.S., and so many more opportunties for engineers, especially women.”
AFTER CANTON
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hanaian-born Cassidy Asiamah ’22 didn’t fully develop a passion for science until she moved to the U.S. when she was 8 years old. Growing up watching American crime dramas like “Law & Order” and “CSI,” which cast female actors as coroners, medical examiners, and pathologists, opened up a whole new world of possibilities. “In Ghana, there weren’t many role models for girls like me who loved science, apart from nurses and a few doctors.” she explained. “When I started seeing women in the forensic field, I decided that was the direction I wanted to go.” In high school, problems at home led to Asiamah being placed in foster care, which created challenges, both mentally and academically.
“Every class I take confirms I am on the right path. The College has created meaningful memories that are going to stick with me for life.” Even with all the demands on her time, Asiamah still made community service a priority. She volunteered with the Brotherhood/Sister Sol organization in Harlem, which supports youth from disadvantaged communities. She is also an ambassador for New Yorkers for Children, a nonprofit that advocates for individuals who have aged out of foster care. “Working with NYFC has been a great experience. I've learned that all foster children are seeking the love they deserve.”
Despite this setback, she graduated early by doubling her workload and attending evening classes.
When it came time to decide on a college, she signed up for a bus trip to campus and enjoyed Canton’s quiet, rural location and friendly people. Not only did she find a program that lined up with her career aspirations to become a medical examiner, but her acceptance to the Educational Opportunity Program (EOP) provided the academic and financial support she needed.
“That has been my most meaningful achievement so far, because while I was dealing with the stress of school, I was placed in several different foster homes.”
When SUNY created an EOP Student Ambassadors initiative last Fall, Asiamah was selected as a member of its inaugural class. She and 20 of her peers from across the state meet with
“I had a traumatic year, and I wasn’t doing well in school,” she recalled, adding that her grades and attendance suffered.
high schools students and talk about the program’s benefits. “Financially, I wouldn't be able to attend college without EOP support,” she said. “A lot of students don’t understand how beneficial a program like this can be.” Receiving a Canton College Foundation scholarship called Promises Kept Pathways also helped defray her tuition costs. Alumna Ornella Parker ’14, one of the lead donors, wanted to assist financially disadvantaged Black students who displayed leadership skills and were involved in their communities. Asiamah graduates in May with a degree in Criminal Investigation and a minor in Forensic Science. Her goal is to enroll in a post-baccalaureate program, take the MCAT exam, apply to medical school, and become a certified medical examiner. She said her experiences at Canton have built a solid foundation for what’s ahead. “Every class I take confirms I am on the right path,” she said. “The College has created meaningful memories that are going to stick with me for life.”
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REVERSE ENGINEERING
heila (Griffin) Trasente ’96 used decades of civil engineering experience to land an acting role opposite Academy Award-winner Adrien Brody. She expertly retrofit the skills she developed in a high-stress field to portray a tough-talking waitress in an upcoming indie drama filmed near her hometown of Syracuse. “I struck up a conversation with a fellow patron at a local restaurant, and she happened to be working on the movie,” Trasente said. “When she learned about my background, the producers asked me to audition for the part." She was able to work the filming schedule around her full-time job as a Resident Civil Engineer at an architecture firm, where she oversees construction projects for highways, bridges, utilities, and more. “I’m out in the field all day keeping track of the materials, equipment, and personnel, while making sure the project meets all state and federal guidelines,” she explained.
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It’s too soon to tell if she’ll trade her hard hat for Hollywood, but it wouldn’t be the first time she switched careers. Trasente briefly left the field when her children were young because of the demanding hours—a sacrifice many female civil engineers are forced to make when they become mothers.
Civil Engineering Technology seemed to be the best fit, and Trasente appreciated the program’s applied learning focus.
“What I liked about Canton is there was a practicality along with the actual book work.”
Her younger brother Sean ’99 also graduated from Canton, and all four siblings went on to have successful careers. When Martin passed away in 2021, she established an annual scholarship in his honor to assist students in a construction- or civil engineering-related program.
Her career began in high school when she worked for her father’s construction company. She watched her older brothers Martin ’87 (a member of the 1986-1987 National Championship Hockey Team) and Patrick ’90 graduate from Canton, so she decided to follow in their footsteps.
She had the opportunity to give advice to current engineering students during an alumni panel discussion. She explained that Canton’s welcoming environment helped her overcome the stress of being the only female student in her program. She quickly gained the confidence to speak up in class and make her voice heard, a skill that she would transfer to her career.
“They both studied Construction Engineering Technology, but I wanted to do something different,” she recalled.
“What I liked about Canton is there was a practicality along with the actual book work,” she said. “We didn’t just solve math equations all day long.”
“I told them my story, and how Canton helped me become who I am today.”
AFTER CANTON
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IN MEMORY Alumni
Olive M. (Morgan) Haggett ’42 Ethel M. (Pine) Mellon ’43 Theresa (Obie) Zerwick ’47 Charles H. Alexander ’49 Donald E. Murphy ’49 Janet L. (Shaver) Steele ’49 David J. Hyde ’50 Kenneth W. Bird ’51 Joseph W. Raspante ’51 Fern M. (Murphy) Rossi ’51 Carol E. (Sheldon) Thompson ’53 Serge Triau ’53 Arthur W. Rankin ’55 Duane L. Rose ’55 Marrill O. Goodison ’56 Donald D. Schneider ’56 Kermit G. Searles ’57 Roland F. Dalton ’58 Douglas Elmore ’58 Raymond Limoges ’58 Richard Ensby ’59 Albert Faucher ’59 Kent I. Hibbard ’59 Robert W. Mead ’60 Charles E. Sixbury ’60 Joan E. Everett ’61 Mark A. Gazin ’61 Flossie M. (Whitmarsh) Gray ’61 Douglas S. Pierce ’61 Jon M. Wilder ’61 David Desormeaux ’63
Carlton E. Stickney ’63 Sandra L. (Demedo) Lamb ’64 David W. Lamby ’65 Francis W. Murphy ’65 Leon White ’66 Gerald A. Aldrich ’67 William F. Brunet ’67 Gary L. Bradley ’68 Larry D. Clark ’68 Judy M. Fishel ’68 Josef S. Mazurkiewicz ’68 John B. Foote ’69 Jerry F. Durham ’70 David J. Gilmour ’70 Elizabeth A. (Perry) Monroe ’70 John M. Waligory ’70 Dr. Leigh T. Wilcox ‘70 Roger N. Willard ’70 Timothy J. Baker ’71 Mary B. (Dettner) Mack ‘71 Dennis W. Manchester ’71 Gary B. Russell ‘71 Walter F. Smutz ’71 Gregory W. Peck ’72 Joseph A. Caruso ’73 Daniel R. Faby ’73 Paul E. Foster ’73 Donald L. Bayne ’74 Carl J. Green ’74 Larry Drake ’75 Allyn S. Hudson ’75 Marlene E. (Perry) Smith ’75
Doreen V. LaRock ’76 Thomas E. Hentz ’77 Michael A. Bregg ’78 Scott W. Harris ’78 Sean P. Parker ’78 Carl M. Tardugno ’78 John J. Ross ’79 William J. LaGarry ’80 Mark Sakalian ’80 Victor D. Smith ’80 Mary E. Taylor ’80 Thomas W. Gooshaw ’81 John M. Joslyn ’82 Otis M. Bishop ’83 Richard E. Davison ’83 Janet M. Handschuh ’83 Kathryn A. Malark ’83 Stephanie Patraw ’84 Laurence Reynolds ’84 Elizabeth M. Demo ’85 Timothy Sharlow ’85 Jeffrey T. Vondell ’85 Michael D. Kane ’86 Martin P. Griffin ’87 Anthony Winter ’87 Julie A. Delarge ’89 Frederick Morrill ’89 Susan J. Blackmer ’89 & ’92 Dean A. Horsley ’92 Kathy J. Davis ’95 Curtis H. White ’95 & ’98 Terry J. Gordon ’96
Robert A. Fennessy ’97 Jason LaTray ’01 John P. Laurin ’02 Timothy A. Palmer ’03 Brian E. Boyarin ’04 Gabrielle C. (LaTray) Thomas ’05 Tammy L. Charleston ’09 Emily S. Theisen ’11
Friends
Walter R. Christy (Professor Emeritus) Marion Daniels (retiree) Judith Donnelly (retiree) Betty Jo Dutcher (friend) Deborah Gravlin (retiree) Rollin Locke (retiree) Brooke McDowell (former Advisory Board member) Linda J. Newvine (retiree) Ronald O’Brien (retiree) Virginia O’Hearn (retiree) Ronald Para (donor) Joan R. Pope (retiree) Francis J. Regan (friend) Georgia Swift (retiree) Gloria Spadaccini (retiree) June S. Taillon (retiree) Dr. Brian R. Trill (Professor Emeritus) Robert Wells (friend) Wayne Willette (friend)
SUNY Canton Remembers Professor Edouard Mafoua The entire College community was saddened upon learning of the sudden passing of Professor Dr. Edouard B. Mafoua in March 2022. Dr. Mafoua taught Economics in the Business Department. He was hired in 2005 as an Assistant Professor, was promoted to Associate Professor in 2007, and to Professor in 2016. He was born and raised in the Republic of the Congo and attended Szent Istvan University in Hungary. Later, he
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obtained a Graduate Certificate in Economics from The Economics Institute at Boulder, Co., before earning his Masters and Doctorate in Applied and Agricultural Economics at the University of Illinois at Urbana-Champaign, Ill. Faculty and administration remember him as a dedicated instructor, who was a role model for colleagues, as well as for students. “Dr. Mafoua was a gem among faculty members,” said Associate Professor Dr. Umesh Kumar, who was his close friend and colleague. “He always kept other’s interests first and gave priority to his classes, his students, and the College. SUNY Canton is a better place because he was here.”
HALL OF FAME Digital Hall of Fame Brings College History to Life A new chapter for the College Hall of Fame will begin this Fall, more than a decade after honoring the inaugural class. An interactive digital display will highlight 141 friends; alumni; and former administration, faculty, and staff who have been inducted since 2011. Visitors can use a touch-enabled screen to browse classes and learn more about the most important figures in College history. It will be located in the Richard W. Miller Campus Center adjacent to the Woodcock Conference Suites. Current plans are for the exhibit to be unveiled during Recognition Weekend September 23-24, coinciding with the Hall of Fame Class of 2022 induction ceremony.
Distinguished Alumni, Friends and Employees to be Honored in June The College will recognize several outstanding graduates, friends, and former employees during the 2022 Alumni Weekend celebration June 10-12. The Hall of Fame Class of 2021, the 2021 Distinguished Alumni, and two Outstanding Young Alumni will be honored Saturday, June 11. Please join us to celebrate the guests of honor:
Hall of Fame Class of 2021 Stacey L. Basford ’07 & ’08 David M. Gerlach ’83 Michael J. Perry* Kahan L. Sablo Carson E. and Gleneva Smith Anne Coloton Williams ’78
2021 Distinguished Alumni Jennifer Stevenson ’88 Inaugural Outstanding Young Alumni Award Ornella T. Parker ’14 Carlos D. Remigio ’14
* posthumously awarded
SAVE THE DATE
Recognition Weekend 2022 Sept. 24 AFTER CANTON
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34 Cornell Drive Canton, New York 13617 If After Canton is addressed to a son or daughter who has graduated and no longer maintains a permanent address at your home, please clip the address label and return it with the correct address to the SUNY Canton Alumni Association, 34 Cornell Drive, Canton NY 13617, or email the updated address to alumni@canton.edu.
We are celebrating in person! We hope you’ll join us to celebrate SUNY Canton, share your memories, and reconnect with faculty, classmates, and friends.
JUNE 10-12 For a detailed schedule, please visit: www.canton.edu/alumni/reunion.html For more information, contact the SUNY Canton Alumni Office at 1-800-811-6727 or alumni@canton.edu
