December 2023
January 2025
News from the Raymond Simon Institute at Utica University
News from the Raymond Simon Institute at Utica University
Journalism Professor David Chanatry Announces Retirement
David Chanatry, a distinguished professor of journalism, retired at the end of the fall 2024 semester after 21 years of teaching service to the Communication and Media major. He taught courses in broadcast news writing, television news reporting, producing and documentary film making. Throughout his tenure, he inspired many students to pursue careers in broadcast journalism.
Chanatry came to Utica University as a veteran journalist whose career spanned television, radio and print, spent 20 years at NBC News, writing and producing news stories for several programs including NBC Nightly News and The Today Show. His expertise allowed Utica University to build a strong broadcasting program. He created the broadcast journalism concentration in the public relations and journalism major. Chanatry designed
several courses including Broadcast News Writing, Television News Production and Reporting, and Producing the Newscast. Eventually Chanatry added, as an elective, Documentary Filmmaking. And recently he redesigned the Media Ethics course.
His reporting work has also appeared on NPR’s Morning Edition, All Things Considered, Day to Day and Living on Earth; Public Radio International’s The World; BBC Radio News; and The World Vision Report, and he was a contributor to The Washington Post and other publications. He has reported overseas from Kosovo, Albania and the Sudan.
Chanatry’s work with students often went beyond the bounds of the classroom. He mentored students in covering Utica University’s Forensic Anthropology Field School in Albania. Chanatry and students reported on students’ experienc-
es analyzing the human skeletal remains from Roman and medieval graves. Stories about the experience aired on WRVO and WAME.
Chanatry recalled taking students into the field to work on a superfund cleanup, the local dairy industry, abolition day in Utica, Word of Life vigil following the beating death of a youth by church followers, hydrofracking, Nano-Utica, Chobani Yogurt boom, and “my all-time favorite – Ray Biggs and I crowding into boats with USGS and Cornell University scientists as they gill-netted fish on Oneida Lake.” Biggs’ story was broadcast all over Texas.
“I remember what it was like when I got out of school and had no idea what to do or if I could even get a job,” said Chanatry. “So what really stands out to me now are those students who I helped
find a path or jump start a career. I hear from them from time to time, maybe seeking advice or telling me about a new job. They mean more to me than they will ever know.”
He also developed the New York Reporting Project in 2011, a non-profit journalism program, that created in-depth stories that were aired on regional public radio stations.
His work with students has inspired many careers in journalism. Some of those include:
Angie Grande, ’05
Senior Director, NBCU Local Streaming New Channels, NBCUniversal
I am proud to say I was in Professor Chanatry’s class during his first year at Utica University. I remember thinking he was SO cool because he’d worked for NBC in NYC before coming to teach.
Professor Chanatry’s class was my first introduction to broadcast writing. I was immediately hooked! I remember hanging on every word as Mr. Chanatry used real-life examples from stories he covered around the world. Did I mention I thought he was the coolest? I still do.
From teaching me the basics of broadcast writing, to coaching me through my internship, to cheering me on when I got each new job, to bringing me back to class to share my experiences with his current students, Dave has always been in my corner. He will forever be a part of my success story.
• Angie Grande, ’05, senior director, NBCU Local Streaming News Channel, Miami
• Amelia Rawlins-Henry, ’10, News 12’s Brooklyn bureau chief
• Katrina Smith, ’07 – news anchor, WKTV NewsChannel2, Utica
• A.T. Bianco, ’17, associate producer at CBS News, New York City; creator/host of Loud Music Only
• Celeste Gessner, ’21, CBS 7, weekend anchor and producer,
Daeshan Buseck, ’18 Director of Video Production,
Mellow Mako
Professor Chanatry is truly one of a kind. His unwavering belief in my potential has shaped my journey, and I wouldn’t be where I am today without his constant encouragement and inspiration while attending Utica University.
Professor Chanatry exemplifies what it means to be a great educator, father, and mentor. His steadfast belief in his students transforms lives, and many of us owe our careers to his guidance and support.
Professor Chanatry was not only an outstanding professor and advisor but also the person who steered me in the right direction. Even though Utica didn’t offer exactly what I needed, he went above and beyond to ensure I reached my goals. I credit him for every accolade and achievement I’ve earned.
Odessa, Texas
• Nancy Asiamah, ’12, digital producer, CBS News, Boston
Chanatry’s work has garnered many awards. He won a Broadcast Education Association (BEA) award for hard news about lead poisoning affecting Roma refugees in Kosovo and an audio short form award for his coverage of an Albanian youth group in 2007.
In 2009 he won BEA’s Best of Competition Award for his story Kosovo Violence. He won “Best of” in the faculty news
Celeste Gessner, Anchor and producer, CBS7, Clarksburg, West Virginia
There’s a lot to be said about Professor Chanatry but a word that instantly comes to mind is inspiring. He pushed me in a way that I needed and truly helped shape me into the journalist I am today. I’ve carried his teachings well after I graduated. He’s more than earned his retirement and I’m grateful to be one of his students. Congrats Prof. Chanatry!
category at the BEA’s Media Arts Festival in 2015 for a story about small town heroin abuse. Another report won a BEA “Best of” Festival Award for “Seneca Lake Blockade,” in the radio hard news reporting category and “Best of” Competition for Radio Feature News Reporting for his story “Church Closing” in 2016, which focused on the decline of mainstream Protestant churches in Upstate N.Y.
Some of his freelance work involved national events such as the brutal beating of two brothers at the Word of Life Church cult in New Hartford. His pieces were carried on WRVO News, WAMC News, WSKG News and North Country Public Radio.
Chanatry received his undergraduate degree in history from Hamilton College and his master’s degree in telecommunications from Syracuse University.
Before joining Utica University, Chanatry spent 2001-2002 as a Knight Fellow in Science Journalism at the Massachusetts Institute of Technology, and has served as a judge for the American Association for the Advancement of Science broadcast awards.
Most recently, Chanatry co-produced a documentary film, “Utica: The Last Refuge,” the story of refugees and how Chanatry’s hometown has welcomed them. Chanatry and his partners worked with Off Ramp Films on the production. “Utica: The Last Refuge” details the journey of a Sudanese family and how upon resettling in Utica, they were assisted by The Center, a resource center for refugees in the Mohawk Valley.
In 2017, Chantry became the moderator for WCNY’s Ivory Tower, a panel-based discussion focusing on news and current events discussed by regional professors. Chanatry plans to continue hosting Ivory Tower, which airs on Fridays at 8 p.m. on WCNY-TV.
He will also ski as often as he can and will hike the 26 New York State mountains with fire towers (The Fire Tower Challenge). A sailboat purchase might be a retirement activity. And, of course, getting to Yankee Stadium more than once a season!
Shaun Kaleta ’11, Director of Economic Development for Oneida County, Whitestown Supervisor
I was recruited by Professor Chanatry to take his Broadcast Journalism course my senior year. I wasn’t a Journalism major - I was a Government and Politics major - but Professor Chanatry saw something in me that connected with the media world.
Taking Professor Chanatry’s Broadcast Journalism course - initially just for fun - was one of the best decisions I’ve ever made. While I moved on from local media and public relations and now work in economic development, I’m extremely grateful for what Professor Chanatry and the media industry taught me, and I wouldn’t trade it for the world. Professor Chanatry always said the key to solid journalism - both television and print - was writing. He was right and still is! Professor Chanatry always had a sharp eye and ear and was engaging, fair and balanced. The skills he taught me will last a lifetime. I wish Professor Chanatry a great and healthy retirement; Utica University was fortunate to have a professor of his caliber for so long.
Matthew Kelly, ’06 Photojournalist, WTNH-TV, New Haven, Connecticut
The extent of David’s influence in my life and career cannot be overstated. When he began his tenure at Utica, I told myself that I needed to glom onto him and enroll in every class he offered. Every professional skill - producing, videography, video editing - that I have developed rests on the foundation of visual storytelling that David taught me.
It was on a trip to Albania that truly showed how he evolved as an educator. As his production assistant filming a class of Utica College students unearthing thousand-year-old remains in the ancient city of Butrint, I learned more in those three weeks than any other time. I also look back to that time as when I really began looking at David as my mentor and my friend.
Every turn in my career, good times and bad, I have felt compelled to share my life updates with David. I was thrilled to look at my phone several months ago and find a text from David congratulating me on my engagement to my wife-to-be. His mentorship and friendship will always be cherished. His teachings will always be with me. His legacy will continue to grow.
Raymond Simon Institute Recognizes Outstanding Students
The Raymond Simon Institute recognized top public relations, journalism and communication students at Utica University in April. The annual brunch event awards nearly $20,000 in scholarships and cash awards to students each year.
“These awards and scholarships are funded by our incredibly generous alumni and faculty through direct donations to the RSI,” said RSI Executive Director Patricia Swann. “We are one of just a few academic programs at the university who has such a large student awards program.”
The brunch awards program dates back to 1998. Before that date, Professor Raymond Simon held a small dinner event for students.
“Today, faculty carry on Simon’s tradition of student recognition,” Swann said. “Faculty provide a personalized comments for each student award winner that often contains an interesting story.”
The awards program also recognizes an outstanding alumnus, chosen by a subcommittee of the Raymond Simon Institute. This year, the RSI recognized Patricia “Patty” Montone Charvat, ’83, senior vice president for marketing and strategy for Mohawk Valley Health System in Utica (see related story).
Scholarships are endowed, which means the funds generate a reliable funding source year after year. Scholarships are awarded
based on financial need and other criteria. RSI awards, however, may need to be replenished with new funds once the money is awarded.
“We are always looking for ways to increase the awards budget,” Swann said. If you are interested in contributing to the RSI or a specific award, please contact Swann at pswann@utica.edu.
2024 RSI AWARDS AND SCHOLARSHIPS
Raymond Simon/RSI Scholarship
Leah Marsden
David T. Santora Memorial Scholarship
Brady Barnard
Ben and Gene Comora/RSI Scholarship
James Brown
Tammy and Rob Flaherty Scholarship
Scarlen Lopez
Professor Kim Landon and David Simon Scholarship
Brady Barnard
John Behrens /RSI Print Journalism Scholarship
James Hymon
Owen Comora/RSI Tangerine Award
Diana Sidorevich Nortje
Kayden Lamphere
Mildred Schwartz/RSI Tangerine Award
Charles Buckley
Cecilia Friend RSI Award
Isabella Hudziak
Eleanor and Matty Sokolow/RSI Writing Award
Corrine Bush • Nolan Hyman • Nicholas Phillips • Tristan Vargo
Broadcasting/RSI Award
Jeffrey Kopek
RSI/Rising Star Award
Hannah Beckman
Rubin R. Teitelbaum/RSI Award
Daniel McShane
Gagliardi/RSI Award
Grace Monaco
RSI/Student of Promise Award
Leola Beck
John Behrens/RSI Phoenix Award
Trey Manganaro
Gary and Jeanne LaBella/RSI Transition Award
Isabella Yaghy • Harlee Lucier
Fred and Corinne Grates/RSI Achievement Award
Douglas Simmons
RSI Research Award
Eleanor Berkhoudt
George Jones/RSI Outstanding PR/J Student Awards
Freshman: Jennifer Rodriguez • Sophomore: Elli Ryan • Junior: Leah Marsden • Seniors: Diana Sidorevich Nortje and Corrine Bush
The 2024 student award winners with faculty and President Todd Pfannestiel and Interim Dean Rick Fenner
Top: Corrine Bush, winner of the 2024 Outstanding Senior Award with RSI Executive Director Patricia Swann. Below: Nolan Hyman, winner of the Eleanor and Matty Sokolow/RSI Writing Award with Professor Mary Christopher, director of Tangerine operations.
RSI Recognizes Patty Montone Charvat, ’83, as 2024 Outstanding Alumna
Patricia “Patty” Montone Charvat, ’83, is graduate of the public relations and journalism program at Utica University. She is senior vice president for marketing and strategy for Mohawk Valley Health System in Utica, NY. In this role, she has supported the planning and development of the new 373-bed Wynn Hospital in downtown Utica. Her work has included a comprehensive community outreach program to engage the healthcare workforce, community organizations, and area leaders.
The Raymond Simon Institute was impressed with “Patty’s long record of service to the healthcare industry that plays an important role in quality of life for communities,” said RSI Executive Director Patricia Swann. “Healthcare is a challenging industry and Charvat has consistently led her professional practice with compassion and ethical principles.” Charvat said, “One of the benefits of the PR/J undergraduate degree was the opportunity to gain real-life experiences in the field. I tried my hand at a number of different industries and organizations, but healthcare and hospitals became my passion. The internship I had at a local hospital set me on the path to healthcare communications – and I’ve never looked
back! I was very fortunate to have identified, early on, what I wanted to do in my career, and I am so grateful that I have had so many opportunities to do meaningful work that impacts peoples’ lives.”
Charvat has extensive experience in healthcare communication and marketing. She began her career at the Healthcare Association of New York State, where she developed and implemented one of the country’s first highly successful grassroots advocacy programs for hospitals that engaged communities throughout the state.
Following her tenure at the Association, she opened her own healthcare marketing and communications firm. As a consultant she worked with more than 50 hospitals/health systems, healthcare associations, state agencies, physician group practices, home care/hospice agencies, start-up technology companies and data analytics firms as well as patient safety organizations throughout the U.S. This included serving as an interim marketing executive at organizations such as Director of Public Affairs and Communications at Waterbury Hospital, Waterbury, CT.
Charvat shared her wealth of experience with Utica University students as an adjunct lecturer in public relations. She has participated in Utica University’s annual High School Communication Career Day as a keynote speaker and program presenter.
Thomas Caputo, ’22, Joins RSI Advisory Committee
Thomas Caputo, ’22, a Communication and Media alumnus joined the Raymond Simon Advisory Committee last spring.
He is a city news reporter for the Sentinel Media Company. In this role, he has covered stories in the greater Utica area since 2022. His reporting included President Joe Biden’s visit to Syracuse when he announced a $13.6 billion federal investment in Micron Technology. Last year he reported on and moderated a Utica mayoral debate with three candidates, he covered Remington Arms leaving Ilion, and the death of 13-year-old Nyah Mway. Caputo also is a photographer for The Stanley Theatre in Utica.
As a student, he was a staff writer and editor for the Tangerine. Caputo also was an on-air host for WPNR radio station.
The New York News Publishers Association awarded Caputo and his colleagues with the distinguished community service award in 2024. It was based on a series of stories the Daily Sentinel wrote on homelessness in the Mohawk Valley. Caputo is currently pursuing a Master’s degree in information design and technology at SUNY Polytechnic.
From left, Patricia Swann, RSI executive director, Patty Montrone Charvat, and RSI Advisory Committee Chair Deborah Kessler.
Left: Patty Montrone Charvat, is senior vice president for marketing and strategy for Mohawk Valley Health System in Utica, gave a crisis management lecture to public relations and journalism students.
Sydney Bell, ’11, Convocation Speaker
Public relations alumna Sydney E. Bell ’11, Manager of Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion at ESL Federal Credit Union in Rochester, was this year’s Utica University convocation speaker.
She told the class of 2028: “You don’t have to have every answer today. You don’t even have to have every answer by this time next year, and you definitely don’t need to figure it all out by yourself.
“As I’ve learned in the 17 years since I started here as a student, we do nothing alone – be the person who reaches out to start building trust, offer your support, and know that one of the many things that you are is probably exactly what someone else needs to feel seen and cared for.”
Bell is an adjunct professor at Nazareth University in the School of Business and Leadership, teaching diversity, equity, and inclusion concepts for human resources. She was previously employed at Nazareth College as the assistant director of major gifts. Bell also worked as a communications assistant at Unity Health System, Rochester.
Bell holds a master’s degree in human resource development from Nazareth University and eCornell’s DEI certificate. She is an alum of the 2023 Leadership Rochester cohort, is a member of the Rochester Chamber’s DEI Leadership Exchange Program, and is the founder of the Rochester JEDI Collective. She is a certified antiracism facilitator through 540WMain, Inc. and is a SafeZone certified trainer through the SafeZone Initiative.
2025 High School Communication Career Day Set for March 26
Do you know a high school student who is interested in a communication career?
The Raymond Simon Institute and Utica University invites all interested high school students to attend this year’s High School Communication Career Day at Utica University on Wednesday, March 26.
This is an exciting interactive, studentcentered event that examines the vast and diverse field of communication (journalism, public relations, marketing, sports communication, digital media promotion/content creation). The day is sponsored by the Raymond Simon Institute.
This day provides a unique opportunity to explore many career options through faculty, alumni and professionals’ presentations and activities in a university setting.
Last year’s event included a keynote speaker (Angie Grande, ’05, senior director at NBCU local streaming news chan-
nels), alumni and student panels, plus focus sessions featuring faculty and industry professionals:
• Public Relations and Marketing –Patty Charvat, Senior Vice President, Marketing & Strategy Mohawk Valley Health System
• Broadcast Journalism – Professors David Chanatry and Laura Lewin
• Sports Communication & Sports Journalism – Jason Powles, Channel 2 Anchor, WKTV, and Professor Paul MacArthur
• Story Telling & Creative Communication – Professor Ariel Gratch
• Social Media and Your Personal Brand
– Professor Millie Occhionero
• Reporting the News – Professor Mary Christopher and Tangerine Staff
• Sports Information – Jason Shaya, director of communications for Utica Comets
• WPNR College Radio Experience –Professor Doug Croft, WPNR Operations Manager
The day also included two panels featuring alumni and current students.
Alumni shared their opinions about the communication industry and career prospects. Alumni included Joleen Ferris, Reporter, WKTV NewsChannel 2, Kelly Adams, Vice President for Presidential Affairs and Chief Marketing and Communications Officer, Deborah Kessler, President, Kessler Promotions.
Utica University communication students (Corinne Bush, Diana Sidorevich, Grace Monaco and Brady Barnard) shared their experience about what it’s like to be a college student.
For more information about this year’s March 26 High School Communication Career Day, please contact RSI Executive Director Patricia Swann at pswann@ utica.edu
Professor Paul MacArthur and Adjunct Professor and WKTV Channel 2 Anchor Jason Powles talk to high school students.
Digital Media Marketing Ready to Enroll New Students
The Digital Media Marketing major was approved by the New York State Education Department with student enrollments starting in spring 2025. The major offers students interested in writing, promotions, and communication technology a new career pathway in addition to our Communication and Media major.
“Our faculty and alumni familiar with this new major are really excited about what it means for our future at Utica University,” said RSI Executive Director and Distinguished Professor of Public Relations and Management Patricia Swann.
“This major’s curriculum design was fully vetted by alumni in the field,” Swann said. “Courses, including Brand Identity, Content Creation, Social Media and Influencers, have been modified from our public relations and journalism curriculum to address the continued convergence of marketing and public relations.”
The value of long-term relationship
Communication and Media Major Update
The CMM Department has made a series of changes to the Communication and Media major that will go live in January 2025.
1) All CMM Majors students currently take one capstone class: Fieldwork in Communication and Media or Senior Seminar. CMM majors will now take both which will give them two very different types of senior capstone experiences –one academic and one internship.
2) CMM Majors took one of the following courses: WPNR Practicum, The Tangerine Practicum, Utica TV Practicum, or the Practicum in Theatre. CMM majors will now be required to take three of these practicums. This will broaden the experiential learning component of the major.
building and the importance of effective communication to brand experience are key principles that are infused throughout the courses, Swann, said. This new major benefits from our expertise in public relations, creative storytelling, and clear communication.
The new major, housed within business management programs, provides a management foundation with digital media marketing courses. Those courses include:
• MKT 211 Principles of Marketing
• MKT 225 Digital Marketing
• MKT 326 Brand Identity
• MKT 373 Web Search and Analytics
• MKT 336 Content Creation
• MKT 380 Digital Advertising
• PRL 480 Social Media and Influencers
• MGT 470 Management Internship
The compact nature of the proposed Digital Media Marketing major has the benefit of accommodating additional minors such as CMM’s public relations, journalism minors, and sports communication/public relations.
Digital media marketing as a disci-
pline is growing and provides a wide variety of career paths and job opportunities. According to the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics, this field will grow 19% between 2021-2031. Careers include digital marketing specialist, social media coordinator, creative strategy professional, content creator, data analytics, SEO (search engine optimization)/search engine marketing specialist, media buyer, media planner, etc.
Data of recent graduates show that public relations-focused students from the Public Relations and Marketing and the Communication and Media programs often find work in social media and digital marketing positions. “Digital media marketing is a career possibility familiar to most high school students, particularly in the areas of branding, social media, influencers, content creation, web design, and search engine optimization,” Swann said.
If you have questions about the proposed Digital Media Marketing program please contact Patricia Swann at pswann@utica.edu or visit the program’s website at https://www.utica. edu/academics/programs/digital-media-marketing
3) All CMM Concentrations are 30 credits. Each concentration will be reduced to 27 credits. The reduction keeps the major from becoming too large. Some changes within the concentrations were also made to provide more flexibility for our students.
New Minors from Communication and Media
Health Communication Minor
The healthcare system requires professionals who understand the importance of communication. This new minor, which launches in January 2025, will provide students with an understanding of how communication plays a role in healthcare and helps them develop communication skills that are necessary in a healthcare
setting. This should be a popular minor as it complements the popular Nursing, PreMed, and Health Studies majors.
Communication and Media Minor
The CMM Department offers several courses in the General Education program, including Interpersonal Communication, Introduction to Public Speaking, and Introduction to Mass Communication. Many students in these courses are often interested in broadening their communication and media knowledge, but are enrolled in other majors. The CMM minor, which launches in January 2025, addresses this issue. It will provide these students with the ability to take a series of CMM related courses that will give them a solid foundation of communication skills while earning a minor in the process.
Communication and Media Students Win Top Honors at Syracuse Press Award Ceremony
Utica University student journalists and Communication and Media students won two first place awards and an honorable mention from the Syracuse Press Club at the organization’s 2024 Annual Recognition Dinner on May 4.
The Syracuse Press Club consists of journalists, educators, students and communications professionals working in Central New York print, radio, television and digital media.
Utica University’s JLM 461 Multimedia Web Design Class, taught by Director
of Tangerine Operations Mary Christopher during the Fall 2023 semester, won first place in the Student Best Use of Multimedia category for its “Utica Parks and You” multimedia project (https://uticaparksandyou.com/). Commenting on the class’s winning entry, the judge said, “A lot of thought and time was put into this entry, and it shows. Everything is well-organized and engaging. Beautiful job, Utica!”
The “Utica Parks and You” project explored the impact of Utica’s park and parkway system on the area’s wellness and identity using a variety of digital platforms, including podcasts, interactive maps, social media promotion, videos and written stories.
Another first place award was given to former Tangerine Editor-in-Chief Mickale Thompson, a December 2023
graduate, in the Student Print/Digital Sports Story category for his Tangerine article “‘We’re certainly very white’ Inside the lack of diversity in Utica University’s athletic programs.” The judge noted it was a “Well reported story…good use of data. This is how sports becomes news.”
Thompson also received an honorable mention in the Student Print/Digital News Story category for his Tangerine article “AAUP-Utica files discriminatory grievance against Utica University.”
Tangerine and Communication & Media students have won 10 Syracuse Press Club awards over the past five years. Judges from partner press clubs around the United States review and rank the top entries for each Syracuse Press Club Award category.
Nolan Hyman and Brianna Ajayi, Tangerine staffers, accepted the awards at the Press Club awards ceremony.
James Hymon Wins State Broadcasters Association Award
Utica University’s WPNR Production Director James Hymon received the New York State Broadcasters Association 2024 Excellence in Broadcasting Award for Outstanding Promotional Announcement titled “Mock Interview Day.”
Hymon is a Communication and Media major and content producer for WPNR radio station. He was selected for the John Behrens /RSI Print Journalism Scholarship, which honors the founder of the journalism studies program.
WPNR staff have won 7 NYBSA Excellence in Broadcasting Awards since 2020.
NYBSA Excellence in Broadcasting Award entries in the college division are judged by an independent review of submissions in multiple categories by out of state professionals in the broadcasting world. Each submission is associated with a pre-determined cost. Through a vetting process by station leadership, WPNR-FM
Student Calls NCAA Final Four Hockey Game
Covering NCAA Frozen Four events is a rare opportunity for a college broadcaster hoping to make a career in the sports communication and journalism field.
But last spring, thanks to the Raymond Simon Institute, Jeff Kopek, a Utica University senior, had that opportunity. There are strict rules about the number of people the school can send with the hockey team to NCAA tournament events. Since WPNR has no travel budget, RSI helped Kopek fund his expenses separately from the team and stay overnight in Hartford, Connecticut, and cover the game.
The Utica Pioneers lost in the semifinals to the Hobart Statesmen 3-1 at Trinity College’s Koeppel Community
selects and sends in several submissions annually thanks to alumni donations made to WPNR-FM.
The award was presented to Hymon at an NYSBA luncheon in Syracuse on
Sports Center on March 21, 2024.
The game was fast-paced, with Hobart scoring a goal 52 seconds into the game and doubling the lead less
September 25, 2024. Hymon is a local student, raised in Utica, and has ambitions of working in the media or possibly air traffic control.
than seven minutes later. Utica fought back with a goal, but Hobart won the game. Hobart went on to win the division championship.
Jeff Kopek, right, with Ray Biggs, left, an alumnus who helps the University’s sports information office. Both worked together to call the game.
Harlee Lucier, ’24
Harlee Lucier, ’24, Communication and Media graduate, completed a communications internship with the American Junior Golf Association this summer. She traveled to the West Coast with eight teammates and successfully ran 14 junior golf tournaments from May through September.
“The opportunity allowed me to sharpen my skills in content creation, drafting articles, interviewing athletes, and collaborating with sponsors,” Lucier said. “Not only did I grow professionally, but I also developed close relationships with
Ronni Shulman Mallozzi, ‘75
Ronni Shulman Mallozzi, 70, of North Venice, Florida, passed away on December 12, 2023. She was a 1975 graduate of Utica College of Syracuse University public relations and journalism program. She met her husband, Cos Mallozzi, while working on the Tangerine newspaper. After graduation, she
my teammates, who quickly became family (Team 7) and improved my teamwork skills.”
The Raymond Simon Institute helped defer Lucier’s travel expenses to attend the AJGA Intern Recruitment Weekend in Braselton, Ga. Lucier competed with 120 student candidates in interviews and teamwork activities.
Last year, Lucier also worked as a media services intern for the International Ice Hockey Federation’s Women’s World Championship that was held in Utica last April.
Lucier was also a NCAA Division III women’s soccer player and was the sports director for WPNR 90.7 FM, the university’s radio station.
created Ronni Shulman Public Relations, a successful public relations agency.
She served the National Scleroderma Foundation for more than 30 years including a tenure as a board member and was Vice Chair of the Raynaud’s Association at the time of her passing. In 2022, Ronni and Cos Mallozzi were presented with the Lifetime Achievement Award from the National Scleroderma Foundation.
Hannah Beckman, ’24, Gets Her Dream Job in Women’s Professional Hockey
Hannah Beckman, a 2024 Communication and Media graduate with a concentration in public relations, shares her story about landing her first job after college.
I started studying journalism, but I knew that when I made the switch to public relations, it was the perfect fit for me. I am proud to say I was also a student-athlete at Utica, where I was a part of the University’s Women’s Ice Hockey Team.
A New Jersey native, I always had this vision of what my career post-grad would look like; being a hockey player growing up and constantly wanting to communicate and meet new people. I knew that I had to merge those two skills of mine together. The journey really started the second I stepped foot on Utica’s campus my freshman year.
I took my first communications class, Laura Lewin’s Interpersonal Communication, where I learned about how relationships really work, how to properly talk to people and what certain communication styles may mean. Over time and through various CMM courses, I learned how to write intuitively, take pictures using the rule of thirds, edit and broadcast sports highlights, understand the rules of censorship, write press releases, and so much more.
During my sophomore and junior years of college, I decided to continue my hockey career and education at Manhattanville College – a difficult decision but I ultimately made this switch to better my hockey career. It paid off, but not long term. Senior year, I chose to sit-out playing hockey. This wasn’t an easy decision, but I knew it was what was best for me mentally and physically.
I called my ex-coach at Utica, Dave Clausen, and asked if I was able to come back to Utica and to the team, but in a different manner. During a quick conversation, we both felt I would succeed best as the team’s Director of Hockey Operations.
This was the beginning of my dream career, working for a hockey team and bringing all my tools into one place that I have adored for so long. While taking CMM, marketing, and PR classes for my degree, I found myself using everything I was taught for my role as the team’s hockey ops person. From creating gameday graphics to assisting the coaches on team itineraries and advertising campaigns, I decided right then and there that this was exactly what I wanted for a career but I just didn’t know where to start.
Fortunately, in my final year at Utica, the Professional Women’s Hockey League took over the Utica University Nexus Center for their pre-season camp.
The league had asked our team and Utica University sports management students to help out during their camp in various ways. I spent every day at the rink
during that week in December, assisting the head of Game Day Operations, collecting stats during games, and escorting media personnel to the interview stations. I went wherever they needed help, giving me opportunities to meet and connect with the league’s staff.
Now less than a year later, I work for the Professional Women’s Hockey league as the New York Sirens’ media and community relations coordinator. My job consists of coordinating press releases, media interviews, game invitations, and facilitating media requests for players, management, and staff. One thing I love about my job is that I work very closely with the team players. I coordinate community events, making sure that player stories are created by the right people, and securing media opportunities for them.
“How did you get this position?” you may be wondering. I got here by connecting with the right people. When your professor or your advisor tells you that everybody knows somebody, it couldn’t be more true. Volunteering with the league when they came to Utica and interning at the 2024 IIHF Women’s World Championship Tournament in Utica, I met and spoke with so many people, even if it was just a quick handshake telling them who I am and what I aspire to be. It benefited me in the best way possible. Working in sports, especially the one I grew up playing and have loved since I was 5 years old, I find that I pinch myself because I wonder how it was all possible. The reason it was possible was because I took the advice my teachers, parents, and coaches gave me, I thought outside the box whenever I was assigned a mock marketing case project, and I believed in myself.
The truth is that your future is possible when you can see it, and if you can see it and surround yourself with it, then you can believe it. After you do that, the rest is up to you to get there.
Joanne Gueverra-Pluff, ’11, Student Experience Leader at Howard University
Joanne Gueverra-Pluff, ‘11, became the Associate Vice-President of Student Experience at Howard University in 2021. In her role she works across the university to enhance student experience, streamline enrollment services, and champion a culture of kindness throughout the campus.
Pluff, a public relations graduate and former Utica University admissions employee, shared her career update:
One of my key goals at Howard University is to create a more seamless experience for students, their families, faculty, and staff by removing barriers and fostering collaboration between departments. As associate vice president I lead initiatives that make kindness a central part of our daily interactions, ensuring that every member of the Howard community feels supported.
None of this would have been possible without the support of the professors in my public relations and journalism program. Every day, I manage tasks such as
Checking in with Alumnus Rob Conrad ‘92
Syracuse University College of Law Director of Communications and Media Relations
Never in my career did I think, much less plan, to work in higher education communications, let alone in a law school. I had no experience in either when I joined Syracuse University’s College of Law in 2015, but then again I knew nothing about the industry I was in before or of the clients I managed at an advertising agency.
My role at Syracuse Law is focused on creating and disseminating internal and external communications to all audiences. I am writing multiple communications every day. This can come as a news story, a faculty profile, a social media post, an email, web copy, a brochure, or anything in between.
My role’s most interesting and rewarding aspect is working with our faculty to
connect them with the media covering current events. The law touches every aspect of our lives, in some manner, and there is a never-ending stream of topics that our professors can address. I need a detailed understanding of our professor’s expertise and scholarship and a good knowledge of our legal system. An example is a professor discussing antitrust aspects of Taylor Swift tickets sold through Ticketmaster with the Associated Press.
It’s rewarding to match the right professor with the right reporter and see how the professor’s perspective helps clarify or explain a legal concept. The law school averages at least one faculty quote in a significant media outlet every day. This helps raise our profile among peers and prospective students.
The accomplishment I’m most proud of, other than the media relations, is the annual production of three distinct alumni publications. As the editor, I’m working with freelance writers, our graphic designer, proofreader, and internal ‘cus-
creating marketing materials, assisting with website design, and handling crisis management. The public relations program at Utica equipped me with the essential skills to excel in my role.
My husband, a dual-degree graduate from Utica, teaches at a local elementary school, and our daughter is now in second grade! As a family, we love visiting the monuments, traveling, and experiencing as many D.C. adventures as possible.
Prior to working at Howard University, I worked as an associate dean of admission-director of multicultural recruitment within the Admissions office at Hamilton College.
My longest role within higher education was at Utica University. I served as an associate director of admissions-recruitment and strategy. I was able to work closely with our director of undergraduate admission and vice president of enrollment on a plan for undergraduate recruitment.
tomers’ to develop the magazines and get them into the hands of our alumni. It is rewarding when the boxes of fresh magazines arrive in the office but also sobering as the next one is right around the corner.
I remain proud to call myself an alum of Utica and enjoy meeting UU graduates who come to study law at Syracuse.
Akira Armstrong, ’05, Changing the Dance World
One Step at a Time
Editorial note – A portion of this article appeared in Utica University’s “On Top of the World: Akira Armstrong ’05.” https:// www.utica.edu/college-community/utica-stories/top-world-akira-armstrong-05
Public relations professors often tell students that they can combine public relations with any passion. In the case of Akira Armstrong, ’05, a Utica University public relations graduate, this couldn’t be truer. She’s used her communication and promotional skills to bring her message that dancing is for everyone – regardless of body size – to the world.
A dancer since childhood, Armstrong made her national debut in 2007 Beyonce’s “Green Light” and “Get Me Bodied” music videos. The gig led to more work, but the opportunities for plus-size dancers were limited. Even after years on the scene, she felt she still had to prove to casting agents and choreographers that full-figured women could be professional
dancers – each time she auditioned.
Undefeated, she decided to create her own opportunity. In 2008, Armstrong founded Pretty BIG Movement with a small group of fellow professional dancers she’d met around NYC. The group hosted workshops and performed steadily, but they didn’t hit it big until 2015, when Pretty BIG competed on NBC’s America’s Got Talent. Though they didn’t take the title, they advanced to the final rounds, putting Pretty BIG Movement, and full-figured women in general, on a national stage.
Then, in 2019, singer and rapper Lizzo tapped Armstrong to join her onstage at the MTV Video Music Awards. The joyous, powerful performance presented full-figured dancers to 1.93 million viewers nationwide, with the YouTube clip boasting nearly 7 million more views in the months that followed. It was a national coming-out for not just Lizzo, but for Armstrong and the empowering movement she’d created.
But it didn’t end there. Shortly after the MTV performance, Pretty BIG’s social media content drew the attention of Dove. Armstrong’s message of self-love and body positivity fit perfectly in line with
Dove’s latest campaign focused on challenging beauty stereotypes. The brand produced a web mini-documentary about Armstrong’s journey to self-acceptance, helping launch Pretty BIG’s message to a new, larger audience, and the response has been profound.
In addition to the thousands of likes and shares on the video were heartfelt comments like this one:
“I needed this growing up. I have been plus size all of my life and my passion has always been dance. Unfortunately, I didn’t fit the image of the industry. I experienced much of the rejection [Armstrong has]. I counted myself out, but God didn’t. Today I am CEO of a dance enrichment program. I hope you read this message because you need to know you inspire. Not to mention y’all moves and choreography is fire!”
Armstrong has worked with artists like Beyoncé, Janet Jackson, Lizzo, Salt-N-PEPA, SWV, Jennifer Hudson, Jasmine Sullivan, Daddy Yankee, Big Freedia, television performances on Lip Sync Battle, Black Girls Rock, and the 2019 MTV VMAs, and even a stint on Netflix’s Dance 100 dance competition show.
The efforts of Armstrong to build a more inclusive dance industry that welcomes plus sizes got a boost when New York City banned discrimination based on weight and height last November. The New York Times featured Armstrong’s story with photos of her and her dance company in a story titled “Dancers of All Sizes Hope Change Follows a Discrimination Ban.”
Pretty Big Movement “offers dance workshops across the world to all, while still creating an intentional space for full figured people,” according to its website. “Pretty BIG heavily supports a ‘No Judgement’ environment. It is in these spaces that individuals can feel comfortable dancing and being in community with others. To learn more about Armstrong’s organization Pretty Big Movement, visit its website at https://prettybigmedia.wixsite.com/prettybigmovement.
WPNR Alumni Host a Friday DJ Session
From left to right, alumni Paul DeLaubell, Kirk Starczewski, Bill Lee, Burt Stein, and Ed Naidamast, who all attended Utica University during the 70s, made a campus visit to the WPNR radio studio in August. Naidamast organized the visit with the help of Mark Kovacs, the university’s community relations coordinator,
Vinny Rinaldi, ’08, head of Media & Analytics for the Hershey Company, won the 2024 Leadership in Advertising from AdExchanger.
Vinny Rinaldi, ’08, an alumnus of the management and marketing program, was an alumni adviser for the newly developed Digital Media Marketing major at Utica University.
Rinaldi, head of Media & Analytics for the Hershey Company, received his undergraduate degree from Utica University in business management with a marketing concentration. Before joining Hershey, he worked at Wavemaker as its head of investment and activation. He also worked at Amazon as a principal programmatic partner, and at Dentsu Aegis Network as vice president of audience platforms. Rinaldi has also worked at Google, Adap.tv, ESPN and Audience Science.
AdExchanger, an online news site provides coverage of programmatic advertising and its data-driven marketing technology ecosystem. Since 2008, it has earned a spot as the leading voice covering how technology and data are transforming digital media and advertising.
and Kim Landon, emeritus professor of journalism. The alums conducted a weekend DJ session and then Station Manager Douglas Croft recorded an off-air podcast-like interview with them. An edited version of the podcast will be available in the future.
Larry Platt, ’85, Discusses His Documentary with Students
Football is fun but you have to have a story. That was the message from Utica University ’85 alumnus Larry Platt, the writer and producer of Amazon’s top documentary film, “Kelce”. Platt Zoomed in to Professor David Chanatry’s documentary filmmaking class to discuss his film and career during the fall 2024 semester.
Platt told students about the challenges of making the film, which followed the Philadelphia Eagles All-Pro center Jason Kelce during the 2022 NFL season. The story Platt said he wanted to tell was about an athlete at the top of his game trying to decide whether to step away, a decision made more difficult for Kelce by the suc-
cess of his Super Bowl bound team.
Platt explained to the class the importance of getting full access to a film’s main subject, and their understanding that there is not a preordained outcome to the story. During the class, the storyteller had some inside details about what it was like filming Kelce and his wife, Kylie, at home, as well as the other all-pro member of the family, brother Travis. (For the record, Kelce was shot before Travis met Taylor, so there were no Swift sightings on film.)
Platt said once Kylie was comfortable the project became smooth sailing. He explained how establishing a relationship with the subjects helps create an organic story that feels real to the audience. Achieving this for the Kelce film came with hours and hours of moments with the subjects over a two-year period and, above all else, always thinking about the story.
Platt is a former columnist for the Phil-
Richard Puff, ’81, Retires as Chief Communications Officer for University of Cincinnati College of Medicine
Richard Puff,’81, a long-time RSI advisory committee member, recently retired as chief communication officer for the University of Cincinnati College of Medicine.
Before his tenure at the University of Cincinnati College of Medicine, Puff was assistant vice president of public relations and communication for the University of Cincinnati Academic Health Center for more than 20 years. He also worked as the associate director of the medical center news office for Duke University Medical Center and as the associate director
of public relations for Albany Medical Center.
Puff was a key member of the team that coordinated communications efforts following a heart/lung transplant mismatch at Duke in February 2003, which resulted in international news coverage. For those efforts, he and his colleagues were named winners of the 2004 PR NEWS Platinum PR Award in the crisis management category and finalists in the media relations category.
The communications team also received an award for excellence from the Association of American Medical Colleges (AAMC) and an honorable mention award for crisis communications from the Public Relations Society of America (PRSA) Health Academy.
Puff is the co-author of a chapter on crisis communications in the textbook
adelphia Inquirer, edited the Philadelphia Daily News, and was the longtime editor for the Philadelphia Magazine. In 2013, Platt co-founded The Philadelphia Citizen, a non-profit media outlet.
Platt has written or cowritten a number of books including: “Walking Miracle: How Faith, Positive Thinking, and Passion for Football Brought Me Back from Paralysis – Ryan Shazier,” about football player Shazier, “Life is Magic,” a story about NFL athlete and professional magician Jon Dorenbos, “Only the Strong Survive: The Odyssey of Allen Iverson,” “Just Tell Me I Can’t: How Jamie Moyer Defied the Radar Gun and Defeated Time,” “Keepin’ It Real: A Turbulent Season at the Crossroads with the NBA,” “Every Day I Fight: Making a Difference and Kicking Cancer’s Ass,” a story about Stuart Scott, anchor and commentator for ESPN’s SportCenter, and “New Jack Jocks: Rebels, Race, and the American Athlete.”
Health Industry Communication: New Media, New Methods, New Message, published in August 2011 by Jones and Bartlett Learning.
An active member of the Association of American Medical Colleges (AAMC), Puff has served on the steering committee of the AAMC’s Group on Institutional Advancement (GIA). He also has received four GIA communications awards and is a five-time judge for the annual awards competition.
Puff started his communication career as a police reporter for the Utica Daily Press. He produced several baseball titles for the publishing industry.
Veteran News Editor Yvonne Dennis, ’91, Now at National Public Radio
Yvonne Dennis, ’91, left The Wall Street Journal 19 days shy of 19 years employment to join a new editing team at National Public Radio in Washington D.C. At the Wall Street Journal, Dennis was a news and publishing editor.
On Oct. 7, 2024, Yvonne became senior editor, overnight, for the Editorial Review Desk, also called “Backstop.” NPR says Backstop “is the new system we announced in May as part of a larger effort to enhance our editorial operations as a unified Content Division.”
Dennis’ position will focus on ensuring excellence, fairness, accuracy and consistency of individual works across platforms, recognizing that formats, story selection and story-telling techniques will and should vary for different platforms. The editing team will also maximize the use of existing editing, legal and standards and practices protocols and arrange additional editing support for critical content.
Prior to joining the Wall Street Journal, Dennis was the assistant news editor at the Philadelphia Daily News for 12 years.
Dennis has taught undergraduate students writing and editing at The College of New Jersey, Hunter College and Temple University, and graduate students at Craig Newmark Graduate School of Journalism at CUNY.
Utica University students listen to Yvonne Dennis at the Wall Street Journal office in New York City in 2018 during a Communication in Action class that explored journalism and public relations during spring break week in the city.
Bob Longo, TV Executive Announces Retirement
After 35 years in broadcasting, Bob Longo, ’82, retired as vice president and general manager of Cox Media Group TV – Jacksonville: WJAX and Hoffman Communication’s WFOX, effective Dec. 31.
Longo’s career started in radio as a reporter, anchor, news director and talk host before moving to TV as a reporter and anchor, executive producer and news director.
He led newsrooms in Binghamton and Buffalo, N.Y.; Hartford, Conn.; Pittsburgh; Orlando and Jacksonville, Fla. He joined Cox Media Group in 2014 and was promoted to vice president and general manager in 2017.
Longo published his debut novel, a crime thriller titled “Boomerang Bandito,” in 2019.
In a Utica University article, Longo recalled how his journalism classes influenced his career in broadcasting:
“The discipline of writing – the do’s and don’ts and the basic rules are all things I was exposed to first at UC and came to know as necessities. I had no clue whatsoever at an early age that every great story is rooted in structure and discipline and grammar. At 19, I thought you just winged it and took what was in your head and put it on paper and that gosh darn it, people would accept it as entertainment and me as an artist. Oh man, there is so much more. So, yeah, those basics – my foundation – was formed there.”
RSI Outstanding Alumnus Bruce Maguire, ’80, Retires from Agency Life
Carve Communications has acquired consumer PR agency Freeman Public Relations, which was led by Utica University alumnus Bruce Maguire, ’80. He is a Raymond Simon Institute Outstanding Alumnus. The New Jersey-based agency was known for its work in the toy industry. From 1980-1997 he was a Mattel and Tyco Toys consultant in addition to being president of Freeman PR.
As for the future, Longo says he’s looking forward to several creative projects – a novel that is already in the works and a planned podcast that will be equal parts health advice, humor and lessons in avoiding life’s tougher lessons.
Do You Have an Alumni Update?
The Raymond Simon Institute welcomes professional and personal updates about Utica University public relations/journalism/communication alumni. If you or someone you know has achieved a professional accomplishment or just has something interesting to share, please submit that information to RSI Executive Director Patricia Swann at pswann@utica.edu. The RSI newsletter plans to publish annually.
Maguire and his agency handled the public relations for the 1996 Tickle Me Elmo craze when the day after Thanksgiving the new toy sold out unexpectedly.
The Tickle Me Elmo craze was compared to the earlier Cabbage Patch Doll product shortage, when shoppers fought in stores for the scarce item. According to news accounts, people chased after Tickle Me Elmo delivery trucks and a store stampede of about 300 people resulted in one Wal-Mart employee being injured.
The Freeman PR promotional campaign included product placements and giveaways on a popular TV show called The Rosie O’Donnell Show, media training Tyco Preschool executives for highstakes interviews, and responding to hundreds of other media requests.
Beyond toys, Freeman PR has represented a wide variety of clients including Jeep, Entenmann’s, Sara Lee Snacks, Cloud B, and ShedRain.
According to a PRWeek article, Maguire will work for Carve as a consultant for six months during the transition and then “depart the agency for ‘mostly retirement’ where he intends to play with the toys he’s accumulated over his 40-year tenure at the helm of the firm and with his 70pound golden retriever Barney, he said.”
PR/J Alumni are Leaders at Utica University
Utica University is fortunate to attract some of our public relations and journalism graduates. What’s truly interesting is that these public relations/journalism alumni are in key leadership positions at Utica University. While their leadership roles may not specifically have communication in their titles, each one said their college experience has stayed with them throughout their careers.
Q: What are your professional accomplishments?
Kelly Adams, ’00, Vice President for Presidential Affairs/Marketing & Communication
Q: What are your position responsibilities?
A: As my overly long title would suggest, my role has two primary aspects, which I believe are appropriately interrelated and thus align particularly well. I provide strategic and operational leadership supporting the university president as well as the university’s priorities. I serve as an advisor and sounding board for the president and represent the president and university whenever appropriate, including advising the Board of Trustees on strategic communications and university procedures. I oversee the university’s integrated marketing communications, brand strategy and positioning, public relations, media relations, content strategy, and internal and crisis communications, while leading the Office of Marketing and Communications. I develop and direct marketing communications strategies in alignment with and in support of the institution’s mission, vision, strategic initiatives, and key success metrics, especially student recruitment, alumni engagement, and fundraising.
A: I earned my M.S. in higher postsecondary education administration from Syracuse University in 2008. During my nearly 24-year tenure at Utica University, I have had the pleasure and privilege of supporting, from a public relations perspective, several major institutional initiatives, including but not limited to a successful tuition reset and the transition to university status. In addition to my work here at Utica, I have served on consultation teams that have assessed and advised communications and marketing departments at other universities, primarily around the areas of strategic communications, advancement communications, and brand positioning.
transfer students on the academic side that is by far the most rewarding aspect of the job. Helping students navigate their path so that they have a fantastic experience and then remain invested in the institution.
Q: What are your professional accomplishments?
A: Outside of Utica University I’ve served on the boards of directors, most recently, the Children’s Dyslexia Center of Central, New York in Oriskany, New York.
Q: How do you think your undergraduate experience helped you professionally?
A: My professional career at Utica (College) University started in admissions. I very purposefully pursued the position as an admissions counselor because I had such a fantastic experience at Utica I wanted to recruit more students to the institution. Those experiences in undergrad included having tremendous profes-
Q: How do you think your undergraduate experience helped you professionally?
A: I’ve been asked this question many times, and my answer is invariably the same. More than anything else, my undergraduate experience here at Utica taught me how to think - specifically, how to think like a professional communicator. By that I mean how to think multidimensionally and understand audiences.
Mariah Kane ’00, Director of Transfer Services
Q: What are your position responsibilities?
A: Presently, I am the Director of Transfer Services working in the Registrar’s Office. I feel extremely lucky to be working with such a great team. The responsibility of Transfer Services does support recruitment efforts, but it is working with our
sors like Kim Landon, Cecilia Friend and Joseph Zappala as well as internships in the PR office and alumni office.
Kristin Phelps, ’02, Director of Human Resources
Q: What are your position responsibilities?
A: As director of human resources, I oversee all functions of human resources, particularly in the areas of student, faculty, and staff recruitment, compensa-
tion planning and administration, and compliance. I work closely with the president to set the strategic direction of the HR organization.
Q: What are your professional accomplishments?
I received my master’s degree in human resources and am a member of both the local and national chapters of the Society for Human Resources Management.
I am proud of the work I have been able to do here at Utica and the opportunities that I have been given. My career began here as an Administrative Assistant in the School of Arts and Sciences. I then took a position as the Employment Specialist in Human Resources, and from there I transitioned into the benefits side of HR as the Benefits Administrator. In March 2024, I accepted the role of Director of Human Resources.
Q: How do you think your undergraduate experience helped you professionally?
A: While I was a student, I wasn’t sure exactly what I wanted to do with my degree, and even though I am not directly in the Public Relations field, I feel the skills I learned from courses, and the connections I had with my faculty have had a lasting impact for me. From writing job postings and announcements to publicly communicating with a diverse population of students, staff, faculty, and the outside community, there is not a day that goes by that I am not using the skills I learned throughout my Undergraduate program.
Richard Racioppa, ’93, Dean of Students
Q: What are your position responsibilities?
A: As the Dean of Students at Utica University, my primary role is to foster a sup-
portive, inclusive, and enriching environment for all students. I oversee the student life division, which includes Residence Life and Housing, Student Activities, orientation, and co-curricular activities; the Health and Wellness Center, which addresses our students’ physical and mental health needs, and conduct and community standards. My responsibilities include advocating for student needs, addressing concerns, and supporting initiatives that promote their well-being and success. I work closely with faculty, staff, and student leaders to create and maintain a campus culture prioritizing academic and personal growth.
pation with the staff in the Office of Student Success by more than 500% in one semester. This led to a significant increase in first-to-second-year retention rates for our students.
Q: How do you think your undergraduate experience helped you professionally?
Q: What are your professional accomplishments?
A: I hold a master’s degree in student affairs in higher education from Indiana University of Pennsylvania. Through the years, I’ve completed various programs in conflict resolution, mental health support, and diversity training, which allow me to serve better and support our diverse student body. I’ve developed initiatives that have significantly increased student engagement and retention throughout my career. For instance, I have created successful multi-day, summer orientation programs for incoming firstyear students at both of my previous institutions. During my time at Utica, I was able to increase engagement and partici-
A: The mentorship I received as a student from (then) Director of Counseling Steve Pattarini, Dean of Students Robert Woods and Barry Davis, director of student activities-programming, set me on a path to a career in higher education. I was involved in several student organizations, working as a photographer for the Tangerine, as Editor of the yearbook, and as the student coordinator of orientation. These positions taught me leadership, collaboration, and how to work effectively with individuals from different backgrounds and perspectives. This hands-on involvement helped me understand the importance of a supportive campus culture and provided me with skills that directly inform my approach as a dean today.
Academically, I was a swirling student. I was in three majors before I found a home in public relations. Professors like Jack Beherns and Kim Landon stressed the crucial role that professionalism plays in building trust and credibility with the people you interact with, regardless of your particular role. I learned the importance of integrity in communication; honesty, transparency, and acting responsibly is essential to maintaining positive relationships and reputations. These are principles I use every day; both in my role as a professional, and in my personal life. I sincerely believe the faculty and staff at Utica College helped shape me into the professional I am today.
Adjunct Professor is Interim President for Oneida County Tourism
Pietra Yozzo, adjunct professor in our public relations and marketing programs, was named interim President for Oneida County Tourism.
She brings over 16 years of experience across corporate marketing and government sectors. Pietra’s career began in 2008 as an analyst for the New York State Assembly Ways and Means Committee. She then served as the Director of Communications for an association supporting New York State counties. Yozzo’s expertise in corporate marketing spans ten years, during which she worked as a Strategic Project Coordinator and later as a Marketing Operations Manager, overseeing a team of four specializing in
operations management, data strategy, and compliance. In between her roles in corporate marketing, Yozzo also worked for the Oneida County Board of Legislators as a legislative analyst, gaining insight into the county’s legislative and executive functions.
In 2023, she founded a freelance marketing business, Pietra Marketing, LLC, where she supports local businesses with social media management, operations and brand strategy, consulting, and more. In addition, Pietra is an adjunct lecturer at Utica University, where she teaches three marketing courses.
Her certifications in marketing, including the American Bankers Association’s CFMP, and her current and past participation in community organizations like Big Brothers Big Sisters and the PTA, further demonstrate her commitment to quality.
On October 2, 2024, Professor of Communication Jeff Miller gave a public lecture, “Red Lines and ‘White Nooses’: How Racially-Segregated Neighborhoods were Intentionally Created in Utica, Rome, and the Surrounding Suburbs,” at The Other Side [community-based non-profit educational space], Utica, NY.
This past summer he was appointed by Our Local History as a Research Consultant, to provide data related to the history of redlining and racial covenants in the greater Utica/Rome area for OLH’s Resistance Mapping website [resistancemapping.org], in advance of plans to expand the website to include other cities across New York State.
On April 4, 2024, Miller presented his research, “Faith Seidenberg’s Legal Seminar and the Education of Community Organizers at Syracuse University’s
Community Action Training Center,” at the Joint Conference on Social Work and Social Development 2024, held in Panama City, Panama.
In 2024 he wrote a successful $3,870.00 GRACE grant (Grants for Regional Arts and Culture Engagement) from CNY Arts to support the 2024 campus film series (Spring and Fall).
Miller is programming and hosting two Irish films in the coming months at the Irish Cultural Center of the Mohawk Valley: “Violet Gibson: The Irish Woman Who Shot Mussolini,” and “The Job of Songs.” Miller will program and host more films in 2025.
This year he also had a photograph, “Amnesia (Freeman’s Barber Shop 19782017)” accepted to the Munson Arts Festival [juried exhibition], Munson Arts Institute (Utica, NY).
Jeff Miller
Marketing and Public Relations Classes Work
with Community Clients
Students in Professor Pietra Yozzo’s Principles of Marketing 211 (spring 2024) class put their knowledge and skills to practice by selecting a local business and developing a mock marketing communication plan for one product or service of this company. They were required to develop a marketing plan to showcase their ideas.
One student group chose Hemstrought’s Bakeries, established in 1920, and “home of the original halfmoon cookie.” The student team came up with a halfmoon cake pop product concept, essentially combining the popularity of the halfmoon cookies, with the convenience of eating them on a stick (as a cake pop). A social media post about the Halfmoon cake pop was created as part of the presentation.
CEO Dan Dowe was so impressed with the presentation that he offered student Zeniyah Gholson a part-time job.
In the Public Relations 385 Special Events and Campaigns class last semester, Professor Rosemary Bonacci’s students developed communication campaigns to help fund and supply the Tangerine Grove, an on-campus food pantry for students.
The class was divided into three teams: logistics, PR, and fundraising.
One student, Leah Marsden, created a raffle with proceeds benefitting the Tangerine Grove at her relative’s bar - 7 Hamlets Brewing during an October Fest event.
An example of a social media post to market the Halfmoon cake pop product.
Student Marketing Team with representatives of Hemstrought’s Bakeries: From left, student Eli Douglas, a representative from Hemstrought’s Bakeries, Dan Dowe, CEO of Hemstrought’s Bakeries, with students Zeniyah Gholson, Ruby Sutphin and Brenna Curran.
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Raymond Simon Institute Advisory Committee
Chris Bandura, ’99
Brad Buyce, ’91
Brooke Candelaria
Thomas Caputo, ’22
Yvonne Dennis, ’91
Marissa Filletti, ’14
Renee Gamela, ’03
Angie Grande, ’05
Dorree Gurdak, ’92
Deborah Kessler, ’90
Frank Maurizio, ’77
James McClendon, ’17
Tim McGowan, ’80
Maria Montero Silva, ’20
Robert O’Gara, ’67
Gina Pearce, ’94
Richard Puff, ’81
Jennifer Waters, ’22
Patricia Swann, RSI executive director and distinguished professor of public relations and management, pswann@utica.edu
Mary Christopher, RSI assistant director and director of Tangerine operations, mcchrist@ utica.edu