Class Notes

Allen Berger ’57, Savannah, GA, is an emeritus professor of reading and writing, Miami University (Ohio). His letter to the editor regarding banned books in Texas public schools was recently published in The New York Times. Anthony Garramone ’61, Utica, NY, retired from the New York State Judiciary in December 2020 after 38 years. He continues to serve as the attorney for the Utica Common Council. Dave Dudajek ’72, Whitesboro, NY, retired as opinion page editor from the Observer-Dispatch in May 2020 after 47 years in journalism. He’s currently spending quality time with his wife of nearly 50 years, Jan, and keeping watch over five grandchildren. Dan Chmielewski ’83, Irvine, CA, is the owner of Madison Alexander Public Relations Inc. The company was recently named the “Most Innovative PR firm for Infosec Companies” by Cyber Defense Magazine (CDM), the industry’s leading electronic information security magazine. Sharun Goodwin-Jones ’87, Brooklyn, NY, was awarded the Power Women of Manhattan Award by the New York City Department of Probation. Goodwin currently serves as the deputy commissioner adult operations for the New York City Department of Probation. Dyann Nashton ’88, Oneida, NY, recently released an anthology, Main, celebrating small-town America through stories of family-owned businesses, including her own. Her tale, “Candy is Strong When the Marrow is Sweet,” is an insider’s look at how Turkey Joints candy are made and a teenager’s coming-of-age story set in Rome, NY. Gina Pearce ’94, Utica, NY, is executive director with the CNY Conservancy. This nonprofit has been maintaining and beautifying Utica’s F.T. Proctor Park, T.R. Proctor Park, Roscoe Conklin Park, and the Memorial Parkway for 20 years. Patrick Cooley ’95, Watertown, MA, is senior director, executive and employee communications, for Commvault, a New Jersey-based technology company. Sideya Sherman ’00, New York, NY, was appointed by the Mayor of New York as commissioner of the new Office of Equity in New York City. The Mayor’s Office of Equity is comprised of the Commission on Gender Equity, Young Men’s Initiative, Unity Project, Racial Justice Commission, Taskforce on Racial Inclusion & Equity, and Pay Equity Cabinet. Maria Karina Ochoa ’06, Utica, NY, works for the Department of Finance Accounting Services (DFAS). In January 2022, she received the DFAS Quarterly Award, a national honor. Kyle Henry ’08, Brooklyn, NY, is head coach of the varsity boys’ basketball program at East New York Family Academy. Courtney Witherspoon ’08, Amherst, NY, is serving students and families through the College Advising Corps. at the University of Connecticut. Victoria Wilson CruzGriffith ’12, Mableton, GA, was recently promoted to account director at MC2, globally recognized brand experience solutions agency. Christian Leogrande ’14, G’15, Whitesboro, NY, has been promoted to vice president, medical groups, for Mohawk Valley Health System. Alexandrya Pope ’14, Utica, NY, graduated from Saint Joseph’s University in Philadelphia with a master’s degree in Experimental Psychology. She is currently working at Yale University as a research assistant within the Psychiatry Department. She will be attending Southern Connecticut State University’s Social Work Clinical MSW program in August 2022. [1, far right] Noelle Hamilton ’20, Schenectady, NY, is a graduate student at Sacred Heart University studying Strategic Communications and Public Relations. In May 2022, she presented her research at the International Communications Association (ICA) Conference in Paris, France; her study examines how being a black woman and a small business owner affects branding strategies.

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Eliana Lee ’20, Boston, MA, has joined software company LinkSquares as a legal engineer.

Ruhi White ’20, Saratoga Springs, NY, is currently working as a data analyst for Field Services at New York State United Teachers (NYSUT). Sean Kittle ’21, Sauquoit, NY, is teaching English Language Arts at Little Falls City School District. Jason Puleri G’21, Colorado Springs, CO, is a contractor supporting U.S. Space Force programs in Colorado Springs. He is also a retired military law enforcement officer and has partnered with non-profit organization Shield 616 to raise money to purchase better body armor for local law enforcement officers.

BIRTHS & ADDITIONS

[2] Athena Cappelli ’04, Henderson, NV, and husband, Jeremy Wallace, welcomed a baby girl, Olive Giavanna, Feb. 4, 2022. Maria Karina Ochoa ’06, Utica, NY, and husband, Cory Cantales, welcomed a baby girl, Claire Genevieve, in August 2020. [3] Craig Martel ’07, Rome, NY, and wife, Kristina, welcomed a baby boy, Conor, August 31, 2021. [4] Matt Falso ’09, Clifton Park, NY, and wife, Katie Gardner Falso ’09, welcomed a son, Nick, in 2021.

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Helping Students See Stars: Sarah Robinson ’16, G’20

By Joshua Ward ’24

Sarah Robinson ’16, G’20 is doing what she loves. Robinson graduated from Utica University in 2016 with a bachelor’s degree in geoscience and initial certification in adolescent education. She began teaching at Mount Markham Central School District while finishing graduate school, earning a master’s in leadership and instruction for inclusive classrooms. Now, she gets to put it all into practice. Robinson currently teaches earth science, living environment, and astronomy — a course that she created. The astronomy elective has developed into a student-centered, project-based course that is tailored to the various interests of students each year. “There’s nothing quite like that ‘lightbulb’ moment when students grasp a concept they’ve been struggling with. I want my students to be curious about the world around them, try to expand their knowledge and ask ‘why?’” says Robinson. To that end, in 2021, Robinson applied and won a grant from the New York State Association for Computers and Technology in Education (NYSCATE). The funds will provide a new telescope to give astronomy students an up-close look at the solar system and provide the community with a powerful, educational resource. “With this telescope, students will be able to observe the solar and lunar surfaces, in addition to stars and planets. Students will be engaged in various projects throughout the course of a school year to track changes in the surfaces as well as to study the planets,” says Robinson. “We plan to create a class website showcasing images taken of their targets, as well as an outreach program in which the students hold observation days/ nights for the school community.”

Major Props: Crystal Hayner ’19

To the unfamiliar, Crystal Hayner ’19 describes her field of theatrical props design like this: “Look around the room you are in. What do you see? I have a succulent on my windowsill, a duck stuffed animal at the foot of my bed, pictures hanging on the wall, water bottles and books on my dresser, and so on. While these are everyday items in your house, these are also considered props!” Props, explains Hayner, are items that performers use during a theatrical production, and prop design, is “helping to create the world that is set through the director and the set designer by adding the detailed items that could be seen in your own home and are used by performers.” Hayner, who majored in communications with a concentration in theatre at Utica, recently graduated from Louisiana State University with a master’s degree in theatrical props design. During summer 2022, she served as a prop apprentice at the renowned Glimmerglass Opera House in Cooperstown, New York, honing her craft — and more. “I’ve done scenic woodworking, fine woodworking, foam carving, reupholstery, painting, and other smaller tasks,” says Hayner. “I’ve enjoyed working with the people in my department, but also meeting and making connections in other departments, as well.” Hayner credits her Utica education, especially courses with Theatre Professor Laura Salvaggio, for helping her find her niche in the theatre world. “Professor Salvaggio taught me so much when it came to set design, scenic painting, and props. She’s the reason I went to grad school. She taught me to always push forward and do the best I can.” And as she continues learning in the theatre world, Hayner has her sights set on the biggest stage of all: Broadway (“that would mean I made it big!”). But as for what show she’d choose to work on? That’s a tougher question. “Being able to work on ANY Broadway show would make me happy, but The Phantom of the Opera was the first musical theatre show I ever saw on Broadway, and it’s the one that made me fall in love with musical theatre. Wicked is another top favorite of mine, and I would love to work on the Grimmerie, a prop book used throughout the show.”

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WEDDINGS

[5] David Cooney ’20, Camden-on-Gauley, WV, married Kendra Hayhurst on April 23, 2022. [6] Mary Warfel ’18, Clinton, NY, married Mack Moquin on October 16, 2021.

IN MEMORIAM

Louis Anelli ’50, Melbourne, FL, February 5, 2021. Donald B. Klein ’50, Palm Beach Gardens, FL, December 5, 2021. Dr. Walter L. Sadowski ’51, Montgomery Village, MD, October 28, 2021. Rita Forsyth ’53, Novato, CA, April 10, 2022. Gordon P. Krueger ’53, Oneida, NY, April 2, 2022. Frances M. Miller ’55, Laguna Niguel, CA, April 9, 2021. Lyn Heywood Simon ’56, New Hartford, NY, April 26, 2022. Mary W. Gates ’57, Webster, NY, January 29, 2022. Guy W. Schaff ’57, Herkimer, NY, March 28, 2022. Walter Litynsky ’58, Wynantskill, NY, November 22, 2021. Dr. Joel P. Amidon ’59, Blossvale, NY, June 4, 2022. Barbara Eldridge ’60, Sterling, VA, May 24, 2020. Carol J. Morse ’60, Geneva, NY, January 24, 2022. Dr. Albert Altongy ’61, Annapolis, MD, November 15, 2021. John W. Dimbleby ’61, Whitesboro, NY, May 20, 2022. Deforest W. Waite ’61, Rome, NY, March 22, 2022. Marlow F. Edwards ’62, Rome, NY, May 31, 2022. Thomas J. Hurley ’62, Troy, MO, March 6, 2022. Howard C. Welch ’62, Utica, NY, November 25, 2021. Colonel Joseph A. Campanaro, USA, (Ret.) ‘63, Utica, NY, May 10, 2022. Raymond J. Murphy ’63, Oneida, NY, February 3, 2022. Edward A. Stores ’63, Wyoming, NY, April 28, 2022. Francis J. Gramlich ’64, Speculator, NY, October 21, 2021. Mary A. Plantz ’64, Utica, NY, November 16, 2021. Robert A. Toro ’64, Liverpool, NY, January 23, 2022.

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William J. McLaughlin ’65, Whitesboro, NY, January 27, 2022. Curtis F. Darling ’68, Winter Haven, FL, February 23, 2021. Joseph A. Spero ’68, Utica, NY, January 29, 2022. Carol J. Brooks ’69, Webster, NY, March 31, 2022. Robert M. Carnevale ’69, Canastota, NY, November 19, 2021. Frank E. Guilfoil Jr. ’69, Union Bridge, MD, February 17, 2022. Barbara H. Cale ’70, Utica, NY, February 14, 2022. Mary Wright ’70, Flagler Beach, FL, April 30, 2022. Barbara M. Cavoly ’71, Marcy, NY, March 28, 2022. Bonnie Walsh ’71, Whitesboro, NY, May 29, 2022. Anthony C. DeNadai ’72, Utica, NY, February 9, 2022. Ronald L. MacMaster ’72, Clinton, NY, November 20, 2021. Joseph L. Parry ’72, Rome, NY, April 19, 2022. Kenneth M. Jalowiec ’73, Woodbridge, VA, December 3, 2021. Carolyn L. Barnum ’74, Port St. Lucie, FL, December 31, 2021. John M. Coupe ’74, Sauquoit, NY, March 3, 2022. Walter G. Hiscox ’74, Durhamville, NY, November 11, 2021. Richard LaNeve Sr. ’74, Clinton, NY, March 25, 2022. William L. Orlando ’75, New Hartford, NY, January 1, 2022. Anthony A. Sardino ’75, Camillus, NY, December 24, 2021. John J. Revere ’76, Minneapolis, MN, February 26, 2022. Marylou Smerecznik ’76, Wall Township, NJ, October 22, 2021. Raymond F. Rowland Sr. ’77, Ilion, NY, April 10, 2022. Sherry K. Wood ’77, Estero, FL, December 17, 2021. James E. Hopkins ’82, Moravia, NY, November 12, 2021. Daniel G. Buck ’85, Barneveld, NY, January 21, 2022. George M. James ’86, Gloucester, VA, November 18, 2021. Michael G. Mandry ’88, Utica, NY, November 29, 2021. Lorraine Rotundo ’89, Poland, NY, January 31, 2022. John C. Gunlogson ’93, Canastota, NY, March 19, 2022. Kevin J. Lindsey ’99, Cohoes, NY, November 26, 2021. Joseph M. Schramp Jr. ’99, Lee Center, NY, February 18, 2022. Michael C. Parnell ’02, New Hartford, NY, December 2, 2021. Mary Sauer ’18, Saugerties, NY, October 30, 2021. Alyssa C. Parrino ’22, Fort Plain, NY, December 30, 2021. John Paul Ramel ’22, Pipersville, PA, April 10, 2022.

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In Memoriam: Lyn Heywood Simon ’56

August 28, 1934 - April 26, 2022 By Joshua Ward ’24

Lyn Heywood Simon ’56 was a role model, particularly for young women, says her friend Kim Landon ’75, emeritus professor of public relations and journalism. “Lyn was an inspiring example of how a woman could manage her family and her career, and live life on her own terms,” says Landon. After graduating from Utica in 1956 with a bachelor’s degree in public relations, Simon went on to further her education at Northwestern University, where she earned a master’s degree in journalism. She landed a job as a newspaper journalist at the Waterloo Daily Courier in Iowa. She followed that with a four-year stint with the United Press International’s radio news bureau, which was the first network to offer radio and television networks across the country. Returning to Utica in 1961, Simon was named the women’s editor of the Observer-Dispatch. Later that same year, she married Raymond Simon, the legendary professor of public relations at Utica University. Simon then returned to school. In 1976, she graduated from Syracuse University College of Law. According to a feature article in the Observer-Dispatch in the 1980s, Lyn successfully juggled three jobs: journalist, mother, and lawyer. “We all knew her as Professor Simon’s wife, who would drop off their two little girls at his office on her way to classes at Syracuse University,” said Landon. “We all admired her.” She entered private practice, where she was named the attorney to the Utica City School District Board of Education. Eventually she took a position at Oneida-Herkimer-Madison Board of Cooperative Educational Services (BOCES), where she stayed until her retirement. She also served on the board of directors for Faxton St. Luke’s Hospital. Utica University’s Simon Convergence Media Center named its broadcast studio after her in 2007. In 2013, Simon was named Outstanding Public Relations/Journalism Alumna by the Raymond Simon Institute Board (RSI). An avid reader and sports fan, Simon kept lists of every author and book she read, along with notes about the ones she especially liked or disliked. Married to Raymond for 56 years, Simon is survived by two daughters: Melissa (Simon) Berczuk, and Brooke (Simon) Candelaria, who serves on the RSI Advisory Board, and a grandson, Daniel Berczuk.

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BLOOM SERVICE

After another long Utica winter, there’s no surer sign of spring than bright blooms emerging on campus. Photo credit: Victoria DeLuca ’24

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