Class Notes

Barbara Jordan ’75, Tarpon Springs, FL is retired and enjoying life. Jordan is a member of the Utica College Florida Regional Alumni Network steering committee and volunteers with the College as a career mentor.

Dawn Chmielewski '83

Dawn Chmielewski ’83, Irvine, CA, joined Reuters as U.S. entertainment business correspondent. Chmielewski is an award-winning journalist who has covered business, entertainment, and technology for more than three decades. Her work has appeared in Forbes, USA Today, U.S. News & World Report and The Los Angeles Times.

Gina Polk ’83, Monument, CO, is the secretary/treasurer for the family-owned CPA firm Messari Group Ltd.

Brad Buyce ’91, Marietta, GA, is senior public relations manager at Paylocity in the Atlanta Metro Area.

Dorree Gurdak ’92, Tampa, FL, is senior vice president of Pollock Communications’ Consumer Division.

Bill Fonda ’94, Acton, MA, is editor with the Monadnock Ledger-Transcript, a twiceweekly paper in New Hampshire.

Robert Patterson ’98, Kansas City, MO, has been promoted to senior vice president of marketing technology at MMGY Global.

Barbara Lavalette ’99, Raleigh, NC, was promoted to creative director for content design in the CIO Design organization at IBM.

Timothy Conover ’01, New York City, received a master’s degree in healthcare administration in April 2021.

Marino Panchano ’04, Jackson Heights, NY, is an editorial producer at MLB.com.

Weilling Chen ’05, Oakland Gardens, NY, is a store manager at Eastern Market in Gainesville, FL.

Amelia Zwecher ’05, Farmingdale, NY, is a human resources manager at Legal Services NYC. She is also an adjunct professor in the School of Human Capital Management at Columbia University.

Michael Shaw '06

Michael Shaw ’06, Naples, FL, received the Greater Naples Chamber of Commerce Distinguished Public Service Award for his work during the pandemic. He has worked for Collier County in Florida as an emergency management coordinator – operations since 2012. He is the chairman of the Florida Emergency Preparedness Association’s WebEOC Working Group, lead instructor of Incident Command System courses in Collier County, and the county’s training and exercise lead for disaster preparedness.

Cristel Byrne Giglio ’08, Colchester, VT, graduated from Albany Medical College with a master’s degree in biomedical ethics in May 2021 and is a Clinical Ethics Fellow in at the University of Vermont Medical Center. She co-authored a paper recently published in the Journal of Hospital Ethics.

Zachary Hutchinson ’08, Rome, NY, was named “Hero of the Month” by Mohawk Valley Community Action Agency in July 2021. He is a Resource Specialist with MVCAA.

Matthew Coppola ’10, Sparta, NJ, is associate director of digital and product communications at Daiichi Sankyo in New Jersey.

Katie Vroom '10

Katie Vroom ’10, Mount Pleasant, SC, is Vice President at Gregory FCA in New York City. It is one of the 50 largest public relations firms in the country.

Alexzandra Carletta ’11, 2nd from left

Alexzandra Carletta ’11, Rome, NY, a patrol officer with the Rome Police Department, was awarded the 2021 Yellow Rose of Challenge Award by the Professional and Business Women of Rome in October 2021. The honor is given annually to women who make a positive impact in the community.

Carolina Guzman ’13, Bronx, NY, is senior project manager at 21GRAMS.

Christian Leogrande ’14, G’15, Whitesboro, NY, has been promoted to director of finance - medical group at Mohawk Valley Health System.

Devan Rodriguez ’15, Utica, NY, graduated from SUNY Buffalo with a M.S. in adolescent education in ELA. He is currently writing a novel and looking forward to teaching high school in the fall.

Gerald Testa ’15, Utica, NY, is communications specialist at Mohawk Valley Community Action Agency.

Amanda Nardozzi ’16, Albany, NY, is communications and events coordinator at Christian Brothers Academy in Albany.

Marissa Filletti ’17, Utica, NY, has been promoted to senior digital content specialist at Terrakeet.

Spencer Mayo ’18, New York City, graduated from Mary Baldwin University with an MFA in Shakespeare and Performance. He is an audiobook narrator for Audible.

Ed Combs ’18, Trenton, IL, is a senior principal engineer, Solutions Architect for Dell Technologies.

Kaleigh Congdon Verra ’18, Niskayuna, NY, is full-time nurse at Oak Hill School.

John Verra ’18, Niskayuna, NY, is a social studies teacher at Lansingburgh High School and was recently hired as the head JV football coach for the 2021 school year.

Jordan Leogrande ’19, Dallas, TX, has been promoted to estimator I, Austin Commercial National Aviation Division.

Andrew Ruyack ’19, Boiling Springs, SC, is a recreation therapy coordinator for Charles Lea Center, a nonprofit supporting individuals with disabilities and chronic medical conditions.

Helping Athletes Bounce Back: Ivan Iton ’18, G’21

Ivan Iton '18, G'21

Ivan Iton ’18, G’21 is no stranger to the rigors of athletics. The Doctor of Physical Therapy alum and standout basketball player was twice named the Empire 8 Conference Defensive Player of the Year and is ranked fifth on the College’s all-time scoring list, second in career blocks, and third in career rebounds.

In August 2021, Iton began a one-year physical therapy residency in Birmingham, Alabama, with ATI Physical Therapy, a nationally recognized rehabilitation provider, where he works with athletes from nearby Mountain Brook High School and Samford University.

“I have enjoyed every moment thus far,” he says. “I am working with some brilliant physical therapists who have worked with NBA and MLB athletes.”

Shortly before beginning his residency at ATI, Iton received the American Physical Therapy Association’s (APTA) prestigious 2021 Minority Scholarship Award.

The APTA presents the award to students who demonstrate exceptional participation in minority affairs activities, consistent academic excellence, and the potential for superior achievements in the profession of physical therapy.

Iton, who is from Ossining, NY, earned his bachelor’s degree in biology with a minor in chemistry from Utica College in 2018. As a student, Iton was a peer mentor in the Utica College Collegiate Science and Technology Entry Program (CSTEP) and also served in the Higher Education Opportunity Program (HEOP).

With his plans to take the APTA’s Sports Certified Specialist exam soon, Iton hopes to return to the basketball court— this time, on the other side of the bench.

“I hope to continue learning and gaining experience here,” he says, “and, eventually work my way to being a physical therapist for an NBA team.”

Carol Tran '19

Carol Tran ’19, Whitesboro, NY, is cybersecurity administrator at Adirondack Bank.

Kaitlyn Barlow ’20, Ilion, NY, is teaching Mathematics at Frankfort-Schuyler Central School District.

Samantha Ferretti ’20, Goshen, NY, has started a new position at Legoland New York as a teaching artist.

Olivia Harwick ’20, Oxford, MS, is a graduate student in the Computational Astrochemistry Group at the University of Mississippi.

Nicole Johnson ’20, Sherburne, NY, is a security and fraud specialist at Sidney Federal Credit Union.

Sarah Mirza ’20, Rome, NY, finished her second year of medical school and is currently a second lieutenant in the Air Force.

Kaitlyn Tambasco ’20, Fort Johnson, NY, is marketing associate at Temple Emanuel in Newton, Massachusetts.

Kaeli Ulatowski ’20, Herkimer, NY, is a preventive caseworker with Herkimer County Department of Social Services.

BIRTHS & ADDITIONS

Allison Marie Voce

Katherine Gleitsmann Voce ’12, Utica, NY, and her husband, Andrew Voce, welcomed a daughter, Allison Marie, on June 1, 2021.

Heather ‘12 and Dennis '13, G'15 Labossiere with son Noah James

Dennis Labossiere ’13, G’15 and his wife, Heather Labossiere ‘12, welcomed a son, Noah James Labossiere, on April 22, 2021.

WEDDINGS, ENGAGEMENTS & ANNIVERSARIES

Holly Harris ’05, Tampa, FL, and Calem Harris were married on February 20, 2021.

John ’14, G’18 and Kaleigh Congdon ’18 Verra

John Verra ’14, M.S. ’18, and Kaleigh Congdon Verra ’18, Niskayuna, NY, were married on July 9, 2021.

Amanda Nardozzi ’16, Albany, NY, is engaged to Bryan Beauchamp; they are planning a fall 2023 wedding.

Inah McGaughey ’19, Diboll, TX, was married in June 2020 and is expecting her first child in December 2021.

Taylor Hughes ’20, Vernon Center, NY, is engaged and planning an October 2022 wedding.

Maria Montero Silva ’20 and Anthony Vellone

Maria Montero Silva ’20, Utica, NY, married Anthony Vellone on June 20, 2021.

Kaeli Ulatowski ’20, Herkimer, NY, is engaged and planning a 2023 wedding.

IN MEMORIAM

Emil E. Trapani ’50, Kingwood, TX, April 4, 2021.

Sheldon Bernstein ’51, Palm Beach Gardens, FL, May 1, 2021.

Mary J. Thomaris ’52, Colton, NY, June 25, 2021.

Katherine K. Persons ’53, Northampton, MA, February 9, 2018.

Ernest Haar ’54, Palm Bay, FL, April 1, 2020.

Russell B. Myers Sr. ’54, Plant City, FL, March 29, 2021.

Gino Trevisani ’54, Waterville, NY, July 28, 2021.

Lora M. Wadsworth ’54, Clinton, NY, August 6, 2021.

Walter R. Richard ’55, East Herkimer, NY, October 8, 2021.

William H. Wilbur ’55, New Hartford, NY, June 3, 2021.

Robert T. Morris ’57, Venice, FL, March 9, 2021.

Rosemary L. De Vito ’58, Baldwinsville, NY, April 25, 2021.

Richard E. Rizio ’58, Washington, DC, May 25, 2021.

Michael J. Capparelli Jr. ’59, Rome, NY, June 4, 2021.

Rev. Nelson R. Reppert ’59, Ithaca, NY, September 9, 2021.

Burton Sack ’59, Boston, MA, January 20, 2018.

Honorable Sherwood L. Boehlert ’61, New Hartford, NY, September 20, 2021.

John A. Kakaty ’61, Paoli, PA, June 10, 2021.

John J. Meehan ’61, New Hartford, NY, June 3, 2021.

Suzanne M. Tranquille ’63, Utica, NY, June 17, 2021.

Mary Susan Carey ’65, Dexter, MI, June 7, 2021.

Patricia K. Davis ’65, New Hartford, NY, September 19, 2021.

Raymond A. Potasiewicz ’66, Whitesboro, NY, May 27, 2021.

C. Douglas Warmack ’66, Middletown, DE, August 31, 2021.

Ira L. Davis ’67, Holland Patent, NY, June 12, 2021.

Francis Kolarits ’67, New Hartford, NY, May 17, 2021.

Ronald R. Manclaw ’67, Fort Lauderdale, FL, December 2, 2020.

Albert C. McGuire ’67, Rome, NY, August 31, 2021.

Barbara A. Pope ’67, Barneveld, NY, June 13, 2021.

Richard F. Inchiocca ’68, St. Petersburg, FL, May 16, 2021.

Suzanne R. McDonald ’68, Hamilton, NY, April 17, 2021.

Robert W. Parsons ’68, Albany, NY, March 25, 2021.

Timothy M. Wilkinson ’68, Bettendorf, IA, October 5, 2021.

Ruth B. Bailey ’69, Clinton, NY, June 28, 2021.

Stephen P. Durant ’69, Altamont, NY, June 11, 2021.

Angelo A. Fazio ’69, Mohawk, NY, August 7, 2021.

David Y. Miller ’69, Pittsburgh, PA, November 17, 2020.

Thomas E. Thomas ’69, Mohawk, NY, July 25, 2021.

Susan J. Uryniak ’69, Canastota, NY, May 31, 2021.

Stephen F. Cimino ’70, Utica, NY, September 12, 2021.

Paul E. Credle ’70, Boonville, NY, August 5, 2021.

Russell H. Hoffman ’70, New Hartford, NY, June 6, 2021.

Marshall J. Ciccone ’71, Bonita Springs, FL, June 9, 2021.

David W. Cook ’71, Liverpool, NY, January 19, 2018.

Gretchen A. Heilig-Lane ’71, Syracuse, NY, May 27, 2021.

Philomena Z. Nowakowski ’71, Utica, NY, September 13, 2021.

Richard L. Tastor ’71, Altamont, NY, August 5, 2021.

Thomas M. Falzarine ’72, Utica, NY, July 23, 2021.

Frederick H. Dufour Jr. ’73, Columbia, SC, July 9, 2018.

Nancy J. Mierzwa ’73, Utica, NY, August 5, 2021.

Frank J. Tamburrino ’73, Herkimer, NY, July 15, 2021.

David E. Jones ’74, Cocoa Beach, FL, February 8, 2021.

Philip A. Thibault ’74, Whitesboro, NY, July 26, 2021.

Geraldine J. Crumb ’75, Boonville, NY, April 18, 2021.

Thirza J. Ecker ’75, Saranac Lake, NY, March 23, 2021.

Josephine A. Gargash ’75, New Hartford, NY, August 10, 2021.

Charles E. Groppe ’75, Yonkers, NY, October 8, 2020.

Edward D. Chentnik II ’76, Rome, NY, February 5, 2021.

James H. Court ’76, Norman, OK, June 9, 2021.

Carmen M. DiRienzo Carmody ’77, Katonah, NY, July 19, 2021.

Robert D. Horton ’78, Bronx, NY, May 25, 2020.

Mary R. James ’78, Dinuba, CA, August 13, 2021.

Cynthia G. Andisio ’79, Manchester, CT, April 11, 2021.

Thomas G. Delluomo ’80, Utica, NY, June 5, 2021.

R. Scott Emerich ’80, Danby, VT, September 29, 2021.

Beverly A. Murdock ’81, Frankfort, NY, July 20, 2021.

John E. Reardon ’81, Burleson, TX, August 17, 2021.

Donald Douglas ’83, Valley Stream, NY, February 26, 2021.

Raymond C. Luker ’84, Utica, NY, August 29, 2021.

Leslie J. Henrickson ’85, Ithaca, NY, August 15, 2020.

James C. Viscusi ’85, Utica, NY, August 20, 2021.

Anne M. Jasinski ’88, Utica, NY, April 4, 2021.

Steven M. LaMere ’92, Hagaman, NY, August 2, 2021.

Gregory Henry ’93, East Elmhurst, NY, September 17, 2021.

Kimberly A. Conte ’95, Utica, NY, June 18, 2021.

Phillip J. Carey ’96, Elgin, SC, October 17, 2021.

Stephen S. DiGiovanni ’98, Saratoga Springs, NY, July 26, 2021.

Lisa M. Gilberti G’08, Utica, NY, July 6, 2021.

Daniel T. Flynn G’15, Voorheesville, NY, September 27, 2021.

Dominique E. Nanton ’15, Bronx, NY, April 6, 2021.

In Memoriam: Sherwood Boehlert ’61

Sept. 28, 1936 – Sept. 20, 2021

Hon. Sherwood Boehlert '61

By Matthew Breault ’22 and Isabella Hudziak ’24

Former Republican Congressman and Central New York native Sherwood Boehlert passed away on Sept. 20, 2021 at age 84.

Boehlert, who graduated from Utica College in 1961 with a degree in public relations, served 24 years in the House of Representatives between 1983 and 2007 in the 25th, 23rd and 24th congressional districts.

Before his time in Congress and at Utica College, Boehlert served in the U.S. Army from 1956–1958. As a Utica College student, Boehlert was involved in Greek life and became The Tangerine’s sports editor and managing editor.

Throughout his storied political career, he remained connected to the Mohawk Valley and often spoke about his affinity for Utica College.

“I can remember how rooted he was in his origins. You could never separate Sherry from where he came from,” said Kim Landon, professor emeritus of journalism. “I think of him as inseparable from UC.”

Sherwood Boehlert Hall and Conference Center, formerly New Hall, was dedicated in honor of Boehlert in October 2007.

“Sherwood Boehlert was a distinguished alumnus and emeritus trustee of Utica College, but more than that, he was one of the College’s most ardent champions,” President Laura Casamento said. “He was an incredibly well respected member of Congress. He carried the UC banner proudly on Capitol Hill, never letting pass an opportunity to boast of his pride in his alma mater.”

Kim Landon knew Boehlert as a former student and close friend of late Professor Raymond Simon.

“Being a graduate of Professor Simon’s discipline felt like you were part of a family,” Landon said. “We were both Ray’s kids. I feel I’ve known him for all that time.”

One of Landon’s most striking memories of Boehlert was during the ceremony where Ray Simon was awarded an honorary doctorate degree in 1996.

“I had been sitting next to Sherry during the ceremony, and when I looked over at him, tears were streaming down his face,” she recalls. “It told anyone everything they needed to know—that he came from humble beginnings and appreciated everyone who supported and gave him a hand.”

A version of this piece appeared in the Sept. 24, 2021 edition of The Tangerine.

In Memoriam: David Young Miller ’69

Sept. 1, 1947 - Nov. 17, 2020

David Young Miller '69

Even in his Utica College days, David Young Miller ’69 was a “doer,” says his wife Marie Komarek Miller ’69.

As president of Tau Kappa Epsilon and the Student Government Association, Miller organized events, met with college administrators, and “just never stopped ‘doing,’” says Marie. “

When my mother first met David, she was sure he was going to be President of the United States.” And he certainly came close. After graduating from Utica College with a degree in political science, Miller enrolled at Kent State University, where he earned a master’s in public administration. He went on to serve in local government in several towns in Maine before moving his young family to the Pittsburgh area, where Miller earned a doctoral degree in public policy research at the University of Pittsburgh.

He began his career in Pittsburgh as managing director of the Pennsylvania Economy League before serving as head of the city’s budget department in 1996.

In 1998, he left city government to teach full-time at University of Pittsburgh’s Graduate School of Public and International Affairs (GSPIA), where he remained until his retirement in September 2020. During his academic career, Miller authored two textbooks about regional governance, along with hundreds of articles and publications.

At GSPIA, Miller established the Center for Metropolitan Studies and served as co-director of the Center for Public Policy and Management in Skopje, North Macedonia. In 2009, he founded CONNECT, an intergovernmental co-op between the city of Pittsburgh and its 37 surrounding municipalities.

With all his professional accomplishments, Miller’s proudest role was that of doting father and grandfather, says Marie. Ever the “organizer,” Miller was known to arrange elaborate puppet shows, zoo trips, and beach vacations for his three children and seven grandchildren. On Christmas Eve 2019, Miller surprised and delighted the family by setting up a special visit from Santa, Mrs. Claus, and Rudolph.

Miller passed away Nov. 17, 2020 after a long battle with cancer. Postponed due to COVID-19, a celebration of life for the late professor and dean was held at the University of Pittsburgh on Sept. 1, 2021, at which dozens of speakers— including Pittsburgh Mayor Bill Peduto—shared memories of their colleague, mentor, and friend.

Said his colleague and CONNECT Executive Director Lydia Morin: “I don’t think we know how much yet this region that he loved so dearly is going to miss his great mind and heart,” she said. “His legacy is only just beginning to reveal its impact.”

FACULTY & STAFF WHO HAVE PASSED

John “Jack” C. Behrens, Port Saint Lucie, FL, professor emeritus of public relations and journalism, July 16, 2021.

Marion C. Inglis, Milton, PA, retired administrative assistant, October 7, 2021.

Want to share your news in Class Notes? Email uticamag@utica.edu

LET’S CONNECT!

Pioneers are everywhere! Meet fellow Utica College alumni in your area at one of our regional events, or connect with UC’s advancement team to organize an event of your own. Learn more at utica.edu/alumni Mohawk Valley-area alumni gathered at Copper City Brewing Company in Rome on Oct. 20, 2021.

How To Get Involved

With COVID-19 restrictions loosening across the U.S., we’re ready to reconnect with alumni and friends in person. Utica College’s Office of Advancement helps plan alumni reunions, community service projects, Pioneer tailgate parties, educational panels for current students, and much more throughout the year.

Want to join the fun? Update your information and tell us how YOU want to get involved at utica.edu/TalkToUs

ANIMAL INSTINCT

Part of an on-campus petting zoo in September, this cuddly visitor, otherwise known as a fennec fox, was one of several exotic animals helping students unwind in between classes.