Utica Magazine - Spring/Summer 2021

A MAGAZINE OF UTICA COLLEGE SPRING/SUMMER 2021

ORIGIN STORY With help from social media, Tabo Bo ’22 is inspiring others to embrace their identities through art.

A Student’s Long Fight for Justice | Three Campus Additions Changing UC’s Landscape

FIRST WORDS Letter from the Editor A Whole New World (on Social Media) At the risk of sounding like a click-bait-y Internet headline about former child stars, do you wanna feel old?

far beyond surface-level likes and shares—especially in this age of social distancing, when connecting virtually is more important than ever.

If so, skip ahead to page 18! There you’ll meet four current students making their mark in the social media sphere—a world in which I, a card-carrying millennial active on Facebook, Twitter, Instagram and TikTok (TikTok!), considered myself pretty well versed.

I hope that after reading their stories, you’ll think a bit differently next time you see a group of Gen Zers glued to their iPhones. (And thanks to resident YouTuber Patrick Holt ’22 and his helpful guide to social media lingo on page 21, you may even understand what they’re talking about!)

A few conversations with these savvy students proved me wrong.

Also in this issue: a peek at three of UC’s newest campus additions, some exciting advancement milestones, and the incredible story of sexual assault survivor turned advocate Kimberly Morton ’22, whose determination and drive will inspire you.

These students are using social media in ways I couldn’t have imagined back in 2004 when I made a Facebook account to poke my friends and update my status. They’re creating original, clever, insightful (and often very funny) content to connect with others who share their passions for fitness, video games, science and technology, social justice, and more. And the communities they’re establishing go

As always, tell me what you think of this issue via email at uticamag@utica.edu Mary Donofrio Editor

Utica College’s online programs allow students to access our exceptional academic programs and our accomplished faculty from anywhere in the world.

Learn from home — wherever home is for you.

With undergraduate degree programs, graduate degree programs, and certificate programs in the areas of business administration, criminal justice, cybersecurity, health professions, and more, Utica College fits your goals, your career, and your life.

Learn more at utica.edu/online

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FROM PRESIDENT LAURA CASAMENTO

Our Path Back to Normalcy It’s hard to believe more than a year has passed since the COVID-19 pandemic upended our daily lives and created challenges, big and small, for every single member of the Utica College community.

This has been a truly difficult year for UC and all of the communities we call home, but with the change of seasons has come a renewed sense of optimism and growing confidence that our lives might return to normal in the not-so-distant future.

As we enjoy the spring, it is clear that we have a lot to be thankful for.

We can celebrate the fact that our campus COVID-19 positivity rate has remained extremely low—well below the national average—thanks to the vigilance and perseverance of the entire campus community. This is a notable achievement, given rises in cases on other campuses during the spring semester. It is a testament to the effectiveness of our response plan and the commitment of our students, faculty, staff, and students to making it work.

While we know this crisis is not yet behind us and significant challenges remain, the increasing availability of vaccines and effective treatment protocols offer great promise. Whereas the experience of the last year has taught us to be cautious in our expectations, there is real reason for optimism as we look ahead to the summer and beyond.

This past March, almost exactly one year since Utica College moved to entirely remote operations in March 2020, I was thrilled to announce that planning is underway for a return to full in-person academic and administrative operations in time for the Fall 2021 semester. Of course, what this will look like when August arrives depends largely on the status of the pandemic and COVID response measures on the federal, state, and local levels. That said, based on current knowledge, we are confident that a return to full on-campus operations can safely take place in August.

I have said this before, but it’s worth repeating—what we have accomplished together is nothing short of remarkable, and we should take pride in the fact that, thanks in no small measure to the work we’ve done, we have entered the home stretch of this crisis. For the first time in nearly a year, hope is on the horizon.

Sincerely,

Laura Casamento President

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“There is real reason for optimism as we look ahead to the summer and beyond.”

CONTENTS 5

Everyday Pioneers

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Your Letters

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Around Campus

15 Athletics

Editor Mary Donofrio Creative Director Kevin Waldron

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Social Lives Meet four UC students who are living, learning, and inspiring others on social media.

Senior Writers Joe Perry ’90 Kelly Adams ’00 Christine Leogrande ’81 David Dellecese

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Collaborative Research, Holistic Health Founding Director Patrice Hallock shares the latest developments within the newly established Institute for the Study of Integrative Healthcare.

Photography Jamie Callari Kevin Waldron

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The Fighter When a brutal sexual assault upended her life, Kimberly Morton ’22 began a legal battle to keep violent sex offenders behind bars.

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Alumni News

Class Notes Editors Kim Landon ’75 Jared Stanley ’21 Tracy Pratt

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College Advances

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Class Notes

FEATURES

Stay in Touch!

Send correspondence regarding Utica, address changes, and Class Notes to: Office of Alumni and Parent Relations Utica College 1600 Burrstone Road Utica, NY 13502-4892 Or call (800) 456-8278, (315) 792-3025 Or e-mail: uticamag@utica.edu

Utica is published twice a year, Fall and Spring, by the Office of Marketing and Communications: Kelly Adams, Vice President.

GAME CHANGER Patrick Holt ’22 is building a community of comedy-loving gamers—and loyal fans— on his growing YouTube channel.

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Everyday Pioneers: Ann Marie Brown G’21

by Nick McAdam ’21 With ingenuity and a 3-D printer, OT graduate student Ann Marie Brown creates a modern solution to a pandemic problem.

Many healthcare workers continue to log long shifts during the pandemic. While face masks may protect them, constant wear can irritate the back of the ears, sometimes rubbing them raw.

Occupational therapy graduate student Ann Marie Brown created a solution.

Using a 3-D printer, she fashioned a small device

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that is worn on the back of the head, with a clip on each end to hold the ear loops of the mask. This extends the length of the loops, removing pressure off the ears while still offering the same protection.

A non-traditional student, Brown held a sales position at a local steel company until 2018, when she

enrolled in the OT program at UC. Her inspiration stemmed from watching how instrumental occupational therapy was in the treatment of her father, who suffered a traumatic brain injury from a farm accident a few years earlier.

Brown’s invention has been published by the Student Journal for Occupational Therapy (SJOT) in a recent article titled “Farewell to Ears: Hearing the Call and Answering.”

“Ann Marie stuck with the project and experimented with new ideas,” says Linnea Franits, professor of occupational therapy. “It is so encouraging to see our students grow and make an impact.”

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GOING STRONG Members of UC’s women’s ice hockey team get in some off-season training in the Todd and Jen Hutton Sports and Recreation Center.

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BLOOM WITH A VIEW 9

After a long winter in Utica, signs of spring begin to emerge on campus in April.

YOUR LETTERS

I just wanted to pass along kudos on a great issue of Utica, Fall/Winter 2020, which I have finished reading—cover to cover—and really enjoyed it. Great balance of stories, inspiration, facts and good news about UC. I also like the paper stock, the typeface and the leading ... all things we were taught to appreciate by Professors [Ray] Simon and [Jack] Behrens.

Linda Vaccaro Schmidt ’69 Atlanta, GA

I received my copy of Utica today. The issue was superb in its illustration of how Utica College students, staff and alumni have coped with the pandemic. It looked as if everyone has stepped up and kept moving forward in spite of the challenges that COVID-19 has presented.

Reading the various stories was very emotional for me. I did not know that the pandemic caused the 2020 commencement to be canceled. My own commencement was the highlight of my stay at Utica College, and I am deeply saddened for the 2020 graduating class.

Again, thank you for the wonderful collection of articles in this issue of Utica.

Jim Moore ’75 Ardmore, PA I am a PR/J graduate from the class of 1979. I always enjoy reading through Utica. The

magazine looks and feels great.

I have two recommendations that I noticed this time around.

First, I think you should return to listing all donors. I believe it is important to acknowledge and value all donors by listing them in the magazine and not just on a website. It shows respect for all donors, no matter how much they contribute to our College. Second, the pictures of individuals in general are just too small. It is very noticeable, and I think enlarging the photos enhances the articles and highlights the individuals. Thank you so much for your time and consideration.

Kim Leibovitz ’79 North Kingstown, RI I received my Fall/Winter 2020 magazine, which was truly a heartfelt edition for me. Thank you! Pioneers are truly grateful!

Kelly Barron ’13 New York Mills, NY

The Buzz on Facebook Members of the UC community share their thoughts on the College’s continued COVID19 response and news of the planned return to full in-person operations in August 2021.

“Well done! UC, in my opinion, has been a perfect example of how to deal with the situation and make it work while keeping everyone as safe as possible.”—Pat Lawler, parent “This is awesome! Proud to be an alum!” —Stacy Rabstein Buckley ’88 “As an alumna who works in healthcare, I appreciate know-

ing the college I attended is taking this virus seriously and testing. It says a lot to your alumni who are healthcare professionals working with COVID patients that you care and acknowledge the seriousness and the precautions that are needed. Hearing you are testing weekly makes me feel proud.” —Natalee Stiles ’12 “I’m very happy with the progress that [UC] has made.

It makes me feel safer going to school and knowing that I have less of a chance to bring home COVID to my family.”

—Shelby Fiorini ’21

What Do YOU Think?

Share your thoughts on this issue via email at uticamag@utica.edu

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AROUND CAMPUS

A Trio of Campus Additions Three major construction and renovation projects are under way at Utica College.

will be formally dedicated during Homecoming, Alumni and Family Weekend in September.

Science Center Expansion

Outdoor Athletic Field and Track and Field Complex

Construction is nearly complete on the $14 million, 25,000 square foot science center annex featuring state-of-the-art laboratory and classroom space as well as common space for students and faculty to interact outside of the classroom. The new facility will connect Gordon Science Center and Romano Hall. The addition 11

Crews broke ground in April 2021 on a multipurpose, synthetic turf athletic field and outdoor track. The new facility, located behind the Clark Athletic Center adjacent to Gaetano Stadium, will include lighting for evening events and bleacher seating. The facility will provide a critically needed

practice venue for field hockey, football, lacrosse, soccer, softball, and track and field, as well as a complementary competition venue to Gaetano Stadium. The synthetic turf will allow athletes to train and compete regardless of weather conditions.

Intercultural and Student Organization Center The Francis A. Wilcox Intercultural and Student Organization Center, located in the transformed space that formerly housed the Newman

Center, will also open in Fall 2021. The facility will feature four common meeting rooms for student groups and organizations, two multipurpose rooms for events and activities, office space for two Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion staff members as well as the K. Della Ferguson Women’s Resource Center, a lounge with a gas fireplace, an outdoor socializing and activities space, all-gender restrooms, and a kitchen area. The project was fully funded through an estate gift.

AROUND CAMPUS

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Lights, Camera, Live Stream (1) UC’s theatre department adapted to the restrictions of COVID-19 by replacing their live audience with a virtual one. The spring production of Something Rotten was live-streamed on the ShowTix4U virtual platform April 22-25. Clear face masks, designed and constructed by adjunct instructor Kristin Palazzoli, allowed performers to stay safe while also expressing their emotions on stage.

“It was so important for our theatre students to have the ability to per-

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form, and I’m proud that we’ve devised a way to do it in a COVID-safe environment,” says assistant director for college engagement and Something Rotten director Jason Francey.

Mask On, Still Smiling (2) While masks prevent the spread of COVID-19, they also hide friendly smiles. “Smiling Eyes” is campus-wide initiative created by Stacey Webb G ’21 and Erin Taylor ’24 to encourage Pioneers to “smile with their eyes” and spread positivity from be-

hind their masks. “Smiling is one of the small things we can do as individuals to immediately make ourselves and others feel better,” says Webb. As part of the campaign, lighthearted reminders to smile are scattered throughout campus in an effort to alleviate what Taylor calls the “COVID blues.”

Hard Evidence (3) Students in Professor Shanna Van Slyke’s CRJ 222 Criminal Justice Communications class had the chance to examine clues and document a staged

crime scene complete with dummy victims and fake weapons. “This investigation stage is critical in that it serves as a foundation for the preservation of evidence in documenting through video, photographic images, and composition the state of the crime scene when it was discovered,” said Van Slyke. “Detailed descriptions are crucial, as this information is forwarded to prosecutors, defense attorneys, judges, and juries who need to understand the crime scene’s condition in court.”

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“We the students, faculty, and staff of Utica College state unequivocally that no person’s civil liberties, rights, nor freedoms should ever be compromised due to the color of their skin, ethnic heritage, religious belief, gender identity or expression, sexual orientation, age, ability, geography, political stance or any other aspect of their identity that influences how we see and experience the world.”

PIONEER PAST The Tangerine met the Big Apple in 1997, when UC’s Media Club, including many Tangerine staffers, visited New York City.

The group toured The New York Times offices, recalls Cory Lavalette ’99 (pictured peeking out in the back row, center) who shared the photo on Facebook. “I remember we took the ferry past the Statue of Liberty together and stayed right near Madison Square Garden.”

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From Utica College’s Stance Statement, created by the Office for Diversity Equity and Inclusion; the President’s Student Cabinet for Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion, and Social Justice; the Board of Trustees; the Faculty Senate; and the Student Government Association.

Read the full statement at utica.edu/stance

AROUND CAMPUS

Faculty Achievement Donald Rebovich, distinguished professor of criminal justice, director of financial crime programs and executive director of CIMIP, was guest editor for the journal Victims and Offenders for the issue “The Changing Face of Financial Crime: New Technologies, New Offenders, New Victims, and New Strategies for Prevention and Control,” in February. The journal also included an article co-written

by Rebovich and Leslie Corbo, associate professor and director of cybersecurity programs, titled, “The Distillation of National Crime Data into a Plan for Elderly Fraud Prevention.”

Amy Lindsey, associate professor of psychology, was invited to serve on the Board of Advisors for the Vision Science Society Committee on Diversity, Equity and Inclusion.

Douglas Edwards, assistant professor of philosophy, was featured in the American Philosophical Quarterly with his piece “Can pluralism account for the normativity of truth?”

Zhaodan (Jordan) Huang (1), professor of finance, was awarded the Harold T. Clark Jr. Endowed Professorship for a five-year term. Awarded best paper at the World Finance Conference for his paper, “Momentum, Reversal and the Firm Fundamental Cycle,” Huang’s research focuses on areas of investments, asset pricing, and emerging financial markets.

Melissa Racioppa, assistant professor of psychology-child life, was invited to complete a year-long program with the Association of Child Life Professionals to advance diversity, equity and inclusion.

Samantha Marocco, assistant professor of physical therapy, and Sibyl Edward, adjunct lecturer of physical therapy, served as reviewers for Global Healthcare Issues and Policies, (4th ed.) by Carol Holtz, to be published in 2022.

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Molly Hickey, associate professor of physical therapy, collaborated with Jenna Mazza ’21, and Amanda Lane ’19, to present their research “Implementation of Telemedicine as a Mode of Delivery in a Student Run Pro Bono Clinic in Utica, NY” at the National Pro Bono Network Conference in November 2020.

Frank Bergmann, Walter D. Edmonds distinguished professor emeritus of English and German, has chronicled his journey to America in his new book, The Inevitable Immigrant.

Gary Leising, professor of English, has had his poems published in the James Dickey Review, Asheville Poetry Review, and Ghost City Review.

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Sara Scanga (2), professor of biology, was named the 2021 recipient of the Harold T. Clark Jr. Award. Since arriving at Utica College in 2010, she has published 12 papers and helped author two awarded grants, totaling almost $750,000. Her field of research and expertise is plant ecology.

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ATHLETICS

Damian Call ’24 Hometown: Rome, NY Major: Wellness and Adventure Education The transition from high school to college basketball was delayed and anything but normal, a fact attributable to COVID-19 and its disruption of the college sports calendar.

But when Damian Call made his college debut on March 10 in UC’s season-opening 82-44 win over Elmira, “it was just basketball,” he says. And it showed. The athletic freshman wing was a perfect 5-for-5 from the field, including three impressive slam dunks, in his first collegiate game. “COVID limited, well, pretty much everything. When we were practicing in the preseason, we were staying six feet apart – even when we were defending our man. That was definitely different,” he says.

“But once the basketball goes up – I’m not saying there weren’t adjustments we had to make, but you just do the same things on the court that you’ve done ever since you started playing the game.”

Call, the Empire 8 Rookie of the Year, helped lead UC to a 10-2 record and the program’s first-ever conference championship. The team dedicated the championship to former team member Chris Bamba, who passed away unexpectedly last June.

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ATHLETICS

Josh Kienz ’21 Hometown: Newburgh, NY Major: Construction Management

The men’s golf team won the Empire 8 championship on April 25 at Timber Banks Country Club in Baldwinsville, NY. In doing so, UC earned its first-ever selection to the NCAA championship tournament selection, which was held May 11-14 in Wheeling, WV. Josh Kienz claimed the Empire 8 individual title at Timber Banks to give UC its first-ever conference medalist. The conference Player of the Year followed his opening round 73 with a second-round 78, finishing seven-over par for the championship. “Josh played a great tournament, and we know he’s going to post a solid score. Being able to know we can count on him frees up the rest of the team from a pressure standpoint,” head coach Brian Marcantonio says. “Making our first NCAA tournament is a milestone accomplishment – for the members of our program and, really, for the entire College community.”

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TAKING A CHANCE AND PAYING IT FORWARD High school wasn’t easy for Dr. Joan Friedenberg ’73.

As a teenager in the late 1960s, the Long Island native found herself grappling with family issues at the same time she “fell in with the wrong group of friends,” Friedenberg recalls. With academics on the back burner, her GPA suffered.

It wasn’t until late in her senior year that Friedenberg began to imagine college in her future. And after discovering Utica College and visiting “the peaceful, close-knit campus,” recalls Friedenberg, her college aspirations began to take shape.

“Utica took a chance on me, and it turned out to be the perfect combination of things I needed that I didn’t know I needed,” she says.

At UC, mentors like Professor Emerita of Anthropology Clara Nicholson and Political Science Professor Carolyn Adams helped Friedenberg, a first-generation student, discover a passion for international studies and linguistics and, for the first time, make graduate school seem within her reach.

Friedenberg went on to earn a master’s and Ph.D. in linguistics and bilingual education from the University of Illinois, which led to a prolific 30-year career as a linguistics professor, author, and inter-

HERITAGE SOCIETY

national consultant specializing in the problems and needs of language minority populations.

In 2007, Friedenberg retired as a Professor Emerita from Southern Illinois University and now enjoys a busy “second career” as a singer and performer with her folk band, the PinkSlip Duo. Today, after reflecting on her journey, Friedenberg says the choice to include Utica College in her estate plans felt like a natural way to pay it forward.

“I looked at what was most important to me and thought about the role UC played in helping me get to where I am today,” says Friedenberg.

Her gift, she says, is the best way to honor the mentors—and the College—that turned her life around.

“I hope my gift can help Utica College students like I was, who haven’t had a lot of breaks in life and can’t easily make it without the support of others,” she says.

“Utica College saw the potential in me when I didn’t see it in myself.”

To learn more about planned giving to Utica College and to explore our library of gift-planning resources, visit utica.edu/planningyourgift or contact Associate Vice President for Principal and Planned Gifts Tim Nelson at 315-792-3489 or tnelson@utica.edu

SOCIAL LIVES Meet four Utica College students who are living, learning, and inspiring others on social media.

It’s been said that Generation Z lives on social media. But with hundreds of thousands of views and followers between them, these four Utica College students are doing more than posting party pics. They’re sharing their passions, developing career aspirations, and connecting with others in meaningful—and sometimes unexpected—ways.

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DEAR DIARY “I originally started my account last summer to be kind of like a video diary, but mostly to scroll [other users’ videos]. From there, I started uploading about my quarantine experience in Burrstone House in August 2020, both as a food diary as I was tracking down new allergens, and to help other college students know what to expect as they began their quarantines to go back to school in person. Now I’m back to posting video diaries and am trying to develop content around science communication.”

MY BIG (LUNCH) BREAK “My most-viewed video achieved 1.5 million views and 239,600 likes as of Kat Hawley ’23 March 2021. This video Hometown: Story City, Iowa was of one of my lunches Major: Animal Behavior in quarantine. A lot of people were asking questions @a.kats.life on TikTok about what to bring, how the school handled dietary restrictions, what was 20

“I HAVE BEEN ABLE TO CONNECT WITH SOME AMAZING SCIENTISTS WHO HAVE MENTORED ME NOT ONLY THROUGH SOCIAL MEDIA STRESS, BUT THROUGH CLASSES, CAREER CONCERNS, AND COLLEGE.”

Lost in Translation

For the uninitiated, the lingo on social media can feel like a foreign language. We turned to YouTuber Patrick Holt ’22 for a beginner’s guide.

“NO CAP” 100 percent serious or not lying. “Dude, I just won 100 dollars, no cap!”

“BET” Affirmative. Yes, let’s do it. “Wanna go get coffee?”

“Bet!”

provided in the room, and other details of the quarantine process. This was at a time when a lot of college students were preparing to go back to their campuses, and I think a lot of folks were scared or anxious about what their two weeks would look like.”

WEIRD SCIENCE “It’s amazing seeing how my mutuals on TikTok are growing as science communicators. A lot of them have taken on the task of myth-busting COVID misinformation, and they get a lot of questions and a lot of hate for it. I am so inspired by their ability to simplify really big, scary concepts to a point where it is easy for the average person to digest. The community in STEM TikTok is strong and I will forever value the connections and friendships I’ve made because of this app.”

DAY IN THE LIFE “My content is just me! I’m 21

always late to trends, and I only upload what makes me happy or excited.

Sometimes I do OOTD [outfit of the day], sometimes I talk about science, sometimes I talk about social justice, and sometimes I talk about what it’s like being a student!

It’s really all over the place, but it very much reflects me and my experience in life.”

COMMUNITY VIBES “There is a lot of toxicity that creators deal with, but through TikTok I have been able to connect with some amazing scientists who have mentored me not only through social media stress, but through classes, career concerns, and college.”

BIG DREAMS “I want to pursue my Ph.D. and continue working in higher education as a professor of biology and ethology, and help mentor students through college.”

“HITS DIFFERENT” Implies a different emotional tone. When something is so good that it just feels better or right. “The new Cherry Vanilla Coke hits different.”

“MUTUALS” Your friends on social media. Could be people you are friends with in real life, or casual people you’ve met online. “I’m mutuals with a guy named John who likes Pokémon.”

“PERIODT” Like an end-all, be-all to a sentence, usually implying you did something good. “I just aced that test, periodt.”

“PASSING THE VIBE CHECK” Implies something is cool. “Josh passed the vibe check, so he can hang with us.”

“CLOUT” Attention in the form of likes, comments, and shares.

“Dang, this tweet is getting clout!”

“FLEX” Show off. “I don’t mean to flex, but this video just hit 100,000 views!”

“STAN” To stan is to support, and a stan is a fan of. “I’m a Twenty One Pilots stan” or “You guys better stan BTS!”

Patrick Holt ’22 Hometown: Whitesboro, NY Major: Communications, Concentration in Creativity Studies Circle Stick on YouTube @circle_stick on TikTok

videos where we play video games and make comedic commentary. Minecraft, Pokemon, and Mario are a few examples. Jake and I are the hosts of the show, and Ryan is our editor.”

great knowing people enjoy our content. Hundreds of people have reached out and told us how much our content has made them laugh and get them through hard times. We use this positivity to drive us forward.”

RARE FIND “One of our most popular videos, at 125,000 views, BIGGEST SOCIAL MEDIA IN IT FOR LAUGHS features us finding somePET PEEVE “My friends Jake Spears, thing incredibly rare in “Nothing drives me more Ryan Shanley, and I started Pokémon. This was our insane than lazy content our YouTube channel on first major blow-up where that is just pushed out to July 23, 2020, and uploadmost of our current fans be pushed out. Ignorance ed our first video the day found us. They connected also bothers me because after. Our goal then was with us because it was a people think they know to make videos and have game they liked and they everything and wonder a great time. However, as enjoyed our commentary.” why they aren’t growing. “ our channel has grown, we GOOD TO GROW have changed our goals to make consistent content “We have been growing at TALKING BACK while making people laugh a constant rate, with more “The interaction with our followers is my favorite and feel safe in our comthan 4,000 subscribers part of social media. I love munity. We are a comedy on YouTube and 10,000 reading comments and followers on TikTok. It feels “Let’s-Play” duo. We make

talking with fans on a daily basis. A nice comment can make my entire day. We have a very close relationship with our followers.

They love our weekly live streams and being able to interact with us. Many people have said our content has helped their mental health through being a part of our accepting community and light-hearted humor.”

CAREER GOALS “Nothing would make me happier than making content for people to enjoy and watch as a career.

Though unrealistic, it is still possible. It feels amazing to have fans and friends watch our content and genuinely enjoy that. The feeling of having a video do well is like no other.”

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Tabo Bo ’22 Hometown: Utica, NY Major: Cybersecurity @nomadic_voices on Instagram Nomadic Voices on Facebook

FINDING MY VOICE “Before I was born, my family fled Myanmar for the Tham Hin Refugee Camp in Thailand, where I was born. We came to Utica in 2004, just before I turned five. When I was younger, I felt shame about being a refugee and my identity as a Karen person [a refugee from Myanmar]. As I grew, I became more proud of that. I realized my identity is important, and everyone else’s identity is important.

I want to help other people realize who they are and to appreciate our differences.

That’s really the goal of Nomadic Voices.”

POETRY IN MOTION “In January 2020, one of my childhood friends passed away due to gun violence, and I kept asking myself why? When quarantine happened, I thought more about the violence happening in my city, and I started writing poetry to express my frustration. I just wanted to share what I wrote. Because there was GREATEST HIT “The most engagement we no other platform in the area, I decided to start one. have had was a Facebook video of me doing a spoI invited some friends who ken-word piece in Handare musicians and artists, shake City in Utica about and we started going to my identity as a Karen refparks hosting open mic ugee in a Western society. nights. I established our soWe had thousands of views cial media presence, and it in just a matter of days, grew from there. Nomadic and currently the video is Voices is a way for people at 40,000 views with more to start listening to each than 400 shares. I believe other and finding a middle it reached a lot of people ground through art.” because of the authenticBRINGING IT HOME ity of the piece. There are a lot of refugees all over “Over the summer, Nothe world, and people can madic Voices events relate to it.” in Utica regularly drew around 35 people, both LISTEN UP performers and spectators.

“I want to be a business This semester, I’ve been leader and a social adworking with the Utica vocate. I love listening to College Programming Board to organize the first others and learning about their cultures, their idenNomadic Voices event on campus, scheduled for late tities, and their stories, so I hope to grow the NoApril. I’m hoping to draw madic Voices platform into a good-sized crowd, and something I could do as a that students will feel incareer.” spired to get on stage and express themselves.”

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“I REALIZED MY IDENTITY IS IMPORTANT, AND EVERYONE ELSE’S IDENTITY IS IMPORTANT. I WANT TO HELP OTHER PEOPLE REALIZE WHO THEY ARE AND TO APPRECIATE OUR DIFFERENCES. THAT’S REALLY THE GOAL OF NOMADIC VOICES.”

Brooke Riscica ’23 Hometown: Utica, NY Major: Criminal Intelligence Analysis @brookeriscicafit on Instagram

BALANCING ACT “I would describe my content as a blueprint for a balanced lifestyle. I post easy-to-follow workouts (both at the gym and at home), as well as healthy recipes, and photos or side-by-sides of me with motivational quotes.”

KEEPING IT REAL “I started my account in June 2019 to inspire others to start their own fitness journeys. I hoped that sharing my experiences would provide a realistic look at what having a balanced lifestyle could look like. I do feel like these core goals are the same

today, but I would say my approach in communicating these goals has changed over the last two years. For example, I find that it’s extremely important to not only share what I do to get to a certain point, but also what goes on behind the scenes that is not always pleasant or ‘Insta-worthy.’ In a sense, my goal has evolved into inspiring and guiding others to make lifestyle changes that help them feel like the happiest and healthiest version of themselves.”

BEFORE AND AFTER “The photo that earned the most likes on my page

was a before and after of my progress over the last several years accompanied by a real, raw, and honest caption. Any time there is a drastic change in side-by-side photos, I think viewers are drawn in immediately. After reading about the actual experiences of someone—a real person who is putting it all out on the table—I think followers tend to form a bond with the person in the pictures.

It’s almost like they can relate to the caption, and at the same time, they are moved by the progress and inspired to make their own changes.”

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Secrets of their Success fears, putting their trust and confidence in me to help them start their own journey. What inspires me the most is knowing that I have helped even a small number of people choose health and happiness. I feel like I owe it to my followers to be there for them, even if it is only through a screen in their hand.”

FITNESS FAM “I consider my followers to be a part of my fitness family. Whether it’s a quick suggestion, or a long conversation that requires me to create a potential workout split or meal-prep blueprint for someone, I am always willing to do what I can to make the smallest difference in someone’s journey. My page holds me accountable and I do it for me, but I also like to think that every one of my followers is a part of my journey, too.”

BIGGEST SOCIAL MEDIA PET PEEVE LEGAL DREAMS “There are a lot of nitpicky things that drive me insane “My dream is to be a lawon social media. However, yer. I would love to work one major pet peeve of as a human rights lawyer mine is when someone or an immigration lawyer, blatantly copies someone especially after learning else’s content without giv- about the current state of ing credit to that person. our immigration system Not only is it disrespectful, in the United States. I it also ruins the opportuni- want to fight for justice ty for you to build connec- and I want to advocate for tions with new people.” those whose voices are not being heard. HowTRUE FRIENDS ever, helping people in “I have had the honor and the health and wellness privilege of connecting community has become a with so many people from central part of my life, and all walks of life. I have had I do not plan to close this people be honest and vulpart of my life off in the nerable with me about their future.”

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What’s the key to social media stardom? Our savvy students weigh in.

“BE YOURSELF! Sorry to yell, but the emphasis is necessary!

In a world full of imitation, be unique. On an app that is predictable, be unpredictable.

Always be you, even if it doesn’t fit a trend or isn’t as aesthetically pleasing as the feed full of filters that everyone expects. No one can ever take away your authenticity. Embrace it, love it, celebrate it. — Brooke Riscica “Consistency. Creating high-quality content and keeping to a schedule. Whether it’s once a week, once a month or even every day, stick to the schedule. We upload every Monday and Friday at 1 p.m.”

—Patrick Holt “Honestly? Luck. Especially with TikTok, the algorithm changes so frequently and is so unpredictable it really just comes down to what happens to get on to people’s For You pages [TikTok’s personalized feed]. Once you get your first big video though, it’s all about building community. Even though the videos I make now don’t get the views or likes that my quarantine meals did, the community I built and the people who follow me for who I am still interact with my videos.”

— Kat Hawley “Be authentic. Your brand can only thrive when you’re genuine with yourself and others.”

— Tabo Bo

COLLABORATIVE RESEARCH, HOLISTIC HEALTH FOUNDING DIRECTOR PATRICE HALLOCK SHARES THE LATEST DEVELOPMENTS WITHIN UC’S NEWLY ESTABLISHED INSTITUTE FOR THE STUDY OF INTEGRATIVE HEALTHCARE.

On Oct. 28, 2020, President Laura Casamento announced the establishment of the Utica College Institute for the Study of Integrative Healthcare, made possible through a multiyear gift commitment from anonymous donors totaling $2.8 million.

During the news conference, Casamento explained how the Institute will promote advanced learning and research in the emerging field of integrative healthcare, which brings together a broad range of practices in support of patient health and well-being.

Since then, professor of education and founding director Patrice Hallock, along with her colleagues, have been hard at work.

Priority one: the national search for a director.

“We are looking for a seasoned professional with experience in higher education as well as healthcare,” says Hallock.

“The right candidate will continue the capacity-building that we’ve begun and grow the Institute’s research and educational events.”

At the same time, faculty members and UC’s partners in healthcare are engaged in various research projects across several disciplines—all focused on issues of mental and physical health and well-being. We recently talked with Hallock to learn more about the 27

Institute’s progress, the high-level research already underway, and what the future holds.

For many people, the gift announcement last fall was the first they’d heard of “integrative healthcare.” Can you explain what it means?

“Integrative healthcare” can mean different things to different people. We are using an inclusive definition that crosses academic disciplines. Simply put, integrative healthcare considers health and well-being in many dimensions of daily life and is holistic, patient-centered care. It can include attention to biological factors, such as a person’s predisposition to disease, as well as environmental factors, such as where a person lives.

There are also social and economic factors related to health: We know that individuals in middle- and upper-income brackets are generally healthier than people impacted by poverty. “Integrative healthcare” considers all these factors, in addition to the range of practices that people use to support their health and well-being.

“MY VISION IS THAT, IN THE NEXT FIVE YEARS, WE HAVE FACULTY RESEARCH THAT IS ON-GOING, COLLABORATIVE, REACHES ACROSS DISCIPLINES AND SCHOOLS, AND IS EMBEDDED IN THE COMMUNITY FOR HIGHIMPACT, AND ENGAGES OUR STUDENTS AT ALL LEVELS.”

EAST MEETS WEST: WHAT IS INTEGRATIVE HEALTHCARE? Despite common misconceptions, integrative healthcare supports using alternative practices, such as yoga, meditation, massage, acupuncture, and herbs, in conjunction with—not in place of— science-backed Western medicine According to Professor of Anthropology and Faculty Adviser for the Institute Helen Blouet, the Institute’s approach to integrative healthcare brings Eastern medical traditions together with Western practices more mainstream in the United States.

“Integrative Healthcare aims to center patients as advocates in their own wellness and treatment plans by taking care of the whole person through acknowledging innovative and culturally diverse practices,” says Blouet. “It is also concerned with addressing biological, social, economic, and environmental contexts of individual, community, and population health in order to support accessible and meaningful wellness across communities.”

How have students responded to news of the Institute? What are they most looking forward to?

At this point, students may be largely unaware of the work of the Institute because the Institute is so new, and much time and attention are directed at managing our lives in this pandemic. Our work with the Institute most immediately is focused on capacity-building. Once we build the structure for faculty to leverage Institute funding to conduct research that influences their teaching, students’ educational experience will be impacted. They will be able to join faculty in their research endeavors, and students will be more likely to explore issues and concepts related to integrative healthcare as part of their own research. Our students conduct research with faculty mentors at both the undergraduate and graduate levels, and the Institute is here to support that work through release time for faculty and other opportunities.

Is there an academic program or programs that will benefit most from the establishment of the Institute?

The Institute for the Study of Integrative Healthcare crosses academic disciplines. The administrative structure resides outside each of the three Schools at Utica College; the Director reports to the Provost

and VP for Academic Affairs. This structure is intentional to promote faculty research across programs and Schools and to underscore the notion that health and well-being are related to just about everything we do at Utica College. For example, do you know that faculty in Construction Management are LEED certified? LEED (Leadership in Energy and Environmental Design) is a “green building” rating system and provides a framework for healthy, highly efficient, and cost-saving green buildings. Did you know that we have faculty in Data Science and Economics who are working to discover the economic impact of COVID-19? Simply put, the Institute is here to support faculty research and student learning across the institution, and I do not foresee that any one program will benefit any more than another. This is very exciting for Utica College!

You’re in the midst of a national search for an Institute director. Tell me about the skills and experience a potential director would need.

The perfect candidate will build and work with an advisory group that provides oversight, leadership, and support for Institute activities in research, clinical services, and education, and who will regularly evaluate the quality of achievement 28

of the Institute’s goals and mission. We need an individual who can work effectively with faculty across all UC campuses (Utica, Liverpool, Miramar, and St. Petersburg), the administration, and the community in all geographic areas.

Are there any research projects currently underway?

Yes! The Institute is currently supporting a study of acupuncture and the reduction of neck pain in collaboration with healthcare and corporate partners in Florida. Faculty in child development and sociology are designing a study to explore practices that families employ and how they are supported by their family healthcare providers. Faculty in nursing, occupational, and physical therapy will examine strategies used by our local immigrant and refugee population to consider how we can more effectively support their overall health and well-being. As mentioned earlier, we have faculty in data science and economics who are studying the economic impact of COVID-19.

We also have faculty interested in a cross-cultural study of the use of herbal remedies. Our faculty have the expertise and innovation to consider many dimensions of integrative healthcare, and the timing of the Institute to provide support for our faculty couldn’t be better.

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“TEN YEARS FROM NOW, I EXPECT THAT HEALTHCARE PRACTITIONERS AND CONSUMERS ALIKE WILL LOOK TO UTICA COLLEGE FOR THE LATEST RESEARCH AND THINKING ABOUT INTEGRATIVE HEALTHCARE AND APPLIED, HIGH-IMPACT COLLABORATIVE RESEARCH.” Can you explain how the Institute will operate without a designated physical space?

The Institute does not yet have a physical home, but that doesn’t mean that it won’t have one in the future. The Institute for the Study of Integrative Healthcare is mostly a virtual entity at this point.

We are building relationships with community members, educating our faculty about research opportunities, building the Institute infrastructure for an advisory group, our operational plan, and other details. With many in higher education and the larger community working remotely right now, we did not see the need to rush into a physical location.

Moreover, the Institute Director will be expected to leverage technology to conduct business across a large geographic area as we engage our partners in Florida and develop partnerships locally, regionally, nationally, and abroad.

The pandemic has taught us the value of leveraging

technology for good, and we will capitalize on what we have learned well into the future, long after the pandemic becomes history.

Where do you see the Institute in the next several years? How will its establishment impact the College as a whole?

It is exciting to think about the growth and development of the Institute over the next decade! I envision a time when people are no longer asking, “what is integrative healthcare?” because “integrative healthcare” will become part of our vernacular.

Integrating and considering the many factors that influence our health and well-being will become an assumed part of how we take care of ourselves and others. My vision is that, in the next five years, we have faculty research that is on-going, collaborative, reaches across disciplines and Schools, and is embedded in the community for high-impact, and engages our students at all levels. That

study will be shared via professional conferences at Utica College, much like our Integrative Healthcare Strategies Conference in 2019, and through our professional networks world-wide, just like our faculty are already doing. Ten years from now, I expect that healthcare practitioners and consumers alike will look to Utica College for the latest research and thinking about integrative healthcare and applied, high-impact collaborative research.

Students will come to Utica College looking for the same liberal arts and professional programs they have sought for years, and they’ll graduate with an understanding of how everything from government policy to building construction can impact our health and well-being.

Utica College is a little college that does big things.

Given the capacity of Utica College faculty to innovate and the willingness of our administration to support new endeavors, I am very excited for our future.

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THE FIGHTER When a brutal sexual assault upended her life, Kimberly Morton ’22 began a long legal battle to keep violent sex offenders behind bars—and repair the justice system that failed her.

Kimberly Morton is the first to admit: The massive whiteboard on her living room wall isn’t the most aesthetically pleasing apartment décor. Instead, it’s functional.

Covered in Morton’s scrawled cursive in black marker, the board outlines the sexual assault laws for all 50 U.S. states—and the various loopholes that allow perpetrators to serve just fractions of their sentences before release.

The state-to-state differences are astounding; from the various degrees of sex crimes, to the definition of rape itself. In the case of aggravated sexual assault, generally defined as a sexual assault with a deadly weapon or under other grievous circumstances, the minimum sentences range from just five years to life in prison.

In some states, with time off for good behavior, violent sexual offenders who comply with prison rules can shave years off their sentences and become eligible for early release. Proponents of these “good time credits” believe that incentivizing good behavior helps make prisons safer, more manageable, and less burdensome on taxpayers.

But for victims of violent sexual assault, who can spend entire lifetimes healing from the trauma of their attacks, the very existence of good time credit can feel inherently unfair.

And for Morton, a student in Utica College’s criminal justice program, it also feels personal.

After barely surviving a brutal sexual assault and attempted murder in 1998, Morton was devastated when her attacker served just 12 years behind bars. So began a long crusade to close the loopholes that allow violent rapists to earn early release—and to share her story with other survivors, lawmakers, and eventually, the United States Senate.

“The justice system failed me,” she says. “I don’t want what happened to me to happen to anyone else.”

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“I DON’T WANT WHAT HAPPENED TO ME TO HAPPEN TO ANYONE ELSE.”

Carlos Turner pleaded guilty to criminal attempted murder in the first degree and aggravated rape, crimes each worth 15 years individually. In accordance with Tennessee State law and because the crimes were committed on the same day, the charges ran For months after the attack, severe chemical concurrently. Turner was burns on Morton’s arms and legs made even sentenced to 15 years. the smallest movements excruciatingly In 2002, eager for a fresh painful. start, Morton left Tennessee for New York—a state “HE KNEW RIGHT FROM she’d only visited once, on WRONG WHEN HE a spring break trip to New York City. She found work ATTACKED ME. SO WHY as a nanny in Utica, enDOES GOOD BEHAVIOR rolled at Herkimer County Community College, and MATTER IN PRISON?” graduated in 2009 with an associate’s degree in Outside she saw Carlos human services.

Turner, a man she’d known But in 2011, Morton would for years and thought of receive another shocking as a “big brother.” She let blow from back in Tenneshim in. see. After serving barely Turner, at 6-feet and 250 12 years in state prison, Carlos Turner had been pounds, immediately released. grabbed Morton by the neck, raped her, stabbed Morton was shattered. her in the throat and torso, “I had looked this man in then poured bleach over the eye in court and told her bleeding body as she him I was going to put him clung to life. away for good,” says MorWhen she was sure Turner ton. “He knew right from had left her apartment, wrong when he attacked Morton dragged herself to me. So why does good a neighbor’s for help. She behavior matter in prison?” spent weeks in the ICU in excruciating pain, with chemical burns over 50 The Greyhound bus ride percent of her body and from Utica to Memphis severe lacerations to her clocks in at around 27 neck and abdomen. hours, with stops in Newark, Baltimore, and But slowly, Morton recovRoanoke, Virginia. ered. Surgeries and years of physical therapy helped It was 2012, and although her heal physically, and her attacker was out of “counseling, music, and prison, Morton was deterGod” helped mend the mined to fight for other survivors and change the emotional wounds.

On the morning of November 19, 1998, Morton, then 20, was asleep in her apartment in South Memphis, Tennessee. She awoke to a knock on her window.

law that had made her feel “worthless” by granting her assailant early release.

She returned to Memphis frequently, by bus, to share her story with local media outlets in the hopes of catching lawmakers’ attention. When in Utica, she spent her evenings in the Oneida County Law Library, familiarizing herself with the legislative process and learning exactly how Turner’s early release came to be. She discovered that while Tennessee law required those convicted of aggravated rape to serve their entire sentences, a section of the penal code allowed convicts to receive sentence reduction credits of up to 15 percent.

Closing that loophole, says Morton, became her sole focus.

Through her media blitz in Memphis and with help from a friend who worked for the local news, she connected with Tennessee State Representative Antonio Parkinson.

“He said he wanted to help me, but he couldn’t make any promises,” Morton remembers.

Still hopeful, Morton worked with Parkinson to write a bill eliminating the section of state penal code that granted early release to violent sexual offenders. With Parkinson as its sponsor, Kimberlee’s Law was submitted to the state legislature for approval (Morton, whose legal first name is Kimberly, preferred the alternate spelling for the legislation).

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On May 29, 2012, in a ceremony on the lawn of the State Capitol in Nashville, Governor Bill Haslam signed Kimberlee’s Law into Tennessee state law.

“Kimberly Morton was victimized twice. Once by her assailant and once by our state laws that put such violent offenders back into society after only serving parts of their sentences,” Parkinson told the crowd. “For those that are brazen enough and callous enough to violently assault any of our citizens, we want them to understand they won’t see the light of day until all of their sentence is paid out.”

The celebration on the lawn that day could have felt like a cathartic exhale after so much pain—the final page of a harrowing and protracted story.

But for Kimberly Morton, the victory in Tennessee was just the beginning.

“One state is not enough,” she remembers thinking. “I want to go national.”

Utica College Associate Professor of Criminal Justice Shanna Van Slyke has had some experience meeting students who have interacted with the criminal justice system before enrolling at UC. Trips to family court as a child of divorced parents, a relative or friend who has served jail time; stories like these, she says, are often the inspiration behind a student’s pursuit of a career in criminal justice.

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“They want to fix a broken system,” she says.

But Kimberly Morton’s story was different.

“I met Kimberly last spring in my criminal justice communications class,” she recalls. “I had assigned a topic proposal, and it wasn’t until I read her paper that I knew her background.”

In a word, Van Slyke was shocked.

“Kimberly is such a friendly, vibrant person,” she says.

“I can’t imagine the horror she went through. I’m just amazed by her drive.”

It was late 2019, and still immersed in her research at the law library, Morton had decided to enroll at UC. It only made sense, she reasoned, to work toward a bachelor’s degree in criminal justice as she continued her fight to make Kimberlee’s Law go national.

Through her coursework with Van Slyke, Morton shared her goal and the progress she’d made in Tennessee. Already so well versed in the legislative process, Morton had little to gain from introductory courses. Instead, Van Slyke proposed an independent study. With COVID-19 just emerging and Utica College transitioning to fully remote operations in March 2020, an independent study would allow Morton to continue the work she’d been doing on her own, this time for course credit.

Van Slyke set weekly deadlines and helped Mor-

ton see the big-picture impact of her pursuit.

“Kimberly’s work has the potential to impact so many people. Our criminal justice system only works if we, as a society, perceive it to be fair and legitimate,” says Van Slyke. “When sentences don’t seem to be influenced by the severity of the harm done, it devalues the victim, who can feel like their trauma doesn’t matter, and it undermines the legitimacy of the entire system.”

“The concept of time off for good behavior isn’t bad in itself,” Van Slyke continues, “but Kimberly’s goal is to encourage lawmakers to rethink who is eligible, and find a different way to deal with logistics of prison management and correctional costs—one that doesn’t strip away that balance between harm done and punishment served.”

More than providing a flexible path to a degree, Van Slyke became another powerful champion in Morton’s corner.

“Kimberly’s road has not been quick or easy, but she’s sticking with it because she knows it’s the right thing to do,” she says. “And I believe in her.”

For someone so resolute and driven, it’s surprising that Kimberly Morton can’t seem to settle on a career.

She says law school is an option, and she could see herself as a lawyer or a

judge. But as a victims’ advocate, she says, she could use her personal experience and her voice to support survivors. On the other hand, she loves to write. After hearing people quip “You should write a book!” so often after learning her story, she penned her autobiography over the course of seven years.

“I see Kimberly with her hands in everything,” says Shanna Van Slyke. “Law school would be a beautiful fit. As a teacher, she would be remarkable. She loves to communicate, and she’s a pleasure to talk to and be around. Her story has already touched so many people.”

And it’s true: Morton says she regularly receives messages from people who have read her story online and contact her via social media; fellow survivors who draw strength from her resiliency, and even those who have directly benefited from her eponymous law in Tennessee. They thank her, and go on to share the emotional details of their own assaults.

Do messages like these, in all their come-full-circle glory, play a part in helping Morton heal?

“No,” she says, barely pausing to consider the question. “I had already healed when I started this fight. Otherwise I couldn’t have done it.”

Then, as if stating the obvious, Morton reiterates: “I didn’t stay a victim for long.”

ALUMNI NEWS

Her Big ‘Break’ Inspired by her energetic 6-year-old, Tameka Smart ’04 pens her first children’s book.

Tameka Smart’s 6-year-old son Marley not only inspired his mom’s first book—he also served as her editor.

“Marley helped me come up with names for the characters, and he listened to all my proofs until I got it right,” says Smart ’04.

Published in April, Moms Never Get a Break pays homage to busy parents like Smart, who is both a single mom to Marley and a successful entrepreneur.

“As a mom there is always something to do—take care of your children and the household, work full-time, run a business, and try to take care of yourself,” she says. “Although we make it look easy at times, moms are exhausted.”

“I have received some amazing feedback, which is so humbling and just warms my heart.”

After years working in the finance industry, Smart, who lives in Florida, founded her own company Smart Inspiration LLC in 2018.

The response to the book has been overwhelmingly positive, she says, from both young readers and parents who can relate to its message.

“My son loves to read. One day after we finished reading one of his favorite books he said, ‘Why don’t you write a book?’” Smart recalls. “My response to him was, ‘Marley, I can’t write a book.’ He looked at me and he said, ‘Mommy, yes, you can. You can do anything!’”

“I have received some amazing feedback, which is so humbling and just warms my heart,” says Smart, who plans to write more books, including some for adults, in the future.

With Marley’s help, Smart created the story of a mom who wears many hats throughout the day, hoping to give kids—and parents—a realistic glimpse into the lives of single mothers who feel the pressure to do it all.

“Now Marley calls me ‘Author Mom.’”

And while her success hasn’t given her a break at home, she has earned a new nickname:

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ALUMNI NEWS

Catching Up with: Ann Ciancia ’18 ership Principles from the Harvard Business School.

With all she’s accomplished as a UC alumna, it’s hard to believe Ann Ciancia graduated from Utica College just three years ago. The former Student Government Association President with a trio of majors (Health Studies, Philosophy, and Spanish) is now a student times two: studying law at the Syracuse University College of Law while simultaneously earning an MBA online through Utica College. This past spring, she earned a certificate in Lead-

Driving it all? Her goals to advocate for women and, eventually, become a college president. We talked to Ciancia to learn more about her recent accomplishments—and how her UC mentors continue to guide her academic journey.

UM: You came to UC in 2014 as a physical therapy major.

What changed your path?

AC: In 2017, I studied abroad in Ecuador and saw firsthand how violence against women was just brushed off.

Instantly I knew I wanted to advocate for victims of domestic violence. President Casamento’s first year as president was also my first year as SGA president, and we instantly formed this connection through leader-

Remembering ‘Dom’

Dominique Nanton ’15: 1992-2021

By Nick McAdam ’21 Utica College alumnus and former men’s basketball player Dominique Nanton passed away on April 6, 2021, after a long illness.

Nanton grew up in Harlem in New York City and attended Frederick Douglass Academy, where he helped his high-school basketball team win a championship.

He came to Utica College in 2011 to pursue a degree in marketing and continue his basketball career. Nanton was a member of Phi Beta Sigma Incorporated, Omicron Alpha chapter at UC. Following in the footsteps of his father, Ezra Nanton, he served as the chapter’s membership chairman and president.

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ship. Conversations with her helped inspire my goal to become a college president.

UM: When did you decide to pursue an MBA on top of your law studies?

AC: In my first year of law school, I struggled with classes, and imposter-syndrome was all too real. I reached out to Professor [Stephanie] Nesbitt for help.

She gave me advice on following my dreams, and within a few weeks, I applied to the MBA program at UC. UM: Your research has focused on sexual assault and family violence. Can you share more?

AC: In 2019, I completed my externship at the Vera House in Syracuse, where I helped victims of domestic violence obtain orders of protection from their abusers. Once the

pandemic hit, I stayed on as a family court volunteer at the Vera House. It was sad to see a drastic rise in callers, and I wanted to research more about family violence during the pandemic. This spring, my essay titled “The Rise in Family Violence During the COVID-19 Era” was published in the Syracuse Law Review.

UM: What’s next for you?

AC: I recently accepted a judicial clerkship with the Honorable Honora O’Brien Kilgallen in Monmouth County, New Jersey, my home state. I will be working in the family division with a domestic violence docket.

I never thought I could land a role like this, so I am excited for this opportunity to experience the judicial decision-making process.

After earning his degree, Nanton worked at Nike in New York City, Enterprise Car Services, and Bank of America. He reconnected with his teammates and friends from high school to create the Diamond in the Rough Sports Agency, and traveled overseas to become an official Federal International Basketball Association agent.

His fraternity brother and friend Keron Alleyne ’12 remembers Nanton for his easygoing and “incessantly positive” personality.

“Dom was a reliable source of laughter and was passionate about serving others,” Alleyne says. “It hurts our village of people to lose a man that was wielding his potential with a feverish drive to achieve so much. He still had more to give to those around him.”

“Dom was a reliable source of laughter and was passionate about serving others.”

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COLLEGE ADVANCES

A Sister’s Gift

Fredericka Paine helps UC establish endowed professorship in cybersecurity.

With funding provided by Fredericka “Fritzie” Paine, the College has established the Karl Zimpel ’75 Endowed Professorship in Cybersecurity. This is the second endowed professorship in Utica College’s history; the first was the Harold T. Clark Jr. ’65 Professorship, established in 2005.

Paine made this gift in honor of her late brother, Karl Zimpel, a 1975 graduate of Utica College and one of the College’s first computer science students. In choosing the cybersecurity program, Paine hopes to bolster the College’s efforts to prepare graduates to address growing national security threats at home and abroad.

Paine, a retired clinical psychologist, is a native of Canajoharie, New York.

An award-winning photographer and world traveler, Paine has spent much of her adult life in Italy, where her

photography has earned widespread acclaim.

“An endowed professorship, a position permanently supported by revenue from an endowment fund, is one of the highest and most prestigious honors a college can award a faculty member,” said Utica College President Laura Casamento. “Ms. Paine’s vision and generosity will take Utica College to a new level in its ability to support academic excellence in the cybersecurity program.

This award provides a significant opportunity to recognize the depth and breadth of academic talent among our faculty, and to support professors as they go afield in their research and scholarly activity.”

For Paine, the gift is a way to cement her brother’s legacy in the College’s history.

“I want the brother I loved to be remembered and honored for the man which he was at his core.”

“I want the brother I loved to be remembered and honored for the man which he was at his core,” said Paine. “It is my hope that this endowment will carry out and sustain a legacy that would bring pride to my brother and his family.”

The College will honor Paine in a ceremony this fall.

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Utica College Achieves Two Meaningful Philanthropy Milestones The College’s endowment recently surpassed the $35 million mark for the first time in UC’s history. In the last year, the College received approximately $2.5 million in new endowment gifts. Those donations, in addition to favorable market conditions, have resulted in a nearly $10 million growth.

The endowment represents an aggregation of invested assets from which the institution pulls annual income used to support UC’s educational mission, provide critically important scholarship aid, and fund strategic initiatives that enable institutional growth.

“Gifts to the endowment are transformative, as they ensure that financial resources will be available to the College in perpetuity,” says Vice President for Advancement George Nehme. “The recent growth is a meaningful sign of Utica College’s maturity as an institution, and a reflection of the profound generosity of our alumni and friends.”

Another important milestone: As of April 2021, the College has raised more than $6 million in private philanthropy this

Connecting Pioneers Close to Home Utica College’s Regional Alumni Networks help Pioneers stay connected to their alma mater—and one another.

Regional Alumni Network members can: • Host or help plan events, such as happy hours, educational panels, etc.

• Attend an admissions event on behalf of UC • Coordinate community service projects • Help plan reunions • Share industry insight with students and recent graduates.

Membership is free and open to all UC alumni in the following regions. Learn more and join on Facebook: Washington, D.C.: facebook.com/groups/UCalumniWashingtonDC Metro NYC: facebook.com/groups/UCalumniNYC Florida: facebook.com/groups/UCalumniFlorida Not in your area yet? We may be coming soon! Learn more ways to connect at utica.edu/alumni

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year, exceeding its total cash-in goal of $5.5 million. The Office of Advancement projects the College will eclipse last year’s total, which was a record for private gifts.

Says Nehme, “Our donors understand the importance of philanthropy and its incredible impact on student success.”

Short-Term Help, Long-Term Impact Support students with a gift to UC’s new Pioneer Persistence Fund For many Utica College students, unforeseen expenses can make the difference between earning a degree and permanently withdrawing. The Utica College Pioneer Persistence Fund (PPF) was created to provide one-time financial assistance to students experiencing unforeseen financial hardships, such as family emergencies, food insecurities, or unanticipated educational costs (books, lab supplies, appropriate attire or travel/accommodations for a job interview, etc.) Contributions to the PPF help support vulnerable Pioneers when they need it most—and help them continue on their path to graduation. Learn more at utica.edu/giving/ways-support-UC

Class Notes Mark F. Cacozza ’73, Saratoga Springs, NY, retired after 36 years as a principal law clerk for the NYS Supreme Court in Saratoga County.

Jim Moore ’75, Ardmore, PA, wrote a memoir, My Whispering Father, in 2020.

Sandra Beckwith ’76, Fairport, NY, has earned recognition for her Build Book Buzz book marketing website. It has been named to the 100 Best Websites for Writers list compiled by The Write Life for the third time.

Kim Bradford ’76, Mount Pleasant, SC, has been named Area Vice President of Luxury Partnership, Incentive, Financial and Insurance Markets at REIIMAGINE in Charleston, SC. Joanne Vassallo Jamrosz ’81, New Hartford, NY, won several awards at the 2020 Royal Dragonfly Book Awards for her young adult novel, The Dreamer’s Stage.

Robert Corriero ’83, Syracuse, NY, is working for SAAB Inc. as a Principal Project Engineer in the Air Traffic Management Division.

Dr. Dean Kostakos ’83, Marietta, GA, practices as a podiatrist at North Fulton Podiatry in Roswell, GA. Leesa Nunno Kelley ’89, Liverpool, NY, is the marketing communications specialist at Hematology-Oncology Associates of Central New York.

Denise Leary ’89, North Babylon, NY, was named the 2021 Woman of Distinction by the 15th Legislative District in Suffolk County, NY. Leary is President of the Belmont Lake Civic Association in North Babylon, NY. Beth Gordon Schlesinger ’92, Aurora, IL, is head of communications, photon sciences, at Argonne National Research Laboratory near Chicago.

Dianne Quinn ’92, West Milford, NJ, is remarketing sales manager at Mercedes-Benz USA. Shelley Bartolotti ’93, New Hartford, NY, was named Literacy Educator of the Year by the New York State Reading Association.

Matthew Mars ’95, Tucson, AZ, was awarded the 2020 USDA/APLU Excellence in College and University Teaching Award for Food and Agricultural Sciences-Western Region.

Tara Capponi ’99, Marcy, NY, has been promoted to Media Relations and Public Policy Manager at the Central Association for the Blind and Visually Impaired.

Christy DiBrango Harlander ’00, Utica, NY, started a new position as a licensed realtor at Bradley & Associates Real Estate Appraisers in the Utica-Rome area.

Jessica Metzler Sinclair ’00, Bronx, NY, is an art teacher and owns a women’s clothing store, Dressed by Jess Boutique.

Georgina Parsons ’03, Schenectady, NY, has been named press secretary to the New York State Democratic Conference in Albany.

Rebecca Clark ’04, Earlville, NY, has begun a new job as marketing administrator, DLH Properties, Inc. Ami Olson Campbell ’07, Cambridge, MA, is director of community engagement at South Boston Community Development Corporation.

Gino Geruntino ’11, Mohawk, NY, has been promoted to Content Marketing Lead at ParTech, Inc. Emily Stull ’11, Spinnerstown, PA, is a video producer for Ruckus Marketing. She was on their team that won the 2020 Emmy Award for Branded Content for the inspiring video “Brian’s Dots,” about an artist who suffered a paralyzing injury.

Carolina Guzman ’13, Bronx, NY, has been promoted to senior producer, project management at Digitas Health.

Joseph Harrison ’14, Watchung, NJ, has started a new position as mortgage loan originator at AnnieMac Home Mortgage.

Ian Malloy ’15, Dell Rapids, SD, has been accepted into Indiana State University’s Master of Science Mathematics program.

Allison Antonowicz-Reese ’16, Rome, NY, is married and has two children.

Amanda Paladino ’16, Albany, NY, is a staff attorney at the Legal Aid Society of Northeastern New York in Albany.

Opeyemi Ogunwomoju ’16, New York City, is systems assistant director of nursing quality at New York City Health and Hospitals.

James McClendon ’17, Buffalo, NY, has been named general assignment reporter for Syracuse.com.

Marissa Filletti ’17, Marcy, NY, started a new position as a digital content specialist at Terakeet in Syracuse, NY. Alec Snyder ’18, Rochester, NY, was recently listed as the auditor-investigator in legal proceedings in the indictment of a Rochester doctor for manslaughter in opioids overdose death.

Sam Northrup ’19, Chadwicks, NY, has joined 3BL Media as assistant director of marketing and content creation.

Maria Montero Silva ’20, Utica, NY, is communications coordinator for the Mohawk Valley Latino Association, Inc. Okechukwu Ogbutor G’20, New York City, is a healthcare data analyst for FAIR Health in New York City.

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IN MEMORIAM

ENGAGEMENTS, WEDDINGS, AND ANNIVERSARIES Zach Schellenger ’17, G’18 and Perri Ottati ’18 were engaged in January 2021.

Richard J. Carnevale ’49, Endwell, NY, October 4, 2020.

Ernest W. Clock ’50, Litchfield, CT, May 22, 2020.

Dr. Alan M. Sokobin ’50, Toledo, OH, April 3, 2020.

Marjorie S. Thurlow ’50, Watertown, MA, November 22, 2020.

Anthony L. Trovato ’50, Melbourne, FL, May 17, 2020.

William M. Buckley Jr. ’51, New Smyrna Beach, FL, February 05, 2020.

Warren J. Cook ’51, New Lexington, OH, January 22, 2020.

Carolyn Fix ’51, Fairfax, VA, May 20, 2020.

Donald E. Keinz ’51, Utica, NY, January 1, 2021.

Dr. Allen G. Noble ’51, Akron, OH, March 24, 2020.

Dr. John J. Flagler ’52, Minneapolis, MN, April 25, 2020.

Catherine M. Nester ’52, Utica, NY, July 10, 2020.

William J. Potter ’52, Liver-

The Gift that Gives Back Establishing a charitable gift annuity with Utica College can provide vital support to students and the College by funding scholarships, academic resources, capital projects, and other institutional priorities—while also providing donors with fixed payments for life.

Visit utica.edu/planningyourgift to learn more about charitable gift annuities and to determine if establishing one as part of The Heritage Society may be right for you.

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pool, NY, January 8, 2020.

Anthony J. Randazzo ’52, New Hartford, NY, April 1, 2020.

Nicholas Redanty Sr. ’52, East Rochester, NY, January 4, 2020.

Harlon E. Nichols ’54, State College, PA, March 16, 2021.

Frank B. Rossi ’54, Mohawk, NY, November 22, 2020.

Russell B. Williams ’54, Sisters, OR, January 1, 2020.

Angelo P. Cofano ’55, Issaquah, WA, August 17, 2020.

Eugene S. Millhouse ’55, Rome, NY, October 30, 2020.

Hugh F. Carville ’56, Delray Beach, FL, February 21, 2020.

Louis Damelio ’56, Utica, NY, October 15, 2019.

Frank S. Morreale ’56, Utica, NY, December 7, 2020.

John W. Nelson ’58, Whitesboro, NY, February 20, 2021.

Marshall B. Sitrin ’58, Carrollton, TX, September 9, 2020.

HERITAGE SOCIETY

A Rising Star in Sports Communication: Anthony ‘A.J.’ O’Hagan ’11 A Utica College alum has been making a big splash in New York City media outlets with his Division III sports coverage at Yeshiva University in New York, NY. In February, the University’s Sports Information Director Anthony ‘A.J.’ O’Hagan ’11 was recognized by the College Sports Information Directors of America (CoSIDA) as a 2021 CoSIDA Rising Star.

Presented annually to two CoSIDA members, the award honors young sports information directors with exceptional “dedication, energy, and enthusiasm for the profession.”

In his current role since 2015, O’Hagan oversees the media and public relations for 15 varsity teams, including maintenance of the Yeshiva Maccabees’ website and social media channels, and has coordinated national and regional coverage for his sports teams.

A journalism grad, O’Hagan was the sports editor for the The Tangerine and video coordinator for the Pioneers’ men’s ice hockey team during his time at UC. He was named the

William C. Van Winkle Jr. ’58, Clifton Park, NY, November 13, 2020.

Joseph F. Gaeta ’59, Utica, NY, February 8, 2021.

Daniel M. Guggi Sr. ’59, Rome, NY, November 1, 2020.

Raymond Hapanowicz ’59, Naples, FL, December 24, 2020.

Jason O. Seymour ’59, Rome, NY, August 29, 2020.

Suzanna Smith ’59, Chadwicks, NY, January 25, 2020.

Dr. Alfred J. Tector Jr. ’59, Milwaukee, WI, December 3, 2020.

Frank P. DiSpirito ’60, Utica, NY, December 15, 2020.

National Collegiate Journalist of the Year by the National Society for Collegiate Journalists in 2011, and in September 2016, he earned an Alumni Award for Young Leadership from Utica College.

While an undergraduate in 2009, O’Hagan, who has autism, formed an Autism Awareness Club at UC and organized campus lectures, fundraising events, movie nights and more to raise awareness. He continues to give independent lectures, serve as a panelist at conferences, and educate others about autism on his social media channels.

“A.J.’s dedication to learning and his passion for sports were evident from the start,” says Paul J. MacArthur, professor of public relations and journalism who teaches sports communication courses at Utica College.

“I’ve watched A.J.’s career since he left Utica College and his work ethic and passion are evident in everything he does. This award is an honor that speaks to A.J.’s accomplishments and I’m sure there will be many more in his future.”

May C. Duff ’60, Irvine, CA, December 14, 2020.

Thomas A. Mariani ’61, Frankfort, NY, July 15, 2020.

Dominick Ferrare ’60, Rome, NY, July 8, 2020.

Dr. Hobart L. Morris Jr. ’61, Brookfield, NY, March 13, 2021.

John E. Hinton ’60, Vestal, NY, May 17, 2020.

John H. Roberts II ’61, Rome, NY, November 8, 2020.

James J. Klein ’60, New Hartford, NY, February 4, 2021.

William L. Warmuth ’60, The Hills, TX, January 23, 2021.

Louis J. Alonzo Jr. ’61, South Glens Falls, NY, February 21, 2021.

Joseph M. Belmont ’61, Frankfort, NY, February 8, 2020.

Sally L. Majka ’61, Rome, NY, January 28, 2021.

Eva S. Rosenberg ’61, Beachwood, OH, May 22, 2020.

Bernard W. Sullivan ’61, Bluffton, SC, August 4, 2020.

Samuel F. Ventura ’61, Whitesboro, NY, February 19, 2021.

Gloria Wolak ’61, Whitesboro, NY, January 20, 2021.

Jack P. Jones ’62, Clinton, NY, February 2, 2021.

Rosemary Kendrick ’62, Madison, WI, November 10, 2020.

James D. Lia Esq. ’62, Long Beach, CA, June 5, 2020.

Rev. Douglas H. Merchant ’62, Syracuse, NY, November 5, 2020.

James R. Schmidt ’62, Chelmsford, MA, March 3, 2020.

Stuart H. Talbot ’62, Rome, NY, March 9, 2020.

Josephine Longo Vescera ’62, Utica, NY, January 10, 2021.

Lynn E. Arthur ’63, Indianapolis, IN, June 14, 2020.

Lester C. Cannain ’63, Albuquerque, NM, January 02, 2021.

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SAVE THE DATE!

HOMECOMING Alumni and Family Weekend: Coming Back Together SEPTEMBER 24-26, 2021 Mark your calendars for Utica College Homecoming 2021: Coming Back Together planned for September 24 – 26, 2021.

This year’s events will be especially memorable as we celebrate the 75th Anniversary of Utica College’s founding. The weekend will feature a full slate of interesting and fun programs including sporting events, building dedications, special performances, academic offerings, great food, parent gatherings, and Class-Year Reunions.

Check utica.edu/homecoming frequently for the most up-to-date information on Homecoming 2021.

Pioneers, we can’t wait to see you as we Come Back Together and celebrate Homecoming 2021!

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UTICA COLLEGE

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Check often: utica.edu/homecoming

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S

Stewart is a Wealth Management Adviser at Northwestern Mutual in New Hartford, NY.

Tanner Stewart ’10 on a New Way to Support UC As a Utica College alumnus and a wealth management professional, Tanner Stewart ’10 knows the value of smart financial planning. And according to Stewart, establishing a charitable gift annuity with Utica College is a great way to support Utica College students—and ensure fixed payments for life.

We talked with Stewart to learn more.

Utica Magazine: What is a charitable gift annuity and how does it work through Utica College?

Tanner Stewart: A charitable gift annuity is a lifelong contract between a nonprofit organization and an individual or couple, established with cash, stocks, mutual funds, bonds, and other marketable securities worth as low as $10,000. This gift is placed in a reserve account and invested. The donor will then receive a fixed payout based on the donor’s age at the time of the gift and the date when the payments begin. At the end of the donor’s life, the remainder of the gift will be dispersed to the College.

UM: In addition to supporting UC with your contribution, are there tax benefits to charitable gift annuities, as well?

TS: Yes, when using appreciated securities such as stock, gift annuities allow donors to partially eliminate and then defer any remaining capital gain embedded in the donated securities used to fund the gift annuities. In addition, a current charitable tax deduction is recognized at the time of the gift.

UM: How does a charitable gift annuity support Utica College?

TS: Gift annuities provide crucial support to students by funding scholarships, institutional financial aid, academic resources, capital projects, and many other priorities. Both the donor and the College benefit.

To learn more about charitable gift annuities with Utica College, please visit utica.edu/planningyourgift to explore UC’s library of gift-planning resources.

C. Thomas Clark ’63, Albany, NY, November 5, 2020.

Milton C. Lewis ’63, Whitesboro, NY, January 4, 2021.

John F. Mullin ’63, New Hartford, NY, March 19, 2020.

Gertrude G. Myers ’63, San Antonio, TX, May 19, 2020.

Harry L. Robson ’63, Yorkville, NY, January 9, 2021.

Terry Davenport ’64, Fairport, NY, November 9, 2020.

William J. Dunn ’64, Bedford, TX, April 3, 2020.

James F. Hale ’64, Sauquoit, NY, March 11, 2021.

Roger S. Pereto ’64, Rome, NY, November 21, 2020.

Richard F. Lewek ’65, Clinton, NY, January 23, 2021.

Martha L. Blowers ’66, Union, KY, March 28, 2020.

June D. Wainwright ’67, Mohawk, NY, January 1, 2020.

Joseph F. Bollettieri ’68, The Villages, FL, January 7, 2020.

Terrence J. Murphy ’68, Mohawk, NY, July 21, 2020.

James F. Fahey ’69, Schenectady, NY, January 31, 2020.

Michael R. Gadek ’69, New York, NY, March 11, 2021.

Vincent M. Heck ’69, Rome, NY, September 13, 2020.

Wilson H. Tyler ’69, Manchester, CT, December 5, 2020.

Warren K. Howlett ’70, Westmoreland, NY, March 4, 2021.

Paul B. Montana ’70, Stratham, NH, May 7, 2020.

Vincent Miranda ’71, Boonville, NY, December 16, 2020.

Karl T. Sanford Jr. ’71, Boonville, NY, December 2, 2020.

Bernice Ford Benson ’72, New Hartford, NY, November 21, 2020.

Jan S. Medved ’72, Rensselaer, NY, March 31, 2020.

Philip E. Cox ’73, Lee, NY, July 2, 2020.

Nataline Schmitz ’73, Herkimer, NY, April 2, 2020.

Judith A. Sedlow ’73, Santa Fe, NM, February 27, 2020.

Frederick J. Murphy Jr. ’74, Hyannis, MA, February 16, 2021.

Nancy A. Murphy ’74, Whitesboro, NY, July 2, 2020.

Kipling G. Olson ’74, Mayville, NY, February 25, 2021.

Neil E. Piper ’74, West Palm Beach, FL, April 1, 2020.

Patrick D. Samson ’74, Frankfort, NY, January 1, 2021.

Amy Breton ’75, Rome, NY, June 2, 2020.

Barbara G. Internicola ’75, Utica, NY, January 27, 2021.

Danielle A. Kincaid ’75, Holland Patent, NY, January 20, 2021.

Annemaria Rizzo ’75, Orlando, FL, November 11, 2020.

Linda M. Specht ’75, Clearwater, FL, August 2, 2020.

John J. Story ’76, Clifton Park, NY, February 23, 2021.

John G. Groman ’77, Aurora, CO, December 25, 2020.

Pauline G. MacDonald ’77, Thendara, NY, August 29, 2020.

Rena B. Sunderlin ’77, Utica, NY, November 4, 2020.

Theresa M. Beagle ’78, Raleigh, NC, September 4, 2020.

David T. Gilot ’78, Whitesboro, NY, December 22, 2020.

Hermie Lee Butler ’80, Clinton, NY, July 28, 2020.

Joseph P. Delaney ’80, Skaneateles, NY, July 31, 2020.

Tauni H. O’Toole ’81, Utica, NY, January 1, 2020.

Virginia K. Parker ’81, Clinton, NY, January 13, 2021.

Thomas J. DeLuca ’82, Seneca Falls, NY, February 27, 2020.

Joan M. Murphy ’82, Rome, NY, September 21, 2020.

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Patricia M. Furbush ’83, Bear, DE, March 12, 2021.

Mark S. Kavanaugh ’83, Frederick, MD, November 5, 2020.

Richard F. Longley ’84, Concord, NH, April 27, 2020.

Irene Siminski ’85, Utica, NY, October 29, 2020.

James A. Trapani ’85, Fairport, NY, January 19, 2020.

Bruce E. Witter ’85, Brookfield, NY, December 17, 2020.

Catherine Wheelock ’87, Sauquoit, NY, February 22, 2021.

Dr. Bruce M. Renders ’89, Rome, NY, April 17, 2020.

Paul F. Stone ’91, Binghamton, NY, November 9, 2020.

Peter M. Bohl ’92, East Greenbush, NY, July 23, 2020.

Jessie M. Thorpe ’92, Rome, NY, May 25, 2020.

Connie A. Fusco ’93, Queensbury, NY, November 11, 2020.

Kelly A. Lane ’93, Leominster, MA, March 28, 2020.

Ronald L. Fallon ’94, Sauquoit, NY, March 19, 2021.

Anna F. Sharpe ’94, Clinton, NY, January 26, 2021.

Lillian M. Vatalaro ’95, Utica, NY, October 16, 2020.

Matthew J. Cerio ’97, Camillus, NY, April 21, 2020.

William C. Decker ’98, Sandy Hook, CT, August 25, 2020.

Michael D. Murray ’98, Frankfort, NY, January 9, 2020.

Lorraine A. Lewin ’02, Camden, NY, February 8, 2020.

Matthew B. Vescera ’09, Frankfort, NY, January 12, 2021.

Rocco A. DePerno ’12, Utica, NY, June 12, 2020.

Michael J. Vivacqua G’12, New Hartford, NY, December 4, 2020.

Chein Liu-Cudnik G’14, Orlando, FL, September 10, 2020.

Tina W. Chang G’15, Pine Brook, NJ, November 7, 2020.

Erin A. Hamalainen ’16, Wilmington, NC, May 27, 2020.

Jean M. Neumann G’16, Barrington, IL, November 19, 2020.

Joseph Issac G’18, Fort Lauderdale, FL, January 16, 2021.

Taylor C. Thomas ’18, Broad Brook, CT, March 26, 2020.

FACULTY & STAFF WHO HAVE PASSED Michael D. Damsky, New Hartford, NY, a longtime member of the Utica College Board of Trustees, December 25, 2020.

Alfreda Nowak, New Hartford, NY, March 5, 2021.

Norberto Rosado Sr., Utica, NY, a member of facilities management staff, December 31, 2020.

Raymond Rivera, Utica, NY, a member of facilities management staff, January 2, 2021.

Elizabeth Zylka, Utica, NY, volunteer and friend of the grounds department, February 6, 2021.

Send us your news! uticamag@utica.edu

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In Memoriam: Sally Lachut Majka ’61 The Utica College community was saddened by the passing of Sally Lachut Majka ’61 on January 28, 2021.

Majka was a dedicated and passionate public school educator for more than 30 years, first in the Vernon-Verona-Sherrill and Utica City School Districts and later in Fairfax County, Virginia where she spent the majority of her career. Education—and, more specifically, reaching the minds of young people—was her life’s work.

While a student at Utica College, Majka majored in social studies and was a member of Chi Beta Sigma and Eta Iota Rho. She continued her education at Syracuse University, where she earned a master’s degree, and at the Catholic University of America in Washington, D.C., where she earned an M.L.S. She and her husband Donald returned to the Utica area following her retirement in 1994, and she remained active in education through volunteerism and philanthropy. Notably, she was a supporter of and regular volunteer at the Utica College Regional Science Fair.

Majka is an emerita member of the Utica College Board of Trustees, having served from 2000 to 2005. She received the College Service Award in 2002 and the Pioneer Legacy Award in 2011. She and Don have been generous benefactors of the College, establishing the Sally Lachut Majka Scholarship to benefit students of Polish descent and supporting the College in many ways, from annual giving to support for the biology program, and so much more.

Summer Carbone ’17, a biology graduate and a recipient of the Majka Scholarship, shared her experience meeting Sally and Donald Majka at UC’s annual Scholarship Luncheon in 2017: “The Majkas were two of the most kind, respectful, encouraging individuals I have ever met. Sharing an afternoon with them at the Scholarship Luncheon was a privilege. We talked about Mrs. Majka’s career as an elementary school teacher, and she was so genuinely interested in chatting about my future plans. After I walked across the stage during UC’s commencement ceremony in 2017, Mrs. Majka got up from the front row where she was seated, walked up to me and gave me the biggest hug. It was really a special moment, and I will never forget it.”

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