4 minute read
Community Perspectives on a Historic Presidency
In my role, I’ve seen a different side of what President Casamento faced during her presidency, and it was not for the weak-hearted. In my view, she handled it all with poise, grace, and humility. Throughout her tenure, she was open and transparent, bold, determined, and her heart was in the right place. Above all, she demonstrated many times over that you can be a strong leader, be tough when necessary, and yet have fun. In reflection, I was proud of her, not just for being the first woman president of our University, but for setting a great example for our students, other leaders in our community, and for college presidents across the country.
– Heidi M. Hoeller CPA ’91, UTICA UNIVERSITY TRUSTEE
What made President Casamento truly valuable during my time as student body president was her unwavering commitment to honesty and her ability to provide sound advice and guidance, even when it wasn’t necessarily what I wanted to hear. She consistently steered us in the right direction, helping us shape a better student experience.
– Colby Kusinitz ’23, FORMER SGA PRESIDENT AND FORMER CAPTAIN OF THE UTICA EMERGENCY MEDICAL SERVICES
There could not have been a better time for Dr. Laura Casamento to become president of Utica University, and there could not have been a better person to become president than Laura. Her ascension to the presidency, for those of us who knew her well and worked with her in various capacities, was not at all surprising. Laura was a true leader in everything she did. Her passion for everything at Utica was what always stood out, and in that, she took the community along with her.
– Anthony Picente ’94, ONEIDA COUNTY EXECUTIVE
Our community has certainly benefited under the leadership of Laura Casamento. She has provided Utica University and our greater region years of dedicated, thoughtful, analytical, influential, and pragmatic service and perspective, moving us forward in dynamic style. I consider myself fortunate to have had Laura serve as trustee on the Community Foundation board. She has the knack of seeing precisely what needs to be done and never loses sight of the outcomes we are trying to obtain.
– Alicia Dicks, PRESIDENT AND CEO OF THE COMMUNITY FOUNDATION OF HERKIMER AND ONEIDA COUNTIES
As I made my way toward Gaetano Stadium to witness the inauguration of Utica’s ninth President, I encountered a woman sitting alone in a golf cart outside the stadium. In that moment, I stopped to say hello to Laura Casamento who looked like the weight of the world was squarely set upon her shoulders. This was a side of Laura I had never seen. She shared with me that she was extremely nervous but filled with anticipation and excitement. I offered a hug and she accepted. I told her that her obvious love for the institution would serve her well during the tough days that lie ahead. She acknowledged the trust bestowed upon her by the Utica community and the Board of Trustees and hoped that she would not let us down. In every encounter during her term, Laura always expressed a deep concern and love for this institution. While some may have differed with her approach, she was unwavering in her dedication to the success of the University and especially our students. Laura’s compassion shone through every time I would bring a student with extraordinary needs to her. She found a way to help. I will also add that she was especially supportive of the Utica University Mock Trial Team. She was integral in the process of locating resources to get the team to the AMTA Regionals. I am forever in her debt for all the support she has shown me and our students.
