Class Notes

Charles A. Bacon, III ’82, Saint Petersburg, FL recently retired from Limbach where he served as President and CEO. Limbach is a building systems solutions firm with expertise in the design, prefabrication, installation, management and maintenance of heating, ventilation, air-conditioning (“HVAC”), mechanical, electrical, plumbing and controls systems. Charlie and his wife sailed up the East Coast from Florida shortly after he retired.

Bret Danilowicz ’89 became president of Radford University on July 1, 2022. He is a graduate of Utica’s Biology program. His proud father, Ron Danilowicz, is a professor-emeritus from Utica University who retired in 2005.

Stacey ShelnutHendrick ’89 is Deputy Director for Public Engagement and Learning at the Chrysler Museum of Art in Norfolk, VA

Richard Racioppa ’93, Clinton, NY was promoted to Dean of Students at Utica University in January 2023.

Jeremy Butler ’00, Whitesboro, NY, is the Chief Innovation Officer at Integrated Community Alternatives Network (ICAN).

Denise Valdes ’00, Ph.D, Syracuse, NY, is the Director of the Educational Opportunity Programs at Onondaga Community College. She served as the Presidential Inauguration Delegate for OCC during the Presidential Inauguration of Dr. Todd Pfannestiel.

Laura Prestia ’07, Ph.D., Washington DC, is the Senior Innovation Manager at the National Cancer Institute.

Janette Castro ’08, Saylorsburg, PA, is the Associate Director, Annual Giving and Support Programs at East Stroudsburg University of Pennsylvania.

Michael DeBetta ’08, Washington, DC, is the Vice President of Global Partnerships with Monumental Sports and Entertainment.

Benjamin Atwood ’09, G’13, Waterville, NY, was named Utica University’s Director of Development in August 2023.

Michael Atwood ’09, Albany, NY is Principal Budget Examiner for the New York State Division of the Budget.

Allison Dibble ’09, G’10, Cohoes, NY, is the Admissions Facilitator at Sunnyview Rehabilitation Hospital.

Jillian Doherty ’10, Portsmouth, NH, is Regional Manager of Operations for Veterinary Practice Partners.

AnnaMaria (Cirrincione) Omilanowicz ’10 is the Director of Multicultural Life and Diversity at SUNY Cortland. She served as the Presidential Inauguration Delegate for SUNY Cortland during the Presidential Inauguration of Dr. Todd Pfannestiel.

Kateri Woody ’10, East Haven, CT, is the Manager of Editorial Operations at Marvel Studios.

Sean Phelan ’11, G’13, MBA, Utica, NY, is the Director, Revenue Cycle Services at Mohawk Valley Health System.

Keino Purcell ’11, Boston, MA, is the Senior Assistant Director of Admissions at Northeastern University.

Anthony (AJ) O’Hagan ’11, Bronx, NY, is the Sports Information Director for Monroe College.

Greg Caloia ’12, G’22, MBA, Utica, NY, was promoted to Director of Student Success at Utica University in August 2023.

Jeremiah Gillette ’12, G’16 is a 7-12 Math Teacher in Peru, NY. Jeremiah and his wife Emileigh are expecting their first child in February 2024.

Trisha Barone ’13, New Hartford, NY, is Vice President of Administration & Strategic Initiatives at Kelberman.

Catherine Hallock Geniti ’13, Sprakers, NY, is an Educational Opportunity Counselor with Fulton Montgomery Community College. She served as the Presidential Inauguration Delegate for FMCC during the Presidential Inauguration of Dr. Todd Pfannestiel.

Sean Jones ’14, G’18, MBA, Jersey City, NJ, was promoted to Client Service Team Leader for Brown Brothers Harriman Co. Sean and his wife are expecting their first child, a boy, in late 2023.

Linda Madore G’14, New Hartford, NY, is the Director of Talent Management for Utica National Insurance Group.

John Verra ’14 G’18, Niskayuna, NY is a Social Studies teacher in South Colonie.

Sean Behan ’15 G’18, Utica, NY, was named Head Men’s Lacrosse Coach at Utica University in September 2023. He has previously served as the Head Men’s Lacrosse Coach at Medaille University and as an Assistant at the College of St. Rose.

Emily Smith ’15, Ph.D, Colchester, VT, is Program Evaluator for the Division of Family and Child Health at the Vermont Department of Health.

Sara George ’16, East Syracuse, NY, was named Vice Principal of Christian Brothers Academy in July 2023.

Ashley Kelsey ’16, Waterville, NY, was recently promoted to HR Specialist- Education Services at Upstate Caring Partners. She is highly active in a number of community service organizations, namely programs that support infants receiving care in NICU settings.

Spencer Lasker ’16, Charlotte, NC, is Vice President-Global Lead of Tactical and Vulnerability Cyber Intelligence at Citi, and an Assistant Varsity Football Coach at Lake Norman High School. Spencer and his wife Samantha (Matthews) Lasker ’14, G’15 are proud parents to McKinley, 3 and Colton, 1.

Alyssa Almeida, ’17, G’18, Liverpool, NY, is the Assistant Director of Rehabilitation at Bishop Rehabilitation and Nursing Center in Syracuse, NY.

Elizabeth Avila ’17, J.D., Bridgeport, CT, is a Judicial Law Clerk at the Connecticut Judicial Branch.

Alexis Bell ’17 (CEO) and Paul Dunlop ’19 (COO) launched their new Šóta Signal Analytics product at the Synapse Summit at Amalie Arena on February 14, 2023. Šóta Signal Analytics helps organizations that value transparency in company financial statements by providing an early warning system of otherwise hidden risks of material financial misstatements and potential corporate fraud.

Elliott Coleman ’17, New York City, NY, is the Human Resources Manager for New York City Tourism and Conventions.

Hnin Phyo ’17, G’18, MBA, Houston, TX, was promoted to Manager at MorganFranklin Consulting in early 2023.

Tuan Tony Nguyen ’17, G’18, MBA, Houston, TX, was promoted to Audit Manager of PKF Texas in July 2023.

George Archundia ’18, Oneonta, NY, was recently named the Associate Director of Move-in, Orientation, and Welcome at SUNY Oneonta.

Dorentina Binaku ’18, G’23, Utica, NY, was named as the Young Scholars LPP Assistant Director in January 2023.

Ann Ciancia ’18, G’21, JD, MBA, Utica, NY returns home to join Utica University as Director of Contracts & Compliance, Deputy Title IX Coordinator and Adjunct Lecturer for the School of Business and Justice Studies.

Kaleigh (Congdon) Verra ’18, Nisyauna, NY, is the School Nurse at Oak Hill School.

Dannielle Commisso ’19, Syracuse, NY is an attorney for Pillinger Miller Tarallo, LLP.

Shannon Cool ’19 G’21, Utica, NY, is an Associate Advisor, Strategic Retirement Plans, at Strategic Financial Services, Inc.

John M. Hanlon G’19, DPT, an orthopedic resident at University of Pittsburgh Medical Center (UPMC) Rehabilitation Institute presented at the Institute’s combined programs Grand Rounds where he discussed management principles for the dreaded “stiff knee” (arthrofibrosis status post ACL reconstruction surgery).

Allison Matlak (Wagner) ’20, Utica NY, is a Counselor in Athletics at Utica University. Allie and her husband Eddie are expecting their first child in October 2023.

Haris Nadarevic ’20, Utica, NY is a Senior Analyst I at AML Rightsource.

Akemi Reyes ’20, G’22, Washington, DC is a Cybersecurity Consultant with FTI Consulting.

Daniel Tette ’20, G’21, Irondequoit, NY, is a Tax associate at RSM US LLP. He is also an avid hiker who just became Adirondack 46er- number 14487.

Oah Mi Dah ’21, G’23, MBA, Herkimer, NY is a program supervisor for the Center for Family Life and Recovery in Herkimer, NY.

Mara Delgado ’21, G’23, Utica, NY is a 2nd grade teacher at Conkling Elementary School in Utica, NY.

Anthony DiCunto ’21, Westmoreland, NY, is the Health and Wellness Coordinator, Assistant Varsity Football Coach, and Assistant Women’s Varsity Basketball Coach for the Westmoreland School District.

Madison Judge ’21, Clifton Park, NY, is a Social Media Content Specialist with DiRAD Technologies.

Katherine Tejada ’21, G’22, Utica, NY is a Health Teacher in the Utica City School District.

Zion Keitt ’22, Philadelphia, PA is a cybersecurity CORE (Career Opportunities & Rotational Experiences) associate with Comcast NBCUniversal, embedded in teams that enable NBCUniversal to securely create and distribute compelling content by delivering innovative Cyber Security defenses and services.

Thao Lam ’22, is a Construction Inspector for Johnson, Mirmiran, and Thompson.

Sean O’Malley ’22, New York City is a stage manager at SportsNet New York, the linear and digital home for all things New York sports. From their state-of-the-art facilities at 4 World Trade Center, SNY develops original NY sports news and entertainment content.

Dr. Quinn Roderick ’22, Schenectady, NY is a physical therapist for Circle of Friends Preschool.

Vanroth Meas ’23, Utica, NY, is a proud Young Scholars LPP and Utica TRIO alum. In August 2023, he joined Utica University in the Office of Enrollment Operations as an Enrollment Operations Assistant.

BIRTHS & ADDITIONS

Michael Atwood ’09 and his wife Jessica welcomed a baby boy, Oliver Damrath Atwood, in July 2022.

AnnaMaria (Cirrincione) Omilanowicz ’10, and her husband Nick, Mattydale, NY, welcomed their son, Peter Gabriel, in June 2023.

John Verra ’14 G’18 and Kaleigh (Congdon) Verra ’18, of Niskayuna, NY welcomed twins Estelle Marie and Michael John on May 2, 2022.

Jonathan White ’14, Utica, NY, and his wife Briana welcomed their second daughter, Iris Noelle, in July 2023. They are also the proud parents of Journey Olivia, 2.

Dave Chirco ’15 G’17, and his wife Macy, of Boone, NC, welcomed their daughter Blake in May 2023.

WEDDINGS

Alexander Dawes ’12, G'21, MBA, married Dr. Laura Bowman on August 4, 2023.

Allison Matlak (Wagner) ’20, Utica NY, and her husband Eddie, were married in early 2023.

IN MEMORIAM

Frank Widor ’49, Utica, NY, December 22, 2022.

Arthur J. Golder ’50, Utica, NY, February 20, 2023.

Francis J. Sisca ’50, Greenwich, CT, April 2, 2023.

Richard C. Bremer ’52, Rome, NY, March 17, 2023.

Dr. Thomas J. Cianciolo, Jr. ’53, Clarence, NY, October 1, 2022.

Paul P. Powers ’53, Rome, NY, May 6, 2023.

Carl Del Buono ’54, New Hartford, NY, February 25, 2023.

Dr. Juris G. Draguns ’54, State College, PA, January 17, 2023.

Blanche Duff ’56, Mesa, AZ, November 10, 2022.

Mario L. Rocci ’56, Utica, NY, July 16, 2023.

Robert C. Thomasch, Sr. ’58, Vernon, NY, February 7, 2023.

Frank P. Chiffy ’59, Utica, NY, June 1, 2023.

S. Joan Miner ’59, Clinton, NY, December 20, 2022.

Curtis A. Richardson ’59, Owasso, OK, February 16, 2023.

Clyde H. Lane ’60, Rome, NY, May 11, 2023.

Patricia A. Midura ’60, Reston, VA, February 28, 2023.

Dr. Vincent A. Solomon ’60, Columbus, OH, March 3, 2023.

Martin A. Slagel ’61, Camillus, NY, January 30, 2023.

Celia C. Bulinski ’62, Whitesboro, NY, December 23, 2022.

Clarence D. Forness ’62, Depew, NY, February 21, 2023.

Joanne C. Reppel ’62, Utica, NY, May 9, 2023.

Harry A. Hertline ’64, New Hartford, NY, January 15, 2023.

Walter G. Pratt ’64, New Hartford, NY, November 18, 2022.

Paul A. Wereszynski ’64, Kingston, NY, May 17, 2023.

Dr. Linda K. Pier ’65, Syracuse, NY, April 17, 2023.

Vito C. Rizzo ’65, Rome, NY, April 23, 2023.

Nancy C. Stark ’65, Liverpool, NY, January 3, 2023.

John A. Okunski ’66, Cazenovia, NY, July 26, 2023.

Bonnie D. Polsin ’66, Liverpool, NY, January 11, 2023.

Taras Bodnarczuk ’68, Lower Swatara Township, PA, April 27, 2023.

Peter Falzarine ’68, Canajoharie, NY, April 6, 2023.

James A. Arpante ’69, Pittsfield, MA, March 13, 2023.

John Hollister ’69, Ballston Spa, NY, June 18, 2023.

Ruth Berkowitz ’70, Utica, NY, November 3, 2022.

Gail Miller ’70, Utica, NY, August 13, 2023.

Donald J. Mills ’70, Ballston Lake, NY, April 18, 2023.

Christine B. Deuss ’71, Lowville, NY, February 16, 2023.

Carol A. Panuska ’71, Forest City, PA, October 28, 2022.

Walter R. Rowe ’72, Bel Air, MD, March 12, 2022.

W. Kimberley Nelson ’73, Farmingdale, NJ, April 16, 2023.

Priscilla L. Storm ’73, Utica, NY, June 10, 2023.

Mary Ellen Smith ’74, Manlius, NY, December 3, 2022.

Richard C. Dorn ’75, Deming, NM, March 14, 2022.

Betty H. Martin ’75, Westmoreland, NY, November 11, 2022.

Bruce E. Wagner ’75, Utica, NY, April 19, 2023.

Theodore M. Zalewski ’75, Utica, NY, June 18, 2023.

John J. Bolos ’76, Little Mountain, SC, July 6, 2023.

Paul R. Kindler ’78, Rome, NY, April 30, 2023.

Marguerite B. Parsons ’79, Floyd, NY, January 13, 2023.

James L. Glenn ’81, Boonville, NY, July 17, 2023.

David J. Legare ’81, Ava, NY, April 5, 2023.

Timothy J. Patten ’81, Broadalbin, NY, October 27, 2022.

Girard A. Plante ’88, Auburndale, MA, February 14, 2023.

Melissa L. Stetson ’91, Bernardston, MA, November 25, 2022.

Victoria Bokser ’92, Hoboken, NJ, March 10, 2022.

Donna Wright ’93, Ohio, NY, March 28, 2023.

Kenneth C. Buhrmaster ’94, Saratoga Springs, NY, February 13, 2023.

Laurie A. Hotaling ’94, Peoria, AZ, November 22, 2022.

Charles P. Carey ’96, Yorkville, NY, May 5, 2023.

Bonnie L. Carver ’97, Oneida, NY, June 2, 2022.

Jason J. Tagliaferri ’05, Rome, NY, May 23, 2023.

Timothy P. Rushold ’10, Windsor, CO, November 8, 2021.

Adam E. Miller ’12, Tallahassee, FL, November 4, 2022.

Edgar L. Schloop, III ’13, Utica, NY, June 22, 2023.

UTICA UNIVERSITY FACULTY, STAFF, AND FRIENDS WHO HAVE PASSED

Dr. Louis A. Angelini, professor emeritus of music, New Hartford, NY, December 4, 2022.

Robert H. Cross, Jr., retired director of environmental health and conservation, Woodgate, NY, December 1, 2022.

Kathleen A. Hobaica, retired assistant director of student activities, Utica, NY, July 1, 2023. (see sidebar)

Randall Huta, professor emeritus of accounting, Piseco, NY, February 7, 2024.

Jane F. Metzger, adjunct professor emerita of theatre, Utica, NY, July 1, 2023.

Stephen Reynolds, Dining Services team member, Remsen, NY, February 22, 2024.

Richard Rosen, professor emeritus of history, San Francisco, CA, December 29, 2023.

Barbara Taurisano, longtime administrative staff member, Utica, NY, November 22, 2023.

In Memoriam: Kay Hobaica

A longtime and beloved member of the University’s Student Affairs staff, Kathleen ‘Kay’ Hobaica passed away July 1, 2023 at the age of 90.

Kay Hobaica

Kay played a major role in advancing the deeply student-centered culture for which Utica is known. She remained closely connected with the University well into her retirement, regularly attending campus events and maintaining close relationships with generations of alumni.

A 1950 graduate of T.R. Proctor High School in Utica, she married the love of her life, Elias C. Hobaica in St. Louis Gonzaga Church on July 3, 1954 - a loving and blessed union of 48 years until his passing on July 25, 2002.

Kay began her work career as a Certified Dental Assistant from 1960-1970 before joining then-Utica College where she worked from 1970-1993, retiring as the Assistant Director of Student Activities.

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