Alumni
Alumni Association: Class Notes
Class Notes: July 2011
Consists of notes the Alumni Office received by July 2011 and posted online in August 2011.
Alumni can submit to Class Notes one of two ways:
(A) Submit press releases, images, and other updates via email to alumni@sunyit.edu and be sure to include (1) their full name at the time they were enrolled and (2) the years they attended SUNYIT,
-OR-
(B) Simply submit information via the online Alumni Updates form: Submit Alumni News.
Who is listed in this edition of Class Notes and how:
An index of alumni organized by preferred class year is followed by all Class Notes in full in alphabetical order.
Access past listings of Class Notes
==== INDEX OF ALUMNI BY PREFERRED CLASS YEAR ====
“G” denotes graduate degree
Douglas D. Garrison ’77, Business/Public Management
Lee Einsidler ’78, Business/Public Management
Alan Kempf ’78, Business/Public Management
Patricia Lavin-Kearney ’80, Nursing
Elizabeth ‘Betsy’ Briggs ’81, Human Services
Joseph P. Kearney ’81, Vocational-Technical Education - Trade
Robert F. Manfredo ’81, Business/Public Management
Gregory Trosset ’82, Health Services Management
Mary (Bringman) Meyers ’84, Business/Public Management
Allen J. Styno ’84, Business/Public Management
Michael J. Buttimer ’85, Business/Public Management
Thomas Lombardo ’85, Electrical Engineering Technology
Daniel McCoy ’86, Business/Public Management
Thomas Kwasniewski ’88, Computer/Information Science
Peter Mozloom ’88 G’98, Computer/Information Science, MS Computer/Information Science
Kenny Rosenthal ’88, Telecommunications
Randall J. Brown ’89, Computer/Information Science
Eric D. Wiars ’90, Business/Public Management
Scott Gorgas ’91 G’02, Accounting, Finance, MS Accountancy
Charles ‘Chuck’ Green ’93, Computer Science
Fred “Fritz” Scherz Jr. ’95 G’98, Business/Public Management, MS Business Management
Mark Mowers ’96, Computer Information Systems
Mark Hanna ’97, Business/Public Management
Rebecca (Fuller) Hensel ’98, Health Services Management
David Lederhouse ’98, Telecommunications
Peter Mozloom ’88 G’98, Computer/Information Science, MS Computer/Information Science
Eric Redner ’99, Business/Public Management, Finance
Pat Zawko ’99 G’00, Nursing, MS Nursing Administration
Tipton ‘Tippy’ Abrahams ’01, Professional & Technical Communications (Deceased)
Scott Gorgas ’91 G’02, Accounting, Finance, MS Accountancy
Antonius Rivera ’02 G’05, Business/Public Management, MBA Technology Management
Markee Jones ’03, Business/Public Management
Sarah (Reynolds) Newcomb ’03, Health Services Management
Lynne Browne ’04, Professional & Technical Communication
Kenneth Kicak ’04, Computer/Information Science
Chelagat Misiko G’05, MBA Technology Management
James Silva ’05 G’07, Computer/Information Science, MS Computer/Information Science
Cheryl Aupperle G’07, MS Information Design & Technology
Kevin Bertholf ’07, Computer Information Systems
Thomas ‘TR’ Remsen ’07, Professional & Technical Communications
Andrew Hookway ’08, Professional & Technical Communication
Mervin McDougall ’08, Computer Information Systems
Ben Fong ’09, Business/Public Management
Anthony ‘AJ’ Foster ’09, Computer Information Systems
Amanda (Briggs) Love ’09, Psychology
Daniel Love ’09, Electrical Engineering
Kelly Jendrzejewski ’10, Business Administration
Kyle Leisner ’10, Business Administration
==== CLASS NOTES IN ALPHA ORDER BY LAST NAME ====
Tipton ‘Tippy’ Abrahams ’01, Professional & Technical Communications
(07/20/2011) Tippy Abrahams, 49, of Morehead City, NC, died June 30, 2011, at Carteret General Hospital. Arrangements were with Munden Funeral Home, Morehead City; her obituary was published in The News & Observer on July 2, 2011 and the Jacksonville Daily News from July 2 to July 5, 2011.
Cheryl Aupperle G’07, MS Information Design & Technology
Cheryl Aupperle of North Syracuse, NY, was recently named Sr. Content Specialist at Virtucom Group, after having served for over a year as Product Source Information Acquisition Specialist at Virtucom Group in downtown Syracuse. As Product Source Information Acquisition Specialist, her duties included: researching manufacturer websites and located product information that matched our clients' assortment; tracking product information in MS Excel and MS Access before submitting it to the production team; performing troubleshooting of product identification issues with our clients and associated manufacturers; running queries daily to track my own productivity in MS Access, saved the query results in MS Excel; performing database compact and repair weekly on the back end as well as client side of MS Access; assisting with PC setups, trained new personnel and wrote procedural documentation as needed.
Kevin Bertholf ’07, Computer Information Systems
The photography of Kevin Bertholf ’07 was featured in the alumni art show, “SUNY Tech-tures: Works by SUNYIT Alumni,” from June 13 to July 29, 2011, in SUNYIT’s Gannett Gallery, with an opening reception held on June 17, 2011. View artist bios and show photos.
Elizabeth ‘Betsy’ Briggs ’81, Human Services
Betsy Briggs, MSW, has joined SUNY Cobleskill as Coordinator of Disability Services; she previously served as Counselor at SUNYIT.
Randall J. Brown ’89, Computer/Information Science
Chef/Owner Randall Brown and his wife, Lynn Brown, who attended SUNYIT in 1996-97, own and manage the historic Beardslee Castle (www.beardsleecastle.com) in Little Falls, NY. A famous haunt (photo above), known for fabulous food and frightening folklore, Beardslee Castle serves some of the best tasting, creative fare in Central New York. Additional information is featured in SUNYIT’s new online Alumni profile section. View alumni profile.
Lynne Browne ’04, Professional & Technical Communication
The photography of Lynne Browne ’04 was featured in the alumni art show, “SUNY Tech-tures: Works by SUNYIT Alumni,” from June 13 to July 29, 2011, in SUNYIT’s Gannett Gallery, with an opening reception held on June 17, 2011. View artist bios and show photos.
Michael J. Buttimer ’85, Business/Public Management
(02/03/2011) Michael Buttimer (photo above), Manager, Claims Systems Administration, has been named an Assistant Vice President with the Utica Mutual Insurance Company, the Utica National Insurance Group’s principal member company, located in New Hartford, NY.
Lee Einsidler ’78, Business/Public Management
Lee Einsidler is Chief Executive Officer of Sidney Frank Importing Company, Inc. (www.sidneyfrank.com), known for redefining the vodka category, and that recently introduced “the next revolution in spirits”: American Harvest, an organic vodka that is handcrafted in small batches from organic winter wheat grown on a family-owned and sustainably-managed American farm and is distilled and bottled in Rigby, Idaho. Einsidler's experiences are featured in the Fall 2011 edition of SUNYIT's The Bridge magazine being electronically distributed in September 2011.
Note: On September 8, 2011, an expanded version of The Bridge magazine article was posted as an online profile of Einsidler.
Ben Fong ’09, Business/Public Management
Images of arcade controllers created by Ben Fong were featured in the alumni art show, “SUNY Tech-tures: Works by SUNYIT Alumni,” from June 13 to July 29, 2011, in SUNYIT’s Gannett Gallery, with an opening reception held on June 17, 2011. View artist bios and show photos.
Anthony ‘AJ’ Foster ’09, Computer Information Systems
Former MTV® performer and comedian Anthony ‘AJ’ Foster ’09 (photo above) performed at SUNYIT on May 20, 2011, during the Alumni Association’s first-ever alumni-and-guest Student Center pub event (View event photos). Foster is involved in a number of comedy shows, including a June 25, 2011, performance in Syracuse, NY, that was preceded by a SUNYIT EOP/CSTEP & Alumni Reception (View event photos) open to all SUNYIT alumni. View alumni profile.
Douglas D. Garrison ’77, Business/Public Management
(03/15/2011) Doug Garrison retired from the New York State Bridge Authority in December 2010 after 33 years of service. He is a past Chief of the Greenport Fire Department (volunteer) in Columbia County, NY, where he is still active as training officer. He is also active in the Sports Car Club of America (SCCA) driving his sports racer at various tracks including Watkins Glen, Lime Rock Park, and New Hampshire Motor Speedway.
Scott Gorgas ’91 G’02, Accounting, Finance, MS Accountancy
Scott Gorgas of Deerfield, NY, is now Deputy Comptroller at Mohawk Valley Water Authority in Utica, NY. He previously was employed at SUNY's University of Albany campus. He serves on SUNYIT’s Alumni Association Advisory Board.
Charles ‘Chuck’ Green ’93, Computer Science
(06/21/2011) WKTV.com reported that topics discussed at a Mohawk Valley EDGE meeting in downtown Utica included nanotechnology development plans, among them SUNYIT activities, and that "Assured Information Security announced plans to expand to a 46,000 square foot facility on the Griffiss base in Rome." Assured Information Security (AIS) leadership includes Green, an AIS company co-founder, who can be seen in the online video and is a 2008 recipient of SUNYIT's Distinguished Service Award (see award announcement). View online article.
Mark Hanna ’97, Business/Public Management
(03/08/2011) Mark Hanna of Florence, SC, wrote: “I am currently retired. I primarily make latch hook rugs most of the day. I also am on the internet a few times per week. I play Winster games. The web site address is www.winster.com/refer.jsp?uid=ws453cngkqevm. I would like to thank you for coming down the road from me and meeting me in Myrtle Beach [as part of the Alumni Office’s ‘southern swing’ alumni gatherings in 2010 - view photos]. Please keep in touch…I hardly get up there, maybe once per year in the summer if then. I miss the cold winters. In June, July, and August it is guaranteed to get above 95 degrees if not 100. … When you go out in public, in cold weather you are able to put on as many clothes as you wish, but in the hot weather, there is only so much you can take off. By the way, I've been living in South Carolina for 12 years.”
Rebecca (Fuller) Hensel ’98, Health Services Management
Rebecca (Fuller) Hensel and her spouse, Bryan, welcomed their first arrival: Ian James Hensel, 6lbs 12oz, born on April 14, 2011. Scott Fuller ’06 is the baby’s uncle.
Andrew Hookway ’08, Professional & Technical Communication
A movie trailer featuring the work of independent short-film maker Andrew Hookway was featured in the alumni art show, “SUNY Tech-tures: Works by SUNYIT Alumni,” from June 13 to July 29, 2011, in SUNYIT’s Gannett Gallery, with an opening reception held on June 17, 2011. View artist bios and show photos.
Kelly Jendrzejewski ’10, Business Administration
(03/23/2011) Kelly Jendrzejewski, who worked in Campus and Student Activities while attending SUNYIT, joined Albany Medical Center in fall 2010 as Coordinator for Children's Miracle Network and Signature Events.
Markee Jones ’03, Business/Public Management
(07/22/2011) Markee Jones, who resides in the Syracuse, NY, area, sent the following summary of his background for networking opportunities in an effort to connect with local businesses in the areas he serves: “Markee Jones, Senior Cash Management Advisor of Commercial Banking at KeyCorp, manages Small, Mid to Large size commercial businesses, such as physician and medical practices, property management, manufacturing and industrial companies, social and not-for-profit organizations private or public whose sales range between $3 and $15 million. As a KeyBank Cash Management Relationship Manager I provide fresh ideas for clients and prospects with a variety of financial cash flow solutions, addressing day to day funding activities as well as short or long term strategic objectives. Strategic solutions include financing for acquisitions, working capital, and equipment leasing. My concentration is creating customized deposits and working capital strategies to collect receivables quicker, streamline payables processes, safeguard against fraud and utilize liquid balances efficiently. In addition, I focus on utilizing integrated technology solutions to create operational efficiencies and maximize time and resources so that employees and owners can focus on growing their business. The geographic area I cover extends from Finger Lakes, Syracuse, North Country up to the Canadian boarder, and Utica. I look to build my business contacts and network in the areas I cover.”
Joseph P. Kearney ’81, Vocational-Technical Education - Trade
Patricia Lavin-Kearney ’80, Nursing
(05/01/2011) Patricia Lavin-Kearney (photo above: seated left) and Joseph P. Kearney (photo above: seated right), who met and fell in love while attending SUNYIT during its “Mills Era” days, displayed their yellow 1957 Chevrolet at the 3rd Annual SUNYIT Auto Show on May 1, 2011, a fund-raising event for the Baja SAE® student club. Mr. Kearney was an organizer of the “$21 Million Picnic,” a rally at the current SUNYIT site (where the Auto Show was held) that ultimately prompted officials to begin construction resulting in today’s modern campus. Photos of other auto-show entries from SUNYIT alumni are posted to the Alumni website: View auto show photos.
Alan Kempf ’78, Business/Public Management
(03/25/2011) Alan Kempf of Ballston Lake, NY, wrote: “I retired from the County of Saratoga at the end of 2010. I am presently exploring future options and relaxing.”
Kenneth Kicak ’04, Computer/Information Science
(03/30/2011) Kenneth Kicak of Horseheads, NY, is employed as Chief Information Officer with St. Francis Hospital in Poughkeepsie, NY.
Thomas Kwasniewski ’88, Computer/Information Science
Tom Kwasniewski is employed as a Computer Scientist with Quanterion Solutions Incorporated (www.quanterion.com), based in Utica, NY.
David Lederhouse ’98, Telecommunications
(05/4/2011) David Lederhouse is employed as Network Specialist with Monroe Community College. He wrote: “Wanted to update my information and thank the SUNYIT faculty and staff for giving me the educational foundation for a rewarding career field and progression. Also worked at PSINet - Customer Support Engineer II, 1998-2001; Choice One Communications - Data Repair Technician, 2001-2005; Verizon Wireless - Network Engineer, 2005 -2009; Monroe Community College - Network Specialist, 2010 to present.”
Kyle Leisner ’10, Business Administration
(05/01/2011) Among the SUNYIT alumni entries at the 3rd Annual SUNYIT Auto Show on May 1, 2011, the “Alumni Favorite” award was presented to Kyle Leisner (photo above). The show is a fund-raising event for the Baja SAE® student club, and the “Alumni Favorite” award went to the alumni entry that received the most votes overall as weighted within its respective category. Photos of other vehicles entered by SUNYIT alumni are posted to the Alumni website: View auto show photos.
Thomas Lombardo ’85, Electrical Engineering Technology
(03/24/2011) Thomas Lombardo, Professor at Rock Valley College, recently earned a Doctor of Education in Instructional Technology from Northern Illinois University.
Amanda (Briggs) Love ’09, Psychology
Daniel Love ’09, Electrical Engineering
(03/15/2011) Daniel Love and Amanda Briggs were married on October 9, 2010, in Syracuse, NY. Amanda is employed as a Youth Specialist in a Therapeutic Family Foster Care program through Liberty Resources. She will begin as a graduate student in fall 2011 at Syracuse University, majoring in social work. Dan is employed as an Electrical Engineer for Serco Inc. in Rome, NY.
Robert F. Manfredo ’81, Business/Public Management
(02/03/2011) Robert Manfredo (photo above), Senior Underwriting Officer, has been promoted to Senior Vice President with the Utica Mutual Insurance Company, the Utica National Insurance Group’s principal member company, located in New Hartford, NY.
Danny McCoy ’86, Business/Public Management
(02/18/2011) Dan McCoy is Vice President of Sales, Marketing and R&D for Darman Manufacturing Company Inc. (www.darmanco.com) in its Utica office. He is married to Carol McCoy '86, Business/Public Management.
*Correction notice: This class note was originally posted in August 2011 with the incorrect major and first name of “Daniel” that were corrected in September 2011.
Mervin McDougall ’08, Computer Information Systems
The photography of Mervin McDougall was featured in the alumni art show, “SUNY Tech-tures: Works by SUNYIT Alumni,” from June 13 to July 29, 2011, in SUNYIT’s Gannett Gallery, with an opening reception held on June 17, 2011. View artist bios and show photos.
Mary (Bringman) Meyers ’84, Business/Public Management
(03/30/2011) Mary Meyers of Stamford, CT, wrote: “Our middle child will be attending St. Bonaventure University in September. Our oldest child, 21, has Prader Willie Syndrome and will finish his education in June and hopes to get a job with the help of certain organizations that help disabled people. Our youngest child, 10, is finishing elementary school and heading to middle school. Both our middle and youngest child do synchronized figure skating and compete from November to March. This year our middle child's team made it to Nationals in California.”
Chelagat Misiko G’05, MBA Technology Management (Accounting & Finance concentration)
(07/28/2011) Chelagat Misiko of Ilion, NY, wrote: “I am pleased to inform you that I have been featured in the homepage of www.unitedwaygu.org in an article about my work at the United Way of Utica, NY.” Here is the profile reprinted in full:
Chelagat Misiko – Not Your Typical Accountant
Chelagat Misiko, or “Chellah” as she is known around the office, has been working for United Way as an accounting intern since August of 2010. She keeps her cubicle cheerful with decorative flowers and pictures of her daughter, Chebet. Misiko serves a similar purpose for everyone at the office, “I’d like to think I spread happiness and brighten up the place,” she said in her unique and beautiful accent. Misiko said that most people ask her if she is from Jamaica, or if she is British, but she is Kenyan. “I’d say my accent is a mix of European flair with a hint of African,” she said.
The stereotypical accountant is very straight-laced and stiff, but Misiko is far from it. She wears colorful print skirts with cute heels; always looking classy and fun. Misiko has a spunky, upbeat attitude with a constant smile on her face that seems to be contagious. We can’t help but to smile too. Most people would think number crunching may become dull after awhile, but not for Misiko. “I love calculating numbers,” she said. “Put me in a room full of numbers and I could calculate all day! It makes me happy.”
Misiko was born in Ithaca, New York but returned to her parents’ native country of Kenya when she was two years old after her father earned his Ph.D. from Cornell University.
After high school, she went to college in Kenya and received her MBA in education. Misiko has a history of working with non-profit organizations and wants to continue in this direction. “Back in Kenya, I worked with the Lutheran World Federation where I helped war-torn individuals,” Misiko said. “I have always felt that it’s important to help those in need to make your community a better place for everyone.”
Five years later, Misiko returned to America and put her degree to use as a substitute teacher in the Mount Markham Central School District. “The kids I worked with were wonderful,” Misiko said. “We got along so well and I feel like I made an impact on their lives.” After a few years of substituting, she went back to college to earn her Master’s degree in accounting at SUNYIT.
“I found United Way while looking for an internship online,“ Misiko said. “I enjoy working with non-profits, so it seemed like the next logical step for me,” Misiko said.
As the accounting intern, she helps the Director of Finance and the Finance Manager keep track of all financial transactions. “I’m a behind-the-scenes worker,” Misiko said. “I help keep track of the funding collected from our donors and the funding we send out to local non-profits in the most trustworthy and efficient way possible.”
Even though she is out of the public view, Misiko still sees the good work the organization does for the community. “I remember back in September when the Olbiston apartment building on Genesee Street caught fire,” she said. “United Way provided $6,000 to the Red Cross to help the tenants find temporary housing until the building was repaired.”
Misiko understands how important United Way is to this community. “United Way helps a wide range of people from so many situations,” she said. “We help children, teens, adults, and the elderly, with many different issues including medical problems, domestic violence problems, family problems, and so much more.”
“I’m glad I can do my part in helping a non-profit organization build a better community,” Misiko said. “Even if it is just calculating numbers.”
Mark Mowers ’96, Computer Information Systems
(04/14/2011) Mark Mowers, who is employed as Sr. Software Engineer with Rome Research Corp, wrote: “This year marks 15 years working in the field of software engineering for PGSC/RRC on various projects. I recently married on October 10, 2010 -- 10/10/10 -- to Karen Pogonowski, and we reside in Ohio, NY. I have one daughter, Isabella, age 8.”
Peter Mozloom ’88 G’98, Computer/Information Science, MS Computer/Information Science
(12/06/2010) According to a company press release, Modus Operandi (www.modusoperandi.com), a leading software and information integration technology company, has named Peter Mozloom (photo above) to the new position of Vice President of Cyber Solutions. In this role, Mozloom will create, lead and manage the company’s new initiative in the area of cyberspace operations and help Modus Operandi apply its Wave® technology to the cyber sector. Mozloom brings to Modus Operandi more than 20 years of experience in the areas of military information assurance, emerging technologies, virtualization, and certification and accreditation of classified systems. Most recently, he worked for Booz Allen Hamilton, where he was the program manager on a cyber experimentation task, overseeing the set-up and configuration of large and complex representative computer networks within a virtualized environment. Additionally, Mozloom has been supporting programs in the Air Force Research Laboratory (AFRL) Rome Research Site in Rome, NY, for over 20 years. Some of his more recent projects have been focused on Space Situational Awareness (SSA) initiatives with some of Modus Operandi's Small Business Innovation Research sponsors.
In his new role, he will continue to work at the AFRL on projects for Modus Operandi and will facilitate the company's efforts to apply its Wave technology into the Air Force's cyberspace areas, cultivate new opportunities for research and development and mission-critical systems development. “Peter has an enormous amount of experience in many areas that are critical to the growth of our company,” said Richard Hull, executive vice president of operations. “As an industry expert in cyber warfare, he will help apply our Wave technology to the cyberspace area. He's a perfect fit for us and we are excited to have him join Modus Operandi.” View company press release.
Sarah (Reynolds) Newcomb ’03, Health Services Management
(04/13/2011) Sarah Newcomb of Spencerport, NY, is employed as Senior Attorney Editor with Thomson Reuters. She and her spouse, Kirk, announce a new arrival: Abigail, born on February 18, 2010.
Eric Redner ’99, Business/Public Management, Finance
Eric Redner was awarded a Master of Business Administration, Accounting Emphasis, by Winthrop University, Rock Hill, SC, during its 2009 Commencement ceremony.
Thomas ‘TR’ Remsen ’07, Professional & Technical Communications
(06/01/2011) A press release was issued regarding the latest work of TR Remsen of Hudson Falls, NY, that stated: “TR Remsen, an upstate New York solo artist, releases his new LP titled: One Life To Live that was recorded in upstate NY. It is a musical adventure showcasing TR’s variety in both musical adaptation and style. From the stoic and tough ‘Deal with the Devil’ touching on the idea of good versus evil, to the openness of ‘Dreams of Love’ describing a spiritual journey of both personal and painful experience and questioning himself throughout. This album will travel through the variety of modern rock to blues feel within each track.
“Frank Palangi is back on board as producer, instrumentalist, and vocalist on this album, and also is featured with TR on the track ‘Deal with the Devil.’ Also Cory Avon accompanies instrumentally on the track ‘Adirondack Christmas.’ TR Remsen presents to each listener a sense of storytelling, sincerity, and honesty in this album, which he honed from his humble and modest family upbringing.
“From influences ranging from folk and blues music -- which TR was brought up with through his grandfather -- to the variety of rock music, One Life To Live will show people that TR Remsen means business and wants to make his mark in today’s music industry by sending his music to labels, radio stations, and all other areas that will examine his music. One Life To Live is digitally released on June 6, 2011, on Amazon, iTunes, CDBaby.com and many other digital music outlets. For further information visit http://www.myspace.com/trremsenmusic."
Kenny Rosenthal ’88, Telecommunications
(06/16/2011) Kenny Rosenthal is Account Director with nscglobal (www.nscglobal.com), Global Network Implementation and Support, New York, NY.
Antonius Rivera ’02 G’05, Business/Public Management, MBA Technology Management
Antonius Rivera and his spouse, Jennifer, welcomed a new arrival: Alexander Daniel on April 9, 2011.
Fred “Fritz” Scherz Jr. ’95 G’98, Business/Public Management, MS Business Management
(05/25/2011) Fritz Scherz (photo above: far left), Senior Administrative Analyst at the New York State Division of Homeland Security and Emergency Services and Councilman on the Verona Town Board in Verona, NY, announced the selection of Stephanie Thompson of Verona as the grand prize winner and Carrie Lohr as the runner up for the 2nd Annual Fred Scherz Sr. Memorial Scholarship for Volunteer Community Service, a scholarship he established in memory of his father. Thompson received a certificate of accomplishment and a check for $250, self-funded by Councilman Scherz. Lohr received a certificate of accomplishment and a check for $50, a donation from Paul Walrath. To view more details about the scholarship, go to www.fritzscherz.com.
Additionally, during a ceremony held at SUNYIT on May 11, 2011, Scherz graduated from Leadership Mohawk Valley (LMV), which Scherz wrote “is a 10-month program that provides experience in group dynamics, team leadership, presentation skills and professional and personal growth.” He continued: “I am honored to have graduated from such an excellent leadership program. Every dollar I spent on tuition was well worth the knowledge I gained. Moreover, the sharing of best practices between the 35 professionals in my graduating class was superb! When you’re educationally engaged with people that have such diverse backgrounds and experiences, you can’t help but learn. …the thing we all shared in common was our interest in making the Mohawk Valley a better place, which to me is very important. In fact, many of us have already got involved in a few community-oriented projects outside of the LMV program and plan to continue leading the way with others. Last, but certainly not least, I want to thank Ann Rushlo, LMV Director, and Peter Perkins, President of the LMV Board of Directors, for not only being so encouraging of our class, but for providing some great guidance throughout the 10 months.”
James Silva ’05 G’07, Computer/Information Science, MS Computer/Information Science
Indie game developer James Silva (photo above: at the 2009 SUNYIT event for Silva’s first major game release) is back in the news with his latest release for Xbox titled “The Dishwasher: Vampire Smile.” In its game review, joystiq.com http://www.joystiq.com rated it 4.5 out of 5 stars and wrote: “’The Dishwasher: Vampire Smile’ is the sequel to James Silva’s 2008 indie XBLA hit ‘The Dishwasher: Dead Samurai.’ Silva’s story is well known among the independent development community: In 2007, the then-unknown developer (and former dishwasher) won Microsoft’s Dream-Build-Play XNA competition and used the $10,000 in prize money to single-handedly release ‘Dead Samurai,’ which went on to gain a cult following and critical acclaim. … I could go on. I mean, one enemy appears to be a shark-head sewn atop a pair of giant robot legs; it lumbers about like an AT-ST and shoots rockets. Rockets! But at the risk of going further over my word count than I already have, I'll just say that ‘The Dishwasher: Vampire Smile’ is a brilliantly executed, whirling dervish of a game that all but demands to be ripped open and played to death. Grab your kitty-cat, gas up your chainsaw-arm and sharpen your blades. It’s gonna be a bloodbath.”
Silva was a keynote speaker during SUNYIT’s Geek Week 2008, a celebration of technology, gaming, and geek-related culture held during opening week of the spring semester. Silva has served as a SUNYIT adjunct instructor and is a 2008 recipient of the SUNYIT Alumni Association’s Young Alumni Award that honors the talents and personal and professional growth of an alumnus/a age 40 or younger who has graduated within two to 10 years and has made significant contributions or has reached a high level of professional achievement. Additionally, Young Alumni Award honorees demonstrate leadership ability and community involvement, show promise for continued success, and set an inspirational example for future young alumni (see award announcement). Read more about Silva and reviews of his latest game, which are part of the new Alumni Association online profile section. View alumni profile.
Allen J. Styno ’84, Business/Public Management
(03/16/2011) Al Styno (photo above: on right with Gary Cuda '79, left, during Reunion in April 2011) is Senior Internal Auditor, Office of University Audit in Albany, NY. He has retired from the Air National Guard effective April 15, 2011, with 26 years of service to New York state and the nation. His service to the 139th Aeromedical Evacuation Squadron of the 109th Airlift Wing at Stratton Air National Guard Base, which he joined in 1984, included the following areas:
-- Rank: AIC April 1985; SRA 1985; SGT 1985; TSGT 1989; 2nd Lt 1998; 1st Lt 2000; Capt 2002; Maj 2010.
-- Exercises: Reforger 1986 (Germany as a med Tech); Volant Oak 1997 (Panama as a med Tech); C-9 Shadow program (as a med tech); Hawaii - NCOIC 1996 Hospital training.
-- Real world deployments: Desert Shield, August-September 1990, October-November 1990 Riyadh, Saudi Arabia, Medical Technician (two real world missions C-130 and C-141); Desert Shield Storm, January-March 1991 RAF Croughton, one mission C-141; Operation Iraqi Freedom, Baghdad International Airport (BIAP) MSC Crew Management Cell, November 2003 - March 2004; OIF/OEF, Andrews AFB, MSC AEOT, August 2006; OIF/OEF, Ramstein AFB, Germany, January-May 2007 Director of Operations Command Cell.
-- Special Achievements: Airman of the Quarter, 1995; Air Force Achievement Medal, 2001; Air Force Achievement Medal, 2007; Air Force Commendation, 2009; Air Force Meritorious Service Medal, 2011.
Styno, a recipient of the SUNYIT Alumni Association’s Distinguished Service Award, serves as Chair of the Alumni Association Advisory Board.
Gregory Trosset ’82, Health Services Management
(06/25/2011) Gregory Trosset of Mill Creek, WA, is employed as Senior Management Consultant with Public Consulting Group.
Eric D. Wiars ’90, Business/Public Management
(04/01/2011) The Mohawk Valley Business Journal (www.tmvbj.com) reported that Adirondack Bank named Eric D. Wiars as Vice President/Branch Manager at the office located at 2817 Genesee St., Utica, NY, and that Wiars has spent the last 22 years in the banking industry.
Pat Zawko ’99 G’00, Nursing, MS Nursing Administration
(07/21/2011) Pat Zawko (photo above) wrote: "I have completed my doctoral degree in Educational Leadership Curriculum and Instruction as of June 2011." She has served at SUNYIT as an Assistant Professor of Nursing, teaching in the Graduate Nursing Education Program, teaching undergraduate Community Health, and serving as the undergraduate liaison.
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