This edition of Alumni eNews is dedicated to Class Notes received between July 2010 and January 2011, and were posted online in February 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 OR view “Upcoming Events” for alumni.

==== INDEX OF ALUMNI BY PREFERRED CLASS YEAR ====

“G” denotes graduate degree

Michael Generali ’77, Criminal Justice

James Castilla ’81 G’04 (Deceased), Business/Public Management, MBA Technology Management

Robert F. Manfredo ’81, Business/Public Management

Keith Beach ’82, Criminal Justice

Mustafa “Mike” Evke ’84, Electrical Engineering Technology

Dave van Leeuwen ’84, General Studies

Sal Grisafi ’85, Mechanical Engineering Technology

Esra Evke ’88, Business/Public Management

Randall J. Brown ’89, Computer/Information Science

Enrico D’Alessandro ’90, Social Science

Anne Hartman ’91, Business/Public Management

John M. Taylor ’92, Computer/Information Science

Kenneth A. Meifert III ’93, Business/Public Management

Trisha (Smith) Verzera ’93, Accounting

Jonathan S. Ryan ’95 G’04, Mechanical Engineering Technology, MS Advanced Technology

Fred “Fritz” Scherz Jr. ’95 G’98, Business/Public Management, MS Business Management

James Holbrook ’96, Electrical Engineering Technology

Mark Mowers ’96, Computer Information Systems

Scott Nonemaker ’96, Business/Public Management

Klara Fischer Christof ’97 (Deceased), Mechanical Engineering Technology

Jennifer (Bennett) Hann ’97, Business/Public Management

Dr. David McCabe ’97 (Deceased), Psychology

Patricia (Greenwood) Davis ’98 G’04, Business/Public Management, MS Business Management

Kimberly (Kostera) Dedrick ’98, Business/Public Management

Kevin Durgee ’98 G’04, Health Services Management, MBA Technology Management

Regina (Palumbo) Larzelere ’99, Business/Public Management

Crystal Pogorzelski ’01, Computer/Information Science

Mark Allen Schmidt ’03, Accountancy

Erica (Scott) Matteson ’06, Health Information Management

Corey Hickok ’07, Professional & Technical Communication

Shannon Roehm ’07 G’10, Nursing,  MS Nursing Education

David Trifaro ’07, Computer Information Systems

William “Bill” Zeiter ’07, Sociology

Eric Cappuccio ’08, Business/Public Management

Zachary Hoffmann ’08 G’09, Computer/Information Science, MS Computer/Information Science

Joseph “Joe” Mirabito ’08, Computer/Information Science

Tyler Mitchell ’08, Computer/Information Science & Computer Information Systems

Sushant S. Sahani G’08, MS Telecommunications

Andrew H. Stupp ’08, Mechanical Engineering Technology

Chris Dare ’09, Computer Engineering Technology

Jeremiah Edwards ’09, Business/Public Management

Chad Trevisani G’10, MS Nursing Education

==== CLASS NOTES IN ALPHA ORDER BY LAST NAME ====

Keith Beach ’82, Criminal Justice

(08/29/2010) Keith Beach and Alisa Beach of KAB Enterprises wrote in August 2010: “Keith & I have started two new on-line businesses that we would love to share with you: www.rclandandsky.com, www.ballglovesgalore.com. We encourage you to shop at these sites and share these links with everyone you know, like brothers, sisters, mothers, fathers, aunts, uncles, cousins, in-laws, out-law, neighbors, friends, acquaintances, co-workers, church attendees, class mates, etc. Keith noticed in the Little League World Series Championship game today; the first pitcher for the USA team from Hawaii was wearing a baseball glove we sell on our site. We are heavily relying on your support and word-of-mouth. We hope to gain you and your acquaintances business. Thanks much!”

Randall J. Brown ’89, Computer/Information Science

PHOTO ABOVE: SUNYIT graduate Randall J. Brown ’89 and his wife, Lynn, who attended SUNYIT in 1996-97, own and manage the historic Beardslee Castle.

Randall J. Brown ’89 and his business were once again featured on national television. As the Chef/Owner of the historic Beardslee Castle (www.beardsleecastle.com), which serves some of the best tasting, creative fare in Central New York, one would think this TV episode would focus on the business’ menu and Brown’s culinary skills. While that aspect could be a broadcast segment in itself, given the impressive dining reviews the restaurant has received under Brown’s 17-year leadership, this show focused on something that Beardslee Castle has developed a reputation for during the building’s 151-year history: ghosts.

      On November 3, 2010, during season six of “Ghost Hunters” on the Syfy Channel, the results of a three-night paranormal investigation of Beardslee Castle were revealed. The first 24 minutes of the episode show a six-person team from TAPS (The Atlantic Paranormal Society) visiting in July 2010, a tour of the facilities with Brown, video and audio of suspicious activities, and the investigation findings. The show can be viewed in full on Syfy Rewind at www.syfy.com/rewind/gh/1257885.

      The investigation stemmed from Beardslee Castle being named a top-three finalist in the Great American Ghost Hunt contest, announced during the “Ghost Hunters Live” 2008 Halloween TV special. Beardslee Castle was also featured on national television in October 1999 on the History Channel’s “Haunted History” show.

      Beardslee Castle has been big business for its small town of Little Falls, NY, just 90 minutes east of Syracuse and 80 minutes west of Albany, drawing visitors interested in its food, folklore and fun. The attraction is summarized by Albany’s Metroland (www.metroland.net): “A wonderful survey of American fare, new and old, served in an actual castle…that’s not only an attractive building but also haunted!” This alternative newsweekly of New York’s Capital Region named Beardslee Castle “Best Restaurant Worth the Drive” in 2004 and 2006.

     Brown, who majored in computer/information science at SUNYIT, was employed at the castle under its previous owner in the early 80s, and held various restaurant positions while taking classes. He told a reporter: “When I interviewed for my first computer job, I thought, ‘This is not for me. I can’t sit in a cubicle all my life.’”

      In 1989, within months of Brown’s SUNYIT graduation, a fire destroyed over 1500 square feet of the castle’s kitchen area, with water continuing to damage the building over the next three years while it was virtually abandoned. Brown purchased it and spent nearly 18 months of cleaning and restoration for its reopening in 1994 as Beardslee Castle. Nearly every square inch has been restored or rebuilt. He told a reporter: “It’s hard work but it’s a lot of fun. It’s such a compelling building and it’s a really cool spot.”

     The restaurant’s ghost stories, history, menus, hours for dining rooms and The Dungeon pub, event schedule, wedding packages, and paranormal visit information are posted at www.beardsleecastle.com.

Eric Cappuccio ’08, Business/Public Management 

(08/23/2010) Eric Cappuccio, a member of SUNYIT’s Alumni Association Advisory Board, temporarily relocated during 2010 from Atlanta to Houston, TX, for a six-month assignment with GE.

James Castilla ’81 G’04 (Deceased), Business/Public Management, MBA Technology Management 

James Castilla passed away on Saturday, December 25, 2010. His online memorial is posted at www.MattFuneralHome.com. View obituary/memorial

Klara Fischer Christof ’97 (Deceased), Mechanical Engineering Technology

SUNYIT received word that Klara Christof passed away in early 2009. The memorial service was held on Saturday, February 14, 2009, at LaSells Stewart Center in Corvallis, Oregon. View obituary/memorial

Enrico D’Alessandro ’90, Social Science

(11/30/2010) As reported by the Utica Daily News (www.uticadailynews.com), Enrico D’Alessandro, of Frankfort NY, University Police chief at Morrisville State College, received “the 2010 Oneida County Arson Task Force Distinguished Service Award. The award was presented to D’Alessandro during the organization’s annual fall arson seminar which gathered insurance personnel, fire and police investigators from around the area.” View the complete article

Chris Dare ’09, Computer Engineering Technology

(07/02/2010) Chris Dare wrote in July 2010: “I am currently now a contractor with Intecon working with the Federal Aviation Administration at the Mike Monroney Aeronautical Center in Oklahoma City, Oklahoma. I am an Information Security Assessor and was recently promoted to Project Manager over two tasks and ten people so far on the ITSS contract back in February. So far I have been responsible for assessing information security systems within the FAA, EPA and USDA across the country.”
   “The FAA has given me the opportunity to go above and beyond what I thought I have been capable of and I am enjoying every second of it. With working down here I am about to go back to grad school at Oklahoma State University for Information Assurance along with going for my PMP, Six Sigma certs and Certified Ethical Hacker (CEH) Certificate through the Department of Defense. I am also currently a pilot and working with the FAA as well as the Civil Air Patrol United States Air Force Auxiliary helps me get closer than ever to aviation and all the things I have always dreamed of doing.”

Patricia (Greenwood) Davis ’98 G’04, Business/Public Management, MS Business Management

Patricia (Greenwood) Davis who resides with her spouse, Scott, in Sherburne, NY, is employed as Financial Aid Advisor at Morrisville State College. She writes: “Message to my dear friend, William Gilman: If you are still around and in the area, please call me to catch up.  Thank you for your ‘advice’ while I was there is school. I think of you often and trust you are doing well. ‘Patty’”

Kimberly (Kostera) Dedrick ’98, Business/Public Management

(12/09/2010) Kimberly A. Dedrick and Willaim Dedrick welcomed their new arrival, Claire Amanda, born on Sept. 3, 2010, and they reside in Marcy, NY. 

Kevin Durgee ’98 G’04, Health Services Management, MBA Technology Management  

(12/07/2010) Kevin Durgee, who resides in Utica, NY, with his wife, Cara, recently accepted a promotion at Bassett Healthcare Network from Physician Practice Operations Analyst to Manager, Business Operations and Project Manager.

Jeremiah Edwards ’09, Business/Public Management
Jeremiah Edwards joined Herkimer County Community College in Herkimer, NY, in September 2010 as Assistant Director of Student Activities.

Mustafa “Mike” Evke ’84, Electrical Engineering Technology
Esra Evke ’88, Business/Public Management

PHOTO ABOVE: Mike ’84 and Esra ’88 Evke at their Eversan Inc. company headquarters.

Mike Evke was elected Chair of the SUNYIT Foundation at the Foundation’s annual meeting in October 2010. Mike and his wife, Esra Evke ’88, hosted an Alumni Association event at the company they own, Eversan Inc. (www.eversan.com), along with their daughter, Sara Evke, on January 20, 2011. View event photos

Michael Generali ’77, Criminal Justice

Michael Generali published his first book in 2010, titled Seasons of Fantasies and Dreams, a collection of short stories. “It has now been made available on Amazon.com,” he wrote. “People can also order it from any bookstore and can ask their local libraries to get copies by using the book’s ISBN: 1453622128.” Born in Germany, Generali grew up in Poughkeepsie, NY, studied criminal justice at SUNYIT, and resides in Texas with his family. His love of writing was nurtured at an early age and became a passion fueled by his many life experiences, including serving as a police officer, car mechanic and radio disc jockey. For more information, visit the publisher’s website at www.createspace.com/3460273.

Sal Grisafi ’85, Mechanical Engineering Technology
Salvatore Grisafi is working as an Air Vehicle Engineering IPT Manager, E2D for Northrop Grumman Corp in Bethpage, NY.

Jennifer (Bennett) Hann ’97, Business/Public Management

Jennifer Valerie Bennett and Christopher Hann welcomed the arrival of Matthew Robert Hann, born on Oct. 18, 2010. She is employed as Real Estate Specialist at NYS Department of Transportation. 

Anne Hartman ’91, Business/Public Management

(08/23/2010) Anne Hartman, a member of SUNYIT’s Alumni Association Advisory Board, was chosen to serve as an MDA Jailbird and was Locked-Up, going behind bars to help Jerry's Kids. She raised money toward her “bail” as part of an event benefiting individuals and families served by MDA who are affected by neuromuscular disease. 

Corey Hickok ’07, Professional & Technical Communication

(09/13/2010) Corey Hickok is employed by Northern Safety Co., Inc. (www.northernsafety.com) in the position of Applications Developer II. He and his wife, Noelle Hickok, welcomed their new arrival, Penelope Anne, born on August 18, 2010, and they reside in East Syracuse, NY. 

Zachary Hoffmann ’08 G’09, Computer/Information Science, MS Computer/Information Science
Zack Hoffmann left his position at Utica National in Utica, NY, to relocate to Michigan, where he now serves as Portal Administrator at Lansing Community College.

James Holbrook ’96, Electrical Engineering Technology

(01/27/2011) Jim Holbrook joined ION (www.i-o-n.com) as a Project Manager. ION is an Albany New York based, statewide, redundant SONET fiber network connecting over 60 rural New York State communities and their surrounding areas. 

Regina (Palumbo) Larzelere ’99, Business/Public Management

(09/27/2010) Regina Marie Larzelere and her husband, Brian Larzelere, welcomed their new arrival, William "Will" Charles Larzelere, born on August 11, 2010, who joins big sister, Cassie Larzelere, age 4, at home.

Robert F. Manfredo ’81, Business/Public Management

(07/02/2010) Robert F. Manfredo has been promoted to Senior Underwriting Officer at the Utica National Insurance Group in New Hartford, NY, according to a July 2010 news release issued by the company.

      Manfredo began his career with Utica National in 1981 as an Underwriting Trainee at the company’s Eastern Regional Office (ERO) in Utica, New York. He was named an ERO Staff Underwriter in 1984 and promoted to Senior Staff Underwriter the following year. He became ERO Supervising Underwriter in 1986, was named Assistant Underwriting Manager in 1990, and promoted to Underwriting Manager in 1996. He was named Home Office Director of Casualty Underwriting in 2000, the position he held at the time of his most recent promotion. He was appointed Assistant Secretary in 2003, promoted to Assistant Vice President the following year and named Vice President in 2008.

     Manfredo is a member of the Utica Chapter of the CPCU Society, serves on the Underwriting Committee of the New York Compensation Insurance Rating Board and is a member of the National Workers Compensation Reinsurance Pool’s Board of Governors. He holds the Chartered Property Casualty Underwriter (CPCU) and Associate in Underwriting (AU) professional designations, and the Certificate in General Insurance. He is a volunteer with the United Way of Greater Utica and has chaired Utica National’s in-house campaign. He and his wife, Donna, reside in New Hartford and have two sons.

Erica (Scott) Matteson ’06, Health Information Management

(09/14/2010) Erica (Scott) Matteson ‘06, of Whitesville, NY, joined Alfred State College for fall 2010 as Instructional Support Assistant in the Physical and Health Sciences Department. She provides instructional support to faculty and coordinates the student professional practice experience program. Matteson previously was employed at the Counseling Center, Wellsville, NY, and Charles Cole Memorial Hospital, Coudersport, PA. She and her husband, Bret Matteson, have a 3-year-old son.

Dr. David McCabe ’97 (Deceased), Psychology

(01/25/2011) SUNYIT received word of the passing of David McCabe on January 11, 2011. View obituary/memorial

Kenneth A. Meifert III ’93, Business/Public Management

(01/18/2011) Ken Meifert of Cooperstown, NY, is Senior Director of Development for the National Baseball Hall of Fame and Museum (www.baseballhall.org) in Cooperstown.

Joseph “Joe” Mirabito ’08, Computer/Information Science

Joe Mirabito, who is pursing graduate studies at SUNYIT, was one of four alumni who served on the team to help launch SUNYIT’s new home page in 2010. Details on the launch 

Tyler Mitchell ’08, Computer/Information Science & Computer Information Systems

(07/17/2010) Tyler Mitchell and Michele Hannula ’09 were married on July 17, 2010. Among those attending were SUNYIT staff members Brenda Dow and Wesley Dean and SUNYIT alumni Matthew Vincent Bednar ’07, Stephanie Elise Bugenis ’09, Andrew Kevin Hookway ‘08, and Patrick Steven Perlmutter ’08, among other friends and family members.

Mark Mowers ’96, Computer Information Systems

Mark Mowers is employed as Software Engineering Specialist at Rome Research Corporation and has been working in is field of study for 15 years now. He and Karen Pogonowski were married on Oct. 10, 2010, and reside at our residence in Ohio, NY.  He has a daughter, Isabella Mowers, born on Feb. 3, 2003, and continues to play guitar, sing, and write music as a hobby.

Scott Nonemaker ’96, Business/Public Management

(01/13/2011) SUNYIT’s Human Resources Office announced that Scott Nonemaker, formerly Director of Housing & Residence Life, was appointed as Senior Staff Assistant in SUNYIT’s Business Office effective November 15, 2010. View announcement

Crystal Pogorzelski ’01, Computer/Information Science
Crystal Pogorzelski, formerly Library Systems Manager at SUNYIT, left the college on November 19, 2010, to relocate to Buffalo, NY, and begin a new position as Information Technology / Assistive Technology Associate at Olmsted Center for Sight.

Shannon Roehm ’07 G’10, Nursing,  MS Nursing Education

(11/15/2010) Shannon Roehm was featured in the November 1, 2010, edition of “Elizabethan News” (Vol. 33, No. 11), published by St. Elizabeth Medical Center (www.stemc.org) in Utica.

Jonathan S. Ryan ’95 G’04, Mechanical Engineering Technology, MS Advanced Technology

(09/13/2010) Jonathan Ryan is employed by Sherburne Earlville Central School in the position of Computer Tech. He and Amy (Friedel) Ryan '93 reside in Sherburne, NY.

Sushant S. Sahani G’08, MS Telecommunications

(08/20/2010) Sushant Sahani has been traveling and working in the Web Analytics and SEM field.

Fred “Fritz” Scherz Jr. ’95 G’98, Business/Public Management, MS Business Management

PHOTO ABOVE: Fritz Scherz Jr. ’95 G’98 and his family, residents of Verona, NY, Governor Andrew Cuomo on January 1, 2011, at the Governor’s Mansion in Albany, NY. Shown are (l to r) Kathy Scherz, Fritz Scherz, Marissa Scherz, Katherine Scherz, Sandra Lee, Governor Andrew Cuomo and Lt. Governor Duffy.

(01/04/2011) Fritz Scherz, from the Jagermeister-sponsored, Fritz's Polka Band (FPB) from Verona, NY, met Governor Andrew Cuomo on Jan. 1, 2011 in Albany, NY, at the Governor’s Mansion. Scherz presented Governor Cuomo with his band’s latest CD, "Jagermeister presents Fritz’s Polka Band – Tribute" and his band’s 2008 recording, “Reflections.”

     "It was an honor to meet Governor Cuomo, Lt. Governor Duffy, and Ms. Sandra Lee and present the Governor with the last two CDs that my Dad made with my band,” said Scherz, band leader. "The Governor, along with Ms. Lee and Lt. Governor Duffy were all very cordial with my family and took time to chat a bit with us. I’d like to publicly thank Jennifer Muthig for helping make this possible and thank Judy Sanders for the photo!”

     Fritz's Polka Band has been performing for over 32 years, made 17 recordings, earned numerous awards, and appears on "The Manchurian Candidate" DVD released in July 2004. The band made history in 1999 as the first polka band to perform at a Woodstock Festival. On Oct. 7, 2010, FPB was inducted into the Syracuse Area Music Hall of Fame. For more information, call Scherz at (315) 363-3509, go to www.fritzspolkaband.com, or visit the band’s page on Facebook, or access the FPB sponsor's (Jagermeister) web site at www.jagermusic.com/fpolkaband.

Mark Allen Schmidt ’03, Accountancy

(04/26/2010) Mark Allen Schmidt is employed by ParenteBeard CPAs in the position of Senior Tax Manager.

Andrew H. Stupp ’08, Mechanical Engineering Technology
(08/17/2010) Andy Stupp, who previously held an internship at SRC - Systems Technology Center (www.srcinc.com), was hired by the company as a Mechanical Designer.

John M. Taylor ’92, Computer/Information Science

(11/17/2010) According to The Palladium Times, Oswego, NY, John Taylor has joined Cayuga Community College, Auburn, NY, as Dean of Information Technology. According to the article, he comes to Cayuga from Wells College, Aurora, NY, where he directed all aspects of information technology and previously was with Finger Lakes Community College, Canandaigua, NY, processing from academic computing systems management to oversight of the administrative local area network and security, hardware and software resources, training and user support.

Chad Trevisani G’10, MS Nursing Education

(11/15/2010) Chad Trevisani was featured in the November 1, 2010, edition of “Elizabethan News” (Vol. 33, No. 11), published by St. Elizabeth Medical Center (www.stemc.org) in Utica.

David Trifaro ’07, Computer Information Systems

Dave Trifaro, who played lacrosse at SUNYIT, is listed in a NCAA Division III Record book for 2009 for Men's Lacrosse. In the "Individual Single Game Leaders" section, on Page 39, under "Saves," he is listed as having the13th most saves in a game with a total of 35 saves, for as long as records have been kept. Trifaro is also listed in the 2010 record book. View the 2009 book at http://fs.ncaa.org/Docs/stats/LAX_Records/2009/Men/D3.pdf and the 2010 book at http://fs.ncaa.org/Docs/stats/LAX_Records/2010/Men/d3mlax.pdf.

Dave van Leeuwen ’84, General Studies

(09/03/2010) Dave van Leeuwen is Manager, Capital District, for AdviStor (www.advistor.com) in the Albany, NY, office.

Trisha (Smith) Verzera ’93, Accounting

Trish Verzera ’93, who resides with her husband, Rob Verzera ’93, and their children in North Carolina, has served as Director of Education Alliances for eKnowledge (www.eknowledge.com).

William Zeiter ’07, Sociology

(01/13/2011) SUNYIT’s Human Resources Office announced that Bill Zeiter, who serves in SUNYIT’s Admissions Office, was promoted to Admissions Assistant effective January 1, 2011. View announcement

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