This edition of Alumni eNews is dedicated to Class Notes received from February 4, 2010, up until June 25, 2010.

Submitting to Class Notes: Alumni should submit updates and press releases via email to alumni@sunyit.edu and be sure to include (1) their full name at the time they were enrolled, and (2) and year(s) they attended SUNYIT.

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. To access past listings of Class Notes, Click here.  OR Go to Upcoming Events for Alumni - click here.

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

G = Graduate-degree year

Gary Bean ’77, Criminal Justice

Margaret Peggy (Rivers) Allen ’79, General Studies

Suzanne Marie Basualdo ’79, Human Services

Dr. Janice “Jan” Welker ’79, Nursing

Emanuel “Manny” Contompasis ’83, Industrial Engineering Technology

Sandra (Hersh) Sime ’83, Business/Public Management

Patricia Arvantides ’84, Medical Records Administration

Robert J. Sheets ’87 ’91, Mechanical Engineering Technology

Matthew Canino ’88, Mechanical Engineering Technology

J. Douglas Robinson G’88, MS Business Management

Joseph Ruggiero ’91, Electrical Engineering Technology

Donald Dutcher ’92, Industrial Engineering Technology

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

Rebecca Ruffing G’97, MS Business Management

Anthony Obernesser ’98, Civil Engineering Technology

Justin Sales ’98, Mechanical Engineering Technology

Debra Sutliff G’98, MS Business Management

Joseph Parisella ’02, Mechanical Engineering Technology

Andrew Denison ’03, Professional & Technical Communication

Nick Grimmer ’05, Business/Public Management

Kevin J. Bertholf ’07, Computer Information Systems

Lauren Enright ‘07 G’10, Computer Engineering Technology and Electrical Engineering Technology, May 2010 candidate MBA Technology Management

Jennifer Phelan Ninh G’07, MBA Technology Management

John R. Russo ’07, Industrial Engineering Technology

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

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

Robert J. “Robbie” Pazdur II ’08 G’09, Mechanical Engineering Technology, MS Advanced Technology

Amy Sanders ’08, Business Administration

Chris Dare ‘09, Computer Engineering Technology

Richard Gianotti Jr. ’09, Mechanical Engineering Technology

Craig M. Ross G’09, MBA Technology Management

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

Margaret Peggy (Rivers) Allen ’79, General Studies

(05/19/2010) According to the UticaOD.com, Margaret Peggy Allen, who also worked at SUNYIT before retiring, passed away on May 4, 2010, at Upstate Hospital in Syracuse, NY.

Patricia “Pat” Arvantides ’84, Medical Records Administration

SUNYIT received word that Pat Arvantides of Baldwinsville, NY, passed away on March 21, 2010. She is the mother of Paul Arvantides ‘06, RHIA, President of Medical Coding Services Inc. (www.mcscoding.com), the company which she founded after graduating from SUNYIT. She assisted SUNYIT students through a scholarship she established with the SUNYIT Foundation.

Gary Bean ’77, Criminal Justice

(04/14/2010) Gary Bean joined SUNYIT as Chief of University Police. He is a veteran law enforcement professional, most recently serving as Chief of University Police at SUNY Potsdam.

Kevin J. Bertholf ’07, Computer Information Systems

Kevin Bertholf has been pursuing photography and set up a website with his work: www.shiftthescene.com

Suzanne Marie Basualdo ’79, Human Services

According to OswegoCountyToday.com, Suzanne Basualdo passed away on January 18, 2010 (see obituary at http://oswegocountytoday.com/?p=29933 ). Her husband, Dr. Eugenio Basualdo, previously served on SUNYIT’s faculty, and her son, the late Julian Basualdo G‘01, earned a graduate degree from SUNYIT.

Matthew Canino ’88, Mechanical Engineering Technology

(03/12/10) Matthew Canino has joined Air Innovations Inc. (www.airinnovations.com) in Syracuse, NY. Canino has been named Lab Manager and will be a primary technical resource for manufacturing personnel as well as assist AI’s service department with commissioning equipment and providing field support. He was formerly a Senior Engineer and Lab Technician and has 18 years experience at various area firms, working on packaged and split refrigeration systems used in residential, light and heavy commercial products. Since 1986 Air Innovations has been the leader in specialty air conditioning, refrigeration and environmental control solutions for original equipment manufacturers around the world, and holds numerous patents. In 2009 Air Innovations was named to the Business Journal’s “Fast Track,” as the 9^th fastest growing small business in the 16-county Central New York region that stretches from Canada to Pennsylvania.

Emanuel “Manny” Contompasis ’83, Industrial Engineering Technology

(03/30/2010) Emanuel “Manny” Contompasis started Screen Designs Inc. (www.screendesigns.inc), a screen printing, embroidery and promotional items business in Schenectady NY, while attending the SUNY College of Technology. In business for 27 years, Screen Designs Inc. has represented high profile clients from around the globe including, General Electric, Subway, Saratoga Race Course and Radio Disney. One of Screen Designs Inc.’s most important orders was also one of their first, for the Student Activities Council at SUNY College of Technology. Contompasis is well known in his community for his charitable contributions, and is an active member of the Albany and Schenectady Chamber of Commerce’s.

Christopher Dare ‘09, Computer Engineering Technology

(07/02/2010) Chris Dare is a contractor with Intecon working with the Federal Aviation Administration at the Mike Monroney Aeronautical Center in Oklahoma City, OK. He writes: “I am an Information Security Assessor and was recently promoted to Project Manager over two tasks and 10 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.”

Andrew Denison ’03, Professional & Technical Communication

(02/10/2010) Andrew Denison of Endwell, NY, writes: “On January 10, 2010, I completed my first marathon in Walt Disney World. I ran this marathon to raise funds and awareness for The Leukemia & Lymphoma Society (LLS). Running with the LLS Team in Training was an experience of a lifetime. It was an honor to run for all who cannot and to bring awareness to this inspiring cause. I personally raised $4,547.37 to help find a cure for blood cancer. Our Central New York team raised over $60,000, with a grand total raised by Team in Training participants for this one event of over $5.4 million.”

Donald Dutcher ’92, Industrial Engineering Technology

Donald Dutcher ’92, a SUNYIT Wildcats Hall of Fame inductee as a student-athlete, will now have his professional career recognized by SUNYIT’s Alumni Association for his achievements as a higher education administrator leading a program where students excel on the fields and in the classrooms. Dutcher will receive the Alumni Distinguished Service Award, which recognizes extraordinary service to profession, community, and/or alma mater, at the SUNYIT Alumni & Friends Reception on Saturday, September 11, 2010. Alumni and invited guests who wish to attend the reception should register online by Monday, September 6 – Click here for the online registration form.

Lauren Enright ‘07 G’10, Computer Engineering Technology and Electrical Engineering Technology, May 2010 candidate MBA Technology Management

(04/06/2010) Having returned to SUNYIT for graduate studies, Lauren Enright was honored with the 2010 Chancellor’s Award for Student Excellence. Enright, a native of Clarence, NY, was among 228 students from across the state honored April 6 at a ceremony in Albany, NY. “The 228 students we honor … have excelled academically and taken advantage of what SUNY has to offer outside the classroom,” said SUNY Chancellor Nancy L. Zimpher. “These students are proven leaders, athletes, artists, community servants and much more. Congratulations to all of the students … and thank you all for your genuine dedication to student excellence.”

     During 2009-10, Enright served in the elected position of student representative to the SUNYIT College Council, was a Graduate Assistant in the School of Business, and held the professional staff position of Coordinator of Student Activities. For the full SUNYIT press release, click here.

Richard Gianotti Jr. ’09, Mechanical Engineering Technology

(03/12/10) Richard Gianotti has joined Air Innovations Inc. (www.airinnovations.com) in Syracuse, NY. Gianotti, a Design Engineer, will create new environmental control products and provide re-engineering support on existing products to improve performance, reduce cost and enhance manufacturability. He was formerly an intern at Air Innovations and has previous experience in general construction and automotive repair. Since 1986 Air Innovations has been the leader in specialty air conditioning, refrigeration and environmental control solutions for original equipment manufacturers around the world, and holds numerous patents. In 2009 Air Innovations was named to the Business Journal’s “Fast Track,” as the 9^th fastest growing small business in the 16-county Central New York region that stretches from Canada to Pennsylvania.

Nick Grimmer ’05, Business/Public Management

(04/01/2010) Nick Grimmer, who previously served as Annual Giving Coordinator and Assistant Men’s Basketball Coach at SUNYIT, joined SUNY Morrisville as Director of Annual Giving.

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

(06/ 07/2010) Zachary Hoffman joined Utica National Insurance as a Data Warehousing Developer. He previously served as a Web Developer – Programmer/Analyst in the Information Technology Services department at SUNYIT. He and wife, Amanda, welcomed their first child, James Robert Hoffmann, on March 7, 2010.

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

(03/31/2010) Tyler Mitchell was appointed in March 2010 to the position of R&D Analyst at ATC (www.atc-nycorp.com) at offices in the Cornell Business Park, Ithaca, NY.

Anthony Obernesser ’98, Civil Engineering Technology

(04/05/2010) Anthony Obernesser of Marcy, NY, was promoted to Senior Project Manager at Gaetano Construction. He has been with the company since 1992 in various roles, among them Estimator, Onsite Project Manager, and most recently Chief Estimator.

Joseph Parisella ’02, Mechanical Engineering Technology

Joseph Parisella of Vestal, NY, has been employed with Delta Engineers, Architects and Land Surveyors (www.deltaengineers.com) in Endwell, NY, as an Engineer in the Mechanical Department since 2004.  He writes: “My responsibilities include providing Plumbing, HVAC and Fire Protection system design and contract documents for a wide variety of clients/building types. I am currently applying for the PE exam and hope to be a NYS licensed Professional Engineer by next year.”

      One of Parisella’s recent projects was design work for SUNYIT’s newest residence, Oriskany Hall, which is now under construction. “I was selected to be part of the design team for the new Oriskany Hall project,” he writes. “The project design started in early 2009 and concluded in the beginning of 2010. My duties for this project were to provide the plumbing design and technical specifications and to review equipment submittals prior to construction. The plumbing design included the domestic hot water system/DDC control, domestic water distribution, sanitary waste and vent piping, storm drainage, natural gas distribution and associated equipment selection/sizing/fit-out. It was exciting to be able to work on a project for the College that propelled me into my current profession.”

Robert J. “Robbie” Pazdur II ’08 G’09, Mechanical Engineering Technology, MS Advanced Technology

(03/22/2010) Robbie Pazdur joined Remington Arms in March 2010, responsible for developing the manufacturing process for new rifle production and troubleshooting it during the initial start up.

Jennifer Phelan Ninh G’07, MBA Technology Management

Jennifer Phelan Ninh, Director of Admissions, and her husband Hai Ninh are the proud parents of a baby boy, Connor Huy, born on April 26, 2010, at 9:35 p.m. Click here for details.

J. Douglas Robinson G’88, MS Business Management

(02/23/2010) J. Douglas Robinson, Chairman of the Board and CEO of the Utica National Insurance Group in New Hartford, was among five industry leaders elected to the Board of Governors of the Property Casualty Insurers Association of America (PCI), headquartered in Des Plaines, IL. PCI is composed of more than 1,000 member companies, representing the broadest cross-section of property-casualty insurers of any national trade association. PCI serves as an advocate for the property-casualty insurance industry on the state and national level regarding legislation and regulation affecting the industry and its policyholders. Robinson is a member of the boards of directors of all Utica National member companies and subsidiaries. He also serves on the boards of the Insurance Information Institute, the Property Loss Research Bureau, Mohawk Valley EDGE, and SUNYIT’s College Council. Utica National Insurance Group is headquartered in New Hartford, NY and has regional offices in Utica NY, Wakefield MA, Jericho NY, Columbus OH, Richmond VA, Atlanta GA and Richardson TX.

Craig M. Ross G’09, MBA Technology Management

(05/28/2010) Craig M. Ross has been featured during 2009-10 as one of the RIT “Success Stories” on the RIT website at which stated: “Craig currently works as a telecommunications technician at the State University of New York College at Geneseo. Craig started at Geneseo in July of 1999. Prior to Geneseo, Craig worked at SUNY Buffalo as a student telecommunication technician.”

Rebecca Ruffing G’97, MS Business Management

Rebecca Ruffing of Whitesboro, NY, serves as Director of Public Relations at Herkimer County Community College. She was appointed to the position in fall 2008 after serving as Interim Director of Public Relations position since March 2008 and prior to that as the Assistant Director of Public Relations since September 2005. Previously she was the Assistant to the President and Assistant to the Dean of Academic Affairs at HCCC with prior experience in financial aid at SUNYIT.

Joseph Ruggiero ’91, Electrical Engineering Technology

Joseph Ruggiero was appointed by the Board of Commissioners of the New York State Bridge Authority (www.nysba.net) to the position of Executive Director in March 2010. Ruggiero serves as the Chief Operating and Executive Officer of the Hudson Valley based public benefit transportation authority. Prior to his appointment, Ruggiero served as an Assistant Comptroller for New York State Comptroller Tom DiNapoli, the state’s chief fiscal officer. Appointed in April 2008, Ruggiero served in a leadership capacity for public policy. Ruggiero also worked to establish a compliance unit for the retirement system to insure greater integrity in the system and worked with local governments across New York State encouraging them to partner for shared services and efficiencies.

      Ruggiero entered public service in 1994 as a Councilman and then Supervisor of the Town of Wappinger in Dutchess County. Ruggiero served four terms as Councilman and three as Supervisor where he was the municipality’s chief financial and executive officer responsible for designing and implementing a $15 million budget. Ruggiero began his career as an engineer in electronic and fiber optic networks leading to several management positions in the metropolitan New York area. In 2001, he worked for Telergy, a telecom company in lower Manhattan. The attacks of September 11th caused Telergy to close its doors. It was after September 11th that Ruggiero decided to enter public service.

John R. Russo ’07, Industrial Engineering Technology

(05/14/2010) Bluestone Boiler Corp. (www.bluestoneboiler.com), led by John R. Russo and Robert J. Sheets ’87 ’91, won the Mohawk Valley Emerging Business Competition for 2010 as announced at the Leading EDGE Awards luncheon on May 18, 2010, held by Mohawk Valley EDGE (www.mvedge.org). SUNYIT was a co-sponsor of the 2010 Emerging Business Competition (for the initial contest announcement listing sponsors, go to: http://www.mvedge.org/news_article.asp?id=301). Sam Russo, Business Advisor with MV SBDC at SUNYIT (www.sunyit.edu/sbdc), worked with Russo and Sheets as clients through the SBDC. “Bob and John created Bluestone, which is a boiler that will heat your home with wood,” Russo said. “Their boiler improves the level of energy you can extract from wood, will eliminate that white smoke that usually leaves your chimney, and will much improve upon future emission standards.”

     Additionally, the Mohawk Valley EDGE awards program states: “Bluestone Boiler Corp. is the manufacturer and soon to be distributor of environmentally friendly wood gasification boilers for residential use. For the past two years they have been developing the first wood gasification boiler product line. It is the mission of Bluestone Boiler Corp. to build a wood gasification boiler system capable of heating residential and small commercial spaces with maximum efficiency and reliability, while preserving out environment.” According to the Mohawk Valley EDGE website, the 2010 contest winner receives a cash award of $15,000 and an additional $15,000 in professional services, and the competition was open to companies in Oneida or Herkimer County with less than $5 million in annual revenue and a strong business plan.

Justin Sales ’98, Mechanical Engineering Technology

(03/12/10) Justin Sales has joined Air Innovations Inc. (www.airinnovations.com) in Syracuse, NY. As Design Engineer, he will create new environmental control products and provide re-engineering support on existing products to improve performance, reduce cost and enhance manufacturability. Sales has 14 years experience as a Design and Structural Engineer, most recently with a large climate control technology company. He holds universal EPA certification for refrigerant handling. Since 1986 Air Innovations has been the leader in specialty air conditioning, refrigeration and environmental control solutions for original equipment manufacturers around the world, and holds numerous patents. In 2009 Air Innovations was named to the Business Journal’s “Fast Track,” as the 9^th fastest growing small business in the 16-county Central New York region that stretches from Canada to Pennsylvania.

Amy M. Sanders ’08, Business Administration

(03/24/2010) Amy Sanders is employed with the Agency Staff of State Farm Insurance in offices located at 62 Central Avenue in Ilion, NY.

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

(06/16/2010) Fritz Scherz, Councilman on the Verona (NY) Town Board and Senior Administrative Analyst for the New York State Office of Homeland Security, State Preparedness Training Center, Oriskany, NY, established a high-school scholarship in memory of his father called the Fred Scherz Sr. Memorial Scholarship for Volunteer Community Service, which was awarded for the first time in June 2010.

Robert J. Sheets ’87 ’91, Mechanical Engineering Technology

(05/14/2010) Bluestone Boiler Corp. (www.bluestoneboiler.com), led by Robert Sheets and John Russo ’07, won the Mohawk Valley Emerging Business Competition for 2010 as announced at the Leading EDGE Awards luncheon on May 18, 2010, held by Mohawk Valley EDGE (www.mvedge.org). SUNYIT was a co-sponsor of the 2010 Emerging Business Competition (for the initial contest announcement listing sponsors, go to: http://www.mvedge.org/news_article.asp?id=301). Sam Russo, Business Advisor with MV SBDC at SUNYIT (www.sunyit.edu/sbdc), worked with Russo and Sheets as clients through the SBDC. “Bob and John created Bluestone, which is a boiler that will heat your home with wood,” Russo said. “Their boiler improves the level of energy you can extract from wood, will eliminate that white smoke that usually leaves your chimney, and will much improve upon future emission standards.”

     Additionally, the Mohawk Valley EDGE awards program states: “Bluestone Boiler Corp. is the manufacturer and soon to be distributor of environmentally friendly wood gasification boilers for residential use. For the past two years they have been developing the first wood gasification boiler product line. It is the mission of Bluestone Boiler Corp. to build a wood gasification boiler system capable of heating residential and small commercial spaces with maximum efficiency and reliability, while preserving out environment.” According to the Mohawk Valley EDGE website, the 2010 contest winner receives a cash award of $15,000 and an additional $15,000 in professional services, and the competition was open to companies in Oneida or Herkimer County with less than $5 million in annual revenue and a strong business plan.

Sandra (Hersh) Sime ’83, Business/Public Management

(03/16, 2010) SUNYIT received word that Sandra Sime passed away on February 16, 2009, from leukemia. To access the online obituary, click here.

Debra Sutliff G’98, MS Business Management

(03/19/2010) Debra Sutliff of Herkimer, NY, was named a “Campus Angel” by On Point for College. Sutliff has served as the Bursar at Herkimer County Community College since 1988. Based in Syracuse, NY, On Point is a non-profit organization whose mission is to open the door to higher education for inner city youth. The “Campus Angel” distinction recognizes college staff who show great compassion and service to low-income and first generation college students.

      Sutliff is one of only three recipients from a network of 190 colleges and universities attended by On Point students. Virginia Donohue, On Point’s Executive Director, says of Sutliff, “As a ‘Campus Angel’ she has manifested great compassion and service to low-income and first generation college students. She has also served as a consistent and dedicated liaison to our counseling staff, helping us to resolve issues of our students that impede their success.” Sutliff, a 1996 recipient of the SUNY Chancellor’s Award for Excellence in Professional Service, was recognized at On Point’s 2010 Celebration on April 28 at Syracuse’s OnCenter.

Dr. Janice “Jan” Welker ’79, Nursing

Jan Welker, assistant professor of health services management, and Lisa Berardino, associate professor of human resource management, presented “Integrating Ethics in Multiple Business Courses” at the Allied Academies International Conference, April 15-17, 2010, in New Orleans, LA.

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