Connections Magazine

SUNY Niagara Alumni Association

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Class Notes

Class Notes

David Barrett

David Barrett has been employed with Freed Maxick for 43-years and is currently a Tax Partner. Barrett transferred from SUNY Niagara in 1973 to the University at Buffalo where he earned his degree in Business Administration. His fondest memories of SUNY Niagara include English class at the Ramada Inn in Niagara Falls.

Jeremy Doran

Jeremy Doran has been named Operations Manager at Tint World. A native to Lockport, Doran attended SUNY Niagara in 1993 and received a certification in aftermarket electronics and accessories after transferring to Mobile Dynamics in Toronto.

Kim Melberg

North American Title Co. (NATC) has promoted Kim Melberg to Division Manager. Melberg has been working with NATC since 2016 as a national sales trainer and earned her Associates Degree from SUNY Niagara in Business Management.

1970’s

Elizabeth Cortelli ‘71

Elizabeth Cortelli retired as a Registered Nurse, Professor, LTC USA, and Hospital Administrator. Cortelli graduated from SUNY Niagara in 1971 with her Nursing degree. She went on to receive her BSN from Niagara University, MS from the University of Houston, and MSN from Texas Women’s University. Her fondest memories of SUNY Niagara include her favorite nurse instructor Mrs. Bopp.

Lawrence Schiro ‘72

Lawrence Schiro is a retired high school Chemistry teacher and Administrator of District Technology for the Williamsville Central School District. He graduated from SUNY Niagara in 1972 and his fondest memories include attending the old “Nabisco Tech” and playing on the 1971 SUNY Niagara Baseball Team.

1980’s

Barry Fitzgerald ‘82

Barry Fitzgerald is a Professor at the University at Kansas in Design, Illustrations, and Animation. Fitzgerald earned his degree from SUNY Niagara in 1982 in Fine Arts. He went on to earn his Bachelor of Science from Buffalo State and Master of Fine Art from the University at Buffalo. His favorite memories of SUNY Niagara are the fantastic teachers, great classmates, and fun parties.

James Cody ‘83

James Cody is celebrating his 10th year at Buffalo Seminary as Facilities Director. Cody graduated from SUNY Niagara in 1983 with his degree in Drafting and Mechanical Industrial Process Piping. He is responsible for directing the design, planning, construction, and maintenance of company facilities and properties.

William Davignon ‘86

William Davignon is the Superintendent of Water and Wastewater for the City of North Tonawanda. Davignon graduated from SUNY Niagara in 1986 with his degree in Chemistry. His fondest memories of SUNY Niagara include all of the professors in the Chemistry Department.

Phyllis Floro ‘88

Phyllis Floro served as one of SUNY Niagara’s Keynote Speakers for the 55th Annual Commencement Ceremonies. Floro graduated from SUNY Niagara in 1988 with her degree in Business Administration and received SUNY Niagara’s Distinguished Alumni Award in 2017.

1990’s

Donald Saph ‘91

Donald Saph was named Director of Campus Facilities/Operations at SUNY Niagara. Previously, he served as the Senior Maintenance Technician/Electrician at Mount St. Mary’s Hospital and Health Center. Saph received his AAS in Mechanical Engineering Technology from SUNY Niagara in 1991.

Mark Kessler ‘93

Mark Kessler, 1993 SUNY Niagara Humanities and Social Sciences graduate, was inducted into Kenmore East’s Hall of Fame for wrestling. While attending SUNY Niagara, Kessler placed second in the region and took part in the national qualifier.

Christina DeLuke ‘95

Christina DeLuke was named Clinical Coordinator of Cardiology at Niagara Falls Memorial Medical Center. DeLuke joined Memorial in 2017 and graduated from SUNY Niagara’s Nursing Program in 1995.

Wayne Lynch ‘95 & ‘98

Wayne Lynch was named Interim Vice President of Operations at SUNY Niagara. Previously, he served as Director of Operations and Director of Support Services at Mount St. Mary’s Hospital and Health Center. Lynch graduated from SUNY Niagara in 1995 with his degree in Engineering Technology and Chemistry and again in 1998 with his degree in Mathematics and Science.

2000’s

Rashad Evans ‘00

Former UFC Light-Heavyweight Champion Rashad Evans was inducted into Niagara Wheatfield High School’s Hall of Fame. Evans graduated from SUNY Niagara in 2000 with his degree in Humanities and Social Science.

William Wyles ‘02

William Wyles was promoted to Director of Information Systems at Cornerstone CFCU. Wyles earned his degree from SUNY Niagara in Computer Science in 2002.

Andrew Mitchell ‘05

Andrew Mitchell designed and launched his new app called Yardaroo – designed to help people find garage sales, yard sales, and second-hand sales in the area. Mitchell graduated from SUNY Niagara in 2005 with his degree in Digital Media and most recently worked for Liazon where he developed a healthcare marketplace app for international use.

Chad Stowe ‘07

Chad Stowe was recognized during the Buffalo Bills vs. New England Patriots Monday Night Game for his dedication to service. Stowe graduated from SUNY Niagara in 2007 with his degree in Physical Education. He is also a recipient of the SUNY President’s Medallion and a former SUNY Niagara Alumni Board Member.

Christopher Silverthorn ‘08

Christopher Silverthorn joined Conifer-LeChase Construction Services as Project Manager. Silverthorn graduated from SUNY Niagara in 2008 with his degree in Liberal Arts and Science along with receiving his Associate of Applied Science from ECC and Bachelor of Science from Alfred State.

2010 & up

Justin Trainor ‘10

Justin Trainor, Physical Therapy Assistant, was featured in an art show titled “Enter the Artist” at Northgate Health Care Facility. Trainor earned his degree from SUNY Niagara for Physical Therapy Assistant in 2010 and went on to Buffalo State where he received his degree in Fine Arts.

Paul Licata ‘12

Paul Licata was sworn in to the Lockport Fire Department as a firefighter. Licata graduated from SUNY Niagara in 2012 with his degree in Digital Media. Before joining the LFD, Licata worked in Security at SUNY Niagara. He is also an EMT Basic.

Hannah Wiech ‘13

Hannah Wiech showcased her art exhibit “Curiosities”, a horror and oddities based show featuring characters from Beetlejuice, zombies, and more at Sugar City. Wiech graduated from SUNY Niagara in 2013 with her degree in Fine Arts.

Cecelia Price ‘15

Cecelia Price is a current student working towards her Master’s Degree in Art Education at Case Western Reserve University in Cleveland. Price graduated from SUNY Niagara in 2015 with her degree in Fine Arts. In 2019, she has two solo art shows in Westfield, NY and Rochelle, IL. Her fondest memories of SUNY Niagara include working with all of the Fine Arts instructors.

Jaclyn Welch ‘15

Jaclyn Welch has been named Bryant & Stratton College Women’s Basketball Coach. Welch graduated from SUNY Niagara in 2015 with her degree in Humanities and Social Sciences. During her time at SUNY Niagara she became the second female in school history to be named All-American.

William Kaufman ‘17

After 35-years of service in the Air Force, William Kaufman retired and decided to go back to school at SUNY Niagara. He graduated in 2017 his degree in Criminal Justice. He is currently the Fuels Distribution Worker for Pegasus Support Services. His fondest memories of SUNY Niagara include the overall student experience and how welcomed everyone made him feel.

Cailey Wright ‘17

Cailey Wright was promoted to Clinical Coordinator at Niagara Falls Memorial Medical Center in their inpatient behavioral health service. Wright graduated from SUNY Niagara in 2017 with her Nursing degree.

Laurie Yaeger ‘17

Laurie Yaeger graduated from the Niagara Falls Culinary Institute with her degree in Culinary Arts in 2017. She has continued on to Buffalo State and won the Statler Foundation Scholarship Award.

Casey Gruarin ‘18

In 2019, Casey Gruarin began writing articles for Buffalo Fanatics with a focus on the Buffalo Bills. Casey graduated from SUNY Niagara in 2018 with his degree in Sports Management, played baseball for the Thunderwolves, and is a former Distinguished Student Scholarship recipient.

Troy Keller ‘18

Troy Keller won his individual MAC title for UB’s Wrestling team leading them to their first ever runner-up finish at the MAC Wrestling tournament. Keller graduated from SUNY Niagara in 2018 with his degree in Liberal Arts and Sciences. He is 1 of only 5 students who have attended SUNY Niagara to become a national champion in wrestling.