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A community college sponsored by Niagara County

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Nomination Period has Closed

Alumni Association

For those who leave SUNY Niagara, but for whom SUNY Niagara never leaves.

Established in 1988, the NCCC Distinguished Alumni Award is the College’s highest honor, recognizing graduates for outstanding achievements in career, volunteer work, and personal life. Selection considers professional accomplishments, community service, and unique backgrounds. Recipients are inducted into the Distinguished Alumni Wall and celebrated at the annual Scholarship Soirée. These esteemed alumni contribute significantly to SUNY Niagara’s future by donating to scholarships, mentoring students, and participating in events.

A wall filled with photos honoring distinguished alumni from SUNY Niagara

2023 Distinguished Alumni Recipients

Sheriff Michael Filicetti

Class of 2010

Mark Cye

Class of 1993

Nominate a Distinguished Alumni

Criteria & Desired Qualifications:

  • SUNY Niagara Distinguished Alumni Award recognizes alumni who are positive role models, involved in their community and exhibited accomplishments in their field.  Selection is based on achievement after leaving SUNY Niagara/NCCC and shall include a worthy record of more than one exemplary achievement.
  • Nominee must have completed 50 or more credit hours at SUNY Niagara/NCCC; yet it is strongly recommended that nominee is a graduate.
  • Nominee must have graduated or transferred from SUNY Niagara/NCCC ten (10) or more years ago.
  • Nominee cannot be current SUNY Niagara employee, NCCC Foundation Board Member, SUNY Niagara Alumni Association Committee Member, College Association employee, Housing Board Member, or member of the Board of Trustees. Retirees from these entities must be retired for one year prior to May 31 of the nominating year to be considered.
  • Persons running for political office will not be considered during their campaign cycle.
  • Applications may not be submitted by the nominee or current employees of the NCCC Foundation office.

Narrative Questions

Based on the desired qualifications, please answer the following questions in a narrative form. The narrative should be a minimum of two pages with a maximum of three pages in length.

  • What achievements or contributions from this nominee make them deserving of this honor? How has their work positively impacted their field, community, or the lives of others?
  • List business & professional achievements. Describe how nominee has demonstrated significant, measurable achievement in their chosen field. If applicable, list any additional degrees or certifications the nominee has obtained and explain how these credentials have contributed to their success.
  • List professional honors and awards, professional affiliations, and publications. Explain the significance of these recognitions and how they highlight their achievements.
  • List civic and community involvement. Describe how the nominee has contributed leadership service to the community, state, nation or world.
  • List past and/or present volunteer service to SUNY Niagara.
  • Describe the nominee’s involvement, leadership and/or financial support to the Alumni Association, the NCCC Foundation and/or the College.
  • List any other appropriate qualifications which merits consideration.

Application Requirements and Procedures

  • A resume and narrative must be included with the nomination form.  A resume is not considered a replacement for the narrative.
  • Nominations will be kept on file for consideration for three (3) years.  If not selected within the three-year period, we welcome a new nomination.

This award will be presented at the Annual NCCC Foundation Scholarship Soirée in October. The award recipient will be required to attend and is a guest of the SUNY Niagara Alumni Association. The deadline for all submissions is Monday, June 17, 2024.

Mailing Address for Printed Applications:
SUNY Niagara Alumni Office, 3111 Saunders Settlement Rd., Sanborn, NY 14132

Previous Distinguished Alumni Recipients

Induction YearNameClass Year
2023 Mark Cye 1993
2023 Michael Filicetti 2010
2022 Lee Wallace 1972
2021 Elizabeth Corieri 1983
2021 Angelo (Zig) Fracassi 1985
2020 JoAnn Pellegrino 1997
2020 Muriel Anderson 1983
2019 Deborah Burns 1978
2019 **Peter I. Certo 1973
2019 Rebecca Cuddahee 1995
2019 Richard Frizzell 1965
2018 Paul Lamont 1986
2018 Ellen Latham 1977
2018 Michael Messina 1983
2017 Phyllis Floro 1988
2017 Jennifer Pitarresi 1983
2015 James Toellner 1978
2014 Patrick J. Sorge 1985
2013 Dr. Paul Churder 1975
2013 Peter Robinson 1991
2012 Joanne Stanton 1980
2011 Deborah Karp Coder 1977, 1988
2010 Eric L. Gansworth 1986
2009 Susan J. Geissler 1974
2008 William M. Paterson 1965
2008 Ronald F. Zito 1972, 1978
2007 Tammy Austin-Ketch 1990
2007 Carmen Presti 1985
2006 Richard Avdoian 1971
2006 Ellen L. Swan 1983
2006 Louise Volpe 1968
2005 Stephen F. Brady 1975
2005 Nancy Babis 1984
2005 Richard P. Winter 1974
2003 Christopher J. Carlin 1981
2003 A. Joseph Catalano 1990
2003 **Angelo DelSignore 1970
2003 Ronald R. Winkley 1978
2002 Les Kachurek 1983
2002 Melanie Collins Tisdale 1975
2002 Lizabeth M. Weiss 1972
2001 Penny Cacioppo 1995
2001 Rebecca M. Cindric 1996
2001 James A. Mezhir 1968
2001 Robert J. Travis 1975
2001 Ronald J. Winter 1974
2000 Gene Carella 1970
2000 Jamie Marcolini 1981
2000 Patricia Siola 1973
1999 Ernest Palmer 1985
1999 Ginger Tucker-Lamb 1987
1998 Domenico Cavaiuolo 1974
1998 Dr. Anthony DeLuke 1973
1998 Michael LaFever 1970
1997 Dr. Anne Martin-Staple 1966
1997 Dr. Richard Sawicki 1973
1996 Senator George Maziarz 1974
1996 Joseph A. Ruffolo 1976
1995 Robert Bradley 1973
1995 Geraldine Cindric 1992
1995 Clifton Gibson 1989
1995 David Nemi 1978
1995 Lynne Shuster 1967
1994 Patricia Evans 1977
1994 Lessie Hamilton-Rose 1970
1994 Michael S. Sloma 1987
1993 Richard Mullaney 1974
1993 Salvatore Passanese 1973
1993 Frances Sorge-Dotton 1970
1992 *Lily Campbell Taddeo 1973
1992 Gail L. Tylec 1980
1991 Jean Adjemian 1967
1991 George Helfrich 1972
1990 Teresa McEvoy 1972
1990 Paul Raczkiewicz 1965
1990 Theresa M. Silvestre 1982
1990 Virginia M. Taylor 1976
1989 Floyd F. Amann, Jr. 1966
1989 Kay Brayley 1975
1989 *Estelle Pavlock Jurasz 1975
1989 Randy W. Schultz 1975
1989 John Turner 1969
1988 Renae Kimble 1974
1988 Carol Henschel 1971
1988 * Duane Schielke 1974
1988 Leon Smith 1965
1988 *Charles P. Steiner 1970

Contact Us

Julie Berrigan

Director of Development

Phone: 716-614-5911
Email: jberrigan@niagaracc.suny.edu
Location: A-202

Barbara DeSimone

Assistant Vice President of Institutional Advancement

Phone: 716-614-5904
Email: desimone@niagaracc.suny.edu
Location: A-204

Courtney Helinski

Assistant Director of Development

Phone: 716-614-6231
Email: chelinski@niagaracc.suny.edu
Location: A-201