Alumni Association

Elizabeth Corieri graduated from Niagara County Community College in 1983 with her Associate’s Degree in LA&S: Humanities & Social Science. She continued her education at the University at Buffalo earning her Bachelor’s Degree in Education in 1985.

Upon graduation, Liz accepted a position with the Niagara Wheatfield Central School District as a long-term substitute. This resulted in a full-time position teaching second grade at Military Road School and was the start of her career path with Niagara Wheatfield.

In 1990, Liz graduated from Niagara University with her Master’s Degree in Education and in 1992 earned her Master’s Degree in Administration and Supervision. During this time, Military Road School closed its doors and Liz was transferred to Colonial Village Elementary School. She stayed there for 2-years as a Kindergarten teacher before starting at Tuscarora Indian School in 1993.

Five years later in 1998, Liz was promoted to Principal of Tuscarora School and has remained in that position since. For over 20 years, she has been an avid supporter of the Tuscarora Culture and Language program which is a vital part of the cultural revitalization at Tuscarora. In addition, she has promoted the importance of the language and stood behind and encouraged the hiring of native teachers.

Liz is also Co-Chair of the Native American Regional Forum which addresses issues in the Native American educational system. She has helped with utilizing native speakers and includes new methods to reach all students and inform teachers with these innovative techniques. In addition to education, Liz has dedicated herself to the different programming throughout the school. This includes organizing their yearly Elder’s Day, Culture Night, and Graduation Dinner.

Outside of work, Liz is a certified children’s yoga teacher. She volunteers her time to the students at Tuscarora School teaching them positive mental health and proper breathing techniques. She also enjoys spending time with her mother, Betty, her two daughters, Lindsey and Caitlin, and her two grandchildren, Ruby and Trey. Her continued active participation show her true commitment to the next generation of future students and their education in Niagara County.

Angelo “Zig” Fracassi graduated from Niagara County Community College in 1985 with his Associate’s Degree in Communication & Media Art. While attending NCCC, Zig’s passion for radio grew by hosting his own show on WNCB and interning at WJJL.

Upon graduation, Zig moved to Las Vegas where he attended the University of Nevada for just over a year. He then landed his first professional radio job with K-RAM (now KFLV), 1340 AM Class Country as a D.J. and a Producer. During that time, K-RAM began to include professional sports with Zig hosting scoreboard shows after games.

In 1992, Zig landed his first nationally syndicated sports talk show with Sports Entertainment Network. In 1994, he was offered a position with Sports Fan Radio hosting regular call-in shows as well as an NHL program titled “In the Crease”. During this time, he worked with sports icons such as Pete Rose and Dallas Cowboys Executive Gil Brandt. Zig continued in this position until 2001 when he returned to Western New York as a host and sports anchor for WNSA 107.7 announcing pre-game shows for the Buffalo Sabres.

It was then he moved to New Jersey for a position with Sirius Satellite Radio (now XM Satellite Radio) as a part-time NFL Radio anchor. This position evolved into his current role hosting full-time shows on NFL Radio, SiriusXM Channel 88. He is also a regular contributor to SiriusXM NHL Network Radio Channel 91 and is featured hosting college football and hockey shows for SiriusXM College Sports Nation and ESPNU Radio.
Zig’s 35-year radio career has proven he is a leader in the industry and an ambassador for Niagara County. During his radio shows, he often speaks fondly of his time in Western New York and in particular, his time as a student at NCCC. He attributes much of his success to the quality foundation of education he received from NCCC as well as the opportunities the program afforded him.