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Alumni Association

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

Peter I. Certo*

2019 Distinguished Alumnus
Class of 1973
Inducted October 19, 2019
*Posthumously

Named “Mr. Future Business Executive” as a student by SUNY Niagara’s PHI BETA LAMBDA, Peter I. Certo graduated as a member of the first class from the new SUNY Niagara Sanborn Campus in 1973 with his degree in Business Administration.

After graduating, Peter immediately joined his family business, Certo Brother Distributing. Peter served as President and Chairman of the Board of Certo Brothers until his untimely passing in the summer of 2017. Prior to becoming president, his positions included truck driver, salesman, sales manager, and executive vice president. In addition to leading his family business, Peter served as a Board Member of the NYS Beer Wholesalers Association for 31 years and was elected Chairman for 2 years.

Along with his family and business commitments, Peter dedicated himself to giving back to SUNY Niagara. He served as a Foundation Board Member from 1993-2017, Presidential Partner from 2011-2017, and Honorary Chair during the Learning Commons Capital Campaign. An original member of the Board of Trustees, Peter’s uncle Albert J. Certo, passed away in 1980. To honor his uncle and the College, Peter and his father started the SUNY Niagara memorial golf tournament from 1982-2004 which raised over $250,000 for SUNY Niagara scholarships. He also contributed annually to the SUNY Niagara Alumni Association 5K Run/Walk and SUNY Niagara Foundation Scholarship Gala.

In addition to supporting SUNY Niagara, Peter and his family give back to numerous other higher education institutions and fundraisers in the area including Artpark, Hunters Hope, the Boys and Girls Club, and more.

Peter valued his time as a student at SUNY Niagara and recognized the College as “an important institution to keep established to help local businesses hire educated people”. To continue Peter and his family’s commitment to SUNY Niagara, his daughter, Sharon, joined the SUNY Niagara Foundation Board of Directors in 2017.

Certo family accepting award

Contact

SUNY Niagara Foundation, Inc.
Deborah Brewer, Director
3111 Saunders Settlement Rd.
Sanborn, NY 14132
Phone: 716-614-5911
Cell: 716-438-6388
Fax: 716-614-5913
Email: dbrewer@niagaracc.suny.edu