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Nov 09
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Paul D. Reid, CEO of Reid Petroleum Corp., Recipient of the NYCCT Benefactor Vision for Tomorrow Award

Reid Petroleum Corp. Receives Benefactor Vision for Tomorrow Award

By News Archive

November 9, 2021

Paul D. Reid, CEO of Reid Petroleum Corp., Recipient of the NYCCT Benefactor Vision for Tomorrow Award

Paul D. Reid, CEO of Reid Petroleum Corp.,
Recipient of the NYCCT Benefactor Vision for Tomorrow Award

Reid Petroleum Corp., a longtime supporter of SUNY Niagara received the Benefactor Vision for Tomorrow Award at the New York Community College Trustees (NYCCT) Awards Dinner on Friday, November 5 in Saratoga Springs, NY.  The award is presented annually to recognize commitment to a local community college, aiding in innovation that helps distinguish the recipient community college from its peer institutions.

The founder of Reid Petroleum, J. Ward Reid was a stalwart supporter of education as a means of establishing a more prosperous life, and the importance of higher education was instilled in the rest of the family as well. Under the leadership of CEO Paul D. Reid, Reid Petroleum Corp. has been a dedicated advocate for SUNY Niagara, donating more than $200,000 to support educational initiatives at SUNY Niagara.  Since 2012, the organization has provided funding for scholarships that has opened the door for students to fund their educational and career goals.  In addition to the monetary support provided for scholarships, Reid Petroleum Corp. has provided funding for the Business Resource Center Program at the Niagara Falls Culinary Institute and Paul D. Reid hosted a business workshop for the community to encourage small business development.

Paul describes SUNY Niagara as “THE” local college, and notes its tremendous benefit for the local community and the Western New York Region.  “With the rising costs of college tuition, not everyone has the ability to start at a 4 year institution, and SUNY Niagara provides a solid stepping stone for individuals to receive the education needed to succeed,” says Paul.  Moving forward, he envisions a continuing relationship with SUNY Niagara, aspiring to make the Business Program more viable to potential students through scholarships and establishing training to keep content current and relevant.

Paul D. Reid serves on the Old Fort Niagara Association’s Board of Directors, the Grigg-Lewis Foundation’s Board of Directors, and as a trustee for All Saint Parish in Lockport.  He is also affiliated with the Lockport Children’s Memorial Park Committee, the Lockport Community Band, and the World President’s Organization.

Reid Petroleum Corp., a longtime supporter of SUNY Niagara received the Benefactor Vision for Tomorrow Award at the New York Community College Trustees (NYCCT) Awards Dinner on Friday, November 5 in Saratoga Springs, NY.  The award is presented annually to recognize commitment to a local community college, aiding in innovation that helps distinguish the recipient community college from its peer institutions.

The founder of Reid Petroleum, J. Ward Reid was a stalwart supporter of education as a means of establishing a more prosperous life, and the importance of higher education was instilled in the rest of the family as well. Under the leadership of CEO Paul D. Reid, Reid Petroleum Corp. has been a dedicated advocate for SUNY Niagara, donating more than $200,000 to support educational initiatives at SUNY Niagara.  Since 2012, the organization has provided funding for scholarships that has opened the door for students to fund their educational and career goals.  In addition to the monetary support provided for scholarships, Reid Petroleum Corp. has provided funding for the Business Resource Center Program at the Niagara Falls Culinary Institute and Paul D. Reid hosted a business workshop for the community to encourage small business development.

Paul describes SUNY Niagara as “THE” local college, and notes its tremendous benefit for the local community and the Western New York Region.  “With the rising costs of college tuition, not everyone has the ability to start at a 4 year institution, and SUNY Niagara provides a solid stepping stone for individuals to receive the education needed to succeed,” says Paul.  Moving forward, he envisions a continuing relationship with SUNY Niagara, aspiring to make the Business Program more viable to potential students through scholarships and establishing training to keep content current and relevant.

Paul D. Reid serves on the Old Fort Niagara Association’s Board of Directors, the Grigg-Lewis Foundation’s Board of Directors, and as a trustee for All Saint Parish in Lockport.  He is also affiliated with the Lockport Children’s Memorial Park Committee, the Lockport Community Band, and the World President’s Organization.

Paul D. Reid, CEO of Reid Petroleum Corp., Recipient of the NYCCT Benefactor Vision for Tomorrow Award

Paul D. Reid, CEO of Reid Petroleum Corp.,
Recipient of the NYCCT Benefactor Vision for Tomorrow Award

Media Contact Information

Sara Harvey
Assistant Director, Public Relations and Event Management
Phone: 716-614-6220
Email: sharvey@niagaracc.suny.edu

Nov 08
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Local military personnel lead a flag folding service at the 2019 SUNY Niagara Veterans Day Ceremony.

SUNY Niagara’s Annual Veterans Day Celebration Returns November 10

By News Archive

November 8, 2021

The 2021 Veterans Day ceremony at SUNY Niagara will return to its pre-pandemic format. The event will take place on Wednesday, November 10 at 11:00 a.m. at the College’s Veterans Memorial Park, 3111 Saunders Settlement Road, Sanborn, NY.

The ceremony will include keynote remarks by Niagara County 10th District Legislator, David Godfrey. Refreshments will be served immediately following the ceremony in the Notar Administration (A-Building) lobby. Masks are required indoors except when partaking in refreshments.

Throughout the month of November, SUNY Niagara’s Veterans Association will host their annual Veterans Flag Tribute. Donations are now being accepted via the Veteran’s webpage or in-person at the Veterans Office in B-103. For each donation received, the Veterans Service department will dedicate a small flag in honor or in memory of a loved one who has served or is currently serving in the Armed Forces. Each donation directly benefits the Veterans Lounge, providing food, refreshments, and a place to relax for veteran students on the Sanborn campus. To donate online, please visit https://www.niagaracc.suny.edu/veterans/.

New this year, SUNY Niagara Veterans Services and Dining Services are hosting a semi-permanent exhibit to honor US military personnel who are Prisoners of War/Missing in Action (POW/MIA). The display includes a table setting with symbolic items that help us remember our brothers and sisters in arms.

About SUNY Niagara Veterans Services

Military Advanced Education & Transition Magazine has awarded SUNY Niagara the designation of a Top Colleges for veterans in the 2018 rankings. The annual rankings factor in the results of comprehensive school-by-school survey of veteran and military student offerings and rates of academic achievement. For more information on the SUNY Niagara Veterans Services office please visit our website: http://niagaracc.suny.edu/veterans/

Local military personnel lead a flag folding service at the 2019 SUNY Niagara Veterans Day Ceremony.

Local military personnel lead a flag folding service at the 2019 SUNY Niagara Veterans Day Ceremony.

Media Contact Information

Denyel Beiter
Public Relations Assistant
Phone: 716-614-5974
Email: dbeiter@niagaracc.suny.edu

Nov 02
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Day of Giving

SUNY Niagara To Host Third Annual Day of Giving

By News Archive

November 2, 2021

SUNY Niagara will be participating in its third annual Day of Giving on Tuesday, November 30, 2021.

This year, extraordinary circumstances calls for extraordinary generosity. Please consider donating to the SUNY Niagara Annual Fund to help us reach our goal of $20,021 (twenty thousand twenty-one). This fund allows the SUNY Niagara Foundation to direct your gift to where the College needs it the most. Donations can also be designated to a specific area or program of the College. From student experiences to classroom equipment, your contribution will provide a lasting effect on our students’ futures.

On this day and leading up to it, SUNY Niagara will be taking gifts and pledges around the clock. Your support will have a profound impact on SUNY Niagara and will enable the College to continue its tradition of being the smart place to start.

Donations are being accepted now through November 30th online at http://www.niagaracc.suny.edu/dayofgiving/ or checks can be made payable to the SUNY Niagara Foundation, 3111 Saunders Settlement Rd, Sanborn, NY 14132. If you have any questions, please contact the SUNY Niagara Foundation Office at 716-614-5910 or alumni@niagaracc.suny.edu.

Day of Giving

Media Contact Information

Allison Korta
Foundation Assistant Director
Phone: 716-614-6231
Email: akorta@niagaracc.suny.edu

Oct 25
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Laughing Out Loud

SUNY Niagara Theatre Presents an Evening of Comedy

By News Archive

October 25, 2021

Laughing Out Loud!A light-hearted evening of hysterical one-act comedies will be presented by fifteen SUNY Niagara theatre students from Wednesday, November 17 – Saturday, November 20 at the SUNY Niagara Fine Arts Theatre, 3111 Saunders Settlement Rd, Sanborn, NY.  The plays will be directed by acclaimed actor and current SUNY Niagara instructor, Jack Hunter.  The performances are free and open to the public.

The four diverse comedies include Shakespeare’s “Rude Mechanicals”, who fail their attempt to present a play for royalty; Christopher Durang’s wry and funny “An Actor’s Nightmare”, finding George Spelvin caught in the nightmare of performing in the play he knows nothing about. He is truly caught with his pants down!  “Line,” commissioned for the students and written by area playwright, Mark Humphrey, is a humorous look at actors’ antics at auditions; and award-winning, delightfully dark, and witty “An Act in One Play”, by SUNY Niagara alumnus, Paul Gadawski, complete the evening. You’ll laugh your mask off, but don’t you dare!

The entire production is student-designed.  In addition to acting in the performance, the students will assume major leadership roles in all phases of production including: lighting and sound design, costuming, and marketing. “I’m having more fun than I’ve had in a long time”, stated Markus Lawrynitis, an SUNY Niagara student both performing and handling the playbill.

The shows will be held on Wednesday, November 17 at 7 pm, Thursday, November 18 at 12:30 pm, Friday, November 19 at 7 pm, and Saturday, November 20 at 3 and 7 pm.  The doors open a ½ hour prior to the start of the performance and masks are required at all times.

A light-hearted evening of hysterical one-act comedies will be presented by fifteen SUNY Niagara theatre students from Wednesday, November 17 – Saturday, November 20 at the SUNY Niagara Fine Arts Theatre, 3111 Saunders Settlement Rd, Sanborn, NY.  The plays will be directed by acclaimed actor and current SUNY Niagara instructor, Jack Hunter.  The performances are free and open to the public.

The four diverse comedies include Shakespeare’s “Rude Mechanicals”, who fail their attempt to present a play for royalty; Christopher Durang’s wry and funny “An Actor’s Nightmare”, finding George Spelvin caught in the nightmare of performing in the play he knows nothing about. He is truly caught with his pants down!  “Line,” commissioned for the students and written by area playwright, Mark Humphrey, is a humorous look at actors’ antics at auditions; and award-winning, delightfully dark, and witty “An Act in One Play”, by SUNY Niagara alumnus, Paul Gadawski, complete the evening. You’ll laugh your mask off, but don’t you dare!

The entire production is student-designed.  In addition to acting in the performance, the students will assume major leadership roles in all phases of production including: lighting and sound design, costuming, and marketing. “I’m having more fun than I’ve had in a long time”, stated Markus Lawrynitis, an SUNY Niagara student both performing and handling the playbill.

The shows will be held on Wednesday, November 17 at 7 pm, Thursday, November 18 at 12:30 pm, Friday, November 19 at 7 pm, and Saturday, November 20 at 3 and 7 pm.  The doors open a ½ hour prior to the start of the performance and masks are required at all times.

Laughing Out Loud!

Media Contact Information

Barbara DeSimone
Director of Public Relations and Event Management
Phone: 716-614-5904
Email: desimone@niagaracc.suny.edu

Oct 22
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Deanna Brennen

Niagara SBDC Advisor Deanna Brennan Earns Advanced Business Advisor Certification

By News Archive

October 22, 2021

Deanna Brennan of the Niagara SBDC received a top business advisor certificate from the NYS SBDC.

Deanna Brennan of the Niagara SBDC received a top business advisor certificate from the NYS SBDC.

Niagara Small Business Development Center (SBDC) advisor, Deanna Brennan, recently achieved her Advanced Business Advisor Certification from the New York Small Business Development Center. This honor, bestowed to roughly 5% of advisors, was presented to Brennan by the New York SBDC’s Professional Development Committee, comprised of State-level regional directors and staff. Brennan earned this certification because of her proven pursuit of knowledge, proficiency in her specific discipline, successful application when serving clients, superior service to the program, and community leadership.

Brennan has worked for the Niagara SBDC at SUNY Niagara for more than 15 years. She has also served as the Associate Director of Economic Development and International Trade. In the past, she has assisted many local organizations in leadership roles, serving as President and CEO of the Niagara USA Chamber of Commerce and as the Vice President of Social Enterprise for the YWCA of the Niagara Frontier, delivering employment and training opportunities to local women.

Brennan is a lifelong resident of Niagara County, earning her Bachelor’s degree in Commerce from Niagara University and graduating from Leadership Niagara in 2000. Brennan currently serves as a member of the WNY Regional Economic Development Council, WNY Power Proceeds Allocation Board, Greater Lockport Development Corporation, and the Consumer Credit Counseling Service of Buffalo.

The Niagara SBDC specializes in free and confidential one-on-one counseling, dealing with small-business opportunities and problems. The Center provides management and technical assistance services including: business planning, development of marketing and global strategies, cash-flow projections, and financial analysis. The expert advisors of the Niagara SBDC have worked directly with over 18,000 businesses, helping them to invest nearly $525 million in the area’s economy, and create or save nearly 12,000 jobs.

Niagara Small Business Development Center (SBDC) advisor, Deanna Brennan, recently achieved her Advanced Business Advisor Certification from the New York Small Business Development Center. This honor, bestowed to roughly 5% of advisors, was presented to Brennan by the New York SBDC’s Professional Development Committee, comprised of State-level regional directors and staff. Brennan earned this certification because of her proven pursuit of knowledge, proficiency in her specific discipline, successful application when serving clients, superior service to the program, and community leadership.

Brennan has worked for the Niagara SBDC at SUNY Niagara for more than 15 years. She has also served as the Associate Director of Economic Development and International Trade. In the past, she has assisted many local organizations in leadership roles, serving as President and CEO of the Niagara USA Chamber of Commerce and as the Vice President of Social Enterprise for the YWCA of the Niagara Frontier, delivering employment and training opportunities to local women.

Brennan is a lifelong resident of Niagara County, earning her Bachelor’s degree in Commerce from Niagara University and graduating from Leadership Niagara in 2000. Brennan currently serves as a member of the WNY Regional Economic Development Council, WNY Power Proceeds Allocation Board, Greater Lockport Development Corporation, and the Consumer Credit Counseling Service of Buffalo.

The Niagara SBDC specializes in free and confidential one-on-one counseling, dealing with small-business opportunities and problems. The Center provides management and technical assistance services including: business planning, development of marketing and global strategies, cash-flow projections, and financial analysis. The expert advisors of the Niagara SBDC have worked directly with over 18,000 businesses, helping them to invest nearly $525 million in the area’s economy, and create or save nearly 12,000 jobs.

Deanna Brennan of the Niagara SBDC received a top business advisor certificate from the NYS SBDC.

Deanna Brennan of the Niagara SBDC received a top business advisor certificate from the NYS SBDC.

Media Contact Information

Denyel Beiter
Public Relations Assistant
Phone: 716-614-5974
Email: dbeiter@niagaracc.suny.edu

Oct 20
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SUNY Niagara President William J. Murabito

SUNY Niagara President Signs Three-Year Contract

By News Archive

October 20, 2021

SUNY Niagara President William J. Murabito

SUNY Niagara President William J. Murabito

At the Board’s October meeting, Jason J. Cafarella, chairman of the SUNY Niagara Board of Trustees, announced that SUNY Niagara President William J. Murabito signed a three-year contract to serve as college president until 2024.

“We are very pleased with the leadership of Dr. Murabito during these challenging times,” said Cafarella. “The new contract represents the Board’s unanimous and unwavering confidence in President Murabito and the trajectory of the college.”

Murabito was appointed president of SUNY Niagara in December 2019 after serving as interim president since September of 2017.  Murabito has held the role of Interim President at SUNY Cobleskill in 2002, Sullivan County Community College in 2011, and SUNY Morrisville in 2013, and as CEO/Officer-in-Charge at Rockland Community College in 2003.  Murabito has also held several positions at SUNY System Administration between 1983 and 2002.

“I am pleased to have the opportunity to continue to contribute to SUNY Niagara’s growth and prosperity as we enter into its 60th anniversary year,” said Murabito. “SUNY Niagara is a very special place.”

At the Board’s October meeting, Jason J. Cafarella, chairman of the SUNY Niagara Board of Trustees, announced that SUNY Niagara President William J. Murabito signed a three-year contract to serve as college president until 2024.

“We are very pleased with the leadership of Dr. Murabito during these challenging times,” said Cafarella. “The new contract represents the Board’s unanimous and unwavering confidence in President Murabito and the trajectory of the college.”

Murabito was appointed president of SUNY Niagara in December 2019 after serving as interim president since September of 2017.  Murabito has held the role of Interim President at SUNY Cobleskill in 2002, Sullivan County Community College in 2011, and SUNY Morrisville in 2013, and as CEO/Officer-in-Charge at Rockland Community College in 2003.  Murabito has also held several positions at SUNY System Administration between 1983 and 2002.

“I am pleased to have the opportunity to continue to contribute to SUNY Niagara’s growth and prosperity as we enter into its 60th anniversary year,” said Murabito. “SUNY Niagara is a very special place.”

SUNY Niagara President William J. Murabito

SUNY Niagara President William J. Murabito

Media Contact Information

Barbara DeSimone
Director of Public Relations and Event Management
Phone: 716-614-5904
Email: desimone@niagaracc.suny.edu

Oct 13
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Veterans Park

SUNY Niagara Announces New Veterans Memorial Park Campaign

By News Archive

October 13, 2021

SUNY Niagara will be relocating and expanding its existing Veterans Memorial Park to honor the Niagara County veteran community. This park will not only represent those who served in the armed forces, but will also offer community programming to celebrate its’ proud heritage of military service.

Area veterans, their families, and SUNY Niagara alumni and employees are invited to memorialize their service and those of their loved ones on the park’s new monument (alive or deceased). Veterans’ names and military branch of service will be engraved on the memorial wall, benches, and flagpoles for a donation of $150 or more. Veterans will be honored annually during SUNY Niagara’s Veteran’s Day ceremonies.

The new site will include a pentagonal-shaped concrete pad with a memorial wall separated into 3 distinct sections, two new flagpoles affixed with the American flag and POW flag, and reflection benches. The new picturesque location will be surrounded by landscaping along with a walkway leading directly to and from the parking lot for easy accessibility.

For more information, to purchase an engraving, or to donate, please visit www.niagaracc.suny.edu/veterans/memorialpark/. Donations can also be made over the phone at 716-614-5910 or through the mail to: SUNY Niagara Foundation, 3111 Saunders Settlement Rd., Sanborn, NY 14132. If you have any questions, please contact SUNY Niagara Veteran Services Coordinator, Joseph Potalivo, at 716-614-6283 or jpotalivo@niagaracc.sun.edu.

Veterans Park

Media Contact Information

SUNY Niagara Foundation
Phone: 716-614-5910
Email:found@niagaracc.suny.edu

Oct 08
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Nancy Knechtel

SUNY Niagara Announces Fall Keynote Speaker

By News Archive

October 8, 2021

The SUNY Niagara Faculty Resource Center for Academic Excellence (FRCAE) is pleased to announce that the Fall 2021 Keynote Speaker is Professor Nancy Knechtel. This award-winning faculty member is a professor of Art History and Honors colloquiums in the Arts, Humanities, and Social Sciences division at the College. Using decades of research and experience, Professor Knechtel will present, Artists’ Homes and Studios: Inspiring Spaces. This address will showcase intimate details about the homes of world-famous artists such as Rembrandt, Monet, and Georgia O’Keeffe. Her presentation will take place on October 26 at 2:30 p.m. at the Sanborn Campus, room E-142.

A reception will follow Professor Knechtel’s presentation of Artists’ Homes and Studios in the FRCAE department, room D-104. The event is free to the public. Parking can be found in Lot 1 or Lot 2. Masks are required regardless of vaccination status. Please register for this event by emailing marensmith@niagaracc.suny.edu.

Professor Nancy Knechtel

Professor Nancy Knechtel

Media Contact Information

Denyel Beiter
Public Relations Assistant
Phone: 716-614-5974
Email: dbeiter@niagaracc.suny.edu

Oct 08
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Child Development Center

SUNY Niagara Child Development Center Receives Grant to Offer Subsidized Childcare to Community

By News Archive

October 8, 2021 

SUNY Niagara was recently announced as a recipient of a funding award under the competitive United States Department of Education Child Care Access Means Parents in School (CCAMPIS) program. The award was in the amount of $307,192 over four years. Through this program, both SUNY Niagara students and members of the community are eligible to enroll their children at the SUNY Niagara John R. Oishei Child Development Center (CDC) at an income-based, subsidized rate.

SUNY Niagara is committed to serving our students and the local community by offering the best childcare services possible at the lowest rate. In addition to offering subsidized childcare, the CDC was recently able to utilize grant funding to perform a number of upgrades to its facilities including to the outdoor playground. “I am excited to have both of our playgrounds resurfaced as we add new equipment to the area for the community to enjoy. As always, all of our facility upgrades are done with an eye toward increasing the usage, inclusion, and safety for our children.” Christine Duquin, Director of the John R. Oishei Child Development Center.

With the increased demand for childcare services and specifically those from 0-18 months of age, the Center is in the process of engaging professional Architectural Services to review our current space, to determine if expanded services are viable. The SUNY Niagara CDC is located in a state-of-the-art facility within the Campus Learning Commons that provides students and members of the community with peace of mind that their child is receiving the best possible care throughout the week. Accredited by the National Association for the Education of Young Children (NAEYC), parents can be assured their young children will participate in a developmentally appropriate early childhood curriculum with experienced, professional teachers and caregivers.

Through continued campus collaboration, SUNY Niagara will offer an unmatched pairing of affordable rates and fully accredited childcare to the community. Stop in today, or check out the Childcare Center online at www.niagaracc.suny.edu/child-development/.

Child Development Center

Media Contact Information

Barbara DeSimone
Director of Public Relations and Event Management
Phone: 716-614-5904
Email: desimone@niagaracc.suny.edu

Oct 04
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Elizabeth Corieri and Angelo (Zig) Fracassi

SUNY Niagara Alumni Association Selects 2021 Distinguished Alumni Award Recipients

By News Archive

October 4, 2021 

The SUNY Niagara Alumni Association has selected two recipients for their 2021 Distinguished Alumni Award. This year’s recipients are Elizabeth Corieri ‘83 and Angelo “Zig” Fracassi ‘85. Due to the Coronavirus (COVID-19) crisis, the 2021 award recipients will be honored during the Foundation Scholarship Diamond Gala on October 22, 2022, kicking off SUNY Niagara’s 60th Anniversary celebration.

Elizabeth Corieri

SUNY Niagara 2021 Distinguished Alumni Award Recipient Elizabeth Corieri ‘83

Elizabeth Corieri graduated from SUNY Niagara 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. While working full-time teaching second grade at Military Road School, Elizabeth graduated from Niagara University in 1990 with her Master’s Degree in Education and in 1992 earned her degree in Administration and Supervision. During this time, she was transferred to Colonial Village Elementary School where she stayed for 2-years before starting at Tuscarora Indian School. Five years later in 1998, Elizabeth was promoted to Principal of Tuscarora School. 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. She also serves as Co-Chair of the Native American Regional Forum which addresses issues in the Native American educational system. In addition to education, she has dedicated herself to different programming throughout the school by organizing their yearly Elder’s Day, Culture Night, and Graduation Dinner. Outside of work, Elizabeth 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.

Angelo “Zig” Fracassi

SUNY Niagara 2021 Distinguished Alumni Award Recipient Angelo “Zig” Fracassi ‘85

Angelo “Zig” Fracassi graduated from SUNY Niagara in 1985 with his Associate’s Degree in Communication & Media Art. While attending SUNY Niagara, 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 before he landed his first professional radio job as a D.J. and Producer. In 1992, Zig received 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”. He 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. After, 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.

To read SUNY Niagara’s 2021 Distinguished Alumni Award recipient’s full biographies and for updates on the Foundation Scholarship Gala, please visit https://www.niagaracc.suny.edu/foundation/gala/.

October 4, 2021 

The SUNY Niagara Alumni Association has selected two recipients for their 2021 Distinguished Alumni Award. This year’s recipients are Elizabeth Corieri ‘83 and Angelo “Zig” Fracassi ‘85. Due to the Coronavirus (COVID-19) crisis, the 2021 award recipients will be honored during the Foundation Scholarship Diamond Gala on October 22, 2022, kicking off SUNY Niagara’s 60th Anniversary celebration.

Elizabeth Corieri

SUNY Niagara 2021 Distinguished Alumni Award Recipient Elizabeth Corieri ‘83

Elizabeth Corieri graduated from SUNY Niagara 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. While working full-time teaching second grade at Military Road School, Elizabeth graduated from Niagara University in 1990 with her Master’s Degree in Education and in 1992 earned her degree in Administration and Supervision. During this time, she was transferred to Colonial Village Elementary School where she stayed for 2-years before starting at Tuscarora Indian School. Five years later in 1998, Elizabeth was promoted to Principal of Tuscarora School. 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. She also serves as Co-Chair of the Native American Regional Forum which addresses issues in the Native American educational system. In addition to education, she has dedicated herself to different programming throughout the school by organizing their yearly Elder’s Day, Culture Night, and Graduation Dinner. Outside of work, Elizabeth 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.

Angelo “Zig” Fracassi

SUNY Niagara 2021 Distinguished Alumni Award Recipient Angelo “Zig” Fracassi ‘85

Angelo “Zig” Fracassi graduated from SUNY Niagara in 1985 with his Associate’s Degree in Communication & Media Art. While attending SUNY Niagara, 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 before he landed his first professional radio job as a D.J. and Producer. In 1992, Zig received 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”. He 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. After, 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.

To read SUNY Niagara’s 2021 Distinguished Alumni Award recipient’s full biographies and for updates on the Foundation Scholarship Gala, please visit https://www.niagaracc.suny.edu/foundation/gala/.

Media Contact Information

Allison Korta
Foundation Assistant Director
Phone: 716-614-6231
Email: akorta@niagaracc.suny.edu