SUNY Niagara Alumni Association Selects 2021 Distinguished Alumni Award Recipients

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 60^th Anniversary celebration.

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.

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/.