Class Notes July 2008

Deaths

Alumni

 Grace E. (Becker) Krauth
Class of 1928

Mary L. (Havens) Perkins
Class of 1951

Mary Joan (Sesnie) Dailey
Class of 1955 

Louis J. Gugino
Class of 1962

Joan (Hutcheson) Ohlinger
Class of 1965 

1947

Walter Reitz, ’47, (music ed.) was honored in May by the Amherst (N.Y.) Male Glee Club at its annual awards banquet for his direction of the club for the past 60 years.

1952

L. Ann (Brown) Rossi, ’52, (music ed) see 1991.

1954

Valera (Morton) D’Esopo, ’54, (music ed.) of Pittsford, N.Y., traveled in 2007 with her two daughters and a granddaughter on a genealogy trip to Germany, visiting cousins they had never met. She is also enjoying tennis and taking courses at a local senior center.

1958

Dr. Ross Shickler, ’58, (elem. ed.) wrote a feature article for the Dunkirk Observer on his experiences as a member of the SUNY Fredonia baseball team from 1956 to 1958.

1961

Margaret (Stosser) Biehler, ’61, (elem. ed.) retired in June 2004 from the Olean (N.Y.) school system where she had been a kindergarten teacher for 19 years. After being widowed in 2007, Margaret moved to Fairport, N.Y., where she spends seven months of the year, and then goes to Wilmington, N.C. for the five months of winter. She is enjoying her retirement and having time with grandchildren in both places.

1962

Donald Nyquist, ’62, ’67, (music ed.) reports that he recently completed 10 years of full-time caregiving for his wife, Carol, who recently passed away. He has increased his activities, including music, in retirement on the Cumberland Plateau in Tennessee.

Frederick Renz, ’62, (music ed.) directed the program, “Printemps à Paris,” with Early Music New York at St. James Church in New York City. Early Music New York’s 34th season will be celebrated in 2008-09 under Fred as its director and founder.

1963

Mary Anne Harp, ’63, (music ed.) was honored by the Arts Council for Chautauqua County in April for her work with many arts organizations as a music director, conductor, trumpet player and event organizer.

Doug Hawkins, ’63, (music ed.) joined the Charlottesville, Va., Oratorio Society in January of this year. On March 9, the 90-member choir presented Ralph Vaughn Williams’, “Sea Symphony,” complete with two soloists and a full orchestra. The symphony is based on a Walt Whitman poem, done in four movements; the choir sings in all four movements. The difficulty of the symphony was described by the conductor, Thomas Vining, as making Beethoven’s Ninth look like child’s play. The concert played to a full house.

1967

Christine (Feinburg) Logue, ’67, ’71, (biology) of Tampa, Fla., is a marketing professional at Tech Data Corp. in Clearwater. She attended the 2007 30th class reunion at SUNY Fredonia and “…enjoyed seeing the campus upgrades.” Classmates can reach her by e-mail at calogue@tampabay.rr.com.

1968

Martha Jane (Hurlburt) Salter, ’68, (biology/sec. ed.) who lives in England, is retired from years in thoroughbred horse breeding. She keeps busy doing odd jobs and enjoys gardening, racing pigeons, and her neighbors.


1969

Brian Bogey, ’69, (music ed.) was honored by the Arts Council for Chautauqua County in April for his work as an arts educator in southern Chautauqua County.

1970

Ann Dingledy, ’70, (art) exhibited her prints and ceramics in April at Diva Gallery in Eugene, Ore.

Nina (Russo) Karbacka, ’70, (music ed.) was named by the Western New York Chamber Orchestra as the recipient of its 2008 Outstanding Music Educator Award. She has taught music for the Jamestown (N.Y.) Public Schools for 36 years. She began the Suzuki Strings program in the Jamestown Public Schools 32 years ago and was the founder of the Chautauqua Regional Youth Symphony in 1986.

Dr. Daniel P. Larson, ’70, see 1984.

Christopher Pendergast, ’70, (social studies/sec. ed.) received the New York State United Teachers Exemplary Service Award. A 15-year survivor of Lou Gehrig’s disease, he has raised research funds through Ride for Life, Inc., and was featured in the May/June issue of the United University Profession’s publication, “The Voice.”

1971

Gary Geitter, ’71, (elem. ed./social studies) of Lancaster, N.Y., was named Tops Markets’ director of Asset Protection. He has been with Tops for 35 years, joining the company in 1972 as Polygraph examiner. His new responsibilities include oversight of the protection of all corporate and store assets. Gary is also an associate member of the Erie County Judges and Police Chiefs organization, a member of the executive board of directors of the Greater Buffalo Metropolitan Crimestoppers, and a member of the NYFIA Loss Prevention Committee.

Onaje Allan Gumbs, ’71, (music ed.) and his quartet, with special guest vocalist/performance artist M. Nahadr, appeared April 5 at the Cachaca Jazz & Samba Club in New York City.

Perla Manapol, ’71, (history) reported in from the Philippines. After completing a master’s degree in Education at Harvard University she spent 15 years in the U.S. Foreign Service. This work led to consulting on an international basis and to her current “labor of love,” international community development focusing on livelihood-generation in rural farming communities. Since 2001 she has served as president (pro bono) of a Philippine non-government organization, Sustainable Rural Enterprise, which operates and manages a coconut processing operation. Her present involvement is in a U.S.A.I.D.-funded project that, among others, replicates the Philippines’ coconut-based activities in Liberia. She also reports being a “doting grandmother of three!”

Elenora J. Seib, ’71, (music ed.) accompanied singers during the Lewiston Council on the Arts’ “Friday Night at the Opera,” event in April.

1972

Ray Fashano, ’72, ’81, ’83, (biology/sec. ed., school admin. and super.) retired as superintendent of the Jamestown (N.Y.) School District at the end of June. In recognition of his foresight in recommending that the former administration building be transformed into a tech center, the new center will be named the Raymond J. Fashano Technology Academy in his honor.

1973

Holly Hewitt, ’73, (English) is a specialist in the Jamestown (N.Y.) Community College Workforce Development Department. She was recertified as a Workforce Development Professional by the National Association of Workforce Development Professionals. Holly is JCC’s higher education representative at Chautauqua Works, the county’s “career 1-stop” in Jamestown and Dunkirk, N.Y., and works to promote JCC programming to the community.

Orrie Kopystanski, ’73, (econ.) reports his son, Daniel, will be attending SUNY Fredonia this fall as a theatre major.

1974

Joseph C. Falcone, ’74, (biology) of Silver Creek, N.Y., was named president of the National Grape Cooperative Association, and chairman of Welch Foods, Inc.’s board of directors. He is also president of Falcone Farms, Inc.

Donald Keddie, ’74, ’98, (music ed.) was honored as a guest conductor at the Chautauqua All-County Music Festival held at Chautauqua Institution. He recently retired as a music teacher at Fredonia Central School.

Cheryl Ritch, ’74, (elem. ed.) see Emeritus Notes.

Reginal “Reggie” Spiller, ’74, (special studies) began as a music major at Fredonia but finished with a Special Studies degree combining geology and economics. He is a petroleum geologist working in Houston, Texas, for an oil and gas company that he founded in 1996 with partners, Frontera Resources, and travels worldwide in his business endeavors.

Jim Wasson, ’74, (math./sec. ed.) is the Business Management director of IMMC at the U.S. Army Aviation and Missile Command in Huntsville, Ala. He won first place in his age group (60-64) in 18 of 25 running road races of 5K to 15K since turning 60 in 2007. Jim reports he runs a 6:50-7:30 pace.

1975

Terry (Kubit) Howe, ’75, (biology) a technical product representative for the Ball Horticultural Company in Palmetto, Fla., was recognized in June as the Florida Nursery, Growers & Landscape Association’s Industry Awards Program Outstanding Floriculture Division Member.

Ann Kennedy, ’75, (applied music) will perform at the 1891 Fredonia Opera House with John and Stephanie Sikora on Feb. 21, 2009, as part of the 2008-2009 DFT Communications Spotlight Series.

James C. Pace, ’75, (music ed.) is retiring after 32 years of teaching instrumental music and 10 years as department chair in the Lake Shore Central School District. He plans to continue to perform cello and tuba professionally in the Western New York area with bands and ensembles.

Jane (Epner) Weisfelner, ’75, (psych.) worked on Wall Street after graduating, earned her M.S. in Counseling from Long Island University, and recently earned tenure at Tenafly (N.J.) High School, where she reports living her dream as a high school guidance counselor. Her home, where she lives with her husband of 12 years, Michael, borders a wooded state park in Blauvelt, N.Y. They have four grown children. She would love to hear from old college friends at jweisfelner12@yahoo.com.

Allan Wilson, ’75, (music perf.) reports from England that he works about once a month in Bratislava (Slovenia), recording for film/video games/television/CDs. He works mainly at home, orchestrating and arranging. He has also recorded in London with the Philharmonia Orchestra at Abbey Road and Air studios, and is “looking forward to visiting Fredonia again soon.”


1976

Dr. Deborah (Anders) Silverman, APR, ’76, ’79, (music ed., English) former director of communications in the Office of College Relations at SUNY Fredonia and now an assistant professor of communication at Buffalo State College, was the recipient of the 2008 May C. Randazzo Outstanding Practitioner award presented in June by the Buffalo/Niagara Chapter of the Public Relations Society of America.

Gene Willhoft, ’76, (English) has begun his 14th year as president of Absolute Media, Inc., of Stanford, Conn., adding, “I think often of my years at Fredonia, and would love to hear from any of my friends from Schultz or Gregory Hall,” via e-mail at gwillhoft@absolutemediainc.com.


1977

Christina Rausa, ’77, (theatre) starred in the one-woman show, “Golda’s Balcony,” at MusicalFare Theatre in Amherst, N.Y., produced in June by the Jewish Repertory Theatre and based on the work and life of Golda Meir.

U.S. Navy Rear Admiral Garry R. White, ’77, (biology) currently serves on the Staff of the Chief of Naval Operations as the director of the Total Force Requirements Division, after a 30-year career as an aviator, instructor, and commander. He participated in Aviation Reserve Officer Candidate Training in 1976, received his commission in 1978, and after flight training, his “Wings of Gold” in 1979. He served as an aide to CINCSOUTH/CINCUSNAVEUR at NATO headquarters in Naples, Italy, and the U.S. Navy Headquarters in London, England; as executive officer of the USS George Washington; as commanding officer of the USS Artic, which was the first warship on station in the Northern Indian Ocean on Sept. 11, 2001, and part of the initial response to the terrorist attack and Operation Enduring Freedom; as chief of staff, Commander, Second Fleet/Striking Fleet Atlantic; and took Command of the USS George Washington from September 2004 until December 2006.


1979

Michael Bobseine, ’79, (pol. sci.) of Fredonia, N.Y., ran the Boston Marathon in April to benefit Piper Walnicki, a one-year-old with a life-threatening illness.

Andre Nacmanie, ’79, (special studies) see note under “Marriages.”

1980

Ralph Jeswald, ’80, (psych.) a partner with Dopkins & Company, LLP, and chair of the SUNY Fredonia School of Business Advisory Council, presented the program, “Strategic Financial Management (Data…Information…Knowledge): ‘Connecting the Dots’ Between Finance and Management,” as a guest on campus in April as part of the school’s distinguished speaker series.

James Knapp, ’80, (music ed.) is artistic director of Bayou City Performing Arts in Houston, Texas, a choral organization of 160 singers including the Gay Men’s Chorus of Houston, the Bayou City Women’s Chorus and Bayou City Chorale.

Brenda (Geloff) McGuinness, ’80, (pol. sci.) a physician assistant in Syracuse, N.Y., will be participating in a 100-mile bicycle fund raiser along the Maine and New Hampshire sea coast to benefit the Leukemia and Lymphoma Society. For more information, visit http://pages.teamintraining.org/cny/tristate08/bgeloff.

Vinny Saeva, ’80, (social studies/sec. ed.) of Chili, N.Y., is the local sales representative for School Specialty, a national educational supply company. He and his wife, Anne (Maliwauki), ’01, (see below) report their daughter, Elizabeth, will be attending SUNY Fredonia this fall.

Carl Vahl, ’80, (pol. sci.) traveled to Niger as president of the Olean (N.Y.) Rotary Club to see three water wells sponsored by Rotary and Rotaract drilled in the sub-Saharan bush country, including one in the town of Balliyera. The Olean club also raised funds to buy medical supplies for a clinic in the bush village of Kobaye and are working to obtain supplies for schools in the village of Libore.

1981

Philip J. Antz, L.C.S.W., ’81, (sociology) reports his daughter, Hope, will be a freshman at SUNY Fredonia this fall as a Communication major. He lives on Eastern Long Island and has a full-time private practice in clinical social work. Philip also has a home in Cortland, N.Y., and would love to hear from Fredonia friends at pantz0470@aol.com.

William Mulligan, ’81, (English) of Babylon, N.Y., served as best man for the wedding of Andre Nacmanie, ’79, in June.

Anne (Maliwauki) Saeva, ’81, (bus. admin.) is a special education teaching assistant at Churchville Chili (N.Y.) Central School District.

Ed Siegel, ’81, (theatre) celebrated his 25th wedding anniversary in June to Elizabeth (Geske), ’83, (see below). After almost 10 years as business information manager for Ampacet Corp., Ed left the company to become the director of Marketing for SuperOffice CRM.


1982

Lee Ann (Fellendorf) Cocco, ’82, (English) earned her M.S. degree in Mental Health Counseling in 2007. She is a practicing counselor and lifelong poetry lover.

1983

Diane (Whiting) Lowe, ’83, (bus. admin.) from Greensboro, N.C., represented SUNY Fredonia on April 25 at the inauguration of Dr. Stanley Battle as president of North Carolina Agriculture and Technical State University.

Elizabeth (Geske) Siegel, ’83, (English/sec. ed.) is a clerk at the Grinnell Library in Wappingers Falls, N.Y. She and Ed, ’81, (see above) have two college-aged sons, Richard and Louis.

1984

Linda (Carter) Galbato, ’84, (psych.) from Auburn, N.Y., represented SUNY Fredonia at the April 25 inauguration of Dr. Daniel P. Larson, ’70, as president of Cayuga Community College.

Scott Martelle, ’84, (pol. sci.) has a new project in the works about the 1949 trial in New York City of the leaders of the American Communist Party, who were convicted of advocating to overthrow the U.S. government. He hopes to have a manuscript completed by the end of 2009. On April 26 he was part of a Los Angeles Times’ Festival of Books panel relating to his book on the Ludlow Massacre.

Kim Wilkens, ’84, (bus. admin.) was named a case manager in the Jamestown, N.Y., office of the Center for Resolution and Justice, a program of Child & Family Services. She holds a Juris Doctor degree from Case Western Reserve University.

1987

Sean Deegan, ’87, (bus. admin.) see note under “Births.”

1988

David W. DePonceau, CPA, EA, ’88, (account.) opened his own accounting practice, DePonceau & Associates, in San Ramon, Calif., where he lives with his wife, Deanna, and two sons, Ben and Sam. He earned his master’s degree in Taxation from Golden Gate University and spent many years as a controller or CFO of real estate development, leasing and management companies in the San Francisco Bay area.


1989

Lori (Palka) Zapf, ’89, (commun.) from Doylestown, Pa., represented SUNY Fredonia at the May 9 inauguration of Dr. Joseph Brosnan as president of Delaware Valley College.


1990

Jennica P. (Wells) Kalbaugh, ’90, (French) has been hired as a management consultant at Transform, Inc.


1991

Robin Lynne (Schubert) Fisher, ’91, ’93, (speech and hear. hand., speech path.) shares a story of two alumni connecting in Florida. She works in the Pasco County (Fla.) School System but also at a local rehabilitation center. Robin reported meeting fellow Fredonia alumna L. Ann (Brown) Rossi, ’52, (music ed), who she describes as “a unique and outstanding individual.” She added, “We had such a wonderful morning, lifting each others’ spirits, reminiscing about the Fredonia campus, the price of tuition, people we knew, and singing Fredonia’s alma mater from start to finish. Forty years apart yet so connected…it is amazing what a quality education can bring into your life and that is what Fredonia has done for both of us.”

Dr. Christopher Leslie, ’91, (English) has received a Fulbright Scholar grant to lecture at the Universität Potsdam, Germany, during the 2008-2009 academic year. He is an instructor of humanities and new media at Polytechnic University in Brooklyn, where he also is co-advisor for Science and Technology Studies, and cross country and track coach. In Germany, Chris will teach courses in American literature, Internet studies, and science fiction.

Dr. Frank B. Pullano, ’91, (math./sec. ed.) received a University Presidential Citation from Winthrop University in Rock Hill, S.C., for exemplary leadership in service to the university community. He has been on the Winthrop faculty since 1998.

Joseph Yacklon, ’91, (geochem.) of Westfield, N.Y., received the Uhl T. Mann Award in February at the 80th annual meeting of the New York Water Environment Association in New York City. The award recognizes excellence in water treatment plant operations and maintenance. Since 1998, Joseph has been the water and wastewater superintendent for the village of Westfield, and formerly worked at the Dunkirk Wastewater Treatment Plan Environmental Laboratory.

1992

Peter Gavin, ’92, (chem.) see 1993.

1993

Jeff Ferguson, ’93, (econ.) is business process analyst for Commercehub. He lives in Scotia, N.Y., with his wife, Lori, and two daughters, Mackenzie and Tess.

Dr. Julie (Giambra) Gavin, ’93, (chem.) was named as Eli Lilly and Company’s Six Sigma Sponsor of the Year for Lilly Research Laboratories. She joined Eli Lilly and Company in 1998 and was promoted to principal research scientist and later as head of late-phase analytical chemistry. Today, she is head of small molecule analytical chemistry, and responsible for Lilly’s Global Industrial Hygiene Laboratory. Julie lives in Zionsville, Ind., with her husband, Peter, ’92, (chem.) and two daughters, Nicole and Claire.

Amy Vercant, ’93, (English) was appointed interim executive director of the Chautauqua County Chamber of Commerce in March. She had been director of public relations for the chamber since 2000. Amy earned her master’s degree in Public Relations Management from SUNY College at Buffalo.


1994

Kimberly Seeley, ’94, (commun.) reports that in addition to her regular duties as event manager at the BankAtlantic Center in Sunrise, Fla., she recently completed a stint as the head of Artist Relations for Late Night Music at the 6th Annual Langerado Music Festival in Big Cypress, Fla., adding, “Lots of hard work, lots of crazy weather (and gators), but lots of amazing music!”

John A. Yorio, ’94, (philosophy) of Philadelphia, Pa., received his Master of Science in Library Science degree in May from Clarion University of Pennsylvania.

1995

Dr. Adam Brown, ’95, (phil., psych.) from Fredonia, N.Y., represented SUNY Fredonia at the St. Bonaventure University 150th Anniversary Convocation held March 31 and April 1.

Harry Frank, ’95, (sound rec. technology) is a freelance motion graphics designer in Detroit, Mich., working for various clients in Chicago, Ill., and Los Angeles, Calif. See note under “Births.”

Denise Grey, ’95, (commun.) an instructional web developer/analyst at Harvard Law School, received the Dean’s Prize for Outstanding A.L.M. Thesis in Educational Technologies awarded by the Harvard Extension School. Denise’s thesis was entitled, “A Model for Student Technology Assistant Program (STAP) in Higher Education.” Her adviser, Kenneth Martin, acting director of technology support services at Harvard Law School, commented, “By examining the Harvard University Presidential Instructional Technology Fellows (PITF) program through an organizational lens, the thesis serves as the first research-based effort to better understand the accomplishments of this successful program. Aside from providing a theoretical foundation to the program, Ms. Grey’s research will assist future development of the PITF program at FAS.” The thesis’ recommendations have been reviewed and are currently being implemented by Harvard’s Instructional Computing Group.

1996

After 11 years of working for video companies in London, England, and Syracuse, N.Y., Christopher M. Grosso, ’96, (commun.) has formed his own HD video production company, Take Two Visual Media. His clients range from local companies to worldwide corporations. He is also working on a documentary, “Seeking Silence: The Realities of Living with Tinnitus,” that is taking him across the country.

Leslie Anne Lewis, ’96, (music ed.) reports from England that she is a freelance conductor and teacher working in London.

1997

Eric Edwards, ’97, (bus. admin.) see note under “Births.”

Dr. Christopher Holland, ’97, ’99, (English) was awarded his doctoral degree in higher education administration in May from the University of Alabama. He resides in Brevard, N.C.

Laura Kidd, ’97, (health serv. admin.) completed her master’s degree in Community Health at Long Island University in May.

Beth (Sledzianowski) Marsh, ’97, ’98, (speech and hear. hand., speech path.) see note under “Births.”

1998

Chad Bradt, ’98, (art/graphic design) of Schenectady, N.Y., see note under “Births.”

Jeff Bucki, ’98, (English) received Bronze Excalibur awards in the program and internal communications categories at a June 19 ceremony of the Buffalo/Niagara Chapter of the Public Relations Society of America.

Craig Harris, ’98, (commun.) of Lake View, N.Y., see note under “Births.”

Audrey (Lawrence) Smith, ’98, of Greenville, S.C., (elem. ed./gen. sci.) see note under “Births.”

Eric Smith, ’98, (chem.) of Greenville, S.C., see note under “Births.”

1999

Kimberlie (Fergen) Ball, ’99, (commun.) of Blasdell, N.Y., see note under “Births.”

Jacqueline (Klein) McElvain, ’99, (psych.) see note under “Marriages.”

2000

Justin Azzarella, 2000, (pol sci.) is planner for the Elmwood Village Association in Buffalo, N.Y. Following his SUNY Fredonia years, Justin earned his master’s degree in urban planning from the State University of New York at Buffalo. He was profiled in Buffalo Spree magazine in June by fellow alum Michelle A. Blackley, 2000, (commun.).

Raina Becker, 2000, (psych.) from Philadelphia, Pa., represented SUNY Fredonia at the inauguration of Sean T. Buffington as president of the University of the Arts.

Maclain (Nichols) Berhaupt, 2000, (interdis. studies) has become the Urban Design Plan director for the Jamestown (N.Y.) Renaissance Corp.

Amanda K. Emo, 2000, (psych.) was recently promoted to lead psychologist for the highway visibility program at the Federal Highway Administration’s Office of Safety Research and Development. She is also the lead psychologist for the Safety R&D Pedestrian and Bicycle program.

Erica (Morehouse) Foreman, 2000, (commun.) see 2002.

Marcus Goldhaber, 2000, (mus. theatre) will perform at the 1891 Fredonia Opera House on April 17, 2009 as part of its 2008-2009 Great Performers Concert Series.

Michael D. Leach, 2000, (commun.) is the assistant creative services director for WXII 12 in Winston-Salem, N.C., a Hearst-Argyle Television Station. He previously served as creative services producer for WROC and WUHF in Rochester, N.Y. While in Rochester, he earned numerous awards for producing, editing and shooting, including a New York State Emmy, an Edward R. Murrow award and Bronze Telly. He also has a screenplay in development, “Laying Foundations…A Young Man’s Story.”

Sarah Smith, 2000, (account.) was maid of honor at the wedding of Jacqueline (Klein) McElvain, ’99.

2001

Lindsey ‘Z’ Briggs, ’01, (media arts) see 2003.

Denise (Stoddard) Harris, ’01, (commun.) of Lake View, N.Y., see note under “Births.”

Mike Johnson, ’01, (commun.) is director of Industry Development at Reed Exhibitions, the world’s largest conference and trade show organizer. He has worked extensively in this business in recent years and has been a guest lecturer in Asia talking about how meetings, incentives, conventions and exhibition programs are helping to develop tourism in markets throughout the world.

2002

Cara Cupolo, ’02, (social work) has changed jobs and is now the outcomes specialist for the Boys & Girls Clubs of Greater Washington (D.C.) and lives in Maryland.

Jillian (Sarkovics) Giglio, ’02, (elem. ed./English) is a teacher in the West Seneca (N.Y.) Central School District. See note under “Marriages.”

Nathaniel Grady, ’02, (physics) is in his sixth year of graduate study in a Ph.D. program at Rice University’s Quantum Institute in Houston, Texas. His research is in the applied physics field of nanotechnology, using high-energy lasers to study the physical effects of light upon gold nanoshells as a member of Dr. Naomi Halas’ lab.

Megan (Ferington) Pruce, ’02, (commun./comm. studies) is media relations manager for the Cleveland (Ohio) Clinic, and reports one of her co-workers in the Public and Media Relations department, Erica (Morehouse) Foreman, 2000, (commun.) is also a SUNY Fredonia alumna! See also note under “Marriages.”

2003

Jason Foster, ’03, (English) was appointed associate director of Student Activities at Northeastern University in Boston, Mass.

Chad Williams, ’03, (media arts) screened his documentary, “Puppet Rampage,” which was directed by Lindsey ‘Z’ Briggs, ’01, (media arts) in April on campus. The piece follows a variety of New York City area puppeteers as they prepared to go to the biannual Puppeteers of America National Festival. It was the first public screening of the film. The university’s Media Arts Club and Fredonia Gamers Guild sponsored the event, which also featured a question and answer session with Chad and Lindsey.

2004

Dr. Kelly M. Roma, ’04, (communication disorders) completed her Au.D. at the State University at Buffalo and works at the Better Hearing Center in Concord, N.Y.

2005

Isaac Gill, ’05, (biology) lives in San Antonio, Texas, with his family. He is teaching ninth grade biology in an inner-city school and working on his teaching certification.

Marie Dinecia Pierre-Louis, ’05, (French/adol. ed.) is a new counselor in the Educational Development Program office and pursuing her master’s degree at SUNY Fredonia.

AmeriCorps service program member Kyle Henning, ’05, (interdis. studies/music bus.) was profiled in an msnbc.com article by Mike Stuckey, “AmeriCorps’ helps river town take a stand,” about the important role he and other AmeriCorps workers had in helping to coordinate volunteer and liaison efforts during June flooding in Clarksville, Mo. He is based with a St. Louis unit that specializes in disaster response. After his commitment to AmeriCorps ends in August, Kyle will complete the final stages of enrolling with the Peace Corps.

David Wozniak, ’05, (music perf.) see note under “Marriages.”

Melissa (Despagni) Wozniak, ’05, (music ed.) see note under “Marriages.”

2006

Drummer, percussionist and composer John Bacon, ’06, (music perf.) and his ensemble performed in March at Hallwalls in Buffalo. John is a lecturer in the Fredonia School of Music. He also teaches jazz and music theory at Villa Maria College, and coaches percussionists at St. Joseph’s Collegiate Institute and Canisius High School.

Marcy Baldwin, ’06, (English) works for LSI Astronics in East Aurora, N.Y.

Joseph Flaxman, ’06, (music perf.) was broadcast on National Public Radio in May performing selections from operas including his first performance of “Avant de quitter” from Gounod’s “Faust,” as a resident artist at Opera Memphis (Tenn.). He also completed his master’s degree at the Manhattan School of Music and will perform the role of Il Conte in “The Marriage of Figaro” with the Martina Arroyo Foundation in July at the Kaye Playhouse at Hunter College, and then Wagner in “Faust” and Guglielmo in “Cosi fan Tutte” with Opera Memphis.

Alissa Stahler, ’06, (music perf.) is in a master’s degree program at the Manhattan School of Music, studying jazz voice with Peter Eldridge of the Grammy Award-winning New York Voices. During her first year of study, she auditioned for and was selected to perform on the nationally televised “Showtime at the Apollo” for Amateur Night.


2007

Rachel King, ’07, (commun./pub. rel., English) was elected as a student member of the International Leadership Council of the Golden Key International Honour Society. She is currently a graduate student at Syracuse University.

Caitlin Mitchell, ’07, (commun./pub. rel.) was featured in Forbes Magazine in an article about job searches. Using an innovative follow-up to her interview, Caitlin was hired by Cubitt Jacobs & Prosek Communications of New York City.

Kevin Scully, ’07, (bus. admin./market.) moved to New York City following his graduation in December 2007 and did freelance work for Marc Jacobs and Estee Lauder’s (Origins) Global Communications Department. He recently accepted a position with Gap Inc., as the New York City regional assistant for the Old Navy division. During the summer of 2007, Kevin interned at Gap Inc. corporate headquarters in San Francisco, Calif.


2008

Adam C. Roma, ’08, (bus. admin.) has been hired by Extra Mile Transportation LLC, a strategic partner of the A.J. Baynes Freight Contractors, which markets businesses to a variety of transportation carriers across the country.

Emeritus Notes

Dan Berggren (commun.) and Dr. Richard “Dick” Gilman (geosciences) performed in a folk concert during Earthfest 2008 in Fredonia with the Spirit Lake String Band including Cheryl Ritch, ’74, (elem. ed.). Dan returned to the 1891 Fredonia Opera House in June, performing as part of the group, “Jamcrackers,” with fellow alum Dan Duggan, ’78, (bus. admin.) and Peggy Lynn.