ALUMNI UPDATES FROM ACCENT
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FALL 2010
Rory Pollaro (‘88/English) is the outdoors columnist for the Chautauqua Star. The Chautauqua Star is a weekly newspaper circulated throughout Chautauqua County. He also has 15 plus years of professional writing and newspaper experience and is currently employed with Frontier Financial of Jamestown.
SPRING 2010
Carmen McCray Green (’85/EN) earned her MFA in Creative Writing from Fairleigh Dickinson University in August 2009. Her 28th book, The Perfect Seduction, has been released by Harlequin Books. Jerome Moss (’81/Spec.Studies) was named the boys’ basketball coach at Dunkirk (NY) High School. Darren Martin (’82/CM) has been in Virginia nine years and is Senior Marketing Consultant with Entercom Communications. Via FaceBook he said “Some of the class of ‘82 are making plans to crash Homecoming October 1-3.” —GREAT! We hope to see other alumni during Homecoming, too. Dinecia Pierre-Louis (’05/French Adol Edu) organized an all-campus relief effort to assist victims of the earthquake that struck her homeland of Haiti earlier this year. She enlisted t
he support of the entire SUNY Fredonia community to raise money through a fund established with the Fredonia College Foundation. She coordinated a talent showcase held in the Williams Center and it raised over $1,000. Martine Jerome (’08/Comm Disorders) spoke about Haiti at a prayer vigil held in February. Martine lived in Haiti until she was 14. Hamlet Javier (’03/Comp/Info.Sci.) is working as a Web Application Developer for ICC The Compliance Center out of Syracuse, New York.
FALL 2009
Keith McFayden (’77/Bus Ad) was among those honored at the 37th Annual Black Achievers in Industry Awards dinner in Buffalo. Recipients are selected by their employers or other sponsors. Keith was sponsored by Tops Friendly Market. Jermaine Kenner (’01/Econ) is the father of Jayden Elliot Kenner, who was born on August 22 at Brooks Hospital in Dunkirk. “Angela, Gracey, and I are very excited to have our new edition. Have a great year.” Dr. Carmela (DuBose) Thompson, PhD (’78/Edu) is the new director of Admissions at Buffalo State College. Timothy Lupo (’07/Bus Ad) sent an email with some updates. He received his MBA in Global Business Leadership/Marketing from Johnson & Wales University in Rhode Island. He is now in Boston, where he is the official Search Engine Marketing Specialist for a boutique web design and development firm www.freshtilledsoil.com/. “I just wanted to let EDP know the main reason why I'm writing is to thank you for all the opportunities you exposed me to when you accepted me into the EDP program at Fredonia. I remember Jessica (French ’07/ Edu Art) and I in fear that we were not going to be able to get the classes we needed/wanted, but you were there telling us everything would be ‘ok’... and it was. Being able to be a part of a program like EDP really opened the doors for me and has really allowed me to fulfill many things in my life. I'm looking forward to the many experiences life has to offer.” Two EDP alumni—Dr. Helen (Carreras) Suchanick, MD (‘89/Special Studies) and Shaun Nelms (’99/Special Studies) —were included in the summer 2009 issue of the SUNY Educational Opportunity Program Campus News “Achievement Through Access.” Dr. Sherryl Weems, PhD (’76/Edu) and Emma McFayden (’76/Edu) are members of the 2009 Fredonia Alumni Association Board of Directors. Juan Carlos Fontaneda (‘92/Art) and his wife had a son—Julen Thomas. Jason Fishner (‘03/Comm) and his wife had a daughter—Jillian Madison. In Memoriam—Edwin Burks (’75/Pol Sci) passed away at the end of June.
SPRING 2009
Harrison Santiago (COMM/08) moved to Florida after May ‘08 graduation and is working at Busch Gardens. Zoeth Browne (BUAD/02) is a Human Resources Systems Associate at Roswell Park Cancer Institute in Buffalo, NY. He lives in Clarence Center with his wife and daughter. Susan (Nebrich) Arthur (Comm/84) called the EDP office in October ‘08. She said if former EDP director Dr. Carmela Thompson hadn’t talked to her at a college fair, she never would have come to college. (Proving that our actions do cause a reaction and can make a difference.) She is living in Williamsville, married with two children, has been working at Sister’s Hospital for 23 years in the activities department, and teaches aerobics. Her daughter is applying to colleges and she is writing her college essay about Sue getting into college via EOP. Sue said she tells her kids all the time that if Dr. Thompson hadn’t talked to her and she hadn’t come to Fredonia through EOP, they wouldn’t have all the benefits they have today. She is still best friends with Ida Boyd, COMM/85/EDP alum. Ida is still with the military and living in Arlington. Sue and Ida enjoyed a visit back to campus in fall 2008.
FALL 2008
êJudy “JuJu” Thames (Special Studies/’91) was married in New Rochelle, NY, on August 16, to Jemal Potter. êEmma J. McFayden (Edu/’76) received the SUNY College at Buffalo’s President’s Award for Excellence in Academic Advisement earlier this semester and was one of the twenty Western New Yorkers honored at the 36th Annual Black Achievers in Industry banquet on October 4. Emma is the Assistant Director of Recruitment and Retention at the Arthur O. Eve Educational Opportunity Program at Buff State. Emma and her husband Keith McFayden (Bus.Ad./’77) will be celebrating 30 years of marriage on November 1. êRicky Snell (Bus.Ad./’93) is a captain in the US Army stationed in Afghanistan. êJermaine Kenner (Eco/’01) has started to work on his Ph.D. at Capella University in General Psychology. êJamel Corbett (Bus.Ad./’06) is currently working for R.J. Reynolds Co. and living in Albany, NY. After graduating from Fredonia, he attended Buffalo State College and received his Master’s degree in Multi-Disciplinary Studies/International Business.
SPRING 2008
êMarc Calixte (COMM/93) is working on his second film (directorial debut). êYartish Bullock Okeke (EN/CM/01) has accomplished one of her biggest challenges. She finished her masters program in Communication Arts (Public Relations and Advertising) from New York Institute of Technology (NYIT). êIsaac Gill (BIO/05) is now living in San Antonio with his family and has been teaching 9th grade biology in an inner-city school and working on his teaching certification. ê Laura Kidd (Health Services Admin/97) is completing her masters in Community Health in May from Long Island University.
FALL 2007
Rachael Howard Richardson (CM/98) is still working for CNN but no longer in Atlanta. She has moved to Los Angeles and is a network video editor. Marc Calixte (CM/93) is the proud father of a baby boy who was born in September. Denise Davidson Burgher (EN/92) and Gopal Burgher (PS/PL/94) welcomed their second daughter on September 3. Sebastian Tate (SOC.WK./93) is a Student Success Counselor at Central Piedmont Community College/Central Campus in Charlotte, NC. Dakota Lawrence (CM & EN/95) sent EDP an email with an update on his activities. “I went back to graduate school to get a Master of Divinity after 10 years of teaching and coaching football/track and field in Alabama and Florida (3 state championships!). My wife Michelle and I added a daughter, Hannah Elizabeth in December (3 children now). I am currently working with A.G. Edwards and Sons as an Investment Advisor in St. Peters, Missouri, and have begun the groundwork for a new church. On the side, I coach football for a private, Christian high school in the St. Louis area and have been able to find wonderful ministry opportunities in all aspects of my life. I wanted to thank you and the staff for your commitment to providing educational opportunities for kids who might have been behind the eight ball, so to speak. Thank you and God bless.” NOTICE TO ALUMNI—Tentative plans are underway for an EDP reunion in April 2008 to coincide with the Black Student Union’s annual conference.
SPRING 2007
Dacia Patrick-Burton (COMM/03) and Kenneith Burton (COMM/99) had a baby boy, Nathaniel Andrew, on January 17. M
arc Calixte (COMM/93) gave the opening ceremony remarks at this year’s Black History Month. Yartish Bullock Okeke (EN/CM/01) has returned from a trip to Nigeria to visit with her husband’s family. Dinecia Pierre-Louis (FRENCH ADOLESCENCE EDU/05) is studying at the New School University in NYC this Spring. She is enjoying starting something new in the health services and management area. Frances Odom (LEGAL STUDIES/03) was recently named Assistant Branch Manager at CharterOne Bank in Indianapolis, Indiana.
FALL 2006
Jean Jeudy (CJ/06) is attending Buffalo State as a first-year graduate student studying Criminal Justice. He is also an intern at Sam Hoyt’s office. Mr. Hoyt is a NYS assemblyman from the 144th district. Jamel Corbett (ACCT/06) is currently working for Paralegal Services of Buffalo, assisting with various legal composition and criminal record searches. This job will qualify him for a NYS paralegal certificate, which in turn will assist him in achieving his ultimate goal of attending law school at the University of Buffalo. Yartish Bullock Okeke (EN/CM/01) is attending graduate school at NYIT in communication arts. Miguel Alvalle (GEO PHYS/00) announced his engagement to Amanda Hoffman. Miguel is a project hydrogeologist at Kleinfelder in Newburgh, New York.
SPRING 2006
Amy Mohawk (EDU/04) is an executive assistant in the Seneca Nation Indians (Cattaraugus and Allegany Territories) CEO’s office. Zoeth Browne (BUS AD/02) married Leah Patterson 2/4/06 in Clarence Center, NY. Ana Bonifacio-Santos (BUS AD/04) is currently living and working in Tampa, FLA. She had her second baby, Anahia, 12/15/05, who joined big sister Joelle and dad Joel at home. Jermaine Kenner (ECON/01) is a proud, new father of Gracey born on 11/10/05. Michelle (Brown ) Burch (SOC WK/05) got married and is working in Warren, PA, at Beacon Light Behavior Health Service as
a member of the therapeutic staff support team. Shaun Nelms (SOC.STUDIES/99) was promoted to principal of Rush Henrietta Middle School in Rochester, NY. He was formerly the assistant principal at Greece Arcadia High School. Ana Brignoni-Waliczek (SPANISH/96) is working as a court interpreter for the 8th Judicial District Office in Buffalo.
FALL 2005
Marc Calixte (COMM/'93) has sold his first script! This comedy screenplay has been sold to Paramount/Melee and has been given a possible release date of 2006 starring Rap superstars "The Ying Yang Twins". Since graduation, Marc has done worked in the music business doing marketing with such acts as D'angelo, Cam'ron, Angie Stone and Lil' Kim. He also has done Business Development with law firms and is currently a consultant at JPMorganChase. Marc still makes his home in his birthplace of Brooklyn, NY. Check out this website to read about the upcoming film Calixte's screenplay . Dacia Patrick (COMM/'03) and Kenneith Burton (COMM/'99) were married on May 13 in Buffalo. They are currently living in New York. Dinecia Pierre-Louis (FRENCH/'05) is on a teaching assistantship in l'Isle Jourdain, France. l'Isle Jourdain is a small town near Toulouse in the south of France. She hopes that all of the new freshmen are taking advantage of all the opportunities that are available to them here at Fredonia. Albin “AJ” Cich (EN/'05) is attending Canisius College in the Student Personal Administration Master’s program. Chris Ferrari (Media Arts/'05) is attending the University at Buffalo as part of their Masters of Fine Arts program in the department of Media Studies. He is also a teaching assistant.
SPRING 2005
Intisar Abdul-Sami (SOC/'92) lives in Maryland and works at Mercer Human Resource Consulting in Washington, D.C. She has a son Naseer Hinds. Regan Branch (Chem/'97) is an Industrial Hygienist with the U.S. Department of Labor Occupational Safety and Health Administration in Manhattan. She conducts health investigations in work settings to monitor for chemical and other hazardous substances. Jason Campbell (Bus Ad/'04) is currently working as a financial consultant with AXA Advisors in Buffalo, New York. Lavette Johnson-Debrow (Speech and Hearing/'93) graduated from Gallaudet University with a Master's Degree in Deaf Education and is a teacher of the deaf and hard of hearing. Laura Kidd (Health Services Admin/'97) is HIV Treatment Adherence Program Supervisor at New York Presbyterian Hospital in New York City. Amanda Oddo (EN/'00) co-organized a charity dress and bake sale at Forestville High School in January. Approximately $500 was raised for the Susan G. Komen Breast Cancer Foundation. Carmen Quinones (Art/'94) Performed a program of Irish, Italian and Mexican folk songs, ballads, and original music in August at the Lily Dale Auditorium. Amos Goodwine (Econ/'72) is now serving as a board member on the Fredonia College Foundation.
FALL 2004
Kelly Cass Falzone (EN/'87) has a new website: www.poetpeople.net Kelly has ventured into the publishing business and is pleased to announce her husband Ross' new CD-Radical Heart. Info on writing workshops Kelly is currently offering through the Holistic Growth Center in Nashville can also be found at this website. Zoeth Brown (BUAD/'02) returns from his first navel deployment next month and will take the naval officer's test in December. Charles Green (POL.SCI./'93) is a third year law student at Southern New England School of Law and is currently serving as Vice President for the Student Bar Association.
SPRING 2004
Jason Fishner (COMM/03) is a Resident Director at SUNY Cobleskill. Ida Boyd (COMM/85) is stationed in Fort Shafter in Honolulu, Hawaii, as Chief of the Army Reserve Active Duty Management Division. Hamlet Javier (Comp.Sci./03) is working as an Adult Literacy Instructor by the Erie II/Chautauqua/Cattaraugus BOCES in Fredonia. Some of his duties include case managing and teaching GED, ESL, and computer courses.
FALL 2003
Kelly Cass Falzone (EN/87) began to work for herself last year, contracting with numerous agencies around Nashville as a counselor and educator. She is also a trainer for the Center for Intergenerational Learning at Temple University in Philadelphia. This position allows Kelly to travel around the United States to help implement drug and alcohol prevention programs for youth. Kelly has poetry appearing in Clackamas Literary Review, Winter 2003, as well as forthcoming in Afterwords-writing on grief and loss. Recently, Kelly was awarded second prize in Libba Moore Gray Poetry Contest, Knoxville Writers Guild, for a poem entitled "The Kiss." She also won second prize in Tennessee Writers Alliance Poetry Contest for a poem entitled "On His Leaving The Family." Kimberly Klocek (EN/03) was named director of Lyndonville's Before and After School Program at the Lake Plains YMCA in Medina, New York, in August. She is responsible for the recruitment of students and the planning of developmentally appropriate activities for these students. Dacia Patrick (CM/03) is working as a production assistant for the media production department at Sesame Workshop. Here Dacia works with scheduling muppet performer appearances around the country and co-ordinating public relations for international projects for shows in Jordan and Egypt. She is also an assistant to the "KISS Wake Up Club" at 98.7 KISS FM in New York City where she is responsible for screening calls that come into the show. Daniel Sepulveda (PY/00) is living in Dunkirk, New York, with his two year old daughter, Alijah, and working for Cassadaga Job Corps.
SPRING 2008
êMarc Calixte (COMM/93) is working on his second film (directorial debut). êYartish Bullock Okeke (EN/CM/01) has accomplished one of her biggest challenges. She finished her masters program in Communication Arts (Public Relations and Advertising) from New York Institute of Technology (NYIT). êIsaac Gill (BIO/05) is now living in San Antonio with his family and has been teaching 9th grade biology in an inner-city school and working on his teaching certification. ê Laura Kidd (Health Services Admin/97) is completing her masters in Community Health in May from Long Island University.