Homecoming
Connect with fellow Great Danes and celebrate UAlbany in the fall! Homecoming dates are determined by the home football schedule. 2026 Homecoming dates are coming soon!
homecoming
Big Purple Growl & Ferocious Feast
Join us Saturday, February 7, 2026 for the annual Big Purple Growl & Ferocious Feast! Come gather with UAlbany alums and fans for a pregame feast in the PE Gym and get your commemorative t-shirt before the UAlbany men's basketball team tips off against UMass Lowell in the annual Big Purple Growl game. This year, take a shot at trivia and in game contest for some great UAlbany prizes! The feast is open 4:30-6:30 p.m.; game tips off at 7 p.m. at the Broadview Center.
feast
Day at the Races
Our annual summer gathering at the historic Saratoga Race Course is typically held on the second Friday of the meet. All-inclusive package includes admission to the park, a racing program, lunch and beverages. Registration opens in June.
saratoga
Excellence Awards
For the past 56 years, the annual Excellence Awards have given us the opportunity to recognize alumni and friends of the University at Albany who have brought distinction to our University through their achievements and service. These individuals personify the University's commitment to excellence and service and bring distinction to themselves and to our alma mater.
awards
2026 Excellence Award Recipients
Stoneman Distinguished Alumni - Ye Wu, PhD ’00
Stoneman Distinguished Alumni - Ye Wu, PhD ’00
Ye Wu, PhD ’00
Dr. Ye Wu is a nationally recognized leader in computer science, data platforms, and public-sector technology. His work has advanced the boundaries of computational science and driven transformative impact across industries, from healthcare and finance to public infrastructure.
Following his academic career at George Mason University where he conducted influential research in software engineering and artificial intelligence, Dr. Wu transitioned to large-scale applied research and public service technology. At Science Applications International Corporation (SAIC), Dr. Wu served as Technical Project Manager and Architect for the National Cancer Institute, where he led the development of multiple caBIG systems—including caAdapter and caCORE—foundational, standards-based infrastructures that support secure and interoperable clinical research data exchange. This work advanced national capabilities in biomedical informatics and laid the groundwork for future large-scale data initiatives.
In 2011, Dr. Wu founded Essential Software, Incorporated. Recognized by Inc. Magazine as one of the best places to work and one of the fastest-growing private companies in 2024 and 2025, ESI specializes in high-performance, scalable data platforms for biomedical research and public-sector innovation. Dr. Wu has played a pivotal role in mission-critical federal initiatives, including the NIH/NCI Cancer Research Data Commons and the Childhood Cancer Data Initiative, enabling nationwide data sharing, FAIR data principles, and cloud-native research infrastructure. He has also served as principal architect for the EPA’s Internet Geographical Exposure Modeling System, supporting environmental policy and risk evaluation efforts through modernized, secure data systems.
Beyond professional achievements, Dr. Wu has published extensively on software engineering, contributing to the advancement of standards in system interoperability, reproducibility, and data governance. In addition, he serves as a mentor to emerging scholars and supports initiatives that bridge academia and industry. Dr. Wu values his role as a mentor to students and generously supports cutting edge research at the University at Albany’s College of Nanotechnology, Science, and Engineering.
Collins Citizen of the University - Brian Straughter
Collins Citizen of the University - Brian Straughter
Brian Straughter
As president of local hotel management company Turf Hotels, Brian Straughter is the active owner and operator of Homewood Suites by Hilton Albany and Staybridge Suites Albany. He previously owned the Hampton Inn by Hilton Western Avenue and Homewood Suites by Hilton Saratoga Springs. Brian has forged several partnerships in the Capital District. Among those is his longstanding relationship with the University at Albany, where he has generously given his time and resources to support numerous departments, programs, and scholarship funds.
Brian currently serves as vice-president on the University at Albany Foundation Board of Directors. He has been a consistent supporter of the Massry School of Business, UAlbany Athletics and the School of Education. Faculty often call on Brian to share his expertise as a guest speaker in the classroom, and as a student mentor. Through his generosity, Brian has provided numerous pathways for students to thrive in extracurricular programs, academics, and in their careers.
Brian is active in several local charities and organizations. He and his wife co-founded Jake’s Help from Heaven in 2011, a nonprofit that supports individuals with complex medical needs and disabilities resulting from congenital or childhood-onset diseases. The Jake Alexander Straughter Memorial Scholarship, established in memory of Brian’s son, is awarded to UAlbany students who provide direct services to students in Albany, Schenectady, Troy or Cohoes school districts as classroom teachers or specialists.
Brian also serves on the Board of Directors of the Adirondack Trust Company and is chair of the Community Development Citizen Advisory Committee in Saratoga Springs. He is past chair of the Saratoga County Chamber of Commerce and past board member of the Saratoga Regional YMCA. He has been a member of the Adirondack Trust Company Community Fund's Advisory Committee since 2017 and served as chair 2020-2023.
Prior to his work in hotel management, Brian was principal at the Mission Hill School in Boston. He holds a bachelor’s degree from Boston University, where he played on the Terriers football team. He also holds a master's degree from Wheelock College and a doctorate in educational administration from Johnson and Whales University.
Excellence in Business - Ericka Leslie ’92
Excellence in Business - Ericka Leslie ’92
Ericka Leslie ’92
Ericka Leslie is chief operating officer of Global Banking & Markets (GBM) at Goldman Sachs and the most senior woman in the firm's largest revenue division. In this role, she oversees both the investment bank and the firm's FICC and Equities trading businesses, spearheading the division's strategic direction, reviewing global client activity, and evaluating the financial performance of a division that accounted for $41.45 billion in net revenues in 2025. She also serves as global head of GBM Operations and Engineering, overseeing the operational and engineering superstructure that processes trillions of dollars in daily client transactions across jurisdictions and regulatory frameworks.
Within Goldman Sachs, Ericka is a member of the firm's Management and Enterprise Risk Committees and co-chairs the Partnership Committee. She champions the firm's internal mobility programs, which have created pathways for countless professionals to grow and thrive.
Ericka joined Goldman Sachs in 1996 as an associate in the Finance Division. She transferred to the Technology Division in 2001, rising to global head of Currency and Commodities Technology by 2006, the same year she was named managing director. In 2008, she moved to the Operations Division, eventually becoming global head of Operations for the Securities Division. She was named partner in 2012 and later served as the firm's chief administrative officer before assuming her current role.
A proud Great Dane, Ericka earned a bachelor's degree in accounting from UAlbany. She established the Goldman Sachs Essential Career Readiness Institute in partnership with the University’s Office of Career and Professional Development, helping create career pathways for hundreds of students — many of whom have accepted internships or full-time positions with the firm.
A passionate champion for disability inclusion, Ericka has served on the board of the National Organization on Disability and the Stephen Gaynor School, which supports children with language-based learning differences. She is deeply involved in her community, serving on the board of her church on Manhattan's Upper West Side and volunteering as a Sunday School educator for eight years.
Excellence in Education - Taya Owens, PhD ’15
Excellence in Education - Taya Owens, PhD ’15
Taya L. Owens, PhD ’15
For over 20 years, Dr. Taya Owens has dedicated her career to advancing education systems tools for opportunity, resilience, and peace. She has shaped global policy, delivered federal education programs, and strengthened American universities as leaders in international networks.
As deputy political counselor at the U.S. Embassy in Kinshasa, Democratic Republic of Congo, Dr. Owens leads political analysis and engagement in a demanding operating environment. She advises mission leadership and Washington on political dynamics, governance challenges, and stability risks. Previously, Dr. Owens served at the U.S. Mission to UNESCO in Paris, where she managed the education portfolio during a period of renewed U.S. engagement. She directed U.S. support for Holocaust education and worked closely with counterparts across more than 30 countries. A defining element of her work in Paris was rebuilding U.S. leadership within global platforms linking universities and cities to shared policy goals. She also led U.S. engagement on artificial intelligence and digital learning.
Earlier in her diplomatic career, Dr. Owens advanced education engagement in Jerusalem, Recife, and Ciudad Juarez, often in politically sensitive or crisis-affected settings. In Jerusalem, she expanded access to U.S. higher education for Palestinian students, supported teacher training, and sustained education and exchange programming through periods of acute instability. In Brazil and Mexico, she expanded education outreach during the COVID-19 pandemic and improved student mobility. Dr. Owens has been recognized with multiple Superior and Meritorious Honor Awards by the U.S. Department of State. Dr. Mark Brennan, Penn State University professor and UNESCO Chair on Global Citizenship Education, describes Dr. Owens as personable, proactive and forward-thinking. “Taya leads with tremendous integrity and empowers all she works with,” Dr. Brennan said.
Before joining the State Department, Dr. Owens served at UNESCO Headquarters on the Global Education Monitoring Report. She previously worked at the Tennessee Higher Education Commission and the State University of New York. A former Peace Corps volunteer in Ukraine and Uzbekistan, Dr. Owens began her career teaching and supporting local classrooms. While a doctoral student at the University at Albany, Dr. Owens co-founded the graduate student organization within the Department of Educational Policy and Leadership. She has maintained a strong commitment to mentoring students, educators, and public servants.
Excellence in Education - Robert Lowry, MPA ’82
Excellence in Education - Robert Lowry, MPA ’82
Robert Lowry, MPA ’82
For more than 40 years, Robert Lowry has made an immeasurable impact on generations of students in New York through advocacy, public service, and education policy work. Described as “a go-to guy" by City & State New York, Robert is widely regarded as one of the top experts on school finance policy. “He has always been a brilliant thinker on education policy and has been able to move the state toward better outcomes at every turn,” said Christina E. Coughlin, chief financial officer, NYS Department of Education.
Robert has served as deputy director of Advocacy, Research and Communications for the New York State Council of School Superintendents for over 20 years. Previously, he was manager of School Finance and Policy Development for New York State United Teachers. He also served two separate stints with the New York State Assembly's Ways and Means Committee. In his first professional role in 1983, Robert served as the Assembly Speaker’s program analyst for higher education. He still credits this role with providing some of his most satisfying accomplishments, including creation of the Science and Technology Entry Program to help young people from underrepresented and disadvantaged backgrounds pursue professional careers, as well as legislation to strengthen regulation of for-profit trade schools.
Robert has been involved in countless education reforms, advances, and milestones, including the establishment of the Foundation Aid formula – the main school aid formula in New York, which distributes billions of dollars annually – to contributing to the development of multiple statewide educator evaluation systems, to navigating the Great Recession and the COVID-19 pandemic. Other major legislation he helped develop and negotiate includes measures to increase operating flexibility for SUNY; enhance benefits under the Tuition Assistance Program and its part-time student analogue; improve professional evaluations for teachers and principals; and restructure preschool special education delivery.
Robert is frequently called upon by the media and has helped educate school district leaders, policymakers, and the public about education finance and policy. He has testified before the Legislature’s fiscal committees on every governor’s education budget proposal since 2002 and was sought as an expert witness by both the New York Advisory Committee to the U.S. Commission on Civil Rights and Governor Eliot Spitzer’s Commission on Property Tax Relief.
Whittlesey Excellence in Alumni Service - The Legends
Whittlesey Excellence in Alumni Service - The Legends
The Legends: Evan Zahn ’82, Ted Anderson ’82, Arnold Fischler ’82, Seth Sahr ’82, Walt Tice ’81, Glen Titan ’82
Evan Zahn, Arnold Fischler, Glen Titan, Ted Anderson, Walter Tice and Seth Sahr are among the most successful in their respective industries and have made significant impacts in their communities. Above all, they bleed purple and gold. As the core members of a group of 40-some alumni collectively known as “the Legends,” these six friends have helped to advance countless programs and initiatives at the University at Albany.
The Legends have each achieved insurmountable career success since graduating in the early ‘80’S. Without hesitation, they give credit to their alma mater for everything they have accomplished. Collectively they have donated over $1 Million to the University; sat on more than 15 committees, boards, and advisory task forces; hosted five different university presidents in their homes; contributed to multiple major campus construction projects; and have spoken at three separate commencement ceremonies.
Through funds like the Dr. Evan Zahn Scholarship, Monica & Glen Titan Baseball Endowed Scholarship, Dr. Arnold Fischler '82 Jacob Fischler '12 Scholarship, and the Ted Anderson Law Fund, the Legends have supported high-performing students in need of financial support as well as specialized seminars, lectures, and networking opportunities. The group enthusiastically supports UAlbany Athletics funds like the Francis J. and Mary T. Johnson Lacrosse Scholarship Endowment. They have cheered on the Great Danes at many fields and stadiums across the country, including at UCLA and Duke.
The Legends never miss the chance to mentor students, serve as panelists, or take part in fundraising events like the Alumni Association’s fashion show, “From UAlbany to the Runway.” They return to campus regularly and meet with the full roster of Legends at least every other year, where they reconnect with the University community—and of course, celebrate their decades-long friendship. Longtime UAlbany football coach Bob Ford sums up their impact best: “As individuals they are mighty, but as a group, they are a force with which to be reckoned!”
Maguire Excellence in Arts & Letters - Liza Colón-Zayas ’89
Maguire Excellence in Arts & Letters - Liza Colón-Zayas ’89
Liza Colón-Zayas ’89
As a child growing up in the Bronx without access to many extracurricular activities, Liza Colón-Zayas never considered acting as a career. It wasn’t until she arrived at the University at Albany that Liza would find her true calling on the stage. Today, the Emmy Award-winning actress inspires future UAlbany theatre majors and uses her platform to champion Latinas in entertainment.
As a hard-working actress on stage and screen for the past 30 years, Liza has followed a long and winding path to becoming an Emmy-Award winner. After earning a degree in theatre, Liza appeared in more than a dozen shows over the next two decades, primarily off Broadway. A founding member of LAByrinth (formerly the Latino Actors Base theater company) in New York City, Liza wrote and starred in her one-woman biographical show, “Sista Supreme.” In 1999, she earned a featured role in “In Arabia, We’d All Be Kings” starring Philip Seymour Hoffman. In 2014, she collaborated with her UAlbany friend, Stephen Adly Guirgis, to star in his play, “Between Riverside and Crazy.” The collaboration resulted in the prestigious Lucille Lortel Award for Liza and the Pulitzer Prize for Guirgus. While her acting career grew, she worked as a teaching artist in schools, shelters, and rehab programs.
Liza also continued to expand her credits in TV and film. In 2021, she landed her first recurring role in a TV series with HBO’s “In Treatment.” But it was her role on Hulu’s “The Bear” that changed her trajectory. Premiering in 2022, the show became an instant hit with fans and critics, pulling its largely unknown cast into the spotlight. In 2024, Liza became the first Latina to win the Emmy for Outstanding Supporting Actress in a Comedy Series for her role as headstrong line cook Tina Marrero.
Liza shared details of her experience at UAlbany, including little-known stories from her early acting days as a theatre major, in the Fall 2024 issue of UAlbany Magazine.
Excellence in Science & Technology - Stephan Grunow, MS ’97, PhD ’03
Excellence in Science & Technology - Stephan Grunow, MS ’97, PhD ’03
Stephan Grunow, MS ’97, PhD ’03
Dr. Stephan Grunow is a technology executive and global leader in semiconductor manufacturing. As Senior Director within the Global Manufacturing Strategy team at GlobalFoundries, Dr. Grunow leads cross-functional, multinational engineering teams across the United States, Europe and Asia.
Dr. Grunow's career spans over 20 years of innovation marked by transformative achievements in global module engineering, unit process development & integration, and advanced manufacturing. His work at major companies like Texas Instruments, IBM, and GlobalFoundries has consistently driven sustainable improvements in cost, quality, and productivity. Dr. Grunow started his career in 2002 as a Process Engineer at Texas Instruments in Dallas, where he developed, implemented and ramped novel process and equipment solutions into manufacturing. Prior to joining GlobalFoundries, Dr. Grunow spent over a decade at IBM, where he led advanced unit process and back-end‑of‑line (BEOL) integration teams supporting server, ASIC and gaming technologies. Across various technology generations, he successfully drove development, manufacturing qualification, yield ramp and production optimization while transforming engineering organizations into proactive, accountable high-performance teams with disciplined execution and integrity.
Beyond corporate leadership, Dr. Grunow is committed to workforce development and university-industry collaboration. Since 2019, he has acted as a GlobalFoundries “Global Ambassador” to the University at Albany’s College of Nanotechnology, Science and Engineering, actively engaging in event sponsorship, student outreach, career fairs and panel discussions. “He does this not out of obligation but out of a genuine desire to see UAlbany students thrive,” said J. Andres Melendez, Ph.D., Professor & Chair, Dept. of Nanoscale Science and Engineering. Dr. Grunow supports initiatives such as GF scholarships for CNSE students and industry-sponsored senior capstone projects, and shares expert guidance on the development of new courses. Dr. Grunow also serves on the CNSE Advisory Board.
Dr. Grunow is a certified Project Management Professional and the inventor on 44 issued U.S. patents. His research is widely published and has been cited hundreds of times. He has received highly prestigious awards, including the GlobalFoundries Excellence Award, the IBM Outstanding Technical Achievement Award, and the prestigious IBM People Manager of the Year Award.
Cochrane Excellence in Diversity & Inclusion - Catherine Ma ’92
Cochrane Excellence in Diversity & Inclusion - Catherine Ma ’92
Catherine Ma ’92
Dr. Catherine Ma immigrated from Hong Kong to the United States when she was a toddler. She grew up in New York City’s Lower East Side in the 1970’s when anti-Asian sentiment was on the rise. Dr. Ma’s passion for research, teaching and mentorship stems from her personal experiences as a child and a mother, and the challenges she endured as a first-generation college student on the path to becoming a professor. She is dedicated to building smoother pathways for students and junior faculty facing similar challenges.
Dr. Ma teaches courses on developmental psychology, research methods, and the psychology of immigration at Kingsborough Community College (KCC), City University of New York. Her scholarship focuses on antiracism pedagogy, the lived experiences of Chinese immigrants, colorism, first-generation PhD students of color, Chinese maternal experiences, and implications of race and class in youth sports. Dr. Ma serves on the board of CUNY’s Asian American/Asian Research Institute.
Dr. Ma's dedication to her community and education is exemplified by her ongoing work with Kingsborough’s Women’s Center, and mentoring students and junior faculty from historically underrepresented groups. She established the Yuet Chun & Tai Yee Ma Memorial Endowment Fund in honor of her grandparents that benefits KCC immigrant students in perpetuity. Dr. Ma co-founded AAMPOWER (Asian American Mentorship Providing Opportunities to Women for Empowerment and Resilience), a female-focused group that offers an inclusive space for discussing issues concerning the Asian and Asian American experience in higher education. “In multiple aspects, Dr. Ma is a model for female academicians of color,” said Dr. Midori Yamamura, associate professor of art at KCC.
In 2025 Dr. Ma received the Kingsborough Faculty Achievements Recognition Award and was the first Asian faculty member to speak at commencement. She is a multi-year recipient of KCC’s Fostering Teaching Excellence Award and Excellence in Scholarship and Creative Work Award. In 2022, the Society for the Psychological Study of Social Issues honored Dr. Ma with the prestigious Two-Year College Teaching and Mentoring Excellence Award.
Milk Excellence in Public Service - Mary McCarthy, MS ’82
Milk Excellence in Public Service - Mary McCarthy, MS ’82
Mary McCarthy, MS ’82
Social justice, child and family well-being, and student-centered education have defined Mary McCarthy’s career of more than 50 years. She is regarded as the “backbone” of the University at Albany’s School of Social Welfare (SSW), where she recently retired from her faculty position. Since joining SSW in 1987, she has served in many capacities including director of graduate and undergraduate field programs, interim associate dean for Academic Affairs, as well as roles in student services and alumni development.
Mary has been a partner in addressing child welfare and the child welfare workforce issues for over 24 years. As Co-Principal Investigator for the National Child Welfare Workforce Institute (NCWWI), she oversaw grant awards exceeding $70 million from 2008 until her retirement in January 2025. At the NCWWI, Mary’s team developed a rich portfolio of resources designed to move the child welfare workforce forward. These include workshops, curricula, infographics, print materials and other resources covering topics such as anti-racist work in child welfare, fostering equity and justice in social work agencies and practice, leadership development, and ways to improve recruitment and retention within the child welfare workforce. They have also done extensive educational work around the Indian Child Welfare Act. NCWWI’s work was recognized by the University in 2019 with the President’s Award for Exemplary Public Engagement. Mary also served as director of the New York State Social Work Education Consortium for 23 years.
A member of the National Association of Social Workers for 40+ years, Mary has served in various roles at the local, state and national level. She has also been a tireless social justice advocate, researcher, and leader in the promotion of child welfare reforms through partnerships across the nation on behalf of vulnerable children and their families.
Mary is the coauthor of 16 articles and coeditor of the book The Children’s Bureau: Shaping a century of child welfare practices, programs and policies. She is a recipient of the SUNY Chancellor’s Award and the President’s Award for Excellence in Professional Service and was recognized as a “Social Work Pioneer” by the National Association of Social Workers in 2023.
Milk Excellence in Public Service - Amb. Evangelos Savva ’93
Milk Excellence in Public Service - Amb. Evangelos Savva ’93
Evangelos Savva ’93, MA ’95
Ambassador Evangelos Savva views his profession as the quintessential expression of public service, both for one’s country, and on a global scale. With over 25 years of distinguished service in international diplomacy, Amb. Savva’s achievements are a strong testament to the transformative power of public education and the importance of civic responsibility. “What sets Ambassador Savva apart is his ability to combine strategic vision with human compassion," said Gladys Cruz, District Superintendent of Questar III. He speaks not only as a diplomat but as a citizen of the world—one who understands the power of dialogue, the importance of memory, and the urgency of healing."
Since joining the Ministry of Foreign Affairs of the Republic of Cyprus in 1997, Amb. Savva has held numerous high-impact roles across continents. His postings have included diplomatic missions in Israel, Germany, the United Kingdom, Finland, and Estonia. As Ambassador to Finland and Estonia, Savva worked to strengthen bilateral relations in Northern Europe and encouraged European involvement in humanitarian programs. Previously, he was political director for Security Policy, Multilateral Relations & Development Policy, Ministry of Foreign Affairs, Nicosia. Currently serving as the Ambassador of the Republic of Cyprus to the United States, Amb. Savva has worked to strengthen bilateral relations between the two countries since his appointment began in 2022.
Throughout his career, Amb. Savva has been centrally involved in humanitarian and developmental assistance programs with countries and populations in times of need. These projects include organizing the largest humanitarian assistance package in the history of Cyprus, for Ukraine after it was invaded by Russia in February 2022; and designing development assistance for countries such as Kenya and Jordan. He considers these experiences some of the most rewarding in his career.
Amb. Savva has also worked on multilateral cooperation regarding peacebuilding and strategic dialogue. His cross-cultural expertise has enabled him to build bridges across nations and communities. “Evangelos’s humility, empathy, and unwavering commitment to justice make him a true servant of the public good,” said Panayiotis Kyprianides, Acting President, United Cyprians of America.
Bertha Brimmer Medal - Jennifer Steil, MS ’99
Bertha Brimmer Medal - Jennifer Steil, MS ’99
Jennifer Steil, MS ’99
Jennifer Steil is a middle school English teacher in the Bethlehem Central School District in Delmar, New York. Since her career as an educator began over 28 years ago, Jennifer’s teaching philosophy has been rooted in the belief that a classroom should be a literacy-rich environment where reading is celebrated as an act of joy. “Bethlehem is blessed to have teacher-leaders who continually create a standard of excellence. Jen is one of these,” said Mike Klugman, Ed.D., Principal, Bethlehem Central Middle School.
In addition to teaching 6th grade English and Language Arts classes, Jennifer has over 20 years of experience providing intensive literacy intervention as an elementary school reading specialist. She has received numerous grants for programming, including the Book Love Foundation grant, which supports her ongoing efforts to build a joyful, inclusive reading culture in her classroom.
Jennifer feels strongly about the value of family involvement in her students’ educational experience and works hard to ensure literacy is celebrated in their homes and in the broader community. She coordinates author visits that are open to students, teachers, parents, and fellow educators. She founded a book club for parents and guardians, focusing on diverse middle-grade and young adult titles trending in her classroom. By partnering with Bethlehem Public Library to provide texts in multiple languages, Jennifer ensures that every family, regardless of background, can engage in the educational journey of their child.
Jennifer is an engaged member of multiple school committees, including the Equity Committee and several interview committees, where her voice is described as one of “insight, compassion, and integrity.” She also serves on the district’s Special Education Cabinet. Jennifer’s leadership extends beyond the school district, where she serves as treasurer of the Albany City Area Reading Council and assists in planning the New York State Reading Association’s annual conference.
Jennifer holds a master's degree in reading from the University at Albany School of Education’s Department of Literacy Teaching and Learning. She is a part-time instructor in the graduate literacy program and is a recipient of the Dean’s Excellence Award for Teaching and Mentoring. Her publications include a chapter in Critical Literacy/Critical Teaching (2006) and a book review in Language and Literacy Spectrum.
About the Excellence Awards program
Categories
Categories
Stoneman Distinguished Alumni Award
The Stoneman Distinguished Alumni Award honors an alumnus or alumna for an extraordinary achievement – one recognized nationally and/or internationally – or an individual who, over the course of a decade or more, has exemplified outstanding success in a chosen profession or outstanding service to society. In 2019, the award was named in honor of Katherine “Kate” Stoneman, who graduated from State Normal School in 1866 and helped to pave the way for women in education and law.
Collins Citizen of the University
The Collins Citizen of the University Award began in 1972 to recognize outstanding contributions to the University by non-alumni. In 2019, the award was named in honor of Dr. Evan Collins, the founding president of the State University of New York.
Irvis Outstanding Young Alumni
The Irvis Outstanding Young Alumni Award recognizes early outstanding achievements in a chosen profession or field of service and/or service to the community. Nominee must be age 35 or younger by nomination deadline. In 2020, the award was named in honor of Kirkland Leroy Irvis '38, the University's third African-American male graduate. A civil rights activist at a young age, he earned a law degree and was elected to the Pennsylvania House of Representatives.
Bertha Brimmer Medal
The Bertha Brimmer Medal celebrates excellence in teaching K-12. It was founded by the Class of 1934 and is named for a Class of 1900 graduate known for her devotion to teaching and service to the University.
Whittlesey Excellence in Alumni Service
The Whittlesey Excellence in Alumni Service Award began in 1971 to recognize volunteer leadership and outstanding service to the University at Albany and/or the Alumni Association.
Maguire Excellence in Arts & Letters
The Excellence in Arts & Letters Award pays tribute to alumni for outstanding achievement in music, literatures and language, visual arts or performing arts. In 2025, the award was named in honor of Wicked author Gregory Maguire, a graduate of the Class of 1976.
Excellence in Business
The Excellence in Business Award pays tribute to alumni for extraordinary distinction in business for profit.
Excellence in Community Service
The Excellence in Community Service Award pays tribute to alumni for time volunteered that benefits a community or its non-profit institutions.
Cochrane Excellence in Diversity & Inclusion
The Excellence in Diversity & Inclusion Award honors alumni who have demonstrated a deep commitment to causes of social justice, diversity, equity, inclusion and belonging.
Excellence in Education
The Excellence in Education Award pays tribute to alumni for extraordinary distinction in the field of education including Pre-K through post-secondary classroom teaching, school services and administration/supervision.
Excellence in Entrepreneurship
The Excellence in Entrepreneurship Award pays tribute to alumni who have made extraordinary contributions to our University, region and economy by demonstrating the spirit, leadership and drive of the entrepreneur.
Milk Excellence in Public Service
The Milk Excellence in Public Service Award recognizes alumni for outstanding contributions to local, state or national communities generally, but not exclusively, through opportunities in appointed or elected office or public service nonprofit organizations. In 2023, the award was named in honor of civil rights activist Harvey Milk, UAlbany Class of 1951.
Excellence in Science & Technology
The Excellence in Science & Technology Award pays tribute to alumni for extraordinary distinction in science and/or technology.
Nomination process
Nomination process
Nominations for the 2027 Excellence Awards will be accepted beginning in late Spring 2026, and will be due in late September 2026. Contact Holly Barker-Flynn, Director of Alumni Programs at (518) 442-3083 or email [email protected] for more information about nominating an individual for an Excellence Award.
Nominations may be made posthumously within two years of the nomination deadline.
Renaming of the Excellence Awards
Renaming of the Excellence Awards
To celebrate the rich history of the University at Albany, the University at Albany Alumni Association in 2019 began renaming its annual awards in recognition of outstanding alumni and friends of the University. Read on to learn more about the awards we have renamed in recent years.
We are currently considering names for the Excellence in Community Service Award, which pays tribute to alumni for time volunteered that benefits a community or its non-profit institutions. To make a nomination in honor of someone you think is deserving, complete the nomination form by May 13, 2026.
Stoneman Distinguished Alumni Award
Katherine “Kate” Stoneman, Class of 1866, paved the way for women on multiple fronts. Her graduation from the State Normal School began a career that spanned 40 years of teaching, brought firsts to the legal profession, and strengthened the fight for women’s suffrage. Shortly after graduation, Stoneman returned to her alma mater to teach. In 1882, after being named executrix for a large estate, she became interested in the law and worked as a clerk in the office of a local attorney. While continuing to teach, she studied law at night, on weekends and during the summer. In 1886, Stoneman passed her law exams on the first attempt, but was denied admission to the bar because of her gender. Undaunted, Stoneman used her lobbying skills to launch a successful campaign to amend the Code of Civil Procedure to permit the admission of qualified applicants without regard to sex or race. In May 1886, with the new legislation in hand, she reapplied for admission to the bar. It was accepted, and she became New York’s first female lawyer. Stoneman completed her formal legal education 10 years later when she was the first woman to be admitted to Albany Law School, earning her J.D. in 1898. Stoneman was secretary of the Women’s Suffrage Society of Albany and served as a poll watcher in the 1918 election, the first in which women could vote. In recognition of her influence on New York’s legal profession and women’s rights, Governor Cuomo declared May 22, 1986, Katherine Stoneman Day in honor of the one hundredth anniversary of her admission to the bar.The Stoneman Distinguished Alumni Award and the Collins Citizen of the University Award was unveiled at the 50th Anniversary of the Excellence Awards in 2019. The Irvis Outstanding Young Alumni Award was introduced during the 2021 Virtual Excellence Awards Gala honoring 2020 awardees. The Whittlesey Excellence in Alumni Service Award was introduced at the 2022 awards gala. In 2023, we named the Milk Excellence in Public Service Award in honor of Harvey Milk ’51. In 2024, the Excellence in Diversity and Inclusion Award was renamed in honor of Warren Cochrane, a civil leader and graduate of the Class of 1930. The first Maguire Excellence in Arts & Letters Award will be bestowed at the 2026 awards gala.
Collins Citizen of the University Award
Dr. Evan Collins transformed a small teachers college into a major university as the founding president of the State University of New York at Albany. He was guided by his belief that the University was a positive agent of change, a “rich resource” for understanding and solving social problems. When Dr. Collins took over as president of the New York State College for Teachers in 1949, it had 1,500 students at its old complex in downtown Albany. He was 37 at the time, one of the nation’s youngest college presidents. Twenty years later when he left, the institution had blossomed into a full-scale university with 10,000 students, post-graduate degree programs, research programs and a 525-acre suburban campus with 23-story dormitories. Under his leadership, the university’s curriculum broadened beyond the education of teachers to encompass a college of arts and sciences and schools of business, criminal justice, library science, nursing, social welfare and public affairs. The university also opened an atmospheric science research center. His proposal for a doctorate in education, which was well advanced by the late 1950s, convinced Governor Rockefeller and the authorities at SUNY Central that the New York State College for Teachers should be one of the four University Centers in the State University of New York System. Considered a progressive and a mediator, Dr. Collins ran an open forum every Monday afternoon to take questions and criticisms from students. He reformed the school’s Senate to add student representation, and he encouraged cooperation between the students, faculty and administration.
Irvis Outstanding Young Alumni Award
K. Leroy Irvis ’38 is believed to be the University's 3rd African-American male graduate. Irvis entered the New York State College for Teachers (NYSCT) in 1935 after spending a year as a student at the Albany Collegiate Center, a Depression-era two-year college run by the NYSCT. He was too young to be admitted to the NYSCT when he graduated from Albany High, and even too young in 1935, but he had demonstrated exceptional ability while a student at the Albany Collegiate Center and was admitted at the age of 15 (the minimum age for admission was 16) and graduated in 1938 at the age of 18 with a bachelor of arts degree, summa cum laude. Irvis earned his M.A. from the NYSCT in 1939, and moved to Baltimore, where he taught, and subsequently to Pennsylvania. Irvis was active in the NAACP, in boycotts of stores that wouldn't admit African-Americans. He subsequently earned his law degree from the University of Pittsburgh, and was elected to the Pennsylvania House. He became the first African-American Speaker of the Pennsylvania House and was recognized as a distinguished leader of the Pennsylvania House. He passed away in 2006. He received an honorary degree from Albany in 1986 in recognition of his achievements.
Whittlesey Excellence in Alumni Service Award
Eunice Whittlesey ’44 provided outstanding leadership and service throughout the University at Albany community for more than 40 years. Eunice’s contributions to her alma mater included serving on the Alumni Association Board of Directors for five years, two years as president. One of her most ambitious projects during this time was as a member of the Building Committee, which oversaw the construction and fundraising for the University at Albany Alumni House. Eunice served as national chair of the Annual Fund, as a member of the SUNY Development Council and as a board member of the University Foundation. She also was a long-time member of the Benevolent Association, which supports students through scholarships. In the 1960s, she was asked to serve on a university-wide committee to recognize the University’s 125th anniversary. Eunice served on the Presidential Search Committee at the University in 1977. Eunice is one of only two UAlbany alumni to receive all three of the University’s highest forms of alumni recognition – the Distinguished Alumni Award, Excellence in Alumni Service Award and Lifetime Achievement Award.
As a long-time class councilor and dedicated University advocate, Eunice remained devoted to UAlbany throughout her lifetime. In 2000, at the age of 78, Eunice spearheaded a campaign to identify and recognize our university veterans. The program resulted in the creation of the University at Albany Veterans Wall of Honor. In 2002, Eunice committed to another key volunteer role – the planning committee for a reunion of our NYS State Teachers College alumni. Eunice was a true partner in Advancement – supporting the University’s efforts in a variety of areas including alumni relations, development, communications and public relations. Her unwavering support of the University’s mission coupled with her willingness to commit her personal time and resources truly distinguished her as the quintessential volunteer.
Milk Excellence in Public Service Award
Harvey Milk ’51 was a visionary civil and human rights leader who became one of the first openly gay elected officials in the United States. Milk was born and raised in New York. He graduated from the New York State College for Teachers, the predecessor of the University at Albany, in 1951 with a degree in mathematics. After graduation, Milk joined the United States Navy during the Korean War and later served as a diving instructor. In 1955, he was forced to accept an "other than honorable" discharge from the Navy rather than face a court-martial because of his homosexuality.
In 1972, after working in New York City for many years, Milk moved to San Francisco where he found his voice as a leader and activist. After two unsuccessful runs for the San Francisco Board of Supervisors, he finally won a seat on the Board in 1978, becoming the city's first openly gay officer as well as one of the first openly gay individuals to be elected to office in the United States. While his campaign incorporated gay rights into his platform, Milk also wanted to tackle a wide variety of issues, from childcare to housing to a civilian police review board.
Milk served almost 11 months in office, during which he sponsored a bill banning discrimination in public accommodations, housing, and employment on the basis of sexual orientation. On November 27, 1978, Milk and San Francisco mayor George Moscone were assassinated by a disgruntled former city supervisor.
Despite his short career in politics, Milk became an icon in San Francisco and throughout the gay community. Anne Kronenberg, his final campaign manager, wrote of him: "What set Harvey apart from you or me was that he was a visionary. He imagined a righteous world inside his head and then he set about to create it for real, for all of us.” Milk was posthumously awarded the Presidential Medal of Freedom in 2009.
Cochrane Excellence in Diversity and Inclusion Award
Warren R. Cochrane of Saratoga Springs, N.Y., rode the train to the New York State college for Teachers, becoming the institution's second Black male graduate in 1930. An English major, he was active in his class and served as chairman of the Finance Committee. Cochrane had a distinguished career with the YMCA and as a civic leader. While serving at the Butler Street, Atlanta, Ga., YMCA, he organized Atlanta's first Negro Voters' League. He was appointed to a national civil rights commission by President Jimmy Carter. Cochrane received the University's Distinguished Alumni Award in 1978. The award citation noted that Cochrane "has devoted his life to overcoming prejudices by his endeavors in creating and maximizing economic, social and political opportunities for Black Americans and minorities everywhere."
Maguire Excellence in Arts and Letters Award
Gregory Maguire is an acclaimed Albany-born author, revisionist fairy tale writer and University at Albany Class of ’76 graduate who is best known for his international bestselling novel Wicked: The Life and Times of the Wicked Witch of the West (1995). Adapted as a Broadway musical in 2003, "Wicked" has taken Broadway—and now, Hollywood—by storm. The fourth-longest running Broadway show in history (as of November 2024), "Wicked" has traveled all over the world, where it's been performed in over 100 cities and translated into six different languages. The show has been the recipient of more than 100 accolades worldwide including three Tony Awards for Best Costume Design, Best Performance by an Actress and Best Scenic Design, and a Grammy Award for Best Musical Theater Album. "Wicked" was adapted into a two-part feature film in 2024 and has broken numerous box office records.
From 1979 to 1985, Maguire was co-director of the Simmons College Center for the Study of Children's Literature. He is cofounder and former codirector of Children's Literature New England, Inc., a non-profit educational charity established in 1987. Maguire also is the author of Confessions of an Ugly Stepsister (1999), Son of a Witch (2005), A Lion Among Men (2008), and Out of Oz (2011), as well as a trio of spinoff books: The Brides of Maracoor (2022), The Oracle of Maracoor (2023), and The Witch of Maracoor (2024). He most recently published Elphie: A Wicked Childhood.
A generous supporter of the University Libraries, NYS Writers Institute and other literacy-related programs, Maguire regularly returns to campus to participate in major events like the Albany Film Festival and Albany Book Festival. In 2012, he donated his personal and professional papers, manuscripts, documents, diaries, and memorabilia to the University. The collection spans more than 50 years and is stored in the University at Albany Libraries' M.E. Grenander Department of Special Collections & Archives to serve as a resource for scholarly research on his literary career, and on the subjects of his many works.
Past award recipients – 2020's
Past award recipients – 2020's
2025
Frances Spreer Albert, CPA, BS ’88 – Stoneman Distinguished Alumni Award
Michael Kaye, BA ’14 – Irvis Outstanding Young Alumni Award
Kimberly Sanger Jones, BA ’87 – Whittlesey Excellence in Alumni Service
Amy Knapp, BS ’87 – Excellence in Business
Diane Heilbrunn Reiner, BA ’68 – Excellence in Community Service
Hon. Seth M. Marnin, BA ’92, MA ’94 – Cochrane Excellence in Diversity and Inclusion
Gladys I. Cruz, MA ’97, PhD ’00 – Excellence in Education
Tomás D. Morales, MS ’78, EdD ’98, PhD ’98 – Excellence in Education
Scott Boilen, BS ’88 – Excellence in Entrepreneurship
Thomas M. Roach, BA ’83 – Milk Excellence in Public Service
Susmita Dasgupta, MS ’90, PhD ’92 – Excellence in Science and Technology
Kewsi Burgess, PhD ’23 – Bertha Brimmer Medal
2024
Lyle Thompson, BA ’15 – Stoneman Distinguished Alumni Award
Nicholas Fio, BA ’14 – Irvis Outstanding Young Alumni Award
Sheldon Orlando Gomes, BA ’05 – Bertha Brimmer Medal
Judy Madnick, BS ’65, MS ’66 – Whittlesey Excellence in Alumni Service Award
David Shapiro, BA ’85 – Excellence in Arts and Letters
Lucas Detor, BS ’94 – Excellence in Business
Ivan Bart, BA ’85 – Excellence in Diversity and Inclusion
Shalain Garcia, BA ’07, MA ’09 – Excellence in Diversity and Inclusion
Joseph P. Dragone, MS ’99, CAS ’00, PhD ’07 – Excellence in Education
Marc Wigder, BA ’94 – Excellence in Entrepreneurship
John D. Porcari, MPA ’85 – Milk Excellence in Public Service2023
2023
Leigh L. Wen, MFA '94 – Stoneman Distinguished Alumni Award
Rabi Musah – Collins Citizen of the University
Nicholas Creegan, BA ’13 – Irvis Outstanding Young Alumni Award
Alicia M. Wein, MS ’03 – Bertha Brimmer Medal
Alex J. Fredericks, BS ’95 – Whittlesey Excellence in Alumni Service Award
Nana Kwame Adjei-Brenyah, BA ’13 – Excellence in Arts and Letters
Elda A. Di Re, BS ’83 – Excellence in Business
Dana Basnight-Brown, MA ’04, PhD ’10 – Excellence in Education
Arthur Schwabe, BA ’85 – Excellence in Entrepreneurship
Audrey LaFrenier, MSW '85 – Excellence in Public Service
Nancy Grasso Barry Esq., BA ’85 – Excellence in Public Service
Perry Samson, BS '72, MS '74 – Excellence in Science & Technology 2022
2022
Ambassador Bonnie Jenkins, MPA ’88, PhD – Stoneman Distinguished Alumni Award
Andrew Berglund, PhD – Collins Citizen of the University
Colin P. Gerner, BS ’14, MS ’15 – Irvis Outstanding Young Alumni
Jillian K. Pasco, BA ’10, BA ’12 – Whittlesey Excellence in Alumni Service Award
D. Colin, MA ’12 – Excellence in Arts & Letters Award
Michael F. Poppo, BS ’86, CIMA® – Excellence in Business
Rosemarie V. Rosen, BA ’68, MS ’73 – Excellence in Community Service
Rosa A. Clemente, BA ’95, PhD – Excellence in Diversity & Inclusion
Jonathan P. Doh, MA ’86, PhD – Excellence in Education
William B. Hedberg, PhD ’90 – Excellence in Education
Jamal Rasoully, BS ’11 – Excellence in Entrepreneurship
Mark Quandt, MSW ’83 – Excellence in Public Service
Alice Chiappinelli O'Neill, MS ’88 – Bertha Brimmer Medal
2021
Two leadership awards were introduced in 2021 to highlight the work being done in the areas of Diversity, Equity, Inclusion and Belonging, as well as response to the COVID-19 pandemic. In addition to these two award recipients, the 2020 award recipients were formally honored during the 2021 Virtual Excellence Awards Gala.
Marisa A. Sotomayor, Esq., B.A. ’03, M.P.A. ’04 — Outstanding Leadership in Diversity & Inclusion
Dr. Elizabeth Whalen, M.D., M.P.H. ’12 — Outstanding Leadership During the COVID-19 Pandemic
2020
Edelgard Wulfert, Ph.D. – Collins Citizen of the University
Daniel M. Hart, B.S. ’83 – Stoneman Distinguished Alumni Award
Eddie Delaney, B.A. ’11 – Outstanding Young Alumni Award
Donald Boyce III, B.S. ’06, M.P.A. ’08 – Excellence in Alumni Service
Debbie Millman, B.A. ’83 – Excellence in Arts & Letters
Robert Stone, B.S. ’90 – Excellence in Arts & Letters
Bruce Geller, B.S. ’91 – Excellence in Business
Kevin Kruger, B.A. ’78 – Excellence in Education
Peter Afflerbach, B.A. ’78, M.S. ’79, Ph.D. ’85 – Excellence in Education
Damian Bazadona, B.S. ’98 – Excellence in Entrepreneurship
Eugene Holzer, B.S. ’95 – Excellence in Entrepreneurship
Gary H. Striar, M.P.A. ’79 – Excellence in Public Service
Llinét Beltré Rosado, B.S. ’93 – Excellence in Public Service
Achla Marathe, M.A. ’90, Ph.D. ’94 – Excellence in Science & Technology
Past award recipients – 2010's
Past award recipients – 2010's
2019
Monte Lipman, B.A. '86 and Avery Lipman, B.A. '88 — Distinguished Alumni
University at Albany Employees — Citizen of the University
Nora Lum, B.A.'11— Outstanding Young Alum
Binahayati Rusyidi, M.S.W.'06, Ph.D.'11 — International Alumni Award for Exceptional Achievement
Doug Ketterer, B.S. '87 and James Neiland, B.A.'87 — Excellence in Alumni Service
Sharon R. Kantor, Ph.D., Esq., B.S.'73 — Excellence in Alumni Service
Marc T. Macaulay, B.S. '91 — Excellence in Business
Chris Thomas, B.A. '86 — Excellence in Community Service
Cheryl L. Dozier, Ph.D.'01 — Excellence in Education
Jahn Levin, B.S.'89 — Excellence in Entrepreneurship
Richard Reyes-Gavilan, B.A.'91 — Excellence in Public Service
Theresa E. Taylor, M.S.W., M.A.'12 — Excellence in Public Service
2018
Nancy Smyth, B.A. ’81, M.S.W. ’86, Ph.D. ’91 — Distinguished Alumni
Michael Hoffman— Citizen of the University
Jessica Nicklin, B.A.'04, Ph.D.'09 — Outstanding Young Alumni
Teak Ho Kim, M.B.A. '86 — International Award for Exceptional Achievement
Richard Bleser, B.S. '04 — Excellence in Alumni Service
Carole Harnoff, B.A. '74 — Excellence in Alumni Service
William Newman, B.S. '81 — Excellence in Business
James Acker, M.A. '81, Ph.D. '87 — Excellence in Education
Christopher E. Fernando, B.A.'92, M.S.'97, Ph.D.'05 — Excellence in Education
Rob Bernshteyn, B.S. '95 — Excellence in Entrepreneurship
William Mack, B.A. '00 — Excellence in Public Service
Kimberly Anderson, M.S.'84, M.S.'00, Ph.D.'09 — Bertha Brimmer Medal
2017
Dr. Lawrence A. Gordon, B.S. ’66, M.B.A. ’67 — Distinguished Alumni
William Kennedy — Citizen of the University
Honorable Dorcey Applyrs, M.P.H. '05, DrPH '14 — Outstanding Young Alumni
Bushra Rahim, Ph.D. '15 — International Award for Exceptional Achievement
William J. McCann, Jr., B.A. '86, M.S. '87 — Excellence in Alumni Service
Marc Guggenheim, B.A. '92 — Excellence in Arts & Letters
David A. Buzen, B.S. '81 — Excellence in Business
Melanie Gray, B.A. '78 — Excellence in Community Service
Denis Murphy, B.A. '84, M.S. '86 and Lynda Murphy, B.S. '83, M.S. '85 — Excellence in Community Service
Maritza Martinez, M.S.W. '83 — Excellence in Education
Congressman Lee Zeldin, B.A. '01 — Excellence in Public Service
V. "Ram" Ramaswamy, Ph.D. '82 — Excellence in Science & Technology
Rosemary Leva Evaul, M.A. '68 — Bertha E. Brimmer Medal
2016
Theresa A. Pardo, B.A. ’82, M.S. ’90, Ph.D. ’98 — Distinguished Alumni
Lance Bosart — Citizen of the University
Molly Guptill Manning, B.A. '01, M.A. '02 — Outstanding Young Alumni
John Stevens, M.B.A. '95 — Excellence in Entrepreneurship
Timothy Murphy, M.P.A. '77 — Excellence in Alumni Service
Ancell Scheker-Mendoza, Ph.D. '11 — International Award for Exceptional Achievement
Tom Junod, B.A. '80 — Excellence in Arts & Letters
Michael Nash, B.S. '83 — Excellence in Business
Valerie Jensen, B.A. '96 — Excellence in Community Service
Robert Mauro, Ph.D. '09 — Excellence in Education
Teresa Thayer Snyder, Ph.D. '00 — Excellence in Education
Fredrick Erlich, B.A. '69, M.S.W. '72, M.B.A. '94 — Excellence in Public Service
Melinda Peng, M.S. '78, M.S. '80, Ph.D. '82 — Excellence in Science and Technology
2015
Lt. Gen. Michael J. Basla, B.S. '75 — Distinguished Alumni
Michael J. Malbin — Citizen of the University
Brian S. Cechnicki, B.A. '03, M.P.A. '04 — Outstanding Young Alumni
Bruce Davis, B.S. '73, M.A. '75 — Excellence in Entrepreneurship
Matthew P. Reiner, M.B.A. '93 — Excellence in Alumni Service
Grace Barkus Vogel, B.S. '77 — Excellence in Alumni Service
Robert J. Bellafiore, B.A. '82 — Excellence in Arts and Letters
Dean C. Backer, B.S. '88 — Excellence in Business
Carol Whittaker, B.A. '71, M.A. '73, M.P.A. '81, M.A. '05 — Excellence in Community Service
Anne McGill-Franzen, Ph.D. '88 — Excellence in Education
Harris Oberlander, B.S. '80 — Excellence in Public Service
Albert J. Bunshaft, B.S. '80 — Excellence in Science & Technology
Stuart J. Palczak, B.A. '87, M.S. '88 — Bertha E. Brimmer Medal
2014
Gerd J. Schwartz, M.A. ’87, Ph.D. ’89 — Distinguished Alumni
Roberto J. Vives — Citizen of the University
Bethany Lesser, B.A. ’04, M.P.A. ’05 — Outstanding Young Alumni
Yong-Ho Baek, Ph.D. ’85 — International Alumni Award for Exceptional Achievement
Dr. Jotham Musinguzi, M.D., M.P.H. '91 — International Alumni Award for Exceptional Achievement
Lewis S. Wiener, B.A. ’84, J.D. ’87— Excellence in Alumni Service
Joseph Zanchelli, B.A. ’49, M.A. ’50 and Joyce Zanchelli, B.A. ’52 — Excellence in Alumni Service
Maryanne R. Lavan, B.S. '81 — Excellence in Business Award
Florence E. Jackson-Frazier, M.S.W. '72 — Excellence in Community Service
Ellen McCarville Sullivan, M.S. '79 — Excellence in Education
William P. Kelly, M.P.H. ’95 — Excellence in Entrepreneurship
Lois J. Uttley, B.A. '74, M.P.P. '02 — Excellence in Public Service
Catherine Cerulli, M.A. '98, Ph.D. '04 — Excellence in Public Service
Andrew Deitsch, B.S. '89, M.B.A. '99 — Excellence in Science & Technology
Pegeen H. Jensen, M.S. '89, CGS/Teacher Leadership '12 — Bertha E. Brimmer Medal
2013
Thomas Thundat, Ph.D.'87 — Distinguished Alumni
Kamiar and Arash Alaei— Citizen of the University
Christina Hansen, M.P.H. ’09— Outstanding Young Alumni
Wendy Hale, B.S. '05 — Excellence in Alumni Service
Roberta Vogt, B.S. '86, M.S. '88 — Excellence in Alumni Service
Ann Mataraso, M.F.A.'02 — Excellence in Arts and Letters
Joan Rosenbaum Solotar, B.S. '86 — Excellence in Business
Bill Wise, B.S. ’94 — Excellence in Business
Robert Lazar, M.S. ’77 — Excellence in Community Service
Peter Shea, M.S. ’93, Ph.D. ’98 — Excellence in Education
Karen Erickson, M.S. ’88— Excellence in Education Award
Louis DeSorbo, B.S. '76, M.S.'80 — Excellence in Entrepreneurship
Gregg Rothermel, M.S. ’86 — Excellence in Science & Technology
Simeen Tabatabai — Bertha E. Brimmer Medal
2012
Gary Jacobson, B.A. ’82 — Distinguished Alumni
Charlotte Buchanan, Esq. — Citizen of the University
James Malatras, B.A. ’99, M.A. ’00, Ph.D. ’08 — Outstanding Young Alumni
Ayodele J. Coker, M.S. '74, Ph.D. ’78 — International Alumni Award for Exceptional Achievement
Keiko Miwa, Ph.D. ’00 — International Alumni Award for Exceptional Achievement
Nolan Altman, B.S. ’77 — Excellence in Alumni Service
Thomas M. Metzold, M.B.A. ’87 — Excellence in Business
Michael W. Weilheimer, B.S. ’83 — Excellence in Business
Carolyn H. Grosvenor, M.P.H. ’06 — Excellence in Community Service
Joseph S. Brosnan, M.S. ’69, E.d.D. ’81 — Excellence in Education
Donna M. Scanlon, B.S. ’76, Ph.D. ’87 — Excellence in Education
Hamdi Ulukaya — Excellence in Entrepreneurship
Theresa Tobin, M.A. ’88, Ph.D. ’11 — Excellence in Public Service
Sreejit Chakravarty, Ph.D. ’86 — Excellence in Science & Technology
Heather O’Leary, M.S. ’99 — Bertha E. Brimmer Medal
2011
Richard Lehrer, M.S. ’76, C.A.S. ’82, Ph.D. ’83 — Distinguished Alumni
John Delano — Citizen of the University
Laiwu Zhang, M.A. ’93, Ph.D. ’95 — International Alumni Award for Exceptional Achievement
Michael Borys, B.S. '78, M.B.A. '79 — Excellence in Alumni Service
David Pietrusza, B.A. ’71, M.A. ’72 — Excellence in Arts and Letters
Stacy Bash-Polley, B.S. ’89 — Excellence in Business
Robert Paeglow, B.S. ’76 — Excellence in Community Service
Charles S. Dedrick, M.S. ’91 — Excellence in Education
Alan Mantel, B.S. ’85 — Excellence in Entrepreneurship
Honorable Nancy Groenwegen, B.A. ’79 —Excellence in Public Service
Jonathan Newman, B.A. ’85, Ph.D. ’90 — Excellence in Science & Technology
Deborah Mayne Brandau, Ph.D. ’94 — Bertha E. Brimmer Medal
2010
Michael J. Castellana, B.S. '84, M.B.A. '92 — Distinguished Alumni
Marie and Larry Shore — Citizen of the University
Annette Romano, M.S. '90 — Bertha E. Brimmer Medal
DeForest R. Hinman, B.S. '05 — Excellence in Alumni Service
Tania Modleski, B.A. '70, M.A. '71 — Excellence in Arts and Letters
Steven M. Zelin, B.S. '84 — Excellence in Business
Bill Barnette, M.S.W. '81 — Excellence in Community Service
Ann Marie Murray, M.A. '75, M.S. '98, Ph.D. '02 — Excellence in Education
Benjamin R. Bloomstone, B.S. '79 — Excellence in Entrepreneurship
Deborah VanAmerongen, M.P.A. '92 — Excellence in Public Service
Hany Farid, M.S. '92 — Excellence in Science & Technology
Karen C. Kelly, M.S. '08 — Outstanding Young Alumni
Bhupendra N. Dev., Ph.D. '85 — International Alumni Award for Exceptional Achievement
Past award recipients – 2000's
Past award recipients – 2000's
2009
Anne Case, B.S. ’80 — Distinguished Alumni
G. Thomas Selfridge — Citizen of the University
George T.J. Chen, M.S. ’71, Ph.D. ’74 — International Alumni Award for Exceptional Achievement
Stacy J. Kanter, B.S.,’79 — Excellence in Alumni Service
Frank Whaley, B.A. ’87 — Excellence in Arts and Letters
Michael Carmen, B.S. ’84 — Excellence in Business
Robert E. Kittredge, B.A. ’49 — Excellence in Community Service
Laurence Austin, B.A. ’81 — Excellence in Entrepreneurship
Piyush Agrawal, M.S.,’72, Ed.S.,’77, Ed.D.,’79 — Excellence in Education
Dr. Joseph Emmanuel Bowman, Jr., B.A ’72, M.L.S. ’74, M.A. ’75 — Excellence in Education
Vincent J. Abramo, B.A. ’67 — Excellence in Public Service
Paul D. Amer, B.S. ’74 — Excellence in Science & Technology
Helen C. Stuetzel, M.S. ’79, C.A.S. ’82, Ph.D. ’91 — Bertha E. Brimmer Medal
2008
Theresa McGovern ’83 — Distinguished Alumni
Walter Robb — Citizen of the University
Richelle Konian '95 — Outstanding Young Alumni
Susan Shipherd '64 — Excellence in Alumni Service
Kimberly Welsh '89 — Excellence in Business
Kimberleigh Phelan '89 — Excellence in Community Service
Thomas Brooks '71 — Excellence in Education
Donald Cohen '51, '52 — Excellence in Education
Carol Meyer '06 — Excellence in Education
Michael Weiss '88 — Excellence in Entrepreneurship
Congressman Michael Arcuri '81 — Excellence in Public Service
Kathryn Zox '83 — Excellence in Public Service
Brian Levine '94 — Excellence in Science & Technology
Thomas Shiland '87, '93 — Bertha E. Brimmer Medal
2007
Sharon S. Dawes B.A. ’72, Ph.D. ’91 — Distinguished Alumni
Bob Ford — Citizen of the University
Joshua A. Shaw, B.S.'97 — Outstanding Young Alumni
John F. Malitzis, 89 and Gerard S. Citera '77 — Excellence in Alumni Service
Randy Cohen '71 — Excellence in Arts & Letters
Carl A. Florio '71 — Excellence in Business
Stephen North D.A. '79 — Excellence in Education
Nicolas Ladany Ph.D. '92 — Excellence in Education
Custer R. Quick '55, '56, '72 and Doris M. Quick '55, '64, '83 — Excellence in Education
Emad A. Zikry '72 — Excellence in Entrepreneurship
Nam Soon Huh Ph.D., '97 — Excellence in Public Service
Sharon E. Carpinello R.N., Ph.D '89 — Excellence in Public Service
Bert Jablon '52, '55 — Excellence in Public Service
Sandeep Kumar Shukla '95,'97 — Excellence in Science & Technology
Valarie Ann Scott M.S. '97 — Bertha E. Brimmer Medal
2006
Tino Hernandez ’88 — Distinguished Alumni
Carl H. Rosner, Ph.D. — Citizen of the University
Michael Corso '83, '84 — Excellence in Alumni Service
Patricia A. Caldwell '75 — Excellence in Alumni Service
Carolee Carmello '83 — Excellence in Arts & Letters
Gregory Maguire '76 — Excellence in Arts & Letters
Robert Matza '77 — Excellence in Business
Arnold Rothstein '60, '62 — Excellence in Community Service
Judith K. Rothstein '64, '75 — Excellence in Community Service
Ruth J. Kellogg, Ph.D., '72, '73 — Excellence in Education
Mary Ellen Jukoski, Ed.D. '74 — Excellence in Education
James R. Butterworth, Ph.D.'73, '77,'79,'86 — Excellence in Education
Harvey Patashnick '67,'69 — Excellence in Entrepreneurship
Mayor Gerald D. Jennings '76 — Excellence in Public Service
William Barnett '81 — Excellence in Public Service
Louis A. Schiavone Jr., '75,'77 — Bertha E. Brimmer Medal
2005
Jack M. Richman ’72, ’74 — Distinguished Alumni
Robert W. Schwartz — Citizen of the University
Rebecca L. Rogers '95,'96,'98,'00 — Outstanding Young Alumni
Paul Grondahl '84 — Excellence in Arts & Letters
John H. Laub '76, '80 — Excellence in Arts & Letters
Libby Post '82, '84 — Excellence in Community Service
Dr. Abraham Sherer '47 — Excellence in Community Service
Alan P. Fiero '74,'77,'81,'93 — Excellence in Education
L. Oliver Robinson '94,'96 — Excellence in Education
Norman E. Snyder Jr., '83 — Excellence in Entrepreneurship
Daniel W. Fitzpatrick '71,'77 — Excellence in Public Service
Alice P. Green '67, '73, '79, '83 — Excellence in Public Service
James F. O'Sullivan — Excellence in Public Service
Philip W. Shepherd '60,'61 — Bertha E. Brimmer Medal
2004
Frances Allen ’54 — Distinguished Alumni
James Fyfe ’72, ’78 — Distinguished Alumni
Denise Knight ’83, ’85, ‘86 — Distinguished Alumni
Madhav Marathe ’94 — Distinguished Alumni
Seung Park ’74 — Distinguished Alumni
Thomas E. D'Ambra — Citizen of the University
Helen Brucker Martin '44 — Excellence in Alumni Service
Joan Rosenthal '76 — Excellence in Alumni Service
Patricia Salkin '85 — Excellence in Alumni Service
Leila Moore '75 — Excellence in Education
Harris Pastides '74 — Excellence in Education
Paul Zachos '74,'91 — Excellence in Education
Robert Lazar '77 — Excellence in Entrepreneurship
Noreen Benton '91 — Bertha E. Brimmer Medal
2003
Albert J. Kaehn Jr. ’51, ’52 — Distinguished Alumni
Paul T. Stec ’81 — Distinguished Alumni
Morris Massry — Citizen of the University
Donald E. Putterman '52, '53 — Excellence in Alumni Service
Mary Joan Koonz Egan '40,'61,'72 — Excellence in Education
Paul F. HOoker '60,'61 — Excellence in Education
Walter J. Schick '48,'49 (poshumously) — Excellence in Education
Timothy E. Bermingham '70, '75 — Bertha E. Brimmer Medal
2002
Neil Jurinski ’60 — Distinguished Alumni
Richard Londraville ’58,’61,’70 — Distinguished Alumni
John McAuliff ‘41 — Distinguished Alumni
Vincent O'Leary — Citizen of the University
Howard Woodruff '63, '81 — Excellence in Alumni Service
2001
Maria Dolores Cimin ’86 — Distinguished Alumni
Max Fallek ’51 — Distinguished Alumni
John Lynch ’70 — Distinguished Alumni
Norman McConney ’71 — Distinguished Alumni
Patrick Romain ’86, ’87 — Distinguished Alumni
Edward Winders ’70 — Distinguished Alumni
Daniel Hogarty — Citizen of the University
Gary Duncan '84 — Excellence in Alumni Service
Jacquelyn Mann Gavryck '51, '54, '67 — Excellence in Alumni Service
Victor Looper '70 — Excellence in Alumni Service
Jill Nelson '71 — Excellence in Alumni Service
Richard Nelson '71 — Excellence in Alumni Service
M. Lee Upcraft '61 — Excellence in Education
Alan Zaremba '71 — Excellence in Education
Anthony D'Onofrio '61 — Bertha E. Brimmer Medal
2000
Amy Jaffe Barzach ’82 — Distinguished Alumni
Liz Bishop ’84 — Distinguished Alumni
Dr. Gloria DeSole ’59, ’69 — Distinguished Alumni
Marinus N. Henny ’73 — Distinguished Alumni
Edith Minch Noeltner ’50 — Distinguished Alumni
Dr. James T. Fleming — Citizen of the University
Gary R. Allen '70 — Excellence in Alumni Service
Frederick Brewington, Esq. '79 — Excellence in Alumni Service
Dr. Marian "Bunny" Silverstein Calabrese '60 — Excellence in Education
Dr. Charles Fowler '60,'61 — Excellence in Education
Donald E. Putterman '52,'53 — Excellence in Education
Donyee Thayer McCluskey '66, '70 — Bertha E. Brimmer Medal
Past award recipients – 1990's
Past award recipients – 1990's
1999
Bonnie Totten Adkins ’49 — Distinguished Alumni
Dr. Benjamin Button ’54 — Distinguished Alumni
Susanne Murphy Dumbleton ’64, ’66, ’73 — Distinguished Alumni
Jeffrey Mishkin ’69, Esq. — Distinguished Alumni
The Honorable Richard Wesley ’71 — Distinguished Alumni
Brian Wing ’73 — Distinguished Alumni
Alain Kaloyeros — Citizen of the University
Theodore Anderson, Esq., '82 — Excellence in Alumni Service
Jeffrey Black '76 — Excellence in Alumni Service
Barry Z. Davis '74, '97 — Excellence in Alumni Service
George M. Philip '69, '73 — Excellence in Alumni Service
Donald Dickinson '49 — Excellence in Teaching
Gordon Muck '64,'66 — Excellence in Teaching
Michelle Bloom '67, '82 — Bertha E. Brimmer Medal
Harold Thornhill '63, '64, '87 — Bertha E. Brimmer Medal
1998
Barbara Jean Schoonmaker Chase ’48 — Distinguished Alumni
Marijo Dougherty ’76 — Distinguished Alumni
Dr. Douglas J. Kilgus ’73 — Distinguished Alumni
Haskell Rosenberg ’40 — Distinguished Alumni
Helen Desfosses — Citizen of the University
Vivian Hillier Thorne '48 — Excellence in Alumni Service
Rebecca Slack Donaghy '83 — Excellence in Teaching
Rev. Anthony Maione '79 — Excellence in Teaching
Kiisa Nishikawa '80 — Excellence in Teaching
1997
Kerby T. Alvy ’70 — Distinguished Alumni
John A. Centra ’54 — Distinguished Alumni
Daniel W. Joy ’52 — Distinguished Alumni
Thomas E. Lickona ’71 — Distinguished Alumni
Susan Molinari ’80, ’81 — Distinguished Alumni
Evan M. Zahn ’82 — Distinguished Alumni
George R. Hearst III — Citizen of the University
Joan Roeder Barron '52, '70 — Excellence in Alumni Service
Richard D. Kelly '56 — Excellence in Teaching
Phyllis Romano Mason '68,'69 — Excellence in Teaching
Ethel Rooney Hall, 1920 — Bertha E. Brimmer Medal
1996
Thomas A. Constantine ‘71 — Distinguished Alumni
Martha J. Downey ‘51, ‘56 — Distinguished Alumni
Robert T. Ryan ‘67, ‘71 — Distinguished Alumni
Robert J. Sampson ’79, ’83 — Distinguished Alumni
Eugene J. Webb ‘54 *posthumously — Distinguished Alumni
Edward P. Swyer — Citizen of the University
Kenneth T. Doran '39 — Excellence in Alumni Service
M. I. Berger '50, '52 — Excellence in Teaching
Donald P. Ely '51 — Excellence in Teaching
Linda Nero Shartzer '66,'67 — Excellence in Teaching
Linda Waters Zusman '71 — Excellence in Teaching
Richard B. Kelly '63,'64 — Bertha E. Brimmer Medal
1995
Anthony J. Casale '69 — Distinguished Alumni
Richard Feathers '50 — Distinguished Alumni
Jeffery Goldfarb '71, '72 — Distinguished Alumni
Emil Polak '57 — Distinguished Alumni
Gertrude Schermerhorn '19 — Distinguished Alumni
John E. Holt-Harris, Jr. — Citizen of the University
James R. Butterworth '73, '77, '79, '86 — Excellence in Alumni Service
Patricia Jewell McAlexander '64 — Excellence in Teaching
Richard J. Beaton '72 — Excellence in Teaching
1994
Frederick K. Brewington '79 — Distinguished Alumni
Patrick R. DiCaprio '74 — Distinguished Alumni
Frank J. Filippone '41/'48 — Distinguished Alumni
Sol Greenberg '43 — Distinguished Alumni
June Lapides Rokoff '70 — Distinguished Alumni
Peter A. Spina '61 — Distinguished Alumni
Grace Maguire Swanner '23 — Distinguished Alumni
Theodore H. Fossieck — Citizen of the University
Annette Gardiner Delyser '49 — Excellence in Alumni Service
Donald R. Cohen '61,'62,'72 — Excellence in Teaching
Susan Gersten Cohen '63 — Excellence in Teaching
Richard L. Leveroni '64,'74,'84 — Excellence in Teaching
Jean Michelle Noble Nieman '69,'75 — Bertha E. Brimmer Medal
1993
Mark Constantine '76 — Distinguished Alumni
Micheal A. Perretta '43 — Distinguished Alumni
Robert E. Woods '75 — Distinguished Alumni
Shirley E. Wurz '43 — Distinguished Alumni
Kendall A. Birr — Citizen of the University
Edward L. Osborn '31 — Excellence in Alumni Service
Douglas Garnar '67 — Excellence in Teaching
William Joseph Gregg, Jr. '71,'75,'79 — Excellence in Teaching
Jessica D. Scherer Rothman '72,'73 — Excellence in Teaching
Marie Liebl Miller '50 — Bertha E. Brimmer Medal
1992
Marcia Walsh Colligan '52 — Distinguished Alumni
Lynn Teresa Truss '82 — Distinguished Alumni
Norman Arnold '40 — Distinguished Alumni
Gerald Richmond Firth '52 — Distinguished Alumni
Kenneth E. Buhrmaster — Citizen of the University
Roy F. McEnerney — Excellence in Alumni Service
Carol Ann Cromer Clemens '72 — Excellence in Teaching
Doris Wester Miga '48 — Excellence in Teaching
Sue A. Gaffney '62, '65 — Bertha E. Brimmer Medal
1991
Robert Peterkin '66 — Distinguished Alumni
Christiann T. Lievestro '50 — Distinguished Alumni
J. Spencer Standish — Citizen of the University
Harold Hanson '63 — Excellence in Alumni Service
Louis J. Gilboord '70 — Excellence in Teaching
Irene Brezinsky McDonald '53 — Excellence in Teaching
Finkle Rosenberg '43 — Bertha E. Brimmer Medal
1990
Alice S. Bennett '38 — Distinguished Alumni
R. Findlay Cockrell — Citizen of the University
Albert J. Read '47 — Excellence in Teaching
Matthew J. Ostoyich '57 — Bertha E. Brimmer Medal
Past award recipients – 1980's
Past award recipients – 1980's
1989
Bernard D. Arbit '43 — Distinguished Alumni
John Hall Bowker '52 —Distinguished Alumni
Marilyn Anderson Pendergast '64 — Distinguished Alumni
Susan Carmichael Thomson '59 — Distinguished Alumni
Judith A. Mysliborski '69 — Excellence in Alumni Service
Jane Graham Annis '60 — Excellence in Teaching
Isabel J. Peard '32 — Excellence in Teaching
Thomas Hastings Watthews '58 — Excellence in Teaching
Dennis J. Hannan '41 — Bertha E. Brimmer Medal
1988
Alan V. Iselin — Citizen of the University
Canon Kay C. Hotaling '67, '70 — Excellence in Alumni Service
Janet M. Burt '59 — Excellence in Teaching
Robert P. Lanni '52 — Excellence in Teaching
Ryk Peter Spoor '57 — Excellence in Teaching
Charles W. Bitley '74,'76 — Bertha E. Brimmer Medal
1987
Catherine A. Bertini, '71 — Distinguished Alumni
Helen Van Aken Mears '22 — Distinguished Alumni
Ethel DuBois '27 (posthumously) — Distinguished Alumni
Patricia Benedetto Snyder, '62 — Distinguished Alumni
Raymond Falconer — Citizen of the University
Anne F. Roberts '66 — Excellence in Alumni Service
Harold S. Story '49 — Excellence in Teaching
Phyllis A. Yudikaitis '69 — Bertha E. Brimmer Medal
1986
Gail Magaliff '67 — Distinguished Alumni
Frances V. Peck '31 — Distinguished Alumni
Gerald L. Saddlemire '41 — Distinguished Alumni
Judith I. Avner '72 — Excellence in Alumni Service
Bruce Marsh '56 — Excellence in Teaching
Thomas L. Gorman '52 — Bertha E. Brimmer Medal
1985
Hugh T. Farley '58 — Distinguished Alumni
Sister Ellen Lawlor '30 — Distinguished Alumni
Bruce F. Norton '59 — Distinguished Alumni
Carol A. Wiggins '58 — Distinguished Alumni
Vincent Schaefer — Citizen of the University
Doris Hische Brossy '60 — Excellence in Alumni Service
Michael A. Lampert '73 — Excellence in Alumni Service
Joseph F. Ketchum '59 — Excellence in Teaching
Wanda Hare Goodrow '51 — Bertha E. Brimmer Medal
1984
Philip Auerbach '34 — Distinguished Alumni
Jean Ineson Ebbert '49 — Distinguished Alumni
Dorothy Griffin '34 — Distinguished Alumni
Marion Rockefeller Mesick '39 — Excellence in Alumni Service
Elizabeth Pflegl Nickles '59 — Excellence in Teaching
Mary Alice Buwalds Jewett '66 — Bertha E. Brimmer Medal
1983
Margaret Thekla Cussler '31 — Distinguished Alumni
Louise Davidson Gunn '27 — Distinguished Alumni
Eunice Rice Messent '22 — Distinguished Alumni
Alvina Rich Lewis '33 (posthumously) — Excellence in Alumni Service
John Brayman Johnston '60 — Bertha E. Brimmer Medal
1982
Ethel Rusk Dermady '23 (posthumously) — Distinguished Alumni
Anabelle McConnell Melville '31 — Distinguished Alumni
Joseph Persico '52 — Distinguished Alumni
William H. Strain '21 — Distinguished Alumni
Julia Fister Rector '32 — Excellence in Alumni Service
Arnold Dansky '52 — Bertha E. Brimmer Medal
1981
Catherine Miller Allard '26 — Distinguished Alumni
Emanuel Green '30 (posthumously) — Distinguished Alumni
Bertram Jablon '52 — Distinguished Alumni
Clarence D. Rappleyea '57 — Distinguished Alumni
Catherine Newbold — Citizen of the University
Ruth Card Hannett '46, '47 — Bertha E. Brimmer Medal
1980
Patricia Sheehan O'Neil '47 — Distinguished Alumni
Arnold Sanford Rice '50 — Distinguished Alumni
Sigmund A. Smith '56 — Distinguished Alumni
Eunice Baird Whittlesey '44 — Distinguished Alumni
Richard "Doc" Sauers — Citizen of the University
Alton Richard Bader '65 — Bertha E. Brimmer Medal
Past award recipients – 1970's
Past award recipients – 1970's
1979
Robert J. Morgado '65 — Distinguished Alumni
Sunna Cooper Rasch '45 — Distinguished Alumni
Mildred Graves Ryan '27 — Distinguished Alumni
Barbara Kerlin Walker '43 — Distinguished Alumni
Warren S. Walker '47 — Distinguished Alumni
Dr. Harry Price — Citizen of the University
Leonard Friedlander '39 — Excellence in Alumni Service
Eunice Baird Whittlesey '44 — Excellence in Alumni Service
William Richard Town '68 — Bertha E. Brimmer Medal
1978
Warren R. Cochrane Cochrane '30 — Distinguished Alumni
Shirley Siegel Passow '46 — Distinguished Alumni
Blanche Robbins '27 — Distinguished Alumni
Henry M. Madej '67 — Excellence in Alumni Service
Verna Snyder Fancett '43 — Bertha E. Brimmer Medal
1977
Robert Babcock '53 — Distinguished Alumni
Herman Kleine '41 — Distinguished Alumni
John E. Murphy '37 — Distinguished Alumni
Edward Waterbury 1849 — Distinguished Alumni
Rosaline Greenburg Barnett '26 — Distinguished Alumni
C. Luther Andrews — Citizen of the University
Ruth Hilkert Gaffga '35 — Excellence in Alumni Service
Susan Seabury Smith '35 — Excellence in Alumni Service
John Yager '59 — Bertha E. Brimmer Medal
1976
Helen Quackenbush Lathers '26 — Distinguished Alumni
Louis J. Wolner '30 — Distinguished Alumni
Harry Lee — Citizen of the University
Robert M. Fairbanks '64 — Excellence in Alumni Service
Alice Hedges Moore '20 — Excellence in Alumni Service
Alice Raynor Squires '45 — Bertha E. Brimmer Medal
1975
Sophia M. Cohen '24 — Distinguished Alumni
Beverly Diamond '30 — Distinguished Alumni
Paul G. Bulger '36 — Excellence in Alumni Service
Claire Deloira '56 — Bertha E. Brimmer Medal
1974
Alexander Augusta Baker '33 — Distinguished Alumni
Donald P. Ely '51 — Distinguished Alumni
Kathryn Merchant Fitzgerald '22 — Distinguished Alumni
Rose Handler Tischler '30 — Distinguished Alumni
J. Vanderbilt Straub — Citizen of the University
Kenneth C. Blaisdell '67 — Excellence in Alumni Service
Joy P. Longo '54 — Excellence in Alumni Service
Lester W. Rubin '37 — Excellence in Alumni Service
Clara Fahnestock Stott '24 — Excellence in Alumni Service
Augusta Katz Biskin '36 — Bertha E. Brimmer Medal
1973
Martha Albright Egelston '26 — Distinguished Alumni
Elaine Drooz Friedman '45 — Distinguished Alumni
George P. Rice '32 — Distinguished Alumni
Clifton C. Thorne '49 — Distinguished Alumni
Julia Dolan '04— Excellence in Alumni Service
Lorena Shaffer Frevert '26— Excellence in Alumni Service
Madeline Schnabel '68— Excellence in Alumni Service
Gladys Teetsell Van Alen '21— Excellence in Alumni Service
Konrad Maier '54 — Bertha E. Brimmer Medal
1972
William A. Fullagar '36 — Distinguished Alumni
Edna Shafer MacAffer '24 — Distinguished Alumni
Gordon T. Rand '39 — Distinguished Alumni
John M. Sayles, 1902 — Distinguished Alumni
Samuel Aronowitz — Citizen of the University
Mabel E. Baird '20— Excellence in Alumni Service
Janice Friedman Keller '40— Excellence in Alumni Service
Frances M. Smith '28— Excellence in Alumni Service
Rosalind Itzkow — Bertha E. Brimmer Medal
1971
Thomas M. Barrington '37 — Distinguished Alumni
Ben M. Becker '42 — Distinguished Alumni
Milton G. Nelson '24 — Distinguished Alumni
Seymour H. Fersh '49 — Distinguished Alumni
Harriet E. Twoguns, 1865 — Distinguished Alumni
Vera Comstock '14 — Excellence in Alumni Service
Edward L. Long '17 — Excellence in Alumni Service
Genevieve Shorey Moore '34 — Excellence in Alumni Service
Agnes Nolan Underwood '20 — Excellence in Alumni Service
Abe Wasserman '38 — Bertha E. Brimmer Medal
1970
Carl F. Herman '62 – Bertha E. Brimmer Medal
Past award recipients – 1969 (Inaugural Year)
Past award recipients – 1969 (Inaugural Year)
In the inaugural year of the Alumni Association's Excellence Awards, all recipients were named Distinguished Alumni with the exception of one Bertha Brimmer Medal honoree.
Hamilton Acheson '31
Wilfred P. Allard '35
Theodore T. Anderson '60
Bernard L. Auerbach '29
Morris E. Auerbach '28
Herbert S. Bailey '36
Caroline A. Bassett '62
Sarah E. Beard '42
Ralph A. Beaver '24
Florence Friedman Berman '32
Owen Bombard '43
Olga Hampel Briggs, 1926
Bertha Eldred Brimmer, 1900
Marcia Brown '40
Burdette Buckingham, 1901
Paul G. Bulger '36
Elizabeth Huggins Bullard, 1887
Arvid Burke '28
Raymond T. Byrne '30
David L. Clark '51
Marian Moore Coleman, 1920
Raymond Collins '31
Daniel Corr '31
Doris Sweet Corwith, 1918
Frederick Crumb '30
Margaret Morey Cunningham, 1896
Mary E. Dardess, 1926
Anna Boochever De Beer, 1912
Roland De Marco '35
Vincent Julian Donehue '36
Kenneth Doran '39
Herbert Emanual Drooz '38
Norma Enea '43
George B. Erbstein '47
Merle Fifield '54
Mary Abigail Fillmore, 1849
Thomas E. Finegan, 1890
Elizabeth Strong Finley, 1928
Roderick Fraser '47
William Marshall French, 1929
Leonard Friedlander '39
Futterer, Agnes Futterer, 1916
Ruth Hilkert Gaffga '35
Patricia Golden '39
Harold V. Gould '47
George E. Groat '97
Gilbert E. Ganong, 1928
Francis E. Griffin, 1928
Donald L. Guertin '52
Kolin Hager, 1917
Katherine Spoore Harrington '37
Ethel Herbert, 1914
Clarence Hidley, 1915
Ira Hirsh '42
Helen E. Hobbie '36
D. Emma Wilber Hodge, 1917
Reinhard Hohaus, 1917
Melvin J. Horowitz '61
Elaine Barber Hritz '31
Leroy Irvis '38
John W. Jennings '49
Helen Fay Juneman, 1919
Evelyn A. Katusak '54
Lloyd L. Kelly '40
John F. Kennedy '30
Harry C. Kensky '43
Dorothy A. King '33
Thomas J. Kinsella '30
Louis M. Klein, 1929
Naoshi Koriyama '54
Nathan E. Kullman, Jr. ‘37
John B. Laing '54
Gary E. Larson '58
Thomas La Verne '39
Alvina Rich Lewis '33
Edward L. Long, 1917
Mary Helen Mahar '35
George Mallinson '38
Elwood Meschter '38
Mildred O'Malley Meskill, 1918
Dorothy A. McGinniss '32
Elizabeth Miller '50
Helen G. Moore '24
Peter P. Muirhead '34
Gladys E. Newell '30
Milton G. Nelson '24
Francis J. O'Brien '32
Clarence Olsen '41
Edward L.Osborn '31
Mary E. Osborn, 1920
A. Harry Passow '42
Harvey Patashnick '67
Thurston T. Paul '34
Anna Pierce, 1884
Edgar S. Pitkin, Sr., 1900
Edward Eldred Potter, 1917
Issac B. Poucher, 1847
Louis Rabineau '47
Elizabeth M. Rasmussen '34
Julia Fister Rector '32
Jane Bancroft Robinson, 1872
Edward J. Sabol '37
Helmuth Schultze '51
Minnie Brink Scotland, 1913
Irene Semanek '40
M. Margaretta Shea '35
Cornelius L. Shear, 1888
Mary Sherwood, M.D., 1874
Marjorie C. Smith, 1923
Harriet Aronowitz Sommers, 1918
J. Ellis Stannard, 1901
Erwin R.Steinberg '41
Kate Stoneman,1866
Lawrence W. Strattner, Jr. '39
William Torpey '35
Donald M. Tower, 1919
Winfield W. Tyler '43
Charles Tyndeell, 1880
Edwin R. Van Kleeck, 1927
James Van Sickle, 1873
Richard Wagner '54
James A. Warden '51
Anthony J. Wilk '39
Mabel A. WInter '30
Calvin Zippin '47
John B. Laing, Jr. '54 – Bertha E. Brimmer Medal