Hall of Fame
Recent Honorees
David M. DiMatteo ’84
Robert W. Hirsch ’97
Jim H. Tuttle ’71 ’82
Timothy S. Whitcomb ‘89
Alumni Hall of Fame – 2019
Married Couple Inducted into GCC’s Alumni Hall of Fame
Patti A. (Mancuso) Michalak ’70 and John A. Michalak’71
Patti A. (Mancuso) Michalak GCC class of ’70, and passionate equestrian met the love of her life at Genesee Community College in 1969, as she worked on her Secretarial Science AS degree. Then, in 1970, Patti Mancuso became Mrs. John Michalak. Patti stayed home and raised the couple’s three children, Timothy, Tamara and John Andrew II, then returned to the work force as a teacher aide and eventually a teaching assistant at BOCES (Boards of Cooperative Educational Services). She also operated her own businesses, The One Stop Party Shop and Bridal Fantasies, both located in The Liberty Square Plaza in Batavia. Most recently, Patti was elected councilwoman for the Board in the Town of Batavia in 2006 and she continues to serve in that role today.
John A. Michalak, GCC class of ’71, graduated from Oakfield Alabama High School and served in the United States Army from 1966-1968, was stationed in Vietnam from 1967-1968 and was awarded the Commendation Medal along with several other awards.
After graduation from GCC, John was appointed as the first executive director of the Batavia Youth Bureau, responsible for programs and activities for the city’s youth and summer parks programs. He later became a police officer in the Batavia Police Department. He graduated from the Federal Bureau of Investigations Academy in 1992 and worked as a detective, and was eventually promoted to Sergeant. In 2003, John retired after 32 years of service. Today, John is a security officer for the Towns of Batavia, Elba and occasionally Oakfield. He also prepares all of the necessary work for jury trials in local justice courts.
Through the many years, John and Patti have poured countless hours into supporting GCC through many initiatives, among them Homecoming events, Cougar Crawls, Fall Fests, the Car Cruise, Trek the Trails, and by encouraging many other GCC alumni to support their alma mater, including their own children. They are without a doubt, extraordinary and well -deserved inductees for the College’s Alumni Hall of Fame.
Alumni Hall of Fame – 2018
GEORGANN CARRUBBA, ‘03
President and CEO, Tencar
Georgann Carrubba graduated from GCC’s Nursing program in 2003. Her medical skills were complemented by not only a passion in caring for her patients, but also her keen sense of awareness of her patients’ needs. This included the struggles of ostomy patients (people living with an alternative method for solid waste disposal). Within the next decade, the registered nurse would become an inventor and develop a new prosthetic appliance, The Choice Cap, designed for active lifestyle for colostomy and ilesotomy patients.
She then founded a new company, Tencar, that provides high quality products for ostomates, dramatically improving their quality of life. Carrubba now holds three patents on The Choice Cap product line and has acquired over $400,000 in investments to manufacture and market her new product. In addition, GCC’s Board of Trustees approved her Start-Up New York application this past June.
SCOTT GARDNER, ‘98
President and CEO, Wyoming County Chamber of Commerce
Born and raised in Warsaw, NY, Scott Gardner has dedicated his professional career to making Wyoming County a vibrant community that welcomes a diverse range of opportunities—from tourism to agriculture, manufacturing to food processing. In 2013, he became president of the Wyoming County Chamber of Commerce leading new initiatives that have strengthened the Chamber and boosted tourism revenue benefitting businesses and the community.
Previously, he applied his interest in public policy as a legislative aide and chief of staff to Assemblymen Thomas M. Reynolds and Daniel J. Burling, respectively. He also helped manage a family business and worked as a consultant. He currently serves as the chairman of the Wyoming Foundation, and holds the rank of Major in the Civil Air Patrol in addition to a number of other volunteer and leadership positions. Gardner earned his AAS Paralegal from GCC in 1998 and attended SUNY Empire State College where he concentrated on Public Policy and Public Affairs.
Alumni Hall of Fame – 2017
GEORGE WALKER IV, ‘98
Senior Vice President of Creative Development, Dynamic Attractions
An award winning designer, George Walker IV has over 20 years of experience creating countless guest experiences. He spends his career bringing creativity to story-driven projects around the globe for clients such as Disney, Universal Studios, MGM, Warner Bros., Six Flags and Ferrari. They seek his talent for moving concepts through the complete process – from blue sky ideation, to real tangible guest experiences.
His roots began with Holiday Hollow Halloween Festival in Pembroke, a family-owned business, and also a miniature golf course that was featured on a national HGTV special. Before joining Dynamic, Walker was at the creative helm of a massive expansion of the Ferrari World theme park on the Yas Island Resort in Abu Dhabi where he opened the record-setting Flying Aces roller coaster. Dynamic Attractions creates theme parks around the world, and the Dynamic Creative Studio, headed by Walker, is in Orlando Florida.
JAMES BRANCIFORTE, ‘80
CEO Lifetime Assistance, Inc.
James Branciforte kicked off his distinguished, 40-year career serving developmentally disabled individuals with a GCC Human Services degree in 1980. Along his career path, he played leadership roles in NYS Office of People with Disabilities’ Division of Quality Assurance and People Inc. of Buffalo. In 1988, he joined Lifetime Assistance as president and CEO where his innovations have been recognized statewide.
He has been a board member on multiple advocacy associations such as NYS Rehabilitation Association’s Developmental Disabilities Division. He earned his Bachelor of Science in Social Work from the SUNY College at Brockport, and a Master of Social Work from Rockefeller College of Public Affairs and Policy at SUNY Albany. He and his wife Theresa live in LeRoy and are proud parents of three successful children, all whom began their secondary education at GCC as well!
Alumni Hall of Fame – 2016
Robert P. McJury was a member of the GCC class of 1978 and graduated with an Associate Degree in Business Administration. Shortly after graduating from the College, “Bob” was hired by Moore Business Forms, where he worked for the next 18 years, ascending the ranks from an account executive to national account sales manager and earning multiple President’s Club and Sales Achievement honors.
Highly successful at his profession, McJury was pursued for some time by TLF Graphics in Rochester, a company he eventually joined. Shortly after starting with TLF, Bob and two business partners took a risk and purchased the company, putting everything they had on the line. Since the acquisition, TLF has seen a constant trajectory of growth, both in sales and job creation in the Rochester region. TLF Graphics is now a multi-million dollar company with over 100 highly satisfied employees and has been named to the Rochester “Top 100” Company list on multiple occasions.
Aside from his great success in the business world, what sets Bob apart is his quiet and humble support of his community. Generous donations, fundraiser and business support are just some of the ways that he gives back to the Fairport area. A property owner of two sizeable barns, McJury regularly provides storage space at no cost for various community organizations, including the local Boy Scouts. He also works with The Advent House, a local hospice center, to store donations for its annual garage sale which generates over $30,000. The local community has come to rely on the generosity of McJury, especially during tough times. Recent tragedies including the deaths of local students have been aided by Bob, who provided donations of ribbons to help raise money for scholarship funds in memory of those that were lost. Bob is also a tremendous supporter of the Breast Cancer Coalition of Rochester (BCCR), providing services and support to those who have been diagnosed and are battling and recovering from the disease.
Starting with his humble beginnings, Bob has become an invaluable asset to hundreds, if not thousands of others. He currently resides in Fairport.
Barry G. Miller was recognized posthumously and remembered as a community-minded individual who dedicated his life to helping others. A lifelong resident of Bergen, Miller lived to give back to his hometown, tragically dying while on duty with the Bergen Fire Department in 2015. Barry graduated from Byron-Bergen High School in 1983 and attended GCC thereafter, earning an Associate Degree in Computer Repair Technology in 1986. He went on to earn a Bachelor’s Degree from Roberts Wesleyan College in Organizational Management.
Miller served his community through the Bergen Fire Department and as a member of the town board. He joined the fire department shortly after his high school graduation and remained a member, eventually becoming chief of Emergency Medical Services, until his line-of-duty death in 2015. Barry started the BFD Explorer Program where he mentored members and provided the needed training for becoming an emergency medical technician (EMT). He also served on the town council for several years and was appointed the deputy supervisor under Don Cunningham. Miller is remembered as an integral part of the Bergen community by organizing and participating in numerous Genesee County events.
After working as a computer repair technician and advancing his career to vice president of Business Methods Inc. in the 1990’s, Barry started Miller Millworks, Inc.; his own company that provided cabinet and finish carpentry in Bergen since 1996. As owner and CEO, Barry was a contractor and cabinet maker of lecterns, podiums, decks and media centers. He also owned the Beaver River Lodge in the Adirondacks, a 125 year old hotel located in the hamlet of Beaver River Station.
Barry will always be remembered as a highly supportive resident of the Bergen community and someone who was proud to help. Revered as an extremely generous man, one of his favorite ways to demonstrate his love and support of others was by supporting battered women and serving the people of Bergen and Genesee County. Beginning years before his death, Miller served as one of the Genesee County coroners. He was killed on September 23, 2015 while responding to an emergency call when the ambulance he was riding in was involved in a motor vehicle accident.
Uletha M. Jones began her highly successful career in nursing by obtaining an Associate Degree in Business Administration from GCC in 1989. She continued on to earn a B.S.N from the University of Rochester School of Nursing, a M.S.H from the University of Phoenix and a D.N.P from Duquesne University School of Nursing.
Currently serving as a lieutenant commander in the Navy Reserve, Jones performed two tours of active duty including deployment to Afghanistan in 2011 where she served as a trauma and intensive care nurse. While performing and fulfilling her military duties, Uletha has also taught nursing at Pensacola State College (Florida) and worked per diem at several hospitals including Strong Memorial Hospital, the National Naval Medical Center (Maryland) and the Naval Hospital at Camp Pendleton in California. She currently works at Finger Lakes Community College as an assistant professor of Nursing, in addition to working as a registered nurse in the intensive care unit at Highland Hospital in Rochester and as member of the nursing faculty at Kaplan Test Prep, Inc. in Ft. Lauderdale, Florida.
Jones is a member of the American Association of Critical Care Nurses, Sigma Theta Tau and the National League of Nursing. She continues to help others through her work and proudly serves her country. Uletha currently resides in Batavia.
Alumni Hall of Fame – 2015
Dr. Roger J. Klatt, Class of 1982
Roger Klatt earned his Liberal Arts & Science General Studies degree from GCC in 1982, where he was also a member of the basketball team. He went on to SUNY Brockport for a B.S. in Physical Education. At the University at Buffalo he earned a Master’s Degree in Elementary Education and a Doctorate in Educational Leadership and Policy.
Dr. Klatt has served as a teacher, coach and administrator. He is a proud graduate of Albion Central School where he chose to begin his teaching career. His teaching achievements were recognized when he was selected as Albion Central School’s “Educator of the Year” in 1995. He was superintendent of the Barker School District for six years and in 2013 accepted the challenge of also leading the Roy-Hart School District. There are very few superintendents who can say that they have successfully supervised two school districts. District accomplishments for Barker Central School include: a district ranking of 17 among the 98 Western New York school districts, a district “Achievement Index” ranking of two out of 425 schools across New York State and a “Silver Medal” rating by US News and World Report.
Dr. Klatt has received many awards during his successful career. Among them are: Niagara University Educational Leader of the Year in 2014, Coca-Cola’s Joseph B. Whitehead Educator of Distinction in 2010. He was selected to serve on the NYS Education Commissioner’s Advisory Council and as middle-level liaison to the NYS Education Department.
He lives in Barker with his wife of 24 years, Kristen. They have two daughters, Emily and Madeline. Emily recently graduated from Purdue University in Pharmacology and Madeline is in her third year at Oswego State University studying Business Management.
Renee A. Garrett, Class of 1993
Renee Garrett was inspired to pursue a career in education by influential teachers and a love for working with children. She earned a Liberal Arts & Science Teacher Education Transfer degree from GCC in 1993. After graduation from GCC she went on to SUNY Geneseo where she earned a Bachelor’s degree in Elementary Education and a Master’s degree in Reading and Literacy, and to The College at Brockport for a Master’s degree in Educational Administration and Supervision.
Renee began her career as a special education teacher in the Attica Central School District in 1996, where she also taught first grade from 2000-2002. Her management abilities were quickly recognized, and in 2002 she became principal of Sheldon Elementary in Attica. In 2006, she was hired as superintendent of Mt. Morris Central School District, and she moved to Wayne Central Schools in 2010. Recently, Renee was selected as superintendent of the Forestville Central School District.
During her time leading the Wayne Central Schools, Renee increased momentum of the new International Baccalaureate (IB) Diploma Programme and implemented tools to eliminate instructional gaps and redundancies. Two Wayne buildings were designated as high achieving schools. In 2012 Renee was highlighted in “Women To Watch” in the Rochester Democrat and Chronicle
Renee lives in Forestville, New York with her husband Mike and their dog Tess.
Alumni Hall of Fame – 2014
Lawrence Saupe, Class of 1989
Lawrence Saupe is a Lieutenant Colonel in the United States Air Force Reserve. He began his military service after graduating from Pembroke High School in 1982. He served as a crew chief for C-130 transport planes in Germany, graduating with honors from Flight Engineer School. After four years of active military service, Larry came to GCC in 1987, earning an associate’s degree in Engineering Science in 1989. He continued his studies at the University at Buffalo where he earned a Bachelor’s Degree in Aircraft Systems and Bachelor’s and Master’s Degrees in Mechanical Engineering. His senior year was delayed when he was deployed to Southwest Asia in support of Operation Desert Shield/Storm. He earned two air medals and his crew received a special honor for rescuing three critically injured Marines under hazardous conditions.
Larry was a research and development engineer at Graham Corporation in Batavia for ten years before taking a position in 2002 with General Electric in Schenectady, NY. After five years with GE he joined the Knolls Atomic Power Lab in Niskayuna, NY in 2007 where he currently serves as a Thermal Test Engineer. While pursuing his professional career, Larry has remained in the Air Force as a reservist and currently serves as an Air Operations Strategist with the 174th Attack Wing in Syracuse.
“Overall I have always strived to build on previous education and experience and also to share what I have learned with others,” Larry said. During his time at Graham he taught a Physics course at GCC. He is currently president of the Experimental Aircraft Association’s Adirondack chapter and speaks often to groups about aircraft performance and weather.
Larry lives in Galway, NY with his wife Shellie and stepdaughter Allison. Besides flying, he also enjoys biking, kayaking, sailing, boating and snowmobiling. He will be introduced by his sister, Jeannie (Saupe) Burdick, a 1981 GCC alumnus who is a professor/counselor at GCC.
Stephen Tarbell, Class of 1978
Stephen Tarbell took to heart the advice of his Criminal Justice Professor Ronald Hallman who told his students to know their community, get involved, volunteer and be part of the problem solving. After earning his Criminal Justice degree from GCC in 1978, Tarbell went to work for the Wyoming County Sheriff’s Department. Over a 23-year career, he served as a deputy sheriff, scientific evidence technician, technical sergeant and investigator specializing in crime scene and fire investigations.
While working for the Sheriff’s Department, Steve earned a Bachelor’s Degree in Criminal Justice/Public Administration/Accounting from Empire State College and a Master’s Degree from the Nelson A. Rockefeller School of Criminal Justice at the University of Albany.
At the same time Steve began his career in public service. He served on the Warsaw Central School Board, on the Village Board and as deputy mayor of Silver Springs, and as Wyoming County Youth Court coordinator. He served as town councilman for the Town of Castile and currently serves as the town supervisor. He is also a member of the Wyoming County Board of Supervisors and the Wyoming County Community Hospital Board of Managers.
Steve completed Leadership Wyoming and in 2013 received the program’s Alumni Leaders Award. He has received numerous other awards including Wyoming County Deputy of the Year and Wyoming County Sheriff’s Department Commendation Award, local, state, and national awards for his service to youth, as well as the U.S. Department of Justice FBI Commendation.
Steve lives in Silver Lake with his wife of more than 30 years, Mary Pamela, who says “he still finds time to be a great father, husband and grandfather to his granddaughter who he adores.”
Alumni Hall of Fame – 2013
Jeffrey M. Newland, Class of 1987
Upon completing three years as a paratrooper with the U.S. Army’s 82nd Airborne Division, Jeff began studying Communications and Media Arts at GCC and became involved with WGCC during its inaugural year of FM broadcast. After graduating with honors and receiving the SUNY Chancellor’s Award for Student Excellence in 1987, he headed to SUNY Geneseo and then Albany Law School. After working in litigation and serving as executive director of Big Brothers Big Sisters of Greater Rochester for five years, he founded and serves as president of Rochester Mentors. This partnership of mentoring programs aims to elevate the quality and quantity of youth mentoring. He has also founded his own consulting firm in Rochester, Best2Things-helping people reach their greatest potential. Jeff lives in Fairport with his wife and two teenage sons.
Shannon R. Sauro, Class of 1993
After graduating with a GCC criminal justice degree, Shannon continued her education at The College at Brockport, which eventually become her professional workplace–starting as a clerk in the bursar’s office in 1999. By 2005, her demonstrated abilities had earned her the job of Director of Telecommunications and she added Director of Business Processes two years later. She now oversees data, wireless data networks, campus phone, TV networks, implemented an emergency notification system and has been recognized with a Model of Efficiency Award by University Business Magazine. In 2010, she received Brockport’s Outstanding Service to the College Award and the Recent Alumnus Award, and in May 2012, she earned a Master’s in Public Administration with honors. Shannon is married with one daughter and resides in Holley.
Christopher J. Suozzi, Class of 1984
With a GCC degree in Math and Science, Chris went on to Alfred University for a degree in Industrial Engineering. He started his career with UPS in Boston then became Distribution and Engineering Manager for American Tourister in Florida. While there, he completed his MBA. He returned to Western New York in 1997, honing his skills in distribution and supply chain management with two food products companies. In 2007, he was thrilled to join the staff of Genesee County Economic Development Center as Vice President of Business Development. He has worked closely with his first alma mater to develop and implement sought-after programs, including the new Supply Chain Management concentration. His background has been instrumental in attracting new development to Genesee County including Alpina Foods and Muller Quaker Dairy. Chris lives in Batavia with his wife and three children. He’s very excited that his daughter will be a student at GCC next year.
Andrew J. Young, Class of 1989
With degrees from GCC, The College at Brockport and an MBA from RIT, Andrew became a top sales representative at Xerox and also co-founded PakHound Parcel Logistics, named one of Western New York’s fastest growing firms before it was acquired in 2005. He is an entrepreneur involved with many organizations, including president of The Young Group of Real Estate Companies, which he founded. He was recognized as one of 40 under 40 rising stars in business by both Buffalo Business First and The Rochester Business Journal. He is very active in the community working with the Business Education Alliance, Genesee County Economic Development Center, the Chamber of Commerce, Genesee County Republican Committee and the Town of Batavia Zoning Board of Appeals. He is also a member of the National Association of Realtors. Andrew lives in Batavia on his family’s active 200-acre farm with his wife and four children.
Alumni Hall of Fame – 2012
John H. DeWitt, Class of 1969
Honoree John DeWitt is, in many ways, a pioneer-he was among the first graduates of GCC in 1969, and while a student, he founded the Student Government Association and became its first president. In 1978, he returned to the campus to become the first graduate to serve on the Board of Trustees, and helped plot its growth for nine years. During his tenure, he was an integral member of the visionary team that founded the GCC Foundation, which invests in the region and its future workforce by using donations from various sources for student scholarships. Mr. DeWitt also served GCC as interim development director, and has provided invaluable assistance to GCC Alumni Director Jackie Christenson, by offering advice and assistance on various fundraising and alumni projects. John and his wife Caryn live in Williamsville. They have four children, two of whom attended GCC.
Cynthia M. Howe, Class of 1984
Cynthia Howe managed to make Dean’s List during every semester at GCC while juggling the demands of raising two young children and working part-time. After graduating, Ms. Howe launched her career as an RN in the orthopedic unit at Park Ridge Hospital in Rochester, while earning her bachelor’s degree and becoming a key member of the National Association of Orthopedic Nurses. That affiliation would later propel her onto the organization’s board of directors and into its presidency. It was during this time that Ms. Howe also earned her Master’s Degree in Nursing. Her expertise in the field of orthopedic care has been recognized by the U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs, where she is a leader in establishing Safe Patient Handling Practices for orthopedic patients at VA facilities. As the nurse manager of the highly respected orthopedic clinic at Dartmouth Medical Center in Hanover, New Hampshire, Ms. Howe is an acknowledged leader and innovator in the field of orthopedic medicine with several published papers to her credit. Cynthia and her husband Peter reside in Grantham, NH.
Daniel P. Ireland, Class of 1992
A long and varied career in medicine started for Daniel Ireland in 1990, when he began working as an orderly at United Memorial Medical Center in Batavia, while acquiring his associate’s degree from GCC. His exceptional work propelled him to serve as a floor nurse on a medical/surgical unit. From there he went on to earn a BSN from SUNY Brockport in 1994 and his MBA from Rochester Institute of Technology in 1997. Mr. Ireland continued his career at UMMC, becoming an IT clinical analyst, then an administrative analyst, and in 2004, he was named director of quality management. His work steering the department earned him a promotion to vice president of Clinical Support Services in 2005, and in 2010, he advanced to vice president of operations, where he has oversees the medical center’s capital improvement projects, including diagnostic and housing renovations at the Jerome Center, as well as its surgical expansion. He also serves as the administrator of emergency preparedness activities and is UMMC’s liaison to the Genesee County Health Department. Additionally, Mr. Ireland has overseen the physical therapy relocation project at GCC. He and his wife Amy and their three children make their home in Byron, NY.
Alumni Hall of Fame – 2011
Jacquelyn Dwyer, Class of 1976
Jacquelyn “Jacquie” Dwyer received her Associate’s degree from Genesee in Nursing in 1976. Prior to that she earned a Bachelor’s degree in Education from St. Xavier University and later went on to obtain a Master’s degree in Education at SUNY Brockport. She began her career in education and became a registered nurse in 1976 after attending classes at Genesee as a non-traditional aged student. She began her nursing career at Batavia City Schools as a school nurse and then became an instructor of Human Services and Health Careers at Genesee Valley BOCES. She has dedicated her life to not only the education and health care fields, but has also dedicated much of her time to volunteer in dozens of local community groups. From Go Art to the American Red Cross, to Community Mental Health Services to the Richmond Library, Jacquelyn has made volunteering an important commitment in her life. She currently remains active in the UMMC League, Friends of the Library, YWCA My Sister’s Closet, and Resurrection Parish. Jacquelyn and her husband John have supported Genesee for several years and have participated in Encore, various capital projects and the GCC Foundation’s Annual Fund. Jacquelyn and John had nine children together and currently reside in Batavia, NY.
Benjamin J. Bonarigo Esq., Class of 1977
Benjamin Bonarigo, a first generation college graduate, began his education at Genesee with a degree in Business Administration and later went on to the University of Buffalo where he earned a bachelor’s degree and a Juris Doctorate degree. Mr. Bonarigo has been a practicing lawyer in the local community for over 25 years. He has been appointed a member of the NYS Bar Association House of Delegates, NYS Appellate Division Grievance Committee for the Fourth Department, Secretary of the Genesee County Bar Association and a former Independent Judicial Qualification Commission Member. He has served the local community including the Batavia Youth Football League where he has been a board member for over 20 years and was recently honored with the Notre Dame Service and Volunteer Award for having served in various positions on the Notre Dame High School Board of Trustees for ten years. Mr. Bonarigo has also supported many vital organizations such as UMMC, Go Art, United Way, GCASA, CASA and the Holland Land Office. Mr. Bonarigo currently lives in Batavia with his wife Diane and they have three children, Benjamin, Justine and Elizabeth.
Matthew B. Locker, Class of 1988
Matt Locker came to Genesee by way of the US Virgin Islands, and focused his talents on WGCC, the College’s brand new radio station in 1985. He dedicated his years at GCC to developing the station and even having a highly successful radio program. He coined the phrase “This is the Music FM, WGCC in Batavia, New York” and created the first logo WGCC ever had. His work on the radio has led Matt to be successful over the air waves as well as in front and behind of the camera. Matt has in the past worked as the managing editor/ anchor of “The Staten Island NewsCenter” in Staten Island, NY, as well as an anchor and program director on news stations in New Jersey. He has appeared in motion pictures, television programs, commercials and live stage theatre performances. Matt’s commitment to the College has been remarkable and his efforts were the driving force behind the great alumni turnout for the first Homecoming celebration back in October 2010. He continues to help out with the student radio station and currently updates the WGCC Alumni Facebook page to continue to connect with Communications and Media Arts alumni. Matt currently works as a freelance voiceover artist, and is president of Winbeam Light Labs, the company he founded upon developing the world’s first High Definition fluorescent lamp. Matthew resides in Wanaque, New Jersey.
