Locals: People and Businesses in the News

MILLER ON THE MOVE: On March 21, Nathaniel G. Miller of Fly Creek graduated from Basic Training at the Fort Jackson United States Army Base in Columbia, South Carolina. Miller is a 2019 graduate of Cooperstown High School and a 2023 graduate of the University of Buffalo, with a degree in business management (concentration in information systems). He is currently continuing his training in Signals Intelligence at the Fort Eisenhower Army Base in Augusta, Georgia. Upon completion of his specialty area training in August, Miller will join a U.S. Army Reserve Unit for his commitment of service. He is the son of Deborah and Bruce Miller of Fly Creek and the grandson of Richard and Joyce Miller of Oneonta.

GELBSMAN GRAD: Lennon Rose Gelbsman, daughter of Jeff and Nicole, granddaughter of Howard and Joyce and Jim and MaryAnn, graduated from the University of Michigan in May 2024. Lennon received a master’s in management degree from the Ross School of Business. “We wish her luck as she starts her career in New York City,” writes mom Nicole. “Go Blue!”

WOODEN WOWS: SUNY Oneonta has tapped three students with the 2024 SUNY Chancellor’s Award for Student Excellence, the highest accolade a SUNY student can receive. Graham Wooden of Oneonta was among those awarded the honor, which is reserved for students who “demonstrate academic excellence and integrate it with accomplishments in other areas, such as leadership, campus involvement, community service and the arts,” according to a press release. Wooden is an exercise science major whose academic honors also include the Susan Sutton Smith Award and the Richard Siegfried Student Award. The CASE is presented annually by the SUNY Chancellor, a role currently held by John B. King Jr.

ART SHOW: The 2024 Juried Student Art Show at SUNY Oneonta featured almost 90 works of art by more than 50 student artists. These artists submitted pieces for review, which were then vetted and selected for exhibit by SUNY Oneonta Art Department faculty members. The variety of mediums used reflected the diversity of art on display, organizers said. Local students whose work was featured in the exhibit are: Gabrielle Rose De Silva, Cooperstown; Quinten Bissell-Smith, Dylan Elman, Amy Kosina, and Victoria Villaverde, Oneonta; and Gracie Roefs, Unadilla.

LAW ENFORCEMENT GRADS: Last month, five new cadets received their Basic Course for Police Officers Certificate upon graduation from the SUNY Oneonta Law Enforcement Academy. “We are proud of this academy class and look forward to witnessing the impact they will make within their communities,” said University Police Chief Dirk Budd. The graduates are currently employed within local departments: James Hogan, Joshua Karmazyn, and Zackary Laffin are serving with the New York State University Police-Oneonta; Kendra Connor is with the Solvay Police Department; and Wyatt Malave has joined the Walton Police Department. To learn more about upcoming law enforcement programs, visit https://suny.oneonta.edu/suny-oneonta-law-enforcement-academy.

CLARKE INDUCTED: Raynella Clarke of Richfield Springs was recently inducted into the Phi Alpha Theta honor society chapter at SUNY Oneonta. Phi Alpha Theta is an honor society for both undergraduate and graduate students, as well as professors within the field of history. To be considered, undergraduate students must have completed at least 12 credits within the History Department and maintain a departmental GPA of at least 3.1, and an overall GPA of at least 3.0. Clarke is an anthropology and history major and will graduate in 2024.

ONEONTA STUDENTS JOIN SOCIETY: In early April, SUNY Oneonta inducted 45 student-athletes into Chi Alpha Sigma, an honor society which recognized student-athletes who maintain a GPA of at least 3.4 during their junior and senior years, while also earning a varsity letter. The students must also have a good moral character, as determined by the coaching staff. Graham Wooden and Cadence Dudley of Oneonta were among those inducted.

ELMIRA DEAN’S LIST: Elmira College recently released its Dean’s List for Academic Achievement for the winter 2024 term. This list is reserved for undergraduate students who are enrolled full-time and maintain a GPA of at least 3.6. Maura Buck of Richfield Springs and Maya Powers of Worcester were named.

DELHI SCHOLARSHIP STUDENTS: Presidential scholarships were recently awarded to 10 high-achieving local students at SUNY Delhi. This award is reserved for students residing within a 50-mile radius of SUNY Delhi who have been accepted into the school and have maintained a high-school GPA of at least 93. The scholarship package includes $7,000.00 per academic year for non-tuition expenses for up to eight consecutive semesters, as long as the student maintains an overall GPA of at least 3.3. The following students were awarded the scholarship: Nikolaos Anastos, Maine-Endwell Senior High School; Eve Foster, Walton High School; Madalynn Gaias, Bainbridge-Guilford High School; Grady Glennon, Hunter-Tannersville High School; Sarah Gorr, Roscoe High School; Alexis Hilton, Franklin High School; Katie Nichols, Margaretville High School; Olivia Streeter, Maryland, New York; Lucas Van Dyke, Franklin High School; and Trevor Waid, Charlotte Valley High School.

SIGMA TAU DELTA GROWS: SUNY Oneonta recently inducted 21 students into Sigma Tau Delta honor society. Sigma Tau Delta is the International English Honor Society, which requires members in their sophomore year and up to maintain a departmental GPA of at least 3.5 and an overall GPA of at least 3.0. The following local students were inducted: Samantha Harvey of Maryland and Leighlyn Revere of Oneonta.

TRANSFER STUDENTS HONORED: Twenty students were recently inducted into the Tau Sigma National Honor Society chapter of SUNY Oneonta. The society is for transfer students who maintain a GPA of at least 3.5 or are within the top 20 percent of all incoming transfer students during their incoming semester. The following local students were honored: Madison Hayes, Cooperstown; Emily Putman, Maryland; Natalie Segina, Mount Vision; Valerie DiToro, Oneonta; and Hannah Hasselbarth, Sidney.

ST. LAWRENCE DEAN’S LIST: St. Lawrence University recently released its fall 2023 semester Dean’s List, which requires students to complete at least four semesters and hold a GPA of at least 3.6. The following local students were honored: John Hill-Edgar, Cooperstown; Madyson McCarthy, New Berlin; and Autumn Nealis and Garrett Seeley, Oneonta.

A MEDAL FOR MICHAELS: In early April, Alfred State College hosted the 2024 SkillsUSA New York State Leadership and Skills Conference Postsecondary Championship, where 40 students competed to show off their career and technical aptitude. Students from Alfred State and the Culinary Institute of America vied for spots to go on to the 60th National SkillsUSA Championship, which will be held in Atlanta, Georgia from June 24-28 of this year. Of the 10 Gold Medal Winners, local Henry Michaels was among them, and has earned the right to advance.

ONEONTA DIVERSITY AWARDS: SUNY Oneonta recently held its 2024 Kente Graduation Recognition Ceremony, an annual ceremony recognizing the achievements of the university’s “diverse student population of African-American, Latinx, Asian and Native American students and non-AALANA students and allies,” according to a press release. The following students were honored: Riley Bowen, Hartwick; John Hamill IV and River Pina, Oneonta; and Raynella Clarke, Richfield Springs.

‘CABARET’ OPENS AND CLOSES DOORS: More than 50 SUNY Oneonta students and the Theatre Department produced a limited run of the Tony Award-winning musical, “Cabaret,” last month. Per a press release on the event, “Cabaret” was “created by American playwright Joe Masteroff, [and] follows Cliff Bradshaw, an American writer, as he navigates Berlin in the early 1930s, befriending other residents of his low-rent boarding house including relation-interest Sally Bowles, a dancer and singer at the Kit Kat Club.” Andrew Kahl, a professor of acting and directing, directed the show, which ran April 24-27. Local students Riley Brown of Fly Creek and John Wolfert of Oneonta were involved in the production.

JERRY’S OPENS FOR SEASON: Jerry’s Place Ice Cream & Grill in Hartwick has reopened for its 24th season. “Embracing nostalgia and innovation, Jerry’s Place has transformed its arcade into a retro style eating area, complete with vibrant red ‘Cadillac’ booths, providing patrons with a delightful throwback experience. From now until Memorial Day weekend, the grill is open from 11 a.m. to 8 p.m., offering a delectable selection of burgers and fries alongside an array of mouthwatering treats,” owners said. Jerry’s Place Ice Cream & Grill is located at 6635 NY-28, Hartwick.

LEONARD IS ALL-AMERICAN: The Alvernia University Men’s Wrestling team has recently announced eight student-athletes who earned individual NCAA Division III Scholar All-American honors from The National Wrestling Coaches Association. Avery Leonard of Maryland is among those eight students. To qualify, students must have a minimum cumulative GPA of 3.2 and either have won in a regional competition or won 66 percent of all competitions out of a minimum of 15 matches.

DELHI STUDENTS INDUCTED: Two local students were recently inducted into various SUNY Delhi national honor societies. Catherine Lusins of Oneonta was inducted into the Alpha Phi Sigma Honors Society, which recognizes academic excellence in the Criminal Justice department. Krystal Utter of Worcester was inducted into two societies: Phi Theta Kappa and Phi Eta Sigma. The former requires students to complete at least 12 credit hours and maintain a minimum 3.5 GPA, and the latter honors students for high achievement during their first year, requiring students to maintain a minimum GPA of 3.0.

ELMAN CERTIFIED: Dylan Elman of Oneonta has been named as one of 17 peer tutors who received the National Tutor Association Level 1 Certification, and one of seven peer tutors who received the National Tutor Association Level 2 Certification. These were completed through the SUNY Oneonta Student Learning Center. Elman is a student at SUNY Oneonta majoring in computer science and digital and studio art.

SCHOOL RECEIVES FUNDING: SUNY Delhi recently announced they are once again receiving funding from New York State, in the form of a “$900,000.00 increase in operating aid for a combined total increase of $2.8 million, or 51 percent, over the past two years,” according to a press release. These investments were allocated for SUNY Delhi’s 2023-2024 and 2024-2025 budgets.

CLIMENHAGA HONORED: The 39th Annual Student Leadership Banquet took place at SUNY Cortland last month. During the banquet, 49 students were honored for their campus leadership roles. Zoe Climenhaga of Cherry Valley was among those honored.

STUDENT ART SHOW: The Term III Senior Art and Selected Student Works Show was on display from May 2-9 at Elmira College in the George Waters Art Gallery, with senior art pieces continuing to be on display until May 19. Maura Buck of Richfield Springs was one such senior who had their work displayed.

POTSDAM COMMENCEMENT: SUNY Pots-dam recognized the graduating Class of 2024 on Saturday, May 18. Local students were among the graduates. Andrew Bowen of Hartwick graduated magna cum laude with a bachelor of fine arts in art education (Pre-K-12). Kristin Preston of Otego graduated with distinction with a master of science teaching degree in childhood education. Nicholas Chase of Schenevus graduated with a bachelor of arts in politics. Ushuaia Diaz of Schenevus graduated with a master of music degree in music performance.

SNHU CELEBRATES STUDENTS: Southern New Hampshire University has released the names of students on its Winter 2024 President’s List. The distinction is reserved for students who are full time and maintain a GPA of 3.7. Several local students made the list: Nicole Okarski of Hartwick; Diana Hobbib Shanks and Kaitlin Eldred of Oneonta; Melissa Youker of Richfield Springs; Wyatt Thurber of Richmondville; Joseph Gannon of Sidney; Christy Crabtree of Springfield Center; and Anthony Tewell of Worcester.

MCADAMS EARNS AWARD: Lauren McAdams of Unadilla was recently recognized as having the highest GPA in their class at the 2024 Frederick W. Saburro Honors Convocation in the SUNY Canton Funeral Services Administration program.

ONEONTA STUDENT RESEARCH: The 2024 Oneonta Student Research and Creative Activity, held April 24-25, showcased the work of 125 students. “The annual SRCA showcase allows students to participate in academic conference-style presentation sessions on campus where the community can learn about students’ creative projects,” said a press release on the event. Local students who participated in the event were: Nicholas Jordan, Cherry Valley; and Timothy Picozzi, Jhon Rios, Madison Stanley, Matthew Vlietstra, and Graham Wooden, Oneonta.

LAFLAIR JOINS TEAM: Nicholas LaFlair has recently been hired as AVP Commercial Lending and Senior Commercial Loan Officer of the Sidney Federal Credit Union. “I’m incredibly grateful and excited to join the team at SFCU,” said LaFlair.

HERKIMER EMPLOYEES HONORED: Three Herkimer College employees have been honored with the 2024 SUNY Chancellor’s Award for Excellence, given to those with superior professional achievement and who have encouraged ongoing pursuits of excellence. Aaron Alford of Ilion, Robert Gassmann, and Shea Manley were among the recipients. Alford recently retired from Herkimer College after serving in various roles and was awarded for Excellence in Professional Service. Gassmann is a professor of communication and media, and was awarded for Excellence in Teaching. Manley is the campus peace officer and was awarded for Excellence in the Classified Service.

SNHU CONGRATULATES STUDENTS: Two local students were recently named on the Winter 2024 Dean’s List at Southern New Hampshire University. This honor is given to students who are enrolled full time and maintain a GPA of 3.5-3.69. Elizabeth Dixon of Oneonta and Jennifer Race of Worcester were on the list.