Distinguished Alumni Award Recipients
James C. Diermeier '77
Associate Director of Outdoor Gardens, New York Botanical Garden
A.A.S. Natural Resource Conservation
In recognition of an outstanding career in horticulture and commitment to the green industry
Sandra Smithoover Maine ‘76
Founder and Owner, SunFeather Natural Soap Company
A.A.S. Criminal Justice
B.S. SUNY Potsdam
In recognition of leadership in directing a world-renowned company producing quality handmade products and for commitment to supporting humanitarian and environmental efforts worldwide
Richard J. Plympton ’84, ‘85
CEO and Vice President, Optimax Systems, Inc.
A.S. Business Administration
A.S. Computer Science
A.S. Engineering Science
B.S. and M.B.A. University of Rochester
In recognition of the leadership and innovative initiatives that have changed the optics industry services and expectations; and for his unwavering promotion of lifelong learning and having fun
William "Willie" F. Simmons '80
Senior Vice President, Finance - Excellus Health Plan
A.A.S. Accounting
B.S. St. John Fisher
M.B.A. University of Rochester - Simon School
In recognition of his business achievement in the corporate world and commitment to the community
David L. Jewett '89
Professional Athlete; Two-time Timbersport World Champion
A.A.S. Horticulture
B.S. Colorado State
In recognition of his success as a professional athlete in a sport that demands strength, ability, and heart and for his courage in times of overwhelming challenge
Dr. Suzanne Bamonto Graney ‘91
Assistant Professor School Psychology Program, RIT
A.A. Liberal Arts and Sciences
B.A. SUNY at Geneseo
Ph.D. University of Oregon
Distinguished Alumni Award 2006
In recognition of educational research, collaboration, and advocacy leading to changing attitudes and approaches to educating children, particularly those who experience difficulties in acquiring literacy
Laura M. Gross ‘84
Executive Director/CEO Canandaigua YMCA
A.S. Liberal Arts and Sciences
B.S. Nazareth College
Distinguished Alumni Award 2006
In recognition of non-profit leadership encouraging health, fitness and well-being to individuals and families in Canandaigua
Jeffery R. Kehrer ‘83
A.A.S. criminal justice; B.S. John Jay College of Criminal Justice
Distinguished Alumni Award 2005
In recognition of his Washington, D.C. based law enforcement career serving U.S. Presidents and Vice-presidents in several capacities
Donald P. Rivers, Esq. ‘73
A.A. Liberal Arts and Sciences; B.A. SUNY Buffalo;
Juris Doctor University of Southern California,
Gould School of Law
Distinguished Alumni Award 2005
In recognition of personal dedication to public service, a commitment to creating cultural opportunity, and a successful legal career
Kevin D. Flynn ‘79
A.S. Liberal Arts and Sciences;
B.S. Cornell University;
M.P.S. Cornell University
Distinguished Alumni Award 2005
In recognition of the quest to meet the challenge to climb the world’s highest mountain peaks, entrepreneurial business achievement, and commitment to volunteerism
Jean S. Cass ‘81
Co-Founder/Director, House of John
A.A.S. Nursing
Distinguished Alumni Award 2001
In recognition of volunteer efforts and dedication to establish and set up the House of John, a home for the dying and their families
Laurie VerSchneider Broccolo ’78
Owner, Broccolo Tree & Lawn Care, Inc.
Distinguished Alumni Award 2001
A.A.S. Ornamental Horticulture
In recognition of outstanding achievement and dedication to environmentally sound principles of horticulture
Dr. Sadredin (Dean) Moosavi ‘89
Assistant Professor, Minnesota State University Mankato
Distinguished Alumni Award 2002
A.S. Liberal Arts and Sciences; B.S. SUNY Environmental Science & Forestry; M.S. and Ph.D. University of New Hampshire
In recognition of research in global change and dedication to assisting students academically and in extracurricular leadership activities
Annie L. Moore-Cox ‘85
Nurse Educator
Distinguished Alumni Award 2002
A.A.S. Nursing; B.A. University of Albany ; M.S. Russell Sage College
In recognition of research and pioneer efforts in Web-based learning in nursing education
Yvonne Lowrey Jolly ‘86
Adult Nurse Practitioner, Canandaigua Medical Group
Distinguished Alumni Award 2002
A.A.S Nursing; B.S. Nazareth College ; M.S. Syracuse University School of Nursing
In recognition of the spirit to overcome academic challenges in pursuit of several advanced nursing degrees and professional opportunities
Philip C. Povero ’72, ’74
Ontario County Sheriff
Distinguished Alumni Award 2001
A.A. Liberal Arts and Sciences; A.A.S. Criminal Justice; B.S. Rochester Institute of Technology
In recognition of outstanding career in law enforcement and dedication to community organizations supporting youth and promoting public safety issues
Rudy W. Musclow ‘78
Chief of Law Enforcement - Utah Division of Wildlife Resources
Distinguished Alumni Award 2004
A.A.S. Natural Resources Conservation, B.S. Utah State University
In recognition of a career in the wildlife resources field, which is by nature one of service, and in tribute of professional and personal ethics
William P. Santelli ‘73
Self-employed Artist and Owner - Bill Santelli Studio
Distinguished Alumni Award 2004
A.A. Liberal Arts and Sciences; B.S. SUNY at New Paltz
In recognition of the artistic talent, business acumen, and resolve to craft his passion into a livelihood as a professional artist working with acrylics on canvas
Richard D. Thomas ‘81
Environmental Conservation Officer, NYS Department of Environmental Conservation
Distinguished Alumni Award 2003
A.A.S. Natural Resources Conservation
In recognition of outstanding career in environmental law enforcement, commitment to promoting the importance of environmental protection, and dedication to public health and safety
Susan C. Treadwell ’74
Director of Quality Assurance/Health Services - Finger Lakes United Cerebral Palsy, Inc.
Distinguished Alumni Award 2001
A.A.S. Nursing; B.S.N. Alfred University
In recognition of service to individuals with developmental disabilities and their families
Lori Franklin Nellist ‘82
Co-Founder and Co-Director, New Frontiers
Distinguished Alumni Award 2002
A.A.S. Natural Resources Conservation
In recognition of the effort and dedication to establish New Frontiers, an internationally recognized nonprofit organization that offers interactive, challenging adventure activities designed to help people develop purpose-driven lives
Dr. Richard J. Rivers ’75
Chief of Anesthesiology, Lattimore Surgical Center
Associate Professor, University of Rochester
Distinguished Alumni Award 2001
A.S. Liberal Arts and Sciences; B.S. Clarkson University ; M.D. Medical College of Ohio ; Ph.D. University of Virginia Health Sciences Center
In recognition of outstanding educational achievement and dedication to the field of medicine
Richard A. Williams ‘80
Environmental Program Manager, Xerox Corporation
Distinguished Alumni Award 2003
A.A.S. Natural Resources Conservation; B.S. SUNY Empire State College; M.S. R.I.T.
In recognition of accomplishments in the environmental management field and for a career commitment to water quality issues.
Linda S. Ochs ’94
Founding Director, Finger Lakes Citizens for the Environment
Distinguished Alumni Award 2001
A.A.S. Natural Resources Conservation; B.S. Empire State College
In recognition of commitment and dedication to promoting the importance of environmental protection
Anthony Faiola ‘72
Assistant Professor, Purdue University
Distinguished Alumni Award 2001
A.A. Liberal Arts and Sciences; B.F.A. SUNY at New Paltz; M.A. SUNY at Albany; M.A. Ohio State University; M.F.A. Ohio State University
In recognition of career achievement in visual communication design, graphic technology, and the cognitive sciences
