Announcements

DeEtta Burch, a long-time Batavia and Attica resident, celebrated her 90th birthday this week in Noblesville, Indiana, with her family.

Burch attended Warsaw High School before moving to Batavia as a young woman.

Photo: Her children, Phyllis White, Robin Sword, Timothy Burch, Terri Burch, and Kennetta White. Daughter Cheryl Burch Cook was unable to attend.

Photo submitted by Timothy Burch,

Press release:

Buffalo State College is pleased to recognize the following students who have been named to the Spring 2022 Dean's List. In general, students who have completed at least 12 credit hours and who have attained a GPA of 3.5 or higher qualify for the Buffalo State dean's list. Full criteria and grade-type exceptions can be found in the undergraduate catalog.

• Megan Gilman of Basom
• Stephanie Gilman of Basom
• Alyssa Cook of Batavia
• Grace Krizen of Batavia
• Robert Stabler of Elba
• Morgan Harrington of Elba
• Connor Rohan of Oakfield
• Talidy Blijden of Batavia

Press release:

Elijah Stringham of East Bethany, NY, a member of the Class of 2025, has been named to the Spring 2022 Dean's List at Stonehill College.

To qualify for the Dean's List, students must have a semester grade point average of 3.50 or better and must have completed successfully all courses for which they were registered.

About Stonehill College
Stonehill College, a Catholic institution of higher learning, was founded by the Congregation of Holy Cross in 1948. Located on the beautiful 384-acre campus and former estate of Frederick Lothrop Ames in North Easton, Massachusetts, it is a community of scholarship and faith, anchored by a belief in the inherent dignity of each person.

Through more than 100 academic programs in the liberal arts, sciences, business and pre-professional field, Stonehill College provides an education of the highest caliber that fosters critical thinking, free inquiry and the interchange of ideas for over 2,500 students.

Stonehill College educates the whole person so that each Stonehill graduate thinks, acts and leads with courage toward the creation of a more just and compassionate world.

Press release:

Students have been named Presidential Scholars for the Spring 2022 semester at Clarkson University.

Colby Martin Leggo of Bergen, NY, a junior majoring in electrical engineering, was named a Presidential Scholar for the Spring 2022 semester at Clarkson University.

Jacob Perez Gangi of Elba, NY, a senior majoring in civil engineering, was named a Presidential Scholar for the Spring 2022 semester at Clarkson University.

Presidential Scholars must achieve a minimum 3.80 grade-point average and carry at least 14 credit hours.

As a private, national research university, Clarkson is a leader in technological education and sustainable economic development through teaching, scholarship, research and innovation. We ignite personal connections across academic fields and industries to create the entrepreneurial mindset, knowledge and intellectual curiosity needed to innovate world-relevant solutions and cultivate the leaders of tomorrow. With its main campus located in Potsdam, N.Y., and additional graduate program and research facilities in the New York Capital Region, Beacon, N.Y., and New York City, Clarkson educates 4,300 students across 95 rigorous programs of study in engineering, business, the arts, education, sciences and health professions. Our alumni earn salaries that are among the top 2.5% in the nation and realize accelerated career growth. One in five already leads as a CEO, senior executive or owner of a company.

Press release:

Maria Fontaine of Darien Center, NY was named to the Cazenovia College Dean's List for the Spring 2022 semester. Those named to the Dean's List have achieved a 3.5 or better grade point average.

Cazenovia College is an independent, co-educational college near Syracuse, N.Y., offering graduate and bachelor degree programs in the liberal arts and professional studies in an exceptional community environment, with academic and co-curricular programs devoted to developing leaders in their fields. Cazenovia has been named a "Best College" by U.S. News & World Report for seventeen consecutive years and has also been recognized by Money and Washington Monthly as a best value institution. For more information, visit www.cazenovia.edu.

Press release:

The following local students have been named to the Dean's List for the Spring 2022 semester at Clarkson University:

Lucy R Coniber of Corfu, NY, a freshman majoring in biology

Evan Hunter Dusky of Basom, NY, a senior majoring in mechanical engineering

Paige Elizabeth Haile of Batavia, NY, a junior majoring in biology

Dean's List students must achieve a minimum 3.25 grade-point average and also carry at least 14 credit hours.

As a private, national research university, Clarkson is a leader in technological education and sustainable economic development through teaching, scholarship, research and innovation. We ignite personal connections across academic fields and industries to create the entrepreneurial mindset, knowledge and intellectual curiosity needed to innovate world-relevant solutions and cultivate the leaders of tomorrow. With its main campus located in Potsdam, N.Y., and additional graduate program and research facilities in the New York Capital Region, Beacon, N.Y., and New York City, Clarkson educates 4,300 students across 95 rigorous programs of study in engineering, business, the arts, education, sciences and health professions. Our alumni earn salaries that are among the top 2.5% in the nation and realize accelerated career growth. One in five already leads as a CEO, senior executive or owner of a company.

Press release:

Nazareth students named to the spring 2022 Dean's List.

• Kimberly Davis of Pavilion
• Lauren Eddy of Batavia
• Sarah Efing of Le Roy
• Laura Lepkowski of Batavia
• Emily Overacker of Le Roy
• Savannah Pangrazio of Oakfield
• Lauren Reding of Oakfield
• Sydney Vanderhoof of Le Roy

Nazareth College's academic strengths cross an unusually broad spectrum of 60 majors, including education, health and human services, management, the fine arts, music, theater, math and science, foreign languages, and the liberal arts. The coeducational, religiously independent, classic campus in a charming suburb of Rochester, N.Y. challenges and supports 2,000 undergrads and 800 graduate students. Nazareth is recognized nationally for its Fulbright global student scholars and commitment to civic engagement. Rigorous programs, an uncommon core, experiential learning, career skills, and a global focus prepare graduates for not just one job, but for their life's work.

Press release:

The State University of New York at Potsdam will recognize the Class of 2022 during the College's 202nd Commencement Ceremony on Saturday, May 21.

During Commencement, SUNY Potsdam honors students who have either earned their degree or are eligible to graduate during that calendar year.

The local candidates for graduation include:

• Mason Fuller of Bergen, who is set to graduate summa cum laude with a Bachelor of Arts degree in Arts Management

• Harmony Parker of Pavilion, who is set to graduate cum laude with a Bachelor of Arts degree in Archaeological Studies

• Joshua Phelps of Bergen, who is set to graduate cum laude with a Bachelor of Arts degree in Arts Management

• Nicole Ridley of Le Roy, who is set to graduate cum laude with a Bachelor of Science degree in Business Administration

To learn more about Commencement at SUNY Potsdam, visit www.potsdam.edu/commencement.

Press Release:

Kimberly Davis of Pavilion, NY, graduated Magna Cum Laude from Nazareth College with a bachelor's degree in Health Sciences and a minor in Psychology during the 95th Commencement ceremony on campus at the Golisano Training Center on Saturday, May 14, 2022.

Nazareth College's academic strengths cross an unusually broad spectrum of 60 majors, including education, health and human services, management, the fine arts, music, theater, math and science, foreign languages, and the liberal arts. The coeducational, religiously independent, classic campus in a charming suburb of Rochester, N.Y. challenges and supports 2,000 undergrads and 800 graduate students. Nazareth is recognized nationally for its Fulbright global student scholars and commitment to civic engagement. Rigorous programs, an uncommon core, experiential learning, career skills, and a global focus prepare graduates for not just one job, but for their life's work.

Press Release:

LATHAM, NY -- Major General Ray Shields, the Adjutant General for the State of New York, announces the promotion of the New York Army National Guard members in recognition of their capability for additional responsibility and leadership.

Hunter Albright from Elba (zip code 14058), N.Y., and assigned to the Forward Support Company, 204th Engineer Battalion, received a promotion to the rank of sergeant on April 1, 2022.

Jeremiah Prine from Leroy (zip code 14482), N.Y., and assigned to the Headquarters and Support Company, 642nd Aviation Support Battalion, received a promotion to the rank of sergeant 1st class on March 4, 2022.

Army National Guard promotions are based on overall performance, attitude, leadership ability, and development potential.

These promotions additionally recognize the best qualified Soldiers and attract and retain the highest caliber Citizen Soldiers for a career in the New York Army National Guard.

For more information about the New York Army National Guard, visit www.dmna.ny.gov or www.1800goguard.com

The New York National Guard (New York State Division of Military and Naval Affairs) is the state's executive agency responsible to the Governor for managing New York's Military Forces, which consists of nearly 20,000 members of the New York Army National Guard, the New York Air National Guard, the New York Naval Militia and the New York Guard.

Press release:

MANCHESTER, NH -- Brennan Bezon of Corfu has been named to Southern New Hampshire University's Winter 2022 President's List.

Full-time undergraduate students who have earned a minimum grade-point average of 3.700 and above are named to the President's List. Full-time status is achieved by earning 12 credits; undergraduate day students must earn 12 credits in the fall or spring semester, and online students must earn 12 credits over two consecutive terms (EW1 & EW2, EW3 & EW4, or EW5 & EW6).

Southern New Hampshire University (SNHU) is a private, nonprofit institution with an 89-year history of educating traditional-aged students and working adults. Now serving more than 165,000 learners worldwide, SNHU offers approximately 200 accredited undergraduate, graduate and certificate programs, available online and on its 300-acre campus in Manchester, NH. Recognized as the "Most Innovative" regional university by U.S. News & World Report and one of the fastest-growing universities in the country, SNHU is committed to expanding access to high quality, affordable pathways that meet the needs of each learner. Learn more at www.snhu.edu.

Press Release:

MANSFIELD, PA -- Alexander Dean of Bergen, NY has been named to the Spring 2022 Dean's List at Mansfield University.

Alexander is a student in the Bachelor of Science - Business Administration: Management program.

To be named to the Dean's List, a student must be attending the university full-time and attain at least a 3.5 GPA for the semester.

Mansfield University is a member of Pennsylvania's State System of Higher Education (PASSHE). For more information visit mansfield.edu.

Mansfield University of Pennsylvania is a public, regional university committed to providing affordable and accessible education that fosters positive social mobility for a diverse population. The university offers personalized and transformative degree programs, taught by accomplished faculty, that meet the needs of regional, state and global economies. By developing talented graduates who influence industry and enrich communities, Mansfield's impact begins in Northcentral Pennsylvania and extends around the world. Founded in 1857, Mansfield University is one of 14 institutions that comprise Pennsylvania's State System of Higher Education (PASSHE). Learn more at mansfield.edu.

Press release:

Christina Barraco, of Batavia, NY (14020) was among several Canisius College students recognized by the Department of Communication Studies at its Senior Awards Ceremony, held on Thursday, April 21. The event recognizes those graduating students who have achieved academic excellence in their respective field of study.

Barraco is a member of the Canisius College Class of 2022 and pursuing a degree in Digital Media Arts.

Below is the list of those students awarded:

Senior Communication Studies Academic Awards:

Academic Excellence in Communication Studies, awarded to the senior with the highest GPA in the major: Cara Smith '22

Academic Achievement in Communication Studies, awarded to the senior(s) who have a GPA of 3.60 or higher: Liana Posella '22

Academic Quality in Communication Studies, awarded to the senior(s) who have received a GPA of 3.40 or higher: Karen Jesch '22 and Erika Joseph '22

Senior Digital Media Arts Academic Awards:

Academic Excellence in Digital Media Arts, awarded to the senior with the highest GPA in the major: Kyle Kimerer '22

Academic Achievement in Digital Media Arts, awarded to the senior(s) who have a GPA of 3.60 or higher: Vincent Barile '22, Christina Barraco '22, Camdyn Rice '22, and Thomas McBride '22

Academic Quality in Digital Media Arts, awarded to the senior(s) who have received a GPA of 3.40 or higher: Gregory Hazelet '22 and Robert Kacalski '22

Digital Media Awards for Outstanding Portfolio:

Graphic Design: Christina Barraco '22

Web Design: Christian Balkin '22

Filmmaking: Thomas McBride '22

Game Design: Ryan Clark '22

Portfolio Excellence Award: Bailey Blair '22, Vincent Barile '22, Shania Clarke '22, Lauren Duncan '22, Gregory Hazelet '22, Kyle Kimerer '22, Camdyn Rice '22, Carrilyn Rizzuto '22

Senior Journalism and Communication Studies Awards

Academic Achievement in Journalism and Communication Studies, awarded to seniors who have achieved a 3.60 or higher in these majors: Vinnie Chrisitiano '22 and Brennen Harris '22

Senior Integrated Marketing Communication Academic Awards

Academic Excellence in Integrated Marketing Communication: Lauren Schifley '22

Academic Achievement in Integrated Marketing Communication, awarded to the senior(s) who have a GPA of 3.60 or higher: Justin Brown '22, Grace Ippoolito '22, Makenna Lederhouse '22, Emma Schiedel '22

Academic Quality in Communication Studies, awarded to the senior(s) who have received a GPA of 3.40 or higher: Jenna Jaworowicz '22 and Zoi Mastoras '22

Senior Integrated Marketing Communication & Digital Media Arts

Academic Achievement in Integrated Marketing Communication & Digital Media Arts, awarded to seniors who have achieved a 3.60 or higher in these majors: Christina Barraco '22

Senior Integrated Marketing Communication & Communication Studies

Academic Quality in Integrated Marketing Communication & Communication Studies, awarded to seniors who have achieved a 3.40 or higher in these majors: Joey Williams '22

Association for Women & Men in Communication (AWMC)

AWMC Leadership Award: Liana Posella '22

AWMC Service Award: Liana Posella '22

The Griffin (student newspaper): Editor-in-Chief: Aidan Joly '22

Society of Professional Journalist Award (SPJ): Aidan Joly '22

DMAAD Club: Leadership Award: Christina Barraco '22 and Lauren Schifley '22

The Gene and Peter Jankowski Award of Excellence: Thomas McBride '22

WGRZ-TV Excellence in Multimedia Journalism Award: Adam Gorski '22

Communication Research Excellence Awards: Cara Smith '22 and Liana Posella '22

Canisius College is one of 27 Jesuit colleges in the nation and the premier private college in Western New York. Canisius prepares leaders - intelligent, caring, faithful individuals - able to pursue and promote excellence in their professions, their communities and their service to humanity.

Press release:

Zechariah Gowanlock of East Bethany, NY (14054) will be recognized for earning the highest GPA in their major at SUNY Canton's Honors Convocation. Gowanlock is a sophomore in the college's Bachelor of Science in Emergency Management program.

Honors Convocation held at 4:30 p.m., Wednesday, April 27 in the Roos House Convocation, Athletic and Recreation Center. The special in-person ceremony for student award recipients and their families will also be live-streamed for those who cannot attend.

"On behalf of the entire college, I'd like to extend warm congratulations to each of you on your achievement," said SUNY Canton President Zvi Szafran. "Your drive and dedication to your education has been remarkable, especially given these challenging times."

This year's Honors Convocation was named for Associate Professor Emeritus Cindy L. Daniels, Ph.D., a dedicated faculty member and 1992 graduate of the college.

"Dr. Daniels represents our college adage about great majors leading to great careers," said SUNY Canton Provost Peggy A. De Cooke. "Following her solid start here at SUNY Canton, she became a celebrated educator and published author. She was, and continues to be, an inspiration for personal and professional growth for our students."

A complete list of all award recipients also runs on the college's website.

Press release:

Mitchell Hale of Oakfield, New York, was recently initiated into The Honor Society of Phi Kappa Phi, the nation's oldest and most selective all-discipline collegiate honor society. Hale was initiated at State University of New York at Plattsburgh.

Hale is among approximately 25,000 students, faculty, professional staff and alumni to be initiated into Phi Kappa Phi each year. Membership is by invitation only and requires nomination and approval by a chapter. Only the top 10 percent of seniors and 7.5 percent of juniors are eligible for membership. Graduate students in the top 10 percent of the number of candidates for graduate degrees may also qualify, as do faculty, professional staff and alumni who have achieved scholarly distinction.

Phi Kappa Phi was founded in 1897 under the leadership of undergraduate student Marcus L. Urann who had a desire to create a different kind of honor society: one that recognized excellence in all academic disciplines. Today, the Society has chapters on more than 325 campuses in the United States, its territories and the Philippines. Its mission is "To recognize and promote academic excellence in all fields of higher education and to engage the community of scholars in service to others."

Press release:

Students who receive a term grade point average of 3.3 or higher while completing at least three courses for a conventional letter grade earn the Fall 2021 Dean's Award for Academic Excellence.

Aiden Cornelius of Basom, NY (14013), is a graduate of Oakfield-Alabama Central School majoring in Political Science at Colgate

Tate Fonda of Batavia, NY (14020), is a graduate of Batavia High School majoring in Biology at Colgate

Colgate is a leading American university for students who want classes with rigor, faculty with passion, and confidence in knowing they will learn how to thrive in work and life. Colgate offers 56 majors and supports 25 Division I athletic teams on a campus of about 3,000 students in central New York.

Press release:

Ethan Riggs, a member of the Colgate University Class of 2025, has earned the Fall 2021 Dean's Award with Distinction.

Riggs is a Biochemistry major from Le Roy, NY (14482), and is a graduate of Le Roy Central School.

Students who receive a term grade point average of 3.6 or higher while completing at least three courses during the Fall 2021 semester earn the Dean's Award with Distinction.

Colgate is a leading American university for students who want classes with rigor, faculty with passion, and confidence in knowing they will learn how to thrive in work and life. Colgate offers 56 majors and supports 25 Division I athletic teams on a campus of about 3,000 students in central New York.

Press release:

Breton Stephens of Alexander, NY has been named to the winter 2022 quarter Dean's List at Palmer College of Chiropractic's Florida campus in Port Orange, Florida.

Palmer College of Chiropractic, the first and largest college in the chiropractic profession, has campuses in Davenport, Iowa; San Jose, California; and Port Orange, Florida.

Press release:

Stephany Samis of Le Roy, New York, was recently initiated into The Honor Society of Phi Kappa Phi, the nation's oldest and most selective all-discipline collegiate honor society. Samis was initiated at Alfred University.

Samis is among approximately 25,000 students, faculty, professional staff and alumni to be initiated into Phi Kappa Phi each year. Membership is by invitation only and requires nomination and approval by a chapter. Only the top 10 percent of seniors and 7.5 percent of juniors are eligible for membership. Graduate students in the top 10 percent of the number of candidates for graduate degrees may also qualify, as do faculty, professional staff and alumni who have achieved scholarly distinction.

Phi Kappa Phi was founded in 1897 under the leadership of undergraduate student Marcus L. Urann who had a desire to create a different kind of honor society: one that recognized excellence in all academic disciplines. Today, the Society has chapters on more than 325 campuses in the United States, its territories and the Philippines. Its mission is "To recognize and promote academic excellence in all fields of higher education and to engage the community of scholars in service to others."

More About Phi Kappa Phi
Since its founding, more than 1.5 million members have been initiated into Phi Kappa Phi. Some of the organization's notable members include former President Jimmy Carter, NASA astronaut Wendy Lawrence, novelist John Grisham and YouTube co-founder Chad Hurley. Each year, Phi Kappa Phi awards more than $1 million to outstanding students and members through graduate and dissertation fellowships, undergraduate study abroad grants, funding for post-baccalaureate development, and grants for local, national and international literacy initiatives. For more information about Phi Kappa Phi, visit www.phikappaphi.org.

Press release:

Major General Ray Shields, the adjutant general for the state of New York, announces the recent promotion of members of the New York Army National Guard in recognition of their capability for additional responsibility and leadership.

Stephen Koladzinski from Le Roy, N.Y., and assigned to the Headquarters and Support Company, 642nd Aviation Support Battalion, received a promotion to the rank of specialist on November 14, 2021.

Army National Guard promotions are based on overall performance, attitude, leadership ability, and development potential.

These promotions additionally recognize the best-qualified Soldiers and attract and retain the highest caliber Citizen Soldiers for a career in the New York Army National Guard.