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Alumni News & Notes

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In Memoriam
Lee Serravillo

A Message from Lee Serravillo

Executive Director, UAlbany Alumni Association

There's no place like Homecoming!
With the fall semester in full swing, the Alumni Association is preparing to welcome thousands of UAlbany family members back to campus for Homecoming weekend in mid-October. Highlights include the Great Dane Pregame and Homecoming football game on Saturday, Oct. 18; the Class of 1975’s 50th anniversary reunion and induction into the Half-Century Club; a gathering for the Class of 1985 and friends at WT’s; and a 55th-anniversary celebration for Middle Earth alumni, who are looking forward to connecting in person after marking their 50th reunion virtually in 2020. Alumni Association Vice President John Jenkins ’91 and the Alpha Phi Alpha Fraternity family will hold a milestone gathering in the newly renovated Campus Center Ballroom. As always, we’ll host the Welcome Reception on Friday evening and campus tours throughout the weekend. The Alumni Association is offering a pre-game package that includes a game ticket, lunch and a UAlbany blanket.

We’re bringing purple and gold pride to you! The Alumni Association is looking forward to spending time on the road and connecting with Great Danes in the coming months. We just might be hosting a gathering in your area. Be sure to check www.alumni.albany.edu/events, subscribe to our emails and follow @UAlbanyAlumni on Facebook, Instagram and LinkedIn so you don’t miss an opportunity to connect with Alumni Association President Joe Bonilla ’11 and fellow alumni!

As always, I encourage you to stay connected to the university by volunteering, attending events, participating in programs like UCAN (UAlbany Career Advisory Network) and supporting students as a donor. We need everybody to help with our fall giving challenge to whatever extent they can. Every effort to give back, regardless of the time or amount spent, makes a difference. Be on the lookout for the Postcards from Alumni Project and many more opportunities to help advance UAlbany, no matter where you live. See you at Homecoming! Go Great Danes!

Lee Serravillo
Executive Director, UAlbany Alumni Association

Ways to make a difference at UAlbany

Recruit Future Great Danes
Give Career Advice
Support the Student Scholarships
A Legacy of Impact

Donor from Denmark Can’t Imagine a World Without Books

“There has to be beauty in the world and the arts provide that beauty. I want to make sure the literary arts survive and thrive.”

Ellen Jabur, a white female senior citizen, dressed in a gray jacket and cream neck scarf, poses in front of a wooded background

Alumni Sightings

Kimberly Sanger Jones ’87 received the Whittlesey Excellence in Alumni Service Award.
Kimberly Sanger Jones ’87 received the Whittlesey Excellence in Alumni Service Award.
A group of Washingon Nationals fans.
D.C.-area alumni gathered for a pre-game meetup before Night at the Nationals
A group of people ride a trolley.
Members of the UAlbany community participated in the Capital Pride Parade in June.
Three individuals at a reception.
The Alumni Association and the NYS Writers Institute co-hosted a NYC Literary Tour in June. Attendees enjoyed a guided walking tour and explored the New York Public Library’s exhibit, “A Century of The New Yorker.”
Two men at a reception.
Gene Fennell '81 and Julie Gondar '11 were dressed to impress at the summer board meeting in Saratoga Springs.
A group of four individuals at a gala.
Members of the Alumni Association Board of Directors enjoyed the annual Day at the Races in July.
Two people stand in a photo booth, one holding an award.
Dr. Kewsi Burgess ’23, assistant principal at North Albany Middle School, received the Bertha Brimmer Medal at the annual Excellence Awards Gala.
A woman in a purple dress stands at a podium.
Hon. Seth Marnin, ’92, ’94 (fourth from left), recipient of the 2025 Cochrane Excellence in Diversity and Inclusion award, stands with his family including his mother, Judy Madnick ’65 (center), who received the Whittlesey Excellence in Alumni Service award recipient in 2024.
A group of people at a gala, standing outside.
Alumni Association board president Joe Bonilla ’11 and University President Havidán Rodríguez presented Tomás D. Morales ’78, ’98, ’98, president of California State University San Bernardino, with the Excellence in Education award.
A group of four people stand outside in front of a body of water and palm trees.
Dafney Amilcar-Rodriguez ’00, ’03, Winsome Foderingham ’89, ’92 and Cassandra Edwards ’17, ’18 connected at the gala. Dafney and Cassie joined the Alumni Association Board of Directors in the spring
Two people pose for a photo outside.
Irvis Outstanding Young Alumni award recipient Michael Kaye ’14 (left) celebrated with his husband.
A group of women in a large photo inside a room.
Rockefeller College Dean Julie Novkov and Alumni Association President and Rockefeller College alum Joe Bonilla ’11 celebrated with City of White Plains Mayor Thomas Roach ’83, recipient of the Milk Excellence in Public Service award.
Two people post at a formal event.
Susmita Dasgupta, ’90, ’92 (on right), is the recipient of the Excellence in Science and Technology award for 2025.
Two members of the 1970's classes take a photo inside a photobooth.
Purple and Gold Student Ambassadors network with alumni at the gala.
UAlbany Massry School of Business dean and alumni at an awards ceremony.
Paquita Davis-Friday, dean of the Massry School of Business, stands with Massry alumni who received Excellence Awards: Frances Spreer Albert ’88 (Stoneman Distinguished Alumni); Amy Knapp ’97 (Excellence in Business); and Scott Boilen ’88 (Excellence in Entrepreneurship).
The men’s basketball team had a chance meeting with Chi Sigma Theta sorority sisters at the Alumni House in July.
Alumni board member Nic Rangel’s nephew is all smiles in his new UAlbany gear.
Kappa Beta brothers Bill Robelee and Premal Shah ’71 attended UAlbany Day at the Races, an annual event hosted by the Alumni Association at Saratoga Race Course. Premal traveled from Dubai to join fellow Great Danes on July 16. Both Bill and Premal serve on the Alumni AssociationBoard of Directors, and have established scholarships for UAlbany students.
School of Social Welfare alumni gathered under the festival tent for lunch and networking. Pictured: Doris Ramirez-Romero ’85, ’87, Yvette Milillo ’82, ’84, Sheena MacGregor-Pilz ’07, ’08, Alyssa Lotmore ’07, ’08 and Kathleen McLean ’92.
The Alumni Association welcomed incoming EOP students to UAlbany in August. The annual EOP Ice Cream Social provides a valuable opportunity for students to connect with staff and alumni volunteers before the semester begins.
Alumni and friends in the D.C. area attended UAlbany Night at the Nationals in June.
In August, 17 former rugby players and their families enjoyed a weekend gathering at Dippikill. The annual Rugby alumni tradition has been going on for 22 years. Photo submitted by John Durant.

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UAlbany Magazine tells the stories of our accomplished alumni, academic endeavors, vibrant campus life and cherished traditions of the University at Albany, State University of New York. It is published twice a year in print. Additional digital content is released on our website and social media platforms throughout the year.

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