1950s
May Frankenbach Griffin, ’56, writes: “I taught Home Economics to sixth, seventh, and eighth graders at the Tuckahoe School in Southampton, New York, for many years. After I married my husband, Donald, we moved to Westhampton Beach, New York, and we have four children, and seven grandchildren. Donald passed away in March 2019, but I continue to live in the same home and at 91 years old I am happy and enjoying my life. Keep smiling and helping others.”
1960s
Hank Nuwer, ’68, was awarded first place for best general commentary in the non-dailies less than 1,500 circulation category from the Hoosier State Press Association journalism awards for his “Far from Randolph (County)” column that ran in the News-Gazette of Winchester, Indiana. Earlier in 2025, his column, “Last Frontier Tales,” won first place for best column in all divisions as judged by the Alaska Press Club. This was the second consecutive year of winning Best Column in Alaska. To complete the trifecta, his column, “Near Darke,” for the Daily Advocate & Early Bird News in Greenville, Ohio, won first place in its division as judged by the Ohio Society of Professional Journalists. In other words, Nuwer has won Best Newspaper Column in three states in four years: Alaska, Ohio, and Indiana. He is also currently teaching journalism at the University of Alaska Fairbanks. In his latest column, he journeyed to Alaska’s northernmost city to join a polar bear watch. Nuwer and wife, Gosia, celebrated his 79th birthday in August.
1970s
Dale (Welch) Witkowski, ’70, published her first book, Surreal Ice, this past August. It is available through Amazon, Barnes & Noble, and IndiePubs. For more information about the book, more of her writing, and her bio, visit dalewitkowski.com. Witkowski writes, “Studying and doing art and creating images with words has been a joy in my life which has survived through life’s trials. I continue to create and praise my Creator.”
Donald Glywasky, ’78, retired from his position as city attorney for the City of Galveston, Texas, in September 2025. He earned his law degree from Cleveland Marshall College of Law in 1982. After a brief period in private practice, he joined the Galveston District at the Corps of Engineers in 1983. He moved to the Galveston County Legal Department in 1985, where he remained for 28 years with 20 years as the chief of civil litigation and appeals, practicing in State and Federal Court. In 2013, he joined the Galveston City Attorney’s Office, and was named city attorney in 2015.
1980s
David Ogorzalek, ’81, over the course of 12 years at SmithGroup Architects in San Francisco, was a member of the Design and Construction Documents Team for several Veteran’s Administration (VA) projects at the Palo Alto Health Care Campus, including the Recreation Services Building, Research Vivarium, parking garage, and campus utility upgrades. As an integral team member for the on-site construction administration phases for these projects, Ogorzalek and his colleagues received outstanding reviews in the Contractor Assessment Report from the VA in the areas of quality, schedule, cost control, as well as management. Regarding the latter, where the team was rated “Exceptional,” Ogorzalek was specifically cited for his contributions and professionalism.
Susan (Chludzinski) Fenster, ’82, writes, “I’m pleased to share that I’ve published Harry Altman: Buffalo’s Master Showman, a biography that uncovers the life of a once-prominent entertainment impresario whose venues shaped mid-20th-century Western New York nightlife—and whose legacy was nearly erased. His most notable venues included the Town Casino and Glen Casino (amusement park). I am a member of the Class of 1982 with a journalism/broadcast/speech (JBS) degree.”
Michael J. Garner, ’83, was appointed New York City’s first chief business diversity officer by Mayor Eric Adams in February 2023. Garner formerly served as chief diversity and inclusion officer at the Metropolitan Transportation Authority (MTA) in the State of New York. His tenure at MTA spanned 14 years. He is a diversity champion, making it his personal and professional mission to create a more diverse business environment wherever he has been. By changing New York City’s and New York State’s legislative laws and creating new innovative minority business programming, Garner and his teams at the City of New York, MTA, and the New York City School Construction Authority have been responsible for more than $36 billion in awarded contracts and payment to New York City/New York State certified minority- and women-owned businesses. Additionally, during his tenure at MTA, he and his team increased the hiring of Blacks, Hispanics, and Asians by 20 percent across MTA’s six different operating agencies.
Tom Baumgarten, ’86, graduated with a B.S. in elementary education with a minor in early childhood education. He played football at Buffalo State and volunteered with Special Olympics. He writes, “I was fortunate to enjoy a 34-year career in education, serving as a teacher for seven years and administrator for 27 years. Started my career as an elementary teacher and eventually worked as a superintendent of schools in Southern California. Completed 15 years of service as an adjunct professor for California State University College at San Bernardino, teaching graduate classes in school administration, curriculum, and special education.”
Bill Sliwa, ’87, has been appointed dean of enrollment management at Trocaire College in Buffalo. He brings more than 20 years of leadership experience in higher education, enrollment management, and marketing to his new role. He most recently served as a consultant with the National Association of College and University Business Officers, working with multiple colleges on revenue development and budget building. Sliwa also is the owner of Enrollment & Revenue Solutions, where he has served in interim enrollment and admissions roles with Texas Southern University, Canisius University, Ferrum College, and Alfred University in recent years. Prior to that, he served in various enrollment positions at higher education institutions throughout the Mid-Atlantic. Sliwa is a member of the National Association for College Admission Counseling; New York State Association for College Admission Counseling; Pennsylvania Association for College Admission Counseling; American Association of Collegiate Registrars and Admissions Officers; and Southern Association of Collegiate Registrars and Admissions Officers. He earned a bachelor’s degree in psychology from Buffalo State.
Greg Gay, ’88, recently reached his 35th anniversary of working in the sports department of the Watertown Daily Times in Watertown, New York. He has been the sports editor for the Times for the last 27-plus years.
James K. Webster, B.A. ’89, is a senior analyst in the Office of the Assistant Secretary of the Air Force for Acquisition, Technology, and Logistics at the Pentagon in Washington, D.C.
1990s
Amy Sigona, ’90, ’95, recently joined CAMBA as development director. She is a senior development professional with more than 30 years of experience designing fundraising strategies in disabilities support and community development. In her role at CAMBA, she collaborates with senior and program leadership to build philanthropic relationships with individual donors and corporations. Her portfolio includes identifying and securing partners to support CAMBA’s mission to connect New Yorkers in need with opportunities to enhance their quality of life. She also serves on the board of trustees for Women in Development of New York (WIDNY) and as a board member for the Dominic A. Murray 21 Memorial Foundation.
Darienne Feres-Merchant, ’92, writes, “The love story of Ernest and Darienne Merchant started at Buffalo State in spring 1990. We were two young sophomores, housed in Tower 1 and North Wing, having the time of our lives. Some 35 years together, 32 years married, four degrees, and two adult children later, we are still going strong.”
Kimberly Schweitzer Evering, ’94, was selected to be the digital producer and CMS manager at IMG Academy.
Adam Castracane, ’97, has been hired by the American Radio Relay League (ARRL) for the position of awards program supervisor.
Renee Orr, ’95, is the director of alumni engagement at D’Youville University.
Dan Meyer, ’99, was recently promoted to the position of press secretary for the Office of the Erie County Executive. Meyer has worked for Erie County since 2015 and previously served as deputy press secretary. He also serves in the role of appeals officer for freedom of information (FOIL) requests submitted to various departments and divisions within county government. He credits his Buffalo State communications instructors for mentoring him and helping to foster critical thinking and problem-solving skills.
2000s
Daniel Dorociak, ’00, created “Solitude”—artwork crafted from plum and oak wood, found stone, and stone tile—that is exhibiting as part of the 2026 Buffalo Society of Artists Open Members Exhibition on May 9 through June 5 at Princessa’s Studio Art Gallery in Buffalo.
Thom Tran, ’04, is featured with Morgan Freeman, Ed Harris, Sonequa Martin-Green, and Natalie Morales in the film, My Dead Friend Zoe.
Jeremy J. Zellner, ’05, has been elected to the New York State Senate for the 61st District.
Lana James, ’09, ’11, writes, “This year marks 20 years of my commitment to Buffalo State’s Science and Technology Entry Program (STEP), a journey that began in 2005 when I was a sophomore and first joined the program as a tutor. Over the years, I advanced to program coordinator, where I continue to mentor and empower underrepresented students to pursue careers in STEM and licensed professions. I earned both my B.S. in sociology and my M.S. in human service administration from Buffalo State, which have fueled my passion for education, service, and leadership. In addition to my work at STEP, I founded La Aesthetics Spa & Academy, where I specialize in corrective skincare and professional training while also giving back through scholarships, community service initiatives, and supporting small businesses locally and globally.
2010s
Amber Chandler, ’11, ’18, is the author of multiple books, including the upcoming Reclaiming Connection: How Schools and Families Can Nurture Belonging in a Scared New World (Routledge, 2026). She presents solutions based on her experiences spanning more than 20 years as an English language Arts teacher, including seemingly simple suggestions such as teaching children about their data and digital footprint, and embracing opportunities for young people to get involved in clubs, groups, and face-to-face activities.
Joseph Ciesielski Jr., ’11, returned home to Western New York as the new principal of Frontier High School in Hamburg after years of leading schools in Cleveland and Oklahoma City. A Cleveland Hill High School and University of Oklahoma (M.Ed. in 2017) graduate, Ciesielski began his career through Teach for America and has held multiple leadership roles supporting student success and school improvement. He and his wife, Krystle, now reside in Hamburg with their daughter, Marshall. Ciesielski says his goal is to continue Frontier’s proud tradition while ensuring every student feels at home and finds a path to success beyond high school.
Elisa Roeseler, ’12, has joined Barclay Damon as an associate in the Trusts and Estates Practice Area. Her primary office is in Rochester, New York. Roeseler focuses her practice on trusts and estates matters. She assists clients in navigating the estate planning process and drafts the full suite of estate planning documents, including wills, trusts, and advance directives. Roeseler also advises on trust and estate administration, wealth transfer planning, Medicaid planning, and asset protection. Prior to joining Barclay Damon, she was an associate at Stamm Law Firm LLP in Buffalo.
Angela Sterner, ’12, graduated with master of art education degree in May 2012, then moved to Arizona for an art teaching position at the secondary level—teaching fourth- to eighth-grade level art at the Challenger Middle School District in Glendale, Arizona. In 2014, she signed with Santa Cruz Valley High School District #840 as a visual art instructor at the high school level. She spent 10-plus years teaching visual art; from 2017–18 to May 2024, she was yearbook instructor/advisor; and from 2022–2023, she was CTE graphic communications instructor advisor at Santa Cruz Valley Union High School. She married Arthur J. Sterner in 2018.
Brielynn Bell, ’13, was named a Buffalo Business First 2025 IDEA Award winner. The award is presented to members of the Western New York community who stand out as champions of diversity and inclusion in their workplaces and in the community. Bell is a diversity specialist at the law firm of Goldberg Segalla in Buffalo. She sits on the United Way of Buffalo & Erie County Advocacy Committee, and previously served as an advisory board member of United Way’s Next Generation United. She also gives back to the community in other capacities, serving as a board member to the West Buffalo Charter School and Every Person Influences Children (EPIC); a trustee associate for the Western New York Foundation; and previously served as a member of the Buffalo Niagara Partnership’s Diversity & Inclusion Council.
Melinda Rogers, ’14, taught for the City of Buffalo after graduating in 2014 before moving south to Virginia Beach, Virginia. She began teaching for the Virginia Beach City Public Schools (VBCPS) in 2017, and, in 2022, left the classroom to become a CLASS observer with the Virginia Department of Education. In 2024, she ran for the Virginia Beach School Board. In 2025, she began her four-year term, where she currently serves as the representative for her district. She writes, “After graduating with a bachelor of science degree in education, I worked as a classroom teacher for almost a decade before stepping out of the classroom to conduct observations for the Commonwealth of Virginia. In 2024, I was elected to the School Board for Virginia Beach City Public Schools, and now serve 86 schools by bringing an educator’s voice to the school board.”
Kristen Smigielski, ’14, ’19, has transitioned into educational research and higher education after more than five years as an elementary teacher in Western New York. She recently completed her Ph.D. in curriculum, instruction, and the science of learning at the University at Buffalo, along with an advanced certificate in qualitative methodology, where she also serves as an adjunct instructor in the Graduate School of Education, mentoring future teachers in inclusive and equity-centered pedagogy. Smigielski currently serves as research project manager for CELaRAI (Center for Early Literacy and Responsible AI), an IES-funded, $10 million multi-institutional national research center spanning six universities. Her research focuses on inclusive education, disability equity, teacher preparation, and the responsible use of AI in K–12 settings. In 2026, she was named a Women in AI Fellow through the EdSAFE AI Alliance and keynote speaker for the WNY PDK AI Summit. She credits her foundational teacher preparation at Buffalo State as a cornerstone of her journey from the elementary classroom to national research.
Anthony E. Bargnesi, ’15, was named a partner at the Buffalo- and Albany-based affordable housing and community development law firm of Cannon Heyman & Weiss, LLP (CHW). Bargnesi began his tenure at CHW in 2017 as a law clerk, became an attorney in 2018, and a senior attorney in 2022. He has broad experience in all aspects of financing federal and state Low-Income Housing Tax Credit deals and federal and state Historic Tax Credit deals, including exposure to Opportunity Zone financing and New Market Tax Credit financing.
Sarah Bonk, ’15, has been named Erie County Commissioner of Mental Health.
Rachel Nuchereno, ’19, was admitted to the New York State Bar and was named an associate attorney with Gross Shuman P.C. She previously served as a law clerk with the firm. Following her graduation from Buffalo State, she attended the University at Buffalo School of Law where she graduated with her J.D. in 2025.
Shaquom Thorpe, ’19, is the founder of QuomWorks LLC, a construction and consulting firm. From humble beginnings to managing multimillion dollar construction efforts, he remains grounded by the values of integrity, excellence, and service as a construction project leader. He writes, “Every project is an opportunity not just to build structure but to build legacy.”
2020s
James Speaker, ’22, received his master’s degree in finance from Southern New Hampshire University in November 2025.
Michele Morrocco, ’25, writes, “I’m moving to Georgia and will be opening a pottery painting studio called Georgia Art Company with my aunt and uncle. I'll be working as the social media and creative director, helping shape the brand, create content, and build a creative community around the studio. I’m incredibly excited for this new chapter, the move, and the opportunity to combine art, creativity, and business in such a hands-on way. Looking forward to what's ahead!”