Class Notes
Have an exciting update — such as a career achievement, a wedding, or a new addition to your family (baby or grandchild)? Share your news and stay connected with fellow Naz alumni. Submit a Class Note, and we’ll format and share your story with the Naz community within the next month!
Filters
| Gregory Speranza ’88, ’91G | ( | English Literature | ) | Gregory Speranza, ‘88 & ‘91G and Vivian Gonzalez Mendez Wedding Front Row: Vivian Speranza (University of Cartagena), Greg Speranza, ‘88 & ‘91G Back Rows, Left to Right: Rick Boerman, 89, John Sidou ‘88, Kevin Hennessy ‘88, Mike Donahue ‘90, Paul Donahue ‘88 & ‘91G, Dan McGrath ‘88, Paul Antinelli ‘88 & ‘92G, Andy Kosara ‘88, Al Wood ‘88, Anne Ulrich McCaffrey ‘89, Kris Loiacano LaRose ‘88, Chris McCaffrey ‘87, Bob Donahue ‘87, Mary Theresa Clifford Boerman ‘88 & ‘97G, Mary VanDeMortel McGuigan ‘88 & ‘94G, Jim McPartlin ‘88, Paul Leone ‘89 |  | Nazareth U Represents at Speranza Wedding Reception, August 2025 |
| Sybil Bahrman Grayko ’96 | ( | English Literature | ) | Received 2025-2026 Newport, RI Teacher of the Year | ||
| Emily Crerand ’08 | ( | History | ) | Emily Crerand '08 married Joe Diver in Washington, D.C. on September 20, 2025. Emily and Joe met as Chiefs of Staff on Capitol Hill. |  | Emily Labenski (Cannon) '08, Amanda McIntosh ‘08, Jenna Cline (Tirohn) '08 and Colleen King (Bayer) '08 were all present to help celebrate. |
| Kimberlee Humphrey ’81 | ( | Business Admin | ) | Kim Humphrey, President/CEO of the Association for Manufacturing Excellence (AME.org) was appointed to serve on Virginia Governor Youngkin's Manufacturing Development Commission. |  | |
| Herbie Pilato ’83 | ( | Theatre Arts | ) | Award-winning writer/producer/director Herbie J Pilato has signed with the Jerry Pace/Starburst Talent Agency, marking a return to acting. | ||
| Kimberlee Humphrey ’81 | ( | Business Admin | ) | The Association for Manufacturing Excellence (AME) President and CEO Kimberlee Humphrey has been awarded the esteemed Malcolm Baldrige Foundation Award for Leadership Excellence in Nonprofit. This award recognizes exceptional leadership in driving innovation, quality and performance excellence across the United States. The award was officially presented at the Baldrige Quest for Excellence 2025 |  | |
| Michael Barker ’91G | Mike was inducted into the Fairport Central School District Educator’s Wall of Distinction in October of 2025. He was recognized for over 25 years as a teacher and a coach in the district. |  | ||||
| Jarod Koopman ’03 | ( | Accounting | ) | Was recently named IRS Chief Tax Compliance Officer and has responsibility for oversight of the IRS compliance operations of the Large Business & International division, Small Business/Self Employed division, Tax Exempt and Government Entities division, IRS Criminal Investigation, the Office of Professional Responsibility, the Return Preparer Office, the Whistleblower Office, and Enterprise Case Management. Jarod’s work has also been recognized in the bestselling book Who is Government by Michael Lewis, and featured in the Washington Post series: Cyber Sleuth – Washington Post | ||
| Aldona Sabalis ’69 | ( | Art Education | ) | Allie Sabalis’ watercolor, “Aquatic 1,” was among 10 artworks chosen from more than 400 submissions for installation at the Rhode Island Department of Labor and Training. As quoted in the "Jamestown Press": "Sabalis is known for her large-scale, transparent paintings that blend vibrant color with realism. The aim of her work is to capture 'fleeting ‘moments in time’ with a meditative, Zenlike sensibility,' which invites viewers into a space of stillness and recognition." This competition, through the Rhode Island State Council for the Arts, was judge by a labor agency representative, an architect, and two professional artists. After graduating with her Bachelor's from Nazareth, Allie obtained her Master's form the Pratt Institute in Brooklyn. She was originally born in Germany. |  | Allie Sabalis' watercolor, "Aquatic 1" |
| Jillian Schwartz ’15, ’17G | ( | Physical Therapy, Health Sciences | ) | Married Tyler Albrecht `16, `18G on September 4th, 2022. |  | Top Row: Caleb Miraglia `16, `18G, Thomas DiFilippo `18G, Michael Stanley `16, Christopher DeVos `18G, Chelsea Mannion `16 `18G, Grant Levermore `16, `18G, Joe Schwartz `84G, Kyle Lewis `16, `17G, Damond Archung `16 `18G, Corinne Levermore `16, Nicholas Collesano `15, `17G, Casey Elston `14, `16G, Luke Elston `14. Bottom Row: Kelly Maloney `17, `19G, Eric Tatar `16, Ariel Hart Tatar, Sydney Albrecht `20, groom, bride, Sophie DeCastro `16, Brian Rosiek `16, Alison Burt Rosiek `17, `18G, Meghan Grant `15 `17G, Deanna Rocco `14. |
| Kelsey Sweet ’15 | ( | Communication & Rhetoric | ) | Was named a finalist for the Buffalo Niagara Partnership's 2023 ATHENA Young Professional Leadership Award. The award honors an emerging leader who demonstrates excellence, creativity, and initiative in their business or profession, and serves as a role model for young women personally and professionally. |  | |
| Jordan Sutton Fritz ’08 | ( | Accounting | ) | Made a major career change in spring of 2020 as they left their full time corporate job to become a full time sole entrepreneur of their two businesses (Sip Back & Relax Tours and JF Bookkeeping Solutions). In the fall of 2022, Jordan was elected onto the boards of both the Rochester Women’s Network and the Western Wayne Chamber of Commerce. |  | |
| Kayla Miller ’22 | ( | Commun Science & Disorders | ) | Wrote her first children's book, I Am... Self-Discovery! This book allows children to discover the power of positive words and affirmations to boost their confidence level, and to remind themselves that they will always be enough. There's a personalized certificate at the end to guide children into building their own shield of armor. She is so excited to be able to share her first book with the world. You can order a copy at www.kaylamiller.com. |  | |
| Lisa Salvaggio Mckim ’09 | ( | Psychology | ) | Became a licensed mental health counselor and school adjustment counselor at a middle school in Massachusetts! She started her schools therapeutic learning center, a classroom for students returning from extended absences due to mental health and/or general health concerns. Lisa recently spoke at the Bridge for Resilient Youth in Transition (BRYT) Symposium at Bently University where she shared innovative practices from the field. She works with one of the most vulnerable populations in the school setting. Lisa has felt this has been her calling since her time at Naz. Her courses in psychology inspired Lisa to go into the counseling field. She believes she was well prepared, and even used some of the same textbooks, when she went to graduate school! She highly recommends for students to complete an internship in their senior year to gain real-world experience and research all the options that psychology has to offer! |  | |
| Diane Lippa-Bemis ’75 | ( | French | ) | Members of the Class of 1975 gathered at Ann Kopczynski Crerand's home to celebrate the year of the 70th birthday! |  | In attendance was, left to right standing: Marabeth Wasuck Nally `75, 80G, Sheila Nunn Murphy `75, `76G, Sarah Ann Stack Feinberg `75, Sheila McLaughlin McCarthy `75, Donna Johnson Phillipson `75, Michelle Loughlin Cutro `75, `80G, Loretta Kocik `75, Patrice Koeneke Walkinshaw `75, Esq, and Ginny Noonan Tortorici `75. Left to right sitting: Diane Lippa-Bemis `75, Patricia Burke McNamara `75, Kathie Hogan Collier `75, Peggy Williams Mason `75, Christine Crowe Martin `75, Diane Lucchesi Muscarella `75, Ann Kopczynski Crerand `75, `79G, Rose Nastasi Ackerly `75, Andrea Bonafiglia `75, `81G. |
| Herbie Pilato ’83 | ( | Theatre Arts | ) | Recorded the audiobook edition of his book Retro Active Television at the Famous Radio Ranch in Sherman Oaks with Eric Scott. |  | |
| Victoria Visiko ’83 | ( | Theatre Arts | ) | Has an original play, "WHISPERING INHIBITIONS". Her one act play is based on her true story of lost innocence and a search for redemption. This was the first play ever at presented at Off Broadway - NYC at Birdland Theatre on March 25, 2023! |  | |
| Monica Weis ’64A, ’65, SSJ | ( | English Literature | ) | And Professor Emerita of English was one of five Thomas Merton scholars who presented at a plenary panel at the June 2023 International Thomas Merton Society: "Women Who Helped Us Know Merton." Monica spoke on how nature influenced Merton's spirituality. |  | |
| Lindsey Smith Hoverter ’13 | ( | Communication & Rhetoric | ) | Married Terence Hoverter on October 1, 2022, in Cazenovia, New York. There were several Nazareth alumni in attendance. |  | From left to right: Sara Heron Whalen `11, Amy Tooley `08, Catrina Sunderlin DeSantis `12 `14G, Alex Bracy Menard `13 `15G, Zoe Hilpl `13, Nina Fargnoli `12, Breanna Smith Griswold `11, Jordan Mitchell Aungier `12, Sarah Wazenkewitz Rodriguez `14, Susan Snow Smith `83, Emily Conway Ladilov `11 `13G, Kailee O'Hara Petrie `13, Caitlyn Angelidis '11 '16G. |
| Nicklaus Ambrose ’04 | ( | Business Admin, Economics | ) | Was promoted to Executive Vice President and Director of Corporate Reporting at M&T Bank. He is responsible for managing the company's compliance with various SEC and Federal Reserve external reporting requirements. |  | |
| Leslie Elliott Vecchiotti ’85, ’90G | ( | Speech Pathology | ) | The Class of `85 and `86 celebrated 42 years of friendship. |  | Front row: Kathy Jo Domenici Kline '85, John O'Gorman '85, '90G. Back row: Paul Manzella '85, Leslie Elliott Vecchiotti '85, '90G, Judson Speer '85, John "Ozzy" Cammarosano '85, Steve Klumpp '86, and Susan Willison Maddamma '86, '94G. |
| Stephanie Kawzenuk Epstein ’12 | ( | Music Therapy | ) | With several alums celebrated the Ukulele Kids Club's 10th anniversary on May 8, 2023. |  | Left to right: Michael Park `90, Laurie Nowak Park `91, Stephanie Epstein `12. Picture 2: Left to right: Michael Park `90, Laurie Park `91, Stephanie Epstein `12, Taylor Santabarbara `20, `23G, Reissa Ress `09, Andrew Derado `11. |
| Briana Sanford Seim ’17 | ( | Music Therapy | ) | Married Matthew Seim on August 19th, 2023 at Lake Lyndsay in Hamilton, OH. |  | Left to right: Maid of Honor Tori Gac `17, Bride, Groom, Hadley Strelau `19. |
| Christopher Nothnagle ’99 | ( | Studio Art, Theatre Arts | ) | During Naz Weekend, a bunch of alumni gathered at alum-owned Nine Spot Brewing downtown. As part of Nazareth's centennial celebrations, we've partnered with Chris Nothnagle `99 and Nine Spot to offer our centennial brew. |  | From left to right: Alan Wood `88, Todd Calman `87, Chris Nothnagle `99 (co-owner of Nine Spot), Joe Convertino `87, Chris McCaffrey `87. |
| Deanna Spiotta ’09 | ( | Music | ) | Left to Right: Lisa Salvaggio McKim `08, Gina Totaro `09, Allyson Smith `09 `12G, Deanna Spiotta Carlin `09, Eric Carlin, Chelsea Carhart Lehmann `09, Karen Hertline `09 `11G, Adele Flanagan Rosati `09, Lindsey Eagan `08A, `09 `11G, Katelyn Marasco `09. |  | Deanna Spiotta `09, married to Eric Carlin, June 3, 2023. |
| Courtney Ames Germain ’07, ’16, ’17G | ( | Mathematics, Occupational Therapy GR, Occupational Science | ) | Welcomed a baby girl, Eliza Grace Germain on January 26, 2023 at 4lb 11oz. |  | |
| Keith Smith ’89 | ( | Theatre Arts | ) | Married his partner of 32 years. |  | |
| Elizabeth Osta ’67 | ( | Speech Pathology | ) | Is thrilled to be announcing the upcoming publication of her fourth book, Maggie's Brood, an Irish immigrant's tale of tragedy, trauma and triumph. Centered in Lima, New York, Nazareth College is included as are the Sisters of St. Joseph, along with other local highlights. |  | |
| Donna Detraglia Colebeck ’78 | ( | Art Education | ) | Has attended as many 5 year anniversaries as she could since her time at Nazareth. The last reunion she attended was for 40 years graduated. She had planned on attending the reunion for 45 years. However, unfortunately, she was unable to attend this reunion as her husband, Ted, had open heart surgery that same week. Nazareth prepared Donna for life in the arts. She is still engaged as a Sr. Lecturer in the College of the Arts at Kennesaw State University in the Atlanta, Georgia area. In August, 2023, Donna received the College of the Arts Teaching Award for outstanding performance and lasting contribution to the College of the Arts. To her fellow classmates, she sends well wishes, hopes they are enjoying their engagements, activities, and "bucket lists," and reflecting on positive life experiences including the years at and friendships from Nazareth College! |  | |
| Linda Nicknish Knoll ’69 | ( | English Literature | ) | A group of 1969 alum began weekly Zoom sessions during Covid. They held an in-person mini-reunion in September, 2023 in Asheville, NC including this trip to the Biltmore Estate. Some of these alums had not seen each other in person for 50 years! |  | From left to right: Linda Nicknish Knoll `69, Joyce Rimlinger `69, Margie Iannuzzi Adamshick `69, Cathy Goodman McGrath `69, Mary Read Saperstone `69, `74G, Beth Tupacz Imes `69, Anna Serafini Heisel `69, Linda Bordieri Pandolfe `69, Carol VanBurek Ferreri `69. |
| Meghan Macri Lounsbury ’18, ’20G | ( | Health Sciences, Physical Therapy | ) | Married Dr. Steven Lounsbury `18, `20G on August 19, 2023 at Holy Cross Church in DeWitt, NY. Meghan and Steven met during their time at Nazareth in the Doctor of Physical Therapy program. Other alumni in attendance were bridesmaid Miranda Hagen `18 and Dr. Taylor Durocher Whitney `18, `20G. Their wedding had many references to their time together at Nazareth, such as their wedding colors (yellow/gold and purple) and their table markers, named after buildings on Nazareth’s campus. Meghan and Steven both work as physical therapists in the Syracuse, NY area and love to visit Rochester whenever they can! |  | Meghan & Steven married on August 19, 2023 at Holy Cross Church in DeWitt, NY. |
| Mel Bowman Wilson ’70A, ’71, ’87 | ( | Nursing, History | ) | Was honored with the 2023 Lifetime Achievement Award by the Emergency Nurses Association. |  | |
| Sheila A. Walsh S.SJ. | Several alums attended a dress rehearsal. |  | Left to right. Front row: Sr. Elizabeth Anne LeValley `64, S.S.J., Clare Brown `66, `74G, Mary Cumbo `63, S.S.J., Sr. Dorothy Meisenzahl `68, Bri Minix, Veronica Coseo, Sr. Maureen Halack `66, `69, Mary Jo Flynn, Sr. Alice Cooney `62, S.S.J.. Back row: Sr. Phyllis Tierney `62, `67G, S.S.J., Sr. Alicia Schur `64, Sr. Mary Ann Sliwa `66, S.S.J., Sr. Anne Marvin `68, `77G, S.S.J., Sr. Kathleen Lurz `64, `75G, Anthony Falzano, Sr. Sheila Walsh '71, S.S.J.. | |||
| Ann Renee Clement Wilsey ’81, ’85G | ( | Business Admin | ) | Alumni gathered in Arizona! |  | Front row, from left: Traci Lian `00 (Associate Athletic Director), Ann Renee Wilsey `81, '85G, Jolene DiBrango `95G. Back row, from left: Pete Bothner (Athletic Director), Peter Wilsey, Joe DiBrango. |
| Carol Papadopoli Basi ’62 | ( | Chemistry | ) | Classmates from 1962 gathered at Mote Marine Aquarium in Sarasota, FL in October, 2023. They had a great time visiting and catching up with each other's lives. "We always share Nazareth memories- the wonderful years and teaching staff we encountered between 1958 and 1962. Nazareth meant something very special to all of us and it has had an impact on our lives to this day.". |  | Left to right: Kathleen Scanlon McKeown `62, Janet Keaveny Morris `62, Marie Van Ness `62, Anne Gawkins `62, Mary Ann Browne Sanborn `62, Beth Carey Ruszczyk `62, and Carol Papadopoli Basi `62 |
| Alexa Courtney ’13 | ( | Mathematics | ) | I married my bestfriend! |  | Alexa Courtney '13, married to Alex Goettel '15, May 13, 2023. |
| Andrea Hinchey Unson ’88 | ( | Mathematics | ) | Andrea Unson `88 is retired from her teaching position at Hilton High School as of 2021. Now she volunteers often. Andrea drives for Meals on Wheels and WestSide Express. She volunteers at Unity Hospital in the Golisano Rehabilitation Center, the TCC, and does friendly visits. She volunteers at her church, Gates Presbyterian, by cutting lawns, and making 70 bagged lunches for St. Joseph's House of Hospitality. As a small part time job, Andrea lifeguards for the Y and Gates Chili Central School District. Life is good. |  | |
| Karen Moore Larimer ’66 | ( | English Literature | ) | Cathy LaLonde Butry `66, Jeanne Gaser McElhinney `66, Margie Weider `66, Barbara Olmstead Long `66, Camille Vistocco DelVecchio `66, Nora Brennan Shannon `66, Mary Randall McMahon `66, Donna Eddy Treat `66. The women of the Class of 1966, have maintained their close connection since their graduation from Nazareth College (now University) 58 years ago by sharing in Class Reunions on campus and decade birthday parties arranged by a classmate on Edisto Island, SC. They have read together for their book club and met for Mystery Tours, Lakeside Luncheons, zoom talks, volunteer activities and even Friday night poker games. To cap all these activities, this year over 40 classmates from across the country will gather April 7-9 at a rental property in the Finger Lakes as the universe celebrates their 80th birthdays with a total eclipse of the sun! |  | |
| Carol Turo ’11 | ( | Psychology | ) | Received her Project Management Professional (PMP) Certification. | ||
| Robert A. Jr. Randall | Coached with the Israeli National Team. They want to share their gratitude for the brotherhood of our alumni support system and hope to represent Nazareth in these games. | |||||
| Stephanie Miller Smyka ’97 | ( | English Literature | ) | Was honored with the 2023 Curriculum Award by the Genesee Valley Association for Supervision and Curriculum Development (GVASCD). She also was elected as the Vice President of the Reading Recovery Council of North America for 2023-2024. | ||
| Gabriela Hernandez Pandya ’20G | ( | TESOL GR | ) | Is a special agent with the U.S. Department of State's Diplomatic Security Service (DSS) serving as a liaison at the FIFA Women's World Cup in Australia and New Zealand. DSS is the security lead for the United States at the Women's World Cup and our personnel in Australia and New Zealand are serving in liaison, advisory, and security support roles to protect the U.S. Women's National Soccer Team as well as U.S. corporate stakeholders and members of the U.S. media attending the Women's World Cup. | ||
| Thea Beaney ’14G | ( | Speech Language Pathology GR | ) | Was honored by the Board of The California of the Deaf (Cal-Ed) as a recipient of the 2023 Service Provider Award. | ||
| Paige Culver Labarge ’15 | ( | Psychology, Inclusive Education | ) | Welcomed a baby girl on October 12th, Elaina Joan. | ||
| Eileen McGee Pestorius ’61 | ( | English Literature | ) | Submitted a photo that shows her wall in a coop art gallery in Georgetown TX, just north of Austin. She still painting and teaching a bit, and has a life rich with friends and family both near and far. |  | |
| Shirley Brewer ’69 | ( | Speech Pathology | ) | Published her fourth book of poems, Wild Girls. Her new website is shirleyjbrewer.com. |  | |
| Denise Mahns ’04 | ( | French | ) | Dr. Denise Mahns has been recognized by the New York State Association for Language Teachers (NYSAFLT) as the New York State World Language Teacher of the Year. The Ruth E. Wasley Distinguished Teacher Award is given to someone who has demonstrated excellence in K-12 foreign language teaching. Mahns was honored at the NYSAFLT Annual Conference in November, where she gave an acceptance speech highlighting what she called the crisis provoked by a teacher shortage. She encouraged conference attendees to support language programs and teacher preparation programs at the college level, and cited her own giving directed to Nazareth College's French House as an example of "paying it forward.". |  | Dr. Mahns and her Fayetteville-Manlius colleagues Richard Ernst, Alana Wielgosz, Sarah Woodward-Jones and Kate Stewart; Dr. Mahns delivers her acceptance speech; Dr. Mahns and her certificate and award. |
| Tracey Taylor Ladd ’01 | ( | Psychology | ) | Graduated from the University at Buffalo in May 2024 with an MS in Information and Library Science; Promoted to Multiformat Acquisitions Librarian at RIT Libraries. | ||
| Ceara Curry Kilpatrick ’18 | ( | Music, Religious Studies | ) | Ceara Curry Kilpatrick ‘18 gave birth to her second son, Joseph Martin Kilpatrick, on April 4th, 2024. |  | Futrue Golden Flyer |
| April McCloud ’10G | ( | TESOL GR | ) | My debut novel was recently published. It can be found here: https://tinyurl.com/msz7pn62. |  | Photo of cover of my debut novel, The Switch |