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Find out which of our alums is celebrating a promotion, a new career, or their start-up business in Class Notes. Read about new babies and wedding announcements. See who is making news, and take a moment to remember those who have passed on.

Every month, we find ourselves short on Class Notes from classes before the 1990s. We want to share all of our alumni’s accomplishments! Please email us at alumni@strose.edu with your news, and write “class notes” in the subject line.

2020s

Aiesha M Hemeda ’21 received the 2023 Reed College of Media IMC and DMC Scholarship at West Virginia University, where she is enrolled in the online Digital Marketing Communications master’s degree program. Recipients must have a desire to make positive change in their communities and a clear idea about how to do it. While an undergraduate, Hemeda worked on advertising and public relations campaigns for multiple nonprofit organizations, including RISSE, an organization that provides resources for refugees and immigrants; the National Museum of African American History and Culture; and the National Foundation to End Child Abuse and Neglect. She now works as a public information specialist for the New York State Office of General Services.

2010s

Liam Davis ’19 released a new single “Gasoline.” You can download and stream the song on Spotify, AmazonMusic, AppleMusic, or Tidal. Davis and his work were featured by Nippertown in a recent article.

Julia Miller, Alex Pecha

Congratulations to Julia Miller ’17 and Alex Pecha ’17 on their engagement! (Photo by Courtney Bernardo ’18)

Julia Miller ’17 and Alex Pecha ’17 celebrated their engagement with a photo shoot at the place where it all began: Saint Rose! Photos were taken in Neil Hellman Library by Photo Haus Arts, a studio co-run by another Saint Rose alum, Courtney Bernardo ’18.

2000s

Elizabeth Forte ’04, G’06 was appointed educational program coordinator, Ellenville School of The Center For Spectrum Services Kingston, New York. Prior to her new assignment, Forte was the Ellenville School’s Family Service Coordinator for many years. The center provides diagnostic, educational, and treatment services for children and families impacted by autism spectrum disorders. Forte also completed a certificate of advanced study in school leadership from SUNY New Paltz in 2021.

Trevor Bogan ’02 proudly serves as the regional director of the Americas at Top Employer Institute and has over 20 years of experience in talent acquisition. He was featured in Authority Magazine, speaking about how employers and employees are working together in a new world of work. Read or listen to the interview at “The Great Resignation & The Future Of Work: Trevor Bogan of Top Employers Institute on How Employers and Employees are Reworking Work Together” by Karen Mangia.

Children's book cover with a fish on it and the title "Ollie"

Nicole DeMaria Vitale ’01 recently published her first children’s book, titled “Ollie,” which is available on Amazon.

1990s

Susan Kokernak G’95, a music and band teacher at Niskayuna Central School District for 13 years, recently earned National Board Certification in music for elementary and middle-school levels.

Jennifer Woolver Thompson ’94 was recognized as the 2022-2023 Teacher of the Year at Martin Luther King, Jr. Elementary School, (Edison Township Public Schools) in Edison, New Jersey. She has been a fifth grade teacher there since 2014.

1980s

William “Bill” Murphy ’88 is the current mayor of Saugerties, New York, and is running for re-election. For more information on his goals for another term, read this story.

Karen Cooper Mantas ’86, vice president and executive director at The Foundation for Ellis Medicine in Schenectady, was featured in The Daily Gazette for her philanthropic efforts supporting the organization’s service, people, and capital needs.

Patrick “Packy” McGraw ’86 retired after over 34 years of service at Albany College of Pharmacy and Health Sciences. During his remarkable career, he held numerous positions and positively impacted countless lives, retiring as vice president for administrative operations. Among his many achievements, he was selected by the student government association as administrator of the year – TWICE.

Heather Margaret Gray G’85 is the deputy mayor of the Village of Scotia. She successfully ran for re-election as a village trustee and has begun a new four-year term.

In Memoriam

Stephen Smith G’89
Marla Wacker Mastin G’87
William Woodley ’80, G’82
Stephen Judd ’77
Theresa Marino G’73
Louise Sampson ’73
William VanValkenburg ’73
Mary Grace Ceresia G’70
Robert Dylong G’65
Mary Anne Ross ’65
Susan Allen Murtha ’64
Sister Margaret Harrison (formerly Sister Mariella) ’64
Mary Tranquille ’59

Friends of Saint Rose
Dr. Megan Cartier, assistant professor of special education
Mary Louise Bastian Cataldo
Marjorie Hoffman Crawford
Sophia Hadjian, former professor
Suzanne A. Honsinger
J. Michael O’Connell
Kimberly Ann VanPelt
Nancy “Annie” Wilson