Class Notes

Name: Shail Rajan

Class Year(s): 1995

Note: Shail Rajan MBA ’95 (SCB) has published her third novel, The Summer Breeze Love & Misfortunes, the second book in The Summer Breeze series). Her other books include The Summer Breeze Bed & Breakfast (book 1 in The Summer Breeze series) and The Recipient. Visit her website for more information: https://www.shailrajan.com/

Submitted on: May 31, 2023

Name: James Englert

Class Year(s): 1974

Note: Jim Englert ’74 (CCE), founder of High Falls Advisors, was named a Financial Leaders 2023 honoree in the lifetime achievement category by the Rochester Business Journal and the Rochester Chapter of Financial Executives International. Jim co-founded High Falls Advisors in 2008 after a career with Eastman Kodak Company and today – at age 79 – still works daily helping his clients pursue their financial goals and mentoring employees.

Submitted on: May 31, 2023

Name: Kelly Burns

Class Year(s): 2010

Note: Kelly Burns MBA ’10 (SCB) has been named Director of Tourism in Livingston County, N.Y. Burns brings nearly two decades of high-level experience to Livingston County including her most recent stint as Digital Marketing Manager and Recruitment Marketing Manager for Yellowstone National Park. There, she oversaw Yellowstone’s digital marketing strategy to drive guest visitation for lodging and activities. Burns was also instrumental in the development and implementation of the Park’s job recruitment marketing program, which has the goal of increasing overall employment applications. Prior to her tenure with Yellowstone, Burns served as a Marketing Manager for Geronimo Trail Guest Ranch for nearly three years where she helped to revitalize marketing efforts that included a website redesign, migration to a new email marketing service and increased brand presence across social media.

Submitted on: May 31, 2023

Name: Willy (Perry -- formal first name) Conley

Class Year(s): 1981

Note: "Photographic Memories" is an anthology of essays, playlets, and short fiction by writer and photographer Willy Conley ’81 (GAP). The pieces in this collection are grounded in Deaf experiences, a hallmark of Conley’s work. Written from the unique perspective of a Deaf artist who navigates between the Deaf and hearing worlds, Conley depicts a variety of topics, settings, and characters: a day in the life of a traveling Deaf theatre company, a nail salon, a baseball player trying to go pro. Conley also addresses critical issues at the heart of his Deaf identity, such as creating professional opportunities for Deaf theater artists, the need for better standards in sign language interpreting, and ableism. Original photographs taken by the author accompany his writings and invite the reader to contemplate the often-blurred lines between reality and memory. Dr. Gerard Buckley, President of NTID and Vice President and Dean of RIT wrote a book blurb stating: “Willy Conley is a gifted Deaf writer, photographer, and actor who shares his memories with readers in his latest book. Conley reflects on his career beginning with his studies at NTID, where he found his identity as a Deaf person and honed his professional photography skills. Many of the stories he shares are common for Deaf and hard of hearing individuals who are educated in mainstream settings and serve as a powerful reminder that we have work to do to improve the inclusion of Deaf students in these settings. A recommended read for all who are engaged in preparing future generations of Deaf students to excel and thrive.”

Submitted on: May 19, 2023

Name: Pete Beckary

Class Year(s): 90

Note: Pete Beckary ’90 (SCB) recently partnered with retired U.S. Army Master Sergeant/Special Ops Green Beret Dan Kostrzebski in publishing the daily devotional entitled No One Is Fatherless - available at www.nooneisfatherless.com

Submitted on: May 18, 2023

Name: Michael Troise

Class Year(s): 2018

Note: Michael Troise ’19, ME ’19 (KGCOE) recently began working for McLaren Engineering Group in their Entertainment Division as a Staff Engineer. Michael’s role includes providing engineering calculations and analysis for Broadway shows and some of the world’s largest concert tours, including Justin Bieber’s Justice World Tour.

Submitted on: May 14, 2023

Name: Nicholas Cheong

Class Year(s): 2010

Note: Nicholas Cheong MS ’10 (CLA) joined Wells Fargo Corporate and Investment Banking on their relationship management team in 2021. In recognition of his leadership in the Asian-American, diplomatic, and international business communities in Colorado, he was also appointed to the Advisory Board of the Center for Asian Studies at the University of Colorado at Boulder in 2021. As part of his work bringing to forge stronger economic ties between Colorado and Singapore, he met with the Mayor of Denver, Mr. Michael B. Hancock, in October 2022.

Submitted on: May 9, 2023

Name: Alex Lobl

Class Year(s): 2016

Note: Alex Lobl MS ’16 (GCCIS) and Mai Kamada were married in November of 2022 and joined together on April 18, 2023 with a traditional Japanese ceremony.

Submitted on: May 8, 2023

Name: Jane Dalton

Class Year(s): 1987

Note: Jane Dalton MFA ’87 (FAA) was recently promoted to full professor of art education at the University of North Carolina at Charlotte. She has also recently written a book that will be published in August of 2023. The Mindful Studio, Davis Publications. https://www.davisart.com/mindfulness-and-expressive-arts/mindful-studio/

Submitted on: May 8, 2023

Name: Philip Potts

Class Year(s): 1994

Note: Dr. Philip Potts MS ’94 (CIAS) has graduated with a Ph.D. in Aeronautical Science from Capitol Technology University. He is a Senior Cyber Threat Analyst with The Boeing Company.

Submitted on: May 8, 2023