Class Notes
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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
Name: Andrew Scott
Class Year(s): 2013
Note: Andrew Scott ’13 (CLA) was featured in 585 Magazine for his work as a local concept artist in Rochester, N.Y.
Submitted on: May 8, 2023
Name: Nicolás Rubio
Class Year(s): 1999, 2001
Note: Nicolás Rubio ’99, MBA ’01 (SCB) earned a Ph.D. in Political Science with Public Policy as area of specialization at Universidad Simón Bolívar (USB) in Caracas, Venezuela. The commencement ceremony took place on July 13, 2022. His doctoral dissertation titled Promotion of the Competitiveness of the State of Táchira and San Cristóbal: State and Municipal Public Policy Proposal was approved with Outstanding Mention in February 2022. San Cristóbal is Nicolás’ hometown.
Submitted on: April 20, 2023
Name: Phil Frandina
Class Year(s): 2011
Note: Phil Frandina ’11 (SCB) and Jessica Frandina ’11 (COS) celebrated the birth of their third child, Luke Alan, on September 14, 2022.
Submitted on: April 20, 2023