2009-10 Executive Council Bios
President
Nancy Riker ’69, Washington, D.C. - Term 2009-2011
Nancy Riker graduated with a nursing degree. As a student, she was a member of the College Chorale, chaired the May Day Committee and the Artist Series Committee. After 13 years in the nursing profession, Nancy started Washington, D.C. Accommodations, a central hotel reservation center for Washington. In 1998 she added a meetings division, Meeting Solutions. She is a past president of the National Association of Women Business Owners-Capital Area Chapter, and a past member of the D.C. Chamber of Commerce Board of Directors. Nancy currently serves the Class of ’69 as fund chair, is an ACORN and Heritage Society member, chair of the Nominating Committee, and a member of the Records and Recognition Committee. She has also been active in planning and attending Keuka regional events in the D.C. area. Nancy is currently serving as the Alumni Association Vice President of Personnel.
Vice President, Finance
Michael Sweet ’03, Savona, N.Y. -, Term 2009-2011
Michael has worked his way through the ranks at Corning Inc., beginning in 1991 in the dish room, to his current position as general manager, Corning Country Club. Michael played an instrumental part in the growth of Corning’s Culinary Services. He positioned Corning’s self-op food service department to be recognized by Restaurants and Institutions magazine as one of the best in the business. In addition, Michael led a team at Corning that created, designed, built, and opened a "Tex Mex" eatery - the Cantina Restaurant – Corning’s first public eatery.
Michael’s other projects include the renovations at Corning’s research and development café, Sullivan Park, which earned honorable mention at Food Management’s Best Concepts Awards in November 2000. Michael is completing his first term as a representative to the Executive Council, and remains very active with Keuka.
Vice President, Personnel
Susan Rand Boutwell ’80, Hartland, Vt. - Term 2009-2011
Susan hopes to continue contributing to the Keuka Alumni Association and College activities in her new position on the Executive Council. She is news editor at Valley News, a daily newspaper in the Upper Connecticut River Valley region of Vermont and New Hampshire. Recently re-married, Susan, her new husband and their four children are learning about the joys and struggles of blended families. At Keuka, Susan was editor of The Keukonian and assistant editor of Kiondaga, a class officer, student adviser and head resident, and an admissions tour guide. She was also a member of the May court as a freshman and again as a senior, when she was elected May Queen. She was recognized for her academic and leadership accomplishments when chosen as a student member of the Board of Trustees and class commencement speaker.
Vice President, Programs
Sondra Stevens ’72, Washington, D.C. – Term 2008-2010
While she was a student at Keuka, Sondra wrote for the Keukonian and was the editor-in-chief for a year. She held student jobs as a faculty assistant, swimming instructor, and worked in the Geiser Refectory. Since graduating with a B.A. in sociology, Sondra has lived in Philadelphia, Iowa and now Washington, D.C. She has been a social worker, business manager, and a clinical administrator. For the past six years, Sondra has served as a clinical administrator at Georgetown University Hospital. Last July, Sondra was promoted to administrator for the faculty practice.
Sondra remains active at Keuka; she is finishing her second term on the Executive Council and attends College-sponsored events.
Vice President, Communications
Linda Vollbracht Bauch ’67, Alexandria, Va. - Term 2009-2011
A long-time supporter of Keuka College, Linda graduated with honors and a degree in history. At Keuka, she participated in the Chorale, Glee Club, crew team, and student government. She attended the University of Oslo International Summer School as a Blyley scholar and was elected to Sigma Lambda Sigma Senior Honor fraternity and Who’s Who Among Colleges and Universities. She earned a M.A. degree in history from the University of Rochester and a J.D. with honors from the Nashville (Tenn.) School of Law, where she is licensed to practice law. She taught junior high school history and served as director of information for a department of Tennessee state government. She retired from the American Petroleum Institute in January 2006 after 21 years as an advocate for the oil and natural gas industry, including managing domestic offshore exploration and development issues. She resides in Alexandria, VA.
Secretary
Carrie Potts-Porter ’06, Keuka Park, N.Y. - Term: 2008-2010
Carrie graduated from Keuka with a B.A. in sociology. While she was a student she served as the senior class treasurer and a Student Senate commuter representative. She was also a member of the Pi Gamma Mu Honor Society. After graduation, Carrie decided to remain at Keuka, serving as a resident director and assisting in both the student activities and the alumni and family relations offices. This coming summer, Carrie plans to begin studying massage therapy. Her goal is to own her own business.
Class Representatives up to and including 1950
Luella Walker Corbit ’37, Canandaigua, N.Y.-Term: 2008-2010
Luella graduated from Keuka in 1937. She was a language major (French and Latin), participated on the crew and basketball teams, was involved in the drama society, and served as president of the student body. She has been and remains her class fund chair. Luella has been a consistent President’s Circle donor and donates at the Benefactor level.
Luella’s sister, Rae Walker Barndollar ’34, was a junior at Keuka when Luella entered as a freshman. The bench on Point Neamo was given in Rae’s memory. Lu’s nephew and niece also graduated from Keuka. She values her continuing connection with the College
Patricia Waring Kohn ’49, Saratoga Springs, N.Y.-Term 2009-2011
Patricia, who served as a cadet nurse from 1945-1948, was an R.N. when she entered Keuka College. She completed her B.S. in nursing from Keuka and in 1961 and earned a M.S. from the University of Buffalo. Patricia’s career in nursing spanned 46 years and during that time she held a variety of posts, including night supervisor, staff nurse, head nurse of instruction, director of nursing, and hospital nurse consultant. Married to Bill Kohn until his death in 2000, Patricia has two children: a son, Bob, who lives in San Francisco, Calif., and a daughter, Peggy, who lives in Austin, Texas.
Patricia regularly attends Keuka regional and reunion events and is finishing her first term on the Executive Council.
Class Representatives, 1951-1957
Dorisanne Weimert Osborn ’51, Keuka Park, N.Y. – Term: 2008-2010
Keuka College has been an important part of the life of Dorisanne and her family since the 1930s. She and Charles, her husband of 57 years, attended Baptist conferences on the Keuka campus each summer. Her sister-in-law, Dorothy Osborn ’42 and daughter, Carol Osborn Buetens ’83, are also graduates of Keuka College. Dorisanne returned to Keuka College in 1979 as assistant professor of education and has resided in Keuka Park for the past 27 years. She was president of the Penn Yan Area Keuka Club for two years, served on the Alumni Association Records and Recognition Committee for 14 years, has been president of the Class of 1951 for the past 15 years, serves as a class representative on the Executive Council, and received the Eleanor Judd Wilkes Service to Keuka Award in 1987. She did her master’s and doctoral work at the University of Pittsburgh, taught at the Western Pennsylvania School for the Deaf for 15 years and with her husband, served as an American Baptist missionary in Anadarko, Okla. The Osborns are active in College and community activities in Yates County and established the Osborn Memorial Scholarship at Keuka College in 1982. They have three daughters who work in the field of education, and four grandchildren.
Joanne Keenan Rothfuss ’56, Macedon, N.Y.-Term 2009-2011
At Keuka, Joanne lived in the co-op dorm, Strong Hall, and served as president during her junior year. She was also involved in student government, served as chair of the May Day Committee, and was a member of the senior class crew team. A Field Period highlight for Joanne was the opportunity to teach at Allen High School in Asheville, N.C. At that time it was the only accredited North Carolina school for African-American girls and had a bi-racial faculty and administration. Many of the teachers were former missionaries. She said it was an eye-opening experience regarding discrimination for a young white woman from the North during turbulent times in our history. Keuka provided many valuable opportunities for learning and Joanne has always been grateful for the privilege to have Keuka an important part of her life.
A math teacher, bookkeeper for the Town of Macedon, deputy county clerk for Wayne County, administrative assistant for Assemblyman Bob Oaks, and a partner in her family dairy farm. All have made for a diverse professional career for Joanne. The most important job, however, was that of raising her three children who are now active community members, good parents, and devoted Christians.
Joanne has continued her ties with Keuka by attending reunions and supporting the Keuka Fund.
Class Representatives, 1957-1962
Paula Gibbs Nelson ’60, Keuka Park, N.Y. - Term 2008-2010
While a student at Keuka, Paula was active in the International Club, the Dramatic Society and a member of Alpha Psi Omega, the national honor society for drama. She was also a student assistant to Edith Estey, which was an education in itself. Keuka College’s staff and faculty gave Paula many happy hours as a student. She graduated with a major in English. She furthered her education by attending Elmira and St. John Fisher, where she received a certificate in gerontology and a Retired Housing Profession certificate from the American Association of Homes and Services for the Aging.
After graduation, Paula worked at the Penn Yan Manor Nursing Home until 1990, when she became the first administrator of Clinton Crest Manor, a senior retirement home in Penn Yan. Paula retired in 2003 from Clinton Crest Manor but continues as a volunteer. She has also been a member of the Penn Yan Methodist Church, Kiwanis Service Club, the Penn Yan Public Library, and Seven Lakes Girl Scout Council boards. Paula has stayed involved at Keuka since her graduation. She has served as a member and chairman of the Records and Recognition Committee, helps plan reunions, is a consistent donor, participates in Penn Yan Keuka Club events, and serves on the College’s Community Associates Board.
Patricia Radley Rogers ’58, Lancaster, N.Y.-Term 2008-2010
Upon graduation, Pat was voted permanent class president. She lived in Strong Hall, was a member of the Keukonian staff and Chi Lambda, and sang in the Keuka Park Baptist Church Choir. From 1961-1963, Pat was the nurse and ran the infirmary at Grove College (Pa.) while her husband, Bob, completed his undergraduate studies. Pat and Bob have a son, Stuart, and two grandchildren. While employed at Home Care, she was recognized as Nurse of the Year in 1993 and 1995. Over the years, Pat has stayed involved with her alma mater through her participation as a class officer, Houseparty and reunion activities, and special events. In 2002, she received the Alumni Association’s Eleanor Judd Wilkes Service to Keuka Award.
Class Representatives, 1963-1968
Dr. Mary Lou Johnson Green ’65, Allentown, Pa.-Term: 2008-2010
Mary Lou graduated from Keuka with a B.A. in psychology. She was a member of student government and served as president her senior year. Mary Lou also worked in Keuka’s dining hall kitchen and was as an Oslo Scholar in the summer of 1964. After leaving Keuka, she pursued her M.Ed. and D.Ed. from Lehigh University. Mary Lou is married to Jim and has one son, Jamie, and three grandchildren. Mary Lou’s career has included teaching for the Pen Argyl School District and Moravian Academy, as well as Cedar Crest College, where she served as associate professor of education. Since retiring in 1998 after 21 years of teaching at Cedar Crest, Mary Lou has continued to be active in her community. She has served as past president of the Adult Literacy Center in Allentown (Pa.) Board of Directors, past president of the Junior League of the Lehigh Valley, a member of AAUW, and volunteer for the Visual Impairment and Blindness Services of Northhampton County, Lehigh Valley Couturiere Society, and Colonial Quilters. For four consecutive summers, Mary Lou and Jim participated in month-long computer project workshops at Palacky University, Olomouc, Czech Republic. They continue to host students visiting from Palacky University. Mary Lou is completing her first term on the Executive Council.
Christine Irwin Palmer ’65, Canandaigua, N.Y.-Term: 2008-1010
Christine graduated from Keuka College in 1965 with a B.S. degree in nursing. She started her career in New York City at the Loeb Center for Nursing and Rehabilitation in the Bronx. It was a great experience and emphasized the education she received at Keuka College. In 1968, Christine returned to the countryside of Upstate New York and started working as a public health nurse. She worked in home care for 26 years, caring for patients from antipartum, newborn, to the elderly. For the past 12 years Christine had been supervising public health nurse for the public health programs (rabies, West Nile virus, immunization, maternal/child health, radon, childhood lead prevention, and early intervention). In 2004, she retired for the first time and then returned to the health department part-time and directed a diabetes grant, and served as trainer for medication administration for child care providers and health care consultant to child care providers. She retired from those duties in December 2006 and started as interim director for the long-term health care program. In June of 2007, Christine relocated to Canandaigua to be closer to family and is enjoying more family activities. She has recently been approved to substitute as a school nurse in the Canandaigua school system.
Class Representatives, 1969-1974
Ellen Charles Chirco '73, Penn Yan, N.Y.-Term 2008-2010
Ellen graduated with a B.A. degree in biology and secondary education. Her participation in the summer 1972 KWES (Keuka World Emphasis) Program led to her initial position in 1973 at the New York State Seed Testing Laboratory (NYSSTL), located at the New York State Agricultural Station in Geneva, N.Y. Spending the summer at the botany department of Glasgow University (Scotland), started her career in, and love of seed technology. In 1978 she received a M.S. in agronomy (seed technology) from Cornell University and for the next 27 years, she worked in the field of seed technology. Ellen conducted regulatory and official seed testing analysis, seed research, extension research and teaching and training of seed analysis at the regional, national and international level. She also traveled extensively with national and international seed association responsibilities.
She and her husband, Michael, have an international family. They hosted four exchange students through the International Fellowship Program: two Japanese girls (Ai and Yoko), and one Japanese boy, (Hiromichi), and Caryn from Ecuador. Since spending the school year with them, some have returned to visit and Ellen and Michael keep in close contact with them and their families.
Ellen devotes much of her spare time to the theatre. Michael was a drama coach for many years at Marcus Whitman Central Schools in addition to his teaching responsibilities. He has recently been appointed superintendent of schools. Over the years, Ellen designed and constructed costumes for 45 productions, including musicals such as The King and I, Annie, and Hello Dolly, and Elizabethan costumes for Michael’s Shakespeare productions. In retirement, she hopes to spend more time quilting, costuming, discovering local history and reconnecting with Keuka.
Sheryl Henshaw Welch ’70, Syracuse, N.Y.-Term 2009-2011
Upon graduating from Keuka, Sheryl accepted a position in the Penn Yan Central School District as a primary special education teacher. She met her husband there and together they taught special education for two years. In 1972, Sheryl and her husband relocated to Albany, N.Y., where she taught first grade at the Vincentian Institute, a Catholic elementary school, while her husband attended law school.
In 1975, they moved to Syracuse, started their family and in 1978 she returned to teaching, this time at the high school level in the Tully Central School District. She is a resource teacher and chair of the special education department. In addition to her teaching career, she served as booster club president for the Central New York Gymnastics Center and as a chairperson of several golf outings, including scholarship fund-raisers. In addition to golfing, she enjoys scrapbooking and stamping, and is proud to be a regular blood donor for the American Red Cross. Sheryl has attended Keuka regional and reunion events over the years and has been a consistent donor. She is looking forward to returning and reconnecting to Keuka as a class representative on the Alumni Association Executive Council.
Class Representatives, 1975-1980
Karen Duffy ’79, Victor, N.Y.-Term 2008-2010
Karen graduated from Keuka with a B.S. in nursing. As a student, Karen wrote for the poetry magazine, served as a resident assistant, worked as a teaching assistant for the dean of nursing and drove tractors and trucks for the grounds department. Karen says working for the grounds department and sneaking up to ring the bell in Ball Hall were memorable events. Karen helped start and was very active in Keuka’s chapter of the National Student Nurses Association. She had the honor of speaking at her college graduation. Karen received the Geriatric Nursing Award in 1979 and that has been her career focus over the past 27 years.
After graduation, Karen worked as an RN at Strong Memorial Hospital in Rochester from 1979-84. She received a master’s in gerontological nursing in 1983. Karen served on the nursing faculty at Keuka from 1983-1985 and 1986-1988. In 1992, she received New York State’s Legislature’s Nurse of Distinction Award. Karen completed a post-master’s certification program at the University of Buffalo School of Nursing for adult nurse practitioner in 1997. Over the years, Karen has held various nursing and consulting positions, and currently works at Strong Memorial Hospital.
Karen continues to be involved in Keuka as an ACORN volunteer, reunion and events attendee, and is a consistent donor.
Bonnie Morrison O’Shea ’77, Slingerlands, N.Y.-Term 2008-2010
Bonnie is a Katherine Gillette Blyley Scholar who majored in sociology and minored in child psychology. After college, she worked with handicapped preschoolers in Kingston, N.Y., and earned a master’s degree in special education from the College of Saint Rose in Albany. She worked as a full-time teacher at Parson’s Child and Family Center while attending classes in the evenings. Three years later, she was recruited by a special education preschool that was just opening as New York state began to fund education services for handicapped children prior to entering public schools. This career lasted about 15 years between two different pre-school programs and the raising of two sons, now 21- and 22-years-old. Bonnie decided that once her children were finished with elementary school, she would move out of special education and try teaching in the public school setting. She has been employed by the Bethlehem Central School District for the last 10 years, beginning as a kindergarten teacher and moving up a grade almost every year to her current position as a teacher of a multi-age classroom of fourth and fifth graders. She is involved in the development and enrichment of the district’s literacy program, professional development work, mentor teacher program, and PTA.
Bonnie has continued to be involved at Keuka since her graduation. She attends regional and reunion events, is completing her first term on the Executive Council, and served as co-chair of the National Keuka Fund in 2007-2008.
Class Representatives, 1981-1986
Patty McGall Bastedo '82, Clyde, N.Y. – Term 2008-2010
Patty graduated with a B.S. in nursing and was involved in Campus Scouts. Since graduation, she has worked at Clifton Springs Hospital for 25 years in various capacities, including staff nurse, nurse manager, patient educator, patient safety coordinator, and employee health director. Currently, she divides her time between infection prevention and control and serves as a diabetes nurse educator in the Diabetes Center. She holds national certification as a diabetes educator and is currently working toward certification in infection control. She is a member of APIC (Association for Professionals in Infection Control and Epidemiology) and a past member of AADE (American Association of Diabetes Educators)
Patty is married with two teenage children. Her hobbies include horseback riding, reading, and antiquing.
Wendy Wheaton Means (aka Tillie) ’82, Syracuse, N.Y. -Term 2009-2011
Wendy worked on the Red Jacket (the literary/art magazine) from 1978-82 and was editor-in-chief during her senior year. She was a student advisor her junior year, and was named student manager of the food service work study in 1982.
She has been employed with Carrols Corp. in Syracuse for 26 years. She started out as a team member to earn extra money and ended up being promoted into restaurant management where she worked for 12 years. Wendy then took a position as a marketing coordinator for three years. For 11 years she has served as human resources support specialist. She received her PHR in December 2006.
She has one daughter, Meryl, age 17.
Wendy served three years as second vice president of the Marathon Alumni Association. Marathon Central School is one of only four high schools in New York State to host an annual alumni banquet and has been doing so for 121 years.
Her first experience at Keuka was when Wendy and her mother visited the campus in February 1978 for a tour and an interview. The campus was covered in snow and the lake was frozen. They walked around outside for quite a while and she remembered turning to her mother and saying, “This is where I belong. I want to come to school here.” This was before Wendy had even looked around or spoken to anyone. It was just the feeling she got…like coming home. She still feels that way today. Her Keuka experience was the best thing for her.
Class Representative, 1987-1992
Michael Canny ’90, Pittsford, N.Y.-Term: 2008-2010
Michael graduated from Keuka with a B.A. in social studies education. While at Keuka, he was a dean’s list student and served as the student assistant basketball coach. Michael began his professional career as a social studies teacher and a basketball coach at Red Jacket Central School and is now principal at Cosgrove Middle School. He received his Master’s of Education degree from Elmira College in May 1996 and his Certificate of Advanced Study from SUNY Oswego in 1999. He is married to Lisa Colette Soucy ’89 and they have three daughters. Michael’s older brother, Bartle G. Canny, graduated from Keuka in 1987.
Michael stays involved with Keuka by serving as class representative on the Executive Council, ACORN volunteer, and attending various events.
Class Representatives, 1993-1998
Todd Buchko ’95, Syracuse, N.Y. - Term 2008-2010
A Corning, N.Y. native, Todd earned his bachelor’s degree in food, hotel, resort management and has been working in the field for 13 years. Currently, he is sales manager at the Genesee Grande and Parkview Hotels in downtown Syracuse.
Todd was instrumental in developing Keuka College’s annual alumni lacrosse game, which began in 2002. He was selected as the College’s Lacrosse Alumnus of the Year in 2002 and in 2005 the Keuka College Alumni Association honored Todd with the Recent Graduate Award for professional achievement, community service, and service to Keuka.
Stephen VanLew ’93, Denville, N.J. - Term 2009-2011
While at Keuka, Stephen was a New Student Orientation leader along with a volunteer tutor in the Division of Occupational Therapy. In addition, he was an active member in Pi Theta Epsilon, the occupational therapy national honor society. He graduated cum laude with a bachelor’s degree in occupational therapy.
Stephen is associate director of occupational therapy at New York University Medical Center in New York City. While at NYU, Stephen’s focus has been on program development that has resulted in several new clinical occupational therapy programs. In addition to his clinical position, he also serves as an adjunct faculty member NYU and Mercy College. He is pursing graduate studies in health sciences at Seton Hall University.
Stephen is grateful for the education he received at Keuka and that is why he has been a consistent donor to the Keuka Fund. He enjoys serving on the Executive Council.
Class Representative, 1999-2009
Daniel Robbins ’03, Manlius, N.Y. - Term 2008-2010
Daniel B. Robbins is a 2003 graduate of the adolescent education program. Originally from Manlius, Daniel was recruited to play lacrosse for Coach Jason Paige. While a member of the lacrosse squad he was active not only on the field, but in all aspects of college life. Other extracurricular activities included taking part in student government as a representative for Ball Hall, campus radio broadcasts, various community service activities, tutoring, and hosting prospective students. Daniel is a science teacher and assistant varsity football coach in the Port Byron Central School District.
Meghan Ritchie ’02, M ’05, Bath, NY Term: 2009-2011
Meghan Ritchie graduated from Keuka with a Bachelor’s of Unified Education ’02 and a Master’s of Childhood Education ’05. While at Keuka, Meghan was extremely involved in many clubs and activities including Council for Special Education, Education Club, and Chi Beta Phi Honor Society. She also was selected as Senior Class of 2002 Secretary, Resistant Assistant, and Freshmen Mentor.
After completion of her Bachelor’s Degree, she began working at Bath Central School District as a 6th grade Special Education Teacher. Throughout her seven years working in Bath, she has been an active member of the teaching committee by serving on several committees. Meghan is the middle school representative on the CDEP committee; helping the school developing a working plan to ensure success of all students in the district. She was also selected and trained to be a Committee on Special Education (CSE) teacher member, who oversees the completion of the student’s IEP during those meetings. At Bath Middle School, Meghan is a co-advisor for the “Sunshine” Faculty Morale Club and the Rachel’s Challenge Target Letter Group designed to recognize individuals who go out of their way to do acts of kindness for others. For the past six years, Meghan has coached JV Cheerleading as well as assisting the Varsity Cheerleading Team. This year Meghan volunteered to train the 8-10 year old students for the Special Olympics held in the Genesee Valley Region.
Outside of the school clubs, Meghan has participated in the I’m Too Young for This Cancer group, which does several outreach activities throughout the year to support young cancer survivors. She also has joined in the cause of raising money for the American Cancer Society’s Relay for Life in the Bath/Hammondsport Region this year.
Accelerated Studies for Adult Programs (ASAP) Representative
Kevin Grewe ’04, Cortland, NY-Term 2009-2011
Education was one item in Kevin’s early years that was not important to him. As he got older he realized education was very important. And, he truly believes that Alvin Toffler (a former editor of Fortune Magazine) captured it correctly when he said, “The illiterate of the 21st century will not be those who cannot read and write, but those who cannot learn, unlearn, and relearn.”
Kevin was born and raised in Chenango County, and attended Cincinnatus Central School and Otselic Valley Central School. Education to his family meant that you worked hard, paid your bills, and kept your family fed. At the age of 17 he left school to serve in the United States Marine Corps. After Kevin’s 15 years in the Military he started working for the Rite Aid Pharmacy and has been with the company. In 2001, Rite Aid transferred Kevin to Penn Yan.
Kevin’s cousin, Sally Daggett ’93 & M’07, works at Keuka College as the associate director of the Center for Experiential Learning. He called her to find out if the College had any night classes, as he had obtained some college credits during his tenure in the Marine Corps. It’s as if God put Kevin in the right place at the right time. Sally informed him that there were no night classes, but shared information about the Accelerated Studies for Adults Program (ASAP).
The ASAP intrigued Kevin, so he applied for admission and started in 2002 in a cohort on campus. Kevin graduated in 2004 with his Bachelor of Science degree in organizational management. He fulfilled a goal that he truly believed was only an untouchable vision off in the horizon. The faculty and traditional students were helpful in all areas of Kevin’s student life. One area that was such a benefit for him was the Academic Support Program Office (now known as Academic Success at Keuka (ASK). The director, Carole Lillis was a great help to Kevin with his writing; he learned so much from her. The courses he took allowed him to actually apply the knowledge to his current job, and in turn Kevin became a better manager. He started seeing what the company looked for in personnel and how the company operated as a corporation. His Keuka education allowed him to view Rite Aid from a positive position instead of a negative one.
Kevin is store manager in Cortland, which is the largest store in the Finger Lakes region. This is a new opportunity for him and probably one that he would not have taken advantage of if he had not obtained his college degree. Keuka provided Kevin with the confidence to push himself and believe in himself to try new challenges. He has also had the opportunity to conduct national trainings for all employees from the Eckerd Drug chain who became Rite Aid employees after the 2007 merger. Serving on the Keuka College Alumni Executive Council is one small way Kevin feels he can give back the College. He is so grateful to be able to represent the adult students and serve the alumni.
Alumni Trustee, 2008-2011
Jill Gregory ’82, Acton, MA
Jill was a pre-med/biology major. Her first campus job was in the housekeeping department and the last three years she was a chemistry lab teaching assistant. She tutored HEOP students for a bit and was active in the campus Girl Scout troop. She did an independent study focused on salt-glazed ceramics.
Since leaving Keuka, Jill has worked in the field of science for almost 25 years, starting in an academic setting in Texas for seven years before moving on to pharmaceutical companies for five years. She has spent the past 13 years at Genzyme, a biotechnology company. For the last 18 years, Jill has worked in drug discovery at the very beginning of the process of looking for new drugs, developing assays, and screening small molecule compounds for disease targets in a variety of areas including cancer, renal and immunology. She is an active member of the Society for Biomolecular Sciences, the Environmental Committee, and Action Team Committee at Genzyme.
Outside of work, Jill enjoys reading, cooking, square dancing and gardening. She is a member of the Square Wheeler Dance Club and serves as class chair of the club for the last three years. In the community of Acton, Jill was a member of the Commuter Rail Task Force in 2005-2006.
She has served as class fund chair the last couple of years and co-chair of the National Keuka Fund.