It is with mixed emotions that I prepare my final letter before retiring in early May amid the crazy and unprecedented COVID-19 pandemic. First and foremost, I hope and pray this finds you, your families, and loved ones healthy and well, and that by the time you read this, COVID-19 is a topic of the past.

Alfred State has been a part of my life for 34 years, so when I think of the college, it is like thinking of home – home to many great friends, my work family, my job, and my alma mater. Over the years, I have had the pleasure of not only witnessing the numerous constructive changes, but also being a part of them. While excited and eager to move into the next chapter of my life, it is a bittersweet time, as I feel as though I am leaving behind a part of me.

Over the past decade as the director of Alumni Relations, it has been an honor to work with, learn from, and represent the alumni community. I have been blessed to work with incredible colleagues, devoted and amazing board and alumni chapter members, and I am proud to not only be a part of the Alfred State Family, but I am proud of what we have accomplished together. I have found lifelong friends simply because we all have a common thread. It has been a privilege meeting many of you over the years and hearing the many stories and memories of your time while at the college. The connections I have are significant and meaningful, and this has been one of the great privileges of my professional career.

Thank you, alumni, for your support and advice over the years, yet I wish to express my deepest gratitude and appreciation for your support for both the college and our students! Please continue to keep Alfred State in the forefront of your lives. Now, more than ever, is a great time to reach out to or reconnect with those with whom you have lost contact – your former roommate, suitemate, classmate, or even your favorite professor. Continue to or begin to engage with the college and encourage others to do so as well; there are numerous and fun opportunities.

I am delighted to share the alumni program is in great hands with Roxana Sammons assuming the role of director, a familiar name to many, and our new associate director, Hillary Brintle. Together, Roxana and Hillary will continue building alumni chapter participation and outreach, and would enjoy hearing and learning new opportunities for engaging. Please provide them a warm welcome.

Again, thank you for your support. You are the heartbeat of Alfred State, and I will always be grateful for your commitment. In the words of Robert Baden-Powell, “Leave this world a little better than you found it.” I believe our alumni do that daily! I look forward to seeing the wonderful accomplishments and great work ahead.

Alfred State is pleased to announce that Roxana Sammons and Hillary Brintle have joined the college’s Office of Institutional Advancement and that Jason Sciotti is the new interim director of Development.

In March, Sammons assumed the role of interim director of Alumni Relations and Brintle began serving as the new associate director of Annual Giving and Alumni Relations. Sciotti took on his new position in April.

Sammons holds an associate degree in executive secretarial science from Bryant & Stratton Business Institute and an associate degree in liberal arts and sciences: math and science from Alfred State. She previously worked at Alfred State from 1992 to 2017, holding keyboard specialist and secretary positions in several departments, including the Office of Institutional Advancement. Most recently, she was employed at SUNY Geneseo as an administrative assistant to the vice president for Enrollment Management.

In her role as interim director of Alumni Relations, Sammons is responsible for developing and implementing a comprehensive strategic plan designed to provide meaningful opportunities for volunteerism, professional development, and events and programs for Alfred State’s 50,000-plus alumni to enhance loyalty, dedication, and support for Alfred State College. Additionally, Sammons oversees the planning and execution of alumni chapters and activities in targeted regions across the country to enhance alumni engagement and cultivate connections.

Brintle, who holds a bachelor’s degree in applied arts and science from Rochester Institute of Technology (RIT), previously worked as the assistant director of Annual Giving at RIT and held the same position at Montclair State University.

In her role as associate director of Annual Giving and Alumni Relations, Brintle is responsible for assisting with developing and managing a comprehensive annual giving and alumni relations program. Her primary responsibilities include helping to ensure that the annual giving goals are met each year and helping to ensure that alumni relations and events are successful.

Sciotti attended Alfred State College and holds a bachelor’s degree in business from St. Bonaventure University. Since 2015, he has worked at Alfred State as a development officer in the Office of Institutional Advancement specializing in planned gifts.

Prior to his employment at Alfred State, Sciotti had been in the financial services business for over 15 years, working as a financial consultant with TIAA-CREF, and as a financial executive at Citibank-M&T Bank.

In his role as interim director of Development, Sciotti will initiate, develop, and execute all annual fund activities and other fundraising responsibilities for the college. Responsibilities will include annual fund appeals, Day of Giving, President’s Society membership and recognition dinner, the annual golf tournament, athletic sponsorship program, database management, donor relations, and special projects.