Tony and Linda (Mason) Helstosky of Salem, Conn., have been selected to receive the SUNY Delhi Alumni Association’s highest honor, the Distinguished Alumni Award. The Distinguished Alumni Award honors those who, over the years since graduation, have made a dedicated, continued and outstanding contribution to their chosen field of endeavor, as well as to their community and SUNY Delhi. Chad Hall of Walton, chief operating officer and business development at Ioxus, Inc., will receive the Alumnus of Merit award, which recognizes a Delhi alumnus who is a rising star in his or her field.

In addition to the Alumni Awards, SUNY Delhi will induct four into its Athletic Hall of Fame on Saturday, June 5, at 3 p.m. in the Clark Field House. Inductees include Delhi’s first Athletic Director Robert S. Brown, Edward Coates ’60, Robert Hilfiger ’79, and Ann Vitalo Welsh ’82.

Tony and Linda Helstosky are both graduates of Delhi’s Veterinary Science Technology program, class of 1975.

Serving the pharmaceutical and biotechnology profession for over 30 years, Tony Helstosky is Director of Regulatory Affairs for Pfizer Global Research in New London, Conn. Previously, he has held positions in the pharmacology discovery and clinical research divisions at AVANT Immunotherapeutics, Astra Pharmacueticals, Genzyme, and Sterling Winthrop. In addition to his Delhi degree, he holds a B.A. in Biology from the University of Hartford.

Linda Mason Helstosky holds a B.S. in Nursing from Russell Sage College. She previously worked at the Albany College of Pharmacy and the Rensselear County Health Department.

Great advocates, supporters and friends of SUNY Delhi, the Helstoskys are actively involved in ensuring Delhi’s Veterinary Science Technology program continues to meet industry standards. Tony serves on the program’s advisory board and was honored as a Delhi Titan, returning to his alma mater to speak to students about his chosen field.

Hall is a 1994 graduate of Delhi’s Computer Aided Drafting and Design program. His extensive mechanical engineering and business experience played a key role in the creation of Ioxus, Inc., a subsidiary of Custom Electronics, Inc. (CEI), an Oneonta-based company that is devoted to producing environmentally friendly ultracapacitors. From funding to setting up the factory to launching the company, Hall has been a major player in Ioxus’ success. Hall is responsible for manufacturing and testing of standard products and for further establishing the company, building the team, increasing sales, locating funding, and spurring continued product development. Hall is also responsible for educating the market on Ioxus products and training sales personnel on the technical aspects of the expanding product.

Prior to his role at Ioxus, Hall served 14 years with CEI. He was involved in several high-voltage, high-reliability capacitor projects at national labs, ensuring the success of those projects as a top consultant. Hall is a member of the American Society of Mechanical Engineers (ASME) and holds a 5-M certificate in Electro-Mechanical Design and Drafting.

To attend SUNY Delhi’s Alumni Weekend, or for more information about activities, call the Alumni Office at (607) 746-4600.

SUNY Delhi will induct four members into its Athletic Hall of Fame Saturday, June 5, at 3 p.m. in the Clark Field House as part of the college’s “Alumni Weekend” celebration. Inductees include Delhi’s first Athletic Director Robert S. Brown, Edward Coates ’60, Robert Hilfiger ’79, and Ann Vitalo Welsh ’82.

“This year’s inductees embody what SUNY Delhi athletics represents: A great coach, stellar All-Americans, and a true team player and leader,” said Athletic Director Robert Backus.

Robert S. Brown, a Delhi native and World War II veteran, devoted 25 years of his life to building and improving the physical education program at Delhi during a time of rapid growth and change. He was appointed in 1951, holding bachelor’s and master’s degrees in Health and Physical Education from Ithaca College. He later completed a master’s degree in Counseling from SUNY Cortland. During his tenure at Delhi, Brown served as the college’s first athletic director, having previously established a record of leadership by serving as a teacher, counselor and coach of Baseball, Cross Country and Basketball. Under his leadership, the 1955 Cross Country Team placed third in the Junior College AA Regional Tournament. Brown also led the Men’s Basketball Team to break numerous records during the 1958-1960 seasons, including the most wins and the fewest defeats since 1924 while compiling a 19-2 record. His team ranked ninth in the nation defensively. The campus and community mourned his untimely death in 1976, and in 1988, a new athletic field complex to benefit Delhi students and local residents was dedicated to Brown in honor of the numerous contributions he made to his campus, community and country.

Edward Coates was the leading JUCO scorer in the Eastern United States and sixth in the nation in 1960 with a scoring average of 26.9 points per game. From 1958-1960, he led the Broncos in scoring with 1,047 points in 48 games, set a new record for points in one season with 633 points, broke the record for points in one game with 47 points, and led his team in free-throw accuracy, making 121 out of 154 tries. The Broncos won 19 out of 21 games in the 1959-1960 season, topping the prior season’s record of 17 to 4. Coates made the All-Tournament Region XV Team two years in a row, earning the title of leading scorer both years and garnering the Sportsmanship Award in 1959. His senior year, Coates became Captain of the Basketball Team and was inducted into the Green Key Honor Society for high scholastic achievement with a 3.5 GPA. Coates graduated from Delhi with an associate’s degree in Food Technology and went on to Middle Tennessee State where he obtained his bachelor’s and master’s degrees in Physical Education and Biology. In 2001, Coates played on a seniors 55 to 60 basketball team that was named “Tennessee State Champs,” winning a gold medal and qualifying for the national tournament.

Robert Hilfiger became Coach Frank Millard’s first two-time NJCAA All American Wrestler in 1978 and 1979. He is the record holder for the most wins at the NJCAA National Wrestling Tournament, a mark that still stands today. He also set a record for the most superior decisions at the nationals. Hilfiger was selected to the Region III All-Decade Wrestling Team for the 142-pound weight class and earned a place in the Region III Wrestling Hall of Fame. SUNY Delhi named him Athlete of the Year in 1979. Hilfiger went on to Appalachian State University and became a two-time Southern Conference Champion. He was Appalachian State’s outstanding wrestler both years he competed. Hilfiger will always be remembered as a slick takedown-to-pin artist.

Ann Vitalo Welsh started running in 10th grade and went on to excel at SUNY Delhi in Cross Country and Track and Field. She was the second female athlete in Delhi history to win All-American titles and was also All-Region in Cross Country for the 3,000 and 5,000 meter in both 1981 and 1982. She also earned the distinction of Academic All-American in Cross Country. Vitalo Welsh was the Empire District State Track Champion for Region III and XV in the 3,000 and 5,000 meter and earned the Outstanding Female Performer award at the national championships. At the nationals in 1981, she established two college track records and her time of 17:58.1 in the 5,000 meter remains a school record today.  She placed second at the State Cross Country Championships held at Sunken Meadow her senior year. Vitalo Welsh was named Delhi’s Female Athlete of the Year, also winning the Coach’s Award for Cross Country and Track. Her coach, Robert Castellanos, credits Vitalo Welsh for her instrumental role in building the Women’s Cross Country and Track programs at SUNY Delhi. Her success earned her an athletic scholarship to attend Indiana State University.

For more information about athletics at SUNY Delhi, contact the SUNY Delhi Athletics Department at (607) 746-4677 or visit the web at www.delhi.edu.

“Doug Okun credits SUNY Delhi as the catalyst for his professional career, so we are pleased to be able to present him with an honorary degree,” said SUNY Delhi President Candace S. Vancko. “We will also be celebrating his remarkable talents and the special gift he has provided for future generations of Delhi students.”

Okun was honored in 1987 by the SUNY Delhi Alumni Association for his outstanding achievements, and in 2004, he was among the first alumni to be recognized as a Delhi Titan. As a Titan, Okun had the opportunity to connect with Delhi students and share his professional experiences. Soon after that event, he offered his talents, providing the conceptual design to transform Farrell Hall, Delhi’s student union, into a state-of-the-art student and community center.

Under Okun’s guidance, Douglas Okun and Associates Inc., has provided comprehensive architectural services for more than 25 years. One of his major clients is Harvard University, where he has completed more than 200 design and renovation projects. His design for the renovation of the 50-year-old Malkin Athletic Center earned a National Trust for Historic Preservation Award. His renovation of Harvard’s Weld and Newell Boat Houses also earned an Architectural Showcase Award from Athletic Business magazine.

Okun’s extensive commercial experience includes serving as the exclusive architect for five years for Sugarloaf USA Ski Resort in Carrabasset Valley, Maine, an assignment that featured designing the master plan, hotel condominiums, base lodge, ski shop and real estate office. He also designed the master plan for the Goddard House/Homestead Hall assisted living community in Worcester, Mass. He has made his mark in residential design as well, completing projects throughout the Boston suburbs, as well as on Martha’s Vineyard.

Okun’s professional achievements also include serving as the design unit coordinator for a 200 megawatt power plant in Military City, Saudi Arabia for Brown, Daltas & Associates and as a partner and principal of Developmental Resources of Cambridge, Mass. Okun began his professional career with King and King Architects of Syracuse where he designed two major buildings for Syracuse University-the award-winning Bird Library and the Heroy Geology Building.

After graduating from SUNY Delhi, Okun went on to earn his bachelor’s and master’s degrees in architecture from the University of Illinois. As a student at Illinois, he was the recipient of Edward L. Ryerson and Francis J. Plym Traveling Fellowships, each providing six months of travel and study in Europe.

This year’s graduating class includes approximately 580 candidates for baccalaureate degrees, associate degrees and certificates. Kasey Carpentier, a Culinary Arts major from Hudson Falls, will speak as Baccalaureate Degree Student of the Year, and Terri Brauer, a Hotel and Resort Management major from Kingston, will speak as Associate Degree Student of the Year.

SUNY Delhi’s commencement exercises will also recognize four faculty and staff as recipients of the SUNY Chancellor’s Awards for Excellence. They include: Dr. Kathryn DeZur, Associate Professor of Liberal Arts and Sciences; Kenneth C. Pyle, Associate Professor of Veterinary Science Technology; Pamela J. Peters, Director of Library Services; and Cynthia A. Haynes, Secretary 2, Technology Division. Also honored are students who have served as exemplary volunteer leaders who will receive the Recognition of Community Service Honors.

This win gives Delhi its fifth regional championship title in nine years. Delhi is the only New York State team to have ever won the Northeast Region Championship.

Team members are: Sarah Thurgood, Captain; Kenny Liranzo; Joe Michaud; Julie Hernandez; and Mike Specioso. Victor Sommo ‘01, CEC, and James Margiotta coach the team with Tom Recinella, CEC, AAC, serving as team manager.

Ethan Lennox, an Adventure Recreation major from Apulia Station, and Than Oo, a Hotel and Resort Management major from Manhattan, are among an elite group of students to be honored by the State University of New York on April 6 at the Empire State Plaza Convention Center in Albany.

“Ethan and Than are exceptional students who have achieved great things at Delhi,” said SUNY Delhi President Candace Vancko. “They deserve to be recognized among the top students in the SUNY system.”

Than Oo has emerged as a prominent student leader on the Delhi campus. In his role as Student Senate president, he serves as a natural negotiator for the student body who works hard to represent all clubs, organizations, and students on campus. Oo’s other leadership roles include serving as a resident assistant, vice president of the Residence Hall Association, a member of the Tau Kappa Epsilon fraternity, a member of the Student Conduct Council, the student representative to the College Association Board, a member of the College Foundation at Delhi, and member of the Student Programming Board. His wide range of leadership activities was recognized on campus in 2009 when he received a Student Life Leadership Award.

Oo also works tirelessly as an advocate for international students and was a driving force behind Delhi’s Multi-Cultural Club as a member and as its president. He is actively involved in volunteer initiatives on and off campus and has helped the college welcome new students by serving as a member of the college’s orientation team.

Ethan Lennox has distinguished himself as a Delhi student who excels in and out of the classroom. A stellar student athlete, he has competed two years on the men’s cross country and track teams. He was a member of Delhi’s 2008 NJCAA Division III National Cross Country Championship team. Lennox earned All Region III honors in cross country in 2008 and won the national championship in the 3,000-meter steeplechase at the 2009 NJCAA Division III meet and earned First Team, All American honors.

In addition to his outstanding athletic performance, Lennox was recognized as an Academic All American for Spring 2009 and Fall 2009. He served on the Intercollegiate Athletic Advisory Board and serves as the Student Senate representative for the Park and Recreation Club. Lennox recently worked with the Adaptive Sports Foundation in Windham instructing those with cognitive and physical disabilities on how to ski more independently. Prior to this position, he served as a project adventure and high ropes course specialist at Indian Head Camp in Honesdale, Penn.

SUNY Delhi is a member of the State University of New York, the largest public higher education system in the U.S. Delhi’s seamless approach to education includes over 60 academic programs, which allow students to obtain one-year certificates and two-year associate degrees. Students may also pursue a four-year degree in select programs at Delhi. For more information about SUNY Delhi, call toll-free 1-800-96-DELHI or visit Delhi’s web site at www.delhi.edu.

The Community Service Honor Roll is the highest federal recognition a school can achieve for its commitment to service-learning and civic engagement. SUNY Delhi was among colleges and universities across the U.S. that were chosen based on a series of selection factors including scope and innovativeness of service projects, percentage of student participation in service activities, incentives for service, and the extent to which the school offers academic service-learning courses.

The O’Connor Center for Community Service documented nearly 16,000 hours in community service performed by 892 students in 2009. SUNY Delhi was also recognized for its special efforts fostering service learning opportunities for its students during 2009 and its Service-Learning Fellows for faculty. Dr. Amber Tatnall, assistant professor of psychology, had students perform 20 hours of service hours with partner agencies Delaware County ARC and Countryside Care Center as part of their course work. Dr. Deborah S. Adelman, associate professor in Delhi’s online BSN program, had students partner with agencies across New York State as part of the program’s healthcare policy course.

Other major volunteer efforts included: the college’s annual participation with the Delaware County Relay for Life; a new mentoring program called “Bronco Buddies,” which is held in collaboration with the Big Buddy Program and South Kortright Schools; fundraising for the Golisano Children’s Hospital in Syracuse; fundraising with Habitat for Humanity to help rebuild the Eaglefeather home; building homes in Alabama and Texas with Habitat for Humanity; and hosting Delhi’s annual Community Service Day when hundreds of service hours are performed by over 200 students, faculty and staff at dozens of locations throughout Delaware and Otsego counties.

The O’Connor Center for Community Service has operated on the Delhi campus for 10 years thanks to lead support from the O’Connor Foundation of Hobart. The Center matches individual students, clubs, classes, and faculty and staff volunteers with non-profit agencies and organizations within the greater Delhi community that need a helping hand. It serves as a clearinghouse for these community organizations, and facilitates volunteerism by arranging for transportation, orientation and training, and feedback on completed community service projects.

SUNY Delhi’s state champions now advance to the ACF Northeast Regional Championship to be held March 13-15 in Hershey, Penn., where they will cook off against other state champions from across the northeast region for the right to advance to the national championship August 2-5, 2010 in Anaheim, Calif.

In addition to winning nine ACF state titles, SUNY Delhi has the distinction as the only New York State student team to ever win the ACF Northeastern Regional Championship and go on to the national championship in the 19-year history of the event. Delhi’s culinary team has placed in the ACF National Championship four times, earning a gold medal and three sliver medals.

Members of Delhi’s winning team include: Sarah Thurgood, Team Captain, a fourth-year student from Bovina Center; Kenny Liranzo, a third-year student from New York City; Joe Michaud, a fourth-year student from Gansevoort; Julie Hernandez, a third-year student from Bainbridge; and Mike Specioso, a third-year student from Binghamton. Chefs Victor Sommo and James Margiotta coach Delhi’s hot food team with Chef Tom Recinella, CEC, AAC,  program director of Delhi’s culinary arts, serving as the team’s manager.

SUNY Delhi’s culinary hot food team is currently being filmed for a full-length documentary, Mise En Place. The documentary, produced by Kent Garrett Productions, is due to be released Summer-Fall 2011 and will chronicle the work of Delhi’s culinary team as the members compete, perform community service, and grow together as a family.

SUNY Delhi’s culinary arts program has gained national attention and continues to garner respect and accolades for its excellence. Regarded as one of the best in the country by many industry professionals, the program offers students a firm foundation in which to start their careers as culinary professionals. The college’s culinary labs progress through basic skills dealing with Garde Manger, baking, sauces, stocks, etc., to the capstone course, Signatures by Candlelight, a full service fine dining restaurant that is open to the public and operated completely by SUNY Delhi students. In addition to the core classes, there are numerous culinary electives offered to help each student customize their portfolio of education. Depending on their interest or direction in the field, students can choose from electives such as advanced meat cutting, culinary competition, advanced pastries and confections and culinary sculpting, which uses 300 pound ice blocks made on campus by culinary students in the college’s own ice sculpting lab.

“This award exemplifies the exceptional scholarly level of our faculty,” said Dr. Mary Pat Lewis, professor and chair of SUNY Delhi’s Nursing and Allied Health program.

The book, which was the only entry recognized in the “Community-Public Health” category, offers essential information on disaster preparedness, hospital and community nursing response, and disaster nursing roles from first responder to disaster volunteer. The book also covers disaster leadership and management in hospitals and on sites and covers the treatment of vulnerable populations in a disaster, including children, pregnant women, the elderly, and people with disabilities.

Published annually in the January issue of the American Journal of Nursing, the Book of the Year program is a prestigious competition that garners the attention of the Journal’s 342,000 readers, as well as librarians and faculty who are not subscribers. The AJN has been publishing an annual list of the best in nursing publishing since 1969. The most valuable texts of each year are chosen by AJN’s panel of judges.

Dr. Adelman is a faculty member of SUNY Delhi’s Bachelor of Science in Nursing. Delhi began offering a Bachelor of Science in Nursing in January 2008, the first degree of its kind to be offered totally online in New York State. Delhi’s online RN to BSN program is designed for registered nurses who wish to pursue a bachelor’s degree but who cannot attend classes because they are place-bound.

The website, located at www.SUNYDelhiAlumni.org, is the new centralized source for information and interaction for college alumni. This gives SUNY Delhi many new avenues for continuing to build membership and increase interaction with alumni from across the country.

GrafiQa’s team of graphic designers, writers, web developers and project managers built the website with integrated social media and e-marketing tools to help reach more people in the mediums that they’re already spending time and money in. Some of the features include Flickr, YouTube, Blogging, Facebook, MySpace, and LinkedIn.

“SUNY Delhi is focused on giving our alumni more ways to stay connected with each other and with their college,” said Kim MacLeod, Communications and New Media Manager at SUNY Delhi.

“From day one when GrafiQa launched our new website, hundreds of people got involved and active by following us on Twitter, Facebook and other social media tools. This has been a huge success”

“This website is all about creating ways for SUNY Delhi to make more powerful connections with alumni, which means more overall advancement and development,” said Christopher Quereau, President of GrafiQa. “SUNY Delhi understood that social media, when done correctly, can be a great way to continue the lasting relationships that its students build while attending school there.”

GrafiQa Creative Services is a strategic marketing, branding, design and web development company located in Oneonta and Binghamton, New York. The firm serves clients in a broad range of fields, from colleges to non-profits to manufacturers and more. Learn more at www.UpstateCreative.com and www.GrafiQaBlog.com.

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