Momentum Issue

At 97 years old, Richard “Dick” McGuire ’42 acts as a living historian. He’s physically spry enough to trudge around in a half foot of snow serving as a tour guide for his 12 museums on his lifelong home of Penope Farms in the rural town of Jackson, N.Y. And he is mentally sharp enough to recollect specific use of 19th and 20th century farm equipment that was critical to the time for food production in America.

When Alexandra “Ali” Bland ’09 was pregnant with her first child in 2015, she asked her husband if he could build a radiator cover that could double as a changing table in their nursery. Before long, Thomas Bland ’09 had created a rustic piece with a drawer, small cupboard and an eye-catching herringbone-patterned top made from pallets.

For Angela Marriott ’17, it was a career-defining moment. In the summer of 2015, she observed the daily work of police officers during a ride-along in her hometown of Peekskill, New York. Seeing firsthand how a female officer deftly handled the challenges of the job cemented her desire to pursue a career in law enforcement. “The way she was connected and interacted with people and carried herself as a woman in law enforcement is who I aspired to be,” Marriott said.

How Charles Okine is using inspiration to empower others Charles Okine ’18 has a personal brand that could be described as: always be inspired. “Everything around you is inspirational,” Okine said. “I try to take the best of everyone around me and try to use that to become a better me.” Thanks to his experience at SUNY Morrisville, Okine becoming a “better me” helped bring out the best in those around him, as well.

Alumni and students play a role in harnessing community solar energy In Tompkins County, 6,804 solar panels sit on a 13-acre plot of farmland in the town of Endfield. The 2.3-megawatt solar array helps power 373 households, reducing greenhouse gases by 1,430 metric tons annually, the equivalent of removing 306 cars from the road. The project came to life with the help of a group of graduates from SUNY Morrisville, who are leading the way in creating a community solar empire in Upstate New York.

Syracuse Educational Opportunity Center offers pathway to a new life The Syracuse Educational Opportunity Center (SEOC) building on New Street just outside the Syracuse downtown district is bustling with activity on weekdays. Students visit with tutors in the basement library and computer lab and study in quiet corners. Classrooms for Certified Nursing Assistant students are set up to mimic a hospital room, complete with beds and medical equipment; nearby, construction trades students receive on-site training to prepare them for apprenticeship positions with local trade unions.

Greg Carroll champions winning culture following 18-year career as athletics director Greg Carroll still remembers his wild first day on the job as director of athletics at SUNY Morrisville. Fresh off a successful 12-year run as the athletics director and director of communications for the Cazenovia (New York) school district, Carroll walked into football check-in day before the 2001 season. Nearly 150 student-athletes flooded campus looking for his assistance.

Andy Lagoe ’92 and Gil Hodges ’92 wanted to come up with a way to show how proud they are to be Mustangs. The duo, owners of Gilligan’s Ice Cream along with partner Mike Lagoe, decided the best way was to do what they do best. So they churned up an ice cream flavor contest at SUNY Morrisville. “We thought, why not reach out to our alma mater to see if they would want to collaborate and create a flavor for Morrisville,” Andy Lagoe said.  

Seeds of popular landscaping & nursery dynasty were planted at SUNY Morrisville They started small, but their dreams grew big. Throughout the past three decades, Lasnicki Landscaping & Nursery’s comprehensive services and family atmosphere have grown to reap the admiration of the local community and far beyond the reaches of its physical location on County Route 32 in Hastings, New York.

Unrelenting spirit of giving drives Volunteer of the Year Patricia “Patty” King ’77 is spirited by helping others. Whether it’s running, racing, volunteering, leading, hiring, mentoring or otherwise, she does all she can to support her career field, her alma mater and the people she serves through both. Her infectious energy, enthusiasm and commitment toward making a difference in others’ lives all played a part in her receiving SUNY Morrisville’s Volunteer of the Year Award.