Alumni Relations

Carolyn Campbell Named Interim Vice President for College Advancement

khowell — Fri, 24 Jan 2025 15:32:57 +0000

Carolyn Campbell Named Interim Vice President for College Advancement khowell Fri, 01/24/2025 - 10:32

Forty-five Years of Friendship

dreessen — Wed, 13 Nov 2024 20:55:30 +0000

Forty-five Years of Friendship dreessen Wed, 11/13/2024 - 15:55

Four �ʹڲ��ַ Alums Honored With Forty Under 40 Awards

walters — Wed, 25 Sep 2024 15:13:07 +0000

Four �ʹڲ��ַ Alums Honored With Forty Under 40 Awards walters Wed, 09/25/2024 - 11:13

A Trial Attorney Takes the Stand—This Time, with a Mic

walters — Wed, 18 Sep 2024 19:49:49 +0000

A Trial Attorney Takes the Stand—This Time, with a Mic

Wednesday, September 18, 2024

walters Wed, 09/18/2024 - 15:49

Alumni Relations News

After a 49-year career as a trial attorney, George Speedy ’71 is trading his legal briefs for a microphone, sharing stories from his most memorable cases on a podcast titled “Speedy Law.”

Speedy weaves fascinating and sometimes humorous tales from his decades in the courtroom through his podcast.

Before his time in the courtroom and on the mic, Speedy was a young man searching for direction. His journey to �ʹڲ��ַ, where he ultimately found his footing, played a big role in shaping the attorney—and storyteller—he would become.

As a high school senior, Speedy applied to �ʹڲ��ַ and even visited campus, but his grades, which had him ranked 15th out of a graduating class of 20, didn’t pass muster, and he wasn’t admitted. Instead, he attended a state school in Pennsylvania but struggled academically and was asked to leave after three semesters in 1966.

“You know what was happening in 1966,” he recalls.

In 1966, as American involvement in the Vietnam conflict escalated, Speedy knew that leaving college meant losing his student deferment. Rather than waiting to be drafted, he joined the Marine Corps. By March, he found himself in South Vietnam, counting every moment of his service—“13 months, four days, five hours, and 21 minutes.”

Speedy says the Marine Corps instilled the discipline, resilience, and strong work ethic that became crucial to his future success as a student, but it came at a significant cost. "I tell everybody that the Marine Corps was two things for me," Speedy reflects. "It was the best thing that ever happened to me and the worst thing that ever happened to me."

Speedy came home determined to take advantage of the educational benefits of the G.I. Bill, but he also had post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD) from his combat experiences.

Retooling his life after war meant Speedy sought a supportive, tight-knit community, so he applied again to �ʹڲ��ַ. He was admitted on a provisional basis in 1969, and after completing two summer courses, he was accepted as a full-time, political science student with a sociology minor.

“You got to know a lot of people,” says Speedy of his classmates. “It was almost like a family. You could depend on people.”

One of those people was the late Don Durbin ’70, who encouraged Speedy to join Sigma Tau fraternity . The brothers provided a needed sense of community and support.

“Everybody who has ever been in combat has PTSD of some level, and it’s a matter of how you deal with it,” says Speedy. “I felt like the camaraderie in Sigma Tau helped me get through some of the experiences, particularly because it was the time of the anti-Vietnam War efforts.”

Speedy wasn't comfortable being among people vehemently opposed to the war, but he took it as an opportunity to listen and learn about viewpoints other than his own, which, he says, became invaluable for his legal career.

Speedy studied law at the University of South Carolina Law School and worked as a bartender at the officers' club at Fort Jackson, S.C. A few months shy of graduation, he accepted a retired Army officer's offer to practice criminal defense law.

Over the years, Speedy built a reputation as a skilled defense lawyer in South Carolina at a time when significant changes were happening in the state's legal system. When Speedy first started practicing, the legal landscape in South Carolina was markedly different from what it is today.

He recalls the days when trials were sometimes held in country stores, and magistrates were often local store owners or politically connected individuals lacking formal legal training. "I used to do trials in the country store, and when the jury went out, they stayed in the store while we waited in the parking lot," Speedy remembers. These early experiences exposed him to the idiosyncrasies and challenges of a system that was, at times, more influenced by local politics than the rule of law.

However, Speedy saw the legal system evolve and modernize over the decades, and his reflections on these changes have become a key part of the stories he shares on his new podcast.

Because of his transformative experience at �ʹڲ��ַ and how it prepared him for life, Speedy has been a generous supporter of the College, including creating the George W. Speedy 1971 Scholarship Endowment. The award provides at least $7,500 toward full tuition and is renewable through graduation to students entering �ʹڲ��ַ who plan to major in political science and demonstrate financial need.

“I wouldn’t be here, right at this place right now, if it weren’t for �ʹڲ��ַ,” Speedy says. “�ʹڲ��ַ was like a family—you could depend on people, and that made all the difference.”

�ʹڲ��ַ Foundation, Inc. Announces Sale of Roemer House to FLX Revival

walters — Tue, 10 Sep 2024 17:29:47 +0000

�ʹڲ��ַ Foundation, Inc. Announces Sale of Roemer House to FLX Revival walters Tue, 09/10/2024 - 13:29

Hundreds Return to Campus for Reunion 2024

walters — Wed, 05 Jun 2024 19:26:17 +0000

Hundreds Return to Campus for Reunion 2024 walters Wed, 06/05/2024 - 15:26

Two �ʹڲ��ַ Graduates Shine on Broadway

walters — Wed, 03 Jan 2024 17:54:03 +0000

Two �ʹڲ��ַ Graduates Shine on Broadway

Wednesday, January 3, 2024

walters Wed, 01/03/2024 - 12:54

Alumni Relations News

The lights of Broadway are shining bright on two �ʹڲ��ַ graduates. Stage manager Kate Wallace '06 and actor Ashley Wool '09 are both involved with the new musical How to Dance in Ohio, which debuted at the Belasco Theatre in early December.

How to Dance in Ohio, based on the Peabody Award-winning documentary by Alexandra Shiva, explores the experiences of seven autistic young adults at a counseling center in Columbus, Ohio, as they prepare for a spring formal dance. The seven characters are all played by autistic actors, including Wool, who stars as Jessica.

At �ʹڲ��ַ, Wool found the space to explore and integrate her unique artistic voice, an opportunity she attributes to the guidance she received from supportive professors such as former vocal coach Alan Case, who encouraged students to venture outside their comfort zone.

"He told me, 'You need to trust yourself more; you need to stop relying on all of us to tell you what to do all the time,'” Wool says. “That blew my mind because it's not typically what an actor hears."

This advice, diverging from the traditional actor's culture of strict adherence to direction, marked the beginning of a new phase where she felt empowered to blend her talents as a singer-songwriter with her work in musical theater, a combination she had not previously considered.

Wallace also has fond recollections of her time at �ʹڲ��ַ. Unlike larger schools where competition for specific roles could be fierce, �ʹڲ��ַ provided Wallace the opportunity to dive into stage managing and other aspects of theater production, such as lighting design and sound work, right from the start.

Much of Wallace's involvement was guided by Johnnie Ferrell, the theatre department's technical director and lighting and sound designer.

"Johnnie was great at knowing our strengths and weaknesses and when we were ready for the next step," says Wallace. "He was the most patient and kind person you'll ever meet and was a support system for us. For a college student, that feeling of support is the most important thing in the world."

Following college, Wallace leveraged internships and connections from �ʹڲ��ַ to make inroads in the professional theatre scene, landing at the Westport Country Playhouse in Connecticut, and then The Public Theater. There, she connected with Scott Rowen, who became the production stage manager of How to Dance in Ohio.

"I totally fell in love with the production," says Wallace. "One of the exciting things about the show is there are a ton of Broadway debuts, and to see the joy of a brand-new experience—especially with a group where many of them perhaps didn't grow up seeing representations of themselves on stage—is really special."

After �ʹڲ��ַ, Wool found her footing in community and regional theater, providing valuable experiences and connections. But ten years into her professional journey, the performing arts went dark when the pandemic hit, and Wool began contemplating her future on stage.

"I just wasn't sure what my future was going to be if I was ever going to get back into this industry," she recalls, reflecting on the tumultuous period. "During the same time, I started to become more vocal about my autism diagnosis and wrote an op-ed about autistic representation in the media after this controversial movie came out." The piece received wide notice, and Wool was interviewed by the New York Times.

Shortly following the op-ed, Wool noticed a social media casting call for "How to Dance in Ohio," seeking authentically autistic actors. Motivated by the inclusive casting approach, she submitted for the role of Jessica.

"Everyone in the room knew who I was because of the op-ed I had written," says Wool. "They were honored that I had come out to audition, and after the final callback, I just felt this gigantic cosmic energy shift. After the first rehearsal, I called my mom and said, 'This show is going to Broadway.’"

On working with a fellow �ʹڲ��ַ graduate on Broadway, "It's awesome," Wallace expresses, highlighting daily interactions backstage with Wool. "It's so fun to work with Ashley daily and to see the success and reach of a small theater school."

Kate Wallace '06 (left) and Ashley Wool '09 backstage. / Photo Provided

Reflecting on her journey to Broadway, Wool sees a sense of destiny in her role. "It felt like this was the plan...this is where I was supposed to go," she muses, finding affirmation and acceptance in the audience's and industry's reactions.

Wool takes pride in the show's inclusive environment, where open communication and understanding of each individual's needs have created what many consider one of Broadway's best workplaces.

"We've created an environment where everybody on the team—autistic or not—can openly talk about what they need, without fear of being judged,” she says. “It’s what Alan Case was trying to get me to do all those years ago.”

Editor’s note: Since the publication of this story, Wallace has accepted a new position as assistant stage manager on the Broadway show Water for Elephants.

Make an impact:

Alan Case served as a collaborative pianist, vocal coach, musical director, and piano soloist extraordinaire at �ʹڲ��ַ Department of Music & Musical Theatre for 33 years. He touched the lives and spirits of innumerable �ʹڲ��ַ students before his untimely death in 2014. In an effort to memorialize Alan through music, �ʹڲ��ַ's Department of Music & Musical Theater is raising funds to help purchase new pianos. Make a gift.

Ashley Wool '09 (center) performing at the Belasco Theatre. / Photo provided.

Elvio Fernandes '94: Guiding Others to Rock Stardom

walters — Tue, 12 Dec 2023 17:00:22 +0000

Elvio Fernandes '94: Guiding Others to Rock Stardom

Tuesday, December 12, 2023

walters Tue, 12/12/2023 - 12:00

Alumni Relations News

For many, college is a transformative journey to discover yourself and what you truly love. Elvio Fernandes '94 embodies this journey of self-discovery and passion.

Fernandes, a successful musician, songwriter, and entrepreneur who tours the world with American rock band Daughtry, entered college as a stand-out soccer player, intent on becoming a teacher, but something changed during his time at �ʹڲ��ַ.

"I was a musician [in high school], but unfortunately, times were different back then," says Fernandes. "I also played soccer, baseball, and basketball, so I was labeled as a jock; it wasn't cool to be into music, so I hid my talents from people."

At �ʹڲ��ַ, Fernandes found a community that embraced him. "I came out of my shell in college," he says, describing those years as some of the best in his life. Here, he started to share his love for music more openly, and he reminisced about the times he spent playing music with friends, which helped him grow more confident in his musical talents.

Fernandes joined a band during senior year, which marked a significant shift in his life's trajectory, steering him away from becoming a teacher. "Joining a band in college gave me a glimpse into what I wanted to do," Fernandes reflects. "It was the first time I seriously considered making music not just a hobby but a career."

After graduation, Fernandes became a notable figure in the Rochester music scene as lead singer and songwriter with the band Uncle Plum. His performances at festivals and events around Western New York became opportunities to collaborate with the community, particularly with young, aspiring musicians. Through a series of connections—and some good timing— Fernandes became close with Chris Daughtry, an American rock band singer who gained national recognition after placing fourth on American Idol.

"Shortly after American Idol, I was able to establish some credibility with Chris Daughtry as a songwriter, and I asked him if he had any unfinished songs he wanted me to look at," Fernandes recalls. "And he's like, 'You know what? I do,' and he sent me this song called "Crazy." I finished that song for him, and he loved it."

Audiences around the world also loved it. "Crazy" became part of Daughtry's widely popular third album, "Break the Spell," selling over a half million copies and reaching Gold status. Following the album release's success, Daughtry invited Fernandes to join the band as a keyboardist, background vocalist, and guitarist as they toured the world to promote their new music.

Elvio Fernandes '94 tours the world with multi-platinum rock band, Daughtry. / Photo Provided

"It was amazing," says Fernandes. "We did a European tour, sold out arenas, performed on American Idol, and suddenly I'm hanging out with Steven Tyler. That was 12 years ago, and I've been with them ever since."

As successful as Fernandes' musical career has been, he'll tell you that what's most meaningful to him is not performing to large audiences across the world but fostering a sense of belonging and confidence in young kids close to home in Rochester, NY.

In 2009, Fernandes founded ROC Star Academy, a music school that offers young musicians mentorship from professional artists and opportunities to perform across the region, encouraging their development as musicians and the confidence of feeling like a rock star.

"Before Daughtry, my local band would play these family-friendly festivals, and we'd always see little kids in the front row jumping up and down and really into the music," says Fernandes. “Once, while playing ‘Give It Away’ by the Red Hot Chili Peppers, I invited the kids onto the stage to perform with us, and the crowd went nuts. It was a moment those kids will never forget, and I needed to find a way to have more kids see their inner rock star."

Currently, ROC Star Academy has over 200 students enrolled and nearly 20 bands that perform live shows across the region. Fernandes reflects positively on creating a space where kids can find their voice, figuratively and literally, building confidence that kids can carry with them beyond the stage as they navigate life.

"Outside of being a husband and a father, it's the most important thing I do for sure," says Fernandes. "Don't get me wrong, I love touring the world doing what I love. But our impact on kids is when a father brings his child who has no friends, sits in his room and plays guitar all day long, and asks, 'Can you help me?' And then you see that kid on stage at the Lilac Festival, and the parents are in tears; that's what it's all about."

Fernandes' journey has been as much about finding his path as it has been about guiding others to theirs. When reflecting on all the moments that brought him professional success, attending �ʹڲ��ַ was a defining time.

"College defined me in so many ways, and I feel like the experience I had there prepared me for life and what I do now," recalls Fernandes. "�ʹڲ��ַ will always hold a place in my heart. Some of my greatest memories were at the college, whether playing soccer or the late-night jam sessions. It was a huge catalyst in getting me outside my comfort zone and realizing this is what I want to do."

Fernandes is excited to announce he is bringing his Rochester music school to the village of �ʹڲ��ַ, NY, launching ROC Star Academy South in 2024. Parents in �ʹڲ��ַ and surrounding communities interested in signing up their children or learning more can visit RocStarAcademy.com or email info@rocstaracademy.com

Elvio Fernandes '94 / Provided Photo

From Valley to Vanguard: Steven Wilson '96

walters — Tue, 28 Nov 2023 17:08:03 +0000

From Valley to Vanguard: Steven Wilson '96

Tuesday, November 28, 2023

walters Tue, 11/28/2023 - 12:08

Alumni Relations News

Steven Wilson '96 might tell you that his journey from �ʹڲ��ַ to a career in public relations has the makings of a good story—and he'd know. After all, crafting compelling narratives is what he's mastered since his days as a student at �ʹڲ��ַ.

"I picked �ʹڲ��ַ because it was close to home, and the price was right," Wilson recalls. "I was looking to get into the entertainment industry and liked their academic track. I majored in communication and minored in public relations, which, in hindsight, I'm glad I did because, at the time, I had no idea what public relations was, but that's what started my career."

Campus life was where Wilson cut his teeth in responsibility, serving as a residence assistant and balancing classes with duties at the campus TV station, GSTV. "It taught me a lot about juggling tasks and figuring things out on my own," he shares, noting that these were the first real steps toward independence and becoming a self-starter.

Wilson's big break came through a job fair, landing internships at Nickelodeon during his junior year and HBO as a senior. "Those internships got me into the field," Wilson says, "They weren't just gigs; they were my foray into the industry."

At HBO, he learned to pitch himself—a skill that �ʹڲ��ַ had quietly nurtured. Wilson's initiative led to a unique position, practically tailor-made for him. "It was about making opportunities, not waiting for them," he says.

His career trajectory hasn't been a straight climb but a series of meaningful steps from the East Coast to Los Angeles, where he eventually founded his own firm, Scenario, with two long-time business partners. "The idea was to do the kind of work that felt rewarding, that made an impact," he explains. This year, Scenario garnered recognition on Inc.’s 5000 Fastest Growing Companies list.

Today, Wilson's firm is his canvas, where he paints the big picture for clients such as National Geographic, Hulu, FX, Apple, and various film festivals—marrying strategy with the art of communication. "We tell stories," Wilson puts it simply. "And hopefully, we tell them well."

Reflecting on �ʹڲ��ַ's influence, Wilson is grounded yet grateful. "I might not think about college every day, but �ʹڲ��ַ is where I found my footing," he acknowledges.

Wilson's professional goals are straightforward: keep growing, keep learning, and maybe, one day, welcome a �ʹڲ��ַ grad or two into the fold. "It's about passing on what you've learned, right?" he says, with the kind of genuine understanding that comes from experience.

Steven Wilson '96 (right) with American Actress Sarah Michelle Gellar / Photo provided

Alexa LaPierre '20 Shines in Vox's 'Science, Explained'

walters — Wed, 22 Nov 2023 14:53:59 +0000

Alexa LaPierre '20 Shines in Vox's 'Science, Explained'

Wednesday, November 22, 2023

walters Wed, 11/22/2023 - 09:53

Alumni Relations News

Alexa LaPierre '20 is making waves in the scientific community after being featured in a popular Vox video series, "Science, Explained." The video has received nearly 5 million views and explores the scientific community's emerging understanding of how atomic matter behaves under extreme pressures, such as planetary cores.

LaPierre earned a degree in chemistry with a minor in physics from �ʹڲ��ַ and has been working on an ambitious project at the University of Rochester's Lab for Laser Energetics (LLE). She is developing a Raman spectrometer to observe new phases of matter that exist for mere nanoseconds under extreme pressures. This research has implications for understanding planetary dynamics and materials that can hold a lot of energy in a small space.

Reflecting on her �ʹڲ��ַ journey, LaPierre credits her undergraduate research with Stephen Padalino, Distinguished Teaching Professor of Physics, and Jeffrey Peterson, associate professor of chemistry, for preparing her for graduate studies. "It helped me figure out my research interests and pursue them passionately," she says. Additionally, her experience as a student-athlete, she says, taught her crucial time-management skills.

One of her most cherished �ʹڲ��ַ memories is winning SUNYACS with the track and field team, especially during her last winter season. "Being on the podium with friends and achieving personal goals was unparalleled," LaPierre says. "There's no better feeling."

LaPierre credits the pursuit of her PhD to Padalino. "Dr. Padalino has been a guiding light since my sophomore year, inspiring me to pursue high energy density science," she says. "No one else in my immediate family has a PhD, so I had never really considered that possibility until he encouraged me to apply for graduate school. I am very grateful to him for putting me on this path toward high energy density science.

Looking ahead, LaPierre hopes to continue her study of high-energy density materials, aspiring to work with the LLE or a national lab.

Alexa LaPierre '20 / Photo via Vox

Alumni Relations

Carolyn Campbell Named Interim Vice President for College Advancement

Forty-five Years of Friendship

Four �ʹڲ�����ַ Alums Honored With Forty Under 40 Awards

A Trial Attorney Takes the Stand—This Time, with a Mic

�ʹڲ�����ַ Foundation, Inc. Announces Sale of Roemer House to FLX Revival

Hundreds Return to Campus for Reunion 2024

Two �ʹڲ�����ַ Graduates Shine on Broadway

Make an impact:

Elvio Fernandes '94: Guiding Others to Rock Stardom

From Valley to Vanguard: Steven Wilson '96

Alexa LaPierre '20 Shines in Vox's 'Science, Explained'

Four �ʹڲ��ַ Alums Honored With Forty Under 40 Awards

�ʹڲ��ַ Foundation, Inc. Announces Sale of Roemer House to FLX Revival

Two �ʹڲ��ַ Graduates Shine on Broadway