Meet Metro New York City member and 30th Reunion Chair Heath Douglas Rosenblat ’95

What Heath is up to now and reflecting on his time at the University

Share a bit about your journey since graduating from the URochester. What are you currently working on or passionate about?

Summarizing 30 years in a few sentences is no small task! After graduating, I worked for a bit before attending law school, when I launched a 20-year career in law. Eventually, I took a bold turn—enrolling at the Culinary Institute and spending a couple of years studying and cooking professionally. But the legal world called me back in 2020, and for the past three years, I’ve been a partner at a law firm in New York City. Outside of work, I’m passionate about cooking and remain a die-hard Bills fan.

Reflecting on your time as a political science student at the University, what experiences or lessons shaped your career path?

Studying political science at Rochester gave me a deep understanding of government and law, but the most pivotal experience was an internship with the New York State Senate, thanks to Don B. Allen’s intern program. Working alongside legislative lawyers and drafting laws sparked my interest in law as a career. That hands-on exposure led me to work at a law firm before law school, ultimately shaping my decision to attend law school and become an attorney.

Were you involved in any extracurricular activities during your time at the University, and how have they influenced you?

I was involved in sports, playing football, lacrosse, and baseball in various capacities, along with participating in intramural sports. I was also a member of Sigma Chi fraternity, which provided a strong sense of camaraderie and leadership. Looking back, I believe the foundation for leadership and community building was first developed through sports and fraternal activities, and then deepened by other University programs, such as service initiatives. While an undergraduate, my fraternity also sponsored charitable events, reinforcing the importance of giving back. These skills continued to evolve throughout my career—whether managing trial teams, mentoring younger attorneys, or working on pro bono cases to serve the community.

Volunteerism and making an impact

What inspired you to take on the role of 30th Reunion Chair, and what has been the most rewarding part of reconnecting with your classmates?

Reunion planning has been a part of my journey since graduation—I’ve chaired nearly every one, including the 10th, 15th, and 20th. I look forward to it every five years because it’s more than just an event; it’s an opportunity to reconnect with classmates, revisit campus, and relive the memories that shaped us. Seeing familiar faces and picking up right where we left off is always the most rewarding part.

As you plan your 30th Reunion, what are your goals for the event, and what do you hope your classmates will take away from the experience?

This year’s reunion carries extra significance—having missed our 25th due to the pandemic, my biggest priority is for us to truly be in the moment. I want everyone to appreciate the time we have together, reminisce about our years at Rochester, and create new memories that will last well beyond the weekend.

Have you attended previous Reunion events? What are some of your favorite memories or traditions from past Reunions, either as a participant or a volunteer?

Yes, I have attended many reunions for my class-year and others. Not to be cliché, but it is always fun getting together at the Elmwood or Distillery, and nothing is quite the same as a Tahou’s plate. That’s not all of course, the main dinner event for our class and the events that surround the weekend are always fun to attend. The University does a great job of finding interesting speakers on relevant and intriguing topics, as well as getting great comedic/musical performers to entertain.

How do you think alumni events like Reunions help strengthen the connection between graduates and the University?

Any time you can get a group of people who share a common thread back together the bond is strengthened. We all share a Rochester education and were on campus at the same time, and for most of us, at the same point in our lives. The passing of time can’t change that; it really is a wonderful phenomenon to be able to connect with people who knew at a younger stage in your life.

Celebrating a Reunion this year or want to see what you can look forward to in the future? Check out the Reunion website!

How to get involved like Heath

What advice would you give to fellow alumni who are considering volunteering for Reunion committees or other University initiatives?

I would absolutely encourage them to get involved. The University offers so many opportunities for alumni to stay connected, whether through volunteer initiatives, alumni committees, or special events. Engaging in these programs not only allows you to give back in meaningful ways but also introduces you to new experiences, fresh perspectives, and a wider network of fellow alumni. Plus, it’s a great way to reconnect with classmates in your area and keep that sense of community alive long after graduation.

Check out volunteer opportunities with the University today!

Meet Bay Area Young Alumni Council Member, 5th Reunion Committee Volunteer, and Women’s Summit Committee Volunteer Ananya Goyal ’20

What Ananya has been up to and reflecting on her time at the University

Share a bit about yourself! What are you up to now, both personally and professionally?

I am originally from New Delhi, India, and currently a fifth-year PhD. student in bioengineering at Stanford University. My research focuses on developing advanced medical imaging techniques to gain a deeper understanding of joint function, with the goal of uncovering the mechanisms behind osteoarthritis progression and identifying sources of pain for more targeted clinical treatments.

Outside of school, I love traveling, cooking, and discovering new restaurants and cafes. Last year, I had the incredible opportunity to visit Japan! I also cherish spending quality time with friends and family, whether it’s going to rock/pop concerts (I can’t wait to see Coldplay in May!), embarking on jungle safaris, or simply relaxing by the beach.

What are your most cherished memories from your time at the URochester, and how did your involvement on campus shape your experience?

My time at the URochester was a period of personal growth. Some of my most cherished memories include experiencing snow for the first time in a snowball fight, late-night study sessions at Gleason Library, and bonding with friends over countless Starbucks visits. These relationships remain central to my life today, including my four-year roommate, with whom I still take annual birthday trips.

Involvement on campus also played a huge role in shaping my experience. As a Meridian and Student Alumni Ambassador, I deepened my connection with the university community. Mentoring biomedical engineering students as a peer advisor was especially rewarding, allowing me to guide them through academics and career opportunities. My engagement helped me build a strong network of friends, mentors, and peers, enriching both my personal and professional growth.

Volunteerism and making an impact

What inspired you to volunteer with the Young Alumni Council (YAC) and the 5th Reunion Committee, and what has been the most rewarding aspect of helping plan events for your 5th Reunion?

My time at the URochester was deeply meaningful and joining the Young Alumni Council and the 5th Reunion Committee felt like a natural way to stay connected. I built lifelong friendships, grew personally and professionally, and developed a strong bond with the Rochester community. Volunteering now allows me to expand my network and help others maintain that connection.

I’m especially excited about serving on the 5th Reunion Committee because the Class of 2020 graduated during the height of the pandemic, missing out on traditional celebrations. This reunion offers a chance to reconnect, reflect, and celebrate in person, and I’m thrilled to help create a memorable experience that brings us all together.

With the Women’s Summit in March quickly approaching, what excites you most about this event? How do you see it as an opportunity to empower alumnae and foster meaningful connections across the University community?

I’m excited about the Women’s Summit, March 27-29, 2025, because it brings together a diverse group of alumnae to celebrate women’s achievements and foster meaningful conversations about leadership, growth, and career development. As a young alumna, I’m eager to learn from senior alumnae in academia, industry, and medicine, gaining insights to help me navigate challenges and continue growing in my career. This event offers a chance to connect, share experiences, and build a strong network of mentors and friends.

What lessons have you gained from your leadership roles, and what are some of your favorite experiences as a volunteer?

From my leadership roles, I’ve learned the power of community-building and the deep connection alumni have to the URochester. Creating spaces for alumni to reconnect and support each other has reinforced the idea of a lifelong, supportive network. I’ve also gained valuable skills in adaptability, communication, and collaboration—working with diverse groups of alumni, staff, and volunteers to create meaningful, inclusive events.

Some of my favorite volunteer experiences include the “Welcome to the Network” socials, where we meet new alumni, often at breweries, tourist attractions like Fisherman’s Wharf, or even fun activities like a chocolate truffle-making class. I also look forward to the annual holiday party. I’m also excited to attend Broadway’s Back to the Future show this quarter!

Check out the California Regional Network pages including Los Angeles, San Diego, and San Francisco on our alumni website.

As part of the Bay Area Young Alumni Council, how have you helped foster community and connections among alumni on the West Coast?

Having moved to the Bay Area during the pandemic, my focus as a member has been to strengthen our community-focused programs. I’ve led several Global Days of Service projects, such as making cards for hospitalized children and volunteering at a community farm. On the social and networking side, I’ve been involved in organizing events in San Francisco, helping to expand and grow our network.

Check out the Bay Area’s and , as well as the Young Alumni Council’s .

How to get involved like Ananya

What advice would you give to recent graduates looking to stay connected with the University and their alumni network?

Don’t be afraid to put yourself out there! Transitioning from the University bubble to the real world can feel overwhelming, but the alumni network is a great way to stay connected and supported beyond graduation. The Rochester community is filled with passionate and helpful alumni who are eager to connect, whether they graduated recently or decades ago. Taking the initiative to attend an event or reach out to fellow alumni can open doors to valuable relationships and opportunities.

The university offers a wide range of events and networking opportunities that you might not even be aware of. So, stay informed and get involved. You never know—you might meet future friends, mentors, or even professional connections along the way.

Check out volunteer opportunities with the University today!

Meet Philadelphia Network Leadership Council Member

What Peter is up to now and reflecting on his time at the University

Tell us a bit about yourself and your journey since graduating from the URochester. What are you currently working on or passionate about?

Since graduating from the Ģ����ý with a degree in computer science and mathematics, my career has spanned various industries and leadership roles, focusing on strategy, organizational development, and leadership consulting. This journey has taken me to cities all around the world.

I began at Andersen Consulting (now Accenture) and have since held various positions at Capgemini, Strategy&, IBM, and Kearney, specializing in strategy and business transformation. I then transitioned to Egon Zehnder where I spent 19 years serving financial services clients focused on board review, CEO succession, and leadership development initiatives.

Currently, as Chief Leadership Officer at Quest Global, I am focused on its leadership agenda. In addition to my professional work, I am pursuing a doctorate in organization management at Rutgers Business School, driven by my passion for leadership, coaching, and mentoring.

On a personal level, I am preparing for my fifth ultra-marathon, this time in South Africa, embracing the challenge of endurance sports.

What are some of your most cherished memories from your time at the University? Are there any stories that still stand out 35 years later?

My time at the URochester was a defining chapter filled with intellectual curiosity, camaraderie, and adventure. I valued the faculty’s support, my peers’ aspirations, and the strong sense of community on campus and beyond. The computer science program at the time was still emerging, and I’m grateful for the faculty and administration’s guidance that helped me land my first job. Some of my best memories include volunteering in the community, late-night study sessions, and surviving Rochester’s legendary winters—like when we jumped from a second-floor window into snowbanks after six feet of snow! The campus tunnel system was a lifesaver during those brutal winters.

How did your time at the University, both academically and socially, shape your personal and professional life?

The Ģ����ý was pivotal in building my confidence, broadening my career outlook, and enhancing my cultural awareness. It taught me critical thinking, problem-solving, resilience, and humility, while its diverse environment inspired me to pursue international opportunities, leading to a global career. The friendships and experiences I gained reinforced the importance of collaboration, adaptability, and lifelong learning—values that continue to guide me. I’m deeply grateful for the University’s impact on my journey, providing the foundation and inspiration for my career, mentorship, and ongoing learning.

Volunteerism and making an impact

What inspired you to join the 35th Reunion Committee, and what excites you most about reconnecting with your classmates?

My primary goal in helping plan our 35th Reunion is to reconnect with classmates, encourage them to revisit the University and foster an environment where everyone feels welcomed and inspired to re-engage with the Rochester community. Giving back to the University is important to me, as I wouldn’t be where I am today without the education and experiences I received. Having seen how much the University has evolved, I want my classmates to experience that too. I’m excited to bring my family and share this pivotal place in my journey, hoping many of my classmates will join to reminisce, network, or appreciate how far we’ve come.

This will be my first in-person Reunion, as I missed our 30th due to COVID and spent much of my career abroad. I’m especially excited to reconnect with my computer science classmates, as only 18 of us graduated with this degree in 1990, making us a close-knit group. I look forward to seeing how everyone’s journey has evolved.

How do you think alumni events like Reunions help strengthen the bonds between classmates and the University community?

Alumni events like Reunions offer more than just social gatherings. They provide valuable opportunities to:

• Reconnect with classmates: Rekindle friendships, share life updates, and reminisce about shared experiences.
• Reflect on our Rochester journey: Consider how our education and experiences at Rochester have shaped our personal and professional lives.
• Engage with the evolving University: Witness the University’s growth and explore ways to contribute to its continued success, whether through mentorship, volunteer work, or sharing your expertise with current students.
• Connect with the next generation: Interact with faculty and current students, offering guidance and sharing our insights to support their academic and personal growth.

As a Real Reader, how has your involvement in this program allowed you to give back to the University and connect with current students?

Beyond reconnecting with classmates, I have also found fulfillment in supporting current students through the Real Reader program, one of the Greene Center for Career Education and Connections’ . While this initiative did not exist when I was a student, it is an incredible way to help guide the next generation by offering career advice, resume and cover letter feedback, and insights into professional growth. Having navigated a global career, I enjoy helping students think through career possibilities with a broader perspective. The level of ambition and thoughtfulness among today’s students is truly impressive, and while the program requires time commitment, the chance to mentor, guide, and offer perspective makes it an enriching experience.

What have been some of the most rewarding moments in your volunteer work with the University so far?

What I find most meaningful about volunteering with the University is the sense of connection to fellow alumni, students, and the broader Rochester community. The collective experience of being involved, helpful, and engaged through Reunion planning, mentorship, and sharing insights is truly rewarding. I value being part of this network and look forward to continuing to support Rochester’s community in any way I can.

How you can get involved like Peter

What advice would you give to fellow alumni who are considering volunteering for reunions or other University initiatives?

My advice for those considering volunteering for reunions or other University initiatives is simple: do it. There’s no need to hesitate or overthink it—the experience of giving back, reconnecting, and contributing to the University community is rewarding in ways beyond the event itself.

Even for those who may not have the time to volunteer, I would encourage them to actively participate in the Reunion and truly take it all in. Whether through catching up with old friends, making new connections, engaging with faculty and students, or simply walking through campus and seeing how it has evolved, being part of the Reunion experience should not be missed.

Check out volunteer opportunities with the University today!

Meet Chicago Black Alumni Network Member, Philanthropy Committee Member, and Class of 2020 Reunion Volunteer Eugene Nichols III ’20

What Eugene is up to now and reflecting on his time at the University

Share a bit about yourself and what you’ve been up to since graduating from the URochester.

Since graduating from Rochester, I’ve been heavily involved in the compliance industry, working as an investment compliance analyst at Northern Trust in Chicago. I believe that the compliance industry is a great segway into law which I hope to pursue in the future as a securities attorney. Moreover, I’d love to pursue pro bono work in the civil rights sector as well.

In my spare time, I’ve been enjoying Stranger Things! I never truly watched the series and spent the entirety of my time off during the holidays binging it. I also love hanging out with family and friends in my spare time as well.

What are your most cherished memories from your time at the University? Are there specific moments or people that stand out?

My most cherished memory from Rochester would certainly be the Early Connection Opportunity Program (ECO). ECO allowed me the opportunity to come to Rochester a month early, assimilate to campus life, and meet so many friends early on. The experience was a catalyst for my success as a student. Additionally, without the support of individuals like Thomas Crews, Sasha Eloi ’05, ’17W (EdD), and Dean Norman Burgett, I would not have exponentially grown both professionally and personally as a student.

How did your time at Rochester shape your personal and professional growth?

My experiences as a student leader, as well as my experiences socially, shaped my personal and professional growth. Managing an array of different responsibilities for student clubs, on campus jobs, and academics taught me how to manage my time more effectively, make an impact, and lead others with compassion. My most rewarding experiences at Rochester would definitely be the Meridian Society, Student Alumni Ambassadors Program, Minority Male Leadership Association, and Kappa Alpha Psi Fraternity, Inc. All of these experiences shaped me throughout my time at Rochester, and I couldn’t be more thankful for all the skills I sharpened and gained.

Volunteerism and making an impact

What inspired you to get involved with the Black Alumni Network, and how has that experience been for you?

I would not be a part of the Black Alumni Network (BAN) had it not been for Vice President of Alumni and Constituent Engagement Karen Chance Mercurius motivating me to do so! She has always been a source of guidance for me at Rochester, and her push for me to pursue leadership in the BAN is why I am indebted to it today. It’s been amazing connecting with so many African American alumni, while intentionally making strides to better bridge the connection between our undergraduate and alumni African American community as well.

How do you see your role as a volunteer contributing to strengthening the sense of community among Black alumni?

Hopefully, my engagement as a Reunion volunteer will strengthen the amount of African American alumni who return for Meliora Weekend. This is my first year being a part of Reunion planning! This is my class year’s 5th year reunion, so I’m excited to reunite with my classmates this fall. I believe that Rochester has so many resources as an institution and coming to Meliora Weekend is a great way to reconnect with one another, gain insights on how the University could be of assistance to your personal and professional endeavors while reliving your college memories all over again!

Reconnecting with classmates is always rewarding because you can see how much you all have changed over the years. Meeting alumni is amazing because you oftentimes find similarities between the both of you rather quickly. I believe that Rochester students and alumni all have the same spark—there’s a strong desire to win and achieve that we all possess. Also, most of the time, we’re quite eclectic! Finding those similarities can be both funny and satisfying all at the same time.

Celebrating a Reunion this year or want to see what you can look forward to in the future? Check out the Reunion website!

Are there any specific goals or projects you’re passionate about advancing through your involvement with the Black Alumni Network?

The Black Alumni Network granted two to students last year which I really was happy about! Strengthening the connection between Black undergraduates and Black alumni is something I also look forward to as well. With groups like the Black Students’ Union and Douglass Leadership House, both of which I was a part of as a student, I think that there is a lot of opportunity for alumni to give back and pour into our current students.

Are there specific alumni events or initiatives in Chicago that you’ve enjoyed or feel have strengthened the local University network?

Attending Regional Alumni events is a great start to getting active as an alumnus of Rochester! Whether you are in a city with a large or small number of alumni, there is always someone from Rochester who you can connect with; leveraging those connections and showing up I believe is the first step.

Events I really enjoyed would be the Boundless Possibility Event in April of last year! I was fortunate enough to speak on my Rochester experience at the event and meet so many Chicago Regional Network alumni. The experience was really rewarding, and I’m looking forward to more events on that scale in the future! Our is also very active! I love the events that they put on and attend them frequently.

Check out volunteer opportunities with the University today!

Meet D.C. Women’s Network member and cybersecurity consultant Grace Czechowski Llojaj ’13

Share a bit about yourself! What are you up to now?

I currently live in Washington, D.C. with my husband, fellow alumnus Gert Llojaj ’09, and we are expecting our first child in February, 2024. I work in the cybersecurity field as a consultant helping companies scale by providing services focused on growth, workforce planning, and talent solutions. Outside of work, I volunteer as co-chair of the D.C. Women’s Network, with Alpha Phi International Fraternity, and with Junior League of Washington.

What are your most cherished memories from the Ģ����ý?

The best memories of my time at the University were spent with my Alpha Phi sisters! Whether it was getting ready for a night out or just hanging out on the Alpha Phi floor, I absolutely cherish those times.

How did campus life and any co-curricular involvement (clubs, organizations, teams, etc.) impact your personal and professional growth?

Leadership opportunities that were provided to me during my time at the University allowed me to practice skills in a supportive environment that I use in my job to this day. As a leader across Ballet Performance Group, Club Cheerleading, Panhellenic, and Alpha Phi, I was able to learn to lead teams, delegate, plan events, make fundraising asks, and hone my time management skills. These continue to be valuable in my professional career and other volunteer roles.

Did the University offer any resources or initiatives that helped you transition smoothly into the workforce?

The Career Center’s résumé and cover letter templates were by far the most used resources that helped me as I made the transition from undergraduate to the working world. Since graduation, the network the University provides, whether formally through the Meliora Collective and events or just by having a common history with people in my field, has been invaluable.

How did your experience at the URochester influence your life?

My time at Rochester was a pivotal period where my independence grew and I really leaned into pursuing opportunities that align with my values.

What sparked your initial interest in volunteering with the University? What role(s) have you held?

I have tried to stay involved in some capacity since graduation whether that was volunteering with Alpha Phi or interviewing prospective students. Since then, my role has evolved to help lead the D.C. region of the Women’s Network. I have also served as an industry leader at events put on with the Career Center and contributed to the Meliora Collective. My role as a volunteer may have shifted throughout the years but the desire to stay connected to the Yellowjacket community has always been there, so I make donating my time to volunteering with the University a priority year after year.

What advice do you have for fellow alumni and friends who may be interested in taking a more active role in our alumni and friends’ community?

Since graduation, I knew I wanted to give back and sometimes you feel like if you aren’t having a building named after you, then you really aren’t making an impact – that is just not true! Start by doing something small like volunteering to reach out to accepted students or showing up to events planned by your local alumni group. The University community is strongest when we all participate and give back, and like most things in life you will get out of it what you put into it, so just go for it and get involved!

What’s the most rewarding part of staying connected with your alma mater?

Staying connected to the Yellowjacket community has allowed the connections I made during my time on campus to continue to grow and develop, which was on full display this past Meliora Weekend at my 10-year reunion when there were so many people that I got to see, and it was like no time had passed at all! It has also permitted me to make connections in my field and with alumni whom I didn’t overlap within the school but share this common thread with. In volunteering with current and prospective students, I get the opportunity to help usher in the next generation as well, so it feels full circle.

Meet psychiatric nurse practitioner and dancer Sydney Robinson Phillips ’14

Share a bit about yourself! What are you up to now?

I currently live in the city of Philadelphia with my husband, Jovan, and our dog, Charlie. I work as a psychiatric nurse practitioner at Nemours Children’s Hospital in Delaware and teach simulation labs at the University of Pennsylvania School of Nursing. In my free time, I love running on the Schuylkill River Trail, baking, trying new restaurants in the city, and spending time with friends and family.

What are your most cherished memories from the Ģ����ý?

Late-night dance rehearsals in Spurrier, painting the tunnels, attending Boar’s Head, performing a flash mob in the old Douglass cafeteria, cozy nights studying in Rush Rhees, “bring a shovel to school day,” and exploring the city of Rochester on weekends and during the summer!

How did campus life and any co-curricular involvement (clubs, organizations, teams, etc.) impact your personal and professional growth?

Extra-curriculars were a significant part of my identity at the URochester (and sometimes prioritized more than academics and doing laundry). I was heavily involved in the dance department, where most of my waking moments were spent choreographing, rehearsing, or performing. I was a member of a few performing arts groups on campus as well, including Ballet Performance Group and Rochester Raas, and have made lifelong friends from these respective groups. During my sophomore year, I helped to create a dance outreach program at a local elementary school called “Dare to Dance,” which is still going strong today.

From an academic perspective, I was granted opportunities to serve as a TA within the psychology department and work as a research assistant within the Kid Neuro Lab on campus for three years. Since graduating from the University, I have been eager to combine all of my personal and professional passions (including dance, neuroscience, psychology, and medicine) into one career. Fast forward 10 years later, I am in the process of obtaining my dance/movement therapy certification, to provide more holistic-based care for my patients and families. This has been such a full-circle moment for me, especially since the certification program is led by one of my former professors at the University!

How did your experience at the URochester influence your life?

The Ģ����ý has helped to instill a continued sense of curiosity, drive, and passion in everything that I set out to achieve and has provided me with the tools to be an honest leader, friend, teacher, advocate, clinician, and lifetime learner.

What sparked your initial interest in volunteering with the University? What role(s) have you held?

Since I had such a positive experience throughout my four years at the URochester, I knew I wanted to give back in some capacity upon graduation. After establishing roots in Philadelphia in 2016, I started to attend various University events in the city and became an alumni interviewer, for both local and domestic/international prospective students. In 2019, I was introduced to the Young Alumni Council (YAC) and have been a member of YAC ever since! I am also excited to be a part of the 10^th Reunion Planning Committee this year.

What advice do you have for fellow alumni and friends who may be interested in taking a more active role in our alumni and friends’ community?

Try it out! There is no commitment that is too small – life can be chaotic, and so any type of involvement is welcomed and appreciated. Whether it be via community engagement, mentoring students, or providing admission support, there is surely something that will spark your interest.

What’s the most rewarding part of staying connected with your alma mater?

Having the opportunity to meet and develop connections with alumni across generations with diverse backgrounds.

Meet Regla Perez Pino ’89, ’90W (MS), a director of school counseling and proud Delta Zeta

Share a bit about yourself! What are you up to now?

I am the proud parent of Martín, my 21-year-old son, a junior at Ithaca College. He gives me the excuse to travel upstate and visit Rochester, where I have friends who became my family. I currently live in Alexandria, near Mount Vernon. The historic aspect of the region brings about lots of charm amid the busyness of a city.

I currently serve as the director of school counseling at Gar-Field Senior High School in Prince William County Schools, the second-largest school division in the Commonwealth of Virginia. As Director, I support all areas pertinent to student services for over 2,400 students plus a pre-k. Gar-Field Senior High School is an IB World School and a Title I school. We are a diverse community with hundreds of languages represented by our families.

What are your most cherished memories from the Ģ����ý?

I have many cherished memories from my days at the University. Whether related to student activities or my work-study with dining services. I remember launching the first Tropicana, a festival hosted by S.A.L.S.A. that became a tradition. I also remember working at the Rochester Conference, a program that ran during the period preceding the beginning of the spring semester. One year, the theme was “Creation” and with dining services, I hosted a booth at Danforth with one of the managers. We focused on creating natural beauty products ranging from rose water to facial scrubs. I remember spending time during winter break shopping in warehouses back at home in New York City, searching for miniature jars for the potions that we were about to create.

I remember living in the I.L.C., the International Living Center, my sophomore year and being part of the International Students Association. I learned to eat with chopsticks and met friends who taught me how to make baklava and curries. I vividly recall living on the I.L.C. at Anderson Towers and walking to Phase for sorority events at night in the dark. There was a small Facilities or Transportation building that we crossed during our travels; I remember telling my sorority sister who also lived in Anderson that there was a ghost in that building. We would sprint in fear to either Towers or Phase depending on if we were coming or going to the Delta Zeta floor in Phase. There was never a ghost, just a macrame planter hanging in the Facilities building’s window! Frankly, it was more fun believing that it was a ghost! Another cherished memory was painting the tunnels with the sorority, especially the year that Delta Zeta developed the Greek God contest.

I was quite active in student activities. I remember meeting friends at the Lollipop Clock and hanging out at the café inside the Wilson Commons lower area between classes or napping in the Welles Brown Room. Studying at the library’s old stacks was also much fun. And being the first group to evaluate/taste Jolt Cola, twice the sugar, twice the caffeine during finals one year! I spent much of my time working for dining services, primarily at Douglass. I still remember my first shift freshman year: it was Breakfast, and we were making donuts. There I met someone who became my dearest friend, he was a year older, in a fraternity, and my shift supervisor. I quickly learned the ropes and was promoted to various positions including grill cook and the coveted ‘cook’s ass’ or cook’s assistant, and later student supervisor. While in graduate school, I became a student manager and was wearing the official polyester blue skirts with the grown-ups who held ‘real jobs.’

How did campus life and any co-curricular involvement (clubs, organizations, teams, etc.) impact your personal and professional growth?

During my junior year, I was admitted to the Graduate School of Education and Human Development, now Warner School’s 3-2 program in Human Development. Initially, I specialized in higher education counseling. While working at the University in the Office of Minority Student Affairs as an H.E.O.P. counselor, I collaborated with Dr. Bonnie Rubenstein, a former professor, and Director of School Counseling at the Rochester City School District, I went back to complete the necessary coursework to earn the school counseling credential. Karen Mackie, at the time a graduate student working on her doctorate, was an incredible professional who taught me how to work with clients in a counseling setting, and Dr. Fred Jefferson, a remarkable leader whom I first met as a pre-frosh during the ECO program. While on the 3-2 program I was fortunate enough to take several group and culture courses with him.

How did your experience at the URochester influence your life?

I have switched careers and have circled back to my formal training in counseling. I started as a higher education counselor and later became a school counselor in Rochester. I maintained connections following my graduate degree with the University. After the ice storm, I moved back to Puerto Rico where I was raised but never lived as an adult. I am first generation Cuban American, born in NYC and raised in Puerto Rico. I finished high school in NYC and from there attended the URochester. In Puerto Rico, I served as the director of the Meditation Center at the Superior Court Bayamon Part. I was able to secure that position thanks to the volunteer work that I previously held in Rochester.

I believe that all the various activities, opportunities, and engagements including, of course, the coursework that I experienced while at University, enabled me to be what I am today.

While working in the Mediation Center, I married and moved back to the mainland, specifically to Northern Virginia. Somehow, I fell into the corporate world. I held numerous positions of increased responsibility at a multinational telecommunications company for over a decade. I did not have an MBA; I had an MS from Rochester. I am convinced that I was able to be successful and lead various organizations at the multinational corporation thanks to the skills I learned in Rochester and the Meliora values.

Reminiscing about that period when I had the best time of my life forging memories to cherish a lifetime. Whether celebrating a major milestone birthday or my son’s Eagle Scout Court of Honor, my University family has always been there to support me. In good times or when I need advice there is always an alumni friend that I have called on for support.

What sparked your initial interest in volunteering with the University? What role(s) have you held?

My primary volunteer roles today include working with the Office of Admissions and the Alumni Office serving on the class reunion committee. This year I will be celebrating my 35^th reunion. I have volunteered in several class reunion committees in years past. To me, it is important to maintain an active connection with the University because it helped me grow and develop and more importantly it made me ‘ever better.’

I have the pleasure of working directly with Beth Luke, a formidable resource at the University who ensures alumni volunteers supporting admissions are kept abreast of trends, timelines, and overall information to help make the interview season more enjoyable. I remember as an undergraduate supporting the Admissions office by calling students, traveling to NYC with the alumni reps for events, or hosting prospective students for a weekend.

What’s the most rewarding part of staying connected with your alma mater?

To me, the most rewarding part of staying connected with the University is knowing that I am contributing to something that gave me so much. Giving back is part of who I am, and that, I owe to those University values, coupled with my Catholic faith. I would be remiss if I failed to share that one of the more serious memories that I cherished, was attending Mass with President O’Brien on Sundays at the lower level of the Interfaith Chapel, sharing peace and communion with him and Father Bill.

To my fellow alumni and friends, I encourage you to consider serving the University in some capacity. There are multiple ways of engaging and giving back. Consider your strengths and decide how to support the various campaigns whether you do so with your time or contributing to the various financial gifts.

Fund initially supports local and international outreach and advocacy efforts within URMC’s Division of Plastic Surgery

Joseph Serletti ’82M (MD), ’88M (Res) and Bonnie Serletti ’90M (MD), ’94M (Res)

Joseph Serletti ’82M (MD), ’88M (Res) and Bonnie Serletti ’90M (MD), ’94M (Res), recently made a $1.5 million gift to endow the Serletti Family Cleft and Craniofacial Humanitarian Outreach Initiative at the URochester Medical Center (URMC). The Serletti’s generosity will initially support local and international outreach and advocacy efforts of the  within URMC’s Division of Plastic Surgery at Golisano Children’s Hospital. In the future, this endowment will fund the Serletti Family Professorship, which will help attract, retain, and honor exemplary faculty clinicians in the plastic surgery division.

Right now, the Serletti Initiative will help support the mission of the Pediatric Cleft and Craniofacial Center including international efforts in South and Central America aimed at sustainable care for children with craniofacial deformities. It will also help fund and expand a camp held every year that brings together local children and families affected by craniofacial conditions.

“Joe’s time at Rochester—as a student, resident, surgeon, and leader—was formative for him, and for us,” says Mark Taubman, CEO, Ģ����ý Medical Center and UR Medicine, and dean, School of Medicine and Dentistry. “As our chief of plastic surgery, he played a lead role in establishing the Pediatric Cleft and Craniofacial Center 25 years ago. Since then, the center has treated and helped thousands of children and families. We are grateful to him and Bonnie for choosing us as a beneficiary of their forward-thinking philanthropy.”

“The Ģ����ý Medical Center is my home,” says , the Henry Royster-William Maul Measey Professor of Surgery, chief of the Division of Plastic Surgery, and vice chair for finance in the Department of Surgery at the University of Pennsylvania. “It’s where Bonnie and I were educated and trained and where I practiced for many years. It was important for me and Bonnie to give back to place that gave us both so much.”

He adds, “I’m proud of the plastic surgery division and the Pediatric Cleft and Craniofacial Center—the work there is being done with the competence, compassion, and deep personal commitment of its leaders and the world-class residents. Our wish is that this gift is a catalyst for continued excellence—the kind that truly helps improve the quality of life for people and recognizes exceptional scholarship and clinical practice in the plastic surgery field.”

“Joe played an instrumental role in setting the course for the plastic surgery division here,” says Howard Langstein, chief, , and professor of surgery. “As a world leader in cleft and craniofacial surgery, our health care teams—experts in plastic surgery, dentistry, speech, and other areas—work collaboratively to ensure that a patient’s entire spectrum of needs are met. We’re grateful to Joe and Bonnie for their generosity.”

Adds Clinton Morrison, director, Pediatric Cleft and Craniofacial Center, and associate professor of surgery, “Joe is a visionary—he has always been guided by the biopsychosocial model, which has taught us as clinicians to treat the whole person. His and Bonnie’s generosity will help us continue treat the increasing number of patients we see locally along with those we work with internationally. Their partnership and leadership has and continues to a vital source of support.”

Morrison’s team coordinates a local craniofacial outreach camp program, which has grown exponentially in the past decade. In 2022, the camp welcomed 300 children and families, the largest crowd to date. Morrison also leads the URMC’s participation in international outreach, including an annual medical mission trip to Guatemala coordinated through the , a Rochester, NY-based charity that coordinates craniofacial deformity surgeries on children around the world.

“Over many years, Joe has remained a friend and supporter of surgery department and the University,” says David Linehan, the Seymour I. Schwartz Professor of Surgery, and chair of the Department of Surgery. “He is an extraordinarily successful and nationally renowned academic surgeon and leader who never forgot his roots. The support of the Serletti family means the world to me and will help take our world-class Division of Plastic Surgery to new heights.”

Read more about the Pediatric Cleft and Craniofacial Center’s local and international outreach programs.

—Kristine Thompson, October 2022

In his dynamic home office, Smith finds and inspires joy and creativity.

Smith picked up his first trumpet when he was nine years old. Today, the Olds Ambassador rent-to-own brass horn can be found, along with dozens of other trumpets, in Smith’s basement home office. Adorned with many objects that ground, inspire, and entertain, Smith’s favorite space is as dynamic as he is.

STOMP-sounding, junkyard-found hubcaps hang from the ceiling. Existential books written by yogis and philosophers are tucked among scores of music. Photographs and sculptures of Black musical legends like Louis Armstrong, Dizzy Gillespie, and Duke Ellington rest on nearby walls and shelves—smiling, encouraging, and inspiring the music that Smith and his students make there.

Born and raised in Cincinnati, Ohio, Smith came to Rochester to attend the Eastman School of Music—and he never left. He’s been with the Rochester Philharmonic Orchestra (RPO) for more than 20 years and, today, is its third trumpet and a periodic guest conductor. He has also played with the Buffalo Philharmonic many times and frequently conducts for the Syracuse Symphoria.

Smith also performs with Gateways Music Festival, a collaborative initiative with Eastman that connects and supports classical musicians of African descent. Committed to bridging racial divide through music, in 2020 he started Herb City Trumpets, a music education and mentorship program for Black teenagers and boys. The group operates through ROCmusic, a city-run initiative designed to give underrepresented youth music instruction.

Find this story and more good things for Ģ����ý alumni and friends in the summer issue of Buzz magazine.

These two engineers-turned-entrepreneurs sell cookies to spread joy.

In high school, Yuting Yang ’16 was a Chinese exchange student in Palmer, Alaska, when she met Anna Gaines ’15. The two became fast friends and later attended the Ģ����ý together, both determined to become engineers. After graduation, Gaines went to work for an engineering firm in Philadelphia and Yang for an engineering consulting firm in New York City.

During the pandemic, Yang and Gaines realized that they derive happiness through the simple things in life. That’s when Gaines left her job to return home to Alaska and start a macaron business, GG Macs. Yang later offered to help bring the business to Los Angeles, where she and her husband live.

“Something small and sweet, like a macaron, can make people smile,” says Gaines. “That’s what we want our business to do—to bring joy to people and their communities.”

The Sugar House makes about 700 macarons a day in their L.A.-based commercial kitchen, and their colorful confections are available in both L.A. and Anchorage at farm markets, through catering orders, via DoorDash, and as corporate gifts.

Being engineers is a plus. Gaines and Yang apply their Hajim School know-how to help reduce waste, maximize productivity, track and measure customer feedback, analyze what they bring to market, and improve their processes. “Engineers love to innovate and solve problems,” says Yang. “Entrepreneurs need those skills, too.”

Today, the Sugar House offers a range of flavors, from the traditional vanilla, chocolate, and lemon to seasonal favorites like matcha and chocolate covered strawberry. Gaines and Yang also make trending flavors such as the sweet-and-salty chocolate potato chip macarons. Red bean custard is popular, too, especially in L.A. where many people enjoy Asian-influenced flavors. “My personal favorite is our raspberry macaron,” adds Gaines. “The white chocolate ganache mixed with pureed, fresh raspberries is delicious.”

The business is creating great memories for Gaines and Yang. “I’ll never forget this one little boy who came up to our booth recently,” says Yang. “I watched him dig through his pockets for change. He came up short, but the person behind him gave him what he needed to get the cookie he wanted. Cookies do that—they bring us together.”

     Macaron or macaroon?

Find out more at .
Photo Credit: Brett Loie
Find this story and more good things for Ģ����ý alumni and friends in the summer issue of Buzz magazine.