Campus Champion

Drew Abrams, coordinator for outdoor pursuits, has been crucial in the revival of Adirondack Trailblazers, a program that introduces new students to the W.H. Parks Family Center for Outdoor and Environmental Education at Raquette Lake. The opportunity was paused during the COVID-19 pandemic, with a local option in its place. Last year, Abrams brought back the Adirondack experience and he continues to manage logistics for the unique welcome in the wilderness. Abrams believes in helping others access the outdoors. Thanks to his efforts, Red Dragons get to share in his passion.

The SUNY Cortland Alumni Association will recognize seven graduates during the university’s 2026 Alumni Awards Ceremony on Saturday, July 18, in Old Main Brown Auditorium. 

The event is held during Alumni Reunion weekend, which is expected to draw roughly 400 attendees across two full days of events. 

The Alumni Association will honor two graduates with its Distinguished Alumni Award, three Distinguished Educators Award recipients, one young alumna with the Rising Star Award and an Outstanding Alumni Volunteer. 

The 2026 award recipients are:

• Allison Sesso ’97, Distinguished Alumna. Named among “The 100 Most Influential People of 2025” by Time magazine, Sesso has assisted millions of American families burdened with medical expenses as chief executive officer and president of Undue Medical Debt. 

• Ezra Scott ’10, Distinguished Alumnus. A dedicated public servant and community leader, Scott serves as special assistant for intergovernmental and community affairs in the Executive Office of the New York State Department of Public Service. 

• Pamela Kocher Brown ’92, Ed.D., Distinguished Educator. A professor of kinesiology at the University of North Carolina Greensboro, Brown led the development of one of the nation’s first fully online doctoral programs in her discipline. 

• Yusuf Muhammad Jr. ’99, M ’01, Distinguished Educator. The 2025-26 Principal of the Year for the Atlanta Public Schools, the former Educational Opportunity Program (EOP) scholar has earned recognition for his commitment to equity in education.

• Heather Kelly Marzullo ’03, M ’10, Distinguished Educator. A life-changing teacher in the Syracuse City School District, Marzullo has remained deeply connected to the university through Cortland’s Urban Recruitment of Educators (C.U.R.E.) program. 

• Louis Chistolini ’65, C.A.S. ’79, Outstanding Alumni Volunteer. An educator by trade, Chistolini works tirelessly to connect Red Dragons through popular alumni events in the Syracuse area. 

• Angelica Ford ’17, Rising Star. The former kinesiology major turned entrepreneur has established two mission-driven businesses that promote health and inclusivity.

Distinguished Alumni Award

Allison Sesso ’97

Allison Sesso ’97 has earned a reputation as a trailblazer through her role as chief executive officer and president of Undue Medical Debt, a nonprofit that focuses on the elimination of personal medical debt. 

Case in point: last year, Time magazine listed the former SUNY Cortland political science major among “The 100 Most Influential People of 2025,” a list that also included Serena Williams and Mark Zuckerberg.

Since Sesso took the reins of Undue Medical Debt in 2020, the organization has purchased and forgiven $22 billion in personal medical debt while relieving more than 10 million American families from financial burdens. The nonprofit has made an estimated 14% dent in the leading cause of bankruptcy in the U.S., while also leading research on its root causes and developing policies aimed at preventing them. 

Prior to Undue Medical Debt, Sesso served as deputy executive director during a 16-year career with the Human Services Council, an advocacy organization that represents 170 nonprofits and 200,000 workers providing 90% of the social services in New York City. 

Her early career experiences in social work and advocacy helped inform larger-scale influence today. She initially pursued an internship with the New York Public Interest Research Group, which hired her to run its operation at Nassau Community College after her Cortland graduation.  

She moved to Florida to work for a nonprofit helping victims of violence and sexual abuse and eventually transitioned to a position in investment banking before a fellowship with the University at Albany’s Center for Women in Government and Civil Society. Sesso holds an M.P.A. from CUNY’s Baruch College. 

In 2017, she was named one of the 25 most influential leaders in Manhattan by City & State New York. She also was honored on the TIME100 Health and TIME100 Philanthropy lists in 2025.

Ezra Scott Jr. ’10 

Scott has a simple message for aspiring changemakers. 

“Know the process and know the people in the process,” says Scott, who served as keynote speaker at SUNY Cortland’s most recent Student Conference on Diversity, Equity, Inclusion and Social Justice. “When you understand both, you amplify your impact and create lasting change.”

His life’s work has certainly made a lasting impact on others. 

As special assistant for intergovernmental and community affairs in the Executive Office of the New York State Department of Public Service, Scott builds partnerships between elected officials and community organizations to advance New York’s clean energy goals, helping to foster public confidence in government. He previously pursued a competitive two-year executive fellowship as an Empire State Fellow.  

A native of Niagara Falls, N.Y., Scott is a first-generation college graduate who earned a bachelor’s degree in sociology. A student-athlete on Cortland’s men’s basketball team, he went on to earn graduate degrees in strategic management, human resource management and early childhood education from Niagara University. 

As a student success coach at Niagara Falls High School, Scott helped increase graduation rates from 67% to 85.5% and partnered with Roswell Park Comprehensive Cancer Center on equity-driven public health initiatives. At 29, he became the youngest African American elected city councilmember in Niagara Falls’ history. The founder of the Niagara Falls Peacemakers, Scott also led a coalition dedicated to youth engagement and public safety. 

In 2024, Scott became the founding chapter president of Albany Professionals Under 40 & Friends. He also serves on the executive committee of the NAACP Albany Branch, is a founding member of the Albany Black Chamber of Commerce and contributes to the Reimagine Albany Coalition, focused on reconnecting neighborhoods divided by I-787. 

For more than a decade, Scott has inspired positive change through his leadership in government, education, workforce development and civic organizations across New York state. 

Distinguished Educator Award 

Pamela Kocher Brown ’92, Ed.D. 

Pamela L. Kocher Brown ’92, Ed.D., has taught various topics related to exercise and sport science during a distinguished teaching career spanning more than three decades. A professor of kinesiology at the University of North Carolina Greensboro, she also has led pioneering contributions in online education. 

Among her many awards and honors, Brown has earned the North Carolina SHAPE Linda Harrill Rudisill Lifetime Achievement Award and the National Association for Kinesiology in Higher Education Distinguished Teacher Award. She also helped lead the creation of one of the nation’s first fully online doctoral programs in kinesiology, assisting more than 100 graduates that completed the program.

“My experience at SUNY Cortland showed me the importance of always putting people first,” Brown said. “A good teacher builds relationships that are the foundation for success. They understand what excites their students and use it to foster learning.” 

Brown’s teaching has exhibited her range in providing valuable lessons in the field of exercise in sport science. She began her career in 1992 at the University of North Carolina as a lecturer before a stint as an instructor and head coach of women’s soccer and women’s tennis at Chowan College in Murfreesboro, North Carolina.

She arrived at UNC Greensboro in 2001, earned her doctoral degree in 2003 and ascended in the department. Currently, Brown serves as the graduate program director for the Department of Kinesiology. 

Yusuf Muhammad ’99, M ’01 

Throughout his career as an educator and school administrator, Yusuf Muhammad ’99, M ’01 has passed on the gifts he discovered as an EOP scholar at SUNY Cortland — namely opportunity and a commitment to service. His success, both in New York City and Atlanta, is evidence of his ability to bring those values to fruition. 

Muhammad began his career as a social studies teacher at Benjamin Banneker Academy in New York City and later earned his first administrative role as acting principal in 2012. During his tenure as principal, the school increased its graduation rate to 95%, which was 15% above the state average. 

His first full-time principal role came in 2013 at City Polytechnic High School. His track record of success continued as the school’s pathways in technology early college and work-based learning model helped increase graduation rates and decrease suspension rates. 

He moved to Atlanta in 2016, serving as principal at Carver High School from 2016 to 2018 before taking on the principal role at The STEAM Academy at Carver in 2018. In 2022, Muhammad was named principal at Phoenix Academy and more recently named the 2025-26 Principal of the Year for Atlanta Public Schools. A tireless supporter of his alma mater, he served as keynote speaker at the university’s 2024 Abraham Lincoln De Mond 1889 Day event, which recognizes the legacy of the university’s first African American graduate. 

Heather Kelly Marzullo ’03, M ’10 

Heather Kelly Marzullo ’03, M ’10 has spent more than 22 years as a role model in the Syracuse City School District (SCSD), helping students envision success and the opportunity to attend college. 

“My career is defined by the belief that a distinguished educator does not just deliver content, but actively dismantles barriers to ensure every student — regardless of background — has a seat at the table of opportunity,” Marzullo said. 

Since 2004, Marzullo has been a champion for student success in Syracuse, teaching at Percy Hughes Magnet School as a fifth and sixth grade teacher before joining HW Smith School in 2015, where she continues to teach today.

In 2014, Marzullo was named the SCSD Teacher of the Year. She also earned the SUNY Cortland Civic Engagement Leadership Award that same year for her efforts to mentor future Cortland educators. Throughout her career, she has made significant contributions to the university’s C.U.R.E. program, assisting close to 200 scholars who hope to follow her example in urban education. 

Leading book circles, earning grants to enhance learning and fostering opportunities for discussions regarding race and culture, Marzullo’s support for her students extends beyond their educations — inspiring growth and opening doors long after they leave her classroom. 

Outstanding Alumni Volunteer

Lou Chistolini ’65, C.A.S. ’79 

If you attend an event hosted by Lou Chistolini ’65, C.A.S. ’79, you will find him donning SUNY Cortland gear with pride. The Syracuse, N.Y., area includes more than 9,000 Red Dragon alumni, and they can gather for Cortland-themed events thanks in large part to Chistolini’s efforts.

An annual highlight for Central New Yorkers is the St. Patrick’s Day Parade, which takes place in downtown Syracuse. Chistolini has hosted a SUNY Cortland alumni event at Mulrooney’s for several years and has seen participation increase over time. In addition, he coordinates an annual Cortaca Jug watch party for Cortland fans in the Syracuse area. 

When asked about his continued desire to create opportunities for fellow Red Dragons, Chistolini expressed appreciation for his SUNY Cortland experience. He credits the university for providing direction and inspiration for a long career in education, which stretched across several school districts in the Central New York region for more than 50 years. 

“I owe a lot to the college,” Chistolini said. “If I can spread the word of Cortland, that’s how I want to help the college succeed. When people bring their families, especially high school students, it gives me that opportunity to spread the word.” 

The steady increase in attendance at alumni events hosted by Chistolini reflects his consistency and aspiration to keep the SUNY Cortland spirit intact for Central New Yorkers. 

“I realize that this award is not a finish line, but more of a continuation of strengthening the bond between SUNY Cortland and alumni,” Chistolini said. “Hopefully more alumni will be involved with hosting events themselves or generating interest to attend more events.” 

Rising Star Award

Angelica Ford ’17

When Angelica Ford ’17 attended her first-year Orientation, she was provided with a mantra that became a guiding principle that guided her in athletic competition, across the graduation stage and into the business world.  

Ford has used that mantra — “feel the momentum” — as motivation that led to great success through multiple mission-focused businesses in Chicago.

During her time at SUNY Cortland, Ford was a decorated swimmer who still owns records in the 200- and 400-yard individual medley. Ford also earned the 2017 Grace Mowatt Award, provided to a senior student-athlete across the State University of New York Athletic Conference based on career academic and athletic achievement.  

After graduation, Ford was driven by a passion to help individuals with disabilities, one that developed as a volunteer with Adaptive Fitness Programs in Niagara Falls during the COVID-19 pandemic. 

That passion for helping others inspired two businesses that she currently owns and operates in the Chicago area: Fueled by AF, a vegan and gluten-free snack company that employs individuals with disabilities, and Ability Fitness, a fitness business that builds adaptive in-home gyms and training programs for people of all abilities.

Her work has been recognized nationally on the Forbes 30 Under 30 list for creating Chicago’s first adaptive manufacturing plant and for her efforts to make employment accessible to people with disabilities. 

When asked to provide words of guidance to future Cortland students, Ford’s response echoed what she heard as a student: “Visualize your success,” she said. “Feel the momentum and achieve your dreams.” 

As a bright young entrepreneur and advocate for inclusion, Ford has done just that for herself and others. 

A new $225,000 grant will create opportunities for SUNY Cortland first-year students to explore the written word in meaningful ways.

That means emphasizing a book’s paper pages rather than scrolling on a screen.

This fall, incoming students can take a new 100-level course focused on the humanities. The course was developed through a major grant from the Teagle Foundation, a philanthropic organization that aims to strengthen liberal arts education across the country.

“(The course) is really transformative for the student experience,” said Anisha Saxena, associate professor of history and one of several faculty members who helped lead the university’s grant application. “But it’s also bringing faculty and staff together and talking about the texts they love.”

The interdisciplinary project has also relied on the efforts of Abigail Droge, assistant professor of English, Andrea Harbin, professor of English, and Benjamin Wilson, professor of economics, in addition to many other faculty and staff members who provided input during the 2025-26 academic year.

The Humanities 100 course, Books and Big Ideas, will be a new outlet for the study and discussion of educational literature known on campus as “Transformative Texts.”

“They’re texts that students can relate to, inspire them to ask questions, and encourage them to reflect on their personal experiences, society, or political issues,” Saxena said.

“It challenges their thinking, broadens their perspective, and can influence the way they understand themselves and the world around them,” she noted.

Five sections of the discussion-based course will be offered, with a goal to draw in diverse academic interests. Assignments will encourage students to connect readings to real-world issues that matter to them.

Each section of the course will share three selections from the university’s Transformative Text list to help foster a shared intellectual experience across sections. The remainder of the texts will be chosen by the instructor, with at least half of those readings from the shared list.

The course will require physical books and deemphasize screen use, outside of technology needs for accessibility reasons. Students also will be expected to attend events on campus that engage with the shared Transformative Texts, examine course themes and foster student interaction across sections.

“Our hope in prioritizing physical texts is to help students cultivate a deeper attention and engagement through reading, apart from the constant distractions of technology,” said Droge, who specializes in British literature and culture. “By emphasizing the attendance of in-person events and exploring texts through an interdisciplinary perspective, we also aim to show students how literature can create community and be relevant to current social issues.”

Three pilot classes of the course began last spring, with the grant ensuring an expanded course number for the foreseeable future.

In addition, the grant will support existing Transformative Text Series lectures held on campus. Funds from the grant also will go to professional development held at SUNY Cortland’s W.H. Parks Family Center for Environmental and Outdoor Education at Raquette Lake in the Adirondacks for any faculty interested in learning to teach one of the Humanities 100 classes.

Workshops will welcome faculty interested in teaching Humanities 100 as well as those who wish to have their upper-level electives added to a pathway courses collection. Those courses would receive a special designation, allowing students to continue to engage with transformative texts, humanistic inquiries and New York state-related topics and themes throughout their studies at Cortland.

SUNY Cortland’s fall semester classes officially begin Aug. 31, but there’s a group of first-year students already hard at work during the summer. 

The university’s Educational Opportunity Program (EOP) Summer Institute started in early July, providing a monthlong campus experience and full days of college prep coursework for new undergraduates who are getting a head start on their Cortland experience. 

SUNY Cortland’s incoming EOP class includes 43 scholars from across New York state — one of the largest-ever Cortland cohorts in the program’s nearly 60-year history. 

Across SUNY, the Arthur O. Eve Educational Opportunity Program provides comprehensive support for students from low-income backgrounds who faced challenges with their K-12 academic preparation. Many are the first in their families to go to college. 

“EOP has the potential to open doors and change the lives of our students, and it starts during the summer when we build community,” said Kharmen Wingard ’M 11, director of EOP. “Summer Institute relies on considerable effort from our staff and our students, but it’s always worth it because it helps lay the foundation.” 

During their five-week summer experience, new EOP students live on campus and prioritize weekday classes focused on their future studies. They also receive individualized tutoring, learn more about campus resources and take part in evening and weekend social activities.  

A banquet at the end of Summer Institute recognizes their progress, with the young scholars returning to campus in late August. 

EOP is made possible in part by the historic $10.7 million increase in program funding in the fiscal year 2026-2027 New York State Budget from Governor Kathy Hochul and the New York State Legislature. 

“We are grateful to Governor Hochul and state legislators for their steadfast commitment to advancing higher education opportunities for our students,” Wingard said. “EOP is a proven program to advance student success and upward mobility.” 

Additional highlights for SUNY Cortland’s EOP efforts during the 2025-26 academic year included: 

• Participation in SUNY’s EOP Paid Internship Scale-Up Initiative: The university earned more than $50,000 in funding to increase student participation in high-impact practices. Up to 20 EOP scholars will be able to earn a paid internship stipend paying them $1,920 for a three-credit, semester-long work experience. 

• Creation of the university’s EOP Teaching Scholars Program: A $30,000 grant will help future teachers enrolled in EOP with costs connected to an education degree, including teacher certification and the expenses of student teaching. 

• Student success stories: Several EOP scholars earned statewide and national recognition during the past year. They included Joshua Jenkins ’26, a psychology major who was SUNY Cortland’s recipient of the Norman R. McConney Jr. Award for Student Excellence; Mamadou “Saliou” Diallo ’26, a biomedical sciences major who received the SUNY Chancellor’s Award for Student Excellence; and Ikenna Okoye, a physical education major who was recognized by President Barack Obama for his work with My Brother’s Keeper Alliance.  

“For nearly 60 years, SUNY’s Educational Opportunity Program has supported tens of thousands of students, helping them move forward on a path to upward mobility and success,” said SUNY Chancellor John B. King Jr. “The program has made higher education more accessible for students throughout New York state and opened doors for meaningful and successful careers.  

“We are grateful to Governor Kathy Hochul, the State Legislature and for the SUNY Board of Trustees for their continued investment in empowering EOP students and supporting their efforts to unleash their full potential.” 

Since 2022, EOP enrollment across SUNY has increased by 21%, reflecting continued demand for the program and its supports. In 2025-26, SUNY Cortland enrolled 114 EOP scholars — with a 54% increase in the past three years. 

In its 59-year history, EOP has graduated nearly 90,000 students and evolved into one of the country’s most successful college access program. There are more than 9,000 EOP students throughout the SUNY system. 

EOP enrollment is open to all students who meet the program’s longstanding academic and financial need requirements. 

SUNY Cortland Associate Professor Jeremy Jimenez has visited more than 180 countries. Among all of them, he rates the tiny Caribbean island of Dominica as a “top 10” destination for its beauty.  

He was happy to finally share that experience with eight Cortland students this summer. 

The 10-day visit for “Development and Resilience in Dominica” delivered its class lessons through the lens of sustainability, covering topics like education, environmental studies, sociology and international relations. 

“It pushed me both physically and intellectually and really opened up my eyes to the rest of the world,” said Phoebe Peer, a junior childhood education major who traveled abroad for the first time. 

The course was created thanks  in part to Jimenez’s contacts within the country and was the first time it was offered. 

 “They (students) got to see that community aspect in Dominica where everyone’s helping each other and supporting each other, whether it’s the female farmers group or at school,” said Jimenez,  who plans to offer the trip again in 2 years but he is open to offering it annually if enough students express interest in participating. 

Known as the “Nature Isle of the Caribbean,” a 2017 hurricane damaged the country’s crops, homes and habitats. In that aftermath, Dominica’s recovering landscape is an in-depth example for the students about finding balance between growth and preserving natural beauty and healthy ecosystems. 

One of the least expensive of Cortland’s study abroad offerings, the nearly 2,000-mile journey brought the students to a place vastly different than the United States, according to junior Brianna Mullins, an early childhood/childhood education major. 

“The sights and places we were able to go around the island of Dominica are experiences I am never going to forget,” said Mullins, another first-time international traveler. 

Students explored the natural and cultural facets of the island while hiking, snorkeling, helping locals garden and learning from elders at the Kalinago Indigenous Territory. The group also developed professional skills while visiting a local school. 

Peer appreciated the experience as a future teacher. 

“The first time there we simply observed and the second time we were able to actually teach a lesson to a class,” Peer said. 

 All students kept a daily journal of their experiences on the island, while video clips and photos taken during the trip were used to create a final 15-minute final video project on the course’s themes and lessons. 

Peer believes that spending an extended time in a different culture was a powerful way to broaden student perspectives. 

“The entire trip in Dominica, talking with locals, learning its history and being active in the school, helped put me in the right direction of doing that,” Peer said. 

It was a feeling shared by sophomore Jazlyn Nichols, who took to heart the examples of mindfulness she found there. 

Nichols hopes to create lessons that help her students engage and be thankful for the moments they're in, rather than always looking ahead. 

“It is easy to get so caught up into the next thing that we are constantly in a state of ‘go,’ especially in school,” she said. “I want to be able to take the peace from the trip into the classroom.” 

Students can learn about Dominica and other study abroad options by contacting the International Programs Office at [email protected] or 607-753-2209.

Casey O’Keefe ’09 lived a sports fan’s dream this past weekend.

The former SUNY Cortland physical education major was among 50 everyday fans selected to compete against a group of elite athletes and celebrities in a variety of sport-inspired challenges at the Fanatics Games, held recently as part of Fanatics Fest in New York City.

“Fanatics Fest is pretty much the Comic Con of sports,” said O’Keefe, who teaches physical education at the Dr. Kenneth B. Clark Academy, a small public high school in Dobbs Ferry. N.Y.

Taking place for the second time this year, the Fanatics Games involved 100 people — 50 professional athletes and celebrities and 50 fans like O’Keefe — competing across eight challenges, earning points for each category. Those tests range from a putting challenge in golf to a field goal kicking competition in football to a WWE superstar entrance scored 1 to 10.

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Popular musician Justin Bieber was the top point-scorer across all challenges, earning the $1 million grand prize. 

Although he did not come out on top, O’Keefe relished the opportunity as a physical education teacher.

“I’m either going to get fired from my job for being a fraud, or I’m coming out shooting and getting hot,” joked O’Keefe before the competition.

He also serves as an assistant coach with his school’s varsity basketball team and co-head coach of the Special Olympics Unified Sports basketball team.

“I didn’t know what the rest of the competition would be like,” he said. “...It’s almost like carnival events, right? You’re either hot or you’re not.” 

Just to be selected for the competition was a win that O’Keefe cherished. Organizers shared with him that thousands of fans from across the country submitted video applications about their passions and talents.

O’Keefe credited longtime friend and fellow Cortland alum Tom McVeigh ’08 with recording and editing his entry, which highlighted O’Keefe’s outgoing personality and his lifelong interest in sports — including a photo from his playing days on the club baseball team at Cortland.

The video also shared O’Keefe’s connection to Duke University’s basketball camps. O’Keefe has worked at the popular summer camps for many years through a mutual connection to legendary basketball coach Mike Krzyzewski. His primary role is somewhat unique: keep young campers entertained with his energy and his unique ability to sink trick shots.

“I started going nuts with trick shots,” O’Keefe said. “They’re all over social media. … I bounce one in from half court. Last year, I went all the way up to the announcers’ booth (at Cameron Indoor Stadium), made a bounce shot from there. … It was hilarious.”

A passionate, people-first coach, there’s more to O’Keefe’s professional work than teaching, coaching and quirky basketball talents. He also founded Bounce Back Basketball LLC, a youth sports outlet that offers clinics to children from preschool through fourth grade while emphasizing skills such as resilience.

“It’s just stressing that mentality that the chips can be against you, your back can be against the wall, but you can always find a way,” said O’Keefe, who also established a nonprofit, Chuck’s Pups, in memory of his late father. That organization raises funds for children in need of a service dog.

He credited his experience as a physical education major at Cortland, specifically conversations with former faculty member and men’s basketball coach Bill Williams ’69, with providing motivation at key points in his life.

Just having the opportunity to compete at the Fanatics Games was a blessing, he said.

“The best I can do at the end of the day is give it my best and set a good example for my kids,” said O’Keefe, who participated with his wife and the oldest of his two sons in attendance. “I just wanted to have a good time and try my best.”

Summer may mean a break for some students. But for musical theatre majors in SUNY Cortland’s Performing Arts Department, it provides an opportunity to shine on new stages. 

Several students have spent their summers working with local theater companies across multiple states. The roles provide valuable experience. More than that, they showcase the skills developed in Dowd Fine Arts Center on campus. 

“possible quote” 

The university’s B.F.A. in musical theatre includes a partnership with the nearby Cortland Repertory Theatre. Students work with faculty to hone their craft and gain the confidence that help them find success in front of an audience or behind the scenes.  

Among the students involved in summer productions: 

• John Malagrida, senior: Cortland Repertory Theatre intern company; Dance Curly in “Oklahoma,” Dick in “9 to 5,” ensemble in “Annie.”
  
  
• Ann Marie Thorell, senior: “Finding Nemo” at Quisisana Resort in Center Lovell, Maine. 
  
  
• Illyria Escher, junior: Romeo and Juliet with Trust Your Gut Productions in Gloversville, N.Y. 
  
  
• Ezra Rudenko, junior: Anatole in “Natasha, Pierre and the Great Comet of 1812” at WCT Next Stage Program in Watertown, Massachusetts. 
  
  
• Sam Smith, sophomore: Robert Martin in “The Drowsy Chaperone” at the Endicott Performing Arts Center in Endicott, N.Y.  

SUNY Cortland faculty are helping support the local theater scene as well:

• Deena Conley, associate professor and department chair: director of “Baskerville” at Cortland Repertory Theatre. 

• Scott Holdredge, assistant professor: scenic design for “Oklahoma” at Cortland Repertory Theatre; resident scenic and lighting designer at Franklin Stage Company in Franklin, N.Y. 

• Ben Kapilow, music director and assistant professor: assistant music director for “A Bronx Tale” at The Rev in Auburn, N.Y.; music director for “Dear Evan Hansen” at Hangar Theatre in Ithaca, N.Y.; and music director at French Woods Festival of the Performing Arts in Hancock, N.Y. 

• Mark Reynolds, costume designer: director of “Daddy Long Legs” at Cortland Repertory Theatre.

• Ben Wells, publicity coordinator and production manager: social media marketing for Cortland Repertory Theatre. 

With the fall semester fast arriving, audiences can also look forward to SUNY Cortland’s 2026-27 schedule of musicals, dramas and comedies.  

Last school year, audiences enjoyed productions that included family favorite “Rodgers and Hammerstein’s Cinderella” and cult classic “Rocky Horror.”  

New productions will be announced soon. 

Supporters can follow the SUNY Cortland Performing Arts Department Facebook page and @sunycortperform on Instagram. 

Cortland senior Isaiah Brunache has been honored as a national first team College Sports Communicators (CSC) Division III Track and Field/Cross Country Academic All-American for the second straight year.

Cortland student-athletes have now earned 49 Academic All-America honors, including three this past school year and 29 since 2011. Last fall, Katie Diem was named to the women's soccer first team and Jordan Ott was chosen to the men’s soccer second team.

Brunache is just the second Cortland athlete to be chosen to an Academic All-America first team twice; women’s gymnast Emma Schulz was a three-time first-team honoree from 2018-21.

An exercise science major with a 3.91 overall GPA, Brunache is a seven-time All-American as a thrower on the men’s track and field team. He was the national runner-up in the shot put at both the 2023 and 2025 NCAA Division III Outdoor Track and Field Championships, in addition to finishing fifth in the weight throw and seventh in the shot put indoors in 2026, seventh in the weight throw indoors in 2025, eighth in the discus outdoors in 2026, and eighth in the shot put indoors in 2025. He also qualified for nationals in events on six other occasions.
 
The Red Dragon student-athlete is the school record-holder in the indoor weight throw, the indoor shot put and the outdoor shot put. He was a three-time U.S. Track & Field and Cross Country Coaches Association (USTFCCCA) Niagara Region Field Athlete of the Year — 2025 outdoors, 2026 indoors, 2026 outdoors; and an 18-time All-Niagara Region honoree for indoor shot put four times, indoor weight throw four times, outdoor discus four times, outdoor hammer throw twice and outdoor shot put four times. Brunache is also  a five-time All-Atlantic Region Track and Field Conference (AARTFC) champion and two-time runner-up, with six other AARTFC top-8 finishes.
 
Brunache won eight SUNYAC titles, finished as a runner-up six times and placed third twice for a total of 16 All-SUNYAC honors. He was voted as the SUNYAC Field Athlete of the Year three times (2025 outdoors, 2026 indoors, 2026 outdoors); was the 2024 and 2025 SUNYAC Outdoor Championship and 2026 SUNYAC Indoor Championship Most Valuable Performer of the Meet; and was named the 2023 SUNYAC Rookie of the Year.

He’s a six-time SUNY Scholar Athlete of the Year (three indoor, three outdoor) and five-time SUNYAC Scholar Athlete of the Year (two indoor, three outdoor), and was chosen as the SUNYAC’s Dr. Sam Molnar Award winner as the conference’s top male senior student-athlete of the year.

Graphic credited to Erin Locascio

High-achieving SUNY Cortland students recently earned recognition for their success in the classroom through the university’s Dean’s and President’s lists and Part-Time Student Awards for the Spring 2026 semester.  

The complete lists of the honors are available online.  

There were a total of: 

• 740 students named to the President’s List, given to those who achieve grades of A- or better in each of their courses for a given semester. Students also must meet additional criteria. 

• 2,578 students named to the Dean’s List, which recognizes students in their respective academic areas of the university across the School of Arts and Sciences, the School of Professional Studies and the School of Education. A minimum 3.3 semester grade point average is required. Students also must meet additional criteria.  

• 57 recipients of the Part-Time Student Award for Academic Achievement, which denotes academic excellence among part-time undergraduate students.  

SUNY Cortland has received regional and national attention for its academic success, including a place in the top 15% of the nation’s best colleges in College Factual’s 2026 rankings. 

Fall semester classes for the 2026-27 academic year begin Monday, Aug. 31.