Distinguished Alumni Lt. Gen. Michael J. Basla, B.S. '75, United States Air Force (Ret.)
Citizen of the University Michael J. Malbin
Outstanding Young Alumni Brian S. Cechnicki, B.A. '03, M.P.A. '04
Excellence in Entrepreneurship Bruce Davis, B.S. '73, M.A. '75
Excellence in Alumni Service Matthew P. Reiner, M.B.A. '93
Excellence in Alumni Service Grace Barkus Vogel, B.S. '77
Excellence in Arts and Letters Robert J. Bellafiore, B.A. '82
Excellence in Business Dean C. Backer, B.S. '88
Excellence in Community Service Carol Whittaker, B.A. '71, M.A. '73, M.P.A. '81, M.A. '05
Excellence in Education Anne McGill-Franzen, Ph.D. '88
Excellence in Public Service Harris Oberlander, B.S. '8
Excellence in Science & Technology Albert J. Bunshaft, B.S. '8
Bertha E. Brimmer Medal Stuart J. Palczak, B.A. '87, M.A. '88
DISTINGUISHED ALUMNI AWARD LT. GEN. MICHAEL J. BASLA, B.S. ’75 UNITED STATES AIR FORCE (RET.) “I want you to take the lessons you’ve learned here, and I want you to be great citizens,” Lieutenant General Michael Basla advised the 2010 University at Albany football team prior to kickoff of the Homecoming game. “Leave your fingerprints here -- and then when you go on to do something else, make that better because you came along.” The advice provided by this distinguished alumnus rings true with his own lifestyle. Basla, who has dedicated his life to public service, is the epitome of a great citizen. While a student at UAlbany, Basla played football under coach Bob Ford in the offensive tackle position. “He cared deeply for his teammates and possessed a great desire to succeed,” Ford reflected. Basla excelled as a student-athlete; he graduated cum laude with a bachelor’s degree in mathematics in 1975 and began his professional career as a high-school math teacher and assistant coach at Goshen High School, Goshen, N.Y. In December 1978, Basla attended officer training school at Lackland Air Force Base, Texas. Three months later, as a distinguished graduate, he was commissioned a second lieutenant in the United States Air Force. During a career of more than 35 years, Basla served in several commands, including the Joint Staff; U.S. Transportation Command; Headquarters United States Air Force; Air Mobility Command; and Joint Task Force Southwest Asia. He was the vice commander, Air Force Space Command, at Peterson Air Force Base in Colorado, where he assisted in organizing, equipping and training mission-ready space and cyberspace forces for North American Aerospace Defense Command and U.S. Strategic Command. Basla was assigned the role of chief information dominance and chief information officer (CIO), Office of the Secretary, U.S. Air Force, in 2012 and held the position until he retired in late 2014. During his tenure, Basla lead four directorates, supported more than 77,000 cyberspace personnel across the globe, and oversaw a portfolio that exceeded $17 billion. He assumed the overall responsibility for networks and network-centric policies, communications and information assurance for the Air Force. As the CIO, he integrated Air Force warfighting and mission-support capabilities and was instrumental in shaping doctrine, strategy and policy for all cyberspace operations. “General Basla’s phenomenal leadership, vision, unwavering determination, and team building expertise drove significant advances in cyberspace during a period of monumental events and complex challenges,” said Teresa Salazar, United States Air Force deputy chief, information dominance and deputy CIO. “He is an exceptional individual who exemplifies his call sign, ‘Coach,’ in everything he does to lead, mentor, guide and support his people.” Basla has been honored with several major awards and decorations, including the 2005 Eugene M. Zuckert Management Award. He has received the Distinguished Service Medal, Defense Superior Service Medal, the Legion of Merit and the Defense Meritorious Service Medal. After retiring from the Air Force, Basla assumed the role of senior vice president of Strategic Development for L-3 National Security Solutions in Reston, Va. He is affiliated with numerous charitable organizations and is a life member of the Air Force Association, Armed Forces Communications and Electronics Association, and the Naval War College League. He recently was appointed to the national board of directors for the Armed Forces YMCA.
CITIZEN OF THE UNIVERSITY AWARD MICHAEL J. MALBIN A leading scholar in the field of political science, Michael Malbin has provided visionary leadership and dedicated service to the University at Albany since 1990. Among his numerous accomplishments, one stands out above all others: the Washington Semester Program, which Rockefeller College alumni Peter Brusoe ’04 and Catherine Provost ’05 describe as Malbin’s “lasting gift and legacy to the University at Albany.” Malbin earned a bachelor’s degree from Cornell University in 1964; began graduate studies in political science at the University of Chicago in 1966; and then returned to Cornell, where he earned a Ph.D. in government in 1973. He has written extensively about money and politics since then, getting his start in Washington, D.C., as a political and congressional reporter for the National Journal. Malbin’s professional experience also included serving as resident Fellow at the American Enterprise Institute, associate director of the United States House Republican Conference, and speechwriter to the secretary of Defense. Widely recognized as one of the nation’s leading experts on campaign finance, Malbin is the co-founder and executive director of the Campaign Finance Institute in Washington, D.C. “Legislators and policy advocates who are considering proposals for campaign finance reform often seek his advice and counsel,” noted Anthony Corrado, professor at Colby College. “He has appeared before state legislative committees, congressional panels, and policy forums, and is often quoted in national media.” In 1990, Malbin began his career at the University at Albany, where he is a professor of political science at the Rockefeller College of Public Affairs and Policy. He is the author of several books, including The Election After Reform: Money, Politics, and the Bipartisan Campaign Reform Act and The Day After Reform: Sobering Campaign Finance Lessons from the American States. Since his arrival at UAlbany, he has concurrently been a presidential appointee to the National Humanities Council, guest scholar at The Brookings Institution, and a visiting professor at George Washington University and Yale. In 1997, Malbin created the Semester in Washington Program for gifted undergraduate students. Inspired by his own life-changing internship as a graduate student, the program was Malbin’s way of “paying it forward.” He describes the program as an opportunity for students to learn and sharpen research and writing techniques while learning life lessons. “The goal, among others, is for students to see the ways in which people in and around government are putting their skills to work in an intense, non-academic environment,” Malbin explained. “I also want to foster a complete and integrated experience in which students can learn job skills, experience a great city, and have fun.” Since its inception, the program has grown from eight to 25 students living and learning in Washington, D.C., each semester. Students have interned on Capitol Hill; in the West Wing; and for the Clinton, Bush and Obama administrations. Malbin’s lasting influence perhaps was best described by Semester in Washington alum Daniel Norton ’04: “The ‘dream big, but work hard’ attitude I learned from Dr. Malbin is an invaluable asset. This attitude was, in large part, what led me to follow my life-long dream of attending law school and becoming an attorney.”
OUTSTANDING YOUNG ALUMNI AWARD Brian S. Cechnicki, B.A. ’03, M.P.A. ’04 If you knew Brian Cechnicki as an undergraduate, you wouldn’t be surprised at the success he has achieved since his graduation just over a decade ago. While an undergraduate at the University at Albany, Cechnicki began working as a legislative aide clerk to then-Assemblyman Paul Tonko. During this time, he was elected supervisor of the Town of Root in Montgomery County, a position he held the next four years while overseeing a budget of over $1 million. “As a student, I vividly recall Brian handing out ‘Cechnicki for Supervisor’ candy bars. He was not even 21 yet,” recalled UAlbany’s assistant vice president for Student Success, Michael Christakis ’01, ’05. Cechnicki graduated magna cum laude in 2003 with a bachelor’s degree in economics and public policy; in 2004, he obtained a master’s of public administration from UAlbany’s Rockefeller College of Public Affairs and Policy. He joined the Education Unit of the New York State Division of the Budget in 2005 and held positions of increasing responsibility there for eight years. In Summer 2013, he was tapped by Gov. Andrew Cuomo to serve as assistant secretary for Education, focusing on elementary and secondary education. Cechnicki worked closely with the deputy secretary for Education and Economic Opportunity, and participated in negotiations of the enacted budget and related legislation. He also represented the governor to various constituent groups and at multiple local, regional and statewide events. “His commitment to excellence, his passion for education, and his political acumen have positioned him well to advise New York’s governor while making UAlbany proud,” Christakis noted. In addition to his employment with New York State, Cechnicki has been heavily involved in public-sector work at other levels. In 2013, he served more than 600 school districts on budgetary and state policy matters through the Questar III Board of Cooperative Educational Services State Aid Planning Service. Cechnicki was appointed by Gov. David Paterson to serve on the Saratoga-Capital District Regional Parks Commission, a position he held from 2008-2013. Additionally, he represented the commission as a member of the National Museum of Dance board of directors, showcasing his ability to provide insight in a multitude of arenas in the public domain. Cechnicki also served as president of the Empire State Capital Area Chapter of American Society for Public Administration and has participated in the Rockefeller College Alumni in the Classroom Program for the past several years. As a program participant, Cechnicki visits UAlbany classes to connect with, mentor and educate students while providing insight into his specific area of expertise. “His dedication, work ethic and expertise represent a true example of what a public servant, and UAlbany alumnus, should be,” noted Brian Fessler ’06, ’07. “His work has truly represented the dedication and commitment that the University at Albany has come to be known for.” Since late 2014, Cechnicki has served as director of Education Finance, New York State Education Department, overseeing the collection, formulation, payment and research of the state’s $22 billion education-aid formulas. Fessler noted, “Wherever his skills and talent have taken him, his commitment to public service has remained at the forefront of his work.”
EXCELLENCE IN ENTREPRENEURSHIP AWARD BRUCE DAVIS, B.S. ’73, M.A. ’75 To many, unknown territory is often intimidating and reason for caution. To New Yorker and outstanding entrepreneur Bruce Davis, it’s a blank canvas for envisioning, building and carrying out countless concepts and ideas, which is exactly what Davis has done for more than 30 years. A renowned visionary, inventor and entrepreneur, Davis comprehends the possibilities and pitfalls related to the diffusion of innovative technologies into new markets. That knowledge has helped him to attain great success. As CEO of Digimarc for the last 17 years and as chairman of its board of directors since 2002, Davis has led the firm from startup through its highly successful IPO, to its status as a well-regarded publicly traded company. Digimarc is well known for its pioneering work in digital watermarking. Its inventions have fostered a continual stream of innovative media applications that address currency counterfeiting, media-piracy deterrence, ID security, digital-rights management, simplified Internet access, and improvements in barcode performance. Davis’ talent, and his passion for fostering development of new technology markets and driving early adoption of novel digital technologies, are evident in the company’s success. He has experience in intellectual property law, video games, interactive TV guides, and the expanding uses of digital-watermarking technology. Davis holds more than 100 patents on television user-interface improvements, innovations in media management, and intuitive computing. He was named Ernst & Young’s Pacific Northwest Entrepreneur of the Year for the technology industry in 2003. Davis graduated from the University at Albany with a bachelor’s degree in accounting and psychology in 1973 and a master’s degree in criminal justice in 1975. He earned a law degree from Columbia Law School. Soon thereafter, Davis established an intellectual- property practice at Orrick Herrington and Sutcliffe, a major international law firm based in San Francisco. He later became the chairman and CEO of video-game giant Activision; he served in that role for six years. In 1993, Davis founded TV Guide On Screen (now part of Rovi). Under his leadership, the company developed the most widely distributed first-generation interactive program guide for television, based on ground-breaking work embodied in hundreds of patents. Davis maintains a strong relationship with the UAlbany community. His educational background in accounting and law serves as an inspiration to current students who have their sights set on launching start-ups and on other entrepreneurial ambitions. “Bruce is a splendid example for UAlbany students who aspire to careers as entrepreneurs,” noted Alan Lizotte, dean of UAlbany’s School of Criminal Justice. “His creativity, leadership skills, and appetite for risk-taking and reinvention have produced a track record of remarkable accomplishments. We are proud to claim Bruce as an alumnus.”
EXCELLENCE IN ALUMNI SERVICE AWARD MATTHEW P. REINER, M.B.A. ’93 Matthew Reiner is more than just another University at Albany School of Business success story. The embodiment of a dedicated alum, Reiner generously shares his professional insight with current business students. While his name continuously grows in esteem among investment professionals in New York’s Capital Region and beyond, he remains grounded, and is committed to his alma mater and to the students who will eventually stand in his shoes. After earning his M.B.A. at UAlbany in 1993, Reiner began his investment career with CL King & Associates as a sell-side research associate. He served as senior analyst, vice president and portfolio manager for CL King’s investment advisory business, Paradigm Capital Management, from 1998 to 2004. In 2005, Reiner co-founded Adirondack Research & Management Inc. in Albany, N.Y. As principal, chief investment officer and co-portfolio manager of the Adirondack Small Cap Fund, he and his partner have achieved superior results. They were recognized by Lipper Inc. in 2011 and 2013 for managing the best small cap value fund in the United States. The firm currently manages more than $275 million in assets. Reiner is a founding member of the UAlbany Center for Institutional Investment Management (CIIM) advisory board. CIIM supports basic and applied research in the field of institutional investment management; the board fosters interaction among UAlbany students, School of Business faculty and finance-industry practitioners. Reiner has served on the advisory board of the student-run UAlbany School of Business Investment Group (UASBIG) since its inception in 2008. UASBIG is responsible for managing a portion of the University’s endowment fund that has recently eclipsed $176,000. As an advisory board member, Reiner mentors nearly 30 students per semester, making himself available via phone or email or in person. He evaluates students’ pitches of stocks for possible inclusion in the portfolio, providing constructive feedback and street insight to be used in the group’s investment proposals. “Matt played an instrumental role in helping me develop the analytical skills necessary to excel in my future career in the finance industry,” said Dan Hurley ’12, an equities trader with Apex Capital Holdings. “He provided a unique insight into the real world of finance. The ability to frequently and easily access a leading portfolio manager of his caliber is an edge that very few students are fortunate enough to benefit from.” Reiner also is a frequent visitor to business classes at UAlbany, generously sharing his time and expertise with students. He also lends his support to School of Business faculty. When finance professors Hany Shawky and David Smith were contracted to edit the first-ever comprehensive scholarly book on institutional money management, Reiner and his partner volunteered to co-author a chapter on the operation and performance evaluation of mutual funds. “Matt has taken his years of experience and knowledge in the investment management industry, and has wholeheartedly used his skills to enrich the students he interacts with as a teacher and mentor,” said Ryan Kennedy ’13. “Matt acts as a bridge between the academic and professional worlds, enriching the experience of the students of his alma mater.”
EXCELLENCE IN ALUMNI SERVICE AWARD GRACE BARKUS VOGEL, B.S. ’77 Numerous graduates of the University at Albany have found successful careers in financial-market regulation since 2008, thanks to Grace Barkus Vogel. An advisory board member of UAlbany’s Institute for Financial Market Regulation (IFMR), Vogel has played an active role in shaping and enhancing the academic program and injects just as much passion into IFMR students’ experiences as she does into her own professional life. Vogel is a senior strategy and policy advisor in PricewaterhouseCoopers LLP’s Financial Services Regulatory Practice. Her role involves advising clients in the areas of business strategy, risk management, and regulatory implementation. Prior to joining PWC, Vogel served as the Financial Industry Regulatory Authority's (FINRA) executive vice president for Member Regulation. She oversaw the Department of Risk Oversight and Operational Regulation through the financial crisis and managed industry-wide regulatory change while coordinating with the Federal Reserve, Securities and Exchange Commission, and U.S. Commodity Futures Trading Commission. Previously, she served as executive vice president for Member Firm Regulation at the New York Stock Exchange until its regulatory operations merged with the National Association of Securities Dealers to form FINRA. Earlier, Vogel served for more than a decade in key financial roles with global banks. She was deputy controller at Citigroup and controller at Citibank. Her prior experience included serving as the chief accounting officer at JP Morgan and chief financial officer at JP Morgan Securities. An industry leader with a distinguished career in financial services, Vogel has put her years of experience to work for her alma mater. Chief among her contributions is the leading role she played in the development of UAlbany’s Institute of Financial Market Regulation. After joining the IFMR Advisory Council, Vogel initiated and led the design of the curriculum in accounting and financial control for the IFMR academic program, traveling to Albany on occasion to teach classes in the program. She is well known for making herself accessible to IFMR students, acting as mentor, trainer and career adviser, despite her demanding professional obligations. Vogel also has played an active role in developing the research program of IFMR, advising the University on proposal development and contributing actively in funded projects. She has provided employment opportunities for students after they’ve graduated from the IFMR program; in fact, more than 30 UAlbany graduates have joined FINRA based significantly on Vogel’s efforts. She continues to provide guidance to young alumni as they start their careers, helping them navigate the complicated field of broker-dealer regulation. “Ms. Vogel takes an active interest in graduates in a way that goes above and beyond what the typical volunteer offers,” 2011 IFMR graduate Maxwell Amoako noted. “Thanks to her efforts, there is a guarantee that UAlbany alumni within the financial industry will continue to make an impact for years to come.” IFMR co-director and Albany Law School professor Christine Sgarlata Chung added: “The program would not exist were it not for Grace Vogel’s leadership on all fronts. What she has done, despite extremely demanding professional obligations as a prominent national regulator in the wake of the financial crisis beginning in 2008, is extraordinary.”
EXCELLENCE IN ARTS AND LETTERS AWARD ROBERT J. BELLAFIORE, B.A. ’82 During his 30-plus years in the field, Robert Bellafiore has turned communications into an art form. Described as “a Picasso-like communications practitioner,” Bellafiore has grown from recipe writer for a local newspaper to “one of the premiere communications gurus in the Capital Region and throughout New York,” says Steven Greenberg ’82, president of Greenberg Public Relations. A Queens, N.Y., native, Bellafiore graduated from the University at Albany in 1982, earning a bachelor’s degree in English with a minor in journalism. While a student, he was the sports editor of the Albany Student Press and worked part-time on the Times Union sports desk. His post-college career began at the now-defunct Knickerbocker News, where he managed obituaries and chased recipes from local restaurants for the highly popular “Chef’s Secrets” column. In 1984, Bellafiore joined United Press International; after several years of covering politics for UPI and The Associated Press, he became a communications director for The Business Council of New York State. Newly elected Gov. George Pataki tapped Bellafiore as press secretary in 1995. During his eight years in state government, Bellafiore served in several senior roles, including deputy chief of Staff, director of Special Projects and chief speechwriter. He was instrumental in passage of numerous high-profile policy initiatives, including workers’ compensation reforms and the Charter Schools Act. As president of SUNY’s Charter Schools Institute, Bellafiore spearheaded the implementation of the charter schools initiative and built the institute into a nationally recognized charter authorizer. He was involved in Gov. Pataki’s two successful re-election campaigns in 1998 and 2002 and was a senior adviser to U.S. Senator Alfonse D’Amato’s 1998 failed re-election effort. Bellafiore has spent the last decade helping companies and organizations create and communicate messages. Following his role in government, Bellafiore joined marketing firm Eric Mower and Associates, leading its public strategy practice. In 2012, he founded Stanhope Partners, which provides communications and strategy help to non-profits, educational institutions and others working in the public arena. He started Stanhope to “help good people I like do the right thing the right way.” Bellafiore remains dedicated to his alma mater. He served as trustee of the State University of New York from 2005-2010 and chaired the board’s Communications and External Affairs Committee. In addition, he served on the Executive, Finance and Administration, University Research and Strategic Planning committees. Bellafiore remains true to his media roots, serving as a regular contributor to Time Warner’s “Capital Tonight” and public radio’s “The Capitol Pressroom.” His insights into public policy, political strategy and communications are frequently sought by journalists, and his op-eds have been published in The New York Times and the New York Post. “Throughout his days in journalism, public relations and affairs, government, and communications consulting, a common thread is Bob’s ability to reach the intended audience with his artful skills in language,” noted Paul Schwartz ’81 of the New York Post. “I remain impressed with his skill at crafting the written word and his command of language, with the work he produces and the character of the individual.”
EXCELLENCE IN BUSINESS AWARD DEAN C. BACKER, B.S. ’88 Dean Backer learned the importance of philanthropy at an early age. While growing up in the Long Island village of Seaford, he spent Friday evenings going door-to-door with his mother to collect donations for a cancer charity. Now an internationally respected Wall Street leader, he remains dedicated to giving back and has made assisting University at Albany students one of his highest priorities for over a decade. Backer attended the University at Albany School of Business and graduated in 1988 with a bachelor’s degree in business administration. His educational experience would fuel his passion to work hard and help solidify a path to success. He began his career at Anderson Consulting, then, in 1990, joined Goldman Sachs & Co., where he quickly rose through the ranks. He was named managing director in 1999 and became a partner in 2002. Backer is the global head of Sales and Capital Introduction in the Global Securities Service business and oversees the Hedge Fund Industry Group in the Securities Division. In addition, he is a member of the Securities Division Operating Committee and the Pine Street board of directors, a leadership training and mentoring initiative. Described as “ethical, hardworking, smart, and extremely likeable,” Backer is admired for his ability to understand and communicate with clients and for the strong, long-standing relationships he maintains with some of the world’s greatest investors. Over the course of 20 years, he has worked with others to build the leading prime broker business in the industry today. Backer is heavily involved in community organizations and efforts. The president of the board of directors of Hedge Funds Care: Help for Children, he also serves on the boards of the United Jewish Appeal Federation of New York and Comprehensive Development Inc. in New York City. In addition, Backer is a vice chairman of the “Light the Future” campaign for Friends Seminary School. He is an active supporter of the Harlem Children Zone, Children’s Museum of Art, The Global Fund for Children, and Doctors Without Borders. A dedicated UAlbany graduate, Backer maintains strong ties with the University’s School of Business. He has been a member of the Dean’s Advisory Board for over a decade and established the Dean C. Backer Scholarship at the school to support undergraduate students. He served as guest speaker at the Spring 2013 School of Business commencement ceremony and also hosted an event at his firm to introduce Metro New York-based alumni to UAlbany President Robert J. Jones. Backer works closely with faculty to expand hiring opportunities for students in mathematics, computer science and economics; he also helps place students at Goldman Sachs and mentors them as their careers progress. “Dean has served as an invaluable mentor to me over the last seven years and despite his demanding schedule, he routinely carves out time to offer me career guidance,” said Matt Alfieri ’08, who began his career at Goldman Sachs as an intern and now serves as vice president, Principal Strategic Investments.
EXCELLENCE IN COMMUNITY SERVICE CAROL WHITTAKER, B.A. '71, M.A. ’73, M.P.A. ’81, M.A. ’05 Often described as “selfless” and a “tremendous ambassador” for New York State, Carol Whittaker has helped to establish numerous programs, worked with colleagues to lead several non-profit organizations, and volunteered her time to improve both local and global communities. She is, without a doubt, someone who gives unselfishly while expecting little but personal and professional satisfaction in return. What she has received, however, is the gratitude and respect of those who have been fortunate enough to know her. Whittaker holds four University at Albany degrees: a bachelor’s in history, and master’s degrees in education, public administration and public-policy history. She has worked for the New York State Department of Health for nearly four decades and has been with UAlbany’s School of Public Health for 25 years. She established the school’s Center for Global Health but recently stepped down from the director position to focus on teaching and new global-health course development. Among her many achievements at the School of Public Health is the establishment of the Peace Corps Master’s International Program. In addition, Whittaker played a pivotal role in forming partnerships with more than two dozen universities around the world, providing UAlbany students the opportunity to participate in community service and internships abroad. “Carol has inspired hundreds of students to engage in service, both locally and globally,” noted School of Public Health Dean Philip Nasca. “Carol possesses a tireless energy and willingness to go out of her way to help others.” When it comes to community service, Whittaker “walks the talk,” having served with several important local non-profit service organizations. She served on the Albany-Tula Alliance board of directors from 2003 to 2014, leading efforts to create a partnership between the School of Public Health and Tula State University in Russia and to support the Alliance’s health and environment program. As an officer and member of the Senior Services of Albany Inc. board of directors from 2006 to 2013, Whittaker worked to define the organization’s strategic plan and service programs. Whittaker also served as vice president and board member of the International Center of the Capital Region. In this capacity, she helped to establish a successful international visitors’ leadership program, acting as a strong ambassador, hosting hundreds of international visitors at her home, and actively participating on board development committees. Her other local service activities include volunteering with the United Way of Northeastern New York, the Albany Visitors Center and the New York State Community Dispute Resolution Center. Whittaker also has taken her skills to Malawi, one of the world’s poorest countries, where she develops curriculum and teaches public health at the University of Malawi’s College of Medicine. Having recently completed her third annual visit there, she says she has found it one of the most rewarding experiences of her life. Former colleague Kathleen Tanner praised Whittaker’s seemingly endless passion for making a difference and for encouraging others to do the same. “What stands out most about Carol is her tireless dedication to the community while fostering greater knowledge and understanding among people around the globe.”
EXCELLENCE IN EDUCATION ANNE MCGILL-FRANZEN, Ph.D. ’88 Children’s literacy advocate and internationally respected scholar Anne McGill-Franzen has been committed to supporting the development of children in reading for more than 30 years. Her body of work is so impressive, she has received every research honor awarded by the International Reading Association (IRA) and was elected into the IRA Reading Hall of Fame in 2011. McGill-Franzen is a professor of education at the University of Tennessee, Knoxville, and director of the university’s Reading Center. Prior to becoming a college professor, she was a classroom teacher and special-education consultant for many years. A graduate of UAlbany’s Ph.D. program in reading, she has more than fulfilled the early promise she showed as the recipient of the UAlbany Distinguished Dissertation award. “Anne is a talented researcher and teacher who has used her career to influence educational policy and classroom practice through rigorous and innovative ways to transform that research into practice,” said Virginia Goatley, chair of UAlbany’s Department of Literacy Teaching and Learning. McGill-Franzen’s work has focused on early literacy, particularly in children who are having difficulty learning to read and write. Her scholarly efforts frequently take place in pre-school and kindergarten classrooms, where she tackles the interconnected nature of research and practice to better inform policy for the field. Her studies have been funded by such diverse federal and state agencies as the Office of Educational Research and Improvement, the Office of Special Education and Rehabilitation and The Tennessee Higher Education Commission, which together have provided close to $2 million in research dollars. She also has served as a research scientist for the National Research Center on Literature Teaching & Learning. Based on her research, McGill-Franzen routinely advocates for instructional changes that will better support young readers. “She has a unique gift in being able to bridge the various stakeholders in the field – special education, administration, classroom teachers, public policy makers, parents – all of whom have a vested interest in her research findings,” Goatley noted. Her focus on creating change in the learning environments for at-risk children has extended to preparation of teachers and ongoing professional development at both the national and international levels. McGill-Franzen’s publication record exceeds more than 50 peer-reviewed articles, 32 book chapters, six scholarly books and research collections, and seven media outlets. Her work has appeared in the most prestigious publications in literacy education, including Educational Researcher, Reading Research Quarterly, and Elementary School Journal. Her seminal study of the effects of professional development for teachers, published in the Journal of Educational Research (2000), was one of only nine studies nationally that were identified in the What Works Clearinghouse as meeting the federal government’s criteria for “gold standard” empirical research. McGill-Franzen actively presents at the top national and global conferences in her field. In 2010, she was featured on “Harvard EdCast,” where she discussed a project she co-directed that promises to mitigate the achievement gap for readers in low-income communities. McGill-Franzen served on the Board of Directors of the National Reading Conference and was a member of the Joint International Reading Association/National Institute of Child Health & Development Committee on Early Childhood Education. In addition, she was the technical consultant for a UNESCO-funded literary project in Kenya, Ghana and Tanzania.
EXCELLENCE IN PUBLIC SERVICE AWARD HARRIS OBERLANDER, B.S. ’80 After a career as an individual and family therapist, clinical supervisor and administrator, Harris Oberlander has expanded his sphere of influence to become a transformational leader in the Albany community as head of Trinity Alliance of the Capital Region. Oberlander graduated from the University at Albany School of Social Welfare with a bachelor’s degree in 1980; he earned a master’s in social work from Yeshiva University in 1983. He was regarded as a “rising star” early on as a supervisor of staff and field students at St. Anne Institute, an Albany, N.Y., treatment center offering residential, educational and preventive services. When an opportunity at Trinity Alliance suddenly became available, Oberlander stepped in as CEO. He helped Trinity “emerge from a downward spiral of grant loss, staff attrition and service cutbacks,” noted UAlbany School of Social Welfare Dean Katherine Briar-Lawson, who describes Oberlander’s leadership as “exemplary” and “transformational.” As Trinity Alliance CEO, Oberlander focuses on the basic and social needs of those living in Albany’s South End and Arbor Hill neighborhoods. Under his leadership, Trinity and the Arbor Hill Community Center merged, making Trinity’s services available in two neighborhoods. He worked with United Way and New York State funds to open the nationally acclaimed Family and Neighborhood Resource Center at Trinity, providing additional opportunities to meet residents’ basic needs. Oberlander is one of the Capital Region’s foremost leaders in the struggle against youth violence. In response to widespread concern about gun violence in Albany, Trinity Alliance partnered with the UAlbany School of Social Welfare to develop SNUG (“guns” spelled backward), a program modeled after Ceasefire Chicago. Oberlander oversaw SNUG operations, forming a strong team of former gang members to provide peer-based services and outreach that would reduce gun violence in the City of Albany. SNUG received the University at Albany President’s Award for Exemplary Community Engagement in 2013, and Trinity was awarded a contract to expand the program to Troy, N.Y., in Spring 2015. Recently, Oberlander helped fuse the partnership between Trinity Alliance and the Albany Housing Authority to launch the Capital South Campus Center (CSCC), which provides adults a chance to participate in the growing technology economy, earn their GEDs and obtain vocational training. CSCC is equipped with the Advanced Technology Training and Information Networking lab, a culinary-arts training kitchen and a nanotechnology clean-room training center. Through Oberlander’s leadership, Capital Region institutions of higher education have promoted CSCC, allowing the center to continue to grow with the support of government, business partners and community stakeholders. Oberlander is committed to helping disenfranchised communities throughout the Capital District. He is a “phenomenal community advocate, supporting the highest need individuals and families in Arbor Hill, West Hill, and the South End [of Albany],” noted City of Albany Mayor Kathy Sheehan. “He has continued to work tirelessly to ensure that Trinity is a thriving institution. His Family and Neighborhood Resource Center is a gateway to services for residents who might not normally seek social services assistance. We are indebted to Harris for his transformational vision.”
EXCELLENCE IN SCIENCE AND TECHNOLOGY AWARD ALBERT J. BUNSHAFT, B.S. ’80 Albert Bunshaft has been described as a pioneer in the field of computer graphics. His professional successes, coupled with his dedication to promoting science, technology, engineering and math education (STEM) to students, strongly demonstrate his passion for the growth of a field that is already advancing at a breathtaking speed. If it’s up to him, today’s students will be ahead of the technology game. Bunshaft earned a bachelor’s degree in computer science and applied mathematics from the University at Albany in 1980. He acquired a master’s degree in computer engineering from Rensselaer Polytechnic Institute and served on the research staff at RPI's Center for Interactive Computer Graphics. In 1984, Bunshaft began his professional career at IBM in Kingston, N.Y. There, and later in Texas, then Tokyo, he developed and delivered innovative enterprise solutions for IBM and its customers through key leadership positions in technology, research and development, sales, and product development and led the company’s strategic partnership with Dassault Systèmes. He represented IBM on multiple international-standards organization committees and served as partnership executive to numerous major automotive manufacturers and aerospace companies. After more than 25 years with IBM, Bunshaft joined Dassault Systèmes Americas as managing director. He recently was named CEO, DS Government Solutions. He spearheads key strategic initiatives and corporate programs, including the company’s expansion into the federal sector of the United States government. Bunshaft is responsible for the company’s relationships with key national and international stakeholders. He recently led the design, construction and opening of Dassault Systèmes America’s North American headquarters in Waltham, Mass.; the platinum LEED-certified campus was named “2012 Best New Workplace in New England.” Bunshaft, one of the leading voices in STEM initiatives, recently was named by STEMconnector as one of the Top 100 CEO Leaders in STEM in the United States. He represents Dassault Systèmes Americas as a member of the STEM subcommittee of the Clinton Global Initiative-America and helped launch Teachers at Dassault Systèmes, a summer learning experience that pairs teachers with STEM-oriented businesses in an effort to enhance STEM classroom curriculum. Bunshaft is a board member of Mass High Tech Council and the Olin College of Engineering President’s Council. In 2004-2005 he chaired the board that created the Archimedes Academy for Math, Science and Technology, a Bronx, N.Y., school encompassing grades 6 through 12, and he remains involved there. Bunshaft regularly writes and speaks about STEM topics, mentors students, and sponsors trips to various corporate facilities. As a UAlbany alum, Bunshaft “has taken what UAlbany gave him and has given it back in spades,” commented Peter Bloniarz, former dean of the College of Computing and Information. “He has used his success in business to encourage students to explore science and technology more in depth.” Bunshaft has been on the CCI Advisory Board since its inception in 2008 and established the Bunshaft Endowment, which supports an annual lecture highlighting topics related to careers in computing science. “He’s always been willing to mentor those seeking to improve their knowledge,” said Steven Schwartz, retired vice president of Sales for IBM. “Al has always had an incredibly strong interest and orientation towards science and technology. Luckily, he has earned positions in which he could apply his knowledge and enthusiasm, and pass his passion on to others.”
BERTHA BRIMMER MEDAL STUART J. PALCZAK, B.A. ’87, M.A. ’88
A well-known coach, mentor and leader among his students and colleagues, Stuart Palczak takes pride in his role as an educator and couldn’t imagine doing anything else. Born into a family of teachers, Palczak earned a bachelor’s degree in political science and a master’s in teaching from the University at Albany. While in college, he was fortunate to have some great mentors -- all of whom impressed him with their service to students. Following graduation in 1988, Palczak remained in New York’s Capital Region and began his journey as an educator in the Greater Amsterdam School District. He continues to teach global studies, AP American government and other history courses to Amsterdam High School students today. Highly regarded as a gifted teacher with a strong passion for history, Palczak “brings the subject alive” and “thinks beyond confines of a textbook,” says Greater Amsterdam School District Superintendent of Schools Thomas Perillo. Selected as a C-SPAN Fellow for Summer 2004, Palczak later incorporated the C-SPAN “Student Cam” into his curriculum, enabling students to have a voice on important government topics while producing a short documentary on a national issue. C-SPAN has recognized and honored Palczak’s students for their work on multiple occasions. Palczak currently serves as Amsterdam High School’s social-studies department chair and also serves on its Committee of Educational Improvement. He was named the 2005 Outstanding Educator by the Amsterdam Family YMCA and accepted the award on behalf of “Amsterdam High, my colleagues and, of course, the kids.” He has rebuffed past administrative position offers, noting the opportunities “could never replace the classroom.” Palczak respects students as individuals and encourages them to explore how their personal worldview is shaped by their morals and beliefs. His classes delve deeply into the beliefs and opinions that shape government and political structures. Congressman Paul Tonko describes Palczak as a “shining example of an educator who challenges his students and himself to be educated, engaged and thoughtful members of the community.” John Davey, assistant principal, Amsterdam High School, calls Palczak’s class atmosphere “positive and organized, his enthusiasm and enjoyment for teaching evident.” In addition to his strong leadership and superior instruction in the classroom, Palczak is equally committed to his role as a track and wrestling coach and is a vocal supporter of athletes. He coached Amsterdam High School’s first boys’ outdoor track sectional championship team, and he has helped lead athletes to national-level competition. “If Palczak was not there to encourage me and push me I would not be where I am today, fighting for one of the biggest mixed martial arts (MMA) organizations in the world,” recounted Tommy Marcellino, former Amsterdam High School student-athlete and current professional MMA fighter. “He is the guy that gets ahold of you when you are at the lowest points of your life, and helps you turn things around.”