The Alumni Association of SUNY Old Westbury celebrated distinguished alumni, faculty and administrators of SUNY Old Westbury who serve as leaders in their careers and communities during its 27th Annual Awards Dinner, held on October 15 at the Fox Hollow Country Club in Woodbury, New York.
"SUNY Old Westbury alumni are leading lives and careers of importance across our region and nation," said Lionel Chitty, association president. "We are proud tonight to celebrate those who are achieving great heights, not only for themselves but for the communities where they live and work. Further, we are excited to recognize those members of the campus community who prepare the students of today to become the successful alumni of tomorrow."
In all, seven awards were presented. The highest honor awarded by the association, the Outstanding Alumna of the Year, was presented to Josie Aquino ’99, Director, Care Team Development, Cityblock Health.
Other alumni family members honored were: Gerardo Espinal ’06, assistant registrar of SUNY Old Westbury, with the Excellence in Community Service Award; Karon Campbell Williams ’96, principal of Mission Leads, Inc., with the Dedicated Service Award; and Ron Stein ’82, founder of Vision Long Island and president of The John and Alice Coltrane Home, with the Civic Engagement Award.
Members of the College’s faculty and staff who were honored for their work at the College included Dr. Martha Livingston, professor of public health, with the Faculty Achievement Award; Kristine Afonso ’90, director of enterprise application services, also with a Fadculty Achievement Award ; and Dr. Anthony De Luca, director of The Honors College, with the Outstanding Academic Mentoring Award.
The Alumni Association of SUNY Old Westbury is comprised of alumni who strive to give back to the institution where they began their journey. Members are business professionals, industry leaders, activists and educators from both the local, national and international communities. A chief goal of the association is to connect with as many SUNY Old Westbury graduates as possible.