Past Class Notes
Submission Date:
First Name: James
Last Name: Englert
Class Year: 1974
Photo:
Jim Englert, Founder, High Falls Advisors, Inc.
Note: Jim Englert '74 (CCE), founder of High Falls Advisors, was named a Financial Leaders 2023 honoree in the lifetime achievement category by the Rochester Business Journal and the Rochester Chapter of Financial Executives International. Jim co-founded High Falls Advisors in 2008 after a career with Eastman Kodak Company and today – at age 79 – still works daily helping his clients pursue their financial goals and mentoring employees.
Submission Date:
First Name: Kelly
Last Name: Burns
Class Year: 2010
Photo:
Kelly Burns
Note: Kelly Burns MBA '10 (SCB) has been named Director of Tourism in Livingston County, N.Y. Burns brings nearly two decades of high-level experience to Livingston County including her most recent stint as Digital Marketing Manager and Recruitment Marketing Manager for Yellowstone National Park. There, she oversaw Yellowstone’s digital marketing strategy to drive guest visitation for lodging and activities. Burns was also instrumental in the development and implementation of the Park’s job recruitment marketing program, which has the goal of increasing overall employment applications. Prior to her tenure with Yellowstone, Burns served as a Marketing Manager for Geronimo Trail Guest Ranch for nearly three years where she helped to revitalize marketing efforts that included a website redesign, migration to a new email marketing service and increased brand presence across social media.
Submission Date:
First Name: Willy (Perry -- formal first name)
Last Name: Conley
Class Year: 1981
Photo:
"Little Suburban House on the Prairie" cover photo by Willy Conley
Note: "Photographic Memories" is an anthology of essays, playlets, and short fiction by writer and photographer Willy Conley '81 (GAP). The pieces in this collection are grounded in Deaf experiences, a hallmark of Conley’s work. Written from the unique perspective of a Deaf artist who navigates between the Deaf and hearing worlds, Conley depicts a variety of topics, settings, and characters: a day in the life of a traveling Deaf theatre company, a nail salon, a baseball player trying to go pro. Conley also addresses critical issues at the heart of his Deaf identity, such as creating professional opportunities for Deaf theater artists, the need for better standards in sign language interpreting, and ableism. Original photographs taken by the author accompany his writings and invite the reader to contemplate the often-blurred lines between reality and memory.
Dr. Gerard Buckley, President of NTID and Vice President and Dean of RIT wrote a book blurb stating: “Willy Conley is a gifted Deaf writer, photographer, and actor who shares his memories with readers in his latest book. Conley reflects on his career beginning with his studies at NTID, where he found his identity as a Deaf person and honed his professional photography skills. Many of the stories he shares are common for Deaf and hard of hearing individuals who are educated in mainstream settings and serve as a powerful reminder that we have work to do to improve the inclusion of Deaf students in these settings. A recommended read for all who are engaged in preparing future generations of Deaf students to excel and thrive.”
Dr. Gerard Buckley, President of NTID and Vice President and Dean of RIT wrote a book blurb stating: “Willy Conley is a gifted Deaf writer, photographer, and actor who shares his memories with readers in his latest book. Conley reflects on his career beginning with his studies at NTID, where he found his identity as a Deaf person and honed his professional photography skills. Many of the stories he shares are common for Deaf and hard of hearing individuals who are educated in mainstream settings and serve as a powerful reminder that we have work to do to improve the inclusion of Deaf students in these settings. A recommended read for all who are engaged in preparing future generations of Deaf students to excel and thrive.”
Submission Date:
First Name: Pete
Last Name: Beckary
Class Year: 90
Photo:
Daily Devotional published by RIT Alumn
Note: Pete Beckary '90 (SCB) recently partnered with retired U.S. Army Master Sergeant/Special Ops Green Beret Dan Kostrzebski in publishing the daily devotional entitled No One Is Fatherless - available at www.nooneisfatherless.com
Submission Date:
First Name: Michael
Last Name: Troise
Class Year: 2018
Photo:
Justin Beiber - Justice World Tour
Note: Michael Troise '19, ME '19 (KGCOE) recently began working for McLaren Engineering Group in their Entertainment Division as a Staff Engineer. Michael's role includes providing engineering calculations and analysis for Broadway shows and some of the world's largest concert tours, including Justin Bieber's Justice World Tour.