Tim Nekritz, SUNY Oswego’s director of communications in the Office of Communications and Marketing, was inducted into the State University of New York Council for University Advancement (SUNYCUAD) Hall of Fame during this year’s conference in Rochester.

The honor recognizes individuals who “have distinguished themselves, their institutions and the State University by their significant contributions to the organization and its mission of service and education,” according to the council.

Nekritz, who served on the SUNYCUAD board of directors for 12 years and has worked at SUNY Oswego for more than two decades, said his favorite part of the conference is the connections made.

“For me, it feels good knowing that at every conference we made a difference, and that people learned a lot and met people,” Nekritz said. “I love introducing people to each other, because sometimes they will become friends for life … It’s that payoff of seeing a conference unfold and seeing the socialization.”

During his time on the board, Nekritz primarily focused on inviting and coordinating speakers for the conference, ensuring topics aligned with attendees’ interests. One of his proudest accomplishments, he said, was attracting speakers from across the Northeast and beyond from a network he had established via social media and presenting at international conferences.

“We also started including some leadership topics as well," he recalled, because "people want to advance their careers and learn more about soft skills, and whatever else.”

In his acceptance speech, Nekritz acknowledged the dedication of staff members at SUNY institutions in providing access and opportunity for students.

“We carry out our missions with pride and joy, despite much smaller budgets and staff, and truly connect with our students,” Nekritz said in acknowledging SUNY employees are just as good, if not better, than counterparts from private and expensive institutions. “To be recognized by [them], all your friends, all the people you’ve met throughout the years, was humbling, and I was very honored.”

Jessica Stallone, senior director of brand communications and management at Stony Brook University, said Nekritz was her first contact with the SUNYCUAD board and made her feel immediately welcome as a newcomer to the SUNY system.

“It meant so much to me to feel a sense of belonging,” Stallone said. “His passion for elevating and creating a welcoming environment for anyone and everyone speaks to his connection to community and humanity. I am blessed to know him, and there is no one in this world more fitting of the SUNYCUAD Hall of Fame award.”

At the 2025 conference, Nekritz also presented a session titled “In a World of Rising AI Use, Stand Out by Being Human.” The session drew such interest that attendees pulled in extra chairs from neighboring rooms to listen in.

“AI can do a lot with the who, what, where, when and how — but not the why. If you’re a campus communicator, you know your college’s ‘why,’” he said. “You know the people who are really interesting … and that’s what people care about. I think it’s important that people remember that your secret superpower is that you’re human.”

Nekritz said he values the opportunity to share ideas with fellow professionals each year — both through his own presentations and by learning from others.

“With the SUNYCUAD conference, the sharing of ideas there — it’s interesting, because a lot of people think of [SUNY schools] as competitors, but we’re also colleagues,” he said. “We have the same mission. There are ideas that inspired me from other colleges I’ve put into play and [vice versa] … You’re sharing ideas with other people.”

A history with SUNY

When asked what drew him to a career at Oswego spanning more than two decades and now involves running communications and news operations, including a daily newsletter during the semester, Nekritz mentioned two things repeatedly: students and stories.

“The students that we serve remind me of myself when I was a young person, you know? Some of us needed direction, coming in with not with a lot of money or resources, but as people who really want to work hard and make something of themselves,” he said. “Every time I talk to a student, I walk away impressed by them and think, ‘This is why I do what I do.’”

And students remember that passion. Mohammad Hammad M’24, who currently works in the Office of Admissions, said Nekritz was one of the most influential figures in his college journey.

“His belief in my potential pushed me to aim higher, think deeper and lead with confidence — even when I doubted myself. Every student deserves a mentor like Tim,” Hammad said. “I’m incredibly grateful for his support, and I know the lessons I’ve learned from him will continue to guide me long after Oswego. Oswego wouldn’t have been the same without his support.”

Nekritz earned a master's degree in history from Oswego and has taught courses for nearly 20 years -- mostly in communication studies as well as a special topic course on blues history.

Reflecting on his time at Oswego and involvement in SUNYCUAD, Nekritz said the connections he has made and the stories he has helped share make this his “dream job.”

“Staying here, building a network, seeing how things have changed, seeing students, seeing progress, seeing people come back or move up … it’s gratifying and reminds me of the humanity that is important,” he said. “We’re all in this for a specific reason: to make the world a better place in some way. I know that sounds cheesy. But just remembering that is the core of everything.”

About SUNYCUAD

SUNYCUAD began as the University Public Relations Council in the 1950s, established within the early years of the SUNY system. The council aims to provide higher education advancement professionals access to professional development, encourage the sharing of best practices, build sustainable professional networks and advocate for initiatives that benefit SUNY.

To learn more about SUNYCUAD and its annual conference, visit sunycuad.org.