An award-winning elementary teacher, a NASA scientist-turned-data-software engineer and a police investigator will bring their unique perspectives and experiences to the 32-member Oswego Alumni Association (OAA) Board of Directors. The new members began their three-year term in July.
The board elected the following individuals to the board during its June meeting:
- Nicole Knapp Ey ’02 of Middletown, childhood education major;
- Chelsea Giovo ’13 of Oswego, public justice major; and
- Kenneth Roffo ’17 of Fulton, computer science, physics and mathematics majors
The recipient of the 2022 New York State Elementary Principal of the Year Award and National Association of Elementary School Principals’ National Distinguished Principal Award, Ey currently serves as principal of Ellenville Elementary School. At Oswego, she became a sister of the Alpha Delta Eta sorority and was involved in the Student Association.
“I view this opportunity as a meaningful way to give back to the university that shaped my personal and professional journey,” she said. “I would be proud to help strengthen connections among alumni, support future generations of Lakers and contribute to the continued growth and legacy of our beloved institution.”
Giovo joined the Oswego Police Department in June 2015 and was promoted to an investigator in March 2022. A highly engaged resident in the broader Oswego community, she has returned to campus through the Alumni Sharing Knowledge (ASK) program, has served as an internship host, supervising SUNY Oswego students, and is involved in many civic, social and charitable organizations in the city of Oswego.
“I have been a resident and employee in the city of Oswego since the start of my college career,” she said. “The connections I made during college were sincere and affirming and destined to be lifelong. I recognize the value of a strong organization that connects alumni with prospective students and the community.”
Roffo is a software engineering team lead at Fermata Discovery, and was featured as the cover story of the Summer 2021 issue of the Oswego alumni magazine when he worked at NASA’s Jet Propulsion Laboratory and its InSight Mars Lander. As a student, he took advantage of many opportunities as a student, including serving as a tutor and president of the Math Club and earning several prestigious summer internships. As an alumnus, he has volunteered as an Alumni Admissions ambassador and through the ASK program.
“To me, the opportunity to join the Board of Directors of the OAA seems like a great way for me to satisfy that itch to get out and make a difference in the lives of those around me,” Roffo said.
During the board’s June meeting, they also elected the following members to new roles: Justin Dobrow ’17, president; Justin Brantley ’15 M’16, first vice president; and Paul Austin ’92, second vice president. They will serve in these roles for a two-year term.
Tucker Sholtes ’15, chief executive officer at Infonancial Solutions, was elected to another three-year term.
Phil Grome ’89 completed his tenure as president and will remain on the board as immediate past president and an at-large member. Paul Austin ’89, Thaina Gonzalez ’92 and Jennifer Warner Janes ’91 also completed their terms, and Gonzalez and Janes will remain on the board as at-large members.
OAA Executive Director Laura Pavlus Kelly '09 recognized outgoing members for their service and presented a framed photo of Lake Ontario at sunset. Grome also received a wooden “captain’s” chair with an engraved plaque in appreciation of his skillful, congenial leadership and service to his alma mater.
-- Submitted by University Advancement