The year 2025 brought many accomplishments and special moments for 1995 SUNY Oswego graduate Michael Catalano, including statewide recognition in his profession as well as his daughter Skyler Catalano earning her technology education degree early from Oswego's acclaimed program.

“Seeing her graduate from my alma mater was meaningful,” Catalano said, “not just as a father, but as an educator who believes in generational impact.”

That bachelor’s degree in technology education is the same one her father earned during his years at Oswego. Catalano gave Skyler her first tour around campus in eighth grade, and she knew there was no other place for her.

“She loved it,” he said. “Honestly, I never thought that she would, not only go there, but pursue a degree exactly in what I pursued — technology education.”

But Catalano had reached a milestone of his own as well that year — named the 2025 School Counselor of the Year by the New York State School Counselor Association. When Catalano learned he had received the award, his first instinct was not to talk about himself.

“It’s deeply meaningful,” he said. “But school counseling is never an individual effort. It’s a collection of work with students, families, colleagues and community partners.”

For Catalano, the honor is less about a title and more about what it represents: systems built to help students “see possiilities in themselves.” From career pathways to experiential learning, he has spent his career ensuring students feel seen, supported and capable of success — no matter which direction they choose after graduation.

Hands-on learning to counseling

Long before he became a counselor, Catalano was studying technology education at SUNY Oswego, drawn to creativity, problem-solving and hands-on learning. Growing up around construction through his father’s real estate work, he became accustomed to cutting glass, installing boilers and working with tools.

“Oswego reinforced the idea that education should be active, purposeful and relevant,” he said. “Students learn best when they are building, designing and reflecting.”

Though he began in technology education, Catalano felt a pull toward something deeper. Even while teaching, he found himself helping students navigate life decisions, challenges and transitions.

He eventually found his way to counseling, but never lost touch with his roots in the trades. Today, he’s a licensed master electrician, runs his own contracting business, helps out with family real estate projects and leads student builds with Habitat for Humanity. Thanks to his guidance, students have wired 10 homes for Habitat at no cost — learning hands-on skills while giving back to families in need.

Serving the underdog

“I grew up extremely poor,” he said. “Having a safe home is a big deal.”

In his district, there are about 80 students, ranging from kindergarten through 12th grade, who experience homelessness.

To support them, Catalano launched an annual 150-mile motorcycle ride fundraiser. Riders contribute a small fee, local businesses donate food and supplies and the proceeds go directly to homeless students and their families.

Each November, families are invited to a holiday-style meal. Every student receives a $50 Target gift card. If a family cannot attend, meals and cards are delivered.

“The joy on their faces — that they’re being seen and valued — that matters,” he said.

Catalano understands that when a child lacks stable housing, learning becomes exponentially harder. His goal is to help students move beyond those barriers and see new possibilities.

That commitment to service was something his daughter Skyler witnessed throughout her childhood. Growing up in the small town of Saugerties, she often joined her parents in community efforts. Her mother, Shirley Catalano, a former guidance counselor turned author, frequently partnered with Michael Catalano to support local families.

“One of my earliest memories was doing a Christmas food drive at one of the churches,” Skyler Catalano recalled. “We were in the newspaper for it.”

Now, she continues that service, temporarily working with her father through Habitat for Humanity while studying for her teacher certification and content-based exam. She is also planning to start her own cleaning business.

“I’m happy that I had him to show me that I can have hands-on experiences and still get summers off,” she said. “He is somebody who is very intellectual and very kindhearted.”

Looking ahead

Catalano believes students must be exposed to multiple possibilities — from four-year colleges to trade schools and technology — so they can discover the path that fits them.

His daughter experienced that message when choosing SUNY Oswego for technology education. Catalano, as her guidance counselor in Saugerties Senior High School, helped her understand the realm of possibilities.

“I felt like it was a land of opportunities,” she said. “I really wanted to do something with technology and be a part of the school.”

When she learned her father had been named New York State Counselor of the Year, Skyler Catalano said she expected nothing less.

“I’m just really proud of him,” she said. “He knows how to connect with students of all backgrounds … he’s good at what he does.”

The state award has opened new doors. Catalano is now advancing to the national stage, where he will travel to Washington, D.C., to meet national leaders and advocate for policy changes that support school counselors and career education.

“It is exciting,” he said. “I’m a low-key kind of guy … and this New York state thing has given me a breath of oxygen.”

He hopes to push for mandated professional development for counselors on vocational pathways and stronger representation of technology education in high schools.

“I want to have some legislative impact,” he said. “Helping kids out and representing fields that are underrepresented.”

— Written by Emily Sosa of the Class of 2026 for University Advancement