Connecting to Local Alumni
Alumni Magazine | Fall 2024
Local alumni chapters and affinity groups are key connecting pieces to the Alfred State alumni office. Members of these groups work with the alumni office to plan events and activities to connect those with Alfred State ties.
Currently, ASC has alumni chapters in Rochester and Buffalo and will be starting a Syracuse and an Alfred area chapter in the coming months. The department also has affinity alumni groups for the Greek life houses, choir, baseball, cross country/track & field, Alfred State Open/Class of ’78 and Buffalo area, and career fair.
Mary Perkins, Director of Scholarships & College Relations, looks back at one of her favorite quotes from Dr. Seuss when thinking of Alfred State alumni coming together. “Sometimes you will never know the value of a moment until it becomes a memory.”
“To me, this quote perfectly captures the essence of our alumni regional and affinity groups. There's something truly special about bringing alumni together to reconnect, share memories, and create new ones. It's incredible to witness the way time seems to stand still as alumni, whether they've just graduated or earned their degrees decades ago, come together to bond over shared experiences. Watching an alum from the 1960s engage with a recent graduate is a beautiful reminder of how the value of these moments is often realized only when they become cherished memories.”
The Buffalo Alumni Chapter is growing and recently started a scholarship to support future Pioneers. The scholarship is given to students from Erie County who have a 3.0 GPA and show a financial need.
Josh Torrance, ’08, currently serves as the President of the Buffalo Chapter. After graduating from ASC, Josh has worked for National Fuel for almost 17 years. He joined the chapter four years ago with the hope of continuing to brand Alfred State to Buffalo and the surrounding areas.
Jeffrey Stevens, ’72, graduated with an associate degree in data processing and after earning his bachelor’s from Buffalo State has worked in technology his entire career. He worked in the banking, aerospace, and manufacturing industries and joined the chapter a few years ago to connect with fellow alumni and spread the news about all the exciting things going on at the college.
Individual Studies graduate Connie Caputo, ’87, has been involved with the local chapter for the past three or four years. She is excited to offer and grow the scholarship that the group has just established.
“Financial need is great for current students. We would like to see this scholarship grow so we can help as many students as possible.”
Torrance added, “There is financial need for prospective students who want to attend the college, and this is a great way to engage with local students in the Buffalo area who are looking to attend Alfred State.”
“Hopefully we can attract more local alumni to attend events and generate more funds for the scholarship,” continued Stevens. “Our goal is to continue to spread the news about Alfred and generate interest in the school.”
The Buffalo chapter yearly attends Buffalo Bisons games, has enjoyed cruises around the waterways of the region, and participated in charity events together. A recent visit to tour the Alfred State programs taught at the Northland Workforce Training Center was one of the most memorable for Torrance, Stevens, and Caputo.
The Buffalo Chapter also teamed up with Greg Haeseler, ’78, and his friends to help with the Alfred State Open. Proceeds of the annual golf tournament held at Springville Country Club were shared between the Buffalo Chapter Scholarship and the Class of ’78 Endowment Fund.
One of the connecting points of all Alfred State alumni is the memories of their time on campus. Memories of Hot Dog Day, Wednesday nights at the Pub, hypnotists or other special acts that came to campus, and making lifelong friends are some of the favorite memories from this group of Buffalo area alumni.
John Lewis, Director of Annual Giving and Alumni Relations, encourages you to reach out to him and the alumni office for help in starting alumni chapters and affinity groups. “We are more than happy to help gather names and contact information of alumni in your area or in the groups you were part of during your time at Alfred State. We love connecting alumni and look forward to more groups and more events.”