Edition of July 9, 2026
Locals: People & Businesses in the News
VENTULETH EARNS HONORS: Hartwick College announced recently that Makenna Ventuleth ’27 of Worcester has been named Faculty Scholar in Biochemistry, one of the institution’s top academic honors. Faculty Scholars are rising seniors nominated by their departments for outstanding academic achievement, leadership, and character. Ventuleth received two additional awards during the April 29 Honors Convocation. She was selected for the Dr. Robert E. & Mrs. MaryAlice Mansbach Scholarship, established in honor of retired religion professor Dr. Robert E. Mansbach and awarded to a student who demonstrates exceptional growth in the spirit of liberal education. She also earned the Dr. Elizabeth V. Lamphere ’38, H’97 Scholarship, given to a junior chemistry major with at least a 3.5 GPA who is active in the Langmuir Chemical Society. Lamphere, a Hartwick alumna, was the retired chair of the Science Department at the Norwich City School System.
STEVENS RECOGNIZED: Riley Stevens of Milford has been named to the University of Hartford’s Dean’s List for the spring 2026 semester. The Dean’s List recognizes students who achieve superior academic standing, generally requiring at least a 3.0 GPA with no grade below a C. The university also announced its President’s List, reserved for students earning a GPA of 3.75 or higher with grades of C or better. In total, 2,332 students were named to the two academic honors lists for the semester.
LANGUAGE AWARD: Meghan Harrington ’27 of Oneonta has been honored by Hartwick College with the Alfred F. Massari Memorial Language Award. The award, presented during the April 29 Honors Convocation, is given to a first‑year student studying a foreign language. It was established by family and friends in memory of Al Massari, a former professor of French at Hartwick.
OUTSTANDING ONEONTAN: Madison Griffith ’29 of Oneonta has been honored by Hartwick College with the Semenenko Clark Award for Outstanding First Year Art Major. The award, presented during the April 29 Honors Convocation, was established by Christine Semenenko ’09 to support and recognize exceptional first‑year students in the Art Department.
SCANLON SOARS: Josie Scanlon of Oneonta has been named to the McDaniel College Dean’s List with High Honors for the spring 2026 semester. High Honors are awarded to students earning a semester GPA between 3.70 and 3.89. McDaniel also recognizes students with Highest Honors for GPAs of 3.90 or higher, and Honors for GPAs between 3.50 and 3.69.
CREATIVE FELLOW: Aidan Dugan ’27 of Oneonta has been recognized by Hartwick College as an Andrew B. Saxton Undergraduate Fellow in creative writing. The honor, presented during the April 29 Honors Convocation, is awarded by faculty to students who demonstrate outstanding achievement in their field. Saxton Fellows serve as student assistants within their major department and receive a tuition credit.
POTSDAM DEAN’S LIST: SUNY Potsdam has named 682 students to its President’s List for the spring 2026 semester, recognizing academic excellence under President Dr. Suzanne Smith. To earn the distinction, students must complete at least 12 numerically graded credit hours with a GPA of 3.5 or higher. Local students honored include Eleanor Van Spanje of Cherry Valley, majoring in anthropology, and Chloe Munro of Milford, majoring in English.
DEGREES AWARDED: Nazareth University has announced that two local students earned bachelor’s degrees during its 99th Commencement ceremony on May 16, held at the university’s Golisano Training Center. Hannah Swayer of Morris graduated magna cum laude with a bachelor’s degree in sociology and inclusive education. Leah Woertendyke of Oneonta graduated cum laude with a bachelor’s degree in nursing. Nazareth University enrolls nearly 2,100 undergraduates and 600 graduate students, offering a blend of liberal arts and professional programs.
NURSING NOD: Samantha Osborne ’27 of Schenevus has been honored by Hartwick College with the Nursing Alumni Memorial Scholarship. The award, presented during the April 29 Honors Convocation, recognizes a nursing student for academic achievement, participation and potential within the profession. It is awarded by the Hartwick Alumni Association through its Nursing Committee and supports the recipient during their senior year.
MORATTO LAUDED: Nathaniel Moratto ’27 of Oneonta has been recognized by Hartwick College as an Andrew B. Saxton Undergraduate Fellow in Computer Sciences. The honor, presented during the April 29 Honors Convocation, is awarded by faculty to students who demonstrate outstanding achievement in their field. Saxton Fellows serve as student assistants within their major department and receive a tuition credit. Moratto also received the Departmental Award for Excellence in Computer and Information Science, which recognizes students who have done outstanding work in their discipline.
POETRY PRIZE WINNER: Meer Singh ’28 of Oneonta has been named the winner of Hartwick College’s Anna Sonder Prize of the Academy of American Poets. The award, presented during the April 29 Honors Convocation, recognizes the best poem written by a Hartwick student. The prize was established in 1978 by the late Otto Sonder, professor emeritus of sociology, in memory of his mother, Anna, and is awarded annually under the auspices of the Academy of American Poets in New York City.
SCHILLER HONORED: Madeline Schiller ’27 of New Lisbon has been honored by Hartwick College with the Edith M. Lacey Memorial Nursing Scholarship. The award, presented during the April 29 Honors Convocation, memorializes Edith M. Lacey, founder of Hartwick’s nursing program and its director for nearly 18 years. It is given to a junior nursing student who demonstrates academic achievement, promise as a future nurse, strong personal deportment, and other outstanding characteristics. Schiller also received the Gladys Brooks Nursing Scholarship, awarded to students enrolled in Hartwick’s Three‑Year Bachelor’s Degree Program or the 18‑month Accelerated Program. Recipients are selected based on educational achievement, leadership, and academic ability.
