2020 Geneseo Legacy Celebration

Parents – Joan (Hagmire) ’59 & Dominick '60 Abballe

Quote: We shared the joy of watching the school evolve as well as Greek life. My mom and I were both CLIO’S!

Sibling – Beth Ann Abballe Sanford '81

Quote: We have great stories.

*No photo(s) available

Child – Anthony Albanese '22

Quote: It's like sharing a secret connection. We reference things that no one else understands, even though it's 30 years later... it's surreal. I know he's at his home away from home and it's comforting.

*View Albanese family photo(s)

Sibling – Zachary Arnold '05

Quote: [Zachary] encouraged me to attend [Geneseo] and brought me to Siblings Weekend when I was younger. Zachary was carrying on the family legacy; and inspired me to do the same. [Zachary] inspired me to choose English as my concentration.

Parent – Christopher Arnold '76

Quote: This relative/legacy connection encouraged me to attend Geneseo (we shared the same reasons for selecting Geneseo, and he also made attending SUNY Geneseo a family tradition. We shared the same major - education

Aunt/Uncle – Brian Arnold '78

Grandparent – Wesley Arnold '48

Great-Grandparent – Wilbert J. Arnold – Class of 1920

Quote: My great grandfather and grandfather grew up around the area. Our family takes pride in our Geneseo legacy, I can remember many summers growing up and walking campus with my family as they recounted their memories of their time at Geneseo. Visiting my brother during siblings weekends are still memories that bring me joy. Creating my own memories on campus are some of the best in my life, and I am grateful to share such a special connection with my family in regards to a place I also consider home. My brother, Zachary, met his wife Caitlin at Geneseo on the steps of Welles Hall. I also graduated with my masters in Literacy (B-12) from Geneseo in 2018.

*View Arnold family photo(s)

Child – Dana Besmanoff '13

Quote from Harold: Both Dana and I felt that Geneseo would be an excellent place to receive our college education. I'm pleased to say we were correct beyond our wildest expectations.

Quote from Dana: Geneseo was the best choice school for me, but getting to share the insider "language" of Geneseo with my dad has been the most fun benefit that I couldn't have gotten anywhere else.

*View Besmanoff family photo(s)

Sibling – Kent Brown '90

Quote: I made my final decision to attend Geneseo after visiting my brother and spending time with him in his dorm, Erie Hall.

Parent – Frederick Brown '55

Quote: My father has always been a very active alumnus. I remember visiting Geneseo as young as five years old with my parents for Alumni Association activities. He has recruited many to attend Geneseo.

Parent – Joan Gustafson Brown '57

Quote: My mother was also active in the Alumni Association. She encouraged my brother and me to attend Geneseo and to pursue careers in education. She was a wonder role model and loved her time at GSU!

Aunt/Uncle – Russell Brown '57

Quote: My uncle, Russell Brown, attended Geneseo and became a long time teacher in the Rush Henrietta School District. Attending Geneseo and becoming a teacher is a pattern in my family!

Aunt/Uncle – Janet Hudson Brown '55

Quote: My Aunt Janet Brown was my “college” mom. Living in Avon, she and my uncle were just a few minutes from Geneseo and were a wonderful support for my brother and me.

*View Brown family photo(s)

Grandparent – Elsie Buttles '59

Quote: My grandmother was one of the most influential people in my life, and I am honored to be an alumnus with her.

*View Buttles family photo(s)

Cousin – Kathryn Woebber Behuniak '87

Quote: My cousin Kath was literally my campus visit tour guide. We [my family] may have never even heard of Geneseo if it hadn't been for her.

*No photo(s) available

Grandparent - Evelyn Baker Cousins '37

Quote: Thinking back to what campus life would've been like in the 1930's is really interesting. Very different times!

*View Cousins family photo(s)

Sibling – Grace Dunnigan '21
Cousin – Michael Nobles '12
Aunt/Uncle – Matthew Murphy '99
Aunt/Uncle – Jenny Werner '97
Aunt/Uncle – Wendy Ficarra Dunnigan '85

Quote from Wendy: [I am] thrilled to have two of my nieces attending Geneseo. Sarah is the 6th family member to attend. Her younger sister hopes to attend in a few years.

*No photo(s) available

Aunt/Uncle – Sandra Schaef Gush '62

Quote: Aunt Sandy influenced my decision to attend Geneseo. She told me about the beautiful campus, great friendships & her sorority. I am so thankful for my time at Geneseo & for the life long friendships!

*View Eller family photo(s)

Parent – Gail Martocello Flynn '77
Sibling – Michael Flynn '07
Sibling – James Flynn '12

Quote: It's pretty amazing and unique to share similar memories of campus and Geneseo with our entire family!

*View Flynn family photo(s)

Parent – Keith Fountain '74

Quote: My father prompted me to attend Geneseo. I had no interest, but he pushed me to go visit and I fell in love with the campus the second we got there.

*No photo(s) available

Child – Cameron Freedman '23

Quote: I have wonderful memories from my time as a PROUD Knight so when my youngest chose Geneseo, beaming with pride was an understatement! I’m proud that we are keeping the legacy alive!

*View Freedman family photo(s)

Parent – John (Jack) George '65

Quote: I am very proud to have followed my father’s footsteps through the Geneseo campus and right into a career in education. He loved his years at Geneseo as a Phi Sig brother and I’m a proud Sigma Kappa.

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Sibling – Connor Geraghty '24

Quote: Great to see my younger brother continuing the tradition of attending SUNY Geneseo. He helped move me in to Onondaga Hall in 2010, and now 10 years later I’m helping him.

*No photo(s) available

Parent – Sheree Miller Gielow '78

Quote: My mother is the reason I chose to attend Geneseo

*No photo(s) available

Sibling - Margaret Jiran-deRuijter '89

Quote from MaryGrace: It made so proud to have my sister join me at a special place, we get to share so many great memories from our time together.

Niece/Nephew - Allison Mae Abbott '14

Quote: Allie attending Geneseo meant so much as she was the fourth person in our family to attend Geneseo...making so proud that she extended the tradition and created her own legacy at Geneseo.

Niece/Nephew - Colin Michael Gleason '24

Quote: [We] have been encouraging Colin to consider Geneseo since he was in middle school, to set his goals high. Now he has an opportunity to create is own legacy at Geneseo.

*View Gleason family photo(s)

Grandparent – Grace Goble '20

Quote: My grandmother was an elementary teacher and I followed in her footsteps!

Niece/Nephew - Mitchell Phelps '20

Quote: I’m proud of my nephew for being an outstanding swimmer and student at Geneseo

*No photo(s) available

Child – Jordyn Elizabeth Grady '24

Quote: I'm proud that my daughter chose the school that best fit her & her desires for an education. I'm honored that it happened to be the same school I chose as well. It's one more thing that we can share.

*No photo(s) available

Child – Madalyn Hymowitz '24

Quote: We always hoped that one of our children would decide to attend college at Geneseo. We’re thrilled that Madalyn fell in love with the college on her tour, just like we did.

*View Hymowitz family photo(s)

Cousin – Sarah Mancuso '17

Quote: Attending Geneseo with my cousin was an awesome experience. She attended my home field hockey games and we played together on the Women's Club Ice Hockey team.

Cousin – Maureen (Moe) Mancuso '09

Quote: Having a family member graduate from Geneseo influenced my decision to apply and ultimately attend. She helped start the Women's Club Ice Hockey team that I had the pleasure to play with as a student!

Cousin – Hilary Klutts Taylor '05

Quote: Having a family member graduate from Geneseo influenced my decision to attend. I used to love getting lunch at Miceli's Deli where she worked as a student.

*View Klutts family photo(s)

Aunt/Uncle – Ann Pastorini McPartlin '66

Quote: I grew up hearing what a formative place Geneseo was for my aunt. I knew I was likely going to a SUNY school, and Geneseo seemed like the best fit for me...and it very much was!

*View Lambert family photo(s)

Child – Jordan Maddy '21

Quote: I am honored to share Geneseo memories with my 1st born. It gives us a special bond. It was very comforting to know that even though she was far away from home, she was in a place close to my heart.

Child – Taylor Maddy '24

Quote: I love that not only will I share these special memories with my daughters, but they will share Geneseo memories together. It's very comforting during these trying times to know they have each other.

*View Maddy family photo(s)

Parent – Kristin Marchner McAdoo '94

Quote: I loved every minute of my time at Geneseo. I am thrilled and thankful that my son can have the same experiences!

*No photo(s) available

Parents – Janice (Hebblethwaite) ’98 & Joseph '90 Minnuto

Quote: My parents met at Geneseo, which obviously means we have a connection to the campus as a family. I have been touring the campus since I was two years old, and have always felt at home. When it came time to make my college decision, there was no question as to where I would go. I was going to Geneseo. I knew where I would be going to college at the age of two and the answer hasn't changed over the past 16 years. I can't wait to make Geneseo my home and meet my college family as my parents did 25 years ago.

*No photo(s) available

Child – Edward F Murphy IV '19

Quote: I could not be prouder of my son Eddie, and we both graduated with Physics degrees!

Sibling – Jill Murphy '91

Quote: Great Family Tradition, [we] need to get one of her daughters to go to Geneseo next!

*No photo(s) available

Child – Shannon Norton '21
Child – Bridget Norton '21

Quote: I’m so happy that our oldest and younger daughters chose to attend Geneseo. Their decisions to attend and finish their degrees at Geneseo also means a lot to their father, David Norton, who has worked in Facilities Planning at Geneseo for the last 15 years.

*View Norton family photo(s)

Child – Justin Orilio '04

Quote: Since [we] met at Geneseo and loved it, we encouraged our son to look at Geneseo. We were both so proud to have him not only consider Geneseo, but attend for all 4 years.

*View Orilio family photo(s)

Sibling – Erin O’Toole '89

Quote: When we are together we inevitably end up talking about our Geneseo days. She was an Arethusa and I was a Clio. Discussions range from Newton 202 classes to the Inn Between and fun times on campus.

*View O'Toole family photo(s)

Child – Natalie Peterman French '10

Quote: [My daughter] actually had one or two of my professors. My proudest moment was when my daughter wore my Class of 1980 tassel with her tassel at her graduation.

*View Peterman family photo(s)

Child – Lea Prusinowski '24

Quote from Jennifer: To have our daughter, Lea, attending Geneseo is extremely special to us. She has been to campus many times throughout her life, but for her now to be a Geneseo student is awesome.

Quote from David: My wife and I have always told our children about our wonderful experiences at Geneseo. We were so excited when Lea said that Geneseo was her first choice for college. We are so proud!

*View Prusinowski family photo(s)

Sibling – Kayla Rebuck '20

Quote: Never did I expect my little sister to go to the same college as me, yet even join my local sorority! It's been amazing to share the same experiences, even though they are years apart.

*View Rebuck family photo(s)

Sibling – Michael P. Reed, Jr. '87

Quote: I was a senior when my brother was a freshman. He even lived in Onondaga as I had, and his RA was one of my friends. It was such fun to spend time together on campus, uptown, and at Letchworth!

Cousin – Kelly Julian O'Brien '00

Quote: I spent a lot of time with her when she was small. She was my junior bridesmaid when I got married. It was so cool that she chose my college as her own, and that she also lived in Onondaga!

Child – Caitlin Lamoreaux Lawniczak '11

Quote: I hoped one of my kids would come to Geneseo, and when Caitlin did, and lived in Onondaga as well, I was able to experience four more wonderful years on campus!

*View Reed family photo(s)

Quote from Kristina:

Vanessa going to Geneseo completed our sibling “Gene-trio.” This legacy connection is extremely meaningful to our family, especially since we all entered the education field.

Sibling – Kristina Riggi '10

Quote from Vanessa: Kristina was my role model growing up and I wanted to be just like her. Her being at Geneseo solidified me wanting to go there because I knew how great of an experience I could have.

Sibling – Alicia Riggi Moorefield '07

Quote from Kristina: My sister and I both always wanted to teach and we knew Geneseo was the best place for that. We were lucky to overlap, being there together for one year.

Quote from Vanessa: Spending the night with my sister at Geneseo was my first time actually experiencing the campus and it is when I fell in love with the atmosphere there.

Cousin – Marisa Riggi '09

Quote: We have a connection that is more than just being cousins, and we will always have something that is a little extra special, which is our alma mater.

Cousin – Donna Conway '88

Quote: Having so many connections at Geneseo, especially in education, makes the connection very meaningful to me. It shows how much Geneseo and education have impacted our lives.

Cousin – Christine Bonacquisti '81

Quote from Kristina: We both went into education at Geneseo and knew it was the best school for it. We share memories from our time there and talk about how much has changed and yet stayed the same.

Quote from Vanessa: I have a very special relationship with my cousin, and being able to share our alma matter just deepens our relationship even more!

Aunt/Unlce - Donna Meadows Riggi '80

Quote: Being able to share memories about Geneseo and the campus and town is always such a fun time when talking with my Aunt. We also love to hear how my aunt and uncle met at Geneseo and we love listening to their memories of their time there.

Aunt/Uncle – John Riggi '78

Quote from Kristina: Knowing our family tradition of Geneseo is multi-generational shows how much the school means to each of us as a whole and individually.

Quote from Vanessa: Sharing an institution with my uncle gives us a bond that goes beyond our family, as we have a connection that is the rich history and memories of Geneseo.

Grandparent – Veronica Anne Conway McCombs '49

Quote from Kristina: My Grandmother had a great impact on us. She instilled a love of books and learning. I think it is part of the reason my sisters and I all went into education and chose Geneseo like she did.

Quote from Vanessa: Watching my grandma and her career as a librarian gave me a love of reading and learning, which influenced my decision of education and wanting to work in a school.

Great-Grandparent – Edvard Conway II – Class of 1916

Quote from Vanessa: Knowing that the Geneseo history runs so deep and that I graduated exactly 100 years after my great grandparents is truly something special to me.

Great-Grandparent – Kathryn Dineen Conway – Class of 1916

Quote from Kristina: To know my great-grandparents walked the same campus as we did is a connection that is cherished and will never be forgotten.

*View Riggi family photo(s)

Child – Brandon Lyle Schneider ’13

Quote: I encouraged my son to attend Geneseo because of my experiences there. It was some of the best years of my life. I now have lifelong friends and that was my hope for him.

*View Schneider family photo(s)

Great-Niece/Nephew - Abigail Faith Szarowicz '23

Quote: I am so proud that Abby chose to attend Geneseo. I am sure her reasons for choosing [Geneseo] were similar to mine. Geneseo is a great learning environment in a beautiful setting. A choice she'll never regret.

*No photo(s) available

Parent – Amy Austic Sens '91
Aunt – Tracy Sens '84
Grandparent – Jeanette Pearce Sens Bush '60

Quote from Amy: Geneseo is the place where all four of us discovered out desire to become educators and were able to make that desire become a reality.

*View Sens family photo(s)

Child – Samantha Shepard '22

Quote: Having Samantha attend Geneseo to develop memories of her own that we can then share together is a wonderful feeling.

*View Shepard family photo(s)

Parents – Mary Jo (Carbone) ’81 & Andrew '81 Smith

Quote: My wife and I met at Geneseo and we were pleased that our son chose to attend, it is very meaningful to us. We wanted Luke to have the academic and social opportunities that we found at Geneseo and he has.

Cousin – Alaina Smith Benzer '05

Quote from Andrew: I remember taking our niece Alaina to the College Union when she was a teenager and her father was coaching a visiting team’s soccer game at Geneseo. We had ice cream!

*View Smith family photo(s)

Child – Sydney N. Snyder '17

Quote: Growing up, Sydney always heard what a fantastic time I had at Geneseo. She also came to find out what a terrific school it was. We took different paths at Geneseo, but we both loved our time there.

*View Snyder family photo(s)

Cousin – Hilary Thornton '01
Parents – Kathleen (Sykes) ’70 & Robert ’70 Thornton
Aunt/Uncle – Dorothy (Barber) ’72 & Glenn ’75 Thornton
Aunt/Uncle – Joyce (Loga) ’76 & James ’77 Thornton

Quote: The Thornton family graciously volunteered to serve as our PR family for advertisements and promotions for this Virtual Legacy Celebration.

*View Thornton family photo(s)

Parent – Joanne Simeone-Vogel '79

Quote: [We] share a love of education – [and are both] teachers! We enjoyed walking the campus during the different seasons and subs from Aunt Cookies!

*View Vogel family photo(s)

Parent – M. David Winfield '82

Quote: I wanted to go to Geneseo because my dad, mom, Aunt and Uncle graduated from Geneseo and I loved hearing their stories. My dad joined a Fraternity which influenced my decision to join a sorority.

Parent – Mary Scheg Winfield '83

Quote: My mom met my dad at Geneseo and their love story started in Nassau Hall - which is also the residence hall I stayed in my Freshman year. It is fun to share Geneseo memories with my family.

Aunt/Uncle – Jean Scheg Beha '86

Quote: My Aunt Jean took me on my first college tour at Geneseo. Her stories sold me on wanting to attend there!

Aunt/Uncle – Robert Winfield '72

Quote: My Uncle Bobby is the man that started it all. If he did not attend Geneseo, his brother (my dad) may not have attended and or met my mom! My Uncle also met his wife (my Aunt Lorraine) at Geneseo.

*View Winfield family photo(s)