Hartwick Students Learn from Public Service Leaders and Alumni
Hartwick College students recently had the opportunity to hear from two distinguished public servants: Mark C. Poloncarz, Erie County Executive, and Dan Castle ’83, commissioner of the Erie County Department of Environment and Planning.
Poloncarz spoke about the power of public service, emphasizing that careers in county government offer meaningful opportunities to make a difference in people’s lives and leave a lasting impact on communities. As he noted, “Engaging young people to pursue careers in the public sector and to run for elected office will help to secure a positive future for the local, state and federal democratic processes that we should never take for granted.”
Building on that message, Castle shared reflections from his own career path, including lessons he wishes he had known before entering the job market. Drawing on experience in both the public and private sectors, he underscored the unique impact of government work, explaining that “a career in public service offers a tremendous opportunity to make your community a better place and improve the lives of others.” He added that his support for Hartwick’s Institute of Public Service is rooted in that belief and a desire to encourage more young people to explore public service careers.
Castle also highlighted the broad reach of county government, citing initiatives like the new Buffalo Bills stadium and the Erie County Shoreline Trail as examples of how public service shapes communities in visible and lasting ways.
In addition to his classroom visit, Castle headlined a career-focused question-and-answer lunch. The event was sponsored by the institute and Hartwick’s student chapter of the International City/County Management Association (ICMA), co-led by student Sophie Axe ’27, who aspires to become a city manager.
During the session, Castle engaged directly with students on a wide range of topics, from renewable energy strategies in New York to the complexities of data centers, as well as civil service systems, affordable housing, farmland protection, and gentrification. He was especially impressed by the students. “It was great to see that these students are much more aware of public policy issues than I was when I was in college,” he said. “The breadth of their interests, research and questions was impressive.”
After the event, students reflected on the impact of the experience. Axe shared that the conversation “clarified my career path and made me feel more confident entering the field.”
For Abbey Bailey ’29, the discussion of renewable energy and land use stood out. “I had never considered how wind power on farmland can provide economic benefits while keeping land in use.” she said. “It was encouraging to hear someone so committed to both farming and renewable energy.”
Castle was joined by his wife, Katherine Murray Castle ’84, a registered nurse with extensive experience in healthcare and public health. During the visit, she connected with public health major Kite Welch ’26 for an informational interview as part of Hartwick’s career capstone coursework.
Welch emphasized the value of both conversations, noting Dan Castle’s focus on active listening and on participation in public service and community planning, skills critical to building trust and serving communities effectively. She added that Katherine Castle’s advice was especially meaningful: observe the people you work with–their roles, strengths, and challenges–and use those lessons to move forward in a positive direction.
During the visit, Katherine also reflected on her own experience. “Hartwick broadened my horizons and provided me with opportunities I didn’t know I had,” she said. “The support and encouragement that I received from other students and faculty were life-changing.” She added that it was especially meaningful to see current students benefiting from those same opportunities.
The Castles’ return to Oyaron Hill serves as a powerful reminder of the strength of the Hartwick alumni network. It also demonstrates the deep commitment graduates have to mentoring and supporting current students. Dan and Katherine Castle have been longtime supporters of the College, with a focus on Pine Lake, the Nursing Department and the Hartwick Institute of Public Service.
Dan Castle’s closing advice captured the spirit of the day and the broader mission of public service: “Get involved! The world is run by those who show up.”
