Hartwick Alumni Board of Directors

Adam is an associate of the global law firm Paul Hastings LLP, working in its Litigation practice in New York City. Previously, he worked for four years at The Hain Celestial Group, a manufacturer of leading organic and natural products based in Lake Success, NY, most recently as a Legal Analyst. At Hartwick, Adam earned a B.A., with honors, in both Political Science and Economics. He received his law degree from the Maurice A. Deane School of Law at Hofstra University in 2022, where he served as the Managing Editor of Staff of its Journal of International Business and Law, and received a Citation of Excellence in Constitutional Law. During law school, Adam served clients as a student attorney for the Hofstra Pro Se Legal Assistance Program in the Eastern District of New York. He is licensed to practice law in New York State.

Stefanie graduated Hartwick in 1997 with a degree in political science and a minor in
history, earning Departmental Distinction recognition and membership in the Historical Honor Society. While at Hartwick, she had the opportunity to study in Vienna, Austria during J-Term, and intern in Washington DC for Congressman Christopher Shays (R-CT), as well as for New York State Supreme Court Justice Vito C. Caruso. Stefanie also served as president of Phi Sigma Phi Sorority, student senator on the Hartwick Student Council, and as a student member of the College’s Academic Standards Committee. Upon graduation from Albany Law School, she was hired by the general-practice law firm of Bartlett Pontiff Stewart & Rhodes, at which she has worked for 20 years and is now a partner. For the firm, she specializes in real estate, municipal law, zoning and planning, corporate, and estate planning and administration. She is also a member of the firm’s management committee. Stephanie returned to Hartwick as adjunct professor in 2021 and 2022, teaching an Intro to Law class. In her spare time, she forces her family—Josh, her husband of 22 years; Madylin, 16; Jacklyn, 14; and her dog Oliver, 4—to have as much fun as possible.

Karrie graduated Hartwick in 1996 with a degree in psychology. While at Hartwick, she played on the women’s soccer and lacrosse teams, captaining the latter her senior year. After graduation, she transitioned from student to employee, becoming Hartwick’s assistant director of admissions and, later, director of alumni outreach and development. After Hartwick, Karrie later took on senior roles in advancement at top academic and healthcare institutions including Drew University, Cornell University, Penn Medicine: University of Pennsylvania’s Health System, Fox Chase Cancer Center, and Main Line Health. As a senior executive at these organizations, Karrie led teams and campaigns that raised a total of $370M+, and served as a senior leader on advancement teams that completed multi-billion-dollar campaigns. Karrie is currently the senior vice president of development at Main Line Health in Bryn Mawr, PA, where she serves on the organization’s senior executive council and manages its development team across five hospitals and Foundation Boards. Karrie lives outside of Philadelphia, PA, and is raising two teenage girls. They enjoy traveling, including returning to her hometown in Skaneateles, NY, and going to the beach on the Jersey Shore. In her community, she has enjoyed stints as a spinning instructor at a YMCA and as a coach in girls youth soccer. You can connect with Karrie through LinkedIn and Instagram.

Michelle graduated Hartwick in 1987 with a double major in psychology and classics, and a minor in sociology. While at Hartwick, she was a member of Psi Chi, the International Psychology Honor Society, and spent a great deal of time at Pine Lake Environmental Campus. She also participated in J Term programs in Greece and the Soviet Union. Michelle earned her Licensed Master Social Worker degree from the University at Albany, and for the past 36 years she has had worked at Wildwood, an agency dedicated to supporting people with disabilities. There she is a certified Personal Outcome Measures interviewer, and educates, trains and advocates for people with Autism and other developmental disabilities. She is also an adjunct professor at the College of St. Rose, where she teaches history and public speaking. Michelle earned the Distinguished Toastmaster designation in 2017 through Toastmasters International.

Over the years, Michelle has volunteered extensively with her alma mater. She joined the Hartwick College Albany Alumni Network Committee in 2007, and served as its chair from 2009-15. She was also Hartwick Reunion Coordinator, and a member of the Class Volunteer Solicitor Program. She has served on the Alumni Board since 2011, and continues to serve as immediate past president. Michelle welcomes being contacted through TrueBlue Connect or LinkedIn.

Sharon came to Hartwick as a first-generation student, graduating in 1965 with a bachelor’s degree in nursing. She earned a master of science from the University of Pennsylvania in psychiatric/mental health nursing. While working on the service side in both private hospitals and Veterans Affairs facilities was rewarding, her passion was teaching at Hartwick. Teaching the Transcultural Nursing course in Jamaica, West Indies, enriched the lives of both students and faculty while they learned about a new culture. Sharon raised her family in western and central New York, moving to the Burlington, VT, area in retirement to be near her grandchildren. She has served several terms on the Alumni Board and is currently chair of its nursing committee.

Garfield graduated from Hartwick in 1999 with a B.A. in economics and political science. He served on the Alumni Board from 2008-2010, and rejoined the board in 2022. He is currently the chair of its Diversity, Inclusion, and Belonging Committee. Garfield was raised in Brooklyn, NY, and since graduation he has lived in New Jersey, Texas, and his current residence of Dover, MA. His professional path has taken him through roles in the records and information management arena. He now serves as managing director of an upstart medical supply distribution business, and executive vice president, strategy and operations for a commercial real estate development business. With his wife, they are raising two beautiful children and a dog. When not with his family and working, Garfield loves to golf.

Nancy graduated in 2005 with her BA in psychology and a minor in cognitive science. She has served on the board since 2022 and is currently a member of its Communications Committee. Over the last 15 years, Nancy has worked for a number of nonprofits in roles that support leadership development; career development; creating a culture of well-being; and ensuring diversity, equity, inclusion, and belonging. Originally from New York, she currently resides in a suburb of Chicago with her husband, their son, and dog. When not working, Nancy enjoys hiking, going for long walks with her family, traveling, or dining al fresco. She invites you to connect with her on True Blue Connect and LinkedIn.

Patrick graduated in 2006 with a B.A. in biology and a B.A. in chemistry, and was a four- year member of the men’s Lacrosse team. He has been a board member since 2022. Patrick is originally from Rochester, NY. After graduating from Hartwick, he moved to Houston, TX, where he earned his Ph.D. in immunology from Baylor College of Medicine in 2011. He currently lives in Washington, DC, where he is an associate professor at George Washington University and works in the Center for Cancer and Immunology Research at Children’s National Hospital. There he also serves as chief and director of the Cellular Therapy Program. In this role, he translates and oversees manufacturing of novel cell and gene therapies to patients as a treatment for cancer and other blood and genetic disorders. In 2017, he co-founded the biotech company Mana Therapeutics to increase access to a novel T cell therapy for patients with Acute Myeloid Leukemia. Patrick also serves on the scientific advisory board of a number of other biotech companies, including Cellenkos, Cellevolve, MicroFluidX, and Discovery Life Sciences. In his spare time, Patrick enjoys tweeting with fellow scientists and Bills fans, and playing soccer, cycling, cooking, and traveling.

Patti graduated in 1986 with her B.A. in Classical Studies, an Individual Student Program. She has been a board member since 2020 and is currently chair of the Communications Committee. Originally from Massachusetts, Patti raised her family in the suburbs of Chicago, IL, and is currently working from home and sharing space with two grown sons and two rescue dogs. Over the years, Patti has worked at art museum exhibitions, the Registry of Deeds, insurance underwriting and auditing, substitute teaching, and homeschooling. Her main focus was always writing, however, and she currently the owner of Patti Hermes Words and Magic LLC. She has also volunteered and toured with the Phantom Regiment Drum Corps, fitting and altering costumes and uniforms for over 25 years, as well as running a successful sewing and alterations business. In her spare time, she tends to a modest vegetable garden, plays ukulele, and takes regular beach vacations with family on Cape Cod. Patti can be reached through both True Blue Connect and LinkedIn.

Sheri graduated in 2004 with a B.A. in business and was a four-year member of the track & field and soccer teams. She was a five-time All-American in track & field, and in 2013 was inducted into the Hartwick College Athletics Hall of Fame. Sheri is originally from South New Berlin, NY, and after graduating from Hartwick moved to Long Island to pursue her master’s degree in communication arts from the New York Institute of Technology and doctorate in education from Nova Southeastern University. She also holds a professional certificate in Conferences and Event Management from New York University. Sheri currently serves as the assistant provost at the New York Institute of Technology and founding co-director of its Honors College. She also partnered with Novara Human Capital Solutions, an HR consulting firm, in 2023. When not working, Sheri stays active with her two young children, and enjoys traveling, working out, and spending time with her Hartwick friends and her family in upstate New York.

Daymyen graduated from Hartwick in 2003. He currently serves as the director for Multicultural Education and Training at Quinnipiac University, where he develops, executes and benchmarks workshops and trainings on diversity, justice, social identity development, cultural competence, advocacy for campus constituents. He also serves as a leader and consultant to several engagement areas across the university. Daymyen is responsible for developing and implementing programs, experiences, services and strategies specifically designed to increase student retention, promote a student-centered campus environment, and enrich the overall student experience at Quinnipiac. He is also the founder and CEO of The Layne Group, a consulting firm that focuses on inclusion, organizational development, executive coaching and strategic planning.

Seth graduated in 2010 with dual degrees in English and Theatre Arts, as well as a certificate in Secondary Education. He joined the board in 2020 and is currently in his first year serving as the Alumni Board’s vice president. He is also the chair of its Flightpath Committee. At Hartwick, Seth was active in a number of extracurricular activities, including Challenge Education and Awakening, Pine Lake Club, Bi-Gala+, Cardboard Alley Players, and Alpha Psi Omega, the theatre fraternity. He also served as a Blue Key tour guide, Resident Assistant, lifeguard, and student orientation leader. Today, Seth lives with his partner in Cambridge, MA. He serves as vice president for Child Development at the YMCA of Greater Boston, supporting out-of-school time and summer programming for young people. When not working, he spends time with family and friends enjoying the array of cultural, outdoor, and epicurean adventures in metro Boston.

Since graduating Hartwick in 1979 with an Individual Studies Program (ISP) degree in museum studies and art education, Susan has pursued many passions and pastimes: Mediator. Sewist. Gardener. Reader. Artist. Teacher. Community volunteer/activist. ESL tutor. Swimmer. This “serial entrepreneur” has owned a gift shop and B&B, and participated as a member of an artist’s co-op. She taught art history as an adjunct professor and served as the executive director of a Red Cross chapter and local Habitat for Humanity chapter. A phone call from Jane desGrange, former director of the Yager Museum of Art & Culture, led her to take a position at an art center in Auburn, NY. Now, 42 years later, Susan enjoys life in the Finger Lakes region of New York State. For more than 35 summers, she has gotten together with seven women with whom she lived in Leitzell Hall during her first year at Hartwick. Susan also loves traveling the world together with her daughter, and former board member, Lydia Marteney ’21.

Thom is known to say, “Virtually everything good that’s happened to me in my life is because I attended Hartwick.” Although he left school in his junior year to become a full-time sports writer at the Oneonta Star, Hartwick proudly claims him as a class of ‘73 alumni. He credits two Hartwick mentors as instrumental in his early career in professional sports: men’s soccer coach Al Miller, and alumnus/soccer promoter Francisco Marcos ’67. Thom worked for four North American Soccer League teams, including the Dallas Tornado, where he was fortunate work with both Miller and Marcos. He then worked for Lamar Hunt’s men’s tennis company, and spent three years as Hunt’s first administrative assistant. Thom later worked for the NFL’s Tampa Bay Buccaneers, spent 10 years as the director of events for U.S. Soccer, and also held positions with the first two women’s professional soccer leagues. He worked in venue management for the 1984 and 1996 Summer Olympics soccer events in the US, the 1999 and 2003 FIFA Women’s World Cup tournaments in the US, and the 2010 FIFA event in South Africa. Originally from Wallkill, NY, Thom met his wife, Ginger, at a pro indoor soccer game in 1976. Together they have moved nine times in 46 years of marriage, and are now retired and live in Milford, DE.

Matipa graduated in 2020 summa cum laude with a triple major in French, Global Studies, and Political Science. While at Hartwick, Matipa was the Student Government president, founder of the African Student Association, and participated in Model United Nations and the Political Science Club. She also took part in study abroad programs in Eastern Europe with Professors Seeley and Forster-Rothbart for J Term; worked in Morocco at the Fondation Orient Occident via an Emerson Scholarship; conducted research for her political science senior thesis in South Africa; and spent a semester abroad at Fribourg University in Switzerland, taking classes in German and French. Matipa was also a Cyrus Mehri Fellowship recipient, and used that funding to create Africa-based programming on campus. She was also a John Christopher Hartwick Scholar, which made a profound fiscal impact on her as an international student from Zimbabwe. She went on to earn a master’s degree in public policy from American University in May 2023. Matipa is currently living in Washington, DC, and working at Albright Stonebridge Group as an analyst in its Africa practice. You can connect with Matipa via True Blue Connect and LinkedIn.

Michele graduated from Hartwick in 1998 with a bachelor’s degree in nursing. During her four years here, she held various positions on the Hartwick College Association of Student Nurses. She spent her senior J Term at Albany Medical Center in the labor and delivery unit, which sparked her 17-year love of welcoming babies into the world. Michele volunteered for the Greater Amsterdam Volunteer Ambulance Corps during her freshman year at Hartwick, and eventually became an EMT, supervisor of their volunteers, and secretary of the board of directors. She has been at St Mary’s Healthcare in Amsterdam, NY, for 17 years and is currently working as a nationally certified oncology/hematology nurse. Michele and her husband, Brandon, live in Scotia, NY with their two dogs, and enjoy relaxing in Lake Placid and any beach near warm water.

A native of New York City, Jerry graduated from Hartwick in 1967 with a B.A. in biology. He went onto Temple University where he earned his doctor of dental surgery degree in 1971. After an internship at Metropolitan Hospital in New York City, he became the first clinical dental director of what is now the Westchester Institute for Human Development. The institute serves as a key regional resource providing a wide range of medical, dental clinical and social services to individuals with disabilities, vulnerable children, families and professionals. In 1974, Jerry and his husband acquired their first of two dental practices in Southeast Florida, serving the community for more than 20 years as general and cosmetic dentists. Jerry later acquired A.I.M.M., a management and marketing company dedicated to helping dentists and physicians build successful practices. Since acquiring A.I.M.M. in 2002, he has focused on the growth and development of the dental profession, both in the private and public sector. He has also joined forces with a company that assists Dentists to locate and acquire available dental practices throughout the State of FL. Jerry and his husband, Joel, reside in Naples FL, with their Welsh Terrier, “Tucker,” and enjoy a great life filled with their mutual love of the visual and performing arts.

Brian graduated from Hartwick in 2015 with bachelor’s degrees in environmental chemistry and mathematics, and minors in geology and environmental science and policy. While at Hartwick, he played on the men’s tennis team, and was a member of the music fraternity, Phi Mu Alpha. Brian went on to earn his M.S. in forest resources from Penn State University, where he is currently working toward his Ph.D. in soil science and biogeochemistry. He is current working as the program supervisor of the Lead and Copper Rule at Fairfax Water in Fairfax, VA. You can connect with Brian on both True Blue Connect, and LinkedIn.

Sarah graduated Hartwick in 2011 with degrees in business administration and English literature, and has never stopped being engaged with the College. She served as an Alumni Board director from 2011 to 2016, sat on the Board of Trustees from 2016 to 2019, and returned to the alumni board in 2019. Currently, Sarah is the Alumni Board president. She completed her M.B.A. in healthcare analytics and M.S. in Data Analytics from Clarkson University. Sarah married fellow Hartwick alum, James Sanders ’13, in 2013 and they live in Charlton, NY, with their three rescue dachshunds. They hope to grow grapes on their 17 acres and make wine. In the meantime, Sarah is a Product Manager at Studio Designer, working for CEO Keith Granet ’79. You can connect with Sarah on both True Blue Connect and LinkedIn.

Eric graduated from Hartwick in 1999 with a degree in Spanish, earning Departmental Distinction. While at Hartwick, he studied in Granada, Spain. He also served as a Blue Key Ambassador tour guide and was a Resident Advisor. With a fondness for the arts, Eric worked as treasurer of Phi Mu Alpha Sinfonia music fraternity; was a brother in Alpha Psi Omega theater fraternity; sang in the college choir; and acted in numerous theater productions. Since graduation, Eric has worked for various nonprofits and universities in institutional advancement. He is currently the Executive Director of Donor Relations for Brandeis University, where he manages naming opportunities, stewardship, reporting, and financial management for the university. Eric is a Certified Fund Raising Executive as well as a licensed Real Estate Agent. He has volunteered extensively for Hartwick over the years, as a mentor, class agent, internship supervisor, event host, volunteer fundraiser, and member of a number of committees. Eric sat on the College’s Alumni Association Board of Directors from 2002-2016.

Sue graduated from Hartwick in 1976 with a BA in history. She met her husband, Carl, here, and their two sons and a daughter-in-law are also Hartwick graduates (Eric Schell ‘07, Chris Schell ’10, and Ashley Kern Schell ’07). Sue’s Hartwick experience included overseas studies in San Salvador, Bahamas; Brighton, England; and India. She earned her MA in public service administration from Russell Sage College Evening Division, and worked at SUNY Central Administration for several years before becoming a certified financial planner practitioner. Today, she co-owns a financial planning practice, Generations Planning Group, LLC, in Guilderland, NY. Sue is also active with the Toastmasters Lunchtime Club in Albany, and has served on boards including the Hudson Valley Girl Scout Council and St. Anne Institute. Sue and Carl are still in close touch with many Hartwick friends and enjoy playing golf, bike riding, and traveling. You can reach out to her on True Blue Connect.

Daryl graduated Hartwick in 2006 with an art degree with concentrations in digital art and design & painting, and a minor in management. While at Hartwick, he as a member of the men’s tennis team, Society of Sisters United/ Brothers United (SOSUBU), Pluralism Associates League for Students (PALS), and Student of Caribbean Ancestry (SOCA). He also participated in the South Africa ’04 and Brazil ’06 J Term programs. After Hartwick, he completed a Digital Publishing Certificate at Savannah College of Art & Design.  before returning to Anguilla to oversee his family company, Alloyd Enterprises Limited, a laser engraving design house. Daryl is building a freelance brand designer portfolio under the name Quartet Creative. Along with raising two children from his late marriage, he continues to grow these companies. He is also developing his male model portfolio as well as doing community work, while also sitting on the Anguilla Chamber of Commerce & Industry board. Some of his closest friends to date are from his time at Hartwick. You can connect with Daryl on True Blue Connect, LinkedIn, Instagram (@darylcthompson), and his portfolio sites, www.darylcthompson.com and www.quartetcreative.com.

Deb majored in nursing at Hartwick and began her career as a maternal/infant/pediatric nurse. She later earned her M.S. in Parent-Child Nursing at Russell Sage College, and a doctorate in child and family studies at Syracuse University. Hartwick prepared her well for her chosen career, giving her knowledge, skills and abilities she never imagined she would need. Moving to Nashville, TN, she went on to educate nursing students at Belmont University, where she served as the dean of Nursing and Health Sciences for 10 years. She and her husband, Bruce, raised their family near Nashville, including a son who earned a doctorate in nuclear engineering and scientific computing and a daughter who became a nurse and earned a master’s in nursing as an acute care nurse practitioner. Following their retirement, Deb and Bruce returned to their home town to be near family. Deb came out of retirement in 2020 to work at the Schoharie County Health Department for a year as a COVID Contact Tracer. She also served as a public health nurse for a short time to cover for nursing staff who had retired. Deb also currently serves on the Schoharie County Board of Health, is active in her church, and is delighted being “Moni” (grandmother) to six wonderful grandchildren.

Kevin graduated Hartwick in 2023 cum laude and with departmental distinction with a B.A. in political science and government and a minor in legal studies. While here, he participated in a J Term in Portugal, served for two years as the Pine Lake resident advisor, was a member of the 3-Year Degree program, and was a member of the Student Court (part of the Student Government Association). He is currently pursuing a master’s degree in public administration in non-profit management at SUNY Albany. Kevin loves the outdoors, especially backpacking, canoeing, hiking, and sailing. A proud Eagle Scout, he spends his summers volunteering with the Boy Scouts of America at the Northern Tier High Adventure Base in Ely, MN, where he teaches youth to long distance wilderness canoe in the Quetico Provincial Park and Boundary Waters Wilderness Canoe Area.