Classnotes
1970s
Frank Stasio ('76, Communication Media) can be heard on NPR as a freelance reporter and substitute host for NPR programs including Talk of the Nation. Before shifting into a freelance role, Stasio served as an NPR newscaster from 1986-1990, writing and delivering six newscasts every day during NPR's award-winning All Things Considered. Prior to that, as an NPR producer of special news events coverage, Stasio coordinated NPR's live coverage of the Democratic and Republican National Conventions in 1984 and served as line producer and director for five live programs from each convention site. Stasio also produced NPR's live coverage of the Democratic primary debates in New York, Atlanta, Pittsburgh, and Dallas. He joined NPR as an associate producer.
1980s
Paulette Moore ('86, Journalism), a freelance director/producer with clients that include Discovery Channel, National Geographic and PBS, recently completed a documentary funded by the Virginia Foundation for the Humanities titled Wit, Will and Walls. The 15-minute film examines the story of Betty Kilby Fisher, who was just 13 years old when she became a plaintiff in a lawsuit to desegregate Warren County Schools in Front Royal, Virginia. Fisher's case triggered what was called Massive Resistance across Virginia - the state closed public schools rather than desegregate them. Fisher's granddaughter portrays her in Wit, Will and Walls.
Pete Frisoni ('87, Broadcasting), a lieutenant with the Schenectady Police Department and police officer for nearly 18 years, also serves as the department's public information officer, spokesman and primary liaison to the media, a position he has held for nearly five years. He also serves as the Northeast Region Director of the National Information Officers Association and teaches police-media relations to law enforcement executives at the New York State Law Enforcement Executive Institute in Albany.
1990s
Joseph Sviatko ('90, Broadcasting), who works as the public information officer for the state's attorney in Baltimore, was recently named "Best Public Information Officer" by Baltimore Living.
Angela Berti ('94, Journalism) has joined the New York State Parks Department as director of marketing for the Western Region. Previously, she was director of special events and protocol for Buffalo State College.
Vincent Long ('94, Public Communication) is a product specialist and territory manager for Professional Hospital Supply in San Diego.
Alyssa Fries-Kussin ('95, Public Communication) has been freelancing as a consultant and media specialist since the birth of her daughter three years ago. Before that, she was an account supervisor in a health care public relations agency in New York City.
Lori (Allan) Vallon ('99, Public Communication) is PR Director for the Orchard Park Central School District, where she edits the newsletter, updates the website, communicates district initiatives and handles media relations. Previously, she served as community relations manager for Child and Family Services of Buffalo. She completed Buffalo State's MS/Multidisciplinary program in Public Relations Management in May 2005.
2000s
Kimberly Rickards ('05, Public Communication) is working as administrative coordinator for the Make A Wish Foundation of Metro New York in Lake Success, NY, where she recently helped launch its first national campaign, "Destination Joy."
Niko Tamurian ('06, Broadcasting) recently made his anchoring debut for WSTM in Syracuse, N.Y., where he works as a sports reporter.
Kyle Allinger ('06, Public Communication) joined the Buffalo Chapter of the American Red Cross as a communications associate, working on its Website, as well as writing speeches.
Medigine Guillaume ('06, Public Communication) is a partner in a small, independent, New York-based public relations firm.
Brennan Terry ('06, Public Communication) works in corporate communications for Corning Incorporated.
Complete listing of classnotes
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