Joseph Carr was looking for a roommate for the second semester of his first year at Geneseo, and by happenstance, Mark Zimmer ’82 needed a room. It was the beginning of a long friendship, one that Carr has valued so much through the years that he has created a $100,000 endowed scholarship named for Mark and his wife, Susan, which will support Geneseo students.

In June, Carr honored his friendship and creation of the endowment with the Zimmers at a surprise presentation during Geneseo’s 2022 Alumni Reunion.

"We were stunned," says Mark Zimmer.

Carr says he wanted to express their shared values and love for the Geneseo community through the gift. His vision is to create an ongoing connection between Geneseo students and the Zimmer family.

"I saw this as a generational solution, not just a check," says Carr. "That’s why I want Mark to oversee it completely." Carr believes the Zimmers’ children will welcome the chance to be part of the next generation to shepherd their values. "Their children are much like their parents. They believe in hard work, giving back, and being part of a community."

Carr, a vintner, is the founder of award-winning Joseph Carr Wines and Josh Cellars. Zimmer is an executive cardiovascular specialty sales professional with Novartis, a global medicines company. Susan is a nurse who recently retired from ������ after 11 years of service. Mark and Susan have raised three children in Geneseo, all of whom went to college and now have careers in the area.

"We hope the scholarships will help students get started down the path to realizing their dreams," says Zimmer, who wants to meet future recipients. "The size of this endowment is significant, and we want to be good stewards of Joe’s gift to the college."

Carr and Zimmer recall what it was like as undergrads. Carr studied theatre and dance and Zimmer was an English major.

"We were from blue-collar families," says Carr, who remembers Zimmer hitchhiking and catching rides back and forth from his home in Caledonia, 14 miles from campus. "Mark’s determination to finish college was very important to him. I never forgot that."

"We were foosball partners—if we had 25 cents between us," says Zimmer, "we knew we could just go out and have fun."

Carr’s uniqueness has helped him succeed, say the Zimmers.

"Joe has always had the soul of an artist and is extremely talented in many ways," Zimmer says. He attributes Joe’s success in the wine business to the wonderful wine he makes—and the marketing of his products. "He’s got that sort of genius with wordplay and making pictures out of words."

Carr believes you define yourself by how you overcome failure. "I’ve had many more failures in my life than I’ve had successes, but I’ve found a way to overcome that."

"There are four words," Carr says, to remember. "The first two words are courage and conviction, and the second two words are energy and love. After you fail, you have to find the courage and conviction to get up, and the only way you heal is by surrounding yourself with energy and love. If you can find those four words in your life, you’ll be happy. "

Joseph Carr attended ������ from 1978 through 1982 as a fine arts major. In 2019, he received an honorary Doctor of Humane Letters for his contributions to the wine industry and his longstanding support of the College. Carr also served as a board member of the Geneseo Foundation (2008–15) and co-chair of the Albany Alumni Regional Committee and established a scholarship in honor of Geneseo’s late English associate professor John Hoey.

A monumental presence in the ������ community for decades, Bob "Doc" Isgro, SUNY Distinguished Service Professor Emeritus of Music, who died last March, and his wife, Mary Isgro, were known for building strong ties with students.

Since 1963, Bob, with Mary by his side, mentored many music students and led the Geneseo Chamber Singers, a chorus of international reputation, in performances across the world. Bob retired in 1998, but their contributions and commitment to Geneseo students never wavered. 

Through their scholarships and endowments, the Isgros have created a legacy for future generations of students pursuing musical aspirations. Their most recent gift—The Dr. Robert M. and Maria L. Isgro Choral Music Endowment—supports academically recognized chorus ensembles of Geneseo, including artists-in-residence and voice lessons, as well as performances and tours. 

"Students are our future," Mary says, "and opening their eyes to new experiences is important. In our case, we were able to back them up with some financial help." 

The Isgros were widely known for helping students, and alumni feel a part of the Isgro family. Mary remembers their time spent with the Chamber Singers and how on multiple occasions, Bob would buy a Chamber Singer their plane or bus ticket, so they could travel with the group. He would also always ensure that when abroad, every student had money in the right currency to buy food. 

"We always had a Christmas party for the Chamber Singers," says Mary. "We had meals and special food that Bob made. He was a very good cook and made wonderful desserts—there was lots of good food."

David Bullwinkle ’96 remembers those holiday parties. As a Chamber Singer from his first year to graduation, he says the Isgros made a major impact on him.

"It was a highlight of my undergraduate experience at Geneseo," says Bullwinkle. "Doc made the best pizza you have ever had. It was a special treat to get the invite to their home for pizza dinner. Their legacy is indescribable." 

Dr. Gerard Floriano '84, Distinguished Service Professor and Chair of Geneseo's Department of Music & Musical Theatre and director of Choral Activities, has led the Geneseo Chamber Singers since 1998 and is himself is a former Chamber Singer.

"Bob built the ������ Choral program through his commitment to the students and the college as well as his hard work and talent," Floriano says. "His legacy and contributions to the choral program and to the department overall are gifts that we continue to value and cherish."

Their legacy lives on and helped create the lasting culture in the music department that also keeps alumni so engaged.

Rev. Jim Swarts ’71 landed on the Geneseo campus after six years in the U.S. Navy. He graduated as a much different person. “I would not have become who I am today had it not been for my experience at Geneseo. I became a person much more willing to give than receive.” Jim’s generous spirit and desire to provide the same opportunity for transformation have led him to include a gift to Geneseo in his will.

“The ability of people to grow and change in college is something that should be rewarded and encouraged,” Jim says. “That’s one of the reasons I give back. There are people coming in who need financial help. I paid almost nothing compared to today, and I feel an obligation to help lift up those today and tomorrow who, without the aid of the Geneseo Foundation, would not have the opportunity that Geneseo gave me.”

Jim’s ties to Geneseo extend beyond his experience as a student—he taught in the history department for 14 years. “Never in a million years would I have expected that I would be teaching at Geneseo. It was so rewarding; I had great academic freedom and the support and guidance of the department chair, dean, and other professors. That’s another reason I give back. I was recruited by Jim Williams and Bill Cook to teach. Those years meant a lot to me.”

Jim is a member of the MacVittie Legacy Society, a group of about 150 Geneseo donors who have documented their decision to include the college in their estate plans. He says including Geneseo in his will allows him to increase the impact he can have. “I had the ability to give a more substantial gift through my will than I could have given from my earnings and savings. I have more assets in my estate than in ready cash, so that will be a larger legacy for me to leave to future generations.”

(If you would like to learn more about planning a bequest for Geneseo, please us or visit our .)

Creates Study Abroad Scholarship Endowment for Next Generations

Jordan Daniel ’11 couldn’t think of a place that was more impactful on his life than his experience at Geneseo. “I have a really deep bond with Geneseo and it's essentially what morphed me into who I am today,” says Jordan, who earned a bachelor's degree in business administration with a minor in Spanish. 

In 2021, Jordan created an endowment to provide study abroad scholarships for students—an impressive accomplishment for a young alum who had graduated only 10 years earlier. The gift was inspired by and named for his late aunt and uncle—the Jacqueline Levine and John Borek Endowment for Study Abroad Education. “They were big proponents of not only traveling as a student but also as lifelong explorers,” he says.

When Jordan was in high school, he took a trip to Italy with the two of them. It was his first international experience, and it kindled a passion for looking beyond his own neighborhood. 

As a student at Geneseo, Jordan immersed himself in Spanish culture during a semester at the Universidad Francisco de Vitoria in Madrid, Spain. 

“Having this experience and being exposed to other cultures was one of the most important and useful things that I ever did,” says Jordan.  

Jordan wants this scholarship to help students with program costs so they can make the most of their time while abroad. He recalls not having enough money to take advantage of more cultural experiences, including inter-country or inter-city travel.

“I was in a fellow student’s shoes not that long ago,” says Jordan, who paid his way through school and knows how financially difficult college years can be. “If this (scholarship) encourages a student to take advantage of a study abroad experience, especially for someone who may be on the fence, I feel a strong sense of pride to be able to help and give back,” he says. 

Jordan’s experience in Madrid encouraged him to continue to practice and improve his Spanish. “I wouldn’t say I’m fluent, but I’m pretty good and love the language and the culture,” he says. Today, it comes in handy working with many Spanish-speaking clients in his position at Eber Giffuni PLLC, a New York City-based law firm that specializes in residential and commercial real estate purchases, sales, and leasing.

“These experiences have developed who I am and what I have learned,” says Jordan. He continues to work and travel abroad for his own pleasure, and most recently came back from visiting the Middle East.

Jordan believes his aunt and uncle would be pleased to have their names on the endowment. “They would really be thrilled to know that students have support so they can challenge themselves and be able to see the world,” he says. “And in that way, their spirit and memory live on.”

Jordan is currently working with the College to create two additional endowments to benefit Geneseo students.

(Inset photo of Jordan in Dubai, United Arab Emirates; photo provided)

Creating Opportunities for Generations of Students

John Merchant ’70, who earned Bachelor of Science degrees in elementary education and biology from ������, is recognized by the College as one of our most generous donors. In addition to annual gifts and creating an endowed scholarship in 2008, John recently made a major gift through his will to support the College’s greatest needs.

John’s generosity and vision to support Geneseo and invest in students’ futures demonstrate his life-long desire to develop young adults. He says his own family had limited resources growing up, and he was fortunate to receive scholarships and grants that helped him fill the financial gap when he was a student. Through his support, John is creating opportunities for generations of Geneseo students. 

John has given back in other ways. He has been a leader in the Boy Scouts of America for over 40 years, serving in a variety of positions, including unit leader and Order of the Arrow Adviser. He is currently serving on a number of committees for the National Capital Area Council in Bethesda, MD. “The Boy Scouts allows kids to see how valued they are and builds leadership skills,” says John. He also supports youth charities, such as the Covenant House, which helps provide shelter, food, and other care to homeless youth. 

John’s desire for mentoring and caring for youth is no surprise. He was a summer camp counselor during most summers while in college. After graduating from Geneseo, his first intention was to become a teacher, but in 1970, John faced a draft lottery during the Vietnam War and would potentially be drafted into the Army. Instead, he joined the Air Force, serving for eight years, including tours in the Middle East and the Far East. 

In the Air Force, John received training and experience in computer engineering in space and telemetry science. The skills he gained launched his career in computer engineering and software development. After serving, John began working for a Virginia-based engineering firm that grew and eventually was bought by and absorbed into Northrop Grumman, a global aerospace and defense technology company with more than 90,000 employees. He recently retired as a senior engineer after working there for 40 years.

When he was a Geneseo student, John fondly remembers taking classes with Myrtle “Myrt” Merritt, for whom the Myrtle A. Merritt Athletic Center is named. “One of the most impressive professors I had was Dr. Merritt,” says John. “I often find myself quoting her: ‘you need to exercise to play sports, not play sports to exercise.’” 

He also reminisces about the long, windy walks during the winter on campus. “You had to cross the tundra off to Nassau and Suffolk dorms and Red Jacket dining hall over there,” John remembers. “And boy, those walks from there to the main campus, you had to really bundle up sometimes when the wind was coming across the valley in the wintertime.”

(Inset photo of John Merchant from 1969-70 Oh Ha Daih yearbook)

Building Others Up through Education, Philanthropy

Jeff Clarke ’83 and his spouse, Suzette, are longtime supporters of ������. They have been at the heart of engaging Geneseo alums for years, and Jeff’s participation on the Geneseo Foundation Board of Directors was critical to the Shaping Lives of Purpose capital campaign for the College. 

They have also supported the College in many areas, from the School of Business and Student Managed Investment Fund to Geneseo’s athletic teams. Recently, Jeff made a gift to the Jeff Clarke Economics and Political Science Fund, an endowment he set up in 2005. The fund supports a variety of activities in those departments, including professional development of faculty and students and participation in events such as the College Fed Challenge, a competition in New York City that tests students’ economic skills and teamwork. 

His endowment provides opportunities for Geneseo students that were important to Jeff when he was a student. “I feel that my donations to Geneseo can have an outsized impact on students,” says Jeff. “That little bit extra goes a long way.” 

Education is a philanthropic priority for Jeff and Suzette. 

“We both grew up middle class,” says Jeff. “We didn’t have a lot. I did work-study even though it was a SUNY college. I took out the maximum loans.”

Those efforts paid off, and Jeff has since built a successful career in business. Much of his experience has been at the top of major companies, including Eastman Kodak, Travelport, Orbitz, and now FTD, one of the world’s largest floral networks, where he is currently executive chairman. His leadership roles with those companies have also given him a unique perspective of how philanthropy can make a difference in communities. 

“When you’re leading a large organization, you see the power of companies, and you get to know leaders who drive community involvement — and you bring your corporation into it, but more importantly yourself into it,” says Jeff. 

When he was CEO of Eastman Kodak, Jeff saw how much companies and organizations could provide to communities. He believes that those who have the privilege to lead big institutions should use that influence and the money they earn to give back. 

Jeff’s passion for giving back to education was influenced early on.  

“My wife and I came from families that were educators,” says Jeff. “My grandfather was dean of students at Ithaca College; my father taught at Colgate University for 40 years, and my wife's parents were both teachers. So, for us, even though I chose to go into the world of business and my wife into journalism, we fundamentally believe that education is an important, core opportunity in America.”

Education gives people the flexibility to explore different fields, Jeff says, and ������ was the perfect place for him. “Professors were incredibly engaging,” he says. “There’s not a day I don’t think about faculty such as David Martin, Ed Janosik, and Gregor Lazarcik, who formed much of the way I think and the way I continue to learn.”

Jeff says that he also gives back because of the people he went to Geneseo with, many of whom are lifelong friends. He has also connected with others through alumni groups, and as a Geneseo Foundation board member from 2006 to 2014, he built relationships with fellow members, including Jack Kramer ’76, Kevin Gavagan ’75, Jennifer Dunlap ’81, and Joseph Carr '82.

“That builds a community and makes you think beyond your four years there,” says Jeff. 

“Geneseo has provided many this unique academic and personal enrichment experience for decades and continues to do so. It’s extraordinary how many people have had successful careers in many different fields.” 

Reflecting on his days as a student, Jeff loved the town and gown of Geneseo and the College. “The ability to get to know locals, support local businesses, and the interaction between the faculty and administration into those communities was amazing,” Jeff says.

Jeff Clarke ’83 earned his bachelor’s degree in economics with a minor in political science and an MBA from Northeastern University. He and Suzette live in San Francisco, California.

Author: Carol Marcy
Sr. Advancement Writer
marcyc@geneseo.edu

The lasting impact that Geneseo faculty and staff have on students can be told countless times. In Paul’s story, the positive impact that Professor Emeritus of Geology Richard Hatheway in the Department of Geological Sciences made on him has influenced three generations. The Geneseo spirit of developing people to serve the common good resonates in our lifework.

Paying it Forward for Professor Hatheway

By Paul Peterman ’80

In my years as a geology major at ������, I was fortunate to study with professors both inside and outside of my major department who made a lasting impression on me. They were not only experts in their respective fields, but they were both accessible and interested in a student's success outside the classroom. There are good memories of all the geology professors, whether it be on field trips or sharing a pitcher of beer in the Vital Spot.

One professor, Dr. Richard Hatheway, professor emeritus of geology in the Department of Geological Sciences, and I have stayed in touch through the years after graduation. He taught me and many other students how to become good geologists. For example, to truly understand the earth and its history you have to spend time in the field. When you study rock formations in nature, such as a shale-sandstone sequence, you get a better understanding of the local geologic history. He taught us how to answer the questions "Why is there gold in Nevada but not in Florida, and why should I keep looking in places with a geologic history similar to Nevada?" Dr. Hatheway led my first geology field trip where I was able to apply what I learned in the classroom to my observations in the field. However, there were important lessons he taught that had nothing to do with geology but with people.

I struggled as a student, eventually graduating after five years and two changes in my major. Yet, Dr. Hatheway believed in me when I didn’t believe in myself.

In my fifth year at Geneseo, I made the baseball team. When I shared this with Dr. Hatheway, he was genuinely happy for me and said these words that made a lasting impact on me:

“We are not just developing geologists; we are developing whole people.”

After graduation, I drove to Houston, where I was hired for my first real job processing seismic reflection data for a major oil company. Based on my academic experience, this was right up my alley, and I achieved some success. After ten years in the working world, I was accepted to graduate school in geophysics at Stanford University. Dr. Hatheway was the first person I called to share the news. 

Although I had a successful career as a geophysicist, I believe my biggest contribution to the world has been my work with youth. Dr. Hatheway’s philosophy has been the guiding principle in all of my interactions with young people. While continuing work in oil exploration, I was offered the opportunity to coach basketball and baseball at a small private high school. I kept Dr. Hatheway’s philosophy of developing whole people in mind and applied it to my players. I did not understand the impact it had until the fourth year when players who had graduated from the program came back to help me coach the current team.

One of them offered this gem: “You were the only faculty member that offered praise for an accomplishment outside that faculty member's area of expertise.” It was true. At practice, I would mention that Joe won a science competition or George made the honor roll. On one Friday, I told the boys to cancel their plans because we were going to watch Nick in the school play. The boys appreciated being treated as whole people.

For 13 years, I taught junior high Sunday School and applied the same philosophy. I would go to middle school concerts or plays or athletic events to let them know that they were appreciated for more than who they were on Sunday mornings.

In 2015, my catcher from 1987-89 reached out on Facebook. He was coaching his son’s high school soccer team and said that he shared some of the lessons he learned from me, such as treating players as whole people. I pointed out that the whole-person philosophy did not start with me but that I learned it from Dr. Hatheway. Here, we find a third generation being impacted by me paying it forward.

In the late 1990s, I had the honor of being asked by the Department of Geological Sciences to write a letter supporting Dr. Hatheway’s promotion to full professor; in a sense, I was able to pay Dr. Hatheway back.

Geneseo students and alumni are more than their major or their vocation. We are citizens of the world looking to pay it forward and pay it back. I am thankful for professors like Dr. Hatheway, who support and teach students how to see themselves as whole individuals.

Paul R. Peterman ’80 (left) is a semi-retired geophysicist and a member of the Geneseo Foundation Board of Directors. Professor Emeritus of Geology Richard Hatheway (above right), who served at Geneseo from 1968 to 2007, lives in Geneseo, New York.

Donor Sharon Bonk '65 leaves a legacy to support students and the College. She has followed her passion for libraries and liberal arts throughout her career.

Sharon Bonk ‘65, who earned bachelor’s degrees in library science and elementary education at ������, has more than 40 years of experience in the many facets of librarianship, including managing libraries and book collections for researchers and leading change in libraries. Now retired, Sharon was most recently chief librarian at Queens College, CUNY, from 1993 to 2006. 

“I got my start at Geneseo, and it was the stepping stone for everything that I did,” says Sharon, the first generation in her family to go to college. She went on to earn master’s degrees in American studies and library science at the University of Minnesota.

Sharon is also a longstanding donor to Geneseo and has supported library initiatives, students and general needs. Recently, she made a significant gift through a bequest that will support Geneseo’s greatest needs. 

“We are so pleased that Ms. Bonk has made this generous gift to the College,” says Ellen Leverich, vice president of College Advancement and executive director of the Geneseo Foundation. “Giving to Geneseo’s greatest needs allows us to pivot quickly to support our most critical priorities and fund new initiatives.” 

Sharon recognizes the need for support at state institutions. When she fundraised for libraries, she realized there were many people who didn’t understand state institutions’ funding needs. “I want to help support academic and program opportunities for students at Geneseo,” says Sharon. 

Sharon’s Career Path

Sharon’s affinity for books and learning new subjects began early on. In high school, she worked in a public library. “While reshelving books returned to the library, I discovered so many interesting books on topics that I had not before encountered,” says Bonk. She thought she wanted to be an elementary school teacher, but a Geneseo graduate encouraged her to look into the library science program at the College, an area of study that resonated for her. 

“I was happy to be at Geneseo, made many friends, and was exposed to new cultural experiences,” says Sharon. “I went to my first opera and ballet there. It opened up interests in the arts that I had never had.”

Sharon especially loved the liberal arts courses she took at Geneseo. “I had good teachers like Katherine Beck, professor of history, Wendell Rhodes, professor of anthropology, and Charles Mahoney, professor of biology,” says Sharon. 

After graduating, Sharon took a position as a high school librarian but wanted to expand her opportunities and began pursuing master's degrees at the University of Minnesota. “The combination of liberal arts and library science,” Sharon says, “allowed me to enter academic librarianship, which I really enjoyed.” 

Upon graduation, Sharon took a position at Northeastern University in Boston, working in collection development. There, she worked with faculty members in the social sciences, learning about the courses they taught and their research—thereby, the types of publications the library needed to add to its collections. Identifying and selecting books in foreign languages piqued her interest in the book industry, publishers, and international booksellers who aided libraries in identifying and purchasing foreign publications. Later in her career, she would have the opportunity to attend book expositions and meet with publishers and booksellers in The Netherlands, Germany, and the United Kingdom, countries with major academic publishers.

Sharon went on to work at SUNY Albany, where she worked in collections and public service for 14 years, before joining Queens College, CUNY. “I was able to get a good education at Geneseo,” says Sharon. “I wanted to work at state university systems and give back something that I first experienced at Geneseo.”

Sharon says she’s done a little bit of everything throughout her librarianship career, including teaching graduate courses in library science, but about half of her time was in library management. When she joined Queens College as head librarian, the college had just opened a new library. She worked with staff to build document delivery services, new technology to scan books and articles, began web-based services, and fundraised to support initiatives. “I enjoyed working in a state-of-the-art library and moving things along,” says Sharon.  

Geneseo Nostalgia

Looking back at her time as a student at Geneseo, Sharon remembers going to the movie theater in town to see Ingmar Bergman films with her friends and then going to the Big Tree Inn to discuss their meaning. She remembers wine spritzers, 15 cent beers, and caroling at the Wadsworth estates. 

“I loved the town,” says Sharon. “I lived off-campus for two of the four years — though everything was regulated then, including the length of the shorts you could wear on campus and into the library.” It had to be knee-length.

(Inset photo of Sharon Bonk from 1965 Oh-Ha-Daih yearbook.)

You can support Geneseo students as they pursue their passions and discover their career paths by  today.

Doug ’89 and Stephanie Nelson ’89 Dickman met as first-year students in the Geneseo Chamber Singers, a premier ensemble that has earned regional, national, and international reputations for its performances.

“We would meet at choir at 5 o’clock, and a group of us would go to dinner afterward and hang out. That’s how we met,” says Stephanie, who was a physics major at Geneseo. 

The Chamber Singers were a big part of the Dickmans’ lives. Between their sophomore and junior year, they went on tour and performed in Italy. “There is something almost indescribable about making beautiful music with a tight-knit group of people in some amazing spaces to appreciative audiences,” says Doug, who was a business/management information systems major.

There have been many Chamber Singer couples through the generations, Stephanie says, many of whom return to Geneseo to attend reunion celebrations. “Some of our best friends today are couples who met through the Chamber Singers,” says Doug. One Chamber Singers couple is godparents to their son, Connor. 

Their affinity for Geneseo has grown over the decades and they have given back with their time, expertise, and contributions to provide opportunities for students. 

Giving Back to Geneseo

The Dickmans became supporters of the college through charitable giving early on. After graduating from Geneseo and earning masters’ degrees at other institutions, Doug and Stephanie got married.

“We started giving back in small amounts,” says Stephanie, “but Geneseo has been the mainstay of our charitable giving over the last 30 years.”

Among the many ways they give back to Geneseo, the Dickmans have provided support for the Chamber Singers — especially for European tours. “We found that to be an amazing experience,” says Stephanie. They have also supported the physics department, which, Stephanie says, prepared her very well for grad school.

Since 2011, Doug has been an active alumni association board member. He is currently vice president of the ������ Alumni Association and was a former member of the Geneseo Alumni Association Board as treasurer and nominations committee member.

Recently, the Dickmans made a significant gift to support Geneseo. Their donation has no specific restriction; they want Geneseo to use it where it is needed most.

“Needs fluctuate and that gives the school the flexibility to put the money where they need it today,” says Doug. Compared to other private colleges and universities, the Dickmans say they give to Geneseo because their need is greater, given reductions in state funding and a smaller endowment for scholarships, program, and faculty support. 

“Right now, Geneseo needs the support of alumni more than ever,” says Doug. “As students, we had formative experiences that depended on funding from the state, which doesn’t have the money to support the colleges like they used to. It’s important for students today and into the future to be able to have those experiences that we were fortunate enough to have.” 

Giving As A Value 

Giving back has long been part of the fabric of the Dickman family. Even in the wake of tragedy, the Dickmans found a way to help others, too. In 2019, they lost their 16-year old daughter, Sarah, to suicide. In memory of Sarah, Doug and Stephanie's son, Connor, wanted to bike the Erie Canal from Buffalo to Albany to for the American Foundation for Suicide Prevention. Doug joined Connor, and together, they raised more than $11,000.

“Our kids have always seen us give back,” says Stephanie. “For example, at Christmas, we would give donations to organizations or volunteer, and we would let them get involved, so it was in Connor’s nature to want to honor his sister like that.” 

Their Geneseo Experience

Looking back at their Geneseo experience, the Dickmans value a liberal arts education. “It makes people more well-rounded—better humans, better leaders, and more aware of their surroundings,” says Doug. “Supporting a really good liberal arts college like Geneseo is important in today’s world.”

They fondly remember their time on campus in the ’80s. Aunt Cookies was one of their favorite places, as well as The Donut Shop on the corner of Main and Center Streets. “We had less stuff—definitely fewer electronics,” says Stephanie. “Most students had some kind of musical system like a cassette player or stereo. It was fun, and I loved it.” 

The Dickmans are members of Geneseo’s 1871 Leadership Society, which recognizes donors who give $1,000 or more each year. Doug has worked in the information systems field for more than 25 years and is retired from Exelis (formerly Eastman Kodak) after 20 years of service followed by two years as a small business owner. Stephanie works for L3Harris Technologies as VP of Strategy and New Business Operations, Space and Airborne Systems. Doug also volunteers at the Rochester Museum and Science Center, Foodlink, Lollypop Farm, and Meals on Wheels.