Inductees recognized for outstanding community service and professional success

ROCHESTER, N.Y. –Nov. 2, 2009-Monroe Community College alumni Richard A. Kaplan (Brighton), Thomas M. Voelkl (Brighton), Christine E. Wagner, SSJ, Ph.D. (Rochester) and Robert L. Woody (Gainesville, Fla.) will be inducted into the MCC Alumni Hall of Fame at the Monroe Community College Foundation’s 20th annual Salute of Excellence dinner on Thursday, Nov. 19, at the Rochester Riverside Convention Center.

Kaplan is the president and CEO of Pictometry International Corporation, a leading provider of digital, aerial and oblique image libraries and related software. With an extensive background in economics, accounting, and executive leadership, Kaplan has grown Pictometry into a premier technological corporation in the Rochester community. He serves on numerous advisory boards at leading universities and related organizations, including the Nazareth College Board of Trustees and the University of Rochester Venture Development Advisory Board. He is the chairman of the Board of Advisors for the Chester F. Carlson Center for Imaging Science at the Rochester Institute of Technology. Kaplan also lends his time to many community organizations including Camp Good Days and Special Times, The Better Business Bureau, Wilson Commencement Park, Rochester Broadway Theatre League and the Martial Arts Center of Rochester. Kaplan graduated from MCC’s business program in 1967 before transferring to the University of Buffalo where he studied accounting and economics. He also studied at Rochester Institute of Technology.

Serving the Brighton community since 1993, Police Chief Voelkl is an innovative leader in the community. During his 37-year career in law enforcement, Voelkl has initiated programs such as the citizen police academy and Volunteers in Police Service (VIPS) program. In 2004 Voelkl received the Citizen of the Year award from the Brighton Rotary for his outstanding commitment to Brighton and its citizens. He is currently working with Dr. Donald Kamin, Monroe County Office of Mental Health, to establish a standardized Crisis Intervention Task Force to improve police response in dealing with emotionally disturbed persons. Voelkl is a graduate on the FBI National Academy and Law Enforcement Executive Development Association both in Quantico, Va. He earned his bachelor’s degree in human resource management from Roberts Wesleyan College achieving magna cum laude status. Voelkl graduated from MCC in 1970 with an associate in applied science degree in criminal justice.

Wagner serves as the executive director of St. Joseph’s Neighborhood Center, providing comprehensive health care, counseling, adult education and social work to individuals and families who lack access to health insurance. Established in 1993 as a ministry of the Sisters of St. Joseph, Wagner’s philosophy of life is to “work the best way possible and pay attention to the needs of neighbor and community.” In addition to contributions to numerous publications, Wagner serves on a variety of community boards, including the Greater Rochester Health Foundation, New York/Pennsylvania Region of the American Red Cross, Rochester Interfaith Health Care Coalition and Nazareth Schools. In 1992 Wagner graduated from the Maxwell School of Citizenship and Public Affairs at Syracuse University with a doctorate in social science. She is also a graduate of The College at Brockport having earned a bachelor’s degree in English. She graduated from MCC in 1971 with a degree in applied science. She has been a member of the Sisters of St. Joseph since 1975.

Originally from Geneva, N.Y., Woody has served 27 years in social services. As the director of the Department of the Jail at the Alachua County Sheriff’s Office in Gainesville, Fla., Woody supervises personnel engaged in inmate detention and support. He is an advocate of community colleges and public service. Woody has received several appointments from the Florida Governor’s Office, including service to the Judicial Nominating Committee, the State of Florida Elector for the Presidential Election 2000, and the Santa Fe Community College Board of Trustees. His numerous awards include the Florida Community College Trustee Board of the Year Award/Santa Fe Community College, Law Enforcement Special Recognition Award and the Gainesville Sun Civic Leader Person of the Year Award. He is also responsible for the Alachua County/Santa Fe Community College Minority Scholarship Fund started in 1994. Woody earned a master’s degree from Rollins College in Winter Park, Fla. and a bachelor’s degree from SUNY Oneonta. He graduated from MCC’s criminal justice program in 1973.

The MCC Alumni Hall of Fame was established in 1992 to honor the outstanding achievements of MCC graduates for their professional success, service to the community and exhibited support of MCC and/or the MCC Foundation. There are currently 63 members.

For Salute to Excellence dinner tickets and information, please call the MCC Foundation at (585) 262-1500.

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Media Contact:
Rosanna Condello
College and Community Relations
585-292-3024
rcondello@monroecc.edu