Deborah Alimentato ’84 (Irondequoit), Elma A. Bellini ’74, (Webster), Thomas J. Cray ’76 (Penfield), and Chester N. Watson ’71 (White Plains) will be inducted into the Monroe Community College Alumni Hall of Fame at the 16th annual Salute to Excellence dinner tonight, Jan. 11, at the Rochester Riverside Convention Center.
The annual event is hosted by the Monroe Community College Foundation to celebrate philanthropy and alumni success in the Rochester area community. The inductees were selected by the 2005 MCC Alumni Hall of Fame Committee, led by fellow alumnus John T. Smith ’71 (Pittsford). Demonstrated professional success and community involvement are among the criteria for selection.
Alimentato is a chef and cooking coach at Wegmans Food Markets, Inc. CEO Danny Wegman nominated her because of her exceptional customer service acumen. Alimentato has certified over 3,000 customers and employees in a variety of cooking techniques and volunteers her time to support local fundraisers.
Bellini is an acting New York State Supreme Court Justice who believes that “one can get an excellent start in a community college.” Her career began as an assistant public defender for Monroe County. Today she hears and decides domestic violence cases and speaks at regional and national legal training seminars. She is involved in a variety of community organizations, including Big Brothers Big Sisters, Camp Good Days and Special Times and the Greater Rochester Association of Women Attorneys.
Cray has over 30 years experience as an advocate for veterans. He is president and CEO of Rochester’s Veterans Outreach Center, Inc., a post he has held since 1998. A veteran of the United States Navy, Cray was awarded the Vietnam Service Medal following two tours of duty with combat. He serves on the board of the National Coalition for Homeless Veterans and is a life member of the Veterans of Foreign Wars and Vietnam Veterans of America organizations.
Watson is general auditor of General Motors Corporation where he directs a worldwide group of 250 professionals focused on monitoring risk and improving profitability. His business and finance career spans 30 years and includes leadership positions at KPMG Peat Marwick, Bell Atlantic (now Verizon) and Lucent Technologies. He is a Rochester Institute of Technology trustee and director on the Junior Achievement of New Jersey board.
The Salute to Excellence will also recognize the John L. DiMarco, chairman and CEO of The DiMarco Group for his philanthropy towards MCC students and Greater Rochester. DiMarco will be presented with the Salute to Excellence Award—a Steuben crystal star designed to reflect the recipient’s personal commitment and generosity.
Congratulations to all award recipients. Event proceeds support student scholarships, faculty enrichment programs, program innovation and the purchase of educational equipment at MCC.
Pictured below (l to r) are Deborah Alimentato, Elma Bellini, Thomas Cray and Chester Watson.
Mark Pastorella
MCC Foundation
01/11/2006
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