Join the MCC Foundation in celebrating the success of the newest members of the MCC Alumni Hall of Fame: Todd Baxter ’10, Stephen Pasquarella ’83, JoAnne Ryan, RN, MHA ’79, and Kimberley Willis, Ph.D. ’90. These inspiring alumni will be inducted into the hall of fame at the 26th annual
Salute to Excellence dinner on Thursday, November 19. Following are brief descriptions of their professional achievements and the ways they support Monroe Community College and our community.
Todd Baxter ’10
Todd is executive director of the Veterans Outreach Center, the nation’s oldest independent nonprofit agency serving veterans of all eras. Prior to joining the Veterans Outreach Center, Todd served as a member of the Rochester Police Department for 22 years and as chief of police of the Greece Police Department for four years. After three years of active duty with the U.S. Army, he continued his military service with the U.S. Army Reserves, 98th Division for another 19 years before retiring as a master sergeant in 2005. Todd inspires future first responders as an instructor at MCC’s Public Safety Training Facility. After earning an associate degree in criminal justice at MCC, he earned a bachelor’s degree in organizational management and a master’s degree in strategic leadership from Roberts Wesleyan College. He also gives back by serving on the Salvation Army, Villa of Hope and Greece Chamber of Commerce boards of directors.
Stephen Pasquarella ’83
Stephen is president of Vincent Associates, a manufacturer of high-speed, electro-mechanical shutters used worldwide in microscopy, medical imaging, video, spectroscopy and astronomy. During his career, he has been awarded numerous patents related to shutter and circuit design. Stephen studied computer systems analysis at The College at Brockport and Rochester Institute of Technology before discovering his passion for electronics. He enrolled at MCC and earned an associate of applied science in electrical engineering. He gives back to the community on several levels, including as president of the Artists Unlimited Board of Directors, a nonprofit community theater group that provides opportunities for individuals with physical and/or developmental disabilities to participate in the performing arts.
JoAnne Ryan, RN, MHA ’79
JoAnne is president and chief executive officer of Volunteers of America of Upstate New York (VOA). Prior to the VOA, she was the director of quality management for Rochester General Health System. After earning her associate in applied science in nursing from MCC, JoAnne earned her bachelor of arts in gerontology from St. John Fisher College and a master’s degree in health systems administration from Rochester Institute of Technology. She gives back to our community as a member of Rochester Rotary International, the Council of Agency Executives, Rochester Women’s Giving Circle, Seniors First Kirkhaven Board and the Italian Women’s Civic Club.
Kimberley Willis, DM ’90
After serving MCC students for more than 15 years, Kimberley accepted her current position as SUNY Geneseo’s college registrar in March 2015. Her professional experience began in the banking industry and eventually led her to MCC in 1999 as the assistant director of student accounts. After earning her bachelor’s degree in finance and master’s degree in public administration at The College at Brockport, she went on to earn a doctorate in management in community college policy and administration from the University of Maryland University College in 2012. An active community volunteer, Kimberley serves on the boards of the Jefferson Avenue Childhood Development Center and the Rochester Children’s Scholarship Fund. She has mentored young women through Compeer Inc. and Women Helping Girls. She also gives back to MCC as a member of the MCC Foundation’s President’s Circle.
Tickets to the Salute to Excellence are available. For tickets and information, contact the MCC Foundation at x1500. The event reception will begin at 5:30 p.m.; the dinner and award ceremony will begin at 6:30 p.m.
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 support of MCC and the MCC Foundation. Including the newest inductees, there are 91 members of the hall of fame.