CELORON, N.Y. — The SUNY Jamestown Community College Foundation recognized recipients of the John D. Hamilton and Distinguished Alumnus awards during its annual awards gala on Thursday, Nov. 6 at the Chautauqua Harbor Hotel.
This year’s honorees of the Hamilton Award include former longtime faculty members Chuck Brininger, Cindy Hinz, Becky Nystrom, and Frank and Elizabeth Petiprin, along with retired staff members Denise Burbey, Maria Kindberg, Michael Moots, and Anthony and Connie Pilato.
Established in 1995, the Hamilton Award honors individuals whose service and dedication reflect the contributions of John D. Hamilton, a past JCC president and trustee emeritus.
Cindy Hinz, Maria Kindberg, Becky Nystrom, Connie and Anthony Pilato,
Denise Burbey, and Elizabeth and Frank Petiprin. Bottom left: Student award
recipient Evelyn Janora. Bottom right: Distinguished Alumnus Briana Postle, left,
with Carissa Bentley, JCC Foundation executive director.
In celebration of JCC’s 75th anniversary, the Foundation chose the Hamilton Award to honor retired faculty and staff who have continued to demonstrate their commitment to the college and its mission.
“Many have had several roles at JCC over the years and have served in a variety of capacities,” Crystal Rose-Williams, interim vice president of Student Experience, said during the gala. “Their commitment did not end when their careers at JCC concluded. Through their financial support, they have invested in the success of our students and the strength of our institution. Their philanthropy stands as a lasting testament to their belief in JCC’s mission and the transformative power of education.”
Briana Postle, a 2004 JCC graduate and licensed social worker in Chautauqua County, was recipient of the Distinguished Alumnus Award.
Since 1980, the alumni associations on JCC’s Jamestown and Cattaraugus County campuses have presented the Distinguished Alumnus Award — the associations’ highest honor — to graduates who exemplify the college’s tradition of excellence and bring credit to JCC through personal accomplishment, professional achievement, or humanitarian service.
JCC student Evelyn Janora was also honored as recipient of the USA Scholarship and Charles D. Brininger Award.
The awards gala, presented by Assured Partners, began with a toast to JCC’s 75 years given by former longtime employee Nelson Garifi, and included a diamond draw giveaway sponsored by Ask Design Jewelers in Olean.
About the award recipients:
Chuck Brininger dedicated 51 years to JCC as a faculty member in the Life Sciences division. A two-time recipient of the Faculty Award for Excellence in Teaching, he also served as division chair, coordinator, and longtime Faculty Association president and negotiator.
During her 24-year career at JCC, Denise Burbey advanced from training coordinator to the college’s first chief information officer, leading major innovations in distance learning and educational technology. She also served as an adjunct faculty member, teaching online, hybrid, and in-person courses.
Cindy Hinz joined JCC’s Cattaraugus County Campus in 2003, teaching subjects ranging from accounting and economics to leadership and psychology. She earned the President’s Award and Chancellor’s Award for Excellence in Teaching.
Beginning her JCC career in 1996 as an adjunct instructor, Maria Kindberg went on to serve in multiple leadership roles, including executive director of the JCC Foundation. Her leadership strengthened the Foundation’s long-term stability and community partnerships.
As executive director of the JCC Foundation JCC from 2011 to 2016, Michael Moots advanced development programs and fundraising initiatives while also teaching social work as an adjunct. He served on the JCC board of trustees from 2008 to 2011.
A JCC graduate and professor of biology from 1983 to 2020, Becky Nystrom inspired generations through her courses, community presentations, and advocacy for the natural world. She coordinated JCC’s Environmental Science Program, helped design the LEED Gold–certified Science Center, and has served on the JCC Foundation board since 2018.
Frank Petiprin joined JCC in 1970 as a mathematics instructor and helped pioneer the college’s early computer science curriculum. Elizabeth “Liz” Petiprin earned an associate degree from JCC in 1973 before joining the college as an adjunct faculty member in English.
Anthony “Tony” Pilato served more than 20 years as an audio visual technician at JCC, where he maintained and advanced broadcast facilities vital to academic and public programming. Connie Pilato, a JCC graduate, joined the college in 1993 and advanced through multiple technology and instructional design roles, including academic technical support specialist.
With more than 15 years of experience as a social worker, Briana Postle is the founder of Peace of Mind Counseling in Silver Creek and Together We Bloom, a nonprofit organization that provides free and accessible opportunities to enhance emotional well-being.