Notable Alumni of Utica University: A Legacy of Achievement

Utica University, a private institution located in Utica, New York, has a rich history dating back to the 1930s when Syracuse University began offering extension courses in the area. Officially becoming Utica University on February 17, 2022, the university has fostered a diverse community of students who have gone on to make significant contributions in various fields. This article highlights some of the university's notable alumni, showcasing their accomplishments and the impact they have made in their respective professions and communities.

Alumni Council and Awards

Utica University takes pride in its alumni and actively engages them through the Alumni Council. Members are nominated based on their demonstrated involvement, support, and commitment to the institution. The Alumni Council plays a vital role in representing the Utica Alumni Society and fostering a strong connection between the university and its graduates. Every year Utica University honors alumni, faculty and friends of the University with Alumni Council awards. The categories for the Utica University Alumni Council awards are: distinguished accomplishment in his/her chosen career field; unparalleled service and devotion to Utica University his/her selfless volunteerism, philanthropy, and leadership (only those who have been connected of 20-30 years or longer should be considered).

Recognizing Student Excellence

Utica University also recognizes outstanding students through various awards. The Ann Ciancia '18, G'21 Outstanding Senior Award is presented to a graduating student who has demonstrated participation in campus activities, service to the community, outstanding scholastic achievement, or achievement despite personal hardship. The Alumni Memorial Scholarship is awarded to junior or senior students who have demonstrated merit, future promise, and service to Utica University. The Sportsmanship Award honors student-athletes who have demonstrated fairness, civility, unselfishness, respect, and responsibility in intercollegiate athletics.

Accomplished Alumni

Utica University has produced a diverse array of successful alumni who have made their mark in various fields. Here are some notable examples:

Academia and Research

Dr. A past recipient of Utica University’s Harold T. Clark Jr. Award for exemplary scholarship, Dr. is a devoted teacher-scholar who prioritizes experiential learning. He is the founder and director of the Utica University Center of Public Affairs and Election Research in 2018, is the author of six books, and routinely shares his expertise for local and national media outlets, including The New York Times, Wall Street Journal, Washington Post, Los Angeles Times, Associated Press, PBS, and Politico. He has been selected by the U.S. Department of State and the Fulbright Foreign Scholarship Board as a Fulbright Scholar for the 2025-2026 academic year. Through this fellowship, he will be living in Budapest this fall and teaching at Eötvös Loránd University and Pázmány Péter Catholic University.

Arts and Entertainment

George Burrell Woodin: A wrestler, better known by his stage name "Mr."
moe.: A band with members who attended Utica University.

Business and Entrepreneurship

Frank Winfield Woolworth: The entrepreneur and founder of F. W. Woolworth.
Nicholas Devereux: A financier, banker, and philanthropist; founder of St.
Linda Bramblett ’89: The director of North American transportation for International Paper, one of the world’s leading producers of fiber-based products. She graduated from Utica College in 1989 with a bachelor’s degree in liberal arts/pre-engineering and went on to earn a bachelor’s in chemical engineering from Virginia Tech. Over 25 years, she has served in numerous roles with International Paper. She has been in her current position since June 2018.

Government and Public Service

Carrie Babcock Sherman: Wife of Vice President James S.
James S.: Vice President of the United States.
Benjamin Walker: U.S. Representative and Senator from New York.
Roscoe Conkling: U.S. Senator from New York.
James Schoolcraft Sherman: Vice President of the United States.
Thurlow Weed: Principal advisor to William H.
Joseph Martino ’08, G’10: A supervising gaming operations inspector for the New York State Gaming Commission. He received his bachelor’s degree in economic crime investigation with a minor in economics, and a master’s of business administration in economic crime and fraud management from Utica College. Martino was previously a criminal investigator for Washington State Office of Fraud and Accountability assigned to detect social media trafficking of Supplemental Nutritional Assistance Program (SNAP) benefits. Martino was also a state-licensed private investigator from 2010 to 2014.