The Daily Bulletin Archive

Buffalo State College honored five of its most accomplished young alumni at a special reception on Friday in the Campbell Student Union. The Young Alumnus Achievement Award recognizes graduates of the last 20 years for their professional advancement, dedication to the community, and commitment to the college and its mission. The following individuals were honored for their achievements:

Cesar A. Cabrera, ’90, ’06
B.A., Broadcasting; M.S., Multidisciplinary Studies, Public Relations
WNY Regional Representative, NYS Department of Labor 

In his role, Cabrera develops community partnerships to address economic and workforce development needs for Western New York. He is a member of the Buffalo State College Alumni Association’s board of directors and assists a variety of local organizations in promoting social issues such as stable families, AIDS assistance, and mentoring. Cabrera also serves on the board of Citizen Action of New York and the statewide board of directors for the Public Policy and Education Fund of New York.

Gerald L. Cornish, ’90
B.S., Economics
First Vice President, Merrill Lynch

An 18-year employee of Merrill Lynch, Cornish manages hundreds of millions of dollars of financial assets for families, corporations, and nonprofit organizations. He serves on the boards of the Buffalo State College Foundation and the Summit Educational Resources Foundation, a nonprofit agency that provides therapeutic and educational services to children with learning, communication, and behavioral challenges. He has been involved with the Buffalo Hearing and Speech Center, the Western New York Muscular Dystrophy Association, and the Eastern Hills Rotary Club.

Kelly (Monahan) Frothingham, ’94, ’97
B.S., Urban and Regional Analysis and Planning; M.S., Multidisciplinary Studies
Associate Professor, Geography and Planning, Buffalo State College

Frothingham joined the Buffalo State College faculty in 2000. She was one of the college’s first members of the McNair Scholars Program and continues to play an active role in the organization as a mentor to students. She has also been involved with many community initiatives, including the Cayuga Creek Restoration Steering Committee and the Scajaquada Creek Watershed Advisory Council.

Christopher R. Gallant, ’92
B.A., Broadcasting
Director of Photography for Special Projects, WGRZ-TV

Gallant is a 16-year broadcasting industry journalist, producer, and director. He recently received an Emmy Award for a report on the wrongful conviction of Anthony Capozzi. An active participant in Buffalo State activities, Gallant regularly takes part in the Bengal 5K Run and Fun Walk, has volunteered for the Newman Center, and has served as a mentor for students in the Communication Department. He also is a volunteer board member for Squeaky Wheel, Buffalo’s independent media arts center.

David A. Kopasz, ’93
B.S., Food Systems Management
Vice President for Food and Beverages, Seneca Niagara Casino

Kopasz manages food and beverage operations for the Seneca casinos operating in Western New York. He is a member of the Buffalo State College Alumni Association’s board of directors and a prominent supporter of the Hospitality and Tourism Department, regularly visiting student classes. He also donates refreshments and food for the Alumni Association’s annual “Toast to the City” wine-tasting event.