Valentine’s Day may be over… but this Oswego love story was simply too good not to share. 💚💛

In this episode of the Oswego Alumni Podcast, host Dee Perkins sits down with husband-and-wife alumni Rita Torsney-Sullivan ’09 and Pat Baker ’08 — educators, parents, entrepreneurs, and proud Oswego graduates whose paths nearly didn’t cross at all.

From a chance meeting in a residence hall watching hockey, to an awkward first date at the unforgettable movie "Forgetting Sarah Marshall," to navigating long-distance dating, career pivots, opening a video game business together, and eventually growing their family through adoption — Rita and Pat’s journey is full of resilience, humor, and heart.

In this conversation, they share:

❤️ How they met at Oswego (and almost didn’t go out that night)
🎓 Their Oswego experiences — from Johnson Hall connections to studying abroad
🎮 Launching Gizmos Video Games & Wrestling in North Syracuse
📍 Moving between Syracuse, Virginia, Orlando, Staten Island — and back again
👨‍👩‍👦 Becoming parents to their son Orion and navigating life as special needs parents
🏫 Careers in education and alumni engagement
💬 Why communication and adaptability have been key to their success as a couple

Their story reflects what it truly means to be Oswego alumni — building community, embracing change, supporting one another, and never giving up.

👉 Subscribe for more Oswego alumni stories
👉 Have a guest idea? Reach out at [email protected]

#OswegoAlumniPodcast #SUNYOswego #OswegoState #AlumniStories #LoveStory #Adoption #SpecialEducation #HigherEd

In this episode, we’re joined by Sandra Michaca ’12, founder of The Michaca Law Firm, where she specializes in immigration law—one of the most complex and consequential areas of legal practice today.

Sandra reflects on her Oswego journey, from arriving on campus drawn by Lake Ontario, to diving into leadership through ALANA, the Student Association Supreme Court, and multiple student organizations. She shares how those experiences built her confidence, sharpened her public speaking, and prepared her to advocate for clients navigating high-stakes immigration processes.

Sandra also discusses what inspired her to pursue law at just 14 years old, the realities of practicing immigration law in a rapidly changing environment, and why she believes a single consultation can change a life.

If you’re a current student or early-career professional, Sandra’s message is a strong one: get experience early, stay curious, and don’t be afraid to put yourself out there.

#OswegoAlumniPodcast #SUNYOswego #OswegoState #Alumni #Leadership #ImmigrationLaw #HigherEd

Lou Borrelli Class of 1977 has been at the forefront of media, cable, and connectivity for more than four decades — helping build Marcus Cable, shaping broadband strategy at AOL, leading NEP Broadcasting for events like the Super Bowl, Oscars, Grammys, and Monday Night Football, and now serving as CEO of the National Content & Technology Cooperative, representing more than 700 operators across the country.

In this episode, Lou shares with us an inspiring and wide-ranging conversation about:

• His early days at WOCR, working alongside a young Al Roker

• How SUNY Oswego gave him the confidence and hands-on training to launch a career in media

• The evolution of cable from community antenna TV to today’s broadband-driven world

• Behind-the-scenes stories from the biggest live events on television

• His two battles with cancer — and how surviving them changed his perspective

• His love of sailing, leadership lessons, and the Oswego spirit

• His newest act of generosity: a $150,000 matching gift to establish the Fritz Messere Dean’s Suite in Hewitt Hall

Lou’s story is one of resilience, innovation, gratitude, and giving back to the community that shaped him.

Listen now to hear how one Oswego alum helped transform an entire industry — and continues to uplift the next generation.

Donate to the Fritz's Naming Suite:

https://alumni.oswego.edu/fritz

🎙️ New Episode: Meet Lex Barker '03 - From Lakers Student-Athlete to Great Lakes Project Manager

From Lakers track athlete to managing an $82 million breakwater repair on the very waterfront where he went to college—Lex Barker's journey is one of unexpected turns, alumni connections, and coming full circle.

In this episode, Lex '03 shares how a double major in Business Administration and Economics led him to nearly 20 years with the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers, where he manages massive infrastructure projects across the Great Lakes—from Toledo to Massena.

We dive into:• How an Oswego alum opened the door to his first EPA internship in DC• What it's like being a civilian project manager working alongside military leadership• The science and logistics behind dredging harbors and repairing century-old breakwaters• Why storms on Lake Ontario required 20-ton armor stones to protect Oswego Harbor• That time he conducted a site inspection on a Coast Guard vessel in 35-degree weather• The value of adding that "extra" major that ended up defining his career path• Coach Tim Boyce's mentorship in helping him grow as a student-athlete and young adult

Whether you're a recent grad wondering where your degree will take you, or an alum curious about the paths other Lakers have taken, Lex's story reminds us that staying curious, building relationships, and being open to unexpected opportunities can lead to a career you never imagined—right back where it all started.

🎧 Find more episodes here: https://alumni.oswego.edu/s/1552/bp18/interior.aspx?sid=1552&gid=1&pgid=4178

#OSWEGOAlumni #LakersForLife #AlumniPodcast #SUNYOswego #CareerSuccess #AlumniNetwork #GreatLakes

In this episode of the Oswego Alumni Podcast, we sit down with Justin Dobrow ’17 — newly promoted Director of Partner Solutions at NBCUniversal’s Peacock and President of the Oswego Alumni Association Board of Directors.Justin shares his journey from running WTOP-10 as a student, to interning at Late Night with Seth Meyers, to helping launch Peacock during the pandemic. He also reflects on meeting his wife at Oswego, the professors who shaped his path, and why he’s excited about the upcoming Communications Dinner and the grand reopening of Hewitt Union.Whether you’re a student, alum, or just curious about breaking into the media industry, Justin’s story is packed with career lessons, alumni pride, and a few laughs along the way.🔗 Listen to more episodes of the Oswego Alumni Podcast: https://alumni.oswego.edu/s/1552/bp18/interior.aspx?sid=1552&gid=1&pgid=4178

We were deeply saddened to hear of the recent passing of Tim Mollen, Class of ’91. In this episode, we revisit our conversation with Tim, whose openness about the highs and lows of life as a working actor, and his decision to pause his career to care for his parents, left a lasting impact. His compassion—especially in sharing the challenges of supporting his mother through dementia—offers a perspective we don’t hear nearly enough. We are grateful for the time we spent with Tim, and in honoring his life and his love for Oswego, we’re proud to share his voice once more.

🌟 Oswego Alumni Podcast – New Episode! 🌟

From the Bronx to SUNY Oswego to producing some of today’s biggest events, Cruz Alvarado ’12 has built an inspiring journey of leadership, creativity, and community. 🎤

✨In this episode, Cruz reflects on her time at Oswego as a philosophy major and campus leader, and how those experiences gave her the skills to thrive in education, corporate retail, and eventually entrepreneurship. Today, she’s producing large-scale events like FanaticsFest and Anime NYC while staying deeply connected to her alma mater through the Return to Oz alumni committee.

💛💚We also take time to honor the unforgettable legacy of Howard Gordon, who made a lasting impact on generations of Lakers.

🎧 Tune in and be inspired

#OswegoAlumni #SUNYOswego #Podcast #AlumniStories

In this episode of The Oswego Alumni Podcast, host Dee Perkins sits down with SUNY Oswego alumnus and adjunct professor Chris Hoch who shares his unique journey from attending elementary school on campus to building a successful career in risk management—and then returning to the classroom to teach the next generation. And stick around for the popular discussion about whether it is pronounced "Os-WEE-go" or "Os-way-go."

🎓 Topics Covered in This Episode:

The surprising path from business education to risk management

What risk management really involves—and why it matters across industries

Launching SUNY Oswego’s Risk Management & Insurance program

The power of mentorship and maintaining alumni connections

Whether you're exploring a career in business, a current student, or a proud Oswego alum, this episode offers valuable insights into building a meaningful career while giving back to your roots.

👍 Subscribe to the Oswego Alumni Podcast on YouTube: / @OswegoAlumniPodcast

#SUNYOswego #RiskManagement #AlumniStories #Mentorship #CareerAdvice #HigherEd #OswegoAlumniPodcast

In this inspiring episode of The Oswego Alumni Podcast, host Dee Perkins sits down with Kate Wilcox-Rodwell, a SUNY Oswego alum who left a successful marketing career to pursue a bold dream: restoring her 9,600-square-foot childhood home into a stunning event venue and business — now known as The Hillcrest Estate in the Finger Lakes region of New York. Kate shares her journey from corporate life to entrepreneurship, including:
🔨 Managing a million-dollar renovation
🏡 Turning a once-abandoned mansion into a thriving business
👩‍👧‍👦 Balancing family life and business ownership
💡 What it really takes to follow a long-held vision — and make it work

💬 “This isn’t just about events. It’s about legacy, heart, and trusting the path — even when it’s the hard one.”

Whether you're into small business, historic renovations, family entrepreneurship, or just love a good comeback story — this episode will leave you inspired.👉

Subscribe for more alumni stories and inspiring conversations.
📍 Learn more about The Hillcrest Estate: https://www.thehillcrestestate.com/
#OswegoAlumniPodcast #EntrepreneurLife #HistoricHomeRestoration #FingerLakesNY #WomenInBusiness #SmallBusinessOwner

🎙️ In this powerful and emotional episode, host Dee Perkins (1985) talks with Jim Grismer (Class of 1989), a retired New York City firefighter whose life journey from SUNY Oswego to Ground Zero—and beyond—is a testament to service, legacy, and lasting friendships.Jim opens up about his family's deep firefighting roots, his personal experience with 9/11—including losing close friends and colleagues—and how those events shaped his life's mission. He also shares the story behind the Free and Easy Forever Memorial on the Oswego campus, a tribute to alumni lost in the 9/11 attacks and the Pan Am Flight 103 tragedy over Lockerbie.🏫 Jim reflects on his transformative time at Oswego, the lifelong bonds he formed, and the healing power of reunion. His work with the Tunnel to Towers Foundation and the 9/11 Mobile Exhibit ensures the stories of the fallen are never forgotten.💬 Topics include:The legacy of firefighting in Jim’s family 👨‍🚒A life-changing shift swap on 9/11Honoring fallen Oswego alumni: Lynne Hartunian ’89 and Colleen Brunner ’90, two victims of 1989’s Pan Am Flight 103, and Michael Hannan ‘89 and Richard Caproni ‘89, both victims of the Sept. 11 attacksThe connections that made the Free and Easy Forever Memorial happenThe unforgettable 2015 Oswego reunion and dedication ceremonyJim’s son, Thomas Michael, continuing the legacy as a Marine training to be a crash rescue firefighterThe enduring bond of Oswego classmates ❤️📍 Whether you're an Oswego alum, a first responder, or someone who values the power of community, this is an episode you won’t want to miss.🔗 SUBSCRIBE for more inspiring stories from SUNY Oswego alumni.#SUNYOswego #OswegoAlumniPodcast #911NeverForget #FDNY #TunnelToTowers #FreeAndEasyMemorial #OswegoAlumni #Lockerbie #FirstResponders #OswegoReunion