On Point for College Utica to Honor Students, Alumni and Community Leaders at 2026 Celebration

 

UTICA, N.Y. — On Point for College will honor students, alumni, educators, business leaders and community partners at the 2026 On Point for College Utica Celebration.

The annual Celebration recognizes the accomplishments of On Point students and graduates while honoring individuals and organizations whose leadership, partnership and commitment help students pursue educational and career opportunities throughout the Mohawk Valley.

“The Utica Celebration is about recognizing our students and the community leaders who help On Point make their success possible,” said Kevin Marken, Utica Director for On Point for College. “Our students bring extraordinary talent, determination and dreams to their educational journeys. We are grateful to the educators, employers, community leaders and partners across the Mohawk Valley who continue to partner with On Point to help move their educational and career dreams forward.”

2026 Celebration Honorees

The 2026 Celebration will recognize community leaders, educators, employers and partners whose work has helped create opportunities for On Point students and strengthen communities throughout the Mohawk Valley.

Dream Maker Award

Rossana Rosado, Commissioner, New York State Division of Criminal Justice Services

The Dream Maker Award recognizes leaders whose leadership, investment and collaboration help make educational and career opportunities possible for students. This year’s award will honor Commissioner Rossana Rosado for Project RISE (Respond, Invest, Sustain, Empower) - a statewide New York initiative administered by the New York State Division of Criminal Justice Services (DCJS) to combat gun violence, support mental health, and provide youth development and employment opportunities.

Foundation of Hope Award

Cornhill Revitalization Project Partners

The Foundation of Hope Award recognizes organizations and individuals whose collaboration helps strengthen communities and create opportunities for others. This year, On Point will recognize four nonprofit partners involved in the broader Cornhill Revitalization Project:

The Community Foundation of Herkimer & Oneida Counties; People First; The Mid-Utica Neighborhood Preservation Corporation; and The Collective Impact Network.

The Cornhill Revitalization Project is a comprehensive, community-driven effort that brings together residents, organizations, public agencies, funders and community leaders to strengthen Utica’s historic Cornhill neighborhood. The initiative seeks to enhance quality of life, expand economic opportunities, strengthen community resources, and preserve and celebrate the neighborhood’s rich history.

Community Leader Awards

Frank Giotto, Founder and President, Fiber Instrument Sales

Giotto will be recognized for his business and community leadership, his commitment to education, and his service for the On Point for College Advisory Board.

Lindsay Weichert, Regional President, Community Bank

Weichert will be recognized for her leadership and commitment to strengthening communities and expanding opportunities throughout the region for On Point for College students and all students.

On Point for Careers Award

Ross Berntson, President and CEO, Indium Corporation, and Indium Corporation

The On Point for Careers Award recognizes individuals and organizations that help connect students with meaningful career opportunities. Berntson and Indium Corporation will be honored for their commitment to workforce development, STEM and career pathways.

Make a Difference Awards

Steven Bulger, CEO/President, ICAN

Bulger will be recognized for his leadership and longstanding commitment to children, individuals and families, including On Point for College students, throughout the Mohawk Valley.

Rachel Daughtry, College and Community Partnership Coordinator, Utica City School District

Daughtry will be recognized for her work connecting On Point for College students and all students with educational opportunities, community resources and partnerships that support their success.

Dr. Tolga Hayali, Superintendent, Science Academies of New York Charter Schools

Hayali will be recognized for his leadership in education and his commitment to expanding opportunities for On Point for College students and all students throughout Central New York and the Mohawk Valley.

Campus Angel Award

Kenny Morrison, Assistant Director of Admissions, Mohawk Valley Community College

The Campus Angel Award recognizes a higher education professional who goes above and beyond to help On Point students navigate college and overcome barriers to success. Morrison will be honored for his commitment to supporting students as they pursue their educational goals at Mohawk Valley Community College.

Celebrating On Point Alumni

The Celebration will also recognize On Point alumni whose educational, professional and community achievements reflect the many paths students can take after college. Their accomplishments demonstrate the talent, perseverance and commitment to giving back that continue to define the On Point community.

On Point for College Utica has recognized outstanding students, alumni and community partners through its annual Celebration since 2013. The Utica program has helped more than 2,600 first-generation adults in the region overcome barriers to success, with more than 1,100 students graduating with On Point’s support in the Utica region.

On Point for College provides comprehensive support to help students overcome barriers and pursue college, certificate programs, apprenticeships and other pathways to education and career success. The organization works with students from application through graduation and beyond, connecting them with the guidance, resources and opportunities needed to achieve their educational and professional goals.

Event Information

2026 On Point for College Utica Celebration
Thursday, November 12, 2026
5:30–8:00 p.m.
Hart’s Hill Inn
135 Clinton St.
Whitesboro, NY 13492

Registration and additional information:
www.onpointforcollege.org/celebration