Fisher Honors 2020 Ten Under 10 Recipients

St. John Fisher College has awarded ten graduates of the last decade with the 2020 Ten Under 10 award. The recipients will be recognized during a virtual ceremony hosted by President Rooney on Dec. 9.

The Ten Under 10 Awards recognize individuals for their personal and professional successes, as well as their commitment to the community. This year’s alumni honorees include health care providers, business professionals, community advocates, and serve as mentors for current Fisher students.

The 2020 recipients are Cheol Kessler, Dr. Aaron Spacher, Ashlee Bolton, Antoinette Poole, Dr. Anthony Chiaravalloti, Timothy Crumley, Dr. Valerie Grapensteter, Tashanda Thomas, Gina Godlewski, and Dr. Nicholas Donofrio.

A graduate of the class of 2010, Cheol Kessler is currently the director of clubhouse operations at Oak Hill Country Club. According to his nominator, Kessler “goes above and beyond for friends, family, and Fisher.” Known as a hard worker who is excelling in his career, he is respected for his attention to detail and professionalism.  Kessler continues to stay connected with Fisher as a member of Fisher Young Professionals. He also serves the community through his work with Camp Good Days and Special Times, the On-Course Foundation, and the Club Management Association of America Fall Classic Fundraiser.

Aaron Spacher is a 2013 graduate and associate veterinarian at Banfield Pet Hospital in Henrietta, NY. His nominator says that he “upholds the goodness, discipline and knowledge values in all aspects of his life.” He has held multiple leadership roles and is active in continuing education opportunities. He serves as an alumni ambassador with his graduate alma mater, St. George University, and as director of education and outreach for the Tiger Conservation Project. He has been honored by St. George University for his expertise and willingness to mentor.

A member of the Class of 2014, Ashlee Bolton is an associate for IHS Markit. Bolton is passionate about creating opportunities for disenfranchised and under-invested people of color with socioeconomic disadvantages. She is member of BNY Mellon’s IMPACT network and Zeta Phi Beta Sorority, a community-conscious, action-oriented organization. Her nominator noted her as “an excellent example of someone who embodies Fisher values.” As a leader, she is known for integrity and commitment to continuous growth in her personal and professional lives.

Antoinette Poole is a graduate of the Class of 2012 serving as an addiction therapist for Catholic Family Center. She is known for her leadership, teamwork, and focus on social services, as well as her strong commitment to her community. She does extensive work with HEOP, the Center for Youth, Berkshire Farm Center, and Services for Youth.

A member of the Class of 2010, Dr. Anthony Chiaravalloti is a practicing physician at Reflections Medical and Cosmetic Dermatology. In addition to his reputation as a cutting-edge dermatologic surgeon, his nominator notes he is “the epitome of Fisher's values and has been since he was a student. He's professional, well spoken, ethical, driven, congenial, accomplished, and overall an example for others in terms of moral character.”

Timothy Crumley graduated in the Class of 2013, and now serves as CEO and mental health counselor of CommonSense Mental Health. He has been called a forward-thinking mental health professional who aspires to make mental health services more available to all. He is noted for his passion for Fisher and his desire to give back to the College. Crumley’s nominator noted he “is extremely drive in both his career and his life to help and heal others.”

A Double Cardinal graduating with a degree in nursing in 2013 and with her DNP in 2017, Dr. Valerie Grapensteter is the director of system clinical practice at Rochester Regional Health. She has advanced her career through creative programming and building opportunities for future placement of Fisher students. Grapensteter has helped launch the Rochester Regional Health nurse residency program, with a focus on best clinical practice implementation. Her service to the community includes leadership with the Rochester Ataxia Foundation and Rochester Regional Health pride activities.

Tashanda Thomas, a Class of 2011 alumna, serves as the director of human resources for WXXI Public Broadcasting Council. Her nominator said she “an exceptional HR professional who continues to reach for improvement in her community and for her clients.” Thomas is a dedicated volunteer to multiple agencies and a mentor to many. She is a founding member of 100 Women Who Care Roc, and also lends her time to the YMCA, Willow Domestic Violence Center, Renaissance Academy Charter School of the Arts, Food Link, and United Way, to name a few.

Gina Godlewski earned her bachelor’s degree in 2016. A senior account executive at Dixon Schwabl, she has built a strong reputation as a marketing professional. Her nominator notes that she “upholds the Fisher values through mentorship, leadership, integrity, and humility.” She remains active with the Fisher community with the American Marketing Association, a chapter she helped build as a student.

Finally, Dr. Nicholas Donofrio is a 2010 graduate who is a certified registered nurse anesthetist affiliated with Strong Memorial Hospital and Thompson Hospital. He obtained his doctorate of nursing practice from the University at Buffalo, the highest degree in the field of nursing. Donofrio is a dedicate professional who focuses on his important work in providing safe anesthesia to a wide range of patients populations.