Biographies from Troy military banners
TROY, N.Y. » Hudson Valley Community College recently announced several new members of the college administration as well as several current employees who have taken on enhanced roles on campus. New to the college are: Patricia Myers, who will take over the position of associate dean for external academic affairs. Myers will be charged with overseeing the college’s TECSMART extension center in Malta and improving outreach to potential academic partners in the region. She comes to the college with a variety of higher education and community engagement experience, having recently served as SUNY Empire State College’s chief student affairs officer.
Marcy Pendergast, who is the new director of the college Learning Centers. The Learning Centers encompass a range of tutoring and academic assistance centers at the college, including the Learning Assistance Center, the Computer Learning Center and the Writing and Research Center. Prior to arriving at Hudson Valley, Pendergast served as the executive director of the Academic Success Center at The College of Saint Rose.
Ronalyn Wilson, who is the college’s new assistant vice president for academic affairs. Her role at the college will include assisting with developing and shepherding new transfer agreements and liaising with the State Education Department and SUNY Central Administration. Prior to joining Hudson Valley, she was the associate dean of academic affairs and chief diversity officer at Fulton-Montgomery Community College. She previously served as FMCC’s assistant dean of academic affairs.
Current employees who have been permanently promoted to take on new roles at the director level and above include: Alfredo Balarin, director of student life; Erin Hatter, director of scheduling; John Heiser, director of creative services; Ian LaChance, registrar; Regina LaGatta; executive director of external and government affairs; Karen Paquette, executive director of human resources; Kathy Petley, executive director for institutional effectiveness; Deborah Richey, director of human resources; and Dennis Wax, director of strategic planning.
EDITOR’S NOTE: The following is a weekly series that will appear in print every Sunday until Veterans Day. Each week, five military members featured on a Troy Military Banner will be highlighted.
1. John R. “Jack” Dwyer Jr., U.S. Marine Corps
John R “Jack” Dwyer Jr. was born to the late Troy Police Detective John R Dwyer Sr. and May ( McGinnis) Dwyer on August 22, 1936, and was raised in the family home at 747 Burden Ave in South Troy. Jack attended elementary school at St. Joseph’s. He joined the USMC upon graduating from Catholic Central High School. Jack was in Parris Island South Carolina from 1956-1959 as a Drill Instructor and received the Good Conduct medal. Upon leaving the USMC in 1959, he joined the Troy Police Dept. on December 24, 1959, as a patrolman, following in his father’s footsteps. He worked in various positions including in The Rensselaer County District Attorney’s office with Con G. Cholakis.
Upon retiring in 1991, Jack was named as Rensselaer County Undersheriff in January 1992 by the newly elected Sheriff, Daniel V. Keating, and served until his passing on January 5, 2001.
Jack was the proud father of 3 children: Nora, Susan and John “Jack” III. He was the very proud grandfather of: John IV (Laryssa), Kasey, Kelly, Connor. Sadly Dwyer passed before he could meet Connor and his great- grandsons, Jackson Dwyer and Shane N. Dwyer. He loved Troy and was involved in all aspects of politics in the city and county. He was proud of his Irish heritage, but was thrilled to be tapped as an honorary Greek by the members of St. Basil’s Church on River St. for all his years of volunteering there. Jack believed in helping others and asking for nothing in return. Jack’s love for his family was paramount. SEMPER FIDELIS
Dwyer’s banner is located at 451 Third St.
2. Joseph Baker, U. S. Navy
Joe was born and raised in Troy on Marvin Ave. His dad owned a milk truck in which Joe worked with his dad and delivered to all the people in Troy whether they could pay or not.
Then Joe served his country proudly in the US Navy from 1942-1946. Upon returning home, he served the City of Troy on the Police Force for 20years as a patrolman. He loved his country and the city he was born and raised in.
Baker’s banner is located at 56 Pawling Ave.
3. Peter J. Magnetto, U.S. Navy
Seaman 1/c Peter J Magnetto, USN Served October 14 1942, to February 10, 1945. He served on the destroyer USS Nelson DD623. He received European-African-Middle Eastern Campaign Medal with