SUNY Canton Inducts Newest Hall of Fame Members

Successful alumni, former college employees and a premier North Country financial institution were recently inducted into SUNY Canton’s college-wide Hall of Fame.

According to Vice President for Advancement Geoffrey VanderWoude, SUNY Canton has more than 40,000 alumni, thousands of faculty and staff members and has established connections with tens of thousands of area community members. Only a select few from those populations will be inducted into the Hall of Fame.

“Our inductees are the people who help make SUNY Canton a very special place,” VanderWoude said. “You help elevate and define the education we provide and are our greatest ambassadors around the state, country and world.”

The six members of the Hall of Fame class of 2026 are:

Robert Barry ’83 earned his associate degree in Mechanical Engineering Technology from SUNY Canton, following in the footsteps of his father, and later completed a bachelor’s degree in Manufacturing Engineering Technology at Rochester Institute of Technology. He has built a career spanning more than 30 years as a medical device entrepreneur, inventor, CEO, and board leader, raising over $100 million and securing more than 30 U.S. patents for innovations in interventional pulmonology and cardiology, including technologies currently in clinical trials. Barry has founded four medical device companies and continues to serve in leadership and advisory roles, and he credits his SUNY Canton education as a lasting foundation for his success.

Laura Rozell, class of 1969, earned her associate degree in accounting from SUNY Canton in 1969 and built a distinguished career that included international work with Von Roll Tramways and public sector roles with the New York State Thruway and Dormitory Authority, culminating as College Accountant and Interim CFO at Paul Smith’s College. A dedicated supporter of her alma mater, Rozell established an endowed scholarship in 2016, joined the Canton College Foundation Board in 2017, and served as treasurer from 2019 to 2025, helping guide complex financial, staffing, and systems transitions. She also co-chaired her 50th reunion for the Class of 1969, leading one of the college’s largest class gifts, and is recognized for her clear judgment, financial expertise, and lasting impact on SUNY Canton.

Bryan Felitto served SUNY Canton for 35 years in roles ranging from facilities planning coordinator and purchasing agent to Chief of Staff and Chief Planning and Governmental Affairs officer, contributing to the planning and construction of 14 campus buildings at the new or hill campus and securing numerous state and federal grants. He authored “The Handbook for Sponsored Research,” was appointed to statewide commissions by Governors Carey and Cuomo, and co-founded The Leadership Institute, which provided executive development programs for organizations across the Northeast. Felitto also served as interim president of Mater Dei College, remained active in accreditation and consulting work after retirement, and held long-term leadership roles with Claxton Hepburn Medical Center and St. Mary’s Cathedral. A dedicated supporter of SUNY Canton, he and his wife established the Bryan and Joan Felitto Family Endowed Scholarship to assist North Country students. Bryan passed away in October 2025, and his family accepted his award on his behalf.

Peggy Levato served SUNY Canton for 21 years with the Canton College Foundation, playing a key role in raising $31 million to support scholarships, programs, and campus initiatives. Known for her energy and strong relationships with alumni, donors, and community members, she helped secure major gifts that benefited thousands of students and earned the Excellence in College Service Award in 2014. Upon her retirement in 2021, alumni and friends established the Peggy Sue Levato Endowed Scholarship in her honor to continue her lasting impact on SUNY Canton. Alumni Association President and Distinguished Alumni Award Recipient Kelly Obermayer of the class of 1979 accepted the award on Levato’s behalf.

Carl Trainor is the owner and president of Trainor Funeral Home in Boonville and a two-time SUNY Canton graduate, earning an associate degree in Mortuary Science in 1977 and a bachelor’s degree in Funeral Services Administration in 2016. A dedicated supporter of the college, he regularly shares his industry expertise with students through advisory committees, sponsors an endowed scholarship, and serves on the Canton College Foundation Board of Directors. Through his professional leadership and ongoing service, Trainor has played a key role in advancing the Funeral Services Administration program and supporting student success.

SeaComm Federal Credit Union, founded in Massena nearly 65 years ago, has expanded its service across northern New York and into Vermont while maintaining a strong commitment to philanthropy and community support. The credit union has long supported SUNY Canton through annual program funding, and in 2016, the organization established an endowed scholarship. SeaComm has partnered with the college on initiatives such as Launch Day, supports student success through internships and hiring graduates into leadership roles, and maintains close engagement through leadership. President and Chief Executive Officer Scott Wilson’s service on the School of Business and Liberal Arts Dean’s Advisory Board and Vice President for Information Systems Tim Zenger, class of 2000, serves on the College’s Cybersecurity advisory board.