SUNY Delhi Honors Exceptional Alumni and Faculty with 2025 Awards

DELHI - The recipients of SUNY Delhi Alumni Awards 2025: Left to right: Richard Bialkowski, Lee Stepp, Dr. Kristen M. Fratamico-Reed, Amanda Gerard, and Professor Steve McKeegan.

DELHI — The SUNY Delhi Alumni Association has announced the recipients of its 2025 Alumni Awards, recognizing outstanding graduates and faculty for their professional accomplishments, service, and commitment to the college community. The recipients are Dr. Kristen Fratamico-Reed, Richard Bialkowski, Lee Stepp, Amanda Gerard, and Steve McKeegan.

"The SUNY Delhi Alumni Association is proud to honor these distinguished individuals who exemplify the values of leadership, service, and excellence fostered at SUNY Delhi," said Michael Sullivan, Vice President for College Advancement and the Executive Director of the College Foundation. "Through their professional achievements and personal dedication, they continue to make a meaningful impact on their communities and inspire future generations of Broncos."

Dr. Kristen Fratamico-Reed '00 was honored with the Distinguished Alumni Award for her accomplishments in veterinary medicine. After earning her associate degree in Veterinary Science Technology from SUNY Delhi, she completed a B.S. in Animal Science at Cornell University and her Doctor of Veterinary Medicine degree at Ross University. Fratamico-Reed has built a successful career in general practice, emergency medicine, and teaching. Currently a veterinarian at Chippens Hill Veterinary Hospital in Bristol, Connecticut, she applies her experience in emergency and critical care, transfusion medicine, toxicology, and diagnostic imaging. She also hosts educational seminars to veterinary professionals and is passionate about training the next generation of veterinary technicians and doctors. Outside of her career, she and her husband, fellow Delhi graduate Nick Reed '00, are raising three young children.

Richard Bialkowski '20, a graduate of SUNY Delhi's bachelor's program in Criminal Justice, was recognized with the Distinguished Alumni Award for his career in law enforcement and public safety that spans over 30 years. Bialkowski began his career with the Schoharie County Sheriff's Office, serving in roles ranging from corrections officer to road patrol sergeant investigating felonies and supervising deputies. He later joined the Cobleskill Police Department for nearly two decades as Sergeant/Investigator and later Chief of Police. He joined the NYS University Police as Director of Emergency Management in 2019 and was appointed Deputy Commissioner in 2023. In this role, Bialkowski supports 664 police officers across 29 departments statewide and serves as the SUNY Law Enforcement liaison to over 600 peace officers and security guards at 31 community colleges. A graduate of the FBI National Academy and the West Virginia State Police Academy, Bialkowski has combined academic achievement with real-world leadership. He continues to mentor students and has been a guest speaker at SUNY Delhi's Criminal Justice networking event.

Lee Stepp '92, a graduate of SUNY Delhi's Construction Technology program, received the Alumnus of Merit Award. Stepp has built a distinguished career in both military and civilian service. After two years in residential construction, he enlisted in the United States Army in 1995, serving as a heavy construction and combat engineer in the Republic of Korea and later as Sergeant with the 101st Airborne Division at Fort Campbell, Kentucky. During his service, he earned multiple commendations, including two Army Commendation Medals and the Army Achievement Medal. For the past 25 years, Stepp has overseen large-scale construction projects across New York State, managing projects in K-12 and heavy highway construction valued at over $300 million. His contributions have been integral to the development and improvement of New York State's education and transportation infrastructure. Stepp is deeply engaged in his community, volunteering with the Boy Scouts of America and serving in leadership roles with the American Legion Post 770 in Trumansburg, NY.

Amanda Gerard '12 received the Alumnus of Merit Award for her excellence in veterinary care and mentorship. Gerard, a Veterinary Nurse Shift Lead at the Veterinary Emergency Group (VEG) on Manhattan's Upper East Side, is a 2012 graduate of SUNY Delhi's Veterinary Science Technology program and is a highly regarded team member at one of the nation's most respected veterinary hospitals. She plays an essential role in overseeing hospital operations and supporting patients, clients, and colleagues with compassion and professionalism. Described as "the engine that keeps the hospital running," Gerard also serves as a CPR instructor and safety team member, manages all the medical equipment, and writes the hospital's weekly newsletter.

Professor Steve McKeegan was recognized with the Exemplary Service Award in recognition of his 36 years of service to SUNY Delhi. A faculty member since 1989, McKeegan has played a significant role in the ongoing success of the Construction Management program. Throughout his career, McKeegan has helped strengthen ties between SUNY Delhi and the construction industry, particularly through his leadership with The Moles, an organization of heavy-construction professionals. He has facilitated countless field trips, mentoring opportunities, and student connections with accomplished Delhi alumni in the field. His dedication has earned him honorary membership in The Moles. McKeegan has also been a steadfast supporter of alumni engagement and philanthropy, contributing as both a donor and ambassador for the college. A Delhi native, he has played a vital role in elevating one of SUNY Delhi's first academic programs in applied technologies.

The SUNY Delhi Alumni Association has recognized graduates, faculty, and staff with the Alumni Awards for 47 years. Please visit www.delhi.edu/alumni for more information.