Alumni Association Presents Awards at SUNY Canton

SUNY Canton’s Alumni Association honored three individuals this year.  

According to Alumni Association Board President, Kelly Obermayer, class of 1979, awards are chosen annually to recognize outstanding achievement and contributions made by SUNY Canton graduates.

“These graduates serve as role models for both alumni and current students,” Obermayer said. “Their career accomplishments, generosity and community service serve as inspiring examples of how students can best apply their SUNY Canton education.”

The three award recipients were:

Jessica (Fischer) Christy, class of 2018, was the recipient of the 2026 Young Alumni Award. Christy earned an associate degree in Mechanical Engineering Technology in 2017 and a bachelor’s degree in 2018 from SUNY Canton, where she co-founded the Society of Women Engineers chapter, the Environmental Change Organization, and was active in other engineering groups. She received the Wind at Our Back Fellowship, attended the 2017 American Wind Energy Association Windpower Conference, and completed an international WindAid Institute internship in Peru, where she helped build wind turbines for a rural village. She graduated with the College Academic Award in Mechanical Engineering Technology and the SUNY Chancellor’s Award for Student Excellence. She now serves as a Technical Leader at GE Vernova while continuing to support SUNY Canton as an adjunct instructor, advisory board member, volunteer and Foundation board member. She also co-established an endowed scholarship with her husband, Nate Christy, who is also a graduate of the class of 2018.

Pierre Nzuah, class of 2015, was selected as a recipient of the Distinguished Alumni Award. Nzuah, who is originally from Cameroon, relocated to Canton to attend college. He quickly became an active campus leader, serving as a resident assistant, tutor, peer mentor, and student employee while working locally and completing his studies. In 2015, he received the SUNY Chancellor’s Award for Student Excellence and, following graduation, earned a degree from Clarkson University. He is now a Lead Electrical Engineer and Substation Design Engineer for TRC Companies. Nzuah founded the Against All Odds Outreach for Learning nonprofit to provide scholarships and resources to students in Cameroon, continues to support SUNY Canton as a member of the Electrical Engineering Technology Advisory Board, and authored the 2020 memoir “Persist and Pursue: Breaking Barriers to Achieve a Dream.”

Patricia Regan, class of 1954, was selected as a posthumous recipient of the Distinguished Alumni Award. Regan was a dedicated SUNY Canton alumna who remained an active presence at Alumni Weekend and regional gatherings, consistently supporting the college and her Pi Nu Epsilon sisters. Known for her outgoing nature and strong community ties, she was deeply involved in Cape Vincent through the American Legion, its Auxiliary Unit, and the United Church. She combined her interest in history with entrepreneurship by founding the genealogy business “As Your Tree Grows,” where she conducted family history research for clients and authors. Regan passed away in January 2026, and her award was accepted on her behalf by her fellow sorority sister Anne Boulter, class of 1979.