USC NEWS

Commencement Welcome & Campus Details
Posted 6/2/08

Phillip M. Williams, President of USC The Business College welcomed all those in attendance
to the 112th Commencement of the college which was held Thursday, May 15 at Hart’s Hill
Inn in Whitesboro.

Richard J. Zick, President & Chief Executive Officer of Utica First Insurance Company
was the commencement speaker.

It was a special evening for the 120 students who graduated after successfully completing their degree and certificate programs.

John J. Crossley, Executive Vice President of Administration presented awards
 to the following students:

Utica Campus

Service Club Award: Diana Helmer.

John A. Robertacio Memorial Scholarship: Justine Podkowka.

Central New York Medical Assistants Award: Sheri DeForge.

First Year Students in a degree program with highest average:

Administrative Specialist Program: Samantha Davis / Maureen Fredericks

Business Administration: Kahla Renzi
Micro Computer Technology; Julio Casiano

Wendy Cary, Director of the Canastota Campus presented awards to the following students:

Canastota Campus

Certificate of Achievement for outstanding performance in Computer Office Applications:
Debora Winters

Academic Excellence and Outstanding Performance in Business Administration:
Lauren Roser

Scott Williams, Dean of Students/Director of the Oneonta Campus presented awards to the following students:

Oneonta Campus
Student with highest Grade Point Average:  Sierra Bullis.

Outstanding Service Award:  Peter Jungermann.
Highest Average First Year Administrative Specialist:  Lisa Bullis

Highest Average Business Administration: Tammy Barry

Kathleen Kaucher Aware: Christopher Jungermann.

Mr. Zick began his insurance career after graduating from Niagara University.  His career has taken him from Underwriter to Underwriting Management to Executive Vice President to his current position, President  & Chief Operating Officer of Utica First Insurance Company.  He holds his Associates in Underwriting designation as well as a CPCU designation.   Mr. Zick has received seven Continuing Professional Development Certificates.  For many years Mr. Zick was an adjunct professor teaching various insurance and management courses.    He has been recognized by the PIA Metro Rap and the Mohawk Valley I-Day as Insurance Executive of the year.

Mr. Zick is active in the community, having served on the Boards of the United Way, Community
Foundation, Family Services, Boy Scouts, Teugega Country Club and Utica College.  For over twenty years has been involved with his favorite cause, America’s Greatest Heart Run & Walk.