The Purchase College Alumni Association proudly announces the recipients of the 2026 Alumni Awards.
Eleven honorees have been selected from an outstanding pool of nominees to receive this year’s PCAA Alumni Awards, including the Golden Brick Honorary Alumni Awards.
A dynamic group of alumni and community leaders, this year’s recipients reflect decades of influence across the arts, journalism, music, and more. Together, they show what #ProofofPurchase means. Selected for their creativity, resilience, and commitment, these honorees represent the very best of Purchase—on campus, in their fields, and in their communities.
The awards will be presented on Saturday, May 2, during Alumni Weekend at the All-Alumni Luncheon and Awards Presentation. Join us in celebrating this year’s honorees and learn more about their accomplishments below.
Recognizes an individual who graduated more than ten years ago (e.g., Class of 2014 or earlier) and who embodies the traditions and values of Purchase College through their character, professional achievement, and/or civic humanitarian service.
Jacqueline (Cradle Bennett) Reynolds ’74 (History), Valedictorian of the Class of 1974, earned her B.A. with honors while working full time and distinguishing herself as a student leader and global thinker. She built a successful career in nonprofit and corporate leadership before earning her Master of Social Work from Arizona State University, summa cum laude, and pursuing doctoral studies at Howard University. As founder of Performance Success Resources, she has spent more than two decades partnering with organizations to expand access to opportunity. A dedicated mentor and advocate, her work focuses on first-generation students, students of color, and social justice issues including elder kinship caregiving.
Outstanding Commitment to the Arts Award
Recognizes a graduate for contributions, commitment and advocacy in the Arts.
Veronica Caicedo ’93 (Drama Studies) has dedicated her career to advancing cultural storytelling through theater, film, and community arts initiatives. As founder and CEO of Caicedo Productions, she has produced more than 50 theatrical productions, films, and creative projects that support artists in developing and sharing their work. She is also the founder of the International Puerto Rican Heritage Film Festival and The ONE Festival. Both a creator and an advocate, her work reflects a sustained commitment to representation, community, and elevating diverse voices in the arts.
Outstanding Commitment to the Liberal Arts and Sciences Award
Recognizes a graduate for contributions, commitment and advocacy in the Liberal Arts and Natural Sciences.
Kelly Kennedy ’13 (Journalism) is an award-winning broadcast journalist and investigative reporter whose work has led to arrests, policy changes, and greater public accountability. She has covered major breaking news and in-depth investigations while amplifying the voices of underserved communities. Her reporting has earned an AP award, an Edward R. Murrow Award, and multiple Emmy nominations. She is widely recognized for her commitment to impactful storytelling and holding institutions accountable.
Resiliency Award
Recognizes a graduate who has shown considerable personal strength and used the education and skills acquired at Purchase to overcome adversity. This award aims to celebrate their achievement in “overcoming the impossible” and offering hope and inspiration to others.
Mary Flatley ’98 (Liberal Studies), a U.S. Marine Corps veteran who became disabled during military service, has built a life defined by resilience, creativity, and service. A longtime volunteer and community advocate, she has remained deeply engaged in the arts and continues to write and publish poetry. Her recently released collection, Second Entrance, reflects her personal journey and enduring commitment to expression, healing, and connection.
Young Alumni Award
Recognizes a graduate from the last ten years (Class of 2015 or later), who has illustrated distinctive achievement in a career or social/civic involvement.
Adam Pietrykowski ’16 (Music: Studio Production) and ’18 (MM, Studio Composition) is an award-winning music producer, composer, and educator. His internationally recognized work includes collaborations on JUNO-nominated recordings and projects with leading global artists. As a faculty member at Purchase and a leader within the Music & Technology program, he brings professional experience directly into the classroom, demonstrating a strong commitment to mentoring the next generation of musicians.
Golden Brick Honorary Alumni Awards
Recognizes an individual who did not graduate from Purchase but whose exemplary accomplishments, service and commitment has benefited the Alumni Association, College alumni (undergraduate or graduate), or helped empower students to become alumni.
Kathleen (Kathy) McCormick, Professor Emerita of Literature and Pedagogy, and Gary Waller, Distinguished Professor Emeritus of Literature and Cultural Studies, are a powerhouse couple celebrated for their scholarship, leadership, and lasting impact as mentors, with a legacy spanning decades of teaching and commitment to student success.
McCormick is an award-winning scholar and writer, recognized by the Modern Language Association and SUNY for excellence in teaching, and author of the acclaimed novel Dodging Satan.
Waller, an internationally recognized scholar of Shakespeare and early modern literature, served as Provost and Vice President for Academic Affairs, later earning SUNY’s highest academic rank of Distinguished Professor.
Cindy Markus-Jones has dedicated more than three decades to Purchase College through the University Police Department, rising from Public Safety Officer to Interim Chief of Police. With 40 years of service to New York State, including early work at a children’s residential center with the Office of Mental Health, she has led with a commitment to community-centered policing and campus safety. Her work has helped foster a culture of trust, care, and well-being for generations of students.
Barbara B. Moore played a central role in shaping institutional strategy at Purchase College over more than three decades. As Director of Institutional Research, Planning, and Assessment, she advanced data-informed decision-making that strengthened academic quality, accreditation, and long-term planning. A trusted mentor and steady, values-driven presence, she is recognized for her deep institutional knowledge, sound judgment, and enduring impact on the College’s mission.
Wendy Morosoff shaped the student experience at Purchase College for more than twenty years as Director of the Career Development Center. She transformed career services into a dynamic, student-centered resource, expanding experiential learning opportunities and helping thousands of students translate their liberal arts education into meaningful professional paths. Her work has had a lasting impact on student success and career readiness.
Paul Nicholson has dedicated more than three decades to expanding access and supporting student success at Purchase College. Through his leadership of the Educational Opportunity Program (EOP) and the Merit Access Program (MAP) as Director of Special Programs, as well as his service as College Ombudsman, he guided more than 1,300 students to graduation. His work reflects a lasting commitment to opportunity, equity, and mentorship.
