SUNY Empire Announces 2025 Alumni Award Winners
Empire State University today announced the recipients of the 2025 Alumni Awards. The awards recognize outstanding alumni who are making a lasting impact on their communities and the university through professional, philanthropic, and volunteer accomplishments.
“We are so pleased with the caliber of this year’s alumni award winners, who exemplify SUNY Empire’s commitment to the betterment of society,” said Veronica Fitzgerald, vice president of advancement and executive director of the Empire State University Foundation. “The contributions they make to their communities, workplaces, and society are felt both locally and globally. We applaud these individuals for the impact they are having and for their achievements, which now includes these prestigious awards.”
The award recipients are:
Professional Excellence: Elliott Murphy ’88
Murphy, who lives in Paris, is an American rock singer-songwriter, novelist, record producer, and writer. Murphy has been active in the music industry for more than 50 years, and recorded with Bruce Springsteen, Billy Joel, and Phil Collins, among others. He has released over 30 albums and continues to perform to sold-out audiences in Europe. Murphy also published a collection of short stories and has written for Rolling Stone and Vanity Fair.
Murphy was inducted into the Long Island Music and Entertainment Hall of Fame in 2018 by Billy Joel. As an active alumnus, Murphy has provided testimonials and videos on behalf of SUNY Empire. He also recorded a song for the virtual commencement held during the COVID pandemic, a song he first composed and performed at his own graduation in 1988.
In his nomination, Gaspard Murphy cited his father’s “extraordinary commitment to artistic integrity, cultural contribution, and lifelong achievement throughout his unique and prolific career as a singer, songwriter, musician, performer, producer and author.”
This is the first time the award for Professional Excellence has been given.
Emerging Leader: Timothy Johnson ’24, ’25
Johnson of Harriman, NY has been a captain for the New York City Department of Correction for 12 years. He began his career as a school safety officer for the NYPD. While at SUNY Empire he was president of the Black Male Initiative, served on the Student Government Association, and was a member of the Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion Council.
As an alumnus, he is an active volunteer and supporter, often attending alumni events. In addition, he is a member of the Kappa Psi Kappa Fraternity, which is dedicated to mentorship, civic service, and professional brotherhood.
“As a seasoned public servant, mentor, and rising executive leader, Mr. Johnson stands as a powerful testament to Empire State University’s mission of educating adult learners who make meaningful contributions to their communities and professions,” said SUNY Empire Professor David Fullard, who nominated Johnson.
Community Impact: Jason Torreano ’14
Torreano of Belleville, NJ, is the founder of Inkululeko, a nonprofit organization supporting youth in Makhanda, South Africa. Jason left a career in broadcast journalism with a vision to create a sustainable pathway to help marginalized South African youth complete high school and pursue higher education or meaningful employment. His connection to Makhanda began when he visited Africa as an undergraduate, volunteering at the Amasango School for Street Children.
Torreano was the CEO of Inkululeko for 14 years until he recently transitioned the organization to South African leadership. He is now director of social enterprise strategy and development at St. John’s Community Services, an organization in Washington, D.C. that creates sustainable programs for people with disabilities and those experiencing homelessness.
He is also a faculty member at Montclair State University and director of development and communications for the Hiscock Legal Aid Society in Syracuse, NY. Torreano was nominated by his advisor, SUNY Empire Professor Emerita Susan Hollis, who called him “an innovator and model for those committed to serving underserved communities in the United States and internationally.”
Veteran Service Award: Michele Johnson ’19
Johnson of Schenectady, NY, served in the U.S. Army for 16 years, where she started as a supply specialist and became a drill instructor. She later served as a correction officer for the Schenectady County Sheriff’s Department. Upon retiring, she transitioned into nonprofit and community-based work. As an advocate, she uses her experiences to uplift others and to make an impact.
Johnson plays a vital role in many veteran organizations including the Schenectady County Veterans Peer-to-Peer Program, the American Warrior Association, and the Warrior Connection. She is co-chair of the Albany Stratton Veteran Mental Health Council, where she advocates for better care and support for veterans living with mental health challenges. In addition, she has traveled across the country mentoring fellow veterans. She is also active in SUNY Empire events, serving as a storyteller and speaker.
“I am nominating my mother for the Empire State Veteran Service Award because she is the living embodiment of courage, perseverance, and unwavering service,” wrote her daughter Mekkah Bergeron. “She is a warrior, a mentor, a leader, and a light in dark places. Her ability to turn pain into purpose, and suffering into service, is nothing short of extraordinary.”
She was also nominated separately by Bethany Hicks, SUNY Empire’s military academic and student services coordinator.
The awardees will be recognized at a special dinner on October 16, 2025.
About the Alumni Awards
The Alumni Awards Program was established in 2016 to honor Empire State University graduates, many of whom are leaders and innovators in their fields. The awards recognize outstanding alumni who are making a lasting impact on society and SUNY Empire through their professional, philanthropic, or volunteer accomplishments. The awards demonstrate the value of our academic programs, showcase our pride in SUNY Empire, and elevate our public profile.