More than 200 guests gather at Hart’s Hill Inn as alumni, honorees and community partners take center stage
By Michelle Laguerre
Featured photograph: From left, co-emcee Aaron Woodman, Make a Difference Award recipient Dr. Tolga Hayali, and On Point for College Utica Director Kevin Marken at the 2026 Utica Celebration at Hart’s Hill Inn. Photo supplied by Michelle Laguerre / Laguerre Media.
WHITESBORO, N.Y. – More than 200 guests gathered November 12 at Hart’s Hill Inn for On Point for College’s 2026 Utica Celebration, honoring students, graduates and community partners who help remove barriers to education and career success.
Two stories stood out: Dr. Ayuong Arop and Dr. Nan Han, former refugees whose paths through Utica schools and On Point for College led to careers in health care and a commitment to giving back.
Born in Sudan, Arop and her family sought safety in Egypt before settling in the United States. A Proctor High School graduate and first-generation college student, she received On Point guidance while pursuing a degree at SUNY Polytechnic Institute and later earned her Doctor of Dental Surgery degree from Meharry Medical College. She now practices dentistry at Ellinwood Dental in New Hartford.
Han fled conflict in Myanmar with her family, lived in a refugee camp in Thailand and resettled in Utica. With On Point’s assistance, she attended Mohawk Valley Community College and SUNY Poly before earning her medical degree in 2025. Back in Utica, she has worked in maternal health care while preparing for residency and established the Healing Forward Scholarship to support other students pursuing STEM and health care careers.
A full-circle moment came as co-emcee Aaron Woodman celebrated Dr. Tolga Hayali, superintendent of the Science Academies of New York Charter Schools, who received a Make a Difference Award. The recognition highlighted how educational relationships and community leadership can inspire the next generation.
Founder Ginny Donohue received the National Society Daughters of the American Revolution’s Mary Smith Lockwood Medal for Education. She emphasized that On Point does not duplicate the work of schools and colleges; it fills the gaps, helping students overcome obstacles that might otherwise interrupt their education.
2026 Celebration honorees
The Dream Maker Award went to New York State Division of Criminal Justice Services Commissioner Rossana Rosado. The Foundation of Hope Award recognized four Cornhill Revitalization Project partners: The Community Foundation of Herkimer & Oneida Counties, People First, Mid Utica Neighborhood Preservation Corporation and The Collective Impact Network.
Community Leader Awards honored Frank Giotto of Fiber Instrument Sales and Lindsay Weichert of Community Bank. The On Point for Careers Award recognized Ross Berntson and Indium Corporation. Make a Difference Awards honored Steven Bulger of ICAN, Rachel Daughtry of the Utica City School District and Dr. Tolga Hayali. Kenny Morrison of Mohawk Valley Community College received the Campus Angel Award.
The event also celebrated On Point alumni and brought together civic, educational and business leaders, including Utica Mayor Michael P. Galime, State Senator Joseph A. Griffo, Assemblyman-elect Michael Gentile, SUNY Poly President Dr. Winston Oluwole Soboyejo and Oneida County Workforce Development Director David Mathis.
On Point for College helps students navigate college, workforce training and other postsecondary pathways, providing guidance and practical support from application through graduation and beyond.
Learn more: On Point for College.
