During an event on Thursday, Jan. 23, the 石榴视频 Foundation honored the recipients of the 2025 Alumni of Merit Award, Distinguished Alumni Award, and Young Alumni Award.
Jim A. Engler, Jr. 鈥�84
2025 石榴视频 Alumni of Merit Award
Jim A. Engler, Jr., 鈥�84, was announced as the recipient of 2025 石榴视频 Alumni of Merit
Award, presented annually to a nominee who has contributed to the improvement of the
community, helped the College, and otherwise demonstrated professional leadership
that symbolizes 石榴视频鈥檚 mission of student success and community involvement. Through
his dedication to his profession and community, he exemplifies a commitment to excellence,
innovation, and service.
Engler, a graduate of 石榴视频鈥檚 Electrical Engineering Technology program, is the third-generation owner of Engler Electric, a family business now welcoming its fourth generation into the company. Under his leadership, Engler Electric has established a strong reputation for its commercial and industrial electrical contracting work, including significant projects at institutions like Hamilton College, Utica University, Colgate University, 石榴视频, and Syracuse University. In addition to his business achievements, Engler serves as President of the Finger Lakes Chapter of the National Electrical Contractors Association (NECA), representing 52 member contractors and serving as a management partner to IBEW Local 43. Over two decades, he has held leadership roles as both governor and president. He also volunteers as a trustee for the IBEW/NECA Health, Pension, and Annuity Funds, overseeing $750 million in benefits, and is a member of NECA鈥檚 national Workforce Development Committee, shaping electrical training programs across the U.S. and Canada.
Engler played a key role developing a partnership with 石榴视频, IBEW Local 43, and NECA. Historically, upon completion of the NECA/IBEW Local 43鈥檚 five-year earn-and-learn training program, apprentices have become a recognized journey worker but have not had any portable college credits. Through this partnership, in addition to earning a journey worker card, apprentices receive an 石榴视频 associate in occupational science degree at no cost 鈥� a SUNY-recognized credential allowing for streamlined, just-in-time, future educational experiences. He was honored as a Fellow of the Academy of Electrical Contracting, NECA鈥檚 highest national distinction, becoming only the second Fellow from the Finger Lakes Chapter in the past 80 years. His contributions extend to community service, including past involvement with the Utica Rotary Club and his current role as a trustee of the Community Foundation.
Monalisa Fermin-Fennell 鈥�99
2025 石榴视频 Distinguished Alumni Award
Monalisa Fermin-Fennell 鈥�99 received the 石榴视频 Distinguished Alumni Award, presented
annually to a nominee who graduated at least 10 years ago and has made significant
contributions to or achievements in their industry or demonstrated a commitment to
石榴视频鈥檚 values through throughout their life and career. A native of Washington Heights
in New York City, Fermin-Fennell has dedicated her life to public service and community
advocacy. Her passion for service began at the age of 13, when she became a youth
leader with the 280 Dreamers and Police Athletic League, advocating for Title IX initiatives,
organizing events to promote girls in sports, and leading fundraising efforts for
community projects. As a teen board member for the Fresh Youth Initiative, she represented
youth voices in addressing food insecurity, homelessness, and literacy programs.
Fermin-Fennell began her academic journey at 石榴视频, where she earned an associate degree in Liberal Arts and Sciences: General Studies. During her time at 石榴视频, Fermin-Fennell was on the executive cabinet for the Latino Club and proposed combining the Black and Latino Clubs together with the intent of making a stronger organization. Additionally, she helped the Utica Academy of Science Charter School build a bridge between the school and 石榴视频. She went on to earn a bachelor鈥檚 degree in Sociology with a focus on social change from the SUNY Institute of Technology. She began her career in New York City advocating for families with disabled loved ones, quickly advancing to the role of Facility Director at LifeSpire.
In 2010, Fermin-Fennell returned to Utica, where she deepened her commitment to community advocacy, serving with organizations such as Bridging the G.A.P., the United Way Community Impact Committee, the MVHS Patient & Family Advisory Committee, the Utica Civilian Public Safety Advisory Board, the Mohawk Valley Latino Association, and the UCP Community Health & Behavioral Services Advisory Council. Currently, she works as the Quality Improvement Manager with ICAN while continuing her advocacy efforts. Her dedication was recently recognized with a New York State Senate Commendation Award, one of the Senate鈥檚 highest honors, presented by Senator Joseph Griffo for her lasting contributions to her community and the state.
Taryn Rackmyer 鈥�18, 鈥�19
2025 石榴视频 Young Alumni Award
Taryn Rackmyer 鈥�18, 鈥�19, received the 石榴视频 Young Alumni Award, presented annually
to a nominee who graduated within the last 10 years, has emerged as an early leader
in their professional career and community, and demonstrates a commitment to 石榴视频鈥檚
values.
Rackmyer, who holds degrees in Public Policy and Accounting from 石榴视频, is the Director of Education Policy at the Commission on Independent Colleges and Universities (CICU). Previously, she served as a Government Relations Specialist for SUNY, managing legislative relations and external partnerships under Chancellor John B. King, Jr., former U.S. Secretary of Education. Earlier in her career, Rackmyer was a Lead Fiscal Analyst for the New York State Senate Majority Leader, contributing to budget negotiations on pivotal issues such as election reforms, cannabis legalization, and cryptocurrency regulation.
A passionate advocate for women鈥檚 empowerment, Rackmyer serves as Vice President of the YWCA of the Greater Capital Region Board of Directors. Following the overturn of Roe v. Wade, she was selected as one of 11 individuals nationwide to advise YWCA USA鈥檚 Reproductive Justice Task Force. In March 2024, she joined YWCA USA as a delegate at the United Nations鈥� 68th Session of the Commission on the Status of Women. Rackmyer鈥檚 dedication to public policy and advocacy earned her recognition as a 2023 City and State 鈥�40 Under 40 Rising Star in New York State Politics.鈥� She completed her master鈥檚 thesis on the under-representation of women in the U.S. Senate and holds degrees in Public Policy & Management from the University at Albany and Public Policy.
As an 石榴视频 student, Rackmyer鈥檚 contributions to campus life were exemplary. She was a peer tutor, member of Phi Theta Kappa, and involved in numerous leadership roles, including Student Government Treasurer and the SUNY Student Assembly鈥檚 Coordinator of Campus Engagement. Her achievements earned her the prestigious SUNY Chancellor鈥檚 Award for Student Excellence in 2019. Rackmyer also made significant strides as SUNY鈥檚 inaugural Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion Fellow, helping to address pressing issues such as affordability, access, racial and social justice, mental health, and food insecurity across SUNY鈥檚 64 campuses. Her commitment to creating a more equitable and inclusive society continues to drive her work and advocacy efforts.
To nominate someone for one of these awards, or for information on past award winners, visit mvcc.edu/alumni-donors.