Alumni Businesses
We take immense pride in the accomplishments of our alumni, especially those who have ventured into the world of business and entrepreneurship. These dynamic individuals embody the spirit of innovation, resilience and leadership that we strive to instill in every student.
The Power to Transform
From launching successful startups to leading established companies, our alumni have made significant contributions to their industries and communities. Their journeys are a testament to the transformative power of a DCC education. As business owners, they continue to inspire current and future generations of students, proving that with hard work, creativity and a strong foundation, success knows no bounds. We celebrate their achievements and are honored to be part of their continued success.
Patrick Adams ’81, Stephen Adams ’92, Susan Adams ’72, Mark Adams ‘00
Michael Aiello ’80
The Inn, nestled on 12 acres of apple and peach orchards with views of the Shawangunk Mountains, combines historic charm with modern amenities. It's a place for guests to "relax, explore and recharge," Michael says, highlighting its appeal for weddings, gatherings and an escape from daily life. This scenic venue is a magnificent retreat for visitors from near or far!
John J. Coppola ’82
The Coppola family has been in the hospitality business in the Hudson Valley for over 53 years. Along with his brothers, they own and operate Coppola’s of Hyde Park, Coppola’s on 9, Village Square Motel, CB Caterers, Coppola Brother Enterprise, Coppola’s at the Fair and Coppola Gourmet Sauces.
Bill Duke ’63, Duke Media
https://www.linkedin.com/in/bill-duke-9b748621/
Filomena Fanelli ‘96
Jason Fisch ’06
Jason founded Fisch at the young age of 15 by designing his town's first website, City of Beacon, NY. From local publicity of the trend setting project, Jason started his own IT/ Web Design company and grew it organically over the course of two decades. With a passion in public safety and tech, Jason was able to grow a niche IT business specializing in public safety IT that is Fisch today.
Paige Flori ‘09
Lauren Hoheusle ‘10
Creating and developing a brand of healthy, began, food options to balance mind, body and spirit.
My favorite memories from Dutchess are being introduced to yoga as one of my electives, and spending time in the library with friends cramming for exams! I really enjoyed Professor Goffe-McNish and my black history and English studies while on campus. I continued my education at Marist University, majoring in communications advertising, with a minor in fashion merchandising. That education, combined with years in the hospitality industry throughout college, along with prior sales/marketing positions were critical. Once I found a passion in holistic health studies, and went through multiple yoga trainings, I felt confident in taking the leap to follow my dreams and open up a local wellness cafe.
Brian Hyla ’99
APEX Projects, LLC., “Artistry in Luxury Estate Building”
Brian’s love for building started at the age of 12 when he labored for his uncle's building company in upstate NY. Brian’s true love kept calling and after 11 years with A.P. Construction and decided to form APEX Projects in 2014. With APEX, Brian incorporated all of the construction management techniques and systems learned while managing large commercial projects with his love building peoples dreams. APEX stands above head and shoulders the competition by this hybrid approach.
Dana Jones ‘17
Dana Jones has always been creative when it comes to completing the simplest of tasks. Due to life altering physical challenges, daily necessities are often difficult for her to accomplish. After her first year in college, one major barrier that stood between her and the classroom were doors. The current technology did not work for her and she knew she was not the only one struggling with the existing method of opening doors. She knew there needed to be a change for those who face physical limitations and that led her to creating Accessadoor, LLC. Accessadoor facilitates an easy way of opening accessible doors by providing a smartphone application and compatible device that allows users to open accessible doors with their phone.
Charles E. Liscum ’78, Raymond VanVoorhis ’78, Michael TJ McCormack ’78
Liscum McCormack and VanVoorhis Architects
Michael Mancari ’10
Michael grew up in Poughkeepsie and has been involved in the emergency services since the age of 16. He completed the Fire Science Program at Dutchess Community College and has been an active member of the Arlington Fire District, West Point Fire Department where his duties included firefighting, hazardous materials, technical rescue and helicopter rescue operations. With his experience as a firefighter and building inspector, he founded M.M.G. Fire Equipment to help ensure the safety of the community.
Anthony Sicari ’08 and Bianca Cauchi ’08
Anthony and Bianca are co-owners of SunPower® by New York State Solar Farm, a solar electric system designer and integrator in Modena, N.Y. It's just 15 minutes from where they grew up and DCC, which they both attended. “We have so many friends and family here, I never really wanted to leave,” says Bianca, of their decision to start a business locally. For Anthony, the flexibility of staying close to home made a lot of sense, too. He wanted to enter the workforce while at DCC and earn his degree quickly. He followed his plan meticulously, creating a schedule that limited his in-class time to Tuesdays and Thursdays. That allowed him to begin working in a field that had fascinated him since his mid-teens: renewable energy. “What appealed to me was helping communities add solar (energy),” Anthony recalls. “I was seeing what was being done in Germany and Italy, with these large-scale solar farms. In high school, I took my first class at BOCES — ‘Intro to Photo Voltaics’ — and I was hooked.”
Sandy Williams ‘60
Williams Lumber and Home Center
Sandy Williams is the President and CEO of Williams Lumber, a family business founded in 1946, that he grew with his father to become one of the largest, independently owned home center chains in the northeast. Williams Lumber employs more 260 employees in eight locations, including Rhinebeck, Hudson, Hopewell Junction, Tannersville, Red Hook, Pleasant Valley, High Falls, and Hyde Park, New York.
We invite our alumni who are business owners to share the stories of their entrepreneurial journeys with us. Your experiences, challenges and successes offer invaluable insights that can inspire and guide current students and fellow alumni. Whether you’ve built a company from the ground up or taken an innovative approach to an established industry, your story is one of perseverance, vision and leadership. By sharing your journey, you not only celebrate your achievements but also contribute to the legacy of Dutchess Community College, helping to shape the next generation of business leaders. We look forward to hearing your unique story and showcasing the impact you've made in the business world. Send us an email at dccf@sunydutchess.edu or call 845-431-8400.
Contact Us
DCC Foundation
Bowne Hall, Room 103
Phone: (845) 431-8400
Email: dccf@sunydutchess.edu
53 Pendell Road
Poughkeepsie, NY 12601