Alumni Leaders

About 20 years ago, George VanderZwaag—new in his position as Rochester’s executive director of Athletics and Recreation—had an idea. He wanted to find a way to recognize the significant contributions of former Yellowjacket athletes while engaging others and advancing the mission of the department: to provide Rochester students with exemplary educational as well as athletic experiences.

That was the beginning of the Friends of Rochester Athletics, a group that started with about 20 people, mostly alumni, and today includes about 15,000 alumni, parents, friends, and fans. All who support the department in any way are counted as members. “Every kind of support matters—from dollars given to attendance at our games and events,” says VanderZwaag. “The Friends network is strong and well connected, too, which benefits everyone.”

Founding member John Mattioli ’79, who played basketball throughout college, says he got involved because many of the important people in his life came from Rochester, including Theresa, his wife of 42 years (also a founding member), and the late Jim Klimschot ’78 who was Mattioli's business partner until his death in 2001.

Mattioli says the organization has been a great way to stay in touch with former teammates and remain connected with his alma mater. Four times a year, Mattioli and former teammates get together to play golf, and whenever Rochester plays a game in Atlanta—Mattioli’s hometown—he’s there. Last January, Mattioli, Tom DiChristina ’82, David Bence ’81, and their former coach, Mike Neer ’88W (MS), cheered on Rochester in a game against Emory.

Friends often become part of a student’s professional network, too. Dennis Braniecki ’91—another founding member, former football player, Hall of Fame inductee, and parent of an alumnus—has talked with prospective students and introduced alumni to people in his network for 30 years.

For much of that time, Braniecki owned a moving company and gave summer jobs to Rochester students, alumni, and assistant coaches, and moved a number of people to Rochester as well.

“So many of the best parts of my life tie back to my time at Rochester,” says Braniecki. “Being a Friend has provided a framework to pay it forward in whatever ways I can.”