Zaloom Named Utica College Valedictorian; Rogers Salutatorian
John Johnsen, Utica College provost and vice president for academic affairs, has named Rose Zaloom (Utica, NY/T.R. Proctor) as the class of 2016 valedictorian and Matthew Rogers as the class of 2016 salutatorian.
Zaloom, who carries a 4.0 GPA, is an English major from Utica with a dual minor in theatre and creative writing. She is a very active member of the campus community, serving in leadership roles in a number of campus organizations. Zaloom is president of Sigma Tau Delta, the international honors society for English majors, and is also co-captain of the Women's Tennis Team. She serves as president of the Harold Frederic English Society and editor-in-chief of the Ampersand, Utica College's literary journal. Zaloom is also vice president of the Honors Association and is a member of the math club and the UC Concert Band.
Zaloom plans to begin graduate work after commencement, ultimately pursuing a Ph.D. in English. She is the daughter of Robert and Laura Zaloom of Utica. Her older brother, Michael Zaloom, is an alumnus of Utica College, earning a bachelor's degree in 2013 and a master's degree. Michael was also a member of the men's tennis team during his time as an undergradiate.
Rogers, a journalism student from Syracuse with a 3.99 GPA, is active in numerous campus organizations and was a member of the leadership council for the Utica College football team. He is co-editor of the college newspaper, The Tangerine. Rogers is also captain of the men's tennis team.
Rogers received several awards from the Raymond Simon Institute of Public Relations and Journalism, including the George E. Jones '60 Outstanding Senior Award and the Owen Comora '53 Tangerine Award. The son of Michael and Theresa Rogers of East Syracuse, he plans to pursue a career in coaching, and has accepted a position as an assistant coach for the UC football team in the fall.
Utica College's undergraduate commencement ceremonies will be held Sunday, May 8 at 9:30 a.m. at the Utica Memorial Auditorium.
About Utica College – Utica College, founded in 1946, is a comprehensive private institution offering bachelors, masters and doctoral degrees. The College, located in upstate central New York, approximately 90 miles west of Albany and 50 miles east of Syracuse, currently enrolls more than 4,400 students in 38 undergraduate majors, 31 minors, 21 graduate programs and a number of pre-professional and special programs.