The Auburn Education Foundation (AEF) will celebrate five distinguished alumni of Auburn schools during its annual Hall of Distinction ceremony on Friday, May 16, at the Hilton Garden Inn.
AEF Board President Janie Hutchinson and Vice President Bonnie Blair appeared on the April 15 episode of “Beyond the Front Page” with host Guy Cosentino to preview the event and highlight the foundation’s impact on students and educators across the district.
The 2025 Hall of Distinction honorees include:
- Melody Brooks (Class of 1976) – Founder of New Perspectives Theatre Company in New York City, recognized for using theater to advance social, cultural, and political change.
- Dr. John Bisognano (Class of 1977) – Nationally recognized hypertension specialist and author, currently affiliated with the University of Michigan after a long tenure at Strong Memorial Hospital.
- Nicole Murley (Class of 1997) – Attorney and Inspector General with the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency; former senior litigation counsel with the Department of Justice.
- Bernie Simmons (Class of 1976) – Local business owner and philanthropist known for revitalizing downtown Auburn through his restaurants Balloons and 18 Wally’s.
- Gina Guerrera (Class of 1988) – Senior Vice President of Operations for Wegmans Central New York Region, overseeing more than 4,000 employees.
Tickets for the event are $35 and can be purchased online at auburnedfoundation.org or by mailing payment to AEF, P.O. Box 592, Auburn, NY 13021. The evening will feature hors d’oeuvres, desserts, and a cash bar, with each honoree giving remarks.
As part of the tradition, honorees will visit Auburn High School the morning of the event to speak with students in assigned classrooms. According to Hutchinson and Blair, these sessions consistently receive strong feedback and are often cited by recipients as a highlight of the experience.
Founded in 2003, the Auburn Education Foundation is a volunteer-led nonprofit that funds creative and unique educational initiatives proposed by Auburn teachers. Since its inception, the foundation has awarded over $350,000 in grants for programs that would otherwise go unfunded by the district.
Recent grants have supported STEM and arts initiatives, including a “smoothie bike” that promotes healthy living through pedal-powered blenders, and a pen pal postcard exchange between Auburn and Skaneateles elementary students. In the most recent funding cycle alone, the foundation awarded nearly $21,000 across 12 classroom grants and three district-level initiatives.
Board members emphasized the importance of community support and highlighted the diversity and dedication of their all-volunteer leadership, which includes professionals from education, finance, law, and other sectors.
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