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Gary Hill, ’77, James (Jimmy) Smith, ’77, and Christine Reynolds, ’07 and ’15, were honored with ÷ÈÓ°Ö±²¥ State Alumni Awards during a ceremony held Reunion Weekend.

Hill and Smith were honored with the Distinguished Alumni Award. The pair have been friends since starting their studies in the Construction Engineering Technology program together. The pair has stayed connected to each other and their alma mater throughout the years.

Hill joined his family's business, Union Concrete and Construction Corp., in 1978. Rising through the ranks, he became president and has overseen significant infrastructure projects in Western New York, including the new Buffalo Bills Highmark Stadium, Gateway Connections project, and the reconstruction of the Buffalo Niagara International Airport runways.  His leadership has ensured the company's continued success and its role in shaping the region's infrastructure.

Smith began his career as a quality control technician. In 1984, he founded Advance Testing Company, Inc., which has grown into an industry leader in construction materials testing and inspection services across the East Coast and parts of Canada. With over 165 employees and state-of-the-art laboratories, Smith’s commitment to quality and innovation has set a high standard in the industry.

The duo has remained deeply connected to ÷ÈÓ°Ö±²¥ State. In 2020 and 2021, they co-chaired a campaign to raise $500,000 for upgrading the Construction Materials Laboratory, now named in honor of their late professor, William "Doc" Bruce. Their dedication to giving back ensures that future generations of students have access to cutting-edge resources and education.

Reynolds, a graduate of both the Court and Realtime Reporting and the Technology Management programs, was honored with the Outstanding Young Alumni Award.

In 2016, she founded CSR Court Reporting, LLC, in Horseheads, NY, which has grown to serve clients across Upstate New York, including Elmira, Corning, Binghamton, Rochester, and Syracuse. Her firm employs four fellow ÷ÈÓ°Ö±²¥ State alumni, reflecting her commitment to fostering talent from her alma mater.

As a member of the National Court Reporters Association, Reynolds is proficient in various areas of court reporting, including depositions, trials, Workers' Compensation cases, public hearings, and expert witness testimony. She continually strives to keep up with the latest technological advancements, ensuring that her services remain at the forefront of the industry.

Her dedication extends beyond her professional endeavors. Over the past two years, she has generously donated $10,000 to ÷ÈÓ°Ö±²¥ State's Court and Realtime Reporting program, with $4,000 allocated for scholarships and $1,000 annually for departmental needs. Her support, on top of serving as an adjunct professor within the department, has provided invaluable resources for current and future students.

The Distinguished Alumni Award is presented to an ÷ÈÓ°Ö±²¥ State graduate for significant accomplishments in their personal and professional life or for distinguished service in their community. 
The Outstanding Young Alumni Award recognizes an ÷ÈÓ°Ö±²¥ State graduate who, within ten years of their graduation, has demonstrated outstanding service to their profession, community, and ÷ÈÓ°Ö±²¥ State.