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Two stellar alumni will offer their wisdom to graduates as the keynote speakers at SUNY Fredonia’s Commencement on May 17.

Dr. Kim D. Harrington, a member of the Fredonia Class of 1989, will speak at the 10 a.m. ceremony, and Gretchen Geitter, a member of the Fredonia Class of 1991, at the 3 p.m. ceremony, both in Steele Hall.

Dr. Harrington is Associate Vice President for Arts, Belonging and Community at Georgia Institute of Technology in Atlanta, GA. She earned her B.A. in Psychology from SUNY Fredonia, a M.Ed. in Counseling/Educational Psychology from the State University of Buffalo, and a Ph.D. in Educational Psychology from Georgia State University. In her position at Georgia Tech, Harrington is charged with spearheading the growth and development of this new division and has intentionally led with a focus on creating a vibrant culture of belonging, creative expression, and community for all Georgia Tech students.

Harrington has served in various leadership roles within higher education, including positions in Residence Life, Admissions, Student Centers, Human Resources, and Administration and Finance. Her career trajectory led her to her current focus on belonging and community. Renowned for her student-centered approach, she is highly regarded for her ability to solve complex challenges with creativity and care. Harrington is deeply passionate about fostering inclusive environments where every individual feels valued, connected, and supported.

Harrington has received numerous awards in recognition of her leadership, including the University System of Georgia Chancellor’s Gold Service Excellence Leadership Award for outstanding performance and commitment to customer service. She is the 2018 recipient of the Butts –Whiting Award which recognizes and honors outstanding leaders who have made significant contributions to the college union and student activities of the Association of College Union International (ACUI). The Georgia Tech Black Alumni Organization also honored Harrington with the staff award at their annual Leaders & Legend Gala 2024.

Outside of her professional role, Harrington has a deep commitment to supporting children in foster care. She serves as chair of the board of Georgia CASA and is a board member of the Fredonia College Foundation. Originally from Buffalo, NY, Harrington now resides just west of Atlanta, GA, with her two sons. She is also a proud member of the Douglas Carroll Paulding Chapter of Delta Sigma Theta Sorority, Inc.

Ms. Geitter spent 30 years with the Buffalo Bills organization until her retirement from the team in 2024, most recently as Vice President of Community Relations and President of the Buffalo Bills Foundation. She was named Vice President of Community Relations in 2008 and President of the foundation in 2015. Geitter earned her B.S. in Communication from SUNY Fredonia, and was the very first recipient of the Robert E. Coon Recognition Award, established through the Fredonia College Foundation and awarded to a student who shows excellence in the classroom and contributes significantly to student life. She went on to earn a M.S. from Boston University, and has pursued advanced education and training.

Geitter’s distinguished career with the Buffalo Bills began in 1994 when she joined the team as a Suite Sales Associate. She quickly advanced to Special Events Manager from 1995 to 1998, overseeing the development of the Buffalo Bills Experience pregame event. In 1998, she was promoted to Manager of Marketing Coordination, followed by roles as Assistant Director of Community Programs in 2000, Director of Community Relations in 2001, Executive Director in 2006, and, lastly, Vice President of Community Relations. Throughout her tenure, Geitter played a pivotal role in the creation, support, and execution of several key initiatives. In early 2023, she played a crucial role in launching the Bills HeartBEAT program, which focuses on CPR/AED education, awareness, and training in collaboration with the American Heart Association.

Geitter has been recognized for her work with the Buffalo Bills and her community leadership, including the Alden High School Distinguished Alumni Award, the MS Community Partner Award, the Big Brothers Big Sisters Service Award, the Buffalo Public School Board of Education Award of Excellence, and recognition by Buffalo Business First as part of their 40 Under 40, the Buffalo Alliance for Education Pathfinders Award, and Women of Influence. In 2008, she was honored with the Ralph C. Wilson, Jr. Distinguished Service Award, which was presented to her personally by Mr. Wilson, the late owner of the Buffalo Bills.

In addition, Geitter has been an active member of numerous non-profit boards and advisory committees, locally, nationally, and internationally, including the Fredonia College Foundation Board of Directors.