Three Red Dragons honored for achievement

03/20/2023 

New York state Senator Lea Webb honored 11 women from across Senate District 52 during Women’s History Month at the State Office Building in Binghamton, N.Y. on Friday, March 17.

“These honorees’ dedication and tireless efforts have been instrumental in improving the quality of life for residents of our community,” Webb said.

Three of the women have ties to SUNY Cortland. They are:

• Linda Angell-Freehan Smith ’82, former chief of staff for retired state Assemblywoman Barbara Lifton.
• Bekkie Bryan, associate professor of physical education and membership development officer for United University Professions.
• Lorraine Lopez-Janove, chief diversity and inclusion officer at SUNY Cortland and a member of President Erik J Bitterbaum’s cabinet.

“I feel like I’m very blessed to know women across the senate district that I refer to as unsung she-ro’s” Webb told WBNG. "The amount of work they do from behind the scenes is incredible, and they don’t do it for recognition, they do it because they genuinely care about the community.”

Webb, who holds a degree in neuroscience from Binghamton University, became the first black woman to represent the 52nd Senate District. Her recently re-drawn district includes the cities of Binghamton, Cortland and Ithaca.

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Photo: SUNY Cortland Chief Diversity and Inclusion Officer Lorraine Lopez-Janove, at left, with State Senator Lea Webb.