Nazareth College remembers Trustee Sandy Parker
Nazareth College is mourning the loss of trustee Sandy Parker who passed away after a brief battle with cancer. She joined the College's board of trustees in 2015, most recently serving as the chair of the trusteeship committee and a member of the executive and the community and belonging committees.
She cared greatly for the Nazareth College community. In 2017 she showed her support for our students by establishing the Sandy A. Parker Scholarship, awarded annually to full-time students in good academic standing, with demonstrated financial need. In addition, Sandy was a generous supporter of the Nazareth Annual Fund.
Outside of Nazareth, Sandy was a trailblazer for professional women and an influential leader in Rochester. Her legacy has contributed to countless philanthropic and economic initiatives for the entire region. Education reform in particular captured her interest.
In 2016 she retired as president and CEO of the Rochester Business Alliance (RBA), known today as the Greater Rochester Chamber of Commerce; a position she had held since 2005. At the RBA, she tended to a vast collection of Rochester business leaders — nearly 2000 strong — comprised of large and small manufacturers, health care companies, business service providers, educational institutions, and nonprofits. Under her leadership, the RBA developed a heightened political stature as a strong advocate for the Rochester region’s business community.
Sandy was recognized in 2006 for her leadership in the Fair Share Coalition, which was formed to seek parity in state aid for Rochester. She co-founded Unshackle Upstate and served on the committee to Save New York. She served on numerous boards across our region over the years, and in 2002 was the recipient of the Rochester Business Journal’s ATHENA Award for her outstanding contributions to business and community.
Nazareth’s deepest condolences go to Sandy's husband, Dutch Summers, and to her family.
For More Information
Julie Long | Chief PR Officer | jlong2@naz.edu | (585) 389-2456 | (585) 781-8186 (cell)
Nazareth University is an inclusive community of inspired learners, educators, and changemakers who for nearly 100 years have been driven by a bold commitment to action, empathy, equity, and leading innovation for the common good. Impact experiences are at the heart of a Nazareth education, preparing each student to discover within themselves the potential to cultivate positive change in their life's work, in any career field, and in a world that is constantly evolving and infinitely interconnected.
Our broad academic offerings present a range of study options typical of larger universities, yet achieved in our supportive campus culture. Nearly 2,100 undergrad and 600 graduate students enroll in degree and certificate programs and engage in collaborative, transformative learning experiences, preparing for the professions and society of today and tomorrow. In a learning community that purposefully integrates liberal arts and professional programs, Nazareth University graduates are able to launch a lifetime of impactful leadership in communities and workplaces near and far.
