Passing Through Oswego: Sweet Treats Help Form Family’s Oswego Connection

Pictured: Karen Genier Rappleye ’93, daughter, Sarah ’21, and husband, Jim Rappleye, at an Oswego cross country meet last fall. As a child in the 1970s and 80s, Karen Genier Rappleye ’93 would travel through Oswego on her way to visit family in the Watertown (N.Y.) area. Sometimes, the trips included stops at Canale’s, Little While and Bev’s for ice cream.

“When it came time for me to start college in 1989, I selected a comfortable place to me: Oswego,” Karen said.

Karen, who had known she wanted to be a teacher since age 5, began her 25th year as a teacher this fall in the Gates Chili (N.Y.) Central School District. One of the cousins she traveled to see in Watertown, Lindsey Scott Cuppernell ’06, also found a home at SUNY Oswego and a career as a guidance counselor; she is currently a stay-at-home mom to three young boys.

Time passed, and Karen and her husband —then, their two children—continued to travel through Oswego.

“A look at the beautiful lake, a yummy meal out and stories shared,” Karen said of bringing her family to the community of her alma mater. And when it came time for Karen’s daughter, Sarah ’21, to select a college, she, too, chose Oswego.

“She heard that Oswego gave her favorite thing after summer tours … ice cream,” Karen said. “So off we went to see mom’s college. She loves it just as much as I did.”

A pleasant family surprise came this year when Karen’s nephew, Joseph Genier ’23, selected Oswego, entering this fall.

Like many educators, Karen’s SUNY Oswego family extends to work colleagues, including Marilyn Arcuri Luff ’78, her teaching partner of over 20 years.

“Our shared love of Oswego initiated our friendship,” Karen said. “Our preparation and careers as educators forged our family bond.”

There’s Still Time!

As 2019 comes to a close, be sure to send in your end of the year gift to The Fund for Oswego. Help create opportunities for our current and future students. You can make your gift online at alumni.oswego.edu/give, or mail to 215 Sheldon Hall, Oswego, N.Y. 13126.

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