Adrienne Smith

08/26/2024

Thank you for the feature, Utica-Rome Professionals Under 40! Honored to be among the many talented, driven young professionals in our area.

Today's member spotlight is the flourishing Adrienne Smith!

Adrienne Smith is the Social Media and Media Relations Manager at Utica University. Since joining the institution in July 2023, Adrienne has been responsible for generating content for Utica University’s social media platforms and oversees all pages. Adrienne also handles all of the university’s media relations by collaborating with the press and various news organizations.

Adrienne grew up in Utica and is thrilled to be growing her career in her hometown. Prior to her role at Utica University, Adrienne worked at 9 WSYR -TV in Syracuse as the Weekend Morning News Anchor and Reporter.

During her time at NewsChannel 9, Adrienne covered a wide range of stories and topics, including the COVID-19 pandemic, a high profile murder-suicide involving an Onondaga County Sheriff’s deputy, Micron Technology’s historic $100 billion investment in Central New York, and President Joe Biden’s visit to Onondaga Community College in October 2022.

In addition to covering the news, Adrienne made it a priority to ensure equal representation of the Asian American Pacific Islander (AAPI) community. Adrienne proudly presented “Asian Americans Standing Strong,” the station’s first annual AAPI series that helped share the stories of Asian American Pacific Islanders living and working in Central New York.

Adrienne is a December 2019 alumna of Ithaca College, graduating with a bachelor’s degree in Television-Radio (Go Bombers!) During college, Adrienne completed several internships, including with The TODAY Show, NBC Owned Television Stations, NBC Sports and the 2018 PyeongChang Winter Olympics. Adrienne will be pursuing her Masters of Business Administration (MBA) at Utica University beginning this fall.

Outside of work, Adrienne loves spending time with her family, fiancé, Kyle, Goldendoodle, Rosie, and friends. A fun fact about Adrienne is that she was adopted from Seoul, Korea when she was 7-months-old.

Adrienne would love to connect with fellow professionals in Central New York. Her work email is “[email protected]” or connect with her on LinkedIn here: https://www.linkedin.com/in/adrienne-smith3/

Join us in congratulating Adrienne on today's member spotlight!

07/31/2024

ᴏɴᴇ ʏᴇᴀʀ ʟᴀᴛᴇʀ ‼️

Celebrating my one year work anniversary at Utica University today! 💙🧡

The past 365 days have been full of excitement and fulfillment. I’ve acquired new skills along the way and feel grateful I get to work with truly amazing, knowledgeable professionals in the higher education space.

As I reflect and also look ahead, I’m excited to announce I’ll be pursuing my MBA degree at Utica University this fall. I’m ready to hit the books again and continue to challenge myself. 📚

Here’s to more passion, progress and growth. Go Pioneers! 🫎

06/07/2024

Nothing better than being reunited with my best friend, Madison Moore! ❤️

Btw, she had some P.F. Chang’s on her shirt in case you were wondering about the photos 😂

05/21/2024

Shoutout to Southwest Airlines for the sweet gesture on my flight home to Syracuse Hancock International Airport from Nashville this weekend. 💙❤️💛

Thanks also to the passengers for the words of encouragement & well wishes. 💍

Should I rock the toilet paper veil at my wedding? 🤣

05/03/2024

Happy Asian American Pacific Islander Heritage Month!

If you’ve been following me for a while, you know this month means a lot to me…but to be honest, this year feels different. Mainly because it’s the first time in a few years I won’t be featuring members of the AAPI community in Central New York with NewsChannel 9.

Although it’s a passion project of mine I miss, I’m still so proud of the work I’ve done to amplify Asian American voices. It was my goal to give folks a platform to talk about their positive contributions in the community. Work that I believe deserves to be highlighted, recognized, and celebrated.

Every single person I had the chance to meet touched my life in a profound way. I hope they continue to feel empowered and inspired not just this month, but every other throughout the year. ❤️

”I praise you, for I am fearfully and wonderfully made. Wonderful are your works; my soul knows it very well.“ - Psalm‬ ‭139‬:‭14‬

✨

05/02/2024

Congratulations to these two beautiful, intelligent, successful ladies! Hard to believe Commencement is one week away 💙🫎🧡

𝟮𝟬𝟮𝟰 𝗩𝗮𝗹𝗲𝗱𝗶𝗰𝘁𝗼𝗿𝗶𝗮𝗻 & 𝗦𝗮𝗹𝘂𝘁𝗮𝘁𝗼𝗿𝗶𝗮𝗻 💙🎓🧡

Utica University is proud to honor Shayla Pominville, a Psychology and Childhood Education major from Clinton, NY who has earned a perfect 4.0 grade point average, as the 2024 Valedictorian.

This year’s Salutatorian is Sara Rachon, a Biology major and Chemistry minor from Marcy, NY who has earned an impressive 3.99 GPA.

𝗔 𝗹𝗶𝘁𝘁𝗹𝗲 𝗯𝗶𝘁 𝗮𝗯𝗼𝘂𝘁 𝗼𝘂𝗿 𝗩𝗮𝗹𝗲𝗱𝗶𝗰𝘁𝗼𝗿𝗶𝗮𝗻 & 𝗦𝗮𝗹𝘂𝘁𝗮𝘁𝗼𝗿𝗶𝗮𝗻:
Following graduation, Shayla aspires to be a local elementary school teacher. As a Theater minor, Shayla would like to teach a theater program for kids while educating upper elementary school students. Currently, she works at Benton Hall Academy in the Little Falls City School District as a long-term 5th grade substitute teacher. Her mother and father, Laura and Shawn, two siblings, Owen and Wyatt, and grandparents join the Utica University community in celebrating this achievement.

Sara plans to attend dental school at Lake Erie College of Osteopathic Medicine (LECOM). Sara graduated from Holland Patent High School. Her mother and father, Scott and Lorna, three siblings, Samantha, Scott, and Sophia, and grandparents are proud of Sara and her wonderful accomplishments as a Pioneer.

04/24/2024

04.22.24 🤍💍✨

The best day of my life! I can’t wait to marry you, Kyle. 🥹

04/18/2024

A quick trip to MKE to visit Madison Moore 🫶🏼🧀🍺✨ Can’t beat quality time spent with your best friend!

“Miles apart but close at heart.” ♥️

04/15/2024

There truly are no words. My prayers go out to Officer Michael Jensen and Lieutenant Michael Hoosock’s families, brothers and sisters in blue, and everyone coping with this unthinkable tragedy in the community that means so much to me. 💙😞

TWO LAW ENFORCEMENT OFFICERS KILLED IN THE LINE OF DUTY:

On Sunday, April 14th, 2024, at about 7:07 p.m., Syracuse Police Officers encountered a suspicious vehicle in the area of Emerson Avenue and Hamilton Street. Police officers attempted to stop the vehicle, however, the driver refused to stop and fled the area. The officers lost sight of the vehicle but were able to record the license plate information.

Officers checked the vehicle registration and determined the registered owner resides on Darien Drive, in Liverpool, New York.

Syracuse Police responded to the address, along with members of the Onondaga County Sheriff’s Office. The vehicle was found to be parked at a residence on Darien Drive.

Shortly after arrival, the police officers and sheriff’s deputies were encountered by an armed male and an exchange of gunfire followed.

One Syracuse Police Officer and one Onondaga County Sheriff’s Deputy were struck by gunfire. The armed suspect was also shot.

Both law enforcement officers were transported to Upstate University Hospital where life saving measures were conducted. The Syracuse Police Officer and the Onondaga County Sheriff’s Deputy succumbed to their injuries.

The suspect was also transported to University Hospital where he was pronounced dead.

Our thoughts and prayers are with the families of the two law enforcement officers killed in the line of duty, as well as with their brothers and sisters in law enforcement who are suffering in the wake of this tragedy.

We thank the community for their outpouring of support.

03/19/2024

Fun day at the office! Let's go, Utica University Pioneer Men's Hockey 💙🫎🧡

02/29/2024

Getting to meet and work with some of our amazing students at Utica University has been a highlight of my job!

Donating to our 2024 Give Day Campaign helps support students like Sarah, Mariami, Sarah, Charles and Kennedy in a variety of ways.

Your contribution to Utica University's Fund for Student Success provides vital funding for:
🔶 Scholarships and Financial Aid
🔷 Tutoring and Learning Support
🔶 Career Readiness Resources

This is why I - and I hope you will too!

Donate here: https://www.givecampus.com/schools/UticaUniversity/leap-into-giving-utica-university-give-day-2024

02/26/2024

A great opportunity for Central New York high school students interested in the communications industry. 👀

𝟮𝟬𝟮𝟰 𝗛𝗶𝗴𝗵 𝗦𝗰𝗵𝗼𝗼𝗹 𝗖𝗼𝗺𝗺𝘂𝗻𝗶𝗰𝗮𝘁𝗶𝗼𝗻 𝗖𝗮𝗿𝗲𝗲𝗿 𝗗𝗮𝘆 📺🎙️🗞️📱🎥

Interested in journalism, public relations, social media, or digital marketing?

Utica University is accepting registration for our High School Communication Career Day on March 20, sponsored by the Raymond Simon Institute.

Follow the link to register ➡️: https://docs.google.com/forms/d/1mqrOXWwTfQKr0F6s8YlylNXF74RSETwlrQ46ZFsLA9w/viewform?ts=63f4cd9b&edit_requested=true

You can also contact Karen Kaleta directly at [email protected]. Registration deadline is Friday March 15 ‼️

02/26/2024

❤️ 𝗛𝗲𝗮𝗿𝘁 𝗥𝘂𝗻 & 𝗪𝗮𝗹𝗸 ❤️

Over the last few years, the American Heart Association has become a cause near and dear to my heart. During my time at NewsChannel 9, I had the honor of being the emcee of the Syracuse Heart Run & Walk last year, in 2022 and virtually during the pandemic.

Now, it’s my turn to put my feet to the pavement 🏃🏻‍♀️ I’ll be running 3 miles this Saturday, March 2 at my new workplace: Utica University for the 50th Anniversary of America’s Greatest Heart Run & Walk!

So many of us have friends or loved ones impacted by heart disease and stroke. That’s why I’m asking for your help to reach my $𝟯𝟬𝟬 𝗳𝘂𝗻𝗱𝗿𝗮𝗶𝘀𝗶𝗻𝗴 𝗴𝗼𝗮𝗹 to support the American Heart Association.

Link to donate ➡️: https://bndfr.com/32nQ3

I’m grateful for your support and commitment to longer, healthier lives. 🫶🏼

02/06/2024

A recent passion project of mine. ⬇

I feel very lucky to have the opportunity to spotlight such an amazing resource here at Utica University. 💙🫎🧡

Learn more about The Tangerine Grove food pantry here: https://www.utica.edu/directory/tangerine-grove

02/05/2024

As a former TV news journalist, this post makes me especially happy!

Utica University TV is the university's student-run television station. Over the weekend, members had the opportunity to record two episodes in front of live audiences at the 12th Home Show at the Nexus Center.

Those in the TV biz know the best way to learn is by doing, and this opportunity is proof these students do just that. 👏

01/29/2024

Shoot day for The Christmas Letter Movie 🎬🎄✨

For those who don’t know, acting and commerical print modeling have been a big part of my life since I was younger…but it was always something I wanted to keep quiet and close to me, mainly because I didn’t want to get made fun of (especially in middle and high school)

Now that I’m older, I feel it’s an important part of my life I want to share! These experiences have helped shape me and truly made me who I am today. ☺️

11/06/2023

I covered this awful, disturbing case extensively when I was at NewsChannel 9.

Relieved to see there is some form of justice being served.

May Jordan Brooks forever Rest In Peace. ❤

BREAKING NEWS: Anthony Waldron has been convicted of murder for the death of his 17-year-stepson, Jordan Brooks. The Oswego County jury has handed down the verdict after about an hour of deliberation.

11/02/2023

Staff Spotlight 😊 Very grateful to have the Utica University Professional Staff Advisory Committee- PSAC as a resource.

Go Pioneers! 💙🫎🧡

*New Staff Member Spotlight*

Please welcome: Adrienne Smith!

If you see Adrienne around campus, you’ll most likely see her with a camera and her phone in-hand! As the Social Media and Media Relations Manager, Adrienne generates content for Utica University’s social media platforms and oversees all pages. Adrienne also handles the university’s media relations by collaborating with the press and various news organizations. A passion for storytelling, Adrienne is honored to highlight all of what Utica University has to offer. Adrienne is located in the Lower level of the library - Office L111.

Adrienne grew up in Utica and is thrilled to be growing her career in her hometown. Before coming to Utica University, Adrienne worked in Syracuse as a television news anchor and reporter at WSYR-TV NewsChannel 9. Prior to that, Adrienne attended Ithaca College, graduating with a bachelor’s degree in Television-Radio.

Outside of work, Adrienne loves spending time with her family, boyfriend, Kyle, Goldendoodle, Rosie, and friends. A fun fact about Adrienne is that she was adopted from Seoul, Korea when she was 7-months-old. Adrienne is also a major “foodie,” with a special fondness for Chicken Riggies, Utica Greens and Halfmoons for dessert!

Please join PSAC in welcoming Adrienne to the Utica University family!!