57th Annual LetterWinner of Distinction Celebration to Honor Five
9/12/2022 10:39:00 AM | General
SYRACUSE, N.Y. – Syracuse University will celebrate five former student-athletes at the 57th annual LetterWinner of Distinction awards banquet on Friday, October 28th. The recognition is bestowed upon individuals who have left their mark on the athletics program and for their success after graduation.
The 2022 fall honorees include Charles Bevier '81 (track & field, posthumous), Daniel D'Aniello '68 (gymnastics), Robert Konrad '02 (football), Adrienne Scherenzel-Curry '98 (track & field), and Karen Zajick '92 (basketball).
"This is a fantastic group of individuals to celebrate at our 57th LetterWinner of Distinction celebration," said Director of Athletics John Wildhack. "Each person stood out wearing the Block S at Syracuse and made an immeasurable impact after graduation in their respective professions. They are outstanding role models for our current student-athletes."
The LetterWinner of Distinction reception will begin at 6 pm followed by dinner at 7 pm in the Goldstein Auditorium at The Shine Student Center. Cost to attend is $110 per individual and $1,000 per table of 10. Please click here to register to attend this special celebration. This event is open to the public.
Charles Bevier '81 (track & field) (posthumous)
A record-setting distance runner for the Orange, Charlie Bevier earned a bachelor's degree in social work in 1982. During his Syracuse career he set records in the indoor 1,500-meter run (3:46.70; 1980), the outdoor 10,000-meter run (1982) and the outdoor 4 x 1,500-meter relay (2972) and the outdoor 4 x 1600-meter relay (1981). His 1,500-meter run record and the 4 x 1,600-meter relay records still stand today.
After graduation, Bevier joined the West Chester Track Club and qualified for the Olympic trials in the 10,000 in 1984 and 1988. He set course records at Van Cortlandt Park (five mile run, 23.50) and at the Cow Harbor (10K, 28.19), and was in the top 10 of American distance runners for many years and winner of the Hispanic Half Marathon in NYC.
Bevier started his career in social work as a case manager at the Open Arms Men's Shelter in 1989 and was ultimately promoted to Director of Shelter and Homeless Outreach Services for Lifting Up Westchester, where he was responsible for the men's and women's shelters and the soup kitchen. He was recognized twice for his outstanding service by the National Council on Alcohol and Drug Dependence, served on the Board of SHARE (Sheltering the Homeless is our Responsibility) and co-chaired a committee to help homeless vets in the Westchester County Department of Community Mental Health.
Daniel D'Aniello '68 (gymnastics)
A four-year gymnastics letterwinner and a Dean's List student throughout his Syracuse career, Daniel D'Aniello earned a bachelor's degree in transportation economics from what is now the Whitman School of Management, graduating magna cum laude as Class Marshal. D'Aniello is a noted philanthropist and founding partner and Chairman Emeritus of The Carlyle Group, a global alternative asset management company based in Washington, D.C.
At Syracuse, D'Aniello was a member of the Beta Gamma Sigma honor society for business scholars. Following graduation, he served as an officer in the U.S. Navy aboard the U.S.S. Wasp from 1968 to 1971 and then went on to earn an MBA from Harvard Business School as a Teagle Foundation Fellow.
D'Aniello advanced in a number of corporate financial positions, including serving as financial officer at PepsiCo Inc. and Trans World Airlines, and vice president for finance and development at the Marriott Corporation, before leaving in 1987 to form The Carlyle Group. Today, Carlyle boasts 31 offices across six continents, with $195 billion in assets under management.
In 2016, D'Aniello was recognized with the U.S. Navy Memorial Foundation's Lone Sailor Award for drawing upon his service experience to achieve success, while exemplifying the core values of honor, courage, and commitment.
A native of Butler, Pa., D'Aniello is a member of the Syracuse University Board of Trustees and the Whitman School Advisory Council, and previously served on the Chancellor's Council. He is co-chairman of the American Enterprise Institute, a member of the U.S.–China CEO and Former Senior Government Officials' Dialogue of the U.S. Chamber of Commerce, a member of the Council for United States and Italy, an advisor to the John Templeton Foundation, chairman of the Wolf Trap Foundation for the Performing Arts, and a founding trustee of the Lumen Institute.
D'Aniello and his wife, Gayle, generously supported the construction of National Veterans Resource Center (NVRC), a first-of-its-kind facility that houses the institute for Veterans and Military Families (IVMF), the nation's leading academic institute focused on the concerns of more than 20 million veterans and their families, as well as ROTC offices and other veteran-focused educational, vocational, and community engagement programs, on the Syracuse University campus.
Robert Konrad '02 (football)
The last Syracuse football student-athlete to wear the legendary #44, Rob Konrad was a 1998 Orange team captain and helped guide Syracuse to three BIG EAST Championships and four bowl games. He was the first fullback to wear the coveted number. A 1999 National Football League first round draft pick by the Miami Dolphins. He played in the NFL for seven seasons, including six with the Dolphins, where he served as a long-time team representative for the National Football League Players Association (NFLPA), and one with the Oakland Raiders.
At Syracuse, Konrad rushed for 1,516 yards and scored 20 touchdowns. During his four-year tenure, the Orange played in the 1996 Gator Bowl, the 1996 Liberty Bowl, the 1997 Fiesta Bowl and the 1999 Orange Bowl. From 1995 through 1998, Syracuse had a 35-14 record, including a 19-4 mark in the Carrier Dome. In 1998, Konrad was an All-BIG EAST Second Team selection. Konrad, who earned his degree in consumer studies, was named to the Athletic Director's Honor Roll in the Spring of 1998.
He began his career in the financial services industry during his career in the NFL. Today is the Chairman of Alterna Capital Solutions, a Florida-based private investment management firm that is the sole or majority owner of several financial services businesses, including Socius Family Office, Alterna Equity Partners, and Alterna Tax Asset Group. Alterna Equity Partners, which Konrad founded in 2006 and currently serves as managing partner, invests in operating businesses that oversee more than $1 billion in assets across funds, portfolio companies and co-investments.
Konrad serves as a member of the Economic Council of Palm Beach County and the Young Presidents' Organization. He served as a gubernatorial appointee to the Florida State Board of Administration's Investment Advisory Council from 2007 through 2011. The Investment Council provides independent oversight of SBA's funds and major investments responsibilities, ranging from the Florida Retirement System programs to the Florida Growth Fund. Konrad served as chairman of the IAC in 2011. The Florida Retirement System (FRS) Pension Plan is the fourth-largest public retirement plan in the U.S. and comprises roughly three-quarters of total assets under SBA management.
Adrienne Scherenzel-Curry '98 (track & field)
A social impact executive with more than 20 years of experience in healthcare, public education and non-profit industries, Adrienne Scherenzel-Curry is in her fourth season with the Chicago Bulls. Since 2021 she has held the position of vice president of community engagement and Executive Director of Chicago Bulls Charities. Scherenzel-Curry started with the Bulls organization as the senior director of community relations in November 2019.
A 1998 graduate with a degree in psychology from the College of Arts & Sciences, Scherenzel-Curry was a four-year letterwinner for the Orange track & field team and served as a team captain as a senior. She set the Syracuse record in the 500-meters in 1997. In 1997, Scherenzel-Curry earned All-BIG EAST Outdoor honors as the first leg of the 1,600-meter relay team with her twin sister, Melanie Scherenzel, Deniece Bell and Jamila Codrington. She was part of three Syracuse record-setting relays, including the 1998 indoor 4 x 400 meter relay, the 1998 outdoor 4 x 400-meter relay and the 1998 4 x 800-meter relay. She won the 1998 BIG EAST Postgraduate Scholarship and the 1998 Arthur Ashe Jr. Award. A member of Alpha Kappa Alpha Sorority Inc. at Syracuse, she earned her Doctorate in Podiatric Medicine from Dr. William M. Scholl College of Podiatric Medicine at Rosalind Franklin University of Medicine and Science in 2002.
In her role with the Bulls, she provides oversight and strategic direction for community relations, alumni programs, player engagements and the Chicago Bulls Charities (the organization's philanthropic foundation). Scherenzel-Curry guides the development and implementation of community initiatives and social responsibility campaigns that align and support the charitable and business objectives of the Bulls and its corporate partners.
Prior to joining Chicago, she worked as the Chief Operating Officer and Chief Program Officer for the youth development organization After School Matters for five years. In addition, she worked at two large school districts (Chicago Public Schools and School District of Philadelphia) serving in policy and public health roles.
Karen Zajick '92 (basketball)
A four-year point guard for the Orange women's basketball team from 1988 through 1992, Karen Zajick earned a degree in accounting from the School of Management. She started as a junior and senior and was SU's second leading playmaker as a junior and finished in the top three in that category as a senior. Following her junior season, Zajick was chosen to play for the BIG EAST All-Star Team that toured Canada.
Zajick spent the majority of her professional career at Norris Sales Company, a certified Women's Business Enterprise that specializes in the sale, service, and rental of construction equipment throughout the mid-Atlantic region. She started as an inventory analyst in late 2001 and was promoted to controller in 2004. Two years later she earned the role as vice president and controller. In 2015 she became president of Norris Sales, a position she held until 2021.
Prior to joining Norris Sales Company, Zajick was a senior manager for ACSYS Resources Inc. for five years, where she managed more than 150 client relationships. Zajick started her career as an audit associate for Coopers and Lybrand for one year before becoming an assistant sports agent for Kauffman and Rogers, PC. As a sports agent she led and developed client relationship programs with Fortune 500 companies and athletic brands such as Nike and Reebok.
Zajick serves in various community organizations, including the Montgomery County Chamber of Commerce and the Delaware Valley Associated Equipment Distributors (DVAED). She has been a member of the Montgomery County Chamber of Commerce Board of Governors since 2011 and served as vice chair (2014) and chair (2015 to 2019). In her 10 years with DVAED she was vice president in 2012, president in 2013 and 2014 and has served on the board since 2015. The Norristown, Pa. native served on the Breastcancer.org Golf Committee Board from 2012 through 2015.
The 2022 fall honorees include Charles Bevier '81 (track & field, posthumous), Daniel D'Aniello '68 (gymnastics), Robert Konrad '02 (football), Adrienne Scherenzel-Curry '98 (track & field), and Karen Zajick '92 (basketball).
"This is a fantastic group of individuals to celebrate at our 57th LetterWinner of Distinction celebration," said Director of Athletics John Wildhack. "Each person stood out wearing the Block S at Syracuse and made an immeasurable impact after graduation in their respective professions. They are outstanding role models for our current student-athletes."
The LetterWinner of Distinction reception will begin at 6 pm followed by dinner at 7 pm in the Goldstein Auditorium at The Shine Student Center. Cost to attend is $110 per individual and $1,000 per table of 10. Please click here to register to attend this special celebration. This event is open to the public.
Charles Bevier '81 (track & field) (posthumous)
A record-setting distance runner for the Orange, Charlie Bevier earned a bachelor's degree in social work in 1982. During his Syracuse career he set records in the indoor 1,500-meter run (3:46.70; 1980), the outdoor 10,000-meter run (1982) and the outdoor 4 x 1,500-meter relay (2972) and the outdoor 4 x 1600-meter relay (1981). His 1,500-meter run record and the 4 x 1,600-meter relay records still stand today.
After graduation, Bevier joined the West Chester Track Club and qualified for the Olympic trials in the 10,000 in 1984 and 1988. He set course records at Van Cortlandt Park (five mile run, 23.50) and at the Cow Harbor (10K, 28.19), and was in the top 10 of American distance runners for many years and winner of the Hispanic Half Marathon in NYC.
Bevier started his career in social work as a case manager at the Open Arms Men's Shelter in 1989 and was ultimately promoted to Director of Shelter and Homeless Outreach Services for Lifting Up Westchester, where he was responsible for the men's and women's shelters and the soup kitchen. He was recognized twice for his outstanding service by the National Council on Alcohol and Drug Dependence, served on the Board of SHARE (Sheltering the Homeless is our Responsibility) and co-chaired a committee to help homeless vets in the Westchester County Department of Community Mental Health.
Daniel D'Aniello '68 (gymnastics)
A four-year gymnastics letterwinner and a Dean's List student throughout his Syracuse career, Daniel D'Aniello earned a bachelor's degree in transportation economics from what is now the Whitman School of Management, graduating magna cum laude as Class Marshal. D'Aniello is a noted philanthropist and founding partner and Chairman Emeritus of The Carlyle Group, a global alternative asset management company based in Washington, D.C.
At Syracuse, D'Aniello was a member of the Beta Gamma Sigma honor society for business scholars. Following graduation, he served as an officer in the U.S. Navy aboard the U.S.S. Wasp from 1968 to 1971 and then went on to earn an MBA from Harvard Business School as a Teagle Foundation Fellow.
D'Aniello advanced in a number of corporate financial positions, including serving as financial officer at PepsiCo Inc. and Trans World Airlines, and vice president for finance and development at the Marriott Corporation, before leaving in 1987 to form The Carlyle Group. Today, Carlyle boasts 31 offices across six continents, with $195 billion in assets under management.
In 2016, D'Aniello was recognized with the U.S. Navy Memorial Foundation's Lone Sailor Award for drawing upon his service experience to achieve success, while exemplifying the core values of honor, courage, and commitment.
A native of Butler, Pa., D'Aniello is a member of the Syracuse University Board of Trustees and the Whitman School Advisory Council, and previously served on the Chancellor's Council. He is co-chairman of the American Enterprise Institute, a member of the U.S.–China CEO and Former Senior Government Officials' Dialogue of the U.S. Chamber of Commerce, a member of the Council for United States and Italy, an advisor to the John Templeton Foundation, chairman of the Wolf Trap Foundation for the Performing Arts, and a founding trustee of the Lumen Institute.
D'Aniello and his wife, Gayle, generously supported the construction of National Veterans Resource Center (NVRC), a first-of-its-kind facility that houses the institute for Veterans and Military Families (IVMF), the nation's leading academic institute focused on the concerns of more than 20 million veterans and their families, as well as ROTC offices and other veteran-focused educational, vocational, and community engagement programs, on the Syracuse University campus.
Robert Konrad '02 (football)
The last Syracuse football student-athlete to wear the legendary #44, Rob Konrad was a 1998 Orange team captain and helped guide Syracuse to three BIG EAST Championships and four bowl games. He was the first fullback to wear the coveted number. A 1999 National Football League first round draft pick by the Miami Dolphins. He played in the NFL for seven seasons, including six with the Dolphins, where he served as a long-time team representative for the National Football League Players Association (NFLPA), and one with the Oakland Raiders.
At Syracuse, Konrad rushed for 1,516 yards and scored 20 touchdowns. During his four-year tenure, the Orange played in the 1996 Gator Bowl, the 1996 Liberty Bowl, the 1997 Fiesta Bowl and the 1999 Orange Bowl. From 1995 through 1998, Syracuse had a 35-14 record, including a 19-4 mark in the Carrier Dome. In 1998, Konrad was an All-BIG EAST Second Team selection. Konrad, who earned his degree in consumer studies, was named to the Athletic Director's Honor Roll in the Spring of 1998.
He began his career in the financial services industry during his career in the NFL. Today is the Chairman of Alterna Capital Solutions, a Florida-based private investment management firm that is the sole or majority owner of several financial services businesses, including Socius Family Office, Alterna Equity Partners, and Alterna Tax Asset Group. Alterna Equity Partners, which Konrad founded in 2006 and currently serves as managing partner, invests in operating businesses that oversee more than $1 billion in assets across funds, portfolio companies and co-investments.
Konrad serves as a member of the Economic Council of Palm Beach County and the Young Presidents' Organization. He served as a gubernatorial appointee to the Florida State Board of Administration's Investment Advisory Council from 2007 through 2011. The Investment Council provides independent oversight of SBA's funds and major investments responsibilities, ranging from the Florida Retirement System programs to the Florida Growth Fund. Konrad served as chairman of the IAC in 2011. The Florida Retirement System (FRS) Pension Plan is the fourth-largest public retirement plan in the U.S. and comprises roughly three-quarters of total assets under SBA management.
Adrienne Scherenzel-Curry '98 (track & field)
A social impact executive with more than 20 years of experience in healthcare, public education and non-profit industries, Adrienne Scherenzel-Curry is in her fourth season with the Chicago Bulls. Since 2021 she has held the position of vice president of community engagement and Executive Director of Chicago Bulls Charities. Scherenzel-Curry started with the Bulls organization as the senior director of community relations in November 2019.
A 1998 graduate with a degree in psychology from the College of Arts & Sciences, Scherenzel-Curry was a four-year letterwinner for the Orange track & field team and served as a team captain as a senior. She set the Syracuse record in the 500-meters in 1997. In 1997, Scherenzel-Curry earned All-BIG EAST Outdoor honors as the first leg of the 1,600-meter relay team with her twin sister, Melanie Scherenzel, Deniece Bell and Jamila Codrington. She was part of three Syracuse record-setting relays, including the 1998 indoor 4 x 400 meter relay, the 1998 outdoor 4 x 400-meter relay and the 1998 4 x 800-meter relay. She won the 1998 BIG EAST Postgraduate Scholarship and the 1998 Arthur Ashe Jr. Award. A member of Alpha Kappa Alpha Sorority Inc. at Syracuse, she earned her Doctorate in Podiatric Medicine from Dr. William M. Scholl College of Podiatric Medicine at Rosalind Franklin University of Medicine and Science in 2002.
In her role with the Bulls, she provides oversight and strategic direction for community relations, alumni programs, player engagements and the Chicago Bulls Charities (the organization's philanthropic foundation). Scherenzel-Curry guides the development and implementation of community initiatives and social responsibility campaigns that align and support the charitable and business objectives of the Bulls and its corporate partners.
Prior to joining Chicago, she worked as the Chief Operating Officer and Chief Program Officer for the youth development organization After School Matters for five years. In addition, she worked at two large school districts (Chicago Public Schools and School District of Philadelphia) serving in policy and public health roles.
Karen Zajick '92 (basketball)
A four-year point guard for the Orange women's basketball team from 1988 through 1992, Karen Zajick earned a degree in accounting from the School of Management. She started as a junior and senior and was SU's second leading playmaker as a junior and finished in the top three in that category as a senior. Following her junior season, Zajick was chosen to play for the BIG EAST All-Star Team that toured Canada.
Zajick spent the majority of her professional career at Norris Sales Company, a certified Women's Business Enterprise that specializes in the sale, service, and rental of construction equipment throughout the mid-Atlantic region. She started as an inventory analyst in late 2001 and was promoted to controller in 2004. Two years later she earned the role as vice president and controller. In 2015 she became president of Norris Sales, a position she held until 2021.
Prior to joining Norris Sales Company, Zajick was a senior manager for ACSYS Resources Inc. for five years, where she managed more than 150 client relationships. Zajick started her career as an audit associate for Coopers and Lybrand for one year before becoming an assistant sports agent for Kauffman and Rogers, PC. As a sports agent she led and developed client relationship programs with Fortune 500 companies and athletic brands such as Nike and Reebok.
Zajick serves in various community organizations, including the Montgomery County Chamber of Commerce and the Delaware Valley Associated Equipment Distributors (DVAED). She has been a member of the Montgomery County Chamber of Commerce Board of Governors since 2011 and served as vice chair (2014) and chair (2015 to 2019). In her 10 years with DVAED she was vice president in 2012, president in 2013 and 2014 and has served on the board since 2015. The Norristown, Pa. native served on the Breastcancer.org Golf Committee Board from 2012 through 2015.
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