Sunday, November 15, 2026
Molloy University marked its 70th anniversary by recognizing individuals and a family whose professional accomplishments, community involvement and longstanding connections to the university were celebrated at its annual gala.
The black-tie-optional event, titled “Power & Promise,” was held Nov. 5, at The Lannin in Eisenhower Park in East Meadow. Proceeds benefited student scholarships.
The gala was co-chaired by Nicolette Fiore-Lopez and Susan Santoro. Entertainment included a musical performance by the South Shore Symphony string quartet, a “Music Through the Decades” showcase and theatrical performances by students from Molloy's CAP21 musical theater conservatory.
Three honorees were recognized during the celebration. Donald Gelestino, founder and chairman of Champion Elevator Corporation, received the Lifetime Achievement Award; Margaret Myhan, a member of Molloy's Class of 1974 and executive director of NOSH Delivers Inc., received the Distinguished Alumni Award; and the Dwyer-Riveiro and Franz family received the Alumni Legacy Award.
Gelestino's recognition followed a career spanning four decades in the elevator industry. He began working at DECO Elevator in 1986 as a helper before advancing to mechanic and supervisory positions. In 1993, he founded Ver-Tech Elevator Co., which grew to employ more than 125 people before being sold to United Technologies Corp. in 2010.
After several years with United Technologies, Gelestino founded Champion Elevator in 2015. The company has since grown into an independent elevator service provider serving customers throughout the East Coast. In September 2025, after a decade as Champion's chief executive, he transitioned to chairman of its board of directors.
Gelestino is also a past president of the National Association of Elevator Contractors and received the organization's William C. Sturgeon Distinguished Service Award.
Myhan's career has included leadership positions in both the corporate and nonprofit sectors. Before joining NOSH Delivers, she served as president and CEO of Our Lady of Mercy Academy in Syosset. Her earlier professional experience included executive positions with Rockefeller Group Business Centers, OgilvyOne, Rapp Collins Worldwide and Grey Direct Marketing.
Myhan holds a bachelor's degree from Molloy and an MBA from Adelphi University. At NOSH Delivers, she leads an organization focused on improving access to food and essential resources for individuals and families across the North Shore.
The Alumni Legacy Award recognized a family whose relationship with Molloy dates back to the university's founding.
Geraldine Burchell Dwyer Riveiro was a member of Molloy's inaugural class in 1955, when the institution was known as Molloy Catholic College for Women. Before the campus was completed, classes were held in a house on North Village Avenue in Rockville Centre. Her connection to the school continued through subsequent generations, including daughters Diane M. Dwyer-Rao, Class of 1980, and Jeanne Franz, Class of 1995.
The family's connection also includes granddaughter Megan (Riveiro) Asmar, Class of 2017, and James Franz, a member of the Class of 2027. Diane previously received Molloy's Veritas Award and Distinguished Alumni Award.
