Keuka College has appointed four new members to its Board of Trustees, welcoming accomplished professionals and student leaders whose diverse backgrounds will help guide the College.
Joining the Board effective July 1 are Janet Chin, Kyle Sylor ’07, Christina AmEnde ’83, and Student Trustee Ruari Griffin ’28.
The new trustees succeed Juanita Hawkins ’67, Jeff Wright, and Student Trustee Alicia Rush ’26, whose terms have concluded.
“Each of these new trustees brings a unique perspective, exceptional professional experience, and a shared commitment to the transformative power of higher education,” said Keuka College President Amy Storey. “Their expertise and passion for serving others will strengthen our Board as we carry on the important work of preparing students to lead lives of purpose and service.”
Board of Trustees Chair Dr. Twyla J. Cummings offered words of praise and thanks to the outgoing trustees.
“Serving on a college board is both a privilege and a significant responsibility, and Juanita, Jeff, and Alicia have each fulfilled that responsibility with dedication, wisdom, and a strong commitment to Keuka College’s mission,” said Dr. Cummings. “On behalf of the entire Board, I extend our sincere gratitude for their thoughtful leadership, generous service, and countless contributions.”
About the New Trustees
Janet Chin
Janet Chin brings to the Board decades of experience in education, library systems, volunteer management, and community engagement.
She has held leadership positions with Delaware Technical Community College, Read Aloud Delaware, and the New Castle County library system, where she specialized in information literacy, curriculum support, grant writing, and public programming. Throughout her career, she has championed lifelong learning while building partnerships that connect educational institutions with their communities.
She earned a bachelor’s degree from the State University of New York at Binghamton and a Master of Science in Library Science, with honors, from Columbia University. She has received numerous awards recognizing her professional achievements and volunteer service, including the Delaware Library Association’s Life Member Award. She continues to volunteer with organizations including the Mt. Cuba Center, Read Aloud Delaware, the Delaware Master Naturalist program, and the Friends of Hockessin Library.
Kyle Sylor ’07
Kyle Sylor is a Wealth Strategist with Bank of America, where he advises individuals and families throughout the Mid-Atlantic and Northeast on wealth transfer, tax planning, business succession, and philanthropic strategies.
He also has extensive legal-practice experience, serving as an associate attorney with the Weidenfeld Law Firm, P.C., in Washington, D.C., where he assisted investment groups and managed estates, and as an attorney with Jackson and Campbel, P.C., also in the nation’s capital.
He earned his Bachelor of Science in Business Management from Keuka College before completing his Juris Doctor at Syracuse University College of Law. He is a member of the District of Columbia, Virginia, and Colorado bar associations.
As an alumnus, he brings both professional expertise and firsthand knowledge of the transformative impact of a Keuka College education. He was recently awarded the Alumni Association’s Professional Achievement Award.
Christina AmEnde ’83
Keuka College alumna Christina AmEnde has built a distinguished career spanning finance, insurance, business operations, and nonprofit leadership.
She currently serves as operations director for Check Fund Manager, overseeing client relations, finance, product development, marketing, and strategic growth. Earlier in her career, she held leadership positions with MassMutual, Integrated Disability Resources, Highmark Life Insurance Company, and Easter Seals Greater Hartford.
She has remained deeply engaged with her alma mater, serving as president of the Keuka College Alumni Association from 2017 to 2021, and volunteering with the Regional Alumni Network. She has been recognized with the Eleanor Judd Wilkes Service to Keuka College Award and is a member of the Dr. Arthur J. Kirk, Jr. Athletics Hall of Fame.
Ruari Griffin ’28
Serving as one of two student trustees on the Board is Ruari Griffin, a psychology major from Hilliard, Ohio.
Ruari serves as a student ambassador in the Office of Admissions and secretary of the American Sign Language Club. She also participated in Keuka College’s inaugural Emerging Leaders Program. Drawn to the College by its close-knit learning environment, experiential education opportunities, and lakeside campus, she looks forward to bringing the perspective of an out-of-state student to conversations about the College’s future.
Keuka College’s Board of Trustees provides strategic leadership and fiduciary oversight in support of the College’s mission, helping ensure its continued strength and success for future generations of students.
