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Alumni Spotlight
Donald Staffo '68
Class Year: 1968
What you are doing now: I am professor and chairman of the Department of Health and Physical Education at Stillman College; a newspaper columnist and sports journalist; and I am also writing books. I was a recipient of the Ohio State University 2007 Award of Distinction, which is presented to an alumnus who has achieved national or international distinction in their field.
Major(s): Health and Physical Education
Favorite class at Brockport: I really liked all of my health and physical education majors classes. Thankfully I knew what I wanted to be, so I took my majors courses very seriously and learned a lot that has helped me tremendously throughout my career. I have always believed that the health and physical education training that I received at Brockport was as good as any place in the country, and to this day, I continue to share my Brockport experiences with my students.
Favorite professor(s) at Brockport: I had several good professors, but the Brockport professor that truly stands out is not someone who taught me, but a current member of the Brockport faculty, Dr. Bill Stier Jr., who I have over the course of the last 25 years collaborated with on many, many professional projects.
Most memorable Brockport moment: I thoroughly enjoyed my entire experience at Brockport. If I had to pick one experience, it was when I was invited back to Brockport in 2000 to deliver the D'Agostino Distinguished Lecture. Being on campus again brought back a lot of positive memories. That talk gave me the opportunity to share with the audience how proud I was to be a Brockport graduate.
Most interesting life experience: My life's work in general has been much more interesting than I ever imagined it would be. Beyond college teaching and administration, I've been truly blessed to be able to work as a sports journalist, covering big-time college and periodically professional sports, and once in a while major news stories such as Mother Teresa's visit to the US to start one of her Missionaries of Charity.
Most famous person I have met: Mother Teresa, Joe Namath, Bryant Gumbel. As a sports writer, I've had the opportunity to meet, interview and write stories about dozens of famous athletes (i.e. Namath, Bo Jackson, Julius Irving (Dr. J.), Charles Barkley), coaches (i.e. Don Shula, Joe Paterno, Tommy Lasorda) and sports personalities (i.e. 'Voice of the Yankees' broadcaster Mel Allen, legendary TV commentator Keith Jackson, Dick Vitale), including numerous MLB, NFL football, NBA basketball Hall of Famers and Olympic athletes. I've been fortunate to meet some of the famous professional sports stars that I followed when I was growing up.
Last book read: Invincible, a real life "Rocky" story. I enjoy biographies, especially about people who are considered big underdogs, but through hard work and perseverance accomplish the unimaginable to reach their dreams.
CD most likely to find in your stereo: I listen to the oldies, music from the 60s, around the time period when I was attending Brockport.
Favorite movie: Rocky, Rudy, Jerry Maguire, Forrest Gump, Born on the 4th of July
Favorite vacation spot: Until my parents passed away, it was going back to my hometown of Little Falls, NY, to visit them. Besides that, the beach, either in San Diego, Nagshead, NC, Gulf Shores, AL, or Daytona Beach, FL.
Family: My wife of almost 32 years, Dr. Marilyn Staffo, and two daughters, Andrea (27) and Deanna (24). Andrea, a licensed social worker, is getting married in April, and Deanna, a professional illustrator and artist, is engaged to be married next year.
What do you want to be doing next year: Begin my 40th year in education, continue as a sports writer, and still write articles and books. Also maintain my health by continuing long-distance running, swimming and biking.
What do you want to be doing in 20 years: The Lord willing, I will still be alive and healthy enough to write, exercise and still enjoy life and all that it has to offer. I plan to retire from full-time teaching in two to six years.
Message to the students of today: Take full advantage of the educational opportunities and experiences that Brockport has to offer, find a life's work that you have a passion for, have meaningful and challenging goals, and tenaciously work to reach your goals. If you do that, you should have a very satisfying life without ever having to "work," and you shouldn't have to look back with any regrets. Keep the faith, make good decisions, and remember, it may be nice to be important, but it's more important to be nice.
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