Stephen Mann is being inducted into the Hall of Fame for his exemplary high school career, his career achievements in government and his service to his community.
While in high school Steve excelled both in academics and athleticism. He was a member of Honor Society for three years, served on Student Council for all four years, and was treasurer his junior year. He won the DAR award and attended Boys’ State. He was editor of his class yearbook in 1989 and served on the Capital Projects Planning Board as a senior. He was on the Rams’ football team for four years, receiving the Key Club award the first two. He was also in the Computer and Math Clubs. He served on the city’s Youth Bureau Board of Directors his junior and senior year and was a finalist for Youth of the Year his freshmen and sophomore years. In his graduating year, he was Rensselaer’s Youth of the Year. Following high school, Steve earned his BA in Political Science and American History from SUNY Albany. His career in poly-sci began as the Public Affairs Coordinator for NYS Assemblyman Ron Canestrari from 1993-99. In ’99 he became the regional representative for US Senator Charles Schumer which he held until 2009. From then until now he has been the Deputy State Director for Sen. Schumer. Some of the highlights of his career have been as the lead for the fight to appropriate benefits for Line of Duty Deaths (LODD). He championed this fight with the Justice Department through Schumer’s office, resulting from the personal tragedy of the death of his friend and fellow firefighter, Mike Falkouski in 2005. Steve also has been at the forefront of Schumer’s efforts over the past 15 yrs to ensure that Henry Johnson (an Albany native) be awarded the Medal of Honor for WWI. Another important project Steve has been instrumental in having effected change for is for rail improvements for the Capital District, including the building of the 4th track at the Rensselaer Station and a fight to reclaim funds for the reconstruction of the Schenectady Station, the Livingston Ave bridge, and other upgrades. In addition to his career serving the citizens of NYS, Steve has done much volunteering for the city of Rensselaer. In ’94 he was part of the Planning Commission. He oversaw the city’s 10 parks and recreation program, including the reconstruction of Coyne Field. He’s been on the Board of Directors for the Boys and Girls Club and been an interior firefighter with Engine #4 from 1989 to present, serving as Lieutenant for 3 yrs, and Captain for 8 yrs. In 2005 he was named Assistant Fire Chief and served until 2010. In 1999 he also served on the North Greenbush Youth Board. Steve is the son of former RCSD Faculty member and 2012 Hall of Fame inductee, Ernie Mann ’65 and the late Janice Erlich Mann ’67. He lives in Rensselaer with his wife, the former Meg Carey ’89 and their two children. He was nominated by his family friend and former teacher, 2012 Hall of Fame Inductee, James Cochran ’66.
Kathy Keenan is being inducted in to the Hall of Fame for her achievements in acting, leadership in Girl Scouts and as a first responder; for her long service in the Daughters of the American Revolution (DAR); and for her participation in Alumni Association activities.
Kathy’s love of acting began as a child doing plays for family and friends and was cultivated at Van Rensselaer High School, where she was a member of the Drama Club. She acted in school plays and performed in talent shows and later in Community Theater. After graduating in 1968, she had modeling jobs and became a member of the Screen Actors Guild. She has acted in the locally filmed movies “Ironweed” and “The Horse Whisperer”, on sets with notable stars as Daniel Day-Lewis, Sian Phillips, Scarlett Johannsen and directors Robert Redford and Martin Scorsese. She was about to go professional with a role in TV’s “Law and Order” when a car accident left her with a spinal cord injury which put an end to her acting career. She married and became a mom, and turned her high school volunteering for the Girl Scouts into a 25 year venture. In addition, she became a Paramedic and Lieutenant with the Bethlehem Volunteer Ambulance Service and taught CPR, First Aid and EMT courses. In 1989 she was accepted into the Daughters of American Revolution (DAR), Fort Crailo Chapter. She has a long, distinguished career there, being awarded on the state and national levels for some twenty years of service including Honorary Regent, Chapter Chaplain, NYS Chair and Museum Correspondent Docent, Recording Secretary, President and Vice President of the NYS Capital District Round Table and many other titles. Through this service she has helped countless soldiers, students, military families and others. In addition, she volunteers at her church and has taught Sunday school, sung in the choir, directed the Christmas pageant, and many other activities. She is also a member of the Dutch Society. Kathy has other talents in writing as well and has had her poetry published and has written for a magazine, newspaper and been publicity chair for several organizations. Kathy has recently lent her expertise to the Alumni Association by judging and mentoring poetry and Shakespearean competitions. Kathy has two daughters and lives in Colonie with her husband Dale where they provide day care to their two granddaughters. She was nominated by her daughter, Emily Lupe.