Skip to main site navigation Skip to main content

Thrive On: The Campaign for Utica University →

Utica University Logo
  • Academics
    • Programs
    • Online Programs
      • Online Business Programs
    • Honors Program
    • Graduate Study
    • International Ed & Study Abroad
      • Study Abroad
    • Exceptional Faculty
    • Research & Experiential Learning
      • Experiential Learning Courses
    • Student Support and Success
    • Schedules, Catalogs, and Resources
    • Institutes and Centers
    • Utica University at Florida
      • Tuition and Fees: ABSN Program
      • Accepted Students
    • Current Offerings
    • Program Details
    • Themed Pathways
    • Planning Sheet
  • Tuition and Financial Aid
    • Understanding Financial Aid
      • Value
      • Excelsior, Explained
      • University Scholarships
      • Annual Awards
    • Applying For Financial Aid
    • Tuition and Fees
      • Utica Campus Programs
      • Online Programs
      • ABSN Program
    • Net Price Calculator
    • Pioneer Passport
  • Admissions
    • First-Year Admissions
    • Transfer Admissions
      • Articulation Agreements
    • Graduate Admissions
      • Graduate Inquiry Form
    • International Applicants
      • International Inquiry Form
      • Frequently Asked Questions
    • Visit
      • Utica University Campus
      • Virtual Tour
      • Why Not Fly?
    • Apply Now
    • Contact Us
    • Accepted Student Info
    • High School Counselors
    • High School Bridge Program
  • Community
    • Living on Campus
      • Res Life and Student Living
      • Campus Engagement and Student Activities
    • Satellite Locations
    • The Utica Area
      • Hotels and Restaurants in the Utica Area
    • Utica Stories
    • About Utica
  • Athletics
    • Intercollegiate Athletics
    • Esports
  • News & Events
  • Alumni
  • Giving
  • Apply Now
  • Directory
  • About
  • Library
  • Logins
Utica University

Meet the Changemaker: Gerard "Jerry" Capraro '66

  1. Utica Community
  2. Utica Stories
  3. Meet the Changemaker: Gerard "Jerry" Capraro '66
Jerry Capraro 66

“I came to Utica on a scholarship, and I know what a difference that made for me. I hope future students can have that same experience.”

Gerard “Jerry” Capraro has never been afraid of change.

Indeed, his long and storied career is testament to the power of pursuing new ideas when the opportunity arises.

Like in 1984, when, after an 18-year career at the Air Force Research Lab in Rome, NY, he and a friend left to open an office for Kaman Sciences, a scientific research firm, in his hometown of Utica, NY.

Or when, a short time later, Capraro parlayed his role as the company’s principal scientist into a faculty position at Syracuse University, teaching undergraduate and graduate courses in probability theory, statistics, and information systems.

It happened again in 1993, when Capraro left Kaman and founded Capraro Technologies, Inc., a Utica-based company specializing in research and development for the military, software development, and IT and cybersecurity services.

Then in 2022, Capraro made another big move: He sold his eponymous company to a leading emergency management and disaster recovery firm, Rising Phoenix Holdings Corporation (also headquartered in Utica), on whose leadership team he now actively serves as Chief Scientist.

Through it all, giving back to his alma mater has always been a priority. As a member of Utica’s Heritage Society, Capraro, also a University Trustee, hopes to bolster Utica’s cybersecurity and computer science programs — and support the institution.

“I came to Utica on a scholarship, and I know what a difference that made for me,” he says. “I hope future students can have that same experience.”

With his commitment to philanthropy through planned giving, Capraro doesn’t just embrace change — he makes it.

More Stories

Emeritus group
Faculty

Four Professors Elevated to Emeritus Status

The Board of Trustees conferred emeritus status upon Hossein Behforooz, professor of mathematics; John Cormican, professor of English, David Chanatry, distinguished professor of journalism; and Carl Dziekan, professor of accounting and construction management.
Professor McCarthy receives 2025 Crisafulli Award
Faculty

Associate Professor Michael McCarthy awarded 2025 Virgil Crisafulli Distinguished Teaching Award

Associate Professor of Data Science Dr. Michael McCarthy was awarded the coveted Virgil Crisafulli Distinguished Teaching Award at the university’s 2025 Undergraduate Commencement ceremony.
Hamdi Ulukaya addresses Class of 2025 at Undergraduate Commencement
In the News

"Be adaptable. Be curious. Be kind." - Chobani Founder and CEO Hamdi Ulukaya delivers keynote to Class of 2025

Hamdi Ulukaya, Founder and CEO of Chobani, was raised in a dairy-farming family in a small village in eastern Turkey....
All Stories

I would like to see logins and resources for:

For a general list of frequently used logins, you can also visit our logins page.

Utica University Logo
FacebookTwitterInstagramYouTube
  • Academics
  • Tuition and Financial Aid
  • Admissions
  • Community
  • Athletics
1600 Burrstone Road, Utica, NY 13502
Map & Directions
(315) 792-3006
Contact Us
  • Institutional Effectiveness
  • Bookstore
  • Disability Learning Support
  • Student Right to Know
2024-2025 College of Distinction2024-2025 Private College of Distinction2024-2025 Business College of Distinction2024-2025 Education College of Distinction2024-2025 Nursing College of Distinction2024-2025 Career Development College of Distinction2024-2025 Equity & Inclusion College of Distinction2023-2024 Military Friendly (Silver)