New York, NY – The City College of New York Athletics Alumni Group hosted the 56th Annual Hall of Fame and Reunion Dinner on Tuesday, May 13. Held in Faculty and Staff Dining Hall, this year marked the return of the signature event to campus, with over 100 guests in attendance.

This year's class featured six inductees being honored for their success and accomplishments as CCNY student-athletes. The association also presented its annual Special Awards, recognizing individuals' contributions.

Robert W. Adler - Baseball, Class of 1958
A true pillar of the CCNY community, Bob Adler's life is a story of passion, purpose, and generosity—and CCNY is forever grateful for the legacy he continues to build. Bob played varsity baseball for CCNY from 1956 to 1958, excelling at shortstop, third base, and center field while maintaining a career batting average of .300. He graduated with a perfect 4.0 GPA in economics, and later earned his MBA from Dartmouth's Tuck School of Business.

After serving his country in the U.S. Army, Bob went on to lead a successful business career. Yet, throughout his life, one thing remained constant: his unwavering dedication to CCNY.

When the baseball program faced difficult times in the early 2000s, Bob stepped in—volunteering as a bench coach and recruiter, reviving the program through his leadership, expertise, and fundraising efforts. His work not only restored the team but helped it earn national recognition. He was honored with the Mark Asa Abbott Award for his outstanding service.

Bob's impact extended far beyond the diamond. As a guest lecturer in the Economics Department, a mentor to countless student-athletes, and a member of the CCNY Fund Board, Foundation Board, and President's Advisory Council, Bob has been a guiding force for students and the College as a whole.

His philanthropy has reached far and wide—supporting organizations like St. Jude Children's Research Hospital, Milken Cancer Research Foundation, and the Israel Tennis and Education Centers.

Klarissa Armada - Women's Fencing, Class of 2016
One of the most decorated and truly exceptional student-athletes for CCNY, Klarissa Armada discovered her passion for fencing as a freshman at Nyack High School, and that passion only grew when she arrived at CCNY in 2012, drawn by both the Honors Program and the Women's Fencing Team. Over her four-year career, she achieved incredible success—earning multiple top finishes in the EWFC and NIWFA, being named Foil Fencer of the Year, and qualifying four times for the NCAA Northeast Regionals. Her junior year saw a dominant 97-15 record, and by senior year, she earned silver at the NIWFA Championships and was honored as an EWFC Woman of the Year Honorable Mention.

Outside of CCNY, Klarissa trained at the Brooklyn Fencing Club and earned national medals, including silver and bronze at the U.S. National Championships.

Since earning her degree in Digital Design, she has continued to make her mark in the gaming industry as a Project Manager at Ubisoft in Montreal, where she also explores new hobbies like inline skating and playing piano. And yes—Klarissa does intend to return to fencing!

Melville Brown - Men's Soccer/Track & Field
A dynamic two-sport student-athlete at CCNY whose talent and impact continue to inspire. Originally from Kingston, Jamaica, Melville "Juice" Brown excelled in a variety of sports before moving to the U.S. in 1974. At CCNY, he quickly made his mark in both track and soccer. On the track, he helped lead CCNY to the 1979 indoor and outdoor CUNY Championships, contributing standout performances in the 60m dash, 100m, and 4x100 relay.

On the soccer field, Melville's legacy is just as impressive. A four-time All-American in the Metropolitan Intercollegiate Conference, team captain, MVP, and leading scorer in 1977 and 1978—he earned six varsity letters in total.

Beyond college, Melville qualified for the Jamaican Olympic Team in the 4x400m relay but was sidelined by injury. He turned that passion into coaching, helping shape future generations in the Bronx through the Santos Social Club and Cardinal Spellman High School, where he's led the girls' soccer team to six conference titles.

Anthony Cacchione - Baseball, Class of 2017
One of the most versatile and accomplished student-athletes in CCNY Baseball history, Anthony Cacchione joined the program in 2014 and quickly made an impact, earning a start on the mound as a freshman. By his sophomore year, he became a fixture in both the batting lineup and pitching rotation—proving himself as a rare two-way talent.

He truly broke out as a junior, hitting a team-leading .402 with a 1.088 OPS and throwing a complete game win against Baruch in a crucial conference matchup. That season earned him CCNY's 2017 Male Breakthrough Athlete of the Year. As a senior co-captain, he continued to shine—earning All-CUNYAC Honors with a .355 batting average.

Across his career, Anthony posted a .345 batting average and notched over 100 career hits and 121 strikeouts—becoming the first in school history to join CCNY's exclusive 100/100 Club.

Equally impressive off the field, Anthony was named to the Athletic Academic Honor Roll every year and was honored as the 2018 CUNY Male Scholar-Athlete of the Year. He holds both a B.A. and M.A. in Economics from the Colin Powell School for Civic and Global Leadership.

Today, he serves as the Director of Baseball Operations for the Houston Astros—a testament to his continued excellence in the game.

Neil Khalid-Salim, Men's Soccer
Noted as one of the greatest goalkeepers in CCNY history, Neil Khalid-Salim was in Skeldon, Guyana and immigrated to the U.S. as a teenager and soon after walked on to the CCNY Men's Soccer Team. As a freshman, he immediately claimed the starting goalkeeper spot—a position he held with excellence for four full seasons.

Neil was a two-time CUNYAC Champion in 2003 and 2005, a two-time CUNYAC All-Star, and led CCNY to two NCAA Division III Tournament appearances. Known for his calm command of the field, he posted a career 0.93 goals against average and over 278 saves in 55 games played. In recognition of his legacy, CCNY retired his goalkeeper jersey in 2007—a rare and fitting honor.

Neil was just as impressive in the classroom, making the CCNY Athletic Academic Honor Roll every year and graduating cum laude honors with a degree in Business Management. He also gave back to campus life as a member of the Caribbean Students Association.

Today, Neil is an operational finance manager for a French hedge fund, resides in Baldwin, New York with his wife and daughter.

Judine Watkis - Women's Fencing, Class of 2017
One of the most accomplished and exceptional fencers, scholars, and leaders to compete for the CCNY Women's Fencing, Judine Watkis began her fencing journey as a freshman in 2013, and by the time she graduated in 2017, she had built a legacy few can match. With a staggering career record of 316 wins and only 46 losses, she dominated the fencing strip in the epee weapon and became one of CCNY's most decorated fencers.

Her résumé includes top finishes at the NIWFA Christmas Invitational, four qualifications for the NCAA Northeast Regionals, and a 3rd-place finish at the NIWFA Championships in her senior year. She earned multiple All-Star selections, was named EWFC Woman of the Year Honorable Mention her senior year, and served as both Epee Captain and Team Captain—demonstrating not just skill, but leadership.

Off the strip, Judine shined just as brightly. She was on the NIWFA All-Academic Team all four years, made the College's Dean's List, and was named an Honorable Mention CUNYAC Scholar-Athlete of the Year. She graduated with a 3.6 GPA in Psychology and capped her collegiate career by winning the prestigious Athletic Department Ben Wallack Memorial Award for the Most Outstanding Female Student-Athlete.

Today, Judine serves as a certified USA Fencing Referee in all three weapons, officiating at local, national, and international levels. She serves as a volunteer assistant coach with the CCNY Women's Fencing program, lending her experience back to current and future student-athletes in the program.

Pedro L'Official – Posthumous Recipient of the Mark ASA Abbott Award
Pedro L'Official, a proud alumnus of The City College of New York and a beloved figure within the CCNY Athletics family, is posthumously honored with the Mark ASA Abbott Award in recognition of his extraordinary legacy of service, leadership, and dedication to the student-athlete experience.

From 1969 to 1971, Pedro distinguished himself as a standout student-athlete in men's cross country and track & field, earning accolades that culminated in his induction into the CCNY Athletics Hall of Fame in 1986. A Bronx native, he earned his bachelor's degree in Psychology from CCNY in 1971 and a master's degree in Counseling and Personnel Services from Hunter College in 1973.

Pedro's professional journey was defined by a deep commitment to the City University of New York. He served 26 years as Associate Director of Financial Aid at Hunter College and later returned to his roots in athletics, coaching at St. David School before returning to CCNY in 2010 as recruiting coordinator for the Department of Athletics. His wisdom, warmth, and deep institutional knowledge shaped the lives of countless student-athletes and colleagues.

A passionate advocate for alumni involvement, Pedro served on the executive board of the Athletics Alumni Varsity Association, most recently as vice president and was named incoming president in the spring of 2024.

Pedro L'Official passed away in July 2024. He is remembered not only for his athletic achievements and professional contributions, but for his kindness, humility, and enduring spirit. His legacy lives on through his children Alex, Peter, and Janelle, and his four grandchildren.

New York City Sports Legend Award - Peter Westbrook Foundation
The Athletics Alumni Group proudly recognizes the Peter Westbrook Foundation as the 2025 recipient of the New York City Sports Legend Award. Founded in 1991 by the late Peter Westbrook, Olympic bronze medalist and fencing icon, the Foundation has become a cornerstone of youth development in New York City.

With a mission to empower young people—regardless of income, race, or gender—through the sport of fencing and academic support, PWF exemplifies what it means to create "Olympians in life." Each week, the Foundation provides: Comprehensive fencing instruction for beginners to elite athletes, Academic enrichment, including tutoring and test prep, A safe, supportive environment led by caring mentors—many of whom are program alumni

The Peter Westbrook Foundation has produced 16 Olympians and 25 national champions, achieved a 100% high school graduation rate sent 95% of participants to college.

This legacy of excellence, character-building, and community impact embodies the spirit of the New York City Sports Legend Award. The Athletics Alumni Group is honored to celebrate PWF's ongoing contributions to athletics and youth development in our city.