Oneonta Student Designs Custom Sneakers for University President

SUNY Oneonta President Alberto Cardelle rocked a custom pair of sneakers at Spring Commencement this year, designed and painted by none other than graduating Fashion & Textiles student Colby "Cobe" Aaron.

The project was born out of a mentorship between Cobe and alumnus Scott Saltzman, Class of 1986, who is PUMA's national sales manager and returns to campus often to work with fashion students and faculty members.

When Associate Professor Sarah Portway learned of Cobe's passion for sneaker design, she connected him with Scott, and the two bonded over their mutual love of kicks.

After Cobe gifted Scott with a custom pair, Scott had an idea: To continue to build Cobe's portfolio, why not have him design a custom pair for Dr. Cardelle, who also happens to have a love of cool shoes (and socks!)?

Scott gave Cobe a pair of fresh white, leather PUMAs, and Cobe finished the custom Oneonta pair in just four days. President Cardelle proudly wore them onstage Saturday, May 17, turning heads and walking in style.

Now that he has graduated, Cobe-originally from Long Island and a transfer from Jefferson Community College-hopes to break into the footwear industry, and already has a solid foothold.

"This was a very big opportunity because it was a chance to further connect with Scott and a chance for people to see my work," Cobe said. "And it meant a lot to me that the president actually wore them to graduation."