SYRACUSE, N.Y. — The Syracuse Press Club will honor longtime photojournalist Kevin Rivoli as a 2026 Wall of Distinction inductee, recognizing a career spanning nearly four decades and a body of work that has captured the essence of central New York.
Rivoli, an award-winning photojournalist based in Auburn, began his career in 1988 at The Citizen. He later served as assistant photo editor at Rochester’s Democrat & Chronicle from 1996 to 2000 before returning to full-time photography. Over the years, he has worked as a contract photographer for The Associated Press, The New York Times and USA Today, covering news and sports across New York state. He also spent time on staff at the Syracuse Post-Standard before returning to The Citizen in 2016, where he continues to work.
The Wall of Distinction is the club’s highest honor, recognizing journalists whose careers have made a lasting impact on the profession and the Central New York community.
In his nomination letter, colleague Robert Harding described Rivoli as a photographer whose work “sets the scene” in any environment — from championship sporting events to breaking news.
“Over nearly 40 years as a photojournalist, Kevin has amassed a library of impressive visuals,” Harding wrote, noting that Rivoli continues to surprise colleagues with his ability to capture defining moments.
Rivoli has earned widespread recognition throughout his career, including being named the National Press Photographers Association’s Photographer of the Year in his region eight times. In 1989, he was selected to attend the prestigious Eddie Adams Workshop, and in 2020, he was named Journalist of the Year by the Syracuse Press Club.
His work has been published nationally and internationally, and in 2008 he authored In Search of Norman Rockwell’s America, a book pairing his photographs of everyday life with iconic works by Norman Rockwell. The project later became an international exhibit, traveling across the United States, Canada and Japan.
Despite his accolades, colleagues say Rivoli remains grounded in the communities he covers. His photography continues to focus on what he calls “ordinary people doing ordinary things,” with an emphasis on local events, high school sports and community life in Cayuga County.
Harding also highlighted Rivoli’s passion for storytelling and his role as a mentor to younger journalists.
“Kevin has also given back to the business,” he wrote. “He has been a mentor, especially for young reporters looking to improve their photography.”
That passion was on display during a memorable assignment covering Auburn native Tim Locastro’s debut at Yankee Stadium, when Rivoli captured the moment Locastro hit a home run and returned to the press box with infectious enthusiasm.
“He is not only great at his job, but his passion is infectious,” Harding wrote.
Rivoli will be honored alongside fellow Wall of Distinction inductee Christie Casciano, an anchor at WSYR-TV.
Both will be recognized at the Syracuse Press Club’s Professional Recognition Awards ceremony on May 2.