Canisius Summer 2018 Magazine

CANISIUS COLLEGE MAGAZINE | SUMMER 2018

Second Acts Canisius alumni repurpose their college educations to reinvent themselves in rewarding ways

Lorissa (Hint) Naugle ’07 Co-owner, Flipout Academy

president’sperspective

features

I have just completed my eighth year as president of Canisius College but the questions persist from some friends and relatives: "You're off from work in the summer, aren't you?"

Oh, if only that were the case.

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The summer, in fact, is a pretty busy time even though the campus is quiet without the energy only 3000+ students, faculty and staff can produce during these 15-week sprints we call semesters. Summer becomes a time when we assess, plan and complete projects that we never seem to have enough time to tackle during the academic year.

So, summer 2018 has held true to form with a global meeting of some 200 Jesuit colleges and universities, called to the University of Deusto in Bilbao, Spain, to consider our common Ignatian mission and to commit to a deep collaboration to further that mission.

Much of the Deusto meetings and Father Sosa's talk focused on the Catholic Church's preferential option for the poor and how our Jesuit colleges and universities could become projects of social transformation, moving toward the margins of society where we find those who have been "discarded by dominant structures and powers."

We addressed the response of Jesuit universities to Pope Francis' ground-breaking environmental encyclical, Laudato Si, our education of those at the margins and our role in the global refugee crisis.

The conference celebrated the creation of the International Association of Jesuit Universities, which seeks to promote new forms of networking and collaboration across this impressive universe of academic institutions under the Jesuit banner. Our work is just beginning stay tuned!

Coming Home Kimberly L. Beaty ’86 becomes Canisius College’s first female director of public safety

It is also an important time to think about our mission and our role in the world.

We heard from the Jesuit Superior General Rev. Arturo Sosa in what will be a much-studied and discussed talk delivered in the Basilica in Loyola (birthplace of St. Ignatius Loyola) that we had come to Spain "to be strengthened as a universal apostolic body inspired by the Ignatian charism, united by a fruitful humanist intellectual tradition, rooted in the Christian faith."

Alumni Spotlight

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Student Spotlight

Adventure Abroad Fulbright scholar Caitlin E. Orgek ’18 travels to Germany to study refugee and migrant-related issues

Zeneta Everhert ’11 East Side community representative for NYS Senator Tim Kennedy

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Cover Story

Second Acts Canisius alumni repurpose their college educations to reinvent themselves in rewarding ways

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Alumni Spotlights

Renaissance Man Earl Ketry ’72 builds on Buffalo’s resurgence with a trend-setting restaurant and entertainment business

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Fair Territory Jessica L. Underberg ’98 focuses on family, agriculture and timehonored traditions as she takes the reigns of the Erie County Fairgrounds

WEB EXTRA > Visit canisius.edu/magazine to read the Superior General’s keynote address from Deusto 2018.

blue&goldbriefs

blue&goldbriefs

College Magazine SUMMER 2018 I VOLUME 18, ISSUE 2

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John J. Hurley

William M. Collins Director of College Communications

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Managing Editor Audrey R. Browka Creative Director Patty Herkey Art Director Cody Weiler

The Canisius College Board of Trustees elected eight new members to serve three-year terms. The Board formulates and recommends policy to President John J. Hurley.

The new members are:

Denise M. Rotondo, PhD, joined Canisius in June as dean of the Richard J. Wehle School of Business.

Charged with building on the school’s existing strengths while positioning it for a strong and successful future, Rotondo underscores the importance of developing successful collaborative partnerships with members of the business community.

2. Christopher P. Devine ’98 Chief Financial Officer, Pyramid Hotel Group Boston, MA

Vice President for Institutional Advancement

Eileen C. Herbert ’04, MS ’15

Business School Names New Dean

1. Catherine A. Bolz ’85, MBA ’89 Global Head of Benefits, Bloomberg LP New York, NY

President

& Executive Editor

Eight Added to Board of Trustees

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3. Francis M. Lazarus ’66, PhD President Emeritus, University of Dallas

Kristin E. Etu ’91 Martin Haumesser Eileen C. Herbert ’04, MS ’15

Photography Brianna Blank ’14 Tom Wolf ’86

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8. Anthony F. Shelley ’84 Attorney, Miller & Chevalier Washington, D.C.

about Canisius College Magazine.

Please send correspondence to:

Phone 716-888-2790

Three cheers for Canisius men’s athletics, which claimed its first Metro Atlantic Athletic Conference (MAAC) Commissioner’s Cup. Awarded annually, the Commissioner’s Cup recognizes overall excellence in athletics in the 25 championship athletic events conducted within the MAAC. Each institution is scored in all championships for which it fields a varsity team.

Postmaster send change of address to:

Three Canisius men’s programs won MAAC titles in 2017-18: lacrosse, baseball and basketball.

Canisius College, 2001 Main Street, Buffalo, NY 14208

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Men Reign Supreme in MAAC

Email ccmag@canisius.edu

Fax 716-888-2778

CANISIUS COLLEGE M AGA ZINE SUMME R 2018

Rotondo comes to Canisius from the State University of New York Geneseo where she was dean of the School of Business. She holds an MBA and PhD in business administration from Florida State University and a bachelor’s degree in finance from the University of Florida.

Prepping for PA Studies Larson hired to build and develop new physician assistant degree program

5. (Ret.) Lt. Col. James E. McNicholas Jr. ’68 (U.S. Army) Retired, Junior ROTC Program Administrator, Buffalo Public Schools

We are eager to hear your comments

Room 209, Buffalo, NY 14208

“Dr. Rotondo brings a high level of energy and creativity to the position, as well as a wealth of experience having worked as a faculty member and administrator,” says Margaret C. McCarthy, PhD, vice president for academic affairs. “Her values fit beautifully with our Jesuit tradition of academic excellence and our commitment to care for the whole person.”

4. Christopher F. Malof MBA ’96 Managing Director, Senior Portfolio Manager, Institutional Consultant The Arthurs Malof Group USB Financial Services

7. Marya J. Propis ’91 Insurance Executive & Consultant New York, NY

Kate Lockhart

2001 Main Street, Lyons Hall

She emphasizes outstanding teaching, scholarship and service as key to advancing academic excellence and encourages new academic experiences that will prepare Canisius students for success in a global marketplace.

Canisius College appointed Aimee Larson in June to build and develop a graduate program in physician assistant (PA) studies.

6. Acea M. Mosey ’92 Surrogate Court Judge, Erie County

Contributing Writers

Canisius College Magazine

Rotondo brings experience as faculty member and administrator

In the final men’s cup standings, Canisius earned the top spot with 71.5 points followed by Monmouth and Rider.

Get Ahead of the Game

New master’s program in sport product development gives graduates a competitive edge Sporting goods retail is big business these days with U.S. sales averaging $60 billion annually and growing. To help meet the increasing industry need for development, management and marketing professionals, Canisius College is introducing a master’s of science degree in sport product development in fall 2018.

The 33-credit hour, online program has two tracks – product design and retail management – and culminates with a six-credit internship.

“The breadth of career options and salary projections for sport product management graduates show vast potential for positive outcomes,” says Shawn M. O’Rourke, PhD, director of sport administration. “And because this new program is one of only two in the country, Canisius graduates will enter the workforce with a competitive edge, able to pursue a diverse and increasing number of opportunities in the industry.”

Graduates of the program will be prepared for employment in fields such as product line management, product development, product merchandising, product engineering, brand management and factory management.

To learn more about the MS in sport product development and the career outlook, visit canisius.edu/sportproduct.

A certified PA, Larson comes to Canisius from D’Youville College, where she spent several years as an instructor and clinical preceptor in the Family Medicine and Primary Care Program. Larson previously worked as a PA with Mobile Primary Care, Kinkel Neurologic Center and UBMD Family Medicine, and served eight years active duty as a combat medic in the U.S. Air Force.

She holds a BS in health services administration from the University of Phoenix, and BS and MS degrees in physician assistant studies from D’Youville College. Larson is a member of the American Academy of Physician Assistants, the New York State Society of Physician Assistants and the Western New York Physician Assistant Association.

Welcome to the Family Newly-minted graduates join the ranks of Canisius alumni Congratulations to the nearly 1,200 members of the Class of 2018 who joined the ranks of Canisius alumni during May commencement ceremonies. Included among the newlyminted graduates, nearly 40 Legacy Griffs – students whose family trees are rooted in a Canisius education.

Canisius Professors (l-r) Tanya Loughead, PhD (philosophy), Jonathan DiCicco, PhD (political science), Girish Shambu, PhD (management)

Legacy Family: Eirini Marie Steinig ’18 (foreground), with her parents, Maria (Boubaris) ’87 and Jeffrey ’84, MD, Steinig

A few of those legacy families are represented in this Commencement 2018 photo gallery, which captures the emotion and pride of graduates and their families.

WEB EXTRA > View the full Commencement 2018 photo gallery at canisius.edu/magazine Jermaine Williams ’18 smiles big for the camera upon receiving his BA in criminal justice.

The U.S. Army ROTC program commissioned Canisius cadets as second lieutenants during commencement week 2018

Pictured (l-r) are a few 2018 MBA graduates: Arwa Binsiddiq, Abeer Allahyani, MaramAlshehri and Rana Alamoudi.

Thomas Anderson-Distefano ’18 signals his pride upon receiving his BS in finance.

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Legacy Family: Elaine (Bieron) Elkington ’87 (foreground) is pictured with her daughter, Zoe Elkington ’17, MBA ’18 and father, Emeritus Professor Joseph Bieron ’58, PhD

Legacy Family: (l-r) Gregory Keith ’18 is pictured with his grandmother, Ann M. Ritz MS ’89 and his mother, Joanne (Ritz) Keith ’81

Legacy Family: (l-r) Maureen (Zimmer) Orgek ’87 is pictured with her father, David Zimmer ’56 and her daughter, Fulbright scholar (pg. 10) Caitlin Orgek ’18

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alumnispotlight

Coming Home Kimberly L. Beaty ’86 becomes Canisius College’s first female director of public safety Story: Eileen C. Herbert ’04, MS ’15 | Photography: Tom Wolf ’86

Law enforcement wasn’t the plan for Kimberly L. Beaty. A 1986 communication studies major at Canisius, Beaty thought she’d pursue teaching or news reporting.

Fast forward three decades. Beaty is the new director of public safety at Canisius College and the first woman to hold the position.

Previously deputy police commissioner of Operations and Homeland Security for the Buffalo Police Department, Beaty served 32 years on the force.

“Gary Everett inspired me to pursue law enforcement,” Beaty says. Everett devoted 33 years to the college’s Public Safety Department, serving 15 as director. “He had a presence about him. He embodied a unique blend of instinct for the job and dedication to the students. He always made us feel safe.”

When the Buffalo Police Department came recruiting on campus during Beaty’s senior year, she signed up.

Beaty started as a patrol officer after graduation. Her education, especially her excellent communication skills, proved essential to her success with the Buffalo Police Department, particularly in her work as a training officer. She was a facilitator for the Erie County Law Enforcement Training Academy and consulted on the Academy’s efforts to promote problem-solving strategies in community policing, and efforts to reduce racial profiling and biased policing.

When the Buffalo Police Department elevated Beaty to deputy police commissioner in 2014, she became the first woman promoted to the top ranks of the department in more than eight years.

Beaty was lauded for her performance as head of the city’s busiest district, E-District, from 2011-14 when she supervised more than 100 uniformed officers, detectives, supervisors and civilian employees and worked with area citizens including those in Canisius’ Hamlin Park neighborhood. As deputy police commissioner, Beaty oversaw department-wide operations, training, specialized units, investigative services, homeland security and special events.

“Throughout my career, I watched over Canisius students and the Hamlin Park neighborhood,” she says.

And now Beaty comes full circle.

“God opened the door to a new opportunity and I’m ready for the next chapter in my life,” she says. “I am so honored.”

Beaty is the mother of a 21-year-old daughter and stepmother to a 33-year-old son with her husband, Vernon, and hopes parents finds comfort knowing that she understands their concerns. She laughs when recalling her father and his worries for his only daughter. Beaty has five brothers.

“I always had a curfew,” she says. “Even when I was on the police force, I had to let my father know if I would be late from the job. My parents just wanted to know I was OK and of course now, as a mother, I understand that.”

Beaty comes to Canisius highly decorated. She is the recipient of many recognitions for her efforts in community policing, diversity and problem solving. She brings to the job expertise in police work, enthusiasm and creativity.

Coupled with her compassion for people and her dedication to the students of Canisius, she is already being compared to a man she calls her friend, Gary Everett.

“In a university setting, there is no higher compliment,” Beaty says.

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facultynotes Wadkins Receives Distinguished Faculty Award Recognized for teaching excellence and outstanding scholarship

Adventure Abroad Fulbright scholar Caitlin E. Orgek ’18 travels to Germany to study refugee and migrant-related issues Caitlin E. Orgek ’18 is headed to the German state of Hesse this fall, where she will spend the next 10 months representing Canisius as a recipient of a J. William Fulbright Scholarship.* Orgek is a rare quadruple major, and earned degrees this May in international relations, German, history and European studies.

Few academic honors worldwide are more prestigious than being named a Fulbright scholar. Orgek will use her meritbased grant to teach English as a second language at a school with a high enrollment of students with foreign and migration backgrounds. She also plans to participate in an ambassadorial project at a local refugee resettlement agency.

“Recently, Germany has become a destination for thousands of refugees and migrants in Europe,” Orgek explains. “With my Fulbright, I plan to learn about how Germany is handling the refugee and migrant situation beyond language education. This firsthand knowledge could then be utilized in the United States to improve not only individual living standards but communities as a whole.”

The Canisius College Alumni Association recognized Timothy H. Wadkins, PhD, for teaching excellence and outstanding scholarship, with the conferral of the Kenneth L. Koessler Distinguished Faculty Award.

The professor of religious studies and theology is known by students for the academic rigor of his coursework. Wadkins is also recognized for founding the Institute for the Global Study of Religion (IGSOR), which promotes the study of religion at Canisius and in Western New York.

One particular component of IGSOR is the Ignatian International Seminar Series which, for the past 17 years, has introduced students to religion in the Philippines, El Salvador, Argentina, India, Mexico and Tanzania.

Wadkins holds a bachelor’s degree in religious studies from San Jose State University, a master of divinity degree from Trinity Evangelical Divinity School and a PhD in historical studies from the Graduate Theological Union/University of California at Berkeley. Among Wadkins’ long list of publications is his most recent book, The Rise of Pentecostalism in Modern El Salvador: From the Blood of the Martyrs to the Baptism of the Holy Spirit.

Give Me Some Truth - Eric Gansworth releases young adult novel Acclaimed author Eric Gansworth follows up his young adult debut novel with the release of Give Me Some Truth. In it, the professor of English returns to the Tuscarora Nation reservation – the setting of If I Ever Get Out of Here – where high school senior Carson Mastick reasons that, if he can get a band together, he can win the local Battle of the Bands and get off the reservation. But things keep getting in the way and Carson must navigate racism, bullying and the complications of love and friendship in a world defined by difference.

Give Me Some Truth is Gansworth’s 11th book and his second young adult novel.

Orgek leaves for Germany well prepared for her work ahead.

She spent the spring semester of her junior year studying at the Technische Universität in Dortmund, where she “gained a unique perspective into German culture and living in an unfamiliar, new environment.” Orgek helped manage translation and interpretation services for more than 100 languages during an eight-month internship at the International Institute of Buffalo. She also volunteers for WEDI ENERGY, an afterschool reading program for refugee children.

Upon her return from Germany, Orgek plans to pursue a master’s degree in education and certification in Teaching English to Speakers of Other Languages (TESOL). *The J. William Fulbright Scholarship is named for Sen. J. William Fulbright and is the U.S. Government’s premier scholarship program. It is designed to foster mutual understanding among nations through educational and cultural exchanges, and provides recipients with tuition, fees, travel and research funds.

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Overcoming Autism U.S. Department of Education grant supports new study by IAR Researchers at the Institute for Autism Research (IAR) at Canisius received a substantial endorsement from the U.S. Department of Education this summer when the federal agency awarded it an $880,431 grant. The grant fully funds a three-year study of the long-term beneficial impacts from an innovative school intervention for high-functioning children with autism spectrum disorder (HFASD), developed by the IAR. For more than a decade, IAR researchers have effectively treated the clinical impairments and symptoms of children with HFASD in the institute’s comprehensive summer program (summerMAX).

In an effort to more effectively treat these children in school settings, the research team adapted its summer program into a school-based intervention (schoolMAX), which they tested in an earlier, large-scale randomized trial, also funded by the U.S. Department of Education. Results from this study found that students with HFASD who received schoolMAX demonstrated significantly better social understanding and social skills and fewer autism spectrum disorder symptoms following treatment, compared to students with HFASD who received typical educational programming.

This latest grant will enable researchers to examine the long-term impacts of the schoolMAX treatment.

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Leap of faith William Papaj ’88, MBA ’11 forgoes a successful sales career to pursue the priesthood

Second Acts Canisius alumni repurpose their college educations to reinvent themselves in rewarding ways F. Scott Fitzgerald famously opined, “There are no second acts in American lives.”

Whatever faith the renowned 20th century novelist put into that notion, it’s a sentiment not shared by present-day contemporaries.

Rather, a new generation of professionals is making a conscious choice to mine their greatest potential – often in the midstream of their lives – to pursue personal fulfillment and social purpose, by way of second act careers.

As many as nine million people, age 44 and over, are currently engaged in second acts, according to Encore.org, a leading think tank on work and social purpose. Another 31 million, in the same age range, report they are interested in finding a second act career that emphasizes passion and purpose.

Here at Canisius, the chronicles are crowded with alumni who repurposed their college educations to reinvent themselves in more rewarding ways. Perhaps the most notable is President John J. Hurley who, in 1997, left behind a prominent and accomplished career as a corporate attorney to eventually make history at alma mater by becoming the college’s first lay leader.

Similar stories to President Hurley’s appear on the following pages, which feature the diverse narratives of Canisius alumni who opted to craft career sequels.

William Papaj ’88, MBA ’11 was an award-winning sales representative with Ingram Micro in Buffalo.

He consistently raised the bar during his 17-year career with the international technology company.

The youngest of four children in a Catholic family, Papaj always prided himself on applying Christian principles to his job.

“As a manager, I believed every employee was important, from supervisors to the lowest paid associates,” he explains. “I had tremendous success with this approach throughout my career, something I remember learning in a business class at Canisius where the emphasis was on ethics and social teachings.”

Yet Papaj's success came at somewhat of a cost.

As his career flourished, his faith became less of a focus in his life.

That all changed when Papaj read Crossing the Threshold of Hope by Pope John Paul II who encouraged people to have a personal relationship with God. The book resonated with Papaj.

He began to attend daily Mass and “fell in love with the scripture readings.” Eventually, Papaj felt a call to consider the priesthood. No one particular person influenced him, he says. Instead, his decision at age 48 to become a priest arose from contemplative prayer.

And, in 2014, Papaj made his leap of faith official.

He contacted the vocations director for the Diocese of Buffalo with whom he spoke for three hours about discernment. Shortly after, Papaj applied for acceptance into Christ the King Seminary. Within weeks, he quit his job at Ingram Micro and was rooming at the East Aurora campus as a seminarian.

Becoming a student again “has been helped by my degrees from and experiences at Canisius College.”

This fall, Papaj enters his pastoral year at St. Vincent de Paul Parish in Niagara Falls, during which he’ll engage in full-time ministry to develop his pastoral skills. Until then, Papaj is ministering at Sisters of Charity Hospital in Buffalo and living with the Jesuits at Canisius College. He expects to be ordained a priest by 2021.

Though Papaj’s late-age vocation may not be the norm, he says everyone has been supportive of his journey.

“The idea of the seminary would have seemed ridiculous a few years ago,” Papaj adds. “But the Holy Spirit works how the Holy Spirit works and I am grateful for this new direction.”

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Kenneth M. Sroka ’65, PhD, always knew the power of the printed word. Canisius’ beloved emeritus professor of English spent four decades in the classroom, where he imparted upon students his love of 19th century British literature.

In 2010, this veteran educator experienced the healing power of literature – and it led to a new chapter in his life.

A New Chapter After a traumatic brain injury cut short his teaching career, Kenneth M. Sroka ’65, PhD, now uses literature to help others heal

Changing Her Story Sepideh Yeoh MS ’98 harnesses her personal experiences to help others find inner peace

In April of that year, Sroka suffered a traumatic brain injury following a fall from a ladder in the garage of his West Seneca home.

“Turns out the concrete floor was not a satisfactory pillow,” quips Sroka.

He laughs but Sroka’s injuries brought an abrupt end to his teaching career. The accident kept him hospitalized for 26 days and necessitated extensive cognitive therapy. His rehabilitation included reading.

Bibliotherapy, known clinically as the reading cure, is the therapeutic use of literature to aid in the recovery of patients who suffer from brain injuries and chronic or emotional pain.

This idea of textual healing dates to ancient Greece and was used often during World Wars I and II to help returning soldiers deal with post-traumatic physical and emotional stress.

“The characters we meet in books or poems can be cathartic,” Sroka says. “They foster sympathy and enhance our capacity for empathizing with people. We become more intuitive about the feelings of others and more aware of our own.”

Changing Her Story Zeneta Everhart ’11 leaves a career in TV news to represent Buffalo’s East Side community

Poetic notions aside, there’s science behind what Sroka says.

When coupled with conventional therapies, “reading stimulates, in patients, such cognitive activity as concentration, comprehension, critical thinking and memory,” explains Lisa A. Keenan, PhD, a clinical psychologist and director of rehabilitation behavioral health services at Erie County Medical Center (ECMC). She is also Sroka’s former doctor and the impetus behind his second act.

Alongside Keenan, Sroka is the volunteer lead of Psych and Story at ECMC. The weekly reading club combines conventional therapy (Keenan) and literary therapy (Sroka) to encourage mental activity in survivors of traumatic brain injury. Originally introduced by the pair in 2012 as a complementary rehabilitation option for in- and out-patients of the hospital, they have since added a second weekly reading group for patients who suffer from chronic pain.

“Because their worlds often become so small with disabilityrelated stressors and pain medication that can make them mentally lethargic, the reading club helps patients to remain cognitively stimulated,” Keenan says. “It is also a beautiful distraction from their pain and discomfort,” Sroka adds.

As the reading group grows in numbers, its relevance to clinical rehabilitation in patients is becoming widely recognized. Most recently, the Christopher and Dana Reeve Foundation awarded a $13,500 quality-of-life grant in support of the bibliotherapy initiative at ECMC. Further proof, Sroka says, “that literature can really help change lives.”

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Zeneta Everhart ’11 is of the mindset that if you want to change the world, you need to change your story. That’s precisely what she did one year ago, when Everhart left a promising career in television news to become the East Side of Buffalo’s community representative for New York State Sen. Timothy Kennedy (63rd District).

Everhart dropped out of high school to work full-time and help her single mother support their family. She spent 11 years with Rite Aid Pharmacy in Buffalo and then Washington, D.C. When her marriage dissolved, Everhart moved back to Buffalo with her son. At age 28, this single mom decided to pursue the college degree she previously put off.

“I really struggled with the idea of leaving news because I always wanted to be a journalist and tell people’s stories,” Everhart recalls. “But this was an opportunity for me to tell the stories of the East Side – not through a camera lens – but through real action.”

“It was a really difficult time,” recalls Everhart. “My advisor, Dr. Barbara Irwin, didn’t know it but every Friday that I met with her, I went with the intention of dropping out of college. She was such a strong supporter of my work, though, that I came back every Monday.”

As a liaison, Everhart is charged with identifying the community’s greatest needs and then implementing initiatives to serve those needs. In her short tenure, Everhart “developed a blueprint for a stronger East Side,” which helped garner support to bring Every Bottom Covered to the DelavanGrider Community Center. The program provides underserved mothers and their children with monthly supplies of diapers.

Everhart also launched the Single Moms Club, which invites mothers to a night out by offering them free childcare while they hear from speakers about health, educational and employment resources.

Everhart’s talent landed her a full-time job as a multi-media specialist at Spectrum News straight out of Canisius. Within two years, she came up through the ranks to become a producer.

Everhart was “doing exactly what she always wanted to do.”

Or so she thought.

“These programs lend a hand to mothers who need it most and directly assists in fostering healthy children and families,” Everhart explains.

They’re programs Everhart wishes were available to her when she was in need.

Having grown up on the East Side, Everhart felt impassioned to report on the hardships people there face in order to promote change. The stories she pitched, however, weren’t often selected. “That’s the nature of the beast,” she explains.

So, to help change her community, Everhart accepted her current position with Senator Kennedy.

“When you come from the neighborhood that I did and reach a position that enables you to give back and make a difference for people most in need, it’s rewarding on a level I never thought I would experience.”

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Begin Again Sepideh Yeoh MS ’98 harnesses her personal experiences to help others find inner peace

Pebbles, rocks and boulders.

For Sepideh Yeoh MS ’98, they’re the metaphorical bedrock of her existence. Each, she says, “offers perspective for various obstacles” life has thrown at her. Yet each, Yeoh adds, led her to where she is today.

A college administrator-turned-published author, speaker and life coach, Yeoh helps clients – women, in particular – navigate some of life’s most stressful transitions, such as marriage, motherhood, divorce, health concerns, job loss or loss of a loved one.

“We’re all transitioning to the next level often without the necessary tools to get there peacefully,” Yeoh explains.

“That’s when anxiety and depression can find their way into our hearts and prevent us from moving forward.”

Yeoh speaks from experience.

A child of the Iranian Revolution, she “learned firsthand that life can change in a second,” Yeoh recalls. “But at these moments, we also have choices.”

Late Bloomer Using his savings as seed money, Ralph C. Robinson ’79, PhD, substituted his career as a college professor for an unlikely livelihood

Yeoh’s family made the choice to immigrate to the United States and at age 17, she arrived in the unfamiliar city of Buffalo, enrolled in college at the University at Buffalo and pursued a psychology degree. But it was Canisius, she says, that laid the foundation for what she does today.

Ralph C. Robinson ’79, PhD, is an acknowledged late bloomer whose livelihood is as uncommon as the plants he grows, sells and exhibits.

one year to make it work. I lived off savings and then credit but there was a demand for the plants I was producing and I could see on the horizon that things would eventually turn around.”

With her MS degree, Yeoh carved out a successful career in higher education and student affairs. She advanced, swiftly, through positions in residence life and student services at the University at Buffalo and Buffalo State College, Hilbert College and alma mater. All the while, Yeoh “provided personal and practical guidance to college students as they tackled their next steps.”

A former economics professor, Robinson left academia to open The Violet Barn, a plant shop and glasshouse that specializes in African violets. But his are hardly the garden variety that sit on a windowsill. Robinson’s African violets are hybridized rare species, not previously grown in cultivation. They are awardwinning collectibles that attract enthusiasts from around the world to his sprawling conservatory on the south tip of Canandaigua Lake in Naples, NY.

They did.

Professionally, Yeoh thrived. Personally, she struggled.

Today, Robinson tends to 30,000-plus hybridized plants at The Violet Barn, which he sells largely online.

“It’s a modest life,” says Robinson, who transferred to Canisius his junior year to pursue an accounting degree. “But it’s rare that one can live one’s dream.”

Though he grows and sells genetically rare relatives of the African violet, his specialty remains the increasingly extinct tropical plant. Robinson is most famous for his miniature hybrids, trailing violets and super-blooming violets, many of which have been featured in Martha Stewart Living, Better Homes & Gardens, the New York Times and The Washington Post.

Newly married with a growing family, Yeoh grappled over whether she could be a good mom and a good employee.

After much consideration, she put her career on hold to raise her children. And then, more change. Her husband’s company transferred his job to the West Coast. The young family relocated and Yeoh again found herself in a strange new city trying to navigate what to do next.

Robinson never dreamed of owning a niche business. Breeding and hybridizing houseplants was simply a high school hobby that he started in 1975.

“I had light stands in my bedroom, plants all along the windowsills and belonged to the local African violet society.”

He adds with a laugh, “I was the only guy in the club. The rest of the members were little old ladies and housewives.”

It was not until years later that Robinson took a risk and turned his penchant for plants into a legitimate business venture.

Using his savings as seed money, the economics professor gave up teaching to open The Violet Barn.

“I really liked being in the classroom with the students but had a hard time finding a full-time position where teaching – not research – was the emphasis,” explains Robinson who taught at the University at Buffalo and Daemen College. “I gave myself

“Pre-internet, we placed a lot of ads in plant publications and produced catalogs, which people would order from and send checks in the mail,” Robinson recalls. “Nowadays, everything is online and our customers come from all around the world.”

Indeed, Robinson’s business has blossomed in the 20 years since he opened The Violet Barn. So, too, has love.

Shortly after opening the shop, Robinson met Olive Ma at an African violet convention. A native of Taiwan, she lived an uncannily parallel life to Robinson’s half a world away: She too gave up a secure job midway through her career to open a violet shop in a small urban nursery in Taichung. The couple married within two years. Ma immigrated to the United States and is now a partner in The Violet Barn.

“Prior to meeting we had both resigned ourselves to living alone the rest of our lives but doing what we love,” says Robinson.

“Now, we’re doing what we love with the person we love.”

“So often when there’s a transition, we look at what we left behind and we don’t see the new opportunities in front of us,” Yeoh says. “But I’ve learned that when you keep your ears and eyes open, new opportunities arise.”

Indeed, they did.

Shortly after Yeoh’s move, a former Buffalo colleague invited her to collaborate on A Handbook for Simple Living.

That experience motivated Yeoh to become certified as a life coach and she opened a private practice. Yeoh started the business small, so she could balance work and family, but her success in providing perspective to clients in transition swelled. She now shares her pebbles, rocks and boulders approach to life with a much larger audience. Yeoh is the author of the new book GLOW: Be the Light of Your Journey.

“The one thing that’s guaranteed in life is change,” Yeoh concludes. “Most of the time, we cannot control these changes. What is in our control is how we respond to the change. That is a conscious choice we make.”

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Flipping Careers Lorissa (Hint) Naugle ’07 left a career in mortgage banking to open a for-purpose, for-profit business that breathes new life into old homes You could say Lorissa L. (Hint) Naugle ’07 literally flipped careers.

Shortly after graduation from Canisius, the communications major went to work in the Foreclosure Department at Bank of America. Within a year, the nation’s real estate bubble burst and Naugle’s primary charge was to help customers modify their mortgage payments to avoid foreclosure and enable them to stay in their homes.

A decade later, Lorissa still lives in the real estate world but in a much different way.

She and her husband, Chris, a real estate investor and entrepreneur, flip houses. A lot of houses.

Through their company, LC Strategic Realty, the couple purchases, renovates and sells houses for a profit. In the last 10 years, the couple flipped more than 150 homes in the Western New York market.

“My experience in helping people avoid foreclosures taught me that there are opportunities in area real estate,” she explains.

“Now I am helping to save homes and showing people how they can profit by doing so.”

Lorissa and Chris launched FlipOut Academy, a real estate education program that teaches people the art of flipping.

Lorissa describes it as a for-purpose and for-profit business.

Encore Career Alan P. Pietruszewski ’84 finds fame in Hollywood following his retirement from the U.S. Navy

“Making money for the sake of money is an old school way of thinking,” she says. “Ours is a business model that aims to make a profit while also making a positive impact in the community.”

More than 60 students are currently enrolled in FlipOut Academy to learn the tricks of the trade. Participants can choose their level of participation, ranging from seminars at the company’s education center in the Eastern Hills Mall to hands-on training in every aspect of the process. Chris brings his financing and real estate investment expertise to the company. Lorissa, along with artist and partner, Blair Rusin, are the visionaries for what a house will look like after renovation.

In fact, it was Lorissa’s style and innovation that grabbed the attention of HGTV producers a few years ago. Impressed by the complete transformations of the FlipOut properties, the network featured a few of the company’s flipped homes on different programs. That brief spotlight prompted the couple to make a selfproduced pilot of a show on flipping homes. They pitched it to the network and “Risky Builders” premiered in June on HGTV. The first episode featured a renovated home on Tonawanda Creek Road in Clarence Center. The couple has their fingers crossed that the program will continue for a full season and more.

“We really want to get picked up because we know what we can do for this community,” says Naugle, who likens her story to that of Chip and Joanna Gaines from HGTV’s “Fixer Upper.”

“That program helped put their native Waco, Texas, on the map,” adds Naugle. “We want to do the same for Buffalo.”

Twenty-plus years ago, Retired Navy Commander Alan Pietruszewski ’84 was certain that no profession could be more exhilarating than flying an F-14 Tomcat off the flight deck of an aircraft carrier. Then, he tried acting.

“There’s this 20 seconds just before the catapult fires until you are safely climbing up to about 100 feet, where you could be flying or dying,” explains the TOPGUN graduate and former flight instructor. “I get that same feeling, of equal parts excitement and terror, on a film or TV set right before the director calls ‘action.’ And just like flying, my professional training takes over.”

Pietruszewski began training as an actor while still serving in the U.S. Navy. In fact, it’s where he first caught the acting bug.

“Options for entertainment on a Navy ship were pretty limited back then so a few of us started to make our own short films about life at sea,” Pietruszewski recalls.

Pietruszewski found the process of creating films so much fun that he started to consider acting as a second career, following his planned retirement from active duty in 2004. The accomplished military officer did his research and developed a strategy. He enrolled in acting classes, studied creative techniques and began to build a diverse demo reel.

“All my spare time was spent preparing and training to be

an actor because I knew the success rate in Hollywood was horrendously low,” he recalls.

Yet Pietruszewski may be an exception to the rule, as he’s compiled more than 70 credits to date.

“Criminal Minds,” “NCIS” and “S.W.A.T.” are just a few of the popular television programs on which Pietruszewski has appeared. His feature film work includes roles in the “Transformers” movies and the upcoming “Cold Brook,” which was filmed in Buffalo. “Another Time” is Pietruszewski’s most recent project. The movie stars the Western New York native and also marks his debut as a producer. “Another Time” is scheduled for a limited theater and wide online release September 14.

But it’s Pietruszewski’s latest role behind the camera that he finds most fulfilling.

As a leader for the non-profit organization Veterans in Media & Entertainment, Pietruszewski helps former military members pursue their own encore careers in film and television.

“Veterans are out there and they want to contribute in new ways,” Pietruszewski concludes. “My role is to educate and advocate for these veterans within the entertainment industry to help them catch up from the years spent serving their country.”

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advancement

advancement Venti Joins Division of Institutional Advancement New AVP charged with taking charitable giving to the next level Kimberly A. Venti joined the Institutional Advancement (IA) Division this summer as associate vice president.

She is responsible for the development and implementation of a comprehensive plan to enhance charitable giving at Canisius.

A Night to Remember Nearly 500 guests helped raise a significant $144,000 in scholarship support for Canisius students at the 52nd annual Regents Ball.

Hosted by the college’s Board of Regents, the gala was attended by alumni, family, faculty and friends of the college whose generous support directly influences scholarship assistance for students.

This year’s event was held May 5 at the Hyatt Regency Buffalo.

The Board of Regents conferred its Distinguished Citizen Award upon Roswell Park President/CEO Candace S. Johnson, PhD (center), during the Regents Ball. Pictured (l-r) are: Maureen and Canisius President John Hurley and event chairs Mary ’84, MBA ’96 and Tom Greenwald ’82.

WEB EXTRA > Visit canisius.edu/magazine to view the Regents Ball photo gallery.

THANKYOU

Venti comes to the IA Division with more than 15years of development and advancement experience.

While director of campaigns and major gifts for Erie County Medical Center (ECMC), she oversaw a multi-million dollar capital campaign for a new Trauma Center and Emergency Department. Venti is also the former director of development for the University at Buffalo’s Jacob School of Medicine and Biomedical Sciences.

She holds a master’s degree in multidisciplinary studies and a bachelor’s degree in general studies from the State University College at Buffalo.

Donor Profile

Christopher P. Devine ’98 is inspired to invest in Canisius by the professor who invested in him Life is ‘suite’ for Christopher P. Devine ’98. The certified public accountant from Milton, MA, oversees nearly $6 billion in assets as chief financial officer for the Pyramid Hotel Group, one of the largest hotel management companies in the U.S.

Canisius students wrote letters of thanks to donors throughout Canisius Giving Day 2018

2,110 DONORS

$448,350

It was just one day – 24 hours. But in that short time, thousands of alumni and friends responded and made an immeasurable impact at Canisius.

Because of YOU, the college shattered its Canisius Giving Day record on April 25, securing 2,110 donors – alumni, friends, parents, faculty, staff and students – who contributed a total of $448,350. Similarly impressive was the Canisius Class of 2018, which took the No. 1 spot on the Giving Day leaderboard.

The city of Buffalo showed its support for Canisius Giving Day 2018 by lighting up City Hall in Blue & Gold.

Such overwhelming generosity will support students who call Canisius home and the academic programs that make a Canisius education exceptional. Thank you!

Surely, Devine says, his accounting degree from Canisius yielded high returns. But he credits his college education for teaching him more than number crunching.

Devine describes his role as editor-in-chief for The Griffin as “an invaluable experience.” He learned persistence, time management and leadership – “many of the dynamics that make up today’s business world.”

Then, there were those hard-won lessons he learned about writing, communicating and editing from Melvin W. Schroeder. The late associate professor of English and moderator of The Griffin became a longtime mentor and friend to Devine, and was “instrumental” to his personal and professional development.

Grateful for Schroeder’s guidance, Devine now generously contributes to the Mel Schroeder Memorial Scholarship, which provides funding for two students to attend the Yeats International Summer School in Sligo, Ireland. Devine is also a loyal donor to the Canisius Fund, and made a multi-year, unrestricted commitment to the annual giving campaign.

Of his benevolent giving at Canisius, the newly elected Board of Trustees member says he wants to invest in the education that invested so much in him “to help ensure similar successes for the next generation of Canisius students.”

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alumninews

alumnispotlight

LaSalle Medal Conferred upon Mancuso ’68, MBA ’77 The Canisius Alumni Association conferred its highest award for service to the college upon Vincent J. Mancuso ’68, MBA ’77, during undergraduate commencement ceremonies in May. The LaSalle Medal is presented to an alumna/us whose contributions of time and treasure help advance the interests of alma mater.

A member of the MBA Alumni Association, Mancuso most recently served on his 50th class reunion committee. He previously provided strategic guidance to the college during his tenure on the Board of Regents, and voluntarily chaired the Regents Scholarship Ball for two consecutive – and successful – years. Always ready to lend support to the college’s most significant fundraising efforts, Mancuso is also a loyal contributor to the Canisius Fund at the Leadership Society level.

Mancuso retired from HSBC Bank in 2006 following 38 years of service to the company.

His son, Vincent J. Mancuso Jr. ’91 and daughter, Jennifer L. Mancuso Urban ’95, are both graduates of Canisius.

Keep on Ruckin’ Rugby alumni association works to keep club sport competitive If you’re one of the 500-plus alumni who played rugby, the Canisius College Rugby Alumni Association (CCRAA) wants to hear from you. The newly formed chapter is looking to build its network and knowledge-source to assist the club sport with structure and strategy, so it can continue to grow, develop and be competitive at Canisius.

Established in 2017 by a small group of rugby alumni, the mission of the CCRAA is three-fold, explains founding member Timothy M. Moran ’96.

“We want to help the college attract well-rounded students and talented athletes emerging from high school-level rugby,” he says. “We’re also here to provide supplemental funding for the club so it remains competitive at the local, regional and national levels, and to further engage alumni, family and friends in support of the rugby team.”

Canisius College inducted its newest class into DiGamma Honor Society. Selected for their exemplary service on behalf of students and alumni, the four new members are comprised of alumni and administrators. They are (row 1) Michael Kochczynski ’08, MS ’12, client success lead for Mongoose Research Inc.; (row 2, l-r) Susan Polvino ’82, senior vice president of investment research at Citigroup; Brian Smith, director of study abroad at Canisius; and (top) William J. Maher ’89, director of athletics at Canisius.

Canisius rugby has a history of success and the CCRAA is calling on its alumni to join the team. Simply visit canisiusrugby.org to connect with former players and update your contact information.

WEB EXTRA > Visit canisius.edu/magazine to learn more about the history of Canisius rugby, the CCRAA and its elected officers.

Renaissance Man Earl Ketry ’72 builds on Buffalo’s resurgence with a trend-setting restaurant and entertainment business Story: Martin Haumesser | Photography: Tom Wolf ’86

Earl Ketry ’72 started out studying history at Canisius College. He eventually earned a degree in accounting but in many ways, Ketry has come full circle because he’s now helping to rewrite history in his hometown.

The son of immigrants from Austria and Germany, Ketry grew up in near poverty on Buffalo’s East Side. Athletic and tall, he loved competition and played to win, whether in a scrap with a neighborhood kid or on the basketball court in high school.

Influenced by his hard-working parents, Ketry paid his way through college laboring in the blast furnaces at Bethlehem Steel.

“I know what hell is like – I worked 50 to 60 hours a week at the steel plant and attended classes at night,” Ketry recalls. “If I had a break at work, I used it to study. I was consumed by the wonderfulness of college and determined to succeed, especially since it was my own hard-earned money paying the tuition.”

Looking back, Ketry says he switched majors when he found out what a history professor could expect to earn. Upon graduation, he had 13 job offers and went to work for one of the nation’s Big 4 accounting firms.

But history would still be in his future.

Ketry eventually formed his own accounting and consulting business, which he still operates in West Seneca. In the late 1990s, he invested in Pearl Street Grill via a partnership with out-of-town owners. When those owners ran into financial trouble, Ketry and other local investors took control and turned the operation around. It was his first taste of the restaurant business and the start of much more to come.

Under Ketry’s leadership, Pearl Street Grill & Brewery remains a popular Buffalo destination for eating, entertainment and events with four floors and nine bars. The brewery builds on Buffalo’s beer-making tradition with nearly a dozen craft brews on tap. Ketry expanded the business to include a banquet facility, Pearl @ the Webb, and he opened the Lofts on Pearl, a 32-room hotel near the Pearl Street Grill.

Ketry is also part of a joint venture that opened RiverWorks in a former grain elevator complex along the Buffalo River. The business has revitalized that area with a restaurant, craft brewery, indoor roller derby, ice rinks for hockey and curling tournaments, and rentals of kayaks, paddleboards and water bikes. Ketry, married with three children, says the city has not seen anything yet, as he has more ideas in mind.

“I look at things differently to see what others do not,” Ketry concludes. “The seeds were planted at Canisius where I learned how to approach any challenge. That’s why I’m always swinging for the fences.”

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alumnispotlight

Fair Territory Jessica L. Underberg ’98 focuses on family, agriculture and time-honored traditions as she takes over management of the Erie County Fairgrounds Story: Martin Haumesser | Photography: Tom Wolf ’86

It’s as if Jessica L. (Gernatt) Underberg ’98 was born for her job as CEO and fair manager at the Erie County Fairgrounds.

She grew up on her family’s dairy farm in Collins, NY, the oldest of six children and showed livestock such as 4-H cattle and pigs at the Erie County Fair more than 30 years ago. Those years of growing up formed the foundation for Underberg’s understanding of the agricultural life and the constant hard work involved.

“On the family farm, we were taught that you choose to be miserable or happy,” Underberg recalls. “You do your work until it’s done and you do it right the first time. It’s an attitude I encourage every day with my team at the Fairgrounds.”

Appointed CEO last fall by the Erie County Agricultural Society (ECAS), sponsors of the Erie County Fair, Underberg had been assistant fair manager for the last 10 years. In her current role, she leads a staff of 50 full-time, 15 part-time and some 500 seasonal employees who manage a wide range of year-round events and attractions at the 270-acre fairground complex. Among them are Buffalo Raceway, Hamburg Gaming, Fairground Festival of Lights, an event center, and of course, the yearly Erie County Fair.

A resident of Springville, where she lives with her husband and two daughters, Underberg has a long history at the Erie County Fairgrounds. She began working there part time in 1996 while pursuing her degree in social sciences from Canisius. Underberg has since held positions in nearly every office and department of the Fairgrounds during her 20-plus years there.

Now in her role as CEO, Underberg is taking a fresh look at the big picture.

“Fairs evoke wonderful memories and emotion for people: the sight of the Ferris wheel, the smell of the fresh hay and farm animals of all kinds,” Underberg says. “The Erie County Fair is all about the experience and we strive to offer a hands-on experience in an increasingly digital world.”

Visitors to the fairgrounds this year will see many recent physical changes to the campus including new buildings and new venues for family entertainment and education. Underberg and her team are working to introduce ideas and events, and enhance the well-loved fair traditions that keep families returning every year.

“It’s like managing 12 Bills home games in less than two weeks,” Underberg says, noting that attendance in 2017 topped one million. “That demonstrates just how popular the county fair remains in Western New York after nearly 180 years.”

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CANISIUS COLLEGE M AGA ZINE SUMME R 2018

alumninotes 1960s ’63 BA William J. Schoenl, PhD, a professor emeritus of history at Michigan State University, received the Albert Nelson Marquis Lifetime Achievement Award from Marquis Who’s Who. The award recognizes Schoenl’s accomplishments as a historian and educator. ’63 BA Rev. Mark J. Wolski, a retired pastor from Saints Peter & Paul Church and School in Hamburg, received the Curé of Ars Award from Christ the King Seminary. The award recognizes Wolski’s decades of service as a pastor, chaplain and administrator for the Diocese of Buffalo. ’64 BA, HON ’04 Carl J. Montante, president and managing director of Uniland Development Company, was named Executive of the Year by the Buffalo Sales and Marketing Executives. ’65 BA Harry S. Colburn Jr., an attorney in Englewood, FL, won eight medals in the 2018 YMCA Masters National Swimming Championships held at the Hall of Fame Aquatic Complex in Fort Lauderdale, FL. ’68 BA Frederic S. Smith, an English teacher at St. Bernard School in Uncasville, CT, received the Clairvaux Award, which commemorates his 50-year anniversary with the school.

alumninotes ’74 BA Victor C. Laudisio, a retired manager with the U.S. Postal Service, was inducted into the John Timon Society. The society honors alumni of Bishop Timon-St. Jude High School who demonstrate the character and leadership of Bishop John Timon. ’75 BA Daniel N. Hurley retired from his position as assistant vice president of government and community relations with the SUNY Upstate Medical University in Syracuse following a 36-year career in the SUNY system. ’75 BA Rev. Jerome E. Kopec, a pastor for Saints Peter & Paul Church in Williamsville, received the Venerable Nelson H. Baker Award from the Diocese of Buffalo’s Youth Department.

The award recognizes Kopec’s exceptional dedication to working with youth in the church. ’75 BS Kevin M. Marmion retired as president of William S. Hein & Co. He will continue as the company’s chief executive officer. ’75 BA Daniel P. Schaefer, MD, an ophthalmologist with Atwal Eye Care, was elected president of the American Society of Ophthalmic Plastic and Reconstructive Surgery.

’69 BA, MSEd ’73 Albert F. Rahn Jr., retired director of guidance for Alexander Central School District, was inducted into the Section 5 Track and Field Hall of Fame by Alexander Middle High School and Geneseo Middle High School.

’75 MS Robert T. Scott retired as president of St. Joseph’s Collegiate Institute following a 48-year career at the school. ’76 BA Peter F. Brady is a partner with Goldberg Segalla. He was a senior counsel with Faraci Lange. ’77 MS Curtis C. Gaume, retired director of financial aid for Canisius College, was inducted into Cardinal O’Hara High School’s Distinguished Alumni Hall of Fame. ’77 BA Gregory P. Rabb, a professor of political science and coordinator of international studies for Jamestown Community College, was named executive director of the New York Municipal Clerks Institute, a collaborative educational initiative to enhance the skills and performance of the state’s frontline government administrators. ’78 BA John C. Plante is the new manager of member engagement for the Buffalo Niagara Partnership. He was an account executive for Spectrum Business. ’79 MS Richard L. Heist retired as executive director of Our Lady of Victory (OLV) Homes of Charity following a 45-year career with the OLV organizations.

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1970s

’72 MSEd Msgr. James G. Kelly, a retired pastor for St. Margaret’s Church in Buffalo, was appointed to the Priests’ Personnel Board by the Diocese of Buffalo for a term of three years. ’74 BA Richard Cordaro is the new southeast regional sales manager for Aakron Rule Corporation. He was a regional sales manager for Imagen Brands Promotional Products in Florida and Puerto Rico.

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CANISIUS COLLEGE M AGA ZINE SUMME R 2018

Teresa M. Amabile ’72, HON ’97, PhD BA, Chemistry Career Highlight: The Society for Personality and Social Psychology presented Teresa Amabile with its Distinguished Scholar Award at the organization’s annual meeting in March.

Amabile also received the Lifetime Achievement Award at the Israel Organizational Behavior Conference, sponsored by Tel Aviv University. She was recognized for her research in organizational behavior.

Career Notes: A former member of the Canisius College Board of Trustees and current member of the Women's Leadership Council, Amabile is a Baker Foundation Professor at Harvard Business School, where she is also an emerita Edsel Bryant Ford Professor of Business Administration.

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’80 BS Rocco Lucente II, a partner with Cohen & Lombardo PC, was elected president of the board of directors for the Legal Aid Bureau of Buffalo. ’80 BA (Ret.) Col. Robert E. Pecoraro, U.S. Air Force, is an alderman for the City of North Tonawanda and was inducted into Cardinal O’Hara High School’s Distinguished Alumni Hall of Fame. ’80 BA Laurie A. (Pilawa) Salerno, a nurse practitioner for JenCare Senior Medical Centers in Portsmouth, VA, was chosen as a 2018 Advanced Practice Provider by Hampton Roads Physicians. ’80 BA Mary E. Williamson is the new executive director for the Anna Jacques Hospital Community Health Foundation in Newburyport, MA. She was director of development and community engagement for the Essex County Greenbelt Association in Essex, MA. ’81 MBA Peter T. vom Scheidt was elected president of the Cantalician Center Board of Directors. He is an associate principal with Wendel Companies, a design, construction and energy services firm.

’82 MBA William R. Jones retired as vice president of digital experience and payments for Truliant Federal Credit Union, following a 37-year career as a senior banking executive.

’70 BS Thomas A. Palmer, an attorney with Bond, Schoeneck & King PLLC, was included in the 2018 edition of The Best Lawyers in America.

’71 BS John R. O’Brien stepped down from his position as chairman of the Evans Bancorp Board of Directors after 15 years, including six as chair.

’80 BS Daniel S. Blake, president and chief executive officer for Southtowns Financial Group Inc., earned the Retirement Income Certified Professional designation from The American College of Financial Services.

’82 BS Bernadette (LePage) Franjoine, vice president of mission integration for Mount St. Mary’s Hospital, was named a 2018 Health Care Champion

by Business First.

’70 BA Richard B. Halloran Jr., a circuit court judge in Wayne County, MI, received the Marilyn J. Kelly Award for Outstanding Service from the State Bar of Michigan’s Family Law Section.

’70 BS, MBA ’75 James J. Rzad, a retired financial executive, received the Spirit of St. Francis Award from Bishop TimonSt. Jude High School in recognition of his dedication to the school over the past two decades.

1980s

’82 BA James B. Nonnengard, executive vice president for Regions Investment Services Inc., was named president of the Bank Insurance and Securities Association for 2018 through 2020. ’82 BS Robert E. Rood, PhD, is the new vice president of business affairs and treasurer for Daemen College.

He was vice president of finance and administration with Lourdes University in Sylvania, OH. ’83 BA Thomas J. Fronczak, director of mental health for Evergreen Health, was named a 2018 Health Care Champion by Business First. ’84 BS Patrick L. Emmerling, an attorney with Bond, Schoeneck & King PLLC, is included in the 2018 edition of The Best Lawyers in America.

’91 BA Kristen M. (Schenk) Robillard, MD, a managing partner with Lakeshore Primary Care Associates, was named chair of the Catholic Medical Partners Board of Directors.

’94 BA Michael P. Hughes, senior vice president and chief of staff for Kaleida Health, was the featured speaker at Trocaire College’s commencement ceremony.

’92 BS Nora Eberl Plizga and ’05 MBA Joanna M. (Deyell) Eberl started a new company, Fall Protection and Strut Systems. Nora will continue as co-owner of Eberl Iron Works.

’94 BS, MBA ’95 Heath J. Szymczak, an attorney with Bond Schoeneck & King PLLC, was recognized in the upstate edition of New York Super Lawyers.

’93 BS Colleen M. (O’Malley) Arnold was promoted from supervisor to manager with Dopkins & Company LLP.

’95 BA Michael J. Ball, the former regional director for Empire State Development’s Buffalo office, now oversees the Blue Fund. The initiative, launched by BlueCross BlueShield of WNY, is expected to award upwards of $3 million in grants, annually, to Western New York organizations that have a positive impact on key health areas.

’93 BS Todd J. Mazurek was promoted from senior director of the global advanced solution division to senior director of merchant strategy with Visa Inc.

Cindy L. Odom ’90 BA, Psychology Career Highlight: Cindy Odom is the Western region executive director of Hillside Family of Agencies. The nonprofit human services agency is one of the largest in New York State. It provides child welfare, mental and physical health, youth development, juvenile justice, special education and developmental disabilities services to children, adults and their families.

Career Notes: Odom formerly served as a council leadership strategist for the Girl Scouts of the USA and is the former chief executive officer for the Girl Scouts of Western New York.

’84 BA (Ret.) Cmdr. Alan P. Pietruszewski, U.S. Navy, is an actor who produced and had a leading role in the sci-fi dramedy "Another Time".

The movie premiered at the 2018 Newport Beach Film Festival.

’87 BA, MBA ’00 Kenneth M. Kujawa was promoted from customer and community manager to Western New York regional manager by National Grid.

’85 MBA James Olchawski was promoted from director of marketing to vice president of thermal management sales and marketing with Unifrax.

1990s

’86 BA Kimberly L. Beaty was named the new director of public safety at Canisius College. Beaty previously served as deputy police commissioner of Operations and Homeland Security for the Buffalo Police Department (BPD). She has served in law enforcement within the BPD for 31 years. ’86 BS Gina M. Castelli, the head women’s basketball coach for LeMoyne College, was inducted into the Greater Buffalo Sports Hall of Fame Class of 2018. ’86 BS John J. Dry, an assistant coach for the Olean Oilers in the New York Collegiate Baseball League, was named to the U.S. National Coaching Pool for the men’s national and junior national fast-pitch softball teams. ’87 BS, MBA ’92 John J. Conway is the new sales director for EWI and Buffalo Manufacturing Works. He was a sales executive with Applied Sciences Group.

’93 BS Jane M. (Perrello) Orcholski, a physical education teacher at Frederick Law Olmsted School, received the Heart Hero Award from the American Heart Association and the Western Zone of the New York State Association for Health, Physical Education, Recreation and Dance.

The award recognizes Orcholski’s commitment to helping students live healthy and physically active lives. ’94 BA Rosanna Berardi is now a special immigration counsel for Barclay Damon. She will continue as managing partner for Berardi Immigration Law.

’95 BA Thomas A. Cumbo, MD, vice president for medical affairs with Mount St. Mary’s Hospital, was named to the Catholic Medical Partners Board of Directors. ’95 BS Cheryl A. (Sciandra) Prout, a partner with the Bonadio Group, was named to the Goodwill of Western New York Board of Directors. ’96 BA Kevin J. Cross, a managing partner for Lippes Mathias Wexler Friedman LLP, was recognized in the upstate edition of New York Super Lawyers. ’96 MBA Kimberley A. Minkel, president and executive director for

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’90 BA Michael M. Gilbert, senior vice president of administration for the Buffalo Sabres, was named to the St. Joseph’s Collegiate Institute Board of Trustees. ’90 BA, MBA ’94 Ann L. Woloszynski was promoted from vice president to group vice president and manager of banking controls with M&T Bank. ’91 MBA Richard C. Hamister is the new president for Northwest Bank’s New York Region. He was a vice president with KeyBank. ’91 BS Kevin J. Jarnot is the new chief information officer for Micronotes Inc. in Boston, MA. He was the chief technology officer for The Debt Exchange, also in Boston. ’91 BA Marya J. Propis, former head of broker engagement for AIG in New York, NY, and member of the Canisius Board of Trustees was appointed president of the Spencer Educational Foundation Board of Directors. She was also named to the Disabled Sports USA Board of Directors.

Samuel J. Villa MBA ’97 Career Highlight: Sam Villa is the author of Uncharted Waters. The book applies the Scriptures to life, fears, temptations and motivations to bring about spiritual growth.

Career Notes: Villa lives in McKinney, TX, where he is an author and communicator with a nationwide ministry of discipleship, teaching and serving. He is an elder, leader, preacher and teacher within the church.

alumninotes

alumninotes

the NFTA, was named to the Evans Bancorp Inc. Board of Directors.

development officer for Summa Health in Akron, OH.

’97 BA Jeremy J. Besch was promoted from assistant head to head of the Park School.

’04 MBA Mathew K. Enstice, president and chief executive officer of the Buffalo Niagara Medical Campus, is serving on a national commission, launched by the Alliance to Save Energy, to reduce energy use in the U.S. transportation industry.

’97 BA David C. Greenman is the new associate vice president for institutional advancement at Niagara University. He was executive director of the King Urban Life Center. ’97 MBA Alexandra (Marzucco) Wehr was promoted from vice president to senior vice president with KeyBank. ’98 MBA Peter D. DeRose, the previous owner of DeRose Dental, joined Inspire Dental Group. ’98 MS Fenton C. Moran is vice president for human resources with Hamister Group LLC. He was the global human resource leader for CAE Oxford Aviation in Phoenix, AZ. ’99 BA Maria C. (Wichlac) Grove is the new executive director for the Connecticut Cancer Partnership in Rocky Hill, CT. She was president of the Connecticut Brain Tumor Alliance.

2000s ’00 BA Erin E. Hurley received her doctorate in international relations from the University of Sydney in Australia. ’00 BA, MS ’01, MSEd ’08 Matthew A. Struzik, an English teacher in the Attica Central School District, received the Tom Sands Community Service Award from Bishop Timon-St. Jude High School. The award recognizes Struzik’s commitment to living Franciscan values and bettering the community.

’04 BA William A. Vaughan is the new vice president for mission integration at Kenmore Mercy Hospital. He was director of chaplaincy services for Catholic Health. ’05 MBA Joanna M. (Deyell) Eberl and ’92 BS Nora Eberl Plizga started a new company, Fall Protection and Strut Systems. ’05 BS Esther I. Ossei-Anto, a senior marketing manager for International Market Centers in Las Vegas, NV, was named to the Gift for Life Board of Directors. ’06 BA, MBA ’12 Marissa P. (Mann) Bierl is a new senior account supervisor for Eric Mower & Associates. She was a senior account manager for Match Marketing Group. ’06 BS Brian J. Kern was promoted from manager to partner with Lumsden McCormick LLP. ’06 BS, MS ’08 John F. Markiewicz is the new director of sales for the Chicago White Sox. He was vice president of ticket sales for the Florida Panthers.

’01 BS Jonathan S. Bialek was promoted from director of agency integration to vice president for merger and acquisition diligence and integration at OneDigital Health & Benefits.

’06 BA Stacey L. (Budzinski) Moar, a senior associate attorney for Lippes Mathias Wexler Friedman LLP, was selected to the upstate New York list of “Rising Stars.” ’06 BA Char’lese Perry, is a psychiatric mental health nurse practitioner with Niagara Falls Memorial Medical Center. She was a nurse practitioner for University Psychiatric Practice. ’06 BA Eric M. Soehnlein, a senior associate attorney for Lippes Mathias Wexler Friedman LLP, was selected to the upstate New York list of “Rising Stars.” ’07 BA Joseph P. Heins, a senior associate attorney for Lippes Mathias Wexler Friedman LLP, was selected to the upstate New York list of “Rising Stars.” ’07 BA Meghan E. Butters Houser was promoted from associate to partner in the law firm of Weiss, Saville & Houser P.A. in Wilmington, DE. ’07 BA Daniel N. Hurley Jr. was promoted to associate director of organic search and content strategy for Connelly Partners in Boston, MA. He was a search engine optimization manager. ’07 BA Katherine M. Liebner, an attorney for Gross Shuman P.C., was named a shareholder in the firm. ’08 BA Daniel R. Aikin, director of communications and special events for New York State Senator Michael Ranzenhofer,

CL ASS ACT

’02 BA, MS ’05 Elizabeth A. Kalfas is the new director of regional development for the Case Western Reserve University School of Medicine in Cleveland, OH. She was a

28

CANISIUS COLLEGE M AGA ZINE SUMME R 2018

Tara L. Cicatello ’13 BA, English

’08 BA Lauren A. Suttell is a new senior associate with Lippes Mathias Wexler Friedman LLP. She was an associate with Hodgson Russ LLP.

Career Highlight: Tara Cicatello competed in the 2018 Iditarod Trail Sled Dog Race. It was her first time participating in Alaska’s epic 1,000-mile sled dog race.

’09 HON Robert M. Bennett, chancellor emeritus of the New York State Board of Regents and former lecturer at Canisius College, is general chair of the 2018 Catholic Charities Appeal.

’10 BS Rebecca M. (Tarnowski) Dybka was promoted from administrative assistant to assistant firm administrator at Brock, Shechter & Polakoff LLP.

Beth Ann Sardina ’07, MBA ’09 BA, Mathematics, Economics

Career Highlight: Eric Hezel and Beth Sardina earned the prestigious designation of Fellow of the Society of Actuaries (FSA) in June. Actuaries are the leading professionals in managing risk. It generally takes six to 10 years to complete the requirements to become a Fellow.

Career Notes: Both Hezel and Sardina are actuaries at BlueCross BlueShield of WNY in the Department of Actuarial Services.

’10 BA Kaitlyn E. Niland is a new senior account executive for InVue Digital. She was an account director for FIFTEEN. ’10 MS, MS ’17 Bradley W. Rowles, assistant principal for North Tonawanda High School, is the financial secretary for the Niagara County Community College Board of Trustees.

’15 MS Zachariah J. Martineau was promoted from staff accountant to senior accountant with Chaimpou Travis Besaw & Kershner LLP.

’13 BA Jacqueline M. Mistretta, a school psychologist for Buffalo Public Schools, earned her doctorate degree in school psychology from Alfred University.

’16 BS, MBA ’17 Andrew Fischer is a new assurance associate for Dopkins & Company LLP.

’13 BS/MBA Zachary D. Shroyer was promoted from senior accountant to in-charge senior accountant for Brock Schechter & Polakoff LLP.

’08 Erin M. (Niederprum) Monroe is the new college prevention coordinator for alcohol and other drug programs and services with Binghamton University. She was the manager of health initiatives for the United Way of Broome County.

’09 BS Ashley E. Bauer, a senior manager with Tronconi Segarra & Associates, was named to the Goodwill of Western New York Board of Directors.

’13 BS, MBA ’16 Thomas J. Michalewski was promoted from associate customer marketing manager to customer marketing manager by Rich Products.

’13 MBA Zachary Newberry is the new controller for Boston Valley Terra Cotta. He was a senior accountant with NRG Energy Inc.

’08 BS Greggory P. Gallson was promoted from senior consultant to business valuation manager with Chiampou Travis Besaw & Kershner LLP.

’10 BS, MBA ’11 Peter J. DeSabio was promoted from senior accountant to manager by Lumsden McCormick LLP.

Eric J. Hezel ’06 BA, Mathematics

CL ASS ACT

’08 BS Thomas J. Fennell was promoted from associate attorney to senior associate attorney with Lippes Mathias Wexler Friedman LLP. He was also selected to the upstate New York list of “Rising Stars.”

2010s

’01 BS Darren Fenn, owner of WNY Premier Basketball Training, is the new director of basketball operations and facilities coordinator for St. Mary’s High School in Lancaster.

’02 BS Timothy D. Calkins is the new senior portfolio manager and director of fixed income for Nottingham Advisors. He was a senior fixed income strategist for QCI Asset Management.

’08 BS, MBA ’09 Alex M. Brehm was promoted from senior accountant to audit manager with Chiampou Travis Besaw & Kershner LLP.

’09 MS Carrie A. (Heller) Reisner is the new assistant vice chancellor for student engagement with Indiana University East in Richmond, IN. She was the university’s interim dean of students.

’01 BA Kevin M. Eddy is a new associate attorney for Blank Rome LLP in Pittsburgh, PA. He was an attorney with Pepper Hamilton LLP, also in Pittsburgh.

’02 BS Sean L. Berry, PhD, was promoted from assistant attending physicist to physics lead for Memorial Sloan-Kettering Cancer Center’s Westchester Region facilities in West Harrison, NY.

was named a council member for the Niagara Area Foundation.

’14 MBA Bailey J. McGowan was accepted into the Officer Candidate School at the U.S. Navy Officer Training Command Station in Newport, RI.

Career Notes: Cicatello moved to Nome, AK after graduation to participate in KNOM Radio’s volunteer program. KNOM is the oldest Catholic radio station in the U.S., with a mission to serve as a vital communications link for an exceptionally isolated and rural area.

’11 BS Gabriella E. Agostinelli was promoted from associate attorney to senior associate attorney with Berardi Immigration Law. ’11 MS Meaghan (Handzlik) Heighway, a licensed mental health counselor, opened her own counseling practice in Springville, NY. ’11 MS Nicole R. Hue, a learning and organizational development consultant for HealthNow New York, was elected to the Association for Talent Development’s Buffalo-Niagara Board of Directors. ’11 BS, MBA ’12 Matthew J. Krajna is the new head of equity research with Nottingham Advisors. He will continue as a senior portfolio manager. ’11 MS Jonathan W. McGrath Jr. is a new senior account manager for Match Marketing Group. He was an associate manager of events with Ivoclar Vivadent. ’11 MS Christopher M. Pitek is the new elementary assistant principal for Nardin Academy. He was director of student formation programs for Canisius High School. ’12 BS Michael F. Albert is the new varsity lacrosse coach for Canisius High School. He was the junior varsity and modified lacrosse coach for Buffalo Public Schools.

’12 MBA Tamara E. Brown, director of sustainable development and community engagement for Praxair Inc. in Danbury, CT, was named to the United Way of Western Connecticut Board of Directors.

’14 BS, MS ’15 Colin A. Ott was promoted from field examiner to senior field examiner with Dopkins & Company LLP. ’15 BA Joshua M. Gumulak, an account executive for Gelia, was elected to the American Advertising Federation of Buffalo Board of Directors. ’15 BA Olivia G. Hill is a new business development specialist for Invest Buffalo Niagara. She was deputy director for the Hamburg Industrial Development Agency.

’16 BS Jenna E. Palczynski is a new staff analyst for Brisbane Consulting Group LLC. ’17 MS Isaac J. Bushey is the new director of athletics for Corning Community College. He will continue as the college’s men’s basketball coach. ’17 BS Edward A. Enright is a new staff accountant for Chiampou Travis Besaw & Kershner LLP. ’17 BS Jessica A. Lobur is a new assurance associate for Dopkins & Company LLP. ’17 MS Justine E. Mejak is a new multimedia producer for CHStoday, a Charleston, SC, media outlet run by 6AM City LLC. She was an assistant registrar for the Citadel in Charleston. ’17 BS Paige M. Pedini is a new intern for Chiampou Travis Besaw & Kershner LLP. She will join the firm full-time in October 2018.

CL ASS ACT

’12 MS Jason J. Gabriell is a new admissions counselor for Waldorf University in Forest City, IA. He was the university’s director of football operations. ’12 MS Tarra J. James is the new events and marketing director for the TriCounty Area Chamber of Commerce in Pottstown, PA. She was an event manager for the Orange County Convention Center in Orlando, FL. ’12 BS Taryn C. Spencer, MD, a resident in internal medicine at the University at Buffalo, received the Arnold P. Gold Foundation Humanism and Excellence in Teaching Award for her commitment to teaching and her compassionate treatment of patients and students. ’13 MS John B. Axford signed as a pitcher with MLB’s Toronto Blue Jays.

He was with the Oakland Athletics. ’13 MBA Adam J. Ferrante was promoted from staff accountant to audit manager with Chiampou Travis Besaw & Kershner LLP.

Erika L. Hill ’16 BA, Communication Studies Career Highlight: Erika Hill received a golden ticket to Hollywood following her audition on the popular “American Idol” singing competition. She did not advance to the TV competition.

Career Notes: Hill is a dental assistant and former voice instructor. She is also the lead singer for the Chetty Chetty Bang Bang Band in Buffalo.

alumninews

Weddings

IN MEMORIAM Msgr. Paul R. Juenker ’42, HON ’85 February 8, 2018

Thomas B. Cook ’53 January 16, 2018

John J. Slivka ’62, PhD January 9, 2018

Susan E. Wlosinski MSEd ’74 April 13, 2018

V. Donald Bergner ’43 November 2, 2017

Donald F. Harter ’53 December 27, 2017

Clayton Gohr ’63 February 8, 2018

Brian D. Buckley ’75 March 11, 2018

Raymond B. Kielich ’43 February 8, 2018

Paul J. Walsh ’53 February 6, 2018

Michael Ryan ’63 February 17, 2018

Mary Ann (Bohen) Corbett MS ’76 February 15, 2018

Alfred R. Melchiorre ’44 January 3, 2018

Col. Joseph B. Conboy ’54 February 10, 2018

Stanley R. Shubsda Jr. ’63 December 31, 2017

Paul R. Diviak ’76, MBA ’82 December 23, 2017

Nello F. Carlini ’46 March 18, 2018

Raymond N. Mesiah ’54, MS ’60 April 23, 2017

David R. Conners ’64 January 10, 2018

Kenneth R. Kollmar MS ’77 April 22, 2018

Robert J. Orrange ’46 January 3, 2018

Maj. William H. Thomas ’54 December 12, 2017

Denis W. Dzielski ’64 December 30, 2017

Joseph G. Sturges Jr. ’77 March 26, 2018

Harold C. Box ’48, PhD March 30, 2018

Maj. Gen. Robert D. Morgan Sr. ’55 April 10, 2018

Loretta R. Miller MSEd ’64 April 27, 2018

James O. Graziadei MS ’78 February 9, 2018

Francis M. O’Connor ’48, MS ’52 March 27, 2018

Donald A. Sabers ’55 February 10, 2018

Joseph D. Senall ’64 May 3, 2018

Patricia E. Langmyer MSEd ’79 May 6, 2018

Robert A. Tenerowicz ’48, MSEd ’61 May 3, 2018

Richard T. Smokowski ’55 February 14, 2018

Richard A. Neil ’64, MBA ’72 February 25, 2018

James R. Jakiel ’80 February 13, 2018

Eleanor R. (Swan) Ferraro MSEd ’49 February 6, 2018

Robert G. Howe ’56 February 15, 2018

Joseph M. Palka ’66 January 4, 2018

Raymond S. Struzik MS ’80 January 4, 2018

Donald M. Clark ’50, MA ’52, EdD January 22, 2018

Gloria E. Maggio MSEd ’56 February 15, 2018

Thomas C. Aquino MS ’81, MS ’92 February 24, 2018

W. Merrick Hayes Jr. ’50 April 29, 2018

Frederick J. Matheis ’57 March 31, 2018

Maria T. (Zuffoletto) Tollefson MSEd ’66 November 2, 2017

Earl R. Hebeler ’50 February 6, 2018

Thomas V. Aurelio ’58 January 14, 2018

Anthony F. Lorenzetti ’50, MSEd ’54, EdD February 19, 2018

Matthew A. Coppola ’58 January 1, 2018

Cornelius A. O’Donnell Jr. ’50 February 7, 2018 Joseph H. Trimbach ’50 January 7, 2018 Frank J. Flaherty ’51 November 28, 2017 John W. Hotter ’51 April 21, 2018 Paul F. Rakowski ’51 April 8, 2018 Stanley M. Bolas ’52 December 30, 2017 Anthony F. Cerrone ’52 March 31, 2018 Thomas R. Evans ’52 November 27, 2017 Richard A. Miles ’52 March 21, 2018 Thomas A. Spinelli ’52 March 20, 2018 Anthony J. Urban ’52 February 16, 2018 Anthony D. Vetrano ’52, MSEd ’57 March 10, 2018

30

Cornelius F. Collins ’59 December 19, 2017 T. Gregory Jacobs ’59 March 15, 2018 Col. Daniel T. Kirst ’59 March 6, 2018 James F. Connerton ’60 January 29, 2018 Joseph A. Durkin MS ’60, PhD April 5, 2018 James R. Falkner ’60 March 10, 2018 Henry J. Kaye ’60 March 17, 2018 Paul R. Lardner ’60 January 29, 2018 Richard W. Wojciechowski MSEd ’60 March 2, 2018 James J. Lombardi MSEd ’61 January 6, 2018 Thomas P. Palisano MSEd ’61 February 17, 2018 Herbert R. Jurek ’62 May 2, 2018

CANISIUS COLLEGE M AGA ZINE SUMME R 2018

Phyllis A. (Rodger) Alexander ’67, PhD January 26, 2018 Frederick J. Schmidt ’67 January 15, 2018 John G. Zajas ’67 January 30, 2018 Michael J. Bartlett ’68 February 20, 2018 Mary V. Stefaniak ’68 January 18, 2018 Norman S. Paolini Jr. ’69, HON ’09 April 30, 2018 James F. Farrell ’71 April 6, 2018 Linda K. Jewett MSEd ’72 January 17, 2018 Michael S. Kasza ’72 April 21, 2018 William J. Nicholson MSEd ’72 May 1, 2018 Peter E. Parisi ’72 April 21, 2018 Marcy A. (Marong) Dandes ’73 March 8, 2018 Nellie (Gibson) Derrick ’73 December 26, 2017 Wayne R. Lazewski ’73 January 30, 2018 Margaret E. Pabst MBA ’74 October 29, 2017

Walter Hankin ’81 December 25, 2017 Rev. Catherine B. (Tucker) Benjamin MS ’82 April 16, 2018

Adam C. Hernandez ’07 and Sarah J. Velasquez ’07, October 13, 2017

Maria C. Aja ’14, MSEd ’16 and Jared R. Northrup ’14, MS ’16* February 17, 2018

Caitlin M. Loftus ’11 and Brendan J. Frawley* March 17, 2018

Christopher D. Falzarano ’10 and Sean Duffy August 26, 2017

Shawn S. Parkhurst ’13, MS ’14 and Katelyn N. Ford October 14, 2017

Margaret R. George ’15 and Joseph G. Melber* October 21, 2017

Therese E. Taylor ’09 and James Thibault September 17, 2016

Amie P. Hart ’13, MSEd ’16 and Eric H. Trautwein ’12* March 17, 2018

Janelle M. Tryjankowski ’08, MD and James R. Gonos December 26, 2017

Ian C. Leberer ’10 and Jamie Griebner December 30, 2017

* Married in Christ the King Chapel

Canisius Magazine is now accepting photos for the Alumni Notes section. If you would like to submit a picture to coincide with your alumni note, baby Griff or wedding announcement, simply email it to alumnote@canisius.edu.

Submissions received by August 24, 2018, for the Alumni Notes, Baby Griffs, Weddings and In Memoriam sections, will appear in the fall 2018 issue of Canisius Magazine.

Due to space constraints we may not be able to publish all photos submitted.

Martha A. (Hemphill) Veasey ’82, MS ’89 January 1, 2018

Canisius College takes pride in its alumni, and joyfully shares the news of their lives and achievements. Supportive of our Catholic Church’s teachings, publication of announcements provided to us by our alumni does not necessarily imply an endorsement by Canisius College.

babygriffs

Richard C. Truskowski ’83 February 15, 2018 Peter J. O’Neill ’85 March 2, 2018 Jennifer (Struzik) Uhl ’85 April 11, 2018

Nina M. Barone ’06 and Nicholas D. Barone ’06, a daughter, Gemma Maddalena, born May 9, 2018

Harrison W. Hill MS ’87 February 18, 2018

Catherine M. (Sicoli) Darling ’02 and Luke Darling, a daughter, Rachel Sloane, born March 13, 2018

Bradley R. Ertel ’02, MD and Amanda Ertel, a son, Camden John, born October 20, 2017

Tara L. Halliwell-Kemp ’02 and Brian M. Kemp ’04, a daughter, Victoria Violet, born April 10, 2018

Peter M. Doyle ’92 February 13, 2018

Mary M. (Floyd) Keller ’14 and Matthew Keller, a daughter, Roselyn Faith, born February 8, 2018

Edward J. Doverspike ’94 April 27, 2018

Jamie M. (Rynczynski) Kolodczak ’06, MSEd ’08 and Ian Kolodczak, a daughter, Eve Marie, born August 19, 2017

Renee M. (Lefrancois) Tunney ’06, MS ’10 and Michael D. Tunney ’05, a daughter, Isla Grace, born October 18, 2017

Walter J. Sutterlin MS ’87 February 6, 2018 Lena S. (Nabi) Malchak ’88 September 21, 2017 Carol L. (Dick) Maslanka ’88 March 7, 2018

Eleanor A. Dow ’97 April 3, 2018 Reginald B. Newman HON ’97 April 7, 2018 Elisabeth (Altemoos) Bell ’13 January 11, 2018

THIS ISSUE'S FEATURED BABY GRIFF

Grady James

born December 14, 2017 to Jill A. Horohoe ’01, PhD and David S. Rekas ’01

Nicole M. (Kibler) Urbanowicz ’03 and Marty Urbanowicz, twin daughters, Juliet Arielle and Felicia Aveline, born February 7, 2018

Andrea L. (Glinski) Walh ’01 and Brian J. Walh, a son, Gavin Charles, born December 13, 2017

Canisius College Magazine 2001 Main Street | Buffalo, NY 14208 | canisius.edu

Reunion Weekend 2018 Popular spring party makes a comeback at Canisius Reunion Weekend 2018 has passed but the memories remain vivid for those who returned to campus in June for the three-day party.

Though the dates changed to better accommodate alumni who look forward to attending the popular Canisius tradition, several events surrounding Reunion Weekend remained the same including the popular Alumni Tent Party, which returned to its beloved location in the Quad.

Plans are already underway for next yearâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s event, set for June 7, 2019, so SAVE THE DATE! WEB EXTRA >

Visit canisius.edu/magazine to view the full photo gallery from Reunion Weekend 2018

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