Canisius Magazine Summer 2019 by Canisius University

CANISIUS COLLEGE MAGAZINE | SUMMER 2019

Road Trip Photographer David A. Kafer â&#x20AC;&#x2122;08 joins a national cross country campaign to save Route 66

president’sperspective

features Since becoming president in 2010, I have taken a keen interest in the experiential learning opportunities we provide to our students. These experiences are what make a Canisius education distinctive. I gained a greater understanding of this in May when I accompanied a group of Canisius students on a Campus Ministry trip to El Salvador and the Kino Border Initiative at the Arizona-Mexico border. This was my fifth trip to Central America as president, three of those with students. The purpose of this trip was to give our students deeper insights into the immigration debate raging in the United States. We wanted them to learn about the experience of Central American migrants upon arriving at the U.S. border but also about the conditions in their home countries that cause so many to pull up stakes, leave families behind and embark on a treacherous journey northward. It was a profoundly sad and sobering pilgrimage. We heard harrowing tales of the Salvadoran civil war, which raged from 1980-1992 (financed largely by the United States) and left 75,000 Salvadorans dead. The country still struggles with unresolved grief and pain from this terrible chapter in its history. Today, gang violence and an economy that creates too little opportunity forces many Salvadorans to travel north in search of a safer, more prosperous life. The Kino Border Initiative (kinoborderinitiative.org) provides migrants with humanitarian assistance while they await an opportunity to enter the United States. We worked in the Comedor, the soup kitchen that serves 400 meals a day in a setting that emphasizes the humanity of each individual who enters the door. We trekked in the desert where migrants attempt to cross into the United States. We met with Customs and Border Patrol and sat in United States District Court as 75 migrants seized crossing the border were brought in shackles before a magistrate judge to enter guilty pleas for their crimes. The immigration debate in this country is complicated. Sadly, the media and the politicians often provide more heat than light on the issue. Our trip gave our students the opportunity to discern the truth and to appreciate the nuances and the complexities. They – and I – returned home better educated and more committed to walking in solidarity with our migrant brothers and sisters. This was Jesuit education at its best!

Student Spotlight

6 Traveling Outside

their Comfort Zone Canisius students get a sobering look at American history

Cover Story

Road Trip >>> Photographer David A. Kafer ’08 joins a national cross country campaign to save Route 66

Donor Profile

19 A Place to Play

Jason Evchich ’99 and wife, Jennifer, establish a scholarship to promote careers in special education, physical therapy and occupational therapy.

Alumni Spotlights

22 His Honor

Justice Craig D. Hannah ’92 tempers justice with mercy in overseeing the nation’s first Opiate Intervention Court

Empowering Educators

athryn Voss ’08, MS ’09 inspires educators K worldwide as an instructional coach and consultant for Discovery Education

blue&goldbriefs

blue&goldbriefs Dentino Appointed VP for Student Affairs; Dean of Students Daniel A. Dentino, PhD, joined Canisius in May as the new vice president for student affairs and dean of students.

College Magazine SUMMER 2019 I VOLUME 19, ISSUE 2

President John J. Hurley Vice President for Institutional Advancement William M. Collins Chief Communications Officer & Executive Editor Eileen C. Herbert ’04, MS ’15 Managing Editor Audrey R. Browka Creative Director Patty Herkey Art Director Cody Weiler Contributing Writers Martin Haumesser Kate Lockhart

Canisius is planning its biggest birthday celebration ever – and you’re invited! Canisius will commemorate the Sesquicentennial 150-year anniversary throughout the 2019-20 academic year with a series of events and speakers that showcase the college’s academic distinctions, social justice initiatives and its Catholic, Jesuit identity. The milestone celebration will also include a community service project, a concert by the Buffalo Philharmonic Orchestra and a Blue & Gold Gala. Beginning this summer, the campus banners will be updated with Sesquicentennial-themed images and graphics. Sesquicentennial merchandise and apparel will be available in the Canisius Bookstore and online. And watch your mailboxes in fall 2019 for the release of Canisius College: Celebrating 150 Years, a commemorative publication that pays tribute to the people and programs that have made Canisius the premier, private institution it is today. * Canisius College: Celebrating 150 Years will be mailed in lieu of the fall 2019 and winter 2020 editions of Canisius Magazine.

Photography Brianna Blank ’14 Tom Wolf ’86 We are eager to hear your comments about Canisius College Magazine.

Don’t miss out on the Sesquicentennial celebration.

To receive news, updates and information about the year-long celebration of events, update your email address and other pertinent information by visiting canisius.edu/ updateinfo. Or, simply contact the Office of Institutional Advancement at 716.888.8218.

Please send correspondence to: Canisius College Magazine 2001 Main Street, Lyons Hall Room 209, Buffalo, NY 14208 Phone 716-888-2790 Fax 716-888-2778 Email ccmag@canisius.edu Postmaster send change of address to: Canisius College, 2001 Main Street, Buffalo, NY 14208

On the cover: Towering above the Arizona desert at 25 feet high are the iconic Twin Arrows. A beacon to bored drivers, the shafts are planted in the parking lot of the former Route 66 Twin Arrows Trading Post near Flagstaff, AZ, which operated until 1995 when it fell into decline following the development of a nearby interstate.

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Chambers Named New Dean of Arts & Sciences Thomas A. Chambers, PhD, became the new dean of the College of Arts & Sciences in June. Chambers manages the implementation of new academic programs, and leads the faculty to further academic excellence in teaching and scholarship. Chambers is also charged with strengthening assessment measures to improve student learning, developing student support systems that improve retention and fostering interdisciplinary learning and service-learning. A professor of history, Chambers comes to Canisius from Niagara University where he was faculty director of strategic enrollment management for graduate studies and director of the university’s Liberal Arts Program. He served as Niagara’s associate vice president for academic affairs from 2013-15. Chambers holds a bachelor’s degree in history from Middlebury College, a master of arts in history and a doctorate in American history, both from the College of William & Mary.

Dentino’s role is to advance the Catholic, Jesuit mission of the college and implement initiatives to support diversity and inclusion throughout the Division of Student Affairs. As a strategic leader and integral member of President John J. Hurley’s leadership team, Dentino also advises on current developments in higher education as they relate to student affairs.

He comes to Canisius from Cleveland State University, where he worked in an interim capacity in student life. Dentino also held vice president positions at Kansas’ University of Saint Mary, Florida’s Ave Maria University and West Virginia’s Wheeling Jesuit University. During his tenure at the latter, Dentino developed a new academic success center to more closely align academic resources, academic advising, and the student outreach and retention teams. He established a new Diversity and Inclusion Office to better address the needs and concerns of the university’s growing population of first-generation students, international students and students of color. Dentino also revised housing protocols and policy to further enhance campus safety and security. Dentino earned a doctorate of philosophy and systematic theology from Duquesne University, a master’s in religious studies from Providence College and a bachelor’s in theology from Franciscan University.

Repeat Performance

Canisius CFA team competes on the world stage Canisius College made a repeat performance at the Global Finals of the Chartered Financial Analyst (CFA) Institute Research Challenge in April. This is the second time in five years that a Canisius team competed on the CFA finals world stage. This year’s team, comprised of four finance students, was one of only five to advance to the Global Finals, after securing a first place win against North and South American universities in the Americas Regional. Though Canisius succumbed to Ateneo de Manila University in the Global Finals, that a Jesuit partner school won the world championship softened the blow. The CFA Institute Research Challenge is an annual global competition that provides university-sponsored teams with hands-on mentoring and intensive training in financial analysis. Teams are challenged to research a publicly traded company, write a written report with a buy, sell or hold recommendation, and defend their analysis to a panel of industry professionals who serve as judges. The subject company for this year’s Canisius GGF team was Astronics Corporation, an aerospace and avionics provider headquartered in East Aurora, NY. More than 1,100 universities from around the world participated in the Research Challenge, including 485 from the United States. Canisius emerged as the No. 1 team in the U.S., topping some of the most prestigious universities in the country including Stanford, the University of California Berkley, Ohio State, Dartmouth and Penn State. In 2015, Canisius beat teams from 865 universities in 70 countries to take home the World Championship.

Pictured (l-r) is the 2019 Canisius CFA Team: Alexandra Pfeifer ’19 (team captain), Michael Maiorana ’19, Jennifer Keefer ’19 and Allison Jennings ’19

PRIVATE, PART-TIME MBA PROGRAM IN THE BUFFALO/NIAGARA REGION 2020 US News & World Report

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studentprofile

Traveling Outside Their Comfort Zone Canisius students get a sobering look at American history Story by: Gwen Ito

On the Laura Plantation on the west bank of the Mississippi River, at the end of our guided tour, we were led to some slave cabins. At those cabins, we learned that after the Emancipation Proclamation many former slaves stayed. However, they were paid in tokens that could only be used at the general store owned by one of the ‘big house’ family members. The tokens that workers were paid rarely amounted to enough money and they were forced to take on debt. The people were not free to leave the plantation until they bought out their debt, which was passed down by generation. It was revealed that people still lived in those cabins in the 1970s. That’s how Matthew J. Tomasulo ’20 recounts his visit to Louisiana’s Laura Plantation. Built in the early 19th century, the property was just one stop during a three-day trip to the Bayou State organized by Bruce J. Dierenfield, PhD, professor of history and director of the All-College Honors program. The trip was part of a new interdisciplinary course called Plantations, Ghettos, Prisons, which uses readings, multimedia presentations, guest lectures and field trips to highlight the African-American experience from the 18th century to the present. Students study three successive examples of enforced confinement: the plantations of the Antebellum South, the urban ghettos that resulted from black families migrating to northern cities in the 20th century and the modern prison system. They also learn about the traditions that have shaped AfricanAmerican culture. The goal is to help students understand the enduring stain of racism through the lens of history. “As a historian who has benefited from ‘white privilege,’ I will, of course, never fully understand the burden of race but I think it is important to offer carefully conceived courses that deal with diversity,” Dierenfield explains.

The Louisiana trip included stops at four other former plantations, most notably the Whitney. Built by a family of wealthy German immigrants, the Whitney was once a prosperous sugarcane farm. By late 2014, it was transformed into a unique museum whose emphasis on slavery immediately set it apart from other historic plantation sites. Rather than showcasing the elegance of the ‘big house,’ the Whitney tells the story behind the property from the perspective of the slaves. Museum highlights include two original slave cabins and replicas of other slave quarters. Detailed artwork and first-person narratives bring the transgressions of the past into sharp focus. Sculptures of children are a haunting memorial to the youngest victims of American slavery. The group also visited the Louisiana State Penitentiary, better known as Angola State Prison. For Meighan C. Murphy ’21, it was the guided tour of the nation’s largest maximum-security prison that made the deepest impression. “It was amazing how concerned inmates were with getting an education and how they talked about faith like it was the only thing that allowed them to stay hopeful in their situation,” she explains. Murphy, who plans to pursue a career in medicine, is determined to apply the knowledge she gained from the class. “The black community has had its trust broken by the medical profession before and there is good reason for this distrust. I'd like to spend my career rebuilding that trust.” For Dierenfield, a course such as Plantations, Ghettos, Prisons reflects his lifelong commitment to scholarship and teaching, even when the lessons are painful and offer no easy answers. “I hope students will see that America's promise of equality for all is far from being fully realized,” he says. “I hope, too, that the students in this course will heed the call of Supreme Court Justice Thurgood Marshall, who said, ‘Where you see wrong or inequality or injustice, speak out, because this is your country. This is your democracy. Make it. Protect it. Pass it on.’”

Professor Bruce Dierenfield and Canisius students walk the grounds of one of five former plantations they visited in southern Louisiana. (Photo credit: Claire Rosenecker ’21)

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IN MEMORIAM

facultynotes De la Pedraja is Distinguished Professor History Professor René A. De la Pedraja, PhD, is the 2019 recipient of the Kenneth L. Koessler Distinguished Faculty Award. Conferred annually by the Canisius College Alumni Association, the award recognizes teaching excellence and outstanding scholarship. De la Pedraja is revered by students as an exceptionally dedicated and effective educator whose coursework is challenging, academically rich, and presented with clarity and conviction. He is similarly admired for his scholarly reviews of the wars of Latin America and their underpinning social tensions which are chronicled throughout the many books he authored. De la Pedraja is credited with establishing the Latin American Studies Program at Canisius and admired for his tireless work representing the Faculty Senate. De la Pedraja earned degrees in history from the University of Houston (BA) and the University of Chicago (MA and PhD).

Autism and the Big Five Though the research on personality in the lives of individuals with autism spectrum disorder (ASD) is still in its infancy, a recent study by the Institute for Autism Research and the Department of Psychology may be the catalyst for future work in this area.

Rev. Paul J. Dugan, SJ (1923-2019)

Canisius College lost one of its beloved figures on May 11 with the passing of Rev. Paul J. Dugan, SJ. The longtime moderator of athletics died in Murray-Weigel Hall in the Bronx, NY. He was 95. “Father Dugan is easily one of the most revered Jesuits to serve at Canisius throughout its 150-year history,” said Canisius President John J. Hurley. “A devoted priest and a friend and counselor to hundreds of Canisius students during his long career at the college, Father Dugan brought an infectious joy to all he met. Our lives were all the richer for having been in his company. We are consoled in the knowledge that heaven is a more joyful place with Paul Dugan in residence.” Like Elvis, Cher and Madonna, Father Dugan was known at Canisius simply as ‘Doogs,’ a term of endearment coined by student-athletes from the 1970s. He was enshrined in the Canisius Sports Hall of Fame in 2000, as he likely attended more Golden Griffin games than any other fan. Home or away, Doogs was always on the sidelines leading the team in a pregame prayer. He concluded each blessing with his trademark phrase “St. Peter Canisius,” and getting the response, “pray for us.” Father Dugan began his college education at Canisius in the 1940s

Researchers at Canisius examined the relationship between those with ASD and what’s known as the ‘Big Five’ personality traits: openness, conscientiousness, extraversion, agreeableness and emotional stability. Findings indicated that an ASD diagnosis and ASD characteristics are both related to lower levels of these key personality traits, which could put individuals at risk of challenges across their lifespans. The hope, say researchers Jennifer Lodi-Smith, PhD and Jonathan D. Rodgers, PhD, is that these findings have a useful role in facilitating a differential diagnosis of individuals with ASD and inform future intervention possibilities.

but left to pursue the priesthood at Woodstock College, a Jesuit seminary. He returned in 1970 to serve as moderator of athletics, until his retirement in 2012, and to attend to the spiritual needs of Canisius students. Unlike most Jesuits who reside in Loyola Hall, Father Dugan called Frisch Hall home. He wanted to live among and make himself available to first-year students, whom he affectionately referred to as his flock. Father Dugan is also credited for instituting Last Chance Mass on Sunday evenings. The service became a popular alternative for students who didn’t want to wake before noon on Sundays. A fixture on spring break trips, Father Dugan always blessed the caravan of cars before departing for the beaches of Daytona and Fort Lauderdale. He served lunch to students on the beach and celebrated Holy Week and Easter Mass for them. “There is no person who made a more lasting impact on the lives of Canisius students, alumni and friends than Father Dugan,” Canisius Director of Athletics Bill Maher ’89 said. “Whether it was on the sidelines, in the locker room or on the beach he was always ‘spreading the joy.’” Requiescat in Pace, Doogs!

‘Doogs’ spirit will forever be part of Canisius and his legacy lives on through the Rev. Paul J. Dugan ’45, SJ, Scholarship Fund. Donations made in support of this scholarship fund should be brought to the attention of: Institutional Advancement, Canisius College, 2001 Main Street, Buffalo, NY, 14208 or can be made directly online at canisius.edu/give-canisius.

Natural Cures Primary care providers may be taking a fundamentally flawed approach in their treatment of patients with obesity, according to new research by lead author Jean-Marc Lucas ’18 and Associate Professor of Kinesiology Karl F. Kozlowski, PhD. They found that despite being “optimally positioned” to prescribe lifestyle medicine, including exercise and nutrition, primary care providers instead rely heavily on weight loss pharmaceuticals and bariatric surgeries to treat obesity. This approach, Kozlowski says, “does little to prevent and treat the accumulation of chronic diseases.” Further findings suggest that primary care providers may be uncomfortable prescribing lifestyle medicine, as they receive little formal education in this area. Kozlowski acknowledges that educating physicians and changing how they prescribe exercise and nutrition is “just the first step of reforming primary care” to combat chronic disease. Patient behavior change is also paramount to the success of lifestyle medicine. Kozlowski’s research, titled “The Underutilization of Lifestyle Modifications in Primary Care Medicine,” was published in the journal Exercise Medicine. The research was the topic of Lucas’ honors thesis.

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Road Trip Photographer David A. Kafer ’08 joins a national cross country campaign to save Route 66

ver since cars could go the distance, road trips have been an integral part of Americana. Windows down. Music up. Nothing but the open highway ahead. Of course, no two words tempt the freedom and unparalleled adventure of a road trip quite like ‘Route 66.’ It’s here, along this 2,488-mile cultural roadway that Canisius Magazine caught up with photographer David A. Kafer ’08. Traveling in a 27-foot Airstream trailer, Kafer was on the quintessential American road trip in which he spent five weeks journeying from the start of the historic highway in downtown Chicago, through eight states and three time zones to its eventual impasse at Southern California’s Santa Monica Pier. “The nostalgia of Route 66 is just as you would imagine: retro diners, restored filling stations and neon-lit signs. But it’s so much more,” Kafer says. “It’s the chance encounters along the way, the people you meet who live and make their living along the highway, and who shape the character and contributions of Route 66 in our nation’s history.”

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Upholding that history became a full-time job for Kafer when the National Trust for Historic Preservation engaged him for its cross country advocacy campaign to have Route 66 designated a National Historic Trail. Kafer’s assignment: to capture the spirit and stories along this Main Street of America, and help spur critical preservation efforts for the communities and small towns that call it home. It was an opportunity of a lifetime for Kafer who didn’t discover photography until his senior year at Canisius. “I registered for a travel photography class to Italy thinking it would be a fun and easy three credits before I graduated,” Kafer recalls. “Instead, the trip changed the direction of my life and the way I viewed the world.” Kafer credits Thomas A. Wolf ’86, assistant professor of fine arts at Canisius, for “teaching him how to see” and “inspiring me in a way that no professor has, before or after my time at Canisius.” It was also at Wolf’s encouragement that Kafer pursued his master of fine arts from the Brooks Institute of Photography in Ventura, CA.

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Today, David Kafer is a successful commercial photographer based in Los Angeles with a clientele focused on fitness, lifestyle and sports brands. He is also the force behind The Portrait Project: 100K, a social justice initiative that invites people to be photographed while sharing personal experiences that changed the ways in which they perceive the world. Kafer aims to photograph a total of 100,000 people from across the U.S. over the next few years. Their pictures and stories are published on The Portrait Project website.

“ It’s the chance encounters along the way, the people you meet who live and make their living along the highway, and who shape the character and contributions of Route 66 in our nation’s history.”

Officially commissioned in 1926, Route 66 linked predominantly rural communities which enabled farmers to transport grain and produce for redistribution. The historic highway later came to represent the road to opportunity following the Great Depression, when an estimated 200,000 Great Plains refugees escaped west from the despair of the Dust Bowl. During World War II, the Mother Road facilitated the single largest mobilization of military manpower and equipment to California and the Asian front.

“There are many differences between each of us but there are also many similarities,” he says. “The mission of The Portrait Project is to break down those barriers that divide us and bring people together by illustrating how we are all more alike than not.” The Portrait Project satisfies Kafer’s principle rule of photography, which is to “shoot what’s important to you.” And it’s for this reason that he readily joined the National Trust for Historic Preservation campaign to name Route 66 America’s 20th National Historic Trail, putting it in the same company as the Lewis and Clark Trail and the Pony Express. “It literally takes an act of Congress for this to happen but if it is successful – and a bipartisan bill already passed in the House and is headed to the Senate – hundreds of communities and small towns that line the highway would be eligible for federal funds to help preserve, develop and promote Route 66.” Kafer was the sole photographer among a handful of millennial roadies who traversed the both enduring and endearing route, and documented their trip through words and images. The pages that follow feature a gallery of Kafer’s compelling images, which essentially capture two tales of Route 66: One of a largely diminished roadway that once symbolized transportation and tourism in the United States. Another that, at least in spirit, remains an indelible slice of Americana.

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The Original Route 66 This newly restored 1.4 mile stretch of Route 66, between Chatham and Auburn, IL, shows the road’s original hand-laid brick.

Galena, KS Those who stayed behind following the Dust Bowl found their fortune in mining. Here, David Kafer captures the faded glory of Galena, KS, once a major producer of lead ores during World War II. Its location on Route 66 positioned Galena along an important corridor for the mining network and the town grew to become one of the most prosperous along the historic highway. By the 1970s, however, a new Interstate bypassed Galena and the town fell on hard times, losing 90 percent of its population.

World War II Angel Delgadillo Born and raised along Route 66 in Seligman, AZ, Angel Delgadillo witnessed the mass exodus of people escaping the Dust Bowl in the 1930s. He saw the movement of troops and materials West during World War II. He and his family also prospered during the heyday of Route 66. So when traffic along the Mother Road was all but diverted to the newly opened Interstate 40, the barbershop owner took action. He formed the Historic Route 66 Association, the first ever Mother Road preservation association, which is helping to return traffic and tourism to Route 66. 14

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There are few signs and little fanfare directing visitors to this World War II internment camp, which stands along America’s most fabled road in El Reno, OK. As many as 1,300 “German prisoners of war were housed here,” Kafer explains. Captured fighting in North Africa, the POWs were brought to the Sooner State and “put to work picking cotton and clearing fields,” Kafer says.

WEB EXTRA > Visit canisius.edu/magazine for the full gallery of Route 66 photos. SUMME R 2019 CANISIUS COLLEGE M AGA ZINE

Vacation without Discrimination

Route 66 hits its heyday

“Not all travelers were treated equally” during the glory days of Route 66, Kafer learned, during his five-week journey. The expansive roadway became rife with racism during the Segregation Era, as white business owners banned African-Americans from their restaurants, gas stations and motels. To help African-Americans safely navigate a segregated Route 66, Victor H. Green, a black postal worker from Harlem, NY, published The Negro Motorist Green Book in 1936. Also known simply as Green Book, the pocket-sized travel guide “offered black travelers tips on black-owned places to eat, visit and sleep while making their way down Route 66,” explains Kafer.

It wasn’t until the post-war era that Route 66 had its heyday. An unprecedented economic boom gave more Americans the means to buy cars and the leisure time to travel with them. Communities, interlaced along the Mother Road, catered to these consumer impulses and soon the artery’s landscape bore a slew of locally owned motels, mom-and-pop shops and retro roadside restaurants.

American Indians shared a “similarly complicated history with Route 66,” he continues. The road weaved through the lands of more than 25 tribal nations, “physically intruding on communities and disrupting day-to-day life.” And although increased tourist traffic presented American Indians with new business opportunities, covetous entrepreneurs outside Native American lands tried to capitalize on the culture, often propagating false stereotypes to lure tourists for their own profit.

Ed Threatt’s Filling Station Edward Threatt stands inside the historic Threatt Filling Station on Route 66 in Luther, OK. Though not listed in the Green Book, it was one of the only safe places for African-Americans traveling the road. The historic property sits on 160 acres and has remained in the Threatt family for more than 100 years.

The Desert Hills Motel The Desert Hills Motel in Tulsa, OK, is a classic along Route 66. Built in 1953 to house an increasing number of travelers following a long day’s drive, the motel offers 50 units, each lined up diagonally. “It’s an unusual but efficient architectural design,” says Kafer. The motel remains perfectly preserved and continues to attract guests with its glowing neon green cactus sign.

Bill Deck’s Drug Store

Palms Grill Café Faithfully restored in 2009, the Palms Grill Café in Atlanta, IL has been catering to hungry locals and Route 66 travelers since it first opened in 1934. The eatery serves up a slice of nostalgia along with its “made-fromscratch coconut cream and pecan pies” and “the atmosphere makes even a stranger feel like a regular,” recounts Kafer.

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Wyman ‘Bill’ Deck* is a retired pharmacy technician who, along with his late brother, Bob, was the third generation to operate Deck’s Drug Store, in Girard, IL. The pharmacy opened in 1884 and a soda fountain was added in 1929 when the name changed to Doc’s Soda Fountain. A popular tourist stop along Route 66, “visitors step back in time” when they visit Doc’s, which continues to offer old fashioned sodas and invites guests to browse Bill Deck’s pharmacy museum. * Bill Deck passed away shortly after Kafer photographed him for the Route 66 campaign.

Wigwam Village Wigwam Village in Holbrook, AZ is an iconic – albeit controversial – piece of Route 66 history. Still in business today, it was one of seven franchises built in the 1950s designed to offer guests a unique hotel experience. And though the idea of sleeping in a concrete tee-pee is attention-grabbing for tourists, to others, the loose representation of a Native American dwelling is a reminder of how cultural stereotyping remains socially acceptable. SUMME R 2019 CANISIUS COLLEGE M AGA ZINE

Get your kitsch on Route 66 Who says a museum must be confined within four walls? David Kafer describes Route 66 as a venerable “outdoor exhibit of Americana.” Whether it’s a massive Muffler Man or the world’s largest catsup bottle, each roadside attraction is its own entertaining art form. “The quirkier the better,” says Kafer who notes that the eye-catching kitsch was “often a way for businesses to compete for tourists’ attention.”

The World’s Largest Catsup Bottle Collinsville, IL is home to this whimsical water tower, which stands at an impressive 167 feet. Nearly demolished in 1995, it was saved by none other than the Catsup Bottle Preservation Group.

Donor Profile Jason Evchich ’99 and wife, Jennifer, establish scholarship to promote careers in special education, physical therapy and occupational therapy.

Gemini Giant Standing nearly 30 feet tall and weighing in at 438 pounds is the Gemini Giant of Wilmington, IL. “It’s one of several Muffler Man statues along Route 66,” Kafer notes. Muffler Men are giant, fiberglass advertising characters whose roadside popularity made them emblems along the historic highway. This green goliath holds a supersized rocket advertising the Launching Pad diner.

Jason ’99 and Jennifer Evchich prefer the term “limited editions” rather than special needs for their sons, Mason, 6 and Matthew, 5, both living with a form of leukodystrophy. “The term suggests unique and distinctive, which the boys certainly are,” says Jason Evchich, who earned a degree in business management from Canisius College. “They may be limited in some abilities – we all are – but they have inspired us to help families like ours build inclusive lifestyles in the community.”

Wild Burros Travelers find it nearly impossible to drive through the ghost town of Oatman, AZ without stopping. That’s because burros are often found blocking the road. These wild donkeys are descendants of those used by miners, nearly a century ago, to carry supplies. When the mines closed, the workers turned the mules loose. Today, they can often be found “wandering the town,” Kafer says, “often seeking food from tourists.”

Evchich explains that the rare disorder means the boys cannot walk, talk, crawl or play outside with their older sister, McKenna. A visit to a neighborhood playground reminded the Evchichs of how limited opportunities were for special needs families to interact with others. The couple set out to find a playground their sons could use and in the process founded Mason’s Mission Foundation, which is centered on the belief that every child deserves a right to play. Mason’s Mission has partnered with towns and schools in Western New York to design and build ADA- (Americans with Disabilities Act) approved, special-needs playgrounds created around the idea of inclusiveness. The playgrounds feature equipment that can accommodate wheelchairs, sensory areas for autistic children and other equipment designed for assisted and supported play.

Fundraising efforts and volunteer labor have resulted in two completed Mason’s Mission playgrounds – in Pendleton and at the boys’ school in Tonawanda. Another is underway in the Village of Lewiston. As part of their efforts, the Evchichs also established the Mason’s Mission Foundation Creating Inclusive Lifestyles Scholarship at Canisius. The scholarship annually awards a student studying to become a special education teacher, physical therapist or occupational therapist. “Our goal is to encourage students to enter these fields because, speaking from firsthand experience, there is a constant and growing need,” Evchich says. “It is also a way to give back to Canisius where I learned the skills that helped make Mason’s Mission a reality.” Katie S. Braungart ’19 received the inaugural Mason’s Mission scholarship this semester. She was selected from more than a dozen applicants. “The Foundation’s maxim – because every child deserves the right to play – is something very close to my heart,” Braungart says. “The scholarship is a huge help in obtaining my special education degree and I am grateful to be selected from among so many qualified candidates.” SUMME R 2019 CANISIUS COLLEGE M AGA ZINE

advancement

Donor Profile

A Remarkable Regents Ball

Paula Caligiuri ’89, PhD, pays tribute to psychology professors with scholarship Paula M. Caligiuri ’89, PhD, is an award-winning psychologist, a distinguished professor at Northeastern University and president of a consulting firm that trains professionals for cross-cultural and international business roles. None of it, she says, would have been possible without the “sage guidance, support, encouragement and dedication” she received from her two former psychology professors, Judith E. Larkin, PhD and Harvey A. Pines, PhD. After studying abroad in Rome during her junior year, Caligiuri recalls, she returned home feeling different and in a bit of a slump. The professors encouraged her to “study what she was feeling and why she changed,” and gave Caligiuri an educational push to investigate her experience. That was the beginning of Caligiuri’s interest in cultural agility and international human resources, which led to a PhD in organizational psychology and a career that has taken her around the world multiple times. As a professor of international business and strategy, Caligiuri says even her teaching style is influenced by Professors Larkin and Pines.

The principal fundraiser for the Canisius College Board of Regents Scholarship Fund once again proved successful. Nearly 450 guests helped to raise an impressive $140,000 at the 53rd annual Regents Ball, held May 4 at the Hyatt Regency Buffalo. Proceeds from the gala provide financial support to promising young students who otherwise would not be able to take advantage of a Canisius education.

“They saw something different in me and I am forever grateful for their belief in my abilities.” Perhaps the most remarkable part of Caligiuri’s story, she adds, is that it is unremarkable. “Professors Larkin and Pines have supported hundreds of students in this same way,” she says. “Countless stories like mine exist. With dedication to students, Judy and Harvey have helped them find their purposes, gain self-awareness, build their efficacies and attain career success.”

Pictured (l-r) are: Board of Regents Chair Brian M. Murphy ’95; Regents Ball co-chairs Steve ’88 and Kellie Ulrich; Maureen and Canisius President John J. Hurley; and Anthony M. ’69, HON ’96 and Kate Masiello. Buffalo’s former mayor was this year’s recipient of the Board of Regents Distinguished Citizen Award.

To recognize the difference the two professors made in her education and the education of those who followed, Caligiuri established the Judy Larkin and Harvey Pines Scholarship at Canisius.

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

“They were true to their science and made whatever material we were studying so much more interesting,” Caligiuri concludes. “The scholarship in their name – awarded to a junior or senior majoring in psychology – celebrates the important role of supportive mentors in unlocking the value of experiential learning.”

1,955 DONORS

496,915

Alumni, family, friends and students exceeded all expectations on April 3, 2019, when Canisius hosted its fourth annual Giving Day. This year’s 24-hour fundraiser celebrated the collective stories that define Canisius as Western New York’s premier, private college and served as the inspiration for 1,955 donors who made gifts to Canisius totaling $496,915. Their support of academic programs, athletic teams and scholarships will help ensure that Canisius’ legacy of excellence continues. Thank you.

< Harold J. Colligan ’49 “ I enjoyed a tremendous experience at Canisius, being taught moral values by the Jesuits that have lasted my entire lifetime, not to mention a terrific education in business administration that resulted in 27-plus years of secure employment and a nice, long retirement.”

Anthony Romanello Sr. (parent) > “ Our son, Domenic ’18, is pursuing his PhD in anthropology at the University of Texas. This is possible because he was able to study at Canisius alongside scholars who invested in him. We have four other children and have been on many campus tours. Nobody has more faith in its students than Canisius.”

WEB EXTRA > Read more Canisius stories from Giving Day 2019 by visiting canisius.edu/magazine. Paula Caligiuri ’89, PhD (center) visits with her Canisius mentors Harvey A. Pines, PhD and Judith E. Larkin, PhD, in May.

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To support or establish a scholarship at Canisius College, visit canisius.edu/gift or contact the Office of Instituional Advancement at 716-888-8200.

alumnispotlight

Sometimes, the best coach is a former player. Such is the case with Chief City Court Judge Craig D. Hannah ’92, who shares a similar struggle with the men and women who enter his courtroom. Hannah is a recovering cocaine addict. At 18 years sober, he’s also a pioneering jurist who presides over the nation’s first Opiate Crisis Intervention Court. “There’s no shame in addiction,” Hannah says. “But it’s something I tackle every day and every day I don’t use, is another victory.” Hannah brings that same mindset to his Buffalo courtroom where every offender who enters is offered a deal: Complete an addiction treatment program and prosecutors may look favorably at reducing the charges. This idea, to put rehabilitation ahead of prosecution, is in contrast to traditional drug courts, which often condemn addicted, nonviolent offenders to jail while they wait to enter a detox program or inpatient treatment center. The process can take weeks. The delay, sometimes deadly. What’s more, “you can’t lock up addiction” Hannah explains. “You need to treat the root problem if you want to stop the revolving door of people coming in and out of the criminal justice system.”

His Honor

Hon. Craig D. Hannah ’92 tempers justice with mercy in overseeing the nation’s first Opiate Intervention Court

It’s for this reason that Hannah hits the pause button on an offender’s criminal charges and instead remands them to immediate treatment. Participation in his opiate court is voluntary and includes random, regular drug testing, counseling and a nightly curfew that requires participants to check in. Transitional housing is available when necessary and participants must appear before Hannah every day at 11 a.m. for the first 45 days; twice a week after 60 days; and once a week after 90 days. Participants who relapse aren’t punished in Hannah’s court, either. Relapsing, he believes, is part of recovery so Hannah tempers mercy with justice by requiring those who relapse to start back at day one of the treatment program. “We take away all the road blocks and impediments to ensure treatment goes smoothly and that we keep people drug free and alive,” he says.

Hannah is proof that life can be lived drug free. The youngest of six children, he grew up in Buffalo’s Cold Springs neighborhood where, he says, “drugs were a way of life.” While his friends were getting arrested and going to jail, Hannah succeeded academically at City Honors High School in Buffalo and then in the political science program at Canisius. But his luck ran out after college when Hannah enlisted in the U.S. Marine Corps. On the eve of his physical, Hannah used cocaine thinking it would be his last time. He didn’t expect to get drug tested the next morning at officer training camp. “I knew I messed up,” recalls Hannah who left before the results even came back. He realized then that he “needed to get 100 percent clean” if he was ever going to make something of himself. And he did. Hannah resolved to pursue a law degree, much like two Canisius predecessors he revered: LeRoi C. Johnson ’71, HON ’18 and Hon. Kevin M. Carter ’86. He graduated from the University at Buffalo School of Law in 1995 and went to work as a trial attorney in public and then private practice. In 2006, Buffalo Mayor Byron Brown appointed Hannah a Buffalo City Court judge. A decade later, he and two other magistrates established the Opiate Crisis Intervention Court, which put Hannah on the frontlines of an epidemic that averages one overdose death each day in Erie County. Since the program’s inception, roughly 400 people have participated. None have died of an overdose. And now, governors in eight states are modeling Hannah’s courtroom in their own jurisdictions to help treat opioid addicts at an offender’s first interaction with the criminal justice system. Hannah couldn’t be more proud because he knows, firsthand, that the road to recovery begins with small steps. “We have to take the stigma away from opioid addiction,” he says. “That’s why I share my story with everyone who comes into my courtroom. They’re helping me stay clean just as I’m trying to help them. The only difference between me and them – is time.”

Story: Audrey R. Browka | Photography: Brianna Blank ’14

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Character Education

Members of the MBA Alumni Association teach life skills to middle school students

The DiGamma Honor Society grew by six members this spring, during the annual induction ceremony at the Hotel Henry. Selected for their exemplary service on behalf of students and alumni, the inductees represent Canisius alumni, faculty and administrators.

There’s no greater need than education for students who live in the city’s most underserved neighborhoods. That’s why the NativityMiguel Middle School of Buffalo works to break that cycle of poverty by providing young people with a faith-based education program. Helping to give these students a fighting chance are members of the MBA Alumni Association at Canisius.

They are (row 1, l-r) Stephen A. Chanderbahn, PhD, professor of philosophy and director of the Catholic Studies Program at Canisius College; Eileen C. Herbert ’04, MS ’15, chief communications officer at Canisius; Shawn O’Rourke, PhD, assistant professor of sport administration and director of the Sport Administration Program at Canisius; (row 2, l-r), Thomas Keenan ’74, MBA ’81, vice president of commercial banking at M&T Bank; Anthony J. Limina ’08, MBA ’15, an account manager at National Fuel Gas; and (row 3) Kevin Downey ’05, MBA ’07, a commercial account manager for G&G Fitness in Rochester, NY.

Each month, MBA alumni volunteer their time and expertise at the school to educate students – not about math, science or social studies – but about life skills not traditionally included in the curriculum.

Two Lauded with LaSalle Medals John R. Connolly ’72 and Deborah A. DiMatteo MBA ’88 are the 2019 recipients of the LaSalle Medal. Conferred by the Canisius College Alumni Association during undergraduate commencement ceremonies in May, the LaSalle Medal recognizes outstanding alumni whose contributions to the college have, over time, advanced the interests and the mission of alma mater. Always ready to lend support to Canisius, John Connolly is a four-term member and current vice chair of the college’s Board of Trustees, which advises and recommends policy to President John J. Hurley. The accounting alumnus is a loyal contributor to the Canisius Fund at the Leadership Society level. In 1999, he established the Patricia Ziegler Connolly ’74 Scholarship, in honor of his wife, a special education teacher, to support students in financial need. Connolly hosts the annual Boston, MA alumni gathering and helps plan the yearly alumni event in Naples, FL. A Buffalo native, Connolly is executive vice president and chief financial officer for Massachusetts-based Tecomet Inc., the world’s largest contract medical device manufacturer. Deborah DiMatteo’s relationship with Canisius began when she enrolled in the college’s MBA program. More than three decades later, that bond is still going strong. A staunch advocate for alumnae, DiMatteo is among the founding members of Women of Canisius, which offers personal and professional support to female graduates so they may assume leadership roles in their chosen fields and communities. DiMatteo provided similar mentoring to alumni and students via her various leadership roles with the MBA Alumni Association. During her two terms on the Board of Regents, including one year as chair, DiMatteo led the group in its advisory capacity to President Hurley and the Board of Trustees, and co-chaired the Regents Scholarship Ball, the primary fundraiser for the Board of Regents Endowed Scholarship Fund.

“NativityMiguel delivers a uniquely effective education with dedicated and caring teachers,” says Ryan P. McNulty MBA ’12, chair of the MBA mentoring committee. “As is the case in the majority of schools, there just is not enough time in the academic year to teach those skills necessary to succeed and thrive in life, in general.” Coursework at NativityMiguel includes time management, which becomes increasingly important as middle schoolers advance into high school, how to dress professionally, how to deliver a firm handshake and the importance of making eye contact with others. “Although they may be years away from their first job interviews, these students will likely be interviewed during the entrance exam process for high school and college, and also if they’re candidates for scholarships,” McNulty explains. Internet safety and basic team building skills are two classes that generate a lot of interest among NativityMiguel students, as does the subject of saving and investing. “I really appreciated this class when I took it in seventh grade because finances are a huge component of our lives,” recalls Christopher O. Augustin ’21 who now studies finance and marketing at Canisius College. NativityMiguel recently recognized the MBA Alumni Association’s enthusiastic support of its students by presenting the Canisius group with its Michael P. Kirwan Shining Light Award for “making dramatic and lasting changes in young people’s lives.”

1960s ’66 BA Burt J. Weigen was ordained a priest in the Independent Anglican Church, Canada Synod. He is an incumbent at Saint George’s Cathedral Church in Niagara Falls, NY.

1970s ’70 BS Ronald R. Dukarm, a retired IRS executive, was appointed vice president of the Heritage Discovery Center. He was also elected to the Board of Trustees for the Western New York Railway Historical Society.

’73 BA Anthony A. Kubera, retired director of business development for Russell Bond & Co., received the Distinguished Insurance Service Award from the Professional Insurance Agents of NY in recognition of his many contributions and commitment to the insurance industry.

Jeffrey R. Geraci MBA ’93 practices interview skills with a student from NativityMiguel Middle School.

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’47 BA Donald P. Pinkel, MD, pediatric oncologist and former director of St. Jude Children’s Research Hospital, received an honorary doctorate in science from the University at Buffalo Jacobs School of Medicine and Biomedical Sciences.

’72 BA Ronald H. Luczak, vice president of business development for The Travel Team Inc., was honored by the Buffalo Philharmonic Orchestra for his philanthropy at an April 2019 BPO concert.

DiMatteo is vice president and relationship manager of business banking for M&T Bank.

1940s

’75 BA, MBA ’82 Nancy L. (Kotaska) LaTulip, retired banking executive, was elected board chair for Consumer Credit Counseling Service. She is the agency’s first female board chair.

’76 BA Peter J. Macander, MD, PhD, is an interventional cardiologist for Christus Trinity Clinic in Longview, TX. He was an interventional cardiologist for Galichia Heart Hospital in Wichita, KS.

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’77 BS K. Barry Darin received the Individual Mercy Flight Volunteer of the Year award. He was recognized for his “enthusiasm, passion and dedication to the organization.” ’78 BA Hon. Michael F. Pietruszka, retired Erie County judge, was named to the Bryson Judicial Science Education Center National Advisory Board at the University of North Carolina - Chapel Hill.

1980s ’82 BS Charles J. DiVencenzo Jr. is the new president and chief executive officer for the National Association for Fixed Annuities in Minneapolis, MN. He was previously the vice president of advanced sales development for Allianz Life of North America. ’82 BA Mark A. Genovese and Andrea M. Sweda ’89 recently celebrated their 25th wedding anniversary. ’82 BS Susan M. (Colmerauer) Polvino was promoted from senior vice president to director and head of the Buffalo office for research and access strategies for Citigroup.

Hon. Gerald J. Whalen ’79 BA, Political Science Career Highlight: Hon. Gerald Whalen received the 2019 Jurist of the Year Award from the Judges & Police Executives Conference of Erie County. He is the presiding justice of the Appellate Division, Fourth Department, New York State Supreme Court. Career Notes: Prior to taking the bench, Justice Whalen was a litigation partner with Hiscock & Barclay LLP, where he handled complex civil and criminal cases. He was an adjunct professor at Canisius College and a member of the Canisius Pre-Law Advisory Committee from 2006-2014.

’83 BA Rev. Michael K. Brown is the new pastor of Resurrection Parish in Cheektowaga. He was parochial vicar at St. Gabriel’s in Elma. ’86 BA Michael E. Benzin is the new executive director of The Niagara Frontier Radio Reading Service. He was managing partner for Mike Benzin Developments. SUMME R 2019 CANISIUS COLLEGE M AGA ZINE

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alumninotes Buffalo. She was executive director of the Western and Southern Tier regions for the Hillside Family of Agencies.

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’93 BS Colleen M. (O’Malley) Arnold is a tax manager with Brock Schecter & Polakoff. She was a tax manager with Dopkins & Company. ’93 BS Mary L. (Szewc) Shetler was promoted from senior manager to principal with Tronconi Segarra & Associates LLP. ’94 BA Thomas J. Tobin, PhD, faculty developer and professional education consultant, published a new book, Reach Everyone, Teach Everyone: Universal Design for Learning in Higher Education.

Todd J. (“T.J.”) Pignataro ’94 BA, Communication Studies Career Highlight: T.J. Pignataro, an environment and weather reporter for The Buffalo News since 2013, earned the Certificate in Weather Forecasting from The Pennsylvania State University Department of Meteorology and Atmospheric Science. Career Notes: Pignataro has been a staff reporter for The Buffalo News for more than 20 years. In addition to his undergraduate degree from Canisius, he holds a juris doctor from the University of Buffalo School of Law.

’86 BA Michael Buczkowski became the new president for Rich Baseball Operations. He was the general manager of the Buffalo Bisons. ’86 BS Mark F. Dzialga is the founder and managing partner of Brighton Park Capital in Greenwich, CT. He was a managing director and senior partner with General Atlantic in New York, NY. ’87 BS Kim M. (Schmitt) Bowers, president of the Erie County Federation of Republican Women, was elected president of the New York State Federation of Republican Women for the 2019-21 term. She was also recently appointed assistant treasurer for the Erie County Republican Party. ’87 BS Daniel J. Gorman Jr. is now the vice president and commercial relationship manager for IberiaBank in Birmingham, AL. He was a commercial real estate banker with Synovus, also in Birmingham. ’88 BA Dean J. Kotlowski, PhD, professor of history with Salisbury University in Salisbury, MD, was appointed to the U.S. Mint’s Citizens Coinage Advisory Committee. He is also the recipient of the inaugural Fulbright Professional Scholarship in AmericanAustralian Alliance Studies. ’89 BS Alicia (Russ) Cheney is the new financial operations manager for Ogorek Wealth Management LLC. She was the director of marketing for The Buffalo News.

’89 BS Russell J. Matuszak was promoted to vice president of compliance, privacy and ethics and chief compliance officer for BlueCross BlueShield. He was senior director and chief compliance and privacy officer.

’95 BS Eric R. Hebert is now counsel in public finance for Harter Secrest & Emery LLP in Rochester, NY. He was senior counsel for Norton Rose Fulbright in Washington, DC. ’97 MBA Bradley E. Hall is the new chief executive officer for Eye Care & Vision Associates. He was the vice president of cardiac practice with Catholic Health. ’98 MS Charles R. Clency is the new director of residence life for Manhattan College in the Bronx, NY. He was the associate director of residence life for University of North Carolina at Greensboro.

2000s ’00 BA Mary T. Colby won Swimmer of the Year from the Niagara District Masters Swimming. ’02 BS William P. Clark, senior attorney for the New York State Unified Court System, was appointed chair of the Hamburg Town Board. ’02 BA, MS ’04 Jennifer A Meka, PhD, became the inaugural director of the Medical Education and Educational Research Institute within the Jacobs School of Medicine and Biomedical Sciences at the University at Buffalo. She was an assistant professor of psychology and the humanities and director of the cognitive skills program for Penn State University. ’02 BS Iris K. Palma and Thomas J. Williams ’02 co-authored a book, Deducting the Right Way: Untangling Small Business Accounting & Taxes. ’02 BS Thomas J. Williams and Iris K. Palma ’02 co-authored a book, Deducting the Right Way: Untangling Small Business Accounting & Taxes. ’02 BA Damon J. Young, editor-in-chief of the blog VerySmartBrothas, published his first book, What Doesn't Kill You Makes You Blacker: A Memoir in Essays.

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’89 MS David Harten Watson published a young adult fantasy novel, Fortress of Gold. It is the second book in his Magicians Gold series.

1990s

’90 BS Jeffrey M. Johnston is the new softball hitting coach for Niagara University. He was the associate head softball coach for Erie Community College. ’90 BS Carl G. Mattacola, PhD, is the new dean for the School of Health and Human Sciences at the University of North Carolina at Greensboro. He was an associate dean and a kinesiology professor for the College of Health Sciences at the University of Kentucky. ’90 BA Cindy L. (Jones) Odom is the new chief community impact officer for the Community Foundation for Greater

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’05 BS Alexandra (Kobza) Murello is the new chief development officer for the Western and Central New York Region of the American Red Cross. She was executive director of the organization’s Western New York chapter. ’05 BS, MS ’07 Robert J. Nugent became the corporate sponsorships manager for the Chicago Blackhawks in Chicago, IL. He was director of business development for Richard Childress Racing in Welcome, NC. ’06 BA Stacey L. (Budzinski) Moar was promoted from senior associate to partner with Lippes Mathias Wexler Friedman LLP. ’06 BA Eric M. Soehnlein was promoted from senior associate to partner with Lippes Mathias Wexler Friedman LLP. ’06 BS, MBA ’07, MBA ’16 David C. Teribury Jr. was promoted to financial reporting and analysis manager for Moog Inc.'s Aircraft Group. He was an aircraft accountant and financial cost analyst. ’07 MBA Thomas V. Greico was promoted to director of operations at Mount St. Mary’s Hospital. He was director of financial services. ’07 BA Daniel P. Puccio is the new director of student involvement for Medaille College. He was associate director of student affairs for Penn State York in York, PA. He also received the Thomas E. Matthews Outstanding Professional Award from the National Association for Campus Activities’ Mid-Atlantic Conference. ’09 BA Steven C. Kos is a new associate attorney with Magavern Magavern Grimm LLP. He was a staff attorney with the Legal Aid Bureau of Buffalo.

’89 BA Andrea M. Sweda and Mark A. Genovese ’82 recently celebrated their 25th wedding anniversary.

’90 BA Karen M. Herzog is now a partner with the new law firm Downs Ward Bender Hauptmann Herzog in Hunt Valley, MD. She was a partner at Ward & Herzog.

’05 BA Ashley A. (Brown) Montanaro is now an account director at Mower in Syracuse, NY. She was senior manager of brand marketing with Aspen Dental.

Noelle M. Carter ’07 BA, Psychology Career Highlight: Noelle Carter is the new chief executive officer for Consumer Credit Counseling Service (CCCS) of Buffalo and the first female CEO in the agency’s history. Career Notes: A certified financial planner, Carter was promoted to president of CCCS in 2018 after working 11 years as chief administrative officer. During her tenure, she helped create CCCS’ Student Loan Counseling Program, which served as a model for the National Foundation for Credit Counseling.

’09 BA Amanda M. (Bernola) Satterwhite is a digital project manager for Dixon Schwabl in Victor, NY. She was an event director for the Al Sigl Community of Agencies in Rochester, NY. ’09 MS Matthew J. Cook is the director of athletics, physical education and program services for the North Tonawanda School District. He was the athletic director for the City of Tonawanda School District. 09 MS, ’14 Daniel P. Gill, director of athletics for the Episcopal School of Dallas in Dallas, TX, received the New Leader Award from Ohio State University’s College of Education and Human Ecology. Gill earned his undergraduate degree in sport and leisure studies from Ohio State University.

2010s ’10 BS Christopher D. Falzarano received his MPA from the University at Albany. He also was promoted to senior manager of community development for the American Cancer Society in Rochester, NY.

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’10 BA, MS ’13 JoAnna M. Jacob was promoted from senior manager of community development to executive director with the American Cancer Society in Buffalo-Niagara. ’11 BS, MBA ’12 Thanh (Nguyen) Moco is the new internal controls and financial reporting manager for Cape Fear Farm Credit in Fayetteville, NC. She was a senior accountant for First Citizens Bank in Raleigh, NC. ’12 BA Katherine M. Costello was promoted from RFP specialist to strategic business operations specialist with Creative Circle in Rochester, NY. ’12 BS, MBA ’13 John R. Gannon was promoted from tax senior to tax manager with EY. ’12 BA Benjamin F. Macaluso is a new associate attorney with Lippes Mathias Wexler Friedman LLP. ’12 BS, MBA ’16 Jeffrey D. Rinus is a new staff accountant with Chiampou Travis Besaw & Kershner. ’12 BS, MBA ’13 Christine D. Roemer was promoted from supervisor to manager with Dopkins & Company. ’12 BS Zachary D. Silverberg was promoted from associate research analyst to assistant vice president of equity research with Mizuho in New York, NY. ’12 BS,’14 BA Dakotah L. Walsh is a new market research developer and analyst for Pathfinder. She was previously a junior processor for Premium Mortgage. ’13 BS Elisabeth S. Carlson became an account executive for Sentz-Carlson Agency. ’13 MBA Jerrod D. LaPointe was promoted from senior associate to supervisor with Dopkins & Company. ’13 BA Kaitlin E. Vienne is manager of the loss and healing program for the American Foundation for Suicide Prevention in New York, NY. She was the coordinator of community support for the American Cancer Society.

William A. Lorenz Jr. ’09 BA, Political Science Career Highlight: William Lorenz, an associate attorney with HoganWillig, published the memoir The Ballad of Buffalo’s Best ‘Batman.’ Lorenz won the title of Buffalo’s Best Batman in 2014. His new book takes readers through his adventures in becoming a superhero for charity events. Career Notes: Lorenz joined HoganWillig in fall 2013 and focuses his practice in the areas of civil litigation, criminal law and real estate law. A regular speaker at Canisius’ Phi Alpha Delta law fraternity, Lorenz advises current students on future careers in law and coaches the college’s Mock Trial team, which he helped establish as a student in 2006.

’14 BS, MBA ’15 Justin S. Renaud was promoted from senior associate to supervisor with Dopkins & Company. ’14 BS Claire I. Taberski was selected to compete in the Mongol Derby, a 650-mile horse race across Mongolia. ’14 MBA Gina M. Thompson is the new vice president and head of worldwide channels and distribution with Axcient. She previously was director of business transformation and global operations for Ingram Micro. ’15 BS Erica M. Afanador is a site relations specialist for Crowley Webb. She was a logistics and distribution coordinator for New Era Cap. ’15 MBA William C. Craven was promoted from senior associate to supervisor with Dopkins & Company. ’15 BS Dennis W. Elsenbeck Jr., a research scientist with Honeywell, received his PhD in chemistry from the University at Buffalo.

’15 BA John T. Murray is an associate attorney with Phillips Lytle LLP. ’15 BS, MBA ’16 Tyler M. Owen was promoted from associate to senior associate with Dopkins & Company. ’15 BS, MBA ’16 Steven D. Szymanski was promoted from associate to senior associate with Dopkins & Company. ’16 MS Brian T. Dansa was promoted from associate to senior associate with Dopkins & Company. ’16 MBA Olena (Azarova) Spencer was promoted from associate to senior associate with Dopkins & Company. ’18 BS Justin R. Chatelle is now a financial advisor associate for Ogorek Wealth Management LLC. ’18 MBA Crystal M. (Reed) Schummer was promoted from accountant to accounting manager with West Herr Automotive Group.

’14 MS Bryan C. McCourt, a mathematics teacher at Fair Lawn High School in Fair Lawn, NJ, was named the school’s 2018 Teacher of the Year. ’14 BA Olivia T. Paulo-Lee became a partner with Long & Paulo-Lee PLLC. She was an associate attorney with Grashow Long.

Canisius College takes pride in its alumni, and joyfully shares the

their and achievements. Supportive of our Catholic ’15 BSnews Kathyof Kloc is a lives new project Church’s teachings, publication of announcements provided to manager for Crowley Webb. She was a relationship for the Friends us by manager our alumni does notofnecessarily imply an endorsement by NightCanisius People Inc.College. SUMME R 2019 CANISIUS COLLEGE M AGA ZINE

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IN MEMORIAM

Philip Strauss ’41 April 11, 2019

Richard F. Gargiulo ’55 September 23, 2018

Margaret J. (Oheir) Lalley MSEd ’67 January 6, 2019

Mary E. (Doyle) Baskerville MS ’77 January 5, 2019

Msgr. James N. Connelly ’44 February 24, 2019

Thomas F. O'Hare ’55 January 18, 2019

Sr. Marie B. Procknal MSEd ’67 January 23, 2019

Jon J. Nies ’78 December 17, 2018

Frederick N. Caughill ’48 June 16, 2018

Bernard D. Wiese ’55 March 1, 2019

Kenneth C. Spisiak ’67 March 17, 2019

John J. Carney III ’79 December 7, 2018

Joseph A. Keller ’48 December 12, 2018

James L. Robertson ’56 January 21, 2019

Mary A. Treanor ’67 June 5, 2018

Leon T. Dulski ’79 November 8, 2018

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

Rev. Thomas L. Kemp MA ’57 March 7, 2019

John F. Humann ’68 November 5, 2018

Patricia (Egan) Langmyer MS ’79 May 6, 2018

Richard F. Pfeiffer ’49 February 25, 2019

Francis E. Scolese ’57, MS ’77 January 15, 2019

Dennis M. Pasiak ’68 March 15, 2019

Ronald N. Rudnick MS ’79 November 18, 2018

John L. Conboy ’50, MD November 9, 2018

Robert J. Gareis ’58 November 12, 2018

James J. Lougen ’69 April 1, 2018

Joyce A. (Pautler) Patton ’80 February 2, 2019

Daniel W. Grant ’50 January 8, 2019

James V. Hall ’59 January 11, 2019

Patricia E. Szymczyk MSEd ’69 September 29, 2018

Eugene F. Pytlewski ’80 December 18, 2018

James J. Laux ’50 November 13, 2018

Clarence R. Kregg Sr. ’59 October 1, 2018

Evelyn H. (Furtak) Fintzel ’70 February 8, 2019

Martin M. Maryan ’81 March 9, 2019

Joseph I. Mroczynski ’50 January 25, 2019

Paul J. Ludwig ’59, MSEd ’61 February 12, 2019

Rosalie M. (LoManto) Gimbrone MSEd ’70 Jane T. Merkle MS ’83 December 13, 2018 February 25, 2019

John G. Pohl ’50 March 7, 2019

Neal M. McMahon ’59 July 1, 2018

William F. McGurn ’70 June 23, 2018

Carole A. Gonglewski ’84 May 9, 2018

Kevin R. Connors ’51 March 17, 2019

John E. Reidy ’59 August 31, 2018

George M. Mintz MSEd ’70 February 6, 2019

Robert T. Kennedy ’85 February 22, 2019

Paul C. Eschrich ’51 December 14, 2018

Maureen C. (Broad) Royce ’59 November 10, 2018

Fred M. Silver MSEd ’70 February 13, 2019

Ruth M. (Jensen) Kovach ’85 March 24, 2019

Glenn H. Grundtisch ’51 April 14, 2019

William Bermingham ’60 February 5, 2019

James M. Augustine ’71 April 13, 2019

Philip A. LaNasa ’51 January 24, 2019

Robert J. Genco ’60, PhD March 6, 2019

Leo M. Lynett Jr. ’51 March 1, 2019

Weddings Ashley A. Kelly ’16 and Sean T. O'Brien July 14, 2018 Mary R. Maroney ’14 and Eric D. Ruelle* January 19, 2019 James L. Neely ’14, MSEd ’18 and Kevin Vásquez Méndez December 15, 2018

Crystal M. Reed MBA ’18 and Matthew L. Schummer December 21, 2018

David C. Teribury ’06, MBA ’07, MBA ’16 and Tricia A. Schmitt August 12, 2017

Kimberlee Sabshin ’10 and James X. Tippett October 21, 2018

Brian M. Valint ’06, MSEd ’09 and Danielle E. La Judice* January 26, 2019

Joseph C. Smith MSEd ’15 and Anne E. Devine December 15, 2018

* Indicates married in Christ the King Chapel

babygriffs

Elizabeth A. (Gruber) Brem ’06 and Andras Brem a son, Bruno Aurelius, born February 9, 2019

Katie L. (Rampino) Briggs ’07 and Matthew Briggs a daughter, Zoe Grace, November 7, 2018

Emilie A. (Hinkle) Cavallari ’10 and Robert F. Cavallari ’09, MBA ’10, a son, Coby Joseph, born December 10, 2018

Janet M. (Klein) Sheehan ’85 February 27, 2019

Robert J. Duggan ’09, MSEd ’11 and Alexandra Galbo Duggan, a daughter, Morgan Rose, born August 7, 2018

Kathleen (Abram) Cook ’71 December 20, 2018

Bernadette (DiMaggio) Lynch ’86 September 28, 2017

Rachel L. (Elersic) Henry ’10 and Joshua M. Henry ’06, a daughter, Ruth Louise, born November 20, 2018

Daniel P. Kane ’60 February 23, 2019

Ralph A. Coppola ’71 December 28, 2018

Marian T. (McGorty) Miller ’86 February 19, 2019

Donald G. Nagle ’51 December 9, 2018

Julius P. Maltbie ’60 January 9, 2019

Bruce I. Fage ’71 January 10, 2019

Matthew J. Naylon ’86 March 20, 2019

Christopher S. Ruminski ’98, MBA ’00 and Katherine Ruminski, a daughter, Gianna May, born April 8, 2019

John P. Macna ’52 December 28, 2018

Samuel S. Taneff MS ’60 January 26, 2019

Raymond D. Keane ’71 April 19, 2019

Dennis H. Boldt MS ’89 February 21, 2019

David C. Teribury Jr. ’06, MBA ’07, MBA ’16 and Tricia A. Teribury, a daughter, Kayleigh Marie, born October 30, 2018

Anthony D. Page ’52 MSEd ’55 December 13, 2018

Thomas R. Ecker ’61 January 27, 2019

Nicholas Liberante ’71, MA ’76 April 26, 2019

Michele (Mazga) Hejna ’89 April 22, 2019

Alison (LaMancuso) Tortelli ’10 and Mark Tortelli ’10, a daughter, Sienna Louise, born June 8, 2018

Chester J. Pawenska ’52 January 8, 2019

William J. Skieresz ’62 December 13, 2018

Joseph R. Kulp MBA ’72 December 5, 2018

Carmen M. Radecki Breitkopf ’90, PhD April 25, 2019

Robert H. Schumacher ’52 December 3, 2018

Willie E. Janisch MSEd ’63 October 24, 2018

Joseph Natale MSEd ’72 January 12, 2019

Brian J. Fortman ’92, MD February 19, 2019

Joseph C. Wagner ’04 and Jennifer Wagner, a daughter, Kelsea Joanna, born August 12, 2018

Carmen Turchiarelli ’52 April 20, 2019

Kenneth M. Krysztof ’63 February 24, 2019

James J. Stillwell ’72 December 30, 2018

Charlene M. Stanford MSEd ’92 October 22, 2018

Robert H. Chambers ’53, MSEd ’55 January 10, 2019

Rev. Gabriel L. Stapleton MSEd ’63 July 14, 2018

Thomas P. Neil MS ’73 March 23, 2019

Carolyn (Freier) Birner ’93 April 4, 2019

James T. Berger ’54 April 23, 2019

Thomas M. Ward ’63 January 24, 2019

Dolores (Chmielowiec) Clark MSEd ’74 March 6, 2019

Geoffrey G. Gausman ’93 January 31, 2019

Francis E. Hilts ’54 January 12, 2019

Vincent Zuccaro ’63 February 14, 2019

Alma A. Cosgrove ’74 February 10, 2019

MaryAnne VanDyke MS ’97 November 13, 2018

Gerard P. Philipps ’54 July 18, 2018

David R. Conners ’64 January 10, 2018

Donna L. (Divincenzo) Fiorella MSEd ’74 February 13, 2019

Joshua B. Schmidt ’01 September 18, 2018

Robert G. Arns ’55, PhD April 6, 2019

Johannes W. Findeisen Jr. MSEd ’64 July 3, 2018

Michael R. Taylor MBA ’74 October 31, 2018

Kathleen S. Kemp ’12 February 11, 2019

Edward C. Driscoll MSEd ’55 February 8, 2019

Loretta R. Miller MSEd ’64 April 27, 2018

George L. Brinkley Jr. ’75 December 11, 2018

Jonathan M. Graczyk ’14 July 9, 2018

Noreen C. (Schaefer) Elliott MSEd ’66 July 21, 2018

Linda A. Wueller MS ’76 February 2, 2019

CANISIUS COLLEGE M AGA ZINE SUMME R 2019

THIS ISSUE'S FEATURED BABY GRIFF

Carter Thomas

a son, born August 11, 2018 to Stephanie A. (Maher) Paterno ’07 and Joseph Paterno

C A N I SI US COL L EGE

CEL EBR AT ING

YEARS

Watch your mailboxes come fall 2019 for the release of Canisius College: Celebrating 150 Years. The publication will commemorate the college’s sesquicentennial anniversary and pay tribute to the people and programs that have made Canisius the premier, private institution it is today. Canisius College: Celebrating 150 Years will be mailed in lieu of the fall 2019 edition of Canisius Magazine. The publication of Alumni Notes, Baby Griffs, Weddings and In Memoriam will resume with the winter 2020 edition of Canisius Magazine.

alumnispotlight

Empowering Educators Kathryn M. Voss ’08, MS ’09 inspires educators, worldwide, as an instructional coach and consultant for Discovery Education Story: Martin Haumesser | Photography: Tom Wolf ’86

CANISIUS COLLEGE M AGA ZINE SUMME R 2019

alumnispotlight

Kathryn M. Voss ’08, MS ’09 has roots in education that run deep. Especially at Canisius College. Her great-grandfather, Robert Donley, graduated from Canisius in the 1920s and became a teacher. Her grandfather, Robert S. Donley Jr. ’38 became a doctor and Voss’ uncle, Robert S. Donley III ’77, received his MS in education from Canisius. Her mother, Maureen P. Donley ’76, a clinical associate professor at UB School of Dental Medicine, and her brother, Michael D. Voss ’13 – now in medical school – are also Canisius graduates. As a fourth generation alumna, Voss says Canisius ignited her own zest for adventure and inspired intellectual and cultural pursuits to achieve higher knowledge. After earning a bachelor’s degree in childhood and special education and a masters in literacy from Canisius, Voss taught pre-school and kindergarten.

“My educational philosophy as a teacher and in the work I do today stems from the invaluable opportunities I had at Canisius,” Voss says. “In learning from nurturing professors, I recognized the impact educators can have while motivating and empowering students.” Today, Voss works as an instructional coach and professional development consultant for Discovery Education, a leader in digital content and education, and professional development resources used in classrooms worldwide. The company’s parent organization, Discovery Inc., is the media network best known for the Discovery Channel. Voss currently facilitates learning sessions for teachers and administrators and introduces them to authentic learning experiences for students. In this role, she has worked with school districts in more than a dozen states. “Authentic learning happens when you step outside your comfort zone into experiences that inspire creativity,” Voss explains. “The

Department of Education at Canisius gave me plenty of authentic learning experiences that have had a lasting effect and help to further my life’s mission as an educator.” Voss notes that she also draws on her Canisius education as a content writer and project manager at Discovery Education. Last year, she wrote and managed the publication of professional sessions that Discovery Education presents globally. While she travels extensively for Discovery Education, Voss continues to call Western New York home. She says part of her purpose in education is to nurture the seeds that Canisius College planted for her and so many other graduates. That is why she volunteers as co-director of networking and events for the Buffalo chapter of the Canisius College Alumni Association, and strives to help fellow graduates make contacts and maintain connections.

SUMME R 2019 CANISIUS COLLEGE M AGA ZINE

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

R EUNION W EEK END

2019

A weekend full of sunny skies and celebrations helped make Reunion Weekend 2019 a success. The popular Alumni Tent Party kicked the reunion off on Friday, June 7, followed Saturday by campus tours, an alumni Mass in Christ the King Chapel and an evening picnic for alumni, family and friends.

WEB EXTRA > Visit canisius.edu/magazine to view the full photo gallery from Reunion Weekend 2019.

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