CANISIUS COLLEGE MAGAZINE | SUMMER 2021
Caps Off! Commencement returns to Canisius but with less pomp and more circumstance
president’sperspective The Covid-19 year is officially over. We survived a year of surveillance testing, quarantines and isolations, social distancing, masks, Zoom and remote learning to keep our students moving toward their degrees. I can’t say it often enough how grateful, yet not surprised, I was to see our faculty and staff come together during an extremely stressful time to meet the needs of our students. This is truly the essence of our Canisius community. As we gathered for commencement activities, the joy of our graduates and their families was every bit as intense. We decided in February to host a virtual commencement, with the formal degree conferral, speakers, honorary degrees and other awards presented in a video production sent to graduates as a keepsake. Recognizing the importance to don cap and gown, we resolved to also offer an event that would allow graduates to “walk” in their regalia and be photographed receiving their Canisius diplomas (actually, the diploma covers). As New York State relaxed its public gathering restrictions, we happily expanded the size of the student groups and also invited guests. The result was 10 such ceremonies held over nine days. In addition to providing the Class of 2021 with a fitting sendoff, we also made good on our promise to the Class of 2020 that they would be provided an opportunity to “walk.” And while it was not our usual commencement, it had many bright spots. The ceremonies were brief, about 30 minutes each, so I heard no complaints about the length! I had an opportunity to mingle with families before and after each ceremony, and enjoyed being part of family photos. For the students who I came to know through their work in student clubs and organizations or their accomplishments in the classroom, I was able to tell their parents and grandparents what a joy it was to have them at Canisius. I heard from so many parents – as I do each year at commencement – about what their students’ experiences meant to them. All of this gave each ceremony a warm, personal and intimate feel after months of isolation.
features
8 Reading Between the Lines
Philip Reed, PhD, examines why so few children’s books are set in the suburbs
For now, though, let’s enjoy the summer and our newly recovered freedom!
Cover Story
12 Caps Off!
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Commencement ceremonies return to campus but with less pomp and more circumstance
Donor Profile
19 One Canisius
Jenyia Wilson ’18, MS ’20 gives back to the programs that influenced her future
We will debrief on this Covid commencement in the weeks ahead and attempt to identify the things we learned and consider the elements we might want to retain in our post-Covid world. That is the challenge for colleges and universities in the months ahead: to assess what we’ve just been through and what we have learned. I do not think that our Covid experience means all education is moving online. Far from it. But I do know from speaking with several of our faculty that it has changed the way they look at what they do. They are already planning to incorporate this experience into the classroom as we plan a return to more normal operations in the fall. The same is true in our operations, generally, as we think of how Zoom technology can make us more efficient and save travel time and costs. When it comes to our alumni, we found Zoom meetings and webinars actually increased our connections with you, and that too, might be part of the future.
Faculty Profile
Alumni Spotlights
22 Strong Convictions Former Federal Prosecutor Keith E. Corbett ’71 recaps a career spent dismantling Detroit's most notorious mob
30 Leveling the
Playing Field Daakeia (McFadden) Clarke ’03 becomes the first CEO of the WNBA’s New York Liberty
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Shot in the Arm for PA Studies Program The health and well-being of Western New Yorkers recently received a shot in the arm when the Mother Cabrini Health Foundation awarded Canisius a $767,500 grant for the Physician Assistant (PA) Studies program. The grant supports the program’s development and provides scholarships for underserved minority groups.
SUMMER 2021 I VOLUME 21, ISSUE 2
President
We honor the legacy of Mother Cabrini by funding activities, programs and initiatives that help bridge gaps in health services, bolster the health outcomes of diverse communities and eliminate barriers to care.
CEO Msgr. Gregory Mustaciuolo
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College Magazine
“As we set our sights on 2021, we must address the healthcare disparities related to race and income that have only been heightened since the onset of the pandemic,” said CEO Msgr. Gregory Mustaciuolo in announcing the Canisius grant. “We honor the legacy of Mother Cabrini by funding activities, programs and initiatives that help bridge gaps in health services, bolster the health outcomes of diverse communities and eliminate barriers to care.”
John J. Hurley Associate Vice President, Assistant to the President Erica C. Sammarco ’00
The Canisius grant supports the college’s goal to resuscitate the healthcare landscape of the region through improved access to primary care, and the education of practitioners who are more racially and ethnically representative of the patients they serve.
Chief Communications Officer & Executive Editor
The Mother Cabrini Health Foundation works to improve the health and well-being of New York’s most vulnerable. It is named in memory of the first American saint, for her tireless advocacy on behalf of immigrants, children and the poor.
Eileen C. Herbert ’04, MS ’15 Managing Editor Audrey R. Browka
Art Director Sue Hough Contributing Writers Mary Ellen Bakowski ’85, MBA ’90 Erik Brady ’76 Matthew Gorczyca ’13, MS ’15 Summer Handzlik Lauryn Saldana ’20, MBA ’21 Sarah J. Sterzinger ’18, MS ’21 Photography Brianna Blank ’14 Tom Wolf ’86 We are eager to hear your comments about Canisius College Magazine. Please send correspondence to: Canisius College Magazine 2001 Main Street, Lyons Hall Phone 716-888-2790 Email ccmag@canisius.edu Postmaster send change of address to: Canisius College, 2001 Main Street, Buffalo, NY 14208
Housed in the College of Arts & Sciences, the BS in data science develops in students a core set of skills in mathematics, computer science and business intelligence. It’s complemented by experiential learning opportunities in which students use the latest technologies to explore and analyze data sets and anticipate how they might be applied to various problem-solving situations. Rounding out the program is a holistic approach to the ethical issues that guide the use of data in modern life. Students graduate prepared for careers as business analysts, statisticians, data scientists and deep-learning engineers. They can also continue their education via the college’s MS in data analytics or new MS in business analytics. The MS in business analytics, designed in partnership with industry experts through the Wehle School of Business (WSB), teaches students how to focus on the story behind the numbers to highlight key insights and add value. Emphasis is placed on core skills, such as teamwork and TOP communication, as well as the ethical stewardship of data. Students also gain real-world analytics experience through professional internships and the WSB's Leadership and Professional Development (LPD) program, which provides personal coaching and the skills necessary to become an effective leader.
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A unique feature of the program is its overlap with the MS in data analytics, which provides business analytics students with very strong technical skills. When combined with strong business acumen, graduates will be able to effectively use data to identify and support strategic opportunities. Students from both programs work and study in a multidisciplinary team environment, just as professionals do in the workplace.
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Whether you compare it to gold or oil, data is becoming the world’s most valuable 21st century resource. Consequently, industries across the board are competing for a limited number of individuals with expertise in turning complex information into actionable insights. Canisius is filling this void with the introduction of a new BS in data science and MS in business analytics.
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New Programs Prepare Students for In-Demand Careers
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Intelligent.com recently named the college’s new Physician Assistant (PA) Studies program among the top 50 in the nation. Canisius was among 177 accredited college and university PA programs evaluated on flexibility, faculty, course strength, cost and reputation. The online magazine also recognized Canisius for having the “Best Simulation Lab.” SUMME R 2021 CANISIUS COLLEGE M AGA ZINE
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Business School Receives Reaccreditation The Richard J. Wehle School of Business learned this spring that the Association to Advance Collegiate Schools of Business (AACSB) extended its international accreditation. AACSB is synonymous with the highest standards in business education. In order to achieve AACSB accreditation, schools must meet various standards of excellence related to strategic management, innovation, learning and teaching, and academic and professional engagement. The Wehle School of Business has held AACSB accreditation for more than 40 years.
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Canisius College’s MBA programs in accounting and finance scored high marks on the latest U.S. News & World Report list of best graduate schools.
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The MBA in finance ranked 30th on the list of Best Graduate Schools – MBA Specialties. U.S. News also ranked the finance program No. 1 in Western New York and No. 6 in New York State.
The MBA in accounting earned the 33rd spot on the same list. U.S. News ranked the accounting program No. 1 in Western New York and No. 4 in New York State.
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A grant from the Small Business Administration, with Cares Act Funding, awarded the WBC $420,000 to support the ReConnect, ReStart, ReGrow program. The initiative offers business education
and guidance to women entrepreneurs whose businesses experienced supply chain disruptions, staffing challenges, or decreases in revenue or customers. It also assists women seeking to launch a new business or capitalize on opportunities in response to the pandemic. Free classes and office hour appointments are available for a full 12 months.
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Vital support became available this summer to female business owners and entrepreneurs via the Women's Business Center (WBC).
Ignatian Year Canisius College joined a worldwide celebration on May 20 to commemorate the 500th anniversary of St. Ignatius Loyola’s conversion. On this fateful day – a half millennium ago – a cannonball struck the soldier, Ignatius, as he defended the Spanish crown against the French. It was during Ignatius’ lengthy recovery that he committed his life to holy chivalry and service to God. To celebrate Ignatius’ spiritual conversion and his subsequent founding of the Society of Jesus, Superior General Arturo Sosa, SJ, called for a yearlong celebration. “The Ignatian Year,” he declared, “offers us a great opportunity … to realize that change is possible. Yes, our hearts can be softened. Yes, our world can find new ways forward.” The Ignatian Year continues through July 31, 2022.
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Reading Between the Lines Philip Reed, PhD, examines why so few children’s books are set in the suburbs
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Once upon a time, there were four little rabbits and their names were Flopsy, Mopsy, Cottontail and Peter. They lived with their mother in a sandbank underneath the root of a very big fir tree. One day, their mother dropped them off at soccer practice and picked them up promptly afterward. When they got home, they all had bread and milk and blackberries. That is roughly how the classic Beatrix Potter story from 1902 would go if it had been set in the American suburbs. But even if Potter hadn’t set her books in England’s Lake District, she would never have chosen a suburban setting. The suburbs kill the narrative adventure that is the lifeblood of children’s literature. Reading picture books to my children over the past 10 years, I’ve noticed how many of the stories shun a suburban setting. This is no accident: the tales that most grip the imagination of children (and adults), with few exceptions, require rural or urban locations for their drama and vitality. To simplify, the antithesis of North American suburbia is walkability and picture books with literary merit love walkability. Compelling children’s stories require that their characters are able to navigate their setting at a pedestrian scale and pace. For example, in the U.S. author Arnold Lobel’s classic stories of the 1970s, Frog and Toad never appear in a car despite being thoroughly anthropomorphised. What most draws the reader into the stories are the adventures that the amphibians experience between their houses – in the meadow, the woods and the tall grass. They climb mountains and swim in ponds but they also walk everywhere: to fly a kite, to buy ice cream, to fulfill a to-do list. In urban settings, walkability is closely linked to public transport, which is another narrative avenue for rich engagement with one’s environment. Accordingly, the number of picture books that feature trains and buses is significantly greater than the number of trains and buses that most Americans experience. Yet I’ve never seen a picture book that features a minivan or an SUV. The zookeeper in Peggy Rathmann’s Good Night, Gorilla (1994) lives within walking distance of the zoo. In Erin and Philip Stead’s A Sick Day for Amos McGee (2011), the zookeeper takes the bus to work. Both commutes are integral to the stories’ plots, enabling shenanigans for the zoo animals.
Illustration of Peter Rabbit by Beatrix Potter
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Besides public transport, urban settings give other ample opportunities for their characters to explore their immediate environment. Cities are where we’re more likely to find civic places, such as zoos, libraries or concert venues. Cities tend to have more diverse kinds of people and more intergenerational activity in both public and private places than in suburbia. Good picture books such as Ben’s Trumpet (1979) by Rachel Isadora and A Chair for My Mother (1982) by Vera Williams exploit these opportunities in their stories.
It’s one thing to find enviable walkability in Esphyr Slobodkina’s Caps for Sale (1940) or Margaret and H.A. Rey’s Curious George series (1941-66) or Ludwig Bemelmans’ Madeline series (1939-61) – books written by European émigrés to the U.S. well before American housing developments and ‘big box’ stores became the dominant pattern of land use in the mid-20th century. But to continue to find dynamic city living in bestsellers such as Bernard Waber’s The House on East 88th Street (1962) or Mo Willems’ Knuffle Bunny (2004) is revealing. More than any other works of fiction, picture books depend on their setting. When the automobile dominates the setting, the narrative dies faster than a trip down a cul-de-sac. Even when there are private modes of transportation in children’s literature, they are ships, bicycles or hot-air balloons, where the transported are engaged with the world around them and the adventure or mystery that this world brings. It’s true that some popular picture books do seem to have a suburban setting: Victoria Kann’s Pinkalicious series (2006-), the Berenstain Bears series (1962-) by the Berenstain family, and Norman Bridwell’s Clifford the Big Red Dog (1963-) come to mind. But these books also come to mind when I consider books I’d rather toss than read – not because they take place in the suburbs but because they’re so poorly written and illustrated. My only claim here is that the best children’s books forgo suburbia. There are, nevertheless, some exceptions to this rule. In Judith Viorst and Ray Cruz’s classic 1972 picture book, for example, Alexander appears to be chauffeured around the suburbs by his mother; in that scenario, who wouldn’t be having a terrible, horrible, no good, very bad day? But for every quality picture book that has a suburban setting, there are 100 that don’t. At least since Aesop’s fable The Town Mouse and the Country Mouse, many children’s stories exhibit a kind of anti-urban romanticism. Cities are dangerous and dirty places in contrast to the idyllic countryside. Books set in cities often react against this trend by showing the benefits of city life. Yet this counter-reaction is, arguably, guilty of romanticizing the urban. Children’s books that use pedestrian settings, whether urban or rural, fall prey to both kinds of romanticization, displaying exclusively the attractiveness of a walkable town or a tranquil forest. However, the accuracy of these portrayals is not the point of the settings. Rather, their job is to serve the narrative and delight the reader. Children’s literature thrives on imaginative or surprising encounters, which need a geography that creates mischief and curiosity. But the suburbs, for all their benefits in real life, are places that in children’s literature lack imagination or at least don’t provide suitable stage-sets for imaginative adventure and exploration: they are the geography of nowhere. Consequently, the most engaging stories are almost never set there.
Illustration from Aesop’s Fables’ The Town Mouse & the Country Mouse
Philip Reed, PhD, is a professor of philosophy at Canisius and associate dean of the College of Arts & Sciences. This is an abridged version of the article “Why are there so few children’s books set in the suburbs.” The full version of this article was originally published in Psyche (psyche.co).
WEB EXTRA > To read the unabridged version of the Psyche article, visit canisius.edu/magazine.
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Chapter & Verse
The latest books penned by Canisius professors History Professor René De La Pedraja, PhD, examines Russia’s surprising return to the world stage in Putin Confronts the West: The Logic of Russian Foreign Relations, 1999-2020. Following a chronological approach from the fall of the Soviet Union to present, the book draws on new documents to describe key decisions and foreign policy events that led Russia to regain its global prominence under the leadership of President Vladimir Putin.
For Safety’s Sake
Students, scholars and interested citizens can rediscover the fruits of the American Revolution in Bills of Rights Before the Bill of Rights. Co-authored by Emeritus Professor of Political Science Peter J. Galie, PhD, Christopher Bopst ’95 and Bethany R. (Siena) Kirschner ’07, the book outlines the history of the rights found in the American state constitutions adopted between 1776 and 1790. It is the first to provide a full and systematic commentary on the rights provisions found in early American state constitutions.
Timothy J. Servoss, PhD, shares his research on school security measures with the U.S. Justice Department
Timothy J. Servoss, PhD, is contributing to the national conversation about the impacts of school resource officers on students, school discipline and crime. The associate professor of psychology participated in a week-long virtual meeting convened by the U.S. Department of Justice and National Institute of Justice to hear from scholars about their research related to school resource officers and school-based policing.
and police officers in schools has unintended consequences. Among his findings: The more security there is in a school, the less safe students feel. Additionally, increased security does not decrease student misbehavior, crime, victimization or bullying.
Such security measures in American high schools are meant to keep students safe but Servoss’ research revealed that the nationwide trend of embedding security cameras, resource officers
WEB EXTRA > To read more about Tim Servoss’ findings, visit canisius.edu/magazine.
The National Institute of Justice is compiling the information shared by researchers to inform a Congressional report.
Bailey Brings Legacy of African-American Poet to Life The National Endowment for the Humanities (NEH) awarded Richard A. Bailey, PhD, a $30,000 grant for the development of an immersive and interactive website focused on the experience of African-Americans in Revolutionary-era New England.
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Socrates’ claim that an unexamined life is not worth living is the premise of My I’s: Isms, Ignorance, Interrelationships and Insights, by Emeritus Professor of Gerontology Charles R. Schmidtke, PhD. This highly personal narrative takes readers on a journey through Schmidtke’s religious transformation, shifts to a more balanced view of gender roles and the profound tragedies he has encountered, all of which led to more inclusive, tolerant and accepting attitudes and behaviors. Queer Ecopedagogies: Explorations in Nature, Sexuality and Education builds on the momentum surrounding queer work within environmental science. Authored by Joshua Russell ’03, PhD, the book emphasizes new connections between environmental education research and the growing bodies of literature dedicated to queer deconstructions of nature, environment and animals. Russell is associate professor of animal behavior, ecology and conservation (ABEC) and director of the anthrozoology program.
Ignatian Medal Conferred Upon Mark Harrington The Jesuit Association of Student Personnel Administrators (JASPA) recognized Mark Harrington, EdD, with its Ignatian Medal for Outstanding Achievement in Jesuit Student Affairs. The recognition is conferred annually to an individual who has made significant accomplishments in the profession and embodies achievements within a Jesuit student affairs framework.
Beginning with the life story of early African-American poet Lucy Terry Prince, the project will contrast her experiences with other historical figures to increase the public’s understanding of the distinct pattern and role of slavery and servitude in rural New England Towns.
Harrington is assistant vice president for student success at Canisius. He assumed the role in 2018 and has since implemented research-based, high-impact practices to better serve students through his leadership of the Griff Center for Student Success. These practices include the implementation of a proactive model for academic support, the creation of student success teams for undergraduate and graduate students, and new programming initiatives for first generation students.
Bailey is the Fitzpatrick Professor of History at Canisius and chair of the History Department. He will collaborate on the project with a team of scholars from across the country.
Harrington is also director of the master’s program in Higher Education and Student Affairs Administration (HESAA) and an assistant professor in the Department of Graduate Education and Leadership.
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Caps Off!
The Class of 2021 will forever be remembered as the one that persevered through two-and-ahalf semesters of Covid-19 uncertainty and restrictions. Certainly, there’s a tendency to think of all that was lost: The Canisius community mourned the loss of loved ones, and grieved over its loss of freedom, confidence and even hope. But amidst all the losses, Canisius students discovered the kind of individuals they want to be and found the voice they want to have. These notions are expressed in the excerpts on the following pages, from our student speakers.
In-person commencement returns to campus but with less pomp and more circumstance
Class of
The proverbial pomp that accompanies commencement gave way to more circumstance this spring. Covid-19 protocols disrupted the familiar rhythm of graduation season. Still, Canisius adapted – as it did so many times this past year – and hosted a hybrid affair for students.
Speakers
Undergraduate Speaker
Emlye Watkins ’20
“Despite the tremendous loss we endured, our Canisius roots gave us a strong foundation to face, process, grieve and grow through this experience, and will only continue to do so. Canisius was personal. There was a lot built into our time here that would help us face realworld things. And I know graduating today … I’ve started to become the person I wanted to be all along. I hope you have too.” The virtual portion of graduation included the traditional commencement and student speaker addresses, and the granting of honorary degrees, which were pre-recorded. Canisius complemented the virtual component of commencement with a series of sized-down and socially distanced in-person graduation walks for the Class of 2021 – as well as the Sesquicentennial Class of 2020. “The pandemic prevented the Class of 2020 from having a live commencement ceremony last spring so it was important for us to invite those graduates back to campus for an opportunity to walk across the stage in their caps and gowns,” says Canisius President John J. Hurley.
Graduate Speaker
Ursula Jean G. Magsayo MS ’20 “ Our experience here together … has been felt together, and in the feelings we find a sense of interconnectedness with one another and have found growth within ourselves. The Canisius College experience means getting a seat at the table, and Canisius College invites you to make change within the self and within one another through the relationships you and I have fostered. And because of this, there is no limit to what a Canisius College graduate can do.”
Over the course of two weeks, Canisius held 10 in-person graduation walks, and conferred 472 undergraduate and 399 graduate degrees to students from the Class of 2021. 12
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Undergraduate Speaker
Graduate Speaker
Rebecca Praetzel ’21 “ At Canisius, we learned the importance of caring for our minds and bodies but also our spirits, which all too often the world forgets to do. We have been inspired to change the world for the better … We have the strength of God with us so that we challenge what society presents us rather than just accepting what the world tells us ... and we have the example of Jesus to guide us in standing firm in love and truth, in the face of adversity, hate, violence or judgement.”
Cliff-Simon Vital MS ’21
“ When I think about my time at Canisius, I think about the classes and faculty that prepared me, the thesis that challenged me, the staff that supported me, and the peers who raised and pushed me forward. Graduating today from Canisius means I am Jesuit educated. I can confidently say that I am a wellinformed global citizen ready to be a champion for all students, advocate for those who cannot, stand with the marginalized, and lead with care and integrity.”
“Your Canisius education has equipped you with a deeper knowledge,” said Canisius President John J. Hurley in his address to the graduates. “You have learned ... life is full of nuances, gray areas, conflicts, difficult choices and disappointments. But you have the power to be agents of change and bring light to the shadowy places of the world.”
Distinguished Faculty English Professor Eric Gansworth and Sociology/Environmental Studies Professor Erin Robinson, PhD, shared mace-bearer duties. The college mace is ceremoniously carried at the front of the academic procession during commencement. Traditionally, the honor is reserved solely for the recipient of the Kenneth L. Koessler Distinguished Faculty Award, which recognizes a faculty member for teaching excellence and outstanding scholarship to the academic world. Gansworth received the award in 2020. Robinson received the award for 2021.
Honorary Degree Recipients
Baccalaureate Mass
Hon. Eugene Fahey* Associate Judge, New York Court of Appeals
Rev. Thomas R. Slon, SJ, rector of the Canisius Jesuit community, presided over the commencement tradition that is Baccalaureate Mass. The liturgical ceremony, held this year in Christ the King Chapel, celebrated the achievements of the classes of 2020 and 2021, and offered prayers and reflections on the graduates’ time at Canisius College.
* Served as commencement speaker
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Rev. Peter Neeley, SJ* Director, High School & University Educational Programs, KINO Border Initiative
Staff Sgt. David G. Bellavia Recipient, Medal of Honor Operation Iraqi Freedom Shelley C. Drake President, M&T Charitable Foundation Angelo M. Fatta ’66, PhD Civic leader, business leader & philanthropist George W. Scott ’80 President, Colored Musicians Club SUMME R 2021 CANISIUS COLLEGE M AGA ZINE
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Fulfilling a Family Destiny Story: Erik Brady ’76
Patrick Johnson, MS '21 walked at commencement exercises in May. This was noteworthy for three reasons: • First, he received a degree 44 years after taking his first classes at Canisius. • Second was that this is not nearly the family record. • Third, that he was able to walk at all. Johnson, 65, fell at his Clarence home in 2016 and broke his back. He was in bed for several months, able to walk only a few steps at a time, and then only with the aid of a walker. “I had three operations at ECMC,” he says, “and they put Humpty Dumpty together again.”
Just as the class of 2021’s college careers came to a close, New York State began to ease its Covid-19 restrictions. Canisius quickly pivoted and changed the location of commencement ceremonies from the Montante Cultural Center to the Koessler Athletic Center. The larger venue made it possible for faculty and family members to attend the in-person graduation walks and celebrate their students.
Now he gets around pretty well, though with enough metal screwed into his spine to fill a bin at the hardware store. And in May, he walked the walk he had been waiting for since the days of disco. “I got really emotional,” he says. “It took me two minutes to compose myself.” Johnson graduated from Kenmore West in 1973, then joined the Navy. He began at Canisius on the day of his discharge, in 1977. After three semesters in pre-engineering, he left school. By then he was married to Annamarie, his high school sweetheart, and wanted to get started on his career at Sierra Research, an aerospace and defense company in Cheektowaga. Decades later, his mother asked when he was going back to school. “I said, ‘Mom, I’m 60. I’m not going back to college.’ ” She asked why not. He couldn’t think of a good answer. So he applied to Medaille and earned his business degree after a lifetime in business. Then, last summer, he finished his master’s in sport administration from Canisius. This fulfilled a family destiny.
Biology
Johnson’s father, Richard, began at Canisius in 1946 but left for dental school before completing his undergraduate degree. Decades later Canisius offered to confer degrees on students of that era who had left early for law schools, med schools, and dental schools. Of 150 such candidates, 22 met the criteria mandated by the State Education Department, including Johnson’s father. Canisius awarded his bachelor of science degree, posthumously, in 2003 — 57 years after his first class at Canisius.
Higher Education and Student Affairs Administration (HESAA) Higher Education and Student Affairs Administration (HESAA) To make commencement a bit extra-special for students, many academic departments hosted small, in-person celebrations for their graduates to recognize their scholarship and stamina during a difficult year.
“Dad has me beat,” Johnson says. “It’s not even close.” Animal Behavior, Ecology and Conservation (ABEC)
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“My father went to Canisius,” he says. “My sisters Mary and Madonna did, too. It means a lot to me. I love the school.”
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Donor Profile
One Day. One Community. One Canisius.
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Jenyia Wilson ’18, MS ’20 gives back to the programs that influenced her future
Canisius Giving Day showcased the power of being One Canisius!
Story: Matthew J. Gorczyca ’13, MS ’15
On March 3, 2021, thousands of members of the Canisius community came together and gave back to support college programs, teams and tuition assistance. During a particularly challenging year, the resilience and compassion of the collective Canisius community remained steadfast.
Gifts made on Canisius Giving Day support opportunities and experiences that change students’ lives – from hands-on research, to internships or travel experiences, and putting the best equipment and technological tools in the hands of
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It was an incredible opportunity to serve as chair of Canisius Giving Day and see the outpouring of support from alumni, faculty, staff, parents and friends of the college. This day showed that the Canisius community is united, resilient and supportive of one another. Thank you to everyone who made Canisius Giving Day the most impactful yet!
Anthony J. Limina ’08, MBA ’15 Immediate Past President, Alumni Association
students. Additionally, every gift to the Canisius Fund provides critical aid to assist our students’ greatest needs and allows deserving students, who seek a Canisius education, the resources they need to do so.
1,917 donors made 2,338 gifts totaling $387,498 in support of:
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Athletics
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Jesuit Mission & Identity
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AC ADEMIC PROG R A M: Higher Education Student Affairs Administration (HESAA)
ATH LE TIC TE A M: Men’s Lacrosse CL A SS YE AR: 2019, 2018, 2008 (Three-way tie)
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Jenyia Wilson ’18, MS ’20 made her first gift to alma mater on Canisius Giving Day 2021. The day’s theme – One Canisius – inspired the young alumna because it reflected how every member of the Canisius family is present to support one another. So, when March 3 came around, Wilson invested in the programs that influenced her future.
advancement
HEOP provided me with so many resources and opportunities to make my Canisius experience much better and help me prepare, because I was a little behind my peers as a freshman. C.O.P.E. really helped me find my path in college and provided me with constant support.
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Thank You
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The C.O.P.E. (Canisius’ Opportunity Program for Education) Office and the Communication Studies Department, Wilson says, supported her education and aspirations, laid the foundation for an incredible post-graduate life and gave her a head start on her career. Both placed her in fundraising and development internships at the Boy Scouts of America and then Shea’s Performing Arts Center. Both, Wilson says, offered “incredible real-world experiences.” She even joined the box office team at Shea’s after the internship ended. Wilson found Canisius by way of the Arthur O. Eve Higher Education Opportunity Program (HEOP), which is supported by the C.O.P.E. Office and offered the academic, social and financial support Wilson needed to pursue her college degree. “HEOP provided me with so many resources and opportunities to make my Canisius experience much better and help me prepare, because I was a little behind my peers as a freshman,” Wilson says. “C.O.P.E. really helped me find my path in college and provided me with constant support.” Now Wilson is doing the same for current Canisius students, as coordinator of academic support services in the C.O.P.E. Office. She joined the team shortly before the pandemic began and quickly realized the additional challenges that would lie ahead for first-year students transitioning from high school to a college setting. Concerned about their well-being, Wilson directed her Canisius Giving Day gift to the C.O.P.E. Office. “I’m now doing the work that someone did for me,” says Wilson. “So I know what we need as an office, and we can use the extra support and resources.” Wilson finds her work rewarding and sees, firsthand, that she is helping to acclimate first-year students to their new life as college students, setting them on a path towards success, and giving each the best living and learning opportunities possible. To make a gift to Canisius, visit www.canisius.edu/give.
RE U N ION CL A SS YE AR: 2016
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advancement
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F R I D AY, N O V E M B E R 5 , 2 02 1
On behalf of the Board of Regents, Canisius College is excited to announce Celebrating Canisius: 151 Years of Excellence. The occasion, scheduled for Friday, November 5 at The Atrium @ Rich's, is a reimagination of the former Regents Scholarship Ball as committee members seek to host a less formal but more inclusive event for all members of our Canisius family.
Donor Profile
Benevolence of E. Joyce Eulner Lives On
Longtime alumni and supporters, and newer graduates and friends are welcome to celebrate the Canisius tradition of excellence. Event proceeds help fund scholarships for deserving students so they may extend that proud tradition into the future.
Story: Mary Ellen Bakowski ’85, MBA ’90
The late E. Joyce Eulner called Canisius College home for 40-plus years. Born in Louisville, KY, she moved to Buffalo in 1958 and soon began her career at the college as secretary to the registrar. Holding various administrative positions, Eulner rose through the ranks to become director of human services, a role in which she served for 26 years until her retirement in 2004.
Multi-Million Dollar Grant Supports Science Hall Renovations Renovation of the second level of Science Hall is expected to get underway later this year as a result of a $4.4 million New York State Higher Education Capital (HECap) matching grant. The award will help fund the renovation of an additional 60,000 square feet of classroom and laboratory space for the college’s nationally recognized programs in biology, pre-med, anthrozoology, and animal behavior, ecology and conservation (ABEC). The purchase and development of Science Hall is the largest capital undertaking in the college’s history. To date, Canisius has invested $40 million in the project and completed the renovation of more than half the building, including the lower and first levels, as well
as a portion of the third level. Science Hall currently houses the departments of Mathematics, Computer Science and Physics, as well as the George E. Schreiner ’43, MD, Pre-Medical Center, the Institute for Autism Research and the new Physician Assistant (PA) Studies program. The HECap program awards capital matching grants to colleges for the design, acquisition, construction, rehabilitation or equipping of a facility on or near a college campus. New York State requires the grant be matched on a 3-to-1 basis. Canisius estimates the Science Hall project cost at $17.6 million and plans to match the HECap grant through private fundraising, financing and internally generated funds.
A true Golden Griffin, Eulner’s enthusiasm for Canisius went well beyond her job. She was a faithful attendee of basketball games, Little Theatre performances, and Fitzpatrick and Raichle lectures. She was also a loyal supporter of Canisius and her generous contributions impacted the lives of students. Upon Eulner’s retirement, she established the E. Joyce Eulner Scholarship Fund. “Joyce was a strong believer in higher education,” recalls Eulner’s sister, Kathy Gray. “She received a four-year scholarship to attend college and was dedicated to helping others have the same opportunity. Joyce counted all those at Canisius as part of her extended family. She so strongly believed in the college’s mission that she wanted to help students obtain a Canisius education.” Joyce Eulner passed away in July 2019 but her benevolence to Canisius lives on in perpetuity. In addition to her scholarship, Eulner included Canisius in her estate plans, thereby joining the distinguished Rev. James M. Demske ’47, SJ, Society. Upon her passing, she left a bequest, which was added to the endowed scholarship fund in her name. Eulner’s commitment to the college is certain to impact Canisius students for generations to come. Requiescat in pace. To learn more about planned giving opportunities at Canisius and how best to address your philanthropic intentions, contact Mary Ellen Bakowski ’85, MBA ’90 in the Office of Institutional Advancement at bakowskm@canisius.edu or at 716.888.2235.
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The event will be co-chaired by members of the Pullano family, which includes Board of Regents member Lynn A. Pullano ’85, her husband Gerald F. ’85, daughters Rebecca L. Sauer MBAPA ’14 and Laura D. Harris ’15, MBAACC ’16, and sons-in-laws Matthew Sauer and Adam R. Harris ’16, MBAACC ’17. Lynn and Gerry Pullano have been Canisius supporters for nearly four decades, volunteering on reunion and alumni activity committees, serving on the Council on Accountancy and participating in the Leadership Society. Five out of the six family members are Griffs, and all three couples were married at Christ the King Chapel. As we hit a positive turning point in our current landscape, it is the perfect opportunity to celebrate - in person - everything Blue & Gold. More detailed information about the celebration is forthcoming. Keep an eye on your Email and mailboxes, or contact Erin Zack ’00, MS ’04, director of the Office of Alumni Engagement, at zack1@ canisius.edu. SUMME R 2021 CANISIUS COLLEGE M AGA ZINE
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alumniprofile
Strong Convictions Former Federal Prosecutor Keith E. Corbett ’71 recaps a career spent dismantling Detroit’s most notorious mob Story: Audrey R. Browka / Photos: Anne Liew Photography
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Corbett is well-acquainted with the Hoffa case. He is a former federal prosecutor for the U.S. Attorney’s Office in the Eastern District of Michigan and chief of its Organized Crime Strike Force. Consequently, Corbett spent years leading investigations into the Detroit mafia and tallying convictions against its members, many of whom had alleged connections to the disappearance of the Teamster boss. His vast number of courtroom victories earned Corbett prosecutorial praise and national prominence as ‘the man who dismantled the Detroit mob.’ Corbett came to Detroit’s organized crime and racketeering section shortly after graduation from Notre Dame Law School. He was one of five assistant prosecutors hired to work on misdemeanor and preliminary exams. “Then one day, the head of the circuit court asks, ‘Who wants to try a felony,’” Corbett recalls. “All five of us raised our hands. Then he said, ‘The trial starts in an hour.’ Four hands went down. Mine stayed up.”
Federal agents revived the hunt for Jimmy Hoffa’s remains this summer amid new leads into the whereabouts of the legendary labor leader. The claims are the latest to fuel a 40-plus year fascination with the unsolved case. But they carry little weight with Keith E. Corbett ’71.
“ The list of people who have reliable information about the disappearance of Jimmy Hoffa is really short, since almost everyone involved has gone to meet their maker,” he says.
The son of a New York City cop and devout Irish-Catholic mother, Corbett actually planned to pursue the priesthood. He spent high school at a junior seminary and then enrolled in Cathedral College. But two years in, Corbett decided to “broaden his horizons.” He transferred to Canisius at the suggestion of fellow Brooklynite William D. Kelleher ’71 and the knowledge that it was a Jesuit college. “Our family had friends who were Jesuits and I learned about their academic history when I went through the Spiritual Exercises at seminary,” says Corbett, whose brother Garth ’74 followed him to Canisius. “The Jesuits and Jesuit schools were always considered the apex of Catholic education.” Two Jesuits, in particular, roused Corbett into becoming a prosecutor.
A few years later, Corbett won convictions in another highly publicized political bribery scandal. The trial embroiled Detroit Mayoral Associate Darralyn Bowers and then-Detroit Water and Sewer Director Charles Beckham, both of whom stood accused of channeling contracts to favored businesses.
Corbett’s eristic nature also captured the attention and occasional ire of the late Political Science Professor Rev. Robert J. Nelson, SJ. It was he who suggested Corbett “channel his talent” for wellargued deliberation and persuasion into law school. The disputant landed at Notre Dame, “the holy grail of all schools for IrishCatholic kids,” where he studied trial law.
As Corbett amassed courtroom wins, the kudos followed. Those who matched wits with the prosecutor applauded his “superior trial strategy” and “ability to recall key evidence with lethal precision.” Still, Corbett’s most considerable victories were yet to come. In March 1996, federal agents executed Operation Gametax, the largest legal assault ever launched against the Detroit mafia. The raid netted 17 high-ranking members of the La Cosa Nostra organized crime family on 25 charges of murder plots, casino infiltration, extortion and racketeering.
The linchpin of Corbett’s case, however, was Giacomo (“Black Jack”) Tocco, the reputed mob boss thought to have approved the plan for the high-profile hit on Jimmy Hoffa.
CANISIUS COLLEGE M AGA ZINE SUMME R 2021
Corbett didn’t always aspire to be a federal prosecutor.
That 1980 case saw Corbett successfully prosecute racketeering convictions against Detroit mafia captains Rafaelle (“Jimmy Q”) Quassarano and Peter (“Bozzi”) Vitale. The pair was charged with extorting money from a western Michigan cheese company, though authorities long suspected the duo of being involved with Hoffa’s disappearance.
Corbett led the prosecution and secured convictions for all but one of the co-defendants. Among those imprisoned: Detroit mafia captains Vito (“Billy Jack”) Giacalone, Anthony (“Tony T”) Tocco and Anthony (“Bull”) Corrado, as well as the syndicate’s underboss Anthony (“Tony Z”) Zerilli.
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“He ran the Detroit organized crime family for almost 30 years without ever having been charged with an offense,” says Corbett. “Getting him convicted left the Detroit family largely disjointed and scrambling to find someone to run things.”
The late charismatic Religious Studies Professor Rev. Charles Lehmkuhl, SJ, liked to needle his student on any number of subjects. “We didn’t agree on much but being able to discuss different ideas with someone who was intelligent and articulate was great intellectual exercise.”
Corbett sees a lot less courtroom action these days. He is currently of counsel at the Barone Defense Firm, where he represents individuals accused of white-collar crimes. “Ninety percent of my clients are decent people who made a mistake or a poor choice on a particular day.” Every so often, however, Corbett’s fearless brand of trial and litigation is back in the news. Most recently, he served a brief stint as a special prosecutor in the investigation of financial crimes associated with the Flint Water Crisis. On occasion, he also teaches trial tactics to attorneys at the University of Michigan School of Law and at the Department of Justice in South Carolina. But at 71, this former prosecutor admits he “has more fun playing with (his) three grandchildren than going to work.” Certainly, he’s earned that privilege.
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alumninotes was appointed to the Scopus BioPharma Board of Directors. The biopharmaceutical company develops therapeutics.
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’83 BA Eileen L. Hudson-Wolmering was promoted from director of mission advancement to chief advancement officer for Our Lady of Victory Charities. ’84 BS Joseph M. Nowicki, the former executive vice president and chief financial officer for Beacon Roofing Supply Inc., was appointed to the Lumber Liquidators Board of Directors. He serves on the board’s audit and compliance and regulatory affairs committees.
Norbert R. Myslinski ’69, PhD BA, Biology Career Highlight: Norbert Myslinski received the Board of Regents Faculty Award from the University System of Maryland. The award is the highest conferred by the Board of Regents and recognizes exemplary faculty achievement. Career Notes: Myslinski is an associate professor of neural and pain sciences at the University of Maryland, Baltimore and founder of the International Brain Bee, which promotes student engagement with neuroscience through a threetiered competition.
1960s ’68 BS Leonard J. Marabella, PhD, chief executive officer of Catholic Charities for the Diocese of Santa Rosa in California, received the North Bay Business Journal’s Nonprofit Leadership Award. The award recognizes individuals who work and volunteer in a variety of ways to make the Santa Rosa area a better place to live. ’69 BA, MA ’77 Rev. Edward J. Sheedy was appointed by the Buffalo Roman Catholic Diocese as a priest moderator for SS Peter & Paul Parish in Williamsville. In this role, he supervises pastoral care.
1970s ’74 BS Chester J. Gary, clinical assistant professor of restorative dentistry in the University at Buffalo School of Dental Medicine, received the 2nd and 3rd place William J. Gies Editorial Award from the American Association of Dental Editors & Journalists and the American Dental Education Association’s ADEAGies Foundation. The editorial award honors the author of the most valuable editorial published in a dental journal or periodical.
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’76 BA Margaret W. Paroski, MD, a board-certified neurologist, was named president and CEO at Catholic Medical Partners, the area’s largest network of independent physicians. Prior to her appointment, Paroski was serving in the post on an interim basis. She is the organization's first woman to serve as president and CEO.
’85 BA Martin E. Franklin, PhD , is the new clinical director at Rogers Behavioral Health in Philadelphia, PA. Franklin is an associate professor of psychiatry at the University of Pennsylvania School of Medicine and a nationally-renowned expert in the treatment of obsessive-compulsive disorders, and the study and treatment of anxiety and related conditions. ’85 BS, MBA ’92 William J. Maggio, chief executive officer of the Jacobs Institute, received Business First’s C-Level Executive Award, which recognizes Western New York’s most effective business leaders. ’86 BA Thaddeus B. Dunn, founder and chief executive officer of Right Fit Recruiting, was appointed co-chair / vice president of membership for the WNY-Rochester Chapter of the
National Association of African Americans in Human Resources Board of Directors. The organization exists to provide a unique global forum for the career development of black and African American human resources professionals. ’86 BS Andrew D.W. Hill, president and co-founder of Andrew Hill Investment Advisors in Naples, FL, was appointed by Governor Ron DeSantis to the Big Cypress Basin Board. The Basin is one of two major watershed basins within the South Florida Water Management District’s 16-county region. ’87 BS Kim M. (Schmitt) Bowers is the new deputy county clerk for Erie County’s Auto Bureau Division. She previously worked in Erie County’s Pistol Permit Department. ’88 BS Michael E. Buck, PhD, joined Binghamton University as founding director its physical therapy program in the Decker College of Nursing and Health Sciences, where he is also an associate professor. Buck is the former director and chair of the physical therapy program at Ithaca College. ’88 BS Robert A. Ferrentino was appointed chief financial officer for iGPS Logistics, a provider of innovative supply chain solutions headquartered in Orlando, FL. A Six Sigma Green Belt, Ferrentino came to the position from Q1 LLC, also a logistics solutions provider, where he served as chief financial officer.
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’81 BS Daniel M. Kravitz is a new tax manager with the Massachusettsbased accounting firm Nathan Wechsler & Co. He previously worked as vice president and treasurer of Jewish Family Service of Worcester Inc. and treasurer of Temple Sinai in Worcester, MA. ’82 BA Mary C. Dillon-Olthaus was named director of marketing at Henry Community Health, a regional healthcare center headquartered in New Castle, IN. She was regional director of marketing and communications for the Miami University Regionals. ’82 BA Raymond C. Gerard joined the law firm of Tapella & Eberspacher LLC, in St. Louis, MO, as a senior attorney. He is the former president of Gerard Law PC. ’83 BA David A. Buckel, president and chief financial officer of BVI Venture Services in St. Petersburg, FL,
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Paul E. Belter ’87 BS, Accounting Career Highlight: Paul Belter was named executive vice president and chief financial officer for Kaleida Health, a $2 billion health system. Career Notes: Belter comes to Kaleida from AMITA Health in Chicago, IL, where he was executive vice president and chief financial officer of the $4 billion health system, which includes 19 hospitals, 200 ambulatory and outpatient locations, 24,000 employees and 800 physicians.
’89 BA Karen R. (Tomasino) Pusateri is the new manager of marketing and communication at Hospice & Palliative Care in Buffalo. She previously spent six years as a marketing and communication consultant.
women to receive Business First’s Women of Influence Award. The award recognizes women for their contributions to business and the community. Foote-Beavers received the award in the public policy category.
1990s
’92 BA Sandra J. Marcella is the new director of the Bureau of Data and Claims Management for the Commonwealth of Pennsylvania’s Office of Medical Assistance Programs. She previously worked as a senior project manager for the information technology and services company Perspecta.
’90 BA John J. Herman joined Penn Medicine Lancaster General Health (LG Health) as its new chief executive officer. Herman previously served as CEO of the North Shore Region of the Ochsner Health System in New Orleans, LA. ’90 BA Christopher D. Kane, PhD, is the new supervisory health scientist administrator and program officer at the National Cancer Institute (NCI) in Frederick, MD. He was deputy chief of the molecular biology division at the U.S. Army Medical Research Institute of Infectious Diseases at Ft. Detrick in Frederick, MD.
1980s
Maria B. Scrivani ’76 BA, English & French Career Highlight: Maria Scrivani recently authored a new book titled Buffalo’s Back: An Anthology of Our Times. The publication features a collection of stories from Western New York writers about their experiences during the Covid-19 pandemic. Career Notes: Scrivani is a former reporter for The Buffalo News and contributing writer for Buffalo Spree Magazine. Buffalo’s Back is the latest in a series of books authored by Scrivani about the city and greater Western New York region. She also co-wrote Beautiful Buffalo: Preserving a City and Niagara Attracting the World.
’94 BS Karen M. (Karaszewski) Antonelli, a partner with the accounting firm of Chiampou Travis Besaw & Kershner LLP, was one of just 25 Western New York women to receive Business First’s Women of Influence Award. The award recognizes women for their contributions to business and the community. Antonelli received the award in the inspiration category.
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’90 BA, MSEd ’91 Lisa F. (Chiavacci) LaBrake, an English teacher in the Sweet Home Central School District, was appointed president of the Sweet Home Education Foundation, a nonprofit organization that supports and supplements programs for more than 3,400 district students and their families. ’91 BS Kevin J. Jarnot is the new chief technology officer and chief product officer of Glytec, a software medical device company headquartered in Waltham, MA. He is the former chief technology officer for Micronotes.ai in Boston, MA. ’92 BA Hon. Lenora Foote-Beavers, a Buffalo city court judge, was one of just 25 Western New York
’92 MBA Thomas G. Pamukcoglu was named vice president and head of global quality for Cognate BioServices in Memphis, TN. The company develops and manufactures autologous and allogeneic cell and gene therapy products. Pamukcoglu came to the position from Lonza, where he was head of quality in the bioscience business unit. ’92 BA, MPA ’96 Mark A. Sullivan, president and chief executive officer of Catholic Health, received Business First’s C-Level Executive Award, which recognizes Western New York’s most effective business leaders. ’93 BS Amelia H. Lyons, PhD, an associate professor of history in the College of Arts and Humanities at the University of Central Florida, was one of 31 female faculty honorees recognized by the school during Women’s History Month. Lyons was awarded for being a fierce advocate for students and instilling in them a hard and rewarding work ethic.
’94 BA Mark A. Johnson, vice president of community development for Truist Bank in Norfolk, VA, received the MLK Community Leader Award from the Urban League of Hampton Roads. The award recognized Johnson’s leadership in guiding the community toward social and economic equality. The Hampton Roads Community Action Program also recognized Johnson with its Community Builders Award, which honors individuals who have a record of advancing positive change geared toward improving the lives of citizens. ’94 BS Carolyn M. (Hoch) Powell joined the accounting firm of Tronconi Segarra & Associates LLP as its new business development director. She previously worked as director of international business at Invest Buffalo Niagara. ’94 BA Scott L. Sroka is the new senior investigative attorney in the Office of the Inspector General for the National Science Foundation in Alexandria, VA. He also serves as assistant to Trina Ross, the new U.S. Attorney for the Western District of New York. Prior to these roles, Sroka served 13 years as an assistant attorney in the U.S. Attorney’s Office for the District of Columbia. ’95 Christopher Bopst, special counsel at Wilder & Linneball LLP, co-authored Bills of Rights Before the Bill of Rights: Early State Constitutions and the American Tradition of Rights 1776 – 1790 with Peter J. Galie, PhD, emeritus professor of political science at Canisius College and Bethany R. (Siena) Kirschner ’07. ’95 BS Eric R. Hebert has joined Kaufman & Canoles, PC, as a member of the firm's Corporate & Public Finance Practice Group. ’95 BS, MBA ’98 Benjamin J. Indelicato became vice president of sales and marketing for OneBridge Benefits following a nearly 24-year career as a major account services sales executive for ADP. ’95 BA Brian C. Kantz was recognized for his long-time service as president of the Central Amherst Little League Board of Directors. The board named the home dugout on its featured diamond in Kantz’ honor during opening day ceremonies. ’95 BA Rev. David Richards, administrator of Our Lady of Pompeii Parish in Lancaster, assumed the additional responsibility of temporary administrator of Sacred Heart Parish in Bowmansville.
’97 MPA Howard K. Hitzel, a licensed psychologist and retired president and chief executive officer of BestSelf Behavioral Health, received the Community Impact Award from Leadership Buffalo. Hitzel spent more than 40 years working as a clinician and administrator in public behavioral health organizations. ’97 BS Capt. Diane (Keating) Jones, DO, joined the pediatric staff of the North Country Family Health Center in Watertown. Prior to her current position, she was the medical director of pediatrics at Carthage Area Hospital and the chief medical officer for the Carthage Central School District, both in Carthage. ’97 BA, MS ’99 Meghan K. (Reid) Smith, vice president for human resources at Seneca Gaming Corp., received Business First’s C-Level Executive Award, which recognizes Western New York’s most effective business leaders. ’98 BA Molly K. Bakewell Chamberlin, president of Embassy Global LLC, which provides consulting services to small- and medium-sized hightech manufacturers, was appointed as a delegate to the National Small Business Association's (NSBA) Leadership and Technology Councils. ’98 MS Michele A. (Sixt) Melligan became the 16th head of school for Mount Mercy Academy. She brings with her to the position 20 years of experience as a school counselor in the Kenmore Town of Tonawanda School District. ’98 BS John D. Strong, an assistant professor in health and physical education at Niagara County Community College, was appointed as the school’s new chief diversity and equity officer. In this newly-created position, Strong works to increase support for social justice and civility in developing curricula, programs, services, policies and procedures on campus. ’99 BA, ’00 MS Amy M. Teprovich, EdD, was appointed president of Keiser University’s Fort Myers, FL campus. Teprovich comes to the position with more than 20 years of experience in higher education leadership roles. Most recently she was dean of academics at the Fort Myers campus.
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 the college.
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alumninotes ’04 BA, MBA ’11 Gregory W. Campbell was promoted from general manager to president of Calspan Corporation. Business First also recently named him to its annual “40 Under 40” list, which recognizes individuals doing impressive things in the workplace and community.
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’04 BS Daniel M. Hogan became chief executive officer of The Association of Union Constructors (TAUC) and impartial secretary and chief executive officer of the National Maintenance Agreements Policy Committee (NMAPC) in Arlington, VA. Prior to these positions, Hogan held positions as senior director of industrial relations for both agencies.
Phillip L. Dabney Jr. ’98 BA, Philosophy Career Highlight: Phillip Dabney was sworn in as a new Buffalo City Court judge. He was appointed by city of Buffalo Mayor Byron Brown. Career Notes: Dabney received his juris doctor degree from the University at Buffalo Law School and most recently served as assistant legal counsel to the Buffalo Municipal Housing Authority. He has also served as an assistant district attorney and an administrative law judge for the New York State Liquor Authority.
2000s
energy, construction, commercial real estate and manufacturing industries.
’00 BA Marianne G. Caswell was promoted from vice president of practice development for Guardian Life to president of Park Avenue Securities LLC, a wholly owned subsidiary of the Guardian Life Insurance Company of America.
’02 BS Michelle C. Bailey was promoted from director of staff to chief of staff at WellNow Urgent Care.
’00 BS Kevin T. Holler is a new pharmacy benefits consultant with the Lawley Insurance Group, where he specializes in pharmacy benefits management, employee engagement, benefit administration, ancillary benefits and private exchanges. Prior to Lawley, Holler spent 10 years with benefits operator Liazon. ’00 BA Matthew J. Low was promoted to senior vice president at Crowley Webb, a marketing communications agency, where he also serves as creative director. Low has been with Crowley Webb since 2000. ’00 MBA Lisa A. (Koch) Mrkall was promoted to principal in the Small Business Department of Tronconi Segarra & Associates LLP, an accounting and business consulting firm, where she also leads the Affordable Care Act service offerings for businesses. ’01 BA Kevin M. Eddy was named Of Counsel at the law firm of Blank Rome LLP in Pittsburgh, PA. He is a member of the firm’s commercial litigation practice group, representing companies in the
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’04 BA Lt. Col. Marshall J. Hunt, a former infantryman and Iraq war veteran, was named executive officer and chief of staff of the Syracuse-based 27th Infantry Brigade Combat Team. A member of the Active Guard/Reserve program, Hunt returns to the brigade after a successful command of the New York Army National Guard’s 104th Military Police Battalion in Kingston. ’04 BA Christina E. (Bersani) Miga is the West Irondequoit Central School District’s new assistant superintendent of instruction. She has worked in the district for the past seven years as director of instruction for grades K-6.
’05 BA Nicholas Budniewski was named manager of new product commercialization at Steuben Foods. He was senior lead of impact communications for Elmhurst 1925. ’05 BS Andrew P. Devine was promoted from associate to partner at the law firm of Phillips Lytle LLP, where he concentrates his practice on environmental, mass tort, business, contract, construction, banking, insurance and real estate litigation. ’05 BA Derik A. Kane, planner and project manager at LaBella Associates, was named to Business First’s “40 Under 40” list, which recognizes individuals who are doing impressive things in the workplace and community. ’05 BS Jordan M. Lema, chief executive officer and executive producer of Lemur Studios LLC, was named to Business First’s “40 Under 40” list, which recognizes individuals who are doing impressive things in the workplace and community. ’06 BA Jonathan D. Dare became a BOSS (balls, outs, strikes spotter) for Major League Baseball. He is responsible for entering critical game data used for “real time” business purposes such as broadcasts, in-stadium scoreboards and displays, as well as Gameday, At-Bat and other MLB.com applications during games.
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’02 BA, MS ’12, MS ’15, MS ’16 Jennifer A. Kinyon is the owner of Clever Clovers, which provides professional development, educational technology and remote work solutions. She also works as a care coordinator for Person Center Services Care Coordination.
’03 BS James P. Reidy was promoted from community office manager to vice president and community office manager at BankOnBuffalo’s newest office in Amherst. ’03 BA Joshua J. Russell, PhD, received tenure as an associate professor at Canisius College. Russell teaches in the Department of Animal Behavior, Ecology & Conservation (ABEC) and is chair of the anthrozoology program.
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’07 Albin J. Cich IV is a new career services advisor at Bryant and Stratton College. He previously worked as an academic advisor for the school. ’07 BA Jason S. Gerling was promoted from associate director to director of the management consulting firm Guidehouse in Atlanta, GA. ’07 BS, MBA ’10 Andrew R. Hahn was promoted to vice president and corporate sales manager of retail investments for Northwest Investment Services at Northwest Bank. In his new role, Hahn manages all retail investment activities. ’07 Bethany (Siena) Kirschner , an associate at Woehrle Dahlberg Yao PLLC in Fredericksburg, VA, co-authored Bills of Rights Before the Bill of Rights: Early State Constitutions and the American Tradition of Rights 1776 – 1790 with Peter J. Galie, PhD, emeritus professor of political science at Canisius College, and Christopher Bopst ’95. ’07 BS Lesa (Celeste) R. Offermann, PhD, is a new technical applications scientist at Thermo Fisher Scientific. She was previously a visiting assistant professor of chemistry at Davidson College in Charlotte, NC. ’08 MS Amy L. Feder joined Popmenu as its lead onboarding manager. She was product manager for Anthology (formerly Campus Labs). ’08 MS Michael D. Lester was promoted from senior admissions representative to admissions manager at Bryant & Stratton College. ’08 BS Juliana M. MarciniakZitnik, owner and operator of Peak Performance Chiropractic & Wellness, was named to Business First’s “40 Under 40” list, which recognizes individuals who are doing impressive things in the workplace and community.
’02 BS Christa L. (Kopacz) Linsey is a new tax manager at Prager Metis in the firm’s New York City office. She previously worked as a tax manager for Szymkowiak & Associates CPAs PC. ’03 MBA, MS ’04 Stephen G. Florczak was appointed vice president for information services with the payment solutions company CrossCheck in Petaluma, CA. He previously worked as senior director of information technology at The Hamister Group.
’07 BA Noelle M. Carter, president and chief executive officer of Consumer Credit Counseling Service of Buffalo, was named to Business First’s “40 Under 40” list, which recognizes individuals who are doing impressive things in the workplace and community.
Sarah A. Busch ’04 BA, Biology Career Highlight: Sarah Busch is director of regenerative medicine at Athersys Inc, a clinical-stage biopharmaceutical company in Cleveland, OH, and was recently named to Crain’s Cleveland Business “40 Under 40” list. Career Notes: In addition to her work at Athersys, Busch is an adjunct assistant professor of neuroscience at Case Western Reserve University and the author or co-author of four published, peer-reviewed scientific papers focused on cell therapy; specifically how MultiStem therapy works to provide therapeutic benefits in models of spinal cord injury and multiple sclerosis.
’08 MS Jessica J. Schimert is the new vice president for people at Mongoose, a student engagement software company, where she works to engage and develop talent within the organization. Prior to joining Mongoose, Schimert was an organizational development consultant for Performance Management Partners. ’09 BS Patrick M. Baker, MD, is a new anesthesiologist at Oregon Anesthesiology Group PC in Portland, OR. He recently completed his anesthesiology residency at New York Presbyterian Hospital in Manhattan. ’09 MBA Jamey J. Barcomb, a colonel with the New York Army National Guard, assumed command of the 153rd Troop Command Brigade. Comprised of 1,600 soldiers, the troop is headquartered
at the Connecticut Street Armory in Buffalo. Barcomb has served nearly 30 years in the active duty Army, U.S. Army Reserve and National Guard.
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’09 BS Ashley E. Bauer was promoted from senior manager to principal in the Accounting and Auditing Department of Tronconi Segarra & Associates LLP. ’09 BA William A. Lorenz Jr. joined the Mura Law Group as a senior associate where he concentrates his practice on insurance defense litigation. He was previously an associate attorney at HoganWillig. ’09 MSEd Shannon M. Ochal is the new principal of Gateway Longview Schools in Buffalo. Ochal comes to the position from the Therapeutic Preschool and Kindergarten Program, where she served as director. ’09 BA Daphne (Inman) Ross, senior director of college success and communications at Say Yes Buffalo, was named to Business First’s “40 Under 40” list, which recognizes individuals who are doing impressive things in the workplace and community. ’09 BA Shawnte A. Wilson is the new associate director of student learning and engagement at Buffalo State College. She previously was a program coordinator at Trocaire College.
2010s ’10 BA Mariel E. (Volk) Bard was promoted from proofreader and editor to senior editor at Crowley Webb, a marketing communications agency, where she has worked since 2015. ’10 BS Paul R. Delmonte is the new senior vice president and commercial banking team leader for First National Bank, the largest subsidiary of F.N.B. Corporation, in York, PA. He was the senior vice president and senior relationship manager at Huntington National Bank.
Chantele M. Thompson ’05 BA, Psychology Career Highlight: Chantele Thompson is the new director of diversity, equity and inclusion at Child and Family Services of Erie County, where she is responsible for recognizing, creating and implementing plans to promote diversity, equity and inclusion within the agency. Career Notes: Thompson came to her new position from Erie County Medical Center, where she worked as assistant director of ambulatory services and led sexual health programs with a specific focus on the LGBTQ, African American and LatinX communities, and HIV/AIDS treatment, prevention and healthcare disparities.
’11 BS Angela M. DeDionisio is a new program finance manager for the biotech startup DermBiont Inc. in Boston, MA. He was a senior associate at Fidato Partners LLC in Philadelphia, PA. ’11 BA David E. Lalka became an assistant operations officer in the U.S. Army, stationed in Fort Bragg, NC. He previously served as commander, training and development manager and operations manager.
’10 BA Sarah Dzioba joined Colorado Early Colleges Aurora in Denver, CO, as a school counselor. She previously was a college admissions representative and enrollment coordinator for Bryant and Stratton College in Cleveland, OH.
’11 MBA Lauren Lewis, partner and co-founder of StaffBuffalo, was named to Business First’s “40 Under 40” list, which recognizes individuals who are doing impressive things in the workplace and community.
'10 MS Mark R. Harrington, EdD, received the Jesuit Association of Student Personnel Administrators (JASPA) Ignatian Medal for Outstanding Achievement in Jesuit Student Affairs. Harrington is assistant vice president for student success at Canisius College. He is also director of the master's degree program in higher education and student affairs administration, and an assistant professor in the Department of Graduate Education and Leadership.
’12 Jenaro Olwak Aken, founder and executive director at Shufto Soccer Initiative Inc., authored a memoir titled Shufto - My Unique Journey From Sudan, Egypt, to the USA. The book chronicles Aken’s personal journey as a refugee and the challenges he and most refugees and immigrants face worldwide.
’10 BA Brigid E. Randisi joined PEKO Precision Products in Rochester as a human resources generalist. She came to the position from the Rochester Americans where she was senior human resources coordinator.
’12 MBA Michael J. Edbauer, DO, executive vice president and chief strategy officer for BlueCross BlueShield of Western New York, received Business First’s C-Level Executive Award. The award recognizes the region’s most effective business leaders.
’12 MBA Lisa A. Latrovato, donor relations manager for the HauptmanWoodward Medical Research Institute, was named a finalist for the 2021 ATHENA Leadership Award, presented by the Buffalo Niagara Partnership. The award recognizes the professional accomplishments of individuals who are dedicated to the advancement of women. ’12 MS Patrick S. Massaro II, a veterans’ coordinator at SUNY Canton, was appointed to the SUNY Veteran and Military Advisory Committee. Massaro is a 15-year Marine Corps service member who recently returned from a deployment in the Middle East. ’12 BS Taryn C. Spencer, MD, joined Latus Medical Care as a physician specializing in preventive and internal medicine. She recently completed her four-year residency in internal medicine-preventive medicine at the University at Buffalo. ’13 MS Lindsay M. Bergman, athletic director at the Charter School for Applied Technologies, was recognized by the National Athletic Administrators Association (NIAAA) as a certified athletic administrator. ’13 BA Kalani Kapahua is the new manager of Third Place Books near Seattle, WA. He has been with the organization for more than six years, most recently as offsite events manager.
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alumninotes
alumninotes IN MEMORIAM
Canisius Confers LaSalle Medal Upon Emmerling, Schimminger
Canisius College lost two loyal alumni and benefactors this spring with the passing of Robert J. Kresse ’50, HON ’00 on November 30, 2020 and Frederick G. Attea ’61 on April 10, 2021.
The college’s Alumni Association conferred its LaSalle Medal upon two of its most deserving alumni: Thomas R. Emmerling '75 and the Hon. Robin L. Schimminger '69, HON '07. The LaSalle Medal is the highest honor an alumnus/a can receive. It recognizes individuals who have made substantial contributions to advance the interests of the college. Thomas Emmerling built a 40-year career at Dopkins and Company, as a leader among the region’s certified public accountants and financial planners. Now a managing partner, he joined the firm during his junior year at Canisius and continues to serve both loyally. Emmerling has led efforts to build the Dopkins & Company Accounting Scholarship Fund at Canisius, served terms on the boards of Regents and Trustees, and as vice chair of the Canisius Council on Accountancy. Comprised of accounting and financial executives, the council advises the Accounting Department and provides educational and professional opportunities to accounting students.
Robert J. Kresse
Hon. Robin Schimminger
Robin Schimminger spent nearly a half-century serving the people of Western New York in a remarkable political career, which began in the Erie County Legislature and concluded in the New York State Assembly with his December 2020 retirement. During his tenure, Schimminger enacted more than 400 laws and sponsored numerous measures to strengthen the state’s economic development policies. Canisius’ own work in this area often benefitted from Schimminger’s efforts. He secured more than $1.3 million in funding for the Women’s Business Center, the Center for Professional Development and Literacy Center. In 2012, Schimminger helped procure $7 million in state appropriations for the development of Science Hall. Thomas Emmerling
’13 MS Justin F. Maxwell was promoted to interim men’s basketball coach at SUNY Cobleskill. Maxwell joined the Fighting Tigers as an assistant in October 2020. He was previously head coach at SUNY Ulster.
’16 BS Spencer E. Bray graduated from DePaul University College of Law in May 2020 and joined Deloitte in Chicago, IL, as a new tax consultant. Bray previously worked as a general litigation law clerk at Hennessy & Roach PC.
’13 BA Nicholas P. Veronica is a the new digital executive producer at WIVB-TV Channel 4. He previously worked for NBC Sports and The Buffalo News.
’16 BS, MS ’19 Samuel M. Frank became the new athletics director for Mount St. Mary Academy. He was an assistant athletic director and director of hockey operations at St. Joseph’s Collegiate Institute.
’14 BA Molly A. Burhans, founder of GoodLands, was featured in The New Yorker magazine for her efforts to help Pope Francis and the Catholic Church battle climate change. ’14 MS Margo J. Lacure is the new assistant principal at Kelley School in the Newark, NJ, Central School District. She previously served as coordinator for the Marion Elementary School Multitiered System of Supports. ’15 MS Robert L. Coleman is the new men’s basketball coach at ColumbiaGreene Community College in Hudson. He previously led the Hudson Valley Community College women’s basketball team to three postseason appearances in four years. ’15 BS, MsED ’21 Michael W. Ertel is a new physical education teacher within the Buffalo Public School District. He previously worked as a physical education and health teacher for South Buffalo Catholic School. ’15 MS Christina M. (Waring) Fanara was named the new academic advisor for women’s basketball at the University at Buffalo, where she also works as an athletics tutor coordinator. ’15 BS, MBA ’17 Katrina A. Smietana joined her family-owned business, D&M Refrigeration Inc., as chief operating officer. She previously worked as senior internal auditor at 3D Systems Corporation.
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’16 BS, MBA ’17 Adam R. Harris is a new associate with the investment banking company Paramax, where he focuses on sell-side and buy-side transaction activity. Prior to Paramax, Harris worked at Deloitte.
’17 BA Christopher J. Phillips was named a Borchard Fellow for the Borchard Foundation Center on Law & Aging at the Center for Elder Law & Justice. He provides culturally competent legal services to the aging LGBTQ community of Western New York. ’17 MS Makayla A. Santiago-Froebel is the new arts marketing specialist for the Chautauqua Institution. She previously worked as the development and communications coordinator for the Center for Elder Law & Justice.
’19 BS Patrick J. Collins was promoted from business operations analyst to communications and proposal strategist at Aleron, where he is responsible for the development and execution of communications, proposals, public relations and client delivery strategies. ’19 BA Mary C. Russo is working as a graduate assistant for events and marketing at Daemen College, where she is pursuing her MS in leadership and innovation.
’17 BS Kurt W. Siegner is a new operations associate at M&T Bank. Previously, he was a master data coordinator for ValueCentric.
’19 MS Thressa A. Zimmerman is the new residential coordinator at St. Lawrence University in Canton. She was a study abroad advisor at SUNY Geneseo.
’16 BS Jacqueline P. Kane joined Gurney, Becker & Bourne as a licensed real estate salesperson.
’18 BS Mackenzie J. App was promoted from field technician to Eastern field manager and operations specialist at Electro Scan Inc.
’16 MS Matthew Ullery joined Kaleida Health as a registered nurse. He works on the telemetry/medical-surgical floor of Buffalo General Medical Center.
’18 BS Michael F. Breindel joined Lumsden McCormick CPAs and Advisors as an audit staff accountant. Prior to this, he worked for The Bonadio Group.
’17 BA, MS ’21 Kyle Cramer joined Jesuit High School of Tampa, FL, as a new social studies teacher. He previously worked as the assistant freshman rowing coach at Canisius High School.
’18 MS Meghan K. (Kloss) Burke is the new director of mission advancement at the Congregation of the Sisters of St. Joseph. She formerly worked at Daemen College as director of the Daemen Fund.
’20 BS Ryan J. Ballow graduated from the U.S. Navy Recruit Command in Great Lakes, IL, with the rating of E-3 Seaman USN and an added ribbon for qualifying as a sharpshooter. Upon graduation, Ballow was selected to become a member of the Navy Ceremonial Guard in Washington, DC, which represents presidential, joint armed forces, Navy and public ceremonies in and around the nation’s capital.
’17 MS Molly K. Ederer is a new special education teacher at Pan American Academy Charter School. Previously, she was an associate director and program manager at Buffalo Promise Neighborhood.
’18 BS Nanae Yokokura Gould joined English Innovations as a student advisor. She previously worked as an international admissions representative at Sophia University.
’17 BS Noah M. Hoy is a new chiropractor at Mazurkiewicz Family Chiropractic in Batavia, where he specializes in flexion distraction, instrument-assisted soft-tissue mobilization, soft-tissue therapy, trigger-point therapy and rehab.
CANISIUS COLLEGE M AGA ZINE SUMME R 2021
’18 MS Jake Kroll was promoted from a receiving and inventory clerk to an inside sales support associate with ADPRO Sports. ’18 MS Kelly Mandell-Klumpp was promoted from staff analyst to a senior analyst at the Brisbane Consulting Group, where she assists in business valuations, and lifestyle, income and expense forensic analyses.
’20 BA Abigail A. Hughes joined Catholic Charities of Buffalo as a new coordinator for homelessness prevention. ’20 BS Clare Niver is a new audit staff accountant for Lumsden McCormick. ’20 BS Carter M. Stefaniak signed a one-year contract with the Buffalo Bandits. He was the sixth-round pick (89th overall) in the 2020 NLL Entry Draft.
Kresse graduated from Canisius in 1950 on the GI Bill. He went on to earn a law degree from Georgetown University and became a founding partner of Hiscock & Barclay (now known as Barclay Damon), where he spent the better part of seven decades.
Always a generous contributor to alma mater, Kresse played an instrumental role in the college’s expansion of the Andrew L. Bouwhuis Library, helping to secure a $450,000 grant from the Margaret L. Wendt Foundation, for which he served more than three decades as a trustee. Throughout his lifetime, Kresse was an annual supporter of the Canisius Fund. As a member of the Rev. James M. Demske ’47, SJ, Society, Kresse’s estate gift to Canisius will help ensure the strength of the college and its students for generations to come. Similar to Kresse, Frederick G. Attea is remembered as a prominent Buffalo attorney, civic-minded leader, and charitable alumnus of alma mater. Attea graduated from Canisius in 1961 and earned a juris doctor degree from Fordham University School of Law. Upon returning to Buffalo, Attea joined the law firm of Phillips, Mahoney, Lytle, Yorkey & Letchworth, (now Phillips Lytle LLP), where he practiced as partner for 45 years. In 1992, he established the Frederick G. Attea ’61 / Phillips Lytle Scholarship. The endowed scholarship supports students in good academic standing who demonstrate financial need. Attea was also a loyal member of the college’s Leadership Society through his annual support of the Canisius Fund. His generosity to alma mater continues in perpetuity through Attea’s estate gift to the Rev. James M. Demske ’47, SJ, Society. Canisius honored both men over the years with induction into the DiGamma Honor Society, and conferral of the Distinguished Alumni Award and LaSalle Medal. Both also served as integral members of the college’s Board of Trustees in the 1980s.
Frederick G. Attea
Frederick S. Cieslak ’57, MD November 19, 2020 Paul F. Dupuis MS ’57 March 20, 2021 Herman C. Geraci ’57 December 12, 2020 Anthony Carbone ’58 February 19, 2021 Alfred W. Zielonka MS ’59, EdD October 7, 2020 Thomas F. Brinkworth ’60 October 11, 2020 Daniel J. Manley Jr. ’61, MS ’63 November 17, 2020 John G. Wirth Jr. ’61 December 8, 2020 Scott H. Patterson ’62 November 9, 2020 Michael P. Golinski ’63 September 17, 2020 Sr. Dorothy M. Smith ’63, MS ’69 September 7, 2020 Vincent F. Delgato ’65 December 8, 2020 James J. Steinagle ’65 December 9, 2020 Joseph G. Krug MS ’66 October 25, 2020
James F. Bednasz ’67 November 19, 2020 David J. Caples ’68 March 20, 2021 William H. Grady ’68 October 29, 2020 Mary Felicia F. Golembiewski MS ’69 December 11, 2020 John B. Chirayath ’70 February 28, 2021 Raymond R. Bergevin MBA ’72 November 5, 2020 Patricia M. Enger MS ’72 November 11, 2020 Sr. Martha Joseph MS ’72 March 3, 2021 George P. Urban III MBA ’72 November 11, 2020 James A. Zern ’72 December 6, 2020 Raymond F. Palmowski Jr. ’73 November 8, 2020 John J. Wlos MS ’73 October 18, 2020 George T. Azzarelli MS ’74 February 21, 2021 Sr. Mary I. Glose MS ’74 February 28, 2021
Barbara J. Yagle MS ’75 September 28, 2020 Richard R. Haynes MBA ’77 February 20, 2021 Kathleen L. Hall ’79 December 13, 2020 Dennis R. DePerro ’81, MS ’88, EdD March 1, 2021 J. Leonard Rizzo MS ’84 December 10, 2020 Ruth D. Georger ’85 September 13, 2020 Glen R. Gerspach ’85 October 13, 2020 Jean N. Schultz MSEd ’86 September 26, 2020 Brent P. Thurn ’88 February 20, 2021 Rosie R. Hargrove MSEd ’89 October 22, 2020 Hortense B. Nash ’93 September 13, 2020 Nancy M. (Evans) Hargrave MS ’98 March 11, 2021 Christina L. Jimerson MBA ’16 February 11, 2021
Tatian I. Cruz ’15, MS ’18 and Michael P. Lillis Jr. ’15, MS ’18 May 14, 2021*
Katherine A. Griffin ’14 and Timothy J. Seil ’12, MS ’14 May 30, 2020*
Sarah K. Kozarowicz MSEd ’07 and Scott F. Noah ’02 September 22, 2020
Andrew J. Philipps ’09 and Sarah Battaglia April 30, 2021*
Marissa L. DiRienzo ’19 and Theodore A. Snyder ’19 October 11, 2020*
Kathleen V. Johnson ’14 and Nicholas V. Wiltsie ’13 September 5, 2020*
Bridget A. Laszewski ’14 and John E. Fitzpatrick October 3, 2020*
Taylor G. Schupp ’13, MS ’15 and Adam J. Augustyn ’13 May 15, 2021*
Joseph J. Thomas ’43 November 28, 2020 Edward J. Schwendler ’48 February 21, 2021 Rita E. Walter MS ’48 November 23, 2020 Frank N. Cuomo ’50 March 1, 2021 James C. Lucy ’50 November 1, 2020 Charles A. Smith Jr. ’50 February 14, 2021 Louis A. Russo ’51, MS ’52 November 17, 2020 Robert T. Staebell ’51, MS ’66 October 1, 2020 John A. Kirisits ’52, MS ’58 September 8, 2020 John R. Ashdown ’53 September 3, 2020 John J. Carney Jr. ’53 October 7, 2020 Edward J. Schunk ’53 September 27, 2020 Michael L. Anastasia Sr. ’55, MS ’60 December 11, 2020 Arthur S. Cookfair ’56 September 14, 2020
Weddings
*Married in Christ the King Chapel SUMME R 2021 CANISIUS COLLEGE M AGA ZINE
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alumniprofile
Leveling the Playing Field Daakeia (McFadden) Clarke ’03 becomes the first CEO of the WNBA’s New York Liberty Story: Audrey R. Browka / Photo: The New York Liberty
alumniprofile
In the wide world of sports, women are increasingly the main event. Just this past year, hurdles – once considered insurmountable – fell from the barrier-breaking achievements of female athletes and executives: Sarah Fuller became the first woman to play in a major league football program. Katie Sowers made history as the first female coach in the Super Bowl. And Kim Ng signed on as the first woman general manager in Major League Baseball. Daakeia (McFadden) Clarke ’03 is also on this roster of unapologetically ambitious females. The 5'6" former Golden Griffin point guard is CEO of the New York Liberty women’s basketball team. Appointed in July 2020, Clarke is the first CEO in the team’s 25-year history and the only Black CEO in the Women's National Basketball Association (WNBA), which is comprised primarily (80 percent) of Black players. “There’s a phrase: ‘If you can’t see it, you can’t be it,’” says Clarke, who played 114 career games and scored 457 total points for the Griffs. “Well, we’re starting to see some very strong, very smart women in leadership roles within the sports industry and I hope young women feel they can achieve the same now because they’re seeing it done.” Clarke leads the Liberty as it enters a new era. The franchise – one of the WNBA’s eight charter members – commemorates a quarter century on the court this summer. Already, Clarke is giving players and their fan base reason to cheer. She negotiated a deal that moved the team venue from a small arena on the outskirts of Westchester County to New York City’s much larger Barclays Center, “where we can attract a wider and more diverse audience from Manhattan, Brooklyn and the Bronx.” Clarke also inked a first-of-its-kind TV partnership to broadcast New York Liberty games on the YES Network. “What better way to showcase our squad then on the most-watched regional sports networks in the country?” As Clarke positions the Liberty for the big stage, she works behind the scenes planning strategically on how to grow brand partnerships, innovate in a post-Covid world, manage revenue and mitigate expenses. All are high priority but “they hang off the greater goal to bring WNBA basketball to the masses.”
Clarke’s assent to the C-suite began a decade ago when she joined the WNBA by way of the NBA. “League life was exciting but I coveted a job with a team.” An opportunity arose with the Liberty in 2011 and Clarke jumped. As the team’s marketing manager, Clarke put her Canisius degree to work collaborating with sponsors, directing ticket sales, leading event presentations and guiding community relations. Clarke proved quickly she could deliver first-class fan experiences and subsequently landed a series of promotions. By 2017, however, Clarke’s career reached a tipping point: Remain content in her role as vice president for team business development or pursue the chief operating officer (COO) position. “I had to take a hard look in the mirror,” says Clarke. “My husband and I had two small children and the idea of ‘having it all’ was coupled with the concern of ‘juggling it all.’” After some deliberation and much family discussion, Clarke applied for and secured the COO position. Within three years, she became the team’s first CEO. “My role is twofold,” she says. “It’s to provide a platform for these elite, female athletes to play the game. But it’s also to elevate and advocate for gender and racial equality.” Clarke is one of two team executives to sit on the WNBA’s Social Justice Council. The newly-formed cohort is comprised of players, team executives and league officials. Collectively, the group engages educators, activists and business leaders to raise awareness about social justice issues including race, voting rights and LGBTQ+ support. “At the end of the day, it’s about people, and the care and attention we give them.” Clarke’s leadership style is “very much focused on her people.” She is proud to have built a diverse team that includes women of all races and ethnicities whom she champions in their efforts to elevate the New York Liberty, and whom she empowers to innovate, improve and grow. “The greatest lesson I learned as a student-athlete at Canisius was that no matter how big of a superstar you have, you always need a full team to be successful.” That, she says, is the game changer.
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CANISIUS COLLEGE M AGA ZINE SUMME R 2021
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Canisius College Magazine 2001 Main Street | Buffalo, NY 14208 | canisius.edu
Julia F. Cornwell ’21 is thrilled to have advanced her education and passion in finance thanks to support from the Canisius Fund. She received a world-class education in one of the nation’s best finance programs, all while deepening her desire to serve her community through the college’s Jesuit mission. At the start of the Covid-19 pandemic, Julia delivered meals to healthcare workers at a Covid-19 treatment facility. Canisius is proud to educate thousands of students like Julia who will be ready to not only lead our world but make it a better place. Your gift to the Canisius Fund supports students, their education and the Canisius experience that makes them our next generation of leaders.
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Gifts to the Canisius Fund have an immediate impact on students like Julia. Make your gift by visiting canisius.edu/give.
Julia F. Cornwell Class of 2021 Finance Major
CANISIUS FUND