Canisius Magazine Spring 2016

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CANISIUS COLLEGE MAGAZINE • SPRING / SUMMER 2016

Called to Action

Canisius alumni advocate for truth, justice and the greater good


president’sperspective

JOHN J. HURLEY

Canisius College Magazine SPRING / SUMMER 2016 VOLUME 17, ISSUE 2

In 1975, the Jesuits’ Thirty-Second General Congregation (GC 32) transformed the ministry and identity of the Society of Jesus by proclaiming that the mission of the Society was the service of faith, of which the promotion of justice was an absolute requirement. GC 32 defined this as helping people “become more open toward God and more willing to live according to the demands of the Gospel.” For 41 years, the service of faith and the promotion of justice have been the animating forces behind all of the Jesuits’ apostolic works, including higher education. At Canisius, we have come to speak of pursuing the faith that does justice. In GC 32, the Jesuits recognized that this demanded “a life in which the justice of the Gospel shines out in a willingness not only to recognize and respect the rights of all, especially the poor and powerless, but also to work actively to secure those rights.” And so we celebrate in this issue of Canisius Magazine ways in which graduates of Canisius have taken this essential aspect of their Jesuit education to heart and lived lives of service in the pursuit of justice. We salute them and the thousands of Canisius alumni whose lives stand as a testament to a faith that does justice. We also salute the 19 members of the class of 2016 who were recognized at commencement for committing to a year of service after graduation. The college’s Mission Statement states that a Canisius education is marked by transformative learning experiences. The call to service and our encounters with people who are poor and marginalized are transformative. In our work with students prior to service and foreign immersion trip experiences, we often assign a profound essay, “Meeting the Victims, Falling in Love,” by the late Rev. Dean Brackley, SJ, who bravely devoted so much of his life to service of the people of El Salvador. This year’s undergraduate commencement speaker, Rev. James Martin, SJ, described the essay as an “eloquent testimony to solidarity with the poor.” It’s sometimes easy to casually toss around Jesuit maxims and buzzwords as marketing tools, without fully understanding the depth of meaning inherent in each. I’m so gratified when I speak with our students and hear them explain how they have come to understand, through their education at Canisius, what it means to become “men and women for and with others.” It’s clearly not just a slogan to them, but a lifetime challenge.

President John J. Hurley Vice President for Advancement William M. Collins Director of Public Relations & Executive Editor Eileen C. Herbert ’04, MS ’15 Managing Editor Audrey R. Browka Creative Director Patty Herkey Art Director Cody Weiler Contributing Writers Kristin E. Etu ’91 Makayla A. Santiago Photography Bob & Dave Photography Jeremy Miller Gary Sexton Tom Wolf ’86

To Contact Us We are eager to hear your comments about Canisius College Magazine. Please send correspondence to: Canisius College Magazine 2001 Main Street, Lyons Hall Room 209, Buffalo, NY 14208 Phone 716-888-2790 Fax 716-888-2778 Email ccmag@canisius.edu Postmaster send change of address to: Canisius College, 2001 Main Street, Buffalo, NY 14208

Visit canisius.edu/magazine to read Father Brackley’s essay in its entirety.


contents SPRING/ SUMMER 2016 10 | Cover Story CALLED TO ACTION Long after graduation day, Canisius alumni continue to live the Jesuit mission, as advocates for truth, social justice and the greater good.

4 | Blue & Gold Briefs Canisius recruits Reggie Witherspoon as head coach of the men’s basketball team.

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Pomp and Circumstance

9 | Faculty Research

The Class of 2016 joins the ranks of 48,000-plus Canisius alumni, worldwide

FOR SAFETY’S SAKE New research by Psychology Professor Timothy J. Servoss, PhD, reveals the unintended consequences of school security measures.

departments

NOTES 8 FACULTY FACULTY NEWS AND UPDATES

DVANCEMENT 18 ADEVELOPMENT NEWS AND UPDATES ANISIUS CONNECTIONS 21 CALUMNI NEWS AND NOTES

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Canisius Recruits Reggie Witherspoon Named head coach of men’s basketball Buffalo native Reggie Witherspoon signed a fiveyear contract in May to become the 24th head coach of the Canisius College men’s basketball team. Witherspoon is a 20-year veteran of the college basketball coaching ranks. “I am incredibly excited for our men’s basketball program, our college and for Western New York to welcome Reggie Witherspoon as our new head coach,” said Canisius Athletics Director Bill Maher ’89 while introducing Witherspoon to the campus community and the Buffalo media. “Reggie brings with him a proven record of building strong basketball teams and developing young men.”

Pictured (l-r) Canisius President John J. Hurley, Head Coach Reggie Witherspoon, Athletics Director Bill Maher ’89

Best known for his work building the basketball program at the University at Buffalo, Witherspoon led the Bulls from 1999-2013. The team had a 174-143 record during Witherspoon’s last 10 years with the program, and featured a Mid-American Conference (MAC) regular-season crown, two trips to the MAC Tournament title game and four trips to the national postseason. WEB EXTRA

Witherspoon spent the 2015-16 season at the University of Tennessee at Chattanooga, where he helped lead the Mocs to a 29-6 overall record. Witherspoon succeeds former head coach Jim Baron, who announced his retirement May 20.

R ead more about Head Coach Reggie Witherspoon at canisius.edu/magazine.

Borgia Becomes Dean of Business School Charged with positioning Wehle for a successful future Canisius College appointed Daniel J. Borgia, PhD, as the next dean of the Richard J. Wehle School of Business. Borgia comes to campus from the University of Idaho, where he was associate dean and professor of finance for the College of Business and Economics. He begins work July 11. As chief academic officer for the Wehle School of Business, Borgia is charged with building on the school’s existing strengths while positioning it for a strong and successful future. Borgia’s role requires that he develop collaborative partnerships with the business community; foster academic excellence through outstanding teaching, scholarship and service; and promote excellence in student learning. Borgia brings to the position nearly two decades of experience as a faculty member and administrator. He holds a PhD in finance and international business from Kent State University; an MBA from Gannon University; and a bachelor’s degree in management from Cornell University. Borgia replaces Richard A. Shick, PhD, who retired after serving 23 years as dean of the Wehle School of Business.

CANISIUS ACCOUNTING RANKS

#1 IN NYS

The numbers tell the story of Canisius’ accounting program. According to the National Association of the State Board of Accountancy, Canisius graduate and undergraduate accounting majors, who sat for the 2015 CPA exam cycle, ranked number one, overall, in New York State. Canisius is first among medium programs (institutions with between 21-60 candidates).


blue&goldbriefs Buffalo’s own Goo Goo Dolls lent their star power to Canisius in April when the rock band headlined a concert to benefit the Institute for Autism Research (IAR). “Artists for Autism” raised more than $25,000 for the IAR and included performances by the multiplatinum, Grammynominated Goo Goo Dolls, singer-songwriter Cassandra Kubinski and vocalist Mary Ramsey of Jamestown’s 10,000 Maniacs. The musicians also debuted a new version of Kubinski’s original song “Not So Different.” Downloads of the song benefit the IAR. WEB EXTRA

Visit canisius.edu/magazine to download “Not So Different.”

Photo courtesy of Chuck Pustelnik ’91, MS ’04 "Artists for Autism” musicians present the Institute for Autism Research at Canisius with a check for $25,000. Pictured (l-r) are: Robby Takac, Goo Goo Dolls; Canisius President John Hurley; singer-songwriter Cassandra Kubinski; Chis Lopata, PsyD and Marcus Thomeer, PhD, IAR co-directors; Armand Petri, music producer; Mary Ramsey, 10,000 Maniacs; and John Rzeznik, Goo Goo Dolls.

Photo courtesy of Stockton Photos

Canisius a “Best Catholic College” Three new rankings place Canisius among the best Catholic colleges and universities in the nation. • College Choice names Canisius one of its top 75 Catholic schools. The ranking looks collectively at a college’s reputation, net cost and financial aid packages, along with average graduate salaries to determine which institutions provide both academic prestige and return on investment. •T he latest Catholic Colleges of Distinction guidebook recognizes Canisius for its strong focus on teaching undergraduates, having an engaged student body and vibrant campus community, and delivering successful outcomes to graduates. For the fifth time in six years, the Canisius women’s lacrosse team won a MAAC championship. The women defeated No. 3 seed Monmouth University (New Jersey), 17-5, to win the league’s crown and a conference berth to the NCAA Division I Lacrosse Championship, where they later fell to Cornell University, 15-11, in the first round. The team finished the season with a 13-7 record.

•B estColleges.com places Canisius 13th on its list of best online Catholic colleges. The ranking highlights Canisius’ innovative online graduate degree options and small class sizes, which encourage engagement and group discussion.

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Commencement 2016 With their bachelor’s and master’s degrees in hand, the Class of 2016 joined the ranks of the Canisius alumni network in May. The pomp and circumstance of commencement weekend was accompanied by the emotion and pride of the nearly 1,300 newly minted undergraduate and graduate alumni, their families, and Canisius faculty and staff. The following pages tell the story of Commencement 2016 – in pictures.

Student speaker Maria Ngo Ta ’16 snaps a selfie in the midst of her address to the College of Arts & Sciences.

Bishop Richard J. Malone, of the Diocese of Buffalo, celebrates the Baccalaureate Mass.

Second lieutenant Michael R. Slutzky ’16 salutes after taking his oath of office during the ROTC commissioning ceremony.

Rev. James Martin, SJ, editor-in-chief of America magazine, addresses the undergraduate Class of 2016. 6

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WEB EXTRA

View the Commencement 2016 photo gallery and video at canisius.edu/magazine.

President John J. Hurley proclaims “Long live the Class of 2016!”

USA President Richard Kubiak ’16 dons cap and gown atop the Golden Griffin statue, for which he helped secure funds. CANISIUS COLLEGE MAGAZINE • SPRING / SUMMER 2016 |

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facultynotes

Not so Ruff Hoffman study finds black dogs are just fine Turns out black dogs have been getting a bad rap. A new study by Assistant Professor of Animal Behavior Christy L. Hoffman, PhD, finds that Black Dog Syndrome (BDS) does not exist in animal shelters. “BDS is the idea that black dogs wait longer to be adopted than dogs of other colors,” explains Hoffman. Her study looked at four years of adoption data from two animal shelters in the Pacific Northwest. It found that black dogs actually have shorter shelter stays when compared to dogs of different colors. On average, the shelter stays of black dogs are a half day to a dayand-a-half shorter than their canine counterparts. The study does not prove Black Dog Syndrome wasn’t once a more universal problem now improved by education and marketing efforts, cautions Hoffman. Instead, she hopes her findings encourage individual shelters and rescue groups to examine their data to make sure education and marketing efforts are being directed appropriately. “If a shelter invests efforts in promoting black dogs when black dogs might have the same success if they’re not promoted, then these resources could be better spent promoting other animals that are overlooked,” says Hoffman. Christy L. Hoffman, PhD, and Juno

Pest Control Grebenok awarded USDA grant to protect plants from insects Biology Professor Robert J. Grebenok, PhD, is part of an interdisciplinary research team investigating ways to force herbivorous insects to choose weeds as food – rather than agriculturally important crop plants. Supported by a recently awarded three-year, $500,000 grant from the U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA), Grebenok is exploring ways that plants can produce more of their natural defenses so they eventually have little dietary use to insects. The outcome could help maintain plant health and eliminate future pesticides. To date, Grebenok’s plant research has generated more than $1.5 million in government support. Robert J. Grebenok (right)

Esteemed Educator Morris receives Distinguished Faculty Award Professor Sara R. Morris, PhD, led the academic procession during commencement ceremonies in May, an honor reserved solely for the Kenneth L. Koessler Distinguished Faculty Award recipient. The award, presented by the Alumni Association, recognizes a faculty member for teaching excellence and outstanding contributions to the academic world. An esteemed educator, mentor and scholar, Morris is a veteran of the Biology Department, whose scholarly work centers on bird migration. She most recently accepted the position of associate vice president for academic affairs at Canisius. 8

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facultyresearch For Safety’s Sake New study by Psychology Professor Timothy J. Servoss reveals the unintended consequences of school security measures Security measures in American high schools are meant to keep students safe. But the nationwide trend of embedding security cameras, metal detectors, resource officers and even police officers in schools is having unintended consequences, according to research by Associate Professor of Psychology Timothy J. Servoss, PhD. Using survey data from the U.S. Department of Education, Servoss and his UB colleague, SUNY Distinguished Professor Jeremy Finn, PhD, discovered three key predictors that determine what types of high schools adopt the most security. Region and school size are two factors. “Security levels are higher in the southern region of the U.S.,” Servoss explains. “They’re also higher in larger schools that have more students.” But it’s the third predictor that proves most troubling. The study revealed that security levels are higher in schools that have sizeable populations of African-American students. “The relationship between race and security cannot be explained away by differences in urbanicity, socioeconomic status or the level of misbehavior, violence and crime in the schools and their surrounding neighborhoods,” says Servoss. “All of these characteristics – and others – were included in the analyses and race emerges as most important.” Further findings show that the more security in a school, the less safe students feel. Additionally, increased security does not decrease student misbehavior, crime, victimization or bullying. It does, however, lead to higher suspension rates in schools that utilize resource officers. Heightened security also triples the likelihood of students being arrested in schools that employ police officers. And the number of AfricanAmerican students arrested is disproportionately higher than their Caucasian counterparts. “It’s not the case that the school with the police officer is arresting more kids because the misbehaviors are higher than at other schools. It’s really a convenience factor but the result is that common misbehaviors become criminalized,” Servoss says. Students involved in fights are charged with assault and battery. A disruptive student is charged with disturbing the peace. A dress code violation becomes an indictment for indecent exposure, explains Servoss. In April, he and Finn presented their research to the American Educational Research Association in Washington, D.C. “We don’t have the answers but the hope is our findings will cause school leaders to reconsider their use of resources,” Servoss told the audience. Buying security equipment and hiring security personnel is expensive and often, adds Servoss, it’s the districts with the least amount of resources that spend the most on security. “Couple that with our research, which shows the unintended consequences of school security, and perhaps those resources could be redirected to areas where research has proven positive outcomes,” Servoss says. CANISIUS COLLEGE MAGAZINE • SPRING / SUMMER 2016 |

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Called to Action Canisius alumni advocate for truth, justice and the greater good America is in the midst of a boom – a compassion boom. We’re at a time in history when giving back is a priority for millions of people; an era in which acting on good intentions is becoming a way of life. Of course, giving back is a pillar of a Canisius education. Here, students not only pursue their academic passions but the college’s Jesuit mission prepares them to use what they learn to do more, be more and give more back to the world around them. After four years of learning and living the mission, students graduate as leaders of character and integrity, able to confront difficult questions with open hearts and open minds. Many go on to commit their lives as advocates for truth, justice and the greater good. Oftentimes, these alumni forsake a comfortable living wage for the reward of helping those in need, providing hope to those who have none and giving a voice for those who cannot speak for themselves. Their numbers are high and their names too many to mention but the following pages of Canisius Magazine offer a snapshot into the lives of a few alumni who answer the call to action.

When James A. McCarthy ’57 retired to California in 1995, he found a struggling public education system. The state ranked among the worst in the nation for diplomas earned, and in San Francisco, where McCarthy lived, the school district reported dismal, below-average grades. Systemwide reform was needed but that takes time – “time these children didn’t have,” says McCarthy, a former Merrill Lynch executive. To help lessen the number of children falling through the cracks, Jim and his wife, June, established a scholarship program for K-8 students in San Francisco. The idea was to give underserved families an opportunity for their children to receive a quality, private school education. “If we could help even a few children in their earliest years, we felt they would have a better chance at success,” recalls McCarthy. It was a simple and immediate solution to a difficult and ongoing problem, and it was a solution that’s endured.

The BASIC Fund awards scholarships based solely on a family’s need. Once a family qualifies for a BASIC Fund scholarship, all children in that family are promised financial support through eighth grade. The BASIC Fund is a partnership, and financial and emotional investments are required of parents. They, not the Fund, choose the schools their children attend. Parents are also required to contribute a minimum of $500 annually toward their children’s educations. “Parental involvement is a key factor in a child’s academic success,” McCarthy says. “It takes their hard work and the hard work of the students to break the cycle of poverty.” The work of the BASIC Fund is far from complete.

Today, the Bay Area Scholarships for Inner-City Children (BASIC) Fund is one of the largest privately supported, non-sectarian scholarship programs in the country. It provides annual financial aid to approximately 4,000 K-8 through eighth grade students at 300 private and parochial schools throughout the nine Bay Area counties. By this September, McCarthy notes, “The BASIC Fund will have raised and distributed more than $100 million since 1998, and supported more than 20,000 students.”

Even as San Francisco’s public school system implements new academic standards, the need for scholarships is at an all-time high. The BASIC Fund consistently sees a waitlist of nearly 1,000 every year.

It has also changed the trajectories of their lives.

“Poverty exacts a high toll on education,” he says, “but it’s my belief that all young people deserve an equal opportunity education, regardless of their home lives, so they may better themselves and become contributing members of their communities.”

Ninety-eight percent of BASIC Fund recipients graduate from high school (compared to less than 70 percent of students in Bay Area public high schools); 92 percent of BASIC Fund recipients attend college. 10

“It’s remarkable what these students can accomplish when they’re in an environment where they feel safe – physically and emotionally – and where there’s a sense of structure, nurturing faculty and small class sizes,” McCarthy says.

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“Our challenge is to get more children who need this support into the thousands of desks available in the private and parochial schools throughout the Bay Area,” McCarthy says. It’s a challenge that McCarthy is confident can be surmounted by giving parents a choice and children a chance.


James A. McCarthy ’57

Giving parents a choice and children a chance

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For Rev. Kevin H. Turpin MS ’84, being a Christian means “getting outside the four walls of the church. We need to be the legs and hands of Jesus.” It’s why Turpin opened the Life Enrichment Center (LEC) with his wife, Wanda. The non-profit outreach provides literacy tutoring to underprivileged, at-risk elementary students, in and around Norfolk, VA. Developing fundamental literacy skills early is the foundation for future academic success, Turpin explains. “During their first three years of school, students learn to read. After that, they read to learn,” he says. Students who can read at or above grade level by the end of third grade “are four times more likely to graduate from high school.” The opposite is true for students reading below grade level. Two out of three end up on welfare or in jail. Some states, Turpin says, even project their future prison needs based on third-grade literacy scores. “If we can keep these kids from dropping out of school,” he says, “we can hopefully keep them off drugs, off the streets and out of prison.” To achieve this, the Life Enrichment Center sets up technology and literacy labs within the schools with which it partners. The labs are outfitted with computers, literacy software and interactive white boards. LEC tutors go into the schools to work one-on-one with students for one hour each week. The tutors are all volunteers, and many are officers from the Norfolk and Virginia Beach police departments. “This interaction helps students establish a positive view of police officers,” Turpin says. “It also helps the officers understand the challenges faced by minority youth and diminish negative stereotypes.” The LEC worked with just one school when Turpin launched the literacy program in 2007. Today, the LEC partners with 12 at-risk schools and has

provided literacy tutoring to more than 800 elementary students. Turpin says he is grateful if the program helped to change the life of just one. “When you invest time in the literacy of a young person and you see that lightbulb go on, there is no greater feeling in the world,” he says. Reaching and teaching people for Christ are at the heart of Turpin’s ministry. Long before he established the Life Enrichment Center, Turpin co-founded Norfolk’s New Life Church. The non-denominational, multi-ethnic church is a place where people from all walks of life can come and feel welcome. “New Life members are African-American, Caucasian, Asian and Hispanic,” he says. “They are Catholics, Presbyterians, Pentecostals, Lutherans, Baptists and Methodists – all worshipping under one roof.” The idea to open New Life Church grew out of a conversation about racial reconciliation, which Turpin had with a classmate while studying for his theology degree at Regent University. “People are looking for a church where all cultures are honored and where they can grow in their understanding of different traditions,” he says. Turpin obviously saw a great need within the worship community. What initially started as a church with 600 members now welcomes more than 5,000 people at its three campuses in Norfolk, Virginia Beach and Chesapeake, VA. “New Life Church is a true reflection of the Gospel,” he says. It’s also a reflection of the man who dedicates his life to educational and spiritual outreach, in Christ’s name. “I'm committed to reflecting God’s love despite peoples’ differences,” he says.

Rev. Kevin H. Turpin MS ’84

Empowering lives through literacy

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Just when TJ Rogers ’11 thinks he’s heard the worst, someone new walks into Detroit’s Freedom House with an unimaginable story of persecution, torture and imprisonment endured in a country desecrated by government corruption, civil wars and violence. Like the woman who spent months in a Cameroon prison, beaten to the point of near death for encouraging young girls to obtain an education. Or the Uganda man who was nearly eaten alive by red ants, which his captors released over his body because of suspicions about his sexual orientation.

TJ Rogers ’11

Advocating for asylum-seekers

“These gritty realities are part of my daily existence,” Rogers says. “It’s a helpless feeling but my job is to channel those feelings into action and advocacy.” Rogers is the program manager at Freedom House. Nestled at the foot of Detroit’s Ambassador Bridge, the non-profit residence is a beacon for asylum-seekers who travel to the U.S. to escape punishment for their political opinions, religious affiliations, race, ethnicity or social associations. Freedom House is the only organization in the country that provides comprehensive services – food, clothing, shelter, English education, legal aid, and medical and psychosocial care – to this courageous population. “When someone walks into Freedom House, our staff inadvertently becomes the face of America,” Rogers says. “It’s our moral and ethical obligation – as human beings and Americans – to welcome these asylum-seekers with open hands instead of clenched fists.” Under current U.S. immigration law, asylum-seekers have one year from the day they enter the country to file their applications with the government requesting asylum. They’re not allowed to work throughout the application process so during that time, Rogers steers residents through the arduous legal process, and prepares them for self-sufficiency and employment. “The residents who come to us are well-educated professionals who worked in government, medicine and business,” Rogers says. “They embody American ideals and values, and once they receive asylum, they’re eager to give back to the country that welcomed them.” Rogers found Freedom House by way of the Jesuit Volunteer Corps (JVC). Assigned to the Detroit center, he served as a full-time volunteer, subsisting on a nominal $100 per month stipend. Rogers originally committed to one year of JVC service with Freedom House but stayed on a second year. “I was filled with this desire to deepen my spirituality and engage in more direct service, community living and a simple lifestyle,” Rogers recalls. “Canisius instilled these Jesuit values in me and I wanted to see where they would take me.” The JVC experience proved indelibly more than a detour on Rogers’ path to a profession. Instead, it marked the beginning of a journey to promote social justice. Rogers is a proud member of Amnesty International and newly appointed to the LGBT Freedom & Asylum Network Steering Committee, which assists those seeking asylum because of persecution based on sexual orientation or gender identity. “People deserve to live free from oppression and be treated with compassion and dignity,” Rogers says. “The asylum-seekers at Freedom House advocated for these human rights in their native countries. Now, I must be their advocate, ensuring they receive the support and opportunities they deserve. It’s a fundamental American principle - inscribed on the Statue of Liberty – to provide safety for those ‘yearning to breathe free.’”

“People deserve to live free from oppression and be treated with compassion and dignity.”


Paul D. Weiss ’61

Providing food for the soul and mind

Bringing change to the world is a tough business. Paul D. Weiss ’61 knows this all too well. He has traveled to the infamous garbage dumps of Tijuana, leper colonies in the Philippines, the ghettos of Washington, D.C. and the jungles of Guatemala, all to feed, nurture and educate the world’s poorest children.

Disheartened that children were starving just miles from his home, Weiss made a commitment that day to take food down to Tijuana every other week. A month later, he quit his job as director of Sansum Medical Research Foundation and established Los Niños, a nonprofit, interfaith organization, in 1974. Los Niños is Spanish for “the children.”

So committed is this missionary that he founded and directed two international nonprofit organizations to serve children over the past four decades. Through his current humanitarian initiative, Rainbow Ground, Weiss aims to educate people about the inequities of poverty and the plight of children. “I used to feed hungry children, now I provide food for the soul and the mind.”

In the beginning, it was a family affair. Weiss started the foundation with his own resources. His wife, Esther, and their five children drove to Tijuana in the family station wagon every week and delivered food.

A current project, for instance, sets its sights on the tobacco industry. “Hundreds of millions of children between the ages of 12 and 17 are smoking cigarettes, many addicted for life,” Weiss says. “Targeted by big tobacco companies, these children need our protection as much as they need nutrition and education.”

Weiss expanded the scope of his ministry in 1984 when he founded Children of The Americas to provide resources to children in the U.S., Mexico and Central America. The numbers of volunteers swelled when he offered immersion experiences for people to meet those they served and see extreme poverty firsthand. Weiss also began to address the question, ‘Why are children hungry, poor and neglected?’ “It became clear that if we don’t act to eliminate the causes, we will need to provide aid to children in the same areas forever.”

Today, Weiss reaches the masses as a videographer, blogger and author. His journey began shortly after he graduated from Canisius and moved to California. Living in the affluent city of Santa Barbara, Weiss and his family drove to Tijuana one weekend. What was meant to be an enjoyable trip to Mexico instead turned out to be life-changing. “I saw poverty everywhere,” he recalls. “The image of hungry children living in unspeakable conditions stayed with me.”

The organization grew and after 10 years, Weiss had delivered hundreds of tons of food, medicine and clothing to Tijuana. More than 20,000 volunteers joined him to serve Tijuana’s children.

Weiss continued his work with the organization, now Americas Children, for 30 years. His story, and the lessons he learned along the way, are chronicled in his book, Touching the Rainbow Ground: 8 Steps to Hope, a thoughtprovoking account of his life, faith and ministry. A deeply religious man, Weiss says it’s a privilege and a gift from God to do this work. “I’m grateful every day.”

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Adrienne M. Bermingham ’11, MS ’14

Educating a new generation about conservation Adrienne M. Bermingham ’11, MS ’14 heard a small voice squeal with delight. A first-grader stood in the middle of his elementary school gym with cardboard binoculars pressed to his eyes. Using Google Cardboard technology, he was transported to Tanzania where he watched chimpanzees swing through the trees in Gombe Stream National Park. “It was an emotional moment for me,” Bermingham recalls. “I couldn’t think of a better way for a child to learn about deforestation and chimpanzee habitats than this virtual reality alternative to viewing animals in captivity.” Bermingham is the U.S. program coordinator for Roots & Shoots, the global, youth-led community action arm of the Jane Goodall Institute (JGI). Roots & Shoots empowers young people to identify challenges (human, animal or environmental) in their communities, develop solutions to those challenges and take action.

Started in 1991 by one of the world’s most famous conservationists, Jane Goodall, PhD, and a group of students from Tanzania, Roots & Shoots is 150,000 members strong and represents 130 countries. Bermingham develops educational materials, including online courses and toolkits, for educators interested in getting their students involved in a Roots & Shoots project. She also travels the country to provide hands-on demonstrations. Her work has a global reach as well. Bermingham represented JGI at the World Youth Congress in Brazil and the Global Student Leaders Summit in Costa Rica. Back in the U.S., Bermingham engages members by providing guidance through email, social media and the Roots & Shoots website. “It’s a daunting but rewarding task,” Bermingham says. “I collaborate with the next generation of conservation leaders about issues that are important to the future of our world.” Bermingham notes that Roots & Shoots isn’t just for school-based programs but for all young people who want to make a difference in their communities. Like a group of children in Florida who solved the issue of black bears coming into their neighborhood, attracted by uncontained garbage. “The ‘Be Bear Aware’ campaign encouraged people to be better citizens of the Earth and showed them how to share their community safely with animals,” Bermingham says. All members draw inspiration from Jane Goodall. “Dr. Jane encourages young people to take action now and be leaders today,” she says. Bermingham always knew that animals and conservation would be integral parts of her life. She just wasn’t certain how they would translate into a career. “It was serendipitous,” Bermingham says. While pursuing a degree in political science, she discovered Canisius’ world-class animal behavior program. Through that, Bermingham was introduced to leaders in the conservation field, among them Goodall. “I was struck by her fierce determination and confidence as a powerful voice for animals and the planet,” she says. “I realized then that my passion would help me find my way.” The rest is history. Bermingham earned her undergraduate degree in political science with coursework in animal behavior, and later a master’s degree in anthrozoology. Her Canisius education, she says, was “an exercise in compassion and humility.” Today, Bermingham works to prepare the next generation to intrinsically care about the welfare of animals and the environment. With Jane Goodall as her partner, the future looks bright.

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Kathleen T. Grimm ’77, MD

Helping to heal the disenfranchised Kathleen T. Grimm ’77, MD, believes there is a social commitment in medicine that goes far beyond the clinical skills physicians traditionally use to treat patients. “For me, being a doctor is a profession and a calling,” says Grimm. “I want to have a positive impact on my patients, not just through medication but in a way that builds community and increases better overall health.” Throughout her 30-plus years in healthcare, Grimm has worked hard and with compassion to fulfill that calling. In her full-time position as director of palliative medicine services for the Erie County Medical Center (ECMC), Grimm oversees clinical care and community outreach programs. ECMC, she explains, provides significant treatment to low-income, uninsured and disenfranchised populations. “These patients often come to us with irreversible illnesses and face the end of their lives in isolation because they’ve either out-lived or don’t have family and friends who visit them,” says Grimm. Because “no one should die alone,” Grimm launched a Mercy Doula program. The initiative recruits and trains future healthcare providers (medical, nursing and social work students) to provide dying patients with emotional and support services. “Meaningful connections are made that touch the lives of both the dying patients and the volunteers,” she says. The critical care Grimm delivers to these patients is paralleled only by the preventative care she provides as a founding member and co-chair of Buffalo’s Community Health Worker Network (CHWN). Formed in 2010 by advocates in healthcare, public health, academia and community-based organizations, the non-profit works to improve the quality of and access to healthcare for Buffalo’s most underserved populations. At the time it was established, Grimm says, “investments in medical care for the poor and minorities were at all-time highs but outcomes were not improving.” That’s a failing she attributes to social, environmental and economic circumstances, which are key determinants of health.

Photo courtesy of Charles Lewis/ The Buffalo News Kathleen Grimm, MD, (left) with Jessica Bauer Walker, executive director of CHWN

To combat this chronic problem, CHWN implemented a bottom-up strategy under Grimm’s co-leadership. It partnered with the Canisius College Center for Professional Development to train and certify people – already working at grassroots levels – in skills and practices that empower individuals, families and communities to be active participants in their own health and well-being.

“Community health workers are frontline public health workers and trusted members of the communities,” explains Grimm. “They help people navigate the often complicated healthcare system, and address issues such as housing, food access and education that can affect health.” Community health workers are expected to become a vital part of healthcare delivery in the United States, as the Affordable Care Act is fully implemented, explains Grimm. “Our job now is to encourage self-sufficiency through a range of activities, including outreach, community education, informal counseling, social support and advocacy,” she says. The prognosis is good. Grimm tells the turn-around story of a homeless, drug-addicted woman who sought help via the CHWN. The woman not only stabilized medically, but became a certified community health worker. She represents just one of several success stories for the CHWN. It’s a simple prescription, really, Grimm says – equal parts care, compassion and community. “Relationships are the key to better healthcare,” she says. “It all starts with a positive interaction between the doctor and patient.” 16

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Matthew H. Rath ’09

Focusing on relief efforts

“ I am compelled to tell stories that matter.” Matthew H. Rath ’09 travels the world to shoot social documentaries as a producer for Samaritan’s Purse, a non-denominational international relief agency. But one story, in particular, affected him more profoundly than any other.

as they work to bring relief to persecuted Christians and Muslims in northern Iraq. After viewing the video, Beck and Christian leader Johnnie Moore raised enough money to evacuate nearly 150 Iraqi Christian refugees.

Titled “Love Your Neighbor: A Gift of Forgiveness in Rwanda,” the documentary tells the story of Rath’s best friend - a Rwandan genocide survivor.

Iraq is one of 20 countries Rath has been to on behalf of Samaritan’s Purse.

“I watched and filmed as my friend, Alex, returned to Rwanda to forgive the neighbor who killed his entire family right in front of him,” Rath recalls. “Alex’s forgiveness was complete and genuine. I never before witnessed something so powerful.” Based in North Carolina, Samaritan’s Purse is named after the New Testament’s “Parable of the Good Samaritan,” which teaches people to love their neighbors as they love themselves. The organization provides emergency relief to countries around the world affected by war, poverty, natural disaster or disease. That relief comes in the form of food, water, shelter and medicine. Rath’s role is to shoot, direct and produce video documentaries that visually illustrate the mission of Samaritan’s Purse, and educate a wider audience about the plight of the people it serves. His videos appear on the Samaritan’s Purse website, are posted to social media, and are often shared with individuals who have interests in supporting the organization. Rath’s video, “Forgiving ISIS,” for example, caught the attention of American television personality and radio host Glenn Beck. The documentary chronicles the efforts of Samaritan’s Purse volunteers

When Typhoon Haiyan hit the Philippines, Rath chronicled the organization’s efforts to provide temporary shelter, clean water, food and hygiene items to those affected. Rath also traveled to the outskirts of Hermosillo, Mexico, to capture a story about “the poorest of the poor” who live in a community built on an abandoned trash dump. The days in the field can be long, and emotionally and physically exhausting. Mainly, however, Rath focuses on the positive side of human nature. “People always say to me ‘It must be really sad to see all these terrible things around the world.’ But it’s really quite the opposite,” he says. “I see people who stand up to support those who are in crisis. That is what I see.” Rath describes his work with Samaritan’s Purse as his “dream job” and one that was directly influenced by his undergraduate studies with the Canisius College Video Institute. “The Video Institute encourages student filmmakers to do meaningful projects that impact the community and others,” Rath says. But it wasn’t until he started traveling and documenting humanitarian efforts that Rath truly realized he could make a difference in the world and bring about positive change through video. Rath says, “I am compelled to tell stories that matter.” C ANI S IU S COLLEG E M AGA ZINE • S PR ING/SUMMER 2016 |

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THANKYOU G I V I N G D AY 04 • 2 7 • 2 0 1 6

WE SAID WE CAN. TOGETHER WE DID. Canisius College is an extraordinary place with extraordinary people. On April 27, 2016, Griffs everywhere came together and demonstrated their pride in alma mater by participating in the college’s inaugural giving day. By nearly tripling our goal of 427 donors, the Canisius community unlocked the Trustee Challenge Grant and made history at Canisius. Thank you!

65.8% ALUMNI 16.3% FRIENDS & ATHLETICS BOOSTERS

8.2% PARENTS 7.7% FACULTY & STAFF DONOR BREAKDOWN

2% STUDENTS

39% of Giving Day participants were new or lapsed (5+ years) donors!

45%

22%

13%

11%

7%

1%

1%

Greatest Need of the College

Athletics

Academic Programs & Institutes

Scholarships & Tuition Assistance

Presidential Discretionary Fund

Jesuit Mission & Identity

Other (Student Programs, Res. Life, etc.)

CL A SS YE ARS

ATHLETICS TE A MS

2013:

32 Donors

Men’s Lacrosse:

83 Donors

2008:

32 Donors

Rowing:

78 Donors

2015:

28 Donors

Women's Volleyball: 24 Donors

2012:

28 Donors

Cross Country/Track: 23 Donors

2014:

27 Donors

Women’s Basketball: 23 Donors

College Student Personnel Administration: Program w/ most donors DiGamma Honor Society: Club/affinity group w/ most donors

#CanisiusGivingDay

TOP DONORS

1,093 donors gave $223,038 in support of:

Top 10 trending topic in Buffalo on Twitter 13,163 Twitter impressions 1,084 shares and likes on Canisius' Facebook posts 12,000+ views of the Giving Day Video on Facebook


advancement D O N O R P RO F I L E

Phyllis Ulmer gives the gift of education

Phyllis and Daniel ’13 Ulmer

Daniel Ulmer ’13 thought he was just “humoring his mother” when he agreed to a campus tour of Canisius. Then a student at Forestville High School, “Dan had his sights set on Stanford or Yale,” recalls his mother, Phyllis. “He spent a summer taking classes at each while in high school and thought he wanted an Ivy League education.” But Phyllis felt Canisius, “with its smaller campus, Catholic, Jesuit tradition and reputation for academic excellence,” would be a better fit for her son. She took matters into her own hands and requested information from Canisius on behalf of Dan. “I received this nice big package in the mail from Canisius and thought, ‘Wow, they must really be interested in me,’ so I agreed to a campus tour,’” says Dan. That’s all it took. Afterwards, Dan told his mother he would only apply to one school – Canisius. “The people and the campus really impressed me,” he recalls. “Right away, it felt like Canisius was where I belonged.” Dan came to the college on a Presidential Scholarship, awarded to students for academic achievement. The financial relief enabled him to fully immerse himself in campus life. Dan became a member of the Undergraduate Student Association, the Student Programming Board and the Contemporary Music Ensemble. His involvement with Campus Ministry, the Christian Life Community and the Jesuits not only “deepened my faith” but “influenced my future.” The English and political science major, who once planned to pursue a law degree at Georgetown University, is now a thirdyear seminarian at Christ the King Seminary in East Aurora.

“Dan had a tremendous experience at Canisius, as did I,” says Phyllis, who recalls the “outpouring of support” she received when her husband, Richard, suddenly passed away at the start of Dan’s senior year. Grateful for Dan’s “Canisius family,” Phyllis recently made a generous commitment to the college with the establishment of the Phyllis M. and Richard D. Ulmer Scholarship Fund. The fund provides merit-based scholarships to students who demonstrate a record of volunteer service, and active involvement and participation in the Catholic Church. “Dan was blessed to receive a Canisius education through the Presidential Scholarship,” says Phyllis. “Hopefully, this scholarship can help do the same for future students.” “The opportunity my mom is providing is amazing,” adds Dan. He speaks from experience when he continues, “because you never know where a Jesuit education will take you.”

Join the Rev. James M. Demske ’47, SJ, Society

canisius.edu/demske 716.888.8218

C ANI S IU S COLLEG E M AGA ZINE • S PR ING/SUMMER 2016 |

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advancement A Golden Moment Regents Scholarship Ball celebrates 50 years The Canisius College Regents Ball commemorated 50 years on May 7. The annual gala began as a fundraiser in 1966, hosted by the Canisius Board of Regents. Today, the event raises scholarship support for students who might not otherwise be able to take advantage of a Canisius education.

This year’s Golden Jubilee Gala included dinner and dancing. The Board also raffled off various valuable prize packages. In all, more than 500 guests helped to raise a resounding $146,000 for the Board of Regents Scholarship Fund.

Pictured (l-r) Regents Ball co-chair Annette Dispenza-Kajtoch ’88, MBA ’90, Maureen Hurley, Canisius President John J. Hurley, Clotilde Perez-Bode Dedecker ’82, Adrian F. Dedecker III and Regents Ball co-chair Brian Murphy ’95. Clotilde Perez-Bode Dedecker, president and CEO of the Community Foundation for Greater Buffalo, received the 2016 Board of Regents Distinguished Citizen Award for her contributions to the civic, cultural and economic well-being of Buffalo Niagara. WEB EXTRA

View the full photo gallery from the Golden Jubilee Gala at canisius.edu/magazine.

True Chemistry Emil Inderbitzen ’40 Scholarship honors alumnus’ fondness for Canisius and chemistry Emil R. Inderbitzen’s relationship with Canisius College spanned nearly seven decades. From diligent chemistry student to proud alumnus, dedicated educator, steadfast volunteer and loyal donor, ‘Inde’ (as he is affectionately remembered), was always a beloved friend of alma mater. Inderbitzen passed away in October 2009 but a new scholarship in his name ensures that his rich legacy lives on. The Emil R. Inderbitzen ’40 Memorial Chemistry Scholarship supports junior or senior Canisius students who major in chemistry and demonstrate financial need. The scholarship was established by Inde’s son, Paul E. ’72 and his wife, Marjorie M. ’72 Inderbitzen. To contribute to the Emil Inderbitzen ’40 Memorial Chemistry Scholarship, contact Rachel L. Flammer, director of stewardship, at 716-888-8217 or at flammerr@canisius.edu.

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Canisius College inducted its 53rd class into the Sports Hall of Fame, during a luncheon that preceded the men’s basketball game against Marist College in February. The annual induction ceremony honors former outstanding athletes of Canisius who competed in intercollegiate athletics, as well as individuals who made outstanding contributions to Canisius athletics in a non-playing capacity. This year’s inductees are (l-r): Dennis Misko ‘67, director of external projects and major gifts at Canisius, recipient of the Rev. Paul J. Dugan, SJ, Award; former head hockey coach Brian Cavanaugh; Matt Vinc ’05 (lacrosse); Jon Udwadia ’93, MD (tennis); Ryan Stewart ’97 (hockey); and Genevieve Garcia Dispenza ’02, MBA ’05 (softball).

President’s Medal Conferred Upon Judge Curtin ’46, HON ’78 Canisius President John J. Hurley conferred the President’s Medal upon the Hon. John T. Curtin ’46, HON ’78, in recognition of the magistrate’s remarkable tenure. The Senior U.S. District Judge for the Western District of New York stepped down from his position on April 12 following 48 years on the bench. During his career, Judge Curtin presided over landmark cases such as the 1972 Buffalo Schools desegregation suit and the 1994 ruling against Hooker Chemical for illegally dumping chemicals into Love Canal. He also oversaw the 1994 L.A. Boys gang case, in which he handed down two of the longest prison terms in local history. “Judge Curtin has been a fierce advocate for civil and human rights, and the principle of equal justice under the law,” said President Hurley in conferring the medal. “His faith in God and his devotion to family, country and the profession make him eminently well-qualified to be added to our distinguished list of President’s Medal honorees.” The President’s Medal bears the phrase “For God and Country,” and is bestowed periodically to individuals who have distinguished themselves in public life through service to God and community. Since 1955, the President’s Medal has been conferred only 47 times. CANISIUS COLLEGE MAGAZINE • SPRING / SUMMER 2016 |

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LaSalle Medals Awarded to John Courtney ’58, Mark Lema ’71 John P. Courtney ’58 and Mark J. Lema ’71, MD, PhD, are the 2016 recipients of the LaSalle Medal. Conferred by the Alumni Association during undergraduate commencement ceremonies in May, the LaSalle Medal recognizes outstanding Canisius alumni whose substantial contributions to the college have, over time, advanced the interests and the mission of alma mater. John Courtney’s Canisius education led him from Bethlehem Steel to a highly successful career as president and chief operating officer of Computer Task Group Inc., the multimillion dollar IT service and solutions provider based in Buffalo. He has been sharing the gift of a Canisius education ever since. A major contributor to the college’s Financial Markets Lab, Courtney established an endowment to support Canisius' growing investment program. His family, similarly, instituted the John P. Courtney ’58 Family Business Scholarship, for students who plan to study business and who demonstrate financial need. In addition to his contributions, Courtney shared his counsel as a member and later chair of the Canisius College Board of Regents and as a member of the Board of Trustees. Buffalo’s eminent anesthesiologist, Mark Lema, is a vital contributor to and cultivator of Canisius’ promising medical professionals. He is a founding member and chair of the college’s Medical Advisory Board (MAB). The group of esteemed alumni physicians engages pre-med students in a myriad of medical experiences and specialties, and counsels them through the rigorous medical school application process.

Eight Inducted into DiGamma Honor Society Alumni honored for their contributions to Canisius The Canisius College DiGamma Honor Society recently welcomed eight members during its annual ceremony. The prestigious society, which was introduced as the Coffin Club in 1925, recognizes alumni, students, faculty and administrators who have rendered outstanding service to, and promoted the interests and welfare of Canisius College. The 2016 DiGamma Honor Society inductees are: (row 1, l-r) James Bingeman, whose brother, Kurt C. Bingeman ’71, was inducted posthumously; Terri L. Mangione, PhD, vice president for student affairs, Canisius College; Annette Dispenza-Kajtoch ’88, MBA ’90, senior vice president, First Niagara Bank; (row 2, l-r) Martin J. Berardi ’79, CEO, Schutte-Buffalo Hammermill; Edward J. Kelley ’08, lead consultant, Dixon Hughes Goodman LLP; Sharon A. Kasperczyk AA ’12, alumni engagement officer, Canisius College; (row 3, l-r) Kevin W. Spitler ’71, attorney, Law Offices of Kevin Spitler; and James L. Budny ’70, MD, neurosurgeon, Gates Vascular Institute/Neurosurgeon, University at Buffalo Neurosurgery. 22

| CANISIUS COLLEGE MAGAZINE • SPRING / SUMMER 2016

Lema’s investment in Canisius’ pre-med program is both meaningful and substantial. Along with MAB Vice Chair James Budny ’70, MD, he initiated the Medical Alumni Endowed Scholarship Fund to alleviate students’ financial obligations so they may focus solely on their studies. Moreover, Lema’s support of Science Hall and its development into an interdisciplinary science center is helping to secure the future of science and medicine at Canisius. To nominate an individual for the 2017 LaSalle Medal, visit canisius.edu/alumni.

John Courtney ’58

Mark Lema ’71, MD, PhD


classnotes 1960s ’63 MSED Amy M. (Joseph) Habib and her family received the 2016 Bishop’s Medal at the 16th annual Catholic Education Dinner.

1970s ’70 BS Thomas B. Housler, an orthopedic/spine consultant at Stryker Orthopedics, was inducted into the Western New York Baseball Hall of Fame. ’70 BS, MBA ’85 Lawrence T. McGowan, president of Arbor Capital Management, was named a Hall of Fame honoree by the Bishop Fallon High School and Holy Angels Collegiate Institute Alumni Associations. ’72 BA Michael W. Breen, a grant writer and administrator for the city of Buffalo, received the Bishop Timon-St. Jude High School Distinguished Alumni Award. Breen was recognized for his contributions to the arts. ’72 BA Patrick J. Keem, Orchard Park town supervisor, was named to the board of directors for the Association of Erie County Governments. ’73 BA William J. Krebs, mayor of Springville, was sworn in as president of the Association of Erie County Governments. ’74 MBA James R. Golding, retired director of sales and marketing for Franklin Global Strategies, was appointed to the Goodwill of New York Board of Directors. ’74 BS Eileen K. Maloney, a teacher for the Buffalo Academy of the Sacred Heart, received The Franciscan Charism Award at the school’s Christus Super Omnia Awards Dinner. ’74 BS David Nalewajek, PhD, senior principal scientist and research fellow at Honeywell International Inc., received the James H. Crowdle Award for Distinction in Chemistry from the Student Chapter of the American Chemical Society at Canisius College. ’74 MBA Christian A. Willmott and his business partner leveraged the success of their Black Market food truck into their first brick-and-mortar restaurant, Marble & Rye, on Genesee Street in Buffalo. ’75 BS Ann Marie R. (Rooth) Cellino announced her retirement as president of National Fuel Gas Company’s utility business. ’75 BA Daniel P. Schaefer, MD, an ophthalmologist and oculoplastic surgeon, received the Outstanding Contribution Award by the American Society of Ophthalmic Plastic and Reconstructive Society. ’77 MS Diane L. Cozzo, director of educational services for the Buffalo Board of Education, was named a member of the marketing and development committee for Every Person Influences Children (EPIC).

’77 BA Edward C. Gelia Jr., executive vice president at United Insurance Agency Inc., was elected chair of the Hilbert College Board of Directors. ’77 BA Joseph J. Marusak, attorney with Kloss Stenger & LoTempio, received the Robert F. Moss Distinguished Service Award, which recognizes those who “go above and beyond to positively impact the lives of children facing adversity.”

Come Back Award at the Friendship Foundation banquet. ’80 BA Mary V. Travers Murphy, executive director for the Family Justice Center, was a finalist for the Buffalo Niagara Partnership’s 2016 Athena Awards, which recognizes those who actively assist others, particularly women, in realizing their full leadership potentials.

’83 BA Rev. Dr. Jimmie Hardaway Jr. was selected as the new senior pastor of Trinity Baptist Church of Niagara Falls, NY. ’83 BS Kathleen B. (Barry) Kane, vice president and branch manager for First Niagara Bank, was recognized by Leadership Buffalo as someone who is “Making Buffalo Better.” ’84 MBA James R. Deuschle, executive vice president and chief financial officer for Rich Products Corporation, was named treasurer for the West Seneca Charter School Board of Trustees.

’77 BA John G. Mrozek, counselor for the Hamburg Board of Education, was appointed to the North Collins Town Board.

’80 BS Joseph F. Widmer is the new director of finance for Brothers of Mercy Nursing and Rehabilitation Center. He was vice president for Billit Accounting and Information Technology.

’77 BS David J. Reedy, an insurance and pension specialist with Beck Reedy and Associates, was named to the Million Dollar Round Table.

’81 BA John E. Ballow, an attorney at Ballow Law Firm PC, was selected as a Fellow of the Litigation Counsel of America.

’84 BA, MS ’01 Patricia G. Duffy, a teacher for Village Oaks Elementary School, was elected president of the Democratic Women’s Club of Lee County, FL.

’77 BA Hon. J. David Sampson was nominated by Governor Andrew M. Cuomo and confirmed by the New York State Senate as a judge of the New York State Court of Claims.

’81 BA Martin Burruano, vice president of pharmacy services for Independent Health, and his wife, Janeen, served as co-chairs of the volunteer fundraising and planning committee for the Western and Central New York Chapter of the Leukemia & Lymphoma Society’s 24th annual Diamond Ball.

’85 BS Todd C. Kraus was appointed controller of Ford's truck plant in Louisville, KY. The plant is Ford’s highest revenue-producing manufacturing facility in North America and produces the new all-aluminum F-250 Super Duty and Expedition/ Navigator vehicles.

’81 BS Michelangelo Infurnari is the new director of development for the Roman Catholic Diocese of Westminster, London. He was the executive director of The Foundation for Fairfax County Public School in Fairfax, VA.

’85 BS Jeffrey D. McArthur, a finance director for Ellicott Development Company, was elected to the 2016 Leadership Buffalo Board of Directors.

’77 MS Donald P. Spasiano is the new associate dean for the Russell J. Salvatore School of Hospitality and Business at Trocaire College. ’78 BS Richard A. Wall, PhD, professor of economics and finance at Canisius College, was named president of the board of directors for The Chartered Financial Analyst Society of Buffalo. ’79 BA Richard G. Battaglia, MD, was named chief medical officer of the American Board of Internal Medicine (ABIM). He leads ABIM’s effort to incorporate feedback from practicing physicians and key stakeholders into clinical aspects of all ABIM activities, including Certification and Maintenance of Certification (MOC). ’79 BS Timothy M. Konicki, retired operations manager for the Erie County Office of Child Support Enforcement, was named to the board of directors for Every Person Influences Children (EPIC). ’79 BA Hon. Gerald J. Whalen, was named presiding justice of the Appellate Division of the State Supreme Court for Western and Central New York. He was also inducted into the John Timon Society of Bishop TimonSt. Jude High School.

1980s ’80 MS Joseph J. Cozzo, chief executive officer for Buffalo Hearing & Speech Center Inc., was elected a trustee for the West Seneca Charter School. ’80 BA Joseph M. Grisanti, MD, a rheumatologist with Buffalo Rheumatology and Medicine, was inducted into the John Timon Society of Bishop Timon-St. Jude High School for his distinguished career and contributions to the community. ’80 BS, MBA ’90 Kenneth P. Houseknecht, executive director of the Mental Health Association of Erie County, received the Courage to

’82 BA Jean M. Wactawski-Wende, PhD, dean of the University at Buffalo’s School of Public Health and Health Professions, was appointed to the rank of State University of New York Distinguished Professor. ’82 BS Bernadette Franjoine, senior director of operations for Mount St. Mary’s Hospital of Lewiston, was named to the Opportunities Unlimited of Niagara Foundation Board of Directors. ’82 BS Ann M. Galli, administrative vice president with M&T Corporation, received the Catherine McAuley Distinguished Alumna Award from Mount Mercy Academy.

’85 BS Donna Nocera-Perna, vice president and general manager of Transit Lanes Inc., was inducted into the National Association of Professional Women (NAPW) VIP Woman of the Year Circle. She was recognized for her perseverance, work ethic and leadership. ’85 BS Michael J. Orlowski was promoted from tax supervisor to tax manager for Dopkins & Company LLP. ’85 BS Gerald F. Pullano is the new chief financial officer for Thruway Fasteners Inc. He was a partner with Chiampou Travis Besaw & Kershner LLP. ’86 BS John R. Ahrens, president of Ahrens Financial Group, was named to the Million Dollar Round Table.

’82 BS Vincent G. LoTempio, a patent attorney and partner in the law firm of Kloss, Stenger & LoTempio, was featured on the A&E History Channel show “Million Dollar Genius.” He appeared on an episode entitled “Selfie Made Man,” for his contribution in creating the world’s first selfie stick, known as the Quik Pod.

’86 BS Mark E. Hoffman, a vice president with M&T Bank Corporation, was recognized by Leadership Buffalo as someone who is “Making Buffalo Better.”

’82 BA, MS ’89 Leah Poplawski, a therapist trained in children’s mental health, opened an office in Amherst.

’86 BS, MSED ’99 James G. Weimer is the new associate superintendent for school leadership with the Buffalo School District. He is the former principal of Emerson School of Hospitality.

’82 MBA John R. Pustulka was promoted to chief operating officer for National Fuel Gas Company. He served as president of the company’s pipeline and storage business unit. ’82 BS Michele (Kolniak) Walter, a corporate relations assistant for Uniland Development Company, was recognized by Leadership Buffalo as someone who is “Making Buffalo Better.”

’86 BS Maureen M. Lehsten, chief financial officer with the Center for Hospice & Palliative Care of WNY, was elected to the Every Person Influences Children (EPIC) Board of Directors.

’86 BS, MBA ’91 Renee M. (Woerner) Wolf was appointed Project Pro Consultant for GEMKO Information Group, a division of the Bonadio Group. She was controller at Construction and Service Solutions Corporation.

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’86 BA Laura A. (Montante) Zaepfel, vice president of corporate relations for Uniland Development Company, served as vice chair of the 16th annual Buffalo Catholic Education Dinner. ’87 BS Paula M. (Pitrowski) Catlin, a relationship manager with National Wealth Management LLC, recently completed a specialized educational program in professional divorce analysis and is now a certified divorce financial analyst. ’87 BS, MBA ’89 Steven A. Gattuso, executive director of the Golden Griffin Fund for Canisius College, was named officer of technology and advocacy for Buffalo’s Chartered Financial Analyst Society Board of Directors. ’87 BS David A. Jacobs, president of The Jacobs Team, was named to the Million Dollar Round Table. ’87 BA Thomas Mullen recently authored Where Do Conservatives and Liberals Come From? And What Ever Happened to Life, Liberty and the Pursuit of Happiness? This is Mullen’s second book. His first is entitled A Return to Common Sense: Reawakening Liberty in the Inhabitants of America. Mullen’s writing has also been featured in The Washington Times and The Huffington Post. ’88 BA Eric S. Adamski is the new director of clinical services with Fidelis Care. He was a registered nurse at Brylin Hospital. ’88 BS Mary L. (Knera) Kasprzak was promoted from treasurer to senior vice president and chief financial officer for Goodyear Dunlop Tires North America LTD. ’88 BA Melanie C. (Mecca) Marotto is a new senior counsel for Harris Beach PLLC. She was an attorney with Colucci and Gallaher PC. ’88 MSED Carol Wambach Palumbo, a school librarian with the Lancaster Central School District, was elected to the Every Person Influences Children (EPIC) Board of Directors. ’89 BA Hon. Alberto S. Roldan is the new administrative law judge for the State of California, hearing cases from the Department of Alcoholic Beverage Control. He was the chief administrative law judge for the State of California Unemployment Insurance Appeals Board. ’89 BS Paul J. Roman Jr., PhD, was elected partner at the law firm of Hodgson Russ LLP. Roman is a member of the firm’s intellectual property and technology practice. He was a senior associate. ’89 BS Eric C. Tudor, the former co-owner of the local Coldwell Banker franchise, formed Tudor Collins Commercial Real Estate in Snyder.

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1990s ’90 BS Richard M. Argentieri, vice president of commercial sales for Independent Health, was elected to the 2016 Leadership Buffalo Board of Directors. ’90 BA Mary C. (Rappl) Bellanti, director of pharmacy services for Blue Cross Blue Shield of Western New York, was recognized by Leadership Buffalo as someone who is “Making Buffalo Better.” ’90 BA Kyle Anne Donaldson was promoted from financial development coordinator to financial development manager for the YMCA Buffalo Niagara Association Office. ’90 BA Pia (LaNasa) O’Connor and her husband, Eugene O’Connor, were chair couple of the 16th annual Buffalo Catholic Education Dinner. ’91 BS Timothy J. Bubar is the new principal for Lumsden and McCormick LLP. He was the manager of auditing and accounting. ’91 BA Lillie V. Wiley-Upshaw, vice dean for admissions and student life at SUNY Buffalo Law School, received the 2016 Community Leader Award from the National Federation for Just Communities of WNY Inc. ’91 BA Lisa Renee (Bell) Wilson, executive sports editor for The Buffalo News, was recognized by Leadership Buffalo as someone who is “Making Buffalo Better.” ’92 MBA Kathryn (Pamukcoglu) Bunce was named director of public affairs for The Summit Center. She was director of development. ’92 BA Matthew J. DuBois was promoted from staff accountant to senior accountant for EFPR Group, formerly Toski Co. ’92 MS Kevin J. Eberle is the new chief operating officer for the Buffalo School District. He oversees the district’s Financial and Operations departments. He is the former principal of Harvey Austin School. ’92 BA Susan M. Jandzinski was promoted from annual fund director to executive director of the Kenmore Mercy Foundation. ’92 MBA Maureen Millane, PhD, associate vice president for community engagement, creativity and career development at Daemen College, is serving a two-year term as treasurer for the Washington Internship Institute. ’92 BA Christopher J. Williams, a financial representative with Northwestern Mutual Financial Network, was named to the Million Dollar Round Table.

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’93 BS Todd J. Mazurek is the new director of Global Advanced Solutions for Visa in San Francisco, CA. He was the senior director for BlackBerry Commerce in Luxembourg.

’99 BA, MSED ’05 Christopher C. Martoche is the new sales account executive with Colonial Life Insurance Co. He was a sales manager with Ellicott Development Company.

’93 MBA David P. Paul was promoted from senior vice president of capital markets to executive vice president and chief capital officer for the Hamister Group LLC.

’99 BA, MBAPA ’11 Bryan J. Staniszewski, a financial advisor with Lumsden & McCormick Financial Services, completed his Personal Financial Specialist (PFS), Certified Financial Planner (CFP) and Accredited Investment Fiduciary (AIF) designations.

’94 BA Melinda C. (Jacobsak) Sippel created the publishing company Arty Books LLC, which specializes in books for children about Buffalo’s art, architecture and historic landmarks. ’94 MBA Heath J. Szymczak, a member of Bond, Schoeneck & King Attorneys, was named to the Habitat for Humanity Board of Directors. ’94 MBA Louis J. Terragnoli is the new director of real estate for The Reid Group. He was director of real estate for Tim Hortons Cafe and Bake Shops, USA. ’95 BA Anna K. (Mogavero) Botticelli is the new chief academic officer for the Buffalo School District. She oversees the departments responsible for curriculum and classroom programs. She was assistant superintendent of West Seneca Schools. ’95 BS Michael J. O’Leary was promoted from partner to office managing partner with Ernst & Young in Minneapolis, MN. ’95 BS Brian M. Murphy, a partner with Lawley Benefits Group LLC, was elected to the 2016 Leadership Buffalo Board of Directors. ’97 BS John B. Connerton was promoted to senior vice president and chief financial officer for Evans Bancorp. He was the bank’s senior vice president of finance, treasurer and controller.

’99 MBA Susan M. (Manly) Swarts, retired director of operations for O’Connell & Company, received the Outstanding Volunteer Fundraiser Award presented by the Western New York Chapter of the Association of Fundraising Professionals.

2000s ’00 MBA Darren J. Brown was promoted to chief of staff within the Buffalo School District. He is the former associate superintendent for human resources within the district. ’00 MBA Anthony Joseph Delmonte Jr. was promoted from senior vice president and chief credit officer to executive president and chief operating officer with the Bank of Akron. ’00 BS, MS ’03 Mark S. Gburek is the new project coordinator for Community Partners of Western New York. ’00 BA, MBA ’04 Sarah E. (Skorupa) Gilson is the new director of strategy and talent with Remedy Intelligent Staffing. She was assistant vice president of organizational development for First Niagara Bank. ’00 BA Mikal J. Krueger joined the law firm Dibble & Miller PC in Rochester, NY. He was an attorney for Chamberlin, D’Amanda, Oppenheimer & Greenfield LLP.

’98 BS Melissa Ann (Szewczyk) Biersbach, an associate for Price Waterhouse Coopers LLP, was elected to the Every Person Influences Children (EPIC) Board of Directors.

’00 BA Matthew J. Low, vice president and associate creative director for Crowley Webb and Associates, was named treasurer of the Advertising Club of Buffalo’s Board of Directors.

’99 BS Matthew P. Bryant was promoted from controller to vice president of finance at PharmaSmart International in Rochester.

’00 BA William P. Moore, a senior partner at Lipsitz Green Scime Cambria LLP, was named to the National Trial Lawyers Top 100 for Civil Plaintiffs.

’99 BS Patrick J. Clancy, a director with Freed Maxick, was recognized by Leadership Buffalo as someone who is “Making Buffalo Better.”

’00 BA, MBA ’01 Samantha L. (Beadle) Rinkiewicz was promoted to manager of secured credit risk for the Federal Home Loan Bank. She was the credit services team lead.

’98 Neal D. Schmitt, a strategic account manager for Informatica Inc., won the President’s Club trip to South Africa. ’99 BS David M. Langless was promoted to executive vice president for Tops Friendly Markets. He is also the company’s chief financial officer and will continue in that role.

’01 BA, MS ’08 Mollie A. (Strasser) Ballaro is the new dean of admissions and workforce development at Trocaire College. She was director of undergraduate admissions for Canisius College. ’01 MBA Angela Frances Dussault is the new staff accountant at Dansa & D’Arata. She was a financial planner.


classnotes ’01 MBA Francine M. Seifert was promoted from senior project manager to account supervisor for Praxis Communications LLC. ’02 MA Sabatino Cimato is the new associate superintendent for school leadership in the Buffalo City School District. He is the former principal of Hutchinson Central Technical High School. ’02 MS Christopher A. Costanzo, director of premium seating for Pegula Sports & Entertainment, was recognized by Leadership Buffalo as someone who is “Making Buffalo Better.” ’02 BA Rocco N. Diina, assistant vice president and senior mortgage consultant for First Niagara Bank, was named Top Mortgage Producer for First Niagara First Financial Group’s Northeast footprint. ’02 BS Christopher J. Spadafora, a financial services professional with MassMutual Financial Group, was named to the Million Dollar Round Table. ’02 BA Gretchen E. Szymanski, manager of clinical service with Child and Family Services, was recognized by Leadership Buffalo as someone who is “Making Buffalo Better.” ’03 BS Kathryn A.(Guerin) Mellon was promoted to tax manager at Dopkins & Company LLC. ’04 BS Marino J. Manocchio, an assistant vice president with First Niagara Bank, was recognized by Leadership Buffalo as someone who is “Making Buffalo Better.” ’04 BS Zachary P. Schneider, chief executive officer and partner with 15 Fingers LLC, was elected to the Arts Services Initiative of Western New York Board of Directors. ’05 MBA Richard P. Macey, director of the IBM Business Unit in the Advanced Computing Division for Ingram Micro Inc., was recognized by Leadership Buffalo as someone who is “Making Buffalo Better.” ’05 MBA Lukas Woeppel, a team leader with M&T Bank, was recognized by Leadership Buffalo as someone who is “Making Buffalo Better.” ’06 BA Margaret A. Hurley is a new associate with Lippes Mathias Wexler Friedman LLP. She was a legal assistant for Mosey Persico LLP. ’06 BA Christine M. McBride earned a doctorate degree in psychology from The Chicago School of Professional Psychology, Los Angeles. She is completing her post-doctoral work with The Summit Center. ’06 BS Elizabeth C. Petryk was promoted from education coordinator to building principal at the Elmwood School location for Autism Services Inc.

’06 BA Joseph J. Radetich was promoted from district sales manager to executive vice president for Sysco Arizona. ’07 BS Erik C. Gregory was promoted from finance manager to chief financial officer at Tapecon Inc. ’07 BS Joshua A. Merewether, a commercial lines account executive for the Evans Insurance Agency, earned his Certified School Risk Management Designation.

’10 BA Sarah McQuade was named senior marketing associate for Buffalo General Medical Center and Gates Vascular Institute. She was a communications associate for Buffalo Niagara Medical Campus. ’10 BS Richard W. Ryskalczyk, an associate analyst with Sandhill Investment Management, was named to Buffalo’s Chartered Financial Analysts Society Board of Directors.

’07 BS Stephen C. Wawro was promoted from sales and marketing manager to executive vice president for Westmatic Corporation.

’10 BA Ryan J. Trubits is the new case manager for Journey’s End Refugee Services. He was a service representative for Choice Medical Equipment.

’08 BS Jessica N. Cousins was promoted from senior accountant to manager at Chiampou Travis Besaw & Kershner LLP.

’10 BS, MS ’11 Matthew J. Tower, a senior accountant with Lumsden & McCormick LLP., was named to the Buffalo Niagara 360 Advisory Board.

’08 BS Greggory P. Gallson was promoted from consultant to senior consultant at Chiampou Travis Besaw & Kershner LLP.

’11 BS Christie L. Adamczak was promoted from audit senior to supervisor with Dopkins & Company LLP.

’08 MS Alissa M. Kostyk was promoted from social media coordinator to the new position of digital marketing manager at Pinellas Suncoast Transit Authority in St. Petersburg, FL. ’08 BA, MBA ’10 Christopher Musialowski is the new relationship manager for the Foundation of the Roman Catholic Diocese of Buffalo. He was director of advancement for the NativityMiguel School. ’08 BS Gregory H. Straus was named partner with HusVar Properties. He was a trader assistant for Morgan Stanley. ’09 MBA Thomas A. Muraca was promoted from director of marketing to vice president of sales and marketing for KATZ Americas. He oversees the company’s initiatives in North and South America. ’09 MSEd Emmeline (DeCristo) Smith, a math and science teacher at Dubbo College in Australia, is overseeing the implementation of the high school’s new Advancement Via Individual Determination (AVID) initiative. AVID uses research-based strategies and curriculum to train educators about methodologies that develop students’ critical thinking, literacy and math skills.

2010s

’10 BS Brian Battenfeld is the new front-end developer for 19 Ideas. He continues his work as a freelance web designer and developer. ’10 BS, MBAACC ’11 Anthony J. Gullo, senior consultant of real estate and infrastructure with FTI Consulting, earned his CCIM (Certified Commercial Investment Member) designation, becoming a recognized expert of the commercial and investment real estate industry.

’11 BS, MSED ’14 Dominic Vincent Ballachino is a new licensed real estate agent with the Robitaille Relocation and Real Estate Team. ’11 MBA Matthew S. Burwick, a financial advisor for L&M Financial Services, received his Series 7 License. ’11 BS, MBAACC ’12 Matthew J. Krajna, a portfolio manager with Nottingham Advisors, earned the Chartered Financial Analyst (CFA) designation. ’11 MBA George Smilanich IV was promoted from business development officer to senior branch manager at M&T’s Clarence, Main Street location. ’12 BS James Callea was named a credit analyst for Evans Bank. He worked in customer service at First Niagara Bank. ’12 MBA Erica Margaret Handley was promoted from senior to manager for Drescher & Malecki LLP. She specializes in county, city, town and school district audits. ’12 BA Kelsey M. Hodkin, Air Force Reserve Airman 1st class, graduated from basic military training. ’12 BA Timothy P. Kucinski was named an associate with Phillips Lytle LLP. ’12 BS, MBAACC ’13 Megan A. Lowe was promoted to in-charge auditor for Drescher & Malecki LLP. ’12 BA Mary Ann Rood is the new business and marketing administrator for CORE Environmental Consultants Inc. She was a contract administrator for Allied Mechanical Inc. ’12 BS, MBAACC ’13 Zachary D. Shroyer was promoted from staff accountant to senior accountant at Brock, Schechter & Polakoff. ’12 BA Carly W. Story is a new education specialist with the Mental Health Association of Erie County Inc.

’12 BS Ashley E. Trank was named an associate attorney with Chelus, Herdzik, Speyer & Monte. ’12 BS, MBAACC ’13 Charles Trottier was named a senior auditor for Drescher & Malecki LLP. ’13 MS Julie Raynsford Berrigan was named executive director for Mount St. Mary’s Hospital Foundation. ’13 BS Jamie E. Hitro was accepted to physician assistant school at Northwestern University. ’13 BS, MS ’14 Griffin G. Jankowski, a staff accountant for Brock, Schecter & Polakoff, received his Certified Public Accountant (CPA) designation. ’13 MBAPA Sean Umlauft was promoted from staff accountant to assurance senior for Lougen Valenti Bookbinder & Wientraub LLP. ’14 BS, MS ’15 William Bakke was named a staff analyst with Brisbane Consulting Group LLC. He was a staff accountant for Lumsden & McCormick LLP. ’14 BA Molly Burhans founded the GoodLand Project, which works to increase the Catholic Church’s understanding and ecological planning of its landholdings to demonstrate how these lands can be a means for positive global environmental and social change. Burhans’ efforts were recently featured in Landscape Architecture Magazine. ’14 BS, MBAACC ’15 Peter T. Dombrowski is a new staff accountant for Freed Maxick CPAs. He was an accounting intern for Rich Products Corporation. ’14 BS Stephen J. Grimm is the new marketing assistant and graphic designer for MJ Peterson Real Estate. He was an investment research associate at Citi. ’14 MBA Peter M. Grisanti is the new charge accountant for the commercial division of The Bonadio Group. ’14 BS, MBA ’15 Calvin Warren joined the certified public accounting firm Lumsden McCormick LLP as a tax staff accountant. ’15 MS Michael Berkun was named an insurance adviser for Lawley’s property and casualty sales team. ’15 BA Whitney Leigh Butcher is dedicating a year of service as a volunteer with the Jesuit Volunteer Corps. She works with Respite Care of San Antonio Inc. ’15 MS Zacherie Frances Geary, an accountant for Lumsden McCormick, earned his Certified Public Accountant (CPA) designation. ’15 Zachariah J. Martiueau is a new staff accountant for Chiampou Travis Besaw & Kershner LLP.

CANISIUS COLLEGE MAGAZINE • SPRING / SUMMER 2016 |

25


IN MEMORIAM It is with great sadness that Canisius announced the passing of Jesse E. Nash Jr., HON. ’93 on May 11. He was 90.

Victor A. Lama Jr. ’60 December 30, 2015

John F. Walsh MBA ’72 November 19, 2015

An emeritus professor of anthropology and sociology, Nash joined the Canisius faculty in 1965 and served until his retirement in 1998. Throughout his tenure, Nash was a steadfast mentor and role model for hundreds of students of color. He was also a prophetic voice in the Buffalo community on issues related to race, segregation, discrimination and poverty.

Joseph D. LoTurco ’61 February 06, 2016

Richard J. Corbett ’73 December 12, 2015

Patricia A. Fitzgerald MSED ’62 January 17, 2016

James A. Falletta ’73 February 11, 2016

Patrick R. Malley ’62 February 12, 2016

Michael J. Santillo ’73 January 29, 2016

Thomas J. Beras ’63 February 19, 2016

John A. Hay MSED ’74 November 30, 2015

Mildred G. (Gray) Clouser MSED ’64 January 04, 2016

Geraldine N. (Nowacki) Specyal MSED ’75 January 24, 2016

Michael E. Goldsmith ’64 February 06, 2016

Patricia B. Tufillaro MSED ’75 December 02, 2015

Richard S. Schweichler MSED ’64 November 27, 2015

Florence S. (Meltzer) Forrest ’76 January 30, 2016

Peter R. Travers ’64 February 24, 2016

Michael R. Cirbus ’77 February 29, 2016

William G. Riederer ’67 February 26, 2016

Robert J. McKnight ’78, MBA ’84 January 16, 2016

John J. Helinski Jr. ’68 January 29, 2016

Daniel F. Smeragliuolo ’78 December 27, 2015 Jamie E. DePeau ’81 February 20, 2016

For his service to God and country, Canisius conferred the President’s Medal upon Nash in 1972.

Howard J. Baker ’37 February 26, 2016

Jerome E. Deinzer ’52 January 02, 2016

Donald L. Voisinet ’41, MS ’48 March 03, 2016

Raymond J. Duggan ’52 December 30, 2015

Msgr. George J. Brennan ’44 January 31, 2016

John A. Eder ’53 December 28, 2015

Frank C. Schulz ’48 February 26, 2016

William J. Schanbacher ’53 December 21, 2015

Spencer C. Kapperman ’69, MSED ’71 January 02, 2016

Lawrence W. Murphy ’49, PhD January 31, 2016

Frederick H. Floss ’54, MSED ’60 January 16, 2016

Richard J. Kuwik ’69, MD January 30, 2016

Edwin M. Prem ’49 February 17, 2016

John L. Bowen ’55 February 05, 2016

Msgr. John W. Zeitler MSED ’69 January 11, 2016

Rosemarie M. DiVencenzo MSED ’89 December 08, 2015

William W. Turner ’49 December 26, 2015

William D. Gallagher ’55 February 20, 2016

John C. Kibler Sr. ’70 December 13, 2015

Jennifer L. (Anzelone) Kieta ’91 December 02, 2015

Leo J. Chambers ’50 January 08, 2016

Lillian S. (Silvestrini) Galza MSED ’55 December 11, 2015

Kurt C. Bingeman ’71 January 12, 2016

Brian Cannon MBA ’93 November 24, 2015

William J. Desmond ’51 December 18, 2015

Ellen S. Iten MSED ’56 January 15, 2016

Anthony V. Dirienzo ’71, MSED ’75 November 20, 2015

James J. Mezhir ’96, MD February 03, 2016

Robert J. Dolan ’51 December 17, 2015

James J. Rehak ’58 November 13, 2015

Jacqueline M. Walsh ’71 January 23, 2016

Steven M. Muskopf ’04 January 05, 2016

Adam D. Dzimian ’51 December 04, 2015

Sr. Mary M. Brylinski ’59 November 17, 2015

Dorothy Josef MSED ’72 February 11, 2016

Robert J. Becker ’10 February 24, 2016

William J. Best ’52 November 09, 2015

Murray E. Davis MA ’59 February 03, 2016

Dennis C. Martin ’72, MBA ’77 January 11, 2016

Renee Day MSED ’11 April 09, 2015

STAY CONNECTED 26

| CANISIUS COLLEGE MAGAZINE • SPRING / SUMMER 2016

Kathleen B. (Baecher) Ray MA ’81 January 05, 2016

Canisius College is excited to partner with Publishing Concepts Inc. (PCI) to publish a new Alumni Directory. Starting soon, PCI will contact you via email, postcard or telephone, with instructions on how to update your information. We encourage you to respond to help make the new Alumni Directory a great way for all Canisius alumni to stay connected.


*Rachelle L. Arenos ’12 and Adam J. Booth ’12 November 14, 2015 Ellen J. Barr ’11, MSED ’13 and Joseph G. Long ’11, MBAA ’12 December 26, 2015

Kari A. Brossard Stoos ’01, PhD and Brian Stoos, a daughter, Estella Pearl, born May 29, 2015

Joseph J. Radetich ’06 and Ashley Radetich, a son, Joseph M., born June 3, 2015

Kathryn J. (Calderone) Ferrentino ’04 and Mario J. Ferrentino ’03, a son, Dominick Joseph, born August 14, 2015

Catherine E. (Klass) Robson ’07 and Matthew J. Robson ’07, a girl, Kayleigh Mae, born November 18, 2015

Jason L. Guzzetta ’01 and Theresa Guzzetta, a son, Lincoln Francis, born November 9, 2015

Veronica A. (Matalone) Roetzer ’09, MSED ’10 and Ryan M. Roetzer, a son, Jack Vito, born January 3, 2016

Patrick A. Jones ’03, MS ’06 and Kelly Ann Jones, a son, Patrick Jones, born December 31, 2015

Jennifer L. (Gorczynski) Walker ’00 and Chris Walker, a daughter and son, Genevieve and Jude, born July 15, 2015

T H I S I S S U E ’ S F E AT U R E D B A B Y G R I F F

*Melissa M. Ciaravino ’11 and Joshua Smith October 31, 2015 Andrea L. Glinski ’01 and Brian Walh October 10, 2015 *Alyssa M. Sabio ’15 and Peter T. Dombrowski ’14, MBAA ’15 November 17, 2015 Laura B. Stevens ’15 and Mitchell Tinelli July 11, 2015

*Married in Christ the King Chapel

John “Jack” Michael Henry Rachel Elersic Henry ’10 and Joshua Henry ’06, a son, John Michael Henry, born on December 5, 2015

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

SAY "CHEESE"

Canisius Magazine is now accepting photos for the Class Notes section. If you would like to submit a picture to coincide with your alumni note, baby Griff or wedding announcement, simply email it to alumnote@canisius.edu. To ensure quality print reproduction, all submitted images must be at least 3x5 inches and 300 dpi (pixels per inch). And don’t forget to include the names and class years of other Canisius alumni in the picture. Due to space constraints we may not be able to publish all photos submitted. CANISIUS COLLEGE MAGAZINE • SPRING / SUMMER 2016 |

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