MEDAILLE COLLEGE MAGAZINE
MEDAILLE
CAMPUS KUDOS ALUMNI PROFILE HONORS & SCHOLARSHIPS FACULTY PROFILE NEWS & NOTES COMMENCEMENT
Alumni News – All Years Reunion PAGE 22 Teaching Teachers – Medaille Grads Excelling in the Classroom PAGE 24 Alumni Profile – Brian Chapin ‘ PAGE 33
It’s your school. Your faculty. Your computers. Your classrooms, dorms and teams.
As we grow, so does the need for your support. Medaille College is one of the fastest growing colleges in Buffalo/Niagara. By contributing to the Medaille College Fund, you are making an investment not only in the future of the College, but also in the future of our community. Your support allows Medaille the flexibility necessary to compete in a rapidly changing higher education marketplace and to adapt to the ever-changing needs of students. It also demonstrates the loyalty and commitment of our graduates, a very important factor considered by foundations and government agencies when awarding grant money. Please make a donation today by filling in the coupon below, and mailing or faxing (--) to: Office of Institutional Advancement, Agassiz Circle, Buffalo, NY . Or, use the envelope inserted in this magazine. For more information please contact Troy Schneider at -- or e-mail to: tschneider@medaille.edu.
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LETTER FROM THE PRESIDENT PAGE 2 HONORS/SCHOLARSHIPS PAGE 3 FACULTY PROFILE PAGES 4-5 MEDAILLE ONE PAGE 6 STUDENT ATHLETES PAGES 7-10 SPORTS SCHEDULES PAGES 10-11 CAMPUS KUDOS PAGES 12-13 NEWS AND NOTES PAGES 14-15
ALL YEARS REUNION RECAP PAGE 22
CONTENTS MEDAILLE GRADS AT ST. AMELIA’S SCHOOL PAGE 24
CAMPUS ENHANCEMENT: BEFORE & AFTER PAGE 35
WHO’S NEWS PAGES 16-17 BRANCH CAMPUSES PAGES 18-19 MEDAILLE ARCHIVES PAGE 21 ALUMNI NEWS PAGES 22-23 MEDAILLE GRADS IN EDUCATION PAGES 24-29 CLASS NOTES PAGES 30-33 ALUMNI PROFILE PAGES 33-34 NEW ALUMNI – 2005 COMMENCEMENT PAGE 36
TEACHING TEACHERS
MEDAILLE GRADS EXCELLING IN THE CLASSROOM PAGE 24
MEDAILLE
COLLEGE MAGAZINE FALL 2005
Editor: Jonathan Gill, Director of Editorial Services, jgill@medaille.edu Writers: Detra McTier, Grant Writer; Kara Kerwin, Web Editor Design: sansSerif design
Contributors: Vince Clark, Director for Government, Corporate and Foundation Relations; Keith Koch ’00 LS, Alumni Officer; Dr. Ted Pelton, Associate Professor, Humanities; Tom Burns, Assistant Vice President for Institutional Advancement
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The Medaille College magazine is published for alumni, students, and friends of Medaille College. Address changes, comments, article and photo submissions, and class briefs should be directed to the Editor, c/o the Office of Institutional Advancement. Medaille College Agassiz Circle, Buffalo, NY 14214 716.884.3281 716.884.0291 fax www.medaille.edu
MESSAGE from the PRESIDENT As part of our new strategic plan, we committed ourselves to ensure that all of our students graduate with a very definite set of competencies. One of these competencies we called “citizenship,” and we defined it as “awareness of democratic traditions and the responsibilities they entail.” A second competency we called “engagement” and we described it as “involvement with the world, locally and globally; compassionate interaction with others, unselfish recognition of values larger than oneself.” We could also say that we have committed ourselves to educating women and men who will leave us with a commitment to make our world, locally and globally, a better place.
“...we have committed ourselves to educating women and men who will leave us with a commitment to make our world, locally and globally, a better place.”
The College recently hosted an exhibit that directly speaks to making the world better. During the last week of October and the first week of November, Medaille College had the honor of hosting “Roads to Freedom,” a wonderful exhibit that commemorates the 25th anniversary of the Solidarity Movement in Poland. The exhibit presents the history of a movement that led to the overthrow of communism in Europe and to freedom in Poland and several of its sister countries. Perhaps more essentially, the exhibit also celebrates the victory of a group of men and women who were guided by their faith and driven by a dream. They knew oppression and they dreamed of freedom. They worked tirelessly and risked much, including their lives, to reach their dream. As I was preparing to address the invited guests at the reception that marked the opening of the exhibit, I was reminded of Robert Kennedy’s words: “It is from numberless diverse acts of courage and belief that human history is shaped. Each time a man stands up for an ideal, or acts to improve the lot of others, or strikes out against injustice, he sends a tiny ripple of hope.” Twenty-five years ago the men and women of Solidarity could not even begin to imagine the magnitude of the ripple they had set into motion. The willingness to be involved and make a difference, along with the ability to hope and the ability to dream are as needed today in our community as they were twenty-five years ago in Poland. We in Western New York are going through challenging times. While we may not be seeking to overthrow communism, we are seeking to free ourselves from the oppressive and debilitating belief that the best times for our region are behind us. Yes, it is true that we will need to re-invent our economy, but it is also true that we need men and women who are willing to be involved, to risk and to dream. Since it’s founding, Medaille College has contributed significantly to Western New York. We continue to do so today. We estimate that the annual economic impact that Medaille has on our community exceeds $114 million. Perhaps even more importantly, we at Medaille are committed to providing our community with men and women who will be engaged and who will be willing to dream about what can be rather than to dwell on the difficulties inherent in what is. Men and women who will resonate to this other quote from Robert Kennedy who in speaking about himself once said: “There are those who look at things the way they are, and ask why... I dream of things that never were, and ask why not?” With every best wish for a wonderful holiday season, I am, Sincerely yours,
Joseph W. Bascuas, Ph.D. President
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■ 2005-06 HONORS CONVOCATION SCHOLARSHIPS
- HONORS
CONVOCATION SCHOLARSHIPS Alexander P. and Charlotte T. Dzierba Scholarship - Taranne Kogler, ‘08 The Alexander P. and Charlotte T. Dzierba Scholarship is a grantin-aid for textbooks given every semester. Full-time juniors and seniors at Medaille enrolled in the Social Sciences or Humanities programs who possess a GPA of at least 3.0 and demonstrate economic need are eligible. Anna M. Kramer Scholarship - Linda Rose, ‘07 The Anna M. Kramer Scholarship is awarded to an adult student (over 25) in management-related programs with an interest in accounting. A student will be selected on the basis of demonstrated financial need and academic merit. Kevin I. and Virginia D. Sullivan Scholarship - Claudia Biegasiewicz,‘07 The Kevin I. and Virginia D. Sullivan Scholarship is awarded to an entering transfer student whose academic record promises success at Medaille and who has demonstrated leadership potential through prior activities in college or in the community.
Anna Illuzzi Palano Memorial Scholarship - Julie Kuhns, ‘06 The Anna Illuzzi Palano Memorial Scholarship is awarded annually by the Medaille College Alumni Association. Factors considered in judging applicants include financial need, scholastic ability, participation in activities, personal initiative and community involvement. Semi-finalists are contacted by the Alumni Association for personal interviews. It is named in honor of the late Anna Illuzzi Palano, a member of the class of 1972 and former president of the Alumni Association. Dr. Susan Bokman Leitzan Memorial Scholarship - Jennifer Lipiarz, ‘07 and Christine Monacelli, ‘06 The Dr. Susan Bokman Leitzan Memorial Scholarship is awarded to two deserving Medaille College Veterinary Technology Students each year. The scholarships are awarded to full time students who are excelling academically.
Lisa Aunger Brenna Barbour Nathan Beutel Corey Biesinger Molly Brewer Katelyn Bugenhagen Brenlyn Campbell Jami Caward Marilee Cook Amber Czock Claire Davies Nicole Gawel Jeremy George Margaret Keddie Kevin Knospe Emily Newcomb-Smith Megan Ohnmeiss Jessica Postolese Jared Reisdorf Jacob Reisdorf Andrea Robinson Michael Simoncelli Katherine Slomowicz Matthew Slovick Kimberly Stencel Sharlyn Wagner Andrew Yestrebi Christina Yuen
Alaina Aikin Aron Ayers-Spicola David Bennett Cassandra Betz Sara Bova Janine Bryan Paul Bergess Elizabeth Bush Melissa Carter Kathryn Davis Christine Detor Mattea Haessner Jacquelyn Healy Laura Hoffman Matthew Hollenbeck Bryan Judson Megan Koscielniak Ashley Merkt Shala A. Reifinger Tamara Rivera Shannon Rogowski Natalie Schiavone Kristin Sommer Katherine Szczechowiak Mariette Tyrpak Gregory Walters Amanda Wheeler Kody Zielinski
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Veterinary Technology Memorial Scholarship - Corrie Westfall, ‘06 The Veterinary Technology Memorial Scholarship was established in memory of Joseph E. Savarese, Sr. The scholarship is awarded to a student entering his/her second year in the Veterinary Technology program. The scholarship is awarded on the basis of financial need and good academic standing.
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Medaille students honored for academic excellence.
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Sharon Baker Heather Belmont Tracey Brewer Benjamin Brindise Jameson Bugenhagen Tiffany Coburn Gilisa Currington Zachary David Deanna Dawson Erica DeFisher Ryan Dewey Ben Dlugosh Tricia Dove Joseph Ellis Kelly Finch Ashley Gerlach Haddie Herzig
Aaron Jantzi Emily Knapp Stephanie Kramer Alex Nicosia James O’ Neill Ashley Peed Emily Pieterse Emily Schaefer Darbee Sehne Kortney Smithers Scott St. George Janessa Vandegriff Josh Waclawski James Witherow Corrinne Yotter Melanie Zimmerman
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MEDAILLE COLLEGE MAGAZINE FALL 2005
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profile
diversity FACULTY
TEACHING IS A VERY DIVERSE ART. WHETHER THERE ARE GEOGRAPHIC, SOCIO-ECONOMIC OR
CULTURAL DIFFERENCES, WHAT WORKS IN ONE CLASSROOM MAY BE VERY DIFFERENT FROM WHAT WORKS IN ANOTHER. TO FULLY APPRECIATE THESE DIFFERENCES, EDUCATORS MUST STEP OUT OF THEIR TRADITIONAL, COMFORTABLE ENVIRONMENT AND EXPERIENCE A DIFFERENT SITUATION.
Dr. Terri Borchers, Assistant Professor, Humanities, spent a week this past spring experiencing life as a poetry reader and tutor for a very unique group of students on the Navajo Indian Reservation in Tuba City, AZ. The Navajos have a distinctive geography, located in a desert-like, rural area. Their economy is weak, with an unemployment rate of over %. They have a strong cultural heritage based in family. “The first thing I learned was what to call them, which was interesting - this idea that there were 14 different tribes and 14 different creation stories,” Borchers says. “The first thing a tribe member says to another tribe member, another Indian, is ‘What four families in the Navajo tribe?’ You say that you’re Navajo, they say their father’s family is Beaver Dam, my mother’s
family is River Water, my mom’s mom is Pine Forest and my dad’s mom is Red Hawk and so on to identify each other.” Dr. Borchers recognized that the opportunity to be engaged in this process of experiential teaching and learning would benefit the field of Humanities as well as benefit Medaille College. “This is an opportunity to gain greater knowledge about America’s colonial heritage and our nation’s shared and marginalized cultures,” Borchers wrote in her Faculty Development Award application, “and a greater store of knowledge about the American Indian that I can share with my students in literature and poetry courses.” “There are Indian tribes around us in Western New York, and all the street names, river names and mountain names are taken from the Indians – and we don’t know them,” Borchers says. “We don’t know those stories. With the Greeks and Romans we had thousands of years of stories, but we continue to be so illiterate about our own native history.”
■ FACULTY PROFILE
In addition to broadening her scope of myth and folklore for her classes, experiencing this very different environment made her a better teacher in terms of modeling her teaching methods to unique student groups.
Dr. Terri Borchers
“The predominant thing you notice on the reservation is that they are all slow learners,” says Borchers. “There is no money and there are no good schools.
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Time for recess on the Navajo Indian Reservation
There’s poverty and no support at home, or no home. Three extended family members live together, mom has problems with alcohol and dad has died of a heart attack. Somebody has diabetes, somebody else has run away and there are 13 kids. How do children learn if there is no means of family support, no one even reading to them out loud? “The older children have it no better,” Borchers continues. “They actually provide child care right at the high school because there are so many teen mothers. The boys all want to be police officers and the girls want to be teachers, because that is all they see. The only other opportunity for them seemed to be the ROTC program that might lead to scholarships.” Borchers tried to use her time on the Navajo Reservation to understand what it would be like growing up in this environment. Viewing these children from only the viewpoint of the teacher-student relationship can’t tell the whole picture. Experiencing life as they live it is a start. “I really wished I had learned more about teen-age life and what it is like to grow up and face the decision they all face - to stay in that place or move,” Borchers says. “I really wanted to know what it would be like to grow up on the reservation. I saw a lot of despair, but I also saw outstanding
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models and proof that it is possible to grow up and take on the Navajo culture successfully.” Borchers’ days started at 8 a.m. with elementary age students, grades one through six. She would often read stories to the students. “I would sit on the ground and often – times they would read along or act out the parts with some kind of dance,” Borchers says. “I wanted them to fully participate - participation is something I emphasize in all of my classes. But, on the first day, the primary teacher had a family conflict and was out. I walked into this class with just an assistant from the community college, and it was just plain awful. The kids were not listening, she wanted them to sit down and shut up, and I wanted participation. I motivated the students to get up out of their chairs and bring the texts to life.” The last day of the week was Earth Day. The whole school walked around the campus, and then took minivans to different areas of the city and picked up cigarette butts, bottle caps and broken glass. The students literally got down on their hands and knees and prayed to Mother Earth in a fully participatory way that charmed Borchers’ heart. “That is why I was there, to help the teacher and learn their lore,” Borchers says. “First I went there to learn professionally about their cultural differences and the second professional reason was to learn by the seat of my pants. I wanted to learn how these children come to answer, ‘Am I special or am I forgotten?’”
The Arizona desert provided a stunning backdrop for Borchers’ teaching experience
She also worked three afternoons with high school students and two evenings with nontraditional students that came to the school for community college courses. In what little down-time she had, Borchers explored the reservation.
experiential learning. Her trip was successful in many ways, and very positively received by the Navajo tribe. As such, she has helped open the door to future Medaille students who are looking for the same type of experiential learning.
“Sometimes I would have a half-hour to take a walk or relax,” Borchers says. “I would go to the high school and watch a couple innings of a girl’s softball game, then go and talk to the jeweler and the people who run the sheep ranch. I spoke with dancers and the people that help Navajo teens learn the traditional dance steps, and I would watch the ROTC drill team practice.”
As she reflects on her experience, Borchers explains, “Unless you can become a conversationalist with the ideas you are learning, you are in trouble. I need my students to be able to tell me what they have learned, how they understand it and when I need to slow down. This can be a conflict at Medaille because sometimes students are too shy to speak up and I don’t know yet how to answer the important questions: What can I assume they know? How do I get them to tell me what they understand?
Borchers spent some time with the tribe’s elders in the evenings. One neighbor she visited with was an actual Navajo code talker. “He is the story of why I am one of the few people that get invited to the Navajo reservation,” Borchers says. “They tried to Hollywood-ize the code talker tradition when they did that movie on their role in World War II, and they wanted to turn the reservation into a tourist trap. He wouldn’t play along because he felt belittled and dehumanized as a Navajo when he wore the soldier’s uniform.” Borchers is looking forward to using her experiences to be a better Humanities professor and to expand opportunities for
Borchers and her fellow teachers
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“My experience on the Navajo Reservation has taught me a lot about how I need to figure these things out,” Borchers concludes. “I can introduce practical skills to my students and get them involved with the Prelude so they can go out and try to get a job as a desktop publisher or an editor. Medaille students may learn in different ways than 1st graders, but it is all about participating in your education. I am never going to forget our activities on Earth Day seeing all the garbage and seeing all of those kids down on their hands and knees, picking up pieces of broken glass and praying to their Mother Earth.”
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MEDAILLE COLLEGE MAGAZINE FALL 2005
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MedailleOne After ten months of coordination and cooperation, the Medaille College Information Technology office and the technical administrators at Drexel University have installed and launched the SCT Banner system for Medaille students, faculty and staff. “Everything came up perfect,” says Cheryl Thompson, Chief Information Officer at Medaille. “Projects like this can take eighteen months. This remarkable partnership between Medaille and Drexel has brought powerful education resources and communication tools to the campus community.” SCT Banner provides a sophisticated backbone of data for administrative and financial purposes. As a centralized source for information, Medaille staff will be able to enter and update educational, personnel and financial records into Banner. This will connect Medaille’s three campuses throughout Western New York under one system.
■ BANNER IMPLEMENTATION
“Staff and faculty will be able to pull their own reports and fill their own data needs,” Thompson continued. “Having this centralized information system will help us to forecast where we are and where we’re going.”
Investments in technology will allow Medaille students, faculty and staff to access information in real time.
counterpart, the MedailleOne intranet portal which offers one-stop shopping for most students’ informational needs. MedailleOne gives students instant, real-time access to their course schedules, grades, financial aid information, e-mail accounts, course information and a personal calendar. SCT Banner has significantly improved the speed by which student data and records can be located, and now allows students to see that information directly, as opposed to waiting in an office and filling out a form. This will result in shorter lines and will allow staff to give more time to students for personalized attention. From the time students begin
their first year to the time they graduate, Banner and its integrated IT services will support them as they register for classes, communicate with faculty and fulfill their requirements for their degree. As an intranet portal, the main page of MedailleOne is customizable, meaning that users can add content and move it to suit their individual needs. Users will be able to add different channels later this year to include announcements, news headlines, sports scores and personalized bookmarks. When combined with the content on the main Medaille Web site (www.medaille.edu), WebCT course management and e-mail, students and faculty can now access almost any College information with a click of the mouse.
On the Web
Training sessions, held this summer and continuing throughout the fall, give administrators, staff and faculty hands-on experience with the software and the system. Drexel administrators instructed Medaille staff through videoconferencing and recorded the sessions for the benefit of new hires.
Information Technology: http://www.medaille.edu/college/it MedailleOne: http://one.medaille.edu Banner Support: http://www.medaille.edu/banner/index.htm
Graduate and undergraduate students can now check their records through Banner’s
Set up your account: http://accounts.medaille.edu
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■ MEDAILLE STUDENT ATHLETES
NAME
Jenny Garris ‘05 BIO (anticipated)
STUDENTATHLETE
profiles
HOMETOWN
Wyomissing, PA; Wilson High School Where do you work?
I tutor Biology and Veterinary Technology classes in the Academic Skills Center at Medaille.
Jenny Garris ‘05 BIO
Cross Country
Andrew Larracuente ‘06 SM
SPORT
What is your favorite music/band? Movie? Food?
Music - I like some of everything and I usually listen to 98.5 on the radio. Movie - “Fast & the Furious.” Sexy men and hot cars, there can be no better movie than that. Food - Cake with lots of icing on it. It is the way to my heart. What do you do for fun in your free time?
I like to hang out with friends and family. We go to the movies, go mini-golfing and go to clubs. I also enjoy walking my dog and going to Marineland or anywhere else where there are animals to see.
Are there any team goals your squad hopes to achieve this fall? My goal is to see everyone
NAME
try their hardest and encourage each other so we can have a good, solid team this year.
SPORT
What pro/amateur athlete do you admire most and why? I don’t really have an athlete
Are there any goals you personally hope to accomplish this fall? I hope to continue
Lancaster, NY; Lancaster High School
improving and to beat my best time.
Where do you work?
Do you have a favorite Medaille sports story to tell?
I work in the Medaille Athletics Department on a work program.
Andrew Larracuente ‘06 SM Soccer - Central midfielder, central defender, captain since spring of sophomore year. HOMETOWN
that I admire because my dad has always been my inspiration. He works very hard at everything he does, always gives everything 100% and expects the same from me. He is always proud of me as long as I do my best, so that’s what I keep in mind at each meet, every day at practice and with everything I do. Why did you choose Medaille?
I wanted a school where I could get a Veterinary Technology degree and a fouryear Biology degree at the same time. I heard that Medaille had a really good Vet Tech program and that’s definitely true because I took the national veterinary technician licensing exam this summer and I passed with flying colors! What is your greatest sporting moment since coming to Medaille? My first year of cross
country when I finished in the top ten at the conference championships.
The most amusing story I can think of happened on the way to one of our meets. Our Coach picked us up in a Medaille van in front of the Main Building. All of the girls got in the van, but so did one guy. None of us thought anything of it because we just assumed he was someone’s boyfriend and was coming to watch the meet. However, after we had been driving awhile the guy spoke up and asked us where we were going. We told him we were going to our x-country meet. He looked really embarrassed and told us that he thought this was one of the shuttles to the zoo parking lot. We had to turn around and bring him to the zoo. As soon as the poor freshman boy was out of the van we all died laughing. I’m still not sure why he didn’t figure it out when he saw that it was all girls in the van, in x-country uniforms, but hey I guess everyone makes mistakes sometimes.
What is your favorite music/band? Movie? Food?
- I like country and rap, but I enjoy everything. - “Old School” - Steak
What do you do for fun in your free time?
I like hanging out with my friends and playing cards. I play any sport, whenever I can. What pro/amateur athlete do you admire most and why? The athlete I admire most is
Brian McBride from the Men’s US National Soccer team. He has an amazing work ethic, comes through in clutch situations and is a great leader. Why did you choose Medaille?
I liked the small classes, the friendly atmosphere and the internship opportunities. I also welcomed an opportunity to play soccer. continued on page 8
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MEDAILLE COLLEGE MAGAZINE FALL 2005
profiles - Definitely seafood, fresh
What is your greatest sporting moment since coming to Medaille?
Scoring my first goal in my first College game is definitely a highlight. I’m also proud of my sophomore year when we went 12-4-3 and broke almost every team soccer record here at Medaille. Are there any team goals your squad hopes to accomplish this fall?
We hope to reach the AMCC playoffs and take the championship game. We also want to keep our goals against average below 1.5 goals per game, and our scoring average above two goals a game. Are there any goals you personally hope to accomplish this fall?
My goals are team goals. We want to get as many shutouts as possible and we hope to reach the playoffs and win. I want to be the leader of a team that stays together on and off the field. The Men’s Soccer Team boasted the best season in Medaille College history, finishing with a record of 18-2-2. The team went undefeated in regular season AMMC play and won the AMCC Tournament with a 2-1 win over Lake Erie College in the Championship game. That victory earned the team a spot in the NCAA Tournament where they fell against St. Lawrence University. Congratulations to the team for securing one of the longest unbeaten streaks in the nation (18 games), as well as leading the Allegheny Mountain Collegiate Conference in shots, goals, assists, and points. NAME
Lindsey Kennedy CJ ‘05 (anticipated) SPORTS
Soccer - Captain junior and senior year Lacrosse - Captain senior year HOMETOWN
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Liverpool, NY; Liverpool High School
seafood - I can’t get enough of it! What do you do for fun in your free time?
During the summer I love being outside. I love going to the beach or to drive-in movies. During the winter months, my free time consists of hanging out with friends or visiting family. No matter what time of the year it is, I love going dancing with my girls. We always have a good time even if we’re the only ones dancing it’s a stress reliever for all of us.
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Then the forward took the shot, and it seemed for a split second that there was silence. As the ball deflected off of my right hand, I realized I made the save. It was a great moment. Are there any team goals your squad hopes to achieve this fall? I think our biggest goal for
Team. Not only are they amazing soccer players, but I admire the way they conduct themselves. They are professional women and fantastic athletes. They serve as role models for women, and I am proud that they represent our country.
this fall is going into the AMCC, and showing them what we’re made of. We turned a number of heads last year, and we’re planning on turning even more this year. I think our team is capable of going all the way this year, but it will take perseverance and team strength (mentally and physically) to get us there. We are looking to beat the teams that we had close games with last year, and we’re hoping to make it to the top of the conference standings this year. Without a doubt this will be one of the Medaille’s most successful women’s soccer seasons.
What is your greatest sporting moment since coming to Medaille? My greatest sporting
Are there any goals you personally hope to accomplish this fall? This is my last sport to play
moment was against Frostburg State during the 2004 soccer season. I was extremely nervous - as a goalie there is always pressure, but being nervous and in goal is unbelievable. The game started, and our team was playing so well. I saw a breakaway coming from one of Frostburg’s best forwards, and I knew I couldn’t hesitate. I had to make my move, and I had to come out at the right time. As I started to come out of the net, my body went through adrenaline overload.
in college, and this is my senior season. I want to do the best I can, and to accomplish as much as possible. If I am able to walk off the field after the last game of my collegiate career knowing that we all did the best we could and played our hearts out, then I will have accomplished my goal.
What pro/amateur athlete(s) do you admire most and why? The U.S. Women’s Soccer
Lindsey Kennedy CJ ‘05
STUDENTATHLETE
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Where do you work?
What is your best memory of playing sports at Medaille? Playing both sports at this col-
lege has been unforgettable. I have had the privilege to play with some of the greatest women I know. I have been coached very well, and I could not ask for more from my coaches or fellow athletes. Everyday playing soccer and lacrosse has been memorable for good or bad, and I would not have it any other way. I wish the best of luck to all the other seniors and their sports teams this year. This is it for us, so let’s make it the best yet. The Lady Mavs saw further improvement in 2005, finishing with an 11-8 overall record and making the AMCC playoffs, where they lost in the first round. The team’s impressive season earned them an at-large bid to the ECAC Tournament, where the team fell on the road to Geneseo State.
I have a summer job working for the Onondaga County Health Department. What is your favorite music/band? Movie? Food?
- Recently I have been enjoying classic and modern rock, but I really enjoy all music. - “Seven.” I love it because the bad guy wins in the end.
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NAME
Mark Glende ‘06 ED (anticipated) SPORTS
Golf Volleyball - Libero, outside, and rightside. HOMETOWN
Webster, NY; Webster Schroeder High School
Mark Glende ‘06 ED
Where do you work? I work for Medaille as a Resident Assistant and as an Ambassador for the Admissions Department.
What is your favorite music/band? Movie? Food?
- The Used, Halifax - “The Italian Job” - Duff’s Wings, Baked Ziti at Frank’s Sunny Italy
What do you do for fun in your free time? I play
the guitar and bass, as well as a number of sports. I also like to head out hunting or fishing whenever I can while I’m home. What pro/amateur athlete do you admire most and why? Cal Ripken, Jr. He was modest,
exhibited an admirable work ethic, and played purely for the love of the game. Why did you choose Medaille? I chose Medaille largely for the teaching program, but also for the small school atmosphere, personal attention, and the opportunity to play sports at either the collegiate or club level.
Are there any team goals your squad hopes to achieve this fall/spring? Our golf team has a
lot of room for improvement and we look to use that to our advantage and capitalize on the opportunities we are given to go out and play quality schools. As long as we show improvement throughout the season I feel we will achieve things far greater than any goals I would set right now. Our overall goal in volleyball is to win the National Championship after having the chance to do so the past two years.
Lauren Smith ‘07 ED
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Are there any goals you personally hope to accomplish this fall? On the Golf team I am
looking to pass on the experiences from last year to my incoming teammates who will carry the program to much greater heights in the future. As long as I accomplish that, along with some great scores, it will be a successful year for me. In my final volleyball season I look to hold a starting position and build on my own personal accomplishments while helping the team as a whole go out there and dominate until we win it all. Do you have a favorite Medaille sports story to tell?
After winning the NECVA Championship our Assistant Coach, Charlie Brittain, got caught up in the excitement, slipped on some water on the floor and fell flat on his back as we all celebrated on our feet. The Medaille College men’s golf team finished their season with a fifth -place finish at the AMCC Championships, a significant accomplishment for the second-year program. In addition, freshman Aaron Jantzi won the individual championship at the AMCC championship, earning him 2005 AMCC Newcomer-of-the-Year honors. Newcomerof-the-Year honors.
What is your greatest sporting moment since coming to Medaille? The greatest moment I have
experienced is being a part of the Men’s Volleyball Team and winning the NECVA Tournament on our home court against Rivier College, which gave us our berth into the Molten National Championship.
NAME
Lauren Smith ‘07 ED (anticipated) SPORTS
Volleyball - Middle and outside hitter Basketball - Forward Softball - Third base and designated hitter HOMETOWN
Tonawanda, NY; Kenmore East High School Where do you work?
I have a part time job working at a Dairy Queen not far from my house. What is your favorite music/band? Movie? Food?
- Country music. I really like Rascal Flatts, Kenny Chesney, and Tim McGraw. - “Bringing Down the House” and “My Big Fat Greek Wedding.” Both were hilarious. - My favorite food is breadsticks.
What do you do for fun in your free time? During school, I don’t really have too much free time. I usually just relax at home or go out with my friends. During the summer, I spend a lot of my time working out or playing basketball. I also try to spend as much time as possible with my family, since I don’t get to spend too much time with them during the school year. What pro/amateur athlete do you admire most and why? The pro athlete that I admire most is
Derek Jeter. He came from a small town where people told him he couldn’t Medaille Freshman Aaron Jantzi is the AMCC Golf Champion
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MEDAILLE COLLEGE MAGAZINE FALL 2005
become a pro baseball player. He worked hard, never gave up on his dreams, and now he is one of the best shortstops in the major leagues. Why did you choose Medaille? I chose to come to Medaille because they have a very good Elementary Education program. When I came for a campus visit my senior year, I liked the fact that this was a small college and that I wasn’t going to be just a number. The people that I met on that visit were also very pleasant. What made my decision easier is that I would still be able to play volleyball, basketball, and softball. What is your greatest sporting moment since coming to Medaille? I have had several, but
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MEDAILLE STUDENT ATHLETES
the most memorable are playing in my first volleyball game, winning our tip-off
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be difficult after losing three starters from last season, but after meeting several of the incoming freshmen and seeing the determination of all of the returning players, I am very excited about what our team will be able to accomplish. Are there any goals you personally hope to accomplish this fall? I am really hoping to
basketball tournament my freshman year when we beat Geneseo, and basically the entire ‘04-’05 basketball season. Are there any team goals your squad hopes to achieve this fall? I think that our goals for
volleyball this season are just like the goals of every other team at Medaille, winning the conference tournament and going to the NCAA tournament. This is going to
get a 4.0 GPA this semester. I have come close and I am hoping this will be the semester I attain it. The Lady Mavs finished their season with an overall record of 5-23, 1-8 in the AMCC. For more information on Medaille College athletics, visit www.medaille.edu/mavericks
Medaille College Men’s Basketball 2005-06 Schedule
Medaille College Women’s Basketball 2005-06 Schedule
Date
Host School
Site
Date
Host School
11/18 &19
Hamilton Tourn.
TBA
Away
11/18 & 19
Medaille Tip Off
TBA
11/29/05
Robert Morris
TBA
Away
11/28/05
Alfred
TBA
Away
11/30/05
Grove City
TBA
Home
11/30/05
D’Youville
6:00pm
Home
12/2/05
Lake Erie
8:00pm
Home
12/2/05
Lake Erie
6:00pm
Home
12/3/05
LaRoche
4:00pm
Home
12/3/05
La Roche
2:00pm
Home
12/9/05
Buffalo State
TBA
Away
12/10/05
St. John Fisher
TBA
Away
12/10/05
Buffalo State
TBA
Away
12/15/05
RIT
TBA
Away
12/17/05
D’Youville
3:00pm
Home
1/7/06
Hilbert
2:00pm
Away
1/5/06
Fredonia
7:30pm
Away
1/10/06
Buff State
TBA
Home
1/7/06
Hilbert
4:00pm
Away
1/13/06
Pitt-Greensburg
6:00pm
Away
1/13/06
Pitt-Greensburg
8:00pm
Away
1/14/06
Frostburg State
2:00pm
Away
1/14/06
Frostburg State
4:00pm
Away
1/17/06
Penn St. Behrend
6:00pm
Home
1/17/06
Penn. St. Behrend
8:00pm
Home
1/20/06
Penn St. Altoona
6:00pm
Home
1/20/06
Penn. St. Altoona
8:00pm
Away
1/21/06
Mt. Aloysius
2:00pm
Home
1/21/06
Mt. Aloysius
4:00pm
Home
1/24/06
Pitt-Bradford
6:00pm
Away
1/24/06
Pitt-Bradford
8:00pm
Away
1/27/06
La Roche
6:00pm
Away
1/27/06
LaRoche
8:00pm
Away
1/28/06
Lake Erie
2:00pm
Away
1/28/06
Lake Erie
4:00pm
Away
1/31/06
Penn St. Behrend
6:00pm
Away
1/31/06
Penn. St. Behrend
8:00pm
Away
2/4/06
Hilbert
2:00pm
Home
2/4/06
Hilbert
4:00pm
Home
2/7/06
Pitt-Bradford
6:00pm
Home
2/7/06
Pitt-Bradford
8:00pm
Home
2/10/06
Frostburg State
6:00pm
Home
2/10/06
Frostburg State
8:00pm
Home
2/11/06
Pitt-Greensburg
2:00pm
Home
2/11/06
Pitt-Greensburg
4:00pm
Home
2/17/06
Mt. Aloysius
6:00pm
Away
2/17/06
Mt. Aloysius
8:00pm
Away
2/18/06
Penn. St. Altoona
2:00pm
Away
2/18/06
Penn. St. Altoona
4:00pm
Away
Time
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Time
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SEASONPREVIEWS
Medaille College Men’s Volleyball 2005-06 Schedule* Date
Host School
Time
1/15/06
Rivier College
1:00pm
Home
Stevens Institute
TBA
Away
1/28,29
Site
MEN’S BASKETBALL The Mavericks enter the - men’s basketball campaign with optimism. Season ending injuries and a very young squad made for a very trying year last season. The optimism stems from the fact that both of the injured student-athletes are returning as well as many of the freshmen that gained valuable experience. “I believe we addressed a lot of our needs in recruiting. We will add several transfer players from other four-year institutions,” said Coach Dick Hack, entering his second season as the Mavericks head coach. “Those players are expected to bring additional leadership as well as experience on the collegiate level. We have added height, quickness and depth. This recruiting class will provide much stronger competition in practice. All players will be competing for starting positions and other roles on the team. Success this coming season will be predicated on this competition daily in practice.”
Tournament 2/2/06
D’Youville College
7:00pm
Home
2/7/06
Nazareth College
7:00pm
Home
2/21/06
Nazareth College
7:00pm
Away
2/27/06
Clarke College
7:00pm
Home
3/2/06
D’Youville College
7:00pm
Away
3/4-3/5
Endicott College
TBA
Away
3/19/06
Carthage College
7:00pm
Home
3/31-4/2
NECVA
TBA
Away
4/6-4/8
Molten Champs
TBA
TBA
4/8/06
ECAC
TBA
TBA
*More contests to be scheduled
WOMEN’S BASKETBALL The Lady Mavs will try to top their first twenty-win season in 2005-06. The nucleus of the team will return, featuring four sophomores who started as freshmen, and a talented group of freshmen recruits. The key to their third consecutive winning campaign will be how well everyone learns to get along, and how quickly a team-first attitude is established. Key returnees are Amanda Baker (AMCC Co-Player of the Year), Marisa Clark (All-Conference), Amanda Walling, Kim Sendlak, Lauren Smith, Sara Lewis and Rachel Boice. The newcomers feature Carissa Ferrucci (All- WNY), Brenlyn Campbell (All-WNY), Molly Brewer, Claire Davies, Heather Belmont, and first-year students Janessa Vandegriff, Kortney Smithers and Lisa Aunger. After being invited to their first post season tournament (ECAC), the goal this year is to gain a berth to the NCAA Tournament.
JOIN THE MEDAILLE COLLEGE
MAVERICK BOOSTER CLUB TO ENCOURAGE and SUPPORT the ACADEMIC and ATHLETIC ENDEAVORS of the MAVERICK STUDENT-ATHLETES
MEN’S VOLLEYBALL The Men’s Volleyball Team will look to build on last year’s success, which featured a 19-10 overall record, a perfect 6-0 divisional record and a berth in the Molten Championships, the Division III national “Final Four” tournament, for the second year in a row.
The Maverick Booster Club plays a vital role in achieving our goal of athletic excellence. With your support, we can expand our funding base to meet the many challenges ahead and turn more dreams of our teams into realities.
The team is returning every starter from last year’s team including seniors Erik Hartman and Mark Glende. Juniors Jake Beiter, Brett Wood, Greg Wlosinski and Mark Steinel, as well as sophomore Drew Lewandowski will also be expected to lead the Mavericks. Significant contributions are expected from senior Matt Coleman and junior Nick Manolakos.
We encourage you to visit one of the many athletic events taking place throughout the year. If you have any questions, please feel free to contact Medaille College Director of Athletics, Dick Hack at ₍₎ - or Associate Director of Athletics Laura Edholm at ₍₎ -.
For more information on Medaille College athletics, visit http://www.medaille.edu/mavericks/.
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CAMPUSKUDOS Dr. Stephanie Argentine, Assistant Professor, Business, was awarded a major consulting contract with Park Associates, owners of nursing homes in New York and Indiana. She developed and will be presenting human resources management training programs for administration and staff. Dr. Virginia Batchelor, Assistant Professor, Education, was the reviewer of conference proposals for the Association of Teacher Education and a judge at the NAACP ACTSO, Afro-Academic Cultural Technological Scientific Olympics held here in Buffalo in March 2005. Dr. Alan Bigelow, Professor, Humanities, recently posted a new interactive story on the web at www.SavingTheAlphabet.com. This is a new type of fiction which is created entirely in Flash. Dr. Alice Blake-Stalker, Assistant Professor, Education, along with her students, developed instructional materials based on the children’s books, Dinner at Aunt Connie’s and Bread and Culture. These were presented at the Castellani Art Museum in Lewiston, New York.
Erion also has been chosen to present “‘Everything is Relative?’ Cross-Disciplinary Lessons From the Scholarship of Philosophical Pedagogy” at the International Society for the Scholarship of Teaching and Learning conference in Vancouver, BC, on October 14-16, 2005.
Suzanne D’Amato, Assistant Professor, Humanities, has authored two major entries in the new five-volume Encyclopedia of Anthropology, to be published by SAGE in January 2006. One entry is titled “Education and Anthropology” and the other “Mythology.”
Dr. Judith Horowitz, Associate Professor, Social Sciences, has been appointed as the Interim Dean of the College of Adult and Graduate Studies. Mark Lavatelli, Professor, Humanities, mounted a one-person exhibition of his paintings at the Flickinger Center, Nichols School. The exhibition was entitled “Taos Paintings” and featured large oil on canvas and medium-sized encaustic on panel paintings made by Lavatelli during his three-month artist residency at the Helene Wurlitzer Foundation of New Mexico in Taos.
CAMPUS KUDOS Dr. Blake-Stalker also presented “Addressing Diversity in Teacher Education Programmes: Syllabi Analysis and Faculty Resources and Needs Assessment Survey” in Montreal, Canada, for the American Educational Research Association. She also presented “A Creative Collaboration Between a Teacher Education Program and a Museum” through the auspices of the New York Association of Colleges for Teacher Education/New York State Association of Teacher Educators, Saratoga Springs, New York, 2005.
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Dr. Gerald J. Erion, Assistant Professor, Humanities, presented his paper “Student Relativism” at “Future Discourse: Learning and Teaching in Philosophy”, an international conference that met July 1-2 at the University of Leeds (UK) and the first conference on the teaching of philosophy ever convened in Great Britain. Details on the conference can be found at http://www.prs-ltsn.ac.uk/philosophy/events/conference.html
Dr. Terri K. Borchers, Assistant Professor, Humanities, had her paper “Elizabeth Bishop, The Unhomely, and The Unaccomodated Other” accepted for publication and presentation at the Hawaii International Conference on Arts and Humanities, Jan 11-14, 2006, in Honolulu, Hawaii.
Courtney Grim, Associate Professor, Media Communications, was selected as one of the artists to exhibit in the Albright Knox’s Bi-Regional exhibition entitled, “Beyond/In Western New York.” Linda Herman, Associate Professor, Library, was awarded the National 2005 Louis Fishman Advocacy Award at the Parkinson’s Action Network Public Policy Forum in Washington, D.C. This annual award honors a PAN State or Congressional Coordinator for their advocacy efforts in the fight against Parkinson’s Disease. Dr. Brad Hollingshead, Associate Professor, Humanities, is the recipient of the 2005 Dr. Brian R. Shero Teaching Excellence and Campus Leadership Award, and gave the keynote address to student honorees at the 2005 Medaille College Honors Convocation.
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Dr. Michael P. Lillis, Associate Professor, Business, has been appointed to the Editorial Review Board for the SAM Advanced Management Journal.
Seana Logsdon, Assistant Professor, General Education, presented “Old Habits Die Hard: Teaching Active Learning to College Freshmen” at the 2005 Freshman Year Experience National Conference.
■ CAMPUS KUDOS
CAMPUSKUDOS Ilona Middleton, Professor, Director of Libraries, was the 2004-2005 President of the Western New York/Ontario Chapter of the Association of College and Research Libraries, part of the National American Library Association. In this capacity, Prof. Middleton oversaw the development of two U.S./Canadian Library Conferences whose themes dealt with, among other things, the new technologies and library research services in the 21st century.
Pelton’s story, “Republicans and Erectile Dysfunction,” appears in the most recent issue of Rain Taxi Review of Books and another story, “Buffalo,” appears in the most recent issue of Submodern Fiction. Also, Pelton’s Starcherone Books awarded their 3rd annual manuscript prize to Sara Greenslit for her novel, The Blue of Her Body. The novel will be published by Starcherone Books in the fall of 2006.
Dr. Karen Selby, Professor, Education, had a chapter, entitled “South African Education: the Growing Impact of Parental Choice,” published in the book Promising Practices for Family Involvement in Schooling Across the Continents.
CAMPUS KUDOS Robert E. Nesslin, CME, Assistant Professor at Medaille’s Accelerated Learning Programs, Amherst Campus, has been reelected Chair of Faculty Council for 2005-06. The Council is composed of five facultyelected representatives and coordinates the work of the 11 faculty committees and serves as a liaison with the President, administrators and the Board of Trustees. Nesslin is also serving a second term as Vice President for Education with Buffalo Niagara Sales and Marketing Executives.
Ethan Paquin, MFA, Assistant Professor, Humanities, had his third book of poetry, The Violence, released in September by Ahsahta Press, and received favorable advance notice in Publishers Weekly. Fall book tour dates include stops in Paris, France, and the University of Massachusetts Visiting Writers Series. His poems were published recently in Colorado Review, Fence, Cincinnati Review and Gulf Coast. He also presented a paper on Robert Altman’s film “Three Women” at the 30th annual West Virginia University Colloquium on Literature and Film, Sept. 15-17. Dr. Paul Parsons, Professor, Social Sciences, is the editor of The Journal for the Professional Counselor. Dr. Theodore W. Pelton, Assistant Professor, Humanities, recently posted “Jack Slazy, Ma Scrazy,” an excerpt of his forthcoming novel Malcolm and Jack, in the web magazine, BlazeVox (http://www.blazevox.org.).
Anne Pfohl, Instructor, Social Sciences, had her article “The Intersection of Personal and Professional Identity: The Heterosexual Supervisor’s Role in Fostering the Development of Sexual Minority Supervisees” appear in The Clinical Supervisor.
Louis J. Pozantides, Assistant Professor, Media Communications, was named as the 2004-2005 Professor of the Year as presented by the Medaille College Student Government Association. Dr. Todd Riniolo, Associate Professor, Social Sciences, along with three of his students, has had an article accepted for publication, entitled “Hot or Not: Do Professors Perceived As Physically Attractive Receive Higher Student Evaluations?” The article will appear in The Journal of General Psychology.
Dr. Riniolo also had an article entitled “Is a Lack of Cerebral Hemisphere Dominance a Risk Factor for Social ‘Conflictedness’?: Mixed-Handedness in Shyness and Sociability” published in the journal, Personality and Individual Differences. Dr. Susan Schroeder, Associate Professor, Education, presented a workshop entitled “Literacy and Urban Schooling” at the first International Symposium on Urban Education and Intercultural Learning. Dr. Schroeder also was appointed to the Executive Board of WILLA, a special interest group of the National Council of Teachers of English.
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Paul R. Shine, President of Norampac Industries Lancaster division, will share teaching responsibilities for MBA 660, which is an integrated research project encompassing creating a business concept, preparing a feasibility plan, and delivering a completed business plan all in a seven-week period.
Marsha Swiatek, Guest Lecturer, Education, was recently appointed to the National Planning Committee of the National Association of Teacher Educators. Swiatek also was elected Vice President/President Elect and Program Chair of the Alpha Lambda Chapter of Pi State and Delta Kappa Gamma International, an organization of key women educators around the world.
Dr. Robert Guang Tian, Associate Professor, Business, had his article “Breakthrough the Invisible Barriers: Understanding Cross-cultural Issues in International Business Communications” selected to be included in the book Cross-Cultural Communication in Business Scenario, edited by Danteshwari Bhasker. The book will be published by the Institute of Chartered Financial Analysts of India, Hyderabad, India. He and his former students also co-authored the article “Food Service Management and its Impact on College Operations” which was accepted by the Journal of Foodservice Business Research to be published in fall, 2005. Andrew Yeager, Assistant Professor, Library, sits on the Greater Buffalo School Library Board. In this capacity, he acts as liaison between the college community and the school district.
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NEWSANDNOTES Medaille College Donates Two-Dozen Backpacks for WGRZ-TV Promotion
Congressman Higgins Hosts Business Power Forum Congressman On Saturday, June , , Congressman Brian Higgins Brian Higgins (NY-27) hosted a forum in the Medaille College Lecture (NY-27) Hall to allow small business, industry leaders and the general public an opportunity to discuss how power costs impact their businesses. “Western New York has a unique natural resource in Niagara Falls that generates the cleanest, cheapest hydropower in the United States,” said Congressman Higgins. “Yet the cost of doing business in this region is greatly impacted by high utility prices.” Topics of discussion included the New York Power Authority’s Niagara Power Project license, which must be filed by August of , as well as the topics of replacement and expansion power. ■
Government Affairs During April and May of this year, Medaille College President, Joseph A. Bascuas, Ph.D., and Director for Government, Corporate and Foundation Relations, Vince Clark, traveled to Washington, D.C., to meet with the College’s Congressional delegation several times. The effort was made to create stronger relationships between the College and its representatives in Washington, D.C.
■ NEWS and NOTES
The Medaille delegation met with the staff of Congressman Brian Higgins (NY-27) and Senator Charles Schumer to request government funding for renovations of the College’s Main Building and to help start a Pharmacy program at the College. While no commitment was made, the requests were well received and are currently pending.
The delegation also met with Senator Hilary Clinton and her Deputy Chief of Staff, Chris Balderston. This meeting presented the College with a wonderful opportunity to establish a direct relationship with Senator Clinton and her staff. As a result, members of the Medaille faculty and staff are currently working with Senator Clinton’s office on an exciting joint venture to benefit Medaille students and the greater Western New York community. “I was very pleased to have an opportunity to raise the College’s profile within a key constituency on Capitol Hill,” Dr. Bascuas said. “I look forward to working together to ensure that our students receive an outstanding educational experience here at Medaille.” Clark will lead efforts to build upon the relationships that have been established over the past year with our Congressional Delegation and their staffs. ■
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Backpacks will be donated to needy school children in WNY Medaille College recently donated two dozen backpacks to this year’s WGRZTV promotion “2 Pack a Backpack.” Each year the NBC affiliate collects backpacks and school supplies to donate to needy school children in Western New York. The Medaille College store, along with the Medaille College athletic department, teamed up to make the donation to this year’s drive. Members of the Lady Mavericks volleyball team presented the backpacks to WGRZ’s Jodi Johnston during the Daybreak show at the Clarence WalMart on Friday, August 26, 2005. Junior Lauren Smith, an education major, spoke with Johnston on-air about the importance of school children having the proper supplies in a learning environment. ■
Michele Peruzzini, Nicole Schuth, Jodi Johnston, Heather Belmont and Lauren Smith
■ NEWS and NOTES
Medaille Receives Grant from Cummings Foundation Medaille College recently received a , grant from the James H. Cummings Foundation to upgrade equipment used in the College’s science department. The new equipment will be used to meet the immediate needs of students while also providing valuable equipment for a converted science suite. With plans moving forward to completely renovate the 1922 Main Building, this funding will also allow the college to expand its available laboratory space, upgrade its technology and expand its program offerings.
■ PATH
With the Cummings grant, the College will install a Liquid Chromatograph and Gas Chromatograph-Mass Spectrometer. The Liquid Chromatograph is used to separate and identify chemicals in the liquid state. This equipment is an asset in the instruction of chemistry labs at various levels. The Gas ChromatographMass Spectrometer is also used to separate and identify unknown chemicals. The GC-MS is another instrument which is widely used in industry and scientific research and will provide students with hands-on experience, which is an advantage as they pursue entry-level careers in science. ■
Strategic Plan Update
The Strategic Plan recognizes that each of these three populations has unique and different needs and therefore calls for programs and academic structures appropriate to the needs of each group. Specifically, the Plan calls for the creation of three academic units, one that would address the needs of traditional age undergraduate students, the Undergraduate College; a second that would sponsor programs geared toward adult learners and those seeking professional education; and a third “college” that would include all graduate programs.
Golf Classic
The Medaille College Golf Classic was rained out on September 26, 2005, and rescheduled for October 17, 2005. Fortunately, the weather cooperated on the new date and golfers enjoyed a beautiful, brisk autumn day filled with sunshine. Over 130 golfers took to the links at Transit Valley Country Club for the second Medaille College Golf Classic, which had Savarino Construction as the main event sponsor. The tournament raised more than $60,000 for student scholarships and a good time was had by all.
to E X C E L L E N C E
The recently adopted Strategic Plan reaffirms Medaille College’s commitment to continue meeting the educational needs of adults as well as the more traditional age undergraduate students. In addition, it also calls for a significant increase in the number of graduate offerings.
With the arrival of Dr. Doug Howard as our new Vice President of Academic Affairs, Medaille has begun to implement this part of the Strategic Plan. While eventually there will be a three-college structure, Medaille has started by adding the School of Adult and Graduate Education [SAGE] that will include the adult and professional programs along with all of our graduate offerings.
After receiving welcoming gifts, including a Medaille rain jacket, golfers started the day with a buffet lunch and some practice on the driving range and putting green. At noon, participants went to their respective tees to attack the fairways of Transit Valley.
Medaille is proceeding with caution and will use the first year or so to nail down the various implications of this change and the processes necessary for the new School to function independently of the Undergraduate College.
After the day on the links, guests enjoyed a cocktail reception and were generous in their support of the College by participating in a silent auction and business card raffle. The auction featured signed memorabilia from the Bills and Sabres, a color television, gift certificates from local merchants and restaurants, and an autographed Goo-Goo Dolls guitar.
Dr. Norman Muir will continue to lead the Undergraduate College. Dr. Judy Horowitz has been appointed as the Interim Dean of the School of Adult and Graduate Education. ■
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As the leaves were changing, golfers enjoyed closest to the pin, and longest and straightest drive contests, as well as the chance to “Beat the Coach” on the putting green for prizes.
Special thanks go out to Tom Donahoe, President and General Manager of the Buffalo Bills, who returned as the Golf Classic Chairman, to the entire Golf Classic Committee, to all the volunteers who helped run the event, and to Mother Nature for getting it right on the second try.
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WHO’SNEWS Medaille College is pleased to announce new hires at the College since July 1, 2004. BUSINESS DEPARTMENT: Luis Borges Assistant Professor
Donald O’Connor Instructor
Accelerated Learning Program, ROCHESTER:
Karen King Director of Special Programs
Mary Beth Scumaci Instructor
Cheryl Kleist Assistant Professor
Monika Thompson Director of Multicultural Education and Diversity
Robert Tian Associate Professor Lonni Wilson Assistant Professor
MATH & SCIENCE DEPARTMENT: Vochita Mihai Assistant Professor
GENERAL EDUCATION: Adam Kaul Assistant Professor
Elaine Correa Assistant Professor Suzanne D’Amato Assistant Professor
MEDIA/COMMUNICATIONS: Haydar Sadig Associate Professor
ATHLETICS:
Judith Horowitz Associate Professor/Interim Dean of the School of Adult & Graduate Studies Douglas Howard VP Academic Affairs
Robyn Ventura Head Softball & Women’s Cross-Country Coach and Equipment Supervisor
ADMISSIONS: VETERINARY TECHNOLOGY: Diane Breczka Veterinary Technician (10-month)
Louis Sandler Assistant Professor
Kelly Valentine, LVT Veterinary Technician
Kelly Eagan Assistant Director of Admissions Susan Greenwald Executive Director of Admissions David Luzer Associate Director of Admissions
Thomas Scheira Assistant Professor
SOCIAL SCIENCES:
Susan Schroeder Associate Professor
Bridget Marinaccio Assistant Professor
FINANCIAL AID:
Karen Selby Professor, Chairperson
Anne Pfohl Instructor
Susan O’Leary Financial Aid Clerk
ACADEMIC SKILLS CENTER:
Tammi Gainey Office Manager
Lori DuVall Secretary for Academic Skills Center
STUDENT AFFAIRS:
Scott Corrigall Instructor
Daniel Krzyzanowicz Director of Soccer Operations, Head Women’s Lacrosse Coach, and Strength & Conditioning Coordinator
E. Susan Weber Assistant Professor
Belete Mebratu Assistant Professor
Lawrence Sformo Assistant Professor
■ WHO’S NEWS
Lorraine Beach-Horner Branch Campus Director ACADEMIC AFFAIRS OFFICE:
EDUCATION DEPARTMENT:
Claudia Conway Assistant Professor
Michael Wallace Assistant Professor
Tressa Wilber Assistant Director of Residence Life for Programming
HUMANITIES: Mary Louis Hill Assistant Professor
Alice Blake-Stalker Assistant Professor
Lori Laney Assistant Professor
INSTITUTIONAL ADVANCEMENT: Richard Davis VP Institutional Advancement Gwyn Beyer Administrative Assistant to Vice President of Institutional Advancement Kara Kerwin Web Editor
Carol O’Connor Instructor
Vicki Ward Operations/Office Manager ACCOUNTING & FINANCE:
Ronald Beiter Employer Relations Coordinator
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Detra McTier Grants Writer
Matthew Carver Controller-Planning and Budgeting
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CAMPUS ENHANCEMENT:
OFFICE OF PUBLIC SAFETY:
Thomas Bapst Carpenter’s Assistant
James Heuser Public Safety Officer
Joseph Castiglia Carpenter’s Assistant
Lucas Langworthy Public Safety Officer
INFORMATION TECHNOLOGY:
Anthony Lamonica Carpenter
Alan Ortiz Public Safety Officer
Iran Albuez Information Technology Technician
Domenic Liberta Campus Enhancement Technician
Christina Pasternack Public Safety Officer
Charles Gradowski VP of Business and Finance Katleen Wisniewski Administrative Assistant to VP, Business & Finance
Joseph Bartolotta Public Safety Officer Gregory Herzog Public Safety Officer Katherine O’Neill Public Safety Officer John Sullivan Public Safety Officer James Zsiros Public Safety Officer
David Rice Public Safety Officer
Medaille College Names New Administrators During the previous academic year, Medaille College announced the appointment of several new administrators. Dr. Douglas W. Howard was named as the Vice President of Academic Affairs. In this role at Medaille College, Dr. Howard will work proactively with the president, faculty and staff to review academic plans and planning processes for Medaille’s future growth and development. Most recently, Dr. Howard was Associate Provost at St. John Fisher College in Rochester, NY. While in that position, Dr. Howard was responsible for faculty development, assessment, academic advising, and career services. Richard Davis was recently hired as the new Vice President for Institutional Advancement. For the last five years, Davis has been the Vice President for Institutional Advancement at Alvernia College in Reading, PA, where he was responsible for instituting new advancement practices, significantly increasing President’s Circle donors and doubling alumni participation in the annual fund. Prior to joining Alvernia, Davis was the Vice President for Institutional Advancement at the College of St. Scholastica (MN) and the Chief Administrative Officer, Institutional Advancement, at Mount Mary College (WI).
Lorraine Beach-Horner is the new Branch Campus Director for the Rochester Accelerated Learning Programs. Beach-Horner comes to us with 13 years of administrative experience at SUNY Delhi. While at SUNY Delhi, Lorraine served in various roles including Residence Life, EOP Counselor, Director of Financial Aid and Director of Continuing Education and Corporate Services. Matthew Carver has been named Controller-Planning and Budgeting. Carver formerly served as a Lead Weapons System Budget Analyst for the United States Air Force. The Medaille College Admissions Office named Susan Greenwald as the Executive Director of Admissions, David Luzer as Associate Director of Admissions, and Kelly Eagan as Assistant Director of Admissions. The Office also promoted Thomas D. Iwankow ‘05 MSED to Assistant Director of Admissions. The Student Affairs Office appointed Kerry Dieckman as the Director of Student Activities, Karen King as the Director of Special Programs, and Monika Thompson as Director of Multicultural Education and Diversity.
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Accelerated
Learning Programs U P D A T E from the R O C H E S T E R C A M P U S © Richard Ashworth, NuVision Images, 2005.
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The Rochester Accelerated Learning Program’s MBA-004R cohort completed their MBA program on August 29, 2005. The five graduates included Melissa Luedemann, Jennifer McCauley, Steve McDermott, Cheryl McKeiver and Laurie Swagler. The cohort gave a presentation on their final project, titled “‘How I Grow’ Series Business Plan.” This project is unique in that it is a complete business plan prepared for a real organization that exists in Rochester. The “How I Grow” series is a not-for-profit agency that is committed to the development of well-adjusted infants and babies of at-risk teens through the eight stages of development by offering a free DVD series. It is very exciting that their work will be implemented and utilized by this organization. Dr. Judith Horowitz, the Interim Dean for the School of Adult and Graduate Education, attended the presentation on and said, “This was a great presentation.
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The photo of the MBA-004R cohort was taken on May 9, 2005, at the Rochester campus. The students are (left to right): Laurie Swagler, Cheryl McKeiver, Melissa Luedemann, Jennifer McCauley and Steve McDermott.
The work these students did provides a wonderful example of how they’ll apply their recently acquired knowledge and skills in a real-life setting.”
N E W S from the A M H E R S T C A M P U S
As of September , , the Amherst Accelerated Learning Program welcomed M.S.Ed. students to the facilities at and Essjay Road. Students attend classes Mondays through Saturdays in two-day formats. The evening and Saturday accelerated business programs currently have about students enrolled, also at Essjay. At Commencement this past May, approximately Amherst and Rochester students graduated with undergraduate and graduate degrees.
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Loraine Beach-Horner, the new Branch Campus Director, said, “We are very proud of our graduates and the work they have done to assist this organization and to improve the community.”
Lorraine Beach-Horner is the new Branch Campus Director for the Rochester Accelerated Learning Programs. Beach-Horner comes to Medaille with 13 years of administrative experience at SUNY Delhi. While at SUNY Delhi, Lorraine served in various roles including Residence Life, EOP Counselor, Director of Financial Aid and Director of Continuing Education and Corporate Services.
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Canadian Teacher Program Medaille College was founded as an institution to prepare teachers. While a strong education program continues to make Medaille a leader among Western New York colleges and universities, Medaille has also made quite a mark north of the border. 375 new students joined the Medaille Canadian Teacher Education Program at Medaille’s Amherst Campus this September, more new Canadian students than any other college in WNY. Robert DiSibio, Director of the Canadian Teacher Education Program, came to Medaille three years ago. He explains that competition is the biggest factor driving Canadian students to Medaille. “In Ontario, there are five big universities that offer the teaching program and they limit the number of students they allow into the program,” DiSibio says. “They admit 1,000-1,500 a year out of 30,000 applicants and choose the best and brightest. They are accepting “A” students, so “B” students need to find a place to get their education. And they come from very far away - some of our students are driving 5-6 hours to get here.” The Canadian Teacher Education Program currently hosts 450 weekday students. Class times run from 9-12 in the morning and 1-4 in the afternoon, two days a week. The majority of these students are Canadian, with a few American students mixed in. There are also two weekend groups, one at Amherst with approximately 60 students and another on the Main Campus that has 30 students, all Canadians.
DiSibio came to Medaille in 2001 and was the Chair of the Education Department for two years before moving out to Amherst. Last year, he became a full-time administrator and the program had about 240 Canadian students. Today, there are almost 600, and DiSibio cites several factors for the program’s success. “This increase is due in part to a coordinated effort between me and the admissions department,” DiSibio says. “Originally, the program had a fourdays-per-week bachelor’s program, and now we have a two-days-a-week master’s program, which is much more competitive. We also go into Canada with our recruitment efforts; we don’t sit and wait for them to come to us.” Another major factor in the program’s success is the outstanding faculty at Medaille. “The real success is because of the faculty,” DiSibio remarks. “Canadian students come here because of the dedication and level of professionalism among the faculty, so they deserve most of the credit for the program being as strong as it is. They are sensitive to the student’s needs and they work hard to prepare these students. When you combine strong teachers with students who are very serious about learning, you can do nothing but win. “As a teacher, you have first-hand experiences in the teaching-learning process,” DiSibio continues. “Your goal is to teach them as much as possible so that when they go into their student teaching or their teaching career, you can feel good about it as a teacher. I think that is the aspiration of all Education professors at Medaille, that is to provide as much applied practical experience to the
Canadian students in the classroom
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DiSibio tending to administrative duties
students to prepare them for good student teaching and then to be good future teachers.” DiSibio says that Canadian students are very focused, very serious about getting a good education, and very dedicated so they can go back and teach in Ontario. “There is an intrinsic push with these students because they are paying more than the universities in Ontario cost, they are coming from far away, and they are investing significant time which limits their ability to maintain a job,” DiSibio says. “But they have a desire to teach in Ontario and their job market is good.” Regardless of whether the students are American or Canadian, or whether they attend the Amherst or Main Campus, the values of Medaille are still present. “Medaille is dedicated to working with the individual student,” DiSibio remarks. “The College is truly interested in the success of the students who go here. And I still feel that sense of community, a bond between everyone involved with learning at Medaille.”
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■ FROM THE ARCHIVES
MEDAILLEarchives
YOUR CHANGING CAMPUS From these aerial views, the Medaille College campus once looked much different than it does today. The top photo, taken prior to 1955, shows an era when the Main Building, plus green space, made up the entire College campus.
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The bottom photo was taken in 1957, one year after the completion of Scholastica Hall which added significant class room space and living quarters. Today, Scholastica Hall is known as Huber Hall, named after former Medaille College President Sister Alice Huber.
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Medaille College All Years Reunion From June -, , Medaille College hosted an All Years Reunion, its first since . More than people enjoyed a weekend filled with events such as the Alumni Golf Tournament, a tent party mixer, and the installation of the - Alumni Officers.
Those in attendance provided the best reviews “I had a great time. I enjoyed seeing so many old friends and appreciated the opportunity to get together with them. Everything, from golf through the tent party, was perfect. It was all I hoped for and more.” – Gregg O’Shei ‘85 MC
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“I really enjoyed the history presentation and the social event on Saturday evening. I recently graduated from the MBA program and it was a great opportunity for me to relax and enjoy time with several other alumni that were also in the program. For the first time in quite a while I could talk to my professors and not feel anxious because I had to analyze a Harvard case study.” – Christine Koch ‘05 MBA
“You did an incredible job on the reunion, from the people to the events!! Can’t wait to see some of those photos. I had the best time looking back and catching up.” – Eileen Buckley ‘85 MC “I had a blast over the weekend. It was too cool. It was so good for the soul. It was great to see everybody and how much the college has grown!” – Heidi Klosterman ‘85 MC
“Thank you for being such a good host! It was a blast!!!” – Tom Pfeufer ‘88 MC “It was obvious to me that we all had a special connection, even though it has been 20 years since we all last connected. Looking forward to our next get together.” – John Langan ‘84 MC
“The opportunity to reminisce with classmates, professors, and other college staff and to catch up on our lives away from Medaille was fantastic. To tie our experiences at Medaille with our successes in the world of work made the reunion that much more meaningful.” – John Barry ‘95 ED and Alumni Board President Medaille graduates enjoyed reconnecting with friends and Medaille at the 2005 All Years Reunion.
I was very impressed with the many changes on campus. As a graduate in 1987, the only physical change I witnessed first hand was the beginning stages of the Downey Wing connected to the original building. You can only imagine how impressed I was with the physical tour of the campus.” – Craig Bamberg ‘87 MC
“I wanted to express my sincere appreciation for last weekend’s “All Years Reunion” held at the school. I have not been on campus in quite some time and
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“The All Years Reunion was a spectacular event. It was great to see some old faces and reconnect with people that I probably wouldn’t have otherwise crossed paths with. I think people were genuinely impressed with all that’s gone on at Medaille over the past few years.” – Neil Dengler ‘97 SM and Alumni Board Vice President
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Dear Fellow Alumni, As we celebrate the start of the ’-’ school year and all it has in store, it reminds me why Medaille College is so important in my life. ■ ■ ■ In many respects, Medaille College has been like a parent for me. She has given us a safe haven for the free exchange of ideas, and turned many of us from children to adults and from workers to professionals. She has provided a nurturing environment but also forced us to make choices and to live with our decisions. Medaille, like our biological families, has impacted each of us greatly and as a result it is up to us to celebrate her legacy and to ensure her continued and ongoing success. ■ ■ ■ On behalf of the - Alumni Association, I would like to let each of you know that this year we will place a significant emphasis on highlighting the success stories of our individual alumni members and creating opportunities for networking that will benefit Medaille and each of you individually. We will draw strength from each other and the collective talents of an extremely successful association. In our personal lives, many of us have become caretakers of our own parents. Medaille, our other parent, needs our help on many levels. Please be ready to answer your call to help give back to this nurturing lady in the upcoming months and years ahead. It is our turn to show our appreciation for the role she has played in making us who we are today. ■ ■ ■ I look forward to a very successful year, one in which all alums and the College itself have opportunities to excel through participation and recognition. After all, a family can accomplish much more than any one member.
Neil Dengler, Alumni Association Vice President, and Medaille College President Dr. Joseph Bascuas present the 2005 Honorary Alumni Award to Channel 7 Sports Director John Murphy.
2005 Distinguished Faculty Award accepted by Karen Schiavone
Sincerely, John Barry ‘ , Alumni Association President
AlumniAwards
On Saturday, June 4th, as part of the 2005 All Years Reunion, Medaille College presented Alumni Awards to five individuals who have distinguished themselves through their association with Medaille and played a role in the success of the College.
Medaille College in May 2005. Professionally, Jill works at Iimak, a manufacturer and distributor of thermal transfer ribbons, where she is a Senior Distribution Sales Representative responsible for managing a onemillion dollar territory.
2005 Distinguished Career Award - Christopher A. Musial ‘80 MC Chris Musial graduated from Medaille College in 1980 with a Media Communications degree and has been a member of the WIBV-TV, Channel 4 News Department since his Medaille College internship in 1978. He was recently named President and General Manager of the station after serving as News Director for a number of years.
2005 Distinguished Faculty Award - Karen A. Schiavone Karen Schiavone served at Medaille College from 1966 to 1998. In addition to teaching, Karen held various positions within the Institution, including Reading Center Director, Director of Professional Studies, Registrar, and chairperson of both the Elementary Education and Human Services departments.
2005 Community Service Award - Robby Takac ‘86 MC Robby Takac has dedicated a great deal of time and effort into enhancing the Western New York community even though his schedule is very demanding as a member of the band Goo Goo Dolls. Robby is passionate about the activities of his Music is Art Foundation, which promotes musicians and artists in Western New York by encouraging involvement through schools and community events. 2005 Young Alumni Award - Jill Azzarello ‘02 BBA, ‘05 MBA Jill Azzarello graduated with her Associate’s Degree in 2000, a Baccalaureate Degree in Business Administration in 2002, and a Masters in Business Administration from
2005 Honorary Alumni Award - John Murphy John Murphy is the Sports Director for WKBW Channel 7 News as well as the Radio Play-by-Play announcer for the Buffalo Bills Radio Network. Murphy has been a great friend and supporter of Medaille College for many years. He has helped several students gain valuable experience through internships, has been a guest lecturer for the Media Communications program and volunteered his services to be the master of ceremony for the inaugural Medaille College Golf Classic in 2004.
WIVB-TV President Chris Musial accepts the 2005 Distinguished Career Award
The 2005 Community Service Award is accepted by the parents of Robby Takac
For more information on the Medaille College Alumni Awards recipients, visit http://www.medaille.edu/news/alumawards05.asp Jill Azzarello accepts the 2005 Young Alumni Award
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Medaille graduates at St. Amelia’s School
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Medaille College
TeachingTeachers Going all the way back to its days as Mt. St. Joseph’s, Medaille College has a long history of preparing the next generation of teachers. From the days of the Demonstration School being housed on the first floor of the Main Building, school districts throughout Western New York have long turned to Medaille graduates to fill their ranks.
Syracuse values the education she received at Medaille, saying when she walked into her first classroom, she knew more than teachers who had years of experience.
Today, Medaille College continues to provide a superior undergraduate experience, culminating in a Bachelor’s Degree in Education. The College also offers Master’s programs in Literacy, Curriculum and Instruction, and Early Childhood, along with the recently added Special Education program.
“The quality of education at Medaille was really top-notch,” Syracuse says. “It was the only school that had a concentration on reading and we received 18 hours of literacy instruction at the undergraduate level. Medaille was ahead of its time, even for the 70’s. When I graduated I got a job right away because of the way Medaille prepared teachers for reading.
Medaille Magazine recently caught up with several education graduates. Williamsville Central Schools
Sharon Syracuse ‘73 ED
“Medaille also gave us the value of sharing with one another,” Syracuse continued. “Sharing what we’ve learned and not to take ownership of ideas. It was very non-competitive amongst my classmates. Maybe that was the Catholic tradition, or maybe it was because we were the best prepared students in Western New York.”
Second Grade Teacher, Team Leader, Williamsville Central Schools, Forest Elementary Sharon Syracuse ‘73 ED is in her 33rd year teaching at Forest Elementary School in the Williamsville Central School District, where she is currently a second grade teacher. She is also a Team Leader, where she is responsible for making sure everyone works as a team, communicating information from the administration and enabling knowledge sharing among teachers. She started at Medaille in 1969, when the College was much smaller. “I came from Mt. St. Mary’s and my parents wanted me to keep my education parochial,” Syracuse says. “I liked the classes and the sense of community I saw at Medaille. Going from Mt. St. Mary’s to Medaille was easy because they felt the same - even some of the buildings looked the same. Plus there were four other girls from the Mount that went to Medaille for education as well, so it felt right.”
Sharon Syracuse ‘73 ED
“It was a great community,” Syracuse continues. “It was small enough where you got to know everybody. I left there with an excellent education and left with many friends I still have today.” She also fondly remembers socializing with students and teachers. “One time we had a spaghetti dinner at the nuns’ house up in Wilson, NY, and we had 100 students there,” Syracuse says. “And in 1972, two of the faculty and six of us students went to Europe for 23 days and we had the best time. Those memories are the ones I keep with me.”
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Syracuse also taught night school at Medaille in the ‘80s. She was an Adjunct Professor who taught the Teaching Methods and Materials class for three years. She enjoys teaching and has no plans to slow down. “I still enjoy the job and plan to stay here until retirement,” Syracuse states. “I will stay as long as I am enjoying it. I tell my co-workers that when I’m not enjoying it to kick me out the door. I love helping kids discover learning and I always will.” In her free time, Syracuse loves to travel. She went to Alaska last summer and brought back lots of stuff for the classroom. She also loves golfing and is a handicap.
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David Ward ‘73 ED Third grade teacher, Team Leader, Williamsville Central Schools Maple West Elementary
see them doing so well now,” Newton says. “I also worked in the Academic Skills Center as a tutor and was a resident of the Humboldt houses.”
David Ward ‘73 ED is in his 18th year in the Williamsville Central School District and his 17th at Maple West Elementary School. He started out his education by attending Villa Maria College where he earned an Associate’s Degree, then chose Medaille to further his education. “Medaille was highly recommended for education by many people, including the teachers at Villa,” Ward says. “It had the same feel - small classes really appealed to me.” Those recommendations were well founded, as Medaille helped set him on his career path.
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“At the time, the whole college was dedicated to preparing teachers, specifically in Elementary Education,” Ward says. “We had a K-8 demonstration school on the first floor which provided classrooms for future teachers. We could go down and interact with the kids and observe, so it really helped us decide if we were going in the right direction. “Medaille was really the place that helped me recognize my own potential,” Ward continues. “I was not the number one student in high school and I didn’t find myself academically until my junior year when I realized I was on track to do what I wanted with the rest of my life.”
Newton was very pleased with the education she received at Medaille.
David Ward ‘73 ED
kinds of things. I also met my best friend at Medaille and married his sister.” Ward has been very satisfied with his career and looks forward to continuing at Maple West Elementary. “I’ve had a terrific career so far,” Ward says. “I’ve been very lucky. I taught in West Virginia, I taught overseas and I did a lot of neat things that came from teaching. I found the best job here in Williamsville and I wouldn’t have been able to make these leaps and bounds without my Medaille education.” Outside of the classroom, Ward serves on the Board of Directors for Kids Escaping Drugs. He and his wide, Paula, run a parent’s support group at the Renaissance House and volunteer at Children’s Hospital. They have two grown children, Shelly and D.J.
“Medaille prepared me for teaching by teaching us education standards and by repetitions and practice in the schools,” Newton recalls. “I liked that we were actually put into Mt. St. Joseph’s next door to see if it was what we wanted to do. They also taught up-to-date technology and helped prepare us for things we use everyday in class.” Newton sees distinct characteristics of Medaille graduates. “I’ve worked with a few Medaille graduates besides the ones here at St. Amelia’s, and they are all great,” Newton says. “I’ve noticed that Medaille grads have a similar style and a lot of it is centered around being flexible, conscientious and dedicated - putting 100% into everything.” Outside of the classroom, Newton plays softball and coaches softball and basketball. She looks forward to advancing in education. “I look forward to continuing with education,” Newton remarks. “I have my Master’s in reading and I hope someday to be Master’s teacher of reading.”
St. Amelia’s School, Tonawanda He also has some fun and personal memories of Medaille, including the interaction with faculty members. “We received such tremendous support and encouragement from the faculty to work with kids and get the most out of our education,” Ward recalls. “And we used to socialize with them, and even had a faculty vs. the student body touch football game. I really reflect warmly on these
Kate Newton ‘00 ED Kindergarten Teacher, St. Amelia School Kate Newton ‘00 ED is in her sixth year of teaching and her fourth year as a kindergarten teacher at St. Amelia’s School. She was very active during her time at Medaille. “I was one of the girls who started the women’s basketball team and it is neat to Kate Newton ‘00 ED
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Sharon Aikens-Dzierba ‘01 M.S.Ed. Pre-Kindergarten Teacher, St. Amelia School Sharon Aikens-Dzierba ‘01 M.S.Ed., has been a pre-kindergarten teacher at St. Amelia’s School for four years. She had a different experience at Medaille than her St. Amelia’s colleagues.
Nicole Lapham ‘02 ED, ‘05 M.S.Ed.
Nicole Lapham ‘02 ED, ‘05 M.S.Ed. Third Grade Teacher, St. Amelia School Nicole Lapham ‘02 ED, ‘05 M.S.Ed., is in her fourth year as a third grade teacher at St. Amelia’s School. She found a sense of community at Medaille because of the small class sizes. “I enjoyed attending Medaille for both undergraduate and graduate work, and I loved working in our small groups,” Lapham says. “My best memory is undergraduate graduation. There were 12 of us who had gone through the program together. So we took up the whole first row and got to walk across stage together.” In addition to being in a close-knit community, she felt Medaille gave her the tools to succeed as a teacher. “The Medaille faculty presented different ideas of how to look at teaching - there is no right way or wrong way,” Lapham recalls. “We got to put our ideas and our personalities into our teaching. Also, the classroom experiences at Medaille gave me the opportunity to learn that teaching is what I want to do, and that I can do it. “I was really impressed with a Children’s Writing Workshop we took as part of our Master’s program,” Lapham continued. “The authors came in and we got to understand how and why they wrote their books and you got to connect with the book. Events like these made it more
“I liked Medaille because older students were attending in the evening,” AikensDzierba says. “At the time, there seemed to be a wave of people wanting to make a career change and it was comfortable to see other adult learners going for their Master’s Degree at Medaille.” She also found the education at Medaille to be exceptional. “I liked Medaille because they made it very easy to do my student teaching, and Victor Burgio was an excellent teaching supervisor for me,” Aikens-Dzierba says. “I also was impressed with the writing
Sharon Aikens-Dzierba ‘01 M.S.Ed.
workshops we went to. It allowed me to learn a lot more about the writing process and understand what goes into writing good story. I think it also helped me understand ways to teach the stories.” Besides teaching, Aikens-Dzierba enjoys watercolors and is hoping to write and illustrate her own story for children. She also is a Children’s Ministry Coordinator at her church and a tutor at Huntington Learning Centers.
interesting to us so we can make it more interesting to our students.” During her undergraduate studies, Lapham was a work-study student and served as an Admissions Ambassador. This past summer, she did a graduate assistantship in the Graduate and Adult Admissions Office.
Jennifer Wielinski ‘02 ED, ‘05 M.S.Ed. Third Grade Teacher, St. Amelia School Like her fellow Medaille graduates at St. Amelia’s, Jennifer Wielinski has been teaching there for four years. And like her colleagues, she appreciates Medaille because it was a nice small college with outstanding academics and faculty. “We worked in small groups - there were 4-5 people who were in all of your classes
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Jennifer Wielinski ‘02 ED, ‘05 M.S.Ed.
- so we were able to get comfortable with the same group throughout the program,” Wielinski says. “During my studies at Medaille, I enjoyed all my professors. We were able to have the same teachers for several courses, and you got to know them. It made it easier to go into a new class.” continued on page 28
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She found that the education program prepared her for her career very well. “I enjoyed Medaille for my undergraduate and graduate work because we were put right in our program,” Wieleinski says. “We had an opportunity to get right in the schools and work with the children. We were always taught in hands-on situations, which made it very interesting. As a teacher, you have to be interested in what you are teaching. If the kids notice that you’re not interested, they won’t be. This hands-on approach let you know right away if teaching was right for you and provided us with the tools we needed to be successful.” She also cherishes the friendships she made at Medaille. “Nicole and I met during our undergraduate studies, went to graduate school together, and we are now working together,” she says. “Making these type of friends is probably my best memory of Medaille.”
Regina Becker ‘76 ED
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Literacy Specialist, Holland Central School District Regina Becker ‘76 ED is in her 29th year of teaching and is currently a Literacy Specialist with the Holland Central School District. She also is an Adjunct Professor at Medaille, teaching Literacy in the Education Department. She is currently enrolled in the Education Administration program at St. Bonaventure and hopes to move up to the district level at some point. “I’m going back to school because I would like to be an English Language Arts Coordinator for a large district,” Becker says. “I think that I could be a Literacy Principal because it is a very important component and I think I could do a good job at that. Then I can take the extra courses to get a district certification
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It turns out the Principal always hires Medaille grads because of the strong reading component.” Looking at the past, Becker is very impressed with the recent growth of Medaille College.
Regina Becker ‘76 ED
that would allow me to be an ELA Coordinator, or even a Superintendent.” Becker remembers the sense of community she felt at Medaille, and how it extended to the faculty as well.
“The change at Medaille is just unbelievable,” Becker remarks. “Now they have dorms and a sports complex and it just wows you to think of where they came from. But the basic principles are still there - principles of friendship, personal attention from faculty, taking an interest in what you do. I still see that now and I truly think Medaille is an important part of my career. Medaille is my first love.” Joseph Torregrasso ‘02 ED
“The second floor of the Main Building was our whole college,” Becker says. “The nuns lived on the third floor and the demonstration school was on the first. We used to hang out in the Canteen and it was a small room with vending machines where students could sit and talk. That’s where students met between and after classes and got to know each other. “My first class was with Ross Runfola and I came in a week or two after instruction had started,” Becker continues. “He came up to me and said not to worry, that he knew I was behind and that he would do whatever he could to help me get caught up. I’ve always remembered that. It was very instrumental to the way my career turned out.” Upon graduation, Becker found herself her very employable, receiving an interview in Holland almost immediately. She credits the focus on Literacy, which is a vital component of any education program. “The opportunities coming out of Medaille were unbelievable,” Becker says. “I applied to Holland right out of school, almost on a whim, and I got an interview.
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Joseph Torregrasso ‘02 ED Director, Goodwill Technical Training Center Joseph Torregrasso ‘02 ED recently left elementary education to become a Director at Goodwill Training Center, where he helps adults with mental and physical disabilities to upgrade their computer skills. A career in teaching wasn’t always in his plans. “I had been out of school for nineteen years before I decided I wanted to get into education,” Torregrasso says. “So I spoke with a professor from another college who told me that Medaille was the only place
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I could be guaranteed the classes at night that are needed to graduate. So I visited Medaille and talked to the education department, Maria Weimer in particular, and decided on Elementary Education.” He was pleased with his decision to attend Medaille. “I loved the size of the classes,” Torregrasso says. “The atmosphere in the evening was very focused and the students and faculty were great. You weren’t a social security number. I would highly recommend the school and I still do to anyone I know. It was a home.
“In Western New York, education majors might have to think about relocating because there are so many teachers graduating from area colleges and the supply outweighs the demand,” Torregrasso says. “However, I want to stay here if I can and I think there is, or will be, a shortage in administrators. There are more opportunities along that career path.” Torregrasso lives in Williamsville with his wife Martha and their three children, Joey, Angelo and Julianna.
“Professor Alan Bigelow,” Torregrasso recalls. “I took his classes three times in one year. Early in the semester, I raised my hand and asked him if the College had a service to type my paper. After some oohs and aahs, he asked me how long I had been out of school. I told him it been 19 years and he said, ‘Joe, we no longer type, we word process.’” Torregrasso went on to get a Master’s Degree in Educational Leadership from Niagara University and is currently enrolled in a Doctorate program at Nova Southeastern University, a school in Florida with cluster cohorts around the country. He would like to use his education to find a position as a principal, or a job teaching at the College or University level.
“I chose Medaille because I had heard wonderful things about the instructors and the classes at Medaille, and everything turned out to be true,” Walker says. “The teachers were very helpful. It was an intimate situation where they were always there for us to help deal with any problems. Plus, they put me in real life situations where I got to practice reading techniques with the children.” Walker also found her fellow students to be an important part of her education.
“When I first started school, I got this list of all these classes I had to take and I was wondering how I would ever make it through it,” Torregrasso continued. “But by the time I graduated, I had an inner feeling that there is nothing I can’t achieve. Medaille gave me the foundation, the skills set and the confidence to accomplish what I have. Without all that, I would have never been able to do it.” While he enjoyed his classwork at Medaille, he recalls that there was a transition period.
She was drawn to Medaille by the strong faculty.
“My classmates were wonderful,” Walker recalls. “We always worked together on things because the faculty pushed us to work in groups on our projects. In most districts, teachers are working together, so the model fits real-life.”
Parette Walker ‘88 ED CERT
Parette Walker ‘88 ED CERT Assistant Principal, Buffalo Board of Education, Olmstedt School 64 Parette Walker ‘88 ED CERT has been teaching at the elementary school level for 11 years and has spent the last four as the Assistant Principal at Olmstedt School 64 in the City of Buffalo. However, she found the teaching bug after she completed her initial education. “I received a Communications degree from another school and found that there weren’t a lot of jobs available in the field in Buffalo,” Walker recalls. “I started subbing in the Buffalo Public School system and I just loved it, especially the interaction with the kids. So I decided to go back to school for my education certification.”
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After receiving her Education Certificate, Walker taught at the elementary school level. She then earned a Certification in Administration from Buffalo State College, and was able to work her way up to the position of Assistant Principal at Olmstedt School 64. Listening to her speak, you can sense she has found the right situation. “I love the Buffalo School District,” Walker says. “I grew up there and went to Bennett High School. It is challenging and rewarding and I don’t want to go anywhere else. I also love education because I enjoy just watching children grow and learn. I enjoy reading with them and doing science experiments with them and seeing their faces. Walker resides in Lancaster where she lives with her husband Marvin Jr. and her sons Brandon and Bradley.
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CLASSnotes 1970’s Sharon (Mendola) Syracuse ‘73 ED is a second grade Teacher and a Team Leader at Forest Elementary School. Brian M. McIntosh ‘76 ED is a third grade Talented Math teacher in the Houston (TX) Independent School District. Debra M. Sobkowich ‘76 ED is a seventh grade Teacher at Our Lady of Mount Carmel School in Ohio. Phil DePaolo ‘77 MC is in Cash Management Sales at Sovereign Bank in Rhode Island. Pamela DePaolo ‘77 ED is a Payroll Manager with Ronald Jamirault, CPA, Ltd., in Rhode Island. Ellen Schranz ‘78 ED is a first grade Teacher with Broward County Schools in Florida. Ken Vetter ‘79 GS is the Director of the Center for Growth and Regional Cooperation at the Buffalo Niagara Partnership.
1980’s Vanessa Anderson ‘80 ED is a pre-kindergarten Teacher at Buffalo Public School 82. Russell Beasor ‘80 HS, a Senior Corrections Officer, reached the 25 years of service mark at Attica Corrections Facility in 2005. Robert Bradley ‘80 LS recently celebrated 20 years as a Safety Officer at the Rochester Psychiatric Center, State of New York.
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Barbara Chase ‘80 MC works in Accounts Payable for the Buffalo Municipal Housing Authority. Louis F. Chilelli ‘80 MC is a News photographer at WKBW-TV and has been on the staff for 25 years. He also is a Volunteer Firefighter with the Townline Fire District. Lynn Davies ‘80 ED is a Supervisor of the Lasik Surgery Center at Atwal Eye Care Center.
Christina Levine ‘80 LS is the Director of Community Relations at Covenant Village Life Care Retirement. Cheryl N. Messore ‘80 MC is a Marketing Manager with the Buffalo and Erie County Botanical Gardens. She also is a Certified Docent at the Darwin Martin House. Peter Nikiel ‘80 MC is a Vice President, Marketing, with WTSP-TV (CBS) in Tampa, Florida. Joseph “Jay” McDonnell ‘80 MC is the President of Custom Carpet Centers and was recently named a Chancellor for the Juvenile Diabetes Foundation. Diane Penrod ‘80 MC is a Professor and Department Chair at Rowan University. Karen (Anderson) Koller ‘81 LS is the President and CEO of RCap Solutions. Joe Militello ‘81 MC is a Senior Advertising Consultant with Metro Community News. Patrick Smith ‘81 MC is a Vice President and Account Director with GSW Worldwide. Fritz C. Van Leaven ‘81 MC is a Marketing Director with Fisher Towne and Associates.
Nancy (Torres) Starzynski ‘84 MC is a Research Director with the Star ledger (NJ). Walt Gabalski ‘85 MC is employed by WXXI in Rochester. Louis V. Morrocco ‘85 MC is a Gas Control Dispatcher at National Fuel Gas. Gregg A. O’Shei ‘85 MC is an Officer in CDistrict with the Buffalo Police Department. Maria Todd ‘85 MC is a Morning Show Personality with “Sam Malone and the Morning Show” on KRBE 104 Radio in Houston, Texas. Leslie Parker Cohan ‘86 AM is a Tribal Counsel for the Ho-Chunk Nation Department of Justice in Wisconsin. She also serves on the Wisconsin State Bar’s Board of Bar Examiners Review Committee. Robert Dingwall ‘86 MC is a News Operations Coordinator with WKBW-TV. Howard Lewis ‘86 BA is a Vice President and Manager of the Investment Banking Group at Bank of America. Tom Vetter ‘86 MC is a Videographer and Producer at WIVB-TV. Vetter has won five Emmy Awards and been nominated for 30.
Chris Keller ‘82 LS is the Director of Admissions and Records at Bloomsburg University.
Vincent Ciancio ‘87 BA is a National Accounts Manager with 3-M O-CEL-O.
Richard Maloney ‘83 MC is a Web Editor and Reporter at Buffalo Business First.
Marlon Hearon ‘87 BA is a Team Analyst Leader with Capital One in Virginia.
Roger Puchalski ‘83 MC is the Managing Editor of the Am-Pol Eagle. He also is the Chair of Polish Culture Studies at Canisius College, a Senior Visiting Lecturer in the Communications Studies Program at Niagara University, and a Member of the Monroe Fordham Regional History Committee at Buffalo State College.
Jeffrey Bowerman ‘88 MC is a Human Resources Recruiter with People, Inc.
Mike McKay ‘84 MC is a former News Reporter with WBFO-FM, WBEN-AM and WGR-AM, and is currently involved with Program Underwriting at WBFO-FM.
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Scott B. Hopkins ‘88 VT is a Customs Brokerage Manager with Nippon Express USA, Inc., in North Carolina. Hopkins also recently published a book of poetry, Life is a Refreshing Shower, a representation of the seasons of our lives as may be experienced by different people. Bruce A. Millard ‘88 MC is a Director of Entertainment Programming at AOL in Columbus, Ohio.
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Halbert Brooks ‘89 HS is the owner of Timberman Construction. Birgit Burton ‘89 MC is the Director of Foundation Relations at Georgia Tech University. Irene (Haas) Kazmierczak ‘89 CIS recently joined HSBC Mortgage Corporation (USA) as Vice President of Financial Administration. Ellen U. McKay ‘89 ED is a Teacher at Erie One Boces. Mary Murray ‘89 MC is a Public Information Officer with the Erie County Sheriff’s Office.
Courtney A. Gorman ‘93 LS is a Sales Consultant at Hy-Grade Distributors.
Kerry Felstead ‘97 ED is a sixth grade Teacher with the District School Board of Niagara in Ontario, Canada.
Stephen Norton ‘93 MC is a Corporate Communications Manager for the Steris Corporation.
Dennis Grim ‘97 CIS is a Database Administrator at Moog, Inc.
Andre-Phillipe R. White ‘93 LS is an Academic Advisement Counselor with New School University in New York City.
Steve Marchiano ‘97 SM is in Sales and Customer Service with Great Lakes Orthodontics.
David Blackburn ‘94 LS is the Multicultural Affairs Director at Niagara University.
Jeff Surdej ‘97 MC is a Promotions Director at Entercomm Communications.
Amelia Anne Beckett-Damore ‘94 ED is participating in the Leadership Program within the Niagara Catholic District School Board.
Joan Dziak ‘98 LS is a Senior Corporate Accountant at Moog, Inc.
Bruce Wawrzyniak ‘89 MC is a Director of Communications for the International Softball Federation.
Beverly Kominarek ‘95 HS is the associate Director of Personnel at D’Youville College.
Victoria A. Hanson ‘98 MC is an Operations Manager in the Campbell Student Union at Buffalo State College.
David M. Weeks ‘89 ED is a K-12 Computer Teacher at the Park School of Buffalo.
Lisa M. (Potter) Stutz ‘95 HS is a Volunteer Coordinator at the North Carolina Aquarium at Fort Fisher.
Aimee (Jordan) Pearson ‘98 LS is the Director of Annual Giving at D’Youville College.
John H. Wild ‘89 MC is the South Campus Manager for Instructional Technology Services at the University at Buffalo.
Stacey Porter ‘98 MC is a Promotions Director at Peachez, Inc. Coreen A. (Leach) Lake ‘99 ED is a first grade Teacher at Hollywood School House in California.
1990’s Paul Emery ‘90 CYS is a Pastor at Cleveland Hill United Methodist Church. James A. Trimboli ‘90 HR is the Director of Financial Aid at Niagara County Community College. Catherine C. (Letcher) Bars ‘91 CYS is a Client Instructor with People, Inc. Cheryl M. John ‘91 ED is a Teacher with the Bloomingdale School District in South Carolina. Mati (Aiello) Ortiz ‘91 CYS is the Director of Campus Activities at Niagara University. Conrad Phillips ‘91 CIS is a Desktop Support Technician at Moog, Inc. Jenny M. Bainbridge ‘93 ED is a Principal at Saints Peter and Paul School. AM BA BIO CIS
Arts Management Business Administration Biology Computer Information Systems CJ Criminal Justice CW Creative Writing
CYS ED FS GS HR HS
Noelle Melancon ‘99 VT is a Veterinary Technician at Alden Small Animal Hospital. Amanda Collins ‘96 CYS [above] is a Staffing Manager with ACT-1 Personnel Services in Mesa, Arizona. William P. McKeever ‘96 MNP is a Director of Development with the Independent College Fund. David A. Pyc ‘96 FS was recently appointed as Vice President, Senior Relationship Manager for Commercial Real Estate at KeyBank Real Estate Capital.
Child and Youth Services Education Financial Services Government Services Human Resources Health and Human Services
Bill Newton ‘99 MC is an Assistant Director of Campus Activities at Niagara University. Tom Stankowski ‘99 BA is a Quality Supervisor with BOC Edwards. John “Jack” Szmania ‘99 HS is a Director of the Drinking Driver Program at First Step Center Alcoholism Counseling, Inc. Anita J. Williams ‘99 CYS is a Medicaid Service Coordinator at Southeast Works.
2000’s Alvin E. Capstick ‘00 BA is an Operations Coordinator at Plymouth Tube Company.
LS Liberal Studies MA PSY Masters in PSY Psychology Psychology LIT Literature PW Professional Writing MBA Masters in Business MA OL Masters in SM Sports Management Administration Organizational Leadership SS Social Sciences MS in Ed Masters in Education MC Media VDA Video and Digital Arts Communications MA MHC Masters in Mental VT Veterinary Technology Health Counseling MNP Managing Non-Profits
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Kate Newton ‘00 ED is a kindergarten Teacher at St. Amelia’s School. Jeremy Nickerson ‘00 MC recently began a one-year appointment as a Visiting Assistant Professor of Journalism at Oswego State University. Barbara Price ‘00 M.S.Ed. recently published a book entitled Living Large, According to the Three Little Pigs. Rebecca (Maslen) Sapolsky ‘00 MC is currently finishing her MFA in Creative Writing at Rosemont College in Philadelphia. Steve Zambito ‘00 MC is the Statler Office Manager at the National Statler Center for Careers in Hospitality Service. Sharon Aikens-Dzierba ‘01 M.S.Ed. is a pre-kindergarten Teacher at St. Amelia’s School. Craig R. Hausrath ‘01 SM is a Closet Installer with California Closet Company. Alison M. (Juliano) Olivieri ‘01 FS works for Old Dominion Freight Line, Inc. Maria Ribaulo ‘01 FS recently received her CMA Certification and has earned a promotion to IBM Internal Audit.
Alfred H. Rex Jr. ‘01 CJ is an Adjudications Officer with the U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs. Teresa A. Roberts ‘01 VT is a Veterinary Technician at Ponte Verde Animal Hospital, Inc., in Florida. Michele C. Sebring ‘01 HS is a Substance Abuse Coordinator at The Centers. Amol Shah ‘01 CIS is the President and Owner of OHM Consulting. Renee J. Stupski ‘01 BA is the General Manager of the Airport Quality Inn. Gina Carnrike ‘02 FS is an Associate Financial Consultant at M&T Securities, M&T Investment Group. Nicole Lapham ‘02 ED, ‘05 M.S.Ed. is a third grade Teacher at St. Amelia’s School. Tanya Ramirez ‘02 BA is a Staff Accountant at Raptim International Travel. Carlos S. Solano ‘02 SS, is an Estimator with Anthony’s Custom Closets in the Bronx, NY. David Solomon ‘02 MBA is an Accounting Assistant with Sodexho.
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Jennifer (Newman) D’Alessandro ’03 BA has recently been hired as the Development Associate for Heritage Christian Services. She will be responsible for public relations, marketing, event planning and fundraising in the Western New York area.
Anna M. Suranyi ‘03 M.S.Ed. is a Teacher at North Collins Elementary School. Sheila M. Traficante ‘03 MBA is an Assistant Vice President, Lending and Risk Analysis at Mercantile Bank and Trust in Boston, Massachusetts. Kristina L. Ettinger ‘04 BA is a Territory Manager, Youth Market, for Coca-Cola Bottling Company of Buffalo. Shannon Johnson ‘04 BA is a Lease Consultant II with RSA, Inc. Kimberli A. Barcus, ‘05 BA is a Postmaster with the United States Postal Service.
Richard D. Spiller ‘02 BA is an Accountant/Contract Specialist with Lake Shore Behavioral Health. Nicole Y. Stewart ‘02 LS is a Residential Underwriter at Greater Buffalo Savings Bank. Joseph Torregrasso ‘02 ED is a Director at the Goodwill Technical Training Center.
BIRTH ANNOUNCEMENTS
Jennifer Wielinski ‘02 ED, ‘05 M.S.Ed. is a third grade Teacher at St. Amelia’s School.
WEDDINGS
Chris Mathews ‘96 BA and Lori (Shilea) Mathews ‘96 BA recently celebrated the birth of their first child Nicholas Frank Mathews.
Lonnell M. Williams ‘02 MBA is the President of Elegant Urban Essentials.
Ellen Schranz ‘78 ED married Matthew LaPointe of Valparaiso, Florida on October 1, 2005.
Laura (Horner) Fleming ‘03 MBA is a Lead Medicare Representative with Univera Health Care.
Terry Felstead ‘97 ED married Shannon Henry on July 22, 2005.
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Jeremy Nickerson ‘00 MC and his wife Asia had a baby girl, Ruth Elisabeth Nickerson, on June 24, 2005. Michelle D. (Reiter) Connolly ‘03 MBA and Kevin Connolly welcomed their first child, Alexandria Charlotte, on March 31, 2005.
Theresa M. (Hutchinson) Hain ‘03 BA is a Marketing and Sales Executive with The Color Works, Inc. Collen B. Koblinski ‘03 ED is a third grade Teacher at Pinnacle Point Academy in Arizona. Susan Sadowski ‘03 ED is an Administrative Assistant with Devere Capital Corporation.
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Molly Jacobs ‘02 MC married Eric Burt on May 7, 2005. Scott Kaeselau ‘02 MC married Jennifer O’Connor on March 12, 2005. Jamie A. (Carioti) Culican ‘05 ED married Daniel Culican on July 23, 2005.
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■ ALUMNI PROFILE
profile Brian Chapin ‘
ALUMNI
President and CEO, Shatter IT Global Services
IN MEMORIAM C. Ty Federick ‘70 ED died on September 9, 2005 at the age of 58. Federick worked in the Kenmore-Town of Tonawanda School District and in 1994 was named principal at Benjamin Franklin Middle School, a position he held until his passing. Sister Elizabeth Ann Harding died on August 28, 2005. Harding was a graduate of Mount St. Joseph’s Teachers College. She spent six years as a special reading teacher in the reading center at Medaille. Sister Mary Gregory Wilemski passed away on July 12, 2005. A graduate of Mount St. Joseph’s Teachers College, Wilemski was a longtime parochial school teacher and a Felician nun for 74 years. Steve W. Allen succumbed to cancer at the age of 56 on July 9, 2005. He earned a Purple Heart during his service in the Vietnam War. Sister M. Charlene Stonish died on July 4, 2005. Stonish entered the Sisters of Mercy in 1953 and taught in several elementary schools in the Buffalo Diocese. Sister Rose Marie Brick, SSJ, died on May 31, 2005. She was a graduate of Mount St. Joseph’s Teachers College. Sister Rosemary Hartings, OSF, died on May 18, 2005. She was a graduate of Mount St. Joseph’s Teachers College. Sister Nancy McNulty, RSM, passed away on May 9, 2005. McNulty was a Sister of Mercy for more than 44 years. She was a doctoral candidate at the University of Rochester at the time of her death. Joseph P. Morgan died on April 25, 2005. He was a father of three, a brother to four, and an accountant for P&C Foods.
Reliability of a company’s technology infrastructure has become one of the most critical elements of business today. Downtime, security issues and maintenance translate to lost revenue when it affects crucial systems. One Medaille graduate identified an opportunity to address this need and launched a rapidly growing company in Buffalo. Brian Chapin ‘02 BA and his partner Mark Musone founded Shatter IT Global Service in 2001 following the dot com boom. Shatter IT hosts and maintains back-end hardware for companies in its data quality facility. They provide disaster prevention and recovery services, as well as system monitoring and reporting. “Mark and I grew up in two different areas - I worked at Fortune 500 companies and he worked with a lot of start-up businesses,” Chapin says. “When he and I met at Chek.com, it was a revelation that we were both seeing companies facing the same difficulties. They were having a hard time finding a highly reliable, vigilant focus on technology infrastructure. Whether it was a Fortune 500 company dealing with disaster avoidance or a start-up company trying to establish their infrastructure, they both needed a place to put their technology that was secure, safe and reliable, and that had competent technology people on hand seven days a week.”
“... we don’t have a cookie-cutter approach. We work with technology start-ups, insurance companies, printing and online media companies, as well as traditional brick and mortar companies. So we have been able to establish ourselves without saying one industry is our niche market.”
The company has grown to $750,000 in revenue in 2004 and projected revenues of $1,000,000 in 2005, even with the expense of constructing a new Buffalo data center to handle growth. Their client list is very diverse. “Our clients can be anyone,” Chapin says. “I know that sounds clichêd, but we don’t have a cookie-cutter approach. We work with technology start-ups, insurance companies, printing and online media companies, as well as traditional brick and mortar companies. So we have been able to establish ourselves without saying one industry is our niche market.” The company is also working with the FBI and Homeland security to provide their systems with a high level of reliability, as well as security and theft prevention services. continued on page 34
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What does the future hold for the company? “As we continue to grow Buffalo and Toronto,” Chapin says, “we would also like to expand to the Atlanta rim in five years. With that said, there may be an opportunity for a larger company to come in and merge or acquire us, so we are trying to keep our business strategy flexible enough that all of those are options.” Chapin’s experiences at Medaille helped him get where he is today, in more ways than one.
Shatter I.T. Global Services
“We were able to use the business plan I developed at Medaille, along with my partner’s small business experience, to form Shatter IT,” Chapin says. Coming out of high school, Chapin went to work at Moore Business Forms on Grand Island, where he spent 11 years. He attended Erie Community College and the University at Buffalo, but was learning more about technology at work. He later moved on to M&T Bank where he was and Enterprise Architect working for the CIO. He wanted to pursue other ambitions, and had the opportunity to do so. “My wife, Barbara, and I were both allowed to ‘trade-up’ and switch careers,” says Chapin. “At one time, my wife was focused on business. She decided she wanted to go back to pharmacy school while I was working full time. She is now a Doctor of Pharmacy. That allowed me to go back to school myself. “I wanted to focus more on the business side and less on the technology side,” Chapin continues. “I had been working with technology for about 15 years and I didn’t think a technology degree would help me much at that point.”
■ ALUMNI PROFILE
Chapin chose the Medaille Amherst campus because it was close to home, but more importantly because it allowed flexibility in scheduling. Once there, he appreciated the study groups the most. “My experience at Medaille helped me learn leadership by exposing me to a more realistic environment,” Chapin remarked. “It helped me expand beyond what I had encountered in the structured business world. The study group environment - working with different people, with different styles, plus the time constraints - was very realistic and taught me to feel out the personalities and decide if I would best serve by taking a leadership role or a back seat.” He also credits the Medaille faculty, including Bob Nesslin, for sharing their business experiences and creating application based learning.
Brian Chapin ‘01 BA is a proud Medaille graduate
“With the support of the study group and the faculty, we focused some of our projects on getting Shatter IT up and running,” Chapin says. “So projects such as the market analysis, marketing plan, and the spreadsheets I still use today, allowed me to use and develop the core fundamentals of the business program while working towards a real goal.” One fundamental that Chapin developed was time management. “I developed strong time management skills from the project deadlines,” Chapin says. “Living a life, working full time and going to school can be overwhelming. But when you have to, you can always find time to make things happen. We had a good study group that showed me that when someone has demands that they can’t meet, there is always someone there to help pull them up and get the job done.” When Chapin isn’t focusing on business development, he enjoys hanging out with his twin 13-year old daughters, Kaitlyn and Krystal. He is an avid golfer and spends time in the outdoors skiing and snowboarding. Shatter IT donates time and money to the Literacy Volunteers. They also belong to local organizations such as the Info-Tech Niagara and the Buffalo Partnership. Chapin has a desire to see Buffalo succeed, and knows where that growth will come from. “I grew up in Black Rock and live on Grand Island now,” Chapin says. “Buffalo is and always will be home. But there is an opportunity that is often missed in this area, and that is that small businesses are what is going to revitalize this area. The one-hit wonders are gone. So it is important to put the tools in right people’s hands to foster creative new businesses and ideas. I want to see Buffalo succeed and it will be dependent on small businesses growing and succeeding.” The region can surely benefit from more entrepreneurial minds like Brian Chapin.
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■ CAMPUS ENHANCEMENTS
NEW LAND RAMP IMPROVED ACCESS In an effort to provide handicap accessibility to the houses on Humboldt Parkway, Medaille College has added a new land ramp to the campus. In addition to providing improved access to the newly installed rear doors on each house, the ramp provides more green space and adds to the sense of an enclosed campus. Construction started with the demolition of the garages behind the Humboldt Houses. It continued with the grading of the slope followed by extensive landscaping. The project also included completion of the adjoining parking area and roadway.
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SNAPSHOT
commencement
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Medaille Graduates - Commencement 2005 On May 20, 2005, students, as well as their families and friends, took part in the Medaille College’s 2005 Commencement Ceremonies. At 1 p.m., Medaille graduate students received advanced degrees during the Graduate Degree Commencement. The keynote address was presented by Thomas A. Emmet, ED. D., Founder/ President of Higher Education Executive Associates, and the student address was given by Kerry Woods ‘05 M.S.Ed. The Undergraduate Degree Commencement took place at 7 p.m. on the same day, with students receiving their diplomas from Medaille College President Joseph W. Bascuas, Ph. D. The Honorable Brian Higgins, Congressman for the 27th District of New York, delivered the keynote address, and Derek B. Spencer ‘05 BA, presented the student address.
■ SNAPSHOT - 2005 COMMENCEMENT
Congratulations to the Class of 2005!
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What will be your legacy? Through donating gifts of assets, life-income, retirement plans, life insurance, or by naming Medaille in your will, you can help generations of Medaille students by:
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Allow Medaille to be part of your legacy. At the same time, you may reduce your own income taxes, avoid capital gains tax, increase your spendable income, retain payments-for-life, and achieve no-cost, worry-free asset management, depending upon your arrangements. We can facilitate your decision to maintain your Medaille connection and benefit future generations. Please call Troy Schneider, Medaille Fund Officer at .. or email tschneider@medaille.edu. Don’t put this off. Get the financial benefits in the present, help students in the future.
Agassiz Circle | Buffalo, NY | .. | .. | fax .. | www.medaille.edu
school of adult and Graduate education at medaille college
Medaille is changing the way you think about
adult education. Medaille College recently introduced the School for Adult and Graduate Education (SAGE), a unit designed to address the needs of non-traditional undergraduate students, as well as students interested in a graduate degree from Medaille. SAGE can help you earn your B.S. in Business Management and make changes in your career, your future and your life. You will be granted full credit for your Associate Degree coursework, putting you on track to meet the demands of today’s marketplace. SAGE offers Adult and Graduate programs in Psychology, Education, MentalHealth Counseling as well as new professional certificates in PublicRelations, E-Business and Computer Crimes Investigations.
SMALL CLASS SIZES To learn more about these and other exciting programs, contact the SAGE office at () -, toll-free () - or email gradadmissions@medaille.edu.
INDIVIDUAL ATTENTION FLEXIBLE SCHEDULING
NON-PROFIT ORG. US POSTAGE
PAID
PERMIT NO 948 BUFFALO, NY
18 Agassiz Circle Buffalo, NY 14214 ADDRESS SERVICE REQUESTED