Commencement
for the GRADUATE and
UNDERGRADUATE
CLASSES of
2010
Friday, the twenty-first day of May Two thousand and ten
Kleinhans Music Hall Buffalo, New York
2010 C O M M E N C E M E N T Medaille College Mission Statement
BOARD OF TRUSTEES
Medaille College concentrates on excellence in teaching, with an emphasis on personal attention to its diverse student body. Its curriculum provides a solid liberal arts and sciences foundation with early access to career-oriented education. The faculty and all of those involved in the mission of education challenge students and themselves to the highest possible standards of achievement, but that challenge is balanced by support for every individual student and a concern that each one succeeds.
Charles E. Moran, Jr.
Historical Overview
Chair, Board of Trustees
Richard T. Jurasek, Ph.D. President of the College
Stuart H. Angert Board Vice Chair
Dominick F. Antonelli Stephen L. Cicchinelli ’98 Peter J. Freyburger, D.V.M. Andrés Garcia ’82 Board Assistant Secretary
Horace A. Gioia, Esq. Juanita K. Hunter, Ed.D. Board Secretary
Margaret Kafka ’90 James R. Kaskie William H. Pearce, Jr. Heidi A. Raphael ’85 Robert L. Stevenson Robby Takac ’86 Donald Tomasulo ’79 President of the Alumni Association Board
Michael K. Walsh Board Treasurer
2
Medaille College is an independent college committed to serving the higher education needs of Western and Central New York, and Southern Ontario. The College is located within the historic Olmsted Crescent in the heart of Buffalo, New York, with branch campuses in Amherst and Rochester. Medaille is known for its flexible delivery systems, offering Master’s, Bachelor’s, and Associate degrees in both traditional and accelerated formats. The Undergraduate College currently offers the Bachelor’s degree in Biology, Business Administration, Communication, Criminal Justice, Education (Elementary Education 1-6, Middle Childhood 5-9, Adolescent English 7-12 with Special Education, Adolescent Mathematics 7-12 with Special Education, and Adolescent Social Studies 7-12 with Special Education), English, Liberal Studies, Psychology, Sport Management, and Veterinary Technology. Associate degrees are offered in Liberal Studies and Veterinary Technology. Through its School of Education and School of Adult and Graduate Education, Medaille offers both undergraduate and graduate programs designed to meet the needs of adult learners. Degrees awarded include the Associate of Science in Business, Bachelor of Business Administration, Master of Business Administration, Master of Arts in Organizational Leadership, Master of Arts in Psychology, Master of Arts in Mental Health Counseling, and Master of Science in Education. Named for Father Jean Pierre Medaille, founder of the Sisters of St. Joseph, Medaille College traces its roots to 1875, when the Sisters of St. Joseph founded an Institute to prepare members of the Order for teaching in diocesan schools. In 1937, the Institute received an absolute charter from the State of New York and was renamed Mt. St. Joseph Teachers College. In 1968, a charter was sought to create a new college that would be independent, nonsectarian, and coeducational. The State granted this charter and Medaille College was born. Many new degree programs were developed and student enrollment doubled in the 1970’s. This growth continued, and in 1985 construction was completed on a new science building. Residential housing was added in 1991 and the Kevin I. Sullivan Campus Center opened in April of 1994. Campus construction continued with the opening of the North Residence Hall (2001) and the South Residence Hall (2003). In addition, the Sullivan Campus Center has been expanded, renovations have been made to the Huber Hall Library, and major landscaping improvements have been made to the campus. Most recently, seven houses on Humboldt Parkway and Agassiz Circle have been remodeled as faculty and administrative office space and state-of-the-art classrooms. Medaille’s annual operating budget is now $55 million and the annual economic impact of Medaille on our community exceeds $147 million. In the past ten years, the number of full-time faculty has nearly doubled, and the College’s enrollment has increased nearly 200%. The total enrollment approaching 3,000 students makes Medaille the third largest private college in Western New York.
B U F FA L O , N E W Y O R K
the G R A D UAT E C L A S S of
2010
PROGRAM FOR THE GRADUATE CEREMONY KLEINHANS MUSIC HALL, MAY 21, 2010 1:00 P.M. PROCESSIONAL*
Buffalo Brass Quintet “Pomp and Circumstance March” (Sir Edward Elgar)
CALL TO ORDER
Robert E. Nesslin, M.S.Ed. Clinical Associate Professor, School of Adult and Graduate Education
NATIONAL ANTHEMS
Buffalo Brass Quintet
INVOCATION
Rev. Paul Emery ’90, B.S., M.Div. Pastor, Trinity United Methodist Church
WELCOME
Robert E. Nesslin, M.S.Ed.
GREETINGS FROM THE PRESIDENT
Richard T. Jurasek, Ph.D. President of the College
ADDRESS
Our Collective Aspiration for the Year 2020
“Medaille College will be known as the leader in preparing learners for career success and a lifelong commitment to a civic and sustainable future in Buffalo, the region, and the world.
”
Sundra L. Ryce ’07, M.S.Ed. President and CEO, SLR Contracting & Service Company, Inc.
STUDENT ADDRESS
Kathryn Ellen Benfanti Class of 2010
PRESENTATIONS
Judith M. Horowitz, Ph.D.
Academic Awards
Associate Vice President and Dean of the School of Adult and Graduate Education
Illana R. Lane, Ph.D. Acting Dean of the School of Education PRESENTATION OF DEGREE CANDIDATES
Douglas W. Howard, Ph.D. Vice President for Academic Affairs
CONFERRAL OF DEGREES
Richard T. Jurasek, Ph.D.
REMARKS BY THE PRESIDENT
Richard T. Jurasek, Ph.D.
BENEDICTION**
Rev. Paul Emery ’90, B.S., M.Div.
RECESSIONAL
Buffalo Brass Quintet
* The Audience is requested to stand and remain standing through the Invocation. ** The Audience is requested to stand and remain in place until the recessional is completed.
“Trumpet Voluntary” (John Stanley) COMMENCEMENT 2 0 1 0
3
C A N D I D A T E S
F O R
D E G R E E S
Master of Arts
4
Cynthia Ann Abbey
Deaundra Hamilton
Elizabeth Megan Newman
Andrew Warner Barone
Sara Hanavan
Melanie Ann Page
Linda Bazinet
Shelly Lynn Harris
Shakahra Page
Daria Bednarowski
Jessica M. Helmbrecht
Susan G. Patrizi
Kathryn Ellen Benfanti
Stephanie Henley
Shawn Y. Patton
Max T. Benz
Joani Higgins
Diana Petruzzella
Angela P. Berti
Laura Hoover
Davetta Laurrainne Phelps
Sandra Billups
Timothy Jackson
Brenda Postolowski
Gaganpreet Blaggan
Jacqueline M. Jefferson
Jennifer Leigh Prutsman
Gloria Borynski
Tonia Jones
Joyce Przybyl
Demetris Bradley
Marloe Jordan
Hugh Quinn
Amanda B. Brennan
Monique Kareemiah Jordan
Coretta Rego
Angelica J. Broniszewski
Kristin LeAnn Kasperek
Courtney Taylor Reinecke
Jeffrey D. Brooks
Cheryl Keyes
Lauren M. Reinig
Korria Bullock
Jessica Kotarski
Veronica Rivera
Ellen M. Carl
Lauren A. Kranz
Eric Rockefeller
Lindsay Chatmon
Ashley B. Kuiper
Megan L. Saddleson
Kimberly Siuda Chiarmonte
Janice Lang
Andrew Michael Schmidt
Patrick Conway
Jennifer L. Lanning
Jamie L. Seguss
Nancy Crenshaw
Jennifer L. Layman
Steffanie Sherwood
Valerie Crespo
Julia Lecce
Sarah Louise Dance
Michelle Leger
Kimberly Lynn Savannah Silla
John Delaney
Amanda Rae Leone
Tiffany L. Smart
Thomas Frank Di Luzio
Amylynn Marie Liskiewicz
Jason J. Snyder
Kristi Duffy
Travis A. Loughran
Christopher Spicer
Amber J. Dunn
Lauren Major
Cynthia Spiess
Jamie Lee Dutka
Kelly Mallon
Kathryn Jeanne Stanbro
Sheri D. Eckert
Rose Marcantonio
Lisa Szymanski
Alicia L. Evans
Kathy L. Marcotte
Amber A. Towart
Mona V. Fathieh
Elizabeth Ann McClam
Melinda M. Trammell
Amber M. Ferrara
Leann P. McConchie
Tara Trzaska
Jamie Folck
Sarah McCumiskey
Jaana Tuomala
Kandis Racquelle Fuller
Nora E. McNally
Debra Valenti-Tylwalk
Heather Gauchat
Sarah Miechurski
Krystal P. Valvo
Kelly Gordon
Kelly L. Morgan
Alison J. Wilcox-Lanfear
Kristy Gossel
Erin Marie Moss
Nicholas Eric Wilson
Valerie L. Green
Jennifer L. Moyer
Jessica Gruber
Katie A. Murphy
Timothy Hack
Christopher Gary Nalbach
B U F FA L O , N E W Y O R K
C A N D I D A T E S
F O R
D E G R E E S
Master of Business Administration Jonathan Abrams
Rebecca Jarnot
Michelle Javonne Shaw
Iran Jooel Albuez
Sarah L. Kancar
Paula Shellman
Delilah K. Alicea
Edward Scott Katz
Brooke Elizabeth Smith
Nicholas Frederick Anner
LeighAnn Superczynski
Adam Anticola
Francessca Leigh-Aut Keeling
Annette D. Austin
Jonathan M. Kenney
Katina Ann Thomas
James P. Ayers
Amy L. Keyes
Dawn M. Tresmond
Ildiko Best
Thomas H. Kingston
Nate E. Waldmiller
Tashonda Brown
Sabrina Teneal Kirkland
Patricia A. Walsh
John D. Buell
Anita L. Hart Kopra
Todd Watson
Angela M. Burgos
Damian Kumor
Shaun Aron White
Elizabeth L. Cardarelli
Jennifer Lachina
Michael Wilson
Robert D. Chyka
Takeema Anika Shetice Lewis
Marc Wydro
Marisa Clark
Kristin Ann Luce
Jose Manuel Zayas
Natalya Sheva Nicole Collins-Howard
Justin Thomas Macaluso
Brian Zielinski
Marie L. Connors
Tara N. McCarter
Stephanie Danieu
Jonathan M. Messina
Brett D. Davis
Michael J. Miles
Jenise R. Dixon-Coleman
Thomas D. Molfese
Terrance L. Dubois
Joseph F. Murray, III
Stephanie Ecker
William Nelson
Lisa Marie Ettipio
Derek Nero
Karen M. Eusanio
James Allen Nesmith
Gary W. Gell
Theodore Nowakowski
Tammy Gentile
Donna Marie Parks
Garfield E. Grant
Stephanie Ann Pawelczyk
Anna R. Hartog
Michael Louis Piatko
Kirk R. Hartog
Donald T. Prichard, Jr.
Nicole A. Hayek
Michael Quarantello
Cortney S. Heitzman
Marcy Raines
Brendan Herdlein
Lindsey Rindos
Adam Hojnacki
Jessica L. Robey
Lynnetta Maria Hollomon
Curtis Rogers
Patricia Hughes
Kendra D. Rogers
Robert Jacchino
Samantha Lynne Santelli
Paul T. Jackson
Corey Richard Santonocito
Sheryl Jaje
Nicholas Craig Sautter
Shomari A. James
Miriam Sharif
Jillian L. Suttell
Mary L. Mannella
COMMENCEMENT 2 010
5
C A N D I D A T E S
F O R
D E G R E E S
Master of Science in Education Nicole Elizabeth Abdool
Frederick Benjamin Best
Vincent Dion Carnovale
Beth A. Crego
Jolene Abel
Mary C. Bezzina
Jennifer Dawn Carpenter
Natalie Abkarian
Rosemary P. Bianchi
Heidi Carter
Stacey Susan Simone Dahmer
Colleen A. Adams
Sarah Bickford
Erica D. Case
Cinzia Daniele D’Alfonso
Saira Alam
Kristy Bielik
Christina D. Cassar
Julia L. Damen
Lisa M. Albuquerque
Satin Bina
Luca Valentino Cavaliere
Stefanie D’Angelo
Gabrielle Alfieri
Bessie Blandizzi
Lacey Michelle Cavicchia
Tuyet Dao
Valerie M. Allaire
Andrew J. Bolles
Leanne Carolyn Cecil
Melissa J. Darker
Melissa Allen
Amanda K. Boone
Peter A. Cefaloni
Tyson Anderson
Emilie Boonstra
Rita R. Celetti
Jennifer Lee Davies-Schweickert
Karen Andreatta
Navreet Kaur Boparai
Natasha Chaderian
Megan Laura Andrews
Nicole Boreland
Navdeep Chahal
Nicole Talya Angaritis
Cherish Lynn Borman
Shareen Lata Chand
Suzana Antolcic
Colleen A. Bourgon
Vickie Chang
Daniela Aquino
Amanda M. Boyler
Patricia A. Chatten
Anthony Atletico
Sarah J. Brady
Alan Cherneski
Miranda Atrooshi
Jennifer Braithwaite
Maria A. Chiarenza
Michelle Bakelmun
Lillian Chiu
Lindsay Michelle Balment
Gerard Nigel E. Brathwaite-Sturgeon
Abiola Balogun
Daniel G. Brawn
Catherine Celeste Ciarallo
Nishant Bammi
Regan Brennan
Michael J. Cimicata
Christina Banfield
Wendy Brisky
Vanessa Lynn Ciufo
Daniela Disa Barak
Ashley J. Britton
Meghan Kathleen Clarey
Nicole Barrett
Jenifer Jean Brooks
Jennifer Clarke
Stephanie Sandra Bartelli
Charmesa Levette Brown
Sara E. Clarke
Shane L. Bascoe
Sarah Elizabeth Brown
Charlene Ann-Marie Dickson
Laura Clarry
Teresa Di Leo
Tiffany Baxebanos
Andrea Christine Budzey
Kathy L. Clay
Tyandra Bulmer
Olimpia Di Monte
Jenna Lynn Baynham
Sarah Lynne Cloet
Catherine A. Burdell
Alicia N. Dix
Yvonne M. Beardsley
Jodi Jillaine Coelho
Stephanie Burnett
Robert Dolomount
Stephanie Milan Beaton
Stephanie Colby-Yates
Carrie A. Buttigieg
Mark James Donelson
Erin M. Beauchesne
Rosemary Coletti
Clement A. D’Orazio
Bree Beaupre
Laura Anne Byers
Stacey Collins
Ashley Isabel Cabral
Sonya Nicole Doyle
Adele Begin
Roselynn Commisso
Jennifer Calderon
Jennifer Drader
Brent Anthony Bellio
Lauren K. Copeland
Shannon Eilene Campbell
Amanda Lynn Dragozetic
Amanda Bellmore
Anthony John Costa
Daniel Joseph Cannon
Martina Drljepan
Michelle M. Benaim
Shelly A. Costello
Sabrina Caputo
Laura Dukarich
Jennifer Benevides
Krista Lynn Coutu
Christina Caramanica
Andrea J. Dunnett
Lesle Berkman
Philippe Ransom Coutu
Kristin L. Carbone
Rebecca Ebert
Kathryn Bertsch
Chelsey Ann Cowlin
Cameron Eby
Marie Ashley Carnovale
6
Stacey Noreen Christopher
Eric Davis Rosanne Davis Wendy D. Davis Jasmine Lila Daz Lisa Ann Debo Emilia Del Nibletto Alison Lyn DeMelo Melissa Lynn Denecke Amrita Deol Jacqueline De Paolis Glen Steven Desjardins Brian Devlin Rishi Dheer Luisa DiBrizzi
B U F FA L O , N E W Y O R K
C A N D I D A T E S
F O R
D E G R E E S
Master of Science in Education (continued) Sherie Eckhardt
Melany L. Gates
Mark L. Heritage
Sufiya Kazi
Kristi Lynn Edwards
Jennifer Gazzola
Corean Leslie Hervey
Rhonda L. Ketteringham
Brooke Cavell Ellis
Roula Christine Geadah
Christine Heubeck-Kuzenko
Nancy Khalil
Jennifer Ellis
Amol R. Gheewala
Karly MacKenzie Hill
Rifa Khan
Julie Anne Ellwood
Julie Gianetto
Tanya M. Hook
Amanda Kiczma
Adam Nathan Ernst
William Giannou
Cheryl L. Hosein
Megan King
Michelle Ersing
Philip J. Gibson
Allison Eleanor Howatt
Rachel King
Ryan Evans
Michelle Gikov
Timothy C. Hunter
Kricia Kirby
Katherine Anne Fairbrother
Corrine Rachelle Huntingdon
Mary Kitsos
Enza Falletta
Stephanie Elizabeth Giliberto
Suzy Fam
Svaven Gill
Christina Iannucci
Kristopher M. Klupsch
Pavlo Farmakidis
Mary L. Glass
Stephanie Lynn Iannucci
Melinda S. Knowlton
Dana D. Farquharson
Paula A. Glaze
Peter Inacio
Katie Kochan
Luanne Fashana
Sarah L. Gleeson
Larissa Rachel Ineson
Christina Kocsis
Andrew W. Faulkner
Sandria M. Goodall
Susan Innes
Elizabeth Kohl
Laura Feher
V. Christine Gordon
Arjola Islami
Amy R. Kolpak
Jessica Ferreira
Jonalyn Graciano
Joey Istiphan
Amanpreet Kooner
David Fingrut
Dana H. Grant
Stefani R. Ivkovich
Thomas Kovacik
Kyle L. Finlay
Kimberly Green
Sonia Carmela Izzi
Adriane Frances Lambert
Erin Finn
Leslie Green
Courtney T. Jackman
Ashleigh Marie Langille
Angelique M. Fischer
Nicollette Marie Greer
Brittany Jahreis
Katie A. Larkin
Elizabeth R. Fitzgerald
Harjinder Grewal
Susan Jakovcic
Lina La Rocca
Victoria R. Fitzner
Heather Marie Grillo
Laura C. Jankura
Dahna Laurent
Joseph R. Flaherty
Kristin Marie Gruber
Lindsay Jarvis
Claudia Lavecchia
Meaghann Frances Foy
Abigail Gutmacher
Kathleen M. Jedrosko
Sala Lavoie
Elizabeth Fracassi
Christina M. Haag
Carrie F. Jessup
Carrie Jane Lawton
Melissa Lori Fried
Jarrod Haddock
Jennifer Jobson
Charline LeBlanc
Samuel Benjamin Fried
Allison E. Hall
Linda Chinnu Johnson
Christina M. Lederri
Genevieve Ilonka Frigault
Ashley Hamilton
Claire Stephanie Jones
Mark Leibtog
Sarah Rose Frugoli
Wendy Ann-Marie Hamilton
Karianna F. Jory
Amanda Lennert
Jennifer A. Fryer
Jennifer Hammer
Nadia Caterina Justice
Richard J. Leo
Anthony Fuciarelli
Alicia Handley
Christie Kalec
Jennifer Gabriella Leone
Karen Joycee Gal
Kathryn M. Haney
Kathryn Ann Kaleta
Melissa Jane Leopard
Carmela Laura Galante
Sean Hanley
Parthipan Kandavel
Ashley Marie Levay
Amanda Galati
Marina Hanna
Alexandria A. Karacorovski
Erik Lindstol
Tiffany Galati
Sumeet Hansra
Sabrina Kassam
Amy Lis
Jennifer Galicia-Lontok
Daniel D. Hart
Jill M. Kaszuba
Fotoula Loizides
Leonard G. Garbacz
Heather Hayes
Stacey L. Lombardi
Michelle Garofalo
Jessica Aldene Hayes
Adriana C. Ferraro Katsilieris
Stephanie Helewa
Kamaljeet Kaur
COMMENCEMENT 2 010
Melissa Erin Klatecki
Aleksandra Loncarevic
7
C A N D I D A T E S
F O R
D E G R E E S
Master of Science in Education (continued) Nicole K. Lorenz
April Ann McGrane
Jacqueline D. Nicoll
Diana Elizabeth Plaskon
Jaspreet Lotay
Mark James McHenry
Claudia Cristina Nigro
Maria Platitsas
Jessica A. Loucks
Jordynn A. McIntosh
Vicky Nikolaos
Melanie Porter
Adam Lowe
Heather McIver
Natasha Elvina Porter
Kristyn L. Lucente
Scott McLeod
Diane Diamanto Nikoletopoulos
Daniella Marie Luciani
Erin Jayne McMahon
Lisa Oliel
Julie A. Powers
Kristina Luciani
Colleen McNarry-Wilson
Pablo Oliva
Spencer Price
Kasia L. Lue
Stephanie McPhee
Julie Nikole Pulley
Caley Mackenzie Lunan
Stephanie M. Menth
Chantelle Marie Anne Ophelders
Shannon Lundy
Sherry Lee Meszaros
Adele Jessica Lusky
Dana Metz
Jason J. Macchesney
Jill Metz
Mairi Jean MacDonald
Kerri Metzger
Derrick Machado
Melinda Metzger
Jennifer Lynn Machado
Catherine Marie Migliarini
Kelly Lynn Mackay
Margaret Theston Mihalics
John David Douglas Mackey
Courtney A. Miller
Leanne Susan Madgett
Tiffany Lynne Miller
Arleen Erin Maguda
Shanta N. Misir
Khalid Mahamad
Anaika Michelle Mohammed
Christopher Maheras
Lindsay Moita
Elizabeth Manganello
Jennifer Irene Mollet
Nicholas Mangiafesto
Cara L. Monroe
David F. Mangiafico
Stephanie A. Moore
Daniel N. Manly
Eulette Morris
Jaspreet Mann
Najoula M. Morris
Jennifer Mantello Daniela Marcelli
Gemma Elizabeth Mrkobrada
Mara Marcelli
Glenn Murdock
Courtney Peck
Eric Jeffrey Margel
Ashleigh Murray
Anna-Maria Pedace
Christopher Nicholas Marinelli
Laura Lynn Myles
Juliana Rita Lisa Pellegrino
Kamaldeep Nagra
Kirsten Meryl Peters
Kathryn Marino
Poonam Nagra
Megan Samantha Peterson
Mila K. Mascitelli
Ashley C. Nathan
Katherine Pettit
Amarpreet Matharoo
Lindsay Kathleen Nazar
Julie Pezzimenti
Angela L. May
Mehrnoush Nazarahari
Rita Piazza
Teresa McAlinden
Joanne Nedanovski
Sarah Pimentel
Kathryn McCall
Lindsay Elizabeth Nelson
Ariella Rachel Pister
Stephanie L. McDermott
Brittany Nesbitt
Nicole Pitoscia
Pamela McFeely
Brittany Leigh Newman
Jennifer Lynn Plants
8
Christine Orlich Megan O’Rourke Grayce Ortiz Jarrett Bradley Osborne Dacia L. O’Sullivan Stephanie Ottaviani Tammy-Lee A. Ovens Lauren A. Oziel Krysta Ozolins John R. Palmieri Jamie Palumbo Larissa W. Panici Stephen F. Parrick Eleni Angelica Partalas Michael D. Partridge Jaclyn Marie Paryz Cassandra Patterson Erica Payne Ricki Lee Payne
Leah Power
Patricia M. Pumputis Brett Alan Quance David Quayle Mohammad Umar Qureshi Kiran Preet Rakkar Natasha Ramirez Tatyana Ramirez Jessica M. Ramsden Rita Ranalli Crystal D. Randall Nadia Ranieri Amanda E. Rankin Alyssa Leigh Ranney Kelli C. Rattray Maureen E. Rau Sarah C. Reddin Michael David Redgers Cristina Reitz Sarah E. Rejent Angela S. Renner Teresa Renzi Bon Julius B. Reyes Shannon M. Rice Dawn Ruth Richardson Amy V. Rivera Megan Elizabeth Roberts Melissa Robertson Anne Rocci Corinne Rodrigues Tanya Gwen Rosenberg Danielle Ross
B U F FA L O , N E W Y O R K
C A N D I D A T E S
F O R
D E G R E E S
Master of Science in Education (continued) Jessica Ruda
James S. Smith
Matthew J. Taub
Susan Elizabeth Waller
Joanne Fotiny Rumeliotis
Kelli Anne Smith
Christine DeMelo Tavares
Heather Wanvig
Michelle Ruston
Tara Smith
Stacey L. Taves
Tommy Ward
Christopher C. Ruszkowski
Kailee Beth Smoskowitz
Tara S. M. Teicht
Marta Wasik
Ashlyn Sabatini
Patricia Sullivan Smyth
Jennifer Vidya Ten-Pow
Samantha Renee Watson
Odarka Sahan
Carrie Snider
Elizabeth Tewogbade
Robyn L. Weatherley
Rita Salmo
Regina Sowa
Andrea E. Thom
Marianne Darlene Wesseling
Angela Santagato-Bertola
Stephanie Spencer
Christie C. Thomas
Erinn N. Westerhof
Nicole Amanda Saric
Jenna Charlotte Speziale
Kostantina Thomas
Kimberly Ann Wheeler
Carla M. Saris
Kim Spratt Jordana M. Stach
Indaka Premakumara Hewa Thudellage
Lindsay N. White
Frances Sandra Savino
Kristen E. Stadelmeyer
Maria D. Toepfer
Ewelina K. Widerska
Mario Stamegna
Cristina Tofan
Taryn S. Wiley
Anna-Michelle Scholz
Jessica K. Staub
Pamela Lynn Tojek
Kimberly Wilhelm
Juli Ayn Mary Schroeder
Marina Stavropoulos
Julia Christine Tomaka
Katherine Amy Wilson
Stefanie Stefaniak
Andrew D. Trafford
Colleen G. Witt
Kristina Stephens
Danielle Traficante
Brandon Mark Wong
Ella Nicole Scott
S Michelle Stevenson
Veronica Dat Mui Tran
Michelle Ayesha Woodley
Amber N. Seale
Melissa Dawn Stewart
Carmen de Jesus Tresgallos
Nicole Wright-Dykstra
Tiffany Stinis
Elaine Triemstra
Marie E. Wutz
Stephanie Stirling
Jennifer Louise Trozzi
Jennifer Yan
Karendeep Sekhon
Justine Stone
Evelyn W. M. Tsang
Tara Yantzi
Sandeep Kaur Sekhon
Erin Michelle Stornelli
Lisa Ann Twomey
April Yau
Tyler Stortz
Carrie Underwood
Eliza Yuen
Aileen Streeter
Lesley M. Underwood
Catherine Zachariades
Lesley Amanda Selby
Kelly Diane Struthers
Danko Utjesinovic
Sandi Zaia
Alejandra Sermeno
Anita Stubnya
Leigh Anne Valentine
Denise Marie Zdon
Bryan Sturch
Olivia Suzanne Vandenberg
Matthew Zizek
Christa Sgroi
Christine Sullivan
Carrie Lynn Zoda
Lisa Shaw
Jennifer Sullivan
Catherine Marguerite Van Ryn
Meghan Sheehan
Catherine Elizabeth Sulski
Ashlee Linda Shutt
Kristen E. Swanson
Cheryl D. Siegal
Stephanie Elizabeth Sylvester
Paula Sinclair
Ashley Megan Syme
Harinder Kaur Singh
Andrew Sze
Sonia Singh
Heather M. Taggart
Angela Diane Sitt
Ashley Jennifer Ann Talmage
Elisabeth Skrabek
Courtney Grace Tansley
Lilli Skrak
Sarah Elizabeth Tassis
Andrea Savovic Valerie N. Schneider
Christina Schwendiman Caroline Alanna Scott
Laura Seeley-Krumpek Shauna Seiler
Sonia Sekhon-Banwait Dusan Sekulic
Ashley Sernoskie
Shehan Vaz
Jacquelyn Whitenight
Nicole Zuppa
Robert Allen Velestuk Tanya Virk Claudia Vitale Jaclyn R. Vogel Stephanie A. Voss Sharlyn Wagner Linsey M. Walker Jemaine Jason Wallace
COMMENCEMENT 2 010
9
2 0 1 0 Department Academic Awards
Graduate Ceremony Speaker
G R A D U A T E
C L A S S
Adolescent Education (M.S.Ed.)
Jennifer Lynn Plants
Business Administration (M.B.A.) Accelerated Learning Program
Thomas H. Kingston
Elementary Education (M.S.Ed)
Heather Marie Grillo
Elementary Education-Canadian Program (M.S.Ed.)
Mohammad Umar Qureshi
Literacy Program (M.S.Ed.)
Amy V. Rivera
Mental Health Counseling (M.A.)
Kathryn Ellen Benfanti
Organizational Leadership (M.A.)
Angela P. Berti
Psychology (M.A.)
Janice Lang
Special Education (M.S.Ed.)
Jessica K. Staub
Sundra L. Ryce ’07, M.S.Ed. President and CEO, SLR Contracting & Service Company, Inc. Sundra L. Ryce is the president and CEO of SLR Contracting & Service Company, Inc., a general construction company headquartered in Buffalo. SLR is a progressive and growing company that specializes in commercial construction, including new construction, renovation projects, construction management, and design-build services. Ryce established the company in 1996 to provide quality work and exemplary customer service in the construction industry. Under Ryce’s leadership, SLR has developed into an innovative and competitive construction company. Since its inception, SLR has expanded to include construction services covering many geographical regions throughout New York State and beyond. Ryce oversees all functions of the business including construction operations, strategic planning, sales and marketing, human resources, customer service, finance, and negotiations. Ryce grew up around a family-owned construction business. She views the construction industry as a great business opportunity for entrepreneurs. Born in Buffalo, Ryce received her Bachelor of Science Degree in Business Studies from the State University of New York College at Buffalo and her Master of Science Degree in Education from Medaille College, Buffalo, New York. Ryce serves as a trustee on the following boards: The Buffalo Niagara Partnership, Great Lakes Health, Buffalo State College Foundation, Buffalo Urban Development Corporation, and the Buffalo Society of Natural Sciences. She is also a member of the Alpha Kappa Alpha Sorority, Inc., and The Links Incorporated and is featured in the 13th edition of Small Business Management – An Entrepreneurial Emphasis, a college textbook with a circulation of over 57,000 copies worldwide. Ryce is an ordained minister and professional speaker who shares her vision, creativity, and business acumen through keynote addresses and seminars. She was recently invited to the U.S. Capital to address the U.S. House of Representatives at the Democratic Issues Conference and Job Summit in Washington, D.C. Her favorite motivational quote is “What would you attempt to do if you knew that you could not fail?” (author unknown).
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B U F FA L O , N E W Y O R K
the U N D E R G R A D UAT E C L A S S of
2010
PROGRAM FOR THE UNDERGRADUATE CEREMONY KLEINHANS MUSIC HALL, MAY 21, 2010 7:00 P.M. PROCESSIONAL*
Buffalo Brass Quintet “Pomp and Circumstance March” (Sir Edward Elgar)
CALL TO ORDER
Robert E. Nesslin, M.S.Ed. Clinical Associate Professor, School of Adult and Graduate Education
NATIONAL ANTHEMS
Buffalo Brass Quintet
INVOCATION
Rev. Paul Emery ’90, B.S., M.Div. Pastor, Trinity United Methodist Church
WELCOME
Robert E. Nesslin, M.S.Ed.
GREETINGS FROM THE PRESIDENT
Richard T. Jurasek, Ph.D. President of the College
CONFERRAL OF HONORARY DEGREE
Richard T. Jurasek, Ph.D.
Doctor of Laws The Honorable Antoine Maurice Thompson ADDRESS
The Honorable Antoine Maurice Thompson
Our Collective Aspiration for the Year 2020
“Medaille College will be known as the leader in preparing learners for career success and a lifelong commitment to a civic and sustainable future in Buffalo, the region, and the world.
”
New York State Senator STUDENT ADDRESS
Shanena Brundage Class of 2010
PRESENTATIONS
Norman R. Muir, Ph.D.
Academic Awards
Dean of the Undergraduate College
Illana R. Lane, Ph.D. Acting Dean of the School of Education
Judith M. Horowitz, Ph.D. Associate Vice President and Dean of the School of Adult and Graduate Education The Sister Alice M. Huber Collegiate Award PRESENTATION OF DEGREE CANDIDATES
Amy DeKay, M.S. Interim Dean of Student Affairs
Douglas W. Howard, Ph.D. Vice President for Academic Affairs
CONFERRAL OF DEGREES
Richard T. Jurasek, Ph.D.
REMARKS BY THE PRESIDENT
Richard T. Jurasek, Ph.D.
BENEDICTION**
Rev. Paul Emery ’90, B.S., M.Div.
RECESSIONAL
Buffalo Brass Quintet
* The Audience is requested to stand and remain standing through the Invocation. ** The Audience is requested to stand and remain in place until the recessional is completed.
“Trumpet Voluntary” (John Stanley) COMMENCEMENT 2 0 1 0
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C A N D I D A T E S
F O R
D E G R E E S
Associate in Science Brittany Anderson Charisse Andre
Rebecca A. Foote MAGNA CUM LAUDE
Debra Pulinski SUMMA CUM LAUDE
Maureen Arbuthnot
Yvonne Frazier
Lauren A. Pundt
Clinton E. Barker
Jessica Frysz
Sara Rademacher
CUM LAUDE
Kelly Gallisdorfer
Karen A. Regdos
Edith Bentley
Valerie Grabowski
Eric J. Reiter
MAGNA CUM LAUDE
CUM LAUDE
MAGNA CUM LAUDE
Kayleigh Brown
Brandon J. Griffin
Michelle J. Brown
Kristen E. Handley
MAGNA CUM LAUDE
Adrienne Hanner
Andrew Rotella SUMMA CUM LAUDE
Teresa A. Russell-Webster MAGNA CUM LAUDE
Amanda Burgett
Matika A. Hedman
Nicole M. Campbell
Lisa Hehr
Myles L. Carter
Meghan Lynn Violette Hughes
Magen Anne Schuh
Douglas Imperi
Cara J. Simonian
Pamela J. Chadwick SUMMA CUM LAUDE
Darrell Chasse MAGNA CUM LAUDE
Heather R. Cilano MAGNA CUM LAUDE
Nicole Cleague CUM LAUDE
Matthew P. Coleman CUM LAUDE
Jennifer J. Corbett MAGNA CUM LAUDE
Diana M. Courtright
CUM LAUDE
Amanda James CUM LAUDE
Melissa Ann Schneckenburger CUM LAUDE
Kristin Snyder Shannon L. Snyder
Daniel P. Kegler
Emily Rachel Stahl
Heather L. Kelly
Jennifer A. Stern
Elizabeth Kier
Valerie L. Strassheim
Rachel M. Kubiak
Emily J. Thayer
Keith Lane
Nicole A. Tighe
Brian LaPlante
Cheryl D. Turner
SUMMA CUM LAUDE
CUM LAUDE
Tara Darcy
Keishla Leon
Stephany Leann Vence
Samantha G. Davidson
David R. Lopez
Renee Wagner
Erin E. Delia
Diana Marchiano
Brittany M. Watkins
Tyra Dennard
Myron A. McAdory
MAGNA CUM LAUDE
Breanna R. Dimino Dawn M. Dudkowski Sarah Dylag Kylie J. Eoannou Sarah L. Everett CUM LAUDE
Lindsay Farnsworth CUM LAUDE
CUM LAUDE
Patricia Anne McGee SUMMA CUM LAUDE
Rachel L. Michalek Paula Modaffari SUMMA CUM LAUDE
Sara Alice Musall Maria L. Nevins Cara N. Novack
CUM LAUDE
Kim Watkins Tifani Watts Amanda Wheeler Christina Whitney CUM LAUDE
Christine Wickes Takeisha M. Williams MAGNA CUM LAUDE
Tiffany M. Wolf
Chelsea Victoria Fland
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B U F FA L O , N E W Y O R K
C A N D I D A T E S
F O R
D E G R E E S
Bachelor of Business Administration Lynn Allgeier SUMMA CUM LAUDE
Antoinette D. Anderson CUM LAUDE
Tyrone K. Ashford CUM LAUDE
Chad Barron SUMMA CUM LAUDE
Erica L. Bifulco Erin L. Bigler Scott Edward Blodgett MAGNA CUM LAUDE
Nicholas Boron SUMMA CUM LAUDE
Dawn L. Bowerman Jennifer M. Byrne MAGNA CUM LAUDE
Stephanie A. Calarco Vickey K. Ciszak MAGNA CUM LAUDE
Christopher Colopy Michele M. Crawford SUMMA CUM LAUDE
Elliott Dabney Yolanda Davis Stacey Deebs Arend J. Dekker Rose M. Dibble SUMMA CUM LAUDE
Traci Lynne Drake MAGNA CUM LAUDE
Paul Ehrenreich MAGNA CUM LAUDE
Lysa Marie Elis MAGNA CUM LAUDE
Duane Evans SUMMA CUM LAUDE
Lawrence S. Federici MAGNA CUM LAUDE
Renee Fiegel CUM LAUDE
Kelly A. Finch SUMMA CUM LAUDE
Alisa Fitzgerald Doreen M. Gaede MAGNA CUM LAUDE
Heather Gardiner
Yolanda Maria Gatewood CUM LAUDE
Jason Giglio MAGNA CUM LAUDE
Stephen Griffey Trevor Thomas Grover CUM LAUDE
Kristie Marie Hammer Joyce D. Hawkins Nathan Heinrich MAGNA CUM LAUDE
Kito Hill Michael F. Hill MAGNA CUM LAUDE
Lucretia A. Holt Lisa M. Huck SUMMA CUM LAUDE
Jeremy William Marso Kenneth John Martin CUM LAUDE
Jon Matias Joseph B. Messineo MAGNA CUM LAUDE
Sharon Marie Minigan CUM LAUDE
Reginald Claude Montgomery Shane M. Monto CUM LAUDE
Jared Moore Monica D. Nevins SUMMA CUM LAUDE
Eric Nicotera SUMMA CUM LAUDE
Beth L. Ienco
Jessica Olyer
Seanna Maria Jackson
Daniel Pappa
Ryan Jensen SUMMA CUM LAUDE
Shannon L. Johnson Barbara L. Juryniec SUMMA CUM LAUDE
Allan Steven Karchefsky Matthew William Kay Lisa Kozak MAGNA CUM LAUDE
E’Tiana N. Larkin CUM LAUDE
Eugene F. Laun, Jr. Denise Lennox MAGNA CUM LAUDE
Jenifer M. Lewis SUMMA CUM LAUDE
Erica LoGalbo Shawn M. Loos MAGNA CUM LAUDE
Connie Lore MAGNA CUM LAUDE
Kelley Lorich Thomas C Madej MAGNA CUM LAUDE
Darlene Maple MAGNA CUM LAUDE
Michael A. Maraschiello MAGNA CUM LAUDE
MAGNA CUM LAUDE SUMMA CUM LAUDE
Darlene Mary Passarelli CUM LAUDE
Matthew Perrino Ryan Paul Pettrone Jennifer E. Preston MAGNA CUM LAUDE
Erin M. Quattrini Ryan M. Quinn Jeffrey Dyson Ricci MAGNA CUM LAUDE
Cheryl Rossi SUMMA CUM LAUDE
Erica Marie Ruiz CUM LAUDE
Jeanne E. Saucke MAGNA CUM LAUDE
Richard George Schneider, Jr. MAGNA CUM LAUDE
Thomas J. Seaner CUM LAUDE
John Walter Seitz SUMMA CUM LAUDE
Carol Shusteric MAGNA CUM LAUDE
Mercedes V. Simmons CUM LAUDE
Julie Smith SUMMA CUM LAUDE
Colleen M. Sparks SUMMA CUM LAUDE
Kathryn K. Spengler CUM LAUDE
Jason Steenwerth CUM LAUDE
Kevin Stell CUM LAUDE
Porchia Smith Stewart CUM LAUDE
Jerry Tagliente MAGNA CUM LAUDE
Natasha Tate John Edward Robert Thompson Patricia Thoms MAGNA CUM LAUDE
Wendy Lyn Tilton Kevin McAndrew Toole MAGNA CUM LAUDE
Kathryn Turco CUM LAUDE
Robert Vail SUMMA CUM LAUDE
Cheryl A. Vandeburg Kyle A. Vergason Laurie A. Wachowiak Richard L. Wetherby, II MAGNA CUM LAUDE
Eulana Jeanine Williams LaKisha Willis Tina M. Winegardner James York SUMMA CUM LAUDE
LaKetta Yvonne Young Carmin M. Zoccali CUM LAUDE
Sarah E. Sheck CUM LAUDE
Kelly Shuptrine MAGNA CUM LAUDE
COMMENCEMENT 2 010
13
C A N D I D A T E S
F O R
D E G R E E S
Bachelor of Science in Education Ryan Amos MAGNA CUM LAUDE
Christine Bellina MAGNA CUM LAUDE
Ashley A. Davis EMERGING LEADERS PROGRAM
Kimberly Eaton Heather N. Fisher Amanda Hiczun MAGNA CUM LAUDE
Samantha L. Kessler EMERGING LEADERS PROGRAM
Catherine Kowalski MAGNA CUM LAUDE
Amanda Kraft
Melissa A. Schwab CUM LAUDE SCHOLARS PROGRAM
MAGNA CUM LAUDE
Christina Sullivan
SCHOLARS PROGRAM
Lindsey M. Tomczak
Courtney Kryszak MAGNA CUM LAUDE EMERGING LEADERS PROGRAM
Brittany McCabe MAGNA CUM LAUDE
Kelley Meyer
Jennifer Transue John Tresmond Amanda Westling MAGNA CUM LAUDE SCHOLARS PROGRAM EMERGING LEADERS PROGRAM
Shane Morse Lauren E. Rzeszutek
Bachelor of Arts Michael Abbatoy
Michelle Fritz
Amanda Christine Palmer
Sarah K. Anderson
Jonathan R. Fronczak
Christine Piscitello
Dean Antalik
Mary A. Furman
Rachael E. Schneider
Shanena Brundage
Carley J. Hartman
CUM LAUDE EMERGING LEADERS PROGRAM
Brittany Downey Ryan R. Ellsworth
Linda R. Jefferson Daniel J. Kolodziejski Matthew R. Kordrupel MAGNA CUM LAUDE
MAGNA CUM LAUDE
Kevin Erhardt Lisa M. Faxlanger
SUMMA CUM LAUDE
Lindsay Smith CUM LAUDE
Mallory Katharine Sutter Cathaline R. Tauscher CUM LAUDE
Andrea LaMastra Lori Markham SUMMA CUM LAUDE
Ruslan Tsybulsky Tiffani M. Wesolowski
MAGNA CUM LAUDE SCHOLARS PROGRAM
Victoria Fitchlee
Andrew R. Nawotka CUM LAUDE EMERGING LEADERS PROGRAM
CUM LAUDE
14
B U F FA L O , N E W Y O R K
C A N D I D A T E S
F O R
D E G R E E S
Bachelor of Science Leon-Ryan Adams
Courtney Dunn
Stephen N. Kanutsu
Sarah T. Odrobina
Jennie K. G. Anderson
David T. Eoannou
Cathryn Keller
Michael Osiadlo
Michael P. Antkowiak
Carissa Ferrucci
Shawn Arrajj
Zachary R. Ficarro
MAGNA CUM LAUDE
MAGNA CUM LAUDE
Brian D. Koch
Grace Oyo-Adout
Kimberley Anne Koch
Eric Partell
Daniel T. Fiegl
Alicia Kozmycz
Scott N. Pawlowski
Rebecca J. Barton
Samantha J. Fildes
Bryan James Legge
Robert D. Phelps
Jason Behnke
Megan Fitzgerald
Matthew A. Leone
Carol Pirson
SCHOLARS PROGRAM
Anthony R. Lepkowski
Marc Pollinger
EMERGING LEADERS PROGRAM
Karen LeRoy
John Charles Prorok
MAGNA CUM LAUDE SCHOLARS PROGRAM EMERGING LEADERS PROGRAM
Michael S. Berkun CUM LAUDE
MAGNA CUM LAUDE
SUMMA CUM LAUDE
MAGNA CUM LAUDE
MAGNA CUM LAUDE
Paul Blundy
Sarah A. Flanigan
Candice Boody
Andrew C. Fountain
John LeViness
Kathryn Ptak
Mary A. Furman
Keith E. Lewis
Alexander Quincy
Joseph Garrigues
Alex J. Lindauer
Devin N. Reschke
Katelynn Lines
Christopher Martin Boyd
Anthony Gatti
Amanda C. Macadlo
Edward B. Brown
Jennifer C. Gawron
Danny E. Maines
Jessica L. Bryant
Matt R. Glowacki Vanessa Goodman
Diana Markovich
Kevin Bugman
Alicia Greenidge
Laura N. Mauger
Christopher L. Calarco
Jason J. Grosjean
Laura Carra
Greg Grosskopf
CUM LAUDE
Gary Boughton CUM LAUDE
SUMMA CUM LAUDE
Daniel Carrig
EMERGING LEADERS PROGRAM
MAGNA CUM LAUDE SCHOLARS PROGRAM
Holley R. McAllister Quinneka Beth McDonald
Kelly T. Condello
Angelo Guadagna
Marilee Cook
Jacquelyn M. Guglietta
Cristina Cortes
Keith W. Hack
Caitlin McKinney
Renae R. Cortright
Betty Sue Herberger
Brian Mendola
Timothy Costello
MAGNA CUM LAUDE EMERGING LEADERS PROGRAM
James M. McDowell SUMMA CUM LAUDE
Nicholas Messina
Kyle L. Hibbard
Ryan M. Metz
Leah Hill
Megan E. Morath
Mandy R. Hilliard
Ashley R. Mott
Kyle Hoffman
Ryan J. Murdie
Tiana Daniels Heather DelPriore
Ashley M. Hyla
Travis Craft Adriea K. Crosdale SUMMA CUM LAUDE SCHOLARS PROGRAM
SUMMA CUM LAUDE
William E. Doepp Krystin Dunbar
Mindy L. Jendrowski MAGNA CUM LAUDE
Kathryn Ann Kacalski
EMERGING LEADERS PROGRAM
Joelle E. Nagelhout Miranda L. Nason Patricia Lynn Nellis
COMMENCEMENT 2 010
MAGNA CUM LAUDE
Tiffany Nicole Resetarits Andrew Riedel Carmilla Rollins Matthew P. Ronca Zack Rubin Jennifer M. Sachs Alissa Salsbury Solmarie Santiago Nancy Schosek-Fletch Elizabeth C. Sharts MAGNA CUM LAUDE
Joshua F. Shaw Mitchell Shepard Ricky Sheremeta Craig C. Sollenberger SUMMA CUM LAUDE
Lisa F. Stolfa SUMMA CUM LAUDE SCHOLARS PROGRAM
Kathrine Szczechowiak Jason D. Szpara
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C A N D I D A T E S
F O R
D E G R E E S
Bachelor of Science (continued) Sharissa Terrell
Megan K. Usiak
MAGNA CUM LAUDE
Erin K. Vanderbrook
Jennifer M. Titta
Thomas M. Walters
Orren Trudeau
Fran E. Wirtner EMERGING LEADERS PROGRAM
Brian Yanni SCHOLARS PROGRAM
Mark Wawrzyczek
Sarah M. Young
MAGNA CUM LAUDE
Jenna Marie Webster
Carly Zayac
EMERGING LEADERS PROGRAM
James West
Tanya M. Turchiarelli
Angela Marie Twentyfive
CUM LAUDE
Susan E. Wilson CUM LAUDE
Latin Honors Latin Honors indicate the level of academic distinction with which an academic degree is earned. Medaille College awards three types of Latin honors. In order of increasing honor, they are: CUM LAUDE
3.50 – 3.69 cumulative average
MAGNA CUM LAUDE
3.70 – 3.89 cumulative average
SUMMA CUM LAUDE
3.90 – 4.00 cumulative average
2 0 1 0 Department Academic Awards
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U N D E R G R A D U A T E
C L A S S
Biology (B.S.)
Adriea K. Crosdale
Business (A.S.)
Andrew Rotella
Business Administration (B.S.)
James M. McDowell
Business Administration (B.B.A)
Jenifer M. Lewis
Communication (B.S.)
Megan Fitzgerald
Criminal Justice (B.S.)
Craig C. Sollenberger
Education: Childhood (B.S.Ed.)
Amanda Kraft
Psychology (B.A.)
Shanena Brundage
Sport Management (B.S.)
John Charles Prorok
Veterinary Technology (A.S.)
Pamela Chadwick
Veterinary Technology (B.S.)
Tanya Turchiarelli
Visual and Digital Arts (B.A.)
Matthew R. Kordrupel
B U F FA L O , N E W Y O R K
2 0 1 0
U N D E R G R A D U A T E
C L A S S
The Honorable Antoine Maurice Thompson
Undergraduate Ceremony Speaker
New York State Senator Antoine Maurice Thompson was born in Buffalo and attended Buffalo Public Schools. He earned All-High and Western New York honors in Cross Country and Track and Field, while serving as the captain of both teams during his senior year. As a graduate of the State University of New York College at Brockport, he has studied extensively Black, African, and American history and government. Thompson received a dual Bachelor of Science degree in History. In 1994, he studied government and social change at the University of Ghana and presented papers on subjects related to Black theology and the history of American slavery. In January 1996, Thompson was hired as a legislative assistant for the Buffalo Common Council Central Staff. He was well versed in policy analysis and legislative research. His greatest public policy work was in the area of conducting research and preparing recommendations related to affirmative action policies and minority business development. In March 1998, Thompson was appointed Executive Director of the Office of Urban Initiatives, Inc. (OUI), an economic development corporation that focuses on minority and women-owned business development and various urban policy issues. On January 4, 2001, the Buffalo Common Council unanimously appointed Thompson as Masten District Council Member. He was a member of the Committee on Community Development, and served as chairperson for Committees on Education and Minority & Women Business Enterprise. On December 10, 2004, Thompson participated in the Electoral College and the political process of choosing the President of the United States. He has received various athletic, civic, and community awards, including the Community Star Award from the Stop the Violence Coalition, and the 1490 Enterprise’s 33rd Annual 2005 Black Achievers in Industry Award. On January 3, 2007, Thompson was sworn in as New York State Senator for the 60th District. Now in his second term, he holds a position of leadership as the Senate’s Acting Majority Whip and serves as chair of the Environmental Conservation Committee. Thompson also serves on the following committees: Civil Service and Pensions; Finance; Health; Insurance; Local Government; Tourism, Recreation, and Sports Development; and Veterans, Homeland Security, and Military Affairs. He is also co-chair of the Senate’s MWBE Taskforce. His areas of focus include the environment, education, healthcare, small business and economic development, and transportation. Thompson represents parts of Erie and Niagara counties, which include the cities of Buffalo, Niagara Falls, Tonawanda, and the town of Grand Island. His commitment to community service is reflected by membership with Alpha Phi Alpha Fraternity, Citizen Action of New York, Grassroots Inc., the Parkside Community Association, the NAACP, SCLS, Hamlin Park Community and Taxpayer’s Association, and many other groups and organizations. Senator Thompson is a member of Zion Dominion Global Ministries; he is the husband of Merle Thompson, and the devoted father of Deja LaShay and Joseph Antoine Alexander Thompson.
COMMENCEMENT 2 010
17
CANADIAN NATIONAL ANTHEM
AMERICAN NATIONAL ANTHEM
O Canada! Our home and native land! True patriot love in all thy sons command.
Oh, say can you see by the dawn’s early light, what so proudly we hailed at the twilight’s last gleaming?
With glowing hearts we see thee rise The True North strong and free:
Whose broad stripes and bright stars through the perilous fight, O’er the ramparts we watched were so gallantly streaming?
From far and wide, O Canada, We stand on guard for thee. God keep our land glorious and free! O Canada, we stand on guard for thee. O Canada! We stand on guard for thee.
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And the rockets’ red glare the bombs bursting in air gave proof through the night that our flag was still there. O say, does that star-spangled banner yet wave O’er the land of the free and the home of the brave!
B U F FA L O , N E W Y O R K
2010 C O M M E N C E M E N T The Academic Procession The academic procession of today’s Commencement exercises is made up of candidates for degrees, members of the faculty, members of the Board of Trustees, and members of the platform party marching in that order. After the ceremony, the order of the march is reversed. The order of march is in accordance with academic protocol which was established centuries ago when academic ceremonies were predominately directed by the clergy. In keeping with the familiar order of the religious procession, the younger and newer groups precede the older, and the place of highest honor is at the end of the procession.
Academic Symbolism
The Tradition of Academic Regalia The pageantry, tradition, and ritual of college and university commencement ceremonies in the United States originated more than 800 years ago in the medieval universities of Europe. The first academic degree recorded was conferred by the University of Bologna (Italy) in the middle of the twelfth century. The practice of conferring degrees spread from Bologna to other European universities such as the University of Paris, and then to Oxford and Cambridge. Medieval institutions of higher learning were traditionally administered by monastic orders, and students as well as their instructors wore the habits of monks to protect themselves from the cold of drafty rooms and corridors. In 1321, the University of Coimbra (Portugal) required all bachelors, masters, and doctors of theology to wear monastic gowns– the first such injunction recorded. Originally, the hood worn by those holding master’s degrees and doctorates was a head covering, the monk’s tippet. When caps came into fashion in the fifteenth century the hoods were draped down and back and ornamented with silk or velvet linings. On May 16, 1895, a delegation of representatives from various institutions convened at Columbia University to consider the question of academic attire in the United States. The deliberations of the conference resulted in the formulation of a unified system of academic apparel consisting of gowns, hoods, and caps to be worn by the graduates of any institution of higher learning in the United States. Adherence to this intercollegiate code of academic costume was voluntary; however, virtually all institutions with the exception of Harvard University and six others adopted it. The Intercollegiate Code specified that all graduates would wear black gowns, the pattern of which would vary according to the degree. Colored accessories were permitted to represent a particular degree or institution. Undergraduates were required to wear a severe, unornamented black robe with long pointed sleeves, an Oxford mortarboard cap, and a black tassel. The greatest degree of symbolism was represented by the hood which signified not only the degree of the graduate but also the institution from which it was conferred. The hoods were bordered in the appropriate faculty colors to designate the specified academic discipline of the graduate and linked with the official colors of the institution. In keeping with long established traditions, graduates of Medaille College continue to wear black robes with an Oxford mortarboard cap and black tassel.
The Mace Bearer The Mace Bearer carries a mace in the procession immediately preceding the President both entering and leaving the ceremony. The office of the Mace Bearer is purely ceremonial, and derives from the medieval times in England when an official such as the Lord of the Admiralty or the Chief Justice of the Court of Assizes, was taking office or opening his court and needed a bodyguard. Then the mace, a formidable weapon, was held ready to protect the person of the dignitary. From the sixteenth century in England and since colonial days in America, it has become a symbol of office only, and is carried by a distinguished member of the faculty.
COMMENCEMENT 2 0 1 0
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Commencement
2010
Medaille College 18 Agassiz Circle, Buffalo, NY 14214 (716) 880-2000 Toll-Free: (800) 292-1582
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