2020 Honors Convocation
VILLA MARIA COLLEGE May 11, 2020
Recognition and Presentation of Faculty Appointments, Promotions, and Awards APPOINTMENT OF PROFESSOR EMERITUS/EMERITA The appointment of Professor Emeritus or Emerita is the highest ranking bestowed upon a professor. A member of the full-time faculty who retires after ten years full-time equivalency in the rank of professor or associate professor and who has rendered the very most distinguished, exemplary, and meritorious service to Villa Maria College, may be appointed Professor Emeritus by the President after recommendation by the members of the Faculty, the Dean of Faculty, and the Vice President for Academic Affairs. Professor emeritus is a continuing appointment status. Only six professors have been awarded the status of Professor Emeritus/ Emerita in the college’s history. This year we are proud to bestow this honor on two more, Brian Duffy and Joyce Kessel.
Brian Duffy Professor Emeritus, Fine Arts 1979-2019 In the words of his colleague, Robert Grizanti, Chair of Art: “For almost 40 years, Professor Duffy has devoted and dedicated his life as an educator in the Fine Arts department at Villa Maria. He retired in the fall of 2019. It’s hard to imagine all the lives he’s touched and changed during that time. In 1986, Professor Duffy was appointed chair of the art department and responsible for overseeing the fine arts, graphic design, interior design and photography programs. Through his guidance and supervision these programs grew, creating the necessary footing for their eventual transition from Associate to Bachelor of Fine Arts degree programs. During his tenure as department chair, Professor Duffy coordinated the hiring, training and mentoring of both full and part-time faculty. As a long-serving member of the promotions committee, Professor Duffy has successfully guided many past and present faculty members through the promotion process. As Gallery 2
Recognition and Presentation of Faculty Appointments, Promotions, and Awards Director, he has curated countless undergraduate, faculty and professional art exhibitions. His oversight of the fine arts advisory council has formed many long-lasting partnerships with area professionals, faculty and artists and have help guide the direction of the fine arts program. As an active and respected member of the Buffalo art community, his work has been exhibited at many local, regional and national galleries. It’s difficult to measure and list all of Professor Duffy’s numerous contributions to Villa Maria College these past 40 years. I would be remiss not thanking him for his friendship, mentorship and guidance during my tenure at Villa Maria College. I have no doubt, there are many other faculty who share my sentiment.”
Joyce Kessel Professor Emerita, English 1977-2019 In the words of her colleague, Dr. Will Meyer, Chair of Humanities and Social Sciences: “By her own estimation, Joyce probably taught and advised more than 5,000 students during her time at Villa, offering courses in pre-college writing, composition, and literature, as well as creative writing and cinema. She was proud to have designed courses focused on Western New York writers, women’s literature, and sports literature; and she found a special satisfaction in teaching the transdisciplinary writing seminar called “Crisis of Belief,” another of her creations. Throughout her decades at Villa, Joyce was a constant advocate for student-centeredness. She utilized both creative and reflective writing to allow students to explore their internal and external worlds. It was her practice to view her students as her junior colleagues, routinely welcoming them with the words “Good morning, writers!” and soliciting their critical feedback. Joyce’s record of non-teaching service to the college was similarly stellar. Indeed, there are very few areas of the institution that do not bear evidence of her passage and participation. At one point or other, she sat on most of 3
Recognition and Presentation of Faculty Appointments, Promotions, and Awards the college’s committees. She also worked on a number of special project task forces, helping with everything from Middle States accreditation, to Student Life and Library redesigns, to the revision of the Faculty Handbook. And at one point, she served as Faculty Senate Chair. More recently, she advised the college newspaper; she helped to launch and co-advise the Pride club; and (since 1978) she was a tireless member of the advising team for SKALD, our nationally recognized, and award-winning student magazine. Joyce dedicated the majority of her life in service to the Villa community. The most fitting way to honor this service would be to grant her the status of Professor Emerita.”
PROMOTION OF RANK TO FULL PROFESSOR Sister Mary Barbara Amrozowicz Professor, Music In the words of Dr. Ryan Hartnett, Vice President for Academic Affairs: “Sister Barbara has taught full-time at the College for an incredible thirty-three years, having taught a wide array of courses within the music department including courses in music fundamentals, theory, recital seminars, keyboard skills, piano and keyboard lessons, and even, mathematics. She has served in many capacities beyond her faculty titles, as an Organist and Choir Director of several local churches, Music Program Coordinator, and Music Department Chair (three times). She has served the college on numerous committees, including curriculum committee and Academic Council, Mission Integration, Promotion Committee (Chair), and many other ad hoc committees, including numerous hiring committees. In recent years, she has been the anchor in the advisement of students within the music programs, and regularly leads her colleagues in this area, providing insight and knowledge. And recently, from 2014 until 2019, she has published 9 musical compositions, including five hymns in honor of Blessed Angela, as well as four hymns used in church service. 4
Recognition and Presentation of Faculty Appointments, Promotions, and Awards Sister Barbara demonstrates sincere compassion for her students, particularly those who struggle with the material and navigating college life. She is a passionate teacher and patient mentor, sincerely dedicated to the Felician Franciscan Core Values and the Mission of the College.”
OUTSTANDING FACULTY MEMBER OF THE YEAR AWARD The Outstanding Faculty Member of the Year award is given to a faculty member for outstanding achievements in multiple areas of faculty responsibility. The awardee will have exceeded expected performance in various combinations of instruction, advisement, service to the Department, service to the College, scholarship, and recruitment. The awardee will exemplify the College mission, a commitment to excellence in all aspects of the position, and professional success. The award given is given annually. This year’s recipient of the Outstanding Faculty Member of the Year Award is Bob Grizanti.
Bob Grizanti Associate Professor, Graphic Design Department Chair, Art In the words of his colleague, Todd Baker, Chair of Natural Sciences and Professional Studies: “Robert Grizanti, Associate Professor of Graphic Design, has been a wellloved member of the Villa Maria College community since joining our ranks in 2003. Besides being a dedicated instructor to his students, he has also found time to take on a number of other important roles here at the College. Perhaps none of these has been so important, though, as Chair of the Art Department. With multiple programs to oversee, the role of Art Department Chair is always a challenging one, but with the loss of key faculty members in two programs this past year, it has been especially demanding. Bob, of 5
Recognition and Presentation of Faculty Appointments, Promotions, and Awards course, has gone above and beyond even his own high standards to see that these programs continued to meet their own goals and fulfill the mission of the College. Bob is truly deserving of Outstanding Faculty Member of the Year.”
FACULTY ACHIEVEMENT AWARD The Faculty Achievement award is given to a long-serving faculty member to recognize distinguished achievement and commitment to the College and its mission. Eligible candidates must have at least ten years of continuous employment as full-time faculty members. The awardee will not only have fulfilled and exceeded expectations in all areas of faculty responsibility, but will have evidence of demonstrable, specific achievements that have helped the College fulfill its mission. The award is given when merited. This year we are granting the award to, Dr. Kim Kotz.
Dr. Kim Kotz Professor, Physical Therapist Assistant Department Chair, Health Sciences In the words of her colleague, Paula Velarde, Assistant Professor of Occupational Therapy Assistant: “Dr. Kotz has been a faithful leader to the Health Science Department. She is always helpful and rejects demeaning others but gives people the benefit of the doubt. Dr. Kotz reminds us to be generous with our time and talents. She demonstrates those qualities by joyfully coordinating many events for the college such as Feed My Starving Children, Adopt a Family, Christmas drives and special events for the Felician sisters, to name a few. Not only does she coordinate these events but she also uses her creative talents to make them come alive.”
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Recognition and Presentation of Faculty Appointments, Promotions, and Awards And, in the words of colleague, Julie Zack, Assistant Professor of Graphic Design: “In every organization, there are key individuals that continually strengthen the foundation, contribute to growth, inspire momentum, maintain a positive reputation, and model core values in all aspects of their personality and activities. That’s Kim Kotz. Not only does she get it done, whatever it is, I can’t imagine Villa Maria without her and I thank her for so many years of dependability and humble importance.”
ADJUNCT FACULTY AWARDS
ART Doris Collins, Interior Design “Doris has been a committed part-time faculty member in the Interior Design program at Villa Maria College for close to 15 years. As the instructor for the Historic Preservation & Restoration course, Doris has consistently demonstrated an incredible dedication and passion to her students and also as consultant at Shea’s Performing Arts Center. There, she has developed an extremely popular internship program and part-time employment opportunities for many of our Villa Maria students. It is because of these and many more reasons we wish to honor Doris with this recognition. Congratulations Doris!” ~ Sandra Reicis, Professor of Interior Design
Tom Wolf, Photography “Tom Wolf has been teaching part time for us in the Photography Program for a few years now (not sure how many to be exact) but he has been absolutely wonderful. He is kind and patient with the students, he even loans out 7
Recognition and Presentation of Faculty Appointments, Promotions, and Awards some of his own equipment to them, he is reliable and runs a photography business of his own on the side! Tom has also shot many photographs for Villa’s promotional uses including the website among others, and shoots photos of all Villa employees yearly, graduations, honors convocations and other gatherings. I highly recommend him to be honored for the part-time faculty award.” ~ Laura Snyder, Professor of Photography
HEALTH SCIENCES Jill Graney, Physical Therapist Assistant “Jill Graney brings many years of clinical experience to her teaching. She goes above and beyond expectations of an adjunct faculty member to help students learn and understand the lab material. She is truly invested in the student’s learning, progress, and success.” ~ Jim Kelley, Associate Professor of Physical Therapist Assistant
HUMANITIES AND SOCIAL SCIENCES Kyle Fetter, English “Kyle Fetter has been a part-time faculty member in English for a number of years. He has worked tirelessly and enthusiastically on behalf of our students, providing clear and consistent instruction in our first-year writing program, often with a healthy dose of wry humor. This semester, he took on the challenge of teaching our first Saturday class in a long time. Despite the challenges of working on campus during a time when few support services were available, Kyle managed to keep his cinema students interested and engaged.
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Recognition and Presentation of Faculty Appointments, Promotions, and Awards He is a quiet hero, without whom it would be difficult to accomplish our work in Humanities & Social Sciences.” ~ Dr. Will Meyer, Assistant Professor of Social Sciences, Chair of Humanities and Social Sciences
NATURAL SCIENCES AND PROFESSIONAL STUDIES Dr. Edward Harwell, Business Administration “Dr. Edward Harwell started in Fall 2018 and has taught several courses for the department. He challenges, encourages, and inspires our students. This semester when our classes abruptly went online, he dedicated himself to finding solutions to this new teaching environment and has successfully kept student connections. We look forward to Dr. Harwell continuing to make a positive impact on our department and our students for years to come.” ~ Jennifer D’Alessandro, Assistant Professor of Business Administration and Mollie Ward-Crescente, Associate Professor of Business Administration
MUSIC Jerry Livingston, Music “Jerry Livingston is a first class bass player in Western NY. He has played on countless international hits for artist including Rick James, The Mary Jane Girls and Stephani Mills. He is known as one of the nicest people in the music industry. This is seen daily with the enthusiasm his students exhibit while learning from Jerry.” ~ Anthony Casuccio, Associate Professor of Music, Chair of Music 9
Recognition and Presentation
of Student Awards ART
OUTSTANDING STUDENT IN ANIMATION Kiara Brinson, ‘20 “Kiara is a senior in the BFA in Animation Program. From her earliest sketches as a freshman, it was clear that Kiara is passionate about both animation as well as design. Kiara is the type of student who produces everything that is asked of her inside the classroom...and who then leaves the classroom and produces exponentially more, on her own. She is self-motivated, talented, and also extremely supportive of her fellow classmates. This past fall, Kiara wanted to make sure that all of the seniors were recognized. She voluntarily began work on a project for the Junior-Senior screening, to highlight each of the graduates. Kiara embodies every quality that makes her both a pleasure to have in class, as well as excellent candidate for a position at an animation studio-- raw talent, drive, personality, enthusiasm, and a humble attitude.” ~ Sarah Galasso, Professor of Animation
OUTSTANDING STUDENT IN DIGITAL FILMMAKING Nick Green, ‘20 “We are pleased to award junior Nick Green the 2020 outstanding student in Digital Filmmaking. This year, Nick has leaned into his own as filmmaker and shown himself to be a talented cinematographer and editor. Ever determined to make the most of the Villa experience, Nick mentored first-year students to succeed, while continuing to be a consistent and supportive crew member to his classmates. His winning submission to the Make Music Videos 10
Recognition and Presentation
of Student Awards
contest this year highlighted fellow student talents under the backdrop of our beautiful library. Additionally, Nick has begun working on industry film sets for productions that have come through Buffalo in the last year. We are proud he is making strides in career by getting involved with the local film community. His kindness towards classmates, strong cinematic vision and motivation inspire his peers and faulty alike. Congratulations Nick!” ~ Avye Alexandres, Adjunct Professor of Digital Filmmaking, and Sarah Mann, Adjunct Professor of Digital Filmmaking
OUTSTANDING STUDENT IN FASHION DESIGN AND MERCHANDISING Jada Rolle-Howard, ‘21 “Jada’s dedication and commitment to her education at Villa Maria has been quite evident this year. As a junior in the Fashion Design program, she consistently goes above and beyond all academic expectations and is always willing to lend a helping hand to her classmates and professors. She is respected by her peers and the Villa Maria College community. Her infectious smile and personality make her a joy to work and interact with. It’s with a deep sense of pride, we award Jada Rolle-Howard the 2020 Outstanding Student Award in the Fashion Design Program. Congratulations Jada!” ~ Dr. Gregory Childs, Adjunct Professor of Fashion Design and Merchandising
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Recognition and Presentation
of Student Awards
OUTSTANDING STUDENT IN FINE ARTS Alannah Olonczak ‘20 “Alannah Olonczak has been a consistent and committed student, but it is her personality and optimism that leaves the biggest impression. Over the last four years I have watched her grow from a shy freshman into a confident and selfassured artist. In the midst of the transformation, she has somehow managed to hold onto her sweet demeanor and empathy for those around her. Alannah’s artwork serves as a clear illustration of this growth, surprisingly brazen in terms of its content but maintaining an innocence and vulnerability that is disarming and engaging. It is with great honor that we grant her this award.” ~ Adam Weekley, Assistant Professor of Fine Arts
OUTSTANDING STUDENT IN GRAPHIC DESIGN Lindsay Neilson, ‘21 “Junior Lindsay Neilson is a bright light at Villa Maria. Bob and I are humbled to award her the 2020 outstanding student in graphic design. Lindsay has been an exemplary honors student since her first day accruing the multiple honors and awards every semester. She is a determined and optimistic student with an eager nature, willingness to share new techniques, and unbridled curiosity for the most dynamic design and technology. Lindsay’s self-motivation, high energy and fearlessness with design, photography, videography, and motion graphics keep her a role model and inspiration for not only her peers, but faculty and professionals in the industry, as well. Congratulations, Lindsay!” ~ Julie Zack, Assistant Professor of Graphic Design, and Robert Grizanti, Assistant Professor, Graphic Design
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Recognition and Presentation
of Student Awards
OUTSTANDING STUDENT IN INTERIOR DESIGN Chastian Cowans, ‘21 “Chastian Cowans, a Junior in the Interior Design BFA program, began at Villa, as a non-traditional student, balancing work, family and school and has met these challenges with determination to earn a place on the Dean’s list. She serves as secretary in the Interior design student club, takes on extra responsibilities that range from sending birthday greetings and seasonal messages to taking on a leadership role in studio classes. Academically she has furthered her education by pursuing the Certificate Program in Historic Preservation as well as a Minor in Graphic Design and through these efforts has become both role model and mentor to her peers.” ~ Sandra Reicis, Professor of Interior Design
OUTSTANDING STUDENT IN PHOTOGRAPHY Jacqueline Kishbaugh, ‘20 “Jackie is a dedicated student who has shown her shy, compassionate nature and her dedication to the photography field and in service to Villa. She has been a work study student for the photography program, and has participated in Photo Visions Club’s Food Pantry client photo shoot. Jackie has done extensive work photographing many animal species and has worked for years with dogs doing training and managing behavior. Her goal is to be a wildlife photographer. Jackie is an outstanding and humble person in all that she does, and for that she deserves this award.” ~ Laura Snyder, Professor of Photography
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Recognition and Presentation
of Student Awards HEALTH SCIENCES
OUTSTANDING STUDENT IN OCCUPATIONAL THERAPY ASSISTANT Alexa Ramirez, ‘20 “We would like to recognize Alexa Ramirez for the most Outstanding OTA Student award graduating class 2020. During the entire OTA program Alexa has consistently performed high grades while becoming a first-time mother. To add to this, Alexa’s Fieldwork Supervisor, was so impressed by her work ethics and professionalism that a position was created for her upon graduation from the program.” ~ Dr. Audrey Buck, Assistant Professor of Occupational Therapy Assistant, and Paula Velarde, Assistant Professor of Occupational Therapy Assistant
OUTSTANDING STUDENT IN PHYSICAL THERAPIST ASSISTANT Ashley Wilson, ‘20 “Ashley has earned outstanding grades in her PTA classes and labs, and has done an outstanding job in all of her clinical internships. She has demonstrated courage and determination in completing the PTA program despite very difficult personal challenges. We are honored to present this award to Ashley Wilson.” ~ Dr. Kim Kotz, Professor of Physical Therapist Assistant
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Recognition and Presentation
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HUMANITIES AND SOCIAL SCIENCES OUTSTANDING STUDENT IN BUSINESS Sarah Manolopoulos, ‘20 “Sarah Manolopoulos was initially an Associates student who tentatively agreed to become a BBA student. She then added the Digital Media Marketing concentration to her program. Through her time at Villa it’s been amazing to see her transformation and growth. She has been diligent in her studies and has sought help when needed. She’s always willing to help other students. We are proud to have Sarah represent not only Villa Maria College but specifically the BBA program. She’s going to make a positive impact on the world.” ~ Jennifer D’Alessandro, Assistant Professor and Mollie Ward-Crescente, Associate Professor of Business Administration
OUTSTANDING STUDENT IN LIBERAL ARTS Ben Lawson, ‘20 “Ben is among our best and brightest students. He is kind, engaged, funny, and intellectually curious. He is also exceedingly modest, often stepping back while his colleagues get recognition. Ben has a clear sense of where he’ d like to go after Villa. This vision -- along with the strong support of his family -- has provided him with the motivation to perform with excellence throughout his time with us.” ~ Dr. Will Meyer, Assistant Professor of Social Sciences, Chair of Humanities and Social Sciences
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Recognition and Presentation
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OUTSTANDING STUDENT IN PSYCHOLOGY Lanasia Brown, ‘20 “It is pleasure to present Lanasia Brown with the Outstanding Student in Psychology award. Lanasia is an excellent scholar, has made the Dean’s list every semester and is earning an Associate’s in Business Administration as well as her Bachelor of Arts in Psychology. But Lanasia is more than an excellent scholar, she is very well-rounded engaging in many volunteer projects and successfully securing and completing an internship at ECMC. More than anything else, Lanasia is persistent in accomplishing her goals and is genuinely a wonderful person to have in the classroom.” ~ Dr. Jean Doerr, Associate Professor of Psychology
MUSIC OUTSTANDING STUDENT IN MUSIC INDUSTRY Jose Colon, ‘21 “Jose Colon has been student leader at Villa Maria College. He is president of the Villa Maria Music Club and founder of the Villa radio station; Viking Radio. Jose is a student that the Villa Music department can always count on when we need student support and volunteers.” ~ Anthony Casuccio, Associate Professor of Music, Chair of Music
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Recognition and Presentation
of Honors Society Inductees PHI THETA KAPPA
ΦΘΚ or sometimes PTK, is the international honor society of two-year colleges and academic programs. The purpose of Phi Theta Kappa shall be to recognize and encourage scholarship among two-year college students. To achieve this purpose, Phi Theta Kappa shall provide opportunity for the development of leadership and service, for an intellectual climate for exchange of ideas and ideals, for lively fellowship for scholars, and for stimulation of interest in continuing academic excellence.
INDUCTEES Katherine Amershandian, ‘20
Tara Hanlon, ‘21
Michelle Carpenter, ‘21
Joan Lacuira-Kuciel, ‘25
Jacquelyn Gardon, ‘22
Iris Lee, 21
CURRENT MEMBERS Jocelyn M. Armbruster, ‘20
Tiffani D. Hall, ‘19
Jessica Babin, ‘20
Amanda Karneth, ‘20
Kalvin Booker, ‘19
Lauren R. Nowicki, ‘19
Aislinn J. Bleiler, ‘19
Mindy F. Robins, ‘19
Josephine D. Capen, ‘20
Hannah Sigurdson, ‘20
Ashley A. Emond, 20
Jenna Wagner, ‘21
Stacy L. Faulkner, ‘19
Casey P. Walters, ‘19
Jeremy Fornito, ‘20
Ashley M. Wheeler, 20 17
Recognition and Presentation
of Honors Society Inductees DELTA EPSILON SIGMA
ΔΕΣ is a national scholastic honor society that was established in 1939 for students of Catholic universities and colleges in the United States. The society was founded at Loras College in Dubuque, Iowa in 1939 by Father Fitzgerald. To be eligible, undergraduate students must have completed at least fifty percent of the credit requirements for their baccalaureate degree and rank no lower than the highest twenty percent of their class in scholarship. Villa Maria College’s chapter is Epsilon Eta.
INDUCTEES Madelyn A. Jensen, ‘21
Juana Evelyn Penzing, ‘20
Kimberly A. Korhummel, ‘21
Bridget A. Schiltz, ‘21
Madison J. Krzykowski, ‘22
Kelly A. Thomas, ‘21
Madison E. Martin, ‘21
Nina H. Truong. ‘20
Lindsay D. Neilson, ‘21
CURRENT MEMBERS Ashton Barrie, ‘19
Alanna Okonczak, ‘19
Elizabeth Burns-Hausrath, ‘22
Alexandra Snow, ‘19
Karina Ellefson-Wells, ‘19
Taylor Tedesco, ‘19
Rebecca Gaczewski, ‘20
Colleen Tulowitzki, ‘20
Emily Kaczynski, ‘20
Analese Wilson, ‘19
Erika Moeller, 20
Gabriel Quinn Zeigler, ‘20
Cameron Morelli-Knisley, ‘20
Jenna Zielkiewicz, ‘19
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