FALL 2018
The Magazine of Villa Maria College Interim President Dr. Matthew Giordano Interim Vice President for Academic Affairs Dr. Ryan Hartnett Interim Vice President for Business Affairs Michael Stowell
FALL 2018
Vice President for Development Mary Robinson Vice President for Enrollment Management Brian Emerson Board of Trustees 2018-2019 Catherine Grantier Cooley (Chairperson) David M. Gelia (Vice Chairperson) Sister Paul Marie Baczkowski, CSSF Thomas J. Bienias Rev. Msgr. Angelo M. Caligiuri Sister Mary Therese Chmura, CSSF Erik P. DeGlopper David F. Granville Sister Suzanne Marie Kush, CSSF ‘70 Honorable Ann T. Mikoll Sister Mary Geralyn Mroczkowski, CSSF James G. Pappas Joan M. Priebe Timothy Rider Terry Schweizer Carole T. Sedita Dominica Sortisio Sister Mary Aquinas Szott, CSSF Editor Brian Emerson Designer Jesse Stoddard Photography Jim Grimaldi Tom Wolf Imaging Jose Miranda Jesse Stoddard
features Vikings Victorious
8
Gratitude and Joy
10
2018 Donor Roll
12
sections A Message from our President
3
Campus News
4
From the Alumni Office
14
Printer Zenger Group Writers Meg Maxwell Mary Robinson Tracy Rozler Kristen Schober Jesse Stoddard Rachel Tabak
PUBLISHER Villa Maria College | 240 Pine Ridge Road | Buffalo, NY 14225 716.896.0700 | villa.edu Contents Š 2018 Villa Maria College A FELICIAN SPONSORED MINISTRY
This fall, a new Villa freshman asked what my favorite class was as a college student. I answered immediately—an English senior seminar titled “Walt Whitman’s America.” I clearly recall my professor, Milton Kessler, reciting “Crossing Brooklyn Ferry,” in which Whitman addresses a future audience and explains that he will always be with us, overcoming limitations of time and place. Both Whitman and Professor Kessler continue to be with me, just like, for all of the alumni and friends of Villa Maria College, Villa continues to be with you, no matter how long it has been since you walked the halls of the Main Building. Whether or not you are aware of it, in fact, one special person stays with you: Sr. Marcella Marie Garus, Villa’s recently retired president. Sr. Marcella began working in the Business Office in 1968. Ten years later, she was named the College’s third president. Over the course of the next forty years, she gave her all to Villa and its students, navigating major challenges and transitions. Villa came to reflect her personality, compassion for all people, and work ethic and optimism.
It avails not, time nor place—distance avails not, I am with you, you men and women of a generation, or ever so many generations hence.” -Walt Whitman, “Crossing Brooklyn Ferry”
Now, however, she begins a well-deserved retirement, along with Sister Mary Louis Rustowicz, who for thirty years worked as Vice President for Student Affairs and Vice President for Mission, respectively. Clearly, Villa is undergoing transformation, which happens to be this year’s core value. In July, I began serving as Villa’s interim president. I am honored to have this opportunity to lead an institution I have grown to love since I began as a faculty member in 2005. I will be a different president than Sr. Marcella, and the College will change as we implement a new strategic plan. These changes will be exciting and energizing, but, at times, they might also feel unnerving. Rest assured, the Villa of the past will never go away. With tremendous support from the Felician Sisters, we will remain true to our mission and values, and will continue the legacy of the people who built our college. Sr. Marcella’s influence is rooted deep within us. Just as Whitman explains in “Crossing Brooklyn Ferry,” we carry her spirit long into the future, a future bright with promise. I look forward to entering this future with you. Please feel free to reach out to me and let me know your thoughts. As always, enjoy this issue of Vistas. As much as Villa is changing, the tremendous success of our students and alumni remains a constant.
Dr. Matthew Giordano Interim President, Villa Maria College
FALL 2018 | 3
CAMPUS news Villa Maria College Board of Trustees Appointed Interim President Dr. Matthew Giordano was named interim president of Villa Maria College in May 2018. He began service July 1 and will remain until the permanent appointment of the College’s 4th president is named.
International University from 2004-2005. Giordano has a Bachelor of Arts degree in English and Philosophy from Binghamton University and both a Master of Arts and Ph.D. in American Literature from the Ohio State University. He completed the Executive Leadership Academy of the Council of Independent Colleges and the Felician Leadership Institute this past year. Villa Maria College Granted Middle States Accreditation
Dr. Matthew Giordano, previously the vice president for academic affairs, was named interim president of Villa Maria in May 2018.
Giordano, who previously served as vice president for academic affairs, was selected from a competitive pool of internal and external candidates. Giordano has also served as the chairperson of the liberal arts department and has been an English faculty member. He was a visiting lecturer in English at Florida
At its session on June 21, 2018, the Middle States Commission of Higher Education reaffirmed Villa Maria College’s accreditation, with reporting requirements regarding enrollment, allocation of resources, and governance. The College’s next evaluation visit is scheduled for 2026-2027. The Commission on Higher Education is recognized by the U.S. Secretary of Education to conduct accreditation and pre-accreditation (candidacy status) activities for institutions of higher education in Delaware, the District of Columbia, Maryland, New Jersey, New York, Pennsylvania, Puerto Rico, and the U.S. Virgin Islands, including distance education and correspondence
4 | VISTAS THE MAGAZINE OF VILLA MARIA COLLEGE
education programs offered at those institutions. The Commission is a voluntary, nongovernmental, membership association that defines, maintains, and promotes educational excellence across institutions with diverse missions, student populations, and resources. It examines each institution as a whole, rather than specific programs within institutions. Two Buildings on Villa Maria College’s Campus Fitted with Solar Panels as Part of Nationwide Initiative by the Felician Sisters Five hundred and sixteen solar panels were added to the rooftops of Felician Hall and the Athletic Center as part of a nationwide project of the Felician Sisters of North America, who sponsor Villa Maria College. To date, the solar panels have produced over 84 megawatts of energy and avoided over 125 tons of carbon dioxide emissions. This initiative will install solar panels on buildings of Felician convents and Felician-sponsored ministries in 6 locations throughout the country. The total power generated from all sites will produce about 2.1 million kilowatthours of electricity in its first year. The installation of these solar panels is
CAMPUS news Dr. Rivera began working at Villa in 2012. She earned a Doctor of Philosophy, a Master of Arts degree from SUNY at Buffalo, and a Bachelor of Arts from Hampshire College. Junior Francesca Bubb Claims First Place in AAF’s Annual Portfolio Day Aerial footage shows the intsallation of solar panels on top of Felician Hall on Villa Maria’s campus, as part of a nationwide initiative by the Felician Sisters.
estimated to help avoid more than 83 million pounds of CO2 emissions over its 35-year operating life.
Portfolio Day is an annual opportunity for college students to have their work reviewed by creative professionals who work in the WNY area. Students from Villa Maria College, UB, Buff State, Daemen College and RIT put their best work on display for a chance to win an AAF Buffalo scholarship.
Dr. Ann Rivera, an assistant professor of English, was named chair of the Liberal Arts and Professional Studies Department.
As chair, Dr. Rivera will continue to support the success of our students and provide leadership to staff and faculty. Her appointment began on August 20, 2018.
Graphic Design Students Sweep Top Spots in Annual AAF Buffalo Competition Three of Villa’s graphic design students took the top spots in the 2018 Don Nichols Scholarship Competition, a student communication contest hosted by AAF Buffalo. The contest was open to all WNY undergraduates studying design, writing, communications, illustration, photography, or fine arts. The theme for this year’s contest was racial inequality and submissions could represent the creator’s take on this situation, and their opinions on what can be done to help. Entries could be in the form of an advertisement, booklet, essay, poem and more.
Dr. Ann Rivera Named Chair of Liberal Arts and Professional Studies
Dr. Rivera has been an integral faculty member, bringing clear communication, collaboration, and mindfulness to her projects and roles, including her work as the Writing Across the Curriculum Coordinator, Middle States Working Group Chair, and co-author of the Student Success Plan.
The professionals voted on the portfolio that was best in their opinion, and first place was awarded to Francesca Bubb, a junior graphic design major.
Bubb’s stationary package design for Endangered Species Chocolate, which she also won a silver ADDY Award for in February 2018.
Portfolio Day connects a student with a professional for a brief interview, where the professional assesses the student’s portfolio and provides valuable feedback that is meant to strengthen their body of work. The event also taught students how to speak effectively about their work and was an excellent networking event.
The 2018 winners were Travis Springer (first), Wendie Scherer (second), and Francesca Bubb (third). Interior Design Program of Villa Maria College Granted Accreditation for the Next Six Years The Council on Interior Design Accreditation granted Villa Maria College’s Interior Design’s Bachelor of Fine Arts program accreditation for a period of six years.
FALL 2018 | 5
CAMPUS news Accreditation is granted based on the program’s demonstrated achievement of 16 accreditation standards, which are evaluated within the context and overarching purpose and intent of the program. In order to be accredited, a program must comply with or partially comply with all 16 of CIDA’s accreditation standards.
alumni from music department: Ralph DeMarco and Brian DeJesus) Jazz Large Ensemble: Winners, Buffalo Jazz Octet (3 faculty are members are in the ensemble) Jazz College/University Educator: Winner, John Bacon Jazz Crusader: Winner, Linda Appleby Animation Faculty, Students and Alum Collaborate to Animate a Film Screened at the 17th Annual Tribeca Film Festival in April 2018
Receiving accreditation provides assurance that students graduating from Villa’s interior design program are well prepared for entry-level interior design practice.
The Velvet Underground Played at My High School is an animated short about American rock band The Velvet Underground’s first gig in 1965. The film was screened at the 2018 Tribeca Film Festival in New York City.
Strong Showing for Villa’s Music Department in 4th Annual JazzBuffalo Poll The fourth annual JazzBuffalo Poll named serveral of Villa’s music faculty members and alumni winners in several categories. The poll is a casting of ballots by readers of JazzBuffalo, audiences, fans, musicians, and supporters of jazz. It represents the most important and true measure of what audiences became aware of, liked, and appreciated in 2017. The following members of the Villa community were recognized: Jazz Electric Bass: Honorable mention, Jerry Livingston Jazz Vibes: Winner, Alec Dube Jazz Drums: Winner, John Bacon, Jr. Jazz Traditional Group: Runners up, Fredtown stompers: (2 members are
Footage from ‘ The Velvet Underground Played at My High School’, which combined hand-drawn and 2D computer animation techniques in a simple, graphic, and graffiti-like style that reflects the texture of the mid-1960’s.
6 | VISTAS THE MAGAZINE OF VILLA MARIA COLLEGE
Lee Terwilliger, an instructor of animation and a 2014 graduate of the same program, served as the film’s lead animator.
In this role, Terwilliger supervised 12 animators, several of which are linked to Villa Maria College, including Valery Amborski, an adjunct faculty member and a 2014 graduate, Sean Bodkin, ’14, Brian Winkler, ’14, Christina Cronmiller, ’15, Kevin Fan, ’17, Jenna Zielkiewicz, ’19, and Kristen Dolinar, ’20. Jonathan Cone, a former instructor of animation, was also part of the team. Graphic Design Students, Alum and Staff Shine at 2018 WNY American Advertising Awards In February 2018, some of Villa’s graphic design students, alum, and College staff had their work evaluated alongside students from several other schools and agencies in the Buffalo area and beyond as part of the 2018 WNY American Advertising Awards Show.
Travis Springer ’18, magazine design for Print Magazine, Power to Design
Congratulations to the following students, alum and staff, who won a combined total of 8 silver ADDYs, 3 gold ADDYs, and a major award.
Villa Animation Alum, Faculty Members Featured in Fan-Drawn Premiere of Bob’s Burgers New Season
Silver ADDY Winners Francesca Bubb, ’19 Courtney Ewings, ’17 Travis Springer, ’18 Gina Griffo, ’18 Alexander Mayers, ’19 Samantha Lonczak, ’17 Ali Casarsa, ’17 Courtney Ewings, ’17 Gold ADDY Winners Shelby Braidich, ’19 Dylan Nowak, ’18 Travis Springer, ’18 Brittney Sikora, ’14, was the recipient of this year’s Future Star Award, which honors an outstanding young professional in the marketing and advertising field. Villa’s Office of Communications in collaboration with Dr. Matthew Giordano were awarded a silver ADDY for their ‘Create the Culture Campaign.’ Villa Maria College Celebrates the Opening of New Gym with Ribbon Cutting and Dedication Ceremony In February 2018, the College hosted a ribbon cutting and dedication ceremony of its new practice gym. The project created the maximum amount of floor space in the College’s underutilized pool area. This was accomplished by creating a steal deck and concrete floor over the existing pool, and laying a new gym floor on top. To complete the gym, new athletic equipment was installed. This space provides a high quality practice and recreation space for our students and community partners,
On February 7, 2018, Villa Maria College hosted a ribbon cutting and dedication ceremony of the College’s new practice gym.
eliminates scheduling conflicts, and helps student athletes adjust their schedules to have more time for their academic pursuits.
Animation alum Bridget McCleary, ’17, and Animation faculty members Lee Terwilliger, ’14, and Valery Amborski, ’14, had their work featured in a fan-drawn episode of Bob’s Burgers. Out of thousands of submissions, 62 artists made the final selection and had work featured in the ‘fanimated’ episode, ‘Brunchsquatch.’ Amborski submitted a 3D rendered background of the inside of the restaurant while McCleary and Terwilliger animated their own versions of the opening credits.
The 6,600 square foot gym houses a regulation-size practice basketball court and a volleyball court. The renovation took 6 months and is one of the largest construction projects since the campus was built. Villa Maria College Occupational Therapy Assistant Program Boasts 100% Success Rate Villa Maria College was the first private institution in Western New York to offer an Occupational Therapy Assistant program. Classes in the new program, which is fully accredited by the American Occupational Therapy Association (AOTA), began in Fall 2015. In December, 100% of the inaugural class passed the National Board for Certification in Occupational Therapy (NBCOT) certification exam and all are now fully employed in the field of occupational therapy.
The opening credit scenes of Bob’s Burgers featured a sequence animated by instructor of animation, Lee Terwilliger.
On October 1, 2017, a trailer released the opening credits of the episode. Both McCleary and Terwilliger’s opening credit sequences had been included. Amborski’s 3D rendered background was used as the backdrop for several scenes in the full episode.
FALL 2018 | 7
Professor of Interior Design Installs Permanent Sculpture in Niagara Falls
Over 100 students received their degrees during Villa Maria College’s 53rd Commencement on May 20, 2018. The graduates were recognized and honored with a full day of exercises, beginning with a Hooding Ceremony and liturgy in the Villa Maria Convent Chapel and ending with a reception for graduates and their families on the campus lawn. Commencement exercises were held in the Auditorium. A total of 68 students received bachelor degrees: 9 Bachelors of Art, 7 Bachelors of Science, 2 Bachelors of Business Administration and 50 Bachelors of Fine Art. Forty-seven students received associate degrees: 7 Associates in Art, and 40 Associates in Applied Science. Graduates studied business, psychology, photography, graphic design, music and more. The recipient of the 2018 Blessed Mary Angela Student Award was Romona Harkness, a psychology major with a 3.5 grade point average. The Martin Wanamaker Spirit Award was presented to Joseph Principato, a music industry major with a 3.9 grade point average and an army veteran. This year, the Founder’s Award was given to Say Yes to Education Buffalo.
8 | VISTAS THE MAGAZINE OF VILLA MARIA
Oxygen Network Premiere for Villa Alum Lloyd Mitchell, ’14, spends his days chasing panic and tragedy in Brooklyn, New York. As a freelance photojournalist, Mitchell works to document first responders, like the New York Police Department and New York Fire Department, springing into life-saving action at a moment’s notice.
Women’s and Men’s Vikings Basketball Teams See National Success The 2017-18 Villa Maria College basketball programs saw their hard work pay off. The men’s team finished as the National Runners-Up, winning a school-best 26 games. The women’s team advanced to its second straight National Final Four and won 23 games. Only in their third season, the Vikings showed that they belong with the best and most-established on a national stage. Villa Maria College athletic programs compete in the United States Collegiate Athletics Association (USCAA), a national governing body that provides small colleges the opportunity to compete against like institutions in size and resources for national championships and student-athlete recognition. Many of Villa’s student-athletes earned conference and national accolades but none bigger than Shaquana Owens, ’19, who was named the USCAA Women’s Basketball Division II National Player of the Year. Owens ranked in the top-five nationally in scoring (22.5), rebounds (11.6), assists (8.6) and steals (104). Bianca Brown, ’20, was named to the All-American First Team as well. On the men’s side, DeJaun Owens, ’19, – twin brother of Shaquana – was also named a First-Team All-American, while Dominic Douglas, ’19, was named the National Intercollegiate Athletics Conference (NIAC) Player of the Year. Lonnie Taylor, ’21, was selected as the conference’s Freshman of the Year. Led by Head Coaches Don Silveri and Al Monaco, both teams return a majority of players from last year. The Vikings look to continue the momentum that has been built over the last two seasons and achieve even more success both on and off the court.
“Police officers, fire fighters, EMTs,” said Mitchell. “These people are showing up at your worst possible times. It’s their job, and I have to be there, too. My role is to show people how much police officers and fire fighters care for their community, and to capture members of public safety saving lives.” Mitchell’s dedication to demonstrating the heroism of these dedicated public servants brought him a unique opportunity: to appear on ‘Unsung Heroes,’ a mini show produced by the Oxygen Network. Although arduous, Mitchell says the whole experience was incredible. “It was interesting having a bunch of people following me around as I showed them how I work, from the initial call, to getting to the scene, to editing the photographs,” he said. “We were getting ready to do an interview and I had to stop them because of a house fire with reported people trapped in a section of Brooklyn. As we arrived on the scene, a firefighter broke the second-floor window of the dwelling and the glass exploded. The director said to me ‘I can’t believe this stuff really happens. You have the coolest job.’”
Sister Marcella Marie Garus Embarks on Retirement After a Transformative Career By Meg Maxwell
Sister Marcella Marie Garus officially retired as president of Villa Maria College on June 30, 2018. After 50 years as part of the campus administration, 40 of those spent at the helm of the College, she is reveling in the change of pace, slowly settling into a new, more relaxed routine. She admits that she misses the daily interactions with students, faculty, staff, and alumni -- the people she calls her “Villa family”-- but Sister Marcella is entering this new phase of her life with characteristic grace, gratitude, and joy. For five decades, Sister Marcella’s days were shaped by the needs of the students, faculty, staff, and alumni of Villa. Her schedule was booked with strategic planning meetings, fundraising efforts, budget meetings, and countless other engagements tied to the daily success of the College. Among Sister Marcella’s most significant achievements as president was the transformation of Villa Maria from an associate degree-granting college to a bachelor’s degree-granting institution, adding six associate degrees and 14 bachelor’s degrees. She spearheaded college fundraising efforts resulting in millions of dollars raised to benefit students. She oversaw the creation and launch of the college’s Visionary Plan, which yielded a 30 percent growth in enrollment and a 10 percent increase in retention. The strengths that current Villa students boast about--personal attention from professors who know them; 10 | VISTAS THE MAGAZINE OF VILLA MARIA COLLEGE
agile academic departments that are able to change and adapt to real-world demands; strong connections with and high regard from Buffalo businesses and professional organizations; a highquality education that is also financially within reach--all of these flourished under Sister Marcella’s watch. And now? Finally, Sister Marcella has a chance to relax. It feels unusual, but wonderful. The Felician Sisters have extended a year’s sabbatical to Sister Marcella, encouraging her to rest, reflect, reconnect with her religious community, and formulate her hopes for the future. She reflects, “I am gradually understanding the new life that I am now experiencing.” In July, Sister Marcella began her transition to a simpler life with a week’s retreat at a Felician property in Rio Rancho, New Mexico. She found that it was the first retreat she had taken in decades where she was not interrupted or distracted by pressing College business. She immersed herself in prayer and reflection and says the week helped to prepare her for this new chapter in her life: “The message was that God is calling me to be open to the Spirit, to rest a while in His presence, and then to adopt a new attitude of love, service, and hope as I face these new Refreshed and refocused after her retreat, Sister Marcella next had a chance to enjoy time with family. She spent three weeks in Las Vegas, Nevada with her brother and sister-in-law, where she says she appreciated God’s beauty in creation, despite temperatures that climbed to 117 degrees. She found that connection with family was good for the spirit, but also the body: Her brother took her to the gym every day, and her sisterin-law coached her in healthy eating strategies. In short, Sister Marcella was able to pay attention to her own health--something that she admits often fell by the wayside when she was consumed by Villa Maria’s health. September brought Sister Marcella another opportunity to prayerfully explore her hopes and expectations for the future, this time in a community of 21 women religious who gathered in Ocean Grove, New Jersey for a three-week retreat. During the Women of Wisdom (WOW) retreat, Sister Marcella spent each
day in liturgy, with inspiring morning and evening prayer. She is quick to point out that the retreat also included a great deal of fun: The participants took a day trip to New York City to see a Broadway show, as well as a dinner cruise on the Toms River, and a trip to the Atlantic City boardwalk. They also took more sobering trips to the 9/11 Memorial in New York City and the Vietnam Memorial in New Jersey. Sister Marcella says, “The retreat house was a block away from the ocean, so every day, I took a walk to the ocean and was able to relax, share God’s beauty there, and spend time in meditation and reflection. It was a delight to be there, and it brought me more insight and grounded me more deeply in my new life.” As she looks ahead to the rest of her sabbatical year, Sister Marcella anticipates more travel, definitely within the United States, possibly also in Europe. She is under strict instructions from her community not to take up any administrative or leadership positions during the year. After 40 years at the head of an institution, the Felician sisters are grateful for Sister Marcella’s efforts and understand that it may take the full year for her to decompress and discern how she can best help the community going forward. She is, however, permitted to volunteer in her community. Already, she is on call to drive some of the sisters who live in the Central Home to doctors’ appointments, a task that she calls a pleasure, not a burden. She has also been elected the local minister of her house--the role that used to be known as the “superior” of a community--caring for the house and taking responsibility for the needs of the three women who live in the convent. Of course, Sister Marcella will never retire as Villa Maria College’s most enthusiastic cheerleader. She still boasts about Villa’s students as if they were her own children, and speaks energetically about her fervent hopes for the College’s continued success. Sister Marcella reflects, “I couldn’t be more proud of the team of administrators, faculty, and staff that I had surrounding me at Villa Maria College. I have tremendous faith in them, and I believe that so many programs are poised for enormous growth. I have never been more confident in the viability of the College’s mission. But I am personally excited to take one day at a time, feel less stress, take time to read, to pray, to relax. It will be a most appreciated new adventure.” FALL 2018 | 11
2017-2018
HONOR ROLL of Donors The Honor Roll of Donors recognizes the generous alumni, parents and friends who support Villa Maria College. Who the Honor Roll Includes: This Honor roll lists gifts made in Villa Maria College’s fiscal year beginning on July 1, 2017 and ending on June 30, 2018. It includes contributions to the Villa Maria College Annual Giving and Capital Campaigns, as well as gifts for special purposes such as scholarships, the endowment, and special projects. Your Feedback: Every effort has been made to ensure the accuracy of the names on this Honor Roll. If you notice an error or omission, please accept our sincere apologies and report the correction to Rachel Tabak, ’18, at rtabak@villa.edu or 716-961-1882. Legacy Society ($5,000 and up) Msgr. Richard S. Amico Charitable Memorial Trust Lorraine Blaszyk Chason Affinity Company Catherine Cooley The East Hill Foundation David Gelia Mr. and Mrs. Dean Hagen The John R. Oishei Foundation Our Lady of Hope Province Bernice Reger Dr. Vilasini Shanbhag
Mr. Ted Garus and Dr. Karen Snell Garus The Peter and Elizabeth C. Tower Foundation Pine Ridge Club ($1,000 to $4,999) Mr. and Mrs. Thomas Bienias CS Behler, Inc. Rev. Msgr. Angelo Caligiuri Mr. and Mrs. James Dommer Dr. Matthew Giordano and Dr. Jennifer Desiderio Felician Services, Inc. The Ferguson Electric Foundation Mr. and Mrs. Lawrence Gallick Hodgson Russ, LLP Rev. Thomas Kobuszewski Sylvia S. Lissa Legacy Foundation M&T Charitable Foundation John P. O’Rourke Endowment Vincent and Harriet Palisano Foundation James Pappas Mr. and Mrs. Richard Penfold Mary Pilat, Ph.D. Joan Priebe Mary Robinson Carole Sedita Dominica Sortisio Dr. Joan Sulewski Trautman Associates Viking Club ($250 to $1,000) Rev. James Augustyn Annese & Associates, Inc. Mrs. Catherine Beltz Bridgestone/Firestone, Inc. Mr. and Mrs. Victor Carbone
12 | VISTAS THE MAGAZINE OF VILLA MARIA COLLEGE
Camille Clark Dr. and Mrs. Richard Curran Clara Dommer Jeanne Grantier David Granville Carmen Gullo Kathleen Ives Robert Klump Tracie Knauer James Lawicki II Noreen Mavromatis Camille and Don Metz Christine Palczewski Kathleen and James Pokornowski Mr. and Mrs. Theodore Pyrak Lawrence Roll Mr. and Mrs. Donald Sokolowski James Tokarski Villa Maria Academy Alumni Association George Wisniewski Friends of Villa ($1 - $249) Anne Marie Agostinelli SM Barbara Amrozowicz Ms. Eleanor Ash Frank Antonucci Pamela Arent S. Paul Marie Baczkowski Kenneth Balamut Elizabeth Battaglia Mrs. Dorothy Bembenista Mr. and Mrs. Ralph Bernacki Marcia Bernas Gloria Besch Michael Bigaj Deborah Boeheim Mr. and Mrs. Martin Bucella Dr. Audrey Buck
Friends of Villa ($1 - $249) (Ctnd.) Kathleen Budnick Michael Bosworth Elizabeth Brinkworth Paul Brinkworth Dr. Joycelyn Burdett Rev. Msgr. Richard Cahill Carolyn Calderon Alison Caputy Anthony Casuccio Jeanne Childs Samuel Chellino C.J. Irwin Company Cornelius Cosgrove Mr. and Mrs. John Countway Patricia and Alexander Craig Mrs. Dorothea Crombie Dr. and Mrs. Richard Curran Suzanne Daddis Jennifer D’Alessandro James Desiderio Inc. Dr. Jean Doerr Mr. Edward Drabczyk Mary Lucy Drabczyk Brian Duffy Linda Ellson Brian Emerson Sylvia Ernst JoAnn Feary Jean Felton John Fucile Michele Gephart Corine and Ronald Gilson Mrs. Nancy Giordano Dr. Sylvia Grmela Mr. and Mrs. Joseph Halizak Diane Handzlik Sarah Hanson Dr. and Mrs. Ryan Hartnett Sylvia and David Healy Mrs. Joan Heffron Holy Spirit Parish Immaculate Conception Parish Pat Jackson and Louis Valentino Mr. and Mrs. Eugene Jarczyk Mrs. Barbara Kabala SM Henriella Kakol Marie and Raymond Kaminski Stanley Kaznowski, III
Jim Kelley Joyce Kessel Julia Ketterl Michael Klimeczko Tracie Knauer Karen and Greg Kolber Dr. Kim Kotz, PT, DPT Judith Kowal Frances Kozminski Karen Lake Donna Lee and Roger Lander Michael Lasek, Jr. Helen Leistner Linda Lempko Mr. and Mrs. Thaddeus Marciniak Gail Martinez Dave Marty Rev. Walter Matuszak Margaret McCabe Dawn Mencer Nathaniel and Leah Merritt-Mervine Dr. Will Meyer David Miller Minute Print Inc. Rosemary Mogavero Mr. and Mrs. James Molenda Mr. and Mrs. David Montanari Camille and Louis Moretto Spencer Morgan Marcy and William Munson Joan Mullin Joseph Mutidjo Gary Nizinski Elizabeth Opoka Jacqueline Otis Dolores Palczewski Clara Pautler Ann Peruzzini Michele Peters Rosalyn Peterson Jason Pfaff Picone Construction Corp. Joan Pillittere Sabrina Pisano Judy Piskun Polish Falcons Nest 6 Sandra Reicis Ray Gay Sales, Inc. Claudia Reitmeier Edward Reska Paula Richards
Rose Ann and Edward Roberts Roseann Roberts Tracy Rozler Dr. Maria Runfola Mr. and Mrs. Edward Rustowicz SM Louis Rustowicz Philip Sandler Linda Schaefer Rose Schaefer Angela Scherer DJ Schier Sharon Schmarder Patricia Schreiner Mary Scioli Barbara Serafin Mr. and Mrs. Lawrence D. Seymour Doris Sielski Mr. and Mrs. Robert Sikora Rita Skrork Rev. Msgr. Francis Skupien Carole Smerka Martha and Herb Smith Chesterine Stevenson Jessica Stoddard Roseanne and Keith Stolzenburg Constance D. Strother Mr. Frank Stypczynski Steve Sue Mary Ann Sullivan Mr. and Mrs. Samuel Tadio Martha Taj SM Jessica Terek Lee Terwilliger Lynn Tomczak Raymond Vargo Lucy Waite Jesse Walp Mollie Ward-Crescente Adam Weekley Judith Welsh Rev. Msgr. Mecislaus Wendzikowski Theresa Wendzikowski Dr. Geraldine Westwood WNED Barbara Wetzel Betty Wilson Delphine Wnek Julie Zack Palma Zanghi Nancy and Glen Zwetsch
FALL 2018 | 13
DEVELOPMENT Office
Endowment Giving
It’s easier than ever to support Villa Maria Villa Maria College’s endowment is a composite fund made up of contributions by donors who have made enduring gifts to the College. When you create an endowed fund, either with a one-time donation or, more typically, a pledge paid over five years, you may choose to name the fund for yourself, your family, or for individual you would like to honor, such as a parent, classmate, or professor. You will receive recognition in Vistas, and, once fully funded, yearly reports on the impact of your gift. You may choose to direct your gift to provide financial support for scholarships, which help the College attract, retain, and advance the most qualified and diverse students, or for an endowed gift designated for general use, including gifts to the Sister Marcella Marie Garus Endowment Fund. Gifts to the endowment, for general use, provide the greatest flexibility to address emerging priorities to best serve our students and the needs of the College. To learn more about making an endowed gift to Villa Maria College, please contact Mary Robinson at robinsonm@villa.edu or 716-961-1823.
The past year has been busy and exciting for the Villa Maria College Alumni Association. Check out some updates and learn about ways you can get involved. Want to make sure you’re invited to upcoming alumni and campus events? An e-newsletter, Villa Maria Alumni Voices, is now available. If you do not already receive it, please email alumnirelations@villa.edu to sign up and be added to our mailing list.
Celebrating 30 years of the Villa Maria Scholarship Golf Outing:
Villa Maria College hosted its 30th Annual Scholarship Golf Outing on Monday, June 11, 2018. This past year’s golf outing was a success, and we were able to raise a significant amount of money that went to scholarships for students at the College. We cannot wait to see everyone on the course for our 2019 Golf Outing, so be sure to mark your calendars for June 10, 2019! This year’s Golf Outing will be held at Tan Tara Golf Club on Tonawanda Creek Road in North Tonawanda, NY. With your support as golfers and as sponsors, we expect the 2019 Villa Maria College Golf Outing to be the biggest and most successful outing yet. More information is available at villa.edu/golf.
Save the Date: Upcoming Events April 28, 2019: Handbag Bingo
February 14, 2019: Day of Giving June 10, 2019: Golf Tournament
ALUMNI BOARD Members The Villa Alumni Association is pleased to announce that the following alumni serve as Alumni Board members: Heather Bellini White ‘00 Photography LaShawn Chinn ‘03 Business Administration Diego Diaz ‘16 Animation Mary Lucy Drabczyk ‘03 Music
Alumni News and Notes
Nicole Germain ‘08 Early Childhood Education
Congratulations to Josh English, ’15, and Lindsey Smith who tied the knot on June 8, 2018. We wish them love and happiness in the future!
Carl Hunley ‘15 Graphic Design
Congratulations to Samantha Lonczak, ’17, recently hired as the Graphic Designer for FIFTEEN, a full-service marketing agency located in Buffalo.
Valerie Kasinski ‘14 Photography
Share your news or submit your work to Villa Vistas!
Lucy Norton ‘16 Graphic Design
Have you received a promotion? Started a new job? Are you getting married? Having a baby? Share the good news with us at VILLA.EDU/VISTAS. Please send us updates when you move or any of your information changes so we can keep you in the loop!
Marc Muroff ‘14 Physical Therapist Assistant
Sabrina Pisano ‘08 Physical Therapist Assistant Joseph Tronolone ‘15 Music Industry FALL 2018 | 15
Non-Profit Org. U.S. Postage
PAID
Buffalo, NY Permit No. 16
Development Office Felician Hall | 240 Pine Ridge Road | Buffalo, NY 14225
ADDRESS SERVICE REQUESTED
VILLA.EDU
Upcoming Events November 2-December 7 Integrated Arts Pre-Thesis Exhibit Paul William Beltz Family Art Gallery
February 1 – February 15 Interior Design Program Student Exhibit Paul William Beltz Family Art Gallery
April 26-May 3 Graphic Design Program Student Exhibit Paul William Beltz Family Art Gallery
November 29 Hip Hop Ensemble Recital Hall | 11 AM
February 4 Day of Giving Villa Maria College
April 28 Accepted Student Day Villa Maria College
December 4 Gospel Choir Recital Hall | 11 AM
February 22 – March 8 Fine Arts Program Student Exhibit Paul William Beltz Family Art Gallery
April 28 Handbag Bingo Villa Maria College
December 4 Honors Soloists Recital Recital Hall | 7 PM
February 26 M&T Concert: Saakumu Dance Troupe Recital Hall | 11 AM
April 29 – May 3 Spring Week Villa Maria College
December 5 Rock Ensemble Auditorium | 7 PM
March 26 M&T Concert: Jazz Composers Workshop Recital Hall | 11 AM
April 30 Student Recital -String/Piano Recital Hall | 11 AM
December 6 Jazz Ensemble Recital Hall | 11 AM
March 29– April 12 Photography Program Student Exhibit Paul William Beltz Family Art Gallery
May 1 Rock Ensemble Auditorium | 7 PM
December 21 – January 2 Christmas Break | College Closed January 5 – January 25 Cheektowaga Schools Exhibit Paul William Beltz Family Art Gallery January 9 New Student Orientation Villa Maria College January 14 Spring Classes Start January 29 M&T Concert: Walter Kemp and 3oh! Recital Hall | 11 AM
April 16 Faculty Recital: Alec Dube Trio Recital Hall | 11 AM
May 2 Jazz Ensemble Recital Hall | 11 AM
April 18 – April 22 Easter Break | Campus Closed
May 17 – May 31 Annual High School Photo Exhibit Paul William Beltz Family Art Gallery
April 23 Hip Hop Ensemble Recital Hall | 11 AM
May 19 55th Commencement Villa Maria College
April 25 Gospel Choir Recital Hall | 11 AM
June 10 31st Scholarship Golf Outing Tan Tara Golf Course For more information on upcoming events at Villa Maria, visit VILLA.EDU/CALENDAR