Hilbert College Magazine Fall '13

HILBERTCOLLEGE magazine

Feasibility Study p.4 | Hilbert's Veteran Students p.18 | $1M Bequest p.22

Fall 2013

| Athletic News & Notes p.24

HILBERTBLUEPRINT p . 14

PRESIDENT'SLETTER I look forward to continuing the future

HILBERT COLLEGE,

success of

providing a quality

education in the

Catholic Franciscan tradition, at an affordable cost, that prepares our students to lead and serve in their communities.

As the seasons transition from autumn to winter, it is a time to reflect and envision the future. Thanksgiving allows us to express our gratitude for what has been special to us.

It is in that spirit that I want to share what I am thankful for: • The outstanding faculty and staff who have worked tirelessly on developing the Hilbert Blueprint. The First Year Experience, Sophomore Service, the Junior Symposium, topped off with a Senior Capstone provide a challenging, effective plan for student success leading to intellectual growth and a commitment to lifelong learning.

• The amazing students who excel inside and outside the classroom. Students have been presenting their work at national conferences, been recognized as outstanding interns, and continue to spend many hours serving in the community.

• The presence of over 40 veteran students pursuing their college degrees at Hilbert College.

We are grateful for their military service and also to Trustee Emeritus Brad Hafner who continues to support our students with an annual dinner and generous donation to our Veteran’s Center.

• The success of our student athletes who took top academic honors in the Allegheny Mountain Collegiate Athletic Conference and our men’s soccer and women’s volleyball teams that competed in the AMCC playoffs.

HILBERT COLLEGE MAGAZINE

A publication for alumni, family, and friends of Hilbert College

FOUNDED 1957 5200 South Park Avenue Hamburg, NY 14075 Phone: 716.649.7900 Fax: 716.558.6381 alumni@hilbert.edu

ON THE WEB: hilbert.edu/alumni/ • Lorraine and Dr. Philip Hritcko for making a bequest gift of $1 million to Hilbert College, the largest individual gift in the institution’s history. I deeply appreciate the support we receive from our alumni and special friends that enables us to provide scholarship support for students and to enhance our programming.

• Our colleagues at St. Bonaventure University led by Sister Margaret Carney for their commitment to engage in a feasibility study that will explore how we can continue to best serve our students in light of today’s challenging higher education environment.

As we enter the Advent season, I look forward to continuing the future success of Hilbert College, providing a quality education in the Catholic Franciscan tradition, at an affordable cost, that prepares our students to lead and serve in their communities.

Merry Christmas and Happy New Year from the Hilbert family to yours!

Sincerely,

hilbert-magazine

Matt Heidt PUBLISHER/EDITOR Dr. Anthony Hughes CONTRIBUTING WRITER Ian Gattie CONTRIBUTING PHOTOGRAPHER Elizabeth R. Maute PUBLICATION DESIGN Gregg Fort VICE PRESIDENT FOR INSTITUTIONAL ADVANCEMENT Audry Weronski COORDINATOR OF DEVELOPMENT RESEARCH AND RECORDS Stephanie King ALUMNI RELATIONS & SPECIAL EVENTS Tori Felser DEVELOPMENT ASSOCIATE

Cynthia A. Zane, Ed.D. President

2

fall

ON THE COVER

The Hilbert College Blueprint, graphic design by Ian Gattie.

table of contents

On Campus

4

Feasibility Study

4

New 4+1 Programs

8

Hilbert Reads

8

Cultural Awareness Week

9

Division News & Notes

10

Hilbert Blueprint 14 Hilbert Helping Veterans 18 Alumni 20

Hilbert College Blueprint

p.14

This edition of Hilbert Magazine includes the first of a two-part series of articles reflecting upon the college’s new “Blueprint” for student success. The Blueprint is a four-year cycle of carefully crafted academic initiatives specifically designed with the best practices of current teaching pedagogy.

SPECIAL THANKS TO: THE HILBERT COLLEGE MAGAZINE EDITORIAL BOARD Dr. Anthony Hughes, Peter Burns, Gregg Fort, Ian Gattie, Victoria Felser & Stephanie King

Alumni Association

20

Alumni News and Notes

20

Hilbert's First $1M Bequest

22

San Damiano Awards

23

Athletics 24 New Athletics Website

24

Athletics News and Notes

25

Franciscan Footprints

26

Mark Your Calendars Back

HC Magazine | 2013

3

ONCAMPUS

HILBERTCOLLEGE St. Bonaventure University and Hilbert College Trustees Agree to Explore Closer Alliance The two Franciscan institutions consider options to build on 20-year partnership

St. Bonaventure University and Hilbert College, Franciscan institutions in New York, will explore options to build on their 20-year partnership and to enhance student access, opportunities and experience.

The Boards of Trustees of both institutions have approved a feasibility study to determine if the two institutions should expand their unique collaboration in academic programs, facilities and operational practices.

St. Bonaventure has offered graduate programs on the campus of Hilbert College in a weekend format for the past two decades.

The Boards authorized the study that could lead to a strategic plan for “some form of further strategic alliance” between the two institutions.

“While the feasibility analysis is a ‘discovery process,’ we wouldn’t be investing in this effort if we didn’t think there were likely some ways in which St. Bonaventure and Hilbert College could collaborate

4

fall

ALUMNINEWS

more closely and achieve greater synergies,” said Sr. Margaret Carney, O.S.F., S.T.D, president of St. Bonaventure, and Cynthia Zane, Ed.D, president of Hilbert College, in a joint statement.

Click to play video message from Presidents Carney and Zane

“It is the right time to embrace new thinking and collaboration in higher education, and to consider changes that will serve our communities presently and in the years ahead,” the Presidents said. “The purpose of this study starts – and ends – with students who deserve the very best higher education experience we can provide.”

Presidents Carney and Zane noted that the higher education landscape in Western New York and throughout the eastern U.S. is bound for change, and they want to position their institutions to embrace that change.

“Higher education has to do more to create synergies between institutions to drive program and curriculum innovation, attract top students and faculty, keep rising costs in check, and offer life-changing educational opportunities,” they said.

“Leading U.S. colleges and universities are turning to new models and initiatives,” Raymond Dee, chairman of the Board of Trustees of St. Bonaventure said.

“We owe it to our institutions and the people we serve to stay out in front of higher education change, and be relevant, innovative and competitive.”

“We must and will be prudent, inclusive and thorough in our considerations,” Gretchen Wylegala Board Chair of Hilbert College stated. “We are eager to identify opportunities to expand our longstanding and successful partnership with St. Bonaventure.”

-HC

Behind the Feasibility Study Students Need and Deserve Expanded Opportunities.

The reason for this feasibility study starts – and ends – with students, who deserve the very best higher education experience we can provide, and access to the great minds and energy in both institutions.

Feasibility Study Will Examine Whether a Closer Alliance Will Benefit Both Institutions.

At this point, St. Bonaventure and Hilbert College are exploring ways we might build on a 20-year successful partnership. We are looking at whether both schools will benefit from closer alliances and achieving greater synergies, and do so with open minds.

Higher Education Requires New Thinking, Approaches.

Higher education has to do more to create synergies between institutions to drive program and curriculum innovation, attract top students and faculty, keep rising costs in check, and offer life-changing educational opportunities.

A Proven Partnership That Works.

The 20-year St. Bonaventure-Hilbert partnership has been a successful one, guided by our common Catholic and Franciscan heritage. We’ve expanded over the years to include sharing of facilities, curriculum development and a complementary culture. This relationship has blessed our students with extraordinary learning opportunities they never would have experienced otherwise.

Some Things Need Changing, Some Don’t.

As we move forward and consider options, we will keep in mind the importance of the college years for our students, and the need to preserve the heritage, culture, and closeknit Franciscan communities that make us unique.

HC Magazine | 2013

5

ONCAMPUS

St. Bonaventure and Hilbert Media Coverage New model in higher ed St. Bona, Hilbert exploring whether their future is in closer cooperation The Buffalo News | Editorial October 4, 2013 The fact that St. Bonaventure University and Hilbert College have started down the road toward greater collaboration – don’t call it merger, yet – is a good thing and should be an example to other Western New York colleges that are competing for the same diminishing pool of high school graduates.

Hilbert, St. Bonaventure begin study that could link campuses The Buffalo News | By Jay Rey October 1, 2013 Hilbert College and St. Bonaventure University have begun a study that would examine the future relationship of the two Franciscan schools, including the potential for some type of merger.

Hilbert College President Cynthia Zane speaks about current challenges The Buffalo News | By Brian Meyer October 1, 2013 In an interview conducted before Hilbert College revealed Tuesday that it will be looking into the possibility of some type of merger with St. Bonaventure University, Hilbert President Cynthia Zane talked about some of the looming issues with The Buffalo News’ Brian Meyer.

Planning for Enrollment Declines Inside Higher Ed | By Ry Rivard October 2, 2013 Trustees at two Roman Catholic colleges in Western New York want to look at each other’s books in what may be the first step toward a new and expansive partnership, if not necessarily a merger. The boards of St. Bonaventure University and Hilbert College approved plans to study a stronger “strategic alliance,” the colleges announced Tuesday.

Bona, Hilbert to study expanded partnership Buffalo Business First | Staff Report October 2, 2013 St. Bonaventure University and Hilbert College have announced the institutions will jointly explore options to expand a partnership that has existed for 20 years. What that specifically entails is uncertain but officials that the high education landscape in Western New York and throughout the eastern U.S. is bound for change, and they want to position their institutions to embrace that change.

St. Bonaventure U., Hilbert College study alliance Wall Street Journal | By AP October 2, 2013 St. Bonaventure President Margaret Carney and Hilbert President Cynthia Zane say the higher education landscape is changing and they want to make sure their institutions are positioned to attract top students and faculty and keep costs in check.

6

summer

stay connected Follow us @HilbertCollege Like us on Facebook Follow us on Instagram HilbertCollege

HC Magazine | 2013

7

ONCAMPUS

Hilbert Introduces New 4+1 Programs

Students Can Earn Bachelor's and Master's in Five Years Hilbert College has introduced four new programs to earn a bachelor’s degree and a master’s degree in five years. Hilbert’s new 4+1 programs give many students the option of a combined program, which will save the student time and money to earn their master’s degree.

These new and innovative combined programs include a Bachelor of Science in Criminal Justice/Master of Science in Criminal Justice Administration; a Bachelor of Science in Forensic Science/Master of Science in Criminal Justice Administration; a Bachelor of Science in Human Services/Master of Public Administration: Health Administration; and a Bachelor of Science in Political Science/Master of Public Administration. All four programs allow students to finish their BS degree

and simultaneously begin work on the corresponding master's degree. Students can begin taking graduate courses during their final year(s) of undergraduate study and any graduate course taken fulfills the requirements of both the BS and the master’s degrees.

Students will have automatic admission into the respective master’s program, as long as academic requirements are met. As a result of beginning graduate courses during the undergraduate program, students will complete the master's degree in a shorter period of time. The combined program should allow the student to finish both degrees in a 4 + 1 format (5 years), saving students up to two semesters of graduate school. - HC

Inaugural Hilbert Reads Program is a Success

New York Times Best-Selling Author Conor Grennan Makes Presentation at Swan On Tuesday, October 8, Conor Grennan, the author from the inaugural Hilbert Reads program made a presentation on “Being a Global Citizen in a Diverse World” in Swan Auditorium. All incoming freshmen were given a copy of this year’s selected text - Grennan's Little Princes – One Man’s Promise to Bring Home the Lost Children of Nepal. - HC

Author Conor Grennan signed copies of his book for a long line of Hilbert College students, parents, and friends following his presentation.

New York Times best-selling author Conor Grennan

8

fall

Grennan's presentation on "Being a Global Citizen in a Diverse World" attracted a full house to Hilbert's Swan Auditorium.

Weeklong Celebration - “Promoting Community Through Social Justice” A variety of educational, engaging and entertaining events that illuminate diverse cultures and traditions from around the world were held during Hilbert College’s Cultural Awareness Week celebration on October 7-10.

The “Promoting Community Through Social Justice” themed week opened with the unveiling of the college’s “Wall of Peace and Inclusivity” exhibit on October 7. The exhibit was made up of many unique pieces of cloth either designed or written by faculty, staff and students that expresses each participant’s view of the ways Hilbert comes together as an inclusive community and respects cultural differences. A welcome by Hilbert President Cynthia Zane, Ed.D. at the event was followed by a keynote address by Crystal Rodriguez, the Executive Director of the City of Buffalo’s Commission on Citizen’s Rights and Community. Her presentation, “Social Justice: Living Through the Eyes of the Community” addressed her experiences as a community builder and examined the roots of the movement as it relates to social justice through the eyes of the community.

Immediately following the event, the Multicultural Dinner was served in the Upper Level of the Campus Center. The dinner featured performances by Salsa for the Soul and Sol y Sombra.

On Tuesday, October 8, Cultural Awareness Week continued with an Interfaith Panel in the Palisano Room (101 Bogel Hall) which addressed social justice within various religious faiths.

A roundtable discussion, “Am I My Brother’s Keeper?

Ethical Responsibility and Social Justice,” was held on Wednesday, October 9 in Paceszny Hall (room 216-218) and featured panelists Lana Benatovich, President of the

National Federation for Just Communities of Western New York, and Dr. Gordon Snow, Professor of Social Sciences at Hilbert College.

Wednesday also included a reception and viewing of the film Crash in Swan Auditorium.

Hilbert’s Cultural Awareness Week concluded on Thursday, October 10 with a Cultural Bazaar featuring showcases, presentations and performances including but not limited to: Woodland Visions Native Arts, West African Drumming Lessons, The Learning Disabilities Association of WNY, El Buen Amigo, School of Irish Culture, Iroquois Doll Maker, and much more in the West Herr Atrium.

Cultural Awareness Week's all free activities were sponsored by Admissions, Academic Services, Campus Ministry, Career Development Center, Center for Excellence and Learning (CEL), Common Ground Club, English Department’s Visiting Artist Series, Hilbert Reads, Honors Program, Human Services and Rehabilitation Services Department, Institutional Advancement, Leadership Development, Multicultural Affairs, Residence Life, Student Activities, and Student Success and Retention. - HC

Hilbert College Alumni Board presents...

Wine and Chocolate Tour Sunday, February 16, 2014 $35 + cost of limo

For more information contact Tori Felser - vfelser@hilbert.edu 716.926.8884

Open to ALL! Faculty, staff, alumni, and friends! *Chautauqua - Lake Erie Wine Trail HC Magazine | 2013

9

NEWS&NOTES FACULTY/STAFFNOTES

NEWS & NOTES SISTER JOANNE SCHATZLEIN PRESENTATION Sister Joanne Schatzlein, OSF, was a guest lecturer at Hilbert as part of the celebration of the Feast of St. Francis. She presented Clare of Assisi: Franciscan Woman, Saint and Friend.

Sr. Joanne presented reflections on St. Clare of Assisi, the times in which she lived, and her impact as leader, healer and holy woman on all who knew her.

SERVICE AWARD MILESTONES Here is the list of service awards for those who reached a milestone as of September 1, 2013.

Peter Burns 5 Charles Clark 20 Jenna Dulak 5 Edward Drabczyk 20 Steven Fox 5 Martin Floss 20 Derise Hedges 5 Gordon Snow 20 Jenelle Lukasik 5 Kathleen Fairbanks 25 Carraugh Nowak 5 Maia Kapuszcak 25 Cindy Claar 10 Daniel Roland 25 Robert deGrandpre 10 Denise Brill 30 Donald Suchan 10 Edward Qualey 30 Joann Murrin 15 Fred Becker 35 Sharon Sisti 15 Joan Crouse 35 Patrick Heraty 35 TV SHOW FILMED ON HILBERT CAMPUS On Monday, September 23, the television show Out of Bounds was taped in the gym at Hafner Recreation Center on the Hilbert College campus. Out of Bounds features Buffalo Bills LB Arthur Moats and his guest was WR Robert Woods. They were joined by host Sal Capaccio of WGR 550.

HILBERT FEATURED ON BLACKBOARD BLOG Hilbert was featured on Blackboard's blog highlighting "Four Reasons to Migrate from ANGEL to Blackboard Learn from Hilbert College" The blog post notes: When Hilbert College set out to replace their ANGEL LMS, administrators and academics did so with an ambition to expand the footprint and reputation of their institution.

“We were launching our first graduate programs,” explained Jenna Dulak, Web Manager, Distance Learning Coordinator, and Adjunct Instructor at the College. “This decision was as much about finding a vendor that could scale with our changing needs, as it was about finding an innovative solution to drive us forward.”

Read the entire blog entry at http://blog.blackboard.com/fourreasons-to-migrate-from-angel-to-blackboard-learn-from-hilbertcollege/

10

fall

WELCOME TO HILBERT - NEW FT EMPLOYEES (since of 5/1/13) Angela Grann Database Application Developer Victoria Felser Development Associate Marie Youhess Admin. Asst. Admissions John Czarnecki Director of Athletics Shannon Lupien Visiting Asst. Professor Daniel Culver Asst. Professor Mark Paoni Asst. Professor Gregory Peri Athletic Trainer Kathleen Martoche Dir. of Career Development & Service Learning Stephanie King Engagement Officer - Alumni & Events Frank Castiglia Admissions Counselor Sallie McGuire Grad MPA Lawrence Porter Custodian Thomas Vane Director of Student Activities Michael Wierzbicki Maintenance Staff CIC LIBERAL ARTS CAMPAIGN The Council of Independent Colleges announced the official launch of its new website for the public information campaign, “Securing America’s Future: The Power of Liberal Arts Education.”

The site is accessible at www.cic.edu/LiberalArts.

This website is intended as a resource for use by CIC member Presidents, PR directors, enrollment and admissions officers, and others on campus to help promote the value of a liberal arts education.

HOLOMAN SPEAKS AT CIC CONFERENCE Dr. Christopher Holoman, Hilbert College Provost and Vice President for Academic Affairs, presented at the 41st Annual Institute for Chief Academic and Chief Student Affairs Officers – Collaboration for Student Success Conference hosted by The Council of Independent Colleges in Pittsburgh. Here is an overview of Dr. Holoman’s presentation.

Academic and Student Affairs: Structural Models that Strengthen Collaboration The current emphasis on assessment of learning outcomes requires greater collaboration between academic and student affairs. Combining these two divisions into one unit focused on student learning has been effective at some institutions. What are the structural models that can strengthen collaboration? What are the advantages and disadvantages of structures that include both academic and student affairs? What subunits of the divisions fit together naturally, and which require more effort to connect in meaningful ways? Can Chief Academic Officers and Chief Student Affairs Officders who lead separate units work together to achieve similar results?

--Jeffrey H. Barker, Vice President for Academic Affairs, Converse College --Christopher L. Holoman, Provost and Vice President for Academic Affairs, Hilbert College --Susan Traverso, Provost and Senior Vice President, Elizabethtown College --Chair: Peter Millet, Provost and Vice President for Academic Affairs, Stillman College

DIVISIONNEWS&NOTES

ARTS AND SCIENCES GALLANT AT BURCHFIELD PENNEY PREMIERE Hilbert Professor Chris Gallant co-directed (along with Meg Knowles, Associate Professor at Buffalo State College) a work which premiered on October 18, 2013 at The Front Yard of the Burchfield Penney Art Center. The work, a high definition video projection called “Monday is Washday”, premiered along with works by legendary film and video makers such as the late Paul Sharits and Hollis Frampton, as well as works by Steina, Barbara Lattanzi and project co-designer, Brian Milbrand, as part of the Front Yard installation.

CRIMINAL JUSTICE MONROE SHERIFF'S VISIT The Monroe County Sheriff’s Office made a visit to Hilbert College last week. The Sheriff’s Office made the drive down the thruway from Rochester and spent the day on campus and spoke to several classes about job and internship opportunities.

PROFESSIONAL STUDIES CSIA FORENSIC CHALLENGE Every year, Hilbert adjunct Steve MacMartin holds the ECI 360 Trogdor Forensic Challenge. In the challenge, students are provided with a forensic image of a seized computer in which they discover a number of pieces of evidence. The challenge is different each year, but in general, the students are asked to solve for some sort of forensic challenge presented by the exercise. This year, the students had to deal with a number of encrypted documents. The challenge involved determining both the actual passwords used for the documents and providing a detailed explanation of how the passwords were recovered. Students use the same software and follow the same procedures that are used by government agencies and private firms who specialize in computer forensics.

The first student to finish the challenge correctly is the winner.

Congratulations to Marshall Hand, the first student this semester to successfully solve all of the passwords and encrypted documents in the case project.

The Front Yard, an outdoor permanent installation for electronic image and sound, is at the Burchfield Penney Art Center at Buffalo State, transforming the Elmwood Avenue 38-foot façade of the Center into a 24/7/365 new media gallery.

DEAD MAN'S CELL PHONE The Buffalo Laboratory Theatre presented Dead Man's Cell Phone

by Sarah Ruhl as their Curtain Up! show in late September. The production starred Buffalo Spree and Artvoice "Best Actress" award winner Katie White along with Dave Hayes, Diane DiBernardo Blenk, and Hilary Walker.

CLAUDIA CHILDS' RADIO APPEARANCE Hilbert College adjunct Claudia Childs appeared on Judge Penny Wolfgang’s radio show – “On Target” – this past September. The show aired on multiple radio stations in the Buffalo area.

DR. FLOSS ON WISCONSIN RADIO Martin Floss, Ph.D., Chair of the Graduate Program in Criminal Justice Administration, recently appeared on Wisconsin Public Radio’s afternoon show, Central Time, hosted by Rob Ferrett and Veronica Rueckert. Floss offered his expertise on the topic of a recent crime spike in Milwaukee, where the mayor has a plan to add 100 police officers to the streets next year, and whether adding more law enforcement has shown to be an effective method for reducing crime.

SIFE REUNION AT BUFFALO SPORTS GARDEN SIFE Enactus held an alumni gathering at BSG earlier this fall.

Front Row: Jake Bickelman, Bill Haas, Jon Clark, Lindsay Phillips.

Back Row: Dominica Stanz, Joe Stanz, Joe Jr. (On shoulders), Barry Morris, Sarah Miller, Ryan Rueger, Sarah Rueger, Brianna Haas, and Dan Roland. Also in attendance, but missing from photo: Tom McArthur, Karen McArthur, and Mike Shriver.

SOCIAL SCIENCES KOLIN ON PROGRESSIVE RADIO NETWROK Hilbert College professor Dr. Andrew Kolin recently appeared on the Progressive Radio News Hour with Stephen Lendman and has also appeared on the Gary Null Show on the Progressive Radio Network.

HC Magazine | 2013

11

FACULTY/STAFFNOTES INTHEMEDIA

INTHENEWS

Cynthia Zane Appears on WIVB Hilbert College President Cynthia Zane appeared on two different segments for WIVB News 4 in Buffalo, following President Barack

Obama's higher education speech held at the University at Buffalo this past August. Click either image to view the segment.

Zane Featured in Buffalo News Q&A and Video Hilbert College President Cynthia Zane also sat down with Buffalo News reporter Brian Meyer to discuss the many challenges that colleges and universities may be facing, in an arena that is expected to undergo significant change under President Obama’s proposed reforms for higher education. This Q&A and video was originally published on October 1. Click the image to read more and watch the video.

CURTAIN UP PREVIEW FILMED AT HILBERT

WIVB news anchors Don Postles and Jacquie Walker hosted the “Curtain Up Preview” which aired on Thursday, Sept. 19 at 7 PM on WNLO – CW 23. The cameras were at the Buffalo Laboratory Theatre’s rehearsal in Swan Auditorium which was also featured in the "Curtain Up Preview" show on WNLO.

12

fall

AIN'T SHE BRAVE REVIEWS Hilbert College professor Erika Haygood Gault co-authored and performed in “Ain’t She Brave” which opened on August 9 at Buffalo East and ran through August 25. The play received rave reviews, click below to read a couple.

Buffalo News Review >>> Buffalo Rising Feature >>>

See how much more you could save with your Hilbert College alumni discount from GEICO.

Tell us you’re an alum.

geico.com/alum/hilbert 1-800-368-2734 | Local Office

Some discounts, coverages, payment plans and features are not available in all states or all GEICO companies. Discount amount varies in some states. One group discount applicable per policy. Coverage is individual. In New York a premium reduction may be available. GEICO is a registered service mark of Government Employees Insurance Company, Washington, D.C. 20076; a Berkshire Hathaway Inc. subsidiary.

GEICO Gecko|image © 1999-2013.

HC Magazine 2013 13 © 2013 GEICO.

HILBERTBLUEPRINT ALUMNINEWS

for Student Success: A Four-Year Program for Intellectual Growth and Lifelong Learning

is an independent institution of higher learning that embraces its Catholic Franciscan heritage and values. Students from diverse backgrounds are educated in liberal arts and professional programs to become informed citizens committed to serving and strengthening their communities.

OUR MISSION

HILBERTCOLLEGE

Introduction:

A Bit of Hilbert History:

This edition of Hilbert Magazine includes the first of a two-part series reflecting upon Hilbert’s Blueprint for student success, a four-year sequence of academic initiatives specifically designed in light of the best practices known to current teaching pedagogy.

Over the course of several years, the Blueprint has grown into an effective, dynamic, fully integrated, and above all, challenging program that guides our students’ intellectual and personal growth throughout their four years at Hilbert. Part one describes the history of institutional growth leading to the Blueprint’s implementation and reflects upon the intellectual development and personal values that Hilbert, in particular, perceives as integral to a holistic, liberal learning education. Part one discusses how these values are embedded in the First-Year Experience and GS 101 Foundations Seminar courses, and later developed and reinforced via the college’s sophomore year Service Learning requirement. Part two of the series, to be published in the winter edition of Hilbert Magazine, describes how the Blueprint’s major educational learning outcomes are fully integrated through the college’s Junior Symposium and senior year Capstone requirements.

Hilbert has had a remarkable history of growth and expansion for over half a century. Like any ambitious institution of higher education, it has not just survived; it has thrived, and like its students, Hilbert itself has had to learn how to learn, and not just accept change but actively create and embrace it. Hilbert has always been guided by its founding Franciscan values of hope, peace, service, joy, integrity, respect, compassion, and vision. These core values have enabled the college to evolve from its seemingly distant past to its recent years of incredible growth. This expansion has required additional administrators, faculty, and staff, and included a more diversified student body. The college has also expanded its physical facilities, including new dorms, Paczesny Hall, and Swan Auditorium. Along with all these changes, Hilbert instituted a remarkable variety of curricular changes that eventually paved the way for the current Blueprint model. These major curricular developments include the Liberal Learning Goals and Core Curriculum modules, and most recently, the four-year sequence of experiential learning opportunities for students via Hilbert’s Blueprint for student success. Lastly, in the midst of all these sea changes, Hilbert implemented a new series of Graduate School degree programs.

14

fall

PART ONE

HILBERT

Introducing the new

by Dr. Anthony D. Hughes Professor Hilbert College English Program

This is a good moment to reflect upon Hilbert’s entire history and realize that, once upon a time, “Hilbert” shared its name with Immaculata High School. However, knowing where our name originates is a good place to grasp Hilbert’s current ethos because the answer combines our history and philosophy. The college was originally named after Mother Colette Hilbert, who, in 1897, established the Franciscan Sisters of St. Joseph, which became the college's founding congregation. In 1957, the community founded a teacher training college for its members; in 1969, having broadened its curriculum to include degrees outside of teacher training and expanded its enrollment to include both men and women, the institution officially became known as Hilbert College. In 1992, Hilbert began to offer four-year degrees for

the first time; today, it offers 16 four-year degree programs, including one of the only Computer Security and Information Assurance programs in the entire country and the first undergraduate Rehabilitation Services Program in Western New York, and most recently, the new graduate school offering three new degree programs. If seen from the perspective of over a half-century of growth, Hilbert is light years away from its origins and almost unrecognizable by comparison.

However, it is still recognizable in one major way after more than fifty years. The original Franciscan values upon which the college was founded still guide and define Hilbert College today.

“”

Tell me and I forget.

Teach me and I may remember.

Involve me and I learn.

-- Benjamin Franklin

An Overview of the Blueprint’s Key Pedagogical Values: I taught a Creative Writing course several years ago, and one student said that it had been one of her best learning “experiences” ever. I don’t say that to brag-since I seldom receive such compliments.

I do mention it, however, because that word “experience” caught my ear, and I feel that it gets to the heart of what Hilbert’s Blueprint for success is essentially aiming to do, that is, provide our students with a challenging array of pleasurable--often emotionally pleasurable, memorable, and meaningful, educational “experiences” that cover the gamut of courses students are required to take with us. Ideally, this Blueprint gives students the key “survival skills” that graduates need to thrive in their careers and the “university of life”. These skills include excellent written and oral communication abilities, a solid grounding in a Liberal Arts education; the ability to think critically and deeply and develop well-reasoned arguments; a well-rounded knowledge-base in their discipline; and lastly, an ethos for how and why one should strive to live not “the good life” of acquisition but a good life of service guided by the Franciscan values noted earlier. If graduates leave Hilbert with a sufficient supply of all these skills and

thus, a blueprint for living, they generally excel in their chosen fields. Additionally, the Blueprint has also challenged the faculty to shift from a teacher-centered (sage on the stage approach) to, hopefully, a student-centered, experiential learning model. Many faculty no longer aim to “teach” students; instead, they provide them with the variety of opportunities built into the Blueprint through which students learn how to learn. Ideally, our students are inspired to pursue lifelong learning long after graduation. On the first day of class, I often say that “I want to teach you how to fish, not just give you a fish.” On the last day of class, I ask my students to “please consider today the first not the last day of class.” While I honestly know many students run to the bookstore to sell back their text, there are a few who don’t.

The word “experience” has become a key concept in Hilbert’s Blueprint. The more I thought about my student’s word choice and learned about best practices for learning (not teaching) the more I realize that her comment had nailed a profound point: most meaningful and memorable (not memorized) “learning” is connected with an invisible “experience”. Sitting in a chair and dutifully taking notes, or not, while a professor professes is an experience, but it’s seldom especially memorable or educational because it lacks the key ingredient that Ben Franklin insightfully notes, “involve me and I learn.” What faculty and students have learned via the Blueprint is that important learning “experiences” demand student engagement, not passivity. Moreover, these experiences often involve an emotional, intellectual, or even spiritual pleasure that connects the student--via the teacher as a conduit--with the subject at hand. Such experiences are necessary if “knowledge” is embedded so it sticks long after graduation. Einstein said that “knowledge is everything we know after we’ve forgotten everything they taught us in school”. This awareness that meaningful, educational experiences take place when engaged students and faculty experience intellectual challenge and emotional pleasure is something that administrators, faculty, staff, and students have intuitively known, but the Blueprint has created a conscious realization that meaningful learning is linked with series of experiential moments when individual and collective learning melds intellectual

and emotional pleasures in wonderful, unexpected ways. Via the Blueprint’s First-Year Experience, linked GS 101 Foundations Seminar, along with its sophomore Service Learning requirement, and PS 402 Junior Symposium classes, and then concluding with its senior Capstones, Hilbert has strategically embedded a paradigm of student-centered, experiential learning objectives into logical sequence of curricular requirements.

Year One: The First-Year Experience Program and Foundations Seminar: The Blueprint requires all incoming freshman to participate in the First-Year Experience and GS 101 Foundations Seminar. The First-Year Experience component supports student success in numerous ways. After a holistic orientation, including a Summer Bridge Program for underprepared students, students are tested and assigned a faculty advisor/ mentor who guides them throughout their freshman year. John D'Amico, President, Faculty Senate, and Professor, Business Program, says, “It’s a lot of work. We often see students on a weekly basis; but it’s especially rewarding too. I’ve developed four-year relationships with these students that are much closer and richer than those I typically experience.” The opportunity for students to develop a strong sense of connection with the college and faculty is perhaps the most important benefit of the program. Along with providing students a stronger support network, the program helps the college identify potentially struggling or at-risk students via its Early Warning system; faculty submit detailed grade reports for all First-Year Experience students before mid-semester. These reports, along with even earlier reports for those with poor attendance, target students in need of additional academic support and other interventions. However, while the students are supported, they are not “coddled” -- something Professor D'Amico felt happened too much in the pilot program. On a variety of levels, students are continually made responsible for their academic progress; for example, to obtain their early warning grades, students must meet with their professors during office hours to have their grade reports completed. Programmatic requirements like these teach students early on that they continued on next page

HC Magazine | 2013

15

ONCAMPUS HILBERTBLUEPRINT

must be actively involved in their own academic growth.

According to Marne Griffin, Associate Professor, English Program, and Director, First-Year Experience/GS 101 Foundations Seminar, a key course in the Blueprint is the GS 101 Foundations Seminar which is linked with one other class in a cocurricular fashion. This pairing of courses provides a strong foundation for student success on several levels. First, it teaches students the entire range of survival skills for academic success, including basics such as textbook reading, note-taking, and test preparation. Second, as Professor Griffin emphasizes, a major thread running throughout the Foundations Seminar is critical thinking, pushing students to learn independently to analyze and develop reasoned arguments which they are required to discuss and treat with respect.

Third, students begin to realize that all coursework can and should be connected as it is through classes linked to GS 101 Foundations Seminar. They start learning that classes contain interconnecting ideas and should not be placed in separate boxes. Fourth, the First-Year Experience program allows students to experience a sense of connection, not just with their faculty advisor, but also with the student cohort with whom they attend the same linked courses which are always scheduled back to back. Attending two classes during their first semester with a cohort increases their odds of persisting in college because they experience another form of connection. The fifth and notable addition to the First-Year Experience is each pair of linked courses includes a paid student Teaching Assistant assigned to every set of linked classes. These Teaching Assistants provide basic support and mentoring with the coursework, but because they have been through the program themselves, they are uniquely qualified to support these entering freshmen with the various challenges they must face. Also, Teaching Assistants are not just living evidence of student success, but as Professor Griffin notes, they provide another avenue of academic support since sometimes students feel more comfortable confiding in a fellow student/Teaching Assistant rather than a faculty member.

The sixth and perhaps, most uniquely effective, experiential element of the FirstYear Experience is requiring all students to complete four “Passport” events. Passports

16

fall

are a series of optional or sometimes assigned on-campus activities which, ideally, provide those crucial intellectual and/or emotional “experiences” that are integral to embedding meaningful, educational knowledge. One highly successful example of creating such experiences for students was establishing the Hilbert Reads program. For the fall ‘13 semester, students were required to read, write about, and discuss Conor Grennan’s Little Princes: One Man’s Hope to Bring Home the Lost Children of Nepal. Reading this nonfiction book not only created a clear expectation of academic challenge for these students, but it also provided them with a powerful follow-up learning experience. After immersing themselves in the text via classroom activities and discussions, students attended a live lecture by Conor Grennan himself, who came to Hilbert and presented a moving, entertaining, and thoughtful presentation on the joys and horrors that he experienced dealing with child trafficking in Tibet.

Creating such a remarkable experiential passport event is a perfect example of how merging strong emotion, intellectual challenge, and true engagement can create unforgettable learning experiences. These are the exact kinds of teachable moments that the Blueprint aims for and students remember long after graduation.

Year Two: The Service Learning Program: As noted earlier, service has always been a key Franciscan value promoted by

the college, and during their sophomore year, students are required to complete one course with a Service Learning component. Service Learning is one of the key experiential learning requirements that directly reinforces the college’s mission to educate “...diverse students to become informed citizens committed to serving and strengthening their communities.”

During their sophomore year, therefore, all students register for one course with a service learning requirement which is unique to each class. In some courses, the entire class may work together on a single project that benefits the Western New York community and meets a critical community need. In other courses, students may complete a service learning activity by selecting an organization or project from a list of pre-approved community partners and activities. These activities form a direct link between the classroom curriculum and a critical need in the community.

The Service Learning Program has grown remarkably over the past several years, and the college currently offers a numerous array of courses with service learning opportunities. Service Learning merges two strongly held values implicit in the college’s Blueprint for success. The first key value is essentially Franciscan in nature, but that doesn't mean it isn't also pedagogical. As Dr. Cynthia Zane, President of Hilbert College notes, “Service is indeed at the heart and soul of Franciscan values and the Franciscan intellectual tradition.

The power of service learning comes from its nexus of classroom learning and the application of knowledge.” In essence, via the practice of service learning, students

take their classroom knowledge to the streets to discover and experience its real world truths, meanings, applications, joys, and challenges.

This primary belief that learning is linked to generally pleasurable, emotional, and memorable activities--and thus not memorized--is at the heart of service learning being a true form of experiential education. Professors like to believe and do play a defining role in student success, but service learning makes them less likely and able actually to be a “sage on the stage” and more likely to be coaches on the sidelines. The students’ secondary teachers become all those people they serve and interact with when they are in the field performing service learning.

By becoming coaches, professors may ironically give students more of what they truly need to thrive -- and that isn’t necessarily information (everything they’ll forget once they graduate--or sooner!) but instead, professors perform their own service learning for students with acts of kindness so obvious that they’re often overlooked; such small moments of professorial service that can do a world of good are simply saying kind words to students that they didn’t know they longed to hear one, complimenting them on their work, or perhaps the ultimate, saying hello to them by name although the professor hasn't seen them for a year or more. While the first major value built into the Blueprint is Franciscan in nature, the second major value of service learning relates to the experiential approach to knowledge that defines the best educational practices-those same exact words, “best” and “experiences” that caught my ear so much in my student's class evaluation.

In discussing this second critical value of engagement, Dr. Christopher Holoman, Provost and Vice President for Academic Affairs, explains why Hilbert’s Blueprint includes service learning as a key rung on the ladder of student success. “Building service learning into the curriculum is consistent with the data that shows experiential learning of all sorts is retained better.” Indeed, so many of our most powerful learning experiences are often intimately linked with strong emotional experiences or teachable moments, whether joyful or sometimes tragic. One powerful real-world example of the latter illustrates this point dramatically. We all remember where we were and what

we were doing on 9/11 the moment we heard the news. Such individual and/or collective, cathartic educational moments are never forgotten and never require memorization. Moreover, they define the deeply felt nature of how we learn and the crucial distinctions between information and knowledge, or perhaps, even wisdom.

In contrast to the surreal experience of 9/11, a far more positive memory stands out in my mind as a powerful example of how the Blueprint’s Service Learning initiatives profoundly impact so many of our students. Approximately a year ago, I attended a presentation by a group of students who had gone to Kenya as part of a service learning trip directed by Dr. Amy Smith, Professor, English Program and Chair of Arts and Sciences. One student had made a wonderful slideshow of photographs showing the incredible range of service experiences which they had performed, such as building a school house for a poverty stricken village. It was crystal clear as each student gave her part of the presentation that all of them had a truly remarkable, unforgettable series of learning experiences. Although the cumulative nature of the students’ acquired knowledge and learning is far too complex to detail here, one moment stands out in my mind, and in many ways, epitomizes how the major educational objectives and values embedded in the Blueprint are being embedded in our students. At one point, a student was discussing how she had befriended a young boy in one of the villages, and she began describing the incredible poverty in which these children exist. One fact of life was that they hadn’t any shoes, and therefore, many children had sores on the bottom of their feet due to parasites preying upon their unprotected bodies. As the student was discussing her friendship with this beautiful, young boy and remembering the horrible facts of his life, she started crying at the memory and thought of him and was unable to finish her presentation. This highly memorable moment for me is a bittersweet example of experiential learning at its best; it reflects not only the range of educational outcomes defined by the Blueprint but shows a student who has embodied many key Franciscan values: hope, service, joy, integrity, respect, and most notably in this case, deep compassion.

Conclusion: Although we have only discussed the requirements of our students freshman and sophomore years in part one of this series, clearly, Hilbert College's Blueprint for student success incorporates a vast array of best practices from our most current, pedogogical research. Students are nurtured during their freshman year with a consistent academic advisor and mentor, including Teaching Assistants and numerous faculty and support services to which they can turn for help. Via the First-Year Experience/GS 101 Foundations Seminar courses, students become engaged, connecting with a cohort of peers via the linked courses and begin their initial taste of experiential learning via the passports activities such as the wonderfully successful Hilbert Reads.

Moreover, they are given the necessary “studenting skills” which enable them to establish a solid foundation for persisting through to graduation. Lastly, they start developing the critical thinking and analytical skills so crucial to completing their college career and thriving in their chosen fields when they enter the world of work. In year two, via their regular classes, they continue to practice these skills in not more challenging, but simply, differently challenging courses, such as the Service Learning Program which demands an entirely new skill set of experiential challenges and modes of inquiry. They begin to move further afield from on-campus experiential learning activities to intensive work serving in their communities and abroad. In short, the first two years of Hilbert’s Blueprint takes our freshmen from zero to sixty in a varied and rigorous sequence of challenging academic requirements. By the end of year two, students have encountered some of their best learning “experiences” ever, and have absorbed many of the best practices our faculty and institution has ever provided. They go from collecting "passports" on campus to perhaps applying for passports overseas. Most important, students begin to develop that all-important sense of self-efficacy which is perhaps the hallmark of any student who becomes one of a long line of proud Hilbert graduates, a line that stretches back over half a century to the time when we shared a name.

HC Magazine | 2013

17

HILBERTSUPPORTSVETERANS ALUMNINEWS

Hilbert Helps Veterans Make the Transition to College Hilbert Serving Those Who Have Served

By Matt Heidt

Jed Bengert served a 10-month tour in Afghanistan before enrolling at Hilbert .

Photo courtesy Jed Bengert

18

fall

Hilbert College has a strong connection to the military and because of that deep association, Hilbert believes in helping veterans make the transition from service to campus. Hilbert’s veteran students, who have started honing their leadership skills in the Armed Forces, are encouraged to bring their talents and experience to the Hilbert campus.

Jed Bengert is a second semester freshman at Hilbert studying Psychology.

He spent ten months serving overseas as a member of a U.S. Army retrograde task force in Afghanistan. Jed joined the Army at the age of seventeen and after about three and a half years of service decided to pursue his education and chose Hilbert because it was a smaller school, and he looked forward to playing lacrosse for the Hawks. He credits Caprice Arabia, Director of Student Records, as a huge help in his transition to Hilbert. Jed also says that Jim Sturm, Vice Provost for Leadership Development and Dean of Students, was instrumental in his enrollment at Hilbert.

“He set up my classes for me and got me registered before I even returned from overseas,” Bengert said of Sturm. “Even now, if I have a question, he is the first person I go to. I probably don’t thank him enough, but from time to time, I try to let him know that I appreciate everything he has done for me.”

Joe Browning served in the U.S. Army Infantry from 2003 to 2010.

Photo courtesy Joe Browning

Joe Browning, a sophomore and the current president of the Military Club, has a different story about his experience finding Hilbert. Joe first joined the U.S. Army Infantry in 2003 and was stationed in Fort Wainwright, Alaska. He served a 15-month tour with that unit in Mosul, Iraq and then reenlisted for another four-year contract.

At that time, Joe was sent to Baumholder, Germany with the 1st Armored Division.

After training for a year in Germany, Joe was deployed to Baghdad, Iraq as part of the Battalion Commander’s security. Three months into that detail, Joe and his men were ambushed leaving a meeting. Two of Joe’s men were killed and three others wounded. Joe served until June 2010. He came home to Buffalo and decided to use his GI Bill to get an education and find a better job. Admittedly, Joe chose Hilbert because it was convenient, but as time goes by, he knows he made the right decision.

“As each semester passes, I realize I made an excellent choice coming to Hilbert,” Browning said. “The professors are excellent and the small campus gives a sense of family. Hilbert made my transition into college as easy as can be. The staff in

the finance and admissions offices were quick and are always helpful when I have questions. I would like to tell them thank you for all your long hours and hard work.

Hilbert's excellent teaching faculty has made it easy for me to hope for a better future after I graduate. All of the professors are real and what I find most important is that they work or have worked in the fields that they are teaching. It does make a big difference compared to what some of the big universities have.”

One of Hilbert’s chief supporters for helping veteran students is Brad Hafner.

Hafner is one of Hilbert’s original trustees and has consistently showed tremendous support for Hilbert’s veteran population, including a generous donation to establish the Hafner Veteran’s Center and an annual dinner held exclusively for veteran students.

This year Hilbert received a great honor by being named to the 2014 Military Friendly Schools® list. The list is selected

by Victory Media, the premier media entity for military personnel transitioning into civilian life, and honors the top twenty percent of colleges, universities, and trade schools in the country that are doing the most to embrace America’s military service members, veterans, and spouses as students and ensure their success on campus.

“Inclusion on the 2014 list of Military Friendly Schools® shows Hilbert College’s commitment to providing a supportive

40

Students receiving veteran benefits in 2013. environment for military students,” said Sean Collins, Vice President at Victory Media, and a nine-year Navy veteran.

“The need for education is growing and our mission is to provide the military community with transparent, world-class resources to assist in their search for schools.”

The Military Friendly Schools® media and website, found at www. militaryfriendlyschools.com, feature the list, interactive tools and search functionality to help military students find the best school to suit their unique needs and preferences.

Hilbert College exhibits leading practices in the recruitment and retention of students with military experience. Hilbert’s programs and policies for student support on campus, academic accreditation, credit policies, flexibility and other services are considered among the industry’s best policies for helping those who have served.

“The school has been great with myself and the other vets, and I can not thank them enough with what they have done for me,” Bengert said.

10

Veterans graduated from Hilbert in 2012 and 2013.

Photo courtesy Jed Bengert

HC Magazine | 2013

19

ALUMNIASSOCIATION ALUMNINEWS

T

he purpose of the Hilbert College Alumni Association is to advance the interests of the college, to develop and foster a mutually beneficial relationship between the college and its alumni by providing educational

opportunities, social programs, services and benefits, to build ties and relationships among alumni and students at the college, to provide alumni input on college concerns and to link the college of today and tomorrow with its heritage of excellence, commitment, and service.

HILBERTALUMNI

Log in to hilbert.edu/alumni to read additional class notes and to discover the many ways to connect with other alumni and the Hilbert community

Engagments & Marriages

Thomas Weber '10 and Melissa Szymanowski '12 announced their engagement on April 27, 2013. Melissa is currently working for the Montgomery County Police Department in Maryland, while Thomas left for boot camp training for the Marine Corps on October 20.

The couple will be wed on September 26, 2014 in Buffalo, NY. John Kordrupel ’06 proposed to Rose Vinti on October 19, 2013.

Chelsea Schreiber ’13 and Derek Vasquez were engaged on June 3, 2013.

20

fall

Samantha Hahn ’12 and Ethan Willard were married on June 7, 2013 at the Old Orchard Inn in East Aurora, NY.

Rosemary Zebracki ’13 and Dave Stephens were married on September 2, 2013.

Births

Angela (Hagen) '07 and Matthew Taub ’07 welcomed Charlotte Olivia Taub into the world on December 13, 2012.

ALUMNIBOOKCLUB The Hilbert Alumni Book Club is open to all those interested. Alumni, friends of alumni, faculty and staff, and students!

For more information: Tori Felser - 716.926.8884 vfelser@hilbert.edu

NEXT TWO BOOK CLUB MEETINGS December 23, 2013 6:30 p.m.

The Almost Moon

by Alice Sebold

January 29, 2014 6:30 p.m.

The Other Boleyn Girl

by Philippa Gregory Refreshments and snacks will be provided.

Honors

Frank C. Castiglia ’11 was hired as Admissions Counselor at Hilbert College.

Victoria Felser ’12 was hired as Development Associate for the office of Institutional Advancement at Hilbert.

Mary Hermans ’04 accepted a position as Paralegal with Health Now New York.

Kaylee Omerhodzic ’12 was hired as Compliance Analyst at First Niagara Financial Group. She also recently received her certification as a New York Criminal Analyst Level I.

SUPPORTINGHILBERT ALUMNINEWS

Hilbert College Alumna Commits Million-Dollar Bequest The Largest Individual Commitment in Hilbert’s History Lorraine (Sturdevant) Hritcko ’81 and her husband, Dr. Philip M. Hritcko, of Rocky Hill, Conn., made a bequest of $1 million to Hilbert College, the largest individual alumni commitment in the college’s history. The gift is designated for the naming of a future Hilbert capital project.

“My two years at Hilbert College laid the foundation for continuing my education and ultimately becoming successful in the business world,” Hritcko said. “My contributions to Hilbert are my way of saying ‘thank you’ to the administrators, faculty and staff who nurtured and encouraged me. They served as professional role models for me, and the extensive interaction with them not only enabled me to thrive academically, but gave me confidence and courage to succeed beyond Hilbert.”

“This is a very significant day for Hilbert College,” said Cynthia Zane, Ph.D., President of Hilbert College. “Lorraine and Philip have been increasingly generous to Hilbert over the years, but this commitment demonstrates their unwavering support and will have a lasting impact for numerous Hilbert students.”

Hritcko is a 1981 graduate of Hilbert’s paralegal studies program, and she and her husband have been generous supporters of

Lorraine ('81) and Dr. Philip M. Hritcko on their most recent visit to the Hilbert Campus.

Hilbert and recently donated $25,000 to name a classroom.

“She came to us as a shy, young woman from the Binghamton, NY area. Certainly, she has blossomed beyond expectations. She is one of the most successful Hilbert graduates.

She has encountered success, not only throughout the northeast, but internationally as well,” said Sr. Edmunette Paczesny, FSSJ, President Emerita at Hilbert College. “She has been extremely generous to Hilbert. As her career began to expand, she began to expand her generosity to Hilbert as well. She has always been gracious to me, and we have maintained correspondence. The fact that she remembers Hilbert is a very important thing.”

Hritcko is currently Director, Global Software Sales at Conning in Hartford, Conn. Her career journey began after earning her MBA at Binghamton University in 1986, and she was recruited by Aetna in Hartford, CT where she began a three-year executive development program with a focus on human resources.

At the conclusion of the program, Hritcko was promoted to the head of human resources for the Corporate Communications Division, which included public relations, speech writing, graphic design, a state-of-the-art

22

fall

television studio, and a 200-person print shop.

She followed that with promotions to human resources for the Investment Division and head of communications for the Investment Division. Hritcko managed communications with external rating agencies and with the Investment Committee of the Board of Directors on Aetna's investment performance during the financial crisis of the late 1980s early 90s. In 1998, she was promoted to the Y2K Project for Aetna International, which had 26 businesses in 18 countries, where she travelled significantly, logging 800,000 miles in 18 months. In 2000, Hritcko was promoted to the position of Chief of Staff for both the Chairman and CEO/President of Aetna International. After leaving Aetna, she was hired by the Insurance Division of SunGard, where she spent eight years working throughout North America, Europe, South America, and Asia. Prior to her start at Conning in March 2011, she spent three years at Towers Watson.

Hritcko has some advice for current Hilbert students, “Don't be afraid to take chances.

You aren't always going to get it right the first time around, but the key to long-term success in both your career and personal life is the ability to continually reinvent yourself.”

FRANCISCANREFLECTIONS

San Damiano Awards Reception Dominique Thompson Memorial Alumna/us of the Year Thomas Doody ‘97

Tom currently works as a Senior Financial Advisor at Merrill Lynch. He has spent numerous years dedicating immense time and resources to the college and the greater Buffalo community. Man of the Year in his graduating year, Tom has gone on to participate in various community service activities such as Big Brothers/Big Sisters of Central Arizona, the Pat Tillman Foundation, Ride for Roswell, committee member of the Phoenix Zoo, and Prince of Peace Church Council.

Athletics Hall of Fame Inductees Dallas Reinard ‘08

Ranked among Hilbert College’s all-time leaders in 17 different statistical categories, 2008 graduate Dallas Reinard was a three-time all-conference selection; while twice leading the men’s basketball program to the Allegheny Mountain Collegiate Conference (AMCC) tournament semifinals. Owner of a bachelor’s degree in Criminal Justice, Reinard resides in Winfield, PA and is currently employed as a corrections officer at the United States Penitentiary in Allenwood.

Michele Sojda Sister Adrienne Faculty/Staff Lifetime Achievement Award Amy Smith, Ph.D.

Dr. Amy Smith acts as Division Chair of Arts and Science and English Professor at Hilbert College.

She has been Director of the Hilbert Honors program since 2001, while continually displaying integrity and leadership both in the classroom and within the Hilbert Community. Dr. Smith has been involved in volunteering for Camp Good Days for more than twenty years. She also spends her time assisting the Birthday Squad and Hospice’s Bereavement Program, while also completing local and international service trips to Washington, D.C., California, South Carolina, Kenya, Costa Rica and the Dominican Republic. She also serves as the faculty representative on the student engagement committee.

Settling into a counselor’s position in the admissions office, Michele Sojda was, and still is, available to support Hilbert College student-athletes in almost any capacity needed. A frequent and enthusiastic presence at all Hilbert College home games, “Mich” has interacted with students and athletes alike, monitoring academic progress, installing confidence, and being an invaluable listener as the college’s Director of Academic Services. A graduate of Brockport State and recipient of her New York State Permanent Education Certification from the University at Buffalo, Mich currently serves as Treasurer of the New York College Learning Centers Association.

G.O.L.D. (Graduate of the Last Decade) Award John Kordrupel ‘06

Current Youth Services Planning Coordinator at Erie County Youth Bureau, John has achieved career success and demonstrated significant volunteer service to the community and Hilbert College. A former employee of Habitat for Humanity, John has organized service opportunities for students and alumni to partner in giving back to the community.

Hilbert College Franciscan Values Award Daniel Gernatt, Jr.

A former trustee of Hilbert College and a 30 year veteran of the Collins Volunteer Fire Department, Mr. Gernatt is Chief Executive Officer and owner of Gernatt Asphalt in Collins, NY. Mr. Gernatt has served on several boards and committees such as the Congressional Leadership Council, Erie County Chairmen’s Association, Roswell Park Alliance Foundation, MTB Group of Funds for M&T Bank, Classic Car Club of America and Classic Car Club’s National Museum Board. Mr. Gernatt is a dedicated and active supporter of many charitable organizations, including the American Heart Association and the March of Dimes.

2013 Award Recipients (L to R): Daniel Gernatt, Jr., Michele Sojda, Thomas Doody '97, Dr. Amy Smith, John Kordrupel '06, and Dallas Reinard '08

HC Magazine | 2013

23

ALUMNINEWS ATHLETICSNEWS

Hilbert College Athletics Launches HilbertHawks.com Hilbert College Athletics, in partnership with SIDEARM Sports, announced this fall the launch of www.HilbertHawks.com.

The newly designed website provides a variety of new, interactive, and fanfriendly features.

"Hilbert College is pleased to announce the launch of our new Hawks’ Athletics website," Hilbert Director of Athletics John Czarnecki said.

"The new format provides a dynamic platform to better showcase the College’s 13 athletic programs and our student-athletes. This website is a testament to the College’s commitment to its community of alumni, sponsors, donors, students, parents, and fans of the Hilbert Hawks.”

previews and recaps, statistics, player and coach bios, and historical information on Hawk athletics as in the past. In addition, fans of Hilbert Athletics will find quick access to the Hawks’ social media hubs, statistics, schedules, more general information pages, photo galleries, scoreboards, and upcoming calendar of events. The new website will also feature

mobile capabilities to access Hilbert Hawks’ information on-the-go.

SIDEARM Sports provides the software and technology that powers the websites, live stats, and video streaming for over 680 colleges, universities, and high schools.

The all-new HilbertHawks.com features an updated look and layout that is consistent with college athletics websites.

The new look includes larger images and will continue to provide all of the sports schedules and rosters, game

Men's Volleyball Accepted as Associate Member of NEAC The North Eastern Athletic Conference (NEAC) announced the acceptance of four associate members for competition in men’s volleyball, including Hilbert College, beginning with the 2014-15 season.

Hilbert College and Medaille College, which are both currently associate members in other conference sports, will join Penn State Altoona and former NEAC member institution D’Youville College as members for men’s volleyball, bringing the sport’s sponsorship to nine teams across the conference. They will join current full conference members Cazenovia College, Keuka College, Lancaster Bible College, SUNY Institute of Technology and Wells College to round out the field. A 10th team will potentially be added in 201516 as well, with NEAC member school Wilson College anticipating adding the sport that season, as previously discussed here.

24

fall

“We are very excited to bring the men’s volleyball programs of these four institutions to the NEAC,” stated NEAC Commissioner Candice Murray. “The additions will help increase competition across the league while also putting the conference one step closer to gaining an automatic bid to the NCAA Division III Men’s Volleyball Tournament.”

The NCAA requires conferences to have a minimum of seven teams compete in a sport for two years prior to granting them an automatic qualifying bid to the national tournament, meaning the NEAC would now qualify by the 2016-17 season thanks to the addition of these four teams for next season.

Men’s Volleyball became the conference’s 17th sport offering last season after returning from a five-year hiatus. The sport was originally sponsored by the NEAC in the

conference’s first three seasons of existence in 2004-05, 2005-06 and 2006-07 before having to be discontinued due to membership turnover following the 2006-07 season.

The 2013-14 NEAC men’s volleyball season is set to begin in early January.

ALUMNINEWS

Peri Named Athletic Trainer for Hawks This fall, the athletic department at Hilbert College welcomed Greg Peri as the Hawks new athletic trainer.

Peri brings a varied background related to athletic strength training, injury prevention and rehabilitation. The Cheektowaga native will work with the college’s team doctor, Dr. Jennifer Teeter (Buffalo Orthopaedic Group), to provide complete medical care for approximately 225 student-athletes in Hilbert’s 13 varsity sports.

Peri has certifications and licensures from the National Athletic Trainers Association, the New York State Education Department and the American Red Cross for First Aid, CPR and AED for the professional rescuer.

Prior to Hilbert, Peri served as a certified Athletic Trainer for both Excelsior Orthopaedics (Clarence High School, 2012-13) and for Catholic Health System (Medaille College, 201112). He overlapped his athletic training duties while serving as a Physician Extender at the University at Buffalo Orthopedics from October 2011 to August 2012.

After he graduated from Alfred University (2010) with a bachelor’s of science degree in Athletic Training, with a minor in Exercise Science, he jumped right into his profession and worked at theTonawanda Aquatic & Fitness Center as a PersonalTrainer. Peri completed his Master of Sport Administration from Canisius College in May 2012.

Greg Peri

Hilbert Men's Soccer and Women's Volleyball Reach Postseason The 2013 Hilbert College men's soccer team earned the right to fight for the Allegheny Mountain Collegiate Conference league title in the playoffs. As the sixth seeded team, Hilbert traveled to Pittsburgh, Pa. for a firstround match up with La Roche College on November 2. The Hawks netted three goals, but ultimately lost, 4-3, to La Roche. The Hawks

finished the year with a 6-11 overall record, 4-5 in conference play. Hilbert had a strong homefield advantage, earning five of their victories on their home turf.

The Hilbert College women's volleyball team advanced to the semi-finals of the Allegheny Mountain Collegiate Conference

Championship. The Hawks (14-20) swept their first-round opponent, Penn State Altoona, on November 6 and moved on to challenge No. 1 seed Penn State Behrend (20-8). The Hawks' season came to an with a loss to Penn State Behrend in the semi-finals. The Hawks finished with a 6-3 conference record to go along with a 6-3 record on their home court.

Seven Hawks Receive Conference Honors WOMEN'S VOLLEYBALL The Allegheny Mountain Collegiate Conference 2013 Women's Volleyball All Conference team was announced and freshman Amanda Binder gave the Hilbert College program their first Newcomer of the Year honor. The rookie from Fremont, OH also earned a spot on the Third Team and was joined by senior Chelsea Reischuck, a very worthy recipient who gained her first postseason award capping off a record-setting career. Sophomore Allegra Johnson repeated as an AMCC First Team member becoming

Amanda Binder

Allegra Johnson

only the second Hilbert athlete ever to repeat as an AMCC first-teamer.

WOMEN'S CROSS COUNTRY Hilbert College's first year runner, Kylie Reinholz was named as the Newcomer of the Year for the women's cross country awards.

Reinholz had an impressive first-year collegiate running experience.The sophomore transfer joined the team at the end of August and literally took off from there. Reinholz continuously lowered her time in each of her seven races leading up to the championship race on November 2. She opened the season

Chelsea Reischuck

Kylie Reinholz

Jon Davison

with a 5K time of 21:10 and was able to lower that to 20:21 by the CCOC race in Geneva.

MEN'S SOCCER The 2013 Allegheny Mountain Collegiate Conference All-Conference soccer teams included three Hilbert College men's soccer players. Senior Michael Gee and junior Jon Davison, repeat selections from 2012, were joined by junior Matt Hamister. The Hawks (6-11 overall) qualified for the AMCC play-offs for the second consecutive year due, in part, to the leadership and athletic performances these three brought to the pitch each day.

Michael Gee

Matt Hamister

HC Magazine | 2013

25

FRANCISCANREFLECTIONS FRANCISCANFOOTPRINTS

Hilbert College is an independent institution of higher learning that embraces its Catholic Franciscan heritage and values. Students from diverse backgrounds are educated in liberal arts and professional programs to become informed citizens committed to serving and strengthening their communities.

FRANCISCAN. Franciscanism dates back to the 12th century in the tiny Italian village of Assisi from the work of one man: St Francis of Assisi. He was more than a saint - he was a prisoner and soldier who possessed a magnanimity of spirit.

The son of a wealthy merchant, Francis’ prosperous, rebellious life changed one day with a chance meeting of a leper. Rather than shun this social outcast, as he and so many others had done in the past, Francis embraced him. The gesture led Francis to a life of service to God.

A man of action, Francis began repairing chapels, financing his work by selling family possessions.

Disowned by his father and jeered by the masses, Francis remained focused on his mission. He soon realized that God was speaking not of physical buildings, but the spiritual Church and souls of people.

Although Francis lived only to the age of 44, his message of a life of simplicity and the power of prayer has never faded. Today, St. Francis is a symbol of spiritual love, guidance and hope. His ideals of peace and healing live on at Hilbert.

Soon after his conversation, Francis was praying before the crucifix at San Damiano when he heard Christ speak: “Francis, go and repair my house.”

FRANCISCAN VALUES Compassion Hope Integrity Joy Peace Respect Service Vision

26

spring fall

Start by doing what’s necessary; then do what’s possible; and suddenly you are doing the impossible.

St. Francis of Assisi

Come Home to

Better Energy!

Get more choices, value & service

Hilbert College Alumni are invited to receive an additional 2% OFF NOCO’s Market Natural Gas rate

It’s ! e l p m i S Just log onto noco.com or call

(888) 630-6626 Mention Promo Code: Hilbert For every new enrollment, NOCO will make a contribution to the Hilbert Opportunity Scholars Program

New NOCO Natural Gas customers only.

HC Magazine | 2013 27 Offer expires 12/31/14

HILBERTCOLLEGE

5 2 0 0 S o u t h P a r k Av e . | H a m b u r g , N Y 1 4 0 7 5

2014 HILBERTCOLLEGE

Scholarship Golf Tournament at Orchard Park Country Club

MONDAY, JUNE 23, 2014