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.