DECEMBER 2016 • 1
PRESIDENT’S LETTER 1957 was an interesting year in the history of Western New York. Dwight Eisenhower was President of the United States, the Bethlehem Steel plant in Lackawanna had 20,000 employees, Buffalo’s hockey team was the Bisons who played in the American Hockey League, Elvis Presley performed at the Memorial Auditorium, and La Nova Pizza opened their first venue in Tonawanda. The opening of the St. Lawrence Seaway that year profoundly changed Buffalo’s status as a port city and on Clark Street in Hamburg, New York, Joseph Herr, Jr. and Harold West were selling Ford Motor Company’s new exciting car- the Edsel. A few miles north of West-Herr’s first dealership, on South Park Avenue, a group of visionary, determined women, the Franciscan Sisters of St Joseph (FSSJ) had recognized that a Sister’s vocation as a religious teacher implied adequate and efficient training and set forth to provide educational advantages at higher levels of learning. Sister Edwina Bogel, the founding president, in her biography of Mother Colette Hilbert (In All Things Charity, 1983) concluded it was prudent to establish the Immaculata Teacher Training Academy, affiliated with the Catholic University of America, where the junior Sisters intensified both their spiritual and professional life as educators. It has been sixty years since the provisional charter granted by the University of the State of New York Education Department stated that the College’s purpose was to establish and maintain a junior college for members of the religious order of the Franciscan Sisters of St. Joseph and other religious orders, offering courses in the arts, sciences, and technical subjects leading to the degrees of associate in arts (A.A.) and associate in applied science (A.A.S.). Hilbert College bears little physical resemblance to those first classrooms that were housed in the Motherhouse enrolling only Sisters. Yet the ideals that motivated Mother Leona, Sister Mary Juliana, Sister Mary Edwina, Sister Mary Adeline, Sister Mary Irmina, and Sister Mary Gabriel, identified in the charter as Hilbert’s first Board of Trustees, still sound in the voices of students, the classes led by the faculty members, and the daily fulfillment of responsibilities by the staff and administration- a commitment to the Franciscan values of hope, peace, service, joy, integrity, respect, compassion, and vision. This edition of the Magazine begins our celebration of the wonderful legacy that has been entrusted to us by the Franciscan Sisters of St. Joseph. I hope you enjoy the reflections of alumni, members of the Board of Trustees, and faculty. On March 16, 2017 at 6 p.m. we will unveil a special tribute to all the Sisters who have served at Hilbert College in the last 60 years. We hope you can attend. Please check out the Hilbert web site each week as we post photographs that Sister Joanette lovingly stored in the library archives over the years and for more details on the March 16th event. Happy Birthday Hilbert! Sincerely,
Cynthia A. Zane, Ed.D.
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IN THIS ISSUE Around The Quad 4 News 5 Celebrate 60 14 History, Legacy, and Stories 14 Memories of Hilbert 23 Alumni News & Notes 26 Engagements, Weddings, and Births 26 Honors & Recognition 27 Hawks Nest 28 Upcoming Events 30 Alumni Spotlight 31 PUBLISHED BY Office of Institutional Advancement Hilbert College 5200 South Park Avenue Hamburg, NY 14075
ACCREDITATION REAFFIRMED • 4
CELEBRATE 60 • 14
EDITOR Matt Heidt ASSISTANT EDITOR Matt Gorczyca CREATIVE DIRECTOR Ian M. Gattie ADMINISTRATIVE COUNCIL Cynthia Zane, Ed.D. Kristina Lantzky-Eaton, Ph.D. Michael Murrin Rick Pinkowski David Rhodes Kelly Smith Denise Harris Jim Sturm
MEMORIES OF HILBERT • 23
ON THE COVER Original artwork by Ian M. Gattie ON THE WEB giving.hilbert.edu/alumni-hilbert-magazine Copyright © 2016-2017 - Hilbert College All rights reserved. No part of this publication may be reproduced, distributed, or transmitted in any form or by any means, including photocopying, recording, or other electronic or mechanical methods, without the prior written permission of the publisher, except in the case of brief quotations embodied in critical reviews and certain other noncommercial uses permitted by copyright law.
HAWKS NEST • 28
DECEMBER 2016 • 3
AROUND THE QUAD
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4 • HILBERT COLLEGE - COMMEMORATIVE EDITION - PART 1
HILBERT COLLEGE’S ACCREDITATION IS REAFFIRMED BY MIDDLE STATES “This outcome reflects the collaborative effort by the Hilbert community in preparation for the Middle States Team visit.” Hilbert College received notification this past summer from the Middle States Commission on Higher Education that the commission acted to reaffirm accreditation for Hilbert College with a follow-up report due April 1, 2018. Additional information from the Middle States Commission on Higher Education is available on its website. In a time when the federal government is putting increased pressure on regional accrediting bodies to intensify their oversight on colleges and universities, this was not a given. “This outcome reflects the collaborative effort by the Hilbert community in preparation for the Middle States Team Visit,” Hilbert President Cynthia Zane said. “All colleges go through this rigorous process of self-examination and peer review. We are gratified the commission agreed with the visiting team that Hilbert College met all 14 standards for accreditation.” “I am tremendously grateful to the cochairs, Dr. Christopher Holoman and Dr. Donald Vincent. A special thank you to the members of Hilbert’s Steering Committee and self-study work groups. This is a testament to the shared efforts of the entire Hilbert community.”
DECEMBER 2016 • 5
AROUND THE QUAD NEW HIRES Rhodes Named Vice President for Enrollment Management David J. Rhodes, who has more than 30 years of experience in enrollment management, financial aid, and admissions, has been appointed Vice President for Enrollment Management at Hilbert College announced President Cynthia Zane, Ed.D. Rhodes leads Hilbert’s admissions and student financial services to build and execute a strategic enrollment plan that will meet the college’s enrollment goals. “I am confident that David’s extensive experience in developing and implementing enrollment strategies will be extremely valuable in our efforts toward achieving our enrollment goals,” Zane said. “We are pleased to have a leader of his caliber to serve in this vital role.”
David J. Rhodes
Rhodes has served as Vice President or Interim Vice President at numerous schools over the past two decades, most recently at Wilkes University in Wilkes-Barre, Pa. As Interim Vice President for Enrollment Services at Wilkes, he oversaw the implementation of a financial aid review program, a yield plan which increased freshmen deposits, and a structure for the 2017 recruitment plans. He served six years as Vice President for Enrollment Management at Marietta College in Ohio where total undergraduate enrollment increased to the highest level in 35 years. Rhodes led the effort to implement a comprehensive admissions marketing program, conduct empirical enrollment and retention research and analysis, plan and execute financial aid directives, present enrollment models and scenarios, and analyze division and institutional budgets. His background also includes an eight-year stint as Vice President for Enrollment at Heidelberg University in Tiffin, Ohio. At Heidelberg, his team increased total enrollment and he oversaw the implementation of an institutional marketing plan. Rhodes, a native of Erie, Pa, earned his bachelor’s degree in business administration/ economics from Thiel College, in Greenville, Pa. and a Master of Business Administration from Heidelberg University.
Lantzky-Eaton Named Interim Provost and Vice President for Academic Affairs Kristina M. Lantzky-Eaton, Ph.D. has been named Interim Provost and Vice President for Academic Affairs at Hilbert College, President Cynthia Zane announced. Lantzky-Eaton began her role at Hilbert over the summer and will serve a one-year interim term. The search for a permanent Provost/Vice President began this fall. Lantzky-Eaton has been the Chair of the Chemistry Department at St. John Fisher College in Rochester since 2010, where she had supported 11 faculty, two staff, and 10 adjunct faculty. At St. John Fisher, she oversaw the department’s budget, coordinated scheduling with the schools of education, pharmacy, and nursing, secured funding for new instrumentation, and assisted faculty in developing and implementing new teaching strategies. Kristina M. Lantzky-Eaton, Ph.D.
“We are very happy that Dr. Lantzky-Eaton has agreed to assume the oversight for this crucial area,” Zane said. “Her experience and leadership will be invaluable during this transitional period. We are also grateful that the administration of St. John Fisher has granted her a leave of absence from her current position as Chairperson of the Chemistry Department for the 2016-17 academic year.” She has an extensive record of accomplishment and service as an educator, including
6 • HILBERT COLLEGE - COMMEMORATIVE EDITION - PART 1
roles in college-wide governance, assessment and accreditation, community service, grant writing, and more. Lantzky-Eaton has held numerous leadership roles in professional development and has published widely in peer-reviewed journals. She has presented nationally at numerous conferences on topics related to STEM and education. Lantzky-Eaton is a graduate of Wartburg College in Waverly, Iowa receiving her bachelor’s degree in Chemistry/Physics. She received her Ph.D. from the University of Wyoming in Physical Chemistry.
Hilbert Welcomes Three New Directors Michelle Held was named Director of Philanthropy Research and Strategy in Institutional Advancement, Ahyana King was named Director of Multicultural Affairs, and Jacob Yale was named Director of Admissions. Michelle Held Held most recently served as the Director of Campaign at Genesee Community College, where she spearheaded a successful $5 million comprehensive capital campaign. The campaign surpassed its goal for new buildings and endowed scholarship funds. At Genesee Community College, Held oversaw the department’s strategic planning, budgeting for revenue growth and sustainability, and market development for fundraising, which included donor prospecting and research, cultivation, and stewardship. She also coordinated the development department’s daily operations, supervised all staff, and facilitated the college’s scholarship and endowment program. Held earned both her Master of Science in Communication and Leadership and her bachelor’s degree in communication studies from Canisius College.
Ahyana King
King has over 10 years of experience in the mental health and higher education professions. Most recently, King served as the Director of Intercultural Affairs at Washington College in Chestertown, Maryland. She was responsible for designing, implementing, and assessing the programs, trainings, and services which directly supported students from historically underrepresented and underserved populations and promoted interculturalism across campus. She also served on the Diversity Committee, Student Life Committee, and Academic Resources Committee. King earned her Master of Science in Mental Health Counseling from Walden University and her bachelor’s degree in human development and family science from Messiah College in Mechanicsburg, Pennsylvania. Yale has over 12 years of admissions experience. He spent the past two years on the shores of Lake Tahoe first as the Associate Director of Admissions and then the Director of Admissions at Sierra Nevada College (SNC) in Nevada. At SNC, the admissions team, under Yale’s leadership, set enrollment records for May 1 deposits with an increase of 28 percent and reached 78 percent of their fall class by May 1. He also noted a 10 percent increase in applications, 31 percent increase in accepted students, a 15 percent increase in freshmen and transfer deposits and a 30 percent increase in international students. Yale, a native of Central Pennsylvania, earned his bachelor’s and master’s degrees from Clarion University of Pennsylvania, with a Bachelor of Fine Arts in Graphic Arts and Design and a Master of Science in Mass Media Marketing and Journalism.
Jacob Yale
DECEMBER 2016 • 7
AROUND THE QUAD SAN DAMIANO AWARDS
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G.O.L.D. (GRADUATE OF THE LAST DECADE) AWARD Presented to Hilbert graduates of the last decade who have achieved career success and demonstrated significant volunteer service to their communities and/or Hilbert. Randy Surface ‘12 Randy Surface graduated with a Bachelor of Science in Business Administration. While attending Hilbert, he participated in the Honors Program. Randy served six years in the United States Marine Corps to include a combat deployment in support of Operation Enduring Freedom in Helmond Province, Afghanistan. Currently, Randy is a Program Manager at M&T Bank which oversees analytics, process improvement, and project management. HILBERT COLLEGE FRANCISCAN VALUES AWARD (NON-ALUM) Presented to a friend of Hilbert, who exemplifies the principles in which the college was founded and who has distinguished him/ herself in their career and the community.
Hilbert College’s 2016 San Damiano Award recipients were honored in a ceremony this past September as a Kickoff to True Blue Homecoming Weekend. The 11th Annual San Damiano Awards Reception honored G. Gary Berner, Laurie Boreanaz Carra ‘81, Joan M. Crouse, Ph.D., Emily Pawelski ’18, Randy Surface ‘12 and Athletics Hall of Fame Inductees, Tricia Knight ’09 and James Ruggiero. DOMINIQUE THOMPSON ALUMNA OF THE YEAR AWARD Given to the individual who demonstrates Hilbert’s Franciscan values and encompasses the true spirit of the college. Laurie Boreanaz Carra ‘81 Laurie earned her associate’s degree in legal studies from Hilbert College in 1981. From there she went on to earn a BA from SUNY Fredonia and her JD from Union University’s Albany Law School. She has 35 years of experience practicing law in private, higher education, government service, and corporate practice. In 2008, she joined Independent Health and is their Senior Deputy Counsel.
G. Gary Berner Mr. Berner served on the Hilbert College Board of Trustees from 1999-2009 and became Trustee Emeritus in May 2011. During his time on the Board, he served on the Audit/Finance and Investment Committees and still holds a seat with the Audit/Finance Committee today. ST. CLARE STUDENT OF THE YEAR AWARD Presented to a current student who has distinguished him/herself at Hilbert and in the community, as well as exemplifies the college’s Franciscan mission and tradition. Emily Pawelski ’18 Emily Pawelski is a Junior Forensic Accounting major. Emily has been involved with many organizations on campus such as Student Government, Franciscan Spirit Club, Enactus, and Rotaract. ATHLETICS HALL OF FAME INDUCTEES Recognizes former Hilbert student-athletes, coaches and supporters who have contributed to the success of the college both on and off the athletic field.
SISTER ADRIENNE FACULTY / STAFF LIFETIME ACHIEVEMENT AWARD Presented to a past or current faculty/staff member who emulates the characteristics that Sister Adrienne Rapnicki, FSSJ, exhibited during her tenure at Hilbert.
Tricia Knight ’09 Tricia Knight ’09 of Sardinia, NY was the first Hilbert women’s soccer player to be selected to three consecutive Allegheny Mountain Collegiate Conference All-Conference teams, earning a spot on the Second Team twice. She helped guide the program to 18 wins and concluded her 50 game, three-year career with 32 goals and 74 points.
Joan M. Crouse, Ph.D. Dr. Crouse has been a professor of history at Hilbert College for 38 years. Her expertise in social and cultural history have brought history to life for her students. In 1988, she had the opportunity to teach at the University of Waikato, in New Zealand, as a Fulbright Professor.
James Ruggiero James Ruggiero served as the head coach of the women’s soccer program for 12 seasons leading the Hawks through two different athletic conferences and found success each step of the way. Ruggiero holds the All-Time Win record at 85-110-12, and he twice was named Coach of the Year (2002 NEAC and 2006 AMCC).
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PEACE WALK Every year, during St. Francis Week, Hilbert College honors its Catholic Franciscan mission with a week long celebration of the life of St. Francis of Assisi. On October 4th, the Feast Day of St. Francis, Hilbert College suspends all of its classes during the noon hour and participates in the annual Peace Walk. This unique Hilbert tradition brings the entire campus community together for prayer and reflection. Students, faculty, staff, and administration walk around the campus to various stations where they will hear about events from the life of St. Francis and consider how his life and the Catholic Franciscan mission of Hilbert challenges us today.
DECEMBER 2016 • 9
AROUND THE QUAD
DAY OF SERVICE Hilbert’s first-ever campus-wide Day of Service was held on September 23 as the kick-off to True Blue Weekend. Members of Hilbert’s administration, faculty, staff, students, and alumni volunteered at five community partners as a way to promote equality, justice, respect and compassion. The service sites included Buffalo Peace House (nonprofit that provides safe shelter to asylum seekers and refugees). Veterans One-Stop Center of WNY, Inc. (nonprofit that offers veterans and their families onestop place for social and health services), The Village of Hamburg Parks and Recreation (integral sector of the village that offers the community fun and engaging activities), St. Vincent de Paul Society (a nonprofit that offers meals, clothing and shelter to the poor of our community) and Compass House (a nonprofit that offers runaway, homeless and street youth safe shelter).
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VETERANS CEREMONY On Thursday, November 10, Hilbert held a Flag Ceremony in observance of Veterans Day. The ceremony included members of the military raising the flag, while the campus honored the memory of Daniel Mikac, a WNY veteran who passed away in 2016. Mikac's family was in attendance and was presented with a flag.
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Current students Tatyona Duke and Cameron McLeod.
Current students Vanessa Enciso and Mackenzie Sawyer.
Alumni Association Board members Hanah Ali and Jon Hulbert.
BUFFALO PHILHARMONIC ORCHESTRA AT HILBERT COLLEGE The spirit of the season was celebrated with festive Christmas favorites at a special holiday pops concert performed by the Buffalo Philharmonic Orchestra on Tuesday, December 6 in Hilbert College’s William E. Swan Auditorium. The BPO Holiday Pops has become a popular tradition in celebrating the holiday season at Hilbert College and this year marked the BPO’s ninth annual performance at Swan Auditorium. The holiday concert was conducted by Stefan Sanders and featured soloist Emily Helenbrook, soprano.
Stefan Sanders
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Hilbert President Cynthia Zane
Emily Helenbrook
LEADERSHIP CIRCLE The Leadership Circle is a prestigious society of Hilbert’s most generous donors, which include those who make a gift of $1,000 or more annually. Our Graduates Of the Last Decade (GOLD) members are eligible to be a part of this exclusive group with contributions of $250 or more annually. Leadership Circle givers are the foundation of support that makes possible the growth Hilbert has seen in its 60 years of service to students. These annual gifts continue to give opportunities to students with great potential but considerable financial needs, with a large percentage being first-generation College students. Our Leadership donors go the extra mile to ensure that students have their best shot at living out their professional dreams and becoming exceptional men and women of service within their communities. As a token of Hilbert’s gratitude, members of the Leadership Circle were invited to attend the BPO Holiday Pops Concert, as a VIP guest, followed by a reception!
Bryan Wittman and his wife, Kathy.
Hilbert Trustee Joseph Kubarek.
Hilbert Trustee Ann Swan (far right) with family members.
Former Hilbert Trustee Brad Hafner and his wife, Marie.
FEATURE STORY
History Legacy Memories
Name changed to Immaculata College.
1957 Immaculata Teacher Training School opens at the Motherhouse of the Franciscan Sisters of St. Joseph in Hamburg, NY. Sister Edwina Bogel is first president. 14 • HILBERT COLLEGE - COMMEMORATIVE EDITION - PART 1
1960
1962
The first graduating class from then-Immaculata College consisted of nine sisters.
Share your stories and memories online at hilbert.edu/celebrate60 Bogel Hall and McGrath Library open. Named changed to Hilbert College. Named after Mother Colette Hilbert, foundress of the Franciscan Sisters of St. Joseph. Charter amended to admit lay women.
1964
Admittance of lay men begins.
1967
1969
Construction starts on a major five-building project on the land adjacent to the FSSJ Motherhouse. DECEMBER 2016 • 15
FEATURE STORY FOUNDED IN 1957 Originally affiliated with the Catholic University of America, Hilbert College was founded in 1957 as Immaculata Teacher Training School, and its first classes were offered to nine Franciscan Sisters of Saint Joseph (FSSJ) at the FSSJ Motherhouse in Hamburg. Founded on the principles of the Catholic faith and the Franciscan philosophy of the FSSJ, the college was established under the vision and leadership of Sister Mary Edwina Bogel. Sister Edwina was named the first president and dean of the college. In 1960, the name of the institution was changed to Immaculata College; in 1969 it was renamed Hilbert College in memory of Mother Colette Hilbert, foundress of the FSSJ. Lay women were first admitted to the college in 1964. It became coeducational in 1969. Fueled by the changes in admission policy, enrollment reached 407 by the fall of 1969, more than double the previous year’s enrollment, and topped 500 a year later. In preparation for the growing enrollment, ground was broken in 1967 for a new campus adjacent to the Franciscan Sister Motherhouse. In the fall of 1969, the Academic Building and McGrath Library were opened, while the St. Joseph Residence Hall and Campus Center were formally dedicated in May 1970.
First meeting of the newly merged Board of Governors, which consisted of the previous Board of Governors and the Advisory Council.
Sr. Edmunette Paczesny named second president.
1969
1970
Campus Center and St. Joseph Residence Hall open. 16 • HILBERT COLLEGE - COMMEMORATIVE EDITION - PART 1
1974
Excerpt from Hilbert’s Commemorative 50th Anniversary Magazine – Hilbert Turns 50 Sister Edwina continually pursued the idea of a college that would not only educate sisters, but also meet the changing needs of its surrounding community. She blazed a path of service, leading Immaculata, teaching and doing work for her congregation. “She was the leader,” recalls Sister Helen Dirig (a member of the college’s first graduating class), “pushing all the courses.” That the school was Sister Edwina’s pride and joy was evident to those around her. Sister Edwina’s vision for one young sister helped further shape Hilbert. “When I entered the FSSJ community,” says Sister Edmunette, “Sister Edwina must have seen something in me that would be helpful. She urged our leadership to send me to graduate school and I worked under her tutelage.”
Hafner Recreation Center opens.
1979
Hilbert begins offering four-year degrees.
1988
1992
Hilbert offers two-year degrees in criminal justice, data processing, and business administration/ retail management. DECEMBER 2016 • 17
FEATURE STORY According to Meeting Minutes of the Board of Governors in the first-known memo containing “Hilbert College” in the memo’s header (December 9, 1969), the first members of the combined Board of Governors present at the meeting were: Mr. F. Steven Berg Mrs. Arthur Buchanan Mr. James Flatley Mr. Vincent Gaughan Mr. Frank J. Giambra Mrs. Joseph Klausman Mr. William F. Marx Msgr. John J. Naylon Mrs. Dorothy Ross Rev. George C. Ruof Msgr. William J. Snyder Mrs. Walter J. Steffan
BECOMING HILBERT COLLEGE AND EARLY BOARD LEADERSHIP According to the Board of Governors’ Meeting Minutes, dated March 5, 1969, then-Immaculata College had petitioned the Regents of the State of New York for amendments to the college charter. The minutes read, “These petitions, which involve the change of the college name to Hilbert College and the permission to accept male students beginning with the summer of 1969, will be before the Board on March 27-8.” Prior to 1969, the college functioned with two ‘boards,’ an Advisory Council (which was also referred to as the Board of Trustees or Board of Advisors) and the Board of Governors.
Representing the college administration and faculty: Sister Mary Edwina, President Sister Sanctia, Academic Dean Sister Stella Maria, Dean of Students Sister Tiburtia Sister Edmunette Sister Simonette Sister Marvina Dr. Carmen Anthony Notaro
In a letter, dated November 26, 1969 to Very Rev. Msgr. William J. Snyder, a member of the college’s Board of Governors, it stated that, “The Board of Trustees at Hilbert College passed a resolution on November 17, 1969 to establish a single advisory board of 30 members to be known as the Hilbert College Board of Governors, through a merger of the present Board of Governors and the Advisory Council plus additional appointees.” Monsignor Snyder appeared as a member of Board on the earliest documents found in Hilbert’s archives, dated 1965.
Further, the letter stated the “30 members will be divided into (6) standing committees of (5) Governors each, plus as least 2 faculty consultants on each committee, to be named by the President of the College.” The first standing committees established were: 1. Executive Committee 2. Building and Grounds Committee 3. Career Planning and Placement Committee 4. Financial Assistance Committee (Annual Giving, Deferred Gifts, Foundations, etc.) 5. Special Programs Planning and Development Committee 6. Committee on Student Life
32-YEAR PRESIDENTIAL TENURE OF SISTER EDMUNETTE Sister Edwina retired as president in 1973, and the Academic Building was renamed Bogel Hall in her honor. Sister Edmunette Paczesny was named president in 1974 and would lead the college through more great changes over the next three decades. The biggest transition came in 1992 as Hilbert moved to a four-year bachelor’s degree-granting college. Enrollment continued to rise, as the student body topped 1,000 students for the first time in 2003.
New administration building, Franciscan Hall, opens. First season in NCAA Division III
1992-93
1996 Construction begins on Franciscan Hall. Then U.S. Attorney General Janet Reno is Commencement speaker.
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1997
During her 32 years as president, Sister Edmunette oversaw several major capital improvements. Among the new construction projects: the Hafner Recreation Center (1979), an administration building (Franciscan Hall, in 1997), four apartment-style residence buildings (2003), Swan Auditorium (2006) and a new academic building named in her honor, Paczesny Hall (2006). The 452-seat William E. Swan Auditorium, which is connected to Paczesny Hall, opened in October 2006. Equipped with state-ofthe-art stage sound and lighting capabilities, the 24,000-squarefoot Swan Auditorium features a performance space, two dressing rooms, a green room and a large rehearsal space that may be divided into two areas. The venue is ideal for lectures, political debates, conferences, theater productions, music concerts and other special events offered by Hilbert and area community groups. Paczesny Hall opened in 2006 and was the first new classroom and faculty workspace since the original academic building opened in 1969. The 24,000-square-foot interactive and flexible learning space features 12 smart classrooms including a 3-1 room, which can be divided into as many three separate classrooms. In addition to office space for 12 faculty members and study areas throughout the building, Paczesny Hall also houses the Honors Lounge, Hafner Veterans Center, and the state-of-the-art Center for Creative Media.
HILBERT’S FIRST LAY PRESIDENT With Hilbert’s first 50 years consisting of the leadership from the congregation of the FSSJ, there was no doubt that the stability of those leaders contributed to the strength and growth of the college. When Sister Edmunette retired from the presidency in 2006, the members of the Board knew, due to the demographics of the congregation, that the next president would not be a member of
Excerpt from Hilbert’s Commemorative 50th Anniversary Magazine – Hilbert Turns 50 Sister Andrea Ciszewski ’66 (trustee emerita and former Hilbert instructor) knew Sister Edmunette first as an instructor, then as president. Sister Edmunette faced many challenges, she said, but “through all of it she stood with great integrity. She was always steeped in prayer and fulfilled her duties with everyone’s respect.” On a more practical level, Sister Edmunette wins special respect for her leadership in moving forward with the college’s evolution to a four-year institution. “There was risk involved and we were comfortable as a two-year college,” Assistant Vice President for Business and Finance Anthony Wiertel ‘78 said, “but Sister Edmunette had no hesitation.” Hilbert's current success “reflects the style of leadership that both leaders offered,” adds President Cynthia Zane, Ed.D. “They were clearly visionary women. They embraced change to keep Hilbert a competitive, quality institution.”
First phase of apartmentstyle housing opens. Enrollment tops 1000 for the first time.
2003 St. Francis Sculpture is dedicated.
2003
2005 Groundbreaking for Paczesny Hall and William E. Swan Auditorium. Hafner Recreation Center is expanded and new fitness center opens.
DECEMBER 2016 • 19
FEATURE STORY Hilbert College Reads The Hilbert College Reads program is a common intellectual reading experience that engages students and creates a sense of community through cross-disciplinary conversations. Every year, the Hilbert College Reads committee selects a text and invites the author to present on campus. This event is also open to the local community. After four successful years, Hilbert Reads is now a staple event during the early to middle of the fall semester. The inaugural program in 2013 featured Conor Grennan’s Little Princes; One Man’s Promise to Bring Home the Lost Children of Nepal. That was followed by Neil White’s Sanctuary of Outcasts in 2014, Jerry McGill’s Dear Marcus; A Letter to the Man Who Shot Me in 2015, and in 2016 Coming Clean by Kimberly Rae Miller. Each year the author’s presentation has filled Swan Auditorium with students, faculty, staff, and community members. The fifth annual Hilbert Reads program is still in the planning stages, but remains on track for the signature event to take place in Fall 2017. Sr. Edmunette Paczesny steps down after 32-year presidential tenure.
the FSSJ. Later in 2006, Cynthia Zane, Ed.D, a leader in Catholic higher education who previously served as the chief academic officer and dean of the faculty at the College of Mount St. Joseph in Cincinnati, became Hilbert’s third president and its first lay president. Over the last ten years, Hilbert has continued to see growth and stability while maintaining its identity as a caring, Franciscan community. It is safe to say Hilbert’s Franciscan heritage has been preserved, and even advanced, under its first lay president. With the creation of the Office of Mission Integration, it has been a clear objective to sustain Hilbert’s Catholic and Franciscan philosophy. In 2009, Hilbert opened Trinity Hall, the college’s first new residence hall in nearly 40 years. Trinity Hall is a three-story building with rooms opening off a main corridor. The building offers two styles of rooms: suites, which feature three 2-person bedrooms, two bathrooms, and a small living room; or double rooms in which two 2-person bedrooms share one bathroom. In 2011, Hilbert reached a record-high enrollment with over 1,200 students. Also that year, Hilbert added its first graduate programs, in public administration and criminal justice administration. In 2012, Hilbert began offering bachelor’s degree programs in the evening geared toward adult learners.
Cynthia Zane becomes Hilbert's third president and first lay president.
STUDENT ENGAGEMENT MODEL Hilbert College embraces its mission to be a place where “students from diverse backgrounds are educated in liberal arts and professional programs to become informed citizens committed to serving and strengthening their communities.” At the heart of this is an exciting vision of the complete student experience, inside and outside the classroom. Students achieve greater success and retain knowledge longer when they are actively engaged in their learning. This means participating in a dynamic classroom, where concepts are applied, preconceived notions are challenged, and hands-on experience reinforce content presented by a highly qualified faculty. It also means providing students with many opportunities to feel connected to the college outside the classroom through clubs, athletic teams, diverse programming including study abroad, and effective advisement and counseling. With the assistance of a vital and invaluable Title III grant, Hilbert has structured its programs to allow students to start successfully and build on that beginning through an integrated series of classes and opportunities that result in broad preparation for a fruitful career and meaningful future. From Hilbert’s Student engagement model came the introduction of the Hilbert Blueprint.
Men's Lacrosse is added as an NCAA Division III sport.
Paczesny Hall and William E. Swan Auditorium open.
2006
2009
Trinity Hall opens.
2010
THE HILBERT BLUEPRINT The Hilbert Blueprint promotes a well-rounded student experience over four years. The ‘blueprint’ begins with the Foundations Seminar – a key piece to the First-Year Experience, followed by Sophomore Service, Junior Symposium, and concludes with the Senior Capstone. In their first year, all students take the Foundations Seminar to acquaint them with the college and provide them the tools they will need as they progress. As sophomores, they are expected to enroll in at least one course that includes a service learning component which provides both experiential learning in the course material and promotes engaged citizenship. The cornerstone of the third year is Hilbert’s nationally-recognized “Junior Symposium.” Centered on global current events, the course acquaints students with the world they will live and work in and allows them to engage in respectful dialogue with people who may hold very different opinions and worldviews. Finally, each degree program features a senior capstone experience appropriate for their discipline. Through an internship, major research project, or an intensive symposium, students get the chance to integrate and reflect on their entire academic career and showcase their preparation to begin their career or further integration.
THE FUTURE OF HILBERT While Hilbert College celebrates 60 years in the Franciscan tradition, those 60 years have laid the foundation for Hilbert for many years to come. Hilbert's laser-like focus on student success and Franciscan values will continue to guide the strategic planning and direction of Hilbert College.
Hilbert College’s Mission and Vision have changed very little in its 60-year history, the college’s Franciscan heritage, student focus, and service to community have always been the cornerstones.
HILBERT’S MISSION 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.
HILBERT’S VISION Hilbert College strives to be faithful to the deep and diverse historical foundations on which it rests. From the founding congregation of the Franciscan Sisters of St. Joseph, we embrace the traditions of St. Francis: respect, service, hope, vision, joy, integrity, compassion, and peace. From the noble legacies of the liberal arts academy, we honor intellectual inquiry, freedom of thought, breadth of knowledge, and lifelong learning. And from our own history, we continue to reach out to students from all backgrounds. We are committed to providing them skills and resources to achieve success in a wide range of careers, recognizing that in today’s world, that entails equipping students to respond to a rapidly changing global environment. The faculty and staff of Hilbert College are dedicated to providing students with individual attention and support while also allowing them to grow and explore new challenges. We celebrate the richness that comes from a diverse campus of individuals from many faiths and cultures. We emphasize the importance of service to our community, and we endeavor to be a voice for social justice in the world
Hilbert begins offering adult and evening programs in an accelerated format.
2011
Hilbert begins offering its first graduate level programs.
2012
2013 Hilbert adds Women's Lacrosse as an NCAA Division III sport. Hilbert introduces 4+1 programs, restructured business programs and Hilbert Reads initiative. DECEMBER 2016 • 21
FEATURE FEATURE STORY STORY
SENIOR CAPSTONE
JUNIOR SYMPOSIUM
SOPHOMORE SERVICE
FIRST YEAR EXPERIENCE/ FOUNDATIONS SEMINAR
New student lounge created in Hafner Recreation Center.
2013
Hilbert introduces Blueprint for student success.
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2014
2015
Innovative Cybersecurity major introduced.
MEMORIES OF HILBERT KAREN GAUGHAN SCOTT
Hilbert College Board of Trustees 1997-2007 Board Chair 2005-07 Of Counsel, Magavern & Loretto in Hamburg
"Hilbert's encouraging and nurturing approach to its student body provides a strong foundation to build upon for future success. It is a foundation not generally found at larger colleges and has a value you truly cannot put a price on for what it offers in terms of confidence and capabilities." My family's connection to Hilbert College extends back to the late 1960's when my late father, Vincent M. Gaughan, served on the first Board of Governors during Sister Edwina Bogel's tenure. He found the story of Mother Colette Hilbert, foundress of the FSSJ order, compelling and inspiring. When the decision was made to move the college toward a co-educational enrollment he suggested changing the original name of the institution from Immaculata College to Hilbert College and was honored the name was selected. During my time on the Board of Trustees I had the privilege of working with Sister Edmunette during the conclusion of her remarkable 32-year term as president of the college. She was a visionary leader and I gained a great deal from our association and friendship. During her extraordinary tenure the growth of the college in its curriculum and its campus presence had a lasting impact on Hilbert's role in the Western New York community. Her steady hand effectively guided Hilbert and her gracious charm endeared her to all she encountered. As we reached out to grow the Board of Trustees and witnessed, with great satisfaction, the many talents and strength of commitment new board members brought to our efforts we often remarked it was the magic of Sister Edmunette's favorite luncheon selection served during our initial meeting with prospective trustees --- the famous Pittsburgh Salad --- that convinced them to join! But at heart we always knew it was the inspiration and leadership so visible in her many accomplishments as Hilbert's well-respected leader.
When Sister Edmunette informed us of her decision to retire, the Board of Trustees faced the daunting task of seeking and securing her replacement. With the assistance of a nationally based consulting firm, noted for its expertise in higher education, the ad hoc Search Committee comprised of representatives from all of Hilbert's constituents received well over 60 applications from across the United States. As the year-long search progressed I often thought it compared in a sense to the NCAA basketball championship brackets! We initially narrowed the large number of applications down to the Sweet Sixteen, and from that group to the Elite Eight. After much deliberation we arrived at the Final Four -- three of whom were invited on campus to meet one-on-one over a period of time with various members of the college's administration, faculty, trustees, staff and student groups. There was no doubt at the conclusion of the entire search process who our selection should be and we were delighted when Cynthia Zane, Ed.D. accepted the Board of Trustees' offer to serve as Hilbert College's new president. Facing the challenge as the college's first lay president, Cynthia has more than excelled in building upon Sister Edmunette's efforts while maintaining and fostering Hilbert's strong identification with its tradition of Franciscan values and principles. It has been exciting to witness her stewardship of Hilbert over the past decade and hear from business, education, and civic leaders how well respected and admired she has quickly become throughout the Western New York community and well beyond. Cynthia has consistently shown her dedication and commitment to continuing and successfully expanding the tradition of excellence on all levels of the Hilbert experience. I look forward to all the future will bring under her talented guidance and proven leadership.
Vincent Gaughan (right), one of Hilbert's first members of the Board of Governors, photographed with former Vice President Hubert Humphrey. DECEMBER 2016 • 23
FEATURE STORY VINCENT O. HANLEY
Hilbert College Board of Trustees 2003-12 Board Chair 2007-09 Member, Bond, Schoeneck & King, PLLC, Attorneys
“Hilbert is known as an institution that is welcoming – not only to traditional students – but also to first-generation college students and older students.”
welcoming – not only to traditional students – but also to first-generation college students and older students. In that respect, I believe Hilbert has filled a niche and set itself apart in Western New York. Anyone familiar with Hilbert will comment very favorably about the people – the faculty, staff and administrators. It is the people that make Hilbert exceptional. My former law firm partner, the late Paul C. Weaver, served on the Hilbert Board of Trustees for 20 years and chaired the board during several of those years. Paul had an extensive resume, served on the boards of a number of nonprofits, and was very well-known and highly respected in Buffalo. When Paul stepped down from the Hilbert board, he told me that, of all the nonprofit organizations he had served during his career, he found his time serving on the Hilbert board to be the most rewarding. He said that, although he had devoted years of service to Hilbert, he felt that he had received much more than he ever gave. Coming from Paul, a remarkable person with so many accomplishments, I think that says a lot about Hilbert College.
LORRAINE HRITCKO ‘81
Hilbert College Board of Trustees 2014-16 Director, Global Software Sales, Conning in Hartford, Conn.
When I joined the Board of Trustees, Sister Edmunette was the President of Hilbert College. Sister Edmunette had an extraordinary ability to attract very good people – faculty, administrators, staff and board members. She was president for 32 years and, during that time, she recruited people who were not only very talented, qualified people, but were also genuinely good caring people. I believe that helped set the welcoming tone and culture at Hilbert that sets it apart from other institutions. Sister Edmunette deserves a great deal of credit for that. Cynthia Zane was hired as Hilbert’s first lay president during my term on the board. Cynthia was truly remarkable in the way that she hit the ground running when she joined Hilbert. She has a dynamic personality, and she became known in the community in no time making her a very effective ambassador for the college. I believe Cynthia’s greatest accomplishments while I was on the Board of Trustees were her successful efforts at maintaining the Catholic identity of the college. With Sister Edmunette departing no one really knew what would happen to that aspect of Hilbert College. As it turned out, Cynthia very diligently maintained the Catholic and even expanded some of the Catholic Franciscan traditions. In addition to maintaining the Franciscan traditions, Cynthia was also successful in preserving the technical classification of the college as a Catholic college in the official directory of Catholic institutions. That required hiring a canon lawyer and working with the Franciscan Sisters of St. Joseph and Bishop Edward Kmiec to find a workable solution. The process was quite involved, and Cynthia deserves a great deal of credit for accomplishing that. When I mentioned the welcoming tone and culture at Hilbert, I was referring to the fact that Hilbert is known as an institution that is
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“I would often sit with members of the faculty and we would laugh and joke around. Everyone was always so approachable.” I am originally from Conklin, NY, which is a suburb of Binghamton, NY. I learned of Hilbert College by attending a career fair in Binghamton in Fall 1978. I visited Hilbert for the first time in Spring 1979 as part of an orientation event. It was the first time that I had ever been to the Buffalo area, and the first time that I ever met a nun. What attracted me to Hilbert was the Legal Assistant Program (as it was known at that time). It was the only program approved by the American Bar Association. I moved on campus in September 1979, and soon became involved in many activities, and was named Freshman Class President, and
joined the Alpha Chi Omicron Sorority. I was elected Student Government President at the end of my Freshman Year. One of my favorite times of the day was lunch at the Student Center. I would often sit with members of the faculty and we would laugh and joke around. Everyone was always so approachable. I also remember Coach John Kissel, Patrick Heraty, and Dean Edward Holmes; they were part of the lunch crew. Mike Degnan, Phil Buffamonte and Roger Stone were also part of the wonderful and unforgettable campus and academic experience. The original residence hall was filled to capacity when I was on campus. As a result, they decided to open a floor in one of the wings of the convent and offer an opportunity to certain women to live there. I jumped at the chance. I absolutely loved living in the convent. On the day that I moved in, Sister Edmunette helped me unload my car and carry everything (including a very heavy TV and stereo) up three flights of stairs on a hot August afternoon. It was not uncommon to wake up and find plates of cookies outside my door. I also remember walking through the stairwells of the convent very late at night to find the only soda machine. I also eventually found a way to raid the kitchen after hours (I’m still not sure that anyone knows about that)! In all honesty, I owe my career to Hilbert. Due to a variety of family circumstances, I attended 13 schools before graduating from high school. I was also the first person from either side of my family to attend college. With the support and encouragement that I received at Hilbert, I flourished and gained the self-confidence to continue my studies, earn an MBA, and ultimately work around the world! I’m truly blessed!
LAURIE BOREANAZ CARRA ’81
Senior Deputy Counsel, Independent Health Senior Deputy Counsel - Independent Health
John Neumann, was closed by the Diocese at the end of my junior year. I didn’t want to change schools for my senior year. That’s when all the fun is supposed to happen, right?! It was bit of a difficult time in my adolescence. I really don’t know how or where, but my parents found Hilbert as an option for me. They offered this accelerated diploma program for high school seniors. In place of my senior year, all I had to do was successfully complete my first semester at Hilbert with a 3.0 GPA and I would receive my HS diploma and be permitted to continue to pursue an associate’s degree at Hilbert. I think there may have been a little more to it as far as curriculum set up but my parents took care of the details. I was, after all, still only 16. And being 16, I was pretty terrified about what lie ahead of me in college. It didn’t take long for those fears to be alleviated. Sister Alberta Surowiec promised my parents that she would look after me, and she did. She basically took me under her wing. And it wasn’t just Sister Alberta. I remember feeling that people really cared about me. From the approachability of the professors to the small classroom sizes, I felt that I was really supported academically – a big fear of mine at the time, given the leap from high school junior to college freshman and my high school diploma riding on that 3.0 GPA requirement! I was afforded the opportunity to express opinions and exercise my own judgment and not just told what to do or think. I was included and encouraged to be involved in every aspect of Hilbert life. At first with a gentle nudge from Sister Alberta, and eventually at my own initiative, I went to baseball and basketball games, was involved with the theater program and got to direct a play in my last semester. I was even asked to sing the National Anthem at commencement. So, in the end, Hilbert was able to fill the void of a lost senior year. For that, I am eternally grateful. Hilbert has provided me with so much more. It truly was a driving force in my success by helping to form a strong foundation that allowed me to feel like an adult at an early age and go on to finish my undergraduate work and also graduate from law school.
SHARE YOUR HILBERT MEMORIES Share your stories and memories of HIlbert College at www.hilbert.edu/celebrate60. You can also check out the Celebrate 60 Scrapbook and Photo Galleries.
“I was afforded the opportunity to express opinions and exercise my own judgment and not just told what to do or think.” I did not take the traditional route to college. My high school, St.
DECEMBER 2016 • 25
ALUMNI
ALUMNI NEWS & NOTES
Brian J. Hoeckh ‘96 married Jeanne Carmichael on May 21 at Kloc’s Grove in West Seneca.
Amy (Bailey) Lewis ’04 and her husband Carson welcomed their first child, Emma Elizabeth Lewis on May 23. She weighed 5 lbs. 13 ounces.
Paul Liedkie ‘13 and Rachel Kwiatkowski ‘13 married on May 28, 2016. Included in the wedding party (see photo above) were fellow Hilbert Alumni Jon Hulbert ‘13, James Knapp ‘13, Adam Clabo ‘13, and Anthony Blasz ‘13.
Susie (Schofield) ’13 and Benjamin Carter '12 welcomed Jackson Alexander Carter on February 23. Jackson was 7 ½ pounds and 19 ¼ inches long.
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Krystyl Wachowski ’14 said ‘yes’ to David Sank when he proposed in July. The couple plans to wed in March.
Andrea Corigliano ’10 and Eric Augustyn welcomed baby Alana Marie in June. Alana was 6 pounds 2 ounces and 20 inches long.
Justin ‘03 and Marie Proudman ‘04 welcomed their son Samuel Thomas Proudman on June 1. The newest Hawk joins big brothers Dominic, Zachary, and Jason.
HONORS & RECOGNITION
1990’
S
Christine Biggie ’91 was recently awarded the Special Service Award from the Bar Association of Erie County for outstanding service to the legal community. Biggie is the Volunteer Attorney Coordinator at the Volunteer Lawyers Project, Inc. Patrick Pascall ’93 has been selected and is now attending the Naval War College in Newport, RI. Jennifer McAndrew ’99 was featured in the Lancaster Bee for her work as the Executive Director at Plymouth Crossroads where she helps to teach life skills to children facing homelessness.
2000’S
Alicia Anthony BS ’14 MPA ’15 is a first year student at Roger Williams University School of Law in Rhode Island. Edward Minkel ’14 accepted a position with Axis Global Logistics in North Bergen, NJ as an Account Executive. Ryan Sheehan ’14 was promoted to the position of Medical Investigator at the Monroe County Medical Examiners’ Office. Melissa Brown ’15 was hired as Real Property Examiner with the Division of Military and Naval Affairs and started in October. Wyleia Miller ’15 has been promoted to Supervisor, Housing/Paralegal at Catholic Charities of Buffalo. She is currently in the Public Policy doctoral program at Niagara University.
Kelly Oliver Kozacki ’00 is the office manager for Sue Ann Simonin Court Reporting in Buffalo.
Dana Starr ’15 took a position as a Crime Scene Investigator at the City of Greensboro Police Department in North Carolina in July.
Nicholas Richter ‘03 will be teaching English to 3-8 year olds for a year in the city of Shenzen in southern China near Hong Kong as part of the Walt Disney English program.
Jedidiah Bengert ’16 was commissioned as a 2nd Lieutenant into the Army Reserves in May.
Jonathan Rajewski ’04 spoke at TEDxBuffalo in October. His topic was “How the Internet of Things is Making My Job Easier.” Melissa Augustine Goldsmith ’05 was recently featured in Londonist, an online magazine, about her recent accomplishment of running a 5K in every borough in London over one weekend. Goldsmith did this to benefit CrisisUK, a charity that helps single homeless people throughout the United Kingdom. Matt Bergman ’05 was recently featured in The Buffalo News – Gusto in September highlighting the Buffalo stops on his comedic tour. Evan Laczi ’08 graduated from the Department of Environmental Conservation police academy in September and is now an environmental conservation officer in Long Island.
2010’S
Christopher Prout ’10 is currently working as a production assistant on America’s Got Talent. Justine Schaper ’10 was hired as an account executive on the commercial lines team of Walsh Duffield.
Melody Cole ’16 was the recipient of the Dr. Randall McLeod 2016 Sigma Beta Delta Fellowship Award. Harlie Decker ’16 was hired as a Special Agent with the Georgia Bureau of Investigation, Georgia. Kari Huber ’16 graduated from the Erie County peace officer academy and is now a Mounted Reserve Deputy of the Erie County Sheriff’s Office. Adam Kaplewicz ’16 accepted a position with Robert Radel Attorney at Law in Buffalo. Amanda Lumadue ’16 was featured in Buffalo Business First’s “People on the Move” in August. She is currently a marketing assistant at Praxis Communications. Katie Palkovic ’16 was hired as a Senior Court Assistant in Mayville, NY in September. She is also currently enrolled in Hilbert’s Master’s in Public Administration program. Kimberly Preischel ’16 was hired as real estate paralegal at Shaw and Shaw in Hamburg and began in May. Kylie Reinholz ’16 was hired by Traveler’s Insurance Company, Buffalo, in the Collision Claims Department.
Debra Tredo ’10 was recently admitted to the New York State Bar Association. Ashley Blahowicz ’13 completed her Juris Doctor at the University at Buffalo Law School and passed the NYS Bar exam. She is currently a Law Clerk at Bennett Schechter Arcuri & Will LLP.
To share your news email alumnirelations@hilbert.edu
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HAWK’S NEST
HILBERT ATHLETICS NEWS ATHLETICS DEPARTMENT TO ADD THREE NEW TEAMS
fore exploring conference options with a push to see individual student-athletes reach their full potential in the running events.
The Hilbert College athletics department is excited to announce the future expansion of its athletics programs with the addition of Women’s Bowling and Men’s and Women’s Outdoor Track.
STUDENT ATHLETES CONTINUE TO SHINE IN THE CLASSROOM
John Czarnecki, Director of Athletics, will oversee the addition of the three new sport teams which will compete at the club level this year, prior to their planned Division III intercollegiate competition in 2017-18. The new additions will increase the department’s sport offerings to 16 teams. “This is an exciting time for Hilbert College and the Department of Athletics,” stated Czarnecki. “The addition of these three sports offers more opportunities for our current and future students to be involved in intercollegiate athletics. Although these teams will operate under club status this coming year, they will be given the full support of the department and will be welcomed into our athletic family immediately.”
The Athletics Department at Hilbert College is pleased to announce the academic success of its student-athletes during the 2015-16 academic year. The Hawks finished above a 3.0 GPA for the 10th semester in a row as they shared an impressive 3.04 GPA for the spring semester and a 3.1 cumulative GPA. The 2016 men’s volleyball and the 2015 women’s cross country teams ended in a photo-finish for the highest semester GPA. The Hawks volleyball team posted a 3.37 GPA, as the cross country team trailed ever-so-slightly with a 3.35 GPA.
“The addition of these three sports offers more opportunities for our current and future students to be involved On the year, the women’s cross country in intercollegiate team continued to lead all sports with a cumuathletics.” lative 3.58 GPA while the men’s volleyball team combined for a 3.44 cumulative GPA to lead the men’s programs.
The women’s bowling team will become members of the Allegheny Mountain Collegiate Conference (AMCC) upon elevation to varsity status. The college joined the AMCC as full members at the start of the 2004-05 academic year supporting athletic competition in baseball, men’s and women’s basketball, men’s and women’s cross country, golf, men’s and women’s soccer, softball and women’s volleyball.
Both the Allegheny Mountain Collegiate Conference (AMCC) and the North Eastern Athletic Conference (NEAC) released their Academic All-Conference lists for the 2015-16 academic year. A total of 87 student-athletes were recognized for their hard work in the classroom having met their league’s academic standards of excellence.
The outdoor track teams will compete locally as independents be-
Seventy-one AMCC athletes, who represent Hilbert in baseball,
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basketball, cross country, golf, soccer, softball, and women’s volleyball, carry a 3.2 cumulative GPA over the length of their studies at Hilbert while 16 men’s lacrosse and men’s volleyball players reached a 3.4 cumulative GPA during the 2015-16 year. Lastly, Hilbert College inducted 19 new members into the Chi Alpha Sigma National College Athlete Honor Society last spring. Members must exhibit good moral character, have completed their junior or senior year and maintain a cumulative 3.4 GPA in order to
be nominated for the New York Theta chapter. Hilbert is proud to announce that a total of 31 student-athletes are listed in the national charter office for the 2015-16 year. This marks the fifth academic year that Kelly Starchok has coordinated the AAMP (Athletic Academic Monitoring Program) working alongside the Student Success Team to provide academic support to those students in need. Since 2011-12, the overall cumulative GPA for the athletics department is a 3.1.
REINHOLZ NAMED AMCC FAR SCHOLAR-ATHLETE OF YEAR This past spring, Hilbert senior cross country runner Kylie Reinholz was selected as the recipient of the 2016 AMCC Faculty Athletics Representatives (FAR) Award from among the 20 outstanding student-athletes nominated within the ten-member conference. Mount Aloysius senior men’s basketball player Dillion Binder earned the honor on the men’s side. After transferring into Hilbert College at the start of her sophomore year, Kylie Reinholz immediately led the cross program each week around the course. She was named the AMCC Rookie of the Year in 2013 and an All-Conference runner. The following season, Kylie did even better as she was named the AMCC Runner of the Year after she won the 2014 AMCC Championship race. She became the first Hilbert athlete to win a championship in any sport. This past fall, in her final year academically as an undergrad in the Forensic Science 4+1 program, Kylie had to balance her Saturday graduate-school academic requirements with the traditional Saturday competitions. She competed in 50% of the races and still made the All-Conference team as one of the league’s top 12 runners. Reinholz is a three-year AMCC Academic All-Conference member, an AMCC Individual Peak Performer, was inducted into the Chi Alpha Sigma honor society in the spring of 2015 and earned the Hilbert College McGrath Award in May 2016. Twice she was named to the US Track and Field and Cross Country Coaches Association’s All-Academic team. Reinholz graduated from Hilbert with a bachelor’s of science in Fo-
rensic Science/Crime Scene Investigation this past May. She is continuing her graduate studies at Hilbert pursuing her Master of Science in Criminal Justice Administration and she used her final season of NCAA eligibility competing on the cross country team. Her 3.98 cumulative grade-point average represented her diligent academic effort having earned a perfect 4.0 in four (out of six) semesters. Since Hilbert College became a full-member in the AMCC in 200405, only five other Hawks have been selected as the FAR Award recipients. John Babocsi became Hilbert’s first male winner in 2015, while Katy Dorsheimer (2005) Maggie Fage (2010), Amber Grosch (2013) and Natalie Whitman (2015) have all taken home the honor on the women’s side.
SHAW NAMED TO ALL-ACADEMIC TEAM Hilbert senior baseball athlete, Tyler Shaw was recognized for his outstanding commitment to his studies while not on the baseball diamond and was named to the 2016 All-Academic Team. He appeared in 80 games and holds a .242 batting average with 23 RBIs. Shaw was a four-year AMCC Academic All-Conference member, an AMCC Individual Peak Performer, was also inducted into the Chi Alpha Sigma Honor Society in April 2015 and he earned the Hilbert College McGrath Award in May 2016. Shaw graduated with a 3.69 cumulative GPA with a bachelor’s degree in Criminal Justice.
DECEMBER 2016 • 29
UPCOMING EVENTS GIVING DAY
COMMENCEMENT May 13, 2017
Hilbert’s 56th Annual Commencement Ceremony will begin at 1 p.m. at the Wesleyan Church of Hamburg on Saturday, May 13, 2017
SCHOLARSHIP GOLF TOURNAMENT June 26, 2017
Entering its 27th year, the golf tournament has raised over $1.2 million in its history. All of the money raised at the golf tournament goes to scholarships for deserving students which helps to keep Hilbert College one of the most affordable four-year, private college in Western New York. For information about the 2017 tournament, please contact: Michelle Held, Director of Philanthropy Research and Strategy 716.926.8791 or mheld@hilbert.edu
TRUE BLUE HOMECOMING WEEKEND September 29 & 30, 2017
Stay tuned for all of the exciting details for Hilbert’s True Blue Homecoming Weekend! Our Celebrate 60 initiative will culminate with True Blue Weekend – it is sure to be the biggest celebration yet!
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To help Hilbert celebrate its 60th Anniversary, Hilbert is launching its inaugural Giving Day on March 1, 2017. Giving Day is a fun and inspiring virtual coming-together of alumni, parents, and friends all over the world to make a difference for Hilbert in a span of 24 hours. All gifts made on March 1, 2017, between 12:00 a.m. and 11:59 p.m. ET, will count toward Hilbert’s Giving Day. This campuswide initiative aims to bring in 301 donations from the Hilbert community. So, on the 60th day of 2017 (March 1st), we hope you can help us Celebrate 60 years of Hilbert with a gift to the Hilbert Fund!
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ALUMNI SPOTLIGHT
DOUG SMITH '78
Vice President of Sales, Labatt USA “For many years in your life you are a taker. You take education. You take a paycheck. You take experiences. It’s when you switch that route to giving that you start living the values of the Franciscans and the company that you work for.” College is the stepping stone many seek to advance their professional lives. For Doug Smith ’78, his time at Hilbert College would transform who he would become as a person, professional and community member. Starting at Hilbert in the late 1970s, Doug earned his associate degree in business and graduated in 1978. He went on to the University at Buffalo School of Management where he graduated in 1980 and entered a dismal workforce. He remembers that the only job he was offered was to sell Rainbow vacuum cleaners door-to-door. But his side job as a bartender at an Irish tavern called Murphy’s in Boston, NY would help launch the trajectory of his career. He went on to become a truck driver for Lake Erie Distributors and was transferred into sales. This led him to a career at Try-It Distributing before joining Labatt USA, a subsidiary of North American Breweries. The Labatt brand is where Doug would call his professional home, going from an area manager to his current position as the vice president of sales. As part of his 30 years with Labatt USA, Doug feels proudest of playing a part in moving the corporate offices back to Buffalo. “The base of our business was always in Western New York,” Doug said. “It was our number one market in the country and to be able to move our corporate headquarters from Norwalk, Conn. to Buffalo and be part of that, I was pretty happy.” He notes that his success is due in part to his time at Hilbert College and a work opportunity that was offered by then-President Sister Edmunette Paczesny, FSSJ. While Doug was a student at Hilbert he was given a work-study position with the maintenance staff on campus. The experience was something that was fun, but also helped build Doug’s work ethic. He played a part in building the college’s first softball diamond, which he had a vested interest in as a member of the baseball team. He also helped clear the college out from the infamous Blizzard of ’77. Working for the sisters was something
UPCOMING EVENTS
that Doug came to appreciate now that he looks back on his time at Hilbert. “The values that the Franciscan Sisters teach and live are important to me.” Doug remembers fondly the influence of the Franciscan Sisters of Saint Joseph and the deeper dimension they added to their curriculum. He notes that the sisters were not “stereotypical” nuns, but were funny and involved. They often ate lunch with students and made sure Hilbert felt like a community. He fondly remembers Sister Adrienne Rapnicki, FSSJ who was sure to have a tuna fish sandwich every Friday. In fact, Doug and his classmates would take turns buying Sister Adrienne’s tuna fish sandwich for her. The values of Hilbert are something that are poignant in his career today and he sees how they have developed throughout his life. “For many years in your life you are a taker. You take education. You take a paycheck. You take experiences. It’s when you switch that route to giving that you start living the values of the Franciscans and the company that you work for.” As Hilbert celebrates its 60th anniversary, Doug reflected on what he finds most remarkable: that while maintaining its independence in the small town of Hamburg, Hilbert managed to grow from two-year college to one that offers graduate degrees. What is even more astounding is despite the growth and change, the values, community, and Franciscan feel has never wavered. Doug has taken that aspect of giving one step further by launching the Out of the Blue Foundation. Out of the Blue has partnered with People, Inc. to offer support and services to adults living with disabilities throughout Western New York. It is something that Doug is passionate about and sees as a need in our community. He has spear-headed partnerships with many local businesses to bring services to the doorsteps of group homes that assist adults living with disabilities. He has also joined the board of the Skating Association of the Blind and Handicapped (SABAH), which is now celebrating its 40th year in Western New York. Looking back, he sees this giving attitude as one that is important for current students, the next generation of leaders, to understand. Doug believes that those who go the extra mile, and volunteer to do more and be more are the ones who truly succeed and come to define the places we work and the communities we live in.
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