Hilbert College Magazine - Fall 2023

2023 FALL MAGAZINE

MAGAZINE

IN THIS ISSUE

PUBLISHED BY Office of Institutional Advancement Hilbert College 5200 South Park Avenue Hamburg, New York 14075 Copyright © Hilbert College EDITOR LeeAnn Petronsky DESIGNER Shelby Russell PHOTOGRAPHERS Bobby Kirkham Shelby Russell CONTRIBUTING WRITERS Kera Bush-Turner Kathleen Christy Mike Gluck LeeAnn Petronsky Kara Rehbaum Tim Seil Rachel Wozniak OFFICE OF INSTITUTIONAL ADVANCEMENT Kathleen M. Christy Vice President for Institutional Advancement LeeAnn Petronsky Director of Annual Fund & Alumni Engagement ON THE WEB hilbert.edu/magazine Cover Photo: Victoria Lakeman ‘23 Hilbert College Women’s Softball

A Message From the President

1

Campus News

2-3

Commencement

4-5

Athletics Updates

6-7

Hawks International

8-9

Hilbert 2025 Update

10-11

Record Breaking Day of Caring

12-13

Alumni Spotlight - Christopher Spence

14-15

Alumni Spotlight - Lauren Gill

16

Alumni Highlights

17

Hilbert Board of Trustees & Advisory Council

18-19

Campus Community Updates

20-21

True Blue Weekend

22

Giving Day

23

The Season of Giving

24

A MESSAGE FROM OUR PRESIDENT Autumn greetings from Hilbert!

We began the new academic year with a renewed commitment to the students we serve, knowing that our student body is growing increasingly diverse. Having recently celebrated our 65th anniversary, we are a college that has changed with the times, transitioning from a teacher training program for the Franciscan Sisters of Saint Joseph, to a women’s college, to our present day setting as a coeducational institution.

A college that began as a two-year college that began offering four-year degrees in the 90’s, graduate degrees a little over a decade ago, and offering athletics in the 1970’s and now offering 18 NCAA Division III teams. The College has more than 40% of our traditional aged students compete on an intercollegiate level. Together with our nationally recognized academic programs, these teams enroll students from around the country and the world.

Hilbert has committed to delivering its degree programs in an online modality to students of all ages who study in many different time zones across the world. Still, our DNA remains the same. We are entrusted to sustain the charism of the Franciscan Sisters of Saint Joseph in all we do, especially with those we serve each day, face-to-face and online, our students.

Students trust us. They invest in us. They vote with their feet by enrolling at Hilbert. We have grown more than 30% over the last 24 months because students are finding us, they are enrolling, and they believe in us.

No doubt, we still have our hands full with the many pressures facing small, faith-based schools, but we face these challenges with renewed determination and confidence.

From all of us here at Hilbert, a blessed and peaceful Thanksgiving and Christmas season to you and your families.

We look forward to seeing you soon here on our beautiful campus!

MICHAEL S. BROPHY, PhD. MFA President mbrophy@hilbert.edu 2023 FALL EDITION | 1

CAMPUS NEWS Student Body Tops 1000 Across Traditional and Online Programs Hilbert began the 2023 academic year with an enrollment of 1000 students across traditional and online undergraduate and graduate programs. Enrollment at the College is the highest it has been in a decade, and for the second year in a row, the College experienced its largest new student class (340). Not only are enrollment numbers going up, but for the fourth year in a row, the College’s fundraising program reached record highs.

New online graduate programs, a transfer partnership with Medaille University, athletic program growth, and a partnership with Global Learning Exchange are among some of the reasons administrators cite for the enrollment boom.

“We have created a dedicated, caring atmosphere for students to learn, grow and strengthen within as they prepare for fulfilling careers and lives,” said Dr. Michael Brophy, President. “Donor, foundation, and governmental grants are at record levels because we are demonstrably making access for students of all backgrounds to higher education. We present a compelling case that Hilbert is responding to the changing times as we fulfill our Franciscan mission.”

Athletics, Community Ties Feed Traditional Undergraduate Programs Hilbert College welcomed 1000 students in traditional, in-person undergraduate programs. Nearly half of new students are athletes, following the addition of Division III Football, Track & Field, and Women’s Lacrosse and Hockey programs in fall 2022.

Strong partnerships with Liberty Partnership, Higher Education Opportunity, Say Yes to Education and Dual Enrollment programs with the Buffalo Public Schools also contributed to the increase in enrollment, with Buffalo Public and Charter school graduates accounting for close to 20% of Hilbert’s new first-time student population.

Among new transfer students, 33% came to complete degree programs begun at Medaille University, which unfortunately closed this year. In May 2023, Hilbert College and Medaille University signed a teach-out agreement to provide students from Medaille an opportunity to continue their academic studies at Hilbert College.

Hilbert has also welcomed several staff and faculty members from Medaille.

Hilbert College Global Grows The graduate and undergraduate online programs through Hilbert College Global continue to grow, almost doubling enrollment from last year. Through Hilbert’s partnership with Global Learning Exchange, students are based in Morocco, The Bahamas, Ukraine, Mongolia, Cyprus and the United Arab Emirates (UAE). The online

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programs drawing in students include undergraduate degrees in Psychology, Accounting, Criminal Justice, and Cybersecurity and graduate degrees in Criminal Justice, Public Administration, and Public Administration Health.

Fundraising Records For four consecutive years, Hilbert’s fundraising programs have set records, quadrupling results compared to 2018-2019. Individual donations as well as foundation and governmental grants have supported diversity, access, ministry, athletic, and support programs as well as scholarship and facility funding.

Welcome Dr. Kristine Still: Provost & Executive Vice President Hilbert College has named Kristine Still, Ph.D., as Provost and Executive Vice President. Still began her new role in June. As the college’s chief academic officer, Still joined Hilbert at a pivotal moment for the college and community, closely following the announcement of its pending acquisition of Ohio and West Virginia-based Valley College and the steady expansion of its undergraduate and graduate programs across traditional and online settings.

“Dr. Still comes to Hilbert at a formative time,” said Hilbert College President Michael Brophy, Ph.D. “In addition to her exemplary academic leadership record, her experience teaching in undergraduate and graduate programs combines with her urban education commitment to support the central initiatives of our strategic plan. Our community is very impressed with the combination of expertise, empathy, and vision that Kristine brings to our community, as well as her preparation to lead academic programs at a Catholic and Franciscan college.”

Still came to Hilbert from Mount Union University in Alliance, Ohio, where she has served since 2019 as the founding Dean of the College of Applied and Social Sciences as well as a professor of Education. Still led all academic affairs for the college in its early years, overseeing three academic schools and two robust academic departments, with a focus on faculty relations, strategic planning, and curriculum design and delivery, in addition to overseeing the Regula Center for Public and Civic Engagement.

“I feel very blessed and am profoundly grateful for this incredible opportunity to continue my own academic journey at a remarkable institution with exceptional colleagues,” said Still. “In my new role as Provost of Hilbert College, I am poised to live out my passion for servant leadership in this warm and welcoming faith-filled academic community.”

Still received her B.S. and Ph.D. degrees from the University of Akron and an M.A. from Walsh University in North Canton, Ohio.

Still’s doctoral study in literacy at the University of Akron has served as a basis for a distinguished teaching and research career, with highlights in publications, presentations, grants, and urban education initiatives.

Prior to joining Mount Union University, Still served for more than a decade at Cleveland State University, where she held a variety of leadership positions. In addition to teaching in undergraduate and graduate programs at Cleveland State, Still served in leadership roles in CSU’s literacy education and community learning programs. Her work in urban education ultimately led to her appointment as the college’s Associate Dean for Student Services and External Relations.

“I see a lot of innovation and excitement at Hilbert, and I am truly looking forward to being part of a team that is willing to take risks in this challenging market of higher education,” Still added. "I am eager to work alongside President Brophy and to collaborate with the entire campus community as we move forward the impressive and significant work of the college that began under his leadership.”

Franciscan Services Acquires Valley College The Board of Trustees of Hilbert College announced the acquisition of Valley College, a careerfocused college with campuses in West Virginia and Ohio, by its affiliate, Franciscan Services. Together, the colleges will serve more than 2,000 students across New York, West Virginia, and Ohio in traditional and online programs. All required regulatory approvals have been secured and the consortium began operations on June 1.

“At a time when small private institutions are struggling to stay afloat, we are fortunate to have found a partner in Valley that will allow for our shared academic communities to grow and remain strong.” said Laurie Boreanaz Carra ‘81, Chair of the Board of Trustees of Hilbert College. “This is an exciting moment for Hilbert, Valley and our community of students and educators across New York, Ohio, and West Virginia. We look forward to shared success and continued growth through Franciscan Services in the months and years ahead.”

In January 2023 Hilbert announced the signing of a definitive agreement for the acquisition of Valley College, a move to support Hilbert’s strategy of extending its Franciscan mission, growing enrollment, and providing greater social mobility for students of all ages. Since then, the Franciscan Services not-for-profit affiliate was established to advance the acquisition, with the support of attorneys Frank Patyi and Dennis Cariello of the law firms Bond, Schoeneck & King PLLC and Hogan Marren Babbo & Rose, Ltd, respectively, financial and logistical advice from Dan Froehlich of D.A. Davidson as placement agent, and financing from Northwest Bank.

Under the auspices of Franciscan Services, the two colleges will operate independently as separate colleges, contributing to each other’s vitality within their accreditors’ policies. Immediate plans between the two colleges include the establishment of transfer articulations in their respective online degree programs, the sharing of best practices, and expanded tuition waiver benefits for employees at both colleges. In addition, Franciscan Services will begin to review consortium-like efficiencies that the colleges could

achieve through shared services agreements.

“We look forward to welcoming Valley College students and alumni to Hilbert College with open arms,” Hilbert College President Michael Brophy said. “At Hilbert, we have a passion for expanding access to higher education, and this next step will increase our geographical reach and the types of programs and pathways that we offer.”

Acquisition Creates New Degree Pathways in Business, Technology and Health-Related Programs The acquisition creates immediate synergies in the form of new online degree pathways—from certificate programs and Associate’s degrees at Valley College through Bachelor’s and Master’s degrees at Hilbert College. These advanced degree tracks will be available to Valley College students and graduates of Valley College both in-person at Hilbert’s Hamburg, New York campus and online through Hilbert College Global.

In particular, students have access to new certificate-to-advanced degree pathways in business, technology, and health-related programs. More information is available at discover.hilbert.edu/valley.

Growth for Long-Term Sustainability: Hilbert’s Innovative Approach With the addition of athletic, online, and international programs, Hilbert College has defied the odds and much-discussed regional trends by increasing its enrollment by 20% over the last year.

At the same time, Hilbert’s Board pursued a strategy to radically transform its capacities and financial outlook while many peer institutions are struggling to survive. The Board identified Valley College as an attractive partner given its success in West Virginia and Ohio. Furthermore, Valley’s strength in health-related programs brings a new dimension to Hilbert’s long-term academic planning.

The Franciscan Way Forward The coupling of Hilbert College and Valley College within this new consortium resonates with Hilbert’s Franciscan mission.

“Eight hundred years ago both St. Francis and St. Clare left their Italian city on a hill, Assisi, to go down into the nearby valley and work with those who needed them most,” noted Fr. Dennis Holtschneider, President of the Association of Catholic Colleges and Universities. “The name of Hilbert’s new consortial partner is an apt one, given Valley’s admirable track record in providing access in urban settings like Cleveland, Ohio, and more rural settings in West Virginia.”

“Fate and a whole lot of effort brought our two colleges together, and we are both stronger on Day 1 through this affiliation,” said President Brophy. “The potential for growing together and becoming more effective through shared services is the aim of many faith-based colleges across the country. We hope this innovation will inspire others as they develop more sustainable futures through vision and partnership.”

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Congratulations

2023 GRADUATES

(Left to right): Felicia Breymiller, Shea Daubney, Danielle Pasnik, Fred Ando, Taylor Smith, & Maddie Fusco

Margaret Kubanek (left) & Lena Chimento (right)

Ronisha Rice & Family

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Bishop Michael Fisher at Baccalaureate Mass

Delaney Zarnoch-Glass

Kaitlyn Halper ‘20 & Abigail Dent ‘23

(Left to right) Hunter Holler, Angelo DiNizo, & Wendell Abellard

Dr. Caitlin Szalkowski (left) & Sarah Trimm (right)

Stardaijah Gayden

Kody Harrison ‘23 & family

2023 FALL EDITION | 5

2022-2023 SEASON 6 | HILBERT COLLEGE MAGAZINE

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Franciscan Colleges Assisi Pilgrimage

View of Assisi

Men’s Soccer Team on the field in Ireland

Morgan Ebert (right) abroad in Limerick, Ireland

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Men’s Soccer Team exploring Ireland

View from Assisi

Alshanti Washington in Plymouth, England

ADVENTURE NO LONGER AWAITS The 2023-24 academic year has had profound achievements and advances in Hilbert’s International Education program. The new academic year has brought a significant increase in international students coming from across the world. Our campus is now home to more than 20 international students from Kyrgyzstan to Canada to Vietnam. Our international students have become an integral part of the Hilbert community by participating in a variety of our sports teams, working on campus, and joining student organizations.

Another area of growth is the launch of Hilbert’s Study Abroad program. For the first time, Hilbert has sent two students abroad: to Plymouth, England and Limerick, Ireland. With the successful partnerships Hilbert has established with over ten different universities and the affiliation with the American Institute for Foreign Study, our students are exploring the world and all the opportunities it has to offer when studying abroad. Next semester, five students are slated to study abroad in Limerick, Ireland; Rome, Italy; and Shenyang, China.

Our other significant internationalization opportunity Hilbert achieved for the first time was inviting a group of students from our partner university Shenyang Jianzhu University in Shenyang, China. The 7 students participated in an intensive English course

The Men’s Soccer Team visits

Northern Ireland This past August, the Hilbert Men’s Soccer team, led by Head Coach Jonny Black, toured Northern Ireland, where Coach Black was born and raised. The team had the opportunity to practice and play against some of Ireland's top soccer teams, including the Larne Football Club, who were the Northern Ireland Irish League Champions. The Hilbert team played at the Larne Football Club's stadium, Inver Park, which was an incredibly exciting experience for the players. The team practiced at the Greenisland Football Club's facility in Carrickfergus, County Antrim, Northern Ireland. This allowed them to hone their skills and adapt to different playing conditions. The team also traveled to Lisburn to play against the Ballymacash Rangers at the Bluebell Stadium. These matches provided valuable experiences and exposure for the players.

In addition to soccer-related activities, the team had the chance to enjoy some sightseeing. They visited the iconic Giant's Causeway, explored Ballintoy Harbor, which is known for being a filming location for the popular TV series “Game of Thrones”, and also had the opportunity to tour the Titanic Museum in Belfast and the Andrew Jackson Museum. These cultural and natural experiences made the trip both enriching and educational.

and saw all that Buffalo has to offer. We hope to continue these summer programs and welcome students from across the globe.

Moreover, our goal is to have Hilbert students have similar experiences abroad at our partner universities as well.

At Hilbert, we want to provide every opportunity to our students.

With this goal in mind, for the upcoming Giving Day 2024, Hilbert’s Director of International Education, Kera Bush-Turner is offering a $500 challenge gift for a Study Abroad Scholarship.

Kera studied abroad twice while pursuing her undergraduate degree, and wants any student to have the same opportunity without some of the financial strain. Kera stated, “Studying abroad was the best decision I have made in my entire life. It molded me into who I am today and led me to my dream career here at Hilbert.”

Alshanti Washington, a 4+1 Criminal Justice major in her third year, is studying at Plymouth Marjon University in Plymouth, England. She stated, “My experience so far has been very good. The people here are nice and friendly!” When we asked her about what has been one of her favorite experiences so far, she said, “I had fish and chips for the first time (and it was pretty good!).” This shows that no matter where you are, people, food and traditions brings us together.

Faculty & Staff visit

Assisi, Italy In May 2023, Associate Dean for Student Financial Services, Nicole Griffo, and Associate Professor of Criminal Justice, Laura Dannebohm, went on a Franciscan Pilgrimage to Italy. They spent the first three days in Rome taking in key historical and spiritual experiences, including a papal audience. On their way to Assisi, the pilgrimage stopped in Greccio where St. Francis created the world's first live nativity. The group spent their remaining time in Assisi—the birthplace of Franciscanism—to learn more about the rich history of both St. Francis and St. Claire. Throughout the trip, they attended lectures about the significance of the pilgrimage locations as well as experience daily religious services, ending the trip with a re-baptism of all pilgrims from the same baptismal used for St. Francis and St. Clair.

Nicole and Laura are grateful to have been selected for this pilgrimage and thank the Franciscan Sisters of St. Joseph, Hilbert College and the Mission Committee for supporting them so they could experience this educational and spiritual journey.

To finance the trip, the team raised funds and were also able to take advantage of Coach Black's connections in Ireland, which combined helped to cover the expenses for the journey.

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HILBERT 2025 UPDATES In 2019, through the leadership of the President’s Council and the Board of Trustees, the Hilbert College community expressed its 2025 vision with this Statement of Strategic Intent:

Our intent is to grow enrollment while deepening our Franciscan and Catholic college mission, strengthening our financial position, optimizing our current intellectual and physical assets, and fulfilling our potential as a vital liberal arts institution in Western New York.

We will focus our energies on these areas: • Enhancing our Franciscan Mission and Identity • Growing Enrollment • Strengthening Academic Performance and the Student Experience • Strengthening Financial Position This is our current scorecard on “what we said” and “what we did.”

GOAL #1: ENHANCING OUR FRANCISCAN MISSION & IDENTITY

GOAL #2: GROWING ENROLLMENT WHAT WE SAID: We will diversify and develop our enrollment to strengthen the college’s financial position. We will seek new populations of students, expanding Hilbert’s impact to include online and international student programs, increased graduate programs, and a more robust athletics strategy.

WHAT WE SAID: We will enhance our Catholic, Franciscan identity by deepening our engagement with our values and heritage. Our understanding of the dignity and worth of every human being inspires us to serve and develop all members of our community, and to give special welcome and support to those among us who experience marginalization and injustice.

WHAT WE DID:

WHAT WE DID:

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•

•

• • • • • • • • • • • •

Established robust Franciscan mission-centered hiring and training programs for all employees.

Established an Implicit Bias Training program.

Created equity in benefits programs for all employees.

BLU 101, the first-year seminar course, was revised to better emphasize Franciscan mission and civility.

Implemented a biennial student cultural climate survey.

Continued to grow our Franciscan Day of Caring, a campus wide service day for all Hilbert community members to serve the mission of over two dozen community partners.

Supported faculty and staff participation in the Association of Franciscan Colleges and Universities’ annual symposium.

Improved scholarship programs to meet the needs of the region’s neediest students.

Established a Franciscan Sisters of Saint Joseph (FSSJ) Mission and Heritage exhibit in Bogel Hall.

Renovated the Grotto for prayer, reflection, and instruction.

Celebrated the 125th Anniversary of the FSSJ. Created a system of campus governance that emphasized Catholic social teachings.

Provided access to textbooks and laptops to all students at no extra charge.

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• • • • • • • • •

Grew enrollment by more than 30%, reaching a ten-year high of 1,000 students in 2023.

Launched Hilbert College Global with great success, with more than 20% of all students now studying online.

Increased our NCAA program to 18 sports, doubling the number of students athletes.

Increased our international and out-of-state recruitment efforts, reaching all-time high residential student enrollments.

Reached record highs in new student enrollments in 2022 and 2023.

Launched new branding program in 2022.

Launching a new website in 2024.

Expanded the dual enrollment program, tripling enrollment and reaching an all-time high participation rate of 39 Western New York high schools.

Partnered with Vietnamese agencies to provide scholarships to Vietnamese nuns.

Partnered with the Say Yes program, a longstanding initiative in the Buffalo Public Schools focused on student success and access to higher education.

Created the most diverse student body in the College’s history.

GOAL #3: STRENGTHEN ACADEMIC PERFORMANCE & THE STUDENT EXPERIENCE WHAT WE SAID: We will strengthen Hilbert’s academic performance and the student experience, resulting in greater student success and retention. A student’s education is dependent on an inclusive living and learning environment, which we will support by increasing the diversity of our staff, faculty, and students, and enhancing our resources for our students. Expanding academic opportunities and educational experiences will help us to be identified as a higher education hub for the Southtowns.

GOAL #4: STRENGTHEN FINANCIAL POSITION WHAT WE SAID: We will focus on philanthropic growth and efficiency, as well as investment in our campus assets, to strengthen, grow, and sustain the college. We will build and grow a strong Annual Fund program and seek appropriate private, corporate, and public foundation and government funding. We will develop and improve our technology infrastructure to meet the needs of today’s students.

WHAT WE DID:

WHAT WE DID:

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• •

• • • • • • • • • • • • •

Developed new Biology, Alcohol and Substance Abuse Counseling, Advocacy and Social Justice, Cybersecurity, and Intelligence and Data Analysis degree programs.

Strengthened the Hilbert Blueprint educational experience.

Established the Learning Commons where all academic support services were integrated and enhanced.

Expanded wellness services through local health provider partners.

Increased Campus Safety staff and programming.

Provided increased professional development opportunities for all employees through EAB, a national research provider.

Through multiple Mother Cabrini Health Foundation grants, established the Franciscan Advocacy & Resource Center.

Developed 24 new international study abroad opportunities.

Created Student Onboarding, Advising, and Registering (SOAR) events to support new students with the transition to Hilbert.

Increased work study positions for students to better engage with our college community.

Upgraded security systems across the campus and in our technology systems.

Improved physical and electronic signage across the campus.

Built firepit and outdoor kitchen facilities for students to gather.

Provided student and employees with multiple volunteer service and retreat opportunities.

• • • •

•

Tripled annual fundraising results, bringing in nearly 35 foundation grants.

Doubled alumni giving and participation.

Secured Liberty Partnership and Higher Education Opportunity grants through New York State.

Increased revenue by more than 50%.

Balanced the annual operating budget.

Invested in technology and facilities.

Through the support of Franciscan Services, created a twocollege consortium with Valley College (WV and OH) that provided immediate efficiency with shared services, and long-term synergies with online programs.

Built a robust Conference & Events program that brought many Western New Yorkers to campus throughout the year.

(Left to right) Sister My, Sister Sang, Sister Thuy

New Student Orientation - Day 1

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RECORD BREAKING DAY OF CARING On September 28th, Hilbert College students, faculty, and staff set aside their usual daily routines and come together for the annual Franciscan Day of Caring. This remarkable event began in 2016 with 65 participants. Fast forward to 2023, and the gathering has blossomed into a heartwarming display of compassion and dedication, with nearly 400 enthusiastic volunteers committed to serving and strengthening their community.

for Buffalo, Cradle Beach, Little Portion Friary, Belmont Housing, Ten Lives Club, Boys & Girls Club, and Tifft Nature Preserve.

A powerful quote from Mother Colette Hilbert, the college's namesake, was prominently displayed on the back of the participants' shirts: "In all things, Charity." The Hilbert community, comprised of students, faculty, and staff, demonstrated their commitment to this principle throughout their day.

The day began with student and employee volunteers meeting for breakfast and Upon returning to campus, the Hilbert volunteers prayer. Organized into groups based on enjoyed lunch and reflection. In their groups, their assigned service locations, volunteers students, faculty, and staff used the "What? gained a deeper understanding of the So What? Now What?" reflection model to community partners they would be connect their personal experiences with Hilbert's - Mother Colette Hilbert working with. The volunteers in their great mission and the inspiring life stories of St. Francis Franciscan Day of Caring t-shirts, boarded and St. Clare. The annual Franciscan Day of buses to travel to their respective service destinations and once Caring represents an enriching and transformative tradition that arriving at their assigned organization, delved deeper into their continues to unite the college community in a shared purpose organization's mission before rolling up their sleeves and actively of selflessness and service. The event's growth over the years engaging in various projects and priorities. serves as a testament to the enduring commitment of the Hilbert community to its core values and the deep-seated compassion of Hilbert volunteers served with a diverse array of community its students, faculty, and staff. partners, each with unique missions, including Compass House, Jewish Family Services of WNY, Journey’s End, St. Luke’s Mission of Mercy, St. Francis Park, Buffalo Olmsted Park Conservancy, Buffalo Botanical Gardens, Buffalo House of Hope, FeedMore of WNY, Beds

In all things, Charity.

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Compass House

Botanical Gardens

FeedMore

House of Hope

1 Day 17 LOCATIONS

Ten Lives Club

Jewish Family Services

400 VOLUNTEERS Tift Nature Preserve

Belmont Housing

Cradle Beach

Little Portion Friary

St. Luke’s Mission

Olmstead Park

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ALUMNI SPOTLIGHT Dr. Christopher Spence, ’11

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FINDING HIS WAY TO THE TOP Christopher Spence was 18 years old when he stepped off the bus in downtown Buffalo, looked around, and asked someone how to take the subway to Hilbert.

The teenager from Manhattan didn’t realize that Hilbert’s campus was a dozen miles away, and that you couldn’t get there on any subway line.

But Spence has always had a knack for figuring things out. “I ended up taking the last of my money and got a ride to campus,” he said.

“And the rest is history.”

Now, this Hilbert grad is making history as the first Black superintendent of Fall Mountain Regional School District in New Hampshire.

“It’s something I’ve worked toward for my entire life,” said Spence, who oversees an organization with a $35 million budget, nearly a dozen schools, and more than 1,400 students.

After graduating from Hilbert in 2011 with a bachelor’s degree in English and a minor in sociology, Spence earned two master’s degrees and a Ph.D. from the University at Buffalo, finishing with a 3.9 GPA. “Hilbert gave me the tools and resources to go to the next level,” said Spence.

Inspired in part by his mother—a lifelong educator herself— Spence taught English in New York City and Buffalo, worked as an assistant high school principal in Buffalo, then became an assistant superintendent in Rochester before starting as Fall Mountain’s superintendent on July 1.

While most superintendents are practitioners, Spence, who was also taught by S.U.N.Y Distinguished Professor, Dr. Lois Weis, specializes in understanding the systems that contribute to racial and class inequities in education. He’s trained as a sociologist, which means he looks qualitatively and quantitatively at how different variables intersect to influence the educational system and reproduce inequities within and beyond the system.

Looking back on his college years brought up fond memories for this “proud Hilbert Hawk,” even with the challenge of attending college in a predominantly white community. He recalled experiencing macro- and micro-aggressions from some individuals both on- and off-campus, but noted that this was long before wellintentioned diversity and inclusion efforts were commonplace in educational and workplace environments.

Outside of class, Spence joined the Phi Beta Sigma fraternity, went to Kenya on a cultural immersion trip, and served as captain of the cross country team, where he “learned a lot about discipline, and how to put your mind over your body.”

But perhaps his favorite experiences took place inside the academic halls, where Spence thrived in Hilbert’s small class sizes.

Here, he learned from standout professors including Dr. James Golden, Dr. Anthony Hughes, and Dr. Amy Smith, who recalled Spence as someone who “always showed an interest not just in literature and writing, but in thinking about how people learn— which is why I know he will work to ensure that all of the students in his district receive a quality education.” Hughes remembers Spence as the student who brought a dictionary to class to make sure he understood everything that was being discussed. “I told him that it was a great sign of his ‘grit,’ as some educators call it,” said Hughes, “because it showed how serious it was to him to learn something from my classes.”

As Spence reflects on his time at Hilbert, he is deeply appreciative of these professors and others who recognized his determination, and “had a genuine interest in my success.”

“They pushed me to think about things from a sociological perspective, talk about what I thought mattered, and express my ideas,” said Spence.

“They saw that spark in me, and for that I’m eternally grateful.”

“By thinking about complex issues in nuanced ways, hopefully we can find nuanced solutions,” he explained. This process could include everything from evaluating which students get into Advanced Placement classes, to equipping teachers with more skills to help them deal with diverse situations, and understanding long-term impacts of curricular tracking. Like many school districts, Fall Mountain has experienced income inequality, and one of Spence’s goals is finding ways for the system to serve the neediest families in a way that provides better outcomes for all students.

Now, as he leads one of New Hampshire’s larger school districts, Spence continues to draw on the lessons he learned in college.

“As my Hilbert Franciscan values taught me, I’m a servant,” said Spence. “I’m there to serve that community.”

Even before Spence got to Hilbert, he wasn’t sure he could get in.

As a result of a clerical issue with scheduling, he ended up with a GPA that was lower than anticipated. But Hilbert saw his potential, and gave him what he called, “a second chance.”

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ALUMNI SPOTLIGHT Lauren (Carlin) Gill ‘19

Lauren (Carlin) Gill ’19 was married to Matthew Gill on September 23, 2023 at The Church of the Annunciation in Elma by Fr. Jud Weiksnar, OFM, who has been an active part of the Hilbert community since 2016. Lauren graduated from Hilbert College in 2019 with a Bachelor of Science in Business Management and in 2021 earned a Master of Science in Higher Education from Canisius University. Lauren currently is the Senior Assistant Dean of Admissions at Hilbert College.

Above is a picture from the wedding reception at Kloc’s Grove where many Hilbert students, alumni, faculty and staff were in attendance.

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(Pictured left to right) Donna Szarowicz ’71, Jonathan Sullivan ’95 - Assistant Professor Intelligence and Data Analysis, Dr. Amy Smith - General Studies Chair, Lisa Liebzeit ’22 - Director of Dual Enrollment & Lifelong Learning, Alex Overhoff ’24, Cassandra Hadaway ’20, Meghan Harmon - Vice President of Undergraduate Enrollment Management, Samantha Fetzer ’20, Rachel Wozniak - Assistant Vice President of Student Life, Career Development, Service Learning & Community Engagement, Kaitlyn Halper ’20 - Assistant Director of Enrollment Operations Admissions, Lauren Gill ’19 - Senior Assistant Dean of Admissions, Megan Lee ’19 - Admissions Counselor, Colleen Wilke ’19, Sierrah Torre ’19, Jason Stuhr ’22, Jackie Lentz ’18, Gregory Szarowicz ’05, Carlyn Szarowicz ’08, Alexis Gaul ’19, Matt Scherer ’24, Abby Scherer ’20 & ’21, Daniel Roland - Professor of Business Management, and Justin DeLaRosa ’19.

ALUMNI HIGHLIGHTS Michelle Scheib ‘07 was hired in November 2022 to take the helm as the Director of Independent Living of Niagara County (ILNC).

Ms. Scheib brings considerable experience from prior positions, among them three leadership positions at BestSelf Behavioral Health in Buffalo: Senior Peer Advocate, Assistant Program Director, and Program Director of the Recovery Community.

She also had three prior roles at the Restoration Society in Buffalo: Rehabilitation Practitioner, Program Manager, and Director of Peer Services.

Ms. Scheib earned a Bachelor of Science in Forensic Science and Crime Scene Investigation from Hilbert in 2007; plus, a Bachelor of Science in Criminal Justice and Minor in Social Welfare Reform, from Buffalo State College. She has additional training in Peer Coaching, Mentoring and Supervision.

Ms. Scheib is a Certified Recovery Peer Advocate by the Alcoholism and Substance Abuse Providers of New York State and Certified Family Peer Advocate by Families Together in New York State. She is the founder of the Mental Health Awareness Month Flash Mob in Buffalo, and her colleagues elected her to be a Peer on the Conference of Local Mental Hygiene Directors’ Western New York Regional Planning Consortium.

Tara Lowry ’02 recently earned her Society for Marketing Professional Services (SMPS) CPSM (Certified Professional Services Marketer) certification.

SMPS is a professional organization for architecture/engineering/construction (A/E/C) marketers. CPSM certified individuals have met a rigorous standard of experience and expertise in marketing professional services and demonstrated their knowledge of the practice and related disciplines through marketing competencies. Ms. Lowry has been employed at Encorus Group (previously RJR Engineering) for the past 10 years and the last 5 years in her current role as Senior Marketing Coordinator. Lowry serves as the Communications Director for the SMPS Upstate New York chapter.

ALUMNI BOARD Officers Lisa Beckwith '15 | President Donald Thompson | Vice President Susan Hawkins '06 | Secretary Colleen Kumiega '94 | Faculty Representative Margeaux Hallman '19 | GOLD Representative Members Jerry Wszalek ‘73 Robert Benshadle ‘82 Thomas Doody ‘97 Amy Meisner ‘01 John Kordrupel ‘06 Jennifer Loughran ‘07 Amy Keller ‘09 Sarah Seweryniak ‘09 Christopher Spence ‘11 Scott Cvetkovski ‘12 Cassandra Marra ‘17 Ashley Waczkowski ‘17 John Stewart ‘18 Alex Jazembak ‘19 Will Nichols ‘19 Lauren Gill ‘19 Scott Phillips ‘20 Logan Yotter ‘23, ‘20 Carl Zarcone ‘22

This past July, Mackenzi White ’21, ’22 and Collin Kowalski ’19 became Mr. and Mrs. Collin and Mackenzi Kowalski. The Kowalski’s are both police officers in Tennessee and Mackenzi’s younger sister is a current student at Hilbert, following in her sister’s footsteps in studying Criminal Justice.

2023 FALL EDITION | 17

BOARD MEMBERS & ADVISORY COUNCIL MEMBERS Hilbert College is proud to announce four new members to the College’s Board of Trustees. Brian J. Connolly, Louis Petrucci (MPA ’15), Jennifer Seib (BS ’03), LMHC, CASAC, and Richard C. Suchan, each will serve a three-year term.

Brian J. Connolly is a Business Development and Communications Consultant. Connolly has over 20 years of journalism experience and spent most of his career at The Buffalo News, in roles ranging from Copy Editor to Managing Editor and finally Vice President for Business Development. He also served for six years as publisher of The Hamburg Sun, having been part of the team that brought the community newspaper out of bankruptcy in 2017. He received a Master of Business at the University of Buffalo in 2016, a Master of Arts in Journalism at the University of Missouri-Columbia in 2003, and a Bachelor of Arts in Communications at SUNY Geneseo in 2000.

Louis Petrucci ‘15 received his Master of Public Administration from Hilbert College in 2015 and currently serves as the Executive Director of Support Services Corporation. Lou has 30 years of experience in both private and public sector positions. Petrucci is the former Deputy Commissioner for the City of Buffalo Department of Inspections & Licenses, Director of Housing for the Buffalo Urban Renewal Agency, and the former President of the Buffalo Board of Education. He received his Bachelor of Arts degree in International Studies and Russian from Allegheny College in 1987.

Jennifer Seib ‘03, LMHC, CASAC, is a Vice President of Strategic Initiatives and Integration for BestSelf Behavioral Health. A graduate of Hilbert College, she received a Bachelor of Science in Human Services with a focus on Substance Abuse Counseling in 2003 and received a Master’s in Mental Health Counseling from Medaille College in 2012. Seib is a New York State Licensed Mental Health Counselor (LMHC) and Credentialed Alcoholism and Substance Abuse Counselor (CASAC).

She has more than 20 years of experience in substance use disorder and integrated behavioral health care.

Richard C. Suchan is the Chief Operating Officer at the Catholic Diocese of Buffalo. He has over 30 years of leadership and financial management experience working for both private and public organizations. Suchan is a member of the Board of Directors for the Loyal Christian Benefit Association. He received a Master of Arts in Economics from the University of Buffalo in 1989 and a Bachelor of Science in Finance & History from Canisius College in 1982.

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BOARD OF TRUSTEES Officers Laurie Boreanaz Carra, Esq ‘81 | Chair Lamont Williams | Vice Chair Jill Meyer | Secretary Members Ericka Bennett Dr. Anthony J. Billittier IV William Brinson ‘97 Michael Brophy, Ph.D. Brian J. Connolly Bridget Corcoran ‘88 Fr. Sean DiMaria Michael Donlon Sr. Marcia Ann Fiutko, FSSJ ‘73 Rhonda Frederick Richard Hamister Hon. Craig D. Hannah Terrance Heard ‘94 Sr. Michael Marie Jordan, FSSJ ‘70 Fr. Ted Jost Thomas McArthur ‘06 Michael McCabe Michael Mommertz, ‘16, ‘06 Louis Petrucci ‘15 Lisa Ressman ‘99 Jennifer Seib ‘03 Richard C. Suchan Michelle Sullivan Michael Tepfenhart Camille P. Wicher, PhD, Esq, MSN, RN Boyd Wible

ADVISORY COUNCIL

Shai Arnold, MPA ’17, ‘15 Ryan Caster, CPA Thomas Doody ‘97 Patricia Farrell Dwight Hollins, M.Ed. ‘79 Kevin Klotzbach Jill Martucci ‘12 Carl Behrend Michael Cornell Kevin Eberle, Ed.D. ‘79 Cameron McLeod ‘18 Anne Marie Parucki Milazzo ‘66 Gabrielle Mosher David Rust Amy Schmit Christine Zacher Ward ‘97 Lynne Dixon Sean Doyle Terry Dunford Daniel Dytchkowskyj, MPA ‘16 John Greenan Randy Hoak Jason Keding Thomas Moses James Shaw Margaret Shea Sperber ‘10 Mo Sumbundu Thomas Tallman Jerome Wszalek ‘73 Jason Luna ‘96 Edward Qualey ‘74 David Balbierz ‘94 Lucas Cellino ‘14 Jonathon Clark ‘10 Lisa Damiani Carol Tracy Palczewski ’94, ’83, ‘72 Darlene Rousseau ‘83 Joseph Salvatore Michael Sendor ‘10 Sarah Seweryniak ‘09 Michael Szymoniak Janine Tramont Mindy Cervoni Jeff Conrad Althea Luehrsen Jerrell Mason ‘13 Kathleen Maxian, BSW ‘82 Stephanie Perrotti Edward Sirianno Lisa Woodring ‘94 Robert Ganey

M

In Memoriam

Robert J. Drago, Hilbert Trustee Emeritus, passed away on November 21, 2022. Bob devoted his life to the food industry until 2021, serving as President of Bison Canning Co., a family owned business. He continued in that role when the business was sold to Goya Foods. Bob proudly served on the Hilbert Board of Trustees from 1993 to 2002.

He was incredibly dedicated to our Hilbert students and equally to the Franciscan Sisters of St. Joseph (FSSJ). Not only establishing scholarships, but Bob was an annual mentor and host to our Enactus students and proudly funded many significant projects on campus as a tribute to the FSSJ and their legacy. His heart was truly with Hilbert and our founders and students.

2023 FALL EDITION | 19

CAMPUS COMMUNITY UPDATES WELCOME NEW FACULTY Mr. Jason Becker joins the Hilbert Department of Business as an Assistant Professor in our Sport Industry Management program.

Jason brings sixteen years of serving as an adjunct and visiting professor at several institutions in New York and surrounding states including SUNY Fredonia, SUNY Oswego, American University, Southern New Hampshire, Gannon University, George Mason University and Clarion University. He has previously taught in Hilbert’s Sport Industry Management program at Hilbert as well.

Jason has experience with both face to face and online teaching in the areas of Sports Analytics, Sport Administration, Communication, Physical Education and Recreation. Jason received an M.S.A. in Sport Administration from Canisius University, a B.A. in Broadcasting and Mass Communication from SUNY Oswego and an A.S. in Communication from Jamestown College.

Dr. Dana Bagwell joins Hilbert as an Assistant Professor teaching in the Masters in Public Administration Program. Dr. Bagwell brings 24 years of teaching experience and has taught as an adjunct instructor at Hilbert College since 2014. He most recently served as Director of Gannon University’s Institutional Research, Assessment and Analytics office. Dr. Bagwell is a prolific scholar having completed 13 major research projects, 23 publications and 23 presentations at conferences both locally, nationally and internationally. Dr. Bagwell earned a Doctorate (Ed.D.) in Health Policy from D’Youville University and a Bachelor of Science (BS) in Psychology with minors in Sociology and Gerontology from the University of Florida.

Mr. Jonathan Sullivan joins the Department of Criminal Justice as an Assistant Professor in the Intelligence and Data Analysis program.

He brings to Hilbert a myriad of experiences in law enforcement both locally and internationally. Sullivan has served since 1994 as a U.S. Border Patrol Officer, Drug Enforcement Administration (DEA) Special Agent and most recently as a TSYMMETRY Senior Investigative Analyst in Arlington, Virginia. Mr. Sullivan is an alumnus of Hilbert, having received his Associate of Arts and Bachelor of Science degrees at the College. Sullivan has undergone extensive training at the Drug Enforcement Administration Academy in Quantico, Virginia and at the US Border Patrol Academy.

Additionally, he has received numerous awards and honors and most notably, in 2017, was awarded the Civilian Global War on Terror Medal for his role in the rescue of 5 American hostages.

Dr. Jonas Patricko joins the Department of Cybersecurity as an Associate Professor. Most recently, he served at Medaille University for 11 years as a Professor in Business and Information Systems as well as serving as their Business Internship Coordinator. Dr. Patricko has experience with both online and on campus teaching and has served in the role of Department Chair. He has taught at other institutions including ITT Technical Institute, Bryant & Stratton College, Buffalo Academy of Science, Niagara University, Enterprise Buffalo Charter School, Starpoint Central School District and Lewiston Porter Central School District.

Dr. Patricko earned a Doctor of Business Administration from California State University, a Master of Science in Education from SUNY Buffalo, a Bachelor of Science in Business Management Information Systems from SUNY Empire and an Associate Degree of Science in Computer Information Systems from Niagara County Community College.

Ms. Doreen Prendergast joins Hilbert’s Department of Natural Science and Math as an Assistant Professor in the Chemistry program. She has a 25-year teaching career, including as a High School Chemistry teacher at Buffalo Academy of the Sacred Heart, Royalton-Hartland High School, and Niagara-Wheatfield High School in addition to teaching at the Huntington Learning Center and currently serving as a private tutor specializing in preparing high school students for the Math and Science portions of the SAT’s. She previously served as a Teaching Assistant at the University of Buffalo, an Instructional Support Specialist and Adjunct Chemistry Professor at the University of New York’s Erie Community College and an Adjunct Chemistry instructor at Hilbert. Ms. Prendergast earned a Bachelor of Science in Chemistry from the University of Notre Dame, a Master of Science in Education from Canisius University, and a Master of Arts in Chemistry from the University of Buffalo. Doreen is a 2025 Doctor of Philosophy candidate at the University of Buffalo.

MISSION TRIP TO WISCONSIN In spring of 2023, Dr. Diedre DeBose, Vice President of Mission & Equity, Sister Jenny Wilson, and five students traveled to La Crosse, Wisconsin for a service trip sponsored by Campus Ministry. They were welcomed and hosted by the Franciscan Sisters of Perpetual Adoration in La Crosse. Time was spent learning about the Franciscan tradition of care for creation. In honoring Earth Day, the group spent time preparing the gardens and land for the upcoming growing season. Students learned a wealth of information regarding sustainable ways of growing and being respectful of the land and the resources around them.

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KARA REHBAUM INDUCTED INTO THE GREATER BUFFALO SPORTS HALL OF FAME Kara Rehbaum began her stardom on the basketball court at Irondequoit High School. Here she set records for most career points (1,046) and rebounds (859) and was a three-time AllCounty selection in 1978-1980.

Rehbaum continued to dominate on the court in the early 1980s as a member of the “Lady Griffs” as the Canisius Women’s Basketball team was known as. Her time playing for Canisius (1980 – 1984) the team went 77-18 and held a 22-game winning streak during the ’81-’82 season, which remains as the school record. By the time she graduated from Canisius she was a three-time All-American, and was the school’s leading scorer with 1,661 points, and the leading rebounder with 1,075. She now ranks 3rd in all-time scoring but remains the only Golden Griffin cager to record 1,000 rebounds and the only player to have over 1,000 points and rebounds. In ’83 she led the Griffs to its first NCAA tournament berth, the Division II Quarterfinals.

She continued her playing career playing professionally for the Atlanta Comets of the Women’s Basketball Association. Her next logical step was to return to Canisius in a coaching role. She held the title of assistant coach from 1986 – 1993 then became the head coach until 1998. During her time as head coach she earned Coach of the Year from the Metro Atlantic Athletic Conference (MAAC) after leading the Golden Griffins to a 19-8 record in the ’94-’95 season. In addition, she earned the Converse-Basketball Coaches Association of New York Coach of the Year in 1995.

20 years ago, Rehbaum joined the Hilbert Hawks to coach for five seasons and moved in to her current role as assistant athletics director.

She also serves as the college’s sports information director, and was recognized with the Hilbert College Mother Collette Award in 2018.

Rebhaum has been inducted into the Canisius University Sports Hall of Fame, the Section V Basketball Hall of Fame, the Naismith Memorial Basketball Hall of Fame – Metro Atlantic Athletic Conference Honor Roll Class and honored again by Canisius as a member of the ’82-’83 women’s basketball team. Hilbert joins in congratulating Kara Rehbaum as she is inducted into the Greater Buffalo Sports Hall of Fame’s Class of 2023 on November 8, 2023.

CHLOE SANTANGELO RECEIVES THE ALL STAR AWARD FROM THE WNY LIBRARY RESOURCES COUNCIL Chloe Santangelo, director of Hilbert’s McGrath Library has been selected to receive the Western New York Library Resources Council’s 2023 Library All Star Award! Chloe was honored with this award at WNYLRCs 57th Annual Meeting of the Membership, on September 26, 2023.

The WNYLRC Awards Task Group was inspired by Chloe’s dynamism, kindness, and professionalism. Chloe has built a robust and welcoming community at McGrath Library. She empowers staff and students through innovative programming and inclusive measures to make the library a safe space for all. Chloe has also increased library outreach, programming, door counts, and instruction classes over the past two years she has served as the Director.

“I am sure that anyone on our campus who has met Chloe or been in the library over the past two years would agree with the opinion of the Awards Task Group! I am so fortunate to get to work each day with Chloe, as well as the fantastic team of librarians she’s assembled. I see every day how our students benefit from Chloe’s dedication, hard work, and innovation” said Melissa Laidman, Public Services and Instruction Librarian and Chloe’s colleague.

The Library All Star Award was created to honor individuals at any staffing level from a WNYLRC member library who work toward enhancing the experiences of library patrons and/ or library operations and providing excellent engagement and outreach within and outside of their library and neighboring communities. This could be demonstrated through advocacy, committee work, providing networking opportunities, and/or creating projects that bridge two or more libraries or community organizations. This can also include excellence in leadership activities, development of new or improved services that enhance the experience of library patrons or library operations, creation of a new or unique program for an underserved population, establishment of a new or enhanced service model, or design of an innovative program.

2023 FALL EDITION | 21

Class of 1973 alums Sr. Marcia Ann Fiutko, Jerry Wszalek, & Sr. Andrea Ciszewski

Kody Harrison ’23, ’24

Jon Davison ’16

Alex Figueroa ’16

Alex Gill ’19, ’21

Charity Carrig

Amber Fie ‘06

TRUE BLUE WEEKEND Over the weekend of September 29th and 30th, Hilbert once again hosted its True Blue Weekend. The festive weekend of events was a blend of student and family activities as well as celebrating alumni.

Friday, September 29, alumni, faculty and staff gathered at JP Fitzgerald’s in Hamburg for happy hour. A great crowd enjoyed an evening of laughter, good food and better company.

On Saturday, September 30 the Hilbert Alumni Association hosted the San Damiano Awards dinner celebrating the classes of 1978 for their 50th anniversary, 1998 for their 25th anniversary and 2013 for their 10th anniversary as well as honoring 4 individuals.

This year’s San Damiano award honorees were Alex Gill ’19, ‘21, recipient of the Dominique Thompson Alumnus of the Year award, Alex Figueroa ‘16 recipient of the Graduate of the Last Decade (GOLD) award, Charity Carrig, recipient of the Hilbert College Franciscan Values award and Kody Harrison ’23, ’24, recipient of the St. Clare Student of the Year award.

Also receiving an award and recognition were the Athletics Hall of Fame Inductees, Jon Davison ‘16, Amber Fie ‘06, and Ryan Ratajczak ‘15. The trio were honored earlier that day at a halftime ceremony during the Hilbert Hawks football game at Frontier High School as well.

Following the awards dinner, alumni, staff, faculty, students and families celebrated under the tent in the quad with yard games, trivia, and refreshments provided by Buffalo Bubble Bar truck by Alchemy wine and beer and the Fudd’s House of Munch truck.

Next year we invite back classes of 1974, 1999 and 2014 to celebrate their anniversaries!

Join us for a great night on campus and stay tuned for the announcement of the True Blue 2024 date!!

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TRUE BLUE 2023WEEKEND GIVING DAY WRAP UP

Hilbert's Giving Day 2023 was a huge success, raising $187,000 in just 24 hours with the support of 404 donors. The increase of 100 donors from 2022 is a clear indication of the growing support for helping Hilbert students succeed. This tremendous response from donors helped make a significant impact on student scholarships, health and wellness programs and student academic supports.

Hilbert College’s Giving Day is a day to unite members of the Hilbert community to show their love for Hilbert and to support the most critical needs of our students.

April

17 Mark your calendars now for our next Giving Day on April 17, 2024!

DONATION & DONOR TOTALS

RAISED

$187,000

404

DONORS Scan the QR to make your annual gift!

CHALLENGES

$5,000

Challenge gift by Mary Ann Hobar unlocked for the Forensic Science Department.

$10,000 Challenge gift by John Ciminelli unlocked for the Hilbert Fund.

$5,000 Board of Trustee “Give x 10” Challenge - Each member secured $5,000 from 10 other colleagues and friends to increase funds and participation on Giving Day. 2023 FALL EDITION | 23

THE SEASON OF GIVING IS HERE! Many donors think about their philanthropic giving at this time of year. Inspired by the holidays and taking advantage of tax benefits before the end of the year, this is also an opportunity to consider deferred gifts that benefit you now but provide future support to Hilbert College. Here are some beneficial gift options to consider:

QUALIFIED CHARITABLE DISTRIBUTION With a Qualified Charitable Distribution (QCD), you may be able to satisfy your traditional IRA’s Required Minimum Distribution (RMD), lower your taxable income, and maximize your impact on a charitable organization, such as Hilbert College.

If you are 70.5 or older, you must take an RMD on your traditional IRA. Typically, you pay taxes on all traditional IRA withdrawals, including RMDs. But with a QCD, your entire withdrawal will directly and fully be gifted to a charitable organization and your taxable income will be lowered by the full amount. This is a winwin for you and Hilbert College!

DONATING APPRECIATED SECURITIES Donating appreciated stock is one of the easiest ways to give more to Hilbert and the causes you care about. By donating stock that has appreciated for more than a year, you are actually giving 20 percent more than if you sold the stock and then made a cash donation. The reason is simple: avoiding capital gains taxes.

The maximum federal capital gains tax rate is 20 percent on longterm holdings. But if you donate the stock directly to a charity, there’s no capital gains tax to pay. Plus, you are still eligible to deduct the full fair-market value of the asset you donated from your income taxes, up to the overall amount allowed by the IRS. And remember that your appreciated assets can also include assets that are not publicly traded, like restricted stock or bitcoin.

LEAVING HILBERT COLLEGE IN YOUR WILL An excellent way for you to support Hilbert College’s mission is to leave us a bequest in your will. This allows you to leave a legacy for you or your family and support our Franciscan education for years to come. As with all charitable giving, we also encourage you to speak with your financial advisor for the most up to date information on tax benefits and IRS requirements.

MAKE A GIFT IN HONOR OR MEMORY Make a meaningful gift recognizing someone special with a gift in their honor, or honor the memory of a loved one with a memorial gift to Hilbert College.

The holiday season is a wonderful time to remember the special people in our lives.

Sr. Edmunette Paczesny, FSSJ, the College’s longest serving President, turned 90 years old on October 13, 2023. The College celebrated her with a birthday cake and celebration on campus.

To commemorate this very special year for her, and to honor her legacy at Hilbert, we invite you to make a gift in her honor!

Please use the enclosed envelope to make your annual gift to support the scholarship, academic and health and wellness programs of our Hilbert students. Please help our students continue to succeed and thrive!

If you have questions, would like to speak further or need additional information about giving to Hilbert College, please contact Kathleen Christy, Vice President for Institutional Advancement at kchristy@hilbert.edu or 716.926.8960.

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Alumni and grad students together on campus for a night of catching up and conversation at Grad Night

Welcome Week bonfire on the athletic fields

Dr. David Reis’s American Religious History class at the Buffalo Religious Arts Center

Fresh Check Day photo booth

HELP US NAME OUR MAGAZINE!

5200 South Park Avenue Hamburg, New York 14075

UPCOMING EVENTS

Spring Open House April 2024 Hilbert Giving Day April 17, 2024 Commencement May 17, 2024 Hilbert College Franciscan Scholarship Gala September 28, 2024 True Blue Weekend Fall 2024

Healthy alumni relationships are vital to the College’s future success. Send any address, phone, or email changes to LeeAnn Petronsky at lpetronsky@hilbert.edu