magazine Fall 2019
Presidential Installation of Michael S. Brophy,
Ph.D., M.F.A. Page 4
IN THIS ISSUE St. Francis Week Academic Stories Around the Quad News & Notes Athletics On-Campus Alumni Info
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PUBLISHED BY Office of Institutional Advancement and Department of Marketing & Communications Hilbert College 5200 South Park Avenue Hamburg, NY 14075
Presidential Installation
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MANAGING EDITOR Matt Heidt CREATIVE DIRECTOR Charlene Budziszewski CONTRIBUTING WRITERS Carol Bernat Kathleen Christy Drew Fittry Kara Rehbaum Kaitlyn Halper ON THE COVER Installation of President Michael Brophy, Ph.D., M.F.A. Fourth President of Hilbert College
Commencement
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Campus Improvements
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HOST YOUR NEXT EVENT AT HILBERT The Conference & Event Center at Hilbert College offers a wide range of meeting spaces, services and amenities, providing a refreshing alternative to more traditional meeting venues.
PRESIDENT’S LETTER
On behalf of all of us
in the Hilbert College family, it is my pleasure to wish you and
your family a joyous Christmas season and a happy, healthy and prosperous New Year. I find that the holiday season is a natural time to pause and reflect upon the year that has just been completed, and as I contemplate the past year, one overwhelming feeling springs to mind—pride—the pride that is felt knowing our College has made such a difference for so many. 2019 has been extraordinary at Hilbert College. Together our goals have been ambitious, our challenges varied and interesting, and our accomplishments many. Without the tireless efforts of our students, faculty, staff, donors and friends, we would not have been able to achieve what we have. Everyone’s generous and continuing support made our progress possible. Our students continue to be champions in the classroom and in the community. In late summer we welcomed our Class of 2023 as well as our returning students to a campus that had undergone many changes. Many departments and offices relocated to new spaces on campus, and we celebrated the transformation of Franciscan Hall to the new Student Union and Welcome Center. Since early spring 2019, the Hilbert community, including the Board of Trustees, faculty and staff has been engaged in an intensive planning process involving four distinct elements: “Enhancing our Franciscan Mission and Identity, Growing Enrollment, Strengthening Academic Performance and the Student Experience and Strengthening the Financial Position,” which assessed our overall challenges and opportunities. We look forward to sharing the Hilbert 2025 Strategic Plan in January 2020. In October the Hilbert community celebrated my Installation as the fourth President of the College. You will see photos and highlights of that remarkable day, as well as a celebration of St. Francis week in the pages ahead. I am so thankful to have shared a celebration of our Franciscan heritage with our students, faculty, staff, alumni, donors and friends and especially our founders, the Franciscan Sisters of Saint Joseph. I remain confident that, as a community, we will continue to offer the highest quality education in a studentfriendly campus environment. We will continue to be responsive to our students and to the needs of our community. We will achieve our mission and sustain our Franciscan charism as we embark on a new year. I am deeply grateful for your hard work and commitment to excellence, which made these accomplishments, and so many others possible. So as the fall semester wraps up, let me wish you a joyful and restful Christmas and Advent season. I look forward to resuming our important work together in January. I appreciate all that you have done this past year, your loyalty and your continued support. Thank you for your commitment, your drive and your energy as we move into a new year of educating and preparing young people for rewarding and successful lives. As we look forward to 2020, let us all be grateful for our many blessings, a new year of hope, and a season of promise. Merry Christmas, Happy Holidays and Best Wishes for the New Year!
Sincerely,
Michael S. Brophy, Ph.D., M.F.A President mbrophy@hilbert.edu
Dr. Brophy poses with a live hawk during a St. Francis Week event. Hawks are Hilbert College’s school mascot. Page 9
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DR. MICHAEL S. BROPHY INSTALLED AS HILBERT’S FOURTH PRESIDENT Feature Project Market in New York. As a musician, Dr. Brophy has accompanied gospel choirs and performed with students and faculty in classical, pop, and jazz settings. He and his wife, Tara, have three children, Sullivan (a graduate student at Benedictine), Myles (an undergraduate student at the University of Southern California), and Ella (a sophomore at East Aurora HS).
Dr. Brophy with Sr. Edmunette Paczesny, FSSJ, Ph.D., President Emerita
Michael S. Brophy, Ph.D., M.F.A. was formally installed on October 11, 2019 as the fourth president of Hilbert College. Dr. Brophy pleased the crowd in the William E. Swan Auditorium on Hilbert’s campus by playing two pieces on the piano, the first he dedicated to his wife, Tara, and the second was accompanied by a gospel choir.
Faculty Senate President John D’Amico
Dr. Brophy spoke to the challenges and opportunities that Hilbert needs to embrace under his leadership (see page 6). Rev. Michael Sajda, OFM Conv., chair of the College’s Board of Trustees, had the honor, along with Sr. Marcia Ann Fiutko, FSSJ, of officially installing Dr. Brophy as president by placing Hilbert College’s presidential medallion around his neck. ”The vitality of our intellectual community is being infused with high energy and exciting plans for our future,” Sajda said. “Our mission and sense of shared purpose are being renewed. With today’s installation, we gather to honor and pledge our support to you, Michael, and together, we will achieve success.” A Fulbright recipient, Dr. Brophy has taught and conducted research in Europe and Cuba. He is also an accomplished filmmaker. He has written, directed, and edited three films that screened at film festivals, theaters, museums, universities, and foundations throughout the United States, Cuba, and Europe. He has had screenplays selected to the Independent
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INSTALLATION CEREMONY
Staff Senate Chair Christopher Hulsman
Dr. Brophy is accompanied by the Gospel Choir of SS. Columba-Brigid Parish
Sr. Ann Marie Hudzina, FSSJ during the Installation Mass
(Left to right) Ella, Tara, Michael, and Myles Brophy
(Left to right) Board members Boyd Wible, Philip Perna, Russ Corigliano, Lamont Williams, and Peg Adams pose with Dr. Brophy
Alumni Association President Paul Liedkie ’13 with President Brophy
Dr. Brophy with Hilbert student Cassandra Haddaway
Sr. Marcia Ann Fiutko, Sr. Jean Marie Cherry, and Sr. Judith Elaine Salzman, along with all members of the Franciscan Sisters of St. Joseph extend a blessing to Dr. Brophy.
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PRESIDENTIAL ADDRESS
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FULL TRANSCRIPT OF DR. MICHAEL S. BROPHY’S INSTALLATION ADDRESS, 10/11/19 Many of you know that today’s Mass was the final program in our week of celebration surrounding the Feast of Saint Francis. I am impressed by how thoughtful the programming has been, and by the great care the Franciscan Sisters of Saint Joseph have taken to help our lay leadership sustain Franciscanism. We enjoyed: • • • • • • •
The Peace Walk The Employee Service Recognition Awards The Transitus Commemoration The Blessing of the Animals The Blanketing of Buffalo The St. Francis and the Wolf program And, one of my favorites, the Heritage Tour led by Sister Sharon.
Throughout the programming we were reminded of our core Franciscan values: Service, Respect, Compassion, Peace, Hope, Joy, Integrity, and Vision. We were reminded of St. Francis’s belief that everything in God’s creation is sacred. We prayed together for God “to enrich us with a feeling of community with the creation around us, and an authentic sense of responsibility for earth’s well-being.” These prayers were reminders of how relevant Franciscanism is today, more than 800 years since its founding. Over the last week we were also reminded of the central questions, inspired by St. Francis, that guide us in our daily lives: • What changes can I make in my life to find inner peace? • Do I accept and respect the differences in others including race, religion, culture, opinion, and lifestyle? • Whom do I need to forgive and with whom do I need to reconcile in order to find peace in life? Again, this sustained theme is that everything in God’s creation is sacred. Everything, including relationships. Late in the 19th Century Sister Collette Hilbert came from Poland and began to develop relationships in
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Pittsburgh, in Trenton, and then here in Buffalo at the Corpus Christi parish. Working relationships that addressed real human needs for education, spiritual mentorship, and being lifted out of poverty.
Ninety years ago, the Franciscan Sisters of Saint Joseph came to this site in the Southtowns, at that point only corn fields and apple orchards, to nurture their young congregation. The FSSJ turned the fields and orchards into a thriving community from which thousands of lives were enriched by the tireless effort the Sisters devoted to education and human services over the next century. What was once called Immaculata College became Hilbert College under the leadership of Sister Edwina Bogel and Sister Edmunette Paczesny. Over a decade ago the Sisters entrusted Hilbert to lay leadership. First with my esteemed predecessor, Dr. Cynthia Zane, and now myself. With that trust comes the responsibility, that I share with all of you, to sustain the Franciscan charism in a higher education sector that is rapidly changing. Nearly a year ago, I invited the faculty and staff to write to me on the challenges and opportunities that our institution needs to embrace as we begin this new era. Their letters are all here in this Blue File. This is what the Hilbert community shared with me: • We have great passion for our College. • We believe we need to sustain the Franciscan charism as we strengthen the College. • We strive to improve what we do for students to ensure that we are competitive in the marketplace. • We need truth, kindness, and transparency. • We need to add new academic programs, offer online and international programs, improve athletic recruitment, build a fundraising program, and engage the Western New York Community.
PRESIDENTIAL ADDRESS
These letters provided a broad spectrum of opinions. Some were joyful. Some were inspiring. Some were unvarnished, to be sure. And some were cranky. But they were always about how we need to work together to strengthen Hilbert. Please know I have heard you. I keep this Blue File on my desk as a reminder of what we need to focus on. I am thankful for what I learned from all of you over the last year. From that experience I offer that there are two main things for all of us to focus on:
FIRST, we have both the honor and the responsibility to sustain and deepen our Franciscan charism for all we serve.
SECOND, we have the opportunity to adopt and embrace a 21st Century higher education business model. One that will ensure the vitality of our College for decades to come. This will not be easy. We hail from different faith backgrounds, but we come to campus each day to sustain our Catholic educational mission. And within that mission we are now forging a transformative story. One that is true, one that inspires, one that builds upon the past in such a way as to assure a relevant future. There will be challenges, but, as is evidenced by our distinguished gathering today, there is a deep reserve of wisdom here in Western New York that cares about us, and that we can turn to and learn from. Lots of wisdom. But I would offer there is none more important than the wisdom across the way. And by that I mean right across South Park Avenue at Saint Francis Park. In those times of discernment, and there will be many, all we have to do is cross the road and visit with the Franciscan Sisters of Saint Joseph. Their wisdom about Hilbert’s past, the decisions they had to make to adapt to the times, and their laser focus on serving those in need. They are our inspiration.
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Members of the Hilbert College Faculty at the Installation Ceremony
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DRAMATIC READINGS
AGAPE LATTE
PEACE WALK
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ST. FRANCIS WEEK
ESCAPE ROOMS AT HILBERT
ST. FRANCIS WEEK ST. FRANCIS WEEK CELEBRATIONS
PEACE WALK
PET BLESSING
St. Francis Week is a celebration of the life of St. Francis of Assisi, whose feast day is October 4. It is a time of celebration for all members of the Franciscan family, including the Franciscan Sisters of St. Joseph, who founded Hilbert College. A Peace Walk highlighted key moments from the life of St. Francis, and encouraged participants to reflect on ways to incorporate peace into their lives. A pet blessing, farmers’ market, and hawk flight demo honored St. Francis’s love of creation. The entire Hilbert College community had the opportunity to participate in a blanket drive for the homeless, visit the on-campus farmers’ market, hear the story of a faculty member, Randy Zimpfer, at Agape Latte, and learn more about the history of the Franciscan Sisters.
FARMERS’ MARKET
ST. FRANCIS AND THE WOLF
The week culminated with the installation of Dr. Brophy as Hilbert’s fourth president.
HAWK FLIGHT DEMO
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ACADEMIC STORIES
HILBERT COLLEGE AWARDED HEOP GRANT Hilbert College was awarded an Arthur O. Eve Higher Education Opportunity Program (HEOP) grant for participation in the program beginning in 2019 and continuing through 2024. The HEOP grant, administered by the New York State Education Department, is a comprehensive academic program created in 1970 by the New York State Legislature to assist in providing access for all New Yorkers to the State's private colleges and universities. “The HEOP grant is a tremendous opportunity to make a Hilbert education possible for more students in New York State,” Hilbert Provost Kristina LantzkyEaton, Ph.D. said. “The program increases access to higher education, which is consistent with Hilbert’s mission, vision, and values.”
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ACADEMIC STORIES
The program is designed for students who, based on high school academic performance, have the potential for and interest in pursuing college-level study, but do not meet the regular admission requirements of the college. The program offers financial assistance based on need, and a variety of support services. The ultimate goal of HEOP at Hilbert is to make higher education a reality for New York State residents who are academically under-prepared and economically disadvantaged. All incoming HEOP pre-freshmen take part in an intensive four-week summer program, which orients students to college life at Hilbert and helps prepare them for the expectations and academic rigor of higher education.
HILBERT COLLEGE ANNOUNCES ONLINE MASTER’S DEGREE IN CRIMINAL JUSTICE ADMINISTRATION In January 2020, Hilbert College will begin offering a Master of Science in Criminal Justice Administration entirely online. Hilbert currently offers a hybrid version of the MS in Criminal Justice Administration, in addition to a Master of Public Administration and a Health Administration track. The hybrid programs feature Saturday-only classes. More information on Hilbert’s graduate programs is available at www.hilbert.edu/masters. The online program is designed for those who want to advance their career within the field of criminal justice, but can’t take traditional on-campus classes due to their work schedules.
Hilbert College has been a leader in criminal justice education for over 45 years and a master’s education at Hilbert will prepare students to become leaders in the criminal justice community. This program is designed to enhance critical thinking and problem solving skills in the areas of administration, management, budget and finance, research, decision-making, ethics, diversity, and organizational change. All of Hilbert's master’s programs are extremely convenient and flexible, and the school plans to bring all of our graduate degree offerings entirely online as soon as August 2020.
Hilbert’s graduate programs feature: • Distinguished faculty • Career centered curriculum • Extraordinary research opportunities and research mentoring • Convenient Online or Saturday 0nly on-campus schedule • Take one class at a time - courses scheduled in five-week terms • No GRE or GMAT required
APPLY TODAY FOR A SPRING OR FALL START
Master of Public Administration MPA: Health Administration M.S. in Criminal Justice Administration
HILBERT.EDU/MASTERS 11
AROUND THE QUAD
HILBERT COLLEGE DAY OF SERVICE Hilbert joined Franciscan colleges and universities across the nation and held its annual Day of Service on Friday, September 27. Students, alumni, faculty, and staff rolled their sleeves up and got their hands dirty helping others. The day started with a breakfast to give everyone some energy, before heading to buses and vans to go to their service site. The community partners Hilbert worked with this year were 716 Ministries, Buffalo Peace House, Cradle Beach, Compass House, Veterans One Stop, Food Bank of WNY, Tifft Nature Preserve, Franciscan Sisters of St. Joseph, and Hilbert College Clean-up Crew.
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AROUND THE QUAD
WELCOME WEEK 2019 The fall semester kicked into full swing during Welcome Week! Hilbert welcomed students to try the rock wall or check out the new game room and Student Union in the freshly updated Franciscan Hall. The Involvement Fair gave students the chance to see what clubs they could join on campus or meet local businesses for job opportunities. Comedian Jeffrey Jay came to Swan Auditorium for anyone who needed a laugh at the end of the day. To end the week, an outdoor movie event was held, allowing students to relax and look forward to the semester to come!
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HILBERT CELEBRATES CLASS OF 2019; SISTER EDMUNETTE DELIVERS ADDRESS Hilbert College held its 58th annual commencement ceremony on May 11 at the Watermark Wesleyan Church. Commencement speaker Sister Edmunette Paczesny, FSSJ, Ph.D., President Emerita at Hilbert, encouraged the Class of 2019, “You learned there are certain values in life that supersede others and you learned to prioritize them. Make your choices because they will enrich you.” “I urge you to introduce knowledge where ignorance exists,” Sister Edmunette continued. “To have faith where there is disbelief. To make everything and everyone you touch just a little bit better.” Sister Edmunette was also presented with an honorary doctorate of humane letters. Hilbert President Michael S. Brophy, Ph.D., M.F.A. and Chair of the Board of Trustees, Father Michael Sajda, O.F.M. Conv., presented the President’s Medal to two members of the Hilbert community, Dr. Amy Smith and Anthony Wiertel. The President’s Medal, one of Hilbert College’s highest honors, recognizes faculty, staff, and members of the Board of Trustees for extraordinary commitment and service to higher education, and for exemplifying Franciscan values. Dr. Smith has worked at Hilbert since 1996. She is a professor in the English
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COMMENCEMENT
Department, the director of the Honors Program, and currently serves as secretary of the Faculty Senate. Wiertel has worked at Hilbert for 38 years. He is the Assistant Vice President of Business/Finance and currently serves as chairperson of Staff Senate. President Brophy also presented the Hilbert College Medal to Father Michael Sajda, O.F.M. Conv. The medal is presented to those who embody Franciscan values, demonstrate excellence in their profession or career, and excellence in community service. Father Michael is currently president of St. Francis High School and chair of the Hilbert College Board of Trustees. He served as Interim President at Hilbert from September 2018 to December 2018. He stepped down from the board during his interim tenure and returned to the role of board chair upon the appointment of Dr. Brophy, in January 2019. Father Michael’s interim leadership provided continuity and a positive outlook for the Hilbert community. Top student awards that were presented at Hilbert’s 58th commencement include:
Karen Cialone was presented with the Lambert and Margaret Graham Award for a full-time returning adult student who has earned the highest cumulative quality point average.
COMMENCEMENT
Vanessa Enciso received the Kimberly Bruch Raczkowski Memorial Alumni Association Award for a graduate who reflects the spirit of Hilbert and its mission, and possesses strong leadership skills and demonstrates loyalty and dedication to others. Corey Boice received the Sister Mary Edwina Bogel Award, which is presented to an outstanding graduate in recognition of their character, intellectual achievement and devoted service to fellow students and the college. Lauren Carlin was presented
with the John Kissel Award, which recognizes an outstanding student’s character, intellectual progress, organizational ability, and participation in activities and programs.
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I urge you to introduce KNOWLEDGE where ignorance exists, to have FAITH where there is disbelief. To make everything and everyone you touch JUST A LITTLE BIT BETTER. Sister Edmunette Paczesny, FSSJ, Ph.D., President Emerita, giving the commencement address
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NEWS & NOTES
Employee Service Awards The Annual Service Award Ceremony celebrates faculty and staff who have been at Hilbert for 5, 10, 15, 25, 30, or more years! Congratulations to this year’s recipients, who were honored at the ceremony on October 3. 5 Years Tara Kazmark and Rachel Wozniak 10 Years Thomas Bapst, John Culhane, Patrick Francis, and Christopher Gallant 15 Years Wayne Harvey and Kara Rehbaum 20 Years Andrew Kolin, Colleen Kumiega, Edward Pristach, and Richard Qualey
SCORE Office Opens on Campus SCORE, America’s premier small business counseling organization and resource partner of the U.S. Small Business Administration, announced the opening of a Southtowns satellite office, located in the Learning Commons in McGrath Library - Room 108. SCORE’s experienced business mentors will provide general business advice on every aspect of business planning, start up, management and growth.
25 Years John D’Amico, Matthew Holmes, and Beverly Chudy-Szczur
Hilbert alumnus and former chair of the Board of Trustees Michael Sendor helped to spearhead this initiative and currently staffs the office (along with other mentors). Appointments can be made by calling 716-551-4301 or by visiting https://buffaloniagara.score.org/.
Welcome to Hilbert
Hilbert Partners with M Square Media
Here are Hilbert’s newest employees (since May 2019)
A new partnership agreement with M Square Media (MSM) will support outreach and recruitment of international students. MSM is a leading organization supporting the international education sector with offices around the world.
Full Time Staff Carol Bernat, Jean L. Boland, Damian Desbordes, Jeffrey Hallenbeck, Kaitlyn Haskins, Kristen Hortman, Patrick A. Quinn, Nicole Robbins, and Margaret (Mamie) M. Smith Part Time Faculty Shai Arnold, John Bodensteiner, Christopher Bosley, Michael Donofrio, William Grogan, Paul Gulde, Kevin Kendall, Elizabeth Levin, Margo Masur, Robert Musilli, and Cord Stone Part Time Staff Anna Hartloff, Damian Martelli, Catherine McGrath, Chanque Peart, Jacob Rachwal, Chloe Santangelo, Mackenzie Sawyer, Daniel Schnorr, and Jessica Wheeler Part Time Coaches Warren Bush, Edward Eagan, Timothy Jordan, Robert Krug, Alex Schmitt, and Bret Stothart
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NEWS & NOTES
Working with MSM, Hilbert will be a part of an exclusive MSM partner network consisting of institutions from Canada, the US, the UK, and Europe. MSM has established a strong and well-trained agent network that is high performing and produces excellent results for their partner institutions. Brett Kane Wins Award Brett Kane, Hilbert’s Resident Director, received the Outstanding New Professional Award at the NY College Student Personnel Administration annual conference on October 21. Congratulations Brett!
HILBERT READS FEATURES AUTHOR KATE FAGAN
by Kaitlyn Halper
Students, faculty, staff, and the community filled Swan Auditorium on Tuesday, October 22, for our sixth annual Hilbert Reads to hear author Kate Fagan talk about her New York Times best-selling book on the sports list in 2017. Her book “What Made Maddy Run” shares the story of Madison Holleran, who struggled with the transition to college with balancing school and sports and made the heartbreaking decision to commit suicide. Fagan discussed her book and its connection to important issues including anxiety, depression, and suicide in the perfectionist, social-media driven society we live in today. She spoke of the inspiration behind the book and the personal connection she developed with Maddy’s family and friends. After Fagan’s remarks, students were invited to ask questions or share their own stories of struggle. Fagan signed books and took photos with students, who were then invited to grab a bite to eat or a cup of coffee in West Herr Atrium.
Featured author Kate Fagan discusses the pressures of social media.
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CAMPUS IMPROVEMENTS
Hilbert’s new 78 West Café, which opened in September 2019, serves coffee, tea, snacks, and grab-and-go meals.
CAMPUS IMPROVEMENTS Big changes were completed on the Hilbert College campus this past summer as part of an initiative by President Michael Brophy, Ph.D., M.F.A. Thanks mainly to the creation of the Student Union and Welcome Center in Franciscan Hall, the campus now features more study spaces and hang out spots. The new Student Union space includes the Center for Student Involvement and Leadership, the Hawkade
STUDENT LOUNGE
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(game room and arcade), new HAWK Radio studio, and a student lounge. Other new items include large building signage, directional signage, and feature walls with Hilbert’s core values and an aerial photo of campus.
STUDY SPACE AT 78 WEST CAFÉ
CAMPUS IMPROVEMENTS
STUDENT ARCADE
Many buildings received new signage.
NEW BUILDING SIGNAGE
PHOTO MURAL
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ATHLETICS
HAWKS BASEBALL TEAM SUPPORTS SPECIAL OLYMPICS The Hilbert College baseball team came together in support of the Special Olympics during the fall semester. The Hawks assisted the 22-and-over Western Region Bowling Regional, which took place at AMF Airport Lanes in Cheektowaga. The baseball team helped out in a variety of ways in an effort to enhance the 150+ competitors’ experience
at the competition. They helped track scores, provide refreshments during and after the event, and passed out medals, all while connecting with the athletes on their assigned lanes throughout the event. Coach Drew Fittry and his players continue to assist with the NCAA Division III initiative, which partners with the Special Olympics.
MEN’S CROSS COUNTRY FINISHES AHEAD OF TWO CROSS-TOWN RIVALS The Hilbert College men's team finished in sixth place at the Allegheny Mountain Collegiate Conference Championships, beating local rivals D'Youville by five points and Medaille by 34 points. By finishing ahead of those two programs, the Hawks picked up two Buffalo Cup points. Adam Connelly was the first Hawk to cross the line in 31:23.6 followed closely by Matthew Domagala (31:57.0). Logan Yotter's (32:46.7) closed the gap of three veterans from Hilbert in the race. Brendan Wheeler (33:19.8), Ben Rinehart (34:13.9), Kody Harrison (34:21.4) and Matt Wargo (37:45.4) enjoyed their first AMCC Championship event. All of the Hilbert men established personal records in cold and wet conditions.
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ATHLETICS
WOMEN’S SOCCER BEATS CROSS-TOWN RIVAL MEDAILLE Grace Zabawa's game-winning-goal with 21 seconds left in regulation lifted the Hilbert College women's soccer team to a 4-3 Buffalo Cup victory over Medaille College. The Hawks, who own a 3-1 edge over the Mavs over the past four meetings, played aggressively, passed the ball well and displayed confidence when taking chances.
Both keepers closed the second half with a pair of saves but Zabawa put the game away at 89:39. Brianna Stegmeier was credited with five saves and broke several more scoring opportunities up with aggressive play on the ball. The Hawks out shot the hosts (19-16) on offense and Hilbert's defensive back line came ready to play, limiting the Mavs progress forward to goal.
Macy Kisner evened the game in the fifth minute after hooking her shot to the back of net off a Zabawa feed. Fifteen minutes later, Angelia Johnson, who recently shifted to an attacking forward, scored her first collegiate goal, giving Hilbert a 2-1 lead. The Hawks rode their one-goal advantage into intermission. Medaille forced a 2-2 score in the 54th minute off a corner kick delivered to the front of the net and followed that score with another hit just 34 seconds later, taking their first lead in the game. Hilbert's Brittany Profetta converted off a broken play in the box just 20 seconds later which knotted the game once more (3-3) with 34 minutes left on the clock.
HILBERT MEN WIN 2019 MEGHAN MEMORIAL The 11th Annual Meghan Memorial Invitational went off without a hitch and the Hilbert College men's cross country team secured the program's second victory in three years. Meghan Sorbera was a member of the women's cross country team in 2007. During her sophomore year at Hilbert, Meghan lost her life in a tragic accident. The Hilbert cross country program honors her every October with the Meghan Memorial.
his Thompkins-Cortland Community College team with a 24:04 time. Junior Adam Connelly was given the 2019 Meghan Memorial Award and accepted the honor from the Sorbera family - Peter, Susan and Tanner.
Hilbert's Matthew Domagala paced the Hawks, who placed all five top scorers in the Top 10, with a third place finish in 18:54. Adam Connelly (19:41) took home 4th place, Logan Yotter (20:37) 6th and Kody Harrison (20:51) and Brendan Wheeler (20:52) used the pack mentality to secure the win for the team. Ben Rinehart (22:26) and Matt Wargo (24:35) competed in their first on-campus race and closed in the top 20. Meghan's younger brother, Tanner Sorbera, competed for the first time in the 2019 race when he represented
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ON-CAMPUS CHILDREN’S HALLOWEEN PARTY Hilbert College hosted a free Children’s Halloween Party on Sunday, October 27. Families brought their children for a costume parade with prizes for all, Halloween arts and crafts from many of the student clubs on campus, and lots of Halloween candy!
NEW SCIENCE LAB BEING BUILT Construction has begun at Hilbert on a new science lab and is on schedule to be completed in early 2020. Hilbert received six grants totaling $425,000 for the creation of the laboratory. Hilbert received $150,000 from The John R. Oishei Foundation; $100,000 from the Margaret L. Wendt Foundation; $50,000 from the Russo Family Charitable Foundation; $50,000 from the Vincent and Harriet Palisano Foundation; $50,000 from the M&T Foundation; and $25,000 from the Garman Family Foundation administered by the Community Foundation for Greater Buffalo.
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ON-CAMPUS
raised
2019
$51,401.59
241 87 Total Donors
THANK YOU
New Donors
for your support
Donations from
15 States
Most donors
Hilbert
Fund
Furthest Donor
Ontario, Canada
We invite you to join us for our next Giving Day on April 8, 2020.
A SPECIAL TRIBUTE TO MR. HILBERT Hilbert College and the Hamburg community lost a very special friend on August 8, 2019 with the passing of Ted VanDeusen. Ted had maintained a lifelong relationship with Hilbert since graduating in 1990, and led the Hilbert Alumni Association from 1990-98. He was a recipient of the Hilbert Man of the Year award in 1990. Ted is most importantly known on the Hilbert campus for his significant donation to make the Hawk statue become a reality. Hilbert College unveiled the Hawk statue in the Hilbert Campus Quad in April 2017. The Hawk is Hilbert’s athletics mascot, and stands 6-foot tall, but also has an equally impressive wingspan, which will provide a substantial presence on Hilbert’s campus. Most importantly, Ted believed in giving back and contributing to the important work of Hilbert, especially to support current and future students. Without the generous support of alumni and friends, financial aid at Hilbert would not be possible. The entire Hilbert community, together with our proud alumni, send our prayers and gratitude to Ted’s family and friends. We are so grateful for his generosity and spirit, and his memory will live on in all the Hilbert students that he supported and helped. The next time you visit the campus, be sure to visit the Hawk Statue and pay tribute to our very own Mr. Hilbert – Ted VanDeusen.
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ALUMNI INFO
MEET CAROL BERNAT The Institutional Advancement team welcomed a new member this past October. Carol Bernat is the new Director of Annual Fund and Alumni Engagement. Carol comes to Hilbert with an extensive background in development and alumni engagement, having had roles at the University at Buffalo (Dental School), the University of Rochester and most recently at The Gow School in the role as their Director of Development.
Carol looks forward to meeting and working with alumni, donors, and friends of Hilbert. Please feel free to reach out to Carol to connect: cbernat@hilbert.edu 716.926.8963
CALL FOR ALUMNI UPDATES AND INFORMATION Send us your news and updates to be featured in a future magazine issue. Change in contact info? Update here: giving.hilbert.edu/share-your-news
Would you prefer to receive this magazine electronically? Sign up here: hilbert.edu/magazine
SAVE THE DATE True Blue Reunion Weekend June 26-28, 2020 Overnight accommodations available on-campus Details to come: giving.hilbert.edu
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ATHLETICS ALUMNI INFO
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contribute
kindness strengthen strengthen
IRA CHARITABLE ROLLOVER If you are 70 ½ or older and own an IRA from which you do not need income, you can make a gift of any size to charity, up to $100,000 per year, with an IRA Charitable Rollover. Please consider making a difference for Hilbert students this year with a gift from your IRA.
YOUR ENDURING LEGACY While more than 80% of Americans give to nonprofits during their lifetime, only a small percentage choose to continue their support through a charitable bequest. A bequest is the best way to ensure that Hilbert College continues to provide critical scholarships and support to our students for years to come.
An IRA rollover gift is convenient and will: • Satisfy all or part of your required minimum distribution (RMD) • Reduce your taxable income, even if you do not itemize deductions • Not be subject to the 50% limitation on charitable gifts For more information, please contact Kathleen Christy, Vice President for Institutional Advancement at 716-926-8960 or email kchristy@hilbert.edu. We would be happy to speak with you about these special gift opportunities that can help you while you support Hilbert College. We can also provide a sample letter to request a direct transfer from your IRA account.
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MEET HILBERT’S NEW ALUMNI ASSOCIATION PRESIDENT Paul Liedkie ’13, the new president of the Hilbert Alumni Association, credits his Hilbert education with teaching him critical thinking skills, which he uses every day in his role as Director of Process and Quality at Brink’s Inc. Along with improving Cash Vault Quality, Liedkie is charged with bringing new business processes to branches within his assigned district, which covers Massachusetts, Connecticut, Rhode Island, Maine, Upstate New York and Ohio. Prior to this opportunity, he spent five years at Dunbar Armored, which was acquired by Brinks in 2018.
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Time management is also a necessity in my line of business, as we frequently receive items that need immediate attention. Accounting work from my Economic Crime Investigation Minor has helped me establish a firm grasp of accounting principles.
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While his Hilbert coursework (Major in Criminal Justice, minor in Economic Crime Investigation) served as the perfect preparation for a career in security for banks, retailers and other commercial and government services, it was not Liedkie’s intended professional path. A position within law enforcement was a lifelong goal, but came with an extremely competitive and lengthy process. While waiting for a law enforcement job to happen, Liedkie built a career in the private sector, where he has flourished. “I would offer to anyone preparing to graduate to not discount any opportunity you find, because if you work hard and are dedicated, you may just find a career you enjoy.” Among his favorite memories from his time at Hilbert, Liedkie notes making lifelong friendships. At Hilbert he met his future wife Rachel (Kwiatkowski ’13), who also serves on the Alumni Association Board. “We took pictures on campus the day of our wedding, with a number of Hilbert graduates in attendance.” When asked what advice he would give to students considering Hilbert, he encourages them to visit campus, witness classes and see how passionate the students and faculty are.
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UPDATESSTORIES ALUMNI
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Hilbert has put together a great group of faculty and staff who put students first and help them achieve their lifelong goals. As Hilbert College’s new Alumni Association President, Liedkie wants every Hilbert graduate to view their relationship with the College as lifelong. His goals include growing the Board and expanding on the great work they have started. In the short term, he plans to help develop the Board’s three subcommittees, which will interact with current students and involve them with the Alumni Association, plan events to engage alumni, and support Hilbert financially, including Hilbert’s Giving Day on April 8, 2020. Long term, Liedkie would like to “build a book” of Regional Hilbert Representatives who can support area alumni and admissions efforts around the Northeast and beyond. If you would like to become involved with the Hilbert College Alumni Board, please feel free to contact Paul Liedkie at pliedkie@hilbert.edu.
y r r e M s a m t s i r Ch Wishing you the gifts of the season
Peace, Joy, Hope Thank you for your gifts to support Hilbert students!
BOARD OF TRUSTEES 2019-2020 OFFICERS Fr. Michael Sajda, OFM Conv. Chairperson Peg Adams Vice Chairperson Jill Meyer Secretary
MEMBERS Steve Bell Laurie Boreanaz Carra ‘81 Russell Corigliano Beth DelGenio, Ph.D. Sr. Marcia Ann Fiutko, FSSJ Rhonda Frederick Richard Hamister Honorable Craig D. Hannah Sr. Michael Marie Jordan, FSSJ ‘70 Fr. Ted Jost Joseph Kubarek Michael McCabe Honorable Jeremiah McCarthy Ted Oexle Philip Perna Christopher Randall Joseph Salvatore Michelle Sullivan Boyd Wible Camille P. Wicher, Ph.D. Lamont Williams
HONORARY MEMBER Paul Liedkie ‘13 Alumni Association President
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HILBERTCOLLEGE
5200 South Park Avenue Hamburg, NY 14075
SAVE THE DATE
FOURTH ANNUAL GIVING DAY
April 8, 2020 TRUE BLUE REUNION WEEKEND
June 26-28, 2020 Contact cbernat@hilbert.edu for more information
Do you know someone who would thrive at Hilbert? Refer them through the:
ALUMNI ADMISSION PROGRAM
hilbert.edu/futurehawks
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