HILBERTCOLLEGE magazine
HILBERT SALUTES
THE CLASS OF 2020
GRADUATING CLASS OF 2020
Summer 2020
IN THIS ISSUE Hilbert Board of Trustees Hilbert 2025 Law & Justice Initiatives Commitment to Diversity And Inclusion A Look Back The Last Lecture Unity With Our Community News & Notes Conference & Event Center Retirements In Memoriam Giving Day
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Hilbert on the Front Lines
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Class of 2020 Graduates
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Alumni Spotlight
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PUBLISHED BY Office of Institutional Advancement and Department of Marketing & Communications Hilbert College 5200 South Park Avenue Hamburg, NY 14075 MANAGING EDITOR Matt Heidt CREATIVE DIRECTOR Charlene Budziszewski CONTRIBUTING WRITERS Carol Bernat Kathleen Christy Kara Rehbaum Justin Sondel Rachel Wozniak ON THE COVER Members of the Graduating Class of 2020 Participating in Dr. Brophy’s Installation Ceremony ON THE WEB hilbert.edu/magazine Copyright Š 2020 - Hilbert College All rights reserved. No part of this publication may be reproduced, distributed, or transmitted in any form or by any means, including photocopying, recording, or other electronic or mechanical methods, without the prior written permission of the publisher, except in the case of brief quotations embodied in critical reviews and certain other noncommercial uses permitted by copyright law.
Letter From the President Michael S. Brophy, Ph.D., M.F.A.
On behalf of the Hilbert College family, I send you and your loved ones our thoughts and wishes to remain safe and healthy, and share our optimism and hope for the Fall 2020 semester.
Without a doubt, we are living through an unprecedented global situation. As we move through this challenging and uncertain time, I want you to know that the entire Hilbert family stands with you. Especially for our alumni, we know that your Franciscan education and training has prepared you to lead compassionately and effectively. It has prepared you to understand and confront fear and anxiety and develop the solutions and interventions to help us all weather the storm. Our students, staff and faculty are stepping up to the challenge in such a remarkable way! Because of our concern for the wellbeing of our College, in March our faculty led the transition to remote learning which our students had to adapt to for the remainder of the semester, and our staff also began work remotely as well. It has been inspiring to experience the positivity and “can-do” attitude of the Hilbert community, all of us working together to ensure the well-being and continuity in our students’ education paths. Hilbert College returned to campus for classes on August 31, 2020, confident in knowing that the College is ready to protect their health and safety. Our Franciscan educational model is what distinguishes Hilbert, and our community worked through the summer to preserve this during these challenging times. We will continue to place a premium on the mentor-based model that is central to the character formation experience that each and every Hilbert student enjoys. In addition, we will employ technological solutions that support our balanced approach to health and education. The Hilbert Comeback Taskforce, which includes representatives from each area of the college, including faculty, staff and administration, prepared our re-opening plan that was submitted to New York State in early July. This plan includes comprehensive health and safety guidelines, and essential guidance on the College’s opening, virus monitoring, containment and, if needed, emergency closure protocols. You and I look forward to the day when this is all behind us. We are especially grateful to those who worked this summer to prepare for this extraordinary opportunity we have to demonstrate our care for others through the charism shared with us by the Franciscan Sisters of St. Joseph. We are so grateful to our entire Hilbert community who demonstrate resilience and passion each day to serve our students. A special message of gratitude to all Hilbert alumni and friends who have so generously supported our students and are joining all of us in making a Hilbert education possible for so many. Continued health to you and your families, and we hope to see you all on our beautiful Hilbert campus soon. Sincerely,
Michael S. Brophy, Ph.D., M.F.A President mbrophy@hilbert.edu
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New Officers and Members Named to Hilbert College Board of Trustees Laurie Boreanaz Carra ’81 has been elected chair of the Hilbert College Board of Trustees. Boyd Wible has been elected vice chair and Jill Meyer has been re-elected secretary of the Board of Trustees. Bridget Corcoran ‘88, Rev. Sean DiMaria, Thomas McArthur ‘06, and Michael Tepfenhart have been elected to three-year terms on the College’s Board of Trustees.
Laurie Boreanaz Carra ’81
Boyd Wible
Jill Meyer
Bridget Corcoran ‘88
Thomas McArthur ‘06
Michael Tepfenhart
Carra has been affiliated with Hilbert’s board since 2017. She is Senior Deputy Counsel in the Legal Department of Independent Health. Carra received her associate’s degree from Hilbert College in 1981 and then her bachelor’s from SUNY Fredonia. Carra then went on to earn her Juris Doctorate from Union University’s Albany Law School. Wible has been a member of Hilbert’s board since 2016. He is currently a senior vice president at Merrill Lynch. Meyer has been a member of Hilbert’s board since 2015. She is the human resources manager at Baillie Lumber Co. Corcoran currently serves as Chief of Staff to New York State Senator Chris Jacobs. Prior to this role, she held a number of positions in local government and owned her own communications firm. Bridget majored in business administration at Hilbert and then attended the State University of New York College at Buffalo to complete her bachelor’s degree in business. Fr. Sean DiMaria is the pastor at St. John Paul II Parish in Lakeview, N.Y. DiMaria’s brother, Mark, is a 2005 graduate of Hilbert. McArthur is currently the Assistant Vice President for Alumni and Family Engagement at the College of Wooster in Ohio. He graduated with his bachelor’s degree from Hilbert in 2006. McArthur served as the Hilbert Alumni Association Board President in 2012-13 and was named the Hilbert Graduate of the Last Decade in 2009. He earned his Ed.M in higher education administration from the University at Buffalo in 2008. Tepfenhart is General Manager of West Herr Ford Lincoln of Amherst. He graduated from the University of Buffalo in 1998 and started as a sales consultant for West Herr. Tepfenhart has worked at West Herr for 21 years. He is a member of the Board of Directors at the Orchard Park Chamber of Commerce.
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Hilbert College Launches New Entirely Online Programs Hilbert College will begin offering five programs fully online for Fall 2020 and beyond. The college will offer undergraduate bachelor’s degree completion programs in Criminal Justice and Cybersecurity and graduate degrees in Criminal Justice Administration, Public Administration, and Public Administration with a track focusing on Health Administration. More information on these programs is available here: www.hilbert.edu/online “Hilbert has built a tremendous reputation in the law and justice areas of study and we are excited to bring these programs to an online audience,” Hilbert President Michael S. Brophy, Ph.D., M.F.A. said. “Expanding our reach to online is a great opportunity to make a Hilbert education possible for more students. We are thrilled to be able to bring our Catholic, Franciscan private college experience and the support of our distinguished faculty to the online audience.” The bachelor’s degree completion programs are designed for transfer students with 60 transfer credits from other colleges or universities. Students can complete their bachelor’s degree in less than two years and the programs have been streamlined for easy transfer of credits. The graduate programs offer an accelerated cohort model, allowing students to complete a single class at a time over five weeks and earning the degree in just 16 months. Students have access to the digital classroom 24 hours a day, seven days a week.
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Hilbert College Announces New Strategic Plan: Hilbert 2025 Hilbert College has announced the implementation of a new strategic plan, Hilbert 2025. Beginning in March of 2019, the Board of Trustees, faculty, staff, and alumni have been engaged in intensive discussion and development around four distinct goals;
1. Enhancing the Franciscan Mission and Identity 2. Growing Enrollment 3. Strengthening Academic Performance and the Student Experience 4. Strengthening its Financial Position “I greatly appreciate the time, dedication, and hard work that has gone into developing the foundation of Hilbert 2025,” Hilbert President Dr. Michael S. Brophy said. “My hope is that the efforts of the Hilbert community will position Hilbert to respond to challenges and opportunities in the years ahead, while remaining innovative, engaged, and forwardthinking.” Hilbert plans to enhance its Catholic and Franciscan identity by deepening its relationship with the college’s core values and heritage, which have been handed down to the college from the founding congregation, the Franciscan Sisters of St. Joseph.
The college plans to diversify and develop its enrollment to, ultimately, increase the college’s head count back to its record-high, near 1,200 students. Hilbert will look to new populations and expand the impact of a Hilbert education to online and international students, while increasing graduate programs and implementing a more robust strategy in athletics. Hilbert has recently expanded its Say Yes to Education program and received a Higher Education Opportunity Program grant, which will make a Hilbert education possible for more students. Hilbert will focus on strengthening its academic performance and the student experience, resulting in greater student success and retention. Hilbert plans to support an inclusive living and learning environment by increasing the diversity of its staff, faculty, and students, and enhancing resources for students. Expanding academic opportunities and educational experiences will help identify the college as the higher education hub for the Southtowns. The college will focus on philanthropic growth, as well as investment in its campus assets, to strengthen, grow, and sustain the college. Hilbert plans to build a strong annual fund program and seek appropriate private, corporate, and public foundation and government funding. The college will develop and improve its technology infrastructure to meet the needs of today’s students.
More detailed information on Hilbert 2025 is available online at www.hilbert.edu/hilbert2025
Hilbert 2025 Advisory Council Members
Michael Cornell
Brooke Anderson-Tompkins ‘86
Lisa Damiani
1st Priority Mortgage, Inc.
Shai Arnold, MPA ’17, ‘15
Banking Officer, Wilmington Trust
Carl Behrend
Behrend Consulting
Superintendent, Hamburg Central School District Principal, Tola Strategies & Management LLC
Lynne Dixon
Erie County Comptroller’s Office
Thomas J. Doody ‘97
Financial Advisor, Edward Jones, Phoenix, AZ
William D. Brinson ’97, ‘94
Sean Doyle
Coordinator of Multicultural Services, SUNY Niagara County Community College
Executive Director, Hamburg Development Companies
Lauren Carlin ‘19
Patricia Farrell
Graduate Student, Canisius College
Regional Executive, Wilmington Trust
Ryan Caster, CPA
Cynthia Gronachan ‘77
Partner, Freed Maxick
State Farm Insurance, Novi, MI
Lucas Cellino ‘14
Terrence Heard ‘94
President, Cellino Plumbing
Member, Buffalo Public Schools Board, & General Motors Corp.
John Ciminelli
James Iglewski ‘85
Ciminelli Properties
Market Executive. Key Private Bank
Jonathon T. Clark ‘10
Marcy Messina Jablonski ‘73
West Herr Automotive Group
Teacher, West Seneca Development Center
Brian Connolly
Kevin Klotzbach
6 VP of Business Development, Buffalo News, & Publisher of The Sun Newspapers
Retired Executive Vice President, Five Star Bank
Hilbert 2025 Advisory Council On January 22, Hilbert hosted its first annual meeting of the Hilbert 2025 Advisory Council. The group is comprised of 45 individuals from a range of professions, including education, real estate, banking and public service. Of the 45 Council members, 25 are Hilbert alumni from around the country and across graduation years. Members were asked to participate in an advisory capacity as Hilbert develops and implements its next strategic plan, Hilbert 2025. In his invitation letter to potential Advisory Council members, Dr. Michael Brophy described the important role as follows: “By participating in the Hilbert 2025 Advisory Council, you will have an opportunity to help guide our faith-based educational community as it strengthens its current programs and develops new programs to meet the workforce development needs of our Althea Leuhrsen
President & CEO, Leadership Buffalo
nation. We believe you will be a valuable community connector, joining with others who represent the business, educational, municipal and non-profit sectors of the community. The primary focus will be for Hilbert’s friends to gather once a year to share their insights, expertise and wisdom on our precious College’s future. During the half-day meeting, members of the Council joined student guides for a campus tour, heard an update on Hilbert from President Brophy, and learned more about Hilbert’s commitment to Service Learning from student presenters and Dr. Amy Smith, Professor of English. We extend our thanks to the Advisory Council for their enthusiasm, eagerness and ideas as we continue to move forward with Hilbert 2025.
Sarah Seweryniak ‘09 Communication Content Specialist, Elderwood, & Owner, Sarah Theresa Photography
Jason Luna ‘96
James Shaw
Jill Martucci ‘12
Edward Sirianno
Cameron McLeod ‘18
Margaret Shea Sperber ‘10
Anne Marie Parucki Milazzo ‘66
Mo Sumbundu
Thomas Moses
Michael Szymoniak
Carol Tracy Palczewski ’94, ’83, ‘72
Teresa Vincent ‘18
Louis Petrucci ‘15
Christine Zacher Ward ‘97
Attorney, Jason C. Luna, PLLC Principal, The Bonadio Group Graduate Student, UB School of Social Work Retired School Counselor, Caledonia-Mumford School District Mayor, Village of Hamburg Retired President, Scandia Tours & Travel, Inc. Deputy Commissioner, City of Buffalo Permits & Inspection Services
Supervisor, Town of Hamburg, & Attorney, Shaw & Shaw, P.C. Independent Consultant, Sirianno & Associates Senior Legislative Assistant, Office of Christopher Scanlon, Buffalo City Council Assistant Director, Empire State Development Employee Benefit Consultant, Lawley Insurance Senior Compliance Specialist, Independent Health
Edward Qualey ‘74
Undergraduate/Graduate Coordinator, & Dept. of Chemistry and Chemical Biology, Cornell University
Joseph Salvatore
Erie County Board of Elections, & Member, Hilbert College Alumni Board
Michael Sendor ‘10
Vice President of Community Relations, Uniland Development Company
Retired Chair, Hilbert College Criminal Justice Studies Division President, Salvatore’s Hospitality SCORE - Buffalo Niagara Chapter, & Former Hilbert Trustee
Jerome E. Wszalek ‘73 Laura Zaepfel
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Hilbert Announces Plans to Expand Law and Justice Programming Hilbert College, a leader in law and justice education for over 45 years, made three significant moves involving its law and justice initiatives. • Hilbert named a new leader for its Institute for Law and Justice; • Announced introduction of two new bachelor’s degree programs; • And Hilbert and the Criminal Justice Studies Division released statements on racial injustice and our commitment to taking action. Dr. Martin Floss has been named the director of Hilbert College’s Institute for Law and Justice. Floss’ background in the justice arena is extensive. In 2003, Floss served as a federal monitor in national law enforcement review efforts on a U.S. Justice Department examination of use of force practices in the Buffalo Police Department. Additionally, Hilbert’s Board of Trustees, at their May meeting, has approved a Bachelor of Arts in Advocacy and Social Justice and a Bachelor of Science in Intelligence and Data Analysis. The new degree programs are on track to begin enrolling students in the fall of 2021, pending approvals from the New York State Department of Education and the Middle States Commission on Higher Education.
“We want to see our law and justice programming and academic division grow in progressive and forward-thinking ways,” Hilbert President Dr. Michael Brophy said. “The institute continues to focus on supporting agencies to produce positive community change and ways to improve areas of social service. Our new degree programs align with, and strengthen, our mission and Franciscan values.”
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The intelligence and data analysis degree will prepare students to perform assessments based on the collection, correlation, and analysis of data. Graduates of this program will be prepared to enter the workforce as an intelligence analyst, crime analyst, security analyst, or business analyst. The advocacy and social justice degree will emphasize a student experience that analyzes social problems from a critical perspective and encourages activism through community service, internships, and other experiential learning opportunities. Floss was the inaugural director of the Institute for Law and Justice when it was established at Hilbert in 1999. In recent years, he has focused his efforts as a professor of criminal justice and chair of the criminal justice administration graduate program. Floss will continue in those roles, and he assumed leadership of the institute on June 1. He has more than 20 years of service at the college and has led many research initiatives for graduate and undergraduate students alike. Under his leadership, the institute will look to continue and broaden its work within the community. “Our criminal justice academic programs incorporate critical thinking around ethics and recognizing the
human dignity in every person,” Dr. Floss said. “The Institute for Law and Justice will look for opportunities to expand this research and support systemic changes to improve law enforcement and community relationships.” Floss served as an evaluator for several juvenile, family, and adult drug courts, and helped plan and write the grant that led to the first Erie County Juvenile Treatment Court. He was later asked to be a faculty consultant for the National Drug Court Institute. Floss also worked with the 8th Judicial District to implement the Juvenile Detention Alternative Initiative to help reduce juvenile detention rates in Erie County. He serves on the board of the Erie County Law Enforcement Foundation, Inc. Floss earned a doctorate in criminal justice from Rutgers University, master’s and bachelor’s degrees in criminal justice from Buffalo State College, and an associate’s degree in police science from SUNY Erie (ECC).
Commitment to Diversity and Inclusion Hilbert College has released multiple statements supporting its commitment to diversity and inclusion go to www.hilbert.edu/commitmenttodiversity for more information. The statement from Hilbert College President Dr. Michael S. Brophy and the Committee on Diversity and Inclusion read, in part: “All of us at Hilbert College join the millions who have spoken out against societal injustice and we share in our nation’s outrage. We extend our deepest sympathies to the families grieving these senseless acts of racial violence.
associated with centuries of racial injustice. Hilbert’s mission to honor intellectual inquiry, freedom of thought, and lifelong learning calls us to do this work, for ourselves, for our community, for our country. We call upon the Hilbert College community to demand justice through peaceful activism, to work together to end systemic racism, and to foster communities—local, national, and global—that are true to our Franciscan values.” The Hilbert College Criminal Justice Studies Division and the Institute for Law and Justice released a statement that read in part: “The recent events in our country have been horrific and, unfortunately, polarizing. We share the nation’s outrage at the murder of George Floyd and agree that officers who commit acts of violence against citizens must be held accountable. Communities of color are grieving and too many are afraid of those sworn to protect them; this fact needs to be acknowledged. We formally endorse the college’s statement in support of ending racial prejudice. We particularly applaud its commitment to our mission of education to serve our diverse community. As part of our Franciscan mission, our faculty work to ensure that our graduates serve their communities with dignity and respect. This mission depends on relationships and the built-in faith in each other’s good will. With this in mind, we seek to ensure that those we teach will help heal the wounds that are so ingrained in our culture. If there was ever a time to act, it is now. We commit to acting.”
To truly abide by our values of respect, integrity, compassion, and peace, it is essential that all community members acknowledge their role in the necessary work needed to overcome the problems 9
Hilbert On the Frontlines of the COVID-19 CRISIS Like millions of college students around the country, Hilbert students completed the 2019-2020 academic year online, from home. As our campus made this major transition, a number of Hilbert students maintained their coursework while making a positive impact on the crisis in our community. Here are two of their stories. While in high school, current Hilbert junior Peter Kern joined the South Wales Volunteer Fire Company near his East Aurora, NY home. When he enrolled at Hilbert College as a Criminal Justice major, he decided to simultaneously complete his 140 hours of EMT certification. Peter began working with American Medical Response (AMR) with an assignment in the City of Buffalo. He works four consecutive 12-hour shifts from 4:00 p.m. to 4:00 a.m. and has four days off before his next shifts. With the onset of the COVID-19 crisis, Peter has noticed a number of dramatic changes to the volume of calls and acuity of the patients. “There are a lot more people getting sick. We’ve seen an increase in cardiac arrest and respiratory problems as well. What’s scary is that this virus is so easily transmittable. We’re supposed to stay six feet apart, but in an ambulance, you can’t do that.” Fortunately, Kern and his co-workers are well equipped with masks, gloves, gowns and face shields as they continue to deal with COVID-19. In addition to calls involving patients with COVID-19 symptoms and other medical issues, Kern is learning to handle complex challenges that become evident when entering peoples’ homes. “We often see people at their lowest points, we see the poverty, the homelessness, and the terrible living conditions. I have made several calls to Child and Family Services when I see unsafe conditions for children. It’s rewarding to help people, and I like the adrenaline rush of not knowing what the next call will be. The coronavirus adds a new layer of unknown to it. I’ll be happy when it’s under control.” As for career plans, Kern has two more years at Hilbert for his bachelor’s degree. In October, he plans to take the New York State Trooper Entrance Exam. “I think my dream job is definitely in law enforcement, at the state level or one day at the federal level.”
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Deciding to volunteer with the elderly and those fighting addiction during the COVID-19 pandemic came easily to Jocelynn Naylor, a junior Human Services major. In her own words, Jocelynn’s journey to Hilbert was “nothing short of a struggle, but I am so thankful to be at a school that offers so much support to their students.” Following high school, she joined the military and then became a single parent at age 20. Naylor eventually enrolled in and completed Erie 1 BOCES’ practical nursing program and attained her nursing license in 2017. After losing a close friend to heroin addiction, Jocelynn knew she wanted to help others who battle addiction. In addition to her coursework in Human Services, she is part of the Hilbert Honors Program. With the advent of the health crisis in Western New York, Jocelynn returned to her former role as a Licensed Practical Nurse (LPN) and is volunteering as part of Catholic Health’s COVID-19 team. When suddenly faced with our community’s rapidly growing pandemic, she did not hesitate to step up and step back into a healthcare role to help. “When I graduated from the BOCES Practical Nursing Program, I took the Nightingale Pledge, promising “as a missioner of health, I will dedicate myself to devoted service to human welfare.” Since March, Naylor has been working at skilled nursing facilities to assist with our most at-risk population, the elderly. “It’s been heartbreaking to see older residents in isolation, unable to talk to their loved ones without a window in between them.” In addition to her efforts with the elderly, Jocelynn continues her work in behavioral health at a residential drug and alcohol rehab facility. “My biggest observation thus far hasn’t been of the pandemic itself, but of its effects on our mental health and stability. Removing socialization from everyday life has had an increasingly negative impact on everyone, especially the most vulnerable in our society.” Keeping up with her Hilbert online coursework and spending countless hours as a volunteer have been both exhausting and rewarding for Naylor, who plans to pursue a career in Addiction and Substance Abuse. Eventually, she hopes to attain a Master’s degree in Social Work or Mental Health Counseling.
JOCELYNN NAYLOR “My experience during the pandemic has only reinforced my career plans. Seeing the increase in overdoses and overdose-related deaths during the crisis has strengthened my drive to reach that specific community.” Jocelynn credits her experience at Hilbert for instilling an increased desire to help others and the self-assuredness to make it happen. Before Hilbert, I was very shy and afraid to step out of my comfort zone. Through classroom experiences, service learning and service days, I have gained the confidence to put myself out there and help.”
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CONGRATULATIONS 12
Taylor Achtyl BA Psychology Lancaster, NY Gak Adly MS Master of Criminal Justice Administration Grand Island,NY Rachel Allen BS Criminal Justice Tonawanda, NY Emma Ambrose BS Forensic Science/Crime Scene Medina, NY David Augustyniak MS Master of Criminal Justice Administration Hamburg, NY Alyssa Barnas BS Human Services Clarence Center, NY Kayla-Marie Basciano BS Forensic Science/Crime Scene Sanborn, NY Demi Battin BS Human Services Dundee, NY Timothy Battistella BS Legal Studies/Paralegal Studies Hamburg, NY Kaylee Bauer BS Business Management Buffalo, NY Kayla Bayer BS Human Services Eden, NY Brynn Biesik BA English Blasdell, NY Jessica Binkowski BS Human Services Buffalo, NY Ashley Binn BS Legal Studies/Paralegal Studies Rochester, NY Gabriella Bongiorno BS Forensic Science/Crime Scene Investigation Egg Harbor, NJ Henry Bowers BS Liberal Studies Helena, MT Michael Boyd BS Legal Studies Hamburg, NY Jamie Boyer BS Forensic Science/Crime Scene West Seneca, NY Anthony Buisch BS Business Management Hornell, NY Brandon Bundschuh BS Sports Industry Management Depew, NY Sarah Burke BS Criminal Justice Blasdell, NY Anthony Cappola BS Accounting Eden, NY Cherise Carson MPA Master of Public Administration Buffalo, NY Adelisa Ceric BS Business Management with MBA Hamburg, NY James Chadwick BS Business Management Buffalo , NY De’Ja Cleveland BS Legal Studies/Paralegal Stud Lackawanna, NY Rosalie Constable BA Digital Media and Communicat Blasdell, NY Taylor Corts BA Psychology Penfield, NY Ryan Coulombe BS Forensic Science/Crime Scene East Aurora, NY Alexis Crossley BS Criminal Justice Jamestown, NY Lacey Dale BS Accounting Angola, NY Nicole Darrow BS Forensic Science/Crime Scene Auburn, NY Alayna DeFazio BS Criminal Justice Irwin, PA Maia Delaney BS Forensic Science/Crime Scene Oswego, NY Griffith Demayo BS Criminal Justice Hamburg, NY Rachael Devine BS Criminal Justice with CJA Elma, NY Aja Devlin BS Criminal Justice Buffalo, NY Jamie Diakakis BA Digital Media and Communicat Blasdell, NY Deidra Duell BS Criminal Justice Buffalo, NY Amy Duewiger BS Accounting Lake View, NY Christian Fachko BS Business Management with MBA Hamburg, NY Matthew Fasolino BS Forensic Science/Crime Scene Investigation Orchard Park, NY Samantha Fetzer BS Accounting Hamburg, NY Brendan Fogarty BS Computer Security&Information Assurance Hamburg, NY James Frauenhofer BS Criminal Justice Orchard Park, NY Marissa Freeman BS Legal Studies/Paralegal Studies Elba, NY Alexis Fuhrman BS Human Services Angola, NY Alexis Gaul BS Business Management Eden, NY Emily Gawlak BS Criminal Justice Buffalo, NY Hailee Gibney BS Forensic Science/Crime Scene Elma, NY Jared Ginther BS Business Management Gasport, NY Michael Goodberry BA Digital Media and Communicat West Fall, NY Brianna Gorczyca BS Human Services Lackawanna, NY Matthew Greenan BS Criminal Justice West Seneca, NY Jake Griffin AS Accounting Hamburg, NY Kerri Griffin BS Forensic Science/Crime Scene Investigation Hamburg, NY Jacqueline Guox MS Master of Criminal Justice Administration Hamburg, NY Cassandra Hadaway BS Forensic Science/Crime Scene Tonawanda, NY Kyle Haller BS Cyber Security Buffalo, NY Kaitlyn Halper BA English Blasdell, NY Ashley Harrison BS Forensic Science/Crime Scene Orchard Park, NY Tina Hart BS Organizational Development Alden, NY Casey Hatton BS Human Services Hamburg, NY Jamie Hehir BA Digital Media and Communicat Silver Creek, NY Thomas Heller BS Criminal Justice Angola, NY Richard Heppner BS Cyber Security Amherst, NY Olivia Herrmann BS Criminal Justice Strykersville, NY Ryan Hogan BS Liberal Studies Batavia, NY David Hore BS Business Management Orchard Park, NY Alaina Hughes MS Master of Criminal Justice Administration Lancaster, NY Adam Janczyk BS Sports Industry Management West Seneca, NY Joseph Jankowski BS Accounting Hamburg, NY Samantha Jansen BS Forensic Science/Crime Scene Investigation Phelps, NY Brianna Jarvis BS Forensic Science/Crime Scene Argyle, NY Brett Kane MS Criminal Justice Administration Lockport, NY Connor Karek BS Cyber Security Buffalo, NY Hunter Kellerman MPA Master of Public Administration Eden, NY Madison Kenlon BS Forensic Science/Crime Scene Investigation Orchard Park, NY Brendan Kenney BS Cyber Security Grand Island, NY Alaijah Kingsley BS Forensic Science/Crime Scene Peekskill, NY
CLASS OF 2020
Michael Komorek III AA Criminal Justice East Aurora, NY Sydney Kordasiewicz BS Business Management Angola, NY RaShelle Kostin MS Master of Criminal Justice Administration Hamburg, NY Nicholas Kroll BS Criminal Justice Tonawanda, NY Trevor Kuhnlein BS Human Services Saline, MI Leann Labarge BA Psychology Hamburg, NY Nicolas Lagana BS Criminal Justice with CJA West Seneca, NY Gabrielle Linsey BS Criminal Justice Attica, NY Diane Lowe BS Human Services Dunkirk , NY Harriet Lowery MS Master of Criminal Justice Administration Buffalo, NY Madeline Macchioni BS Small Business Management Cattaraugus, NY Colleen Mahoney MS Master of Criminal Justice Administration Lockport, NY Gina Mallone BS Forensic Science/Crime Scene North Tonawanda, NY Jessica Marcaccio BS Forensic Science with CJA Tonawanda, NY Damian Martelli BS Legal Studies/Paralegal Stud West Seneca, NY Hunter Martineau BS Sports Industry Management Orlando, FL Edward Mathias BS Business Management Buffalo, NY Rachael McAvoy BS Accounting Buffalo, NY Marisa McIntyre BS Forensic Science/Crime Scene Alder Creek, NY Gabrielle Miklos BS Criminal Justice Hamburg, NY Amanda Mituzas BA Digital Media and Communicat Blasdell, NY Eric Moist BS Criminal Justice West Seneca, NY Baleigh Myers BS Forensic Science/Crime Scene Investigation Hastings, NY Alec Nawotka BS Criminal Justice with CJA Elma, NY Michael Norman BS Criminal Justice Hamburg, NY Victor Ortiz BS Forensic Science/Crime Scene Investigation Hamburg, NY Austin O’Shei BS Business Management Hamburg, NY Nateal Papasergi BS Business Management Allegany, NY Brian Pembleton BS Computer Security&Information Buffalo, NY Ryan Perrin BS Criminal Justice Cicero, NY Maegann Phelps BS Forensic Science/Crime Scene Buffalo, NY Scott Phillips BS Business Management Hamburg, NY Masia Phillips BS Risk Management Laurelton, NY Hannah Prenoveau MS Master of Criminal Justice Administration Lancaster, NY Chloe Randall MS Master of Criminal Justice Administration New Milford, PA Kyle Rauschelbach BS Cyber Security Hamburg, NY Joel Reed BS Human Services Alden, NY Megan Reilly BS Business Management Orchard Park, NY Molly Reinnagel BS Forensic Science with CJA East Aurora, NY Ashley Repine BS Forensic Science/Crime Scene Sinclairville, NY Nicholas Rice BS Business Management Buffalo, NY Elaine Richards MPA Health Administration Buffalo, NY Daryn Rothenberger BS Business Management with MBA West Falls, NY Yoisel Ruiz BS Forensic Science/Crime Scene Investigation Rochester, NY Jessica Ryckman BS Accounting Corfu, NY Hannah Salazar BS Human Services Buffalo, NY Ryan Samuels BS Risk Management Lee Center, NY Jennifer Sanders MS Master of Criminal Justice Administration Arcade, NY Brittani Santana BS Forensic Science/Crime Scene Bronx, NY Aaron Schaefer AA Criminal Justice Lancaster, NY Olivia Schibeci MS Master of Criminal Justice Administration Syracuse, NY Abigail Schumacher BS Forensic Science with CJA Hamburg, NY Austin Seeley BS Criminal Justice Versailles, NY Brittany Seneca MPA Health Administration Irving, NY Alexa Sheehan BA Psychology Hilton, NY Nicole Sheldon BS Legal Studies/Paralegal Studies Forestville, NY Jessica Snickles BS Forensic Science/Crime Scene Investigation Bloomingdale, NY Michelle Spahn MS Master of Criminal Justice Administration Arlington, VA Colleen Steffen MPA Master of Public Administration Hamburg, NY Haley Strassburg BS Criminal Justice North Tonawanda, NY Haley Sunday BA Psychology Farnham, NY Steven Surdej AA Liberal Studies Buffalo, NY Thomas Tette BS Business Management Spencerport, NY Danielle Tomaka BA Digital Media and Communications Buffalo, NY Alexis Urban BS Forensic Science/Crime Scene North Tonawanda, NY Brianna Vancheri BS Forensic Science/Crime Scene Investigation Angola, NY Brianna Vernon BS Legal Studies/Paralegal Stud Amherst, NY Hannah Weber BS Human Services Blasdell, NY Lindsey Wheeler MS Master of Criminal Justice Administration Fulton, NY Christina Williams AA Liberal Studies Lake View, NY Joseph Wipperman BS Cyber Security Depew, NY Rachael Witherel BA Psychology Blasdell, NY Tiarrah Woods BS Human Services Buffalo, NY Logan Yotter BS Criminal Justice Lockport, NY Margaret Youngs BA Psychology Angola, NY Lucas Zelasko BS Criminal Justice Buffalo, NY Justin Zelli BA Digital Media and Communicat West Seneca, NY Brandon Zicari BS Criminal Justice Rochester, NY Jonathan Ziders MS Master of Criminal Justice Administration Lancaster, NY Justin Zwawa BS Business Management Hamburg, NY
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A Look Back... 14
2016 GS 101
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Picture Credit: Colleen Steffen, '20 MPA
Hilbert to Celebrate Class of 2020 with Virtual Commencement Ceremony Hilbert College’s 59th annual commencement ceremony to celebrate the class of 2020 is planned for 1 p.m. on September 26, 2020 and will be a virtual ceremony. “Unfortunately with state guidelines limiting large gatherings to 150 people, our commencement ceremony planned for September 26 will have to be transitioned from an in-person outdoor event to a virtual event,� Hilbert President Dr. Michael S. Brophy said. Hilbert is planning for an approximately 30 minute virtual commencement ceremony, with speeches from students, an alumnus, Dr. Brophy, and Fr. Michael Sajda, OFM Conv. More information, including the link to the virtual ceremony, will be available at: www.hilbert.edu/commencement
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The Last Lecture On April 30, the Student Life team hosted a virtual “Last Lecture and Champagne Toast” for Hilbert’s Class of 2020. This tradition started at Hilbert in 2014 and provides an opportunity for graduating students to select a member of the faculty to present a “last lecture” with anecdotes and words of advice. This special tradition is based on the famous Last Lecture series created by the late Carnegie Mellon Professor
“ “
Randy Pausch. This year’s Last Lecture and Toast were delivered remotely via Zoom by Dr. Mark Paoni, Associate Professor of Criminal Justice. In advance of the Last Lecture event, all graduating students received a Hilbert College tumbler from which to enjoy their favorite bubbly beverage as they listened to parting words of inspiration from Dr. Paoni:
You have been given the tools. Now go out and build a life. Not live one, BUILD one…Education is a powerful tool.
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Be the change you want to see in the world. Don’t be a pebble in a pond. Be a boulder. Make an impact. Be a positive change. Stand up for what is right. These are remarkable times. We may not have a lot of choice in how things are going to go, but we can choose how we respond.
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Unity With Our Community On January 31, students, faculty and staff participated in Hilbert’s annual “Unity with Our Community” event. Created as a way to carry on the legacy of Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr., this day-long community service event demonstrates Hilbert’s commitment to help shape our local communities and neighborhoods. Hilbert volunteers worked at sites around Western New York, including Compass House, Cradle Beach, Family Promise of WNY, the Food Bank of WNY, and more. At Jewish Family services, our volunteers assisted in the Refugee Resettlement Department sorting and organizing files and setting aside outdated files for shredding. At 716 Ministries, the Hilbert team assisted with rehabilitation and construction work at one of the facility projects. The Food Bank of WNY and Food Pantry of the Salvation Army were grateful for Hilbert volunteers who packed non-perishable food items to ensure local school children would
have food for the weekend. At Cradle Beach, which serves the needs of children with disabilities and those from disadvantaged backgrounds, Hilbert volunteers assisted with essential cleaning projects around the facility. This day allowed Hilbert to reflect on the significance of taking action to promote equality, justice, respect and compassion. For the Fall 2020 semester, we will continue this community service event of engaging with and supporting our community through a school-wide Day of Service on September 30. 17
Hilbert College Launches Biology Program Hilbert College announced a new program leading to a Bachelor of Arts in Biology, Hilbert’s first Science, Technology, Engineering, and Mathematics (STEM) major. “This new biology program will open doors for our students to pursue advanced science degrees in medicine, dentistry, and more,” Hilbert President Michael S. Brophy, Ph.D., M.F.A. said. “It’s truly a transformational program for Hilbert, making our Catholic, Franciscan private college education possible for more students.” Hilbert’s biology program will provide students with a quality experience in the biological sciences within a strong liberal arts education. The program is intended to provide the credentials and skills necessary for students who wish to pursue careers in biological sciences. Students will be able to pursue careers in health professions such as pharmacy, nursing, dentistry, medicine and veterinary services.
President Brophy Selected to Serve on NCAA D3 Financial Aid Committee Hilbert College President Michael Brophy, Ph.D. has been selected to serve on the NCAA Division III Financial Aid Committee. The Financial Aid Committee oversees the financial aid reporting process, including the implementation of operating policies and procedures. The committee also tracks on student financial aid issues that may impact the division; reviews proposed financial aid legislation; and recommends educational initiatives for the membership regarding student financial aid to Management Council. “It’s a great honor to be appointed to this committee,” stated Dr. Brophy. “Financial aid always rises to the top of issues for everyone concerned when advancing athletic programs, so I look forward to helping to strengthen D3 policies whenever and wherever needed.”
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Welcome to Hilbert New employees since January 2020
FULL TIME FACULTY
Laura Dannebohm, Asst. Professor – Criminal Justice Studies; David Herring, Asst. Professor – Psychology; Jin Zhang, Asst. Professor – Cybersecurity; and Gerald Kissel, Asst. Professor – Sports Management
FULL TIME STAFF
Randyll Bowen, Vice President for Enrollment Management; Lakeem Bradberry, Campus Safety Officer; Scott Caracci, Athletics Facilities and Event Coordinator; Lee Coletti, International Student Coordinator; Calvin Crosby, Head Men’s and Women’s Volleyball Coach/ Camps & Clinics Coordinator; Becky Goldberg-Petty, Instructional Designer; Kaitlyn Halper, Administrative Asst. – Admissions; Daniel Heims, Conference and Events Coordinator; Jeffrey Papia, Vice President for Mission Integration & Campus Ministry; and Christopher Siuta, Director of Counseling, Health & Wellness
PART TIME FACULTY – ADJUNCT INSTRUCTORS
Amber Anderson, Arts & Sciences; Rachel Blachowicz, Professional Studies; Rebecca Eliseo-Arras, Criminal Justice; David Femi, Professional Studies; Ross Johnson, Professional Studies; Paul Krystyniak, Professional Studies; Alyce Narvaez, Arts & Sciences; Tiffany Perry, Professional Studies; Marcia Rich, Arts and Sciences; Ramona Santa Maria, Professional Studies; Cori Thurman, Graduate Studies; Kathleen Tyszko, Graduate Studies; and Daniel Walczak, Criminal Justice
PART TIME STAFF/COACHES
Melissa Laidman, Reference Librarian; Madison Kenlon, Tutor – Academic Services; and Jennifer Marmion, Head Women’s Lacrosse Coach
New Conference and Event Center The newly established 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. We Offer: • Facilities to accommodate groups of up to 450, designed for learning and collaboration • Convenient location just minutes from downtown Buffalo and the Village of Hamburg • In-house catering services • Extensive and convenient technology solutions • Affordable full-service packages, including free wireless access • Comfortable lodging (available during summer months; mid-May through mid-August) We Provide Full-Service Planning for your Event: • On site logistics • Room planning diagrams • Assistance with menu/catering selection • Campus directional signage for your event • Housing check-in • Booking bus transportation for off-campus activities For additional information or to schedule a tour, please contact Dan Heims in the Office of Conference and Events at dheims@hilbert.edu or 716-926-8883. More information is available at hilbert.edu/conferences.
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How The Cares Act Can Impact Your Charitable Giving The CARES (Coronavirus Aid, Relief and Economic Security) Act was signed on March 27. Its purpose is to help the nation recover from the far-reaching effects of COVID-19. Associated with the bill are five important implications designed to increase tax incentives for charitable giving both at the individual and corporate level.
• Individuals Who Do Not Itemize: Taxpayers
who do not itemize and take the standard deduction can claim a charitable deduction of up to $300 for cash donations in 2020.
• Changes to Deduction Limits: Individuals
may deduct cash gifts made in 2020 to the extent of their entire adjusted gross income (AGI) instead of the usual cap at 60%.
• Corporate
Deductions: This year, the
contribution limit for corporations has been increased to 25% for cash contributions.
• Waiver of Required Minimum Distribution: In 2020, the usual distributions from retirement accounts for individuals 70 ½ and older is waived.
• Waiver of Penalties When Retirement Funds Support COVID-19 Purposes:
Individuals younger than 59 ½ who withdraw funds from their retirement plan to cover expenses incurred by you or a family member for treatment of the coronavirus will not be penalized the usual 10% tax penalty.
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Hilbert is grateful for the generous support of our donors, as we especially witnessed during our annual Giving Day this past April 8. The newly created Franciscan Student Resource Fund has supported students affected by the lasting effects of COVID-19 and will continue to do so as we welcome students back to campus for the Fall 2020 semester. If you should have any questions about supporting the Franciscan Student Resource Fund or anything related to charitable giving to Hilbert, please call our Institutional Advancement Office at 716-926-8963. As always, the tax information provided above is general and educational in nature. We suggest you contact your tax advisor or financial planner to discuss how these changes affect your personal situation.
Faculty & Staff Retirements LINDA BERNSTEIN
After nearly 40 years as a member of the Hilbert faculty, Linda Bernstein, Chair of the Professional Studies Division and Professor of Business Administration has retired. Simply put, Linda Bernstein is synonymous with the Business Department and Professional Studies Division. She has been the main administrator for all Hilbert Business majors. In addition to serving as the mainstay for teaching MIS classes for business students, Bernstein has led the Business Department Internship Program since its inception. Her students have noted her strong teaching style and the high standards she sets in her classes. Linda has helped shape the professional studies teaching body and has served on the hiring committee for all members of its current faculty. Her commitment to Hilbert leadership has extended beyond academics as she has held leadership roles in the Faculty Senate and as faculty representative to the Hilbert College Board of Trustees. In 2018, Linda Bernstein’s contributions to Hilbert College were formally recognized when she received the Sister Adrienne Faculty/Staff Lifetime Achievement Award. We will miss her and extend our best wishes for a wonderful next chapter.
DR. MICHAEL DEGNAN
Since he began teaching at Hilbert in 1976, Professor of English Dr. Michael Degnan has been an integral part of his department and the Hilbert campus community. Whether they had him for American or Irish Literature or Public Speaking, his students remember him for his kindness, generosity and one-liners. In Public Speaking, students practiced reading from old fashioned advertising to hone their pronunciation and delivery. Degnan’s commitment to Hilbert students extended beyond the classroom, as he served as Advisor to the Study Abroad Program and wrote countless reference letters. Dr. Degnan’s colleagues appreciate the many leadership roles he has assumed on campus, including President of the Faculty Senate. According to Megan Burke Witzleben, Ph.D., Associate Professor of English, “As President of the Faculty Senate, Mike demonstrated his signature logic, intellect and kindness to voice the needs of the faculty with fairness and diplomacy. He willingly took on the nitty gritty details of faculty governance and was unafraid to make moral decisions if they were the right ones. We could not ask for a more welcoming or caring colleague and mentor.” We understand Mike will continue to volunteer in his Buffalo community, promote his Irish heritage through events and festivals, and perhaps learn a new language or musical instrument. Dr. Degnan will sorely be missed and we wish him all the best in his new chapter.
DR. ED PRISTACH
Dr. Edward Pristach, Professor of Psychology, has retired after 21 years of teaching at Hilbert. His teaching style made Dr. Pristach an in-demand professor, even among non-majors in psychology. They cite his use of real-world examples and demonstrations that helped make difficult concepts clearer and more understandable. Dr. Pristach believes in the importance of student engagement and worked with students to develop research projects for presentation at the annual Penn-York Conference, which highlights undergraduate psychology research. He is well loved and respected by colleagues in his department and throughout campus for his insight and contributions to the advancement of the curriculum, as well as to governance within the institution. Hilbert faculty and staff recognized and appreciated his willingness to support the department and the College overall when illness or other unforeseen circumstances required faculty to pitch-in to teach additional courses. According to Sharon Sisti, Social Sciences Division Chair and Associate Professor of Human Services, “Ed is admired for his work on the psychology curriculum, which was built on best practices, including the use of Bloom’s Taxonomy to ensure scaffolded learning throughout the curriculum. He infused his teaching and relationships with students and colleagues with a great sense of humor.” To quote a recent student in a final course evaluation, “Dr. Pristach is the prime example of what a professor should be.” Everyone at Hilbert wishes him the best in retirement.
CINDY CLAAR
Cindy Claar, Hilbert’s Student Finance Technician, retired in May. She began her career at Hilbert in 2003 and quickly became a source of knowledge and support. She was the primary greeter in the Office of Student Finance and also served as “the voice” of the office by answering most of the incoming phone calls. According to Elaine Szczepanski, Student Finance Counselor, “Cindy was very conscientious in meeting the needs of students, parents, faculty and staff. She knew her job well and graciously assisted all of us with our workloads when asked.” In addition to her Student Finance work, Cindy played a major role with the Lucky Numbers Luncheon, the Hilbert staff’s annual fundraising event to support an endowed student scholarship. Her commitment to this event year after year contributed greatly to its success. We could not have done it without her. We send our heartfelt thanks and best wishes to Cindy for a wonderful retirement. 21
HILBERTCOLLEGE
ALUMNI SPOTLIGHT
Hilbert College is pleased to welcome Thomas McArthur ’06 to the Board of Trustees. Tom is currently the Assistant Vice President for Alumni and Family Engagement at the College of Wooster in Ohio. In this role, he works with a team of professionals to oversee and execute a comprehensive alumni and parent engagement program, communications and advancement services. He planned the launch and conclusion of Wooster’s Promise: A Campaign for Our Future, a $165 million comprehensive campaign that exceeded goal by raising $190.1 million with an alumni participation rate of 42%.
THOMAS MCARTHUR ‘06
While a student at Hilbert, Tom was a member/president of the Student Government Association. He received the Man of the Year award, G.O.L.D. (graduate of the last decade) award and was president of the Alumni Association from 2011-2013. He earned his Ed.M in Higher Education Administration from the University at Buffalo in 2008.
“I am honored and thrilled to join the Hilbert Board of Trustees. Hilbert not only provided my educational foundation, it also changed the way I think, how I move throughout the world, how I appreciate and value diversity and how I use my privilege to create positive change. I look forward to bringing my expertise in higher education, and specifically Advancement, to our conversations. This is a challenging time for higher education, and I am confident Hilbert’s trustees will make the right decisions to keep Hilbert in a position of strength.”
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Hilbert College is pleased to welcome Bridget Corcoran ’88 to the Board of Trustees. She currently serves as Chief of Staff to New York State Senator Chris Jacobs. Prior to this role, she held a number of positions in local government and owned her own communications firm. Bridget majored in Business Administration at Hilbert and then attended the State University of New York College at Buffalo to complete her Bachelor’s degree in Business. She currently resides in Hamburg with her 13 year old son Spencer. Reflecting back on why she chose to attend Hilbert, Corcoran shared that when she was looking at colleges, her mother became ill. Bridget, a Hamburg native, visited Hilbert and knew it would be the perfect place for her because of its small size and faith-based mission. It was the only college to which she applied. “Hilbert was exactly what I needed at that time in my life. It is a special place where all the faculty knew me by name. The nurturing spiritual structure at Hilbert helped to create the foundation for my life.”
BRIDGET CORCORAN ‘88
Bridget is excited to join Hilbert’s Board and become involved in shaping the future of the College. She noted that her son Spencer has attended Hilbert’s Basketball Camp in the summer, and she has enjoyed seeing the growth and positive changes to the campus. When asked what she hopes to accomplish as a Hilbert Board member, Bridget replied that she wants to bring more people into Hilbert and spread the word about what a great option the College is for many students. “When I meet individuals in the community and we realize the Hilbert connection, they always say how much they love Hilbert. We need to bring these people together to strengthen Hilbert for future generations of students and alumni.”
Laurie Boreanaz Carra ’81 was recently named Chair of the Hilbert College Board of Trustees. Carra, who has served on the board for the past three years, is the first female Hilbert alumna to lead the board. Her path to and at Hilbert was not typical. Carra was a junior at St. John Neumann High School when the school announced it would be closing. “I really didn’t want to change schools for just for my senior year,” noted Carra. Fortunately, Hilbert was able to offer a unique accelerated associates degree program. As true then as it is today, Hilbert provided a nurturing experience for Carra. “Sister Alberta Surowiec really took me under her wing. Because I was only sixteen when I began at Hilbert, Sister Alberta promised my parents she would look after me, and she did.” Her strong Hilbert experience allowed Carra to complete her undergraduate degree at and then graduate from law school. Following a distinguished early law career that included work in private practice, higher education and government service, Laurie is now Senior Deputy Counsel in the Legal Department of Independent Health. She reengaged with Hilbert a number of years ago, initially as a member of the Alumni Association Board. Carra is proud and honored to begin her term as Board of Trustees Chair. “Hilbert’s Franciscan mission and education of the whole person are close to my heart. One of my goals is to have more alumni representation on the board and to increase alumni engagement overall.” She looks forward to continuing to work with our dedicated, loyal trustees on raising Hilbert College’s profile in our region and beyond. Laurie lives in Williamsville with her husband, also an attorney, and their two daughters.
LAURIE CARRA ‘81
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IN MEMORIAM BRITTNAY SUMMERS The Hilbert community has been in mourning over the death of sophomore Brittnay Summers. The Criminal Justice major passed away in a car accident on March 31st, and her sudden death has had a profound impact to those at Hilbert who knew her. “She had a special smile and was just so fun”, said her advisor English professor Megan Witzleben. “She found her way in class and embraced the idea of always striving and looking for opportunities to better herself.” Brittnay was proud of her work as a security guard, holding positions both at New Era Field and at Canalside. She had aspirations of a law enforcement career in New York or Florida. This coming fall, after the Hilbert College community returns to campus to begin a new academic year, the College plans to formally memorialize Brittnay. CORI SHEARING The Hilbert family sadly lost a second student in as many weeks. Cori Shearing, a junior Cybersecurity major from Bliss, New York, was fatally injured in a car accident on April 14th. Cori’s family described her this way, “She enjoyed puzzles, planting flowers, drawing, playing anagrams, doing tie dye and playing her ukulele. She was a joyful flower child who was born 35 years too late.” At Hilbert, Cori was a bright light on campus. According to Hilbert classmate Jalen Arven, “Cori was an amazing friend who showed me there was nothing to be afraid of when expressing myself. “ Another Hilbert friend, Anna Ippolito, noted that Cori was “inspirational and inspiring.” Hilbert College plans to honor Cori with a memorial mass in the fall. REVEREND DR. RONALD MINER, ‘83 The Hilbert College Men’s Basketball program sadly announces the recent passing of Reverend Dr. Ronald Miner. Prior to Miner’s 1983 Hilbert graduation, he was named a National Junior College Athletic Association (NJCAA) All-American (’83), was a two-time All-Region III and All Penn-York All Star. He left as the program’s All-Time Leader with ,116 points (two seasons), held and 80.5 percent career Free Throw average and was the 1983 NJCAA Free Throw Leader, finishing his final season at 90.3 percent. Miner continued his academic and athletic career at Hofstra University and led the Pride his senior year with 228 rebounds (7.6 per game.) After his 1986 graduation from Hofstra, Miner returned to Hamburg for his 1988 induction into Hilbert College’s Athletics Hall of Fame. “Ron Miner was a great ambassador for Hilbert College and our Men’s Basketball program, stated current Hawks coach Rob deGrandpre. “Many of his former teammates enjoyed connecting with him at our annual alumni game and the laughs would go on for hours. Ron had a bigger-than-life smile every time he returned to campus, and he was a proud Hilbert Hawk.
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EDWARD BARSZCZ Former Math Department faculty member Ed Barszcz passed away on April 29. A resident of East Aurora, NY, Barszcz had spent his career teaching mathematics at Iroquois Central High School, Buffalo State College and Hilbert. According to Hilbert Associate Professor Jenelle Lukasik, “Ed always jumped on board with new ideas to go above and beyond. He was teaching two courses this spring and transitioned to online due to the pandemic. He was working remotely with students until he went into the hospital. Ed was very dedicated to teaching and will be greatly missed by his colleagues and students. He will always be remembered as part of the Hilbert family.” When not teaching, Ed perfected magic tricks and was a member of the International Brotherhood of Magicians. He leaves behind his wife Christine, three daughters and one grandson. JOSEPH PARKINSON Joe Parkinson, a retired Hilbert Criminal Justice faculty member, died in Florida on May 5. Prior to his teaching career, Parkinson, a Pittsburgh native, investigated organized crime as a U.S. postal inspector then spent nearly 30 years as a federal probation officer. When he retired in 2000, he was Western New York’s senior probation officer. His colleagues from federal court admired his mentorship of young officers and fondly remember his sense of humor. Following his retirement from government service, Parkinson spent 12 years teaching in Forensics/Crime Scene Investigation at Hilbert College. According to Hilbert colleague Mary Ann Hobar, he was beloved by students for his sense of humor and his commitment to giving them the benefit of all his professional knowledge. Joe moved to Palm Harbor, Florida in 2018 but still followed his beloved Pittsburgh Steelers and Buffalo Bills. He is survived by one son, two daughters and one sister.
We look forward to returning to campus and paying special tribute to those we lost in the past several months. As the campus community continues to mourn these losses from afar, President Brophy offers some words of comfort: “It’s tempting to get swept away by fear and darkness when so many things seem to be falling apart around us”, Brophy said. “This is where our faith kicks in. Christian hope isn’t an emotion; it’s a virtue that takes practice and hard work. It is a decision, made over and over again, to turn to light and to trust God when things are difficult.”
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Hilbert Community Raises Over $62,000 in One Day The Hilbert College community outpaced last year’s totals for its Giving Day fundraiser, with more than $62,000 coming from nearly 200 donors to help the college carry out its mission. Alumni, students, family members, faculty, staff, and friends of Hilbert supported the college’s new Franciscan Student Resources Fund to help current and future students in immeasurable ways. The Hilbert community came together on April 8, 2020 for Giving Day despite significant challenges presented by the COVID-19 pandemic. “I am so grateful for the tremendous outpouring of support for Hilbert students on this year’s Giving Day,” Hilbert President Michael S. Brophy, Ph.D. said. “More than ever this year, our students rely on your generosity to support scholarships, urgent basic needs such as food and housing, remote education assistance, athletic programs and other essential services and programs.”
Hilbert students and faculty rallied under difficult circumstances, with many from the community offering videos and messages in support of the effort from their homes. Students will face additional challenges related to the efforts to stop the spread of coronavirus and the Hilbert community showed up to help prepare for those challenges, demonstrating the Franciscan values that are at the core of the school’s mission. “Together with our dear Franciscan Sisters of St. Joseph, we renew the spirit of Mother Colette Hilbert ‘In all things Charity,’” Dr. Brophy said. “On behalf of the students that will be impacted by your generosity and in gratitude for all that you do for Hilbert every day, we thank you.”
$62,325.54 Total Raised
$322.93 Average Gift
193
Number of Donors
26
196
Number of Gifts
ALUMNI ASSOCIATION BOARD 2020-2021 OFFICERS
MEMBERS
Paul Liedkie ‘13 President
Jennifer Allen ‘07 Lisa Beckwith ‘15 Bob Benshadle ‘82 Jon Hulbert ‘13 Ka-shara Jordon ‘15
Jenna Dulak ‘08 Vice President
Amy Meisner ‘01 Joe Pernick ‘14 Don Thompson Jerry Wszalek ‘73 Donna Zimpfer ‘99
Rachel Liedkie ‘13 Secretary Erika Betz ‘17 G.O.L.D. Rep Colleen Kumiega ‘94 Faculty Representative
BOARD OF TRUSTEES 2020-2021 OFFICERS
MEMBERS
Laurie Boreanaz Carra ‘81 Chairperson
Steve Bell Dr. Michael Brophy Bridget Corcoran ‘88 Russell Corigliano Beth Del Genio, Ph.D. Fr. Sean DiMaria Sr. Marcia Ann Fiutko ‘73, FSSJ Rhonda Frederick Richard Hamister Honorable Craig Hannah Sr. Michael Marie Jordan, ’70, FSSJ Fr. Ted Jost
Boyd Wible Vice Chairperson Jill Meyer Secretary
Joseph Kubarek Thomas McArthur ‘06 Michael McCabe Honorable Jeremiah McCarthy Ted Oexle Philip Perna Christopher Randall Fr. Michael Sajda, OFM, Conv. Michelle Sullivan Michael Tepfenhart Camille Wicher, Ph.D. Lamont Williams
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5200 South Park Avenue Hamburg, NY 14075
Address Information Here
CELEBRATING OUR GRADUATES......................page 12 ATTENTION ALL AMAZON SHOPPERS!
Did you know you can help support Hilbert College when you shop online at Amazon? When users shop on Amazon Smile, the Amazon Foundation contributes 0.5% of eligible purchases to the charity of your choice. We would be grateful and delighted if you choose to participate in this program and select Hilbert College as your charity of choice. This program is no cost to you, and the more friends of Hilbert who join, the more support comes back to Hilbert. All you have to do is go to smile.amazon.com and indicate you would like your Amazon purchases to benefit Hilbert. Please feel free to contact the Office of Institutional Advancement at 716-926-8963 if you have any questions. Thank you!