the
collegiate MAGAZINE of St. joe’s
SPRING 2014
CELEBRATE BRIGHT FUTURES
READ ABOUT
sjci GUIDANCE | tradition of service |
REMEMBERING BR. LUKE
SPRING 2014
Lasallian Gala 2014 celebrates students’ achievements, potential 1
MESSAGE from the president Technology can be a beautiful thing. Checking my Outlook and Google calendars from my iPad, re-connecting with old friends on LinkedIn and Facebook, and receiving news alerts across all devices have added convenience (and maybe even a little fun) to my life.
Though I’ve always considered myself pretty media-savvy, there’s one thing I have yet to incorporate into my daily routine: Twitter. The idea of communicating through sound byte-sized “tweets” has always seemed a little too modern for me, and I’d much rather pick up the phone than compose a 140-character message to a friend. However I feel about Twitter personally, I have also grown to appreciate its use for our school. I really do like seeing how our students, alumni, parents and friends connect with our historic institution on a personal and informal level, and it’s great to see the support of our audience when we post sports scores or photos.
What is especially noteworthy to me is seeing that our most popular posts are – time and time again – “throwbacks.” These are photos of our students from years ago that we post on a weekly basis, and though they’re from different eras, each always inspires nostalgic conversation with our more than 1,000 followers. This is refreshing to see – that one of the most popular uses of today’s new technology is celebrating and appreciating our rich history. It’s a 153-year-old story in which we take great pride: A story of brotherhood. A story that connects all of us rooted deeply in our Lasallian mission. One of the cornerstones of that history is a dedication to service, and we at St. Joe’s are fortunate to have students, faculty and staff who dedicate themselves to serving others every day. You’ll read more about the wonderful work of these individuals on pages 6 and 7.
ST. JOSEPH’S COLLEGIATE INSTITUTE
We’re also lucky to have supporters who understand that we rely on the generosity of many to continue serving our students. This year’s Lasallian Gala was evident of that, and we were excited to welcome over 625 guests who celebrated our school’s distinguished history and bright future. We were also overwhelmed with their generosity as we closed out the night with a near record in funds raised toward tuition support for our students.
2
The foundation of our school’s history is truly the continued dedication of the Christian Brothers. Our students are lucky to have an on-campus community of Christian Brothers, who devote their lives to living the mission of our Founder and guiding our young men as they embark on college and beyond. It is with great sadness that we say goodbye to one of these men, Brother Luke Wittmann ’50, who spent the past 12 years assisting in the St. Joe’s main office, doing whatever was asked of him by his alma mater. Brother Luke was truly a warm and welcoming role model for our students, and we feel fortunate to have spent so much time with him. You can read more about Brother Luke on page 5. Our traditions are the backbone of who we are as a school community today. And though we look forward to our future, we also will forever celebrate our rich history – whether it’s within 140 characters or not.
Robert T. Scott, AFSC President
IN THIS ISSUE VOLUME 14 ISSUE 2
4 5
Guidance Department In Memoriam: Br. Luke Wittmann ’50
6-7 Springing into Service 8 Martin Taylor Returns! 9 Alumnus Reunited with Class Ring
10 Alumni Events 11 In the Spotlight:
David Campbell ’59
12
Lasallian Gala
13-15
Alumni News & Notes Alumni Weekend
St. Joseph’s Collegiate Institute (716) 874-4024 www.sjci.com President Robert T. Scott, AFSC Editor & Director of Marketing Communications Kate LaBrake Photography Kate LaBrake James McCoy
Stephen Matthew ’14 Gunnar Tordoff ’15
Contributing Writers Kate LaBrake John Schnitter ’06
Q&A:
the st. joe’s annual fund Each year, St. Joseph’s Collegiate Institute asks our alumni, parents, faculty and friends to support the Annual Fund. We wanted to provide you with an overview of what the Annual Fund is and why your support is essential to ensuring the accessibility of a St. Joe’s education for all academically qualified students.
Annual giving is one of the most important areas of fundraising at St. Joe’s. Annual giving provides an opportunity for you to help support the school on an annual basis, allowing us to continue instilling within our students a commitment to academic excellence, service, and leadership in the global community. Why is Annual Giving Important?
Your gift to the Annual Fund acts as a vote of confidence, demonstrating your support of the leadership, faculty, and students of St. Joe’s. More so, the Annual Fund brings St. Joe’s benefactors together for a common purpose: maintaining the tradition that St. John Baptist de LaSalle started centuries ago. What is the St. Joe’s Annual Fund?
At St. Joe’s, we believe that our annual fundraising efforts should directly benefit students. Therefore, 100% of funds raised are given to our students in the form of tuition assistance. And with over 70% of our students receiving tuition aid of some kind, your annual gift is essential to ensuring that students receive a quality Lasallian education.
How much should I contribute? Will it make a difference? How much you give, of course, is entirely your decision – it’s not the amount of the gift, it is the spirit and generosity the gift represents.
Our hope is that our alumni, friends, and benefactors will participate in the Annual Fund and establish a regular tradition of giving. If everyone gives at a level consistent with their ability to do so and considers increasing their gifts each year, the Annual Fund – and St. Joe’s – will be more successful than ever before! What are Matching Gifts?
More than 16,000 companies nationwide participate in matching gift programs. It’s one of the smartest ways to enhance your giving power to St. Joe’s. Many companies will match dollar for dollar, allowing you to double your gift and double your impact! Please check with your employer or call the St. Joe’s Office of Institutional Advancement to see if your company participates.
How can I make a gift?
Gifts of cash are the simplest, most direct way to support the school. You can choose to make payments via electronic funds transfers, credit card or check – whichever is most convenient for you. In addition, donors can also choose to make gifts of property, stocks, bonds, or securities, all of which provide great options and offer excellent benefits to donors. Whom can I contact for more information?
Our Office of Institutional Advancement is happy to assist you and can answer most giving-related questions: Melanie Bunch VP, Institutional Advancement (716) 270-4115
Lindsey Dotson Director of Development (716) 270-2113 Sharon Kulczyk Advancement Information Specialist (716) 270-2110 sj
“When you learn, teach; when you get, give.” – Maya Angelou
SPRING 2014
What is Annual Giving?
3
M
aroon paper pennants crowd a bulletin board at the foot of the main staircase at 845 Kenmore Avenue. Typed onto each are names like Notre Dame, Wake Forest, and Niagara University. Written next to these names are the small gold signatures of St. Joe’s seniors.
These miniature flags represent the future college plans of the Class of 2014. While it’s easy to put the flags on display, getting to that point takes great determination, research and hard work – and it’s a team effort for the St. Joe’s Guidance Office.
The St. Joe’s Guidance Office (L to R): Upperclassmen Counselors Canaan Clark, Julianne Lewis and Kristin Smith; Administrative Assistant Amy Manna; and Freshmen Counselor Mike Thoin.
“Our college selection process really begins junior year,” said Mrs. Kristin Smith, who is in her first year as director of guidance. “We help juniors create lists of their top schools and work with their families to determine the right choices for them, weighing factors such as location, cost and programs. By senior year, we’re helping to connect the students with scholarships and submit their applications.” The St. Joe’s Guidance Office is made up of four counselors and an administrative assistant who work every day with students and families not only in the college application process, but in academic and personal matters.
ST. JOSEPH’S COLLEGIATE INSTITUTE
“Our most important role is advocating for the needs of our students,” said Mrs. Smith. “We act as liaisons for students, parents, teachers and administrators to make sure every student’s needs are taken care of.”
4
our community and everyone’s on the same page.”
The work doesn’t stop after freshmen year, and the job of the school counselor is to adapt to the changing needs of all St. Joe’s students. One new initiative this academic year is a focus on career counseling.
“As a school counselor we do many things that help students learn about possible careers,” said Mrs. Lewis, a new school counselor who is spearheading the career counseling initiative. “We administer career interest inventories, hold resume writing and other career-related workshops, and bring in guest speakers who talk to students about a variety of careers.”
ADVOCATING for the NEEDS of STUDENTS
Of course, the work of the school counselor would not be complete without providing critical personal support.
“We have kids we meet with weekly for personal reasons, but we also refer students guidance staff provides to counseling for larger problems,” said Mrs. Smith. “Kids come from all different Mrs. Smith and her team of school kinds of backgrounds and many families support, opportunity counselors do this in many ways. They experience challenges. For some kids, it’s individually meet with students at least just knowing they have another group of three to four times per year, organize people who care about them, or a place they can go to take a annual Parent Night events for each grade level, schedule break.” each student’s classes and coordinate visits from college admissions representatives from around the country. “Often times there is much more going on in a student’s life than many know. However it is our mission to help them This process begins freshmen year. As hundreds of ninth through what can be one of the most difficult times in their graders first pack the halls in September, school counselor lives,” said school counselor Mr. Canaan Clark. “If you can Mr. Michael Thoin is on-hand to help every student adjust make a difference in even one student’s life, the ripple effect socially and academically. can be boundless.” “The Guidance Department helps coordinate the Fresh“This work is extremely fulfilling,” agreed Mrs. Smith. “For men Seminar class, which helps students adjust to high me, it’s about seeing a current student who’s struggling come school life,” said Mr. Thoin, who is school counselor to all out on top, or getting that letter from an alumnus from years freshmen. “We also reach kids through a multitude of ways, ago who thanks you for changing his life. Those letters usually from checking planners in the morning to offering afterarrive on the days you need them most.” sj school study halls, so the freshmen feel like they’re a part of
in memoriam
BROTHER LUKE WITTMANN, FSC ’50 Christian Brother, alumnus and friend
And it’s these two words that Brother Luke Wittmann, FSC ’50, embodied during his years as part of the Christian Brothers Community at St. Joe’s.
Known for his friendly, welcoming demeanor as an assistant in the St. Joe’s Main Office, Br. Luke first arrived to his alma mater in 2002 at the age of 70. “Luke could have easily taken the route of retiring before he even arrived at our school and no one would have blamed him,” said President Robert T. Scott, AFSC. “Instead, he took his vocation extremely seriously. He wanted to continue working, and he wanted his work to be of value to others.” Br. Luke worked mainly in the mornings, welcoming parents and students as they visited the school, answering phones and proving support to the
administrative assistants as needed. He also was an avid reader, crossword puzzle solver, Yankees fan and comedian.
“Br. Luke had a quick wit and always had us in stitches,” said Sue Koller, an administrative assistant who worked with Br. Luke through the years. “He was our bright spot every morning and we so enjoyed his presence with us. Everything about him was special.”
A native of Orchard Park, Br. Luke (born Richard Leo Wittmann) became a Christian Brother in 1957. His original role as an English teacher brought him to seven schools in New York, Michigan and Santa Fe. He later transitioned to guidance counselor during his years at the LaSalle Institute in Troy, NY, and continued in this role at CBA Syracuse and Queen of Peace High School in North Arlington, NJ. “Christian Brothers take a vow of obedience, and Luke followed that vow,” said Mr. Scott. “He always went to whatever school the Brother Visitor
<<
needed him to serve.”
“Brother Luke was a kind and gentle man who led a simple life spent fully involved in his ministry, prayed often and was especially concerned about future vocations to our order,” said Br. Christopher Belleman, director of the Christian Brothers Community at St. Joe’s. “He did as he was asked, whether that was teaching five classes of English, working as a guidance counselor, or taking care of the needs in the chapel and caring for the sanctuary lamp.” Br. Luke passed away at Sisters Hospital in Kenmore after a short stay on Sunday, January 20. His wake and funeral were held in the Deacon Richard Winter ’38 Memorial Chapel at St. Joe’s.
“He was truly dedicated to the students and staff of St. Joe’s,” said Mr. Scott. “His faith and his dedication provided a model for everyone who had the honor of meeting him.” sj
going green(er) St. Joe’s is now greener than ever thanks to a contract with Cascades Recovery Inc., a recycling company that serves Canada and the United States. With this new arrangement, St. Joe’s is able to further its green initiative by recycling many more types of items than previously possible. Students in the St. Joe’s Recycling Club now pick up most types of paper, card stock and cardboard.
SPRING 2014
Be welcomed. These two powerful words are a promise we make to our students and a major part of who we are as a school community.
5
Buffalo Bills CJ Spiller and Fred Jackson pose with Student Council officers Paul LoVullo ’14, Peter Laux ’14 and Alex Kovacs ’14 after a special assembly at St. Joe’s. The players visited to thank students for their fundraising efforts that benefitted the ECMC Mobile Mammography Unit.
SPRINGING INTO
SERVICE
ST. JOSEPH’S COLLEGIATE INSTITUTE
To many, the word “Appalachia” conjures up an image of great poverty. A historic coal mining region, Appalachia is widely known as a place of dire economics and poor education. However, it’s also an area rich in tradition; from food and music to community and religion, Appalachia has successfully kept a culture all its own.
6
It’s this Appalachia – both economically impoverished and culturally rich – that Chris Panepinto ’02 witnessed when he lived in West Virginia for two years following his graduation from Villanova University. And it’s this Appalachia that he wants St. Joe’s students to experience firsthand when they embark on a service trip to the region during their Spring Break. For the entire week in late March, ten students will live, work, eat and pray with West Virginians through a volunteering program at Bethlehem Farm, a Catholic, non-profit organization that provides home repair services for lowincome families. The students will not
to students, helping others is the cornerstone of the St. Joe’s experience
have access to cell phones, electronic devices, or the comforts of home.
“The true purpose of this trip is twofold,” explained Mr. Panepinto, who also teaches freshmen Religion. “First, to be totally immersed in a culture that’s different from our own, but second, to use this experience to realize our common humanity.” Panepinto conceptualized this opportunity after taking a group of students to serve in the impoverished city of Camden, NJ, last summer. And though it’s certainly the newest opportunity to serve, it is only one of countless service projects that St. Joe’s students dedicate themselves to each year. A foundation of service: The Christian Ministry Project
Most alumni probably remember how they “got their hours” for service projects during their St. Joe’s years. Students today uphold the tradition, volunteering in a variety of capacities, from helping out at church to partici-
pating in outreach initiatives for local nonprofit organizations. While 20 hours per year are necessary to graduate, some students choose to complete well over 150 hours. Feeding Western New York: The St. Joe’s Food Basket
Another traditional service project is the St. Joe’s Food Basket, the annual student-led, school-wide food drive. 2013 was the second-most successful St. Joe’s Food Basket year, with over 45,000 items collected to benefit local food pantries and soup kitchens. True teamwork: Athletics give back
Even athletic teams take time out of their busy practice schedules to give back. During their trip to Orlando, the varsity baseball team spent a day
“It was important for us to do service because while the trip may have been focused on improving as a baseball team, that is not just what St. Joe’s is about,” said Alex Kovacs ’14, one of the baseball players who helped clean and organize work areas and toy closets at the Center. “We are about service and doing good for other people. No matter where we may be, it is up to us to live out that belief.” Drama making a difference
Top: Students load 45,000 donated items into trucks for this year’s Food Basket Bottom: Students cheer at the Pinked Out football game in October. Proceeds contributed toward the $3,500 raised during Pinktober.
Grueling three-hour rehearsals don’t deter students who want to give back, as evidenced by the cast and crew of the upcoming spring musical Aida. For the second year in a row, students involved in the St. Joe’s drama program are partnering with local non-profit Journey’s End Refugee Services to help those who have traveled to Buffalo to start new lives. During their busy rehearsal season, the cast of Aida led a month-long clothing drive to help refugees who often come to the country with noth-
ing. Last year, the cast of Godspell outfitted an apartment for a Burmese refugee family, complete with furniture and supplies. Men supporting women: Pinktober at St. Joe’s
Students also participate in community-wide service initiatives. This past October, the St. Joe’s Student Council became involved in a breast cancer awareness campaign with other area schools, raising money to benefit the ECMC mobile mammography unit that visits Buffalo’s underserved neighborhoods. After one month, the Student Council raised over $3,500 toward the cause, leading the pack in fundraising dollars and winning a special assembly with Buffalo Bills members CJ Spiller and Fred Jackson. But to the St. Joe’s Student Council, winning the regional fundraising drive wasn’t the most important part of the experience.
“It’s really about putting your words into action,” said Student Council Vice President Paul LoVullo ’14. “Your word is meaningless unless you back it up with what you do. When it comes to fundraising, the money itself is meaningless what’s important is the people who are helped by it and the lives it changes.” From every corner of St. Joe’s, students are involved with service. This spirit of giving back is integral to the school’s enduring mission, and for good reason. “Service shows our students that every individual is a child of God, and is therefore worthy of dignity and respect,” said President Robert T. Scott, AFSC. “St. John Baptist de La Salle once wrote that we must learn to recognize Jesus in the rags of the poor. This is the lesson our students learn when they serve others. It’s this lesson that defines us as Lasallians.” sj
<<
state champion. St. Joe’s junior Richie Jones ’15 was named the 2014 State Champion of the 170 lb. weight class at the recent New York State Catholic High School Athletic Association sj (CHSAA) Wrestling Championships in Long Island. This is the first CHSAA title for Richie, who has wrestled for all three years at St. Joe’s.
SPRING 2014
volunteering at the Howard Phillips Center for Children and Families.
7
RETURN OF A
LEGEND Legendary guitarist Sir Martin Taylor will make his triumphant return to St. Joe’s on Tuesday, April 22 at 7 p.m., with an exclusive solo concert in the Cullen Center for the Arts.
Just last February, Taylor was one of four guitarists to visit St. Joe’s for International Guitar Night, a tour of four of the world’s most critically-acclaimed guitarists.
The Cullen Center for the Arts at St. Joe’s was the only Upstate New York stop on the international tour, and the group of musicians enjoyed the evening so much that they returned this February for an encore performance. Since Taylor will not be performing in this year’s ensemble, he wanted to give the school a special performance on his own.
In a career that has spanned five decades, Taylor has received 14 British Jazz Awards, a Grammy nomination, and special recognition from the Queen of England for his contributions to music.
ST. JOSEPH’S COLLEGIATE INSTITUTE
Widely considered to be the world’s foremost exponent of solo jazz and fingerstyle guitar playing, Martin possesses an inimitable style that has earned him global acclaim from fellow musicians, fans and critics alike. He dazzles audiences with a signature style that artfully combines his virtuosity, emotion and humor with a strong, engaging stage presence.
8
“This is an incredible, world-class cultural opportunity right here in Buffalo,” said St. Joe’s Spanish teacher and Guitar Club moderator Marcus Deveso ’88, who was instrumental in coordinating the concert. “Sir Martin Taylor is a worldwide legend of guitar, and we’re lucky to see him here on Kenmore Avenue.” Tickets for the April 22 performance are $35 and available at sjci.com. sj
Just after the New Year, the St. Joe’s Office of Institutional Advancement received a surprising phone call from a Pittsburgh post office: An employee had found a 1939 St. Joe’s class ring loose in the mail and hoped the school would be able to find its rightful owner. The ring arrived a few days later. Faded on the inside were the initials R.B.K. After a brief search on the class of 1939, the name was found of an alumnus living in Wayne, PA - Raymond B. Kielich. We called Raymond as soon as possible to ask if he had lost it. “That’s impossible,” he responded. “I haven’t seen my ring in over 60 years.” Ray had given the memento to his late wife as an engagement ring until he could afford a diamond, and assumed his wife had lost it over the years and never told him. The ring was sent back to its rightful owner the same day. When we spoke to Ray a few days later, he was wearing his ring proudly and shared a few memories of when he attended St. Joe’s 75 years ago. Ray began attending St. Joe’s in 1935 when the school was located on Main Street near Bryant Street. Most of his classes were taught by Christian Brothers, and all students were held to high academic standards. The course load was similar to today’s with classes such as languages, math, history, geography, physics, chemistry and religion. Extracurricular activities consisted of Debate Society, Band, Photography Club, Glee Club, Sports, the annual play and even a circus performance. Although the dress code was the same as it is in 2014, students vied for the “big J” to be sewn onto their sweaters for participation in clubs. “The aim of the school was to prepare us for college,” Ray said. “They were teaching us how to learn.” Raymond’s classmates were extremely talented and the academic competition was intense. He recalled how former principal, Brother Cassian, would make spectacles of anyone who had under a “C” average. Thankfully, this is not a tradition that has carried through to St. Joe’s today, but Ray remembers how it pushed the students to strive for the highest academic achievement – a thought that is still paramount in the curriculum of St. Joe’s. But Ray’s memories aren’t only of academics. He also remembered holding a special position within
the school: the ad hoc chauffeur. “As I was about a year older than my classmates and had a driver’s license by my senior year, I was often called on by the principal, Brother Cassian, to run errands in the school’s Chevrolet,” Ray said. “The driveway passed the lower floor classrooms and I made it a point to back out slowly, waving to the class. It was grand.” Although it is still a mystery of how the ring ended up at a post office in Pittsburgh, almost 300 miles from his home in Wayne, PA, we are thankful to have been able to return it and rekindle out relationship with Ray, who provided us with his memories of what St. Joe’s was like during his time. sj Ra St. Joe’s ymond Kielich ’3 class rin g with p 9 now wears h is ride afte r 75 yea rs.
SPRING 2014
REUNITED
Director of Development Lindsey Dotson was new in her role when a mysterious phone call led her on a quest to reunite an alumnus with not only his long-lost class ring from 75 years ago, but also with St. Joe’s itself.
9
SIGNUM FIDEI 2014
HONORING THE
MAN OF THE YEAR
Five inductees to receive the highest accolade at St. Joe’s
Tim Lennon ’69
Each year St. Joseph’s Collegiate Institute honors a group of alumni with induction into the Signum Fidei Society. This is St. Joe’s lifetime achievement award and the highest accolade bestowed by the school. “Signum Fidei” (sign of faith) is the characteristic spirit of the Christian Brothers, who are founders and the guiding presence of St. Joseph’s Collegiate Institute. Theirs is that attitude of faith which expresses itself in love and zeal for the welfare of others. A member of the Signum Fidei Society is an alumnus of St. Joseph’s Collegiate Institute, distinguished in professional career, community activities and one who shares in the spirit characteristic of the Christian Brothers. This year, five men will be inducted into this distinguished society: Mark E. Brand, Esq. ’80 Executive Vice President at ACSI
ST. JOSEPH’S COLLEGIATE INSTITUTE
The St. Joe’s Alumni Association honored Timothy J. Lennon ’69 as the 2014 Man of the Year at the annual St. Joe’s Father Son Mass and Breakfast on March 23. The St. Joe’s Man of the Year honor is given annually to a person who has demonstrated a commitment to St. Joe’s. Their involvement must be indicative of service to the school, alumni association and/or to the larger St. Joe’s community. Timothy J. Lennon graduated from St. Joe’s in 1969 and completed his B.A. in history from University at Buffalo and an M.A. in Education from Canisius College. Upon graduation in 1973, Tim returned to his alma mater to teach American History and A.P. U.S. History and eventually became chair of the History Department. He retired from teaching in 2010, after 37 years in the classroom. During his tenure, he molded thousands of young men not only in the classroom, but on the court, and instilled a fierce work ethic in all of his students. A former basketball player, Tim began as a freshman basketball coach in 1971 while still pursuing his degree at UB. In time, he became the varsity head coach, leading St. Joe’s to three straight New York Catholic State Championships. A gifted athlete, Tim also coached cross country from 1976-1978. He was inducted into the St. Joe’s Sports Hall of Fame in 1999 for both his athletic prowess as a student and his illustrious career as a coach. Tim recently celebrated his 40th wedding anniversary with his wife, Pat. He has two children, Mary Beth (married to Christopher Scott ’89) and Tim (Lauren) Lennon ’99. He is also a proud grandfather of Eliot, Oliver and William. sj
10
CELEBRATING FINE ARTS
alumni honored for artistic achievements The St. Joe’s Alumni Association, in conjunction with the Fine Arts Department, will honor five alumni with induction into the Fine Arts Wall of Honor. The induction ceremony will begin at 7 p.m. on Saturday, May 3, in the Cullen Center at St. Joe’s. Tickets are $25 per person and are available at sjci.com.
Anthony J. Colucci III, Esq. ’76 Managing Attorney at Colucci & Gallaher, P.C.
Jody Lomeo ’86 Director & CEO of Erie County Medical Center and Interim Chief at Kaleida Health
Donald R. McMahon ’70 Geotechnical Engineer & Partner at McMahon & Mann Consulting Engineers
Dr. Kenneth Snyder, MD, PhD ’90 Assistant Professor of Neurosurgery, Radiology and Neurology at University at Buffalo
The 2014 Signum Fidei Induction Ceremony will be held on April 26 at Brookfield Country Club in Clarence. The ceremony begins at 6 p.m. Tickets are $85 per person or $850 per table of 10, and are available at sjci.com. sj
The members of the ninth Fine Arts Wall of Honor induction class include:
Gregory Banaszak ’84 (instrumental) Amy Fleischauer (theatre) Michaelangelo Rocco ’97 (visual) John F. Tiranno ’80 (vocal)
For more information on this very special event, please contact Lindsey Dotson, director of development, at (716) 270-4113 or at ldotson@sjci.com. sj
in the
spotlight
Learn. Earn. Return.This mantra led David Campbell ’59 on a lifelong, global pursuit of helping others. by John Schnitter ’06 David Campbell ’59 will tell you that he likes to keep busy. “Busy” would be an understatement, to say the least. Over the course of his career, David has founded a global disasterrelief volunteer organization, served on 17 non-profit boards (six of which he chaired), worked as president of a company that helped develop the nascent Internet, steered Buffalo’s Computer Task Group (CTG) to grow from 12 employees to 4,000 in his role as CEO, and earned his Master’s degree in Industrial Engineering while working at IBM and taking care of his two young children at home alongside his wife, Gay. Those achievements, however, are not the first things David will tell you about. The first thing he will tell you, while perhaps inadvertently revealing the key to his success, is the fact that he still calls up his buddy Peter Waggoner ’59 (aka “Wags”) to wish him a happy birthday 55 years after the two of them graduated together from St. Joe’s. “A network of people who you know and trust is a wonderful asset to have,” said David. “The importance of being trustworthy and maintaining friendships was instilled in me during my time at St. Joe’s.” Today, David’s network has truly gone global. As chairman and founder of All Hands Volunteers, David leads a worldwide humanitarian organization dedicated to providing relief to those affected by natural disasters. All Hands began when David flew to Thailand to help victims of the tsunami in 2005. Finding that there were others like him who simply wanted to help in whatever way they could but were turned away because they were unaffiliated with an organization, David used the connective power of the Internet to bring these disparate volunteers together. “The idea was to create a platform for spontaneous volunteers to come into a disaster situation and be productive from the first moment they arrive,” David said. With the goal of providing “hands-on assistance to communities around the world, with maximum impact and mini-
mum bureaucracy,” the more than 13,000 volunteers empowered by All Hands since 2005 have aided over 32,000 families in locations ranging from Biloxi, Mississippi, to the island of Leyte in the Philippines. David frequently travels from his home near Boston to the disaster sites where All Hands provides assistance, witnessing first-hand the impact his organization has on families in need – as well as the impact it has on the volunteers themselves. “I speak with volunteers who have high-powered jobs back in the U.S.,” said David. “They’ll tell me that as volunteers, when they have no income and no expenses, they are happy. Back at their jobs, they are not happy. People can be so good at earning money, but not so good about knowing what to do with it.” For David, it’s all about finding “the correct balance” between providing for oneself and giving back, following the mantra of, “learn, earn, return.” He believes that finding that balance can begin with volunteer projects in high school, such as the ones performed by our students at St. Joe’s. “If you want to live a life of purpose, exposure to the reality of other people’s lives is really important,” said David. “You have to understand someone else’s situation in order to focus your energy on how to improve it. Service projects bring an awareness of the broader world, whether it’s in a neighborhood in Buffalo or a country in Africa.” The roots of David’s tireless work ethic were evident during his time at St. Joe’s. Instead of becoming discouraged when he was cut from the school’s basketball team, David devoted himself to cross country. Cross country appealed to him because of the pure relationship between effort and achievement. As David put it, “It’s a sport where if you want it more and are willing to put in the effort, you will get results,” including an All-Catholic championship his senior year. David’s determination to succeed carried over into the classroom as well. Though he was not fast enough to receive a track scholarship, David earned a full academic scholarship to Niagara University, allowing him to attend college. For this opportunity, David credits the “education, challenge, and compassion” he received at St. Joe’s. Today, 55 years after he left St. Joe’s, David enthusiastically explains that he has never stopped learning. “It’s fun,” he says. Based on his track record, it seems that as long as David keeps having fun, the world will continue to reap the benefits. sj
SPRING 2014
“You have to understand someone else’s situation in order to focus your energy on how to improve it.”
11
ST. JOSEPH’S COLLEGIATE INSTITUTE
t h g i s r e b utur THE BRIGHT FUTURES GALA SHINES!
12
f
Check sjci.com for more photos from the Bright Futures Gala!
largest-ever crowd gives back to students at LASALLIAN 2014 this year’s Lasallian Gala & Dinner Auction
The stars were certainly aligned as over 620 alumni, parents and friends celebrated the "bright futures" of our students at the Lasallian 2014 Gala on February 8. In appreciation for this crucial fundraising on their behalf, over 130 students volunteers turned in stellar performances as valets, wait staff, computer whizzes, auction assistants, musicians and raffle salesmen, as well as the varsity singers who brought the crowd to their feet for a
standing ovation after their riveting performance of "You Raise Me Up." Chair couple John '84 and Suzanne Berger and their committee thank all who made the night such a success resulting in a record number of corporate and personal sponsorships. Final results are being tallied but it looks like one of the best ever! Mark your calendar for next year’s Lasallian Gala: Saturday, February 7, 2015! sj
ALUMNI NEWS & notes
1940s Kenneth J. Vaughn Sr. ’40 and his wife Rosemary celebrated their 60th anniversary with a family dinner at Sean Patrick’s. They were married June 27, 1953 at St. Bartholomew’s Church in Buffalo. They have five children, seven grandchildren and two greatgrandchildren.
1960s Paul E. Bieron Ed.D. ’60, a member of the Ithaca College 1962 baseball team,
was inducted into the Ithaca College Athletic Hall of Fame on October 12, 2013. The team played in the College Baseball World Series in Omaha, Nebraska and advanced after defeating Penn State in the NCAA District 2 playoffs. Steve Grandits ’69 is currently CPI Index methods chief at the Bureau of Labor Statistics. Steve is responsible for producing and publishing the Consumer Price Index (CPI), an index of the changes in the cost of goods and services to the average consumer.
Richard Peck ’69 was recently appointed as the director of human resources/total force manpower director, GS-15, at Strategic Systems Programs in Washington, DC. Retired from the active duty Navy after 23 years in the Navy as an antisubmarine warfare helicopter pilot, manpower analyst, special assistant to the chief of naval personnel, and carrier department head.
1970s Gary M. Crosby ’71 was appointed CEO of First Niagara Bank. Gary has served as interim president and chief executive officer of First Niagara Financial Group since last March.
Robert W. Patterson ’74, a partner at Jaeckle, Fleischmann & Mugel LLP joined Artpark’s board of directors. Phillip D. Scaffidi ’74 † was recognized at the January 12 Niagara University basketball game. The first 1,200 fans who arrived at NU received a commemorative Phil Scaffidi bobblehead. A brief pregame ceremony was held to honor the impact Phil had at Niagara and St. Joe’s, on and off the court. Frederick G. Floss, PhD ’75 is the new executive director of the board of the Fiscal Policy Institute which has offices in Albany and New York City. He is also professor of economics and finance at SUNY Buffalo State.
ALUMNI WEEKEND reunite with your St. Joe’s brothers this summer!
holes, a cart with GPS, a buffet lunch before tee off and dinner following the round, as well as giveaways and door prizes. Be sure to register for this event quickly - it’s sure to be a sell out! On Saturday, June 21, St. Joe’s will host the 4th Annual All-Alumni Soccer Game at 11 a.m. All former members of the St. Joe’s soccer program are encouraged to attend. Your $30 registration fee includes a St. Joe’s Soccer Alumni tee shirt, socks and lunch at Curry’s. Is it a milestone year for you? All reunion classes (years ending in 4 and 9) will hold individual class reunions at locations around Buffalo
the night of Saturday, June 21. Check sjci.com for updates about your reunion! Alumni weekend will wrap up on Sunday, June 22, with the All-Alumni Mass and Brunch at St. Joe’s. Mass begins at 10:30 a.m. and a photographer will be available during the event to take family photos. Final details on all events will be included in the formal Alumni Weekend 2014 invitation that will be sent to all reunion years and local alumni in April. If you are an out-of-town, non-reunion year alumnus, and would like to attend any of the Alumni Weekend activities, you may register online in mid-April. Special hotel rates will be available at the Candlewood Suites in Amherst. If you have any questions about Alumni Weekend 2014, contact Director of Development Lindsey Dotson at ldotson@sjci.com or (716) 270-4113. sj 13 SPRING 2014
Join St. Joe’s on June 20-22 for a weekend of reuniting with former classmates and celebrating your alma mater. The weekend tees off on Friday, June 20, with the All-Alumni Golf Tournament at Glen Oak Golf Course. This year’s format will be a schamble with a shotgun start at noon. The cost is $130 per golfer or $520 for a foursome. SJCI alumni graduating between 2009 and 2014 will receive a special price of $100 per golfer or $400 for a foursome. Pricing includes 18
ALUMNI NEWS & NOTES continued
IN MEMORIAM James Barton ’51 Herman G. Brauch William M. Brinkworth, Jr. ’61 Claudia A. Bunny William J. Dengler ’44 James F. Donnelly ’47 Martin Hampp IV ’51 Donald E. Hartnett ’45 Robert J. Hausle ’75 Jane Kieffer George M. Martin , AFSC ’38 Norbert Peterson ’39 Charles E. Riederer, Sr. ’36 James O. Rust ’69 John E. Ryan, Jr. ’53 John B. Shults ’43 Gregory J. Smith ’83 Rev. Ronald R. Tripi, CSC ’53 Br. Luke Wittmann, FSC ’50 James M. Wynne ’55
ST. JOSEPH’S COLLEGIATE INSTITUTE
David P. Zimolong ’59
14
1980s David F. Mitchell ’80 is the project manager for NASA’s MAVEN Mission which recently blasted off to Mars in November 2013. Kevin M. Daly ’81 is currently the VP of sales and operations for Preferred Freezer Logistics in New Jersey. He is also proud to have his nephew, Ben Bryan, in his freshman year at St. Joe’s!
Peter Drzewiecki ’85 received an appointment to full professor in the Department of Environmental Science at Eastern Connecticut State University. Peter currently serves as Chair of the Department. In June 2012, he was singularly honored as recipient of the Connecticut State Colleges and Universities Systems Board of Regents/CSU Teaching Award. Peter and his family reside in eastern Connecticut. Stephen L. Carauna ’86 is heavily active in studio art with woodcarving, painting, plein air painting, pyrography, and watercolor. He illustrates religious books by Queenship Publishing. His art is utilized for charity fundraising and his religious carvings are in private and public religious places. Stephen will be doing his fourth Artist in Residence workshop at St. Joe’s for woodburning this year. Michael M. Gilbert ’86 traveled to Sochi for this year’s Winter Olympics to work on the USA Hockey Team’s public relations and media concerns. F. James McGuire ’86 received the Trocaire College Reflection Award. This award recognizes individuals who have distinguished themselves professionally in service to the community. William B. Mitchell ’86 is currently a CPA for the CIA. Frank J. Vecchio ’86 was promoted to Vice President Legal of Commercial Collection Corporation of New York, Inc. Matthew J. Michalski ’87 was named vice president of claims at MEEMIC in Michigan. Matt resides in Rochester Hills, MI, with his wife Kathryn and their three sons, Bennett, Eli and Leo.
Craig Howard ’89 and his wife, Shoko, celebrated the 1 year birthday of their daughter, Erena, in March. Craig was appointed as assistant professor in the grad school at Texas A&M University in September.
Sean P. Doyle ’94 earned the designation of Real Property Administrator from the Building Owners and Managers Institute. Sean currently holds the position of senior property manager at McGuire Development Co.
1990s
Michael F. Kramer ’96 was recently promoted to Vice President of Operations of Sharp Design Studio in Tampa, FL. He lives in Parrish, FL with his wife, Kate and 3 year old son, Benjamin.
Douglas Gorsline ’91 and his wife, Melissa, and two daughters, Maddie and Katie, currently live in Fort Belvoir, VA. Douglas presently serves as the Deputy Program Manager for the DTRA (Defense Threat Detection Agency) Biological Engagement Program throughout the Former Soviet Union and Southeast Asia. Christopher Picone ’90 of Picone Construction received the 15-year Citation of Service Award from the Construction Specifications Institute, Buffalo chapter. He was recognized for achievements and contributions to the local construction industry. Christopher Schifferli ’92 of Covanta Energy completed Leadership Niagara’s 12-month leadership development program this past December. Thomas M. Deveans ’93 was promoted by the U.S. Army to the rank of Lieutenant Colonel. Tom is a 1997 graduate of the U.S. Military Academy at West Point. He, his wife, Joanna, and their two children are stationed in Monterey, California. In June 2014, they will transfer to Tom’s new assignment at Fort Belvoir, Virginia. Mark P. Collard ’94, currently a managing partner at Chiampou Travis Besaw & Kerschner LLP, recently earned the Certified Private Wealth Advisor (CPWA) designation, the only advanced designation designed for financial advisors who work with high-net-worth clients of the life cycle of Wealth.
Michael J. Petri ’96 was named partner at Summer Street Capital Partners in Buffalo. Michael handles investment valuations and the junior investment team. Jeffrey J. Holt ’97 was recently appointed Chief Operating Officer of Advanced Orthopedic & Spine Center. Ryan P. Murphy ’99 was promoted to senior associate at Hodgson Russ LLP.
2000s Sandro R. DeAngelis ’00, a nonimport kicker and three-time CFL all-star has signed with the Winnipeg Blue Bombers. DeAngelis, 32, is the league’s most accurate field goal kicker with a lifetime efficiency rating of 82.1%. Christopher J. Heller ’01 recently joined Colucci & Gallagher, P.C. Heller is a 2010 Boston College Law School graduate who attended Yale University, where he obtained both a bachelor’s and a master’s degree. Daniel T. Boland ’02 and fiancé, Melissa Proulx, returned home to Buffalo after Daniel was offered a position at National Fuel Gas Co. The couple was featured in a Business First article after finding their home in the Elmwood Village online, and purchasing it sight unseen.
Christopher P. Billoni ’03 married Kristina Vollmer on December 28, 2013 in St. Louis Catholic Church. Christopher earned a bachelor’s degree in business administration from SUNY Geneseo and is a manager at Colvin Cleaners. Kristina is a SUNY Geneseo graduate and teaches English at St. Joe’s. Matthew Seier ’05 married Justine Domagala (HAA ’05) on August 3, 2013, at St. Margaret’s Church in Buffalo. They spent their honeymoon in Jamaica. Matthew is currently employed as a Software Engineer at Moog Industries in East Aurora, NY and is attending the Professional MBA program at SUNYAB.
Kevin R. Pope ’02 accepted a new physician assistant position at Orthopaedic Specialist at UPMC, Pittsburgh, PA, in February 2013. Kevin left his position with Alleghany General Hospital where he had worked as a PA since graduating from Duquesne University in 2007. He also married Holly Evanov June 1, 2013 in Pittsburgh, PA. They reside in Coraopolis, PA. Nicholas J. Wydro ’02 recently accepted a position with Raymond James Financial Services in St. Petersburg, FL, as a senior operations control manager. Nicholas received a BA in Business Management in 2006 and a MBA in Corporate Finance in 2011, both from Canisius College. Christian J. Weinholtz IV ’02 is currently the father of a 3-year old, Christian Weinholtz V. He has been working in the IT industry for the last eight years and is currently managing a team of data engineers across the country generating $40 million a year for Windstream. Shaun C. Hoppel ’02 was named auxiliary aids and services coordinator at SUNY Buffalo. Christopher R. Howard ’02 and business partner, Hockey Hall of Famer Denis Savard, recently announced a partnership with icehockeysystems.com, which provides animated coaching drills online.
David W. Burke ’03 was named assistant coach of the men’s heavyweight crew team at Cornell University. Kevin P. Hays ’03 was named one of Business First’s “30 Under Thirty.” Kevin is director of development at Savarino Companies. Richard M. Scherer ’03 was appointed to the board of directors of Neighborhood Legal Services Inc. He is an associate at Lippes Mathias Wexler Friedman, LLP, in Buffalo. Eric J. Sonnenberger ’03 was named appraisal risk and environmental manager at Evans Bank. He previously was affiliated with Emminger Newton Pigeon & Magyar. Kevin M. Donovan ’04 has accepted a faculty position at the University of Notre Dame. Kevin completed his BS in Mathematics at Bentley College in 2007 and earned his PhD in Economics from Arizona State University in 2013. Brett D. Tokarczyk ’04 was named an associate at HoganWillig. Jordan D. Frey, MD ’05 graduated from University of Rochester Medical School and is now doing his plastic surgery residency at NYU.
LCDR Erik R. Baker ’91 and his wife, Amy, are pleased to announce the birth of their second son and fourth child, Martin Thomas Baker, born January 23, 2013. Erik and his family reside in Honolulu, HI, where Erik is a career Navy pilot. James Holmberg ’94, and his wife Amanda welcomed daughter Harper Bartelme Holmberg on June 14. Harper joins big sister Carissa and the family resides in Arlington, VA.
Nicholas J. Kelly ’05 and his business partner, Lawrence R. Grace ’05 are expanding their locally-owned business, Buffalo Trim, and opening a second Amherst location in October. Larry and Nicholas opened up a men’s hair salon in East Amherst in August 2010. Andrew B. Cashmore ’06 passed the New York State Bar Examination in October. Andrew graduated from Cornell Law School in 2013 and is an associate attorney at Fried Frank, New York City. He will be admitted to practice in 2014. Brian G. Hayden ’06 has accepted the position of communications manager at Visit Buffalo Niagara and will be returning to Buffalo after many years away. Brian Donovan ’07 is a graduate assistant at the University of Southern Mississippi where he is pursuing a PhD in Chemistry. Brian received his BS in Chemistry from Canisius College in 2011. During his tenure at USM Brian has worked on projects for the US Army and the Boeing Corporation. Timothy Huebsch ’08 was named staff accountant at Chaimpou Travis Besaw Kershner in Buffalo. Andrew J. Smyczynski ’08 was promoted to technical director
at WBBZ-TV in Buffalo. He previously served as production assistant.
2010s Stephen J. Grimm ’10 won the Collegiate Entrepreneurs’ Organization Best Chapter Award in the Marketing Plan category for Canisius College this past fall. The Canisius College chapter competed against more than 400 colleges and universities. Kevin M. Gibas ’11 was accepted to a six-year Medical School program at the University of Missouri at Kansas City right out of high school. On August 10, 2013, Kevin had his white coat ceremony, where he was awarded the Medical School’s Dean’s Scholarship and has been elected as an officer for the graduating class of 2017.
Stay connected.
Share your professional, academic or personal updates and stay connected to alumni around the world! Contact Director of Development Lindsey Dotson at ldotson@sjci.com to be included in the next issue of The Collegiate!
SPRING 2014
Douglas Regan ’68 is pleased to announce that his youngest son, Kevin J. Regan ’03 proposed to Charlotte Prinzbach on May 12, 2013. A July 18, 2014 wedding planned in the Finger Lakes Region.
Patrick D. McNally ’01 and his wife, Mary, welcomed their daughter Orla in September. Orla is their first child.
births
weddings
Patrick L. Hornung ’00 and Sarah Morgan Eager were married on December 27, 2013, in Buffalo’s St. Joseph University Parish. Deacon Ted Pijacki of St. Joseph University Parish heard the couple’s vows. They live in Buffalo.
15
ST. JOSEPH’S COLLEGIATE INSTITUTE A Community
of
E x ce l l e n ce
845 Kenmore Avenue Buffalo, NY 14223-3195
NON-PROFIT ORGANIZATION U.S. POSTAGE
PA I D
BUFFALO, NY PERMIT NO. 83
Address Service Requested
PARENTS: If The Collegiate is addressed to a son who no longer maintains a permanent address at your home, please clip the address label and return it with the correct address to: St. Joseph’s Collegiate Institute, Attn: The Collegiate, 845 Kenmore Avenue, Buffalo, NY 14223.
A family affair: The St. Joe’s Federation hockey coaching staff and their kids join the team in celebrating their Niagara Cup victory this February.
OUR MISSION
ST. JOSEPH’S COLLEGIATE INSTITUTE
St. Joseph's Collegiate Institute (SJCI) is a Catholic, independent college-preparatory high school educating young men of diverse backgrounds in the tradition of St. John Baptist de La Salle. Through a broad and balanced, human and Christian education, SJCI guides the development of each student's unique talents, fostering a commitment to academic excellence, service and leadership in 16the global community.