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in this issue:
Commencement S J C I N a m e s N ew P r i n c i p a l Celebration of the Arts
ST. JOSEPH’S COLLEGIATE INSTITUTE A Community
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president'smessage Robert T. Scott, AFSC
150 Years...and Counting... It has been a phenomenal year at St. Joe’s, a truly special anniversary that I am happy and proud to have participated in. Our focus now turns to sustaining the momentum that was established during our sesquicentennial. In short, what do we do for an encore?
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As we handed out diplomas to 187 students during our 150th Commencement, I knew very well that we were saying goodbye to a very talented group of young men. The members of this class were admitted into some of the most prestigious schools in the country, with over 80 percent of them sharing almost $24 million in awards. Yet it was only a week earlier that we welcomed the class of 2015 – some 216 of the most intelligent young men from throughout Western New York – to St. Joe’s! This group of students, just as those in the 150 graduating classes preceding them, will face new challenges. They will have the assistance of a capable faculty and staff, willing to help them overcome obstacles that will be new to them, from biology, to athletic competitions, to weighing consequences and making the “right” choices. The class of 2015 will have the support of their parents whose commitment is already evident in their selection of St. Joe’s. And, they will also have the support of a group of “brothers,” who will grow with them as they, together, meet every challenge set before them. They will not simply persevere; they will thrive, just as each of the 150 classes of young men has done
so before them. The class of 2015, and all of St. Joe’s, will be supported by the leadership of Mr. Jeffery Hazel, who we welcome as our new principal. I am personally energized in anticipation of Mr. Hazel joining our community. He is a man with an enthusiasm for education, and a man passionate about young people. Fortunately for us, his vision and core values have brought him to the Catholic, Lasallian mission of St. Joe's. With Mr. Hazel joining our administrative team, we will return to the model of president and principal, a model that has worked well for St. Joe’s in the past. On the one hand, the separation of roles will allow each of us the opportunity to focus on separate areas of importance. Furthermore, this administrative structure will better serve all of St. Joe’s as we fulfill our mission of providing a premier collegepreparatory education to young men of diverse backgrounds. At the same time, we are saying farewell to some long-serving members of our Board of Trustees. These men have offered much to our school during their years of service, most specifically expertise and guidance in helping St. Joe’s remain faithful to its heritage and the holistic education of its students. As these Trustees conclude their terms, we are most thankful in welcoming new Board members (see page 11), who will assist our school by providing
thecollegiate
leadership and direction for the future. While our celebration this year was truly a joyous one, we did say a final goodbye to some – Brian Dugan ’91, husband, father, and local educator; John Cullen ’54, benefactor and friend; Br. Michael Corry, FSC, former principal of St. Joe’s and former Provincial of the New York District of the Christian Brothers; as well as other alumni and friends of St. Joe’s. Although saddened by their loss, we remain grounded in hope and celebrate the lives our friends have lived, and the legacy their memories leave future generations of St. Joe's students. During commencement, a graduate spoke of St. Joe’s creating young men who are “Signum Fidei,” a sign of faith to others in the community. Another praised the school's ability to "create" young men of exceptional passion, commitment and character. A third said that St. Joe’s had offered him guidance in faith, discipline and integrity that no other high school could have given him, lessons that will remain with him throughout his life. We must continue to do all that our mission calls us to – that which our own graduates speak of so passionately. We must continue to provide a Catholic, Lasallian education to the young men of Western New York in year No. 151…and…counting! Live, Jesus, in our hearts…Forever!
SUMMER 2011 | VOLUME 11 | ISSUE 3
The Collegiate is published three times per year by St. Joseph’s Collegiate Institute.
President Robert T. Scott, AFSC
716.874.4024
Editor Michael Freedman
www.sjci.com
Photography James P. McCoy Carl Modica Michele Scott Phil DeRita Office of Institutional Advancement
Cover Photo Credit: James P. McCoy Members of the SJCI class of 2011 toss their graduation caps following commencement ceremonies at Kleinhans Music Hall on May 19, 2011.
schoolnews Jeffery D. Hazel Takes Over as Principal of St. Joe's St. Joseph's Collegiate Institute is pleased to announce the appointment of Jeffery D. Hazel as the school's principal following an extensive search that drew applicants from across the nation. After earning his bachelor's degree in Mathematics/Economics from the University at Buffalo, Hazel secured his first teaching position with the Thomas J. Edwards Learning Center at UB. Subsequently, while completing master's degrees in both Mathematics Education and Educational Leadership, Hazel was employed by Niagara-Wheatfield High School as a mathematics teacher and, most recently, as principal. "Mr. Hazel brings with him a wealth of knowledge, experience, and a passionate commitment to education and to young people," said Robert T. Scott, AFSC, who will remain in his role as president of St. Joe's. He will be joining St. Joe's in July after participating in two weeks of study at the Buttimer Institute of Lasallian Studies, an intensive Lasallian formation and education program that examines the life and work of St. John Baptist de La Salle and the origins of the worldwide Lasallian educational mission. Hazel's vision of educators and of education, specifically the faith-based, Catholic and Lasallian education he will lead at St. Joe's, is already evidenced as he states that, "We are not independent contractors. We serve God. He blesses educators with a unique gift – the ability to teach. He gives us the opportunity to have a permanent, positive influence on the lives of young
people, to build a society that can sustain itself and grow to adapt to the changes in the world around us." Hazel, Jeffery D. Hazel as principal, will serve as the school's chief operating officer and educational leader. He will be responsible for ensuring that students are educated in an a learning environment that meets the approved curriculum and the Lasallian mission of St. Joe's. "We look forward to returning to the model of president and principal – a model that has served us well in the past and will again serve St. Joe's well into the future," Scott added. The delineation of roles recognizes anew the complexity of administering a school like St. Joe’s. Scott will retain overall responsibility for the school, concentrating directly on mission, advancement, enrollment, physical plant, strategic planning and vision building, with Hazel assuming responsibility for the daily administration of the teaching/ learning process. Together, they will provide the leadership that is necessary for administering the “whole” of St. Joe’s.
Christian Brothers Named Men of the Year In recognition of their 150 years of faith and zeal offered in service to the young men of Western New York, the St. Joe's Alumni Association honored the Brothers of the Christian Schools, past and present, with its annual Man of the Year Award. "There is absolutely no more appropriate award recognition that could be offered during this sesquicentennial year than to acknowledge those men who brought, nurtured and modeled, and who continue to sponsor our unique Catholic and Lasallian educational mission here at St. Joe’s,” stated Robert T. Scott, AFSC, president of St. Joe’s. "We thank the Christian Brothers for the past 150 years and we look forward to their presence within our school community for many, many years to come!" The Man of the Year award ceremony took place following the Father/Son Communion Brunch on March 27, 2011.
4 Celebration of the Arts 5 Congressman Brian Higgins - 2011 Commencement Address 6 Valedictorian & Salutatorian 7 University & College Acceptances 8 Class of 2011 10 William M. Collins ’72 - In The Spotlight 11 Board of Trustees 12 Alumni Weekend 2011 13 Message from the Alumni Association 14 Alumni Notes
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highschoolnews St. Joe's Wraps Up Sesquicentennial with Celebration of the Arts Artists, musicians and vocalists were in the spotlight as St. Joe’s sesquicentennial culminated with a Celebration of the Arts on May 4, 2011. This multidimensional event, held at Buffalo State's Rockwell Hall, showcased the abilities of current students and distinguished alumni in the visual and performing arts.
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including Dennis Golembek ’62, Larry Griffis ’70, Stephen Caruana ’86, Brian Grunert ’88, Guillermo Izquierdo ’88, A.J. Fries ’90, Mark Eberhardt ’04, Matt Renzi ’05, Dave Saracino ’05 and Ambrose Price ’08. The second half of the night took place in the David Croglio ’11 steps to the microphone to lead his fellow Swing Choir performance hall members through a tune during the St. Joe's Celebration of the Arts. where the music profiles of close to 100 alumni in varying department unleashed a cavalcade of artistic fields. The audience was also instrumental and choral arrangements. treated to video presentations highlighting This portion of the event was the talents of Carl “Skip” Battaglia ’66, accentuated by the presence of notable Mark Dye ’91, Michaelangelo Rocco ’97 alumni musicians, Ray DeMarchi ’77, and Bob Sacha ’75. Chuck Gorino ’74, Rich Hilliker ’10, “Singin’ and a Swingin’ with the Bill Maggio ’80, Pat Towey ’10, plus Saints” was the subject of an emotional choral conductor Michael Slon ’88 finale that brought all of the St. Joe's ensembles onto the stage, under the The Rev. Peter Wherry '78, an acclaimed singer who has performed in and vocalist Rev. touring productions of Broadway shows, belts out the show's final song. Peter Wherry ’78. baton of Slon and led by the powerful Kicked off by voice of Rev. Wherry. the Percussion The evening was dedicated to the Ensemble, the memory of John "Jack" Cullen ’54, a program featured humble friend of St. Joe's and tireless pieces from the supporter of the school's art program, Varsity Singers, who passed away on September 12, 2010. Swing Choir, Jazz “This evening was a celebration Lab Band, Concert of the vast artistic talents of St. Joe's Band and Glee students, past and present," noted Ward, Club. Set changes chair of St. Joe's Fine Arts Department. were seamless "From our perspective, there was no better way to honor Mr. Cullen and thanks in large punctuate this commemorative year.” part to on-screen Under the direction of longtime instructors, Catherine Ward (visual arts), James Deiotte (vocal performance) and Russ Owens (instrumental music), the evening presented a delightful panorama of art and multimedia presentations, coupled with choral and orchestral performances. The 29th Annual Student Art Exhibit opened the evening with a display of student works juried by the Dye brothers, Mark ’91 and Alan ’93. Mark is a photographer and producer for Newscast in New York City while Alan is the creative director for Apple Inc. and a wellknown art contributor to the editorial page of the New York Times. Interspersed with the many accomplished photographs, sculptures, paintings and other impressive student works were representative pieces from numerous local and national alumni artisans,
highschoolnews Congressman Brian Higgins Addresses the St. Joseph's Collegiate Institute Class of 2011 The Honorable Brian Higgins, a United States Congressman representing New York's 27th District, served as the keynote speaker of St. Joseph's Collegiate Institute's 150th commencement ceremony.
Congressman Brian Higgins
Not long after the class of 2011 received diplomas from St. Joe's, officially commencing their careers as college students, junior Chad Kelly also made a determination on where he will continue his post-SJCI studies. To much fanfare – Kelly's announcement was covered by ESPN and Yahoo! Sports in addition to The Buffalo News, Tonawanda News and all three network television stations – the record-setting St. Joe's quarterback declared that he will become a Clemson Tiger in the fall of 2012. "I'm very excited to play football at Clemson," Chad told the TV cameras, hordes of reporters, family, friends and teammates that assembled inside the St. Joe's gymnasium on June 16th. "I fell in love with Clemson the first time I visited the school and it all started with Head Coach (Dabo) Swinney, who not only really knows the game, but how to get players prepared in school and in life." The 6-foot-3 nephew of NFL Hall of Famer Jim Kelly threw for 2,159 yards and 24 touchdown passes last year, while rushing for over 1,000 yards and 15 scores. Ranked the No. 5 quarterback in the nation by ESPNU, Kelly selected Clemson over Purdue, Syracuse, Florida State, Michigan State, Alabama and UB.
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Congressman Higgins' district includes a large portion of the city of Buffalo, most of eastern and southern suburban Erie County, and all of Chautauqua County. The congressman is a Buffalo native, father of two, and advocate for Western New York. He addressed the most recent group of St. Joe's graduates with excitement, vigor and a strong message about overcoming challenges in life. The congressman cited examples from as far back as 1861 when Bishop Timon, faced with the challenge of educating the emerging immigrant young men in Western New York, requested the assistance of the Brothers of the Christian Schools to assist in this endeavor. Shortly thereafter, St. Joseph's Collegiate Institute was founded. Mr. Higgins went on to cite graduates – first, Joseph Ryan from the Golden Jubilee class of 1961, Dr. Michael Caligiuri from the class of 1974, and Matthew Murray from this year's graduating class – each of whom faced life-altering challenges. Each
man overcame their personal challenges through the help friends and family, the congressman pointed out. The class of 2011's interest was piqued when Congressman Higgins noted Matthew’s struggle with Muscular Dystrophy, of how Matthew, with the help of family, friends and especially his classmates, never let this challenge keep him from his goal of graduating from St. Joe’s (which did take place that same evening to a thunderous standing ovation from his classmates!) Congressman Higgins also explained how Matthew is now prepared for the next step in his journey as an alum. The congressman told the graduates that life will not be a straight line, rather it will have turns and forks in the road; you have to be able to overcome them. Through his own research of St. Joe’s and being aware of those who have represented St. Joe’s throughout its 150-year history, Congressman Higgins described men of character and courage, men devoted to God, to family, to friends, and to St. Joe’s; men willing to accept and overcome whatever challenges life presented to them.
Chad Kelly '12 Opts to Become Clemson Tiger
highschoolnews Coffed, Schnitter Named Valedictorian, Salutatorian As Steven Coffed, valedictorian of the SJCI class of 2011, addressed his classmates, he emphasized the responsibility that comes with being alumni of St. Joseph's Collegiate Institute.
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Steven reminded those in maroon gowns that, “after tonight, we are no longer at St. Joe’s, we are ‘from St. Joe’s.’ We should all take away the Lasallian love, value and compassion for every individual life, the ability to create and maintain these human relationships, to be Gentlemen of Faith, Gentlemen of Integrity, Gentlemen of Love, Gentlemen of Lasallian values. Every boy becomes a man, but not every man becomes a Gentleman.” During his time at Steven Coffed ’11 St. Joe’s, Steven was part of the trio responsible for initiating St. Joe’s Rocks!, annual concerts that have raised several thousand dollars for charitable organizations. The former JV soccer team captain also starred in several musicals and drama productions, served as treasurer of the Jazz Lab Band and participated in numerous classical piano competitions. Steven was selected to Business First’s 2011 All-Western New York Academic Team. Additional honors include the Junior Award from the University of Rochester, the Xerox Award for Innovation and Technology and the Presidential Scholarship (formerly Distinguished Honors Scholarships) from the University of Buffalo, where he will continue his studies in the fall.
Track and cross country were such an integral part of Salutatorian Joseph Schnitter's life at St. Joe's that he opened his remarks with an analogy from his coach, Mr. Hellerer. “He'll compare our hard work on the track to putting money in the bank. With each workout, we put more and more money into our figurative bank accounts. All the hard work from our practices provides us with a reservoir of strength to make us more competitive. This also applies to our time at St. Joe's.” Joseph continued, “An education is more than simply expanding the mind; it's also about growing – spiritually, morally and socially. Now with graduation, it is time to make a withdrawal from our bank accounts at St. Joe's. Our St. Joe's education has given us the power to accomplish anything we set our minds to.” A National Honor Society student, Joseph was a participant in the Chemistry Olympiad, Collegiate Scholars, the Lasallian Gala and Auction, and Recycling Club. He was also involved in service projects with SABAH, Women and Joseph Schnitter ’11 Children’s Hospital of Buffalo, and Vacation Bible School at St. Gregory the Great Church. Joseph will pursue a degree at the University of Pittsburgh.
highschoolnews Class of 2011 University and College Acceptances St. Joe's students are annually granted admission into the most prestigious colleges and universities throughout the United States and the 150th graduating class certainly did not disappoint. The class of 2011 attained a new school record for earned scholarships and grants, tallying nearly $24 million in combined awards. University, Long Island University: C.W. Post Campus, Loyola University Chicago, Loyola University Maryland, Manhattan College, Marietta College, Medaille College, Mercyhurst College, Miami University: Oxford Campus,
$23.8 million Earned in scholarships and grants by the class of 2011 Michigan State University, Monroe Community College, Mount St. Mary's College, Nazareth College, New York Institute of Technology, New York University, Niagara County Community College, Niagara University, North Carolina State University, Northeastern University, Notre Dame College, Oberlin College, Ohio University, The Ohio State University, Penn State Erie, The Behrend College, The Pennsylvania State University, Purdue University, Rensselaer Polytechnic Institute, Robert Morris University, Rochester Institute of Technology, St. Bonaventure University, St. John Fisher College, St. John's University, St. Joseph's University, St. Lawrence University, St. Michael's College, Siena College, Skidmore College, State University of New York at Albany, State University of New York at Buffalo, State University of New York at New Paltz, State University of New York at Oswego, State University of New York at Purchase, State University of New York at Stony Brook, State University of New York College at Binghamton, State University of New
York College at Brockport, State University of New York College at Buffalo, State University of New York College at Cortland, State University of New York College at Fredonia, State University of New York College at Geneseo, State University of New York College at Potsdam, State University of New York College of Environmental Science & Forestry, State University of New York College of Technology at Alfred, State University of New York Maritime College, Stetson University, Syracuse University, Tufts University, United States Merchant Marine Academy, The University of the Arts, University of Cincinnati, University of Dayton, University of Detroit Mercy, University of Florida, University of Hawaii Manoa, University of Houston, University of Illinois at Chicago, University of Illinois at Urbana-Champaign, University of Massachusetts-Amherst, University of Massachusetts-Boston, University of Michigan, University of MissouriKansas City, University of Mount Union, University of New Hampshire, University of Notre Dame, University of Pittsburgh, University of Richmond, University of Rochester, University of Tampa, University of Vermont, University of Virginia, Vassar College, Villanova University, Virginia Commonwealth University, Virginia Polytechnic Institute and State University, Warren Wilson College, Waynesburg University, Westminster College, West Virginia University, Wittenburg University and Xavier University.
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In 2011, over 80 percent of St. Joe's 187 graduates received a total of 658 scholarship and grant awards worth $23.8 million. In addition to many excellent regional colleges and universities, St. Joe's graduates have been accepted to some of the nation’s premier institutions of higher learning. Alfred University, Allegheny College, American University, The Art Institute of Pittsburgh, Baldwin Wallace College, Berklee College of Music, Bethany College, Boston College, Boston University, Canisius College, Carnegie Mellon University, Case Western Reserve University, The Catholic University of America, Cazenovia College, The City of New York: Baruch College, Clarkson University, The Cleveland Institute of Art, Colgate University, College of Charleston, College of William and Mary, Columbia University, Columbus College of Art and Design, Cornell University, Daemen College, Denison University, Drexel University, Duquesne University, D'Youville College, Eastman School of Music, Edinboro University of Pennsylvania, Elmira College, Erie Community College, Fordham University, Franklin Pierce University, Furman University, Gannon University, Georgia Institute of Technology, Gettysburg College, The Gunnery, Hamilton College, Hartwick College, Hobart & William Smith Colleges, Indiana Institute of Technology, Indiana University Bloomington, Iona College, Ithaca College, John Carroll University, Johnson & Wales University, LaSalle University, Le Moyne College, Liberty
congratulationsseniors Joseph Russell Adinolfi II
Daniel Joseph Cercone
Henry Scott Edwards
John Joseph Hatton
Michael C. Arena
Zachary Andrew Chase
Thomas Michael Escott
Brian James Herzog
Connor Patrick Arquette
Alex Chmurzynski
Joseph Salem Evans
Thomas Joseph Heubusch
Paul Michael Bailey
James Joseph Christopher
Daniel Steven Eye
Brandon James Hickey III
Alex Elias Barberio
Stephano Michael Xavier Cirrito
Tyler Francis Ferretti
Keith Michael Hocko
Dominic John Bargnesi
George Clay
Robert Joseph Finn
Kyle Robert Holfoth
Nicholas Griffin Battaglia
Steven James Coffed
Stephen Samuel Fitzmaurice
Douglas John Hoover
Nicholas V. Collesano
Derek Justin Fraas
Devoné William Hunt Sr.
Daniel Paul Courtney
Charles Joseph Francemone
Michael E.T. Hurysz
Peter M. Creighton
Nicholas William Gagliardi
Richard Louis Izzo
David Paul Croglio
Andrew James Gagola
Brandon F. Jaimes
Kevin Dagher
Evan C. Gallagher
Nicholas Joseph Johnston
Connor James Davin
Tylor V.K. Garcia
Matthew Joseph Kabalan
Justin Brunner Dempsey
Joseph Nicholas Garguilo
Zachary Douglas Kellner
Michael Sean Dempsey
Anthony Jayson Garofalo
Daniel Michael Kezerashvili
Samuel Gerald Braun
Evan Michael DePaolo
Benjamin Russell Georger
Mitchell Ryan Kopacz
Henry William Brown
Zachary Paul Derrico
Kevin Michael Gibas
Dean Allen Koscielny
Justin M. Bunda
Anthony Charles DiNatale III
Stephen Elliot Gioia
Alexander Michael Kosmowski
Nicholas A. Bunda
Andrew Joseph Dixon
Jed H. Goldstein
Mark Douglas Kozar
Sean Leo Burke
Steven William Dowd
Francisco Gómez-Chaves
Thomas Joseph Krzystek
John Walter Cambria
James Patrick Downing
Anthony Joseph Grecco
Andrew Francis Kuch
John Henry Campbell
Alexander Edward Dunning
Kent William Greer
James Andre LaCour
Michael Darren Campbell
Mark Peter Eberhard
Nicholas Evan Hall
Anthony Joseph LaMancusa
Jacob A. Beach Cory William Beightol Andrew Beiter Eric Enrico Benedetti Nicholas Marco Benedetti Jonathan Alexander Binns Joshua Alexander Blackey Joseph Harold Boreanaz Alexander Joseph Bowman
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classof2011 Michael Joseph Lauricella
Scott Ross McIntyre II
Edward Benjamin Pokoj
Colin Patrick Shanahan
Kyle Joseph Leinweber
John Timothy McMorrow
Anthony John Polechetti
Edward Joseph Simon
Patrice E. Lekeuneu
Christopher Wayland Miller
Austin Miles Price
Adam David Smith
Brandon Michael Leveritte
Keith David Miller
Colin Duke Quinn
Peter James Smyczynski
Michael Patrick Lillis Jr.
Samuel Andrew Ministero
Connor John Rehbaum
Oliver Daniel Soares
Christopher Peter Logiudice
Peter Mark Molenda
Christopher Robert Reinhardt
Connor George Sondel
Zachary Marc Lomas
Marc Mitchell Montana
Parker Gerard Reusch
Brian David Spillman
AndrĂŠ Keith Louie II
Steven Michael Moser
Michael Angelo Rivera
Neil Patrick Murphy
Michael Andrew Rizzo
Daniel Patrick Murray
Brandon Tyrell Robinson
John Timothy Murray
Michael Joseph Rodman
Matthew Joseph Murray
Brian Joseph Rooney
Timothy Joseph Murray
Reginell Junier Ross
Robert Michael Neff
Aidan Matthew Ryan
Ă?talo Siqveira Oliveira
Peter Houston Ryan Jr.
Abas Hussein Omar
Nicholas Benjamin Samer
James E. McClary
Timothy Andrew O'Sullivan
Christopher Joseph Santone
Christopher Marvin Walsh
Michael John McDonald Jr.
Patrick Robert Papia
Neil Thomas Michael Savoy
Joseph Conor Weisbeck
Thomas Joseph McDonnell
Michael Robert Patterson Jr.
Travis Alexander Scamurra
Patrick Mcenchrow White
Andrew Patrick McGloin
William Lawrence Pawlik
Kevin Charles Schmitt
John Peter Zenger
Evan Michael McGroder
Steven Louis Peters
Joseph Michael Schnitter
Zachary Joseph Zenger
Connor Charles McGuire
Andrew David Piatek
Robert John Schroeder
Edward Steven Zirnheld
John Paul McGuire
Joseph Thomas Piazza
David Joseph Seward
Alexander Bruce Zlateff
Steven Paul Lucas Matthew Conor Luongo Steven Patrick Lynch Donald John MacIntyre III Lucas Daniel Madia Sean Joseph Maher Sean Helmuth Majer Christopher Thomas Maloney Ryan John Martin
Maxwell B. Spina Jake Wellington Spitler Spencer William Thomas Madison Trammell Stephen Paul Tramposch Thien Ngoc Tran Paul Gregory Tronolone Kyle Leonard Wachala Simon J. Wagner Ryan Andrew Walerowicz
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inthespotlight William M. Collins ’72 Who could ever imagine Bill Collins, among the most ardent supporters that St. Joe's has ever seen, as a graduate of the "other school?" Well, believe it or not, the decision for Bill to attend high school on Kenmore Avenue ultimately came down to a bus.
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Bill’s mom, a busy parent of six children, vetoed the multitransfer Metro Bus trip from their Eggertsville neighborhood to the Delaware Avenue high school that his uncles had attended, in favor of the single bus ride to St. Joe’s. Fate or dumb luck? Take your pick. Fate would definitely intervene a few years later when the Student Prints, St. Joe’s newspaper, was sorely in need of an editorial overhaul. Bill, a junior, responded to a call for William M. Collins ’72 volunteers from the paper’s moderator, Br. Mark Lull, and a career was born. “I was thinking about my future and what I wanted to do,” he said. “In order to work on the Student Prints, I signed up to take a Saturday journalism class. Unbeknownst to me, that class would launch me on a path to a career that would provide me with professional success and a life-long friendship as well.” Bill's growing affinity for journalism prompted him to join a St. Joe’s field trip to St. Bonaventure University’s annual “Press Day,” which allowed high school students and teachers to meet industry professionals. That’s where Bill shook hands with Walter Cronkite and other media heavyweights, further igniting a spark that set him on his path to a career in journalism.
“If it were not for that day, I don’t know where I would have ended up with my career,” he confesses. Bill would later attend St. Bonaventure, where he earned a B.A. in Journalism and met his future wife, Donna, who would also go on to a successful journalism career, and, more importantly, be the mother of their four children. After two paid internships at The Buffalo News, he migrated to the field of marketing and communications. Today, Bill, with partner Bob Travers, leads Travers Collins & Company, one of New York’s leading integrated marketing-communications agencies. As principal of the firm, Bill oversees a staff of 40 and maintains an impressive list of clients that range from First Niagara and Corning Inc. to the Catholic Health System and Northtown Automotive. The agency’s lobby is overflowing with awards from several high-profile public relations and advertising competitions. And that life-long friend? That would be John Hurley ’74 (now president of Canisius College), the familiar face from the neighborhood who had also answered the call for Students Prints volunteers and attended that fateful Saturday journalism course. Long known to each other but never more than casual friends, Bill and John initially bonded over their interest in journalism and, before long, they were best friends and remain so to this day. Through the years, the two have been bound by a common dedication to their families, faith, friends, community and alma mater – not to mention the wicked sense of humor they share. Case in point, when Bill was asked to succeed John as
the emcee for the St. Joe’s Signum Fidei ceremony in 2010, he remarked, “John served as emcee of this event for many years and, like he did with the Catholic Education Dinner, he has passed the torch to me. I bestowed a paper route on John back in the days when we were attending St. Joe’s, so I guess turnabout is fair play. In any event, I’m starting to feel like his caddy.” True to his Lasallian roots, giving back to the community is a big part of Bill’s life. He is currently a Trustee of St. Bonaventure, and chairs the Board of the YMCA of Buffalo Niagara. He is chair of the Catholic Health System’s Continuing Care Foundation, and serves on the Board for People Inc. and the Bishop's Council of the Laity. Previously, Bill has served on the boards of the Erie Canal Harbor Development Corp, the United Way of Greater Buffalo and St. Joe's. He is the immediate past board chair of Medaille College and past president of the Buffalo Renaissance Foundation. Bill’s personal and professional success has been acknowledged by Business First, which named him to its inaugural “40 Under Forty” class, and by St. Joe’s, where he was inducted into the school's Signum Fidei Society. Like that bus that brought him to high school years ago, Bill Collins’ passion for St. Joe’s simply will not stop. “St. Joe’s men graduate as humble, authentic and grounded young men,” he says. “My son, Will, graduated from St. Joe’s in 2009 and my younger son, Charlie, is destined for the class of ’18. It is my hope that they will take all that St. Joe’s provides, including deeply rooted friendships and a desire to serve, and carry that with them for life, as I have.”
boardoftrustees St. Joe's Elects New Members to its Board of Trustees St. Joseph’s Collegiate Institute is pleased to announce that Wayne W. Mertz ’64, Gerald D. Verdi ’71, Donald J. Held ’89 and Michael Whipple ’90 have been elected to serve on the school’s Board of Trustees. Also joining the Board will be Robert G. ’80 and Eileen Warner as president couple of the St. Joe’s Parents’ Guild. the Bishop’s Council of the Laity and St. Michael's Parish. Verdi resides in Buffalo with his wife, Mollie, and their three children, Alexandra, Gerald Jr., and Benjamin, who is a member of the St. Joe’s class of 2012. Donald J. Held ’89 graduated from the University of Notre Dame in 1993 and Notre Dame's Law School in 1996. In 1997, he was admitted to practice law in New York. He is currently the vice president and associate general counsel for M&T Bank in Buffalo. In that position, he is the senior attorney providing primary legal support to all commercial lending divisions of the bank across its geographic footprint and lending affiliates. Held was awarded membership in the 2009 Presidents’ Council by the M&T Commercial Banking Division, the “highest honor the Commercial Division bestows upon an employee.” Prior to joining M&T, he was an associate attorney at Phillips Lytle LLP. The Snyder resident served on the Annual Fund Committee at St. Joe’s for more than a decade, and is a 14-year member of the Muscular Dystrophy Association's Executive Committee. Michael Whipple ’90 has spent the past 17 years with M&T’s Business Banking Group. He spent 13 years as a relationship manager and is currently the team leader (vice president), managing three relationship managers that cover the Northtowns and
a $150 million small business loan portfolio. Whipple is a past president of the St. Joe’s Alumni Association and has served as a volunteer leader for the school’s Lasallian Auction & Gala for over a decade. For eight years, he has participated on the Catholic Charities appeal team and was chair of the appeal in 2010. Whipple currently serves on the Amherst Chamber of Commerce Board and on the Catholic Charities Board of Trustees. He and his wife, Andrea, reside in Williamsville with their children, Josh, Ben and Timothy. Robert G. ’80 and Eileen Warner are the incoming president couple of the St. Joe’s Parents’ Guild. After earning a bachelor of science (Finance) and an MBA from Canisius College, Mr. Warner currently holds the position of vice president and director – Global Finance Change Program for HSBC Bank. In that capacity, Mr. Warner manages the team responsible for designing and developing training for the bank’s Finance Transformation Platform. Meanwhile, Mrs. Warner holds a bachelor of arts from the College of New Rochelle and an M.A. from Christ the King Theological Seminary. Currently, she is the director of pastoral ministry at St. Gregory the Great Roman Catholic Church, responsible for the administration and coordination of all parish ministries and programs for more than 14,000 parishioners. Their son, Daniel, graduated from St. Joe’s in 2006 while another son, Thomas, is a member of the class of 2012.
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Wayne W. Mertz ’64 earned a bachelor's degree from St. John Fisher College in 1968 and subsequently was selected for the Naval Aviation Officer Candidate School. Awarded Navy Pilot Wings of Gold in 1969, he was assigned to Fleet Air Reconnaissance Squadron for further deployment to Vietnam. Mertz separated from active duty in 1973 to become a drilling reservist and later flew the Navy’s P-3 Orion in Willow Grove, PA. Concurrently, he entered the Management Training Program at M&T Bank. In 1980, Mertz received an MBA from Canisius College. Mertz later transitioned from M&T Bank to become president and owner of Goergen-Mackwirth Company. Wayne and Patricia have been married for 40 years and reside in downtown Buffalo. They have three children, Fred ’88, Melissa and Jeffrey ’91. Gerald D. Verdi ’71 holds a bachelor of science in Geography from the State University of New York at Buffalo and an M.S. in Regional Economics/Urban Geography from the Pennsylvania State University. He is president of Verdi & Company, a finance industry consulting firm that specializes in delivery and distribution planning. The firm was established in 1990 and works for financial institutions throughout North America and overseas. Verdi provided strategic marketing counsel to the St. Joe’s Board of Trustees as it was formulating its current five-year strategic plan. He is also a member of
alumniweekend Alumni Weekend 2011 – One for the History Books From June 17-19, St. Joe's hosted its annual Alumni Weekend, consisting of the Alumni Golf Tournament, Alumni Family Picnic, individual class reunions for those ending in 1’s and 6’s, and the Alumni Family Mass and Brunch.
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The 2011 Alumni Golf Tournament was a rousing success that drew over 120 golfers! Keith Waldron ’73 posted the tournament's best score by carding a 70, followed closely by Vic Rutecki ’74 (71) and Jody Lomeo ’86 (72). Greg Ivancic ’73 took home the putting contest title. Novice golfers considering participating in next year’s event who want to get their money's worth may want to invite Jim Shirley into their foursome, as the 1969 graduate took 137 swings on the afternoon – in style, of course! Among the event’s other highlights were Brian Majerski ’94 and David Nachreiner ’06 winning the closest to the pin competition on the front and back nines, respectively, while Todd Slawson ’86 and Keith Waldron ’73 blasted the longest drives. Saturday afternoon’s Family Picnic was a fun-filled day for over 130 alumni and their families. High points of the event included a live music performance by Full Moon Social, featuring Jerry Gismondi ’95, and a 30-foot tandem climbing wall. The wall was enjoyed by all, especially Gary Pritchard ’01 and his fiancée, Stephanie Kreutter. As night fell, nine classes (1966, 1971, 1976, 1981, 1986, 1991, 1996, 2001 and 2006) descended upon a host of establishments across Buffalo to commemorate their individual class reunions. Cumulatively, more than 200 St. Joe’s alumni gathered to celebrate memories from their time
at 845 Kenmore Avenue and catch up with their classmates. On Sunday morning, over 150 people gathered in the John S. and Charlotte C. Cullen Center for Mass and a very special celebration recognizing those alumni who have served, or are serving, in the U.S. Military. During this event, four men, all of who attended St. Joe’s in the 1940's but left school before graduating to serve America in World War II, were awarded honorary St. Joe’s diplomas. Diplomas were awarded to the late James E. Cavanaugh ’41 (accepted by his son, James ’66), Robert L. Hedges ’47 (accepted by his wife, Patricia Ann), David J. Hunter Sr. ’44 (accepted by his son, David ’66) and the sole survivor, Urban Englert ’44, who was accompanied by over 40 family members for the occasion. Top, L to R: Joey Campagna '96 and his family at the Alumni Family Picnic. Middle: Paul Nasca, Lou Cannata, Jody Lomeo and Mike Gilbert from the class of 1986 at the Alumni Golf Tournament. Below: Robert T. Scott, AFSC presents honorary diplomas to, clockwise from top-left, Urban Englert ’44, David Hunter ’66, Patricia Ann Hedges and James Cavanaugh ’66.
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alumniassociation John M. Cambria ’82 – President, Alumni Association Wow! Unless you have been hiding under a rock, you know that St. Joseph’s Collegiate Institute has spent the last year celebrating its sesquicentennial. It has been a time for celebration, for historical retrospective, and many conversations that started with “Do you remember the time when…?” Of all the things that make SJCI what it was and what it is today, tradition seems to mark time as the true test of an institution’s strength and commitment to its people. It is this tradition that is so heavily guarded by its alumni. John M. Cambria ’82 The SJCI Alumni Association exists not only to provide monies. Look around – SJCI alumni are stronger than ever. They are present in the school as teachers and staff, they are a key component to financial assistance for new students; they mentor, they support, and they are a huge part of the physical and spiritual makeup of St. Joe’s today. Alumni are key leaders in a variety of fields, not only in WNY but throughout the world. Yes, things have changed. From a single building on Main Street, the young men of St. Joe’s now have
access to one of the premier high school campuses in Western New York. The curriculum has expanded, the music and arts program has grown exponentially, and the sports program is second to none. Yes, things have changed, and they will continue to change. But through the constant metamorphosis, it is longestablished tradition that sets a St. Joe’s graduate apart. The Alumni Association either runs or is involved in many events throughout the year, such as Open House, the Bob Ivory 5k Run, the Canisius Post-Game Party, the Distinguished Speaker Series, the Post Prom event, the Signum Fidei induction ceremony, the Man of the Year Award, the Sports Hall of Fame, the Father– Son Communion Breakfast, the Annual Golf Tournament, Reunion Weekend, phone-a-thons, and Golden Jubilee celebrations – just to name a few. Volunteering for any of these events is simple – call or email the Alumni Office and tell them you are interested in giving back to St. Joe’s – and
potentially making a difference in the life of a young (or older!) man. The Alumni Association meets at the school once a month in a meeting environment where Robert’s Rules of Order often take a back seat. In my role with the Alumni Association, I often find myself making presentations in front of various groups of alumni, and this year was no different. At the same time, my oldest son graduated from St. Joe’s this spring and a set of twins will be entering in the fall. What often strikes a chord with me as I attempt to formulate speeches is that, regardless of if my audience is a group of current students or graduates from decades ago, the message is always the same: • Find the joy in your life and discover what inspires you. • Stay connected to St. Joe’s. • Find time in your life everyday for God. • Help guard and pass on the traditions of St. Joe’s.
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Alumni Association Call for Nominations
Sports Hall of Fame
Fine Arts Wall of Honor
Man of the Year
Signum Fidei Society
Pays tribute to student-athletes,
Established to pay tribute to
Presented annually to a person
A "Sign of Faith" bestowed
coaches, teams, managers
those individuals who explored
who has demonstrated a
upon an alumnus of St. Joe's,
and moderators and their
their talents while at St. Joe's and
commitment to St. Joe's over
distinguished in his professional
then carried these with them in
the years, and their involvement
career, community activities
their lives and careers. Nominees
must be indicative of service to
and one who shares in the
participation at St. Joe's must not
must have graduated no fewer
the school and to the larger
spirit characteristic of the
be less than eight years ago.
than 10 years ago.
St. Joe's community.
Christian Brothers.
To submit a nomination, please visit www.sjci.com or call 716-270-4113
SUMMER 2011
contributions on the field of competition. Nominee's last
president’smessage alumninotes 1940's Lawrence O’Rourke ’41 and his wife, Dorothy, recently celebrated their 70th wedding anniversary. The happy couple currently resides in Wyomissing, PA.
1950's Joseph A. Voelkl ’55 was named to the 2011-2012 Board of Directors of the Hauptman-Woodward Medical Research Institute. Joe is the retired CEO of Buffalo Pharmacies. John P. Dee ’57, of Blair & Roach LLP, has been elected chairman of the Buffalo Hearing and Speech Center.
1960's Robert M. Greene ’62 was honored at the Brothers of Mercy Campus Foundation’s 10th annual Caritas Awards Dinner. He received the 2011 Patsy Casilio Humanitarian of the Year Award for his work with the Brothers of Mercy and other nonprofit organizations.
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Paul B. Hurley Jr., Ph.D. ’62, president of Trocaire College, was named to the Irish Education 100, a list of the top educational leaders in the United States of Irish descent. Paul is the first lay president of Trocaire College and commissioner of the Middle States Commission on Higher Education. James H. Cavanaugh ’66 has retired as treatment coordinator for the Amherst Drug Court. Cavanaugh oversaw all courts, including drugs, alcohol and gambling, helping people to overcome their addictions. In retirement, Jim intends to assist the courts in an advisory capacity and in fundraising efforts.
Richard C. Wayne ’66 was inducted into the Canisius College DiGamma Honor Society on March 11, 2011, for service on behalf of students and alumni, and for the advancement of the college. Michael J. Zobel, Jr. ’66 and his wife, Carol, received the Lay Award of St. Joseph the Worker on May 15, 2011, from Bishop Edward U. Kmiec A celebration 50 years in the making, members of the St. Joe's class of 1961 celebrated their for outstanding meritorious service Golden Jubilee with dinner and drinks on Thursday, May 19, 2011. Each of the men were presented with honorary diplomas during the school's 2011 commencement ceremony. rendered to St. Louis Parish in Michael E. Endres ’84 has Woodward Medical Research Buffalo, N.Y. Institute. Gary is the chief recently been selected for promotion to the rank of Major operating officer of First Niagara Douglas J. Regan ’68, after in the United States Air Force. Financial Group. several decades of leadership Major (Select) Endres is and dedication to education in Michael Formato ’71, Anthony currently deployed to an the Starpoint School District, has J. Formato ’77 and James J. undisclosed location in retired as principal of the Formato ’79 were inducted Southwest Asia. His home intermediate school. He will (with their family) on June 16 as station is Travis AFB in continue to serve the district as a a “Legend of Cradle Beach” for Northern California. He and his consultant. In honor of Doug's their years of service and wife, Lori, live in the San many years of dedicated service, support of the disadvantaged Francisco Bay area. the Starpoint Central Board of children of Cradle Beach Camp. Education has adopted a Joseph L. DiLeo ’85 was William M. Collins ’72, resolution that will rename the named to the 2011-2012 Board principal of Travers Collins & Starpoint Intermediate School of Directors of the Heritage Company, was appointed the Douglas J. Regan Centers Foundation. Joe is a ombudsman for the Americas Intermediate School. member of the Buffalo agency region of the Worldcom Public of Massachusetts Mutual Life 1970's Relations Group. Insurance Co., and has Stephen T. LoVullo, CPA ’70, recently been awarded a Richard J. Schieb Jr. ’73 was a partner in Lumsden & professional degree in the field named chair of the 2011-2012 McCormick LLP, was named of long-term care. Board of Directors of the Accountant of the Year by Heritage Centers Foundation. Michael Behr ’86 is currently Canisius College. Stephen has Rick is a financial consultant/ the vice president of Strategy been with Lumsden & retirement planning specialist for and Brand Development at GRA McCormick since his senior year AXA Advisors LLC. MATR. Michael and his wife, of college. He is on the Board of Cynthia, have two children, the Buffalo/Niagara World 1980's Isabel, 5, and Mason, 2. Trade Center and Cradle Beach Bruce Andriatch ’82, a Buffalo Camp and is treasurer for the Patrick Young ’88 was named News columnist, was recognized Mid-Day Club. to the 2011-2012 Board of at Housing Opportunities Made Gary M. Crosby ’71 was named to the 2011-2012 Board of Directors of the Haupman-
Equal’s 48th annual meeting for his efforts to promote the value of diversity in the region.
Directors of the Heritage Centers Foundation. Patrick is employed at Zenger Boncraft Inc.
alumninotes Michael C. Floccare ’89 has been named vice president and relationship manager for the Private Bank group in Western New York. Michael joined the group on May 4, 2011, following a successful career as a private banker and mid-market lender with JP Morgan Chase. Recently, Michael had been a partner in a corporate consulting and project management firm, 50x50 Project Management of Buffalo.
1990's Michael C. Nienhaus ’92 and his family have recently been assigned to the U.S. Embassy in Manila, Philippines as a Department of Justice representative. Marc G. Bellanti ’98 has been named a financial representative in the Williamsville office of the Alliance Advisory Group Inc. He most recently was employed by the Seneca Niagara Casino.
2000's Patrick C. Butler ’00 has been named to Business First's "Who's Who in Technology: 2011" and was recently named
Matthew K. Moliterno ’05 recently graduated from the University at Buffalo with degrees in Mechanical and Aerospace Engineering. He currently lives in Tonawanda, N.Y. Michael Brignone ’07 has graduated from Canisius College with a B.S. in Chemistry. He will continue his education at Bucknell University in Lewisburg, PA, where he has been awarded a graduate assistantship leading to an M.S. in Chemistry. Brendan J. Toughey ’09, a rising junior at Baldwin-Wallace College, has been named honorable mention Academic All-Ohio Athletic Conference in recognition of his dual academic and athletic excellence. Brendan carries a 3.93 grade point average, and had a .295 batting average and .948 fielding percentage as an outfielder on the school’s baseball team.
In Memoriam Dolores M. Downing Br. Anthony Flynn, FSC Michael Israel ’08 Anna M. Lennon Gerard J. Metz ’36 Timothy O. Murrett '67
Christopher Payne ’90 William J. Rechin ’48 William F. Schabel Dallas Trammell Charles P. Trapp ’42 Robert C. Vacanti
Weddings & Engagements Ralph J. Maggio III ’91 married Carolyn A. Demming, mother of Steven P. Lynch ’11, on October 10, 2010. In March 2011, Ralph completed the paralegal program at Canisius College.
Gary Pritchard ’01 has announced his engagement to Ms. Stephanie Kreutter. Matthew D. Ingold ’02 married Erin Flynn on May 14, 2011. Matthew and Erin reside in Annapolis, MD.
Thomas J. Dobmeier Jr. ’01 married Kelli Harrigan on June 25, 2011.
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Previous inductees of the Signum Fidei Society reconvened for the anniversary edition of the event, held on April 30, 2011. Back Row: Paul B. Hurley Jr., Ph.D. ’62, G. Brian Roberts ’62, Timothy J. Collard, M.D. ’60, Kevin M. Foley ’78, Kevin W. Spitler ’67, Joseph F. Bieron, Ph.D. ’55, Frank T. Schreck, M.D. ’71, Gregory Hudecki, D.D.S. ’64. Middle Row: Robert M. Greene ’62, Stephen Robshaw ’62, David J. Hunter Jr. ’66, Dennis R. Black ’74, William H. Scott Jr. ’67, Peter Kadzik ’71, Kevin Brady ’73, William M. Collins ’72, Paul J. Kolkmeyer ’71. Front Row: Joseph P. Leberer, M.D. ’73, Daniel E. Brick ’61, Richard N. Neumeister ’69, Donald J. Averill ’50, Robert T. Scott, AFSC, James N. Leary ’71, Hon. John F. O'Donnell ’62, Patrick M. Ryan ’62 and Frank B. Perillo, D.P.M. ’69.
to the Board of Trustees for AIDS Community Services of Western New York. Patrick is the vice president of sales and client relations for Noein Inc.
the Mission of st. Joseph’s Collegiate institute "St. Joseph's Collegiate Institute (SJCI) is a Catholic, independent collegepreparatory 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 the global community."
St. JoSePh’S collegiate iNStitUte A Community
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PARENTS: If your graduated son no longer maintains a permanent address at your home and would like to receive a copy of The Collegiate, please clip the address label and return it with his new address and/or e-mail address to: St. Joseph’s Collegiate Institute, Attn: The Collegiate, 845 Kenmore Avenue, Buffalo, NY 14223-3195.
Members of the class of 2011 display just how happy they are to begin the next chapter of their 2 as alumni of St. lives Joseph's Collegiate Institute. Congressman Brian Higgins was the keynote speaker for this year's commencement ceremony, which took place on May 19, 2011.