Canisius Magazine Fall 2021

CANISIUS COLLEGE MAGAZINE | FALL 2021

Success

Solving the student support puzzle, piece by piece

president’sperspective The fall semester at Canisius brought a return to live instruction, in-person meetings and activities, and general excitement and vitality to the campus after 20 months of Covidinduced distancing and isolation. Maintaining health and safety on the campus remains a top priority but also our biggest challenge.

My announcement this past summer that the current academic year will be my last as president after 12 years in the office (25 years at Canisius in all) set in motion another very important process: the search for the next president of Canisius.

Presidential transitions are important moments in the life of a university and the search committee formed by the college’s Board of Trustees and chaired by Frank Lazarus ’66, PhD, the former president of the University of Dallas and a talented academic administrator, is taking the task very seriously.

We do not have a lot of experience in this presidential transition process, as this does not happen all that often at Canisius. Since the appointment of Rev. James M. Demske ’47, HON ’76, SJ, on July 31, 1966, we have only had the appointment of Rev. Vincent M. Cooke HON ’10, SJ, in 1993 and my appointment in 2010. In other words, there have been only three presidential transitions in 56 years at the college. Canisius has enjoyed remarkable stability in its leadership.

Consider this additional fact: For 39 of those 56 years, Canisius has been led by a president who graduated from both St. Joseph’s Collegiate Institute and Canisius College!

features

5 Reimagining the

Canisius Campus College proceeds with strategic vision to modernize its living and learning environment

Faculty Profile

8 A Comparison of the

“During” and “After” of a Cancer Diagnosis

Our search for a new president commenced this fall as six other Jesuit universities were also looking for new presidents: Loyola Maryland, Santa Clara, Fordham, Loyola Chicago, Rockhurst and Detroit Mercy. This, after five new Jesuit university presidents just took office this year at Xavier, Holy Cross, John Carroll, Scranton and Seattle. That is an extraordinary amount of change - 12 leadership changes out of 27 Jesuit colleges and universities over a two-year period.

In 2010, I was the fourth lay president out of 28 Jesuit colleges and universities. There was also one woman, a Dominican sister at Detroit Mercy. Today, we have 27 schools (Wheeling left our ranks). Not counting one interim appointment, we now have seven Jesuits and 19 lay presidents. Of the lay presidents, four are women, three are men of color and interestingly, six are lawyers. Clearly there is a major change underway in Jesuit higher education in the United States. Stay tuned, Canisius!

Blue & Gold Briefs

Professor Melissa B. Wanzer, EdD, examines what it means to be a cancer survivor

Cover Story

10 Success

Solving the student support puzzle, piece by piece

Advancement

15 A Year in Review

Generosity of Canisius community makes extraordinary impact during most challenging of times

Alumni Spotlights

20 A Champion

<<< for Olympians Elizabeth Ramsey MS ’12 advocates on behalf of Team USA athletes

30 The Karate Kid

Brian Irr ’09, MS ’11 makes Olympic history stepping into the ring with the first U.S. karate team

blue&goldbriefs

blue&goldbriefs

College Magazine FALL 2021 I VOLUME 22, ISSUE 3

President John J. Hurley Associate Vice President, Assistant to the President Erica C. Sammarco ’00

Mary Rockwell, PhD, director of the New Buffalo Institute, joins (l-r) Bobby Anderson, owner, F-Bites; Eric Feldstein, head of business banking, M&T Bank; Byron Brown, Buffalo Mayor; and David Femi, M&T Multicultural Banking, at the unveiling of the Multicultural Small Business Innovation Lab.

Chief Communications Officer & Executive Editor Eileen C. Herbert ’04, MS ’15 Managing Editor Audrey R. Browka Creative Director Patty Herkey Art Director Sue Hough Contributing Writers Mary Ellen Bakowski ’85, MBA ’90 Summer Handzlik Martin J. Haumesser

Canisius-M&T Partner on Multicultural Innovation Lab The New Buffalo Institute at Canisius partnered with M&T Bank on the launch of a six-week Multicultural Small Business Innovation Lab. The initiative empowers upwards of 30 Black, Indigenous, Latinx and refugee business owners on Buffalo’s East Side so they may accelerate their company’s growth and better serve the community.

A significant portion of the innovation lab included guidance and education in business planning, establishing credit, accessing capital, marketing and networking. Professors from the Richard J. Wehle School of Business worked with the Women’s Business Center to plan this content, and the college hosted classes on campus.

The innovation lab culminated with a ‘Shark Tank’-style venture competition, in which grants of up to $5,000 were awarded to three winners.

Johnson Ly ’20 Sarah J. Sterzinger ’18, MS ’21 Melissa B. Wanzer, EdD Photography Brianna Blank ’14 Tom Wolf ’86 We are eager to hear your comments about Canisius College Magazine.

Please send correspondence to: Canisius College Magazine 2001 Main Street, Lyons Hall Room 209, Buffalo, NY 14208 Phone 716-888-2790 Fax 716-888-2778 Email ccmag@canisius.edu Postmaster send change of address to: Canisius College, 2001 Main Street, Buffalo, NY 14208

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Academic Talent Search Boosted by Federal Support The U.S. Department of Education awarded Canisius a $352,000 grant in support of its Academic Talent Search (ATS) Program. ATS identifies and assists underrepresented students with potential for post-secondary education, and encourages them to graduate from high school and enroll in and complete college. The program educates students about financial aid resources, scholarships and opportunity programs.

Canisius is using the grant to support staffing and services for more than 600 students from partner schools. The grant also enables ATS to dedicate resources to quality tutoring and to provide career exploration activities and community service opportunities. The Buffalo Public Schools (BPS) augmented this federal support in September, when it announced Canisius as the recipient of a $102,000 award to provide after-school programming at BPS #192.

Reimagining the Canisius Campus Canisius is proceeding with its strategic vision to create a modern, urban campus that remains connected to its community. The college announced new developments this fall, which included plans to complete the renovation of Science Hall.

To date, Canisius has invested more than $40 million in the overhaul of half the building, including the lower and first levels, and a portion of the third level. Renovation of the second level is set to start in early 2022.

The $17.6 million project includes a revamp of 60,000 square feet of classroom, laboratory and office space to house Canisus’ nationally recognized programs in biology, anthrozoology and animal behavior, ecology and conservation (ABEC).

The college plans to finance the project with a $4.4 million New York State Higher Education Capital (HECap) matching grant, awarded in summer 2021. New York State requires the grant is matched on a 3:1 basis, which Canisius will satisfy through private philanthropy and fundraising efforts.

Proceeds from the sale of the Health Science Building also will help fund the Science Hall renovations. The 90,000 square-foot building, located at the corner of Delavan and Jefferson avenues, went on the real estate market this fall. Canisius is seeking a strategic purchaser, whose needs and operations are synergistic with the college’s mission and programs.

As Canisius makes improvements to the campus, it’s also paving the way for neighborhood redevelopment.

Canisius plans to raze the nearly 70-year old parking ramp adjacent to Science Hall. In its place, the college will construct a surface parking lot to better accommodate the needs of the campus community.

The new parking facility will be well lit, provide areas of green space and integrate pedestrian and bicycle-friendly design elements. The $4 million project is scheduled for completion in spring 2022. The sale of the Griffin Hall and Main Humboldt apartment complexes will in part fund the project.

Public Phase of Presidential Search Underway The Presidential Search Committee launched the public phase of its assignment to find John J. Hurley’s successor. The committee published Canisius’ position profile, which presents to potential candidates a view of the current status of the college, priorities the next president must address, and a description of qualifications and abilities. More than 1,000 individuals, institutions and professional organizations received the position profile, to date. The committee’s next steps are to develop a timeline and schedule, as it begins the identification and recruitment of applicants, in earnest. The deadline to submit applications is January 4.

To view the Presidential Profile or follow the search process, visit canisius.edu/presidential search.

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facultynotes

blue&goldbriefs Berardi ’71 Becomes Chair, Board of Trustees Martin J. Berardi ’71 became the new chair of the Canisius College Board of Trustees on July 1, 2021. Berardi is chief executive officer of Bengal Machine’s Schutte Hammermill LLC, which designs and manufacturers size-reduction equipment.

Hurley and the Board of Trustees. Berardi held many committee positions on the Board of Regents, including two terms as chair of the Regents Scholarship Ball, which was the principal fundraiser for the Board of Regents Scholarship Fund.

Berardi joined the Board of Trustees in 2015 and most recently served as chair of its Institutional Advancement and Enrollment Management committees. He previously served on the Canisius College Board of Regents, an advisory group to President John J.

The Board of Trustees is the governing body of Canisius College.

In addition to Berardi’s elevation to chair, the Board appointed the following nine new members to fill outgoing positions:

Covid-19’s Impact on Children with Autism

IAR studies short-term effects of stay-at-home restrictions Although Covid-19’s stay-at-home restrictions abruptly altered the established routines of children, a new study by the Institute for Autism Research (IAR) found minimal short-term effects on those with autism spectrum disorder (ASD).

Researchers collected data on ASD symptom severity, comorbid symptom severity, social skills and adaptive behaviors over the course of two years from the parents or caregivers of 69 children, between the ages of eight and 16, with ASD. Their findings showed nominal short-term effects on any of these symptoms or adaptive skills.

“It is possible that this disruption was no more distressing than the challenges encountered on a regular basis in the school setting,” says Assistant Professor of Psychology Jonathan D. Rodgers, PhD, a co-author of the study. He notes, however, “on-going monitoring is needed to assess long-term impacts.”

The IAR research was published in the Journal of Developmental and Physical Disabilities.

MARTIN J. BERARDI ’71 Chief Executive Officer, Bengal Machine’s Schutte Hammermill LLC

MARGARET W. PAROSKI ’76, MD President and Chief Executive Officer, Catholic Medical Partners

JERRY G. CANADA JR. ’86 President, Harris Healthcare Group

VINCENT GILBERT ROUX ’90 Global Head of Corporate Development, Broadridge Financial Solutions Inc.

NORA EBERL PLIZGA ’92 Co-Owner/ Chief Executive Officer, Eberl Iron Works Inc.

CYNTHIA L. SKRZYCKI ’76 Senior Lecturer, English Department, University of Pittsburgh (Emerita)

It’s another year of “bests” for Canisius College, which scored high on U.S. News & World Report’s 2022 higher education rankings.

Canisius came in at No. 21 on U.S. News’ list of Best Regional Universities in the North. The publication recognized the college in the areas of student success, first-year student retention, graduation rates, student-faculty ratio, faculty resources and average alumni giving.

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REV. GERALD THOMAS KRETTEK, SJ Visiting Associate Professor, Loyola University Chicago

ANTHONY B. SPADA JR. ’80, MBA ’87 PresidentChief Executive Officer, AAA Western & Central New York

CINDY L. ODOM ’90 Chief Community Impact Officer, Community Foundation for Greater Buffalo

JOYSON C. THOMAS ’03 Chief Financial Officer, WhiteHorse Finance Inc.

Canisius also ranked No. 4 on U.S. News’ list of Best Value Schools among regional schools in the North. The ranking considers a school’s academic quality and the net cost of attendance for students who receive the average level of need-based financial aid.

U.S. News similarly lauded Canisius for being a Best College for Veterans (No. 8 in the North).

Chapter & Verse

Havis a Distinguished Visiting Scholar

Emeritus Professor of History Bruce J. Dierenfield, PhD, chronicles how concerted pressure in a variety of forms has helped realize a more just society for Blacks, in his updated book The Civil Rights Movement: The Black Freedom Struggle in America. The new edition includes an entire chapter on the emergence of the Black Lives Matter movement, and expands on the Black experience during the slave and Jim Crow periods.

The Center for Diversity Innovation at the University at Buffalo named Devonya N. Havis, PhD, a Distinguished Visiting Scholar for the 2021-22 academic year. The center generates research on diversity, equity and inclusion, which it then uses to communicate best practices through educational materials, trainings and consultations. Members are selected based on excellence in their fields, their commitment to student mentoring, and the ability to influence the university and its local communities.

Susan W. Margulis, PhD, co-edited the newest edition of Exploring Animal Behavior in Laboratory and Field. The book is a comprehensive resource for educators, researchers and practitioners on how to carry out animal behavior lab activities in person, and in remote and online formats. Margulis is chair of the animal behavior, ecology and conservation (ABEC) program.

Clancy M. Seymour ’97, MSEd ’99, EdD, is a co-editor on two new versions of Curriculum and Assessment Guidance Document for Physical Education released by the New York State Association for Health, Physical Education and Dance. The publications provide developmentally appropriate content and sample assessments to enable students to acquire the skills, knowledge, confidence and motivation through participation in quality K-12 physical education programs. Seymour is director of health, physical education and sport pedagogy.

Havis is an associate professor of philosophy and women and gender studies at Canisius. Her scholarship explores issues in the critical philosophy of race, contemporary continental philosophy and critical disability studies.

In Memoriam Canisius College is saddened to report the passing of Daniel F. Dempsey ’51, PhD. Dempsey died on August 20, 2021.

He was 92.

A professor of physics at Canisius for 51 years, much of Dempsey’s scholarly work focused on neutral particle beams by fictitious force fields and trajectories for projectiles, both areas in which he published widely.

Dempsey earned his undergraduate degree from the college and his doctorate degree from the University of Notre Dame.

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facultyprofile

A Comparison of the “During” and “After” of a Cancer Diagnosis NEW RESE ARCH FROM PROFESSOR

Melissa B. Wanzer, EdD, E X A M I N E S W H AT I T M E A N S TO B E A C A N C E R S U R V I VO R Story: Melissa B. Wanzer, EdD / Photo: Brianna Blank ’14

facultyprofile In 2016, I was diagnosed with invasive lobular carcinoma. Following five months of chemotherapy, a month of radiation treatments, a double mastectomy and multiple reconstruction surgeries, I learned that I was cancer free in 2017 and therefore, in my mind, I was a cancer survivor.

Following that news, I was told I would have to be on medication for 10 years to reduce the risk of cancer recurrence. A new box of this medication arrives at my home in a mini-Styrofoam cooler each month. I must see my oncologist regularly to be monitored and these visits are often preceded by a week of anxiety driven by one devilish question: Am I really a cancer survivor if my cancer might come back?

I originally thought that the label cancer survivor meant someone who was cancer-free but this is not the case. The National Cancer Institute (NCI) and The American Cancer Society (ACS) define a cancer survivor as anyone who has ever been diagnosed with cancer, no matter where they are in the course of their disease.

Thus, I was technically a cancer survivor at diagnosis and this realization was confusing.

I decided to conduct research on the cancer survivor label and whether identification with the term connected to use of survivor services and programs. In 2018, my research methods students developed a series of interview questions around cancer survivorship. They interviewed 43 persons who had cancer and were technically cancer-free. At the end of the semester, the students shared that most did not identify with the cancer survivor label nor did they use cancer survivorship resources. While more than half were aware of the programs, most did not take advantage of them.

I enlisted communication majors Noah J. Cliff ’20 and Katie G. Simon ’20 to help me analyze the information my research methods students collected. We found that most people compare their cancer experience to others’ cancer experiences to determine whether they are cancer survivors. For some, being called a cancer survivor reminds them of strength, toughness, resilience, perseverance and gratitude. For others, being called a cancer survivor reminds them of an awful time that they don’t want to relive or a label they don’t embrace. Or it reminds them of the individuals close to them who didn’t survive or faced much more severe treatment than they did. There are also those who, when they hear the term cancer survivor, are reminded of how fleeting this label can be.

So what? Some like the term, some don’t, who cares?

Cancer is a life-altering disease and for survivors, there are a plethora of mental and physical problems that may arise even after being told that they are cancer free. The resources available to these individuals are known as cancer survivorship programs.

If former cancer patients do not identify with the term survivor, they may very well be limiting their access and opportunity to take advantage of valuable resources and programs.

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This summer, I collaborated with Jennifer Wojcik, PA, director of survivorship at Great Lakes Cancer. We hoped to learn more about the problems cancer survivors face and the resources they use CANISIUS COLLEGE M AGA ZINE FALL 2021

093.2122 PR_Fall_2021_Magazine.indd 8-9

and want. We distributed a questionnaire to learn about cancer survivorship and received more than 200 responses. I also conducted 42 in-depth interviews to gather detailed information from individuals with diverse cancer survivorship experiences.

As a communication researcher and former cancer patient, I wanted to learn how individuals found out about cancer survivorship programs and resources available to them. Many described the need for a post-cancer navigator or a social worker to help determine what is needed after cancer treatment. Few had access to a centralized person to help navigate the “after,” and most found out about cancer survivor programs and resources from non-healthcare professionals such as neighbors, friends of friends, or other former cancer patients. Finally, there was significant variability in the former cancer patients’ access to and awareness of high-quality cancer survivor resources and programs.

In other words, depending on geographic location and efforts to disseminate information about cancer programs, some individuals just simply had few or no programs to utilize.

Source and type of social support matter both during and after a cancer diagnosis.

To determine the most helpful messages of support for cancer patients, you have to examine what is said as well as who said it. When someone receives a cancer diagnosis, it makes sense that relationships and social support from individuals considered “intimates,” such as relationship partners, family members and close friends, are linked to recovery. Our research indicates that relationships and support messages from coworkers, neighbors, community/church members and healthcare providers, which are “less intimate,” are also meaningful. When we asked former cancer patients to recall the most supportive messages they received during and after treatment as well as the source of those messages, many shared statements from both intimate and less intimate sources that emphasized “being there” with the patient throughout their illness. Use of “we” language such as “we are here for you” was cited often by former cancer patients who readily recalled friends, neighbors and family members saying this and feeling comforted. Receiving a cancer diagnosis can result in extreme feelings of isolation and loneliness. Therefore, when people tell you they will be available for you, and follow through with this commitment, this is reassuring. Other helpful messages received included informational support from healthcare providers and former cancer patients - individuals deemed “qualified” to provide this type of support.

The opportunity to conduct research on something so personal to my own health and experiences was both difficult and fulfilling. Each time I interviewed a new individual, I was taken back to moments I had experienced like theirs - the diagnosis, treatment, challenges, lessons and support. Yet I was in awe of their compassion to come forward and share, to be vulnerable and honest, and to give back in a way that required them to revisit unpleasant times.

The Journal of Health Communication published Melissa Wanzer’s research in its April 2021 edition. The journal is a monthly, peer-reviewed scientific journal, which covers health communication.

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12/1/21 9:01 AM

Success

Health & Wellness

Solving the student support puzzle, piece by piece

Engagement

Story: Audrey Browka

Sometimes in life, you don’t know what you don’t know.

Such is the case for first-year college students.

Just ask Yilani Adams ’25.

He moved 500 miles away from his hometown of Providence, RI, to attend Canisius. Certainly, Adams anticipated having to adapt to a new school, in a new city and become familiar with new places and faces in unfamiliar living and learning environments. But left to navigate for himself, Adams acknowledges he likely wouldn’t have fared as well as he has.

“My transition from high school to college has definitely been smoother than I thought it would be,” Adams says. “From day one, I felt like Canisius was here for me and that it had all kinds of people and resources in place to make sure I succeed.”

Adams attributes his ease into college to Canisius’ First Year Experience (FYE).

The semester-long, one credit course takes a holistic approach at acclimating first-year students to the college environment. It’s an onboarding, of sorts, that promotes academic success, builds a sense of belonging and fosters student health and wellness. And though FYE is optional for incoming students, it has a near 100 percent opt-in rate.

“FYE is a very intentional effort to make sure that all students start their academic careers at Canisius on equal footing and aware of the academic expectations at the college level – no matter where they’re from or what kind of high school education they received,” explains Jennifer A. Desiderio, PhD, associate professor of English and FYE co-director. “What they learn in this course lays the foundation for their entire undergraduate experience.”

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Belonging

Academic Success

’’

“From day one, I felt like Canisius was here for me and that it had all kinds of people and resources in place to make sure I succeed.”

Classes meet for 50 minutes each week and group students according to major.

A cross-section of faculty and administrators lead the primary learning objectives, first acquainting students with the tenets of a Canisius education: intellectual inquiry, Ignatian spirituality and a commitment to justice. Facilitators then introduce students to the assorted support services – academic and otherwise – available to undergraduates (page 14). These services are more than a perk for students, stresses Tracy L. Callaghan ’93. The associate director of academic achievement and FYE co-director underscores, “They can literally mean the difference between earning a degree and dropping out.”

Biology major Yusuf Hashmi ’25 was reassured to learn a tutoring center, writing center and academic Yilani Adams ’25 workshops were among the support services available to him outside of class. He was similarly relieved to find out that, as a first-year student, he has a designated peer mentor.

“Peer mentors are upperclassmen who give advice and guidance but from the perspective of an experienced Canisius student,” Hashmi says. “They’re usually the first person who first-year students contact when they have questions and that’s nice to have.”

With assistance from his peer mentor, Hashmi is learning how to read a syllabus, register for spring classes and conduct a degree

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audit, which helps determine what classes to take and when those classes are available. Beyond the nuts-and-bolts, peer mentors work alongside course facilitators to teach students essential time management tactics, note taking techniques and test taking strategies.

“These are the academic survival skills that every Canisius student needs to succeed,” Callaghan says. “So we tell first-year students to think of the FYE as their life jacket. We’re not going to let you sink.”

Indeed, there is a weight of evidence to suggest that when colleges and universities invest in first-year programs, the returns are high.

“Students earn higher grades, have higher year-to-year persistence rates and are increasingly likely to be retained through graduation,”

’’

Success Teams, which Harrington says, “serve in the spirit of cura personalis by providing consistent and intentional engagement with students based upon where they are in their college careers.”

Every undergraduate student is paired with a four-person student success team. Each team consists of an academic advisor, a financial aid advisor, a success coach and a career coach.

Faculty members serve as academic advisors, and guide students on major requirements and course registration to ensure they remain on the right educational path. Financial aid advisors avail themselves to questions related to federal, state and Canisius scholarships, grants and loans.

“Students realize that Canisius is a personal place, and our faculty and staff care about students inside and outside of the classroom.”

’’

“As a young college student, it’s tough to get professional experience in your field when you have no experience to begin with.”

Deu Awuok ’21

FYE YIELDS HIGH RETURNS + Higher GPAs + Improved year-to-year persistence + Greater retention through graduation + Increased connections with professors and peers + Enhanced engagement in campus life

STUDENT SUCCESS TEAMS + Academic Advisor + Financial Aid Advisor

+ Success Coach + Career Coach

Mark R. Harrington MS ’10, EdD

notes Mark R. Harrington MS ’10, EdD, assistant vice president for student development and academic success. “They’re also likely to develop more significant connections with their professors and peers and therefore, more likely to become involved in the life of the campus.”

As robust as the First Year Experience is, it is just the first layer of a new, wrap-around student support system, which Harrington employed upon his 2018 arrival at Canisius.

Following an audit of the college’s long-standing student success operations, Harrington implemented a proactive advising model in the Griff Center for Student Success. This model takes a preemptive approach by anticipating and eliminating roadblocks and barriers to student achievement. Essential to this new approach are Student

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Should students exhibit academic or behavioral concerns, an ‘early alert system’ notifies success coaches so they can intercede with care management, practically in real-time.

Matthew O’Hara ’22 didn’t realize it then but the outreach he received from his success coach in fall 2020 helped turn his college career around.

“If a student’s grades start to slip or a student is increasingly absent from class, professors and administrators can document the concern in a centralized database (iAdvise),” explains Jennifer J. Herrmann MS ’07, associate dean of student success. The same is true, she continues, if a student appears to be experiencing personal difficulties such as issues related to mental health, identity or food insecurity. “Once the concerns are documented in iAdvise, an automatic notification is sent to the success coach who then reaches out to the student directly to discuss what’s going on and offer options for support services, either on campus or off.”

The philosophy major was struggling with anxiety issues, which the onset of Covid exacerbated. He started to skip classes and his grades slumped. O’Hara’s success coach intervened and he received professional help off-campus. During his semester away, the coach stayed in touch with O’Hara and when he returned to Canisius in spring 2021, she was there to support him in his academic recovery.

“We met on a weekly basis to discuss my assignments, any upcoming tests or projects and anything else I wanted,” O’Hara recalls. “She kept me accountable and I really needed that.”

O’Hara currently works as a research assistant in the Philosophy Department. He earned a spot on the Dean’s List last spring and is on track to graduate in February 2022. O’Hara is now contemplating graduate school with the assistance of his career coach - the fourth member of the student success team.

Much like the title implies, career coaches assist students in their job or graduate school exploration, resume building, interviewing and internship and job searches. Contrary to conventional wisdom, however, career coaches at Canisius meet students at the onset of their college careers, rather than at the end.

Deu A. Awuok ’21 began meeting regularly with his career coach the summer after his freshman year. The economics and finance major wanted to gain professional experience in the competitive field of investment banking but first, he had to hone a few skills.

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advancement Awuok’s career coach worked with him to draft a resume and cover letter. She mentored him on interview strategies and ways to leave a lasting impression on potential employers.

“I always felt awkward telling my story and speaking about my strengths but my coach worked with me on how to properly introduce myself. She helped me develop a strong ‘elevator pitch’ and gave me a framework for how to answer questions confidently and concisely,” Awuok says. “Then we just practiced, practiced, practiced.”

All that practice paid off.

Awuok had his pick of internship opportunities by the following summer. And continued to each summer thereafter. Those opportunities led him to UBS in New York City, where Awuok works as an investment banking analyst for the Swiss-owned firm.

“As a young college student, it’s tough to get professional experience in your field when you have no experience to begin with. It’s even more difficult if you don’t know how to write a proper resume or cover letter, how to interview or how to network,” says Awuok. “So many students don’t know what they don’t know but if they’re open to letting the professionals at Canisius help them, they’ll go far.”

In fact, it is the academic and student affairs professionals, whose combined and complementary efforts to modernize the student experience, are changing outcomes in significant ways and getting students across the finish line at Canisius.

“Students realize that Canisius is a personal place, and our faculty and staff care about students inside and outside of the classroom,” concludes Mark Harrington. “People know who they are. Students know they’re not a number. They’re people with passions and we’re going to help them ignite those passions so they’re successful as they go forth to pursue their profound purpose.”

A Year in Review Generosity of Canisius community makes extraordinary impact during most challenging of times Thank you for coming together and giving back to ensure that our students were supported, and the academic excellence and quality of a Canisius education remained uncompromised during the past academic year! You helped us accomplish more than we thought possible during a truly challenging time.

support to more than 1,200 deserving students. Thanks to the philanthropic generosity of so many, the college’s endowment continues to grow, reaching an all-time high of $160.6 million as of May 31, providing a reliable source of income and long-term financial stability for the college.

Canisius closed fiscal year 2020-21 with more than 5,300 donors contributing $8.8 million – an increase of $1.5 million compared to fiscal year 2019-20. In addition to several large gifts and bequests, the college exceeded its goal for the Canisius Fund, saw nearly 2,000 donors participate on Giving Day and welcomed more than 156 new members to the Leadership Society.

Lastly, Canisius received a $767,500 grant from the Mother Cabrini Health Foundation in support of our Physician Assistant Studies program and scholarships for minority students who enroll in it. This new graduate program welcomed its first cohort of students in January 2021 and expanded Canisius’ reach in educating healthcare practitioners for Western New York and beyond.

Donor gifts enabled the college to pivot to new and innovative ways of teaching and learning throughout the pandemic, and assured that all deserving students received financial aid to continue their education.

Annual donors and generous charitable bequests helped us realize nearly $4.3 million in endowment gifts, which provided scholarship

This is only a sampling of what the generosity of the Canisius community made possible during an uncertain year. On behalf of the college, and most importantly our students, we again say thank you!

2020 – 21 Fundraising Summary When the need is greatest, our Canisius community shines the brightest! The dedication of our donors has helped increase fundraising for Canisius exponentially over the past three years.

Because of you, we have been able to navigate through these unprecedented times with much needed resources and support.

Thank you!

Capital

$708,516 Endowment

STUDENT SUPPORT SERVICES

+ Academic Mentoring Center + Academic Success Workshops + Career Development + Counseling Center + Student Accessibility Services + Testing Center + Tutoring Center + Veteran Services + Writing Center

$6,133,215

$8,827,627

$4,291,840 Canisius Fund (Unrestricted)

$7,290,260

$2,167,295

Current-Use Restricted

$1,659,976

TOTAL

FY19

FY20

$8,827,627

FY21

Reflects Cash Collected

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advancement

advancement

Greatest Need. Greatest Opportunity.

Gifts to Canisius Fund benefit every student, every day The Canisius Fund remained the college’s top fundraising priority throughout FY 2020-21 – and for good reason. Gifts to the Canisius Fund provided a powerful source of current-use funding used in real time to address the greatest needs of students and the college.

Annual Gifts Strengthen Academics, Athletics, Mission & Identity In addition to the Canisius Fund, 3,161 donors designated $1.6 million in support to academic programs and institutes, the Blue & Gold Athletics Fund, the John J. Hurley ’78 Presidential Discretionary Fund, Jesuit Mission & Identity, and more. These annual gifts provided current-use funding for specific areas and helped to enhance the Canisius experience in countless ways.

Each year there are more students with finanical need than can be funded through existing endowed scholarships. Canisius Fund gifts provide scholarship support as a way to ensure that students with aspirations for a Canisius education are able to make choices based on values, not finances.

$1.6 MILLION

Today, 98 percent of undergraduate students receive some form of financial aid. In order to continue to meet this need, the college anticipates having to invest $28 million, annually. This is why gifts to the Canisus Fund are so incredibly important.

DESIGNATED SUPPORT

Double the Impact of Your Gift

Patricipate in the Minehan Magis Challenge Now through May 31, 2022, new and increased gifts to the Canisius Fund will be matched by the estate of Patrick C. Minehan ’50, MS ’52, up to $500,000, making your support go even further in 2021-22.

Patrick Carver Minehan was born June 6, 1923, on a grape and dairy farm in the Town of Sheridan, NY, to Paul Francis and Mary Maloney Minehan. After graduating as valedictorian from Silver Creek Central School in 1941, he served in World War II as a member of the U.S. Army’s 17th Airborne Division, participating in one of the largest airborne operations in military history. Combined with the British 6th Airborne, Minehan’s glider crossed the Rhine River at Essen, Germany on March 24, 1945.

Following the war, Minehan earned his bachelor’s (1950) and master’s (1952) degrees from Canisius College and became a beloved teacher of mathematics at Dunkirk High School where he worked for nearly three decades until his retirement. He spent the ensuing years operating the family grape farm.

ACADEMIC PROGRAMS & INSTITUTES

$733,000

BLUE & GOLD ATHLETICS FUND

$475,000

PRESIDENTIAL DISCRETIONARY FUND

$76,010

JESUIT MISSION & IDENTITY

$23,000

OTHER (STUDENT PROGRAMS, ETC.)

$392,000

(The graphic above includes current-use support designated to annual named scholarships, program and department scholarships, residence life, student clubs and organizations and more.)

Minehan died July 1, 2021.

Max Kouznetsov ’24 Business Economics & Finance Hometown: Voorhees, NJ

“ My Canisius experience has been unlike what most upperclassmen previously experienced. Yet despite having to deal with a global pandemic, becoming a college student, as well as a Division 1 athlete, my first year was memorable. The Office of Student Life did a wonderful job of planning events like ice-skating in the quad, movie nights and food trucks. I am beyond excited for my second year!”

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“ I am exceedingly grateful for the college’s community of donors whose generosity provided me and countless others with financial aid and scholarship support.

The additional aid that I received this year lightened my financial burden and allowed me to focus on the most important aspects of my college education. Thank you!”

Kevin Eells ’22 Psychology Hometown: Monument, CO

Anabelle Gonzalez ’24 Criminal Justice & Psychology Hometown: Bronx, NY

" Canisius helped open doors for me to discover what I want to pursue after I graduate. I have been very fortunate to grow in this way and be in a position where I can live out the Jesuit values. Without my experience at Canisius, I am not sure where I would be today. I am thankful for everything Canisius has given me and for fueling my passion to help others.”

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advancement Gifts that Keep Giving

Endowments ensure Canisius remains strong for future generations

DiGamma Honor Society Members:

Gifts to the endowment benefit student scholarships, which are critical to enrollment efforts, academic excellence, athletics, and support programs and activities that fuel Canisius’ Jesuit mission.

In memory of her daughter and in honor of the beliefs that she held so dear, Catrina Rebmann established the Catherine A. Rebmann Memorial Scholarship to support female students of color at Canisius.

Although Catherine was not a graduate, the college’s Jesuit mission and educational focus were essential to Catrina in the establishment of this fund. Access to quality education for women, especially women of color, was important to Catherine. She believed everyone should have the opportunity to succeed and that education was the driving force for success.

The college is grateful to Catrina for her support and for choosing Canisius to honor her daughter in such a special way.

One of Canisius’ oldest and most beloved traditions returned this summer, albeit in a Covid-modified way. The Office of Alumni Engagement hosted a virtual class reunion on Thursday, June 3, during which more than 150 alumni from 24 separate class years and 27 different states (including Hawaii), logged onto Zoom to reconnect and reminisce about their time at Canisius.

The Office of Alumni Engagement is currently accepting nominations for membership. Please submit nominations online by visiting canisius.edu/alumni/awards.

The online evening began with a blessing from Chief Mission & Ministry Officer Rev. Jack J. Mattimore, SJ, followed by a personal message to alumni from Canisius President John J. Hurley. Before attendees broke out into their individual class sessions, they were treated to a special “Then & Now” reunion video.

The DiGamma induction ceremony is scheduled for Friday, February 25, 2022 at The Buffalo Club.

Nominations are due December 13, 2021.

As of May 31, 2021, the college's endowment was valued at $160.6 million – an all-time high thanks to generous gifts and a strong financial market.

Catherine A. Rebmann

What’s Your Legacy?

The Impact of Planned Gifts

Christina Bush ’23 Physician Assistant Studies Hometown: Roseville, CA “I would like to thank all the donors who made the Physician Assistant Studies Program possible. The classrooms, exam rooms, simulation technology and many other learning tools make our education excel beyond graduate-level didactic learning experiences. Your support will produce the best clinicians possible.”

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Canisius College is eternally grateful to those alumni and friends for their foresight and generosity to include Canisius in their estate plans. Estate commitments received this past year totaled $3.5 million. Such planned gifts help to ensure the strength of the college and its students for generations to come, and forever link a donor’s legacy to Canisius College.

This past fiscal year, 16 planned gifts were realized at Canisius.

They included bequests from the estate of James K. Clare ’54 in support of the greatest needs of the college; an estate gift in the name of Stephen A. Przylucki ’40 to the Przylucki Family Scholarship Fund; and gifts from the estate of Maureen B. Degnan MBA ’90 to the Richard J. Wehle School of Business.

Those who indicate bequest intentions or other planned gifts become members of the Rev. James M. Demske ’47, SJ, Society.

To learn more, contact Mary Ellen Bakowski ’85, MBA ’90, in the Office of Institutional Advancement, at bakowskm@canisius.edu or at 716-888-2235.

The Class of 1971 celebrated its 50th reunion in September. More than 50 alumni and friends gathered at Resurgence Brewery to hear from President John J. Hurley. The same group gathered the following night on campus for dinner, drinks and some reminiscing in Science Hall. Pictured (l-r) are: Thomas C. Kingston ’71, Diane K. Kingston, Maureen Hurley, Canisius President John J. Hurley, Louise Spinelli and Thomas G. Smith ’71

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alumniprofile

Elizabeth Ramsey MS ’12 advocates on behalf of Team USA athletes as executive director of the United States Olympic & Paralympic Athletes’ Advisory Council Story: Martin J. Haumesseur / Photo: Dillon Film & Photo

Elizabeth Ramsey MS ’12 may not be a gold medalist but she is a champion for amateur athletes in her role as the first executive director of the United States Olympic & Paralympic Athletes’ Advisory Council (USOPC AAC). The newly-created position supports Team USA’s Olympians, Paralympians and hopefuls in their efforts to advance athlete-led initiatives in the areas of athlete safety and well-being, marketing and promotion opportunities, performance funding, career transition and more.

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leading scorer and rebounder at the University of Indianapolis.

“With a few exceptions, the majority of Olympic and Paralympic athletes are everyday people with jobs, working hard and making great sacrifices.”

Ramsey serves an athlete-led council tasked with inspiring positive changes, improving quality of life and encouraging better communication among all Team USA athletes. For the Indiana native, it’s game on.

After playing as a walk-on freshman year at the University of Indianapolis, Ramsey earned a full athletic scholarship and graduated with a dual major in psychology and political science in 2001. She went on to earn a law degree from Indiana University McKinney School of Law and soon after landed a position as law clerk with the NCAA. The job turned into a 10-year career in the world of amateur athletics. She later stepped into the professional sports arena, serving as director of basketball operations and intelligence for the NBA’s Sacramento Kings.

“I was attracted to this new position because I understand where the amateur athlete is coming from – I’ve been there,” explains Ramsey, who holds the record in women’s basketball as all-time

During her time with the NCAA, Ramsey says she wanted to enhance her education in sport administration to help advance her career. After researching various schools, she found the

CANISIUS COLLEGE M AGA ZINE FALL 2021

online master’s program at Canisius College, noting the flexibility of the courses and the solid reputation of the school.

“I’m probably using what I learned in the Canisius program now more than in any other position I’ve held,” she says. “The marketing and administrative aspects are especially helpful as I work with Olympic and Paralympic athletes in securing sponsorships and so forth.”

Ramsey attended the 2021 Olympics and Paralympics in Tokyo this past summer, living in the village with the athletes. She currently lives in Colorado Springs, CO, where the United States Olympic & Paralympic Committee and Training Center are headquartered.

With the 2022 Winter Olympics scheduled for February in Beijing, it’s a marathon for Ramsey as she champions the cause of Team USA athletes.

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A Blue & Gold Goodbye

May 6, 2022 Buffalo, NY The Atrium @ Rich's Celebrating our Past & Embracing our Future

As the end of his era nears, President John J. Hurley travels to speak with alumni for a final time

February 2, 2022 Washington, DC Location TBD

alumninews Four Join Alumni Board of Directors Four new members joined the Alumni Association Board of Directors on June 1, 2021. The Board assists the Office of Alumni Engagement by involving alumni in direct and meaningful ways with alma mater and its graduates.

The 2021-22 Alumni Board is led by an Executive Committee comprised of President Anthony M. Kroese ’14, First Vice President Michael A. Kochczynski ’08, MS ’12, Second Vice President Lauren (Sformo) Leavy ’12 and Immediate Past President Anthony J. Limina ’08, MBA ’15.

New members joining the board are:

With the retirement of Canisius President John J. Hurley nearing, the college is planning alumni receptions at locations across the country.

Open to all, these events offer an opportunity for alumni, donors and friends to learn more about the latest news at Canisius and to celebrate President Hurley’s legacy at the college.

President Hurley’s farewell tour kicked off this summer with events in Buffalo, Rochester, Syracuse and Albany. Alumni receptions are currently being planned in Washington D.C. and several cities in Florida.

Jeffrey E. Bogart ’93

Credit Analyst, Evans Bank

Renee M. Greene ’07

Vice President, Credit Trader Goldman Sachs and Company

Shalabh Singhal ’99, MD

Molly M. Watson ’12

Executive Director, Bristol Myers Squibb

Director, Financial Controls Stitch Fix

Check your Email for more information as event dates are confirmed or call the Office of Institutional Advancement at 716.888.8218.

The Alumni Association is now accepting nominations for new at-large members of the Board of Directors.

To submit nominations, Email Erin Zack at erin.zack@canisius.edu by March 25, 2022.

SAVE THE DATE Celebrating our Past & Embracing our Future: Honoring the Service of

Calling all bookworms!

John J. Hurley,

December 10, 2021 Tampa/St. Pete/Clearwater, FL 400 Beach Seafood and Tap House

March 31, 2022 Venice, FL Plantation Golf and Country Club

April 2, 2022 Naples, FL Naples Sailing and Yacht Club

Canisius College is excited to announce the launch of a new alumni book club.

Canisius College's 24th President

Blue & Gold Bookworms is a free, online community for alumni and friends that couples good reads with good conversation on a range of topics and ideas.

Friday, May 6, 2022, 6:00 p.m.

Atrium @ Rich's One Robert Rich Way, Buffalo The evening will honor President Hurley's legacy at Canisius, raise funds for student scholarship and commemorate his years of service to the college.

For more information, contact Erin Zack in the Office of Alumni Engagment, erin.zack@canisius.edu; 716.888.2758.

BLUE & GOLD BOOKWORMS The Canisius College

Alumni & Friends Book Club

Partnering with the college on this new initiative is Thomas P. McDonnell MSEd ’97, owner of Dog Ears Bookstore in Buffalo. McDonnell is offering a 20 percent discount to members when they purchase the current book club read at his store.

Proceeds will be donated to local reading and writing programs.

To get started, sign up using the link below and get a copy of the inaugural book: The Exciles Christina Baker Kline, New York Times best-selling author www.pbc.guru/canisius

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alumninotes 1980s

CL ASS ACT

‘85 BS, MBA ‘92 William J. Maggio is the new senior advisor for Circuit Clinical, a local startup company that is seeking to scale a clinical trial network across the U.S. Maggio has been part of Buffalo’s startup economy for several years. He is the former CEO of the Jacobs Institute, a board member for 43North, and managing partner of the private equity firm Lorraine Capital.

(Ret.) Col. Charles F. Sardo ’76 BS, Management (Ret.) Col. Eric J. Tarbox ’76 BA, History Career Highlight: Charles Sardo and Eric Tarbox reached the summit of Mt. Kilimanjaro on August 6, 2021. The pair hiked the Lemosho Route, which peaks at 19,341 feet. It is the longest route (43 miles) but gives hikers a better opportunity to acclimate to the altitude.

Career Notes: Sardo and Tarbox attended Canisius on Army ROTC scholarships. Sardo dedicated 40 years of military and federal service to the U.S. Army, rising to chief of staff at the U.S. Army Intelligence and Security Command (INSCOM). He retired in March 2020. Tarbox served on active duty in the U.S. Army, as a judge advocate in the Ohio National Guard and in the Army Reserve. He retired from military service in November 2014 and is currently principal assistant attorney general in Ohio.

1960s ‘60 BA, MS ‘65 Basil J. Piazza, deputy mayor of Williamsville, retired after 26 years of service on the village board.

‘61 BA, HON ‘83 Paul D. Weiss, founder of the international nonprofits Los Ninos and America’s Children, authored his second book, Cigarette Break. The book tells the story of what highly-motivated, highly-skilled, compassionate human beings can accomplish when faced with threats to the planet and its children.

‘68 BA James E. Sherwood, PhD, was appointed to the Southeast Community College Board of Governors, which oversees a three campus, six learning center educational system that spans 15 counties in southeast Nebraska. He has held many administrative roles at colleges across the country, including the University of Nebraska-Lincoln Extension, the University of California - Berkley, the University of Maryland and several colleges in New York.

1970s ‘74 BA Dennis C. Walczyk retired as president and chief executive officer (CEO) of Catholic Charities following more than two decades with the region’s human service agency.

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‘75 BA Kevin Marmion, CEO of William S. Hein & Co. Inc., was inducted into the American Association of Law Libraries (AALL) Hall of Fame. He has been with William S. Hein for more than 50 years and CEO for the past four years.

‘87 BA Kevin J. Kline was appointed special adviser for compliance and risk management at Guess & Co. He recently retired from the Federal Bureau of Investigation as assistant special agent in charge of the New Haven Division in New Haven, CT. ‘87 BS John Savish II is the new part-time financial clerk for the Town of Bethany. He also works as an associate professor of accounting at Elmira College.

‘88 Mario A. Giacobe was appointed by Erie County to serve as deputy district attorney-executive assistant. Giacobe previously served as the town attorney in Tonawanda since 2017.

‘88 BA Cherylyn H. LeBon, a partner at Dunlap Bennett and Ludwig in Washington, D.C., joined the Copart Inc. Board of Directors in Dallas, TX.

‘89 MSED Toni M. DiLeo commemorated her nine-year affiliation with Centro Culturale Italiano di Buffalo, an organization that works to promote value to society by way of Italian culture, heritage and language. DiLeo served as a board member for the organization, and director of education and membership.

She is the former principal at St. Margaret School.

1990s ‘90 Kristen M. Kulinowski, director of the Science and Technology Policy Institute in Washington, D.C., was inducted into the American Chemical Society (ACS) Fellows Program.

The ACS recognized Kulinowski for outstanding achievements in and contributions to science, the profession and the society.

‘90 BS Dennis A. Layman is the new IT project manager at the University of Texas Health San Antonio.

He previously was a workflow administrator for the University of Texas at San Antonio.

‘90 BS Phillip A. Rapini is the new chief financial officer (CFO) for WH Greene & Associates Inc., a commercial insurance company. A certified public accountant, Rapini spent 17 years as the CFO of LoVullo Associates Inc.

CL ASS ACT

‘79 BA Charles D. Esposito, deacon at St. Peter & Paul R.C. Church in Williamsville, was elected New York State Deputy for the Knights of Columbus, the world’s largest Catholic fraternal organization.

‘92 BA Gregory S. Meyer was appointed to the Michigan Collection Practices Board by Governor Gretchen Whitmer. Meyer is the collection agency manager for American Profit Recovery Inc. In his role on the board, Meyer will work with the state’s Department of Licensing and Regulatory Affairs to oversee the practice of approximately 713 collection agencies and 525 collection agency managers.

‘93 MS Sr. Mary Jeanne Danahy was elected to a three-year term on Trocaire College’s Board of Trustees.

She is a member of the Sisters of Mercy of the Americas and a Trocaire Board Trustee emeriti.

‘94 Charles J. Fetterman, MD, was named the medical director of the Niagara Regional Surgery Center at Eastern Niagara Hospital. An ophthalmologist, Fetterman has been a surgeon at the center since it opened in 2014.

‘94 BA Michael P. Hughes was promoted from chief of staff to senior vice president and chief administrative officer for Kaleida Health. Hughes joined the organization in 2004 as director of public relations. He is now responsible for all external affairs, as well as executive communications and strategy. He also oversees the system’s two charitable foundations.

‘94 BA Matthew J. Igoe was promoted from vice president of transportation to executive vice president and chief operating officer at BNSF Railway in Fort Worth, TX. BNSF Railway operates one of the largest railroad networks in North America and is among the world’s top transporters of intermodal traffic.

‘78 BA Hon. Michael F. Pietruszka received the 2021 Franklin N. Flaschner Award from the American Bar Association Judicial Division National Conference of Specialized Court Judges (NCSCJ). The award recognizes Judge Pietruszka’s competence in performing judicial duties exemplified by the late Chief Justice Franklin N. Flaschner of the District Court of Massachusetts. ’79 BA Albert E. Bruno, a freelance author, penned a two-part article about former Buffalo Mayor Anthony M. Masiello ’69, HON ’96, which was published in ArtVoice and La Gazzetta Italiana. Prior to his freelance writing career, Bruno was a public school special education and English teacher.

‘90 MBA John A. Vecchio, president of Vecchio & Associates LLC, became executive director for Centro Culturale Italiano di Buffalo. The organization works to promote value to society by way of Italian culture, heritage and language.

Hon. Kevin M. Carter ’86 BA, Humanities Career Highlight: Kevin Carter was appointed the new administrative judge of Western New York’s Eighth Judicial District. In this position, Judge Carter oversees the management and day-to-day operations of the trial courts in the district, which is comprised of Allegany, Cattaraugus, Chautauqua, Erie, Genesee, Niagara, Orleans and Wyoming counties.

Career Notes: Judge Carter served as the Eighth Judicial District’s Supervising Judge of Family Courts since 2019. He began his judicial career in Erie County Family Court, to which he was elected in 2003 and re-elected in 2013.

‘94 BS Mark A. Johnson, vice president and community development manager at Truist Financial Corporation, was named to the 2021 Inside Business Power List.

‘94 BA Magda C. Parvey, EdD, is the new superintendent of Andover Public Schools in Andover, MA. She most recently served as chief academic officer for the Middletown, CT Public Schools and was interim superintendent of schools in New Rochelle, NY. ’94 BS Carolyn M. (Hoch) Powell joined the accounting firm of Tronconi Segarra & Associates LLP as its new business development director. She previously worked as director of international business at Invest Buffalo Niagara.

‘94 MPA Mark A. Sullivan has won the prestigious Richard J. Wehle School of Business Executive of the Year Award. He is the president and CEO at Catholic Health in Buffalo.

‘96 MS Jennifer A. Beasley was promoted from head of development to vice president of development at Buffalo Gal Pictures Inc. in Winnipeg, Canada.

Buffalo Gal is an independent film and television production company.

‘96 BA John F. O’Donnell Jr., founder of O’Donnell & Associates, ranked among the top lobbyists in New York State by City & State New York, an online and weekly magazine covering politics and policy in the Empire State.

‘97 BA Amy (Forand) Burkhead was promoted to associate director of analytical and formulation sciences at KBI Biopharma Inc. near Durham, NC. She’s been with the company for 13 years, previously serving as group leader for several commercial testing programs.

‘97 MBA Michael Ciavatta is a financial crimes risk manager at Charles Schwab in Lone Tree, CO. He was previously a detective for the Golden Police Department in Golden, CO. ‘97 BS, MBA ‘02, ‘05 MS Jamel C. Perkins, senior executive at Sodexo and principal at StarUPstate Ventures, was appointed to HELIXintel’s Board of Advisors. Perkins was one of five industry experts appointed to help the Buffalo-based startup disrupt the equipment maintenance industry.

‘97 BS, MS ‘99 Clancy M. Seymour co-edited two new versions of Curriculum and Assessment Guidance, recently released by the New York State Association for Health, Physical Education and Dance. The resources provide guidance regarding curriculum and assessment recommendations for K-12 physical education practitioners and administrators in New York. Seymour is an associate professor and director of health, physical education and sport pedagogy at Canisius.

‘99 MBA John W. Galuski was promoted from senior account manager for UPS’ Northeast District to senior account manager of UPS Healthcare in Buffalo. He has been with UPS for 28 years.

‘99 BA David W. Gannon joined the insurance defense law firm of Goetz Schenker Blee & Wiederhorn LLP in New York City, as a new partner. He was a partner with Ellenberg & Partners LLP. ‘99 BA Sheila K. (Dillon) Richards, principal of Piedmont Community Charter Middle School in Gastonia, NC, was voted Gaston County’s Best Principal for 2021 by the Gaston Gazette.

CL ASS ACT

(Ret.) Col. Joseph J. Martin ’91 BS, Management Career Highlight: Joseph Martin was inducted into the U.S. Army ROTC Hall of Fame, which honors graduates who have distinguished themselves in military and/or civilian pursuits and made lasting, significant contributions to the nation.

Career Notes: Martin spent 26 years defending freedom in multiple overseas locations with deployments in Afghanistan, Qatar, Kuwait, Ecuador, Honduras and Colombia. He commanded some of the U.S. Army’s most prestigious units including the Special Forces Operational Detachment-Alpha 773, the U.S. Army Parachute Team and the U.S. Military Free Fall School. Martin is the author of Get Selected for Special Forces and donated the proceeds from the book to the Special Operations Warrior Foundation.

2000s ‘00 MBA Darren J. Brown-Hall, EdD, is the new superintendent of the Williamsville School District, Western New York’s largest suburban school district. His appointment makes him the district’s first Black superintendent and the first Black superintendent in the eight counties of Western New York. He previously worked as chief of staff to Buffalo Public Schools Superintendent Kriner Cash.

‘00 BA Leland J. Hach Jr. is the new chief information officer at SUNY Orange Community College, a post he’s held on an interim basis for the past 14 months. Hach will serve as a member of the president’s cabinet and have oversight of the day-to-day operations of the college’s Information Technology Services Department.

‘01 BS Shannon L. (Friedrich) Andrea was promoted from director of media relations to director of communications at Virginia Tech University.

‘01 BS Joseph A. Riedy Jr., DO, was promoted from assistant regional medical director and pod leader to associate medical director at Landmark Health.

‘02 BA Ryan G. Duns, SJ, published a new book, Spiritual Exercises for a Secular Mind. He is currently an

assistant professor of theology at Marquette University and a teacher of Irish music.

‘02 BS Iain D. Nelson founded IDN Sport Event Consulting. Located in Jamesville, NY, the company specializes in the planning, organization and delivery of sport events. Nelson is the former game day football operations manager for the XFL. ‘02 MS Laura E. (Zollars) Syer, associate dean of finance and administration in the Cornell SC Johnson College of Business, was appointed vice president for budget and planning.

‘03 BA, MBA ‘05 Rodney R. Reisdorf Jr. was named CEO of Verivend, a Buffalo fintech startup that offers a cloudbased platform for the management of business transactions. Reisdorf co-founded Verivend after leaving his role as director and client service leader at Willis Towers Watson in Buffalo.

‘04 BS Tara L. Halliwell-Kemp, MD, joined Inspire Dental Group where she specializes in oral and maxillofacial surgery. She most recently worked as an oral and maxillofacial surgeon at Northtowns Oral & Maxillofacial Surgery.

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alumninotes ‘07 Paul Insalaco was promoted to associate director of clinical operations at General Physician PC in Buffalo. He has been with the company for more than five years and was previously the lead athletic trainer at Excelsior Orthopedics.

CL ASS ACT

‘07 BS Andrew T. Olsen was appointed chief financial officer and treasurer for Eriez, a designer, developer and manufacturer of magnetic separation materials in Erie, PA. He was CFO at General Electric Aviation – Advanced Atomization Technologies in Clyde, NY. ‘07 BA Richard Pillitteri joined Kemp Financial Group Inc., in Ontario, Canada, as a new financial advisor. He previously held the same position at Freedom 55 Financial.

Heather M. McClain MSEd ’02 Reading Certification Career Highlight: The Empire State School Administrators Association named Heather McClain Western New York School Administrator of the Year. McClain is an assistant principal at Lockport High School (LHS) and was recognized for her advocacy of project-based learning, culturally relevant teaching, and diversity, equity and inclusion.

Career Notes: McClain entered the educational field nearly 25 years ago as an English language arts and reading teacher.

She joined the administrative ranks in 2011 and became an assistant principal at LHS in 2018.

‘04 BS Danielle Y. White is the new associate dean of admissions and enrollment for the University of Maryland School of Social Work.

She previously served as the university’s assistant dean of records and registration.

‘05 BA Kathryn A. (Toland) Bell started a new role as a consultant at Potomac River Partners, a management consulting firm specializing in compliance services for the life sciences sector. She most recently worked at Boy Scouts of America as a senior district executive.

‘05 BS John V. Romancik was promoted from account executive to regional director of sales at Excellus BlueCross BlueShield. He works in the company’s Central New York and Utica/North Country regions.

‘05 BA Shannon R. (McCarthy) Vogel was promoted from senior project supervisor to senior account supervisor at the advertising agency Crowley Webb, in Buffalo.

Stephen J. Hlavaty is a new commercial banker for JPMorgan Chase Commercial Banking in its Middle Market Banking and Specialized Industries group. In this role he provides treasury solutions to middle-market banking and commercial real estate clients throughout Western New York.

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‘06 BA Samuel X. Kennedy is a new Diversity, Equity and Inclusion (DEI) data analyst at Tangible Development LLC in Dallas, TX. Previously, Kennedy was assistant director for analytic services at the University of Florida.

‘06 BA Chris J. Miano, the founder of MemoryFox, secured a $100,000 investment from the Buffalo Innovation Seed Fund, launched by University at Buffalo. MemoryFox uses its platform to capture the life story of pre-dementia elderly patients.

To date, the company has raised a total of $ 380,000 in seed funding.

‘06 MSEd Christopher A. Valka is the new chief operating officer at SERJobs, a community-based, nonprofit organization in Houston, TX, that helps individuals from low-income communities transform their lives through education, training, employment and financial empowerment services.

He is the former director of operations for Station Houston.

‘07 BA Lindsay M. Adornetto joined the advertising agency Crowley Webb, in Buffalo, as a media planner and buyer. She was a sales assistant for Northwestern Mutual.

‘07 BA Carly J. Czech was promoted from product operations and data specialist to data manager at Pearson Education North America.

‘07 BA Zachariah F. Presutti, SJ, founder of the Thrive for Live Prison Project, was ordained to the priesthood on June 12, 2021 at Fordham University Church in the Bronx.

‘07 BA Daniel P. Puccio joined Thermo Fisher Scientific as a lead product data steward in Product Data Management. He previously worked at Medaille College as director of student involvement.

‘07 BS Malini C. Suchak, PhD, associate professor of animal behavior, ecology and conservation (ABEC) at Canisius College, received a $ 5,520 grant from The Charlotte and William Parks Foundation for Animal Welfare. Suchak will use the grant to research and improve the lives of stray cats across the U.S. ‘07 MS Kelly M. (Showard) Wofford is the new community engagement coordinator at the University at Buffalo School of Nursing. She is also founder and principal of Front Seat Life LLC, an organization dedicated to eliminating barriers to mental health and wellness.

‘08 BA Margaret M. Chasler is the new manager at MetaPhase Consulting, a small, minority-owned IT and management consultancy firm that serves federal government clients in Washington, D.C. She previously was a senior associate at Guidehouse.

‘08 BA Rev. Kevin A. Fields, of the Archdiocese of Washington, was appointed parochial vicar of St. Elizabeth Parish in Rockville, MD. He was parochial vicar of St. Mary’s Catholic Church Parish in Rockville. ’08 BA Alyce M. (Herbert) Narvaez was promoted from health home care manager to health home supervisor at OLV Human Services. She is also a life coach for Aspire of Western New York.

‘08 MS Samantha E. (Gabel) Stafford joined Cornell University’s College of Arts and Sciences Career Development Department as a program coordinator. She came to

Cornell from Ithaca College, where she was assistant director of residential education and assessment.

‘08 BA Lauren A. Suttell was promoted from senior associate to partner at the law firm of Lippes Mathias LLP. ‘09 BS Lisa A. (Buchholz) Copece was promoted from business analyst to senior business risks and controls risk advisor at KeyBank.

‘09 BS Vincent R. Galio was promoted from inside application specialist to inside bioprocess account manager for the southeast region of Satorious, which is located in New York City. The company is an international partner of life science research and the biopharmaceutical industry.

‘09 BS, MBA ‘13 Melanie A. (Woz) Horner is the new director of human resources for Goodwill of Western New York. She was a human resources consultant at EBC Inc., and a manager and human resources business partner at Fidelis Care.

‘09 BS Michael Iacobelli is a new senior research program manager at Johns Hopkins University School of Medicine in Baltimore, MD. He joined the School of Medicine following nearly six years of work as a research program manager at Johns Hopkins Bloomberg School of Public Health.

‘09 BS, MSED ‘11 Brian Irr represented Team USA in the 2020 Tokyo Summer Olympics. He was part of the historic Olympic debut of karate after becoming the first Team USA Olympian to compete in the kumite discipline.

‘09 BA Romer Mendez is the new financial advisor for M&T Securities at its Fredonia branch. He has 10 years of financial lending and investment experience and most recently received M&T Securities President’s Council Award for his success in serving his clients’ financial needs.

‘11 BA Matthew D. Carpenter was promoted from program analyst to supervisory program analyst at USAID in New Alexandria, VA. Carpenter is the planning team lead for USAID’s Europe and Eurasia Bureau, which works to counter violent extremism.

11 BS Michael R. Coad is a program finance manager for DermBiont in Boston, MA. He was a senior associate at Fidato Partners LLC in Philadelphia, PA. ‘11 BA David J. Peccia is a new customer development specialist at Essendant. The Orchard Park company is a wholesale distributor of office, technology and industrial products. Peccia previously served as the company’s channel marketing development representative.

‘12 BS, MBAACC ‘13 Michael B. Allaire is the new controller at OLV Charities. He most recently worked at General Mills as an associate finance manager.

‘12 BS, MBA ‘12 Matthew J. Krajna was named co-chief investment officer at Nottingham Advisors, where he also serves as director of equity research, senior portfolio manager and is a member of the Investment Policy Committee.

‘12 BS Zachary D. Silverberg joined Berenberg Capital Markets in New York City, as a senior associate for

equity research in the consumer sector. Previously, he was assistant vice president at Mizuho.

‘13 MSED Lindsay M. Bergman, athletic director at the Charter School for Applied Technologies, was recognized by the National Athletic Administrators Association as a certified athletic administrator.

‘13 BS Abigail A. Formella, associate director of digital and brand communications at University Prep in Seattle, WA, received a Silver Award from the Council for Advancement and Support of Education (CASE) for a 2020 social media campaign she designed and managed for the school.

‘13 MS Wayne Patton was promoted from sales director to chief operating officer at Body Kinetics Health Club & Spa in Forest Knolls, CA. He has been with the company since 2013.

‘13 BS Meagan M. (Bond) Reimann is the new marketing manager at Nottingham Advisors. She recently worked as a digital platform marketing specialist at the London Stock Exchange Group.

‘13 BS Jason Rubinstein is the new assistant general manager at MOVATI Athletic in Richmond Hill, Ontario. He was a pitching coach for Team Ontario Astros Baseball.

CL ASS ACT

‘10 BS, MBA ‘15 Patrick E. Johnson joined Sinatra & Company Management as a senior property accountant. He came to the firm from Ciminelli Real Estate where Johnson worked as a corporate accountant manager.

‘10 BS Jonathan C. Tretter was promoted to director at Freed Maxick Enterprise Advisory Services Practice.

Prior to this promotion, Tretter worked for Freed Maxick as a senior manager.

He has been with the company since 2012.

‘13 BA Samantha K. Youmans earned her doctorate degree in physical therapy from the MGH Institute of Health Professions in February 2021 and is practicing at Gordon College Center for Balance, Mobility and Wellness in Wenham, MA. ‘14 MS Sean M. Blaum, EdD, is the new associate director and medical science liaison for the pharmaceutical company Boehringer Ingelheim in Rochester, IL. Blaum has been with Boehringer for four years conducting research on the respiratory system.

‘14 BS Adam J. Dannenhoffer, PhD, joined Hazel Technologies Inc. in Chicago, IL, as senior research and development scientist. The company’s mission is to reduce food waste on a global scale. Dannenhoffer previously worked as a research and development scientist at Applied Thin Films.

‘14 BS Christopher R. Gruarin, head baseball coach for Williamsville East, was named Coach of the Year by the Amherst Bee newspaper. In his debut season with the Flames, Gruarin’s team finished with an 18-3 record and won the ECIC II and Section VI Class A-1 titles.

‘14 MBA Josiah J. Renda joined the National Credit Union Administration as a new credit union examiner.

‘14 BA Lindsey Lauren S. Visser is the new deputy director at Centro Culturale di Buffalo, an organization that works to promote Italian culture throughout Western New York. She was the development and communications manager at Theodore Roosevelt Inaugural Site.

‘15 MS Robert L. Coleman is the new director of athletics and recreation at Albany College of Pharmacy and Health Sciences in Rensselaer, NY. He is also the head coach for the Columbia-Greene Community College men’s basketball team.

2010s

‘10 MS David P. Lilleck is the new superintendent of schools in the Orchard Park School District. Prior to his appointment, Lilleck was a middle school and a high school principal in the district.

‘13 BA Nicholas P. Veronica joined WIVB-TV (Channel 4) as a digital executive producer. He previously worked as a ticker researcher for NBC Sports.

Sarah G. Mullin ’11, PhD BS, English & Mathematics Career Highlight: Sarah Mullin is a postdoctoral fellow at Yale University School of Medicine, the world-renowned center for biomedical research, education and advanced healthcare.

Career Notes: Mullin recently earned her doctoral degree in biomedical informatics, with a focus on clinical informatics and predictive analytics, from the State University of New York at Buffalo. She also holds an MS in statistics from The Ohio State University.

‘15 BS Kyle E. Kowal was promoted from staffing coordinator to lead on-road execution for Amazon. In this role, he coordinates, facilitates and measures training-related activities and execution for Amazon.

‘15 BA Jalisha M. Rutherford is the new human resources assistant at Dollar General in Bowling Green, KT. She previously worked as a service administrator at West Power Services in Tennessee.

‘15 BS Eric S. Vona joined the New York State Department of Health as a public health representative in Syracuse. He previously worked as a site director at Just for Kids Before and After School Program.

‘15 BS Ryan A. Zimmer is a new commercial banker at JPMorgan Chase Commercial Banking in its middle market banking and specialized industries group. He was a portfolio manager at Wells Fargo.

‘16 MBAPA Michael R. Feldman was promoted from senior associate to audit manager at the CPA firm Kearney & Company, PC, in Alexandria, VA. ‘16 BS, MBAACC ‘17 Adam R. Harris is a new associate at Paramax Corporation, where he works on their transaction team and focuses on sell-side and buyside transaction activity. He previously worked as a senior accountant at ACV Auctions.

‘16 BS Trisha G. (Hulbert) Izzo joined Highmark Western and Northeastern New York as a new digital specialist.

Prior to this, Izzo worked as a freelance graphic designer.

‘16 BA Matthew J. Lunghino was promoted from account manager to senior account manager at the marketing and advertising agency FIFTEEN. ‘16 MS Sergio D. Merino is the new assistant strength and conditioning coach at Quinnipiac University in Hamden, CT. He was the assistant strength and conditioning coach at Sacred Heart University in Fairfield, CT, and has held similar roles at the Division 1 and Division 3 levels since 2016.

Canisius College takes pride in its alumni and joyfully shares the news of their lives and achievements. Supportive of our Catholic Church’s teachings, publication of announcements provided to us by our alumni does not necessarily imply an endorsement by the college.

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alumninotes ‘17 BS Morgan L. (Williams) Saidian is a new zookeeper at Seneca Park Zoo in Rochester, where she works with their carnivores. She most recently worked as an animal keeper at The Buffalo Zoo.

alumninotes Chapter and is a Meals on Wheels volunteer.

‘19 MS Elizabeth George is the retail merchandiser for the Country Club of Buffalo. George previously worked as an operations manager for The Blake Team.

2020s

IN MEMORIAM Joseph J. Thomas ’43 November 28, 2020

Gerald T. Machinski ’54, MD May 11, 2020

Sr. Priscilla Faltisko MS ’68 June 5, 2021

Mary Kay (Wishingrad) Clark ’80 February 18, 2021

Frank A. Pfalzer Jr. ’44, MD August 13, 2021

James E. Pyne ’54, MS ’58 July 19, 2021

Ronald J. Guido ’68 April 29, 2021

Jane M. Kovacsi MS ’80 June 27, 2021

John Canney ’48 May 7, 2021

Frederick J. Wallace ’55 May 31, 2021

Anthony N. Diina ’69, MBA ’72 April 20, 2021

John P. Tomaszewski MS ’80 January 29, 2020

Richard E. Frank ’49 July 22, 2021

John W. Sheele ’56 August 18, 2021

John C. Haumesser ’69, MD May 17, 2021

Gloria H. (Mitchell) Callesto ’81 July 29, 2021

John F. Hagerty ’49 May 21, 2021

James P. Kreutzer ’58 April 6, 2021

Raymond J. Burdick ’70 April 7, 2021

Michael R. Hassler ’81 August 14, 2021

Sr. Janet M. Holzer ’49 July 3, 2020

Cornelius F. Miller Jr. ’58 August 8, 2021

Michael E. Forster ’70 December 12, 2020

Dominic A. Dispenza ’82 May 20, 2021

John G. Karle ’49, MD February 23, 2021

William R. O’Connor ’58 April 6, 2021

Thomas M. Linhart Sr. ’70, MS ’73 August 15, 2021

Karen P. (Kuligowski) Braun ’83 June 9, 2021

Francis X. Duffy ’50 June 15, 2021

Bruce E. Bergen ’59 December 12, 2020

Joyce M. Kaiser ’70 July 17, 2021

Joy A. Schweitzer ’83 July 16, 2021

Glenn E. Eschrich ’50 June 24, 2021

Melvin J. Spicer ’59, MD March 29, 2020

Marilee J. Kieffer ’70 July 9, 2021

Raymond J. Brogan ’84 July 7, 2021

Patrick C. Minehan ’50, MS ’52 July 1, 2021

Paul M. Strzempka ’59 July 16, 2021

James J. Lach ’71 June 11, 2021

Daniel J. Rogers ’84 March 20, 2021

James J. O’Grady ’50 June 26, 2021

Rosemary E. Kersten MS ’60 May 8, 2021

Rev. John J. Mergenhagen MA ’71 June 16, 2021

Allan J. McIntyre ’87 August 13, 2021

Joseph E. Ortolani ’50 May 10, 2021

Bart J. Nigro ’61 April 27, 2021

Avanente Tamagnini ’72, PhD July 11, 2021

Robert J. Scahill ’87 April 23, 2021

William E. Weiss ’50 July 21, 2021

William C. Gates ’62 June 17, 2021

Leonard J. Durski ’73 March 31, 2021

Timothy D. Lebek ’88 July 13, 2021

Thomas J. Crage ’51 May 31, 2020

Regina E. Gier ’63, MS ’54 April 18, 2021

Rev. William J. Hallahan MA ’73 April 3, 2021

Maureen B. Degnan MBA ’90 February 25, 2020

Daniel F. Dempsey ’51, PhD August 20, 2021

Peter D. Hassett ’63 July 24, 2021

Thomas A. Raab ’73, MD April 11, 2021

Marjorie H. Bujake ’90 May 1, 2021

John R. Ganey ’51 April 24, 2021

Anthony J. Lafornara ’63 May 6, 2021

Paul A. Wojdyla ’73 March 31, 2021

Rosaria (Marzullo) Philippone ’91 May 20, 2021

Edward M. Kraus ’51, MS ’54, PhD June 24, 2021

John G. Grim MS ’64 August 13, 2021

Timothy J. Daly ’75 July 24, 2021

Adam M. Ruben ’91 March 1, 2021

Robert M. Mahany ’51 August 16, 2021

Gerald J. McKenna ’64, MBA ’72 April 30, 2021

Edward F. Gibbons Jr. ’75 June 8, 2021

Marietta C. Lafornara ’92 March 17, 2021

Martin J. Browne ’52 June 23, 2021

Robert W. Hickey ’65 October 8, 2020

Lois (Jennetti) Hooper MS ’75 May 9, 2021

Gale F. MacMullin MS ’92 July 7, 2021

Richard W. Harlach ’52 April 25, 2020

James E. Rybaczeski ’66 April 7, 2021

John C. Miller ’75 August 16, 2021

Mark O. Rivard MS ’97 April 24, 2021

Louis A. Hurliman ’52 April 8, 2021

Rabbi Michael M. Remson ’66 January 8, 2020

Darrell T. Stack ’75 April 24, 2021

Gregory A. Awarski ’01, MBA ’03 July 16, 2021

Herschel J. Balsom ’53 July 3, 2021

Melvin C. Schrader ’66, MS ’69 July 31, 2021

David J. Wessel ’75 May 15, 2021

Ginger D. (Owens) Anderson ’03 August 10, 2021

Joseph S. Haroney ’53 June 21, 2021

Richard P. Zywicki ’66 April 28, 2021

Bruce M. Augustyn ’76 August 13, 2021

James M. McNeill ’03 April 28, 2021

James P. McKenna ’53 January 1, 2021

David A. Chank ’67 May 27, 2021

Joseph S. Gumlak ’76 May 8, 2021

Michael C. Vacanti ’04, MSED ’05 August 25, 2021

Griffin was a towering presence at Canisius and throughout the Western New York community.

A renowned attorney and civil rights advocate, he represented a group of Black Muslims incarcerated at Attica State Prison in the 1960s, securing them the same religious freedoms accorded other prisoners.

A decade later, Griffin won a landmark case between the NAACP and Buffalo Public Schools, which resulted in a massive desegregation program that changed the makeup of city schools.

Robert J. Mertzlufft Sr. ’53 May 13, 2021

Matthew M. Zack Jr. ’67, MD July 31, 2021

Anne S. Meltzer ’76, MBA ’83 June 5, 2021

Diane Andreana ’05, MS ’06 May 22, 2021

Daniel C. Tomczak ’53 November 17, 2020

Phillip R. Bromberek ’68 May 25, 2021

James P. Stabel ’76 January 22, 2021

Adam L. Capizzi ’05 April 25, 2021

Gloria (Carriero) Safee ’53 June 21, 2021

Darold W. Conklin MS ’68 July 14, 2021

Carl P. Burgio MS ’77 January 2, 2021

Dacey E. Madigan ’17 May 30, 2021

For employing the law to champion causes of the disadvantaged, Canisius College named Griffin a Distinguished Alumnus in 2003 and conferred upon him an honorary doctorate degree in 2014.

Peter A. Vinolus ’53 April 29, 2021

Timothy R. Dzierba ’68, PhD March 9, 2021

Paul E. Quagliana ’79 May 3, 2021

‘18 MS Therno Diallo is the new assistant director for facilities and operations at Rutgers University in New Brunswick, NJ. He was the assistant athletic director for events and marketing at DePauw University in Greencastle, IN. ‘18 MS Kelly Mandell-Klumpp, a senior analyst at Brisbane Consulting Group LLC, was named to the New York State Society of Certified Public Accountants (NYSSCPAs) “Forty Under 40” list. She is also actively involved in the NYSSCPAs Buffalo

‘18 BS Jacob A. Montante joined Uniland Development Company as a loan analyst and portfolio manager in the Capital Markets Group. Previously, Montante was a financial analyst with CREDE of Irvine, CA. ‘18 MSEd Desmond Rudd is a new adjunct professor at American University for its AUx2 Course which focuses on race, social identity and structures of power. Rudd is also the CEO and founder of The Equity Table.

‘18 MS Luke Warnken is a new pediatric orthopedic surgery and sports medicine physician assistant at Mary Bridge Children's Hospital in Tacoma, WA. He previously was a physician assistant student at Wichita State University.

Weddings Michelle A. Bradley ’13 and William A Lorenz Jr. ’09 June 26, 2021*

Makayla A. Santiago MS ’17 and Eric J. Forebel December 31, 2020*

Charlotte C. Cowley ’11 and Jonathan C. Dombrowski July 3, 2021*

Kevin C. Schmitt ’15 and Melissa Churak June 19, 2021*

Charles F. Killian MS ’17 and Maggie P. Fage July 24, 2021*

Zachary K. Trumpler ’17 and Katelyn Seifert July 10, 2021*

Heidi G. Maines ’07 and Brandon Beil May 1, 2021*

Kaitlin E. Vienne ’13 and Zachary D. Silverberg ’12 May 11, 2021*

Jacqueline M. Mistretta ’13 and Brandon Harbridge October 4, 2020*

Peter N. Zona MS ’19 and Danahy C. Haley August 21, 2021*

‘19 BS, MS ‘20 Nolan D. Hunt started a new role as manager for ICS Plant Specialists in Buffalo. He previously worked as an office manager at Charlies Auto Center in Westfield.

‘19 BS Matt G. Mcleod is a business development representative for Float, a computer software industry in Toronto, Ontario. Prior to his new position, Mcleod played professional hockey with the Brampton Beast Hockey Club.

‘20 BS, MBA ‘21 Ian M. Clark-Gullick joined Arcara Zucarelli Lendi & Associates CPAs PC as a staff accountant. He was a litigation analyst consultant for Buffalo Business Solutions.

‘21 BS Caleb Graham is a new medical assistant at Primary Care of Western New York. He most recently worked as a contact tracer in PCG Digital in Eatontown, NJ. ‘21 BS Jacob T. Randall is a new marketing and client services associate at Emerge Capital Management.

babygriffs Christian M. Blum ’88 and Anne Marie (Powalski) Duquin-Blum ’02, MSEd ’04, a daughter, Teresa, born April 14, 2021 Victoria N. (Erdman) Levine ’16, MSEd ’19 and Jordan D. Levine ’14, a daughter, Theresa Elizabeth, born September 21, 2020

Shawn Parkhurst ’14, MS ’15 and Katelyn Parkhurst, a son, Matthew, born May 7, 2021

*Married in Christ the King Chapel

IN MEMORIAM Canisius College mourns the loss of a loyal alumni leader and benefactor. Richard F. Griffin ’54, HON ’14 died on October 14, 2021. He was 88.

Griffin is survived by his wife, Jane F. Griffin, PhD, HON ’14.

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alumniprofile

alumniprofile

The Karate Kid Brian Irr ’09, MS ’11 makes Olympic history stepping into the ring with the first U.S. karate team Story: Martin J. Haumesser / Photo: Sonny Lopez Photography

Brian Irr ’09, MS ’11 never dreamed of competing in karate at the

“The knowledge I gained at Canisius helped me in my sport,”

Olympics when he took up the Japanese martial art at age eight

Irr says “I gained an understanding of my body, how it functions

in Lockport, NY. It wasn’t an Olympic sport at that time. Nor was

and how I can push my limits in training without overdoing it.”

it when Irr began competing and winning medals internationally, including a gold medal at the 2019 Pan American games and a bronze at the 2015 Pan American games.

International Olympic Committee added karate to the summer 2020 games. “For this opportunity to occur at this point in time

That changed this summer when, after decades of campaigning,

during my competitive career, I knew it was special and that I had

karate kicked its way onto the Olympic stage. Brian Irr was there

to make the push to really pursue this full time,” says Irr, who is

for the history-making debut.

ranked No. 9 in the world.

Irr represented the United States as a member of the first

Without a job or even a place to stay, Irr made the necessary move

Olympic men’s karate team in Tokyo. He fought in the 75-kilogram

to Dallas, TX to train at the Academy of Classical Karate, renowned

class of kumite (pronounced coo-meh-tay), the name for sparring

for producing champions in the martial arts and in life. He spent

competition.

the better part of the next two years traveling the world to qualify

“It’s amazing to be a part of the first and only Olympics for karate –

for the Olympic team. The physical, financial and emotional tolls

the sport will not be included again in future games,” Irr says.

were great but Irr eventually secured the opportunity of a lifetime

“I've always wanted to attend the Olympics – I never thought that

following a qualification tournament in Paris.

I would be there as an athlete.”

As part of the four-man U.S. Olympic karate team, Irr went up

Irr’s shot at Olympic glory began in his hometown of Newfane,

against teams from Saudi Arabia and Iran. He advanced to the

NY, when his parents enrolled he and his younger brother in karate

30

Those limits were put to the test following news that the

elimination round before being defeated by Croatia. But for Irr,

lessons as an outlet for the two rambunctious boys. Before long,

just being at the Olympics was a triumph in itself.

Irr began to qualify for and compete in local, regional and national

“To me, the most exciting part about the whole process has been

karate tournaments.

the journey: the obstacles that were seen and overcome, God’s

Irr continued with karate while pursuing his bachelor’s degree in

provisions of the opportunities I had and just how all the pieces

athletic training and master’s degree in physical education. He

fit together.”

balanced night classes with internships and training, and traveled

Irr is currently teaching physical education at an elementary school

regularly to spar at junior world championships and on the junior

in Plano, TX and training for his next competition – at the world

team at the Pan American games.

karate championships in Dubai.

CANISIUS COLLEGE M AGA ZINE FALL 2021

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Non-Profit Org U.S. Postage PAID Buffalo NY Permit No 794

Canisius College Magazine 2001 Main Street | Buffalo, NY 14208 | canisius.edu

Griffin Della Penna ’23 scored a big break this fall, when Canisius named him a ‘voice of the Golden Griffins.’ The gig gives this aspiring sports journalist an opportunity to call the play-by-play for select Canisius games and get hands-on experience with the ESPN 3 and ESPN+ broadcasts, produced out of the Golden Griffin Sports Broadcast Center.

These real-life learning opportunities prepare students for real life success, and are made possible by support to the Canisius Fund.

Gifts to the Canisius Fund ensure an affordable college education – and much more. They help fund study abroad programs, service immersion trips, guest lectures and state-of-the-art facilities such as the Golden Griffin Sports Broadcast Center, which give students like Della Penna practical learning experiences in their field.

INVEST IN SOMEONE

Special

Make your Canisius Fund gift today by visiting canisius.edu/give.

Double your impact:

All new and increased gifts to Canisius are being matched. (See page 16.)

Griffin Della Penna Class of 2023

CANISIUS FUND