New university initiatives double down on affordability and post-graduation success
As I write this message, I am reflecting on the transformative experiences of the past few months — both for me personally and for our university community. My recent participation in the Ignatian Colleagues Program, sponsored by the Association of Jesuit Colleges and Universities, which included a journey to El Salvador, has reinforced my deep appreciation for the Jesuit mission that guides everything we do at Canisius.
In El Salvador, I witnessed firsthand the legacy of courage and service exemplified by the Jesuit martyrs and the many people they inspired to answer the call. Their commitment to justice and the power of education to lift people up, in the face of tremendous adversity, reminded me why our work matters so profoundly. We are not simply preparing students for careers; we are forming leaders who will make a difference in the world.
This sacred mission comes alive in the pages of this magazine. The experiences our students have at Canisius challenge them to look beyond themselves and ask the question: How can I use my education to make an impact?
Because a Canisius education changes lives, and by extension communities, our commitment to making this transformative education accessible is mission critical. The initiatives highlighted in “Delivering on the Promise” reflect our unwavering dedication to affordability and post-graduation success.
The thread connecting the stories in this issue, from the streets of New Orleans to the halls of our campus, is our shared commitment to the Ignatian ideal of being people for and with others. Whether through service, innovative programming, or accessible education, we are living out our mission to form graduates who will lead lives of meaning and purpose.
As I look back on my three years leading this institution, I am proud we have prioritized what matters most to students and families. As we look toward the future, I am energized by the potential I see in our students and the dedication I witness in our faculty and staff. Together, we continue to build a university community that honors our 500-year-old tradition while meeting the challenges of our time.
Thank you for accompanying us on this remarkable journey.
AMDG
President Stoute
President
Steve K. Stoute
Chief of Staff
Cecelia Gotham ’13, MS ’15
Director of Public Relations & Executive Editor
Audrey R. Browka
Creative Director
Patty Herkey
Sue Hough
Contributing Writers
Mary Ellen Bakowski ’ 85, MBA ’ 90
Andrew Coddington ’ 13
Jessica M. Mitrovits
Photography
Brianna Blank ’14
Tom Wolf ’86
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FEATURES
DELIVERING ON THE PROMISE
TOP 100MBA
Rising up the Rankings
The Wehle Business School earned recognition among the nation’s elite business programs in U.S. News & World Report’s 2025 Best Graduate Schools rankings. The Wehle School placed among the top 100 graduate business programs nationally, positioning it in the top 20% of AACSB-accredited business schools nationwide.
“This recognition underscores the quality education and practical value we deliver to our MBA students,” says Dean Shawn O’Rourke, PhD. “Our continued rise in the rankings reflects our blend of strong academics and real-world business experience, which resonates with students and employers in today’s competitive marketplace.”
Canisius rose 15 spots from last year to rank 90th nationally. The university also ranks 10th among MBA programs in New York State. Notably, Canisius outperformed regional institutions including Rochester Institute of Technology and Duquesne University, while earning recognition alongside respected programs such as the University of Rochester and Syracuse University.
This latest recognition builds on Canisius’ growing reputation for excellence in business education. Earlier this year, the university’s online master’s in business programs debuted at No. 66 nationally and No. 2 in New York State in the U.S. News & World Report rankings for Best Online Master’s in Business Programs.
Niland Leads Academics Through Changing Higher Ed Landscape
Bridget Niland, JD, PhD, stepped into the role of vice president for academic affairs this past semester, bringing with her a clear vision for Canisius’ academic future.
With more than two decades of higher education experience – including senior leadership roles at Niagara and Daemen universities – Niland is focused on elevating the faculty-student experience that defines a Canisius education.
“The relationship between faculty and students is the heartbeat of any academic institution,” Niland says. “What distinguishes Canisius is how deeply those relationships are woven into the student experience. Our faculty care deeply about teaching, advising and research and we’re committed to supporting that work.”
That commitment is already taking shape as Niland works to institute new initiatives that promote interdisciplinary collaboration and empower faculty to drive curriculum innovation. She is also prioritizing the development of flexible learning pathways for adult and non-traditional students, aligning academic programs with the evolving demands of today’s workforce, and modernizing classroom technologies.
Niland holds a PhD in higher education leadership and policy from the State University of New York (SUNY) at Buffalo, where she also earned a JD.
Bridget Niland, JD, PhD
Canisius Grads Challenged to Serve Greater Good
Canisius University celebrated the Class of 2025 during commencement ceremonies Saturday, May 17, where two distinguished alumni speakers challenged graduates to embrace their roles as servant leaders.
The ceremony for the College of Arts & Sciences featured Rev. Zachariah Presutti ’07, SJ, addressing approximately 270 graduates. The afternoon ceremony celebrated about 500 graduates from the Wehle Business School and School of Education and Human Services, with Buffalo Common Councilwoman Zeneta Everhart ’11 as the featured speaker.
Both Everhart and Presutti received honorary doctorate degrees from President Steve Stoute, who told graduates, “Your Canisius education has prepared you to look at the world around you and say—we can do better, and then do it.”
New Acrobatics & Tumbling Program has Griffs Set to Soar
Canisius named Mel Goulding the first head coach of the university’s newly added acrobatics and tumbling program. Goulding joins the roster after serving as an assistant coach at Buffalo State University, where she helped build the Bengal program from the ground up and was part of the staff when the school posted its first program victory.
Women’s acrobatics and tumbling is set to begin competing in fall 2025. The addition of the new athletic program is aimed at elevating student experiences on campus while expanding opportunities for female student-athletes at the highest level of intercollegiate sports.
Acrobatics and tumbling combines different athletic disciplines –gymnastics, dance and competitive cheerleading – with individuals and small groups performing coordinated acrobatics. First organized collegiately in 2009, the sport is overseen by the National Collegiate Acrobatics and Tumbling Association (NCATA) and has been adopted as an NCAA Emerging Sport for women across all three of the organization’s divisions.
Father Presutti, founder of the Thrive for Life Prison Project, shared stories from his work with incarcerated individuals, telling graduates that “no one is beyond the reach of hope.” He challenged them not to overlook people on the margins but to run toward the world’s needs “armed with compassion and deep courage.”
Councilwoman Everhart urged graduates to view challenges as opportunities. “Pressure is a privilege,” she said while sharing her journey as a 27-year-old Canisius student raising a son as a single mom. Everhart encouraged graduates to “be your biggest, most authentic self” and live out the Jesuit mission of service.
The Class of 2025 joins Canisius’ worldwide alumni network of more than 50,000 graduates.
Canisius Grows its Academic Portfolio
The university is expanding its academic offerings in fall 2025 with three new programs designed to meet evolving student and industry needs.
The School of Education and Human Services will offer a fully online graduate-level Advanced Certificate in Sports Performance. Students receive specialized training and earn prestigious National Academy of Sports Medicine (NASM) Certificates of Distinction in Performance Enhancement, Corrective Exercise, Sports Nutrition and Behavior Change Specialties.
A new All Grades Advanced Certificate in Literacy provides comprehensive training for educators to become literacy specialists across all grade levels. The program aligns with New York State Science of Reading initiatives and offers flexible formatting for working professionals.
Canisius also established a 4+1 educational partnership with Hilbert College that enables students to begin taking Canisius education courses during their sophomore years, then transition to complete their MS in education with New York State certifications in adolescent education and special education.
Zeneta B. Everhart ’11, HON ’ 25
Rev. Zachariah F. Presutti ’07, HON ’ 25
Seeking Justice –Before the Saints Go Marching In
A service trip opens students’ eyes to inequities in New Orleans.
Story by: Audrey R. Browka
Canisius University students immersed themselves in New Orleans’ educational landscape during a transformative service trip that challenged their understanding of education, social justice and community resilience. Co-sponsored by Campus Ministry and the Teacher Education and Leadership Department, the trip focused on New Orleans’ education system and its recovery following Hurricane Katrina, which severely damaged or destroyed 110 of the city’s 126 public schools.
“The trip exemplified how Jesuit values shape the educational experience,” says Marya Grande, PhD, professor and chair of the Teacher Education and Leadership Department. “It’s about more than learning. It’s about understanding our broader responsibility to community and social justice.”
During the trip, students volunteered at four schools within the Crescent City School Network. They examined how the education system adapted to profound challenges and learned about the complex social injustices that affect school systems, including poverty, homelessness, food insecurity, institutional racism and the criminal justice system.
“This trip gave me an excellent opportunity to see the educational environment in a city that is quite different from Buffalo,” says adolescence education major Connor Smith ’26.
“One of the unique components of the New Orleans' education system is that there are no public school districts, instead students have public charter networks and private school options. In speaking with the administrators at each school, I was able to understand the challenges they face balancing significant student needs with the resources they have available.”
Many participants, who began student teaching this past semester, reflected on how they would apply their new insights in the classroom.
“My teaching and engagement practices broadened as my understanding of educational challenges and relationships has deepened,” reflects adolescence education major Eamon Wallace ’25. “Through this experience, I was able to see, firsthand, how valuable those relationships are, as well as the power of teachers motivating one another.”
In addition to their work in the classrooms, students visited Whitney Plantation, which offered an unfiltered perspective on historical injustices, examining slavery through the lived experiences of those who were enslaved. They also heard from Annie Phoenix, PhD, executive director of the Jesuit Social Research Institute at Loyola University, New Orleans, who led a discussion on prison reform. Phoenix was the co-founder of Operation Restoration, a nonprofit organization that supports current and former incarcerated women and has established a similar college-in-prison program with Loyola University. She has also authored state and federal legislation to restore the Pell grant for incarcerated students.
“One of the biggest takeaways I had in terms of teaching pedagogy is the idea of the ‘no-nonsense nurturer,’ ” adds Smith. “The idea is that teachers should be middle-ground and neutral when it comes to disciplining. This opened my eyes because I worry about finding balance in classroom management. I felt empowered to come back to Buffalo and use this passion and determination to make a difference no matter where the school is that I will work.”
This trip gave me an excellent opportunity to see the educational environment in a city that is quite different from Buffalo.
- Connor Smith ’26 -
Pa ws - n Learnin g
Five kittens walk into their carriers. There’s no punchline to the bar-style joke setup, though the cats’ names – Dennis, Mac, Charlie, Dee and Artemis – do, in fact, reference characters in the comedy television series “It’s Always Sunny in Philadelphia,” which takes place in a bar. It’s the culmination of weeks of work between the kittens and their teams of student trainers in the animal learning lab. The course, led by Maura Tyrrell, experiential learning coordinator and professor in Canisius’ Animal Behavior, Ecology and Conservation Department, applies behavioral science principles by training foster kittens from the SPCA Serving Erie County.
(For the curious, students who are allergic to cats aren’t up a tree: There’s also the option to train fish.)
Among the techniques that the students practice are luring (bringing attention through space), targeting (identifying a specific point in space to go toward) and shaping (rewarding incremental behaviors), to teach skills such as sit, crate and more. For seemingly simple skills, they carry major implications. Being comfortable in a travel carrier, for example, improves cats’ long-term well-being. Research published in the Journal of the American Veterinary Medical Association found that 40% of cats had not been to the veterinarian compared with just 15% of dogs. The cause: “feline resistance” – running away, hiding, or fighting when they’re forced to do something that they don’t want to do. Their owners also build negative associations around the experience, thinking that it would be better to just try again later – or never at all.
For the two-legged students, applying classroom learning with real subjects imparts skills that extend far beyond training house cats. “Training can really improve [animals’] quality of life,”
says Meg Greenberg ’25 . Greenberg aspires to work in a zoo, where these skills will be critical. As opposed to relying on tranquilization of anesthesia to administer medical care, which is physically and emotionally taxing, training empowers animals to “exhibit behaviors voluntarily,” improving outcomes and the animal-human relationship.
The course challenges students to create detailed training plans, but the need to adapt to a kitten’s unique personality or mood on a given day is inevitable. Problem-solving in real-time is essential to success. Greenberg, whose team worked with Charlie, initially experienced fast progress with simple behaviors such as “sit” and “spin” but stumbled with more complex movements. The team had to backtrack to ensure that they had the foundational behaviors down.
Story by: Andrew Coddington ’13
Having these situations where things didn’t go according to plan or your animal did something that you weren’t expecting was really helpful in preparing us for the real world.
- Meg Greenberg ’25 -
“Having these situations where things didn’t go according to plan or your animal did something that you weren’t expecting was really helpful in preparing us for the real world,” Greenberg said.
With their exam over, the kittens graduate not with a diploma to demonstrate their new skills but a video, which their new owners can use to continue training and bonding.
The students, meanwhile, still have more work to do, but they’ve gained practical experience and a deeper understanding of behavior – animal and human.
“At the end of the day, we can’t force them to do anything,” Greenberg says. “It's on us to change our behavior to set them up for success.”
Delivering on the
New university initiatives double down on what students and families care about most – affordability and post-graduation success.
They came to hear about a secret. On a sunny day in October, students from the Buffalo Academy of Science Charter School joined Canisius faculty, staff and administrators, as well as reporters from the major local news outlets, in the Chester HON ’01 and Diane Stranczek Commons in Science Hall. They were invited for the announcement of a new scholarship initiative, the details of which had been kept under wraps until that point. Now it was time to share.
It’s called the Buffalo Promise Scholarship, and it’s the largest, most comprehensive scholarship program in the university’s 155-year history.
Story by: Andrew Coddington ’13
Photos by: Tom Wolf ’86
It automatically covers 100% of Canisius tuition for four years for qualifying students. And it’s not just limited to those who were in attendance, or even other BuffSci students, or even students across Buffalo’s public and charter schools. Every high-need and middle-income student from the Buffalo area meeting the criteria automatically qualifies.
In its pilot year alone, nearly 1,000 prospective undergraduate students applied for admission to Canisius, marking a 74% increase in applicants from the Buffalo area and a 59% increase from Erie County. More than 300 have been awarded a Buffalo Promise Scholarship after completing the financial aid process,
and 120 have committed to Canisius for fall 2025, as of May 1.
New York State Senator Sean Ryan, who learned about the "big announcement" in a prior conversation with Canisius President Steve Stoute about barriers to higher education, expressed surprise at the program's magnitude during the unveiling.
“This has exceeded my expectations,” he said. “It’s hand-in-glove policy to the beliefs of a Jesuit institution. It warms my heart to know decisions are being made… by the people who believe in a purpose-driven institution and remember the people whom these institutions are designed to serve.”
Soaring costs and sagging outcomes
The Buffalo Promise Scholarship is one of the biggest recent initiatives aimed at addressing the priorities of students and families, which center on two things: affordability and outcomes.
One doesn’t have to look far to see that trust in higher education as a sector is declining. A July 2024 Gallup poll measuring Americans’ confidence in higher education found that they are almost evenly split between “a great deal/quite a lot” (36%), “some” (32%) and “very little/none” (32%). Over the last 10 years, those saying that they had a “great deal/quite a lot” of confidence fell 21 percentage points, while those saying they had “very little/none” rose 22 percentage points.
Cost is among the top reasons driving that decline.
According to an October 2024 story in U.S. News & World Report, “How Much Student Loan Debt Does the Average College Graduate Have?” students in 2023 who took out loans to pay for college owed an average $29,374 at graduation. In 2008, that number was $21,211. Over a 15-year period, average total debt at graduation among students who borrowed increased by $8,163 – nearly 40%. That number is more pronounced for students at ranked private colleges, for whom the bill rises to $32,062, compared to $25,283 at public institutions.
Canisius has long been a leader in college affordability. Data in the university’s U.S. Department of Education’s College Scorecard reports that Canisius graduates typically owe $24,250 – 24% less than at the average private school and $1,000 less than the average public. That commitment to affordability is part of the reason Canisius placed among the top 5 regional institutions in U.S. News’ “Best Value” rankings for 2025 and has been included in the top 10 every year for the last decade.
Even so, in the Jesuit spirit of magis, it’s not up to an institution like Canisius to decide what is “good enough” – it’s up to the communities it serves. And those communities are asking for more.
Investing in affordability
The Buffalo Promise Scholarship combines with another recent university initiative: the Golden Griffin Guarantee. Announced in April 2024, the guarantee involves a roadmap that reassures students that they can expect to graduate on time in four years. If not, Canisius will waive the cost of up to 15 additional credit hours, equivalent to an additional semester of full-time instruction. The Golden Griffin Guarantee applies to all students.
Building on success
In addition to these initiatives aimed at expanding financial support, the university is leveraging a $5 million gift from philanthropist B. Tom Golisano (page 14) and a $1 million capital grant from New York State to construct a new Student Success Center.
This state-of-the-art center will serve as a one-stop hub for academic advising, career counseling, tutoring, veterans services and more. Many of these services are already offered at Canisius but by bringing them together under one roof, students can better understand what support services are available and where they need to go to engage them.
Moreover, the Student Success Center will play a crucial role in enhancing academic support and career readiness. With access to comprehensive advising and career counseling services, students will be better equipped to navigate their academic journeys and transition smoothly into their professional careers.
Buffalo Promise SCHOLARSHIP
CRITERIA
In order to qualify for the full-tuition scholarship benefit, students must:
+ Apply to and be admitted regular decision to Canisius University as an undergraduate freshman.
+ Currently live in Buffalo, defined as a ZIP code beginning with 142.
+ Live in a household with an adjusted gross income at or less than $125,000.
+ Submit valid applications for the Free Application for Federal Student Aid and New York State Tuition Assistance Program.
+ Attend Canisius for a minimum of two years and remain in good standing throughout their entire academic career at Canisius.
Making it real
These initiatives are not just isolated efforts. They align with Canisius’ broader goals outlined in Answer the Call, the university’s strategic plan. By addressing affordability and further enhancing student support, the university has a keener competitive edge in attracting Buffalo’s best, positioning itself – and its students – for growth and long-term success.
The Graduation Guarantee, Buffalo Promise Scholarship and Student Success Center reflect the university's commitment to its core values of leadership, community and individual empowerment, as well as its vision of fostering an educational environment where every student has the opportunity to achieve more.
Buffalo Common Councilwoman Zeneta Everhart ’11, HON ’25, who concluded the Buffalo Promise Scholarship announcement event, showed how.
When Everhart enrolled at Canisius at 27 years old, she was “going through a lot,” as she put it, being a single mom and having to manage a full-time job. Feelings of doubt and thoughts of dropping out were a weekly occurrence. But while at Canisius, she went on a service trip to India, where she taught English to children in an orphanage.
“That experience changed me,” she shared. “It showed me what a privilege it was to be able to come to school. … It showed me that I could do anything, I could go anywhere, and I needed to be grateful for the opportunity to receive an education – in the United States, in Buffalo, at Canisius.”
“Where I come from, people like me don’t see ourselves graduating from college,” she said. “We don’t see ourselves as public leaders. But universities like Canisius teach us, show us, that anything is possible.”
As the morning light shone through the Commons’ three-story windows, Everhart gave voice to what her presence proved: “Canisius is where leaders are made.”
“ Where I come from, people like me don’t see ourselves graduating from college,” she said.
“ We don’t see ourselves as public leaders. But universities like Canisius teach us, show us, that anything is possible.”
- Zeneta Everhart ’11, HON ’25
Golisano Gift Helps Strengthen Student Success
A $5 million gift from Rochester entrepreneur and philanthropist B. Tom Golisano will help advance the university’s plans to become the preeminent student success university in the region. The gift is part of a $360 million philanthropic initiative Golisano announced in September 2024, benefiting 82 nonprofit organizations across upstate New York. The unrestricted gifts reflect his commitment to causes such as education, health care, disability services and animal welfare.
“The only wealth you get to keep is that which you give away and I am lucky to be able to live that out,” Golisano said. “I hope this unrestricted funding helps organizations build on their success and broaden their impact.”
Canisius will use a portion of Golisano’s gift to develop a centralized hub for student support resources, including academic advisement, career development and accessibility services (page 12).
“The challenges students face in the wake of the pandemic – academically, emotionally and socially – remain significant,” explained Harold Fields, EdD, vice president for student affairs.
“The Student Success Center is our response, bringing comprehensive support under one roof to help students thrive.”
Golisano is the founder and chair of Paychex, a national leader in payroll and human resource services. A self-made entrepreneur, he is equally known for his lifelong commitment to giving back. Since founding the Golisano Foundation in 1985, he has focused much of his philanthropy on improving the lives of people with intellectual and developmental disabilities. His latest $360 million philanthropic initiative nearly doubles his lifetime giving, which now totals $860 million.
“Tom Golisano’s generosity exemplifies the impact that strategic philanthropy can have,” said President Steve Stoute. “Canisius is honored to be part of his legacy and grateful for his investment in our students’ success.”
The
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B. Tom Golisano
WNBA Exec Shares Her Leadership Playbook
WNBA executive and Canisius alumna Keia Clarke ’03 captivated a capacity crowd this spring as the keynote speaker at the university’s inaugural Women’s Leadership Summit. Clarke shared her journey from a Golden Griffin on the women’s basketball team to becoming the first CEO in New York Liberty history. When appointed in 2020, she was also the only Black CEO in the WNBA.
“I’ve spent my entire career focused on the amplification and encouragement of women being at their best,” Clarke told attendees. She emphasized identifying talents, pursuing goals with intensity, and stepping outside comfort zones – principles that shaped her path through prior roles in marketing and operations.
Under Clarke’s leadership, the Liberty claimed its first WNBA championship in 2024, and has seen record growth in attendance and viewership. A business major, she credited her Canisius experience on and off the court “for shaping her leadership philosophy.”
The sold-out summit, themed “Joining One Another on the Journey,” also featured an alumnae panel that discussed career challenges and successes, along with breakout sessions on wellness, empowerment, finances, and networking.
Held during Women’s History Month, the summit “underscores Canisius University’s commitment to creating meaningful opportunities for women,” said Dianna Civello, vice president for advancement.
Celebrating DiGamma’s Centennial
Canisius University marked a historic milestone on April 11 with the 100th anniversary of its prestigious DiGamma Honor Society. For a century, DiGamma has honored individuals who exemplify exceptional service to students, alumni and the broader Canisius community, while reflecting the Jesuit values of leadership and service to others.
This year, 10 new inductees (pictured above) joined the society, continuing its proud tradition.
“This centennial celebration is a testament to the strength and selflessness of Canisius alumni,” said William Lorenz Jr. ’09, president of the Alumni Association and grand master of
DiGamma. “The legacy of being men and women for others continues through this year's remarkable inductees.”
Founded in 1925 as the Coffin Club, the society originally inducted outstanding seniors during the junior prom. Inductions paused during World War II but resumed in 1952 when the Alumni Association revived the honor society. In 1968, the university established the DiGamma Alpha Society to recognize outstanding female graduates. These two groups merged in 1983.
Today, more than 1,600 distinguished members carry the DiGamma legacy forward.
Pictured (l-r): Grand Master William Lorenz Jr. ’09, Maeve E. Huggins ’09, Karl Kozlowski, PhD, Fatima Rodriguez Johnson MS ’98, Brandon Bielecki ’15, MS ’19, Timothy Sanders ’97, Margaret Paroski ’76, MD, Susan Marchione ’85, MS ’99, EdD, Steven Gattuso ’87, MBA ’88, Richard Ryskalczyk ’10 and Jerry Canada Jr. ’86
1960s
’65 BA Michael W. Shurgot published his latest novel, “Seotse: A Visionary Tale,” which completes his Green River Trilogy.
1970s
’75 BA Dan Hurley was awarded the Immaculata Award by the Diocese of Syracuse for his volunteer efforts.
’76 BS Raymond M. Nowicki was appointed by the Board of the American Institute of Certified Public Accountants (AICPA) to be a hearing judge on the organization’s Joint Trial Board.
’76 BS Patricia L. (Hoffman) Simonson received Business First’s C-Level Executives Award. The award recognizes the outstanding leadership and achievements of executives in the Buffalo area.
’77 BS John Matthew Kalinowski joined the Pastoral Care Department at Cooperman Barnabas Medical Center in Livingston, NJ, as a chaplain and supervisor educator for chaplaincy.
’78 BS Peter S. O’Keefe, founder of O’Keefe Stevens Advisory, was named to the Inc. 5000 List. The list celebrates the fastest-growing private companies in America. O’Keefe Stevens Advisory provides financial planning and investment advisory services to individuals and families.
’78 BA Michael F. Pietruszka, retired Erie County Court Judge, received the Judge Elliot Zide Award for excellence in judicial education at the American Judges Association’s Annual Conference in New Orleans.
1980s
’80 BS Jon M. Christiano is the new head coach for Federation Hockey at St. Joseph’s Collegiate Institute.
’83 BA David C. Mineo is the new chief compliance officer at Madison Title Agency LLC.
’88 BA Cherylyn A. Harley Lebon, a partner with Cohen Seglias Pallas Greenhall & Furman PC in Washington, D.C., was appointed as an Independent Board Director at Waste Connections Inc.
1990s
’90 BS Chris Zarra, a private wealth advisor at Ameriprise Financial Services LLC in Westbury, NY, was named to the company’s Circle of Success, which recognizes top advisors for their commitment to serving clients.
’91 BS Mark J. Koziel is the new president and CEO at the Association of International Certified Professional Accountants, the largest professional accounting member body in the world. He previously was president and CEO of Allinial Global.
’91 BA Steven J. Rogers, an independent consultant for Afghan students and staff, was appointed a Fulbright Specialist by the U.S. Department of States Bureau of Educational and Cultural Affairs. The program pairs highly qualified U.S. academics and professionals with host institutions abroad to share their expertise, strengthen institutional linkages, hone their skills, gain international experience and learn about other cultures.
’94 BS Gary J. Kurdziel is the new chief executive officer of Sense Neuro Diagnostics. He most recently served as executive vice president and chief commercial officer for the company, which develops breakthrough technologies that enable continuous, real-time brain injury detection and monitoring.
’96 BA, MS ’99 Kristen A. (Schmidtke) Barry is the new executive director of the Minnesota Academy of Science. Barry is an experienced leader in the educational sector with a long history of fostering partnerships between schools, community organizations, and government agencies. She previously served as senior education specialist with the Mayo Clinic.
’96 BA Kaia (Willikens) Forgét was promoted from senior director of diversity, equity and inclusion (DEI) to vice president of community impact and DEI for major league soccer’s Orlando City.
’97 BS, MBA ’03 Thomas F. Grzebinski, senior director of Gantry, the largest independent commercial mortgage banking firm in the U.S., was appointed to the New York State Board of Real Estate. He is the only board member from Western New York.
’97 BS Eric J. Koch, DO, is the new vice president for medical affairs at Mount St. Mary’s Hospital in Lewiston and its Lockport Memorial Hospital Campus. Koch has been serving in an interim capacity since August 2024.
’97 BS, MS ’04 Kevin E. Wiese was promoted from chief information officer (CIO) to CIO and business operations officer at BestSelf Behavioral Health. The organization provides mental health treatment and rehabilitation for children, adolescents and adults in Western New York.
’99 BA Maria C. (Wichlac) Grove is the new director of development for The Health Collective in Hartford, CT. She also works as an emergency medical technician for Wethersfield Volunteer Ambulance.
2000s
’03 BS Sean J. Quinn is the new regional manager of commercial banking for Tompkins Community Bank in Rochester, where he oversees present and prospective banking relationships within the Buffalo market. Quinn most recently served as the senior vice president and relationship manager at M&T Bank.
’03 BS Jennifer L. Snekser was promoted from assistant professor to associate professor of animal behavior, ecology and conservation (ABEC) at Canisius University after earning tenure.
’04 BA Ben M. Hickey is the new executive director of the Center for Exploratory & Perceptual Arts (CEPA), an artist-founded gallery. He most recently served as interim director at the Hilliard Art Museum in Lafayette, LA.
’06 BA William B. D’Alessandro is a newly-appointed assistant professor of philosophy at William & Mary University in Williamsburg, VA and an external member of the Munich Center for Mathematical Philosophy. He was a Marie Curie Postdoctoral Fellow at the University of Oxford.
’06 BA Katie McIntyre is director of advancement for the Buffalo History Museum, where she leads strategic efforts to secure resources and build relationships that support the museum’s mission. She was director of family engagement and philanthropy at the Nichols School.
’07 BA Rachael C. (Unger) Brown joined the corporate communications team for the Thompson Health Office at the University of Rochester School of Medicine, where she is the communications and marketing lead for the health system. Brown is the former director of marketing and engagement for the university’s Memorial Art Gallery.
’07 BA Joseph P. Heins joined Phillips Lytle as special counsel on its real estate industry team, where he focuses his practice on commercial real estate including leasing, sales, acquisitions and financing. He began his career in the firm’s land, environment and energy practice.
’07 BA, MSED ’12, MS ’17 Andrew J. Lanigan is the new assistant principal at West Seneca East Senior High School. He was assistant principal of discipline at St. Francis High School in Hamburg.
’08 BA Michael A. Ferranti recently became senior vice president at Merrill Lynch Wealth Management, where he’s worked as a senior financial advisor since 2011.
’08 MS Kathryn M. (Belliotti) Hammer is the new associate vice president for advancement at Daemen University, where she oversees fundraising, donor relationships and alumni engagement. She is the former director of alumni and community engagement at D’Youville University.
’08 BS Joe T. Wutz was named partner at The Bonadio Group’s Western New York offices. Wutz has more than 15 years of experience in public accounting, all with Bonadio, and provides tax compliance and tax consulting services to businesses and individuals, with a focus on the construction and real estate industries.
’09 BA Maeve E. Huggins, assistant U.S. attorney for the Western District of New York, received the Foundation’s Achievement Award. The award recognizes dedicated service to law enforcement and crime prevention and is conferred by the Erie County Law Enforcement Foundation.
2010s
’11 BA Kaleigh M. (Ziobro) Borden is the new deputy executive director of research and policy for the Conference of Big 5 Schools, which advocates and promotes urban education issues before federal, state and local entities. Borden previously served as legislative director and chief of staff at the government relations firm of Ostroff Associates.
’11 BA Alicia M. Monaco was named coordinator of English as a new language within the Maryvale School District. She will oversee the K-grade 5 curriculum.
’11 BA Joshua F. Scrivani is a new litigation attorney for the LoTempio P.C. Law Group, where he concentrates his practice on personal injury matters.
’12 BA Carolyn J. (Lavin) DeVaughn, an attorney with Gross Shuman PC, was named a shareholder in the firm. DeVaughn joined Gross Shuman in 2019 and concentrates her practice in the areas of corporate law, banking and finance, and estate planning.
’12 BS, MBA ’13 James E. Fish is the new managing director and senior research analyst at the investment bank of Piper Sandler. He joined the firm in 2017 after serving on the software team at Citigroup.
’12 BA Lauren E. Sformo Leavy was promoted from associate director to director of development and alumni signature events at the Virginia Commonwealth University.
’12 BA Leo M. Michalek is the new manager of BankOnBuffalo’s Clarence Community Office. He and his team manage the financial needs of consumer and business customers.
’13 BS Alexander J. Bussenger founded and is the managing partner of One Eight Capital in New York City. The early-stage venture capital firm invests in the future of personalized and preventative healthcare.
’13 MS Julie Raynsford Berrigan is the new executive director of the ECMC Foundation. She was director of the NCCC Foundation.
’14 BA Lindsey Lauren S. Visser is the new executive director of the Niagara Aerospace Museum. She was executive director of the Italian Cultural Center.
’16 BA Joelle M. Carroll was appointed chief of staff at Daemen University. In this role, she serves as a confidential advisor to the president, oversees communications with campus stakeholders and helps devise official policies for the university. She previously was executive assistant to the chief executive officer at Valmar Holdings.
’16 BS Ashley R. Rogers is a new sales manager for Disney Imagination. She was a team manager for Full Sail University.
’16 BS Amanda N. Smith was promoted to vice president for emerging healthcare technologies, healthcare corporate and investment banking at Wells Fargo in Boston, MA. She was assistant vice president for the company's life sciences group.
’16 BS Alicia M. Wheeler is a new risk manager for Arbor Realty Trust. She was a junior project manager at Uniland Development Company, where she led small- to medium-sized real estate development projects from conception to completion.
’17 BS W Benton Swanson earned his DDS and PhD from the University of Michigan, and is pursuing a surgery fellowship in periodontics at Harvard University.
’18 MBA Kristina M. (Grow) Heffernan was promoted from customer marketing manager to director of customer marketing for foodservice at Rich Products.
’19 BA Branwyn M. Wilkinson is the new assistant director of alumni engagement at Roberts Wesleyan University in Rochester. She was senior assistant director of admissions and events.
2020s
’22 BS Samantha L. Brown is a conservation education teacher at the Pittsburgh Zoo. She also works as an Allegheny County Park Ranger.
’23 BA Brianna M. Propis was promoted from editorial assistant to assistant editor at Rosen Publishing.
’23 BA Allison M. Schifferle is a business insurance marketing assistant with Lawley, an independent insurance broker.
Canisius Magazine Goes Green
As part of our commitment to environmental sustainability, Canisius Magazine is now published twice a year.
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Weddings
Mackenzie J. App ’18 and Sean Furcinito
August 30, 2024
Joseph C. Bieron ’12 and Emily Shanahan October 14, 2023
Laura E. Cavallari ’18 and Nathan P. Riexinger ’18 September 7, 2024*
Patrick T. Clancy ’15 and Angele B. Dimanno September 21, 2024*
Jessica Dieter ’16 and Nick Antoniadis ’16 September 23, 2023
Maria L. DiStefano ’10 and Michael A. Mahr Jr. October 12, 2024*
Abby A. Formella ’13 and Adam Choice October 12, 2024
Dilpreet Kaur ’17 and Jeffrey M. Spencer ’17 May 2023
Sarah R. Palazza ’14 and Jonathan K. Mann ’15 October 5, 2024*
Clare T. Smokowski ’ 21 and Jesse E. Brodka ’ 23 October 12, 2024*
*Indicates married at Christ the King Chapel
THIS ISSUE'S FEATURED BABY GRIFF
Andrew Wayne Powell
born May 28, 2024 to Jennifer (Eberhart) Powell ’08 and Joshua Powell
Lee W. Huber ’16 and Nora M. Kennon ’16 May 25, 2024
baby griffs
Jiayun Liu ’14, a son, Ethan Zhao, born April 15, 2024
Autumn L. (Cloyd) Makin ’15 and Thomas A. Makin ’14 a son, Luke Anthony, born July 1, 2024
Ashley M. (Darrow) Moscato ’15 and Dylan J. Moscato ’15, a son, Bennett William, born March 1, 2024
Dilpreet Kaur-Spencer ’17 and Jeffrey M. Spencer ’17 a daughter, Rose Kaur, born October 3, 2024
Julia A. (Kuczmarski) Thomson ’09 and Jesse Thomson, a daughter, Jacqueline Quinn, born July 21, 2024
