canisiusconnections
David Nalewajek ’74, PhD Senior Principal Scientist | Honeywell International Inc. As the senior principal scientist at Honeywell International, David Nalewajek’s research influences everything from household appliances to space shuttles and global warming. In addition, his contributions to chemistry extend beyond the laboratory and into countless Western New York classrooms. Nalewajek is the architect of “Science in the Classroom,” a hands-on, educational program that focuses on the importance of chemistry in everyday life. He initiated an after-school science club for at-risk and inner-city youth within the Buffalo School District. And a weekend chemistry program that Nalewajek started at the Buffalo Museum of Science is now a month-long event that attracts upwards of 3,000 students each fall. At Canisius, Nalewajek helps secure funding from Honeywell International to support the local Chemistry Olympiad. The competition, which tests high school students’ chemistry knowledge and skills, helps Canisius attract the best and brightest students.
Central New York Alumni Chapter The Bellevue Country Club was the setting for Canisius alumni in Central New York who celebrated the Christmas season and also paid tribute to guest-of-honor Canisius President Rev. Vincent M. Cooke, S.J. Pictured l-r: Kathlyn Schofield, James P. Schofield MS ’73, Kristen Campbell Eichhorn ’99, PhD and Amy Stanton Vergamini ’99.
Mary Elizabeth Roehmholdt ’71, MD Neurologist Mary Elizabeth Roehmholdt is a board-certified neurologist who maintains a private practice and is a clinical assistant professor of neurology at SUNY Buffalo. The most meaningful moment of her career came in the 1980s, when the Bishop for the Catholic Diocese of Buffalo asked her to serve as the examining neurologist on a Dunkirk woman who claimed her prayers to the Blessed Mary Angela Truszkowska were answered. The woman was miraculously cured of pain, which she endured as a result of diabetic peripheral neuropathy. Roehmholdt’s consultation, examination and testimony proved crucial in eventually leading to the beatification of the Blessed Mary Angela. Her written testimony is now housed in the Vatican library.
Mary Robertson Wittenberg ’84 President/CEO | New York Road Runners Mary Robertson Wittenberg is the first female president and CEO of the New York Road Runners, the world’s foremost running organization. She is responsible for more than 50 road races, including the New York City Marathon, which annually attracts 100,000 applicants a year, many of whom are world-class, professional athletes. Wittenberg also oversees the organization’s four Web sites, New York Runner magazine and the New York Road Runners Foundation, which provides free fitness programs to children in underserved communities. Included among her many accomplishments are the creation of the World Marathon Majors, the U.S.A. Cross Country Championships, and the inaugural New York City Half-Marathon. Wittenberg also established several community programs that introduce running to underprivileged children.
Capital District Alumni Chapter Canisius President Rev. Vincent M. Cooke, S.J., was the guest of honor during a January reception at the National Press Club. Hosted by the Capital District Alumni Chapter, the reception drew nearly 45 Canisius alumni and friends from the Washington, D.C. area. Pictured l-r: Scott Sroka ’94, Wesley Reppert ’09, Dan Smeragliuolo ’78, and Natalie Fike ‘07
CANISIUS COLLEGE MAGAZINE • WINTER 2010
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