Canisius Magazine- Spring 2018

CANISIUS COLLEGE MAGAZINE | SPRING 2018

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COMMEMORATING 50 YEARS OF THE AFRO-AMERICAN SOCIET Y

president’sperspective

Two years ago, I sat one evening with about 50 of our students of color to talk about the state of diversity and inclusion on the Canisius campus. What I heard that night was disturbing. Our students described for me a Canisius in which they did not feel fully welcome. They said that diversity was more or less tolerated on the campus but was hardly celebrated. They felt stereotyped by faculty and students, and they were often intimidated in classes in which they were the lone face of color. They did not see much of the history and culture of their people in the college’s curriculum.

This was not an angry, demanding group of students. (Indeed, I was the one who had requested the meeting.) Our students said that they were so proud to be studying at Canisius and they wanted to have that feeling reciprocated by the college, by the faculty and staff, and by their fellow students.

I listened carefully that night and left the meeting concerned about just how much progress we had made in the past 50 years at Canisius. We put in place a task force to develop a plan for encouraging uncomfortable conversations on race on the Canisius campus. In the past 18 months, we’ve been developing new programs to put our students face-to-face to discuss race. We’re working with our faculty to equip them with the tools to explore difficult issues when they arise in the classroom.

And, we decided that we needed to celebrate – and I mean truly celebrate – the contributions of the Afro-American Society, a student club founded 50 years ago by African-American students who wanted many of the same things that today’s students want. Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. always recognized that the struggle for equal rights would be a long one. Journalist Roland Martin, a recent speaker on the campus, delivered a very challenging message to the campus community that the struggle goes on and that much remains to be done.

I commend to your reading our account of the founding of the Afro-American Society (page 6). I invite you to the campus in April to join in the events commemorating this great club. May we continue to learn from our history and recommit ourselves to the goal of truly celebrating the contributions of all of our students at Canisius.

features

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Cover Story

Our Past, Our Progress Commemorating 50 years of the Afro-American Society and its influence at Canisius

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Faculty Notes

A Framework for School Safety New study outlines greatest risk factors for violence

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Alumni Spotlights

Leather Bound Cameron Brown ’82 built a luxury, upholstery leather business from humble beginnings

Gifted Hands Neurosurgeon Erin E. Biro ’02, MD, practices medicine’s most difficult art

<<<20 Growth Cycle

John Brinkworth Jr. MBA ’96 revs up Buffalo Harley-Davidson while fueling the spirit of a family business

Do you recognize these faces?

Our cover photo appeared on page 168 of the 1972 Azuwur. Unfortunately, the individuals pictured were not identified.

So we’re asking for your help.

If you recognize either or both of these students, email us at ccmag@canisius.edu so we can properly identify them in our next issue.

blue&goldbriefs MAAC Champs

College Magazine

Men’s basketball scores best regular season record since 1993-94

SPRING 2018 I VOLUME 18, ISSUE 1

President John J. Hurley

Congratulations to Jermaine Crumpton ’18.

The senior forward was named the 2018 MAAC Co-Player of the Year, as voted on by the conference’s 11 head coaches. He is the fourth Canisius player to win the MAAC’s Player of the Year title.

Vice President for Institutional Advancement William M. Collins Director of College Communications & Executive Editor Eileen C. Herbert ’04, MS ’15 Managing Editor Audrey R. Browka Creative Director Patty Herkey Art Director Cody Weiler Contributing Writers Kristin E. Etu ’91 Martin Haumesser Kate Lockhart Photography Brianna Blank ’14 Stephen Legendre

For the first time in 24 years, the Canisius College men’s basketball team scored a share of the MAAC regular-season championship. The Golden Griffins rolled past Marist, 98-74, in the regular-season finale at the Koessler Athletic Center on February 25. The win secured a second-seed spot for the Griffs (behind Rider) in the MAAC Tournament – the best conference seeding for the Blue & Gold since 2001. No. 7 seeded Quinnipiac went on to upset the Griffs, 72-69, in quarterfinals play in Albany.

Still, the MAAC regular season victory improved Canisius’ record to 21-10 overall and 15-3 in MAAC play. The 21-win season matches the program record for wins in a regular season.

The 1993-94 edition of the Griffs also won 21 games en route to the program’s first MAAC regular season crown. The 15 league wins this year mark a new program record. It also earned the Griffins a bid to the College Basketball Invitational (CBI).

The Golden Griffin ice hockey team also skated into the postseason after defeating Niagara, 3-2, in the regular-season finale. The win secured the Griffs a second place standing in the Atlantic Hockey Conference and a No. 2 seed in the league’s postseason tournament. The Griffs defeated AIC in a best-of-three playoff series March 9-11, which earned the Blue and Gold a trip to the AHC semifinal round for the fifth time in the last six seasons. While Canisius saw its season end in the semifinals with a loss to eventual league champion Air Force March 16, junior forward Dylan McLaughlin was named the Atlantic Hockey Player of the Year, the third player in program history to win that honor. McLaughlin was also named a Hobey Baker Award Top-10 Finalist prior to the start of the conference’s semifinal game. The Hobey Baker Memorial Award, college hockey’s equivalent to the Heisman Trophy, is the highest award an NCAA Division I hockey player can receive.

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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Become a Master in Data Analytics

Canisius introduces graduate program in emerging field Big business is beginning to harness the computational power of data analytics and Canisius students will be ahead of the curve.

In fall 2018, the college will introduce a master’s degree program in the emerging field of data analytics, which applies fundamental scientific principles to the analysis of large, complex data sets. Available in full- and part-time options, the program will function as a uniquely interdisciplinary major designed to provide students with a graduate-level education in three core components: statistics, computer science and business.

Considered the "next frontier of innovation," data analytics careers are in demand in fields such as market research, financial fund management, insurance and risk management, cyber security and sports analytics. Visit canisius.edu/data for more information or to apply.

blue&goldbriefs Commencement 2018 Alumnae from WNY medical community deliver remarks Two prominent leaders from Western New York’s medical community will deliver commencement addresses to the Canisius College undergraduate and graduate classes of 2018.

Allegra C. (Thompson) Jaros ’93, MBA ’96 will speak to the graduate Class of 2018 on Wednesday, May 16 at 7:00 p.m. Jaros is president of the new John R. Oishei Children’s Hospital. She played an instrumental role in the evolution of the hospital’s operational and business development strategies, which resulted in physician recruitment, improvements in qualitycare delivery and the overall experience for patients, physicians and staff. Most recently, Jaros oversaw the successful planning and execution of the hospital’s relocation from Bryant Street to the Buffalo Niagara Medical Campus. She holds both a BA (finance) and MBA from Canisius.

At 10:00 a.m., Saturday, May 19, Norma J. Nowak ’79, PhD, will address the undergraduate Class of 2018. Nowak is the executive director of the University at Buffalo’s Center of Excellence in Bioinformatics & Life Sciences and an acclaimed researcher in the field of human genomics. Her efforts contributed directly to the Human Genome Project, which described the sequencing of the human genome and resulted in genomic-based approaches to understanding heritable disorders and cancer. Nowak later founded Empire Genomics LLC, which offers genetic tests for more than 200 ailments and diseases, enabling personalized medicine.

Nowak earned a BS in biology from Canisius, and an MS in natural sciences and a PhD in experimental pathology from the University at Buffalo.

Canisius will confer honorary degrees upon Jaros and Nowak during commencement ceremonies. Also receiving honorary degrees in May: Rev. Daniel L. Benning, pastor of the Upper Room Church of God in Christ and New York Central Jurisdiction’s Chief Adjutant; Edward Burke Carey ’69, president of Carey Realty Investments in Columbus, OH; LeRoi C. Johnson ’71, attorney and owner of the Law Office of LeRoi C. Johnson and acclaimed artist; Daniel P. Starr ’58, PhD, professor emeritus of history and longtime director of athletics at Canisius College; and Gerald Zon ’67, PhD, director of business development for TriLink BioTechnologies in San Diego, CA.

Teacher Residency

Canisius adopts a new framework for educating educators Canisius is taking an innovative approach to training the next generation of educators with the establishment of the Western New York Teacher Residency. Through this new program, aspiring educators will complete master’s level coursework while building their skills under the guidance of experienced teachers and leaders in high-need schools and districts.

“Similar to medical school residencies, residents in this new program will co-teach for a full year alongside veteran educators who will coach and gradually ease them into more responsibilities throughout the school year,” says Jeffrey R. Lindauer, PhD, dean of the School of Education & Human Services. He explains that urban teachers need extended experiences in the field to meet the needs of school-dependent students.

Approximately 10 individuals will be selected for the first year of the residency program. They will be eligible for a Teacher Residency Scholarship and collect a living wage stipend during year two of the residency. Upon completion of the program, residents will receive priority hiring status and make a three-year commitment to teach in an urban school in Western New York.

“The hope is that the residency program creates a pipeline of committed urban educators,” adds Lindauer.

Slated to launch in fall 2018, the WNY Teacher Residency is supported by a two-year grant from the Cullen Foundation. For more information, visit canisius.edu/teacher.

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Renault Robinson, executive director of Afro-American Patrolman's League of Chicago, speaks during Black Experience Week at Canisius, 1972

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We, the undergraduate Afro-American students of Canisius College, recognizing the integral role black culture plays in today’s society, feel that we are obligated to acclimate the Canisius College community to black culture and society, and seek cultural rapport between all people. We hope to accomplish this by unselfishly making available to the Canisius College population any resources we may have.

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–The Preamble of the Constitution of the Afro-American Society – Established 1968

Afro-American Society AT CANISIUS COLLEGE

Story: Audrey R. Browka

As Robert H. Maloney readied for graduation day in May 1971, he took a moment to savor his past four years at Canisius: The young intellectual was about to earn his bachelor’s degree in

The Founding Members of the Afro-American Society at Canisius College:

history and head off to Harvard Law School. He knew his edu-

Frank E. Barbee ’70

cation and various roles within student government prepared him well for a lifetime of both leadership and service. And then,

Arnold (“Arnie”) Daniels Jr. ’71, PhD

there was the legacy that he and a small but resolute group of

LeRoi C. Johnson ’71

students would leave behind at Canisius.

Albert D. Kirkland ’71

“We wanted to make a point,” Maloney recalls. “We went to then

Robert H. Maloney ’71

President Rev. James M. Demske, SJ, and said ‘We have a culture.

We have contributed. Maybe things hadn’t been right in the past but we wanted to help make things right now. Father Demske listened and gave us the opportunity.”

Maloney is referring to the establishment of the Afro-American Society (AAS) at Canisius in 1968. The student club turns 50 this

Pan-African Flag The colors red, gold, green and black accent this issue’s

year and to commemorate the milestone, the college is hosting

cover story. They signify

“Our Past, Our Progress,” a campus- and community-wide series

the Pan-African flag, which

of events that continues through the end of April (see page 9 for upcoming events).

“Sometimes great things are born out of challenges and the Afro-American Society at Canisius is one such example,” says committee co-chair Janelle (Minor) Brooks ’04, MS ’06. “This anniversary provides us with an opportunity to reflect on those challenges as well as the many triumphs that followed when a group of five men at Canisius saw the need to take a stand.”

represents various countries and territories in Africa and the Americas.

Each color symbolizes a different Pan-African ideology: Green = Fertility of land Gold = Harmony between ethnic/religious groups Red = Blood of African people Black = African people

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Historic years such as 1968 don’t come around very often.

Seismic social and political changes were roiling the country and the world: Tensions ran high amidst the Cold War between the United States and the former Soviet Union. Protests continued over U.S. involvement in the burgeoning Vietnam War. And racial inequality persisted despite a civil rights movement that successfully fought to outlaw racial segregation and discrimination, with such legislative victories as the Civil Rights Act and Voting Rights Act. Then, the movement lost its leader. On April 4, 1968, the Rev. Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. was shot and killed while standing on the balcony of his hotel room in Memphis, TN. As Americans reeled in grief and rage, a moral revolt ignited among college students who opposed U.S. political policies and questioned social norms of oppression and prejudice.

Born against this backdrop was the Afro-American Society at Canisius.

“It was a time of great civil unrest and one in which younger people wanted to be more involved in the politics and life of the world,” recalls LeRoi C. Johnson ’71.

Johnson and Maloney were among a handful of African-American students attending a predominantly white Canisius in 1968.

“Together, we realized we had a responsibility to make things better for people of color at Canisius,” Maloney says. “By making things better for people of color, we were going to make things better for all people at the college.”

This group of five African-American men became a force for change at Canisius. They founded the Afro-American Society. A student club, yes, but one with an infrastructure focused less on social activities and largely on advocacy initiatives aimed at “diversifying the student body, diversifying the academic curriculum and introducing diversity to the campus community,” explains Johnson.

Founding members became admissions ambassadors, of sorts. They canvassed city high schools to encourage academically qualified minority students to consider Canisius. A new scholarship program was established by the college at the urging of the AAS and with the full support of Father Demske. The Martin Luther King Jr. Scholarship offered 20 full academic scholarships to students of color who met the college’s admissions criteria.

“The MLK Scholarship was the impetus for me attending Canisius,” says Lilly A. Adams-Dudley ’72, MS ’85.

An inaugural recipient of the MLK Scholarship, Adams-Dudley earned her undergraduate and graduate degrees from Canisius. She now oversees the MLK Grant Program at Canisius plus several additional initiatives that offer educational opportunities for students of color and others with exceptional financial need. Adams-Dudley is associate dean of Canisius’ Opportunity Programs for Education (COPE).

“It was a strange time and place back then, as most of us MLK recipients attended high schools that had far more students of color than what we encountered at Canisius,” Adams-Dudley recalls. “But we were determined not to allow our meager number to deter us from our goals.”

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0 With the first of many sought changes underway, the men of the Afro-American Society directed their attention toward the absence of diversity in the academic curriculum. The student club proposed the introduction of a black history course.

“Students of color didn’t have anything to identify with in the classroom,” Johnson says. “We learned about American history and British history but not about black history, black heroes or the racial undercurrent surrounding the social problems of the time.”

History Professor Walter G. Sharrow HON ’13, PhD, heeded these concerns and developed the college’s first black history course.

He told The Griffin at the time, “The need for such a course is vitally important.”

Despite some dissent among Canisius faculty, who doubted the need for such a course, and a few students suspicious of a white man teaching it, Sharrow’s syllabus proved to be a significant departure “from the vague and incomplete history generally discussed in history classes,” Maloney explains. Instead, “Sharrow brilliantly dove deep into the long and misunderstood history and culture of African-Americans, often relating the black past to the present and the future.”

The success of that first course spurred the creation of many more, including African-Americanization, African-American Institutions, the History of Africa, the Reconstruction Era and the Sociology of Race Relations.

“Interestingly enough, once the courses were established, they attracted students across the entire race spectrum,” recalled the late Sociology Professor Jesse E. Nash Jr. HON ’93 in a 2007 Canisius Magazine interview (see more on Nash, page 11).

If diversity in the curriculum educated white students to the black experience, then the Afro-American Society’s Black Experience Week introduced the same population to the breadth and depth of black culture and community. The seven-day event hosted in spring 1968 featured a lecture by Cleveland Mayor Carl B. Stokes, the first African-American mayor to lead a major U.S. city; a performance

by Dick Gregory, a legendary comedian and civil rights activist; a concert by The Main Ingredient, a popular rhythm and blues band at the time; and a visit from Muhammad Ali, the three-time world heavyweight boxing champion.

Each occasion drew vast, overflow crowds from on and off campus, surprising even the AAS organizers.

“That first Black Experience Week, that whole first year – we felt as if we conquered the world,” says Maloney.

Nothing could dampen the Afro-American Society’s spirits. Not even the cautionary commentary that came, albeit unexpectedly, from Rev. Neil L. Ver’Schneider, SJ, then chair of the Martin Luther King Committee at Canisius.

“Father Ver’Schneider visited the AAS club room to congratulate us on our successes,” Maloney recalls. “He then said it was ‘unfortunate it wouldn’t last.’ Diversity, he said, was not something that could survive at an institution like Canisius.”

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Fifty years later, however, the Afro-American Society endures at Canisius, as does its influence on diversity.

“Student clubs have come and gone but the Afro-American Society remains steadfast,” says Vice President for Student Affairs Terri L. Mangione, PhD. “Throughout its existence and still today, it keeps the focus on issues of diversity and inclusion for all students of color across all areas of the college.”

Afro-American Society club members, 1976

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It was a time of great civil unrest and one in which younger people wanted to be more involved in the politics and life of the world.

-LeRoi C. Johnson ’71

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True to the founding mission, the foremost goal of the AAS remains equal representation in education. Certainly, the establishment of the Martin Luther King Jr. Scholarship in 1968 marked a seminal moment for Canisius in its effort to increase enrollment among students of color. Several more initiatives with similar strategic purpose followed over the years.

•T he Arthur O. Eve Higher Education Opportunity Program (HEOP) helps make private higher education a reality for New York State students - many of them minority students - who are academically underprepared and economically disadvantaged.

• The Academic Talent Search at Canisius identifies students from low-income households throughout the city of Buffalo who have the potential for academic success at the college level.

• Another hallmark program introduced was the Urban Leadership Learning Community (ULLC). Established in 2000 with the help of the McGowan Charitable Foundation, the goal of the program was to educate and create a new generation of leaders for Buffalo from its populations that have historically been denied positions of influence and power. Eighteen years later, the ULLC mission continues to provide Western New York’s academically talented students with scholarship support, and room and board discounts, so they may obtain an education that fosters academic excellence, extracurricular involvement and service to others.

“My experience coming to Canisius was very different than many of my predecessors because I arrived on campus with a cohort of diverse individuals,” says Janelle Brooks, a ULLC alumna and past president of the Afro-American Society.

Afro-American Society club members, 1977

Our Past, Our Progress Upcoming events April 14 Afro-American Society Fashion Show Montante Cultural Center April 20 Afro-American Society Kente Stole Celebration Science Hall Commons Drea D’Nur Concert Montante Cultural Center April 21 Afro-American Society Ball The Pearl at the Lafayette Hotel April 22 Alumni Brunch Richard E. Winter ’42 Student Center (Regis Room)

Brooks studied not only alongside students of African-American descent but of Latino, Middle Eastern and Native American descent. Her coursework was similarly reflective of the racial and ethnic diversity of students: A drama class largely focused on African-American literary works; a religious studies and theology course that delved deep into African religions; a philosophy class that probed injustice and oppression as a result of race and class. She also benefitted from a program known as the African-American Experience, which incorporated innovative coursework, field trips and cultural encounters to expose students to elements of African-American history.

“Even though the college lacked diversity among its faculty, I always felt very fortunate to have professors – across all disciplines – committed to teaching about ethnically and racially diverse groups and experiences,” adds Brooks.

At the same time the classroom curriculum evolved to integrate and educate ethnically and racially diverse groups, so too did the college’s residence halls.

By the early 1990s, Canisius began to see an uptick in the number of students who wanted to live on campus. Slowly, this primarily commuter college became a residential one. As it did, Canisius’ traditionally homogenous housing became more diverse, with a mix of students from different racial and ethnic backgrounds, sexual orientations, and physical challenges.

For more information or to purchase tickets, visit www.canisius.edu/alumni/reunions.

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“It was as if we were in a cultural petri dish,” says Vincent D. Clark ’97, a past president of both the Afro-American Society and Undergraduate Student Association.

Afro-American Society President Farrell D. Tate ’76 speaks at Black Experience Week, 1972

For many, the experience of living on campus marked the first time they shared a room, a bathroom and common living spaces with people they did not know.

“The intimacy of living together with people different than you can really challenge engrained stereotypes, break down racial barriers and lend itself to the promotion of tolerance,” Clark continues.

So too can student organizations, which play a vital role in the college experience.

The Afro-American Society was the first to orient the campus community to African-American culture. Its influence later served as the impetus for several new student clubs, each of which echoed their own native interests: The Latin American Students and Friends (LASAF) club promotes the culture and language of Hispanic countries around the world. The Society of Asian Students exposes the student body to cultures of the East. Global Horizons promotes the awareness of all the diverse cultures represented on campus, including the college’s international students.

“What we’ve started to see more of recently is a cross section of students getting involved in all these culturally diverse clubs,” says Mangione. “It’s less about ‘This club aligns with my race or culture’ and more about ‘This club is engaged in activities that interest me.’”

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What matters is that we’re students, first and foremost, and although some of us may look different or act different, there’s more commonality among us than not.

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Despite strides made in diversity and inclusion, Canisius is not immune to incidents of harmful and negative stereotyping that arise and remind us there is still much work to be done to educate people, and to help them to appreciate diversity and embrace inclusion. Though these occasions expose significant divisions that still exist, “they also afford opportunities for important dialogue,” adds Mangione.

These opportunities come in many different forms at Canisius, where the college’s new strategic plan outlines a commitment to diversity in its recruitment, academic programs, policies and practices.

Part of that plan included the creation of a Campus Conversations on Race task force. Chaired by Mangione, the group was charged with developing a comprehensive and sustainable strategy for inclusion across campus. Recommendations from the task force currently being implemented include the addition of diversity training for public safety officers. Additionally, the college made improvements to the diversity and inclusion education and awareness programs for new students. A new Racial Diversity Team was formed with the goal of continually seeking input from students, faculty and staff regarding racial diversity and inclusion, as well as the development of new educational and awareness programming.

“At the end of the day, it doesn’t matter what color we are or where we’re from,” says current AAS President Clarise Simmons ’18.

“What matters is that we’re students, first and foremost, and although some of us may look different or act different, there’s more commonality among us than not.”

Afro-American Society club members, 1977 10

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-Clarise Simmons ’18

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Influential Father Figure JESSE E. NASH JR. PL AYED A CRITICAL ROLE IN HELPING STUDENTS OF COLOR ACHIE VE THEIR GOAL S

Black Experience Week, 1972

It was fall 1967 when that small but resolute group of African-American students first took their concerns about the position of the black student to the Canisius administration. Standing there alongside them was the late Jesse E. Nash Jr. HON ’93, encouraging the young men to find their purpose and achieve their goals.

Too often, the ivory tower of academia gets a bad rap.

A giant at Canisius, both literally and figuratively, the late professor of sociology/ anthropology, who stood 6' 7," was the sole faculty member of color for the majority of his tenure on the small and predominantly white Canisius campus. When he saw a growing number of African-American students beginning to enroll at Canisius, Nash recognized their need for a mentor – someone who could help them find their voices at Canisius and in the world beyond.

Colleges and universities are criticized as intellectual havens with little to no interaction with the outside world. In reality, the work done here at Canisius and at college campuses everywhere ultimately informs public policy and procedures, drives medical and technological breakthroughs, and can stir the mass adoption of social change.

Sometimes that change starts small, as it did in the 1960s when a group of five AfricanAmerican men challenged the status quo at Canisius. They realized then that the work was just beginning. That it would be up to those who followed, and those who followed them, to peel back the cloak of isolationism that often accompanies diversity.

A half-century later, there’s no doubt more must be done. But for those compelled to question just how far the college has come, let us refer them to someone who was there at the beginning.

“Make no mistake about it, Canisius has come a long way,” Robert H. Maloney ’71 recalls, following a recent visit to campus. “As I looked around campus, I saw a rainbow of diversity. It makes me so proud to be an alumnus,” says the Canisius Board of Trustees member.

Maloney again, savored the moment, wishing he could share it with one other person.

“I immediately thought of Father Ver’Schneider,” Maloney adds. “And I said to myself, ‘God bless you Father – but you were wrong.’”

“He never said it but we knew by his actions that Professor Nash felt compelled to serve as an educator and role model for students of color at Canisius,” recalls former student and friend David I. Rudder ’96, PhD. Nash never shied away from the responsibility.

His classroom served as a safe and intellectually stimulating home for all students to have open and honest conversations about race, class and gender.

“Without question, these conversations propelled students individually and Canisius as a community to foster an inclusive environment,” adds Rudder. “He emphasized that Canisius was not isolated but rather a microcosm of the struggles taking place in society at-large. To this day, I am inspired by the man and friend that Professor Nash was to me personally, and the gift he was to Canisius College.”

In the halls of Old Main and at social activities across campus, Nash became a friendly and familiar face to all students. “The best way to build bridges, he used to say, was by investing in meaningful relationships with one another,” Rudder says.

Those relationships proved instrumental in Nash’s careful work bringing about change on campus – and in the community at-large, where his influence burgeoned.

As president of Seventy-Eight Restoration, an organization focused on neighborhood preservation and economic development, Nash helped forge the development of the Emerson Row Apartments for low-income families. During his tenure as executive director of Model Cities Buffalo, Nash worked to improve the physical, social and economic well-being of inner-city residents. He was instrumental in such civic projects as the War Memorial Stadium Restoration Project and the Buffalo Waterfront Alternatives Study. The Jesse E. Nash Health Center on Buffalo’s East Side also became one of the first locally to base its fees on income level.

Jesse Nash passed away May 11, 2016 at the age of 90. His wisdom lives on today in the lives of so many Canisius students who turned to him for guidance, and city residents who continue to benefit from his civic activism.

advancement Distinguished Citizen Board of Regents to Recognize Roswell President & CEO, Candace Johnson Candace S. Johnson, PhD, will accept the Board of Regents Distinguished Citizen Award during the college’s 52nd annual scholarship ball on May 5. Johnson is president and chief executive officer of Roswell Park Comprehensive Care Center. She is the center’s 15th president and CEO and the first female leader in its 120-year history. The Canisius Board of Regents is recognizing Johnson for her contributions to the civic and economic well-being of the region.

Johnson became CEO of Roswell Park in 2015 and is credited with re-energizing the organization, largely by attracting and recruiting the world’s best physicians and researchers to Western New York. Under her strategic vision, Roswell Park also increased its revenue and visibility, introduced innovative cancer vaccines, opened a new radiation oncology center and launched a spin-off biotech company dedicated to identifying groundbreaking immunologic approaches to treating cancer.

The Canisius College Regents Scholarship Ball is the principal fundraiser for the Board of Regents Scholarship Fund, which provides financial support to Canisius students. Tickets for the event are now on sale.

For more information, visit canisius.edu/regentsball or contact Courtney T. Sullivan, assistant director of advancement events, at sulli121@canisius.edu.

Donor Profile

Anthony F. Shelley ’84 supports the spirit of the law at Canisius Anthony F. Shelley ’84 feared the worst when he saw the words “See me after class” written on his first college paper. It turned out that he was pleasantly surprised.

His English professor, Paul M. Dowling, PhD, told him he didn’t belong in an introductory English class. Dowling said Shelley belonged in the All-College Honors Program and helped to get him enrolled.

Dowling’s influence, coupled with challenging honors coursework laid the groundwork for Shelley's law school education at Harvard University and his successful 30-plus-year career, including as a managing partner at Miller and Chevalier in Washington D.C. He concentrates his practice on employee benefits litigation.

“The rigorous writing and analysis required in the All-College Honors Program was the best preparation for becoming a lawyer,” Shelley says. “I am constantly making oral arguments, much like when we presented in class.”

Appreciative of the trajectory on which his education set him, Shelley became an inaugural member of the Desmond Law Society at Canisius. In this role, he advises current and prospective students contemplating legal careers.

He also established the Anthony ’84 and Lisa Shelley Pre-Law Scholarship Fund. The scholarship is awarded to juniors in the college’s pre-law program who maintain a 3.75 GPA and who plan to apply to law school in fall of their senior year.

When asked about the impetus behind his generosity to the college, Shelley responds, “I want to be an ambassador for the school in order to give future Canisius students similar opportunities to those that I had.”

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advancement Patrick Lee Establishes Scholarship in Son’s Memory $2 million gift to benefit students who demonstrate financial need The legacy of Patrick “Pat” Warn Lee will live on at Canisius College through a newly endowed $2 million scholarship.

Established by Patrick P. Lee HON ’99, the Lee Foundation Scholarship Program will support students who study finance, computer science, mathematics and statistics, and physics. The scholarship coincides with a similar $2 million endowed chair that Lee created to support the Palliative and Supportive Care Program at Roswell Park Comprehensive Cancer Center. Both honor the memory of Lee’s late son, Patrick Warn, who passed away September 4, 2017.

“These gifts, made in memory of my son, will allow Roswell Park and Canisius to have greater impact and will align with the Lee Foundation’s commitment to mental health and post-secondary education,” says Lee. “The endowed chair at Roswell will expand the emotional and psychological supports for cancer patients and their families. The scholarship fund at Canisius will provide academic opportunities for science and math students. My family and I are proud to have Pat’s legacy carried forward by these outstanding community institutions.”

The Lee Foundation Scholarship Program at Canisius will award two scholarships of $10,000 each to freshmen who demonstrate financial need and a commitment to excel in one of the targeted majors. Scholarships are renewable over four years. Additionally, in the inaugural year of the program, eight scholarship awards will support juniors and seniors in the targeted majors who are at risk of not completing their educations at Canisius due to financial circumstances. The program will provide $10,000 per student, per academic year to relieve a portion of unmet financial need and reduce post-graduation debt. Juniors may receive scholarships for a second year as long as they remain in good academic standing.

“Patrick Lee is a longtime benefactor and dear friend to Canisius College,” says President John J. Hurley. “We are extremely grateful to him for his continued commitment to the future of the college, and it is a privilege to honor the memory of his son in this way. The Lee Foundation Scholarship Program will be a key part of our strategy to recruit the best possible students to Canisius who can truly enhance the intellectual life of the campus.”

Patrick Lee has a long history of support at Canisius College. He served in a variety of roles including as a member of the Board of Trustees (2000-2006) and the Board of Regents (1980-1986).

Ralph C. Wilson Jr. Sports Scholarships Awarded Mary Wilson, wife of the late Buffalo Bills owner Ralph C. Wilson Jr., visited Canisius to award the latest recipients of the namesake’s scholarship.

Awarded annually, the Ralph C. Wilson Jr. Sports Scholarships assist academically deserving student-athletes from Western New York and Southern Ontario.

Pictured (l-r) are: Greg Staebell ’18 (swimming), Meghan Tyler ’18 (swimming), Mary Wilson, Michael Shenal ’19 (swimming) and Marissa DiRienzio ’19 (swimming).

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facultynotes A Framework for School Safety New study outlines greatest risk factors for violence As the pace of school shootings unfortunately increases, a new study by Counseling and Human Services Professor Ann Marie Lenhardt, PhD, provides insight as to what risk factors present the greatest potential for violent acts.

The research focused on 18 premeditated cases of secondary school shooters between 1996 and 2012, and examined 22 indicators of school violence in three areas: individual factors and behaviors, family dynamics and triggering events. “The higher the number of risk factors present, the greater the potential for violent acts,” explains Lenhardt.

Most revealing, she explains, was that 94 percent of the shooters demonstrated a lack of resiliency or inability to rebound from unpleasant experiences. This factor, coupled with 83 percent of shooters who exhibited poor coping skills, “proved to be among the most deadly combinations.”

Aside from individual behaviors, the study found that family dynamics is one of the most prominent psychosocial factors linked to school violence. And though “the majority of perpetrators came from intact families,” explains Lenhardt, “those families were often deficient in emotional closeness and in knowledge about their adolescents’ lives.”

Considering the implications of these findings on administrators, policy makers and educators, the study makes recommendations “on how schools can develop a systematic violence prevention and intervention model to successfully identify and provide services to students of concern,” concludes Lenhardt.

“A Framework for School Safety and Risk Management” was authored by Lenhardt with coauthors (and former students) Lemuel W. Graham MS ’02, a counselor at South Buffalo Charter School, and Melissa L. Farrell MS ’03, director of clinical operations for Spectrum Health & Human Services.

IN MEMORIAM Canisius is saddened to report the passing of Philip Pfaff, PhD, emeritus professor of economics and finance.

Pfaff died on February 27. He was 81.

A long-standing faculty member, Pfaff arrived at Canisius in 1979 and was one of the first professors to incorporate computers into the classroom. Over the years, he taught financial modeling, portfolio analysis and statistics, and compiled an impressive list of publications including a textbook.

A respected faculty member and colleague, Pfaff was former chair of the Economics and Finance Department and the Faculty Senate. He also served on numerous college-wide governance committees.

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In Print

WEB EXTRA > For a more in-depth look at Dr. Lenhardt’s research, visit canisius.edu/magazine.

The Rise of Pentecostalism in Modern El Salvador: From the blood of martyrs to the baptism of the spirit Timothy H. Wadkins, PhD Professor, Religious Studies & Theology

Recommended Reading

by Timothy H. Wadkins, PhD The Fisherman Chigozie Obioma “Winner of the Man-Booker Prize, The Fisherman describes Nigeria’s troubled and chaotic social and political culture through the lens of a mythic family tragedy.

It is narrated with elegant simplicity by a 10-year-old boy and is a must read for anyone curious about Africa’s past and present.”

alumnispotlight

Leather Bound Cameron Brown ’82 built a luxury, upholstery leather business from humble beginnings Story: Martin Haumesser Photography: Tom Wolf '86

Cameron Brown ’82 started his company 29 years ago on the third floor attic of his home in North Buffalo. In fact, he named the company “garrett” – an old English word for attic – to reflect its simple beginnings. Through hard work and determination, he took the business through the roof.

Brown recalls working as a property manager, a delivery driver for industrial bearings and a house painter while he attended Canisius College at night, earning a degree in business administration.

Today, Garrett Leather is the largest, independently owned wholesaler of upholstery leather in North America, doing business in 25 countries across five continents. Brown is actively involved as chair of the company, which employs nearly 50 people at the Buffalo headquarters (five are Canisius alumni).

After graduating from Canisius, Brown considered a move to Maryland when a friend steered him to a job at an international wholesaler of Italian upholstery leather with a Buffalo office. There he went from unloading pallets to becoming general manager, all the while learning the ins and outs of the upholstery leather business.

Garrett Leather works with interior designers, upholsterers and manufacturers from all over the world to supply fine leather for automobiles, motor coaches and residential interiors, including the White House. High quality leather from Garrett can also be found on the private yachts and jets of celebrities such as Jimmy Buffet, Taylor Swift and Harrison Ford and on Disney cruise ships and at The Grand Ole Opry.

Brown was married with a 1-year-old son when he set off on his own to form Garrett. He struggled at the start but some business relationships with Learjet and a furniture manufacturer in Montreal enabled Brown to capture more business and build a reputation as one of the hardest working people in the leather industry.

“Earning the degree gave me a solid background for eventually starting my own company,” he says.

“I’ve always had a passion for marketing and sought to build a company that appeals to clients because we are very good at what we do while going above and beyond in service,” he explains.

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alumninews

Distinguished Alumni

Leaders in their fields recognized for professional contributions The Distinguished Alumni Award honorees are:

Ashli (Skara) Dreher ’95 Special Education Teacher, Lewiston-Porter High School

Michael J. Edbauer ’84, MBA ’12, DO President and CEO, Catholic Medical Partners

Francis J. Felser ’81 President, Bryant & Stratton College

Ashli Dreher is a special education teacher at Lewiston-Porter High School, where she works with students with developmental disabilities. Her unique programming engages family members and achieves incredible results for her students. Dreher’s invaluable guidance continues outside the classroom as she places her special needs students in internships with local businesses to better prepare them for the workplace.

An innovator in the field of medical management and healthcare consulting, Michael Edbauer helps to reshape the model of medical care in Western New York. He is president and CEO of Catholic Medical Partners (CMP) and the first physician to run the organization since it was formed in 1996. In this role, Edbauer oversees a network of more than 1,000 physicians and five member hospitals.

As president of Bryant & Stratton College, Francis Felser executes a strategic plan that provides students of the private career college with a customized educational approach that couples academic theory with real-world, career-related applications. It’s a holistic blueprint available to all Bryant & Stratton’s 14,000 students at 19 campuses nationwide.

A role model to all educators, Dreher speaks at statewide conferences on the topics of transition, parental involvement and educational reform. Earlier this year, she became the first educator from the Buffalo Niagara region to be inducted into the National Teachers Hall of Fame.

Under his direction, CMP received accreditation from the National Committee for Quality Assurance in disease management of coronary artery disease, congestive heart failure and diabetes.

Felser’s accomplishments are many during his 25-year tenure with Bryant & Stratton.

He greatly expanded the institution’s digital learning approach and led the transition from a nationally accredited college focused on skills-based training to a regionally accredited college that develops careerready students.

The power of the Canisius alumni network became even stronger in January with the launch of Canisius Connect.

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alumninews The Canisius College Alumni Association hosted the annual Distinguished Alumni awards dinner on November 18, 2017. Six graduates of the college received the prestigious award which recognizes alumni who have made significant contributions in their chosen professions and who, through their leadership, add distinction to their respective fields.

Rhonda Allen Frederick MPA ’03 President and CEO, People Inc.

Mary F. (Jenkins) Roberts ’77 Executive Director, The Martin House

Walter D. Webdale ’57 President and CEO, AHC Inc.

Rhonda Frederick is president and chief executive officer of People Inc. where she advocates for more than 12,000 clients with special needs and their families.

Mary Roberts studied accounting at Canisius College so it’s fitting that she now oversees one of Buffalo’s greatest assets.

Walter Webdale is considered a pioneer of urban renewal. A 50-year veteran of the affordable housing industry, he is now president and chief executive officer of AHC Inc., a non-profit developer of affordable housing based in Arlington, VA.

She joined Western New York’s leading notfor-profit health and human services agency in 1980, starting in a group home when the agency employed a total of 200 people, and steadily worked her way up through the ranks. Today, she is the CEO of the agency that employs nearly 4,000.

Under her watchful eye, People Inc. saw improved outcomes and expanded into independent senior housing. Frederick was also at the forefront of the agency’s commitment to person-centered solutions to improve the quality of life for individuals receiving services.

As executive director of the Frank Lloyd Wright Darwin Martin House in North Buffalo, Roberts manages the comprehensive restoration of the architectural masterpiece.

Under her leadership, the Martin House raised approximately $50 million for more than six major phases of renovation. Roberts’ efforts ensure that Frank Lloyd Wright’s internationally acclaimed architectural treasure will endure.

The agency takes a holistic approach to providing housing for low- and moderateincome families. Under Webdale’s leadership, AHC more than tripled its multifamily housing portfolio. The award-winning resident-services program has expanded to reach 3,000 children, adults and seniors annually through onsite education programs.

Adopted by the Office of Alumni Engagement, in conjunction with the Griff Center, the new software platform is a private online community for Canisius alumni and students interested in professional networking, career development and mentorship. Alumni members can volunteer to share career experiences with current students or recent graduates who can build their professional networks with fellow alumni.

“Canisius Connect provides alumni with a way to connect with alma mater in a meaningful way, beyond chapter events and social media,” explains Liz Culliton, director of alumni engagement. “Whether someone is offering professional help or asking for it, this new network will strengthen engagement so that students and alumni can continue to succeed.”

Visit www.canisius.edu/alumni to sign up for Canisius Connect.

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alumnispotlight

Gifted Hands

Neurosurgeon Erin E. Biro ’02, MD, practices medicine’s most difficult art Story: Audrey R. Browka Photography: Stephen Legendre

In Erin E. Biro’s line of work, there is no margin for error. A slip of just a few millimeters may mean the difference between a positive prognosis, paralysis or worse.

“If I’m not a little nervous going in, then I’m not respecting the responsibility I’ve been given,” says the neurosurgeon on staff at the Ochsner Medical Center in New Orleans, LA. Biro practices medicine’s most difficult art. She is tasked daily with performing the most precise of operations on the brain, the organ that controls virtually everything about us.

“There is something so completely elegant about the brain,” she adds. “It’s a privilege to be able to operate on this organ that makes people who they are.”

A pre-med major at Canisius, Biro entered SUNY Upstate Medical School undecided about whether to pursue surgery or medicine. Everything changed during her first operating room experience.

“I observed a craniotomy,” Biro recalls. “The experience piqued my interest in neurosurgery and really started me on my path.”

It’s a path few female physicians travel.

According to the American Board of Neurological Surgery, women represent just 5 percent of the nation’s 3,689 practicing, board-certified neurosurgeons. Biro is an ideal case study.

Upon joining Ochsner Medical Center five years ago, she became the first, and remains the only, female neurosurgeon on staff. She is also the sole female neurosurgeon practicing in the greater New Orleans area.

“I actually think many of my patients connect with me because I am a younger neurosurgeon and female,” she explains. “They connect these attributes with a degree of empathy that may not be as evident among some of my male counterparts.”

Biro’s 10-hour days often fluctuate between clinical practice and surgical procedures, of which she performs nearly 200 a year. Any spare time is spent with husband, C.J. Bui, MD, a pediatric neurosurgeon at Ochsner, and their two young children, Ellie and Christian.

The family travels and spends approximately one month each year in Ho Chi Minh City, Vietnam, where Biro and Bui volunteer at Children’s Hospital #2. The government hospital serves all of South Vietnam with a population of 45 million.

“They just don’t have enough access to quality and affordable healthcare,” Biro explains.

And so theirs is a mission trip that involves operations, donations and education.

Aside from treating pediatric patients, Biro and Bui teach the latest operating methods and diagnostic procedures to their Vietnamese counterparts. With the assistance of Ochsner Medical Center, the couple donates contemporary surgical tools and supplies to the hospital.

“Our goal is to help position the medical professionals so they may provide both better treatment and better care for their patients,” she says.

It’s a philosophy around which Biro has built her successful practice – delivering compassionate, individualized care and always treating the person behind the patient.

“I spend as much time with my patients as they need so they feel truly comfortable with their diagnosis and their care plan,” she says. “I want them to know their time and care are important to me.”

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alumnispotlight

alumnispotlight

Growth Cycle John Brinkworth Jr. MBA ’96 revs up Buffalo Harley-Davidson while fueling the spirit of a family business Story: Martin Haumesser Photography: Brianna Blank '14

John Brinkworth Jr. MBA ’96 says he has the coolest job in the world. As vice president and owner of Buffalo Harley-Davidson in Orchard Park, he heads one of 600 dealers in the country that market the legendary motorcycle brand and the mystique that surrounds it.

While Brinkworth worked at the shop growing up, he earned an accounting degree from SUNY Geneseo and took a job with a company in Pennsylvania. He returned to Buffalo to work for a local truck company when Harley-Davidson corporate began to go full throttle for market share.

“We are not just selling motorcycles – it’s a lifestyle and a culture,” Brinkworth explains. “A Harley-Davidson is therapy, a release from the every day, where the rider can let his or her alter ego loose.”

By the 1990s, the corporation became more involved with its dealerships, launching a strong marketing effort and increasing motorcycle sales tenfold. Brinkworth’s father asked him if he would like to join the family business but suggested he get an MBA first.

In addition to bikes, the Buffalo dealership offers sales, service and storage for motorcycles, as well as a full line of Harley-Davidson clothing and accessories.

Buffalo Harley-Davidson has come a long way since Brinkworth’s parents bought it in 1979. The eighth oldest Harley dealership in the country, the business was a small shop in Buffalo when Brinkworth’s father, John Sr., went to work there after being laid off at Bethlehem Steel.

“My parents were bikers before it was cool and my father knew everything about fixing motorcycles,” Brinkworth says.

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“He knew I would need that added education to keep up with the new corporate culture at Harley-Davidson,” Brinkworth says. “I have the work ethic I learned from my dad – he still comes in every day at 77 years old and is nationally known as a top restorer of HarleyDavidsons. The MBA from Canisius helps me think critically about all aspects of the business.”

Today, Brinkworth is married with three children. He recently rode 3,500 miles across the country with his son, Jack, to attend the annual Harley-Davidson meeting in Los Angeles, CA, where they met with Matthew Levatich, president and CEO of Harley-Davidson Inc.

alumninotes 1950s

1970s

’51 BS Richard L. Hutton, a retired accountant, was inducted into the Kenmore West High School Athletic Hall of Fame.

’71 BA, HON ’97 Anne (Driscoll) Gioia, co-founder of the Roswell Park Alliance, was named to Buffalo Business First’s Power 100 Women list.

’53 BS Lawrence M. O’Connor was posthumously inducted into the St. Joseph’s Collegiate Institute Sports Hall of Fame.

’73 BS Jan A. Nowak, MD, PhD, clinical chief of molecular pathology for Roswell Park Cancer Institute, received the CAP Laboratory Improvement Programs Service Award from the College of American Pathologists.

1960s ’60 BS Dennis F. Vanderwerf, a retired optical physicist, published a book titled The Story of Light Science: From Early Theories to Today’s Extraordinary Applications. ’65 BS G. Donald Frey, PhD, professor emeritus of radiology for the Medical University of South Carolina, received the Edith Quimby Lifetime Achievement Award from the American Association of Physicists in Medicine. ’66 BA William P. Dillon, MD, associate professor of obstetrics and gynecology with the University at Buffalo, was selected to the Education Board of the American Health Council. ’69 BA, MSED ’73 Joseph D. Scanlan, EdD, a retired principal for Notre Dame High School, was inducted as an administrator into the Notre Dame High School Sports Hall of Fame.

’74 BA Michael A. Giambra, director of sales and patron services for the Buffalo Philharmonic Orchestra Society, was officially honored for his service to the orchestra as he transitions to retirement. ’74 BA Dennis C. Walczyk, chief executive officer for Catholic Charities of Buffalo, was named to KeyBank’s Buffalo Advisory Committee.

’77 BA, MS ’80 Donna J. (Billings) Luh, owner of Luh Consulting Services, was recognized by New York Governor Andrew Cuomo for nine years of public service on the board of the New York State Thruway Authority. ’77 BS Mary F. (Jenkins) Roberts, executive director for Martin House Restoration Corp., was named to Buffalo Business First’s Power 100 Women list. ’78 BA Kenneth R. Monaco, chaplain resident for the St. Joseph Campus of Sisters of Charity Hospital in Cheektowaga, was ordained a deacon on September 16, 2017. He was appointed to St. Amelia Parish in Tonawanda. ’78 BA Nancy (Wutz) Ware, president and chief executive officer for EduKids Inc., was named to Buffalo Business First’s Power 100 Women list.

’75 MBA Christine F. Procknal, chief operations officer for Meals on Wheels of WNY, was appointed to the Presbyterian Senior Care of Western New York Board of Directors.

’79 BA Norma Nowak, PhD, executive director for the New York State Center of Excellence in Bioinformatics and Life Sciences and founder of Empire Genomics LLC, was named to Buffalo Business First’s Power 100 Women list.

’76 BA Rev. Michael H. Burzynski is the new administrator for St. John Kanty Parish in Buffalo. He will continue as pastor for St. John Gualbert Parish in Cheektowaga.

’79 BS Robert L. Zotara is the new director of marketing and communications for Brothers of Mercy.

He was the president of the PMA Group.

1980s ’81 BS Billy D. Pray recently celebrated his 30-year anniversary with MetLife Insurance. He is an automobile claims supervisor.

CL ASS ACT

’81 BA John M. Roehmholdt, MD, a urologist with Western New York Urology LLC, is the outgoing commodore of the Olcott Yacht Club. ’81 BS, MBA ’90 Mark E. Wood was promoted from vice president to administrative vice president of risk management and resolution planning with M&T Bank. ’81 BS Brian J. Zelli is the new director of user and administrative technology services for Niagara County Community College. He was a senior database administrator for Roswell Park Cancer Institute.

Walter D. Garrow ’72, MBA ’77 - BS, Chemistry Sharon M. (Schrader) Garrow - BS, Chemistry Career Highlight: Walter Garrow retired as director of corporate environmental health and safety at APPLUS RTD. His wife, Sharon M. (Schrader), retired as a science teacher for Niagara Catholic High School.

Career Notes: The couple is enjoying their retirement by spending time with their first grandchild.

’82 BA Clotilde Perez-Bode Dedecker, chief executive officer for the Community Foundation for Greater Buffalo, was named to KeyBank’s Buffalo Advisory Committee. She was also named to Buffalo Business First’s Power 100 Women list. ’82 BS Richard C. Suchan, executive director of development for the Foundation of the Roman Catholic Diocese of Buffalo, was named to the Loyal Christian Benefits Association Board of Directors in Erie, PA. ’83 BS Elizabeth A. (DiCarlo) Benkovich was promoted from director to vice president of member engagement and development for the Buffalo Niagara Partnership.

’83 BS Kenneth N. Bieger is the new general manager for the Niagara Falls Bridge Commission. He will also continue as the commission’s chief financial officer. ’83 BA Colleen K. Brennan is a new business development officer for Stewart Title Insurance Company. She was a journal clerk for the Nevada State Legislature in Carson City, NV. ’83 BS John R. Cinquino is the new senior vice president and commercial loan team leader for Evans Bank. He was vice president of commercial banking for Citizens Bank. ’83 BS Peter J. Crage is the new chief financial officer for Diamond Resorts International in Las Vegas, NV. He was the chief financial officer for Sea World Entertainment and Parks. ’83 MBA Linda A. Dobmeier, vice president for Dobmeier Janitorial Supplies LLC, was named to Buffalo Business First’s Power 100 Women list. She also became the first woman to receive the prestigious Buffalo Club Medal Award. Dobmeier was recognized for her service on the Buffalo Club Board of Directors and for her efforts as chair of the club’s 150th anniversary committee. ’83 BS Kathleen (Barry) Kane is the new vice president and market manager for Bank on Buffalo’s Orchard Park branch. She was a vice president and branch manager for First Niagara. ’83 BS Henry G. Koziol Jr. was promoted from director to managing director for Freed Maxick CPAs, PC. ’83 BS Jill (Maloney) Syracuse, executive vice president and chief engagement and servicing officer for Independent Health, was named to Buffalo Business First’s Power 100 Women list. ’84 BS Francis M. Conway was promoted from group vice president to senior vice president and commercial banking risk manager with M&T Bank. ’84 BS John S. Eagleton is the new president of Steuben Trust Co. He was the chief commercial lending officer for Evans Bank. ’84 BS Dana (Salerno) Kilborne, co-president and chief banking officer for Sunshine Bank in Plant City, FL, was appointed to the Health First Board of Trustees. ’84 BS Irving H. Levy is the new principal and senior advisor for Next Gen Advisors LLC. He will also continue as partner with Capital Partners Business Solutions LLC. ’84 BA Jeanne M. (Daly) Matthews is a new dentist for Inspire Dental Group, where she practices general dentistry.

She has practiced dentistry for more than 25 years.

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’91 MBA Mark J. Czarnecki, former president and chief operating officer for M&T Bank, was posthumously named the Buffalo Niagara Executive of the Year by the University at Buffalo School of Management.

CL ASS ACT

’91 MPA Dan R. Gagliardo, owner of D’Avolio Olive Oils, was named to the Independent Health Board of Directors. ’91 BA Michael P. Kearns was sworn in as Erie County Clerk on December 5, 2017. He was the New York State Assemblyman for South Buffalo, Lackawanna, West Seneca, and Orchard Park. ’91 BS Col. Joseph J. Martin, U.S. Army Special Forces Officer, retired after 26 years of active duty in Afghanistan, Qatar, Kuwait, Honduras, Ecuador, Colombia, Venezuela, Panama and Puerto Rico.

Mark A. Sullivan ’92, MPA ’96 BA, Political Science/Criminal Justice MPA, Public Administration/Healthcare Management

’92 BS Nora Eberl Plizga, co-owner and chief financial officer for Eberl Iron Works Inc., was named to the Rotary Club of Buffalo Board of Directors.

Career Highlight: Catholic Health appointed Mark Sullivan president and CEO of the Buffalo-based healthcare system.

Sullivan is the fourth president and CEO in Catholic Health’s 20-year history. He will have administrative responsibility for one of the area’s largest health systems and lead a team of more than 9,000 associates and 1,600 affiliated physicians.

’92 BA Kimberly (Molnar) Pagano was promoted from director of orientation and leadership development to assistant dean for student engagement at Daemen College.

Career Notes: A veteran healthcare executive, Sullivan most recently served as executive vice president and chief operating officer for Catholic Health. He held the position since 2007.

’85 BA, MBA ’91 Katherine M. Mohney, senior vice president and financial advisor for Morgan Stanley, received the Girl Scouts of Western New York Woman of Distinction Award.

’88 BA Alexander B. Rossino, PhD, senior principal research analyst for Deltek in Herndon, VA, published a book titled Six Days in September: A Novel of Lee's Army in Maryland, 1862.

’86 BS Robert W. Harms was promoted from chief financial officer to president and chief executive officer for Western Division Federal Credit Union.

’88 MBA Robert J. Size was named interim president and chief operating officer for Dentsply Sirona Inc. in York, PA.

’86 BS Mary B. (Sudac) Madonia was promoted from senior manager to principal with Freed Maxick CPAs.

’89 BS, MBA ’98 Janice M. (Grandoni) Horn was promoted from director of human resources to vice president of human resources for Rich Products Corp.

’86 BA Laura A. (Montante) Zaepfel, vice president of corporate relations for Uniland Development Co., was named to Buffalo Business First’s Power 100 Women list. ’87 BS Rev. Leon J. Biernat, pastor for St. Gregory the Great Parish, celebrated the 25th anniversary of his ordination. ’87 BA, MBA ’00 Kenneth M. Kujawa was promoted from regional manager to regional executive with National Grid. ’87 BS Michelle A. Leftwich is the new vice president of salary cap administration for the Atlanta Hawks.

She was the vice president and assistant general counsel for the National Basketball Association.

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1990s ’90 BA Michael M. Gilbert, vice president of administration for the Buffalo Sabres, was elected to the St. Joseph's Collegiate Institute Board of Trustees. ’90 BS, MBA ’99 Michael F. Newman, executive vice president for NOCO Inc., was named to the Bank on Buffalo Board of Advisors. ’90 BA, MS ’98 Paul D. Pasternak was promoted from therapist to clinical supervisor for Catholic Charities of Buffalo.

CANISIUS COLLEGE M AGA ZINE SPRING 2018

’92 MBA Michael D. Riegel, president for Belmont Housing Resources, was named to KeyBank’s Buffalo Advisory Committee. ’92 BA James C. Sweeney is the new head coach for women’s golf at Adelphi University in Garden City, NY. He was a specialist for Bear Wagner Specialists LLC in New York, NY. ’92 HON Sr. Denise A. Roche, PhD, chair of the Niagara Frontier Transportation Authority Board of Commissioners and retired president of D’Youville College, was named to Buffalo Business First’s Power 100 Women list.

’93 MBA Michael J. Prendergast, vice president of commercial banking for M&T Bank Corporation, was named to the Insyte Consulting Board of Directors. ’94 BA William C. Curtin is the new senior counsel for Tully Rinckey PLLC. He previously worked in private practice. ’94 MBA Patricia Farrell was promoted to group vice president and managing director of wealth advisory services for the Buffalo and Rochester markets at Wilmington Trust. She was the managing director of wealth advisory services for the Buffalo market. ’95 MBA Richard Johnson was promoted from vice president of compliance and CRA (Community Reinvestment Act) officer to senior vice president and chief risk officer with the Bank of Akron. ’94 BA Thomas J. Tobin, PhD, faculty developer and professional consultant in State College, PA, received a 2018 Fulbright Grant to establish a faculty development program at Eötvös Loránd University in Budapest, Hungary. He is also scheduled to publish a new book, Reach Everyone, Teach Everyone: Re-Framing Universal Design for Learning in Higher Education, later this year. ’95 MBA James E. Iglewski is the new sales leader in Buffalo and Rochester for KeyBank. He was a managing director and regional investment executive for U.S. Trust. ’95 BA Jennifer A. (Klas) Kavanaugh was promoted from director of marketing and communications to chief operating officer for Invest Buffalo Niagara. ’95 BA Rev. David I. Richards is the new administrator for Our Lady of Pompeii Parish in Lancaster. He was the parochial vicar for Queen of Heaven Parish in West Seneca.

’92 BS Jeffrey D. Russo, president and CEO for Pine Hill Fresh Foods Inc. and managing partner for Boston State Holding Company LLC, was appointed to the Meals on Wheels Foundation of Western New York Board of Directors.

’96 BA Kevin J. Cross, managing partner of Lippes Mathias Wexler Friedman LLP, received a Buffalo 612’ C-Level Executive Award from Buffalo Business First. The annual award recognizes Western New York’s most effective business leaders.

’93 MBA Sanjay Chadha was promoted from vice president to senior vice president of service line operations with Niagara Falls Memorial Medical Center.

’96 MBA Kimberley Minkel-Shepard, executive director for NFTA, was named to Buffalo Business First’s Power 100 Women list.

’93 MS Cheryl (Meyer) Goldstone, a counselor for Williamsville South High School, received the Service to Youth Award, in the professional category, from the Williamsville PTSA Council.

The award recognizes sustained and extraordinary service to the youth of the school district.

’96 BA Daniel T. Murphy, senior writer for Pro Wrestling Illustrated, published a book entitled Sisterhood of the Squared Circle: The History and Rise of Women's Wrestling.

’93 BS, MBA ’96 Allegra C. (Thompson) Jaros, president of the John R. Oishei Children’s Hospital of Buffalo and vice president for Kaleida Health, was named to Buffalo Business First’s Power 100 Women list.

’97 BS Steven D. Briggs was promoted from global key accounts manager to vice president of sales for Dynabrade Inc. ’97 MPA Howard K. Hitzel, PsyD, president and CEO of BestSelf Behavioral Health Inc., was named to the Mental Health Association of Erie County Inc. Board of Directors.

alumninotes ’98 BA Justin V. Curcio is the new vice president of information technology for the Army Aviation Center Federal Credit Union in Daleville, AL. He was vice president of information technology for the USF Credit Union in Tampa, FL. ’98 BS Michael J. Harkin is the new principal of Columbia High School in East Greenbush, NY. He was the principal for Knickerbacker Middle School in Lansingburgh, NY. ’98 BS Jessica L. (Gernatt) Underberg was promoted from assistant fair manager to chief executive officer and fair manager for the Erie County Agricultural Society. ’98 MBA Frances Vaughan, owner of FMV Tax Professionals, was elected treasurer of the Buffalo Niagara Sales & Marketing Executives Board of Directors. ’99 BA Nadine L. Marrero, director of development for the city of Buffalo, was named to Buffalo Business First’s Power 100 Women list.

2000s ’00 HON JoAnn Falletta, music director for the Buffalo Philharmonic Orchestra, was named to Buffalo Business First’s Power 100 Women list. ’00 BS, MBA ’01 Sean M. Flynn, a commercial underwriter for JP Morgan Chase in Columbus, OH, was inducted into the Notre Dame High School Sports Hall of Fame. ’00 BA Gerald G. Kellar was promoted from major to lieutenant colonel with the U.S. Army. He also recently began his PhD studies in immunology at the University of Washington. ’00 BS, MS ’05 Aaron Kemp is the new athletics business administrator for Rensselaer Polytechnic Institute in Troy, NY. He was an association manager for Association Development Group in Albany. ’00 MSED Leslie E. Simon, a social studies teacher at Kenmore East High School, is the new girls’ varsity basketball coach. He is also head coach of the boys’ varsity baseball team and assistant coach of the girls’ varsity field hockey team. ’01 BA Lynn M. (Stoczynski) Bochenek was promoted from attorney to junior partner for Lipsitz Green Scime Cambria LLP. ’01 BA Meghann L. Drury-Grogan, PhD, received tenure and is now an associate professor of communications for Fordham University’s Gabelli School of Business. ’02 BA Rocco N. Diina is the new vice president and regional residential mortgage sales manager for Five Star Bank.

He was a vice president and residential mortgage consultant for KeyBank.

’02 BA Rev. Jeffrey L. Nowak, parochial vicar for St. Vincent de Paul Parish in Niagara Falls, was named honorary chairperson for the Diocese of Buffalo’s Catholic Communications Campaign.

CL ASS ACT

’03 BA Gary A. Bostwick was promoted from senior copywriter to associate creative director with The Variable, an advertising agency in Winston-Salem, NC. ’03 MPA Rhonda A. Frederick, president and chief executive officer for People Inc., was named to Buffalo Business First’s 2017 Power 100 Women list. ’03 BS Felicity L. Kelly, MD, is the new director of medical services for BryLin Behavioral Health System.

She was a family practice physician in Houston, TX. ’04 BS Ryan E. Caster was promoted from senior manager to principal for Freed Maxick CPAs. ’04 BA, MS ’06 Joseph J. Clifford is the new director of athletic communications for Drew University in Madison, NJ. He was the assistant sports information director for Manhattan College in Riverdale, NY. ’04 BA Daniel K. Comerford, partner with the Tarantino Law Firm LLP, was named to the Children’s Guild Foundation Board of Directors. ’04 BA Nicholas A. Gianadda, director of value-based analytics for HealtheConnections, received the IT Leader of the Year Award from BETA (Buffalo Emerging Technology Awards). The award celebrates individuals who set the standard for technological innovation and implementation, workplace culture and industry activism. ’04 BA Zachary M. Lovelace was promoted to assistant principal of the Alternative Education Program for Harford County Public Schools in Harford County, MD. He was a teacher for Joppatowne High School in the same district. ’04 BS Susan A. (Lundquist) O’Sullivan, vice president of advanced solutions for Ingram Micro U.S., was named to Buffalo Business First’s Power 100 Women list. She also received the Martha Ingram Leadership Award, Ingram Micro’s most prestigious award for leadership and service. ’04 MS Peter A. Petrella is the new strategy and development lead for 43North. He was the director of business development and marketing for Kaleida Health. ’04 MS Dawn (Conklin) Wylke was promoted from assistant principal and director of special education at Lockport High School to principal. ’05 BS Alexandra (Kobza) Murello is the new executive director for the Western New York Chapter of the American Red Cross. She was director of development for the American Diabetes Association.

© Getty Images

Jénel F. Stevens ’04, MS ’05 BA, Communication Studies; MS, Sport Administration Career Highlight: Jénel Stevens, a stunt woman and owner and president of Prowess Private Training Inc., currently appears in the blockbuster movie “Black Panther.” Stevens (second from right) is among the Dora Milaje, a female special forces unit for the movie’s fictional African nation of Wakanda.

Career Notes: One of the most decorated players in Canisius College women’s basketball history, Stevens ranks fourth all-time in career scoring with 1,590 points and 876 rebounds.

She was the second Canisius player to win the women’s Metro Atlantic Athletic Conference player of the year honor.

’05 MBA Elizabeth M. Schneider was promoted from vice president to administrative vice president of master data management with M&T Bank. ’06 BS Andy M. Ochal was promoted from accounts receivable manager to revenue systems manager for Schofield Care. ’06 BS Beverly Schaefer, MD, joined John R. Oishei Children’s Hospital of Buffalo and Roswell Park Cancer Institute as a hematologist. She previously worked as a pediatric hematologist for Cincinnati Children’s Hospital in Cincinnati, OH. ’07 MS Jacqueline M. (Berner) Branch, MD, a developmental behavioral pediatrics fellow with the University of Michigan, was named to the Denison University Athletic Hall of Fame. She is among the university’s most decorated track and field athletes. ’07 BA Joseph P. Heins, a senior associate with Lippes Mathias Wexler Friedman LLP, was appointed to the Amherst Youth Foundation Board of Directors. ’07 BA David J. Sicoli is the new senior project manager for SierraCedar in Philadelphia, PA. He was a senior project manager for TargetX.

’07 BA Paul P. Tripi, co-owner of Frank Gourmet Hot Dogs, plans to open a brick-and-mortar restaurant at Kenmore and Starin avenues in the Town of Tonawanda, in summer 2018. ’07 BS Stephen C. Wawro was promoted from executive vice president and sales manager to president for Westmatic Corp. ’08 BA Daniel R. Aikin, director of communications and special events for New York State Senator Michael H. Ranzenhofer, was elected to the Niagara Area Foundation Council. ’08 BS Thomas R. Bender is the new financial planning coordinator for Jensen Marks Langer & Vance LLC. He was a financial adviser with Merrill Lynch. ’08 BS, MSED ’10 Ashley M. Bonetto is the new head coach for varsity girls’ volleyball at West Seneca West Senior High School. She will also continue as the modified coach. ’09 BA Amanda R. (Adolf) Duncan is the new digital acquisition marketing specialist for the Humane Society of the United States in Gaithersburg, MD. She was a senior digital marketer for 270net Technologies. ’09 BA Cord Stone was promoted from senior director to executive director for Community Access Services of WNY Inc.

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’13 BS Michelle M. Christie is a new physician assistant for Niagara Falls Memorial Medical Center. She was a physician assistant with the Olean Medical Group.

CL ASS ACT

’13 MS Frank A. Jagoda is the new pitching coach for Team USA’s 15U National Team. He was the head baseball coach for Patrick Henry Community College in Martinsville, VA. ’13 BS, MS ’14 Griffin G. Jankowski is a new supervising senior accountant for Dansa & D'Arata LLP. He was a senior accountant with Brock, Schechter and Polakoff LLP.

Kunal Chadha ’06, MD - BA, Psychology Career Highlight: Kunal Chadha is a new attending physician in the Pediatric Emergency Medicine Division at the John R. Oishei Children’s Hospital in Buffalo. He was also appointed clinical assistant professor of pediatrics for the University at Buffalo.

Career Notes: Prior to his new role, Chadha completed a fellowship in pediatric emergency medicine with the University at Buffalo.

2010s ’10 BS, MBA ’11 Colin T. Freeburg is the new director of finance and administration for PLS 3rd Learning. He was the controller for Rembrandt Charms. ’10 MS Michael P. Lee was promoted from assistant vice president of administration to vice president of administration with Evergreen Health. ’10 MSED, MSED ’12 Kristen Burke Smith, a third-grade teacher for George M. Southard Elementary School in Lockport, was a presenter at the WNY STEAM Conference.

She discussed the topic of science, technology, engineering, art and math education in K-12 schools. ’10 BS Jonathan C. Tretter was promoted from manager to senior manager for Freed Maxick CPAs. ’11 BS, MBA ’12 Matthew J. Aldinger was promoted from senior accountant to in-charge senior accountant with Brock Schechter & Polakoff LLP. ’11 MS Matthew J. Bystrak is the new interim superintendent for the West Seneca Central School District. He was the director of pupil personnel services. ’11 BS Brian R. Donovan, PhD, is a postdoctoral fellow with the U.S. Air Force Research Laboratory in Dayton, OH.

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’11 BS Andrew D. Drilling is a new associate for Lippes Mathias Wexler Friedman LLP. He was an associate attorney with Kenney Shelton Liptak Nowak LLP. ’12 BA Sarah N. (Zawadzki) Carroll was promoted from sales assistant to sales and marketing associate for Boston Valley Terra Cotta. ’12 BS, MS ’14 Jeffrey A. Farr was promoted from senior accountant to supervisor for Freed Maxick CPAs. ’12 MBA Lauren Lewis is a new partner for StaffBuffalo LLC. She was a hospital sales representative for Daiichi Sankyo Inc. ’12 BA, MS ’14 Mary Kate Sidoti was promoted from analyst to senior analyst for Crowley Webb. ’12 BS, MBA ’13 Daniel P. Stephan was promoted from senior accountant to supervisor for Freed Maxick CPAs. ’12 MS Alicia J. Thompson, director of the Erie 1 BOCES School Library System and supervisor for the Western New York Regional Library Automation System, was appointed to the Trocaire College Board of Trustees. ’13 MBA Michael J. Adornetto was promoted from supervisor to manager for Freed Maxick CPAs.

CANISIUS COLLEGE M AGA ZINE SPRING 2018

’14 BS, MBA ’17 Scott T. Swan is a new branch sales manager for Lake Shore Bancorp Inc. He was a licensed relationship manager for KeyCorp. ’14 MSED Gregory V. Voloshin, EdD, is the new principal for Scotchtown Avenue Elementary School in Goshen, NY. He was the assistant principal for Goshen High School and athletic director for Goshen Central School District. ’15 BS Nicholas M. Eadie, a law student at the University at Buffalo, is a new registered patent agent for Simpson & Simpson PLLC.

’13 BS, MS ’15 Jacob E. Jeziorowski is the new assistant controller for Blue Bridge Financial, LLC. He was a senior accountant for EY.

’15 MS Ashley L. (Coder) Lipka is the new director of development and events for Mercy Flight Inc. She was previously a major gift officer for the Summit Center.

’13 BS, MBA ’16 Thomas J. Michalewski was promoted from associate customer marketing manager to customer marketing manager for Rich Products Corporation.

’15 BS, MS ’17 Tori L. Quinn is the new assistant coach for women’s lacrosse at Liberty University in Lynchburg, VA. She was the assistant women's lacrosse coach for Canisius College.

’14 BA Molly A. Burhans, founder and executive director for the GoodLands Project in Hartford, CT, spoke at the Vatican Youth Symposium, “Youth as Stewards of Our Planet for a More Fraternal and Supportive Society.” She also received approval to start a Vatican Cartography Center in Rome, Italy.

’15 HON Melinda R. Rich, vice chair for Rich Products Corporation and president for Rich Entertainment Group, was named to Buffalo Business First’s Power 100 Women list.

’14 BA, MS ’16 Anne M. Continetti is the new coordinator of strategic programs for the College of Arts and Sciences at the University at Buffalo.

She was an admissions counselor for Hilbert College. ’14 BS Benjamin P. Danford is a new defenseman for the Atlanta Gladiators hockey team. He was a defenseman for the Orlando Solar Bears. ’14 BS, MBA ’16 Michael D. Grano Jr., was promoted from field examiner to senior field examiner with Freed Maxick CPAs. ’14 BS Stephen J. Grimm was promoted from marketing associate to director of marketing for MJ Peterson Corp. ’14 MBA Timothy J. Huebsch was promoted from staff accountant to senior accountant with Chiampou Travis Besaw & Kershner LLP. ’14 BA Anthony M. Kroese is now an attorney for Goldberg Segalla LLP. He recently completed his law degree at Notre Dame University. ’14 MBA Anthony G. Leone was promoted from production coordinator to assistant manager of global production for New Era Cap. ’14 BS, MBA ’15 Zachary F. Ostroff was promoted from staff accountant to senior accountant with Freed Maxick CPAs. ’14 BA Aidan M. Ryan, a communications specialist for Goldberg Segalla LLP and co-founder of Foundlings Press, published his first full-length poetry collection entitled Organizing Isolation: Half-Lives of Love at Long Distance.

’15 BS, MBA ’16 Chao Xie is a new staff accountant for Chiampou Travis Besaw & Kershner LLP. ’16 MBA Candice Archibald is the new director of business development for Schiller Knapp Lefkowitz & Hertzel LLP. She was a vice president of commercial banking with M&T Bank. ’16 BS, MBA ’17 Rebecca Brozyna is a new staff accountant for Chiampou Travis Besaw & Kershner LLP. ’16 BA Raffaele Cuddemi is a forward for the Fort Wayne Komets hockey team. He formerly played with the Utah Grizzlies. ’17 BS Christ D. Conley, a catcher for the Jamestown Jammers baseball team, was named to the Third Team Summer Collegiate All-American Team.

Conley is a redshirt senior on the 2018 Griffs baseball team. ’17 BS Kiefer D. Douse is a guard for the Leicester Riders in the British Basketball League. ’17 BS Grace E. Kulikowski is a new staff accountant for Chiampou Travis Besaw & Kershner LLP. ’17 BA Jake B. Lumley was selected in the 33rd round of the Major League Baseball draft by the Oakland Athletics.

He will play third base in Oakland’s minor league system. ’17 MS Ashley L. (Wawro) Morlock is the new annual giving and prospect research coordinator for Villa Maria College. ’17 BS Nicole J. Regels, a master’s degree student at Miami University, participated in an Earth Expeditions global field course in Baja California, Mexico.

alumninotes

babygriffs THIS ISSUE'S FEATURED BABY GRIFF

THIS ISSUE'S FEATURED BA Samantha Dunford Photography

Grace Karen

born July 29, 2017 to Katie L. (Carroll) Vivian ’11, MBA ’13 and Thomas M. Vivian ’11

Kelly K. (Jablonski) Benzinger ’10 and Michael R. Benzinger ’10, a daughter, Grace Marie, born November 13, 2017 N icole M. (Bzibziak) Bodemer ’07, MBA ’08 and Andrew Bodemer, a son, Hugo Leo, born August 14, 2017 Melanie R. (Reimondo) Brem ’12 and Gary Brem Jr., a daughter, Bryar Rose, born July 30, 2017 Lindsey E. Dotson ’05 and Sean C. Paonessa, a daughter, Adelaide Rose, born April 20, 2017 Meghann L. Drury-Grogan ’01, PhD and Terence Grogan, a daughter, Aoife Drury, born January 7, 2017 isa M. (Polovick) Flaherty ’04 and Kevin Flaherty, L a son, Connor Patrick, born August 14, 2017 aura E. (Galante) Gregg ’96, MBA ’10 and Eóin Gregg, M a son, Declan John, born October 13, 2017 Michelle (Slawiak) Held ’03, MS ’07 and Phillip Held, a daughter, Holly Margaret, born November 29, 2016 K enneth R. Kraus ’02 and Alyssa Truelove Kraus, a son, Conner Alexander, born August 27, 2017

J effrey J. Schlabach ’06 and Nicole K. Schlabach, a son, Maxwell Bryan, born August 19, 2017

E llen J. (Barr) Long ’11, MSED ’13 and Joseph G. Long ’11, MBA ’12, a son, Joseph Dennis, born September 2, 2017

J ulie M. Teprovich ’99 and Mark E. Ciemcioch ’97, a daughter, Alexandra Juliet, born August 3, 2017

E lizabeth A. (Rosic) Mosher ’07 and Derek A. Mosher ’07, a son, Zachary Edward, born December 20, 2016

M atthew H. Watters ’99 and Erin Watters, a son, Garrett Matthew, born September 19, 2017

Brandi (Boyle) Perkovich ’03 and Thomas M. Perkovich ’04, a daughter, Georgia Faye, born July 9, 2017

A lana M. (Keppler) Welker ’12 and Zachary Welker, a son, David James, born November 7, 2017

S AY

"CHEESE"

Canisius Magazine is now accepting photos for the Alumni Notes section. If you would like to submit a picture to coincide with your alumni note, baby Griff or wedding announcement, simply email it to alumnote@canisius.edu.

Due to space constraints we may not be able to publish all photos submitted.

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 Canisius College.

alumninews

Reunion Weekend - Returns Popular spring party makes a comeback at Canisius You spoke. We listened. And now, this summer, Reunion Weekend will make a comeback like no other at Canisius.

Mark your calendars for June 7-9 and plan a return to campus to reacquaint yourself with alma mater and rekindle old friendships.

Though the date has changed to better accommodate alumni who look forward to attending this popular Canisius tradition, several events surrounding Reunion Weekend remain the same including Favorite Professor Night, campus tours, alumni Mass and marriage vow renewal. The weekend’s biggest draw – the Alumni Tent Party – also makes a return to Reunion Weekend at its beloved location in the Quad.

This year, we’re celebrating class years that end in 3’s and 8’s (1973, 1978, 1983, 1988, 1993, 1998, 2003, 2008, 2013 and 2018).

Committee volunteers from these classes are always needed.

If you’re interested, simply reach out to alumni@canisius.edu or call 716-888-2700 to learn more about how you can help make your Canisius class reunion the best it can be.

IN MEMORIAM

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Thomas A. Lombardo ’39, MD October 10, 2017

Joseph M. Faddoul ’51 August 26, 2017

Edward E. Mercer ’55, PhD December 14, 2017

LTC Robert T. Fallon MA ’60, PhD September 9, 2017

Robert H. Schuler ’46, PhD November 13, 2017

Thomas E. Wojtaszek Jr. ’51 November 2, 2017

James M. Buckley ’56 August 29, 2017

Thomas C. Burke ’61 November 21, 2017

Milford C. Maloney ’47, MD February 9, 2018

John H. Thorn ’52 June 22, 2017

Maurice J. Carroll ’56 October 1, 2017

Ronald J. Dicenzo ’61, PhD November 4, 2017

Robert F. Andrle ’48, PhD October 29, 2017

Raymond P. McGirr ’53 September 1, 2017

Daniel J. Adams ’57 September 8, 2017

Andrew D. Merrick ’63 September 26, 2017

Rev. Charles M. Werth ’49 December 9, 2017

Thomas R. Polverari ’53 September 19, 2017

Francis C. Gmerek ’57 December 5, 2017

John G. Kemmer ’64 December 11, 2017

Edwin G. Egan ’50 November 8, 2017

Fred A. Buscaglia ’54 October 6, 2017

Frank H. Skelly ’57 October 4, 2017

Walter R. Kuhn ’64 October 28, 2017

Peter P. Poth ’50 September 7, 2017

James G. Prem ’54 December 10, 2017

Ronald J. Orlowski ’58 September 13, 2017

Edwin E. Wienckowski ’64 November 26, 2017

Richard G. Badger ’51, MS ’55 October 26, 2017

Donald E. Czaja ’55 November 10, 2017

George P. Weissenburger ’59 November 25, 2017

Dennis J. McMillan ’65 October 22, 2017

John T. Chamberlain ’51 August 25, 2017

John J. Maceri ’55 October 24, 2017

Carmen L. Catuzzi MSEd ’60 September 13, 2017

Susan Miller Antram ’65 November 21, 2017

Joseph C. Evers ’51, MD October 15, 2017

Edward C. Malican ’55 September 10, 2017

Vincent A. Coppola ’60, MSEd ’64 October 20, 2017

Joseph C. Burger ’66 December 15, 2017

CANISIUS COLLEGE M AGA ZINE SPRING 2018

alumninotes Theresa E. Ceretto ’12 and Daniel J. Behm ’13* July 29, 2017 Jessica L. Chojecki ’10, MSED ’12 and Robert Kardashian August 19, 2017 Caroline A. D’Souza ’97 and Christopher J. Spadafora ’02* November 18, 2017 Kelley A. Finucane ’13 and Tyler J. Molina ’13, MBA ’16 September 23, 2017

Weddings

Bridget M. Frohnapple ’11 and Kevin Kress* August 5, 2017 Margaret R. George ’15 and Joseph G. Melber* October 10, 2017 Anna A. Haumesser ’11, MS ’12 and Christopher Chiavaroli* October 21, 2017

Tara K. O’Grady ’08, MS ’11 and Andrew J. Day ’08, June 17, 2017. Joe Lewis Photography

Sarah A. Malczewski ’13, MSED ’14 and Andrew V. Scarcello ’13, MBA ’14* October 21, 2017

Kaitlyn M. Press ’14 and Samuel Raghunath July 22, 2017

Joseph C. Wagner ’04 and Jennifer L. Jermain August 27, 2016

Mary I. Mietlicki ’12 and Mark W. Makar ’10* July 22, 2017

Laura D. Pullano ’15, MBA ’16 and Adam R. Harris ’16, MBA ’17* July 28, 2017

Brittney D. Wall ’15 and Matthew J. McKenna ’12* September 16, 2017

James G. Nesper ’12, MBA ’13 and Grace Schnitter* September 9, 2017

Matthew T. Schuster ’08 and Sara Maynard* November 3, 2017

Nathan P. Olszewski ’12 and Rebecca Coleman* August 12, 2017

Caitlin M. Slattery ’11, MBA ’12 and Daniel Nagy* September 16, 2017

Jill E. Wierchowski ’02 and Nicholas Schabert December 2, 2017 Sarah N. Zawadzki ’12 and Sean P. Carroll ’10 July 29, 2017 * Married in Christ the King Chapel

Bishop Dominic M. Luong MSED ’67 December 6, 2017

Mark R. Kline Sr. ’72 December 14, 2017

James A. Bryant Jr. ’78 August 21, 2017

Mary Ann (Penepent) Drabczyk MBA ’87 November 8, 2017

Joseph E. Elbers Jr. ’68 October 9, 2017

Gary M. Roetzer ’72 October 24, 2017

Mary E. (Heath) McConnell MA ’78 October 23, 2017

Jennifer L. (Gerace) Wilson ’87 August 31, 2017

Mark J. Banks ’69, PhD September 29, 2017

Charles T. Snell ’74 October 1, 2017

Jacqueline (Rogers) Urbanczyk MBA ’78 July 23, 2017

Robert G. Wilmers HON ’88 December 16, 2017

George F. Manhardt ’69 October 23, 2017

James G. Brady ’75 November 29, 2017

Pamela J. (Harrington) Schmid MSEd ’79 August 4, 2017

Barbara (Mix) Rappl ’90 September 5, 2017

Eugene A. Mankowski ’69 November 19, 2017

Irene C. (Konieczniaczek) Muszynski MSEd ’75 August 28, 2017

David B. Bretl ’80 September 19, 2017

Diane P. (Schunke) Kozak ’92 October 15, 2017

Stephen P. Gollegly ’81 November 20, 2017

Margaret A. Youmans MSEd ’93 November 14, 2017

Leo Butera ’84 September 18, 2017

James B. Carlson MSEd ’00 September 17, 2017

Margie A. (Smith) Salada ’84 October 22, 2017

Lydia J. (Broughton-Wilder) Conroy MS ’07 October 17, 2017

Jean T. (Woodward) Roeder MSEd ’70 October 4, 2017 Thomas E. Bauman ’71 August 24, 2017 Francis Butler ’71 September 8, 2017 John C. Stubenbord ’71, MD October 23, 2017 Thomas G. Giangreco Jr. ’72 October 2, 2017

Joanne (Schmidt) Berndt MSEd ’76 October 8, 2017 Wayne T. Stafford MSEd ’76 September 6, 2017 Henry J. Carinci Jr. MBA ’77 October 26, 2017 Michael J. O’Brien MSED ’83 December 6, 2017 Thomas E. Cluney ’77, MA ’85 October 12, 2017

Catherine M. (D'Ambrosia) Ryan ’85 August 31, 2017 Robert H. Kosakowski ’86 September 20, 2017

Hilary G. White ’12 August 24, 2017

SPRING 2018 CANISIUS COLLEGE M AGA ZINE

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