Daemen Today Fall/Winter 2016 by Daemen College

Fall / Winter 2016

A SOLDIER’S STORY

Nicholas Pilozzi,’17, pursued his college degree in memory of fellow fallen soldiers

From the President

This summer, we enhanced technology throughout campus, concluded a three-year long campus beautification project made possible through the generosity of our donors, and renovated a key large classroom serving our natural science classes, the first of several refurbishments planned for our science facilities. I am especially proud that Daemen’s national prominence is steadily rising. For the 9th consecutive year, Daemen was named a College of

The Daemen College campus is abuzz with excitement. Early in the fall semester, we welcomed back to campus a beloved alum: New York State Education Commissioner MaryEllen Elia, who delivered an inspiring Convocation speech to our new students as they began their academic journey at Daemen. We are proud to count the commissioner as one of our many graduates who have gone on to achieve great professional success and who are making a real impact in their communities. When our graduates succeed, it means Daemen has succeeded in its primary mission: to prepare students for life and leadership in an increasingly diverse and complex world. Over the summer, we completed a number of campus improvements. Particularly notable is the opening of two new buildings, both of which are former single-family residences on Getzville Road. Honors House is the new home of our Honors Program, a lounge for students in the program, and a residence for up to five students. Next door is Alumni House, home to our fundraising, alumni relations, and publications operations. You can read more about Alumni House in a future issue of Daemen Today. Also new to Daemen’s campus is The Den, a completely redesigned campus dining and entertainment venue located in the space formerly

Institutional Advancement Craig A. Harris Vice President for Institutional Advancement

Paula Witherell Director of Institutional Communications Managing Editor

Distinction in recognition of the institution’s

Michael A. Morgan

excellence in undergraduate higher education.

Director of Publications Publication Design

Best Value Schools designated Daemen as one of the “50 Best Value Small Colleges,” a distinction that places it in the top 15 small institutions in the nation. For the seventh consecutive year, Victory Media selected Daemen as a Top Military Friendly School in the nation, and the American Heart Association identified the college as a “Fit-Friendly Workplace.” Most recently, our Nursing Department was named one of the top nursing schools in the country in new rankings released by NursingSchoolsAlmanac.com. Clearly, Daemen College has earned a strong reputation for excellence nationwide. Finally, I am immensely grateful to all those who contributed to the reaffirmation of Daemen’s accreditation by the Middle States Commission on Higher Education, which issued a rare commendation for the quality of our self-study report. This major institutional achievement is truly a tribute to the diligence and hard work of the members of our Steering Committee and our entire faculty and staff. As you can see, Daemen College is on the move, and I extend my sincerest thanks for your support and commitment to making this an exceptional institution for current and future generations

Joyce A. Strobel Elise J. Chambers ’10 Pamela R. Gorman Publications Graphic Design

Kathryn Hammer ’06 Director of Alumni Relations Alumni News

Justin Johnston ’08 Director of Development and Gift Officer

Jillian Connor ’14 Director of Advancement Services Class Notes

Thomas P. Wojciechowski ’11 Director of Web Communications Web Design

Contributing Photographer Kathryn Hammer ’06

Content Contributors Michael Miranto Pat Smith

Comments or address changes to: Institutional Advancement Daemen College 4380 Main Street, Amherst, NY 14226 alumni@daemen.edu 716-839-8212

of students. I hope you enjoy this issue of Daemen Today. www.facebook.com/DaemenCollege

Go Wildcats!

occupied by the Cyber Café. Students, faculty, and staff can dine and enjoy live performances in this attractive, modern facility.

@daemencollege

Gary A. Olson President

Feature

Surviving perilous combat missions in Afghanistan and a horrific helicopter crash, Army veteran Nicholas Pilozzi, ’17, pursued his college degree in memory of fellow fallen soldiers.

Faculty Profile

Chris Brandjes shines light on theater

and teaching.

Class of ’16

Newest graduates receive degrees.

15 Spotlight

Honors House opens on campus.

Annual Report

Daemen gratefully acknowledges the college’s 2015–16 donors in this special section.

FIRST LEGACY SCHOLARSHIPS PRESENTED Daemen College students Joey Keem and Madelynn Turano have been selected as the first recipients of the Legacy Scholarship, a new scholarship established with the assistance of Caroline Ernst Buerk ‘59 and Bonnie LaDuca Fredenburg ‘64. The new scholarship is available to incoming students who are a spouse, child, grandchild, great-grandchild, niece, or nephew of a graduate of Rosary Hill College / Daemen College. For additional information about the Legacy Scholarship, contact Patricia Smith, director of leadership giving, at 716-839-8255.

daemen.edu/about/give-daemen

CAMPUS NEWS

Dining, Entertainment Venue Opens Daemen College celebrated the completion of its totally redesigned campus dining

has launched DCLIVE, a new weekly

and entertainment venue, newly named

entertainment series featuring a lineup of

e Den, at a grand opening held on Sept. 9

local musicians performing live on Saturdays

in the Wick Campus Center.

during the fall and spring semesters.

“is campus space has undergone a

Harris Beach Sponsoring Lecture Series Harris Beach PLLC has been named sponsor of

With the opening of e Den, Daemen

For dining, e Den has been completely

remarkable transformation into a modern,

overhauled and will oﬀer traditional grill

spacious dining and entertainment facility

favorites plus three rotating made-to-order

located right in the hub of student activity,”

dining options. Special TGIF evening theme

said Daemen President Gary A. Olson. “In

events and meals will also be oﬀered on Fridays.

addition to providing our students, faculty

Dr. Greg Nayor, vice president for student

and staﬀ a new place where they can eat,

aﬀairs, noted that the site’s makeover to create

relax and socialize, e Den is a first-class

e Den, which will be open daily, was central

venue equipped with high-quality sound for

to improving the college’s dining operations

an array of performances that will be held

and to best serve the needs of today’s students.

throughout the academic year.” The refurbished dining and social space has

“e Den is the realization of a collaborative eﬀort at Daemen to create a contemporary

Daemen College’s highly-regarded Distinguished

a modern design with an open and comfort-

dining experience in a relaxed social setting

Leaders Lecture Series, which brings top govern-

able floor plan. Finished during the summer,

that will help enhance campus life and student

ment and public oﬃcials and business leaders

the extensive renovation project features

engagement,” said Nayor. “It is an impressive

to campus to share their unique perspective on

all-new furniture and double the number of

facility with an inviting atmosphere that

critical state, national, and international issues.

seats than in the college’s former Cyber Café.

will serve faculty, staﬀ and students for

Additional seating to accommodate more

many years to come and add to the vibrancy

students is available on the new outdoor

of the campus.”

Recent featured speakers in the lecture series have included: • John Catsimatidis shared his life journey from emigrating to the United States from the Greek island of Nisyros to becoming a self-made billionaire business owner. He is chairman/CEO of the Red Apple Group and United Refining Co., which owns more than 300 Kwik Fill gas stations, including many throughout the Buﬀalo Niagara region. He also owns New York City’s well-known Gristedes grocery chain with stores in Manhattan, Westchester and Brooklyn. • New York State Republican Party Chairman Edward F. Cox pointed out during his discussion that the nation is ready for change given the current political climate. He has been active with the GOP for more than 40 years at state and national levels, having worked on four presidential campaigns, and having served three presidents and four governors. n

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terrace that faces the campus area between

Student response has been tremendously

the Wick Center and Daemen’s historic

positive since e Den opened as fall classes

Rosary Hall.

were getting underway at Daemen.

Other updates include a state-of-the-art

“It’s amazing to see all this work come

entertainment system and a large video wall

together to create e Den, which is another

and several smaller video screens for easy

step in improving student life at Daemen,”

viewing throughout the facility. Multiple

said Brandon Michael, a junior in the sports

plugins for mobile devices are also provided

management program. “We have a wonderful

for usage while in the space.

new place to eat, hang out with friends, and enjoy some great entertainment.” n

Middle States Reaffirms Accreditation With Commendation Daemen College has received reaccreditation from the Middle States Commission on Higher Education, which commended the college for the quality of its self-study report. e Middle States Commission oﬃcially reaﬃrmed Daemen’s 10-year accreditation at its June 23 meeting. “is resounding approval for accreditation with com-

Daemen Receives Prestigious Accolades For the ninth consecutive year, Daemen

three years, the college has taken

College has earned national recognition

several measures to bolster campus

as a College of Distinction in honor

safety, including enhanced training

of the institution’s excellence in under-

for oﬃcers, additional security cameras,

graduate higher education and innovative

and a vehicle to aid in response time.

application of high impact educational practices. Daemen was selected as a 2016–17 College of Distinction for its exemplary commitment to student engagement, great teaching, creating a vibrant campus community, and successful outcomes.

Other recent distinctions include: • e Daemen Nursing Department has been named one of the top nursing schools in the country in new rankings

mendation from the Middle States Commission speaks to Daemen’s high quality academic programs and faculty,” said President Gary A. Olson. “As the college continues to make great strides, it is immensely gratifying to have Daemen recognized for upholding national standards of excellence in higher education.” Reaccreditation was granted aer a rigorous process that included an in-depth self-study completed by a committee made up of Daemen administrators, faculty and staﬀ, and also a report from a visiting team of peer evaluators. With

• Buﬀalo Business First named Daemen

the accreditation, Daemen is eligible to participate in federal

a finalist in its 2016 Western New York

financial aid programs, including federal loans, grants and

Healthiest Employers program in

work study, administered by the U.S. Department of Education.

the large employer category (250–999 employees). n

As part of the evaluation, the Middle States visiting team assessed Daemen on 14 accreditation standards, including mission and goals; planning, resource allocation and institutional renewal; institutional resources; leadership and governance; administration; integrity; institutional assessment; student admissions and retention; student support services; faculty; educational oﬀerings; general education; related educational activities; and assessment of students. n

released by NursingSchoolsAlmanac.com, a comprehensive educational resource for aspiring nurses. Daemen is ranked among the top 50 nursing schools in the Mid-Atlantic region, placing it in the top 10 percent of all institutions considered for the national list. • Daemen has been recognized as one of the safest colleges in New York in a new statewide list released by backgroundchecks.org. Over the past

FALL / WINTER 2016

CAMPUS NEWS

Campus Beautification Project Concludes Daemen College concluded a three-year long campus beautification project this week with the completion of a decorative multi-tiered stone wall extending across the entire front of the campus along Main Street and down to the Getzville Road entrance near Curtis Hall. e recently completed portion of wall was a 265-foot section located to the le of the Main Street campus entrance. “Enhancing the college grounds helps us create a welcoming environment for our

Education Commissioner Speaks at Convocation New York State Education Commissioner MaryEllen Elia, ’70, a Daemen College graduate, welcomed more than 570 new students to the college at the 2016 Fall Convocation held on Sept. 8. Offering the welcome on behalf of the Daemen College/Rosary Hill Alumni Association, Elia encouraged students to explore new opportunities and to take an active role in their education by engaging in experiences and activities outside the classroom. “Life is a work in progress and new opportunities will allow you to improve and grow. As a student at Daemen, get involved on campus and be an active participant in the many community outreach efforts available at the college,” said Elia. “Keep an open mind because you never know where the future will take you, and enjoy this next chapter in your life.” Elia, who earned a bachelor’s degree in history from Daemen (formerly Rosary Hill College), also talked about her student years at the college and the positive impact it has had on her professionally and personally. “During my junior year, I studied abroad for a semester in Oxford, England, which was an eyeopening experience for me and it made a great difference in my life,” she said. “It is exciting to be back at my alma mater, where I received a strong foundation for what I’ve accomplished throughout my career in education.” n

FALL / WINTER 2016

students, faculty, staﬀ, and visitors,” said Daemen President Gary A. Olson. “And it demonstrates that we are good community members in that we have created a beautiful, park-like space available to be enjoyed not only by the Daemen family but also by the local community-at-large.” e multi-faceted campus beautification project included installing matching stone signs at the campus’ three main entrances, planting nearly 200 trees, placing stone benches throughout campus, upgrading landscaping, and eliminating nearly 75 unnecessary metal signs. “I am especially proud that the entire campus beautification project was subsidized by donors who contributed funds specifically for the project,” said Olson. “No college funds were used.” n

Daemen Becomes Tobacco-Free Campus

As a major initiative in fostering a healthy college environment, Daemen College has implemented a new tobacco-free policy. In doing so, Daemen joins more than 1,100 colleges and universities across the U.S. that have made a strong commitment to promoting the health and well-being of their college community by creating a 100 percent tobacco-free campus. “In light of the many health risks associated with tobacco use, creating a campus environment that’s clean and free from tobacco products is key to the health and safety of our students, faculty, staﬀ, and visitors,” said Daemen President Gary A. Olson. “e courtesy and cooperation of everyone on campus will contribute to making this a successful transition, and we will provide the collegial support needed to members of the Daemen community who may find this change to be challenging.” Under the policy, tobacco use is prohibited in all Daemen buildings, facilities, and grounds on the college’s

Main Street campus and other college properties, including the Academic and Wellness Center, and Daemen House, the presidential residence, as well as in college vehicles. e policy covers all types of tobacco and tobacco products, including e-cigarettes. Daemen will provide assistance and smoking cessation resources and information to those who wish to quit smoking or end tobacco usage. According to the Centers for Disease Control, tobacco use is the single most preventable cause of disease, disability, and death in the country. Additionally, the Tobacco-Free College Campus Initiative cites a 2012 Surgeon General’s Report that shows that 99 percent of smokers begin smoking and using other forms of tobacco by age 26, “making college and university campuses a critical target for tobacco use prevention and cessation efforts.” The decision to implement Daemen’s new tobacco-free policy follows extensive research, feedback, and discussions by the college’s Tobacco-Free Task Force, which was co-chaired by Dr. Greg Nayor, vice president for student affairs, and Kelly Pogore, associate director of human resources. “Daemen has long been a smokefree campus but an overwhelming majority of students, faculty, and staff were supportive of the college taking the next step in becoming fully tobaccofree,” said Dr. Greg Nayor, vice president for student affairs. “We are strongly committed to this campus-wide wellness initiative, which will help create a healthier learning and work environment for the entire college community.” n

Renovated Classroom First in Science Facility Improvements Daemen College has completed extensive updates and improvements to one of the institution’s main science classrooms, the first of many anticipated renovations to science facilities housed in the college’s Duns Scotus Hall. With a focus on enriching the learning experience, the refurbished space features state-of-the-art classroom technology, modern seating that allows for easy transition from a traditional teaching format to a collaborative learning environment, better student work spaces to accommodate laptops and other electronic devices, and three-tiered spacious seating. “e remarkable transformation of one of the most widely used classrooms on our campus was an important investment in the future of Daemen and furthering our academic excellence in science education,” said President Gary A. Olson. “As part of a larger eﬀort to enhance our science facilities, updating our other existing spaces for the sciences is one of our top fundraising priorities.” e modernized classroom was completed over the summer for use at the start of the fall semester. Equipped with a high definition projection screen and other technology upgrades, the space has been designed for a variety of teaching formats and a more interactive learning environment. e seating layout has also been completely reconfigured and modern Node chairs installed to allow for maximum comfort and flexibility. “We’ve created a modern and rich academic environment that is much more functional for our faculty and students,” said Dr. Michael Brogan, ’84, ’04, vice president for academic aﬀairs and dean of the college. “e high-quality classroom technology makes the space conducive for enhanced lectures and multi-media presentations that are essential to student learning in the sciences.” n

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FEATURE STORY

A SOLDIER’S STORY By Martin Haumesser

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Surviving perilous combat missions in Afghanistan and a horrific helicopter crash, Army veteran Nicholas Pilozzi, ’17, pursued his college degree in memory of fellow fallen soldiers.

NICHOLAS PILOZZI, ‘17, WON’T QUIT.

LEFT: Nicholas Pilozzi stands on mountain at Observation Post Warheit in Nuristan Province, Afghanistan.

ABOVE (L): Nicholas Pilozzi on recon patrol south of Camp Keating in Nuristan Province. Photo by Nathaniel Bozman

ABOVE (R): Trucks on combat patrol outside a village in Nuristan Province.

Before attending Daemen College, Pilozzi experienced harrowing Army combat in the mountains of Afghanistan and personal tragedies that would have stopped anyone in their tracks. But Pilozzi carried on with fierce determination and dedication, motivated by the memory of good friends lost in a complicated war. “I attended Daemen College for much more than a degree,” explains the former U.S. Army scout in the 3rd Squadron, 71st Cavalry Regiment (Recon), 10th Mountain Division. “I did it for my friends who died in Afghanistan and never got the chance to come home and further their education. I owe it to them.” A City of Tonawanda native, Pilozzi earned a degree in history at Daemen and hopes to continue his education to become a college history professor. Having taken part in U.S. military history in Afghanistan, he envisions bringing his personal experiences to teach students about the war. at includes some traumatic experiences beyond imagination for even the most hardened combat soldier.

MAKINGS OF A SURVIVOR Pilozzi enlisted in the Army right out of Tonawanda High School where he had played football, baseball and lacrosse. His athleticism would serve him well as a scout in the rugged Afghanistan mountains where combat missions could last for months at a time. In 2006, he was deployed to the Kunar province of Afghanistan – specifically the Korangal and Chowkay Valleys – some of the roughest areas of the country, on the border with Pakistan, and a favored crossing point for insurgents fighting the U.S. troops. Only four months into his service, Pilozzi and his fellow soldiers in Able Troop were being picked up to return to base

from a two month long reconnaissance mission high atop a mountain in the Chowkay Valley during Operation Mountain Lion. A Chinook helicopter made a difficult landing on a mountain cliff and hovered while the soldiers loaded hundreds of pounds of gear. Pilozzi had loaded his gear and felt the nose end of the aircra suddenly drop. As the pilots attempted to regain their position on the narrow cliff, the rear rotor blade of the helicopter struck a tree. Instinctively, Pilozzi jumped out the back of the helicopter, slamming his face into rock and badly injuring his knee. “It felt like someone pushed me off that helicopter,” he recalls. “I had my grandfather’s prayer book in my uniform pocket, so who knows?” As he picked himself up, he watched in horror as the helicopter tumbled hundreds of feet down the side of the mountain and exploded into a giant fireball. Just 18-years-old at the time, Pilozzi was the only soldier who was able to escape from the helicopter prior to the crash. Ten other soldiers, including three of his close friends and his squadron commander, were killed in the explosion. Pilozzi and soldiers from his platoon slid down the mountain to the fiery scene but there was nothing they could do. ey secured the site overnight and in the daylight helped carry the remains of the 10 fallen soldiers out of the helicopter wreckage. Pilozzi and the crash story are featured in the 2012 national best seller, “e Outpost,” written by CNN anchor Jake Tapper about the war in Afghanistan.

BACK INTO ACTION Pilozzi’s Army service did not end with the crash. Even though injured, he immediately returned to the front line, fighting the “bad guys” as he calls the opposing forces. “We were well-trained and the Army couldn’t aﬀord to lose experienced combat veterans,” he explains. “Plus, the loss of

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my friends made me want to fight even harder and keep going.” Including combat patrols, Pilozzi estimates he participated in hundreds of missions, all made more diﬃcult by his badly injured knee. About a year aer the crash, he was wounded during combat by a rocket propelled grenade (RPG), suﬀering shrapnel wounds. He was awarded the Purple Heart but his additional wounds made it next to impossible to return to battle. He was retired by the Army in 2008.

WOUNDED WARRIOR AT HOME

ABOVE: Helicopter lands with supplies at Forward Operating Base Naray in Kunar Province, Afghanistan.

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Debbie Pilozzi says she and her husband, Rich, never knew where their son was when he was deployed to Afghanistan. “We would go months without hearing from him. It was torment every day,” she recalls. “We saw on the news that a helicopter had gone down, and, as a mother, I just had this feeling. I knew Nick was involved. e phone rang a short time later.” Pilozzi’s parents leaned on their Catholic faith for support during his deployment, and when he returned home he had tremendous support from family and friends. In constant pain, Pilozzi owned a home and took care of house maintenance himself. One day, while cutting the grass, his bad knee gave

out and he fell, causing the lawn mower to lurch up and come down on his foot. e accident caused an extensive injury that led to amputation of his foot. With strength and determination, he recovered from the accident and carried on. “I am in awe of what Nick has accomplished aer all he has been through,” his mother says. “He works so hard and never asks for or complains about anything. He has always been an awesome kid.” Following the lawn mower accident, a determined Pilozzi enrolled at Niagara County Community College (NCCC). “It was hard, because keep in mind, he had suﬀered a brain injury and was still recovering,” his mother says. “He set out to prove the doubters wrong and he certainly did so.”

STUDENT VETERAN Aer earning an associate’s degree at NCCC, Pilozzi enrolled at Daemen to pursue a history degree. In his senior year, he was selected as the first recipient of the Karamanoukian Scholarship, established with a generous gi from Daemen board trustee Dr. Hratch Karamanoukian and his wife, Karen Karalus Karamanoukian. “Dr. Karamanoukian is a strong advocate for veterans returning from war,” says Pilozzi. “His support and encouragement were invaluable in helping me

earn my degree at Daemen.” Pilozzi says he worked closely with a number of faculty members during his history studies at Daemen, including Dr. Lisa Parshall, associate professor of political science, Dr. Aakriti Tandon, assistant professor of political science, and Dr. Andrew Wise, professor of history. Pilozzi wrote his senior thesis on the Soviet invasion of Afghanistan in the 1980s, and, with the guidance of Wise, worked to bring his own Afghanistan experience to the capstone project. “We were headed down the same path as the Soviets, and I wanted to explore what we can learn from them about our involvement in Afghanistan,” says Pilozzi. “It is a very complicated situation in a tribal society where, when they are not fighting us, the age-old tribes are fighting one another.” According to Wise, Pilozzi was able to incorporate his military understanding of the country’s terrain and cultures and nation as a whole into his work while remaining objective in his research and the final paper. “Nick did a great job on his thesis and set a very good example for the other students, demonstrating how to be passionate about a topic while remaining open-minded and unbiased,” recalls Wise. “He was extremely dedicated to working on his senior thesis, even when his academic courses and research extended into the summer months.” Not surprisingly, Wise describes Pilozzi as a highly disciplined self-starter who did a lot of work independently. “Nick showed that he understands he has a lot to learn – a good sign as he continues his education,” says Wise. “He was always a constructive member in the classes I taught, and it was very heartening to watch him develop.” Pilozzi says he was pleased with the support he received as a student veteran at Daemen. As a designated Military Friendly School, the college provides various services and support for student veterans, including the Nancy Haberman

Gacioch Center for Veterans. He notes that his studies involved a lot of work, which became progressively more challenging, but skills he learned in the military such as discipline and time management, combined with support from Daemen faculty, helped tremendously in being successful in his studies.

CONTINUING GRATITUDE “I thank God every night that Nick made it home,” says his mother, Debbie. “Aer seeing how badly he was injured, to now see him as a college graduate continuing his education, I am so proud of him.” Pilozzi has not yet decided where he will attend graduate school. He says the friends he lost continue to be the inspiration for pursuing a career as a history professor. “Graduating from Daemen is like a shout out to my guys,” he concludes. “I will never forget them. I am doing this in their memory, and I won’t quit.”

ABOVE: (L-R) Nicholas Pilozzi, Chris Morton ’13, Dr. Hratch Karamanoukian, Daemen President Gary A. Olson, and Dr. Michael Brogan, vice president for academic affairs and dean of the college.

RIGHT: Trucks on night combat patrol in Nuristan Province.

FAR RIGHT: Troops in Kunar Province.

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FACULTY PROFILE

CHRISTIAN BRANDJES Associate Professor of Theater Director of Visual and Performing Arts Christian Brandjes has acted in countless performances since earning a bachelor’s degree in English and theater from the University of Vermont and a master of fine arts in acting from Brandeis University. He has directed a variety of plays, from Shakespeare to “Godspell.” He has been a choreographer, set designer, workshop facilitator, and musical conductor. And since 2003, he has shared his repertoire of talents and skills with Daemen College students.

What do you like best about teaching Daemen students? Daemen students are hardworking and ready to try new things, which is imperative to learning theater. They’re always engaging, especially the freshmen, and they’re just plain fun to teach.

What prompted you to get into acting and theater? In eighth grade, I wanted to be a bard as in an itinerant singer of heroic tales.

I went through phases of wanting to be a journalist, a psychologist, a medieval literature PhD, and a linguist, and I entered college intending to be a poet. Ultimately, I stayed with theater.

What is the most interesting lesson you’ve learned from your theater experience? How do you use this in the classroom? Most topics to be explored can be phrased as open-ended questions. In theater,

there are no “solutions.” Whatever works in the context that has been “collectively created” is the rule. To present a question or a problem to students, and to allow them to construct a process that results in a solution is exciting.

Who has influenced you most in your life? My parents have always been, and continue to be, profound influences. Every

opinion I have, every choice I’ve made, good or bad, has been influenced by what they’ve taught me. As an actor, the two most important influences are Eric Hill, founder of Blue Hill Performance Ensemble and artistic director of Berkshire

Theater Group. He was my first serious theater mentor, both as a director and a teacher. The other is Janet Morrison, my mentor and acting teacher at Brandeis University. She was a true empath, and a skilled actor and teacher.

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LIGHTS, CAMERA, ACTION

hen the filmmakers of “Marshall”

picture that will bring national attention to

film commissioner of the Buffalo Niagara

were scouting locations to shoot

the Western New York region,” said President

Film Commission.

scenes in the Buffalo area, they

Gary A. Olson. “To be a part of a production

“The beautiful architecture and other

came upon Daemen House.

of this magnitude was a unique opportunity

details in Daemen House brought a histori-

to showcase the college.”

cal authenticity to the scenes that were

Daemen College’s presidential residence had the ideal historic look and architecture to fit the motion picture set in the 1940s.

The movie was inspired by a notorious

filmed there,” said Clark. “When production

trial early in the career of Thurgood Marshall.

designer Richard Hoover first saw the resi-

As a brilliant young attorney for the NAACP,

dence, he was very impressed with it and

the college. Production crews moved in period

Marshall traveled across the nation defending

knew the location would fit perfectly with

furniture and made other early 1940s era modifi-

black men unjustly accused of crimes. In 1940,

the period continuity needed in the movie.”

cations to temporarily transform the first and

on the eve of World War II, Marshall partnered

In the end, it was a Hollywood moment for

While most filming was done inside the

second floors of the presidential residence to

with Sam Friedman, a Jewish lawyer from

residence, the home’s exterior was also

film interior scenes for the new movie.

Bridgeport, Conn., to defend Joseph Spell,

captured in an important scene of the film.

Daemen House was among the locations

a black chauffeur accused of sexually assault-

Crews were in the Buffalo area through July.

chosen for filming that took place this summer

ing his employer, socialite Eleanor Strubing.

throughout the Buffalo Niagara region for “Mar-

Marshall later became the first African American

movie like this so having access to Daemen

shall,” a legal thriller starring Chadwick Boseman

justice on the U.S. Supreme Court.

House was helpful to enhancing the film’s

as a young Thurgood Marshall, a future Supreme

Daemen House was chosen as the Strubing

Court justice. Cast and crew members were on-

residence for its historical look and feel that

location at Daemen House to film scenes for the

reflects the film’s period, explained Tim Clark,

“Vintage elements are critical to a period

historical setting,” said Clark. Editor’s Note: The release date for “Marshall” was not yet scheduled at the time of production for this issue of Daemen Today.

residence of wealthy socialite Eleanor Strubing, being played by star Kate Hudson. Scenes were filmed with Hudson and Sterling K. Brown, who recently starred in the series “The People vs. O.J. Simpson: American Crime Story.” “We were thrilled and honored to have Daemen

“We were thrilled and honored to have Daemen House

selected as a location for a major motion picture that will

bring national attention to the Western New York region,” President Gary A. Olson

House selected as a location for a major motion

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COMMENCEMENT

Class of 2016 Embarks on New Journey

xcitement and joy filled the air at Daemen College’s 65th annual

betterment of student life at the college. He earned a bachelor’s degree in

commencement to celebrate the Class of 2016 at undergraduate

business administration.

and graduate ceremonies held May 21 in Kleinhans Music Hall.

More than 1,025 degrees were conferred this year, including Daemen’s

first graduates in the master of public health, master of social work, and master’s degree in cytotechnology.

• Christopher Ponichtera — Alumni Senior Award, which recognizes an undergraduate student who has demonstrated exceptional dedication to the larger community. He earned a bachelor’s degree in physical therapy.

“Graduates, I congratulate you and wish you well as you go forth to

• Justin Richmond — President’s Award, which recognizes an undergraduate

experience greater challenges than you have yet faced,” said President Gary

student who has exhibited dedication, care and concern for their fellow

A. Olson. “Do not forget the skills you developed here, as you become the

students. He earned a bachelor’s degree in childhood and special education.

successful individuals I am certain you will become.” is year’s recipients of Daemen’s Charles L. Lumsden Award, the most

Undergraduate commencement speaker Yvonne S. Boice, a prominent busi-

prestigious academic award, were Ashley Cheﬀ, who received a bachelor’s

nesswoman and philanthropist in Boca Raton, Fla., who owns and operates

degree in political science, and Daniel Gertis, who earned a bachelor’s degree

e Shoppes at Village Pointe, and Fugazy International Travel, urged the

in English (communications/public relations). e award is presented to the

graduating class to be strong and resilient when they face challenges in life.

student(s) with the highest GPA throughout their undergraduate years. Other top 2016 undergraduate awards presented at the Excellence Awards ceremony held during commencement weekend were:

“Each one of you is on a journey, and you must learn to embrace all of the things that are going to happen to you,” said Boice, who was presented an honorary doctorate of humane letters at commencement. “e key is believing in yourself, and finding the courage to get back up when you have

• Ramel Haines — Mary Angela Canavan Award, which recognizes an

been knocked down. And understanding that this is all part of the journey

undergraduate student who has made significant contributions to the

that will make you the person you will become.”

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Citing “Desiderata” by Max Ehrmann, Boice pointed to the inspirational poem’s simple wisdom and lessons that have positively impacted generations. In reference to the last line, “strive to be happy,” she said, “Notice he (Ehrmann) does not tell you be happy; he uses the word “strive” because it takes some effort. e effort comes in noticing. We all are impacted by the big wins and major successes that make us feel over the moon, but he asks us to look deeper and notice all the little things that add up to a happy life.” Graduate commencement speaker John R. Yurtchuk, chairman/owner of Calspan Corp., offered the Class of 2016 his personal insight on success. “I learned early on that it is truly a team effort,” said Yurtchuk, also founder of Matrix Development Corp. and a real estate developer. “I have chosen to align myself with talented individuals and firms who are great at what they do. If you want those around you to also succeed and benefit from your activities — a win-win outcome — then that leads to even more success as unsolicited opportunities come your way.” In describing his own experiences and journey in life, Yurtchuk, who received an honorary doctorate of humane letters during the graduate ceremony, reflected on the positive impact his father has had on his achievements. “Although my father is not with us anymore (he passed away suddenly in 1984),” said Yurtchuk, “his strong influence and guidance has always remained at the forefront of what I’ve accomplished throughout my life and in my career. Foremost, he stressed the importance of a higher education and to gain as much knowledge as possible before embarking on your career. I wish you all the success you desire as you enter a new phase of life.” Photos from top le: (L–R): Yvonne S. Boice and John R. Yurtchuk, Commencement speakers. President Gary A. Olson. Vice President for Academic Affairs Michael Brogan, Daniel Gertis, Charles L. Lumsden Award recipient, and Board Chair Dale Demyanick, ’79. Ashley Cheff, Charles L. Lumsden Award recipient. Justin Richmond, President’s Award recipient, and President Gary A. Olson. Le: Christopher Ponichtera, Alumni Senior Award recipient. Right: Ramel Haines, Mary Angela Canavan Award.

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STUDENT PROFILE

ASHLEY CHEFF ‘16 Bachelor’s Degree: Political Science Graduate Major: Public Health Hometown: Niagara Falls, N.Y.

How would you describe Daemen in three words? Personable, supportive, and professional.

Why did you decide to attend Daemen College? I chose Daemen College because I like that it is a small-size school and has faculty

who are very dedicated to their students. I visited many colleges, but when touring Daemen I felt very comfortable and safe, and immediately noticed everyone was friendly and they knew a lot of students on campus.

What do you like most about attending Daemen? After completing my undergraduate degree in three years at Daemen, I decided to

continue on at the college for graduate studies because of the outstanding support and guidance faculty have given me in achieving my goals and encouragement

to strive for greater excellence. (Editor’s note: Because Ashley graduated in three years with her bachelor’s degree, she is eligible to continue as a student-athlete at Daemen.)

How have your studies helped prepare you for a career? As someone seeking a career in policy, analytical skills are vital. My studies have developed my analytical skills to a higher level and have taught me to be open

minded. I have been pushed to ask questions and seek answers, even if they are difficult to find.

Who has had the most positive influence on you at Daemen? Dr. Serife Tekin, assistant professor of philosophy, has influenced me significantly during my time at Daemen. Her classes pushed me to think differently about a

wide variety of ethical issues that come up in everyday situations, and she gave me a better philosophical understanding of issues faced by those with mental

health issues. Dr. Tekin has also helped me to turn my passions into attainable career goals and has pushed me to keep working toward those goals.

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College Establishes New Honors Facility “Moving the Honors Program to this new location exemplifies the value and distinction of being a part of a special educational experience at the highest academic level.” – Dr. Michael Brogan, ‘84, ‘04 Daemen College has opened its first-ever dedicated honors facility, dubbed Honors House, located in a newly renovated home near the college’s Getzville Road entrance. e facility will serve as a study and communal space specifically for Honors Program students. e one-story building is now home to the Honors Program Office, which was previously housed in Curtis Hall, and is open to all honors students. It features a renovated kitchen, new furnishings, an honors lounge, and many amenities, including high-speed Internet and Wifi access. “Honors House offers our high-achieving students an ideal setting for academic engagement and a place where they can study, relax, and come together as a learning community,” said Daemen President Gary A. Olson. e more than 1,800-square-foot ranch-style property was purchased by Daemen early this year and incorporated into the campus proper. Work on converting the space into Honors House was completed over the summer to allow for its use at the start of the fall semester. e Daemen Honors Program is designed to meet the intellectual needs of the college’s best students, who participate in advanced study through honors courses and special learning experiences and research opportunities. Open to students from every department, the program strives to merge academic and social elements of the college experience at Daemen into one community of student scholars. “Moving the Honors Program to this new location exemplifies the value and distinction of being a part of a special educational experience at the highest academic level,” said Dr. Michael Brogan, vice president for academic affairs and dean of the college. “is project is a great example of re-purposing an existing building into communal space where honors

students can connect with their peers in a setting that supports their academic exploration.” Dr. Matthew Ward, director of the Honors Program, pointed out that Honors House will encourage more shared experiences among Daemen honors students. “e new Honors House and relocation of the Dr. Peter A. Siedlecki Honors Lounge will provide our honors students a wonderful space to explore their own intellectual curiosities, prepare presentations for national or regional conferences, and form strong bonds with their fellow students and faculty in a close-knit learning community,” said Ward. Mackenzie Pye, a dual major in physical therapy and Spanish, is among the first group of Honors Program students to use the new space. “e addition of Honors House demonstrates that Daemen truly cares and supports the success of its Honors Program students,” said Pye. “As soon as I enter the building, I immediately feel comfortable and appreciate having a space like this available for honors students. I’m proud to be a part of this great college community.”

Alumni House Daemen College is excited to announce the opening of Alumni House. Look for more information on this this new building in the next issue of Daemen Today.

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WHO WAS SEEN WHERE Brunch with the Easter Bunny 2/6

Scholars Day Alumni 3/20

Boat Cruise 7/9

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NYC Alumni Visit 6/1

Art Show 7/9

Daemen Day at Buffalo Bisons Game 7/29

Atlanta Alumni 8/4–5 Wildcat Golf Classic 8/11

Daemen Day 9/9

Sabatino Scholarship 9/11

50 Plus Mass and Brunch 9/16 –18

Entrepreneurship Lecture: “Dream, Girl” 9/28

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ATHLETICS

STUDENT-ATHLETES MAKE THE MOST OF NCAA OPPORTUNITIES By Michael Miranto

WILDCATS

ABOVE: (L–R) Somara Colon, Rachel Pawlak, and Alicia Contreras.

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e benefits associated with Daemen College’s rise to NCAA Division II have been well documented, especially when it comes to on-field competition. Since moving to Division II, Daemen’s student-athletes have been involved with unique opportunities offered to NCAA student-athletes that have enhanced their experience outside the rigors of intercollegiate athletic competition. Last spring, women’s basketball student-athlete Rachel Pawlak, ’17, a sport management major, became the first Daemen representative to attend the NCAA Student-Athlete Leadership Forum. Created in 1997, the forum has been a life-changing experience for nearly 5,000 student-athletes, providing the chance to grow personally and professionally while gaining a network of peers from collegiate athletics programs across the country. e four-day forum, held in Phoenix, Ariz., gives student-athletes like Pawlak the opportunity to return to their respective campuses with invaluable leadership skills and the experience of exploring the relationship between personal values, core beliefs and behavioral styles. Pawlak submitted blog entries to daemenwildcats.com about her experience. “is weekend has been filled with powerful insight on leadership from the perspective of student-athletes, administrators, coaches and NCAA staff,” she wrote on the final day of the forum. “Some of my key takeaways include: leadership is a continuous process, one person can make a difference, we can achieve more as a group, and through adversity we can reach our full potential to positively influence those around us.” Later in the spring, Pawlak was again afforded the opportunity to attend NCAA-sponsored programming. is time she was joined by fellow sport management majors Somara

Colon, ’16, and volleyball student-athlete Alicia Contreras, ’18, at the NCAA Career in Sports Forum held at NCAA headquarters in Indianapolis, Ind. e event is an annual gathering of approximately 200 student-athletes who learn and observe about possible careers in sports, particularly in collegiate athletics. e motive is to help student-athletes outline their career paths, meet current athletics professionals, and build a network of professional colleagues and peers met throughout the forum. Pawlak and Contreras were selected to attend aer going through a rigorous application process. Colon was awarded the opportunity to attend as part of the NCAA Ethnic Minority Enhancement Program’s Postgraduate Scholarship for Careers in Athletics. She was one of only 13 recipients selected nationwide for postgraduate scholarships awarded by the NCAA Minority Opportunities and Interest Committee. Contreras was the featured blogger at daemenwildcats.com for the Career in Sports Forum, saying, “I know I have a lot to work on during the next year to better myself, but I am not nearly as nervous as I was because of the reassurance the speaker gave us. It is alright to make mistakes, this is an industry where everyone is constantly learning and developing, and it is not the end of the world if you make mistakes. It only means that you are growing and maturing as a person. Pawlak, Contreras and Colon are expected to be the first of many student-athletes from Daemen to take advantage of these new and exciting opportunities brought forth because of Daemen’s NCAA Division II membership. Stay tuned to daemenwildcats.com for exciting news on the success of the college’s 16 intercollegiate athletics programs, and to learn how Daemen’s student-athletes are gaining experience to become the leaders of tomorrow.

ALUMNI PROFILE

Behind the Scenes

By Martin Haumesser

Jacquelyn “Jacki” Rizzo,’70, brings theatrical background and creative energy to the world of federal law enforcement

Jacki Rizzo says she has the unique but likely largely unknown distinction of being the only theater arts graduate at Rosary Hill College (now Daemen College) with a major in scenic design. “e major was discontinued shortly aer I graduated, but I think it was truly the foundation of my nearly 30-year career in law enforcement,” Rizzo recalls. “In studying theater at the college, I learned to interpret the many ways people present and express themselves, which is an invaluable skill in the field of customs and immigration.” Rizzo retired last year as a supervisory customs and border protection officer for the U.S. Department of Homeland Security (DHS), wrapping up a career that took her across the country and around the world, from Austria to ailand. Using skills she first honed in her theater studies at the college, Rizzo developed a training course for officers to help them interpret body language, dress, and other signals to spot persons who may be using a false identity. e training program is still used at the DHS today. “My theater studies helped a lot, but it was the entire education I received at Daemen that significantly influenced the successes I have experienced,” Rizzo says. “ere were quiet influences in every department, from art to philosophy to sociology, which taught me many different perspectives of the world around me.”

A change of scenery A graduate of Williamsville High School, Rizzo began college as a music major, but when a friend switched to theater arts, she followed her. at is where she first met Sister Jeanne File, OSF, an art teacher and one of seven Sisters of St. Francis who founded Rosary Hill College, now Daemen College. “Sister Jeanne didn’t just teach art, she showed you how to look at the big picture to come up with solutions – how to do something better or look at a situation diﬀerently,” Rizzo remembers. “She was so approachable and nurturing, and was ahead of her time in developing experiential learning.” Rizzo envisioned herself working at the college in the theater department aer graduation. However, her husband’s job with the then-named U.S. Immigration and Naturalization Service (INS) took the couple to Detroit. ere she attended Wayne State University and studied technical theater, earning a master’s of fine arts degree. She took time to raise the couple’s three daughters as a stay-at-home mom. As her husband’s career progressed, their family moved from Buﬀalo to Toronto to Detroit to Cleveland to Philadelphia to Washington D.C. to Dallas and back to Washington D.C., making it challenging to establish herself in any one theater community.

It was in Washington that Rizzo decided to pursue a career in government. She began her federal career in 1985 in personnel and security and then moved on to law enforcement in 1989 as an immigration officer. She graduated from the Immigration Officer Academy (IOA) in Georgia and began working in the field in 1990. Her work took her around the country, to nearly every port and border crossing in the United States. She has trained personnel in the airline industry on how to verify passenger identities and has worked to inform government agencies and congressional staff on immigration issues. Rizzo has also trained internationally, including stops in Vienna, Austria and Bangkok, ailand. Her work with homeland security has been recognized with a DHS Secretary’s Award and two Customs and Border Protection (CBP) Commissioner’s Awards. She also took a special interest in mentoring young women, serving as a volunteer with the Girl Scouts of the USA and the American Association of University Women. She received a anks Badge and anks Badge II from the Girls Scouts in honor of her 45 years as a volunteer member and adult educator. “e disciplines I learned in theater studies in college were readily applied to my work in law enforcement and border protection,” Rizzo explains. “It helped me to understand how people can misrepresent who they are and assume a different identity – just like the best actor who becomes the character he or she is portraying.”

The next stage Rizzo is retired and living in Arlington, Va., spending time traveling and visiting her daughters and grandchildren. She returns to Buﬀalo oen to visit family and has stayed connected with Daemen, having served on the Alumni Association’s National Board of Governors as chapter coordinator and chair of the Nominating Committee. She currently serves as second vice president for the chapter. Over the years, Rizzo says she has supported Daemen’s annual giving campaign as a way to give back to the college and to help students build an academic foundation for successful careers. “e basic principles I was taught in college – from critical thinking to time management to research and analysis – have stuck with me my entire career,” Rizzo concludes. “I want to help today’s students to have the same opportunity at Daemen and to learn in a caring and nurturing environment.”

FALL / WINTER 2016

CLASS N ANNOUNCEMENTS 1970s Honor Martin, ’73, English, was featured in a Buffalo News story in July 2016 for her work as vice president of clinical services at Aspire of Western New York. Dr. James Ramsey, Jr., ’79, History and Government, has been appointed clinical assistant professor and director of the first year experience and developmental education at Medaille College in Buffalo.

1980s

Donald Hogan, ’80, Social Work, has retired after coaching for 26 years at Watervlet High School and was honored by the school, community and former players and coaches. He is currently coaching at Hudson Valley Community College and is director of forensic mental health at the Rensselaer County Correctional Facility, a position he has held for more than 29 years. Lorraine Stahl, ’81, Medical Technology, is employed as quality control lab supervisor and laboratory manager at UNYTS. Deborah Skinner, ’83, Art Education, published a children’s fantasy novel, “Queen Sllabruos The Mirror World,” in April 2016. Brian Graham, ’86, Elementary and Special Education, has been appointed superintendent of the Grand Island Central School District.

1990s Rebecca (McKerchie) Ryan, ’98, Elementary and Special Education, is assistant principal at Buffalo Academy for Visual and Performing Arts. Christine Sherman Malie, ’99, Physical Therapy, earned a doctorate of physical therapy at Shenandoah University and has been promoted to manager of outpatient rehabilitation services

FALL / WINTER 2016

ANNOUNCEMENTS ENGAGEMENTS WEDDINGS BIRTHS IN MEMORIAM

TES at Mary Washington Hospital and Stafford Hospital in Fredericksburg, Va.

Want to Take a Bath,” published by Tate Publishing.

Brian Pettit, ’99, Physical Therapy, was welcomed back to Daemen as part of the February 2016 Hometown Heroes celebration held in conjunction with the men’s and women’s basketball doubleheader vs. Dowling College. A former Daemen basketball player, he served in the U.S. Army prior to attending the college.

Jenna Ostrowski-Winter, ’06, Graphic Design, is a photographer/graphic designer at Chevalier Outdoor Living.

2000s Stephanie Williams-Holmdahl, ’02, Psychology, completed her doctorate in clinical psychology in 2015 and specializes in suicide risk and personality assessment of ethnic minorities. She is employed as a staff psychologist and practicum training coordinator at the California Department of State Hospital-Salinas Valley. Jordan Pulaski, ’03, Business Administration, is employed in pharmaceuticals at Genentech Hematology Oncology. Scott Moyer, ’04, Business Administration, serves as risk manager in the Greece Central School District. Lauren Jaeger, ’05, ’12, Psychology/Executive Leadership and Change, is a major gift officer at Second Harvest Food Bank of Middle Tennessee. Michael Patane, ’05, Physician Assistant, contributed to writing the article, “Teamwork: Strategies for a Successful Robotic Program,” which focuses on how to run a successful surgical robotic program based on findings from robotic surgeries performed at Memorial Sloan Kettering Cancer Center. Amanda Dickerman, ’06, ’10, Early Childhood/ Special Education, has been named the 2016 Teacher of the Year for the Northeastern Division by The Learning Group, where she is employed. Lindsey (Haggmark) Hall, ’06, Visual Arts Education, and her husband have written and illustrated their first children’s book, “I Don’t

Abe Debadts, ’08, Physician Assistant, has received the Patricia Lewis Adjunct Staff Award from Rochester Regional Health System in recognition of his excellence in patient and family care, collaboration with the healthcare team, and his service as a role model to other health care professionals. Amy Farner, ’08, Health Care Studies, is serving as vice president of online marketing at Awakenings Treatment. Amanda Holman, ’08, ’10, Doctorate of Physical Therapy, is a physical therapist at River Pediatric Therapies. Damian Desbordes, ’09, ’13, Political Science/ Executive Leadership and Change, has been promoted to director of student accounts at Trocaire College. Tamblyn Gawley, ’09, Art-Painting, is curriculum advisor at the Arts at Exploration School, Inc. Celia (Patarino) Gonser, ’09, Health Care Studies, is director of product development at Clinical Support Services. McKenzie Higgins, ’09, Political Science, was recently promoted to Compliance Specialist 1 for Human Resources Compliance at M&T Bank. Jerry Webb, ’09, Art, is working as a sales marketing analyst at Arcade Beauty.

2010s Jessica Raimondo, ’10, ’14, Business Administration/ Executive Leadership and Change, is a digital ad sales planner at Synacor based in downtown Buffalo. Ann Marie Taggart, ’11, Executive Leadership and Change, is a technical services advisor at Microsoft.

Alexis (Ruffino) DelCarlo, ’12, Business Administration, is a human resources associate at NutraBland Foods, Inc. Courtney Donovan, ’12, History and Government, is a licensing coordinator at New Era Cap. Amanda (Buckley) Mooney, ’12, Professional Accountancy, has been promoted to tax manager at Lumsden & McCormick, LLP.

Special Thompson, ’14, Psychology, is an office aid/school aide at Ichan Charter School 7. Darcie Neaverth, ’15, Physician Assistant, is a physician assistant in the primary care practice at Family Care Medicine. Tyler Russell, ’15, Health Care Studies, is a cardiac monitor technician at Cayuga Medical Center at Ithaca.

Amy Zink, ’12, Physician Assistant, is a physician assistant at Jewish Senior Life of Rochester.

Peggy (Inchiosa) Stefanski, ’15, Nursing, is working in the medical intensive care unit at Kaleida Health.

Jeremy Banas, ’13, Graphic Design, is employed as a junior art director at 15 Fingers in Buffalo.

Elizabeth VanDeusen, ’15, Business Administration, is an e-commerce assistant at HABA USA.

Jamal Cort, ’13, Athletic Training, is serving as an intern athletic trainer at The Madison Square Garden Company.

Holli Nesbitt, ’16, Physician Assistant, is a member of the Strong Memorial Hospital Colorectal Surgical Department.

Anna Jaremko, ’13, Health Care Studies, is employed as a special projects assistant at Independent Health. Amber Mazurek, ’13, Nursing, is working as a patient care services advisor at Kenmore Mercy Hospital. Kirsten Sharp, ’13, Business Administration, is a human resources assistant at Cobham Mission Systems. Korianne Lee Sulzbach, ’13, ’16, Health Care Studies and Public Health, is a research support specialist in the University at Buffalo Department of Epidemiology and Environmental Health. Mary Rose Graham, ’14, Executive Leadership and Change, is serving as director at Southtowns Surgery Center of Kaleida Health. Julia Giczkowski, ’14, Professional Accountancy, has been promoted to senior accountant in the tax department at Lumsden & McCormick, LLP. Tracey Pamphile, ’14, Health Care Studies, is a recruitment coordinator for MetLife at Allegis Global Solutions.

Caitlin Scheeler, ’15, Physician Assistant, and Matthew Ullery, ’14, Religious Studies, were married on Oct. 10, 2015. They reside in Cheektowaga, N.Y.

BIRTHS 2000s Jennifer (Koenig) Rossman, ’03, Elementary and Special Education, gave birth to her second child, Elliot Matthew, on Aug. 30, 2015. Sara (Schupp) Rivers, ’06, Elementary Education and Adam Rivers, ’06, Art Education, were married on July 26, 2014. They welcomed a son, Brayden John, on Sept. 15, 2015. Sara is a literary specialist and Adam is an art teacher. Justin Johnston, ’08, History and Government and Danielle (Corbett) Johnston, ’10, Physician Assistant, welcomed a daughter, Jane Elizabeth, on Aug. 9, 2016.

WEDDINGS 2000s Amber Penkszyk, ’03, Business Administration, married Glenn Aronow on Sept, 11, 2015 at Becker Farms and Vizcarra Vineyards in Gasport, N.Y. Megan Herr, ’09, Natural Science, and Michael Feldman, ’11, History and Government, were engaged in August 2015 and married in July 2016. Megan is working as a postdoctoral fellow at the National Cancer Institute. Jennifer (Grzebinski) Tharnish, ’09, ’11, Doctorate of Physical Therapy, married Jeff Tharnish on April 9, 2016. Residing in East Aurora, N.Y., Jennifer is a physical therapist at GreenField Health and Rehabilitation Center, and Jeff manages the international department at ABC-Amega, Inc.

2010s Kristin Mulligan, ’13, Physician Assistant Studies, and Adam Sobieraj, ’10, Business, were married on Oct. 17, 2015.

Christin (Ratzel) Young, ’08, ’10, Doctorate of Physical Therapy, and her husband, Justin, welcomed a baby boy, Elijah, on March 27, 2016.

2010s Jason Hartman, ’11, Psychology, and Abby (Cryan) Hartman, ’12, Biology, welcomed a daughter, Rhyla Jordan, on April 1, 2016. Jessica (Pankok) Filipowski, ’12, Accounting, and her husband, Michael, welcomed a son, Joseph James, on March 26, 2016. Phylicia Dove, ’15, Executive Leadership and Change, gave birth to a son, Isaac Adrien Dove, on June 19, 2015. Janelyn Jimenez, ’16, Liberal Arts, with her family welcomed a son, Nicolas, on June 22, 2016.

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RETIREES We are grateful to the wonderful faculty and staﬀ who have provided years of service to Daemen College. Congratulations! Sharon Benz began her career at Daemen in January 2003 and retired as coordinator of the Center for Sustainable Communities and Civic Engagement in July 2016. William DiPietro started at Daemen in September 1984 and retired as a professor of business administration in August 2016. John Frederick began his career at Daemen in June 2001 and retired in April 2016 as the director of executive leadership and change.

IN MEMORIAM Saraswathi (Saras) Magill, passed away on Feb. 21, 2016. She retired in 1999 as a professor of mathematics from Daemen after more than two decades of service. Also serving as chairperson of the Mathematics Department, she was very devoted to the college and the department. Thomas Krickovich passed away on April 15, 2016. He was a student in the physician assistant program. The Tom Krickovich Memorial Fund has been established to carry on his legacy and to contribute to the Daemen Physician Assistant Program.

1950s Sr. M. Justine Lyons, ’57, English, passed away on Dec. 15, 2015. She worked in education as a teacher, tutor and speech therapist. She was also well known for her singing and work with children’s choirs, and she enjoyed oil painting. Donations were made to the Sisters of St. Francis.

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M. Clement Schubert, OSF, ’59, Education, passed away on Feb. 25, 2016. She served the New York area as a nurse’s aide and teacher. Donations were made in her memory to the Sisters of St. Francis.

1960s

Lucy Curley, ’61, English, passed away on Aug. 2, 2016. She served on the Niagara Frontier State Park Commission and was director of Artpark & Co. and the Ashford Hollow Foundation. She also founded Lucy Curley & Company, Inc., a grant and loan consulting firm in downtown Buffalo. She donated her remains to the University at Buffalo’s Anatomical Gift Program. Barbara (Pietraszek) Gullo, ’61, English, passed away on June 6, 2016 after a courageous four-year battle with cancer. She worked for 35 years in real estate at CFG Investments, a company she established with her husband. Toni Smith Wilson, ’69, Theatre, passed away on May 28, 2016 under hospice care in her Buffalo home. She and Rosalind Cramer established the Theatre of Youth in 1972, and she was an actor and director in a number of productions. A theater teacher for 40 years at the Buffalo Seminary, she also taught acting, creative dramatics and voice at many area workshops, schools and colleges, including Daemen.

Donna (Jeffs) Murray, ’72, Elementary Education, passed away on Feb. 13, 2016 following a lengthy fight against breast cancer. She was employed for 32 years by the New York State Education Department’s Office of the Professions, from which she retired in 2011.

1980s

Karen Shaw, ’85, Nursing, passed away on Jan. 31, 2016. Employed for 31 years at the Veterans Administration, she was a member of the National Rifle Association, an avid animal lover and supporter of various animal related charities.

1990s Kim Sweet-Cassavino, ’91, Adolescence Education, passed away on Nov. 1, 2015. She was a member of the Buffalo Chapter DAR. Memorials were made to Joyful Rescues.

2010s Samuel Pagano, ’16, Graphic Design, passed away on July 6, 2016. He received the Outstanding Achievement in Visual Communication honor at the 2016 Daemen Excellence Awards Ceremony. Pagano’s senior exhibition on a theoretical investigation of typography remains on display in the Tower Gallery of the Haberman Gacioch Art Center.

1970s Kathleen (Suchan) Hopper, ’70, Mathematics, passed away on March 4, 2016. She was retired as a mathematics teacher in the Cheektowaga Central School District. In leaving a legacy gift to Daemen, she was a member of the M. Angela Canavan Society. Mary (Benson) Myszkiewicz, ’72, Elementary Education, passed away on May 5, 2016. She was a teacher and longtime president of the Allentown Village Society and parent organization of the Allentown Art Festival.

To submit a class note online go to: daemen.edu/classnote

Annual Report 2015-16

Daemen College Giving Societies

June 1, 2015 – May 31, 2016

1947 SOCIETY $10,000 + ––––––––––––––––––––– Anonymous Anonymous Anonymous Anonymous Anonymous BlueCross Blueshield WNY John Castle, ’15 Robert and Carol Chur Richard and Leslie Day *Adrian Dedecker, Jr. Dale Demyanick, ’79 and Patricia Smith Earle I. Mack Foundation, Inc. Fire Safety Systems, Inc. William and Nancy Gacioch, ’62 Hallmark Management Service, Inc. Hratch Karamanoukian and Karen Karalus-Karamanoukian Key Bank Foundation M&T Charitable Foundation Nelson and Joyce Torre, ’90 USA Triathlon Foundation Vein Treatment Center John and Carolyn Yurtchuk Jeffrey and Robyn Zimmer

ROSARY HALL SOCIETY $5,000 – $9,999 ––––––––––––––––––––––– Chur Companies, NY, Inc. Helen Dent Lenahan Foundation James Girard Contracting Key Bank Liberty Mutual Group National Collegiate Athletic Association Gary Olson and Lynn Worsham John and Mary Synor, ’66 UBS Financial Services, Inc. US Security Associates

PRESIDENT’S SOCIETY $1,000 – $4,999 ––––––––––––––––––––––– Michael and Marian Betrus, ’76 Michael, ’84, ’04 and Victoria Brogan Leonard and Patricia Brown James Campbell and Catherine Lepage-Campbell, ’84 Kevin Carter Collegiate Village Richard and Patricia Cusick, ’66 Dell Computer Corp. Donald MacDavid Charitable Trust Susan Falsone, ’96 FC Buffalo, LLC Federated Clover Invested Advisors

Follett Foundation of New York State Nurses Craig and Denise Harris Healthy Community Alliance Pamela Jacobs Vogt, ’62, ’84 Linda Kuechler Lake Shore Savings Bank Lawley Service Insurance David and Margaret Loesch, ’68 Michael and Richanne Mankey Charles and Irene Maxwell, ’66 Kathleen McCarthy, ’60 Gail Mitchell and George Matthews Monsanto Fund Pepsi-Cola Buffalo Bottling Corp. Phillips Lytle, LLP Providence Fund Janice Pruch, ’73 Thomas, ’00 and Donna Reynolds Jacquelyn Rizzo, ’70 Carol Sabatino A. Dolores Attea Sapienza, ’53 Deborah Scott George Siefert, Jr. Sonic Blinds, Inc. Thomas, ’74 and Cynthia Stewart Stephen Swift Mary Tosney, ’64 Uncle Bob’s Self Storage Andras and Connie Vari Vincent and Harriett Palisano Foundation Jeffrey and Susan Wellington Joette and Douglas Zaccagnino

1947 SOCIETY $10,000 +

ROSARY HALL SOCIETY $5,000 – $9,999

PRESIDENT’S SOCIETY $1,000 – $4,999

WICK SOCIETY $500 – $999

DUNS SCOTUS SOCIETY $250 – $499

BLUE & WHITE SOCIETY $100 – $249

SUPPORTER Up to $99

* Deceased

7 FALL / WINTER 2016

WICK SOCIETY $500 – $999 –––––––––––––––––––

DUNS SCOTUS SOCIETY

Anonymous

$250 – $499 –––––––––––––––––––

Advertising Club of Buffalo

Jeffrey and Brooke Arber

Ronald and Sandra Battaglia

Neil and Patricia Bean, ’56

Mary Bauer, ’72

Mary Ann Beatty

Joseph Huber and Fredericka

Robert and Kathleen Beiswanger

Baytos-Huber, ’70

Diane Bessel Matteson

Beute Bliley, Inc.

Kathleen Lawley Best

Rita Blanford, ’64

Bon-Ton Stores, Inc.

Caroline Buerk, ’59

Kathleen Boone

Annette Buhsmer, ’60

Mary Britton, ’82

Edward and Jean Cuddy, ’60

Peter Brodie, ’92

Phillip and Mary Ann

Michael Jr., ’07, ’11 and

Dahlstrom, ’69

Amanda Brogan

Eaton Office Supply

Linda Carter, ’62

John and Sharon Egan, Sr.

Anton Chin

First Niagara Bank

Joan Currier, ’68

Margaret Foegen, ’69

Jean Dennis, ’54

Robert and Sylvia Fredricks, ’63

Empire Building Diagnostics, Inc.

Stanley and Nancy Galus

Thelma Farley, ’61

Matthew and Kathleen

Thomas Lombardo and Donna

Glowski, ’66

Fioretti Lombardo ’69

*Barbara Gullo, ’61

Sherrie Gustas

Donald and Anna Hutton

Kermuth Haraszko, ’64

Elizabeth, ’70 and Joseph Ivers

Margaret Hardy, ’56

Justin, ’08 and Danielle

James and Linda Hassett, ’68

Johnston, ’10 Joseph and Anne Michael

Christopher and Andrea Heinold

Robert and Debra Mills

Philip Hendrix, ’81

William Moeller

Theresa Joyce

Morgan Stanley Global

Knoer Group

Impact Funding Trust, Inc.

Jane Kodela-Cordts, ’71

Karen Moronski-Chapman, ’03

William and Judylee Loos, ’69

John Murray

John and Laura MacDonald

Eileen Oviedo, ’75

Mary Madej, ’69

Michael and Christine Ryan, ’64

Joseph and Mary Maggiotto, ’53

Wallace Marosek and Ann

Lisa Meyers

Sheridan, ’74 Joan Stovroff

Kathleen Michels, ’65 Modern Disposal Services, Inc.

Strategic Advisory

Kelly Monkelbaan

Christopher and Rita

Michael Morgan

Sweeney, ’52

Gregory and Jessica Nayor

Twin Village Recycling

Mary Nosek, ’68

Verizon Foundation

Walter and Cheryl Nosek

Edward and Margene Weiss

Rita Otterbein, ’62

Brenda Young and Robert

Paul and Carol Petronack, ’64

Johnston

Plaza Group Dawn Reed

FALL WINTER 2016

Mary Ricotta

Randolph Chojecki

Richard and Pamela Schott, ’70

Marilyn Collins, ’61

Shanor Electric Supply

Ann Conley, ’56

Ronald and Sandra

Diana Conroy, ’68

Sobierajski, ’64

Sharon Corbett, ’79

James and Diane Walsh, ’72

Margarita Coyne, ’11

WNY Environmental Alliance

David and Gail Cristantello Patricia Cuviello, ’54

BLUE & WHITE SOCIETY

Diane Czamara-Marlow, ’65 Daemen College Lambda Chi Iota Donald and Cecille Demeo

$100 – $249 ––––––––––––––––––––

Pierre and Roberta Demers, ’65

Anonymous

Dwayne Dewyea

5000 Group, LLC

Lenore Dimon, ’63

Giovanni Abbarno

Dorothy Disse, ’54

Patricia Agostino, ’69

Andrew and Teresa Dorn, ’72

Almat Forms Systems

Michael Dugan

Martin Anisman

Julia Duggan, ’65

Paulette Anzelone, ’73

Anna Marie Dullea, ’61

Jack and Dena Armstrong

Winifred Dupriest, ’67

Lynette Armstrong

David and Kelly Duran

Chester and Josephine Arnold, ’65

Charles and Diane Durkin, ’64

Edward and Mary Beth

Nancy Egan

Arthur, ’66

Kristy Dersam Frederick Dewaters, Jr.

Ellen Egan

Elaine Barbati, ’72

Rosemary Enright, ’62

William and Mary Barden, ’58

Ernst Young, LLP

Patrick and Carole Barnard, ’69

Thomas and Karen Filbert

John and Pamela Bartlo, ’97

Joyce Fink, ’52, ’73

Teresa Batina, ’82

James Fitzpatrick, ’98

Patricia Beaman

William and Ilona Franck, ’65

Anthony, ’87 and Michelle

John Frederick

Bianco, ’88

Kristin Fries

Bernice Bliley

Erica Frisicaro-Pawlowski

Bob Johns La Hacienda, Inc.

Roberta Frisoni, ’73

Robert and Andrea Borgioli, ’69

Kenneth, ’80 and Marie Fuchs

Donald and Joan Borzilleri, ’63,

Alan Gaglia

Ann Marie Bradley, ’57

David Gehrmann, ’86

Julie Bradt, ’88

Warren and Patricia Gelman

Patrick Brady, ’96

Annmarie George, ’66

James and Jayne Brasser, ’74

Mary Gillig

Jay and Marcia Brett

Stephen Ginsburg

Bonnie Bright, ’76

Claire Goldberg

Wayne, ’03 and Kristine Brown

Sharon Goodrich, ’64

William and Gail Busse, ’63

John and Sally Goodson, ’65

Maureen Cane, ’69

Virginia Greenan, ’61

Clare Carlson, ’59

Lois Grollitsch, ’70

Karen Cash

Mary Haberman, ’61

Joseph and Barbara Castiglia

Kathryn Hammer, ’06

Mary Jane Centola, ’75

Edward and Maryanne

Joann Chatwin George and Mary Chin, ’69

Hannan, ’69 James Harrigan

Paul Haskins, ’89

Barbara Monti, ’63

Melanie Schmitt, ’11, ’14

John Hatton

James Moran

Joseph and Kathleen Scully

Timothy Herzog

Yolanda Morris

Katherine Skelly, ’59

Robert and Mary Ellen

Dean Murphy

James Smith, ’95 and

Hoffman, ’64 David Munro and Eileen Hoffman, ’71

Isabelle Murphy, ’58 Robert Murphy National Recovery Solutions

Cathlene Banker Richard and Barbara Sokolowski

SUPPORTER Up to $99 –––––––––––––––––––– Douglas and Danielle Alessandra Robert and Denise Ammerman, ’83 Kenneth and Mary Angielczyk, ’64

Paul and Krista Hollins

Paul and Dolores Nelson, ’60

Joanna Southard, ’57

James and Diane Arnone, ’81

Carol Hughes, ’60

Pamela Neumann

Marian Sperrazza

Stephen and Eleanor Ash, ’72

Ionraic Triathlon Club

Valerie Nigro, ’65

Alan and Holly Stah

Marcia Austin, ’66

Yves Jean-Jacques

David and Jacqueline

Robert Stark

Gary and Elizabeth Bagnoche

Mimi Steadman

Sandra Bartus, ’65

Penelope Jeffrey, ’65

Nitsche, ’71

Carol Jelinek, ’66

Jan and Marie Nowak, ’73

Mark and Leira Stephany

Mona Baskin, ’73

Sharon Kent

Catherine Nowak, ’71

David Stevenson, ’84

Elaine Batterby, ’74

Martin Koslosky

Bernard and Linda

Steve’s Meats

Judith Bauman, ’82

Paula Kregg, ’70

O’Donnell, ’02

Dianne Sutton

Denise Behm, ’76

Maureen Kreider, ’63

Mark O’Leary

Mary Szczesniak, ’70

David and Mary Bell, ’70

Kenneth Krug, ’04

William and Gale O’Neill

Joanne Szwejbka, ’61

Roger and Mary Berdoulay, ’67

Barbara Kuzina, ’67

Kathleen O’Shaughnessy, ’71

Third Warders Social Club

Dennis and Donna Bernard

KZ Automotive

Mark Parisi

Katherine Thompson, ’54

William and Emily Beyer, ’67

Linda Lepeirs-Slawson, ’68

Michael Patane, ’05

Brendan and Sandra

Michael and Mary Bialota, ’62

Elizabeth Liddy, ’66

PCS Plumbing Heating, Inc.

Christa Lodwig

Thomas Peltz

Blake Thurman

Dorothy Bigos

Lombardo Funeral Home

Joseph and Mary Petrozzi

Carmelyn Tobin, ’77

Laurie Binder, ’67

Peter Lonergan

Anna Pitzo, ’53

Angelo Tomasello

Stephen, ’09 and Elizabeth Blass

Joan Lopresti, ’98

Barry and Johnna Plaga

Mary Lou Trombly, ’60

Michael and Anne Blenk

Steven and Maureen Lovullo

Keith and Lynda Poole

Brenda Twardowski

John Blest

Gloria Lumsden

Randall and Lori Posluszny

Ulrich Sign Company, Inc.

Michael and Eileen Bogner, ’89

John and Patricia MacDonald

Susanne Powers, ’65

Mary Van Der Veer, ’65

Ryan Bohn, ’13, ’14

Thomas MacKowski, ’83

Praxair Distribution

Ann Vanvoorhis, ’78

Catherine Bosch, ’98

Kevin and Barbara Marmion

Prentice Office Environments

Robert and Elaine Vespucci, ’97

Mary Ellen Boyle, ’70

John and Carol Marshall, ’71

Jerald and Janice Rachfal, ’62

Quirina Vreeburg, ’69

Marc Brania

Kevin McCarthy

Tyler and Melissa Ray

Robert and Laurie Walsh, ’10

William and Sharon Breitling, ’63

Debra McClendon, ’72

Larry and Carol Redband

Mary Walz, ’55

Eric Britton

S. Donald and Susan

Paul Redfern

Robert Waterhouse

Renee Brown, ’83

Charles Reedy

Patrick and Nancy Watson

Michael and Suzanne Brown

Michael and Susan McDonell

Carol Renner

Walter Weber

Douglas and Linda Busz, ’65

Maureen McElvain, ’68

Kelly Richard

Carol Wetzel, ’60

Sue Buyer

Matthew, ’87 and Valerie

Connie Ricotta, ’97

Alyssa Whiteside, ’10

John and Angela Caligiuri

Ann Robinson

Michael and Marybeth

Marlene Campbell

McCullough, ’67

McGrath, ’87

Thomson, ’66

Whiting, ’06

Carol Bieron, ’64

Gail McHugh, ’65

Beverly Robinson

Mark and Jennifer McKrell

Brian Rusk

John and Mary Williams, Jr., ’64

Pierre and Cynthia Capestrani

Paul and Laurie McLeister, ’85

Ryan Enterprises, LLC

Leigh Winder, ’75

Mary Lou Cappellini, ’90

Kathryn McLeron, ’60

Ann Salter, ’57

Gary and Kathleen Witter

Carol Cardinale, ’75

William and Patricia Mehleisen, ’69

Luis Santiago, ’79

Woods Oviatt Gilman, LLP

James Carr

Sarah Metzger, ’88

Salvatore and Carol Savarino

Judd Wright, ’73

Kathleen Castillo, ’78

Bobbi Meyer

Dolores Ann Scanlon, ’62

Elizabeth Wright

Patrick Cauley

Marian Meyers

Mary Schalk-Russell, ’59

Scott and Patricia Yanity

Oliver Cavitt, ’75

Margaret Meyers

Ronald Schenk

Shennon and Naomi Yaw, ’11

Center Court Sports, Inc.

Maureen Millane

Roger and Mary Schindler

Richard Zajac

Lynda Cessario

Denise Mills

Charles and Lisa Schmidt, ’13

W. Vito and Jeanne Zambelli

Eugene and Jacquelin Chamberland

Diane Monahan, ’69

Brian, ’98 and Michele

Zeigler Honda Kehua Zhou, ’13

Elise Chambers, ’10

Raymond Montanaro, ’02

Schmidt

Maureen Cancilla, ’68

David and Nancy Chernega, ’73

FALL / WINTER 2016

Joseph and Lynn Chimera, ’67

Barbara Fischer, ’62

John Hines, Jr., ’78

Donald Lange

Melodie Christiansen, ’65

Catherine Forbes, ’83

Audrey Horbett, ’58

Neil Lange

Marcella Claire, ’76

Lois Foster

Karen Hrabak, ’66

Renee LaPlante, ’14

Thomas and Michele Clancy

Russell and Karlene Foster

David and Mary Huber, Sr., ’69

Donald and Marie Larcom

Edward and Helen Clohessy

Christine Fragale, ’87

Michael Hudson

Carol Laschinger, ’60

Megan Altman-Cosgrove, ’13

Bonita Frazer

Mae Hughes, ’69

Paul and Donna Lasker, ’64

Thula Corrica

Ronald and Bonnie

Immaculata Iannello, ’69

James and Sarah Latchford

Cara Innus, ’99

Thompson Jr. and Stephanie

Corsi Management Group LLC

Fredenburg, ’64

Jillian Connor, ’14

Thomas and Heidi Freeman

Sharon Insero, ’71

Catherine Covert, ’80

Rachelle Fuchs, ’09

Mary Jacka, ’70

Susan Leising

Gordon Crock and Shirley

Samantha Gabel, ’06

Derek Jansma

Silvio Leonardi, ’09

Francine Ganci

Wendy Jarczyk, ’94

John and Elaine Lepo, ’79

Karen Cuevas, ’90

John and Miriam Ganze, ’67

Phyllis Jardine, ’62

John and Deborah Lester

Lisa Cumbo

Peter and Adrienne Geiss, ’63

Michael Johnson

Darlene Letersky, ’65

Gregory Czajka

Michele Gephart, ’92

Karen Johnson, ’72

Brooke Levan

Katherine Dafgard

Mary Gerber, ’88

Richard and Vorin Johnston, ’78

Sima Lewis

Josephine Dalessandro, ’63

Adam and Anne Gerson

Marilyn Johnston, ’66

Michael and Jane Licata, ’80

Joseph and Susan Danahy

Jack and Kyle Giammaresi, ’74

Mary Ellen Kahn, ’71

Elaine Lieber, ’72

Claire Darstein, ’60

Annette Giovannetti, ’84

Seth, ’79 and Kim Kaiser

Chrisanthe Liolios

Neil and Marlene Dashkoff

Rosemarie Godard, ’80

Thomas and Francine Kane, ’10

Edward and Barbara Logel, ’60

Robert Dean

Mary Gore, ’52

Edmund Karnofsky

Brian and Sarah Lombardo

Patricia Dean

Donna Gorman, ’66

Kathleen Kearns, ’57

Mary Lorigo, ’70

David and Joan Deinhart, ’56

Barbara Graham, ’60

Joann Keenan, ’70

Thomas Loughran

Neal Deleo

Sara Grana, ’14, ’16

Daniel and Danielle Kehoe, ’07

Robert and Sylvia Lovett, ’64

Isadore, ’97, ’00 and

James Graziano, Jr., ’91

Patricia Keller, ’77

Francis and Katherine Lysiak

Warren and Ami Greatbtach

Charles Kent, Jr.

Mary MacKenzie, ’70

Ann Demlein, ’72

Gerald and Thalia Greenan

Rodney and Betty Kerr

Michael and Louise Magner

Pauline Demo, ’69

Rhetta Greenman, ’63

Renee Kersey

James Malinak

Mary Jo Ketchum, ’63

Susan Marchione

Linda Kiely, ’61

Michael and Lynn Matthews, ’07

Peterson

Jacqueline Demarco, ’06

Michael and Kathryn Despirt, ’69 Gerald and Joann Maria Dias

Grzechowiak, ’62

Marco and Erica Dinovo, ’95

Paul and Valerie Guenther, ’61

Judy Kilroy, ’61

Mayer Bros. Apple Products

Lala Marie Dipaolo-Placey, ’65

Joyce Guinn, ’61

Elizabeth King, ’72

Patricia McCartan, ’61

Jacquelyn Dipirro

Suzanne Hamels

Kelley Kinnaird

Patricia McCarthy-Hohl, ’60

Robert and Nancy Dipirro

Arlene Hamilton

Kevin and Allyson Kirk

Judith Dixon, ’63

Catherine Hammer, ’73

Donna Kleinmann, ’97, ’14

Joanne McCartin, ’61 Gary and Mary Alice McClusky, ’67

Elizabeth Dobbins, ’76

James Hannotte, ’89

Deanne Kline

Shannon McDonell

Christopher Donner, ’99

Linda Hardie

Richard and Sheryl Ann Knab, ’82

Marian McGarvey

Judith Dorr, ’68

Julie Harpst

Joanne Kojm, ’76

Nancy McGee, ’61

Linda Koller

Barbara McGovern, ’66

Thomas and Kathleen Dougherty Suzanne Hartke, ’58

FALL / WINTER 2016

Layton, ’69

K. Lynn Dubuisson, ’73

Carol Hatem, ’71

Theresa Kolodziej, ’83, ’04

Kathleen McHugh

Jennifer Dzielski

Desales Hattenberger, OSF, ’59

Donna Koppmann, ’66

John and Mary McIntosh

Roy and Marianne Eisenhut

Ann Hawley, ’85

Nancy Kowalewski, ’92

Donna McLin

Christine Ellington-Rowe, ’69

Kathryn Healy, ’63

Thomas and Nancy Kraus

Anita McManus, ’61

Elizabeth Elmer, ’66

Robert and Kathleen Heffern, ’64

Kenneth Kraus

Thomas and Doreen Meade

William and Elizabeth Erdman

David and Mary Held

Albert and Kathryn Kreitzer, Jr., ’65

Joyce Merchant

Larry and Marirose Ethington

Ann Helms, ’66

Eric Kretzmer

Anne Meyer

Robert and Annette Fachko, ’83

Jean Henley, ’78

Mary Kroll

Edward and Patricia Meyers, ’69

Marylou Farley, ’83

Donald Meyers

Jo Ellen Fasanello, ’58

Andrew and Jacqulene Hennas, ’62 Michelle Krupke, ’06 Thomas Higgins Anthony and Jennifer Krupski, Sr.

Anna Faulkner, ’80

McKenzie Higgins, ’09

Daniel and Sharon Kryman

Thomas Michos

William and Pauline Ferro

Mary High

Kimberley Kwoka, ’95

Robin Miller, ’93

Paul and Diane Fildes, ’71

*June Hillery, ’54

Kevin Lake

Cheryl Miller, ’81

Lawrence and Jo-Ann Michael

Gabrielle Miskell, ’61

Frances Ruger, ’68

Joan Surnamer

Helen Mitchell

Shirley Rung, ’88

Robert and Kaye Swallow

Beverly Monette, ’54

Runner’s Roost

Dale and Nancy Sweet, ’75

Mary Ann Monroe, ’73

William Rutkowski, ’82

Barbara Syracuse

Terry and Mary Moore, ’65

Robert and Arline Salzman

Team Hotshots

Donna Muehlig, ’69

Kathleen Sambora, ’63

Serife Tekin

Roger and Joanne Mueller, ’60

Keith and Wendy Sanger

Richard Thamasett

Jerome, ’73 and Sarah Mullane

Janet Sangster

Jessica Todd, ’15

Joseph and Theckla Mullen, ’54

David and Vincenette SanLorenzo

Michael and Kimberly Tonovitz, ’00

William and Judith Mulroy, ’60

Ronald Sardina

A. Corinne Toole, ’64

John and Amy Munro, ’01

Janine Sarkis

Franklin and Marilyn Trusso

Doris Murphy, ’09, ’11

Frederick Sarkis

Christopher and Lynette

John and Mary Murphy

Denise Sarkis

John and Susan Murphy

Joseph Scanlan

Larry and Nannette Tunget, ’60

Annette Mussachio, ’58

Thomas Scanlan

Dionne Turnage

Candise Mye, ’72

A. Dale and Linda Schaefer, ’73

John Twist

Lauren Nedwick, ’08, ’13

Marjorie Schallmo, ’63

Philip and Kathleen Valenti

Richard and Joanne Newton, ’72

Roberta Schauer, ’59

Nathan and Julie Varland

Dennis and Debra O’Leary

Gregory and Nancy Schenk

Marlene Vastola, ’70

Jean Paplow, ’66

Ann Scherer, ’55

Donald and Deanna Veitengruber

Donna Parisi

Thomas Scherer

Tina Veitengruber

Clarice Parrag-Graney, ’67

Jane Schmitt

Maria Viggiano, ’69

Jerome and Teresa Pawlak

Robert and Jean Schultz, ’63

Louis and Tina Vinci

Joann Pearson, ’66

Patricia Seemueller, ’56

Margaret Vorndran, ’74

Ashley Pesch, ’15

Thomas and Jean Shanahan, ’67

Carol Wagner, ’57

Ward Hartenstein and Ann Pfeiffer, ’75

David and Karen Shareno, ’06, ’11

Dennis Brown and Karen

Gloria Pinsker

Scott and Dorothy Shaw, ’70

Barbara Piotrowski, ’10

Robert and Theresa Sheldon, ’64

Mara Walton, OSF, ’65

Nadia Polack

Grace Shipley

Matthew Ward

Heidi Popek

Gregg Shutts

Carol Weaver, ’77

Frederick Pordum, III, ’98, ’04

Valentina Skrypka

Denise Weaver, ’92

Mary Post, ’56

Anne Slind, ’60

Danielle Weaver

Sandra Proulx, ’98

Paulette Smith

Anne Welch, ’73

John and Rhonda Lamancuso, ’02

Patricia Smith

Susan Werner, ’84

Marilyn Purdy, ’56

Joanne Smith

Paul and Mary Werner

Dale and Sally Pyne

Christina Smith

Rosemary Wesolowski, ’08, ’10

Every effort is made

George and Monica Rammer, ’68

James and Christine Smyczynski, ’79

Nancy Wierowski, ’78

to achieve complete

Catherine Reamer

Stephen and Deborah Sokolski, ’91

Debora Wild, ’85

accuracy in this

Carolyn Reed, ’63

Laura Sommer

Mark and Jacqueline Winkle

report. However, in

Logan Reedy

Margaret Sommers, ’67

Dale and Jean Wise

publications of this

Reflections Hair Design WNY

Paulette Sonner, ’69

Laurie Wolfe, ’78

nature, mistakes are

Michael and Diane Rehak

Camille Sorenson, ’73

Alton and Christine Woodams, ’69

inevitable. If your

Patricia Rhoton, ’69

John and Aileen Spero, ’13

Kristie Woods, ’71

name is omitted,

Veronica Ribot-Canales

Dennis and Angeline Stachera

Thomas and Kathy Wulf

misspelled, or

John Rice

Joanne Starr, ’57

Michael Wydysh, ’80

improperly listed,

George and Mary Ann Richardson, ’59

Marlyn Storch-Escott, ’99

Gregory and Joy Yaskow

please accept our

Frank and Jane Riga, ’61

Joyce Strobel

John Yunker

apologies. You are

Margaret Riso, ’62

John Stubb, ’93 and Dorothy Brown

Sharon Zacher, ’87

invited to contact the

John and Ann Roginson

Mary Lou Sulecki, ’56

Amanda Zanghi, ’13

Advancement Office

Brenda Rosen

Colleen Sullivan

Frank and Dorothy Ziccarelli, ’58

at (716) 839-8212,

Marcia Rozeski, ’77

Lawrence and Alice Sullivan, ’81

Kathleen Zilbauer, ’70

so that we can update

James and Teresa Ruescher

Charles and Laura Sullivan, ’71

Mary Zischke

our records.

Tryjankowski

Walden-Brown

* Deceased

FALL / WINTER 2016

Annual Report 2015-16 FINANCIAL HIGHLIGHTS Tuition and Fees, Net 73% | $35,466,601 Grants/Gis 7% | $3,307,095 Auxiliary Enterprises 18% | $8,671,274

Revenues

Other Operating Income 2% | $1,096,614

Instruction 41% | $19,317,349 Academic Support 9% | $4,295,360 Student Services 17% | $7,733,499

Expenses

General & Administrative 13% | $5,856,230 Operation/Maintenance of Plant 4% | $2,301,089 Interest on Debt Service 2% | $838,821 Auxiliary Enterprises 14% | $6,403,202

ALUMNI COUPLE

MATT MCGRATH, ’87, Humanities, Philosophy and Religion VALERIE (VACANTI) MCGRATH, ’87, Physical erapy HOW THEY MET Matt and Valerie met during their freshman year at a social event in the Daemen “Rat” (Rathskeller) dining area. As students, Matt played on the men’s basketball team and was editor of the Ascent, the campus newspaper, and Valerie was active in student government and with the Student Association. e couple was engaged in 1988 and were married in August 1989.

FAVORITE COLLEGE MEMORY TOGETHER Matt and Valerie have many favorite memories, including attending concerts and air band competitions at Daemen. ey also have fond memories of seeing Buﬀalo Music Hall of Famer George Doran at Broadway Joe’s, with Matt joining Doran on stage to play harmonica for two Neil Young songs.

WHERE ARE THEY NOW? Residing in Fairport, N.Y., they are the proud parents of Matthew, 25, Maria, 22, also a Daemen graduate, and Katherine, 18. Matt is currently a school resource oﬃcer in the Canandaigua Police Department and an investigator at Sieger Services Group, Inc. Valerie serves as director of the aquatics therapy program at F.F. ompson Hospital. 2828 FALL / WINTER 2016

Thank You!

Dolores Attea Sapienza, for inspiring others to reconnect with their alma mater.

––– Lumeshwar Kumar

FIND OUT HOW YOU CAN SUPPORT DAEMEN: Justin Johnston, ’08 Director of Development and Gift Officer 716-839-8468 jjohnsto@daemen.edu For your convenience, an envelope to send in your gift is enclosed in this issue of the Daemen Today.

Lindsey Kreuzer

a member of the second graduating class of Rosary Hill College (now Daemen College), Dolores Attea Sapienza has given her all to her college family for more than 50 years. She began her alumni involvement soon after graduating in 1953. Even a stint in the USO in Norfolk, Va., and a tour of Europe did not keep her away from supporting the college. Sapienza was instrumental in planning with former President Mary Angela Canavan the 25th anniversary of Rosary Hill College in 1972. She later used that same drive and passion to plan the 50th anniversary celebration alongside former President Martin Anisman. “I’ve always appreciated the gifts Rosary Hill College gave me and that’s why I give back,” says Sapienza. Today, Sapienza sees the benefits of the years of giving her time and talents most vividly in the Student Alumni Ambassador program. “I am proud that we have such creative and wonderful students following in our footsteps. They are like my family,” says Sapienza. “By supporting this outstanding college, I am helping students achieve their college dreams.”

4380 Main Street, Amherst, NY 14226

Change Service Requested

Calendar of Events Alumni Donor Holiday î ˘ank You Party Nov. 30, 2016 | Daemen Scholarâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s Day Interviews Feb. 4, 2017 | Daemen Pre-Game Party: Daemen vs. Roberts Wesleyan College Feb. 25, 2017 | Roberts Wesleyan NYC Alumni Gathering March 31, 2017 | Manhattan Alumni and Student Mentor Brunch April 1, 2017 | Daemen Brunch with the Easter Bunny April 9, 2017 | Daemen Alumni Networking Event June 3, 2017 | Daemen For more information, please contact Kathryn Hammer at 716.839.8364 or khammer@daemen.edu.