On behalf of the Hilbert Alumni Association Board, congratulations to the Hilbert College Class of 2026 on the completion of your academic journey at our beloved alma mater. Today, you officially join a proud and growing community of Hilbert alumni, and we warmly welcome you as our newest members of the Hilbert College Alumni Association.
The Alumni Association serves as a vital link between more than 9,000 living alumni and the College, supporting lifelong connections through career networking, alumni events, reunions, and philanthropic engagement. As you move forward with excitement and purpose after graduation, know that the Hilbert alumni community stands ready to support you and keep you connected to our remarkable campus and to one another.
As you leave Hilbert, we encourage you to share the Hilbert story wherever life takes you. Tell others about the caring and close-knit community you were part of, and the opportunities you experienced at a nationally recognized college. Tell them about learning from dedicated faculty who knew your name, engaging in meaningful research and internships, and developing the skills and values that have prepared you to make a difference. Share this story with gratitude and pride—knowing that Hilbert College helped shape who you are and empowered you to make an impact in the world.
On behalf of the Hilbert Alumni Association Board and alumni across the globe, we look forward to staying connected, celebrating your successes, and learning about your lives beyond Hilbert. Stay in touch, stay engaged, and continue sharing the Hilbert story—it is, after all, your story.
Congratulations, Class of 2026. Welcome to the Hilbert alumni family.
Logan Yotter, ‘20 President Hilbert College Alumni Association
| ORDER OF EXERCISES
INTRODUCTION OF ACADEMIC PROCESSION
NATIONAL ANTHEM
INVOCATION
PRESENTATION OF THE PRESIDENT’S MEDAL
COMMENCEMENT ADDRESS
STUDENT ADDRESS
PRESENTATION OF CANDIDATES FOR DEGREES
CONFERRING OF DEGREES
PRESENTATION OF STUDENT AWARDS
PRESIDENT’S REMARKS
BENEDICTION
PRESENTATION OF THE GRADUATING CLASS
RECESSIONAL
Dr. Amy Smith
Interim Dean of Academic Affairs
Deacon Bob Warner
Retired Banker, HSBC USA
Hilbert College Trustee
Michael R. Cornell
Interim President
Hon. Jeremiah J. McCarthy
United States Magistrate Judge, Robert H. Jackson United States Courthouse
Thomas Setlik, Criminal Justice
Dr. Amy Smith
Michael R. Cornell
Dr. Amy Smith
Lambert and Margaret Graham Award
Kimberly Bruch Raczkowski Memorial Alumni Association Award
Sister Mary Edwina Bogel Award
John W. Kissel Award
Saint Catherine Medal
Michael R. Cornell
Sister Marcia Ann Fiutko, FSSJ ‘73
General Minister, Franciscan Sisters of St. Joseph
Dr. Amy Smith
Performed by: Celtic Spirit Pipe Band
Judge McCarthy was appointed United States Magistrate Judge for the Western District of New York on February 26, 2007. He received a B.A. degree from the University of Notre Dame in 1974. Following graduation, he served as a VISTA volunteer at Wisconsin Judicare, Inc. in Wausau, Wisconsin from June 1974 - May 1975. He received his law degree from Cornell Law School in 1978, where he served on the Board of Editors of the Cornell International Law Journal and as Vice-President of the Cornell Legal Aid Clinic.
After graduating from Cornell, Judge McCarthy practiced civil litigation in Buffalo at the firms of Moot & Sprague (1978 - 1990) and Phillips Lytle LLP (1990 - 2007). He is a past president of the Bar Association of Erie County (2005-6), and is a former member of the House of Delegates of the New York State Bar Association. He has also served on the board of directors of the Volunteer Lawyers Project., Inc. and the board of trustees for Hilbert College. He currently serves on the board of directors of the St. Vincent de Paul Society, as well as the editorial board of the Federal Courts Law Review.
Hon. Jeremiah J. McCarthy
| KEYNOTE SPEAKER
| STUDENT AWARDS
Lambert and Margaret Graham Award
The Lambert and Margaret Graham Award is bestowed annually upon the adult student who, as a full-time student at Hilbert College, has maintained the highest cumulative quality point average.
Kimberly Bruch Raczkowski Memorial Alumni Association Award
The Kimberly Bruch Raczkowski Memorial Alumni Association Award is named in honor of a 1991 graduate, a woman whose zest for life at Hilbert College made her untimely death all the more tragic. This award is bestowed upon a person who personifies integrity and moral character, a person who exhibits leadership qualities and reflects the spirit of Hilbert College.
John W. Kissel Award
The John W. Kissel Award, named after a former vice president for Student Life who dedicated himself to enhancing student life at Hilbert College for over 30 years, is bestowed annually upon the graduate whose leadership in activities and programs of Hilbert College renders them outstanding. The student’s character, intellectual progress, and organizational skills are also taken into consideration.
Sister Mary Edwina Bogel Award
The Sister Mary Edwina Bogel Award, named after the first president of Hilbert College, is bestowed annually upon the graduate whose devoted service to their fellow students and to the campus community renders them outstanding. The student’s character and intellectual achievement are also taken into consideration.
Saint Catherine Medal
The Saint Catherine Medal for Student Achievement is an annual honor awarded at colleges and universities affiliated with Kappa Gamma Pi, the National Catholic College Graduate Honor Society. The Saint Catherine Medal is the highest honor given to graduate students at Hilbert College. The Saint Catherine Medal recognizes graduate students who represent the high ideals of a Catholic college education. The recipients are selected on the basis of leadership and service to the college and the greater community. These individuals have performed at the highest levels throughout their studies while maintaining Hilbert’s core values of respect, service, compassion, peace, hope, joy, integrity, and vision.
| SPECIAL DISTINCTIONS
Delta Alpha Pi • Blue & Yellow Cord
Delta Alpha Pi is an International Honor Society that recognizes students with disabilities for their academic accomplishments.
Kappa Gamma Pi • Mahogany & Ivory Cord
Kappa Gamma Pi exemplifies excellence in leadership, scholarship, faith and service.
Psi Chi • Navy Blue & Silver Medal
Psi Chi is an International Honor Society whose mission is to recognize and promote excellence in the science and application of psychology.
Sigma Beta Delta • Green & Yellow Cord
Sigma Beta Delta is an Honor Society that encourages and recognizes scholarship and accomplishment among students of business, management, and administration.
Sigma Tau Delta Society • Pin
Sigma Tau Delta is an International Honor Society that distinguishes students for their high achievement in English language and literature.
Student Leadership • Blue & Yellow Stole
Student leaders serving as Orientation Leaders, Resident Assistants, Peer Leaders, Leadership Scholars, SGA Officers, and Admissions Ambassadors are recognized for their dedication, leadership, and service to the campus community.
African American Heritage • Kente Stole
Blue & White Society • Blue & White Cords
Drama Club • Purple & White Cords
First Generation Students • Light Blue Stole
Higher Education Opportunity Program • Blue & Yellow Stole
Honors Program • Yellow Stole
International Students • Blue & Green Cord
Leadership Scholars Program • White Stole
Native American Heritage • Purple & White Stole
STEM Club • Kelly Green Cord
Student-Athletes • Blue & Gold Cord
Veteran & Military Students • Red, White, & Blue Cord
| DEPARTMENTAL AWARDS
Arts & Letters Division
McGrath Award in
Digital Media & Communications
Nicholas Pulinski
Hilbert College Award in
Digital Media & Communications
Samantha Heppel
McGrath Award in English
Steven Ball
Hilbert College Award in English
Jacqueline Alaburda
Law & Justice Division
McGrath Award in Criminal Justice
Thomas Setlik
Hilbert College Award in Criminal Justice
Ryan Gomolka
McGrath Award in Crime Scene Investigation
Madeleine Cook
Hilbert College Award in Crime Scene Investigation
Emma Gionta
McGrath Award in Intelligence & Data Analysis
Robert Zaiser
Natural & Behavioral Sciences Division
McGrath Award in Biology
Emiley Burke
Hilbert College Award in Biology
Erik Holtz
McGrath Award in Forensic Science
Rachel Rechichi
Hilbert College Award in Forensic Science
Chloe Bowles
McGrath Award in Human Services
Gracie Joyce
Hilbert College Award in Human Services
Emily Lacki
McGrath Award in Psychology
Grace Usinski
Hilbert College Award in Psychology
Rony Caballero
Professional Studies Division
McGrath Award in Accounting
Jacob Donner
Hilbert College Award in Accounting
Troy Zamrok
McGrath Award in Business Management
Julia Stutz
Hilbert College Award in Business Management
Katelyn Bean
McGrath Award in Cybersecurity
Brooke Kwiecien
Hilbert College Award in Cybersecurity
Carter Burke
McGrath Award in Sports Industry Management
Anthony Roche
Hilbert College Award in Sports Industry
Management
Rhiannon Full
| VETERANS & MILITARY ALIGNED STUDENTS
Rony Caballero
Daniel Colangelo
Patrick Currie
Nicholas Katashuk
Nathalie Ndala
Scott Richards
Sean Voge
Alan Wojciechowicz
| HILBERT COLLEGE GRADUATES OF DISTINCTION
Each year Hilbert College recognizes graduating students based on the criteria of scholarship, participation and leadership, citizenship, and living the Hilbert College values of compassion, integrity, respect, vision, service, peace, hope, and joy.
Jacqueline Alaburda
Maram Algawani
Renee Barnes
Katelyn Bean
Chloe Bowles
Katherine Bradfield
Emiley Burke
Tia Card
Jacob Donner
Alexis Drakulich
Jewely Ducharme
Emma Gionta
Brody Hopkins
Gracie Joyce
Rachel Kumiega
Brooke Kwiecien
Emily Lacki
Jariah Lee
Adyn Migliore
Brenna Mulvaney
Avery Pilatzke
Cadence Pounds
Rachel Rechichi
Thomas Setlik
Laura Smith
Eric Stevenson
Julia Stutz
Mya Wood
Jordan Yale
Troy Zamrok
| HILBERT COLLEGE HONORS PROGRAM
The Hilbert College Honors Program is a community that provides an intellectual learning experience for Hilbert’s top students in a challenging setting that fosters excellence and a diversity of opinions. Honors students explore new knowledge through advanced coursework, colloquium experiences, and a capstone presentation, while meeting specific GPA and community service requirements.
Maram Algawani
Katelyn Bean
Chloe Bowles
Wyatt Breton
Emiley Burke
Madeleine Cook
Malija Fadden
Emma Gionta
Ryan Gomolka
Connor Holtz
Erik Holtz
Sarah Jackson
Elizabeth Kondol
Hailey Kuder
Brooke Kwiecien
Madison Matuszak
Brenna Mulvaney
Avery Pilatzke
Cadence Pounds
Rachel Rechichi
Isabel Rivera
Thomas Setlik
Grace Usinski
Mya Wood
| HILBERT COLLEGE BLUE AND WHITE SOCIETY
Students from the graduating class are selected for membership in Hilbert College’s Blue and White Society, which recognizes those who have excelled both academically and through extracurricular activities. Students must have a minimum GPA of 3.0 while providing extraordinary leadership to the campus through campus activities, service, or academic programs.
Katelyn Bean
Katherine Bradfield
Emiley Burke
Jewely Ducharme
Brooke Kwiecien
Brenna Mulvaney
Avery Pilatzke
Cadence Pounds
Thomas Setlik
Julia Stutz
GRADUATION Candidates for
| GRADUATION HONORS
The Latin phrases distinguishing the levels of performance recognized by the medieval universities have come to be used to honor the degrees of modern graduates as well. To be eligible for these honors, students must have completed all requirements for the bachelor’s degree. Additionally, they must have earned at least 45 credit hours at Hilbert.
“Withthe greatestpraise ” “With great praise ” “With praise ”
Summa
Cum Laude
3.9-4.0 GPA
Gold Cord
Magna Cum Laude
3.76-3.89 GPA
Red Cord
Cum Laude
3.6-3.75 GPA
Purple Cord
Associate Degree Candidates
Tavon Brimmage
AA Alcohol & Substance Abuse Counseling
Danielle Elizabeth Brown
AAS Business Administration
Toni Hilbig
AA Alcohol & Substance Abuse Counseling
Nathalie Grace Ndala
AA Alcohol & Substance Abuse Counseling
Debbie Ocasio
AA Alcohol & Substance Abuse Counseling
Bryce Justin Robinson
AA Criminal Justice
Ashlee T. Smith
AA Alcohol & Substance Abuse Counseling
Kay’la Washington
AAS Business Administration
Master Degree Candidates
Samantha LeAnne Bridgeman
MPA Public Administration
Thomas Joseph Burgess, Jr.
MS Criminal Justice Administration
Gabrielle Adela Custard
MS Criminal Justice Administration
Tiara Frizzell
MPA Public Administration
- Health Administration
Idaesha Cianna Jackson
MS Criminal Justice Administration
Kendyl Nicole Kerner
MS Criminal Justice Administration
Melina Mercedes Lopez
MPA Public Administration
Abigail G. McCormick
MS Criminal Justice Administration
Jaime Lynn Metrick
MPA Public Administration
- Health Administration
Makayla Nunley
MS Criminal Justice Administration
Maddison V. Opeka
MS Criminal Justice Administration
Mohammad Tahmid Rahman
MS Cybersecurity Technology
Scott Kenneth Richards
MPA Public Administration
Kelsey Lyn Schlagenhauf
MS Criminal Justice Administration
Christopher Arlo Smith
MS Criminal Justice Administration
Joshua Smith
MPA Public Administration
Taylor M. Tracy
MPA Public Administration
- Health Administration
Teresa Van Aernam
MPA Public Administration
Bachelor Degree Candidates
Kooper Edward Aiken
BS Political Science
Jacqueline E. Alaburda
BA English
Mashfiq Afroze Alam •••
BS Cybersecurity
David Alessi
BA Psychology
Maram Ahmed Algawani ••••
BS Cybersecurity
Monika Allen
BS Criminal Justice
David A. Anderson •••
BA Digital Media & Communication
Noble Arterberry
BS Sports Industry Management
Jack Balcerzak
BS Criminal Justice
Genevieve Jay Balestrieri
BA Biology
Steven James Ball •••
BA English
Ethan Terry Barlow
BS Business Management
Renee Elizabeth Barnes
BS Crime Scene Investigation
Katelyn Bean •••
BS Business Management
Melissa Ann Bollinger
BS Crime Scene Investigation
Chloe Simone Bowles •••
BS Forensic Science
Sarah Boyko
BS Crime Scene Investigation
Katherine Elizabeth Bradfield ••
BS Criminal Justice
Skylar Jaylee Breinlinger ••••
BA Psychology
Wyatt Jacob Breton •••
BS Criminal Justice
Carter Burke ••••
BS Cybersecurity
Emiley Burke ••••
BA Biology
Richard John Caito ••
BS Criminal Justice
Mireilys Michelle Caraballo
BS Criminal Justice
Tia Sen Mei Card •••
BS Forensic Science
Dillon Anthony Carrow-Sperduti •••
BS Cybersecurity
Gregory Castellano
BA Digital Media & Communication
Omar Chedi
BS Cybersecurity
Christa Chiborise ••••
BS Criminal Justice
Emilee Cieszynski ••••
BS Crime Scene Investigation
Shemia A. Clark
BS Business Management
Andrew Cole
BS Business Management
Caitlin L.P. Conrad ••
BS Criminal Justice
Madeleine Cook ••••
BS Crime Scene Investigation
Benicio Alexander Crocker
BS Crime Scene Investigation
Lizmarie Cruz
BS Accounting
Patrick James Currie ••••
BS Cybersecurity
Marissa Nicole Jude Czombel ••••
BS Crime Scene Investigation
Dillon Ronald Dake •••
BS Criminal Justice
Nikolas D’Andrea
BS Sports Industry Management
Brandon Austin Daniels •••
BS Cybersecurity
Sharon Lynore Delano ••
BS Crime Scene Investigation
Brandon Antonio Delio
BS Cybersecurity
Nathaniel Caleb Dell
BA Psychology
Avelissa Sol Diaz
BS Crime Scene Investigation
Jacob E. Donner ••••
BS Accounting
Alexis Drakulich ••
BA Digital Media & Communication
Jewely Rayne Ducharme •••
BS Criminal Justice
BS Crime Scene Investigation
Hollianne Irisa Dudek ••••
BS Crime Scene Investigation
Elizabeth Dunford
BA Digital Media & Communication
Jessica A. Dyche ••
BS Forensic Science
Nevada Xavier Eldridge
BS Criminal Justice
Alex Mathew Ellison
BS Criminal Justice
Mackenzie Esskuchen ••
BS Criminal Justice
Nolan Thomas Evans
BS Forensic Science
Malija Mary Fadden •••
BS Crime Scene Investigation
Amanda R. Forsey •••
BS Crime Scene Investigation
Mehkai Jahvon Francis
BA Psychology
Rhiannon Full
BS Sports Industry Management
Garyson Levi Gaud-Detres
BS Human Services
Emma Nicole Gionta ••••
BS Crime Scene Investigation
Ryan Nicholas Gomolka ••••
BS Criminal Justice
Molly Elizabeth Griffin
BA Psychology
Emma Elizabeth Groff •••
BS Crime Scene Investigation
Harley C. Haley
BA Biology
Victoria Marion Hanley
BS Forensic Science
Spencer Suski Harford
BS Sports Industry Management
Arielle Harvey ••
BS Crime Scene Investigation
Joseph Haynes ••
BS Business Management
Zachary J. Heary
BA Biology
Andrew J. Herrick ••••
BA Digital Media & Communication
Liberty Raina Himmel ••••
BS Crime Scene Investigation
Brianna Rebecca Hoehn
BS Criminal Justice
Connor Christopher Holtz •••
BA Biology
Erik Ronald Holtz •••
BA Biology
Skyler Lin Holzman
BA Psychology
Brody Hopkins
BS Cybersecurity
Olivia Madison Horn
BS Criminal Justice
Reese Alexandria Horvath
BS Business Management
Sarah Anne Jackson •••
BS Crime Scene Investigation
Coral Januchowski
BS Human Services
Jessee Mabel Jonathan
BA Psychology
Gracie Isabella Joyce ••••
BS Human Services
Scott Keen
BS Sports Industry Management
Megan M. Kelley
BS Crime Scene Investigation
Kaitlyn Natalie Kempa ••••
BA Digital Media & Communication
Zachary Kirsch
BS Criminal Justice
Rebecca Gabrielle Knighton
BS Forensic Science
Elizabeth Kondol •••
BS Criminal Justice
Hailey Patricia Kuder •••
BS Crime Scene Investigation
Rachel Lindsey Kumiega ••
BS Accounting
Marissa Catherine Kurucz •••
BA Psychology
Brooke Alexandra Kwiecien ••••
BS Cybersecurity
Justin Andrew Kwoka
BA Biology
Emily P. Lacki ••••
BS Human Services
Jariah Michelle Lee ••
BA Digital Media & Communication
Jason Joseph Lofft •••
BS Cybersecurity
Hayden C. Marling ••
BS Crime Scene Investigation
Stephanie Lynne Marvel
BS Crime Scene Investigation
Drew Mascio ••
BS Criminal Justice
Brianna Massaker
BS Crime Scene Investigation
Madison Grace Matuszak ••
BS Criminal Justice
Kalie Mayer
BA Biology
Kelsey Marie McCartney •••
BS Forensic Science
Molly Megan Priscilla McKinnon
BA Psychology
Molly Alyssa McManus •••
BS Crime Scene Investigation
Paige Ella Metros
BS Crime Scene Investigation
Adyn Michael Migliore
BA Biology
Caleb Thomas Mihill ••••
BA Digital Media & Communication
Dawn Elizabeth Miller •••
BS Criminal Justice
Kailyn M. Minckler ••••
BS Criminal Justice
Jose Gregorio Montilla Berdugo •••
BS Business Management
Dylan Joseph Moorhouse
BS Sports Industry Management
Blaine Morgan
BS Criminal Justice
Ronald Robert Mort ••
BS Criminal Justice
Paige Mullen ••
BS Crime Scene Investigation
Brenna Shea Mulvaney •••
BS Crime Scene Investigation
George C. Muriel
BA Digital Media & Communication
Kristopher Newman
BS Criminal Justice
Lisandra Jean O’Hea
BS Crime Scene Investigation
Thomas Kent Orndorff
BS Criminal Justice
Matthew Joseph Pankiewicz
BA Biology
Madison Helene Perrelli •••
BA Psychology
Avery J. Pilatzke •••
BS Crime Scene Investigation
Cadence Ashley Pounds ••••
BS Crime Scene Investigation
BS Human Services
Jolei Elizabeth Powell ••••
BS Crime Scene Investigation
Melissa Rose Proctor ••••
BS Crime Scene Investigation
Gabriel Connor Prohaska
BS Cybersecurity
Nicholas D. Pulinski •••
BA Digital Media & Communication
Ashley Ann Putt
BS Human Services
Angela Ray ••••
BS Crime Scene Investigation
Rachel Marie Rechichi ••••
BS Forensic Science
Lindsay Reed ••••
BA Psychology
Jenna Forsythe Revak ••••
BS Crime Scene Investigation
McKenna Elizabeth Rice
BS Human Services
Michaela Catherine Rice
BS Human Services
Isabel Rivera
BS Crime Scene Investigation
Taivaughn Roach
BS Sports Industry Management
Anthony Roche III
BS Sports Industry Management
Sara Rosenhahn
BA Psychology
Madison Taylor Scroger
BS Sports Industry Management
Kimberly Sessanna ••
BS Accounting
BS Business Management
Thomas Andrew Setlik ••••
BS Criminal Justice
Derek Joseph Smaszcz
BS Sports Industry Management
Laura Marie Smith •••
BS Forensic Science
Haniffa Michelle Solier
BS Business Management
Eric Stevenson ••••
BA Digital Media & Communication
Alexandria Whitney Stoddard ••
BS Criminal Justice
Julia Nicolette Stutz •••
BS Business Management
Joseph P. Suto III
BS Cybersecurity
Brian David Sylvia Jr.
BS Sports Industry Management
Samantha Lynn Szefler
BS Crime Scene Investigation
Zachary Ulrich
BA Digital Media & Communication
Grace J. Usinski •••
BA Psychology
Vanessa Grace Van Slyke ••
BS Forensic Science
Sean Voge ••
BS Cybersecurity
Jason James Vullo ••••
BS Cybersecurity
Patrick D. Waggoner
BS Business Management
BS Sports Industry Management
Amy Renee Welch •••
BS Criminal Justice
Trent Joseph White
BS Cybersecurity
Aloise Helene Wipperman
BA Biology
Alan Stefan Wojciechowicz •••
BS Cybersecurity
Alyssa Rae-Ann Wolfson
BS Criminal Justice
Mya Mckenzie Wood
BS Human Services
Noah Glenn Workman
BS Cybersecurity
Jordan Olivia Yale ••
BS Crime Scene Investigation
Zhouquan Yu ••••
BS Cybersecurity
Robert Frederick Zaiser •••
BS Intelligence & Data Analysis
Troy J. Zamrok ••••
BS Accounting
Juliana Elizabeth Zinzola
BA Digital Media & Communication
| HILBERT COLLEGE OFFICERS & BOARD OF TRUSTEES
Officers
Michael R. Cornell
Interim President
Bobbie Bilotta
Chief Human Resources Officer for Franciscan Services & Hilbert College
Marty Blind
Director of Institutional Advancement
Scott Briell
Interim Vice President for Enrollment Management
Lauren Gill, ‘19
Chief Officer of Mission & Belonging
Katelyn Letizia
Interim Vice President for Institutional Effectiveness & Academic Strategy
Lisa Ressman, ‘99 Controller
Timothy Seil
Associate Vice President for Student Life & Director of Athletics
Anthony J. Billittier IV, MD Executive Vice President & Chief Medical Officer, Independent Health
William D. Brinson, ‘94, ’96 Multicultural Student Support Services Coordinator, Niagara County Community College
Shawn Buffum CEO, Orville’s Home Appliances
Mindy Cervoni President & CEO, Community Services for Every1
Brian J. Connolly
Business Development & Communications Consultant
Michael R. Cornell
Interim President, Hilbert College
Rev. Sean DiMaria
Vicar Forane, Southern Erie Diocese of Buffalo
Michael C. Donlon Bond, Schoeneck & King, PLLC
Rob Drago President, Canalside Advisors
Rev. Sean Paul Fleming Cathedral Rector, St. Joseph’s Cathedral
Honorable Craig Hannah New York State Supreme Court Justice, 8th Judicial District
Jennifer Kuhn President/Owner, Hamburg Overhead Door, Inc.
Michael C. Mommertz, MPA, ’06, ’16
Senior VP/Product Owner, M&T Bank
Anthony Ogorek President, Ogorek Wealth Management, LLC
Louis Petrucci, MPA ‘15
Commissioner of the City of Buffalo Department of Permit & Inspections Services, Support Services Corporation
Fr. Nicholas Rokitka, OFM Conv.
Business Manager, St Francis High School
Jennifer Seib, LMHC, CASAC, ‘03
Senior Vice President of Strategic Initiatives, BestSelf Behavioral Health
Richard C. Suchan
Chief Operating Officer, Roman Catholic Diocese of Buffalo
Deacon Robert Warner Retired Banker, HSBC USA
Honorary Trustees
Lisa Beckwith ‘15
Trustees Emeriti
G. Gary Berner
Sister Andrea Ciszewski, FSSJ ‘66
Robert Drago, Sr.
Daniel Gernatt, Jr.
Bradley Hafner
Carol Kociela
Maureen Saab
Karen Gaughan Scott
Thomas Waring, Jr.
Merle Whitehead
President Emerita
Sister Edmunette Paczesny, FSSJ, Ph.D. 1933-2025
| OUR MISSION
Hilbert College is an independent institution of higher learning that embraces its Catholic Franciscan heritage and values. Students from diverse backgrounds are educated in liberal arts and professional programs to become informed citizens committed to serving and strengthening their communities.
| THE SEAL
The cross on the Hilbert College seal is the foundation of Franciscan learning. Education meant to St. Francis of Assisi what it meant to Christ. It is education in its best Christian concept, the educare from the state of ignorance and sin to the state of wisdom and grace. Effective aid and means are found in the mystery of redemption.
The intertwined hands are the symbol of the close union that existed between St. Francis and Christ. The use of educational precepts and programs is affected only through our knowledge, love and imitation of Christ.
The torch is the symbol of the light of truth.
The 12 stars symbolize the diadem of stars upon the head of “the glorious woman clothed with the sun” and represents Our Lady’s title, the Immaculate Conception. Mary possesses, to the fullest, the harmonious balance of all human endowments that prevailed before the fall in the Garden of Eden. Thus, Mary Immaculate exemplifies in a singular way the ideal perfection that is the goal of Christian education. By reason of her role as the teacher of Christ, the master of teachers and exemplar of St. Francis of Assisi, the Blessed Virgin Mary is eminently qualified to direct the spiritual and intellectual formation of students the Franciscan way.
Stay tuned, Commencement photos will be available soon!
Photos taken with President Cornell on stage will be available for purchase through GradImages. Watch your email for more information!
| HILBERT ALMA MATER
Since nineteen fifty-seven, our Franciscan mission shows, Giving us a moral guide, learning what we need to know. Our roots run deep like apple trees, through every high and low.
So, Hilbert, we will sing with the lessons you’ve taught us.
Service, hope, and virtueWe take into the sky!
Soaring high, the Hilbert Hawks! Because of you, we shall fly!
In learning paths, we walk as one; Our journey has just begun. You are our light, our shining beacon bright!
So, Hilbert, we will sing with the lessons you’ve taught us. Service, hope, and virtueWe take into the sky!
Soaring high, the Hilbert Hawks! Because of you, we shall fly!
Because of you, we shall fly!
| THE SECOND LETTER TO AGNES OF PRAGUE
What you hold, may you (always) hold, What you do, may you (always) do and never abandon. But with swift pace, light step, Unswerving feet, So that even your steps stir up no dust, May you go forward
Securely, joyfully, and swiftly, On the path of prudent happiness, Not believing anything, Not agreeing with anything That would dissuade you from this resolution Or that would place a stumbling block for you on the way, So that you may offer your vows to the Most High In the pursuit of that perfection To which the Spirit of the Lord has called you.
St. Clare of Assisi, Foundress of the Poor Clares the Second Order of St. Francis
