PRESIDENT’S LETTER Dear Friends and Alumni of Hilbert College: This issue of the Magazine details the wonderful success of our women’s basketball last spring, the first time any Hilbert athletic team has been awarded a bid to the NCAA championships. Congratulations to Coach Amy Senefelder, the student athletes pictured on the cover, and the entire Athletic Department who have thrilled the campus community with their incredible winning streak. You will also have the opportunity to read about some of the great events that happened on campus over the last year, beginning with True Blue Weekend when the College honored Merle Whitehead for his Board leadership over many years at Hilbert. Other highlights include the BPO’s holiday concert, as well as my favorite day of the year, Commencement. It was incredibly uplifting to read the alumni updates and learn of the success our graduates are having after earning their degrees at Hilbert. They are truly wonderful examples of “living the mission,” as they lead and serve in their communities. Please keep sharing that good news with the College so we can all celebrate your accomplishments. We are especially proud of our Human Services faculty and students, who for a second year were awarded a highly competitive grant from the Council of Independent Colleges in partnership with AARP, to connect students with older adults. To be one of only 15 recipients of this funding is truly outstanding, as is the impact our students are having on the seniors they interact with in the project. One of my favorite passages in Ecclesiastes begins, “To everything there is a season, and a time to every purpose under the heaven.” The time is right for new leadership for Hilbert College. Over the last 12 years and guided by Hilbert’s strategic plans, the College has progressed in significant ways, including the implementation of a student engagement model that has increased retention and graduation rates; the completion of a capital campaign; the addition of new academic majors, including Hilbert’s first graduate degrees and, most recently, cybersecurity and forensic biology; the construction of Trinity Hall; and a highly successful Division III athletic program. Hilbert is on track to welcome an incoming class in the fall of 2018 that is the largest in several years, thanks to the stellar enrollment efforts of our Admissions and Financial Aid Offices, and faculty and staff who assist with the recruitment process. We have accomplished much, and it has been a privilege to serve with a Board, faculty, staff, loyal alumni, and supportive friends who care so passionately about Hilbert’s Catholic Franciscan mission. Challenges remain, but I am confident that by continuing to work together, the Hilbert community will surmount every one, as they have since 1957. Thank you for 12 wonderful years. As I transition back to Michigan, I will always carry Hilbert in my heart and rejoice in the future good work and the successes of our students and alumni. Sincerely,
Cynthia A. Zane, Ed.D.
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IN THIS ISSUE 57th Commencement Women's Basketball Wins AMCC Accessibility Services Intergenerational Program Around The Quad Interim President Named News San Damiano Awards Day of Service True Blue Weekend 2017 Giving Day Success BPO at Hilbert Alumni News & Notes Hawks Nest Upcoming Events Donor Profile - Merle Whitehead
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TRUE BLUE WEEKEND • 18
COMMENCEMENT • 4
PUBLISHED BY Office of Institutional Advancement Hilbert College 5200 South Park Avenue Hamburg, NY 14075 EDITOR Matt Heidt ALUMNI NEWS EDITOR Daniel Wentz ADMINISTRATIVE COUNCIL Cynthia Zane, Ed.D. Kristina Lantzky-Eaton, Ph.D. Jeffrey Bagel William Cheetham Michael Murrin Rick Pinkowski
WOMEN'S BASKETBALL CHAMPIONS • 6
ON THE COVER Women's basketball with their championship banners ON THE WEB giving.hilbert.edu/alumni-hilbert-magazine Copyright © 2018 - Hilbert College All rights reserved. No part of this publication may be reproduced, distributed, or transmitted in any form or by any means, including photocopying, recording, or other electronic or mechanical methods, without the prior written permission of the publisher, except in the case of brief quotations embodied in critical reviews and certain other noncommercial uses permitted by copyright law.
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SPRING/SUMMER 2018 • 3
57TH COMMENCEMENT HILBERT CELEBRATES THE CLASS OF 2018
Hannah’s mission as a Judge in the Opiate Court in Buffalo is to save the lives of those who are struggling with addiction. Hannah has also served as an Assistant District Attorney at the Erie County District Attorney’s Office. Gelia has served on the Hilbert College Board of Trustees since 2006, including 2015-17 as the Chairperson. He served on the board during many years of growth and transformation, including the construction of Trinity Hall and the introduction of the first graduate-level degrees at the College. Gelia is executive vice president/CEO of Amherst-based United Insurance Agency, a company he has been with for more than 30 years.
Hilbert College held its 57th annual commencement ceremony on May 12. Hilbert College’s scheduled commencement speaker, Bishop George V. Murry, S.J., of Youngstown, Ohio, was, sadly, unable to attend the ceremony. The Diocese of Youngstown announced that Bishop Murry has been diagnosed with a form of acute leukemia and he was admitted to the Cleveland Clinic. The Diocese of Youngstown graciously arranged for Monsignor Peter M. Polando to read the Bishop’s commencement address, which he had already prepared. “I am very thankful to Bishop Murry, who is an incredible colleague, and to the Diocese of Youngstown for their continuous resolve during this difficult time,” Hilbert President Cynthia Zane said. “I am very excited for what I have always said is my favorite day of the year, and I will be celebrating with the Class of 2018. However, I know you all join me in keeping Bishop Murry in your thoughts and prayers.” Via Monsignor Polando, commencement speaker Bishop George Murry told the Class of 2018, “I don’t like to say young people are our future, because you are our present. Young people are making great things happen right now.” “Young people lead us. Young people change the world,” Bishop Murry continued. “You do it with your courage and you do it with your fresh eyes.”
Zane also presented an honorary doctorate of humane letters to Bishop Murry in absentia. President Zane conferred master’s degrees, in addition to four- and two- year degrees to graduates in the Class of 2018. Top student awards that were presented at Hilbert’s 57th commencement include: • Lambert and Margaret Graham Award for a full-time returning adult student who has earned the highest cumulative quality point average. Presented to John Kaminski • Kimberly Bruch Raczkowski Memorial Alumni Association Award for a graduate who reflects the spirit of Hilbert and its mission, and possesses strong leadership skills and demonstrates loyalty and dedication to others. Presented to Emily Pawelski • Sister Mary Edwina Bogel Award to an outstanding female graduate in recognition of her character, intellectual achievement and devoted service to fellow students and the college. Presented to Cameron McLeod • John Kissel Man of the Year Award to an outstanding male student in recognition of his character, intellectual progress, organizational ability, and participation in activities and programs. Presented to Brett Kane
Hilbert President Zane and Chair of the Board of Trustees, Michael Sendor, presented the Hilbert College Medal to Judge Craig Hannah and Edward Gelia, Jr. The Hilbert College Medal is presented to those who embody Franciscan values, demonstrate excellence in their profession or career, and excellence in community service. Buffalo’s opiate court is helping addicts, who are nonviolent offenders, into a recovery state with a chance at a reduced sentence rather than being sent to jail. Judge
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Edward Gelia, Jr., Msgr. Peter Polando, Cynthia Zane, Judge Craig Hannah, Michael Sendor
57TH ANNUAL COMMENCEMENT PHOTO GALLERY
Judge Craig Hannah
Monsignor Peter Polando
Student speaker Michael Certo
Cameron McLeod
Brett Kane
Master's student speaker Teresa Vincent
Emily Pawelski
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WOMEN'S BASKETBALL SETS PROGRAM RECORDS IN 2017-18 The Hilbert College women's basketball team earned the program's first automatic bid to the NCAA Division III National Championship tournament after they hosted the Allegheny Mountain Collegiate Conference's (AMCC) Championship Weekend and ran away with 76-52 title game victory over No. 2 seed Mt. Aloysius College in front of an energized crowd. Coach Amy Senefelder managed the team to a 21-7 overall record in her first season. The 2017-18 Hawks were picked 7th in the AMCC's Coaches Preseason Poll and by the completion of the regular season they went 16-2 in league play, earned the right to host the postseason tournament and broke every win record in the program's history.
AMCC CHAMPIONSHIP GAME
Hilbert, who led the AMCC in field goal percentage defense, held the Mt. Aloysius Mounties to 28.3% from the floor and they made only 7-of-29 three point shots. Mt. Aloysius, who entered the game coming off a double overtime victory against Pitt-Bradford, ran out of gas early. "I couldn't be more proud of how this team showed up on championship weekend and did exactly what they needed to do," Senefelder said. "Their never-settle attitude has been contagious all season, and I'm just happy they let me come along for the ride. Our leadership is outstanding, all our post players came up big, and our guards played 40 minutes of tough defense." "We had a goal of holding Mt. Aloysius to under 60 points, and as a coaching staff, we felt that would give us a chance to win the game. This team made that happen and now we get to go to the big dance! Every member of the program, including my staff and managers, contributed to this moment, and I'm very thankful it all came together for them today."
NCAA TOURNAMENT
The Hawks closed the season in the NCAA Tournament with a first-round loss, 61-42, to the Lions of The College of New Jersey. It was one of the Hawks' lowest offensive scoring performances of the season against a very aggressive and defensive-minded team.
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"TCNJ is a very good team and they hurt us inside," Senefelder said after the game. "Their pace of play is something we haven't faced this year and now we know what to expect moving forward."
POSTSEASON ACCOLADES
Senefelder was named the Coach of the Year and three of her players were named All-Conference players. Senior Kelsi Ebert was selected to the First Team while sophomores Emily Gawlak and Ashley Repine grabbed spots on the Third Team. Senefelder inherited a young team who was about to hit their stride on the basketball court. She became the head coach and moved into her office October 13, just two days prior to the official start of practice. She didn't have a lot of time to get to know the players both on and off the court. Ebert became a two-time All-Conference player for Hilbert this spring. Her leadership, composure, dedication, athletic abilities and attitude willed her team to several victories this season. Along the way, Ebert became the women's basketball program's All Time Leader in Points, Assists and Steals before she concluded her four-year career.
Amy Senefelder
The 5-7 point guard led the AMCC with 5.4 assists per game, scored 414 points which ranked her No. 9 in the league with a 15.3 scoring average. She was a heady defender and seldom left the court due to foul trouble as she averaged 36.6 minutes per game. Ebert notched double digits in scoring in 23 games this season and posted three double-doubles – two with points and assists and the other in points and rebounds. Gawlak had a breakout year for the Hawks this winter and earned a spot on the conference's Third Team. The 5-6 guard typically defended the opponent's biggest offensive threat. Gawlak, like Ebert, averaged almost 40-minutes of pure hustle per game. The Mt. Mercy graduate averaged two steals, 12.3 points and was second on the team in rebounds with 7.4 per contest.
Kelsi Ebert
She scored a career-high 23 points against Bradford and knocked down four three-pointers against Alfred State. In Hilbert's first lopsided victory over Medaille, Gawlak dished for a career-high five assists and twice pulled in four steals this year. Repine excelled in her second year of college ball. She muscled her way to a Third Team All-Conference selection because of her strength in the paint. Opponents struggled to defend her inside the lane and she was unstoppable at times. She led the AMCC with an impressive .551 field goal shooting percentage from the floor. The 5-11 forward also led the Hawks with 211 rebounds posting an 8.7 rebound average (8th in the league) in 25 minutes per contest.
Emily Gawlak
The Sinclairville, NY native collected seven double-doubles this season. She knocked in a career-high 24 points in the 20-point victory over La Roche in the Hafner Recreation Center on January 27. Ashley Repine
ACCESSIBILITY SERVICES HILBERT PROVIDES VARIOUS SERVICES FOR ALL STUDENT POPULATIONS On any given day during the academic year, students can be found in the Academic Services Center. The role of the Center is to provide students with academic support to be successful during their college career. Within the Academic Services Center is the Accessibility Services Department led by Debbie Dimitrovski, who has served the college for 11 years. Dimitrovski’s work with students with disabilities is well known in our region. She has recently worked with members within her state organization, the New York State Disability Services Council, to update and revise the Council’s Resource Guide for Post-Secondary Disability Services Offices. Dimitrovski works closely with students to ensure equal access for all. She has worked to bring opportunities and resources to the students she supports. Dimitrovski attributes her success in building programs to working with current and former students. “These programs for students are successful at Hilbert and exist because they have been designed and created with current students and alumni,” Dimitrovski said. “When new ideas emerge, I always talk with students to gain their perspective and experience and include them in the development process.” In addition to the usual peer and professional tutoring services, which are available free-of-charge at Hilbert, she has developed a peer-mentoring program, an assistance program for advisement and registration, participation in the Workforce Recruitment Program (WRP), and transition and academic conferencing for all new students with documented disabilities. The mission of the peer-mentoring program is to promote connection to campus through intentional peer-to-peer interaction. The peer mentor is an experienced student registered within the Office of Accessibility Services who can assist with procedures and technology training as well as time management, note-taking strategies, and test-taking skills. Under Dimitrovski’s leadership Hilbert became a member of the Workforce Recruitment Program (WRP), which is a recruitment and referral program that connects federal sector employers nationwide with highly motivated college students and recent graduates with disabilities who are looking for placements in summer internships or permanent jobs. Students must register for this program and qualify by obtaining high scores in the following areas: resume, academic information/transcript and communication, qualification and direction scores as obtained in an interview conducted by a federal recruiter. In the last four years of participation in this program, collaboratively run by the Office of Accessibility Services and the Office of Career and Community Engagement, all students from Hilbert have qualified for the program. Employers that have reached out directly to Hilbert students include NASA, US Army, US Army
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Europe, US Air Force, Portsmouth Naval Shipyard, and the Social Security Administration. The transition and academic conferencing program was designed to assist first time college students with disabilities in the transition to higher education. Each student that chooses to participate completes a self-assessment of academic, advocacy, communication, and technology skills and sets long- and short-term goals. An analysis is conducted and an individualized, personal development plan is created and implemented at weekly meetings throughout the semester. Time is also dedicated in these meetings to evaluate and modify accommodations as necessary to guarantee equal access. In the Fall of 2014, Dimitrovski founded the Gamma Tau Chapter of Delta Alpha Pi, an International Honor Society on behalf of students with disabilities. In order for students to qualify, they must be registered as a student with a disability, demonstrate an interest in disability awareness, have earned a minimum GPA of 3.10 in undergraduate studies after completion of 24 credits or have earned minimum GPA of 3.30 in graduate studies after 18 credits. An incredible 27 students applied and were inducted into the Honor Society in its first year. Dimitrovski’s work within Hilbert College has helped drive student success on campus. Hilbert College continues to build on her work, Dr. Kristina Lantzky-Eaton, Provost and Vice President of Academic Affairs looks to capitalize on the knowledge Dimitrovski has to further address challenges that still exist at Hilbert College. “Debbie has been a successful advocate for our student with disabilities,” Lantzky-Eaton said. “Her belief that every student should have equal access to an education has strengthened Hilbert College. Over the next year she will take on the responsibilities of working with our faculty and student life professionals to continue to build an atmosphere that supports the success of all students.”
HILBERT AWARDED CIC GRANT TO CONNECT STUDENTS WITH OLDER ADULTS Hilbert College is one of a select group of 15 institutions across the nation chosen by the Council of Independent Colleges (CIC) to receive renewed grant support toward continuing costs of its Intergenerational Connections: Students Serving Older Adults program. CIC began funding this initiative in 2017 with AARP Foundation’s generous support, this initiative helps colleges to create or extend programs in which students help low-income older adults (ages 50 and older) address their key needs. Hilbert first received the grant for the 2017-18 academic year to start their intergenerational connections program and it was executed throughout the fall and spring semesters with great success. Hilbert began the program last fall with the help of two recent alumni working in the field, Taylor DeCook and Janine Lemeke. A partnership was formed with People, Inc. to start weekly programs with a senior residence across the street from Hilbert. Eight students, under the direction of professors Sharon Sisti and Colleen Kumiega, participated in the program and most had one specific senior companion that they worked with on a regular basis. A social event was planned and scheduled every Wednesday throughout the fall and spring semesters. The events included programming around current events, understanding history and tradition, health and wellness, and exploring community resources available to seniors. In addition, many of the senior companions came to Hilbert's Student Government Association sponsored events, such as the children's parties for halloween, Christmas, and Easter. Some students even hosted their companions at the Buffalo Philharmonic Orchestra's Annual Holiday Concert at Hilbert's Swan Auditorium.
Senior Maja Minic said of the opportunity to connect with seniors, "It was an experience I could never forget and I wouldn't go back on signing up for this internship." "It is truly interesting and important to know and understand the differences that go on right in front of us," she continued. "It is up to us to help those we come across feel more included." "It was extremely rewarding to not only see our students benefitting from this great partnership, but to see it come full circle with recent alumni working in the field to help facilitate this new initiative," said Colleen Kumiega, professor of human services and internship coordinator. "Being a student at Hilbert helped me reach my goal of working with seniors, and it feels wonderful to continue to help students at Hilbert learn the world of independent living for the senior community," said Taylor DeCook. The grant will be used during 2018-19 to sustain Hilbert’s activities that enhance connections between undergraduate students and older adults in the community. The Council of Independent Colleges (CIC) is an association of 770 nonprofit independent colleges and universities, state-based councils of independent colleges, and other higher education affiliates, that works to support college and university leadership, advance institutional excellence, and enhance public understanding of independent higher education’s contributions to society. For more information, visit www.cic.edu. AARP Foundation works to ensure that low-income older adults have nutritious food, affordable housing, a steady income, and strong and sustaining bonds. We collaborate with individuals and organizations who share our commitment to innovation and our passion for problem-solving.
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AROUND THE QUAD
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Hilbert Welcomes Largest Incoming Freshmen Class in Four Years & is Positioned for Another Increase Hilbert College announced its incoming freshmen class for the Fall 2017 semester was the college’s largest in the last four years. Compared to the incoming freshmen in 2016, Hilbert’s first-time freshmen enrollment was up 15%. HIlbert also reached its student deposit goal for the Fall 2018 class by May 1, and freshmen enrollment is on track to increase again this fall.
While the majority of Hilbert students continue to come from WNY, the 2017 incoming class included students from Georgia, Kansas, and Texas, in addition to a student from Guam and a student from American Samoa.
“Our incoming freshmen class for Fall 2017 and the promising numbers for Fall 2018 is a testament to some of the new initiatives instituted by our admissions office,” said Hilbert President Cynthia Zane. “It is a very encouraging sign in light of the challenges facing New York’s private higher education sector. We are confident we can build on this momentum and maintain our impressive retention rate, which starts with our focus on student success and helping students graduate on time.”
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AROUND THE QUAD HILBERT COLLEGE NAMES FATHER MICHAEL SAJDA INTERIM PRESIDENT The executive committee of the Hilbert College Board of Trustees named the Rev. Michael Sajda, OFM Conv., interim president. He is currently president of St. Francis High School and chair of Hilbert’s Board of Trustees. Sajda starts Sept. 1, 2018, following the retirement of Cynthia Zane, Ed.D., who served as president of Hilbert for 12 years. Sajda will step down as board chair and serve as interim president until Dec. 31, 2018, when a new permanent president is named. Sajda will also return to the role of board chair upon the appointment of Hilbert’s next president. In the interim, Board Vice Chair Peg Adams will lead the board. “The Hilbert Board of Trustees believes that Father Michael is the perfect leader to fill this interim position as Hilbert conducts a comprehensive search for its next president,” said Adams. “Father Michael will provide continuity, as he is a well-regarded educator who the Hilbert and Buffalo Niagara communities know and respect. “This ensures Hilbert’s ability to continue its positive strides with enrollment, academics and community engagement. We believe this is a tremendous opportunity for Hilbert’s next president to join Hilbert at an exciting time in the college’s history, while having a smooth transition under Father Michael’s guidance,” she said. Under Zane’s leadership, Hilbert experienced growth and many significant accomplishments, including completion of a $3.5 million capital campaign, which led to the addition of two new science labs and the renovation of an academic building, Bogel Hall. She also oversaw construction of Hilbert’s largest residence hall – the 155-bed Trinity Hall. During Zane’s tenure, enrollment grew to its highest level and the college’s endowment has increased by 55 percent. Currently, first-time enrollment is at its highest level in four years, the student-athlete retention rate is 88%, and Hilbert’s career placement rate is 95.6%.
“The Franciscan Sisters of St. Joseph appreciate Father Michael Sajda's commitment to Hilbert College's mission and his willingness to serve in the interim president role for the next few months. “Our Congregation has worked with Father Michael in various capacities in the past, and we look forward to working with him in his new role at Hilbert College.” said Sister Ann Marie Hudzina FSSJ, General Minister of the Franciscan Sisters of St. Joseph and a member of the college’s Board of Trustees. Hilbert’s national search for the permanent replacement is being performed under the guidance of Dr. Katherine Haley of Haley Associates. The Search Committee is chaired by Jill Meyer, secretary of the Hilbert board.
“One of the core Franciscan values of the Hilbert community is service,” Sajda said. “I am both honored and humbled to be appointed to serve as Hilbert’s interim president, beginning for the fall semester. I look forward to having the opportunity to speak and work with Hilbert’s students, faculty, staff, donors, alumni and community partners.”
NEW BOARD MEMBERS AND BOARD OFFICERS ANNOUNCED Jill Bond, Lisa Cilano, Fr. Joseph Gatto, Fr. Ted Jost, and Michael McCabe have been named to the Hilbert College Board of Trustees. Hilbert also elected the following Board Officers: Chair Fr. Michael Sajda, OFM Conv., President of St. Francis High School; Vice Chair Peg Adams, Managing Director of Chapman Associates, Inc.; and continuing as Secretary, Jill Meyer, Human Resource Manager of Baillie Lumber Co.
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Jill Bond (Buffalo, NY) is Senior Vice President/Chief Ethics and Compliance Officer at Rich Products. Lisa Cilano (Buffalo, NY) is Senior Vice President for Finance at Catholic Health System. Fr. Joe Gatto (East Aurora, NY), is President/Rector at Christ the King Seminary. Fr. Ted Jost (Hamburg, NY) is Pastor of St. Mary of the Lake. Michael McCabe ( Buffalo, NY) is Assistant General Counsel at Delaware North Companies, Inc.
BAGEL TO SERVE AS INTERIM VICE PRESIDENT FOR INSTITUTIONAL ADVANCEMENT Jeffrey Bagel, CFRE has been appointed Interim Vice President for Institutional Advancement at Hilbert College, announced President Cynthia Zane, Ed.D. He will serve through the summer and fall. Hilbert’s next president will name the permanent appointment. Bagel has extensive experience in higher education and leading organizations to maximize their potential through fundraising, institutional marketing, public and government relations, community outreach, and partnerships. He has secured first-time gifts of $1 million or more for three different organizations. Bagel is the author of a fundraising book “Annual Fundraising Plans Made Simple: A Roadmap for Community College and Small Development Shops” (CASE 2016). Currently, Bagel is a Principal at eAdvancement Consulting, where he provides counsel to help institutions exceed their development expectations. Previously, Bagel served as Vice President/Foundation and Alumni Relations at Erie Community College, where he held fiduciary responsibility for the $5 million organization. The organization’s assets increased more than 200% during his tenure. Prior to ECC, he held leadership positions at Genesee Country Village and Museum, Pure Solutions, NA, and Shea’s Performing Arts Center.
Bagel has been honored by the Association of Fundraising Professionals with the Outstanding Fundraising Executive Award, and he received the Community Leadership Award from the Buffalo Board of Education. He earned his bachelor’s degree from Buffalo State, and he is a graduate of the Executive Leadership Institute at Indiana University’s School of Philanthropy. He resides in Williamsville, NY.
Share Your Thoughts!
Do you have any questions or concerns for Jeff? Have a new idea or just want to say "Hello!" - Jeff welcomes your feedback. jbagel@hilbert.edu or 716-926-8960 You can also contact Hilbert's new Assistant Director of Development and Alumni Engagement, Dan Wentz. Dan would love to hear from you about any recent developments in your personal or professional life. dwentz@hilbert.edu or 716-926-8884 SPRING/SUMMER 2018 • 13
AROUND THE QUAD Hilbert Names Cheetham Interim Vice President for Enrollment Management William Cheetham has been appointed Interim Vice President for Enrollment Management at Hilbert College, announced President Cynthia Zane, Ed.D. He started at Hilbert on February 28 and will remain through the summer and fall. Hilbert’s next president will name the permanent appointment. Cheetham has more than 30 years of progressive leadership experience in higher education. Most recently, Cheetham served as Assistant Vice President for Enrollment Management at LeMoyne College. He led an enrollment team at LeMoyne that consistently exceeded annual targets. He guided the implementation of an annual strategic financial aid awarding plan, while controlling expenditures and maintaining a consistent discount rate. During his more than 20 years at LeMoyne, he served as Director of Financial Aid, Senior Enrollment Management Director, and Assistant Vice President of Enrollment Management. Prior to Lemoyne, he served as Associate Director of Financial Aid and Interim Director of Financial Aid at SUNY Cortland. Cheetham received his bachelor’s and master’s degrees from SUNY Cortland.
Worley and Filjones Named Directors at Hilbert Hilbert named Laura Worley as Director of Financial Aid and Brian Filjones as Director of Admissions. Worley has extensive financial aid experience, including previously serving as the Director of Financial Aid at Daemen College. Most recently, she was the Scholarship Coordinator at Buffalo State College. Worley also has extensive experience working in private student lending, including at Citi – Student Loan Corporation, Discover Student Loans, and Cognition Financial.
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Worley earned her bachelor’s degree in business studies and her master’s in student personnel administration from Buffalo State. Worley has served as the conference chairperson (2015) for the New York State Financial Aid Administrators Association (NYSFAAA). She was awarded the General Service Award (2014) and Citation of Appreciation (2010) from the NYSFAAA. Filjones was promoted to the position of Director after serving for the last year as Hilbert’s Associate Director of Admissions. Prior to Hilbert, he most recently served as the Associate Director at Medaille College and has over nine years of higher education admissions experience.
William Cheetham
Filjones completed his bachelor’s degree in sociology from SUNY Fredonia and his master’s degree in student personnel administration from Buffalo State College. Filjones also served as a graduate intern with Hilbert’s Office of Student Finance in 2007.
Pinkowski Elected Commissioner for MSCHE Hilbert College Vice President for Business/Finance Richard J. Pinkowski, Jr. was elected to a three-year term as a Middle States Commissioner. The Middle States Commission on Higher Education (MSCHE) was established in 1919. It is a voluntary, non-governmental, peer-based membership organization dedicated to educational excellence and improvement through peer evaluation and accreditation. Pinkowski has served as Hilbert’s Vice President for Business/Finance since 1990. He has served as a finance reviewer on visiting teams for MSCHE for more than 20 years. He was a panel presenter on the topic, "Coming Waves of Affiliation in Higher Education" at the National Association of College and University Business Officers (NACUBO) Higher Education Accounting Forum in 2015 and he has also served as the Chair of EACUBO's Buffalo Region Area Planning Committee.
Brian Filjones
Richard J. Pinkowski
NEWS AND NOTES Unity With Our Community On January 26, Hilbert College students, faculty and staff participated in Unity with Our Community, a service day devoted to carrying on the work and legacy of Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr. in our community. This day of service connected Hilbert with members of our surrounding community and the work Dr. King advocated for and to understand the impact and importance of taking action to promote equity, justice, respect, and compassion. As a way of living out the dream Dr. King dared to put forth into the world during his famous “I have a Dream” speech, Hilbert College students, faculty, and staff served at six different sites with members of the greater Buffalo community.
Hilbert Named Military Friendly Hilbert College announced that it has been designated a 2018 Military Friendly® School by Victory Media, publisher of G.I. Jobs®. Now in its 16th year, the Military Friendly® Schools list provides a comprehensive guide for veterans and their families using data sources from federal agencies, veteran students and proprietary survey information from participating organizations. Institutions earning the Military Friendly® School designation were evaluated using both public data sources and responses from a proprietary survey completed by the school. For the first time, student survey data was taken into consideration for the designation. More than 1,300 schools participated in the 2017-2018 survey with 849 earning the designation.
The 2017-2018 Military Friendly® Schools list will be published in the December issue of G.I. Jobs magazine and can be found at www. militaryfriendly.com.
Hilbert Finishes First in NYS in Outdoor Nation Campus Challenge Hiking. Slacklining. Backpacking. Bicycling. Even stargazing. These are just a few of the activities students, faculty, and community members from Hilbert College participated in from September 18 through October 15 as part of the 4TH annual Outdoor Nation Campus Challenge.
Hilbert’s mascot, Bert the Hawk, was relegated to a small island on the campus pond while the college’s web radio station, HAWK Radio, collected donations of personal items for homeless youth as part of a 24-hour live broadcast to celebrate College Radio Day 2017. HAWK Radio’s special live broadcast and Bert’s stay on the island began on Thursday, October 5 at 3 p.m. and ended the following day, Friday, October 6. HAWK Radio can be accessed from any web browser (on any computer or mobile device) at http://hawkradio.hilbert.edu.
This was Hilbert’s first year competing in the Campus Challenge. Hilbert finished ninth in their division (Division 2), sixth in the North East and first in New York State, beating larger institutions, such as Stonybrook, Binghamton, and the University at Buffalo. In total, Hilbert tallied 18,832 points from over 1,000 outdoor events logged by 164 participants. Hosted by the Outdoor Foundation, a nonprofit committed to reconnecting millennials with the outdoors, and sponsored by REI, The North Face, Hydro Flask, and ENO, the Campus Challenge aims to get students from more than 90 universities off the couch and into the wilderness. To participate, students simply download the Campus Challenge app, join their university’s team, and log their outdoor activities during the Challenge to score points.
Hilbert Collects over 600 Personal Items for Compass House Listeners of HAWK Radio and the entire Hilbert College community came together to donate over 600 personal items to support Compass House, a Western New York based notfor-profit, which provides young men and women shelter, counseling, and other services.
Hilbert Selected as Merit Award Winner in Educational Advertising Awards Hilbert College won a Merit Award for the 33rd Annual Educational Advertising Awards in the Special Video category for the “Hilbert College – See Different” video. The Educational Advertising Awards recognize the field of educational marketing and advertising. Marketing departments from around the country send in their campaigns to be reviewed and judged by a national panel of industry specialists, analyzing creativity, marketing execution and message impact. Hilbert’s brand refresh and brand video – See Different… -- was developed and produced entirely by the Office of Marketing and Communications at Hilbert. hilbert.edu/see-different
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AROUND THE QUAD SAN DAMIANO On September 29, the Hilbert community recognized alumni and friends of Hilbert who personify the College's core values and tradition of integrity and excellence with the annual San Damiano Awards. This year’s honorees were: Matthew Lanfear '99 the Dominique Thompson Memorial Alumnus of the Year, Christopher Balon '09 the Graduate of the Last Decade Award, Professor Linda Bernstein the Sister Adrienne Faculty/Staff Lifetime Achievement Award, Merle Whitehead the Hilbert College Franciscan Values Award, Vanessa Enciso '19 the St. Clare Student of the Year Award, and Nicholas Sherman '12 was inducted into the Athletics Hall of Fame. The College also honored several retired, and soon-to-be retired, faculty for their years of service to Hilbert College: Wendy Edson, Legal Studies; Kate Eskew, Human Services; Ron Eskew, Psychology; Pat Heraty, Business; Ed Qualey, Criminal Justice; and Roger Stone, Legal Studies.
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t s e p a d bu
DAY OF SERVICE Students, alumni, faculty, and staff participated in the second annual Day of Service during the fall semester. Multiple groups went to 10 different service sites in the community. Prior to their departure, Erie County Legislator Lynne Dixon presented Hilbert College with a special proclamation recognizing the College’s 60 years in the Hamburg community.
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AROUND THE QUAD
2017 TRUE BLUE WEEKEND Hilbert welcomed an estimated 1,000 people to campus and received a special proclamation from Erie County Legislator Lynne Dixon Hilbert College celebrated its 60th anniversary with True Blue Weekend on September 2930. An estimated 1,000 people attended the weekend’s events, which included a Day of Service, San Damiano Awards, athletic events, residence life events, alumni tent, dinner in the quad, an outdoor movie, and fireworks. The weekend started on Friday, Sept. 29 with the Day of Service – where students, alumni, faculty, and staff went to 10 different service sites in the community. On Friday night, the Hilbert community recognized alumni and friends of Hilbert who personify the College's core values and tradition of integrity and excellence with the San Damiano Awards. For more on the awards see page 8. The events on Saturday, Sept. 30 included athletic games, chicken BBQ, mass in St. Clare Chapel, alumni tent, dinner in the quad, Cold Stone Ice Cream truck, Despicable Me 3 outdoors in the quad, a comedy show, and an amazing fireworks display. The Hilbert quad was packed with people for most of the afternoon and many stayed for the fireworks to celebrate Hilbert’s 60th anniversary.
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MARK YOUR CALENDAR! 2018 TRUE BLUE WEEKEND SEPTEMBER 28-29
Stay tuned for details! Watch your mailbox and inbox for your invitation and more information! SPRING/SUMMER 2018 • 19
OUR MOST SUCCESSFUL GIVING DAY Thanks to all of your support, Hilbert Giving Day 2018 was a tremendous success! #HilbertGivingDay 2018 is our most successful giving day to date! We raised over $58,500 - surpassing last year's dollar amount by about 10% - from over 220 supporters! Thanks to your help we unlocked all of the following incentives:
-- $10,000 gift from former trustee Merle Whitehead
-- $2,500 gift from Rosina Foods and an additional $2,500 gift from a former trustee
-- $5,000 gift from Dan Gernatt
-- $2,000 gift from Bob Drago
-- $3,000 from Administrative Council
-- $7,000 gift from trustees Michael Sendor, Laurie Boreanaz Carra, Edward Gelia, Jeremiah McCarthy, and Joseph Kubarek
-- $5,000 gift from Richard and Karen Penfold
Thank You
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10TH ANNUAL BPO AT HILBERT Hilbert welcomed a sold out crowd to celebrate the spirit of the season with festive Christmas favorites at a special holiday concert performed by the Buffalo Philharmonic Orchestra on Tuesday, Dec. 5 in Hilbert College’s William E. Swan Auditorium. The holiday concert was conducted by Stefan Sanders, Resident Conductor at the BPO.
The BPO Holiday Concert has become a popular tradition of celebrating the holiday season at Hilbert College. This year marks the BPO’s 10th annual performance at Hilbert’s Swan Auditorium. Hilbert president Cynthia Zane was presented with a special gift from Dan Hart, executive director of the BPO, and Sanders before the concert.
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ALUMNI
ALUMNI NEWS & NOTES WEDDINGS Scott Cvetkovski ’11, ’12) was wedded to Sam (née Strapason) on April 29, 2017.
BIRTHS Erin Williams Edwards ’07 gave birth to her first child over the winter.
Matthew Summers ’08 and his wife, Stacy, became parents for the first time, welcoming Theodore into the world on 11/28/17.
HONORS & RECOGNITION 1980’S James Iglewski ’85 was appointed Sales Leader for Key Private Bank. James has had a journeyman career in banking post-Hilbert, but he has now firmly situated himself amongst the upper tier of Western New York executives. “The reason I originally left for New York [City] to begin with was because the office I was working with closed,” Iglewski told the Rochester Business Journal last fall. “At that time, larger banks were shrinking, but now the KeyBank merger with First Niagara makes a market that is ripe for growth. It’s a home run for KeyBank.”
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Frank Castiglia ’12 and his wife, Heather, enjoyed the birth of their son, Michael Robert Castiglia, on May 31, 2017. Michael weighed 7 pounds and 7 ounces.
1990’S Kenneth Huff ’90 was one of 10 teachers nationwide chosen to help promote the national science, technology, engineering and mathematics curricula as a 2017 STEM Teacher Ambassador. Selections were made by the National Science Teachers Association and the National Council of Teachers of Mathematics. Huff also serves on the New York State Education Department’s ‘Science Education Steering Committee’.
Courtney Gorman ’91 recently accepted a position as Indirect Procurement Manager for Edwards. She will be overseeing several locations in the United States and overseas. Thomas Doody ’97 was recognized with a 2017 Spirit of Partnership Award for Outstanding Performance from his employer, Edward Jones.
2000’S Jenna Dulak ’08 was named to the Blackboard MVP Program. She attended the national Blackboard conference in July where she presented on two national panels. Kelly (Merz) Flicinski ’00 was a finalist for InfoTech WNY’s ‘Buffalo Emerging Technology Awards Showcase’ (BETAS) in May. Kelly is currently the President and CMO at 716 Marketing.
2010’S Travis Tingue ’09, ’10 received his Doctorate of Science (DSc) in Information Systems and Communication from Robert Morris University. Scott Cvetkovski ’11, ’12 founded the SAFE (Students Achieving Future Excellence) Academy in January of 2017. Scott is now located in Los Angeles, CA. Nicole Petrelli ‘11 recently obtained the position of Scene Investigator at the Erie County Medical Examiner’s Office. Hanah Ali ’13 was hired as a Service Desk Analyst at Yahoo! Inc. Amy Czuhanich ‘14 went on to obtain her Master's Degree in Forensic Science and Technologies from Syracuse University in 2016, and has been working as an Identification Technician with the City of Burlington, VT since April of 2017. Wyleia Miller ’14, MPA ’15 was the keynote speaker at the 5th Annual ‘Women in Leadership Recognition Dinner’, hosted by the Buffalo Niagara Chapter of NYS Women, Inc. Her address was titled, "Women Changing the World". The event took place in June of ‘17.
Joseph Pernick ’14 began his tenure as the Alumni Engagement and Development Officer at St. Joseph’s Collegiate Institute last fall. Pernick graduated from St. Joseph’s in 2010. Joe finished his Master of Arts degree of College Student Personnel at Bowling Green in 2016. Cord Stone MPA ’14 was featured in Buffalo Business First’s ‘People on the Move’ in July of ‘17. Later in the year, he was featured in the 40-Under-40 honor roll. Cord was recently promoted to the title, Executive Director, of Community Access Services of WNY, Inc. Lisa Beckwith ’15 received her Master’s in Social Work from SUNY Buffalo. Matthew Goraj ’15 is pursuing a Master’s degree in Data Analytics from Quinnipiac University. Sierra Love ’15 will be pursuing her graduate degree from the University of Wisconsin at Madison. She is currently serving as a Lab Technician with the University at Buffalo, working in DNA analytics. Alexia Rose Guzmán ’16 joined the ensemble cast of the Raíces Theatre Company (Buffalo). Crystal Hailey ‘16 has been a Police Officer with the Chesterfield County (VA) Police Dept. since June of ‘17. Amanda Lumadue ’16 has been accepted into Medaille College’s Master of Arts in Clinical Mental Health Counseling program. She began her classes this current spring term. Teegan Lendel ’17 graduated from the Greensboro, NC Police Department’s CSI Academy in March, and was also awarded their highest commencement honor, achieving a 99.2% GPA. Tyler O’Neill ’18 will be graduating from Hilbert College after the spring ’18 semester, and has been accepted into the law schools of, both, SUNY Buffalo and SUNY Albany.
To share your news email alumnirelations@hilbert.edu
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ALUMNI
HILBERT ATHLETICS NEWS 2017-18 ATHLETICS AWARDS RECEPTION The Hilbert College Athletics Department proudly honored the 2017-18 student-athletes at its annual Athletic Awards Reception on Monday, April 30. John Czarnecki, Director of Intercollegiate Athletics, served as the evening's primary presenter and emcee. Hilbert's Director of Campus Ministry, Jeff Papia, offered an opening reflection before President Cynthia Zane offered her welcoming remarks. All 13 Hilbert teams are members of the NCAA Division III Allegheny Mountain Collegiate Conference (AMCC). Although, the Men's and Women's Lacrosse teams are associate members of the North Eastern Athletic Conference (NEAC) and view that league as their primary conference for championships purposes. The AMCC conference selects their Academic AllConference members based on a cumulative grade 24 • HILBERT COLLEGE MAGAZINE
point average beginning with a student's first semester of attendance. This year, 80 Hilbert student-athletes were first time or repeat honorees having earned a 3.2 cumulative grade point average or higher through the fall 2017 semester term. The complete list of AMCC Academic All-Conference members and NEAC Academic Honors is available at HilbertHawks.com. Michael Carbery, the department's NCAA Compliance and Student Services Coordinator, honored those student-athletes who achieved a perfect 4.0 GPA in the fall 2017 semester: senior Samantha Bugenhagen, freshman Maia Delaney, junior Treyton delaCuesta, junior Adam Droz, senior Austin Good, junior Aurora Klawinski, junior Lauren Lepovich, freshman Abbey Monahan and freshman Sam Shallcross. Carbery also shared the Chi Alpha Sigma National Student-Athlete Honor Society members who were first presented for induction on April 20th at the college-wide
Honor Society Ceremony. The College honored 22 New York Theta Chapter associates who amassed a cumulative grade point average of 3.4 or higher and who continuously exhibit good moral character. Of the 22 announced, 11 first-year members were awarded a certificate and a medal of honor: senior Brendan Boechel, junior Treyton delaCuesta, junior Adam Droz, junior Caitlyn Eleczko, junior Aurora Klawinski, junior Megan Lee, junior Jeffrey Morgan, junior Hannah Prenoveau, junior Katelyn Proy, junior Elijah Ryan and junior Olivia Schibeci. The ceremony continued into the presentation of each team's individual award winners. John Czarnecki read a brief summary of each team's season before announcing the Most Improved, Most Valuable and Coaches Award recipients who were greeted by their program's head coach. The complete list is available at www. HilbertHawks.com. Samantha Bugenhagen (Boston, NY) and Austin Good (Shadyside, OH) were announced as the 2018 McGrath Award winners. This prestigious award is provided by Francis and Marie McGrath, two generous benefactors of Hilbert College. Bugenhagen graduated with a Criminal Justice degree after representing the Hawks on the cross country trails. She earned a 3.93 grade point average while leading the cross country team in back-to-back years (2016 and 2017). Good graduated this May after four solid seasons on the lacrosse field. He carried a 3.69 grade point average and led the Hawks into the NEAC play-offs as the #3 seeded team this past spring. The ceremony concluded with senior Kelsi Ebert (Hamburg, NY) and sophomore Hunter Martineau (Orlando, FL) named the Athletes of the Year. Ebert's leadership, composure, dedication, athletic abilities and attitude led her team to the College's first appearance in the National Division III women's basketball tournament. The 5-7 point guard led the AMCC with 5.4 assists per game, scored 414 points, which ranked her #9 in the league with a 15.3 scoring average. Ebert, a 1st Team AMCC All-Conference player, carried a 3.8 cumulative grade point average. Martineau was the driving force behind the men's basketball team's success this winter as he guided the Hawks to the program's eighth consecutive AMCC championship tournament. The 5-11 point guard averaged 33.6 minutes per game as he led the AMCC in assists (6.4) and total assists (174) for the second year in a row. Both those statistics ranked him in the top 10 in the NCAA. Martineau averaged 10.7 points, shot an impressive .451 percent from the floor and .739 percent from the foul line.
HILBERT INKS DEAL WITH UNDER ARMOUR The Hilbert College Department of Athletics announced a four-year agreement between the school and Under Armour to be the official outfitter for all 15 Hawks’ athletic programs. This deal will be the first of its kind in the Western New York area, setting Hilbert apart from all other local colleges and universities. The deal, which goes into effect June 1, 2018, will be serviced by BSN Sports, who has become the best supply network in sports through the growth of its core sporting good business and through the acquisition of leading team dealers since 2004. Director of Athletics John Czarnecki stated, "Expanding upon our relationship with BSN Sports, it is exciting to align ourselves with another leader in the industry in Under Armour. The partnership with Under Armour will allow Hilbert's student-athletes to be outfitted head-to-toe in some of the best product on the market today. It is an exciting time to be a Hawk as we move forward with a new identity and a consistent brand among our 15 varsity sports teams." Over the next few years, the athletic teams will be phased into Under Armour uniforms, but beginning in August 2018 all student-athletes and coaches will be outfitted in Under Armour travel and practice gear along with footwear. In addition, alumni, parents and fans will be able to purchase official Hawks Under Armour gear through online stores offered by individual teams and/or the athletic department. Founded in 1996 by former University of Maryland football player Kevin Plank, Under Armour is the originator of performance apparel – gear engineered to keep athletes cool, dry and light.
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UPCOMING EVENTS TRUE BLUE HOMECOMING WEEKEND September 28 & 29, 2018
Stay tuned for all of the exciting details for Hilbert’s True Blue Homecoming Weekend! Help us make it the biggest True Blue Weekend yet!
BPO AT HILBERT December 4, 2018
Celebrate the spirit of the season with festive Christmas favorites at a special holiday concert performed by the Buffalo Philharmonic Orchestra in Hilbert College’s William E. Swan Auditorium. The BPO Holiday Concert has become a popular tradition of celebrating the holiday season at Hilbert College. This year marks the BPO’s 11th annual performance at Hilbert’s Swan Auditorium.
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DONOR SPOTLIGHT MERLE L. WHITEHEAD
Chairman, New York State Howard Hanna Real Estate Services “Hilbert College makes me think of the story of The Three Bears; it’s not too small, it’s not too big, it’s just right. A safe environment with passionate people built on the foundation of Franciscan Values.” Merle L. Whitehead is the Chairman of New York State for Howard Hanna Real Estate Services, and his list of accolades and accomplishments is impressive. Among his most recent recognitions, is being selected as the 2017 recipient of the Hilbert College Franciscan Values Award. "I was proud and humbled to receive the 2017 Hilbert College Franciscan Value Award," he said. "Coming back to the campus genuinely felt like coming home to my family. The friendships and relationships that I built during my tenure with many of the attendees that night allowed us to pick up conversations and discussions from prior times. It was a really warm reception that I received and it was very clear that everyone shared, embraced, and appreciated the mission and values of the school." Merle has been a longtime supporter of Hilbert College, serving as a member of the Board of Trustees and Board Chair, remaining involved ever since. "As I reflect on my time at Hilbert, my thoughts center around Sister Edmunette," Merle said in a recent interview. "Her strengths and gifts were many, but three that come to mind are caring, humble, and persuasive. When Sister Edmunette would ask you to do something you always said 'yes' and felt fortunate that you were asked." Merle served on the Hilbert Board during the college's last Presidential Search in 2006. "There was an excellent field of candidates which allowed us to be very selective. Because Sister Edmunette’s long tenure, the new candidate would be the first lay person to lead the college. The Congregation and many others were concerned that the Franciscan Mission and Message would not be diluted. The Committee was confident that if we made the right selection this would not be an issue and of course Cynthia Zane was the right choice
and has excelled." Merle's impressive list of accolades is much to long to include, but here are some highlights of his prestigious career. Inman News, Real Estate Executive Magazine and Stefan Swanepoel all named Merle as one of the Top 100 Most Influential Leaders in the Real Estate Industry. Merle was presented the President’s Award from The Leading Real Estate Companies of the World for his dedication and contributions to the industry. An Ernst and Young Entrepreneur of the Year, Merle has also received Lifetime Achievement Awards from the New York State Commercial Association of Realtors® WNY Chapter, the Buffalo Award from the Buffalo Niagara Association of Realtors® and the Brick-by-Brick Award from the Buffalo Business Journal. He has also received the prestigious CRB Hall of Leaders Award. In 2016, after growing one of theTop 10 firms in America, Whitehead sold both RealtyUSA and 1st Priority Mortgage to Howard Hanna Real Estate Services, helping Hanna to become the third largest brokerage firm in America. "In this quickly changing world we will all be faced with challenges and adversity. It is how we respond and react to these challenges that will mold our future. I think the challenge for many is a lack of clarity of what is their dream or passion. Once one has that clarity, then makes a commitment to the goal, the obstacles and adversity simply become bumps in the road on the journey," Merle urges Hilbert students and recent graduates. "In summary, discover your passion as quickly as possible." Merle has been recognized in the community for work with several charities. He has received awards from the Alzheimer’s Association, Kevin Guest House, the United Way, and also recognized as a Distinguished Honoree on National Philanthropy Day by The Association of Fundraising Professionals. Merle and his wife, Janice, have four grown children and eight grandchildren. Merle has completed 34 marathons.
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ALUMNI WEEKEND 2018
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