Issuu

HILBERTCOLLEGE magazine

Summer/Fall 2015

On Campus p.4 | Commencement p.10 | Alumni News & Notes p.14 | Athletic News & Notes p.20

Cover Story

CLASSROOM

COMMUNITY

Success in college p.5

Commencement

R A C

R E E

president's letter

I had the opportunity to attend

the Franciscan Sisters of St. Joseph (FSSJ) Vesper Service this month held in the Motherhouse Chapel. During the service, the attendees listen to the names of all of the departed members of the FSSJ community, as the names are read by the month in which each sister entered eternal life. As I sat in the chapel and heard the names of the sisters associated with the College: Sister Edwina Bogel, Sister Adrienne Rapnicki, Sister Claire Ann Torla, Sister Virgilia Toczylowski, Sister Sanctia Chotkowski, Sister Tiburtia Gorecki, Sister Joanette Rutkowski, and of course, Mother Colette Hilbert, it reaffirmed my gratitude for the tremendous legacy the FSSJ have bestowed upon the College. In genealogy, surnames are the most important way of identifying people who are related. A surname is usually inherited, and while it may be changed, some form of it is usually retained. That certainly describes the lineage of Mother Colette who was born in 1865 in the town of Obol, the fourth and last child of Hugo von Hilbert, a Prussian Baron, and Adele Anna Siemniszko, daughter of a Polish nobleman. The happy parents, according to the biography authored by Sister Edwina Bogel (In All Things Charity, 1983), selected the name Agnes for the frail infant. In 1865, Agnesâ€™ name was changed to Sister Mary Colette, as was customary when a woman entered a Religious congregation. As I joined in the Vesper Prayer, "Eternal rest grant unto them, oh Lord," I could not help but wonder what Hugo von Hilbert would think about the thousands of "descendants" who carry on his family name. What an interesting family tree we make that validates our kinship to Mother Colette through our membership in the Hilbert College community! This issue of the Hilbert Magazine features a story on how students in a Biology class found a powerful connection during a service-learning project in partnership with Kaelyâ€™s Kindness. We also hope you enjoy reading about the impact our students in the criminal justice program are making in the communities where they serve. The success of our graduates continues to distinguish the Hilbert family name. 94.5% of the cohort who completed their degrees in 2014 were employed in their field (or continued their education) within six months following graduation. 89.8% of those graduates reported they found employment within the State of New York. As I have said before, graduation is my favorite day of the year! What an honor and a privilege to hand a diploma to a new member of the Hilbert family who will join us in leading and serving in their community. Hilbert remains focused on how to keep a Hilbert education affordable and to minimize the debt that students incur while earning their degrees. As you know from prior magazines, 100% of the dollars raised in our annual fund campaign (unless restricted by the donor), as well as the Trustee sponsored golf tournament, are allocated to student scholarships. We are deeply grateful for the extraordinary generosity of our donors who have kept the family tree growing by enabling Hilbert to provide over four million dollars in student scholarships in 2015.

Thank you for your ongoing support of Hilbert College, and may we all celebrate our place on the Hugo von Hilbert and Mother Colette family tree.

Sincerely,

HILBERT COLLEGE MAGAZINE A publication for alumni, family, and friends of Hilbert College

FOUNDED 1957 5200 South Park Avenue Hamburg, NY 14075 Phone: 716.649.7900 Fax: 716.558.6381 alumni@hilbert.edu

ON THE WEB:

giving.hilbert.edu/alumni-hilbert-magazine PUBLISHER/EDITOR Matt Heidt ASSISTANT EDITOR Matt Gorczyca CONTRIBUTING PHOTOGRAPHER Ian Gattie

ON THE COVER

Hilbert connects the student's classroom experience to their community and extends that connection through commencement to career.

OFFICE OF INSTITUTIONAL ADVANCEMENT Kelly Smith VICE PRESIDENT FOR INSTITUTIONAL ADVANCEMENT Matthew Gorczyca COMMUNICATIONS & ENGAGEMENT COORDINATOR Gayle Hardick DIRECTOR OF ALUMNI ENGAGEMENT & ANNUAL GIVING Matthew Heidt DIRECTOR OF COLLEGE RELATIONS Audry Weronski ADVANCEMENT SERVICES COORDINATOR

Cynthia A. Zane, Ed.D. President 2

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table of contents

On Campus

Hilbert Celebrates 54th Annual Commencement

p.10

New Trustees Named at Hilbert

Hochul Speaks on Campus

Smith Named VP

Quinn Named VP

Military Friendly

Online CJA

Cybersecurity 7 Hilbert Reads Recap

Service Meets Studies

Commencement 10 Hilbert Infographic

Faculty Profile - Culhane

Alumni 14

SPECIAL THANKS TO: THE HILBERT COLLEGE MAGAZINE EDITORIAL BOARD Ian Gattie, Matt Gorczyca, Gayle Hardick, Dr. Anthony Hughes, Patrick Quinn, and Kelly Smith HILBERT COLLEGE ADMINISTRATIVE COUNCIL: Cynthia Zane, Ed.D, Christopher Holoman, Ph.D, Michael Murrin, Rick Pinkowski, Patrick Quinn, Kelly Smith, Denise Harris, and Jim Sturm

Alumni Association

Alumni News and Notes

Alumni Profile - Nate Szustak

Grads Making a Name in CJ

True Blue Weekend

San Damiano Awards

Athletics 20 AMCC All Conference

Golf Season Review

Alumni Store

hilbert college magazine 2015

on campus

Hilbert Announces New Board Members and Officers Jed Hunter, Sister Michael Jordan, FSSJ, Jill Meyer, Christopher Randall, Joseph Salvatore and Michelle Sullivan have been named to the Hilbert College Board of Trustees. Hilbert also elected the following Board Officers: Chair Edward Gelia, of United Insurance Agency; Vice Chair Michael Sendor, President of Nussbaumer & Clark, Inc.; and Secretary Joseph Dommer, President of Baer & Associates, LLC. Jed Hunter is currently the Chief Operating Officer at West Herr Automotive Group. Hunter served as the Chair of Corporate Committee at Hopewell (a therapeutic community for adults with various mental illnesses) and is a member of the Finance Committee at Church of the Savior. He holds the record in the Guinness Book of World Records for largest HotWheels Loop, a project he completed with his son. Hunter received his bachelor’s degree from the school of engineering at Vanderbilt University. He earned his MBA from the University of Michigan. Hunter and his wife, Meg, have three children. Sister Michael Jordan, FSSJ, has been a professed member of the Franciscan Sisters of St. Joseph for numerous years and is currently a 2nd Councilor at the Franciscan Sisters of St. Joseph. She received her Associate’s Degree from Hilbert College and then went on to receive her Bachelor of Science from Caldwell College. Sr. Michael Jordan’s congregational services include Community Life, On-Going Formation, Peace and Justice, & Earth Study and Initial Formation. She has been on the board at Immaculata Academy since September 2014 and is on the building and grounds committee. Her past ministries included teaching and Parish Outreach and Advocacy, Catholic Guild for the Blind, and Home Visitation through Catholic Charities of Buffalo, NY. Sister enjoys reading and stamp collecting. Jill Meyer is the Human Resources Manager at Baillie Lumber Co. Meyer is affiliated with the Human Resources Strategic Business Forum and previously worked in the healthcare industry as a nursing home administrator in the Chicago area. She has traveled to Rwanda and Democratic Republic of Congo several times on trips with her

church, Wesleyan Church of Hamburg, while she currently serves on her church’s Outreach Committee and on the Board of Jericho Road Community Health Center in Buffalo. Meyer enrolled at Wheaton College where she obtained her bachelor’s degree in business. She then went on to acquire her master’s degree in public health from Benedictine University. Christopher Randall is the Senior Vice President and acting Chief Operations Officer for Wilmington Trust at M&T Bank. He has been with M&T Bank since 1991, his current responsibilities also include oversight of Retirement Services. Randall served on the Board of Directors of the Buffalo Better Business Bureau. Randall earned his bachelor’s degree in organizational management from Roberts Wesleyan College and his master’s degree from Canisius College. Randall also completed the Executive Leadership Program at Columbia University. Joseph Salvatore is president of Salvatore’s Italian Gardens, Garden Place Hotel and The Delavan Hotel. He has been involved with Women and Children’s Hospital of Buffalo and also served as honorary chair with his wife, Paula, for the Variety Club Telethon. He was honored as man of the year by the Italian American Federation. He is a graduate of Lancaster High School and attended Erie Community College. Salvatore and his wife have three children, and they all work together to continue the family tradition. Michelle Sullivan is a director with Freed Maxick CPAs, P.C. and serves on the firm's executive management committee. In addition, she leads the firm's Employee Benefit Plan Practice and Employee Advancement and Retention Network steering committee. In her practice, she provides her clients with consulting services related to operational and strategic initiatives. Sullivan earned her Bachelor of Science in Business Administration from University at Buffalo and is a CPA.

Lt. Governor Kathy Hochul Speaks to Hilbert Classes

On November 10, Lt. Gov. Kathy Hochul addressed the "Enough is Enough" initiative for college campuses when she spoke to two Hilbert classes about what the new legislation means for college students across the state. 4

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on campus

Smith Named Vice President for Institutional Advancement Kelly E. Smith has been appointed Vice President for Institutional Advancement at Hilbert College President Cynthia Zane, Ed.D announced. Smith is a fundraising professional with more than 10 years of leadership experience in advancement. In her new role, Smith will lead Hilbert’s advancement efforts, including annual giving, corporate and foundation relations, government relations, alumni relations, and public relations. “I am confident that Kelly’s experience, particularly her many years in private higher education, will be extremely valuable in our efforts toward achieving our growing advancement goals,” Zane said. “We are pleased to have a leader with her talents to serve in this vital role.” “I believe in Hilbert’s mission and core values and am very excited to return to higher education,” Smith said. “I look forward to partnering with President Zane, the institutional advancement team, and the Hilbert family as we engage our alumni and friends to advance the mission of the college." Smith comes to Hilbert from the Geva Theatre Center in Rochester where she served as the Director of Development. Geva is Upstate New York’s largest and most attended notfor-profit professional theatre. Prior to Geva, Smith spent over 10 years at Roberts Wesleyan College, where she served as Associate Vice

President for External Relations from 2007-15. At Roberts Wesleyan, she expanded and enhanced individual major donor support, including government, foundation, and corporate funding. She is also credited with increasing the visibility of the college in the business community and creating strategic alliances, which resulted in gifts and partnerships that supported the mission. Smith played a vital role in a $43 million capital campaign, which included identifying, evaluating, cultivating, and soliciting six- and seven-figure philanthropic commitments. She also served as Director of Donor and Government Relations and Development Assistant in her time at Roberts Wesleyan. Smith was selected for the Rochester Business Alliance Forty Under 40 and was a member of Leadership Rochester Class of 2009. Smith, a resident of Rochester since 2001, earned her bachelor’s degree in organizational management from Roberts Wesleyan College and will complete her Master of Arts in American Government from Regent University in December.

Quinn Named Vice President for Enrollment Management Patrick A. Quinn, who has more than 25 years of experience in enrollment management, financial aid, and admissions, has been appointed Vice President for Enrollment Management at Hilbert College announced President Cynthia Zane, Ed.D. In his new role, Quinn will lead Hilbert’s admissions, student financial services, student records, and marketing efforts to build and execute a strategic enrollment plan that will meet the college’s enrollment goals. “I am confident that Pat’s extensive experience in enrollment management will be extremely valuable in our efforts toward achieving our enrollment goals,” Zane said. “We are pleased to have a leader of his caliber to serve in this vital role.” Quinn most recently served as an associate for enrollment management at Scott Healy & Associates, where he was a consultant for a variety of higher education institutions. He previously served as Dean of Enrollment Management & Student Affairs at Pratt Munson-WilliamsProctor College of Art and Design, where he increased the

incoming class by 50% in one year. Quinn also spent 12 years at Utica College as Vice President for Undergraduate Admissions. At Utica, he was responsible for bringing in several of the largest freshman and transfer classes in the school’s history. Utica also experienced growth in the number of students living on campus and in total undergraduate enrollment during his tenure. Quinn also has stints at University of New Haven, Western Connecticut State University, Adelphi University, and College of Aeronautics on his rèsumè Quinn, a native of Long Island, NY, earned his bachelor’s degree in political science from the University of Pennsylvania and a Master of Science in School Counseling from St. John’s University.

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news & notes

Hilbert College Named to Victory Media’s 2016 Military Friendly® Schools List Hilbert College has been designated a 2016 Military Friendly® School by Victory Media, the leader in successfully connecting the military and civilian worlds, and publisher of G.I. Jobs®, STEM Jobs and Military Spouse. Now in its seventh year, the original, premier Military Friendly® Schools designation provides service members and their families with transparent, data-driven ratings about post-military education and career opportunities. Institutions competed for the elite Military Friendly® School title by completing a survey of more than 100 questions covering ten categories, including military support on campus, graduation and employment outcomes, and military spouse policies. Survey responses were scored against benchmarks across these key indicators of success. In addition, data was independently tested by EY (Ernst & Young) based upon the weightings and methodology established by Victory Media with guidance from an independent Advisory Board of higher education and recruiting professionals. A full list of board members can be found at www.MilitaryFriendly.com/advisoryboard. The Military Friendly® Schools designation is awarded to the top colleges, universities, community colleges and trade schools in the country that are doing the most to embrace military students, and to dedicate resources to ensure their success both in the classroom and after graduation. The methodology used for making the Military Friendly® Schools list has changed the student veteran landscape to one much more transparent, and

has played a significant role over the past seven years in capturing and advancing best practices to support military students across the country. “Post-secondary institutions earning the 2016 Military Friendly® School award have exceptionally strong programs for transitioning service members and spouses,” said Daniel Nichols, Chief Product Officer of Victory Media and Navy Reserve veteran. “Our Military Friendly® Schools are truly aligning their military programs and services with employers to help students translate military experience, skills and training into successful careers after graduation.” For more information about Hilbert’s commitment to attracting and supporting military students, visit Hilbert’s website at http://www.hilbert.edu/student-life/veterans. Hilbert will be showcased along with other 2016 Military Friendly® Schools in the annual Guide to Military Friendly® Schools, special education issues of G.I. Jobs® and Military Spouse Magazine, and on MilitaryFriendly.com.

Hilbert College Expands Criminal Justice Offering with Online Master’s Program Hilbert College announced a new Master of Science in Criminal Justice Administration program available entirely online. Hilbert is currently accepting applications for classes beginning in January 2016. More information is available at www.hilbert.edu/OnlineCJA The program is designed for those who want to advance their career within the field of criminal justice, but can’t take traditional on-campus classes due to their work schedules. “The program offers students the opportunity to earn a quality education, from a well-respected institution, with the flexibility to work within your lifestyle,” said Martin Floss, Ph.D., Professor and Director of the Criminal Justice Administration Graduate Program. Hilbert College has been a leader in criminal justice education for more than 40 years and a master’s education at Hilbert will prepare students to become leaders in the criminal justice community. This program is designed to enhance critical thinking and problem solving skills in the areas of administration, management, budget & finance, research, decision-making, ethics, diversity, and organizational change. “This program will promote interaction with industry peers,” said Mark Paoni, Ed.D., Professor of Criminal Justice.

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“Our professors offer access to a vast network of law enforcement professionals, including key contacts in Erie and Monroe Counties. This interaction is essential in expanding the student’s network amongst criminal justice professionals.” Hilbert’s new online program will also give students the opportunity to expand their knowledge base and practical understanding in all areas of law enforcement, courts, correctional, probation, and emergency management and education. The same expert faculty who teach in the traditional oncampus program also teach many of Hilbert’s online criminal justice master’s courses. These faculty members lend their expertise to a broad range of government and nongovernmental agencies. Their professional experience enriches their courses and prepares graduates for workplace success. Hilbert's new online program is extremely convenient and flexible. Classes start six times per year and the GRE is not required. Financial Aid is available and the Law Enforcement scholarship is available for those working in the field, including police, corrections, military, and others. The online criminal justice administration program is open to NYS residents.

news & notes

Hilbert College, St. Bonaventure University Collaborate to Offer Degrees in Cybersecurity Hilbert College and St. Bonaventure University announced that they will each offer Bachelor of Science degree programs in cybersecurity beginning in the fall of 2016. They are among only three higher education institutions in Western New York to offer undergraduate majors in this high-demand field. The two institutions will share faculty resources to offer the programs, taking advantage of Hilbert’s strength in its Department of Computer Security and Information Assurance and St. Bonaventure’s expertise in its Department of Computer Science. No travel between campuses will be necessary for students or faculty, as shared courses will be offered via distance-learning technology. Students in the cybersecurity program will learn the appropriate tools, techniques, policies, and technologies required to identify, analyze, mitigate, and communicate the risks of information systems. “These programs offer emphasis in both the technical and managerial sides of the cybersecurity field, which distinguishes them from other programs out there,” said Alan Katerinsky, Hilbert’s cybersecurity program director and professor of Computer Security and Information Assurance. “As a complement to our general education curriculum, we have also interwoven ethics across the cybersecurity curriculum, which is of particular concern given the myriad ethical challenges that will face today’s and tomorrow’s cybersecurity leaders and technicians,” said Dr. Steven Andrianoff, St. Bonaventure’s cybersecurity program director and chairperson of the Department of Computer Science.

The cybersecurity major will prepare students for careers as information systems security professionals, including, intelligence analyst, information assurance specialist, credit card fraud investigator, and more. The Bureau of Labor Statistics predicts that between 2012 and 2022, information security analyst positions will grow at a rate of almost 37 percent. Cybersecurity positions rose 73 percent in the five-year period ending in 2012 — 3.5 times faster than postings for computer jobs as a whole, according to Burning Glass Technologies, a labor market analytics firm. U.S. News & World Report ranked “information security analyst” third among the best technology jobs, eighth among the top 100 professions and 15th among the highest-paying jobs. The concept for these programs was developed during the process of investigating a possible strategic alliance between the two schools. A grant from The John R. Oishei Foundation supported the process, which included a faculty think tank that envisioned opportunities for academic collaboration. cybersecurity was identified as one of several potential areas of academic opportunity for the schools. This collaboration expands upon the partnership between St. Bonaventure and Hilbert College that started more than two decades ago. St. Bonaventure continues to offer graduate programs on the campus of Hilbert College in a weekend format. The institutions are two of more than 20 Franciscan colleges and universities in the U.S. For additional information about the major in cybersecurity at Hilbert College, visit: www.hilbert.edu/cyber.

McGill Fills Swan Auditorium for 3rd Annual Hilbert Reads

The Third Annual Hilbert Reads event, featuring author Jerry McGill, once again did not disappoint. Hilbert College's Swan Auditorium was filled with students, faculty, staff, and community members to hear more about McGill's life and his inspiring book, Dear Marcus; A Letter to the Man Who Shot Me. The Hilbert College Reads program is a common intellectual

reading experience that engages students and creates a sense of community through cross-disciplinary conversations. Every year, the Hilbert College Reads committee selects a text and invites the author to present on campus. All incoming freshmen are given a copy of the selected text.

hilbert college magazine 2015

service learning @ hilbert

service meets studies by Matthew Gorczyca

Service Learning Projects Support over 50 Community partners Biology class finds powerful connection with service-learning project helping Kaely’s Kindness “For it is in giving that we receive.” The simple line from the Prayer of St. Francis encompasses the power that lies in Hilbert College’s Service Learning Program. Class curriculum is paired with service projects to help a community partner, all with the hope of deepening the learning experience and bettering our students. A powerful example of this experience happened with Dr. Meredith Ezak’s BI 110 ModernTopics in Biology class. The class integrated the service learning component by working with Kaely’s Kindness Foundation, an organization that seeks to help teenage girls diagnosed with cancer. “My class covers a variety of modern topics in biology, and, in particular, we spend a significant amount of time learning about the biology of cancer,” Ezak said. “I thought it would be especially meaningful for students to work with a foundation that serves teens close in age to most of them who live in the same community.”

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BI 110 is a general education course that will occasionally have students that aren’t looking to pursue a career in science, so Dr. Ezak found service learning especially powerful for engaging students with class subjects. “I wanted to use the service project to engage them more with the material, give them more appreciation for how what they learn in biology is really woven into their lives every day, and make it more likely that they will retain what they are learning in class,” said Ezak. When students were working on helping Kaely’s Kindness through a variety of projects like chemo comfort bags and helping at special events, they met with Kaely Kwitek, the namesake of the foundation. She was diagnosed with Anaplastic Large Cell Lymphoma (ALCL), a relatively uncommon type of nonHodgkin’s lymphoma (NHL) as a teenager. Now, Kaely

is a student at the University at Buffalo, which made the connection to students especially powerful and motivating. Dr. Ezak found that service learning had a greater impact than just making the curriculum interesting. She quickly saw how students were going above and beyond the normal 10 hours of service requirement. Students raised over $1,000 for supplies for the chemo comfort bags and many took the value of service far beyond the class requirement. Hunter Bielat ‘18, who volunteered to dress up as The Grinch for the

foundation’s annual Christmas party was moved after learning that some of the girls touched by Kaely’s Kindness, and their families were struggling financially. He quickly raised over $1,000 and sponsored an event on his own to take five girls from the foundation Christmas shopping. He went above and beyond the service requirement and had a fun time doing it. He noted that he wanted to put more into the project than what was required so that he could get the best experience possible. “If it was not for this class I do not think I would have done something like this,” Bielat said. He is now taking a class with another service

SERVICE LEARNING

FACTS

• 20 unique courses across 30 sections were offered with service learning opportunities • 334 students completed service learning • Nearly 5,000 service hours completed • Over 50 community partners were helped • A value of over $132,000 invested into the local community through Hilbert’s service learning program • 95% of students who participated in service learning found that their coursework strengthened their ability to serve their community partner and that their service experience helped them better understand the course concepts. • Facts were taken Academic Year

from

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learning component and hopes to continue to volunteer in a number of ways. While he was transformed personally by the service learning program, he also noticed how it impacted his education. “It is one thing to take notes and learn about cancer, but when you put real people and real emotions into that work your focus goes from paper to reality,” Bielat said. “College is all about preparing you for real life and there is no better way than bringing real life into your studies.” “It was so wonderful to see a student go above and beyond like that,” said Ezak. “In times like that, I know service learning is really making a difference both in my students’ lives and in the lives of those served by the community partner.” Bielat continues to be in contact with the foundation’s President, Maggie Dreyer, and hopes to help out again this year at the annual Christmas party. Dreyer, who is also Kaely’s mom, was moved by the support generated by Dr. Ezak’s class. Noting that Kaely’s Kindness was created due to lack of support resources when Kaely was diagnosed, the work the foundation does has been greatly aided by the service learning partnership. “I watched firsthand how Kaely dealt with the cancer diagnosis,” Dreyer said. “She was initially refusing treatment and it wasn’t until she met another teen named Emily that I witnessed an acceptance of her cancer and acceptance of the treatment offered.” What Emily was able to do for Kaely in the form of phone calls, text messages, and hang outs, Maggie and her daughter wanted to do for other girls facing this disease. Now, with the help of programs like

Hilbert’s service learning, the work of Kaely’s Kindness continues to thrive. “We were able to further our mission as a result of the volunteers who assisted in marketing, attended and worked our monthly events, raised funds and made chemo bags for all of our girls who were active in treatment,” Dreyer said. “Service learning gave the students an opportunity to witness the strength and resiliency of our Kaely’s Kindness teens.” Dreyer noted that the experience is mutually beneficial, with student volunteers being able to experience learning on a deeper, more meaningful level, and for those teens with cancer to be given the energy, enthusiasm and hope from those that come to help. Now Kaely’s Kindness is currently serving 51 teenage girls diagnosed with cancer with referrals coming in from other states. The hope is to expand services on a national level. Dr. Ezak was impressed by the response to service learning and plans to extend the component into her Nutrition class in the fall of 2016. She, again, will work with Kaely’s Kindness for the spring 2016 semester for her BI 110 class.

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commencement 2015

54th Annual Commencement

Hilbert College held its 54th annual commencement ceremony on May 16 and more than 270 graduates rejoiced in receiving their degrees. Commencement speaker Lieutenant Governor Kathy Hochul, urged the Class of 2015, “As you go forward, it is my sincere hope that you take risks. The kind of risks that if you are bold enough to take can lead you to the fulfillment of your life.” “You have to push your comfort zone and push yourself,” the Lt. Gov. continued. “I hope you never fear failure, because it will hold you back.” Hilbert President Cynthia Zane, Ed.D. and Chair of the Board of Trustees, Edward Gelia, presented the Hilbert College Medal to Robert M. Bennett. The Hilbert College Medal is presented to those “who embody Franciscan values, demonstrate excellence in their profession or career, and excellence in community service.” Bennett served tirelessly and with distinction as a chancellor of the New York State Board of Regents 10

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for 20 years. During that time, he has been a champion of quality in education at all levels from pre-school to graduate school. In representing Western New York, he has won the respect of the region’s elected leaders as well as his fellow regents, who voted unanimously to award him the title of Chancellor Emeritus in 2009. The value of his wisdom was further attested to when Bishop Malone appointed him to the Diocese of Buffalo’s Catholic School Advisory Council, Bennett’s concern for education predates his term as regent. As President and Chief Executive Officer of the United Way of Buffalo and Erie County he developed and supported numerous initiatives to improve the lives of all, especially the youngest and oldest, and all those who need an advocate for their voices to be heard. Zane also presented an honorary doctorate of humane letters to Lt. Gov. Hochul. President Zane conferred master’s degrees, in addition to four- and two- year degrees to graduates in the Class of 2015.

Top student awards that were presented at Hilbert’s 54th 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 Lisa Beckwith • 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 Caitlin Queen • 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 Marissa Carvalho • John Kissel Man of theYear Award to an outstanding male student in recognition of his character, intellectual progress, organizational ability, and participation in activities and programs. Presented to Alexander Wisner

commencement 2015

Lisa Beckwith

Caitlin Queen

Robert M. Bennett

Lieutenant Governor Kathy Hochul

Marissa Carvalho

Alexander Wisner hilbert college magazine 2015

placement success

BY THE NUMBERS

94.5%

75%

Retention Rate

7.8%

Alumni Giving Rate

Placement Rate - Students with a positive outcome within six months of graduation from HILBERT COLLEGE

945

Academic Programs

Enrollment

13:1

89.8%

Student to Faculty Ratio

of graduates who are employed are working in NYS

90%

Of first-year students would choose HILBERT COLLEGE again if they were starting over

HILBERT COLLEGE STUDENTS receive Pell Grants

Students from WESTERN NEW YORK

over

ONE OF THE MOST AFFORDABLE four-year private institutions in WESTERN NEW YORK

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95%

Of seniors rate their educational experience at HILBERT COLLEGE as good or excellent

51%

67%

$20,650

93%

$4 million

Total SCHOLARSHIPS AVAILABLE yearly

HILBERT COLLEGE STUDENTS qualify for financial aid

faculty profile

John Culhane, Jr. Chair, Criminal Justice Dept.

by Matthew Gorczyca Hilbert College’s Criminal Justice program has become one of the best and most renowned in the Western New York community. It has done so because of the impressive faculty that guide, mentor and teach our future law enforcement professionals. Among those impressive faculty members is John Culhane, Jr., Chair and Assistant Professor of the Criminal Justice Department. Having spent more than 30 years of leadership in federal law enforcement, Culhane’s experience is one that is helping Hilbert College Criminal Justice students become some of the best and brightest professionals today. Culhane started off at an early age knowing that he wanted to join the FBI. He recalls a new housing development that his family moved to in 1957 when he was just nine years old. Several of the surrounding families were those who had fathers in the FBI. Those men quickly befriended his father and Culhane soon saw the good group of people they were. He describes them as good men and good families and looked up to them as men he hoped to one day emulate. “I read two books that summer, one was The Adventures of Tom Sawyer and the other was The FBI Story,” said Culhane. The books were fitting to what would be Culhane’s professional journey as he went on to earn his Bachelor of Arts degree in English from Saint John Fisher College in 1974, his Juris Doctor from Saint Mary’s University School of Law in 1976. After a short stint as an Assistant District Attorney in Monroe County, Culhane joined the Federal Bureau of Investigation in 1978. Prior to earning his Bachelor’s degree, Culhane served as a helicopter pilot in the army during the Vietnam War. Culhane’s comrades in the Vietnam War were the closest group of men he had ever been a part of and he experienced that same sort of camaraderie throughout his 27 years as a Special Agent in the FBI. In 1978, Culhane was appointed and sworn in as a Special Agent of the FBI and later in 1996 would become a Supervisory Special Agent. After spending over 27 years in the FBI, Culhane retired and took a two-year contract position as an FBI contract analyst at the FBI National Security Branch and followed that up with work in private investigation. It was during his time as an analyst at the National Security Branch, and while telecommuting from the Buffalo FBI Office that he had an occasion to share in conversation with a few newer Special Agents on his take on several cases. On that occasion, he was told by a friend and colleague Holly Hubert, then Supervisor of the Cyber Squad and now Assistant Special Agent in Charge of the FBI Buffalo Division, that he should consider teaching since these young agents were engaged by and listened to him. So he gave it a shot and tested the waters at Bryant and Stratton College before taking an adjunct professor position at Erie Community College and eventually at Hilbert. He fell in love with teaching and soon after was offered a full-time

FACULTY proFILE position at Hilbert. From the moment he started, he fell in love with teaching and was captivated by the students. “The most rewarding part of the job has been the students by far,” said Culhane. Discussing the issues surrounding criminal justice with students is what Culhane describes as a joy. He notes that the students today may well be upand-coming FBI agents, Homeland Security personnel, and police officers and they are among the best he has ever seen. To make Hilbert students a part of that best and brightest population, Culhane says that it is the faculty at Hilbert that make the Criminal Justice program so well known. He said that it is the mix of working and retired practitioners with those who have gone on to get doctoral degrees that create a great balance between real-world experience and brilliant theory. It is that balance that allows students to think differently.

In regards to his advice to those students who are leaving Hilbert to embark on the world of criminal justice, Culhane goes back to his roots. “The more widely read you are the better you understand the human condition,” said Culhane. “You come away with a better sense of how the world works, how people work and why they do what they do.” It is that understanding that is cultivated within the education, mission and values of Hilbert College and that which sets the Hilbert Student apart, and what makes Hilbert College and the CJ/FS program so well-renowned. “I don’t think you can be successful in law enforcement without the values you take with you from a place like Hilbert,” Culhane said. “Those values, service especially, is a way of being as Christ-like as you can be and if you are true to them that makes you a better human being.” Hilbert, through its mission and Franciscan values, offers a deeper dimension to our students. “It’s important not to get tunnel vision or adopt a culture like law enforcement so much that you can’t think outside the box,” Culhane said. “Those values keep you open to what you should be doing in the first place.”

hilbert college magazine 2015

alumni association

he purpose of the Hilbert College Alumni Association is to advance the interests of the college, to develop and foster a mutually beneficial relationship between the college and its alumni by providing educational

opportunities, social programs, services and benefits. The alumni association strives to build ties and relationships among alumni and students at the college, to provide alumni input on college concerns and to link the college of today and tomorrow with its heritage of excellence, commitment, and service.

HILBERTALUMNI

Log in to giving.hilbert.edu to read additional class notes and to discover the many ways to connect with other alumni and the Hilbert community

Marriages

Jaimee Matteson '11 and Robert Klawon were married on October 1 in Dunkirk, NY.

HILBERT365 Are you interested in receiving Hilbert's monthly e-newsletter, HILBERT 365? Subscribe for FREE today and keep up to date on: • Campus Highlights • Upcoming Events • New Alumni Benefits • Athletic Events Contact: Matthew Gorczyca Communications & Engagement Coordinator 716-926-8884 mgorczyca@hilbert.edu **Please include your name and any updated contact information in your email!

Engagements

Sara Wood '10 got engaged in March to Dwight Herforth. The couple plans to marry in October 2016. Kevin Cusumano '13 (right) got engaged to Kassi Kidder. The couple plans to marry in October 2016.

Brooke Falcone '08 married Kevin Kuszlyk on October 24 in Akron, NY.

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Ashley Troutman '14 said 'yes' to Steven Smith and plans to wed in early 2016. The couple also welcomed Dakota Ann Marie Smith at 6 pounds 6 ounces in late July.

SAVE THE DATE JUNE 27 For More Information GO TO: giving.hilbert.edu 716.926.8938

alumni news & notes

Births

Melissa Radder '10 and Alex Khalil welcomed their daughter Genevieve Mary Khalil on September 2 at 7 pounds 1 ounce and 20 inches long.

Caitlin Miranda '13 and fiancĂŠ Keith Gregoire welcomed their daughter Luciana Rois Gregoire on July 28 at 4 pounds 10 ounces and 18.5 inches long.

Honors & Recognition

Amy Pickard '98 was recently featured in two C-SPAN videos, one on the Mark Twain Room and another on the Grosvenor Rare Book Room at the Buffalo Public Library. She is currently the Rare Books Curator at the library.

Thomas Czora '08 and his wife Holly Ann welcomed their son Thomas Joseph Czora IV on September 15 at 8 pounds 2 ounces and 21 inches long.

Kyle Kriegbaum '13 recently accepted a new position as an Internal Auditor at Health Research, Inc. in Albany, NY. Steve Marchitte '13 recently accepted a new position as a Relationship Banker at M&T Bank.

David Robinson '06 has been employed by the New York City Police Department since 2008 and Eden Barber '14 was promoted to a Counselor after receiving a promotion to the rank of Detective position at Transitional Services, Inc. and will be in 2014, has been assigned to the Bronx Gang applying for her MSW at the University at Buffalo. Squad. Spencer Forbes '14 currently works as the Wendy Coryer-Sauter '06 received her MS in Legal primary IT security administrator at National Administration from The University of Denver Fuel Gas Company and will be transferring to the Sturm College of Law. She is currently a Firm Cybernetics Security Division as a Cyber Security Administrator at the law firm of Barth Sullivan Architect as of the new year. Behr. Samantha Gressieg '14 is finishing her Master Mike Shriver '11 recently launched a Buffaloof Science degree and is currently working with themed photo blog called Picturethis716 with his AmeriCorps through the ABLE Program for a full friend Steve Heine. Mike and Steve hope to offer a year of service. Gresseig was also married in unique perspective of the WNY resurgence through June. their photography. Nicole Avis '15 was recently hired as a full-time Karl Blomback, Jr. '13 is now enrolled at St. paralegal for Kenney Shelton Liptak Nowak, LLP Bonaventure University through our Hilbert working to support two managing partners in College Campus pursuing a Master's Degree in family law and real estate matters. Business Administration (MBA). Cindy Resch '15 has been hired as a Registered Nurse and Legal Assistant for the law firm Black, Lyle & Habberfield, LLP in Olean, NY.

hilbert college magazine 2015

alumni profile

Nate Szustak '15

Veteran Services Coordinator | Hilbert College by Brandon Farr '16 As most veterans do, Nate Szustak ‘15 took a nontraditional approach to beginning college. After witnessing the attacks on the World Trade Center, he decided to enlist in the service. Six days after his eighteenth birthday, Szustak was shipped out to boot camp. “I had to grow up quick,” Szustak said describing his time in the armed forces. While serving in the United States Navy, he was stationed in Jacksonville, Florida where he served as Master Helmsman and paralegal for the USS Vicksburg. As part of his service, he completed an eight-month tour overseas in the Arabian Gulf off the coast of Iraq. “I met some of the best people in the military, many of whom I am still in contact with today,” Szustak said. Among his accomplishments, he is most proud of receiving The Navy & Marine Corps Achievement Medal. The medal is awarded for meritorious service or achievement in either combat or noncombat situations based on sustained performance or specific achievement of a superlative nature. Having served three years of active duty and five years of inactive reserve, Szustak decided to go to college. Having toured Hilbert even before entering the service, he knew this is where he wanted to be. “My initial tour and interaction with faculty and staff stuck with me throughout my service,” Szustak said. It was 2011, when he entered Hilbert to pursue a Bachelor’s degree as a full-time student. “To be honest it is a pretty tough adjustment going from the military to a school setting,” Szustak said. “Most veterans have not been in school since their senior year of high school.” When Szustak began his college career at Hilbert, he hadn’t been in a classroom setting in over four years, but that didn’t stop him from making the most of his time, and excelling while at Hilbert. Szustak says the lessons learned in the military will stay with him through the rest of his life. From the first day, the most crucial lesson learned in the armed forces is to pay attention to details. “The habit of paying attention to even the smallest details made me a much better student,” Szustak said. Attending Hilbert enabled the opportunity for Szustak to share what he had learned in the military and be able to apply his skills to everyday life. “Each semester was better than the previous,” Szustak said noting that his years at Hilbert went by before he even knew it. But it was the moment at the end of his time at Hilbert that was most special. “Walking across the stage and shaking President Zane’s hand was easily the best moment I can think of,” Szustak said. There were a number of people at Hilbert that 16

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alumni proFILE made it a much easier and enjoyable time in order to appreciate that moment. “Mich Sojda in Academic Services was easily the most important person to my success at Hilbert,” Szustak said. “She always was there to help and encourage me.” “In my sophomore year Professor Culhane really pushed me to get involved on campus,” said Szustak. “I wouldn’t be in the position I am now without his guidance. I may have not graduated or have been as successful without them being here at Hilbert.” Currently, Szustak serves as Hilbert College’s Veteran Services Coordinator. In this role he is a contact for currently enrolled and prospective veterans and benefiteligible dependents. “A large part of my job is recruiting veterans to attend Hilbert,” said Szustak. “I work with our student veterans every day, ensuring that they are provided with the resources necessary to their success.” Noting he has the best job at Hilbert, Szustak finds that Franciscan values play a part in his life every day. “I still continue to serve my country and Hilbert via the AmeriCorps VISTA program. The purpose of the program is to fight poverty and my goal is to ensure that no veteran that is in need is left behind.” Here at Hilbert, Szustak continues to be a driving force in helping veterans. Recently, he was on hand when the college established a new veteran’s center and also securing a Veterans Coordinator to help students become more successful. Aside from his job, Szustak also participates in Student Veterans Association (SVA) events on campus and is also a member of AmeriCorps. In his free time, Szustak likes to celebrate being a true Buffalonian. He is a die-hard Buffalo Bills and Sabres fan. He holds season tickets to both sports teams and expressed that he and his girlfriend go to as many games as possible. It was his time in the service, and as a Hilbert College graduate that makes him appreciate those small, fun moments and really feel he is making a difference. “Hilbert College is a place where a veteran can be themselves and contribute to their community. As a student at Hilbert you can get the attention and support that is necessary to graduate and become successful.”

grads making a name in cj field

recent graduates leading the way in criminal justice & Forensic fields Rebecca Elensky ‘13

Major at Hilbert: Forensic Science/ Crime Scene Investigation Current Employer: Department of Forensic Science, Washington DC Job Title: Central Evidence Specialist Field: Forensic Science Influential Professor: Carraugh Nowak Lesson Learned at Hilbert: What you do in college will follow you into your career, have fun but be responsible How Hilbert Helped My Career: Hilbert helped prepare me for the questions I would be asked on job interviews and I felt confident in the answers I gave related to fingerprinting and forensics. Once I got on the job I had more knowledge and experience than some of my colleagues and already knew about many of the processes that we would be doing daily.

Erica Laduca ‘13

Major at Hilbert: Forensic Science/Crime Scene Investigation Current Employer: Indianapolis - Marion County Forensic Services Agency Job Title: Crime Scene Specialist Field: I mainly work scenes involving homicide, aggravated assaults, rape and child abuse Influential professor: I really cannot pick just one professor, the entire forensics department helped me achieve my goals. Lesson Learned at Hilbert: I learned many lessons from my time at Hilbert but the best one as it pertains to this field was to never give up. This is a competitive field; you must have determination and be persistent when applying with an agency. Sometimes you have to start off small to eventually achieve your career goal.

Nicole Meldrum ‘13 Major at Hilbert: Forensic Science/ Crime Scene Investigation Current Employer: High Point Police Department (North Carolina) Job Title: Crime Scene Technician Field: Crime Scene Investigation and Footwear Examination and Comparison Influential Professor: Carraugh Nowak Lesson Learned at Hilbert: Be open to all new opportunities, especially if you think you are not interested. Never stop learning from your experiences. How Hilbert Helped My Career: The hands on activities and being able to practice what we were being taught at Hilbert still helps me in my career. I continue to experiment with different processing techniques to continue to learn and share my results.

Mark Wipperman ‘12 Major at Hilbert: Criminal Justice Current Employer: Erie County Sheriff’s Department Job Title: Undersheriff Field: Law Enforcement Influential Professor: Ed Qualey Lesson Learned at Hilbert: Hilbert College definitely taught that the time and effort you put into your education has an important impact getting a job in your field and having future success. How Hilbert Helped My Career: The Criminal Justice program at Hilbert is definitely designed and geared toward getting students a job in their field once they have graduated. A lot of the criminal justice courses I took definitely prepared me for the experiences and challenges I had when I became a police officer.

hilbert college magazine 2015

homecoming & alumni weekend

Register today! DATETrue & TIME Hilbert's 2015 Blue Weekend , heldEVENT October 2-3, TUESDAY, SEPT. 29 featured a wide array5of events for current students, - 7pm Kickoff Jersey-Making parents and families, 7and alumni and friends. Some of - 9pm Student Leaders v. Students Flag Football Game the events included: • Flag Football Game WEDNESDAY, SEPT. 30 • Banner Making 6 - 8pm Prep for the Parade Banner Making • Annual Peace Walk THURSDAY, • Fall Fest OCT. 1 12:45 - 1:40pm Peace Walk & Dedication of the Peace Pole • Spirit Parade 5 - 9pm Fall Fest • Chicken BBQ FRIDAY, OCT. 2 Awards • San Damiano 11am - 12pm True Blue Spirit Parade • Classic Evening Antique Cars 12 - 2pm Cookout/BBQ $ • Blue, Black & White Affair 5:30 - 8pm San Damiano Awards/Classic Evening & Official Bronze Hawk Unveiling • Fall Open House for prosective students 8pm - 12am Blue, Black, and White Affair • Baseball & Softball Alumni Games • Men's Lacrosse Alumni Game SATURDAY, OCT. 3 • Tailgate Party8:30-5:30pm and Ice Cream Social True Blue Weekend Check-In 9:30am - 1pm OPEN HOUSE (photo - right) • Franciscan Blessing of the Animals 10am - 1pm Baseball Alumni Game • Feast of St. Francis MassSoftball Alumni Game 10am - 1pm • Men's & Women's Games Lacrosse Alumni Game 11am -Soccer 1pm Men’s - 4pm Tailgate & Ice Cream Social • Murder Mystery 12 Dinner (Chicken BBQ: 12:30-3pm) $ • Outdoor Movie (moved due toBlessing weather) 1pm inside The Franciscan of the Animals Workshop • Explore & Enjoy --2:30pm Around WNY 1 (Crafting with Denise)

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1 - 3pm 3 - 5pm 4 - 5pm 5:30 - 7:30pm 8 - 10pm 10pm

Workshop 2 (CSI) Men’s Soccer vs. Mount Aloysius Women’s Soccer vs. Mount Aloysius Mass - Feast of St. Francis Murder Mystery Dinner $ Outdoor Movie w/ Canned Food Drive Bonfire

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2015 San Damiano Award Winners Dominique Thompson Alumni of the Year Award – Given to the individual who demonstrates Hilbert’s Franciscan values and encompasses the true spirit of the college. Daniel Jachlewski ‘99 – is an executive recruiter at EGW Personnel. He is a current alumni association board member and former president of the alumni board. He coaches West Seneca Youth Baseball. Sister Adrienne Faculty / Staff Lifetime Achievement Award – Presented to a past or current faculty/staff member who emulates the characteristics that Sister Adrienne Rapnicki, FSSJ, exhibited during her tenure at Hilbert. Barbara Bonanno – recently retired from Hilbert after 25 years of service, joined the Hilbert faculty in 1990. She embodies the Franciscan Spirit of Hilbert College. She served Hilbert well in her most recent position as Director of Mission Integration and Campus Ministry and previously as the Director of the Library. G.O.L.D (Graduate of the Last Decade) Award – Presented to Hilbert graduates of the last decade who have achieved career success and demonstrated significant volunteer service to their communities and/or Hilbert. Jacob Bickelman ‘08 – An Economic Crime major at Hilbert, he graduated with honors and now works for Kraft Foods as their Customer Category Manager, Beverages in Nashville, Tenn. Past president of the Student Government Association and past vicepresident of Students In Free Enterprise (SIFE). Hilbert College Franciscan Values Award (non-alum) – Presented to a friend of Hilbert, who exemplifies the principles in which the college was founded and who has distinguished him/herself in their career and the community. Ann Swan – A Hilbert College trustee from 2004 to 2015 and chair of the board from 2010 to 2013. She received Hilbert’s President’s Medal in 2012. She received the National Philanthropy Day Distinguished Honoree award in 2001. She serves on many non-profit boards in the Western New York area, including the Foundation of the Roman Catholic Diocese of Buffalo, Gilda’s Club. She

was a past chair of the United Way’s Day of Caring and a member of the Buffalo Club. St. Clare Student of the Year Award – Presented to a current student who has distinguished him/herself at Hilbert and in the community, as well as exemplifies the college’s Franciscan mission and tradition. Melody Cole ‘16 – Economic Crime major and an Admissions Ambassador; is an active volunteer with various organizations on campus. Athletics Hall of Fame Inductees – Recognizes former Hilbert student-athletes, coaches and supporters who have contributed to the success of the college both on and off the athletic field. Kelly Goodwin Andol ‘09 originally from Niagara Falls, N.Y. – The softball program’s all-time leader in games played and started as well as the leader in runs scored and hits, also became the first student-athlete at Hilbert College to be recognized by the NCAA as the Toughest to Strike Out 2009 statistical champion. Additionally, Goodwin is the women’s soccer program’s leader with most ties (5) during her four-year career in goal. A true student-athlete, Goodwin was named to the AMCC Academic All-Conference team each year and served as an admissions ambassador as an undergraduate. Goodwin is a mental health counselor at Catholic Charities. Greg Ufland ‘07 originally from Buffalo, N.Y. – A versatile athlete who earned 13 varsity letters. Ufland capped his basketball career off as an AMCC Third Team AllConference selection guiding the Hawks to back-to-back AMCC post season play-off appearances his final two seasons. He still holds the program’s No. 2 ranking in several 3-point shooting categories. The former Bishop Timon product continues to be ranked as the baseball program’s leader in most appearances on the mound and one of the top six players in four other pitching categories. He was a three-time AMCC Academic AllConference selection and competed on the Hawks’ golf (three seasons) and cross country (two seasons) teams. Ufland is currently an Immigration Service Officer in Albany, NY.

hilbert college magazine 2015

athletics news

Davison Named AMCC All-Conference Hilbert senior Jonathan Davison was selected to the 33-man Allegheny Mountain Collegiate Conference All-Conference list which was released by the league office. Davison was named a 2015 Third Team midfielder after he previously was recognized for his talents at the forward position in 2012 and 2013. The Edwards, NY native spent a portion of his 2014 season in goal and missed out on a 4x award. Grabbing a spot on the Third Team, Davison was considered one of the 10 best midfielders in the AMCC this fall. He finished in a five-way tie for ninth place in league scoring after collecting eight goals, and his 19 points placed him in a two-way tie for 12th. Davison's most impressive offensive output was in Hilbert's 4-0 shutout victory against Bradford when he combined a pair of goals with an assist. On two other occasions, Davison collected four points when he scored twice against Alfred and dished a pair of assists and scored against Pitt-Greensburg.

Fifty-percent of Davison's scores were generated off headers this season. When not in the box redirecting served balls to the back of the net, he was running the offense from the inside out, constantly feeding his team playable balls. Davison graduates as Hilbert's All Time leader in shots (132), shots on goal (65), and tied for the lead in game-winning goals (4). He Jonathan Davison is ranked second in points (56), goals (24), save percentage (.818), and goals against average (2.00).

Colvin Named AMCC All-Conference For the second year in a row, Jennifer Colvin has been named an Allegheny Mountain Collegiate Conference Third Team AllConference selection. Colvin is now a two-time member of the Third Team AllConference in just her second year at Hilbert after she transferred from the University at Buffalo. Last season she grabbed a spot on the Third Team as well. Colvin turned into a defensive midfielder, but still went on the attack when the opportunity presented itself. She dropped back on defense and interrupted the opponent's offensive flow with her physical and aggressive strides. The Alden, NY native notched eight points during the season, with 46 shots taken; she found the back of the net twice (Wells College and Penn State Altoona) and created scoring opportunities on four other occasions. She was credited with

an assist against Wells, La Roche College and a pair against Altoona, where she collected a season-high four points. She is ranked among Hilbert's Top 10 All-Time career leaders in four different categories: No. 3 in shots per game (3.28) and shots on goal per game (1.56), No. 6 in shots on goal (50) and No. 9 in shots attempted (105).

Jennifer Colvin

Reinholz Named to AMCC All-Conference Team Senior Kylie Reinholz officially became a three-time AllConference cross country runner when the Allegheny Mountain Collegiate Conference released the 2015 men's and women's honorees earlier this fall. Reinholz, in only her third season of competitive running, is the first Hilbert cross country athlete to be honored at the conclusion of each season. Previously, she was the 2014 AMCC Runner of the Year after her introduction to the AMCC as the 2013 Newcomer of the Year. The senior from Orchard Park finished in fourth place overall at the 6K AMCC championship hosted by Penn State Behrend on October 31. She clocked in at 24:42.5 to lead the Hawks' cross country team to a fourth place finish (130 points) setting a new team record for Hilbert. Most students balance their practice schedules around their academic schedules. Reinholz, who is currently in Hilbert's 4 plus 1 undergrad/grad program, has had to balance her competition events around her required Saturday graduate classes. Prior

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to the championship date, Reinholz ran in only four of the eight meets on the Hawks' schedule and faced the toughest class of runners at the AMCC this fall. The top 15 finishers at the AMCC Championship race earn an All-Conference nod. D'Youville's Emily Quast was the only 4x AllConference member on this year's team. Reinholz and Penn State Altoona's Makayla Pearce (third place) grabbed a three-peat selection.

Kylie Reinholz

athletics news

2015 Golf Season Review The Hilbert golf team closed their 2015 season in style. The Hawks set a new program record at the AMCC Championship weekend hosted at Avalon Lakes Golf and Country Club and tied the program's best finish at the Allegheny Mountain Collegiate Conference play-offs in October. Collectively, the Hawks carded a 696 two-day total at the AMCC Championships which dropped 20 strokes off 2014's score. This fall, Hilbert shot a 354 opening-day round and then rebounded big-time with a red-hot 342 to tie the 2007 Hilbert team with a 6th place finish, the highest placement earned since Hilbert began competing in post-season play with the AMCC. For the first time in the program's history, the Hawks were closer to the front of the pack than to the back. Penn State Behrend claimed their fifth straight AMCC title with a 637 card which scored the Hawks 59 strokes behind. D'Youville closed their season at 791 with Hilbert bettering their local opponent by 95 strokes. Second year head coach, Liam Friedman relied on the senior leadership of Ryan Ratajczak and Jacob Reinecke to guide the rookies who rounded out the 2015 squad. Ryan Ratajczak closed his final season on the links with a personal and program best 75 card on the second day. His combined 164 earned him a 9th place tie at the championship. The Orchard Park native led the Hawks in their first three matches and the final two of the season. His best score before the AMCC's was an 80 at the Bradford Invitational September 8. At the conclusion of the season, Ratajczak was also selected as a Second Team AMCC All-Conference athlete which marked his third consecutive post-season honor. He previously was a Second Team member in 2013 and a Third Team member last fall. Jacob Reinecke's 19th place finish (87-card) at the Mt Aloysius Invite September 27th led Hilbert to a 6th place finish in central Pennsylvania. His previous low score earlier this year was a 90 shot at the Behrend Invite. Reinecke collected a 188 for his final championship tournament and finished in a tie for 36th place. Tyler Wangler, a second-year player, returned to the team this fall but did not compete in any matches. Freshman Jeffrey Morgan was a consistent golfer opening his rookie campaign shooting an 85 at Bradford and closing at the AMCC with an 84 and an 85. The Hamburg native finished in a

tie for 19th place at the AMCC championship. Caleb Nellis fired his best round of golf his final match of his rookie season. The Piffard, NY native posted an 89 in his second tournament of his collegiate career (Lakeview Country Club, Sept 21), then battled through 90's. He collected 174 (89/85) at the championships and finished in 23rd place. Ryan Bungo, after graduating from Erie Community College, picked golf back up in his third year in college. He shot his best round on September 8 at the Bradford Invite which was played at Pine Acres Country Club. The 92 put him in third place on the Hawks roster that day. The Depew native collected 197 at the Championships and slotted in the 40th spot in the results page. Senior Eric Bidwell played four of the Hawks' first five matches. His best score, 101, was shot at the Tri-County Country Club September 25 in a match hosted by D'Youville College. Bidwell carded a 107 in the Hilbert Invite October 5 which closed his season. After missing the first match on the schedule, senior Justin Gilfert and junior Kurtis Maloney joined the team. Maloney was the Hawks' fifth golfer at the Behrend Invite September 21 but his 99 score did not count in the team's total. His second match played, was Hilbert's Invite October 5. The Lockport native shot a 95 but it did not count towards the team's scoring. Gilfertâ€™s 114 showing was also part of the Hilbert Invite October 5 and it did not count in team scoring.

Amanda Binder Earns Third All-Conference Recognition Junior Amanda Binder was recognized by the Allegheny Mountain Collegiate Conference panel of coaches for the third consecutive season with her selection to the Third Team All-Conference team. Twenty-three All-Conference volleyball players and the top individual award winners were announced in November. Amanda Binder moved to a Middle Hitter position this year and was recognized as one of the best seven middle hitters in the league. She led the Hawks (1-27) offensively earning 235.5 points on the season. She was credited with 2.98 points per set behind her team-best 212 kills (2.68 kps). She added seven service aces over the course of the 79 sets played and chipped in 158 digs (2.00 dps) as well as 23 total blocks. The Fremont, OH native posted double-digit kills on eight different occasions and reached double-figure digs five times.

Binder was credited with three matches where she hit and dug double-digit numbers, with her most productive match against Alfred University. The Hawks fell in a 5-set match to the Saxons but Binder finished with 23 kills and 18 digs. Binder became the program's all-time kill leader with 805 (.212) this year after only three seasons Amanda Binder of play. Earlier in her career, Binder was selected as a Third Team All-Conference player in both 2013 and 2014 and earned the Newcomer of the Year Award her rookie year.

hilbert college magazine 2015

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