Connections: Nazareth University Magazine, Fall 2025

NAZARETH UNIVERSITY MAGAZINE

CONNECTIONS

reflection reflection

cultivates cultivates intention intention After celebrating a centennial, Nazareth’s story evolves with new ways to learn, lead, and serve.

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e m o c l e W 029!

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Strong Leadership in Rough Waters

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Direct from the Deans

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York Wellness and Rehabilitation Institute at 10 Years

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Class of 2025 Profiles

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Tracking National Attention

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A Centennial Crescendo

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Their Life’s Work: Alumni Profiles Jon Dretto ’20 Kevin Graham ’10, ’12G Lawana Jones ’88

24 - 25 Naz Weekend Highlights 26

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Naz in the News Quiz

PRODUCTION Editor Chris Farnum Creative Director T.C. Pellett ’98 Writers Chris Farnum Ryan Kelley Justin Shaw Photographers Anthony Caimano ’25 Greg Francis Brian Steblen Grant Taylor Design & Layout Brian Abbamonte T.C. Pellett ’98 Mike Rae Illustrations Ally Lundberg ‘27G Director, Alumni & Constituent Engagement Barbara Leicht ’10G Vice President, Enrollment, Marketing & Communications Danielle Bucci Vice President, Advancement Darrell Bell

CORRECTION The Naz history timeline in Connections 2024 referred incorrectly to when men started at Naz. Men from other colleges took classes at Nazareth starting in 1960. The first men enrolled as full-time undergraduate students in 1971. Nazareth’s first male graduates were in 1972: Gregory Houston (deceased), Alan Lavin, Nick Francesco, Eric-Stephan Neill, and Jack Allocco. In 1973, Nazareth’s charter changed to make the college officially coed.

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STRONG LEADERSHIP

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Most leadership journeys involve a healthy degree of adversity. Curveballs and periodic unexpected challenges are the norm. Some, in fact, might say that without adversity, there’s no need for a leader. As the Latin writer Publilius Syrus wrote more than 2,000 years ago, “Anyone can hold the helm when the sea is calm.”

But rare are the leadership journeys — and few are the organizations — that face the sheer quantity and often existential quality of the challenges Nazareth University has faced in the past six years. Thankfully, as it sailed through the final, turbulent years of its first century, Nazareth had the steady and missionfocused hand of Elizabeth Paul, Ph.D., steering the institution forward into its second century.

In January 2025, President Paul announced that she will conclude her term of office in June 2026. And while that is still months away, faculty, staff, students and alumni across the university are increasingly appreciating the significant impact she’s made.

“President Paul has been a tireless, dedicated, and insightful leader in the face of unimaginable headwinds, which have included COVID; unbridled inflation; politicians targeting higher education and painting colleges and universities as the ‘villain’; a demographic cliff creating a massive drop in the number of college-age individuals; a challenging and changing labor market; a movement that’s discouraged the value of attending college; unpredictable — and some say unconstitutional — cuts in funding; obstacles placed on international students; and attacks on diversity and inclusion that have been principles of Nazareth since its founding,” says John Drain ‘83, Nazareth University Board Chair. “ Beth had all this and so much more laid on her desk from the very first day she took office. And she’s been up to the task every step of the way. Nazareth has been incredibly lucky to have her as our president during these difficult times.”

Through it all, President Paul established herself as an effective leader by leaning heavily into strategy, flexibility, authenticity, transparency, direct engagement, and listening. In her first two years, she assembled a strong and diverse senior leadership

team of regionally- and nationally-regarded cando leaders who share her passion for the Nazareth mission. She led Nazareth through a new strategic framework to guide the campus in its vision to transform education through action for social justice — preparing and inspiring courageous changemakers for their life’s work. She consistently sought to reinvigorate the institutional DNA of Nazareth as developed by the Sisters of St. Joseph of Rochester, who founded Nazareth College with a philosophy of serving “neighbor to neighbor without distinction.”

Inspired by this notion, President Paul consistently emphasized the role Nazareth’s students, faculty, staff, and alumni play as an antidote to society’s many challenges and as agents of social progress.

Helping Nazareth overcome external hurdles and honing its mission and vision proved to be perfect lead-ins for President Paul’s long list of accomplishments and successes, which have included evolving the institution’s identity and structure; affirming its status as a top tier center for learning; strengthening Nazareth academically;

a tireless, dedicated, and insightful leader in the face of unimaginable headwinds

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“ ... change is inevitable — and progress is a choice.” deepening student engagement and thriving; solidifying the University’s finances; and elevating its visibility by stewarding the University from its first 100 years into a vibrant and promising second century. President Paul also continued vital national higher education engagement and leadership, as well as becoming deeply involved in the Greater Rochester community, including board service for the Greater Rochester Chamber of Commerce, TogetherNow, and Causewave, as well as leadership of the Empire 8 Athletic Conference.

Institutionally, President Paul spearheaded the exciting and complex transition from college to university status. She led the charge — in partnership with the provost’s office — toward a significant reorganization of Nazareth’s academic structure and a redefinition of academic leadership roles to optimize academic strengths and synergies, positioning the University’s distinctive academic programs for further growth. And in 2025, Nazareth’s Middle States Commission on Higher Education accreditation was fully reaffirmed with the longest accreditation period possible and no additional actions required by Middle States — a remarkable accomplishment that attests to 6

Nazareth’s standing as an institution of learning of the highest order throughout Paul’s presidential tenure.

Academically, President Paul emphasized Nazareth’s founding commitment to offering a quality education that evolves with the challenges and opportunities of the times. She strategically expanded Nazareth programming by supporting faculty in forming a continually evolving pipeline of important new areas of study and corresponding career paths.

Among those initiatives: Nazareth launched the first-in-the-nation Institute for Technology, Artificial Intelligence, and Society, which quickly evolved into the Institute for Responsible Technology (IRT). IRT educates both graduate and undergraduate students on the ethical and responsible development and application of artificial intelligence and emerging technologies.

Further enhancing Nazareth’s excellence in advanced study in health professions, Paul, together with Provost Maureen Finney and faculty and staff leaders, guided the launch of Nazareth’s new physician assistant Master of Science (M.S.) program, welcoming its

first class in January 2026. This 24-month program combines online and on-campus learning for greater accessibility and flexibility, one of the few hybrid programs of its kind in the nation. A nurse practitioner program specializing in women’s health is planned to launch in fall 2026.

Paul also elevated mental health and thriving as a key focus for the Nazareth community — including expanding student mental health resources on campus, securing transformational grant funding and external partnerships, developing an expanded peoplefocused human resources function, and advancing the preparation of health and human services professionals through growth of the social work program, initiation of a mental health clinic in the York Wellness and Rehabilitation Institute, and pursuing development of a master’s in school psychology.

In an era when there are statistically fewer traditional college-age people in the United States — making student recruitment challenging — and an increasing number of institutions closing due to dire financial circumstances, President Paul has steadily maintained and strengthened the University’s public reputation and awareness, positive student recruitment capacity, and the institution’s financial foundation. With a conservative fiscal policy, smart investments, and intelligent cost controls, Nazareth has remained cashpositive with strong bond ratings, grown its endowment to a record level, and is on track toward a balanced and restructured operating budget in fiscal year 2027 that positions the University for greater success in the changed and changing higher education landscape.

These achievements were attained through thoughtful reorganization and programmatic development.

President Paul also had the unique opportunity to lead past and present students, faculty, staff, and the Western New York region in celebrating Nazareth’s centennial. She played a vibrant role in the twoyear Centennial Celebration, which not only further strengthened the bond between Nazareth and its many supporters and stakeholders, but also greatly elevated Nazareth’s visibility — contributing to record donations, all-time high applications, and increased community engagement.

This lengthy list of accomplishments is evidence that President Paul clearly did not let obstacles get in her — or Nazareth’s — way.

“Many would say that my time at Nazareth has been defined by endless unpredictable challenges,” Paul reflects. “I am a firm believer in work and in life that change is inevitable — and progress is a choice. I have steadfastly led the Nazareth University community to choose progress — even in the face of curveball after curveball — ever-focused on making and capitalizing on possibility and opportunity. I hope that Nazareth’s mission-defined successes and accomplishments — not the complications of our time — will be the ultimate legacies of my service.

“My affection for Nazareth and my belief in its future is unwavering. I am blessed to have had the honor of leading this inspiring institution and to have been a part of its wonderful community,” President Paul added. “So many times I’ve used the phrase ‘We are Naz.’ The passion and purpose with which everyone connected to Nazareth — then, now, and next — conducts themselves is Nazareth’s magic. Nazareth has and will continue to inspire awe in all who live, work, and study here, and I will always share in that awe for this outstanding university.”

Presidential Search Nazareth’s Board of Trustees is responsible for the presidential search. A search committee representing the Nazareth community is partnering with an executive search firm to lead the process of identifying, vetting, and recommending final candidates to the board.

Details: naz.edu/about/presidential-search

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ACADEMICS

Direct from

the Deans Thomas J. Lappas, Ph.D., Dean College of Liberal Arts, Sciences, Business, & Education naz.edu/clasbe

In your college, who or what are you inspired by these days?

I am inspired by numerous opportunities and collaborations.

One example: Senior Lecturer in English and Communication Trista Nilsson and Assistant Professor of Education Eileen Radigan, along with Clinical Assistant Professor of Communication Sciences and Disorders Mary Lugo, are attending a conference on “playful pedagogy” in Exeter, England, then taking students to a conference on playful pedagogy.

I am always inspired when professors engage in professional development and/or research and then immediately involve students.

Insights, inspirations, and what’s ahead from the leaders of the three colleges that comprise Nazareth University

What opportunities for students do you see on the horizon?

Our liberal arts and science students benefit not only from talented and dedicated faculty and the academic and professional opportunities in their programs, but have access to our innovative Center for Life’s Work, which helps them combine internships, study abroad, and other co-curricular opportunities to prepare them for the workforce and their future lives. In our professional programs (accounting, education certification programs, etc.), I am excited to see how a minor, creative second major, or co-curricular activity helps shape students’ future careers.

Adding a humanities major or minor, a language, or an interdisciplinary program such as community youth development provides experiences and academic opportunities that help students stand out to employers and provide personal growth.

We stay forward-focused, such as offering four programs that focus on artificial intelligence and data analytics.

Clinical lab sciences, led by two awardwinning faculty, prepares students to work in health care immediately with a bachelor’s degree.

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What impact are your students, faculty, staff, and alumni having on the Naz community and beyond?

It is the absolute breadth of the CLASBE students’ impact that is most impressive. Nazareth graduates are leaders in business and finance, education (Shana Cutaia, history and education, was named superintendent of the Pittsford School District), government (Rochester Mayor Malik Evans holds a graduate degree from our School of Business and Leadership), and every other corner of society.

If your college were an animal, what would it be and why?

CLASBE has Nazareth’s largest number of faculty, academic programs (33 majors), and student courses completed each year — everything from accounting, environmental science and sustainability, and chemistry, to languages, international studies, and creative writing. We teach the vast majority of the core curriculum. The only animal with that kind of global reach is the human being.

Among others with wide geographic range is the puma, so maybe the CLASBE pumas!

Cathy Rasmussen, Ph.D., ‘84G, Dean

What impact are your students, faculty, staff, and alumni having on the Naz community and beyond?

College of Interprofessional Health and Human Services

Nazareth plays a vital, though sometimes under recognized, role in preparing health and human service professionals who serve communities locally and across the country. Our alumni support children and adults with developmental needs, disabilities, and life-changing injuries, improving lives every day.

naz.edu/cihhs

In your college, who or what are you inspired by these days?

This past year, I’ve had the privilege of collaborating with the new physician assistant program faculty. Their innovative online program is designed to prepare students — locally and beyond — for critical roles in health care. Under the leadership of founding director Heather Grotke, the team has been deeply committed to developing a program with high-quality teaching and mentorship that supports students through a demanding curriculum.

They’ve also overseen the creation of a state-of-the-art facility equipped for simulation and clinical skills training.

We’re excited to welcome the first cohort in January 2026.

Yousuf George, Ph.D., Dean College of Visual, Performing Arts, & Design naz.edu/vpad

In your college, who or what are you inspired by these days?

I’ve been deeply inspired this year by our musical theatre program, where a wave of creative energy and leadership is lighting up the stage. The past year’s productions of Cabaret and Head Over Heels were not only artistically outstanding but also deeply resonant, sparking conversation and connection across campus. I’m equally excited for this season’s lineup, with Merrily We Roll Along and The Prom poised to continue that momentum. At the center of this evolution is Nicolette Hart, who recently stepped into the role of program director.

Her vision, mentorship, and professional experience are already enriching the student experience in meaningful ways.

What opportunities for students do you see on the horizon?

Careers in health and human services offer Naz students a wide range of opportunities across diverse settings and populations. Program specializations — such as early intervention, medical speech-language pathology, and school-based social work — allow students to build focused expertise that strengthens their career prospects.

We’re also seeing strong growth in two areas: mental health and advanced practice health care. More students are choosing paths in mental health, reflecting both need and passion.

Meanwhile, our new physician assistant program will be the first of our advanced practice provider (APP) offerings. A women’s health nurse practitioner program is in development, with plans to enroll students by fall 2026.

What opportunities for students do you see on the horizon?

We are preparing students for a future where artistic excellence and social impact go hand in hand. This includes experiential learning opportunities, such as internships with Rochester’s professional arts organizations, interdisciplinary projects that connect with health care and business, and additional chances to perform and exhibit their work publicly. We are also working to create more platforms where student work can gain greater visibility. The creative economy increasingly rewards bold ideas, collaboration, and adaptability, and our students are developing the skills and confidence to thrive in that landscape.

Even before graduation, our students are making a difference through our campus clinics, guided by faculty. One recent example: expanded mental health services for children. Thanks to grant funding and donor support, young children are now receiving play therapy, and older children are being served through our Youth Anxiety Center on campus.

If your college were an animal, what would it be and why?

A bear — warm and nurturing when supporting others, but strong and fearless when advocating for the people we serve.

therapeutic music experiences, VPAD students and alumni are making the arts more accessible, healing, and socially relevant. Our faculty are publishing, performing, and leading in ways that enhance Nazareth’s reputation both regionally and nationally. Our shared sense of purpose drives our impact. We believe in the power of the arts to build community, inspire dialogue, and serve the common good.

If your college were an animal, what would it be and why?

VPAD would be a chameleon — brilliant, beautiful, adaptive, and always evolving while staying true to its creative core.

What impact are your students, faculty, staff, and alumni having on the Naz community and beyond?

Whether they are performing for diverse audiences, curating exhibitions with local artists, or providing

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Transforming health and wellness

Nazareth University awarded a Presidential Medallion of Excellence this fall to Frank and Kathy York in honor of their support and the impact of the York Institute.

In its first decade, York Wellness and Rehabilitation Institute has: • trained an estimated 7,000+ students • provided 150,000+ hours of on-campus clinic care to the community • evolved to meet emerging needs, such as children’s mental health clinics that specialize in play therapy and youth anxiety, and new graduate degree programs

Celebrating its 10th anniversary, the York Wellness & Rehabilitation Institute on campus is where clinical education and hands-on health and wellness therapies come together to transform lives. The work of students, faculty, and staff expands access to care for area patients and clients and has been recognized with a health care innovation honor from the Rochester Business Journal. Nazareth prepares professionals in art therapy, music therapy, speech-language pathology, social work, occupational therapy, physical therapy, nursing, public health, and physician assistant studies.

Made possible by the York family and other donors, the expanded and remodeled former Carroll Hall building is a home for leading-edge interprofessional learning, collaborating, and clinics that prepare future health and human services professionals to work together strategically and effectively.

Enabling ongoing recovery after stroke

Filling gaps in Rochester’s limited ongoing care

Supporting children’s success

“I had a severe stroke seven years ago, at age 53. When I started at Naz the following year, I could barely say a sentence. Now I can read paragraphs.

And I’m still making progress. I don’t think I would have gotten as far as I have without Naz. Every student, every semester, has challenged me in a different way, whether it’s speech therapy or PT or OT.”

“Rick, my husband, was just 63 when he had the stroke, so our whole life financially was turned upside down.

The fact that the care in the Nazareth clinics is free is awesome; I don’t think we could afford to go if it wasn’t free.

I love this husband of 54 years, and I want him to be all he can be.”

“Music therapy is the highlight of the week for my son Blake, who’s now 12.

Over six years, the fabulous music therapy students have helped increase Blake’s confidence and his willingness and ability to follow directions, and they’ve exposed Blake to many aspects of the latest musical trends.”

— Christine Cravatta West Henrietta, New York

— Dawn McCracken Walworth, New York

—David Kaiser West Henrietta, New York

You can make transformation happen Make it possible for Nazareth’s clinics to grow and to remain free to the community. Contact Kristin Wood ‘11 ‘16G in Nazareth’s Development office for more information, kwood3@naz.edu or 585-389-2422.

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Grad Studies Business Analytics and Artificial Intelligence (M.S.)

Learn more and apply now:

Prepare to lead in an AI-powered world.

Hybrid (online and in-person) learning combines advanced data analytics techniques with cutting-edge AI skills to prepare future business leaders for high-demand roles in the global economy.

This program equips graduates to leverage AI-powered insights to drive business innovation and success across industries.

Physician Assistant (M.S.) Become an in-demand medical professional.

Learn more and apply now:

Hybrid (online and in-person) learning and clinical experiences prepare you to provide exceptional patient care. Benefit from Nazareth’s new interprofessional simulation center, including high-performance manikins and wearable simulation technology, clinical exam rooms, and a simulated operating room.

Have questions?

Text: 585-299-5939, Call: 585-389-2860, Email: gradadmissions@naz.edu 11

Ready to

Change the Wor From graduate school to health care, from data science to the performing arts, the Class of 2025 is stepping into their futures with confidence, purpose, and the skills and connections they gained at Nazareth. As they embark on the next chapter of their journeys, we asked them to reflect on what they learned, what they’re most looking forward to, and what’s next.

About 750 students (undergraduate and graduate) earned degrees in 2024–25!

Read their full blog posts 12

“Life is full of opportunities. … Through the X-Culture international experiential learning project, teammates and I from multiple countries created an expansion plan for a Brazilian footwear company. Team members had different values, and there were challenges to working together. Ultimately … I was among just 150 out of 6,000 students accepted to the 2025 X-Culture Global Business Week professional development experience in Finland in August!”

“As a nurse, I am most looking forward to being able to help my patients and be a voice of advocacy for them when they are unable to do so for themselves.

Nazareth’s nursing program has particularly prepared me to advocate by stressing the importance of leadership and cultural competence.”

NEXT: Hired by Cintas for its management trainee program.

NEXT: Hired at Upstate Community Hospital on a medical-surgical telemetry floor.

— Kyle Reid ’25 (business leadership and public health)

— Ivana Pierce ’25 (nursing)

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“The community at Naz is one of a kind, from the teammates and friendships I created playing soccer to the Center for Life’s Work and the ethical data science faculty.”

“As president of the Undergraduate Association, I was able to implement initiatives like naming Phil’s Pizza Parlor, securing five food delivery drop-off boxes outside residential halls … but the most rewarding part of my experience was connecting with students from various clubs and organizations, learning about the incredible work they’ve done, and being part of a community that truly values collaboration and positive change.”

NEXT: Hired as a junior data scientist at IBM in Buffalo.

NEXT: an inclusive education specialty master’s degree at Nazareth.

– Emmanuel Enock ’25 (ethical data science)

— Hannah Osborn ‘25 (inclusive early childhood/ childhood education and psychology)

“Never give up. I came to Naz after living in D.C. for a year, studying music and thinking it would just be a hobby in my future. Naz showed me that my dreams are tangible, and I can work to make them come true.”

NEXT: Vocal performance grad degree, Peabody Institute at Johns Hopkins University with an emphasis in pedagogy — Jonathon Rahul Sengupta ’25 (vocal performance major, piano minor)

“Naz prepared me for success by molding me into a well-rounded leader who is not only led by reason and detail-oriented inquisition but also empathy and concern for social justice.”

NEXT: a master’s in international affairs: natural resources and sustainable development at American University.

— Victoria Alexis Morgan ’25 (biomedical sciences major; minors in religious studies and spiritual care)

“I am most looking forward to applying my problem-solving skills and chemical and mathematical knowledge to real-world problems to find solutions. Nazareth has prepared me for success by forcing me to be the best version of myself every day.”

NEXT: Hired as a laboratory technician at a startup biotech company called Phlotonics.

— Jeremy Swartz ’25 (chemistry and mathematics)

“The social work team at Naz has had a huge impact on me — not just academically, but personally as well. … I hope to be like a mirror, giving clients the opportunity to see themselves in a different and more positive way.”

NEXT: a social work master’s degree at Nazareth — Adala Taher ’25 (social work major, psychology minor)

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COMMUNITY

Tracking national attention Nazareth hosts national indoor track and field championships Hosting the largest 2025 NCAA Division III Championships on campus meant setting 25 new facility records and giving Nazareth’s top track and field athletes home field advantage as they competed against the best in their class. The opportunity spotlighted Nazareth on the national stage, hosting 659 athletes from around the country, plus coaches and fans, from colleges across the country.

“For a small private school that did not even have a track & field program until 2003, to host the indoor national championship meet in 2025, it has been a tremendous climb.”

—James Goss, Nazareth’s director of track and field and cross country

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“To be able to show off our incredible community, our campus, and the Golisano Training Center to the rest of Division III track and field was an honor. The collaboration between so many different departments at Nazareth was so exciting to be a part of. This national championship meet was truly one of the best atmospheres you could ask for and the athletes and coaches responded so positively to the event, Nazareth, and the city of Rochester,” said Goss.

NCAA Director of Championships Laura Peterson-Mlynski concurred: “Nazareth was a tremendous host. They anticipated needs, were prepared, organized and professional. They provided a first-class student-athlete experience and it was evident the entire campus was invested in the championships.”

The showcase of speed, strength, and endurance featured events such as hurdles, high jump, pole vault, javelin, long jump, shot put, and various meter and relay races.

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Lea Richard ’24, ’26G (physical therapy graduate student) finished ninth and earned second team All-America in the weight throw with a season-best heave of 17.82 meters (58’ 5 3/4”). Richard is a two-time All-American after earning second team honors in the weight throw as a senior.

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3,000 fans

Isabel Morse ’26 (environmental science and sustainability junior) finished 12th and earned second team All-America in the pole vault. She broke her own school record with a height of 3.87 meters (12’ 8 1/4”).

Nazareth staff put in many hours of preparation to help bring the event to Nazareth. Posing on the podium at the Golisano Training Center, from left: Brian McGahan, director of campus operations; Matt Sayles ’25, intern; Michael Heymann, assistant track & field coach and head cross country coach; Pete Bothner, athletic director; Lauren Jarosinski, athletic office coordinator; Traci Lian, associate athletic director; Jeff Rahmlow, athletic communications director; James Goss, director of track and field and cross country; Libby Craig, sports development manager at Visit Rochester; Patrick Hogan, facilities’ trades leader set-ups.

Highlights • Sam Blaskowski (UWLa Crosse) set a new championship meet record in the 60-meter dash (6.62) • Joshua Rivers (UW-Oshkosh) set a new championship meet record in the long jump (7.81 meters) • Lauren Jarrett (UW-La Crosse) equaled the national record and set a championship meet record in the 60-meter dash (7.29) • Faith Duncan (Wilmington) set a new championship meet record in the 3000-meter (9:22.45) • Aryianna Garceau (UMass Boston) set a new championship meet record in the 60-meter hurdles (8.35) • Nikki Boon (Emory) set a new D3 record and championship record in the pentathlon: 4061 points • 13 men’s facility records and 12 women’s facility records were set

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A CENTENNIAL

CRESCENDO NAZARETH CELEBRATES A CENTURY

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So much to celebrate! Over the past two years, Nazareth’s Centennial Celebration honored the University’s 100-year milestone with a wide range of captivating collaborations, magical moments, and impactful events. The Centennial Celebration, sponsored by Wellington Steele and Associates and the Leva Family, was a powerful reminder of all that Nazareth was, all that Nazareth is, and all that Nazareth can be in the future — honoring and embodying our centennial theme: “A Century of Uniting Education and Action.”

WATCH THE VIDEO naz.edu/crescendo

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ALUMNI

Local rocker shares the stage with legends Alumnus Jon Dretto went from small stages and viral TikToks to touring with R&B icon Chaka Khan in just five years.

Up-and-coming musician Jon Dretto ’20 considers himself the luckiest person in the world. At 27, most artists would be happy touring the country in a “transit van with a bucket in the back,” he said, but Dretto is enjoying accommodations fit for a 10-time Grammy winner.

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Since May, Dretto has been a guitarist for legendary singer Chaka Khan, joining her band for many arena shows across the U.S. before performing in Sweden, the United Kingdom, Denmark, Spain, and Switzerland. For the first tour of his career, it’s an impressive opportunity

that acknowledges his skill and teaches him all the intricate details about the life he has always dreamed of living.

“It’s the little things, how we go from gig to gig and how minute by minute everything is structured,” said Dretto.

“I order food to the tour bus every once in a while, because we don’t have much time. We finish a show and we have one hour until we’re on the road to the next place.”

Dretto’s style and energy as a performer have been key to his early success.

Online, he’s built a social media following of millions and is known for posting videos of himself playing guitar in unique locations, covering popular songs, or spoofing strangers by “pretending to be a beginner, then shredding.” On stage, he engages with the audience, throws picks into the crowd, swings his guitars around, and sometimes breaks them. The fact that he has been encouraged to be himself on tour with Khan and the elite musicians in her band is what he said makes this experience truly unique.

“After the show, I’ll say, ‘Chaka, I’m happy to pull it back, I’m just here to add to the show, I never want to subtract from it or encroach on your space,’” Dretto said. “And she’s cut me off and said, ‘Jon, you’re killing it man, I want more, this is who you are, go crazy.’... She’s an extremely rare case of superstar in that she has no ego at all. Whatever she can do to maximize the energy output, she’s going to do.”

Dretto’s rise has been rapid. After making a living playing gigs in clubs, bars, and on social media, he

performed the national anthem at the IndyCar Grand Prix of St. Pete and the Rolex 24 at Daytona in 2025. He has also performed his own solo show at private events such as the Embassy of the Kingdom of Bahrain’s National Day Celebration in Washington, D.C. But he has pursued music for most of his life, as his father owned a music store until he was 2 and always kept instruments around the house. Throughout his teenage and college years, he built a strong local fan base through his live shows, as well as his budding social media presence. Today, he has over 1.6 million subscribers on YouTube, 3.6 million on Instagram, and 7.7 million on TikTok. Despite his work ethic and drive, Dretto wouldn’t be able to do a gig like performing with Khan if not for his Nazareth experience, he said. Studying music theory was like “adding jet fuel to a fire that was already burning,” as it enabled him to better understand the connections between different genres, such as blues, jazz, and funk. Learning music business enhanced his ability to promote himself, to expand and monetize his online following. Naz is also where he met his best friend and most frequent musical collaborator.

“In college, I got like three hours of sleep every night for like two years,” Dretto said. “I was in four bands, I posted sometimes three times a day, and I did my schoolwork. I took care of business when no one was looking.

That’s where the real progress is made.”

music he is passionate about. Since joining Khan’s tour, Dretto has been focused on learning and absorbing all he can from his bandmates and crew members, both musically and logistically. Perks such as meeting and performing with Stevie Wonder are incredible, too.

Dretto is looking forward to another U.S. arena tour leg with Khan this fall. As for his long-term career aspirations, he dreams of headlining his own international tour someday and using his original music as a way to express his vocals and showcase a different aspect of his musicality beyond his guitar playing. The music is always what drives him, and the sound he wants to create is his personality coming through the speakers.

“I want to try and use guitars in a way that hasn’t really been heard in mainstream music,” Dretto said.

“Huge guitars, enormous, bigger than the speakers can produce … I want to bring complex, crazy guitar parts to the general public.”

Back in March, when Khan welcomed public auditions for her new guitarist via YouTube video submissions, she wrote that she needed a “powerhouse guitarist” who can “bring the heat, the passion, and the groove to my stage.”

In Dretto, it sounds like she found the perfect fit.

Along the way, Dretto hired a team of people to support his success, including a manager, assistant manager, and a marketing and sales manager. They help him secure brand deals and delegate his time so he can focus on creating the

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Why the future of AI depends on who builds it Alumnus Kevin Graham recruits talent from systematically excluded communities into STEM fields to create a more ethical AI future.

When you ask Kevin Graham ’10, ’12G, Ph.D., what inspired him to pursue a career in the digital, seemingly robotic world of artificial intelligence and tech innovation, his answer may surprise you.

People, he said, are the through line between everything he does.

That’s because Graham’s unorthodox path into the tech world revolves around building inclusive workforces in the industry, not writing code or researching data science. In fact, one undergraduate experience at

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Nazareth would shape his peoplefirst approach to everything that followed. His epiphany came when a guest speaker defined social work as “helping people to help themselves.”

“What a simplistic, yet powerful call to action,” Graham said. “It was ambiguous enough for an 18-year-old going on 19 that I could interpret it in a multiplicity of ways. It was also very exciting, right? Because now I get to play with ‘how do I help people to help themselves?’”

In the most recent episode of the Changemaker Chat podcast, hosted by Nazareth President Beth Paul, Ph.D., Graham describes the unique ways in which he answered that question and became an advocate for diversity in one of the world’s most critical, fastest-growing career fields.

Since October 2024, Graham has served as executive director of the Engineering Pathway Program for Community College Students, a partnership between the UCLA Samueli School of Engineering and California State Polytechnic University, Pomona, to improve educational outcomes for community college students in engineering.

Before this role, he was the director of Break Through Tech AI at UCLA, helping underrepresented groups in technology gain the skills needed to get jobs in data science, machine learning, and artificial intelligence.

Some of Graham’s groundbreaking work in these roles included partnering with Apple to create and co-lead an iOS app design and development internship program, inspired by his work to research, develop, and implement practices aimed at eliminating inequities for students of color, first-generation, and low-income students.

“The workforces that I typically build are folks who are not necessarily immediately thought of when you see an AI or machine learning role or an aerospace role,” Graham said. “But once they get the opportunity, they simply excel. And to me, that’s the joy.”

Graham’s wide-ranging conversation with President Paul goes well beyond his personal background, and it is fascinating. After earning his bachelor’s degree in social work, he continued his studies at Nazareth and earned a master’s degree in human resources before ultimately completing his doctorate in higher education leadership and administration at the University of Rochester. There, his experience working with the Teen Health Success Partnership program, which helps teens throughout Rochester graduate and transition into STEM fields, strengthened his interest in technology and the importance of creating equitable opportunities.

“AI isn’t this tangible thing.

It’s the people who are building it,” Graham

said. “So, I reverse engineer, and I look first at the people. My interest in technology resonates highly with who’s doing the work, and what does that yield? If one group of a singular identity builds facial recognition, it makes sense that it only recognizes them. Now, if you get more people from different backgrounds to work on that, too, it makes sense that it recognizes more individuals.”

Graham also has deep insights into the overall impact of AI on society at large, as many people contemplate how it will transform the global workforce and potentially replace certain jobs.

When used in the most responsible ways, AI is actually essential to the future of humanity, Graham said.

“I think AI has a huge and fundamental role in our future as human beings globally,” Graham said. “And I think the success and the utility of AI reside in its ability to augment what we do … if we continue to frame it as a tool, I think we’re safe.”

In the world of higher education, Graham sees an opportunity for institutions to incorporate the arts and humanities into the study of artificial intelligence. Ensuring that students have a more comprehensive understanding of the world and bring a multidisciplinary perspective will only lead to more ethical and responsible development of AI over time. If the next wave of computer scientists,

engineers, and builders has a background that helps them to think more nimbly and consider more factors that incorporate ethics, the future looks bright, said Graham.

Nazareth serves as a model for what he aims to accomplish in his work every day.

“Naz was the place where I was able to create. It was a rich environment that allowed me to experiment,” Graham said. “It allowed me to do not 10,000 hours, but rather 10,000 iterations. I was able to play with different things to see what fit, and to see where my interests really lie … an educational experience that allows people to pursue their interests, to me, that’s fascinating.”

Listen to the podcast naz.edu/prez-podcast The Changemaker Chat episode with Kevin Graham (47 minutes) has his full insights on building ethical AI, creating inclusive workforces, and why the humanities hold the key to technology’s future, including: • “Antifragile degrees” strategy Hear his framework for building recession-proof careers that combine unexpected skills (like why every student should learn Python alongside their major).

• “Look beyond salary” career advice - Why chasing high-paying majors could leave you “crying in your Ferrari” — and his pragmatic alternative approach.

• AI tools you’re already using Graham points out how you’re already an “expert” AI user • The future of liberal arts in tech Why philosophy and world religion classes are the secret weapons missing from computer science programs.

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Leading Change

Driving the Future of Tech and Inclusion

How Lawana Jones ’88 transforms tech in a global nonprofit and advocates with special needs families When Lawana Jones graduated from Nazareth University in 1988 with a business degree — long before the massive use of social media, the internet, or smartphones — she had no idea she would one day become an influential African American woman in global nonprofit technology leadership and be voted one of the Top 50 Women CTOs in the country for 2025.

Today, Jones is the senior vice president and chief technology officer of United Way Worldwide, the third largest private nonprofit organization in the world. The network serves more than 48 million people annually across 37 countries. She is a visionary futurist, digital strategist, and — through her own nonprofit — a passionate advocate for families with children on the autism spectrum, a commitment that she has held for more than two decades.

“I call myself a futurist,” Jones says, “but now I realize I inherited that from

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my father. Growing up, he didn’t own a computer, but he told me early on, ‘This is your field.’ He saw something before the rest of the world did.”

From Rochester to the world stage Jones’ professional journey began in Rochester, New York, with early roles at Xerox, L3Harris, HealthNow, and Excellus BlueCross BlueShield. After years of consulting and corporate leadership, she joined the United Way of Greater Rochester and the Finger Lakes as COO. Just a year later, she was tapped by Angela Williams — the first Black woman president & CEO of United Way Worldwide — to lead global technology transformation as CTO. She became the first African American woman to hold that position in the organization’s 138-year history.

At United Way Worldwide, Jones has overseen the modernization of the organization’s aging tech infrastructure, hired a diverse new tech workforce, and redefined how the nonprofit uses artificial intelligence.

Starting with a single memo to the board in 2023, she launched a comprehensive AI governance policy, ensuring AI tools are now being implemented ethically and securely.

Her team is now preparing to roll out Microsoft Copilot Chat and in the fall will host the organization’s first AI Hackathon to accelerate problemsolving for community issues.

“AI is powerful,” she explains, “but at United Way, our brand is built on trust. So governance and responsible use of AI is nonnegotiable. Staff must understand that inputting sensitive or private data into tools like ChatGPT carries real risk if the platform’s data handling practices aren’t fully understood. That’s why we’ve established a comprehensive AI governance policy and began in 2024 to roll out targeted training to our department’s AI ambassadors to

ensure our teams use AI responsibly and securely.”

must be made by seeing the full picture of truth — not just the upside.”

True to her belief that technology should serve the most vulnerable, Jones led the creation of a multilingual FAFSA-support chatbot in collaboration with Meta, Deloitte, and the U.S. Department of Education — targeted to use an AI tool to help thousands of families navigate the complex financial aid process.

Purpose beyond position – 20 years of advocacy

Breaking barriers & building inclusive teams As a Black woman in tech, Jones has often had to outperform to be recognized. Historically, women — including women of color — have not received the same opportunities to succeed in STEM fields as men, and Jones was passed over for opportunities, promotions, and bonuses during her career, despite consistently outworking her peers. Now in a C-suite leadership position, she’s made it a priority to open doors for others, breaking new ground in inclusion in her field. Building her team at United Way Worldwide has given her a chance to shape the organization’s tech future.

“My help desk had no female representation when I arrived,” she says. “Today, we have diversity in age, race, and gender, with young talent, and professionals of every background.

If we serve diverse communities, our team must reflect that.”

Jones’ inclusion approach is not just a hiring strategy — it’s a leadership philosophy rooted in her own experiences at Nazareth. She recalls feeling isolated and excluded as one of the few Black students on campus, but the mentorship of professors like Shawgi Tell, who challenged her to think critically and holistically, helped shape her worldview and strengthened her perseverance to know that life requires complete commitment and passion to overcome challenges.

“He was a truth-teller,” she says. “He also made me realize that decisions

Despite her global role and all her career success, Jones never lost touch with her local community or her most personal calling: advocacy for children with special needs. In 2005, inspired by her daughter’s autism spectrum disorder diagnosis, she founded the Autism Council of Rochester, which has since become a lifeline for parents seeking education, support, and services. Over time, she became a go-to person for autism assistance, advocacy, education, and support in her community.

Inspired by her daughter, who didn’t receive the support she needed, Jones created her own seat at the table. Remarkably, after 20 years and increasing professional responsibilities, she is still driven to make a direct impact on the lives of young learners in need.

In June on her lunch hour, the senior vice president of a multibillion-dollar organization logged into a Zoom meeting with the Rochester City School District to advocate for a mother’s right to maintain special education services for her child.

“Because of technology, I was able to attend her CSE meeting from Washington, D.C., and really advocate for her,” Jones said. “Through the perseverance of the mother, and me reminding them what the special education law is … she’s going to maintain her services through the next school year.”

That’s the essence of Lawana Jones’ legacy — thinking critically and holistically to build bridges between innovation and compassion, power and purpose, global leadership and grassroots impact. This is what makes Jones a powerful and impactful futurist.

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S E P T E M B E R 1 9 –2 1 , 2 0 2 5

HIGHLIGHTS

More than 2,500 alumni, faculty, staff, students, and families were on campus during Naz Weekend 2025 for reunion events, the 10th anniversary of York Wellness and Rehabilitation Institute, athletic contests, 100+ vendors at Naz Fest, tours of “haunted” and new spaces, a ribbon-cutting for the new physician assistant grad program, outstanding alumni awards, and more!

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See more photos from the weekend!

Join us next year!

Sept. 18-20, 2026

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NAZ IN THE NEWS

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What percentage of Nazareth graduates are employed or in grad school within six months after graduation?

What are the two newest graduate programs at Nazareth?

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What is a $1.2 million grant from the U.S. National Science Foundation and the Micron Foundation supporting?

What organization named Nazareth University to the country’s Best 391 Colleges: 2026 edition list?

Which bachelor’s degree program set a record for the most applicants for fall 2025?

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Nazareth saw applications from 50 states and 70 countries, setting a record number of apps for fall 2025.

What was the number?

Check out all the answers and see what you got right

The state Career Pathways Training program covers full tuition, plus textbooks and required fees, for students who start which grad program in 2026?

naz.edu/news-quiz Nazareth’s endowment reached $ in 2025, for the first time, to support ongoing needs.

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Nazareth was recognized nationally for its commitment to what, as we integrate accessible services, peer support, and proactive policies campuswide?

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QUIZ

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What honor did Nazareth receive for its support of transfer students?

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BONUS: Did you find the white squirrel hidden in this issue? Hint: He likes track meets.

Shape the Future. Share Your Values.

Your legacy can open doors, inspire dreams, and change lives.

Nazareth students are empowered to lead with compassion, think critically, and make a difference in the world. When you include Nazareth in your estate plans, you become part of something bigger — a future grounded in opportunity, academic excellence, and meaningful change.

By including Nazareth in your estate plans, you ensure that your values, your passion, and your commitment to education live on.

Simple ways to make a lasting impact: Give from your IRA: If you’re 70½ or older, you can make a tax-free gift directly from your IRA. This Qualified Charitable Distribution can satisfy your required minimum distribution — and make a meaningful difference in students’ lives.

Use your Donor-Advised Fund: Recommend a grant from your DAF to support what matters most to you at Nazareth — scholarships, experiential learning, innovation, or wherever the need is greatest. Your generosity becomes part of something timeless — a legacy of uniting education and action.

Let your story continue at Nazareth.

Visit go.naz.edu/plannedgiving or contact Caroline Tolbert, Director of Major and Planned Gifts, at ctolber1@naz.edu or 585-389-2421 to learn more.

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