Niagara University Eagle alumni magazine, Summer 2022 by Lisa McMahon

Niagara University

Remembering

Father Trotta

Alumnus’

$10 million gift

inspires College of Business Administration dedication page 10

Vol. 37 issue 1

Vol. 37, issue 1

Inside this issue

The Niagara University Eagle is published by the Office of Institutional Advancement. Please send correspondence to: Lisa McMahon, M.A.’09, Editor Niagara University, N.Y., 14109 716.286.8747 / lmcmahon@niagara.edu

FEATURES

Linking Literacy to Movement

“Losing Eden?”

remembering father Trotta

NU Alumni Make $10 Million Gift

Alumni Weekend 2022

' ’79, M.S.’82 Dr. Carlos Roberto Jaen,

01 02 12 14 18

named to task force

Jim Walsh, ’88, and Elena Cariola, ’97 Serve on the Highest Trial Court in NYS

DEPARTMENTS Opening Remarks on the ridge ADvancement matters news from the nest catching up

Founded by the Vincentian Community in 1856, Niagara University is a private liberal arts university with a strong, values-based Catholic tradition. Its five academic divisions include the colleges of Arts and Sciences, Business Administration, Nursing, Education, and Hospitality, Sport and Tourism Management. The university also maintains an Academic Exploration Program that provides a learning community for students who are undecided about their major.

OPENING REMARKS

Dear Friends,

hope this issue of the Niagara University Eagle finds you and your loved ones healthy and excited for the summer. As we begin planning for the 2022–2023 school year, I find myself reflecting on how proud I am of the way my team and our students have navigated the challenges of the past two years. During some very challenging times, the university has continued the forward momentum that we worked so hard to create prior to 2020. In fact, as you will read in this edition of the Eagle, the past few months have truly been an exciting time in Niagara’s illustrious history. One especially monumental event was the recent dedication and naming of the Holzschuh College of Business Administration. In recognition of their leadership, extraordinary philanthropic generosity, and unyielding devotion to our Vincentian mission, Niagara University was honored to dedicate the college in honor of Jeffrey and Mary Helen Holzschuh, both graduates of the Class of 1982. The entire Niagara family will forever be indebted to Jeff and Mary Helen for making Niagara their top personal philanthropic priority. In this issue, we also remember a beloved member of our Niagara University family, the Rev. Louis P. Trotta, C.M., and the legacy he leaves on Monteagle Ridge. Thank you always for your commitment to Niagara’s future. With every good wish, Rev. James J. Maher, C.M.

Rev. James J. Maher, C.M. President

EAGLE/SUMMER 2022

ON THE RIDGE

STUDENT Amanda Saunders was the recipient of the College of Nursing’s inaugural DAISY Award for Extraordinary Nursing Students. Amanda, a Lockport, N.Y., resident, was selected in recognition of her commitment to exceptional clinical skill and the compassion she shows to patients and their families. She is a nurse at Oishei Children’s Hospital in Buffalo, N.Y., and plans to pursue her master’s degree in nursing education. In May, DAISY awards were also presented to faculty member Dr. Maria Frosini-Gadawski, a 2000 alumna of the college, for her exceptional impact on her students and her inspirational influence on their future, and to students Madilyn Wiles and Joshua Zon. Tailor Choquette, a junior in NU’s art history with museum studies program, was this year’s recipient of the Dorothy Gillespie Memorial Scholarship, which is awarded annually to a female student in that program. She received her award on May 5, during a reception at the Castellani Art Museum celebrating the exhibition showcasing American artist Dorothy Gillespie, who was a dynamic painter, innovative sculptor, and passionate educator known for her vibrant, colorful work. Gary Gillespie Israel, who founded the fund in 2019, presented the scholarship. He is Dorothy’s son and president of the Dorothy M. Gillespie Foundation. Three students in Dr. Shawn Daly’s Integrated Marketing Communications course ranked among the top 10 all-time competitors in AdSim Advertising Simulation, a platform for instructors to explain and illustrate core advertising terms and concepts. Maddy Yelle, Anne Ibey, and Theo Noah participated in the computer simulation with students across the country, during which they collaborated and analyzed market research to formulate and implement their own advertising and promotion campaign. At the end of the simulation, their performance was ranked against their peers, both during the current year’s program and over the 15 years the simulation has been used. In addition to ranking in the top three for the 2020-21 simulation, Maddy, Anne, and Theo ranked second, third, and ninth, respectively, of all-time players.

Niagara University

A research proposal developed by Mckenzee Lazore, a senior in the College of Hospitality, Sport, and Tourism Management, and Dr. Chang Huh, a professor in the college, was selected as the best at the 12th annual THEREPS (Tourism, Hospitality, and Event Conference for Researchers, Educators, Practitioners, and Students) Conference. They expect that a study based on their proposal, “How has the COVID-19 Pandemic Affected Hospitality Students on Post-secondary Education?” could help hospitality educators understand their students’ concerns, as well as assist industry professionals to attract and retain prospective employees. Nine undergraduate students and two faculty members from the Department of Biochemistry, Chemistry, and Physics presented research at the 2022 WNY ACS Undergraduate Research Symposium at Buffalo State College.

DAISY student award winner Amanda Saunders received a certificate, pin, and Healer’s Touch sculpture during a ceremony in December 2021.

Pictured (l-r): Michael Beam, CAM curator of exhibitions; Ellen Owens, CAM director; Gary Israel, president of the Gillespie Foundation; Tailor Choquette; and Marian Granfield, faculty fellow, art history with museum studies.

Senior chemistry major John Pinti, and biochemistry majors Kristian Gunsalus, a junior, and Chloe Schrier, a senior, presented their research, which was conducted with Dr. Christopher Stoj, an associate professor of chemistry. Students from the lab of associate professor of chemistry Dr. Luis Sanchez included sophomore biochemistry majors Alexander Slojkowski and Gabriel Steiner; chemistry majors Catherine Larrow, a sophomore, and juniors Peyton Sobolewski and Andrew Passow; and life sciences sophomore Savannah Scoons. Niagara University’s student chapter of the Club Managers Association of America was named Student Chapter of the Year by the association at its 2022 World Conference and Club Business Expo. In addition, two of the members, Gabriella Ortiz, the chapter’s president, and Kaitlynn Dauphinee, its secretary, won the Student Shark Tank Competition, which challenged students to come up with an idea or product that could benefit the club industry. Their proposal of a subscription box that would enable employers to send employees tokens of appreciation as a way to retain and engage them was chosen as the best, based on its applicability and creativity.

Anne Ibey, Maddy Yelle, and Theo Noah are among the top 10 all-time competitors in AdSim Advertising Simulation. They are pictured with Dr. Shawn Daly.

Dr. Chang Huh and Mckenzee Lazore were awarded first place for their research proposal at the 2022 THEREPS Conference in Philadelphia. They are pictured with Dr. Chihyung “Michael” Ok, president of the KAHTEA and co-chair of the THEREPS conference.

ON THE RIDGE The American Female Gothic and Somali American Women post 9/11 were the topics of research papers selected as the winners in Niagara University’s annual Women’s Studies Program Writing Contest. The winners, Madison Carroll, an education major with a minor in literacy, and Adam Kiedrowski, a double major in history and political science, were honored during a ceremony in March. This year marks the 20th anniversary of the contest, which recognizes and awards students for their work that examines gender, sexuality, race and ethnicity, disability, and other diversity-related topics. Josiah Shaffer and Dean Walck presented original research at the Hudson River Undergraduate Mathematics Conference at Siena College. In addition, Dr. Joel Louwsma, associate professor of math, who accompanied the students, also gave a presentation. The conference has been held annually since 1994 and is attended by students and faculty from institutions across New York state and New England.

Judith Quigley Ruse, ’69, Robert D. Gioia, and Elizabeth Triggs were honored for their accomplishments at Niagara University’s President’s Dinner.

Community Leaders honored

at Niagara University President’s Dinner

Chemistry sophomore Catherine Larrow presented a poster on the formation of two different elusive molecular moieties present in bioactive natural products at the 2022 WNY ACS Undergraduate Research Symposium.

Niagara University’s student chapter of the Club Managers Association of America

The accomplishments of three individuals were recognized at Niagara University’s 2021 President’s Dinner Dec. 10 at the Conference & Event Center Niagara Falls. The event also raised $400,000—the highest total ever—toward student scholarship assistance.

Judith Quigley Ruse, ’69, received the St. Louise de Marillac Award. Prior to her retirement, Ruse was a clinical trial and data manager for Janssen Biotech, an organization that specializes in the treatment of cancer and immune-related disorders, including Crohn’s Disease, rheumatoid arthritis, and plaque psoriasis. She began her career as a cardiovascular nurse-specialist at the University of Pennsylvania hospital, and then joined Johnson & Johnson, where she managed global drug clinical trials for the pharmaceutical company. She was also co-founder of The Wellness Community, a patient support group for cancer patients in the Philadelphia area. A dedicated advocate for STEM education, Ruse has supported nursing and science programs at the university and serves on its board of advisors. Elizabeth Triggs, founder & CEO of None Like You Family Education Community Outreach, received the St. Vincent de Paul Award for her service to the people on the margins of society. Since 1992, her nonprofit organization has assisted members of Buffalo’s East Side community obtain the resources they need, from education programs to help them earn GEDs to financial assistance to help pay heating bills. It also leads efforts to improve the quality of life for residents by transforming vacant lots into green spaces and garden walks, eliminating blight and creating areas for the community to gather and enjoy. Robert D. Gioia, president of The John R. Oishei Foundation, received the Legacy of Service Award. Under Gioia’s leadership, the foundation has supported the Buffalo-Niagara region’s education, healthcare, social services, and cultural institutions and initiatives, as well as some of its most notable and consequential projects, such as developments on the Buffalo Niagara Medical Campus, Buffalo’s waterfront, the expansion of the Albright-Knox Art Gallery, and the creation of the National Comedy Center in Jamestown. More recently, he has been an important advocate and promoter of the foundation’s diversity, equity, and inclusion work.

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ON THE RIDGE

Faculty Highlights Dr. Christine Verni, dean of the College of Nursing, has been elected to the board of directors of the American Association of Colleges of Nursing. She will serve as a member-at-large through March 2023. Dr. Verni, who has been actively engaged with AACN’s Organizational Leadership Network since 2017, was also a fellow in the inaugural cohort of AACN’s Elevating Leaders in Academic Nursing program. The year-long program is designed to further develop and enhance leadership skills in new and emerging nurse academic leaders in baccalaureate and graduate nursing programs, and prepare these individuals to lead as deans and senior faculty in academic nursing. Dr. Michelle Bork, chair for undergraduate nursing, has been selected by the American Association of Colleges of Nursing to participate in its Elevating Leaders in Academic Nursing 2022-2023 cohort. Dr. Bork is a nurse educator who previously served on the faculty of D’Youville College’s School of Nursing and was a registered nurse at Roswell Park Comprehensive Cancer Center.

Dr. Christine Verni

Dr. Michelle Bork

Dr. Mary McCourt, professor of chemistry, was presented with the Jacob F. Schoellkopf Medal by the Western New York section of the American Chemical Society “in recognition of her pioneering contributions to the development of drug delivery methods for the treatment of breast cancer, diabetes, and Alzheimer’s disease and for her outstanding dedication to teaching and mentoring.” A member of the faculty since 1999, Dr. McCourt’s main areas of research are the development of CholestosomeTM technology and urine-based biomarker analysis for diagnostic screens focused on breast cancer and Alzheimer’s disease. She holds 14 patents for the CholestosomeTM technology, which was developed at Niagara University and is moving toward commercialization.

Dr. Mary McCourt

Patrick O’Meara, an assistant professor of accounting, received a Teaching Excellence Award from the Chartered Institute of Management Accountants, the world’s largest body of management accountants. The international awards highlight high-quality teaching, research, and learning in accounting education across the world. O’Meara, who joined Niagara’s accounting faculty in 2018, is a certified management accountant, a chartered professional accountant, and a certified financial planner. He is the principal of the Innovative Scholar Inc. and has written three books on topics including personal credit, personal finance, and mutual funds.

Patrick O’Meara

Dr. Dana Radatz, associate professor of criminology and criminal justice, received an Alumni Achievement Award from her alma mater, the University of Nebraska at Omaha’s School of Criminology and Criminal Justice, in recognition of the significant contributions she has made to the furtherance of criminology and criminal justice in the community, state, national, and international arenas. Dr. Radatz joined NU’s faculty in 2015. Her research interests include intimate partner violence treatment programming, evidence-based practices within correctional programming, the intersection of gender and crime, and a wide range of victimizations. She has also consulted with many state and local agencies in their pursuit to infuse evidence-based practices into intimate partner violence treatment programming, and her recent publications have appeared in Criminal Justice & Behavior; Trauma, Violence, & Abuse; and the Journal of Interpersonal Violence.

Dr. Dana Radatz

Dr. Carrie Glenn, an assistant professor of history, has been selected for the Bright Institute at Knox College, Galesburg, Ill. Dr. Glenn is one of 12 participants chosen as fellows for the second cohort of the three-year program, which brings together Dr. Carrie Glenn professors of American history (before 1848) who work at liberal arts colleges to discuss cutting-edge scholarship and brainstorm ways to teach that new scholarship in the classroom. Dr. Glenn is working on a book project that explores the short- and long-term, local and far-reaching reverberations of the Haitian Revolution from the perspective of Marie Rose Poumaroux (a marchande de couleur) and Elizabeth Beauveau (a white itinerant American), and on a digital humanities project in collaboration with Camille Cordier (Université Lumiere Lyon) that aims to offer the public a unique view on colonial urban slavery and post-slavery society by focusing on Le Cap, Haiti, one of the Atlantic World’s key commercial centers.

Niagara University

Father Maher Again Named One of WNY’s

Most Influential Leaders

For the ninth year in a row, the Rev. James J. Maher, C.M., has been named one of the region’s most influential leaders by Business First. Father Maher is listed at No. 81 in the weekly newspaper’s 10th annual “Power 250,” a list of the 250 men and women who, in the publication’s opinion, wield the most clout in the eight-county region. He has been included in the “Power 250” in each of his years as president at Niagara.

ON THE RIDGE violence. I hope to use my role on the Coordinated Community Response Team, as well as my position on campus, to contribute to a healthy, inclusive, and uplifting culture here at Niagara.” Funded through a three-year, $300,000 federal grant from the U.S. Department of Justice Office on Violence Against Women, NU’s OVPE will expand on initiatives led by Dr. Dana Radatz, associate professor of criminology and criminal justice, and Dr. Jennifer Beebe, associate professor of counseling/education, who have worked to advance universitywide education and awareness of DVDVSAS programming in recent years. The continued collaboration with the university’s existing partnerships with local criminal justice and victim service agencies, including the YWCA of the Niagara Frontier, Pinnacle Community Services, the Niagara County Sheriff’s Office, and the New York State Police, will be essential for the success of this new office. Emily Pike, project director, Office of Violence Prevention & Education (right) with Rachel Sandle-Sacco, YWCA rape crisis supervisor, at the 2022 Take Back the Night event. Photo courtesy of Rachel Sandle-Sacco.

Office of Violence Prevention & Education Established Niagara University’s commitment to increasing awareness of and preventing domestic violence, dating violence, sexual assault, and stalking was highlighted by the introduction of its newly established Office of Violence Prevention and Education in March. The office will serve as a one-stopshop for campuswide violence prevention programming such as bystander intervention, advocacy, victim services, trainings, and awareness events surrounding DVDVSAS. “Our mission is to create and sustain positive behavior change and a cultural shift among our campus toward a trauma-informed and safe campus community,” said Emily Pike, director for the office. “Everyone deserves to be a part of a violence-free community. Establishing the Office of Violence Prevention & Education is a major step toward creating positive change on our campus. This office provides a space for our community to learn, build skills, and have productive conversations about gender-based

The office will coordinate two annual on-campus events: “Take Back the Night,” and “Surviving...Thriving: A Journey of Healing Through Art.” It will also observe DVDVSAS-related awareness months and coordinate the Green Dot training, a licensed intervention program which empowers individuals to take on a bystander role and see themselves as part of the solution. In addition, a Coordinated Community Response Team, comprising a diverse, multidisciplinary group of leaders and stakeholders from on campus and within the community, will assist and support Pike in actively engaging the NU community in advocating, preventing, and responding to DVDVSAS while promoting positive social change. “The creation of the Office of Violence Prevention & Education and the work carried out by the CCRT elevates the leadership, commitment, and advocacy needed to promote violence prevention,” said Dr. Debra Colley, NU executive vice president. “This communitywide leadership and action aligns with the true heart and spirit of the Vincentian mission. Our collective efforts demonstrate the positive impact we can have—students, faculty, staff, administration, and our community partners—when we collaborate to make a systemic difference. The guidance of the new OVPE and its call to action to promote violence prevention through education is transformational for our Niagara community.”

Niagara University’s Alumni Chapel reopened Palm Sunday, April 11, after a three-month hiatus to allow for extensive repairs and restoration. The restoration included plaster repair and a total repainting of the interior; refinishing of pews, floors, and other wood surfaces; and cleaning of all the artistic elements of the chapel, including shrines and stained glass windows. The next steps include reupholstering the pew cushions and, through the generosity of the Niagara University alumni, the installation of a state-of-the-art lighting control system to complement the new sound and video system that was installed in 2019.

EAGLE/SUMMER 2022

ON THE RIDGE

Debra Baker

Three Alumni Named to

NU Board of Trustees Niagara University alumni Debra A. Baker, a retired financial services executive; Brian J. Mylod, associate athletic director for development at the University of Saint Joseph at West Hartford, Conn.; and Maryalice Demler, news anchor and reporter at Buffalo, N.Y., NBC affiliate WGRZ-TV, have been named to Niagara’s Board of Trustees.

Brian Mylod

During her tenure in the multinational banking and financial services sector, which spanned more than 34 years, Baker, a member of the Class of 1982, served in roles including managing director and head of Global Risk Solutions Asset Servicing Group at BNY Mellon and head of the US Financial Institutions group in BNY Mellon’s corporate trust business. While in corporate trust, Baker also was head of the CDO/ CLO group, after originally joining corporate trust as chief administrative officer. She also managed the performance and risk analytics global product management team for BNY Mellon’s asset servicing business in prior years. She is a former chairperson of the board of directors for the YWCA of the City of New York and a former board member for The Women’s Bond Club in New York City. Baker was a founding member and executive steering committee member for BNY Mellon’s Women’s Initiatives Network, and was on the BNY Mellon Diversity and Inclusion Operating Committee. She has been quoted in several industry-related publications on global risk services and was recognized in the Global Custodian “rising star” publication in 2005. In 2016, she was named one of the “Top 25 Black Women in Business” by the Network Journal. In 2021, she published her long-awaited memoir, “Only Good Things.” Mylod, a member of NU’s Class of 1968, had a long career in financial services before taking on his current role. He held executive positions with investment and life insurance organizations before founding Advisory One, a certified investment advisory group based in Farmington, Conn., in 1993. He became partner at Private Capital Group LLC after his company was purchased by the group, a role he served until his retirement in 2018. In the community, Mylod has served on the boards of directors for several organizations, including the Hartford Bond Club, the Golf Club of Avon, the MacAuley Retirement Center, and the Holy Family Retreat Center. He has also served Niagara University as a member of its campaign leadership committee, its board of advisors, and its Athletic Advisory Council. He was annual fund chair for his class and has been a strong supporter of Niagara University Athletics and numerous academic initiatives, including the construction of the science center. In 2003, Mylod was honored with the College of Business Dean’s Award, and he and his wife, Kathleen, a member of NU’s Class of 1969, were recognized for their commitment to their alma mater with the Dunleavy Award in 2004 and the Alumni of the Year award in 2014. Demler, a member of the Class of 1986, began her career in broadcasting as morning show host at WJYE-FM in Buffalo. In 1993, she joined

Niagara University

Maryalice Demler

WGRZ-TV, where she anchors the 5, 6, and 11 p.m. broadcasts each weeknight. Demler has reported from such notable world events as the Olympic Games in Salt Lake City, Utah, and World Youth Day with Pope John Paul II in Toronto. She also reported from Rome, Italy, during the Papal Conclave that elected Pope Francis, and for the funeral of Pope John Paul II. She has received numerous team and individual broadcasting awards, including two Emmys from the New York chapter of the National Academy of Television Arts and Sciences and an Associated Press Award for Best Interview. Her dedication to community service has also been recognized. She is the recipient of Business First’s 40 Under 40 Outstanding Community Leaders Award, Erie Community College President’s Award as Outstanding Communicator & Educational Advocate, Upstate New York Transplant Services’ Community Service Award, and Kiwanis Club of Lewiston’s Outstanding Community Service and Leadership in Niagara County Award, among others. Niagara University also honored her with its Founders Award in 2001 and its St. Vincent de Paul Award in 2014 for her service to the community and the university.

Linking Literacy to Movement

Improves Student Outcomes and Teacher Preparation By Lisa McMahon, M.A.’09

Elementary school children in the Niagara Falls City School District have a unique opportunity to learn and play through a collaborative effort among the school district, Niagara University, and the Ralph C. Wilson, Jr. Niagara Community Center. Linking Literacy to Movement, launched in 2018, is an afterschool program that integrates literacy and sports for children in grades 3 through 6 who are specially selected to participate. The program also gives students in NU’s College of Education valuable experience working with children in the grades they will eventually teach. Although the program paused for more than a year due to the COVID-19 pandemic, it resumed this fall.

“It was really nice to see the students progress through their time here, from being nervous to read aloud to sharing their voices at the end,” said Lydia Chunco, a sophomore from Newfane, who is also a member of the university’s track and field team. Following the lessons, the children and the NU students spent an hour of play at the Ralph C. Wilson, Jr. Niagara Community Center, where student-athletes from the corresponding sports—track and field, women’s soccer, rugby, men’s basketball, men’s hockey, and women’s lacrosse— volunteered to teach them the foundation of the games, encouraging teamwork and serving as role models for the youth.

An added benefit of the program is the connections made between the NU students and the children, as well as among the children themselves. Members of NU’s men’s basketball team showed Cataract Elementary School students the basics of the game during the Linking Literacy to Movement program.

For seven weeks, 12 preservice teacher candidates worked with small groups of students from Cataract Elementary School. Drawing on what they learned in Dr. Elizabeth Falzone’s Foundations of Literacy Instruction class, the students developed lesson plans that taught reading, focusing on a specific sport each week and covering content areas such as history, math, and ELA.

“It was great to be able to introduce them to new sports that they don’t usually get to see, and they had so much fun,” said Amber Daley, a sophomore from Rochester, N.Y., who is a member of the women’s lacrosse team and taught in the afterschool program.

“Each week, the preservice teacher candidates’ instruction improved as they built rapport with their students, identified learning needs, and implemented evidence-based strategies to address those needs,” said Dr. Falzone. “They were reflective throughout the program, identifying their challenges and successes as invaluable learning experiences that will better prepare them for their futures as educators.”

“The three kids I had didn’t really know each other coming in, and they are leaving as best friends,” said Christian Gorscak, a junior from Jeannette, Pa., and a member of the men’s hockey team.

As the elementary students learned the basics of the sports, they also worked on literacy skills such as reading, writing, vocabulary, oral language, comprehension, and fluency.

An added benefit of the program is the connections made between the NU students and the children, as well as among the children themselves.

“The Linking Literacy to Movement program is beneficial to all who are involved,” said Dr. Chandra Foote, dean of the College of Education. “The students in the program have reported an increase in both their knowledge and interest in sports, as well as an interest in the literacy lessons that precede the structured play. Our preservice teachers gain valuable experience working with students in the grades they plan to teach, and our student-athletes gain experience in a leadership role, as they act as coaches and mentors to the youth.”

EAGLE/SUMMER 2022

Inspires Reflection and Discussion By Lisa McMahon, M.A.’09

“Losing Eden?,” a student-curated exhibit at Niagara University’s Castellani Art Museum, highlights two dozen artworks from the museum’s collection that inspire reflection about our ever-shifting relationship with the natural world. It is also being used to inspire classroom discussion on environmental issues that are of particular concern to students. The exhibition, which was on display Jan. 8 through March 20, 2022, was the final student project in the Introduction to Museum Studies course, part of the Art History with Museum Studies program. Students were asked to select works that suggest a dialog on the relationship between people and the Earth, which they then installed in one of the museum’s galleries. “The challenge was to take art and use it as a springboard for how they think about the environment and then looking deeply, and the more deeply they look, the more details they see in the artworks that connect to a number of environmental concerns,” said Marian Granfield, faculty fellow in museum studies, who teaches the course. “So art is just a wonderful way to get you thinking about the world and a whole host of issues.”

and how we are essentially water,” said Derek Moran, who chose the piece, along with “Composition,” by Buffalo-born artist Allan D’Arcangleo. The serigraph, which shows bright yellow and red structures against a monochromatic background “raises the question of just how far humankind will turn from the natural world for the conveniences of modern life,” he said. One of the smallest, simplest works of art was “Ducks,” a crayon drawing by early American modernist Arthur Dove. Sean Hein chose it “because it shows the importance that should be given to smaller animals, such as ducks, that are often overlooked when people look at environmental issues.”

Student curators chose artwork representing a mix of styles, periods, and mediums that they felt were symbolic of humanity’s sprawling colonization of the natural world.

From left, Stephanie Chandler, Sean Hein, Jordyn Fisher, Derek Moran, and Marian Granfield with artwork by Keith Haring, Allan D’Arcangleo, and John Buck from the “Losing Eden?” exhibition.

The student curators chose artwork representing a mix of styles, periods, and mediums that they felt were symbolic of humanity’s sprawling colonization of the natural world. Featured artwork included “Wrapped Painting” by conceptual artist Christo, which Stephanie Chandler said reminded her of a garbage bag and got her thinking about how much plastic is thrown away every day. She noted that Christo and his wife, who were known for large-scale environmental works of art, would first clean the area where their artwork was to be installed. Another work of art, an untitled sumi ink on paper by artist Keith Haring, was selected by Jordyn Fisher, who said that the figures in the center of the drawing, which appear to be in conflict, made her think about what would happen if Eden was actually lost. “Waterfall Man,” an acrylic on wood by sculptor and printmaker John Buck, was “a very elegant expression of how connected we are to the world,

Niagara University

Dr. Doug Tewksbury, associate professor in NU’s Department of Communication and Media Studies, is one of the professors taking advantage of the interdisciplinary opportunities offered by the exhibition. He notes that his Environmental Humanities course addresses how themes of the environment and climate change are represented in various media, such as film, literature, gaming, music, and art, so the exhibit fit perfectly into the curriculum.

“The students wrote about how the environmental themes they encountered in the ‘Losing Eden?’ exhibit influence their own experience, and we discussed these themes in class,” he said. “We’ve really got to get on board with the needs and perspectives of young people on all issues, but especially the environment. So having the exhibit be curated by current undergraduate students was really special, since my students could see work put together by other students who share their same concerns.”

The Rev.

Louis Trotta, C.M.’s Niagara Service Marked by Friendships and Faith By Lisa McMahon, M.A.’09

“If you’re lucky enough to be a Vincentian, you’re lucky enough!” You’d often hear the Rev. Louis P. Trotta, C.M., speak these words, and his life was testimony to their validity. The self-described “people-oriented person” was a cornerstone of the Niagara University experience for generations of Purple Eagles. His smile, compassion, and optimism fostered strong bonds of friendship with students that lasted long after they graduated. He served as celebrant for many of his former students’ weddings and the baptisms of their children. Perhaps the citation that was read when he was honored in 2002 with NU’s most prestigious award, the President’s Medal, to commemorate his decades of faithful service and to mark the 50th anniversary of his Vincentian ministry, explains it best: His impact as an educator extended from graduates who “come to alumni gatherings to let him know how important his guidance and encouragement were in their undergraduate days and how much their friendship means to them today,” as well as his “small army of what he calls his adopted nieces and nephews among present undergrads.” To legions of Purple Eagles, Father Trotta’s advice, affirmation, and jokes are as legendary as the dish of candy in his Butler Building office that never went empty. Father Trotta, who was ordained in 1952, began working at Niagara University as administrative vice president and dean of men in 1966, then served as vice president for student affairs for 18 years. He was a faculty member in the religious studies department and served as the religious superior of the Vincentian community at NU for nine years, as well. In 1996, after a sabbatical year, Father Trotta was named special assistant to the president for alumni relations and alumni chaplain. In this role, he reconnected with former students at alumni receptions across the country and co-led the popular annual alumni trips to places including Ireland, Scotland, Wales, Italy, Spain, Austria, and Germany with his good friend and

confrere, Father Francis X. Prior, C.M. He also served as chaplain for the men’s and women’s basketball teams. “It would be hard to name any single individual who better represents the Niagara spirit. Father Lou is totally dedicated to St. Vincent’s unparalleled compassion and service,” the citation read. After his retirement in 2004, he accepted the part-time post of director of pilgrimages for The Miraculous Medal Association, which is sponsored by the Eastern Province of the Congregation of the Mission. It was the ideal role for Father Trotta, who, by his own count, took more than 70 cruises. He also continued his ministry at the Vincentians’ motherhouse in Germantown. Although he was no longer on campus, Father Trotta kept in touch with his many NU friends through Facebook and phone calls, and would often end conversations with the words “God bless you always in all ways.” On Dec. 19, 2021, just days after his 97th birthday, the Rev. Louis Trotta passed away, but his special place in Niagara’s history will long remain.

EAGLE/SUMMER 2022

Class of 1982 Alumni Jeff and Mary Helen Holzschuh Make $10 Million Gift Holzschuh College of Business Administration is named in their honor

The Rev. James J. Maher, C.M., Niagara University president, unveils the new name of the university’s business college as Jeff and Mary Helen Holzschuh look on.

Jeff and Mary Helen Holzschuh, members of Niagara University’s Class of 1982, have pledged a gift of $10 million to the university, making them the largest benefactors in NU’s history. In recognition of this gift, the university named its College of Business in their honor during a dedication ceremony on May 4. “We are truly humbled by Jeff and Mary Helen and their incredible generosity, which will benefit the students of Niagara University for years to come,” said the Rev. James J. Maher, C.M., president of Niagara University. “However, what is even more impressive than their gift and

10 Niagara University

their support is the manner in which they live their lives. Despite their incredible personal and professional success, they remain committed to serving others in a quiet and humble manner, reflective of their Vincentian hearts.” Jeffrey R. Holzschuh is a managing director and chairman of Morgan Stanley’s Institutional Securities Group, as well as a member of the firm’s management committee. He is also chairman of Morgan Stanley’s global power and utility group. During his nearly 40-year career at Morgan Stanley, Holzschuh has been actively involved in many of the industry’s largest

Pictured from left, Niagara University junior Alexi Bapst, Father Maher, Mary Helen and Jeff Holzschuh, and Dr. Mark Frascatore, dean of the Holzschuh College of Business Administration.

mergers and acquisitions. He was appointed to the United States Electricity Advisory Board by the Secretary of Energy in 1994 and is a founding member of the U.S. Partnership for Renewable Energy Finance. In addition to his professional work, Jeff has been active with the Metropolitan Golf Association for 30 years, serving on the board, the foundation board, and as the 61st president of the association. He also serves on the national advisory board for Youth INC, a nonprofit dedicated to improving the lives of New York City’s youth. Mary Helen Holzschuh earned a B.S. in nursing from Niagara before working as a pediatric nurse at Strong Memorial Hospital in Rochester, N.Y., and then in pediatric oncology at Memorial Sloan Kettering Cancer Center in New York City. She later served as an operating room nurse in Los Angeles. After starting a family, Mary Helen devoted a great deal of her time to volunteering on school boards and with the religious education program at her parish. She became involved with the Junior League of Greenwich, an organization of women committed to promoting voluntarism, and took on volunteer leadership positions with the Breast Cancer Alliance and Vermont Academy. Honoring their individual programs of study, a major portion of their gift will be used to support the university’s Trustee Scholarship Program for students in the Holzschuh College of Business Administration and the College of Nursing. The scholarship will support students in the highest academic performance range, qualifying for either the presidential or trusteelevel scholarship, with a preferential focus on

Pell-eligible students from economically middleclass backgrounds. In addition, a portion of the gift will also be used to support the men’s and women’s basketball programs. “With this very generous gift from the Holzschuhs, there is again a feeling of optimism, of promise and new beginnings. Let’s build something, let’s do some truly special things in the Holzschuh College of Business Administration,” said the college’s dean, Dr. Mark Frascatore. The Holzschuhs, understanding the significance of their gift and the impact of the university’s Vincentian mission, have continually referenced the following quote from St. Vincent de Paul, “We should spend as much time in thanking God for His benefits as we do in asking Him for them.” “Mary Helen and I are honored to have the family name on the College of Business. Niagara University is a special place for both of us, and we are grateful for the experience of our Vincentian education,” said Jeff Holzschuh. “We feel very fortunate to be able to share our experience and to give back to support student scholarships for business and nursing students, as well as Purple Eagle student-athletes.” “I am so excited for the future of Niagara and the College of Business because of this extremely generous donation that will benefit future business students,” said junior Alexi Bapst, an integrative management major from Columbus, Ohio. “Speaking on behalf of myself, and current and future business students, we thank you very much, Mr. and Mrs. Holzschuh, for your

generosity and for strengthening the foundation of our College of Business Administration. Your gift will undoubtedly create opportunities and experiences that will transform lives for many years to come.” In addition to his professional success, Jeff has been a loyal and engaged member of the university’s alumni. He returned to Monteagle Ridge in 1994 to serve as a member of the university’s Board of Trustees and, in 2010, he was elected as the chairman of the board. In recognition of his commitment to his alma mater, Jeff was presented with the Dunleavy Award in 1992, an honorary Doctor of Commercial Science in 2000, and the Dean’s Award from the College of Business Administration in 2007. Father Maher also presented Jeff and Mary Helen with the Medal of Honor at the President’s Dinner in 2017. Jeff continues his active engagement with the university, and is serving as the chairman of Niagara’s current capital campaign. As an economics student at Niagara, Jeff served as class president for three years before being elected as the Student Government Association president his senior year. He captained the Purple Eagles basketball team and was honored with the Scaffidi Award for his commitment and dedication. During his time as an undergraduate, Holzschuh excelled academically and was so involved in campus activities that he was awarded the President’s Medal, the university’s highest honor, during his commencement. Jeff and Mary Helen reside in Greenwich, Conn., and they have three adult children.

EAGLE/SUMMER 2022

advancement matters Class of 1976 Establishes Scholarship Dear members of the Class of 1976, Where do the years go? This August, 50 years ago, marks the start of our Niagara journey, and in four short years, we will be celebrating our 50th reunion! As we look forward to this special event, it’s a good time to reflect on our college years, cherish our memories, celebrate the friendships, and appreciate our education, values, and experiences, thanks to Niagara University. As anticipation builds for 2026, we have launched a Class of ’76 Facebook page and class Zoom calls as part of our effort to enhance existing friendships and reconnect with others. In order to share the wonderful experience we had at Niagara, we are happy to

announce the creation of a new scholarship initiated by one of our classmates in honor of our 50th! The Class of 1976 Scholarship fund will award grants each academic year to the grandchildren of undergraduate alumni from our class. What an amazing legacy to share across many generations to come. A very generous donor has committed $25,000 in support of this scholarship as a match gift. Our goal is to fully endow our scholarship and enhance the benefit of scholarship support to our family members and future Purple Eagles! We are so grateful for this opportunity. If you would like more information on the committee or ways to contribute to the scholarship, email Cara Turner at cturner@niagara.edu.

Catherine A. Lyons, ’75, Scholarship Fund

Established for Nursing Students

A scholarship in honor of Catherine A. Lyons, ’75, an exceptional clinician, administrator, and educator, and one of the College of Nursing’s most dedicated alumni, has recently been established. Cathy, a former member of the Niagara University Board of Trustees, passed away Nov. 21, 2021. Cathy brought high standards and an appreciation for excellence in both patient care and clinical cancer research to the healthcare leadership positions she held. She was instrumental in forming community cancer networks capable of offering care comparable to the best cancer centers. “Cathy was a strong advocate for nursing and a leader who was not timid about pitching in and helping other providers when necessary,” said her partner, Jerry Yates. “She was as comfortable caring for patients as she was providing input to discussions with the country’s leading cancer research scientists. She had no trouble enlightening her physician colleagues when she thought they were going astray. Niagara University should be proud of this distinguished alumna.” Cathy’s love of her alma mater led her to play an integral part in the re-establishment of the College of Nursing, and she advocated for increasing the academic rigor of the program. Her legacy will live on for students who receive the Catherine Lyons Scholarship. “It is our responsibility as educators and leaders to foster the success of learners as they study for a career in healthcare,” said Dr. Christine Verni, dean of the College of Nursing. “For some individuals, completing a rigorous nursing program is only possible when they can progress at a slower pace and during nontraditional semesters, but current funding arms do not support this option. The Catherine Lyons Scholarship will enable students to complete difficult prerequisite courses in off terms, affording them a better chance of academic success over the course of their undergraduate studies. We are grateful for Cathy and her tireless efforts in advocating for a quality nursing education and better healthcare outcomes for our community.” If you are interested in giving to the Catherine Lyons Scholarship, please contact Jaclyn Rossi at jrossi@niagara.edu or send a gift to P.O. Box 2008, Niagara University, N.Y. 14109 and in the memo line write: Lyons Scholarship

Scholarship Established in Memory of Maj. Kenneth C. VanBuskirk, ’57 In December 2019, a generous member of the Class of 1957 set forth to establish the Maj. Kenneth C. VanBuskirk Memorial Scholarship to support Niagara University’s ROTC battalion and cadets. Maj. VanBuskirk was just 31 years old at the time of his passing and had served in the Army for 10 years. He graduated from Niagara University in 1957 as a member of the ROTC program and received his bachelor of science in business administration. Following his graduation, he was commissioned into the Army as a second lieutenant and was sent overseas as commander of the 2nd Battle Group of the 6th Infantry. In June of 1966, Maj. VanBuskirk was sent to South Vietnam, where he served as the senior advisor to the South Vietnamese Rangers. He was a decorated service member, having received the Combat Infantry Badge, the Bronze Star, the Air Medal for 100 missions in support operations, and the Commendation Medal, given by the South Vietnamese government.

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Niagara University’s ROTC program is ranked in the top 10% nationally over 200 institutions of higher education. The Maj. VanBuskirk Scholarship will assist our battalion commander in the recruitment of qualified cadets and give us an edge to offer additional financial support to those seeking placement at Niagara. Members of the Class of 1957 have contributed to this scholarship each year, and your support is needed even more today. Our community of alumni who have served this country in the armed forces are some of our strongest supporters, consistently giving back to the university in support of students and programing. For this, we are most grateful. We hope you will continue to support this vital program for years to come. For more information on how to make a contribution, please contact Cara Turner at cturner@niagara.edu or call 716.286.8770.

alumni weekend NU Welcomes Alumni Back to the Ridge Niagara University welcomed alumni back to the Ridge June 3-5 for its annual Alumni Weekend. The weekend began with the Golden Eagle Celebration of the Class of 1972 and a Welcome Back Party on Friday night. Saturday’s events included a Veterans Memorial Service and unveiling of the Class of 1969 veteran plaque, the Taste of WNY Alumni Bash featuring local food favorites, an athletic meet and greet, and tours of the Castellani Art Museum and the campus. That evening, the Class of 1997 was recognized during the Silver Eagle Happy Hour, and alumni enjoyed dinner, drinks, music, and more during Niagara at Night. The weekend ended with Mass in Alumni Chapel. The weekend also offered an opportunity to recognize several alumni for their professional and personal achievements. Mark, ’72, and Marti McGrann Ryan, ’73, were honored with Niagara University’s Dunleavy Award in recognition of their extraordinary professional success, their steadfast devotion to Niagara University, their deep faith, and their commitment to serving those most in need. Bill Loftus, ’82, was named Alumnus of the Year for his outstanding service and devotion to Niagara University, and Col. Barbara Green, ’72, received the John C. DeDeyn, ’65, Achievement Award for her inspiring example of Niagara’s Vincentian tradition. In addition, Capt. Patricia Lehman Burns, ’69, and Col. James Colligan, ’69, were inducted into the NU Military Hall of Fame.

Class of 1982: The Class of 1982 enjoyed dinner and dancing during Saturday’s Niagara at Night event at the Doubletree by Hilton in Niagara Falls, N.Y

Members of the Class of 1977 reconnected during the Friday night Welcome Back Party.

Save the Date for Alumni Weekend 2023— June 2-4! We will be celebrating class years ending in 3’s and 8’s, but all alumni are welcome back for the fun! Thomas Kolp, ’67

Bill Loftus, ’82, accepts the Alumnus of the Year award from the Rev. James Maher, C.M., Niagara University president, and Jaclyn Rossi Drozd, ’08, M.S.Ed.’10, vice president of Institutional Advancement.

Lt. Col. Stephen Lucas, chair of NU’s military science department, with Capt. Patricia Lehman Burns, ’69, during her induction into the NU Military Hall of Fame.

Edwin Juste, ’99, Lucius Charlemagne, ’99, and Michael Doldan, ’97

Legacy family Michael Keem, ’72 (center), with his daughters, Erin Keem Tryka, ’00, and Chelsey Keem Dubler, ’96.

EAGLE/SUMMER 2022

NEWS FROM THE NEST Hello, Purple Eagles! When I came to Niagara University as a student in 2004, I had no idea that my NU path would lead me to where I am today. It has been a true privilege to meet and work with so many passionate Purple Eagles since I first joined the NU alumni team in 2010, and I have truly enjoyed my career in alumni engagement. And now, I am ecstatic to announce that I have been named vice president of Institutional Advancement here at NU. I am honored to lead our fundraising and alumni efforts, build upon our legacy of excellence, and continue to transform Niagara University. With such supportive alumni and friends, there are no limits to where Niagara University can go next. I am looking forward to the exciting work we have ahead of us and seeing many of you in the coming year!

Chart 1:

As we begin the transition, two members of our alumni engagement team will take on additional roles. Courtney Corbetta, ’14 (corbetta@niagara.edu), will be overseeing all of our network leaders and alumni events, and Sara Moretta, ’12 (smoretta@niagara.edu), will P&W Athletics $189,042 and the annual fund. They both are ready to continue carrying $65,828 Niagara Fundcoordinate our special events the alumni relations team forward. $15,560 If you are interested in getting more involved within your Nursing area, please contact one of them $9,879directly. Student Clubs Other $6,500 $6,050 ROTC & Veteran Services Again, it has been a pleasure serving as your alumni relations director for so many years, $5,380 Scholarshipsand I look forward to our continued work together! $4,275 Hosp., Sport, and Tourism $3,600 Levesque Institute Go Purple Eagles! $2,455 Arts & Sciences Jaclyn Rossi Drozd, ’08, M.S.Ed.’10 $1,530 Campus Ministry $1,325 Business $700 Castellani Art Museum $650 NUOP $475 Education TOTAL RAISED: $313,249

NU’s Day of Giving a Success!

Chart 1:

On April 24, we held our annual Chart 2: P&W Athletics Niagara Fund Day of Giving, which celebrated GivingGiving Day 2022 Day 2022 | 1,172 Donors Nursing St. Vincent de Paul through 1,172 Donors Student Clubs Student Donors: 41 | 4% Student Other Other: 262 | 22% campuswide support and Donors: ROTC & Veteran Services 41 | 4% engagement. Scholarships An impressive tribute was paid to St. New Donors: 384 | 33% Vincent through the generosity of our alumni, parents, friends, faculty, staff, and students, and we raised more than $313,000! It is wonderful to see loyal friends and alumni come together to support each other and what means the most to them at Niagara. Thank you for helping make this another successful Giving Day!

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New Donors: 384 | 33%

Other: 262 | 22%

Alumni: 485 | 41%

Hosp., Sport, and Tourism Levesque Institute Arts & Sciences Campus Ministry Business Castellani Art Museum NUOP Education TOTAL RAISED: Alumni: 485 | 41%

$189,042

$65,828 $15,560 $9,879

$6,500

$6,050 $5,380 $4,275 $3,600 $2,455 $1,530 $1,325 $700 $650 $475

$313,249

Chart 2:

Giving Day 2022 | 1,172 Donors

Carlos Roberto Jaén, ’79, M.S.’82, Named to U.S. Preventive Services By Lisa McMahon, M.A.’09 Task Force So it’s no wonder that he has dedicated his life to serving others as a doctor, researcher and professor of family and community medicine. “Much of what I do in terms of service and imagining new ways of providing healthcare, of making changes for people who need it, are very much resonant of what I learned at Niagara,” he says.

Dr. Carlos Roberto Jaén, ’79, M.S.’82, has been named to the U.S. Preventive Services Task Force, an independent, volunteer panel of nationally recognized experts in prevention, evidence-based medicine, and primary care. The 16 members work to improve the health of people nationwide by making evidence-based recommendations about clinical preventive services such as screenings, counseling services, and preventive medications. Dr. Jaén’s four-year term began in January. Dr. Jaén’s areas of expertise include improving preventive care for people of all ages and preventing complications from chronic diseases; he has helped develop many guidelines and works to address access to care issues among Hispanic/ Latino communities. “I am humbled by this appointment and eager to find ways to bring prevention services to those who historically have not benefited from these services, always inspired by my Niagara roots,” said Dr. Jaén. Dr. Jaén came to Niagara with a strong dedication to the Vincentian tradition, which was cultivated during his childhood in David, Panama. There, he attended the Vincentian high school where his mother had worked and, after graduation, accepted a scholarship from Rev. Maurice Roche, C.M., to Niagara University. He even keeps an image of St. Vincent at his desk.

Dr. Jaén’s career has taken him from Monteagle Ridge, where he earned both bachelor’s and master’s degrees in biology; to Buffalo, where he obtained an M.D. and a Ph.D. from the University at Buffalo; to Cleveland, where he completed a residency in family medicine and a fellowship in primary care research; and back to Buffalo, where he was recruited as vice chair of research in U.B.’s Department of Family Medicine. During his nine years there, he became involved in a community-based needs study of Buffalo’s West Side Latino community. The study was instrumental in replacing Columbus Hospital with a long-needed diagnostic and treatment center that houses an array of primary medical services. It also led to the establishment of UB’s Center for Urban Research and Primary Care, for which Dr. Jaén served as founding director. The work was rewarding for Dr. Jaén, and he planned to continue it and live in Buffalo for the entirety of his professional career. However, a phone call inviting him to apply for the position of professor and chair of the Family and Community Medicine Department in the School of Medicine of the University of Texas Health Science Center at San Antonio changed all that. After traveling to the school and meeting then-president Dr. Francisco Cigarroa, Dr. Jaén decided to make the move to Texas. The position enabled him to continue the work he is passionate about—making patient-centered care and community health “more effective, safer and more joyful.” His research on patientcentered medical homes, which provide coordination of care across several medical specialties, incorporate the use of technology and foster personal relationships between patients and care providers, led to the first large-scale national demonstration project. The results of the project

were published in a special supplement of the Annals of Family Medicine in 2010. It also gives him the opportunity to engage with the next generation of medical professionals and to help them recognize, by example and service, that family medicine is taking care of the patient and their families holistically. Dr. Jaén has also become known as an international leader in smoking cessation research. His interest in the topic began in graduate school, when he conducted a study of 1,800 smokers for his Ph.D. dissertation. In 1996, he was appointed to a national panel that published smoking cessation guidelines, as well as to the two subsequent panels that published updates. He co-chaired the most recent one. He says that making smoking cessation treatments accessible for people has always been a particular interest of his. In recognition of his many accomplishments, Dr. Jaén has been selected to the Best Doctors in America yearly since 2002. In 2005, he was appointed to the National Advisory Council to the Agency for Healthcare Research and Quality, and served as chair of the American Board of Family Medicine. He is also the recipient of a Generalist Physician Faculty Scholar Award from the Robert Wood Johnson Foundation, a Cancer Control Career Development Award for Primary Care Physicians from the American Cancer Society, and holds a Dr. and Mrs. James L. Holly Distinguished Chair. Niagara recognized him in 2009 with a Dean’s Award from the College of Arts and Sciences, and in October of 2013, he was named to the National Academy of Medicine, one of the highest honors in the fields of health and medicine. He has never lost sight of what initially drew him to the field of medicine, however—service to the patient. “I am at heart a clinician,” he says. As a physician, Dr. Jaén is able to put into practice what he advocates: being available to patients when they need him and providing a welcome environment where they are motivated to make the changes they need to become healthier. “A joyful practice, for me,” he says, “is the goal.”

EAGLE/SUMMER 2022

Two Niagara University Graduates Serve on the Highest Trial Court in New York State By Lisa McMahon, M.A.’09

On Nov. 21, 2021, two individuals were elected to serve on the New York State Supreme Court in the seventh judicial district. Both were Niagara University graduates: Jim Walsh, B.S.’88, and Elena Iacovangelo Cariola, B.A.’97. Jim Walsh, B.S.’88 If high school yearbook messages are predictors of future careers, Jim Walsh, B.S.’88, was destined for law. The notes his classmates wrote spoke to the qualities he had that would make him a great attorney, even if he didn’t recognize his own potential at the time. His journey from a self-described kid who felt he wouldn’t make anything of his life, to a judge serving on the highest trial court in New York state, was largely due to his Niagara experience, he said. Growing up with his sister in Central Islip, N.Y., Jim readily admits his life could have taken a different turn. He had few role models in his family inspiring him to go to college, but once he got a pamphlet from Niagara University and visited the campus, he said he “fell in love” with the university and its people, and knew it was where he wanted to be. He enrolled as a criminal justice major with the intent of pursuing a career in law enforcement, but shifted his focus to practicing law with the encouragement of professors including Dr. Jay Albanese, Dr. John Stranges, and the Rev. Michael Tumulty, C.M. During his four years on Monteagle Ridge, he was prepared academically for the rigors of law school and developed a foundation of humility and compassion, he said. He also met his wife of 32 years, Jean Yurgealitis Walsh, BSN’88. “Niagara was a wonderful experience,” Jim said. “It really opened up a world to me that I never thought I could envision. Spiritually and intellectually, it was an unbelievable place to learn and to grow. It truly made me a man. It’s a fantastic university, and I enjoyed my four years there immensely.” After graduation, Jim and Jean lived in Buffalo for a few years before moving to Michigan, where Jim pursed his J.D. at Thomas M. Cooley Law School. Because they had a young daughter, Erin (who would

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Elena Iacovangelo Cariola, B.A.’97, and Jim Walsh, B.S.’88, were elected New York State Supreme Court justices in November 2021.

become a member of NU’s Class of 2014), Jean worked nights so Jim could attend classes during the day. After Jim earned his degree in 1996, the family (which now included a second daughter, Shannon) moved to Rochester, N.Y., where they made their home and Jim progressed in his career in positions with the Monroe County District Attorney’s Office and the Monroe County Sheriff’s Office before opening his own practice. In November 2013, Jim was elected to Monroe County Family Court, and in January 2016, he was named acting Supreme Court justice. His experience in presiding over thousands of cases prepared him for the newest role in his impressive career, when he was elected in November 2021 as a Supreme Court justice in New York state’s seventh judicial district. Helping others is at the heart of what Jim does. Throughout his career, he has prosecuted everything from traffic tickets to major felonies, and defended people who were dealing with a variety of issues, including addiction and mental health disorders. Family Court enabled him to focus on helping families and children. “Families come to Family Court because their lives are broken,” he said. “I try to help them get back on their feet. I hold people to a high standard and to the consequences of not doing what the court orders, but at the same time, I think it’s more of a compassionate court and a very helpful court. I think as a judge, you really can have an impact—a very profound, very important impact on people’s lives.” Jim said that he conducts his court with empathy and a true desire to help those who appear before him, especially children. “I’m a big believer in children’s rights and making sure the children are protected,” he said. Often, the children he served both in private practice and through

his role as a judge visit him to let him know how they are doing. He recalls a young heroin addict who dropped out of college and was sentenced to drug court. Through his involvement, she got her life back on track, went back to college, and earned her degree. One year at Christmas, she came to his house to give him a painting of a bright flower in the middle of a black forest, which she said represented how, with his help, she was able to bloom in the midst of a dark time.

you have that kind of framework around you, guiding you, that can take you anywhere.”

“You have to hold people accountable, and they have to suffer the consequences for their actions and their behaviors,” Jim said, “but for the most part, I think people are good and you can find that goodness and work with them and help them to really achieve what they want to achieve in life. That is the most rewarding to me.”

In 2011, her expertise in that area led to her appointment as Monroe County deputy public administrator. In this role, she appeared in that county’s Surrogate Court almost weekly to manage the assets of estates for people who died without a will, learning more about the court system and other areas of the law.

Now, as a Supreme Court justice, Jim will continue to help people as he presides over the highest trial court in New York state with a purview that encompasses not only Monroe County, but Cayuga, Livingston, Ontario, Seneca, Steuben, Wayne, and Yates counties, as well.

Ten years later, that experience motivated Elena to pursue a career goal that had intrigued her since law school.

Again and again, Jim credits his Niagara experience with giving him a belief system that has been the basis of his career. “You go to Niagara and you learn that it’s very important to support folks that are having a difficult time,” he said. “I’m in a position now where I can help people. I always go out of my way to do it, and I think that’s in large part because of the foundation that I got at Niagara.” Niagara’s influence also helped him on a personal level, he said. He battled cancer twice and said that the love and support of his wife, in addition to the values of perseverance, strength, spirituality, and courage that he developed while at NU, got him through those challenging times. “Niagara gave me so much,” he said. “My heart will always be at Niagara.”

Elena Iacovangelo Cariola, B.A.’97

Her first job in law was with Gallo & Iacovangelo, LLP, a firm co-founded by her father, where she specialized in estate planning and administration, residential and commercial real estate. She became a partner with the firm in 2012.

“I’ve always wanted to serve in the Supreme Court, but I just didn’t know if the opportunity would ever come about, and it did,” she said. “Having the education of all of those different types of cases and the real estate background made me a really well-rounded attorney, and I felt comfortable running for a Supreme Court spot.” Elena spent a year on the campaign trail, meeting those she would eventually serve while still practicing law with the firm. It was exhausting, she admits, but well worth it when she won the election, a victory that was especially gratifying in light of the fact she had lost her bid for Monroe County Surrogate Court judge by a close margin the year before. “I was just absolutely elated and excited to start my new role,” she said. “I thought, this is my path, this is what I’m supposed to do.” She is just beginning her 14-year term in the seventh judicial district alongside fellow Purple Eagle Jim Walsh, and is focused on learning her new role. She notes that her biggest challenge is the change in perspective from representing a client’s best interests as an attorney to impartially hearing and deciding the cases before her as a Supreme Court justice in New York state’s highest trial court.

Elena Iacovangelo Cariola planned to become a teacher. But when she returned to her Rochester, N.Y., home after graduating from Niagara University in 1997 with her bachelor’s degree in education/ Spanish, she found that full-time jobs were scarce. Although she loved the teaching profession, she decided to follow a family legacy of law with the idea that she could always get back into teaching when jobs became available.

“It’s interesting when you start, you really have to change your whole mindset about how you are supposed to be thinking,” she said. “You have to train yourself to put opinions aside.

The education she received at Niagara, coupled with her strong work ethic, prepared her for this new career focus, she discovered. She passed the LSATs with little difficulty and was accepted into Thomas M. Cooley Law School, where she earned her J.D. in 2002.

Like Jim, Elena’s career in law comes from her desire to serve others.

“Niagara prepares you for any kind of next step that you’re going to take,” she said, “whether it’s getting your master’s or going to law school, or whatever it is. You get a solid Catholic education, and you know you have to work hard to accomplish your goals. I think when

“As a practicing attorney, I know what it’s like to appear before the court,” she continued, “and I just want to be that person on the bench who treats everybody with respect and makes fair decisions.”

“I really, really believe one person can change the world or, at least, make a positive change in their community,” she said. “When I was teaching, I would say to myself, if you can inspire just one student, then you’ve done your job. And if you inspire more than one, that’s even better. So every day, I get up and I say this is what I’m meant to do because I love this community, and I want to make a positive impact.”

EAGLE/SUMMER 2022

CATCHING UP Class Notes

1960s

Eric Williams, B.S.’62, graduated from UB Law in 1965 and was with the FBI for 30 years, retiring as a supervisory special agent in the New York office in 1996. He then worked as an actor, stage manager, and theatre manager at internationally known Shakespeare & Company in Lenox, Mass., for 25 years. Highlights include acting in a four-month tour of “Macbeth,” playing George Page in “The Merry Wives of Windsor,” playing the Duke and Antonio in “The Two Gentlemen of Verona,” and working with film legend Raquel Welch.

1970s

William Bradshaw, M.S.Ed.’72, former head baseball coach for the Purple Eagles, retired after 40 years as Division I athletic director at LaSalle, DePaul, and Temple universities. He has been inducted into nine halls of fame, including Temple University’s and the Philadelphia Big 5, and his baseball uniform #7 has been retired by LaSalle University, where he was an All-American infielder as an undergraduate. He also served as Niagara University’s alumni director in the mid-1970s. Charlie Diamond, B.A.’75, was honored with a Third Age Achievement Award by LifePath, which provides supportive services for older adults in the Albany, N.Y., region. The award pays tribute to members of the Capital Region who make significant contributions to their community after turning 60. John Sanderson, BBA’75, is executive chairman of the board of Sanderson Wealth Management, a firm he founded in 2001. In this new role, John will be a key adviser to the firm’s leadership team, continue to maintain relationships with long-term clients, and execute its philanthropic responsibilities by serving as treasurer of the Albright-Knox Art Gallery’s board of directors, as well as president of the Buffalo Zoo’s Foundation. Sue Diesfeld Rice, B.S.’76, retired after 30 years as a nurse in a private OBGYN practice in Ventura, Calif., and relocated to East Aurora, N.Y.

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Sara (Parkinson) Lankshear, B.S.’82, is associate dean of nursing at Georgian College, Barrie, Ontario.

Joseph Kchodl, B.A.’79, was honored with the Charles H. Sternberg Medal by the Association of Applied Paleontological Sciences. The award, which recognizes outstanding lifetime achievement in the field of paleontology and/or for fostering cooperation, communication, and understanding between professional, amateur, and academic paleontologists, is the organization’s highest honor.

Kenya Faulkner, B.S.’86, is chief compliance officer at Emory University in Atlanta. She was the chief ethics and compliance officer at Pennsylvania State University and formerly served as chief integrity officer for the Treasury Department of the Commonwealth of Pennsylvania.

David Kutlina, B.S.’79, joined the cardiothoracic surgery practice at Arizona Heart & Lung Surgery, D.C., in Scottsdale, Ariz.

1980s

Susan Dileno, BBA’80, was named vice president of enrollment at Mount Saint Mary’s University, Los Angeles, Calif. She has worked in admissions and enrollment management for more than three decades. Marie (Gould) Nolan, B.S.’80, has been appointed dean of Catholic University’s Conway School of Nursing. Marie, the M. Adelaide Nutting Endowed Chair at Johns Hopkins School of Nursing, has spent more than 20 years in academic leadership positions and advancing research on improving the quality of care for patients and their families at the end of life. Mary (Kunda) O’Neill, B.S.’81, retired in July 2021 after a 40-year-career in the Neonatal Intensive Care Unit at The Johns Hopkins Hospital in Baltimore, Md.

Linda LeMura, B.A.’82, was appointed co-chair of the Central New York Regional Economic Development Council. She is president of Le Moyne College in Syracuse, N.Y. Edmund Kalil, B.S.’85, was elected judge of Eaton Municipal Court in Preble County, Ohio.

Joel Daum, BBA’88, retired in 2019 from the casino industry, having served most recently as CFO of Empire City Casino in Yonkers, N.Y. He resides in Carrollton, Ga., with his wife, Mary (Kern) Daum, B.S.’88. Patrick Riviere, BFA’88, made his film directorial debut with “Just a Broadway Baby: Mary Ellen Ashley.” The film had its world premiere Jan. 22 at the Oregon Documentary Film Festival, winning Best Picture in a field of more than 60 selected films. On Feb. 1, Pat was awarded Best Director of a Documentary Short at Vesuvius International Film Festival in Italy.

1990s

Nabeel Butt, MBA’91, is group HR head at Treet Corp., a blade manufacturing and selling company in Pakistan. His 28-year career has included positions with Nestle, Pepsi Cola International, and Coca-Cola. Alizia (Fowler) McMyers, B.S.’91, received her second master’s degree in nursing from the University of Phoenix in June 2021. She was awarded a seat in the NY Health and Hospitals Simulation Fellowship Program for the 2022-2023 academic year and was featured in “The New York Dream‒Brian Benjamin for Lt. Governor” promotional campaign for the New York state elections 2022. William Baker, B.S.’92, has served for the past four years as chief of staff for the Vincentians at Niagara University. He had a 30-year career as senior general manager of WNY operations for Sodexo, which included NU.

CATCHING UP Joseph Mitchell, B.S.’93, has been named chief operating officer of ElectraMeccanica Vehicles Corp., a designer and manufacturer of electric vehicles in Vancouver, British Columbia. He most recently served as the chief executive officer at Phoenix Motorcars, a subsidiary of SPI Energy, a global renewable energy company and provider of solar storage EV solutions. Michael George, B.S.’94, was promoted to banking officer at Lyons National Bank. He previously served as assistant corporate controller and joined LNB in 2015 as a financial services representative. Denise (Matthewson) Brinton, BBA’95, was promoted to U.S. sales enablement lead for Pfizer, New York, N.Y. She has been with Pfizer for 19 years. Susan Swiatkowski, B.A.’95, has been named executive director of the Niagara Wine Trail, an organization of 14 member wineries situated between the Niagara Escarpment and Lake Ontario in Niagara, Orleans, and Monroe counties, N.Y. She previously held management roles with Destination Niagara USA, Old Falls Street USA, Hard Rock Café, and the Downtown Niagara Falls Business Association. Kimberly (Pratt) Clark, B.S.’98, transferred from Manhattan to Syracuse, N.Y., as special agent in charge for the Defense Counterintelligence and Security Agency after nearly 24 years of federal service.

2000s

Liz (Lollis) Irving, B.S.’00, was promoted to the newly created position of chief marketing officer for Clarion Events North America. She has been with the organization, which operates over 180 events in 50 countries from around the world, since 2016, overseeing event and media marketing, strategy and insights, audience acquisition, digital products, data and analytics. Sarah Nelson, B.S.’00, has been named executive director of the Chamber of Commerce of the Tonawandas. She previously served as director of marketing and membership for the chamber. Allison Coomey, B.A.’02, M.S.Ed.’08, was a member of Team USA’s women’s hockey coaching staff during the 2022 Beijing Winter Olympic Games. She is the associate head coach of Penn State’s women’s hockey team.

Bradley Chapman, B.S.’04, has been named president of Penn Highlands Clearfield. He is the current president of Penn Highlands Elk in St. Marys, Pa., and will serve in the dual role of president for both hospitals. He previously held leadership positions at hospitals in Auburn, N.Y., and in Oswego, N.Y. Ryan Murphy, BFA’04, has been appointed vice president, production services & operations, for RWS Entertainment Group, the world’s exclusive, full-service provider of award-winning guest experiences and attractions. He most recently served as vice president/production manager for Aurora Productions. Tarrah (Hirsch) Vedder, BFA’04, was promoted to senior vice president, administration, for RWS Entertainment Group, the world’s exclusive, full-service provider of award-winning guest experiences and attractions. She started her career at RWS more than 15 years ago. Kevin Kreczko, BFA’05, has been promoted to senior vice president, marketing & business development, for RWS Entertainment Group, the world’s exclusive, full-service provider of award-winning guest experiences and attractions. He has been with RWS for five years. Megan Rinaudo, B.A.’05, has become the first partner of Thorley Wealth Management, Pittsford, N.Y. Dr. Kimber Shelton, M.S.’05, is the coeditor of “A Handbook on Counseling African American Women: Psychological Symptoms, Treatments, and Case Studies.” She is a licensed psychologist and owner of KLS Counseling & Consulting Services in Dallas, Texas, specializing in cultural diversity, LGBTQ issues, trauma, and relationship concerns. Daniel Altieri, B.S.’06, was named a partner at Harter Secrest & Emery, LLP. He is a member of the firm’s litigation practice and privacy and data security team.

Joe Christopher, BFA’06, was promoted to senior vice president, production, for RWS Entertainment Group, the world’s exclusive, full-service provider of award-winning guest experiences and attractions. He has been with the organization for four years. Matt Leardini, MBA’06, was promoted to president of iMedia Digital Services, a digital advertising platform that engages with over 200 million monthly digital shoppers in the U.S. He previously served as vice president of iMDS search and advertising operations. Cali Gilbert, B.S.’07, released her latest film, “What If?” a social impact documentary that was filmed remotely with a global cast of 45 individuals, including Eddie Friel, former director of the Niagara Global Tourism Institute. Wendy Schlosser, B.A.’07, M.S.Ed.’10, has been appointed principal of Royhart Middle School, Middleport, N.Y. Eric Soro, BBA’07, was promoted to tax director at Dopkins and Company, Buffalo, N.Y. Sara (Umhauer) Hall, B.S.’08, has been promoted to vice president of client services at Braintrust, an integrated marketing agency headquartered in Las Vegas. She joined the organization in 2016 as an account executive and is the recipient of multiple local and regional awards from the American Marketing Association and the Public Relations Society of America. She was also honored with a silver National ADDY award from the American Advertising Federation. Justin Sanderson, BBA’08, MBA’10, has been appointed chief executive officer of Sanderson Wealth Management, a leading wealth management firm headquartered in Buffalo, N.Y. He joined the organization in 2001 and was named vice president in 2008. In 2011, he led the firm’s rebranding initiative.

EAGLE/SUMMER 2022

CATCHING UP Mark Scott, MBA’08, Ph.D.’19, was named vice president of philanthropic support for the John R. Oishei Foundation, Buffalo, N.Y. He previously served as CEO at The Culinary Academy of Las Vegas, where he led the nation’s largest joint-labor management hospitality training trust.

ing partner of Jaeger Strategic Advisors Limited, serves as vice president of investor relations and corporate development for Wesana Health, and is a partner in Genaflex Financial. Kortney Keyes, B.S.’13, has been named manager of the newly created Visitor Economy Management Office for the Seneca Nation in Salamanca, N.Y.

Evan Kraft, B.S.’09, earned the designation of Certified Financial Planner. He is a financial advisor at Sanderson Wealth Management, LLC, in Buffalo, N.Y.

2010s

Victoria (Wolcott) De Bello, BFA’10, is a veterinary assistant at Specialized Care for Avian and Exotic Pets in Clarence, N.Y. Michael Ficarella, B.A.’10, has been appointed superintendent of water and wastewater for the city of Batavia, N.Y. He has worked for the city for nine years, serving in various positions, most recently as the senior water and wastewater maintenance worker. Frank Arena, B.S.’11, has been appointed general manager of The Springhill Suites by Marriott Cincinnati Midtown. He previously was general manager for the Hyatt Place Cincinnati Sharonville Convention Center and served in various leadership roles for Drury Hotels, Ruffin Hotel Corp., and Pillar Hotels and Resorts. Johnathon Miles, BBA’11, MBA’12, has been promoted to principal at Brisbane Consulting Group, LLC, where he is responsible for valuation, forensic accounting, and litigation support services. He has been with the firm since 2013. Keenan Gentry, BBA’13, was named capital markets advisor for Abner Labs in Vancouver, British Columbia. He is the founder and manag-

20 Niagara University

Rosina Mete, M.S.’13, Ph.D.’18, is a fulltime faculty member and course lead for assessment in counselling at Yorkville University and part-time associate faculty with City University Seattle in Canada within their master of counselling program. She is also a private practice psychotherapist in the Niagara Region. Matt Nadler, B.A.’14, is assistant director of employer relations at Southern Methodist University, Dallas, Texas. Dr. Melanie Spence-Ariemma, Ph.D.’14, has been named vice provost and chief academic officer at the University of Guelph-Humber, Ontario. She previously served as dean of student affairs at the Michener Institute of Education at the University Health Network in Toronto, and as provost and academic vice president at Sheridan College. Jason Ellis, B.S.’15, MBA’19, was promoted to product manager for Thermo Fisher Scientific. He manages its protein expression and delivery business segment, focusing on custom cell culture medium, strategy, and business processes. Allison (Kowalewski) Kavanagh, MBA’15, was promoted to supply chain project manager at Rosina Food Products, Inc., Buffalo, N.Y. Kathleen Neville, M.A.’15, was elected treasurer of the Niagara Falls Bridge Commission, which operates the Lewiston-Queenston, Whirlpool

Rapids and Rainbow bridges. Its members are chosen by the governor of New York and the premier of Ontario. Kathleen also serves on the Niagara University Board of Trustees. Rachel Zilka, B.S.’15, was named assistant manager at the Country Club of Buffalo, N.Y. She has held several positions in the club management industry and is the 2020 recipient of the Club Foundation’s Sally Burns Rambo Scholarship, which recognizes women for their accomplishments in the field and supports their pursuit of a successful career in the profession. Hayden Coll, BBA’16, M.S.’17, was promoted to manager in the tax department of Lumsden McCormick, LLP, Buffalo, N.Y. He is a member of the American Institute of Certified Public Accountants and the New York State Society of Certified Public Accountants. Rebecca (Saggiomo) Gentile, B.A.’16, M.S.Ed.’17, M.S.Ed.’19, is director of athletics at Corning-Painted Post Area School District. Holly Avino, B.S.’17, has been hired as a marketing and events coordinator for Visit Rochester. She previously served as a sales coordinator at Destination Niagara USA. Jacob Carriero, B.S.’17, has been inducted into Marquis Who’s Who. He is a physical education teacher at Mascotte Charter Elementary School in Mascotte, Fla., where he teaches various sports and exercise techniques to his students and implements programs for students to grow outside of school hours. Briana Krawczyk, B.S.’17, is an attorney at Barclay Damon LLP, Buffalo, N.Y., focusing on trusts and estates.

CATCHING UP

and individuals.

John Anderson, BBA’18, successfully completed the requirements to practice as a certified public accountant. John has been with Lumsden McCormick since 2018, where he provides tax compliance and planning services to a variety of commercial businesses

Marriages / Anniversaries Lisa Kulpa, B.S.’09, MBA’10, married David Musielak on June 12, 2021.

Births /Adoptions Kelly (Whiting) Kelly, B.A.’01, and her husband, Brendan, welcomed a son, Sean Thomas, on Sept. 27, 2021. Sean passed away quietly the next morning surrounded by the love of his parents. Our condolences to Kelly and her family. Eric Soro, BBA’07, and his wife, Corinn, welcomed a daughter, Elora Sophia, on July 6, 2021.

Petrina Sciandra, MBA’19, has been promoted to HR director at Empower WNY.

2020s

Samantha Gugino, MBA’20, was promoted to senior accountant in the audit department at Lumsden McCormick, LLP. She joined the firm in 2020.

Laura Osinski, M.S.Ed.’21, has been named principal of the Hamburg, N.Y., campus of Randolph Academy, a public school which supports, empowers, and educates children struggling with emotional and mental health disabilities. She previously served as elementary school physical education teacher and high school health education teacher in the Pine Valley School District in South Dayton, N.Y.

Lisa Kulpa, B.S.’09, MBA’10, and David Musielak

Jason Ellis, B.S.’15, MBA’19, married Chelsea O’Laughlin, B.S.’15, on May 28, 2022. Melissa Morgan, B.S.’19, married Danny LaNasa on Oct. 9, 2021.

Elora Sophia Soro

Scott Rosenheck, BBA’11, MBA’12, and his wife, Hanna, welcomed a daughter, Margot, on April 23, 2022. Rebecca (Saggiomo) Gentile, B.A.’16, M.S.Ed.’17, M.S.Ed.’19, and her husband, Justin, welcomed a son, Miles, on Dec. 18, 2021.

Colin Winkworth, B.S.’20, and Rachel Hamilton

Colin Winkworth, B.S.’20, married Rachel Hamilton on July 3, 2021, and convalidated their marriage on Dec. 21, 2021.

Miles Gentile

NU alumni attended the wedding of Melissa Morgan, ’19, and Danny LaNasa: Barbara (Rauh), ’87, and Scott Swagler, ’86; Marty Troia, ’88; Matthew Morgan, ’17; Kaitlin Smith, ’15; Chase Slother, ’22; Melanie Morgan, ’22; Ben DiCarlo, ’20; Zack Sideranko, ’19; Howard, ’86, and Lee (Geary) Morgan, ’86; Kyle Barker, ’19; Amanda Cullinan-Spinelli, ’19; Julie Reese, ’19; Amber Thiel, ’19; Sophia Cerulli, ’19; Monica Salteralli, ’86; Jacob Cardinal, ’19; Kristen Donovan, ’20; Alyssa Krawczyk, ’19; Michael Jeswald, ’09; Megan Held, ’18; and Kathryn Ryan, ’19

EAGLE/SUMMER 2022

CATCHING UP In Memoriam Leahmae (Patterson) Hippman, B.S.’50, passed away Jan. 17, 2022. She had a long career as a registered nurse, retiring at the age of 75 from Yale-New Haven Hospital, where she did research nursing. Our condolences to her daughter, Mary Hippman, B.S.’81. Frank R. Piccirillo, B.S.’50, passed away Nov. 9, 2021. He was employed by Bell Aerospace as a chemical engineer prior to his retirement in 1991. Dr. James Finnerty, B.S.’51, passed away Feb. 27, 2022. He was an obstetrician in Watertown, N.Y., for 30 years. James L. Kenefick, B.A.’51, passed away Nov. 14, 2020. He worked in the legal department for John Hancock Insurance Co., retiring in 1992 as vice president for tax. Rev. Dr. Frederick Auman Jr., B.S.’52, passed away Feb. 5, 2022. He was a pastor in several Lutheran churches, retiring in 1995. Edward M. Flynn, B.A.’52, passed away March 6, 2022. He worked as a life insurance agent at Mass Mutual for more than 60 years. Our condolences to his son, Christopher Flynn, B.A.’77, and to his daughter-in-law, Barbara (Morris) Flynn, B.S.’75. Michael A. Puglisi, B.A.’52, passed away Feb. 20, 2022. He was a college teacher and administrator at a number of universities, including City University of New York, and Iona, Baruch, Long Island, and Montclair State universities. William T. Maher, BBA’53, passed away Feb. 17, 2022. Bill’s 39-year career with First National City Bank, now Citibank, began in 1953 and included various financial roles, including controller and treasurer. He retired in 1992.

22 Niagara University

Rev. Daniel Gambet, OSFS, B.A.’54, passed

Rose (Healy) McDonald, B.S.’57, passed

away Feb. 28, 2022. He began his career at

away Nov. 23, 2021. Our condolences to her

Allentown College of St. Francis de Sales

husband, Raymond McDonald, ’59.

(DeSales University) in 1965, serving as academic dean and professor of history and

Christopher Marinaccio, B.S.’58, passed

Latin. In 1978, he was named second president

away Dec. 19, 2021. He was a teacher in the

of DeSales, serving until his retirement in

Buffalo, N.Y., school system.

1999. In retirement, he maintained an office as president emeritus.

Bishop Donald W. Trautman, B.A.’58, ’86 (Hon.), passed away Feb. 26, 2022. He was

Robert W. Gillard, B.A.’54, passed away April

the retired bishop of the Diocese of Erie, Pa.

2, 2022. He served in the United States Army for 28 years as an airborne infantry officer, and

Donald E. Yezzi, B.S.’58, passed away Jan. 3,

retired as a lieutenant colonel in 1982.

2022. He was the proprietor of Lord & Tann, a high-end women’s clothing store in Troy,

Francis H. Higman, B.A.’54, passed away

N.Y., established by his parents.

Dec. 26, 2021. He was a retired mathematics professor at Niagara University who played a

Sue (Ganey) Miller, B.S.’59, passed away

key role in the establishment of NULTA and

Jan. 9, 2022.

served as the head of the faculty union for a number of years. He was honored for his work

Warren J. Warsitz, B.A.’59, passed away

in the classroom with the College of Arts &

Nov. 6, 2021.

Sciences’ Teacher Recognition Award in 1987, and the college’s Excellence in Service Award

Ellen A. DiLaura, B.S.’60, passed away

in 1992. After retiring in 1998, he was granted

March 22, 2022. She was employed as a

professor emeritus by the university’s Board

public health nurse with the Suffolk County

of Trustees. Our condolences to his son, Sean

Health Department, and later, with the

Higman, BBA’82; to his daughters, Kelley

Visiting Nursing Association of Buffalo. Our

(Higman) Mathieson, B.A.’84; Dr. Meghan

condolences to her husband, Dr. Anthony

Higman, B.A.’86, B.S.’86; and Kerry

DiLaura, B.S.’60; to her daughter, Mary

(Higman) Berlinger, BBA’90; and to his son-

(DiLaura) Bierbrauer, B.S.’89; and to her

in-law, Christopher Mathieson, MBA’90.

granddaughter, Kathryn (Bierbrauer) Rustowicz, B.S.’16.

Dr. Richard Wright, B.S.’54, M.A.’60, passed away Feb. 18, 2022. He was a retired

Aloise (Zasowski) Neubeck, B.S.’60, passed

orthodontist with offices in Fredonia and

away April 2, 2022. She was dean of nursing

Jamestown, N.Y.

at Niagara University from 1972-79.

Vincent A. Palermo, BBA’55, passed away

Patricia (O’Connor) Powell, B.S.’60,

Jan. 3, 2022.

passed away Jan. 21, 2022. She worked as a registered nurse at Mount St. Mary’s Hospital

Miriam (Sciarrino) Leone, B.A.’56, passed

in Lewiston, N.Y., and retired as the public

away Jan. 22, 2022. She was employed as a

health director for the Niagara County

social worker for Schoellkopf Health Center

Department of Health. Our condolences to

and Niagara Falls Memorial Medical Center for

her daughter, Lauretta (Powell) Schoenfeldt,

20 years.

B.S.’83; to her granddaughter, Haley (Schoenfeldt) Wagner, B.A.’10; to her sister,

CATCHING UP Maureen (O’Connor) Weber, B.S.’77; and to her

William A. Rizzi, M.S.Ed.’65, passed away

Sheila Graham Pickering, B.S.’70, passed

niece, Bridget (Weber) Laughlan, B.A.’12.

Dec. 25, 2021. He was a reading specialist for

Nov. 17, 2021. She worked for more than 40

the Philadelphia school district for 35 years.

years as a pediatric nurse at Rochester General Hospital, and later, at Culver Medical Group.

Monsignor Albert W. Clody, B.S.’61, passed away March 22, 2022. He was longtime

Rev. John J. Lehner, O.S.F.S., B.S.’67, passed

Buffalo Fire Department chaplain and served

away Dec. 26, 2021. He served in a variety of

Our condolences to Ronald Plaine, B.S.’70,

in a number of roles in the Diocese of Buffalo.

assignments in parish ministry and in educa-

on the death of his father, Lou Plaine, who

After his retirement, he served as chaplain for

tion.

passed away Dec. 1, 2021.

the Westfield Fire Department. Bernadette R. Mills, B.S.’67, passed away

Our condolences to Maureen (Mooney) Reid,

Albert J. Raco, B.S.’61, passed away Feb. 23,

March 1, 2022. She had a 40-year career in

B.A.’70, on the death of her husband, Russell

2022. He was a merchandising manager at S.M.

nursing, culminating in running the nursing lab

Reid, who passed away March 15, 2022.

Flickinger Co.

at Genesee Community College. Atanas T. Kobryn, M.A.Ed.’71, passed away

Peggy M. Rose, B.A.’61, M.A.Ed.’71, passed

Alexandra (Lopacki) Fowle, B.A.’68, passed

Jan. 5, 2022. He retired in 1993 as chief

away April 4, 2022. She was an English teacher

away Dec. 21, 2021. She held social service

administrative and fiscal officer for the New

in the Niagara Falls School System for over 30

positions with Rivershore, Inc. and Niagara

York State Office for People with

years.

Hospice.

Developmental Disabilities.

Michael Genewick, B.A.’62, passed away Feb.

Virginia (Flynn) Hubbard, M.S.Ed.’68, passed

William F. Weidert Jr., B.S.’71, passed away

10, 2022. He was an executive at the Watson

away Sept. 9, 2021. Our condolences to her

Feb. 2, 2022.

Land Company, Carson, Calif., until purchas-

daughter, Eileen (Hubbard) Novak, B.A.’73,

ing and operating the Carson Car Wash. He

and to her son-in-law, Stanley Novak, B.A.’73.

retired in 2004.

Jan. 8, 2022. He was a longtime pastor of James E. Montemorano, B.A.’68, passed away

Judith (Tiffany) Naradowski, B.S.’62, passed

Patricia (Bryk) Senese, B.A.’62, passed away

Sacred Heart Church in Pittsfield, Mass.

Nov. 21, 2021.

away Dec. 29, 2021. She was a school nurse for the Niagara Falls Board of Education.

Rev. James K. Joyce, SOLA’72, passed away

Sister Patricia A. Gilbert, RSM, M.A.Ed.’73, Dennis Regan, BBA’68, passed away March 7,

passed away Nov. 11, 2021. She was a Catholic

2022. Our condolences to his wife, Kathleen

elementary school teacher and principal at sev-

(Clifford) Regan, B.S.’68.

eral schools in Buffalo and Western New York.

Dec. 23, 2021. She taught at Our Lady of Mt. Carmel School and at Gaskill Junior High

Barbara Ferguson, M.S.Ed.’69, passed away

Jacqueline (Baker) Humphrey, B.S.’73,

School in Niagara Falls, N.Y. Our condolences

April 16, 2022.

passed away Dec. 4, 2021. She was an RN for

to her daughters, Theresa (Senese) Rampado,

numerous hospitals and institutions in Central

BBA’86, Paula (Senese) Donovan,

Charles T. Noce, B.A.’69, passed away Jan. 19,

and Western New York, concluding her career

M.S.Ed.’02, and Maria (Senese) Hamilton,

2022. He was a practicing attorney for 50 years,

as supervisor of a mental health outpatient

B.S.’04; and to her granddaughter, Victoria

serving in private practice, and later, serving

clinic at the Buffalo Psychiatric Center.

(Hamilton) Stella, B.S.’12.

as the Monroe County conflict defender. Our condolences to his son, Louis Noce, B.S.’96.

Paul Muoio, B.A.’73, passed away March 6, 2022. He worked in the insurance industry,

James H. Tuholski, B.A.’62, passed away Aug. 16, 2021. He played semiprofessional baseball

Barbara (Nagengast) Traver, B.S.’69, passed

ending his career in 2014 as president of

and coached baseball at St. Joseph’s Collegiate

away Dec. 16, 2021. She was the school nurse

Benefit Specialists of NY in Syracuse.

Institute, Southside Little League, and

at Kenmore West High School for many years.

Hamburg Little League.

Our condolences to her husband, Art Traver

Our condolences to Eileen (Hubbard) Novak,

Jr., BBA’69; to her sister, Mary (Nagengast)

B.A.’73, and on the deaths of her mother,

Timothy J. Heckel, B.S.’64, passed away

Oehrlein, B.A.’72; and to her brother-in-law,

Virginia (Flynn) Hubbard, M.S.Ed.’68,

Dec. 17, 2020. He worked for IBM.

Richard Oehrlein, B.A.’70.

who passed away on Sept. 9, 2021, and of her

EAGLE/SUMMER 2022

CATCHING UP father, Richard Hubbard, a former professor of

Joann V. Bayusik, B.S.’77, passed away April

Gerald Beresny, B.S.’66; Eugene Beresny,

chemistry at Niagara University, who passed

2, 2021. She was a nurse at St. Vincent’s

B.S.’68; and John Beresny, B.A.’74.

away Nov. 18, 2021. Our condolences also to

Hospital in Bridgeport, Conn., for many years

her husband, Stanley Novak, B.A.’73.

and belonged to many professional nursing

Barry Campbell, M.S.Ed.’82, passed away

associations.

Sept. 26, 2020. He retired in 1995 after 34 years of teaching in Ontario, Canada.

Harry Powell, M.S.Ed.’73, passed away Dec. 23, 2021. He worked for the Niagara

Thomas G. Comerford, B.S.’77, passed away

Falls Board of Education as a school teacher,

Jan. 23, 2022.

John W. Von Hofen, B.S.’82, passed away March 15, 2020.

a guidance counselor, and as assistant to the superintendent. Our condolences to his daugh-

Our condolences to Douglas Kroll, B.S.’77,

ter, Lauretta (Powell) Schoenfeldt, B.S.’83;

and to Robert Kroll, B.S.’81, on the death of

Carolyn (Gedeon) Barry, B.S.’83, passed

to his granddaughter, Haley (Schoenfeldt)

their father, Alfred Kroll, who passed away Jan.

away Dec. 15, 2021. She was a nurse and

Wagner, B.A.’10; to his sister-in-law, Maureen

9, 2022.

nurse practitioner at University of Rochester Medical Center/Strong Memorial Hospital

(O’Connor) Weber, B.S.’77; and to his niece, Bridget (Weber) Laughlan, B.A.’12.

Stephen James Adams, B.S.’78, passed away

in Rochester, N.Y. Our condolences to her

Sept. 24, 2021. He worked in the real estate

son, Kevin Barry, B.S.’18; to her brothers,

Vincent Rubino, B.A.’73, passed away Jan.

division of the New York State Department of

Dr. Robert Gedeon Jr., B.S.’81, and James

12, 2022. He had a 40-year career as a retire-

Transportation for 30 years.

Gedeon, B.S.’87; to her sister, Kathleen (Gedeon) Cook, B.A.’92, M.S.Ed.’96; and

ment actuary, human resources consultant, and Sister M. Josita Seyfried, OSF, M.S.Ed.’78,

to her brother-in-law, Dr. Stephen Cook,

passed away Dec. 13, 2020.

B.S.’92.

passed away March 12, 2021. She worked at

Mark LoPresti, BBA’79, passed away March

John R. McGreevy, BBA’83, passed away

the Legal Aid Bureau of Buffalo, N.Y., and the

19, 2022. He had a successful career in govern-

Feb. 22, 2022. He held a number of executive

Legal Aid Society of Rockland County, N.Y.,

ment, accounting, and business and owned Air

positions including vice president and chief

before becoming hearing examiner, and later,

Lock Plastics in Tonawanda, N.Y.

financial officer at Blue Mountain Spring

client relationship director. Hon. Catherine M. Miklitsch, B.A.’74,

Water, Inc., in Harrisburg, Pa.

a magistrate in the State of New York Family Court of Rockland County.

Roger D. Cleary, B.S.’80, passed away Feb. 16, 2022. He was president and chief operat-

Kathleen M. Hillman, B.S.’85, passed away

Catherine Lyons, B.S.’75, passed away Nov.

ing officer at Davis Electrical Supply Co., Inc.,

Dec. 6, 2021. She worked as a traveling

21, 2021. She held healthcare leadership

Cheektowaga, N.Y.

registered nurse in New York, Virginia,

positions at institutions including the National

Florida, Kentucky, and Texas.

Cancer Institute, three major academic cancer

James S. Curry, B.S.’80, passed away March

research institutions, and a community cancer

18, 2022. He retired after 41 years as an adver-

Our condolences to Rev. Kevin Mannara,

center in Salisbury, Md. She also served on the

tising account manager for The Post-Standard,

CSB, B.S.’85, on the death of his mother,

faculties of SUNY at Buffalo School of

Syracuse, N.Y.

Shirley Mannara, who passed away Dec. 31,

Nursing, University of Rochester School of

2021.

Nursing, and Yale University School of

Paul J. Alexander, B.S.’81, passed away Feb.

Nursing, and on the Niagara University Board

8, 2022. He worked in management for various

Joseph C. Weber IV, B.S.’88, passed away

of Trustees. Our condolences to her sister,

trucking companies. Our condolences to his

Feb. 28, 2022. He was co-manager of Cayuga

Karen (Lyons) Goodman, BBA’77. (Read

brother, Thomas Alexander, BBA’75.

Village Mobile Home Park in Niagara Falls, N.Y, and a real estate agent. Our condolences

more about Catherine’s outstanding career on Elaine (Sofchak) Beresny, ’82, passed away

to his mother, Maureen (O’Connor) Weber,

March 14, 2022. She worked as an executive

B.S.’77; to his daughter, Bridget (Weber)

John Wright, M.A.Ed.’75, passed away Aug.

administrator for 35 years at Great Lakes

Laughlan, B.A.’12; and to his son-in-law,

18, 2021.

Carbon. Our condolences to her brothers, Dr.

Jeffrey Laughlan, B.S.’12.

page 12.)

24 Niagara University

CATCHING UP Robert A. Steenburgh, B.A.’91, passed away

Calif. Our condolences to his wife, Carol

July 28, 2021.

(Pietrocarlo) Ferrara, B.A.’97; to his brotherin-law, Joseph Pietrocarlo, B.S.’89; and to his

Scott A. Squaires, B.A.’93, passed away Nov.

sister-in-law, Cheryl Pietrocarlo, B.A.’07.

11, 2021. Our condolences to his wife, Melissa (O’Brien) Squaires, B.A.’94.

Our condolences to Kelly (Whiting) Kelly, B.A.’01, on the death of her son, Sean

Robert Marra, B.S.’96, passed away Feb.

Thomas, who passed away Sept. 28, 2021,

11, 2022. He was an office manager of dental

one day after his birth.

practices in North Carolina. Our condolences to his mother, Beverly (Smith) Marra, B.S.’55,

Scott P. Flynn, B.S.’14, passed away Nov. 23,

M.S.Ed.’92, and to his sisters, Catherine

2021.

(Marra) Genovese, B.S.’83, and Anne (Marra) Orenstein, B.S.’86.

Rev. Louis P. Trotta, C.M., former vice president at Niagara University, passed away

Jeffery S. Towne, B.A.’96, passed away July 21,

Dec. 19, 2021. He served in leadership roles

2021. He worked as a foreman for

at NU for 38 years, first as administrative vice

Adirondack Beverage Inc., Scotia, N.Y.

president and dean of men in 1966. He later

Share Your News With Us! We’d love to know what’s new with you! Please use this form to submit your information for publication in the Eagle magazine. All information submitted for publication must be signed by the alum listed. Only information submitted on this form, via employers’ public relations departments, available in published articles, or emailed to Lisa McMahon, Eagle editor (lmcmahon@ niagara.edu) will be considered for publication. Mail form to: Lisa McMahon Office of Public Relations Niagara University, N.Y. 14109 We also encourage you to send photos along with your note. Digital photos should be taken at the camera’s highest quality setting and emailed to lmcmahon@niagara.edu with a brief description of the photo and the names and class years of the people in it.

George S. Ferrara Jr., M.S.Ed.’99, passed away

served as assistant to the president for alumni

Due to the volume of submissions received, we cannot guarantee publication of class notes or photos in the Eagle magazine.

Dec. 19, 2021. He spent the majority of his

relations. (See page 9 for more on his NU

Name (first, middle, maiden, married)

career teaching AP government and economics

legacy.)

worked as vice president for student affairs and

at Los Osos High School in Rancho Cucamonga,

Class of

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Career Notes/Retirement Update/ Community Service

Wedding Announcement Married to

NU Class of NU theatre students and faculty traveled to New York City in March to see some theatre and to attend a workshop at RWS Studios, a full-service, worldwide-production company. Alumni Joe Christopher, BFA’06, senior vice president of production; Kevin Kreczko, BFA’05, senior vice president of marketing and business development, Tarrah (Hirsch) Vedder, BFA’04, senior vice president of administration, and Ryan Murphy, BFA’04, vice president, production services and operations, welcomed the group, which toured the RWS office and studios and attended a Binder Casting master class, a design/tech portfolio review, and a Q&A with the RWS senior leadership team. “It was a pleasure having students from my alma mater in our offices and studio,” said Christopher. “Every time we have aspiring performers and technicians in studio, it reminds us why we do what we do every day and re-energizes our work. I wish these students all the best in their careers and can’t wait to see where their paths take them next.”

Date of wedding

birth/adoption Announcement Birth/Adoption DOB Baby’s Name ❏ Daughter ❏ Son

Spouse

NU Class of

EAGLE/SUMMER 2022

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