ECConnects Winter-Spring 2017 w/ annual report

A COMBINED PUBLICATION OF ECCONNECTS MAGAZINE AND THE 2016 FOUNDATION ANNUAL REPORT

WINTER/SPRING 2017

The Center for Nanotechnology Opened This Spring Read how an ECC alum designed this $5.75 million energy-efямБcient building and how another alum is senior project manager for the STEM building opening January 2018. See pages 10-13.

SPECIAL EDITION

2016 FOUNDATION ANNUAL REPORT

A COMBINED PUBLICATION OF ECCONNECTS MAGAZINE AND THE 2016 FOUNDATION ANNUAL REPORT

Table of Contents

Dear Friends: Welcome to our biannual edition of ECConnects. This issue also includes our Erie Community

ECC Foundation

College (ECC) Foundation 2016 Annual Report.

2

Letter from the Foundation Vice President

You are receiving our ECConnects because you are an important person to the ECC Foundation

3

Architectural Technology

member, college retiree, volunteer, vendor, government official or friend of the college, please know

4

Laptops for Nursing Students

that you are important to us. We want to keep you connected. We want to keep you engaged.

5

Soccer Teams Benefit

We want you to know how important you are to us and our ability to achieve our mission.

6

Key Bank & AAA Donations

7

Student Scholar

14

New Board Members

ECC Community College 8

President Jack Quinn Will Retire

8

SUNY Chancellor Honors Seven ECC Students

9

Meet Our Faculty

and Erie Community College. Whether you are a donor, alum, student or former student, staff

We are very excited to share this issue with you and some impressive people with ECC connections that make our community such a great place to live, work and raise our families. You can go almost anywhere in our community and be “touched” by a person who was “touched” by ECC. From restaurants to dental offices and beyond, ECC is providing the educational training for people to provide us the services we need.

And if that’s not all, as you will learn from our cover story, ECC also provides the initial education and training for individuals to design and build buildings. We couldn’t be more proud of our two alumni featured in this issue.

We hope you enjoy this issue of ECConnects and our Annual Report. But more importantly, we

ECC Alumni & Friends

hope you recognize just how important you are to us and the impact all of our ECC connections

10

Alums Build ECC’s Future

make as a whole on our community. For that, we say thank you.

13

Distinguished Alumni 2017

SPECIAL SECTION ECC Foundation Annual Report 2016 16 16 17 18 19

2

Letter from the Chair Board of Directors Support and Revenue, Expenses Assets and Liabilities Donors

Sincerely,

Jeff Bagel Vice President Foundation and Alumni Relations

Foundation

Architectural Technology Students Design & Fabricate Celebrate ECC Awards

With the help of professors James Ruggiero and Katherine

“It was great to review the diverse concepts that the students

Callesto, students from ECC’s Architectural Technology program at

came up with for this year’s award. It was hard to pick just one,”

our South Campus came together for a second year to design and

Stachewicz said when asked about his experience judging the

fabricate the awards given out to our Celebrate ECC honorees.

different designs. “My favorite part of the process was seeing that

In January, students divided into four groups and each came

the students evolved the design from both comments from the

up with very different and unique ideas for an award. Each group

review committee and slight modifications during the fabrication

was tasked with designing a piece that was durable, sustainable

process. I am sure that this year’s recipients will be proud to display

and cost-efficient. After creating sketches and models of their

the award. I would be!”

designs along with a prototype, each group presented to the award

For their hard work and class time, the ECC Foundation

selection committee, Jerry Sheldon ’75 (Construction Technology),

donated $500 to the Architectural Technology program, which is

Lenora B. Foote ’90 (Paralegal), Jim Stachewicz ’79 (Mechanical

being put towards the program’s scholarship.

Engineering), and Susan Swarts (ECC Foundation Board Member

“We love being able to give back to the Foundation while

and ECC Trustee). After a very tough and long deliberation, the

assisting our students’ in recognizing such amazing examples of

judges were able to choose a winner.

ECC’s success stories! The students are always incredibly engaged

Second-year students Aaron Crane, Cody Dehass, John

throughout the entire process from design through fabrication,”

DiPaolo, and Jeremy Newton created this year’s awards (pictured

Callesto said. “By learning about the award recipients, they realize

above) which were made from mahogany wood and stainless steel.

what amazing things are started with an ECC degree. This year the

Because of the intricacies of this design, the students received

students were dreaming of what their future Distinguished Alumni

support from professors Don Lee (Building Trades), Nate Witkowski

Award will look like. We are confident these students have big

(Industrial Technology), and Rich Dipronio (Autobody Repair) to pull

things ahead of them!”

it all together.

3

Foundation

ECC, BAK USA Team Provides 2-in-1 Laptops for College’s Nursing Students

By Michael Farrell Starting in the fall 2016 semester, students of SUNY Erie

Florence Meldrum endowment, established in 2011 to provide ECC

Community College’s Nursing Program now have a new way

nursing students with opportunities like these to thrive in their field of

to enhance their locally lauded training and learning outcomes:

study.”

interactive tablets from

A social enterprise and mobile computer company dedicated

City Campus neighbor,

to American standards of manufacturing, Bak USA partners with

Bak USA.

local agencies, Intel, and Microsoft to build accessible technologies,

Thanks to funds

empower local communities, and activate social prosperity. The

from its $1.1 million

local company’s mission is to extend technology to all in need, and

Florence Meldrum

recently announced doubling their production while adding staff

endowment, facilitation

within their downtown Buffalo footprint. Its expansion will enhance

via its fundraising-

the impact its operation can have on communities and educational

focused Foundation,

institutions throughout Western New York, including within the

and compatibility with

classrooms of ECC.

Buffalo-headquartered mobile computer manufacturer Bak USA, ECC is now providing Bak USA’s Atlas 12 at minimal cost to an

“We are very excited to partner with ECC to provide students with the technology they need to succeed in today’s learning

introductory cohort of 120 of the three-campus college’s nearly 400

environment,” said Bak

nursing students. Lightweight, operating on Microsoft’s Windows

USA President Ulla

10 and loaded with ExamSoft—a software platform that allows

Bak. “As Bak USA and

nursing schools to better manage testing, data tracking and student

ECC work together to

competencies—the 2-in-1 laptop computer will enhance students’

enhance education in our

in-class experience and course navigation while better training each

community, we hope to

for the professional opportunities now available across Western New

inspire similar relationships

York’s burgeoning medical industry.

between schools and

“This college has consistently proven itself as a leader in career-

businesses in our region,

focused training, and we’re always looking for ways to enhance this

our state, and across the

education for our students,” said ECC President Jack Quinn. “These

country.”

devices are absolutely an example of this commitment. We want

And for Bak’s first foray into working with Erie Community

our nursing students to be long-term assets for this community. This

College, aiding the school’s Nursing Program is a great place to

technology will better prepare them for these roles.”

start. It’s one of the school’s most popular concentrations, and

After equipping their first group of students with the Atlas 12,

one that successfully connects its students to medical positions

ECC’s Nursing Program plans to work with the ECC Foundation—

throughout the region. Graduates annually find employment as

whose scholarship-focused work helped to both establish and

registered nurses in hospitals, public health agencies, nursing

support this student-first initiative—provide another 90 tablets to its

homes, extended care facilities, home health care agencies,

second group in spring 2017. College officials hope to eventually

government health agencies, schools, military, law offices and other

provide all incoming students with devices in the coming semesters

health care facilities. Now, these grads will be entering professions

and, in conjunction with ongoing Foundation assistance, are eager to after enhanced training, thanks to innovative thinking by those within Erie Community College, its Foundation and its neighbors at Bak. do so with a rising regional partner in Bak USA. “The ECC Foundation’s mission is to fund innovative educational

“I am fortunate to be working with forward-thinking faculty and

initiatives, and we’re excited to be able to do so with Bak USA”

staff who exhibit a willingness to embrace new ways to improve,

said Jeffrey Bagel, ECC’s vice president of the college’s Foundation

implement and assess our student leaning outcomes,” said Dr.

and Alumni Relations. “This project was made possible through the

Patricia Losito, executive dean of Nursing at ECC. “Our partnership with Bak USA is a perfect blending of our missions.”

4

Foundation

ECC Foundation Scores With Soccer

Lancaster HS graduate Abbey Lombard, 1st Team WNYAC and 1st Team All Region drives toward the net during a game against Genesee Community College

“

The success of the 2016 ECC Men’s & Women’s Soccer teams can be directly related to the soccer field enhancements that

include a new fence and the custom team benches; and we are excited about the addition of a scoreboard for the 2017 season.

Today’s perspective student-athletes not only consider a sport program’s coaching staff and a college’s academic opportunities, it is very important to have comparable and competitive fields and facilities and our recent renovations to the south campus soccer game field will only help our soccer teams continue to attract outstanding local talent and to help the soccer Kats continue their Winning Ways. We are extremely grateful to the ECC Foundation for their financial assistance in this project and

”

are confident the ECC community will enjoy the benefits and successes of our soccer teams

Peter Jerebko Director of Athletics 5

Foundation

Key Bank & AAA: Investing in Student-Scholars The announcement featured a presentation of an oversized ceremonial $10,000 check from KeyBank Senior Vice President Ron Sutton, as well as comments from ECC officials and ECC student Darlene Colley, one of the scholarship recipients.

The ECC Foundation formally accepted a $10,000 donation toward scholarships from KeyBank when leadership officials from all entities gathered for a small ceremony outside ECC’s City Campus President’s Office on Monday, November 21.

“ECC and its students are a vital piece of the Western New York community. When we succeed, we all succeed,” said ECC President Jack Quinn. “As a local banking leader, KeyBank understands this, and its support of our students is a testament to its understanding of how important education is to the advancement of our region. Today’s donation will certainly help our students and our continuing educational mission.”

Slated to assist ECC student-scholars through the 2016-17 scholastic year—with four scholarships at $2,500 per, available to community service-focused applicants who are both New York State residents and boast a minimum GPA of 2.5—the KeyBank monies are another effort by the Cleveland, Ohio-headquartered financial institution to aid western New York’s community college students. Working with the ECC Foundation, KeyBank has now invested more than $40,000 in ECC student-scholars through scholarships.

“Scholarships often are the difference for a student to remain in school,” said Jeff Bagel, ECC’s vice president of the college’s Foundation and Alumni Relations. “KeyBank’s investment helps ensure that our students are provided the opportunity to excel in their pursuit of academic excellence. This impacts not only our students, but our entire community as well. Clearly, with KeyBank’s gift, everyone wins.”

6

Consistent with its commitment to automotive & traffic safety, AAA Western & Central New York has established scholarships at Erie Community College for automotive & police/law enforcement students. President & CEO Tony Spada (pictured left) presented a check to Rick Mason, ECC Foundation Chair & Jeff Bagel, VP, ECC Foundation & Alumni Relations at the February 2017 Foundation Board of Directors Meeting.

Foundation

Student-Scholar Ashanti Sheard '18

Persevering and facing adversity is something Hospitality Management & Culinary Arts student Ashanti Sheard has become accustomed to; Sheard, a 2000 graduate of Niagara Falls High School, came to ECC because she wanted to meet new people and believed it would lead to many opportunities for her personally and professionally.

She refers to herself as the poster child for ‘life happens.’

Sheard was a teen mom when she graduated high school and was the first person to graduate in her family. “I fought to graduate because I had my son and I wanted to show him something different.” Since 2001, Sheard has tried to continue her education while providing for her family; a college degree was something she dreamed of. Unfortunately, whenever she attempted to attend and focus on school an obstacle always occurred that caused her to alter her path. School was always a goal and something she never wanted to walk away from; eventually, she graduated from the Cheryl Fell’s School of Business in September 2015 with an Administrative Assistant/ Accounting diploma.

“I have learned that you can either choose to allow circumstances to hold you down and back, or you can allow them to be the stepping stones to move you closer to what you desire to do. You have to keep the mind-set that you may fall some times, but the important thing is to keep getting up, keep trying, and keep pushing forward.”

Sheard was hungry for more. Because of her passion for cooking and ECC’s diverse culture, she enrolled in the Culinary Arts program at the City campus. She credits the ECC Foundation for helping her afford college and concentrate on her studies. “Without these scholarships, I’d be paying for all of my schooling out of my own pocket,” she says. “I like that the Foundation is interactive and always very helpful. Each member of the staff is hands-on and resourceful. (They) care about us (the students).”

Sheard is a 2016-2017 and 2017-2018 recipient of the Norman D. Farmer Scholarship and a 2016-2017 recipient of

“I have learned that you can either choose to allow circumstances to hold you down and back, or you can allow them to be the stepping stones to move you closer to what you desire to do.”

-Ashanti Sheard '18

the Jason Pahl Memorial Scholarship. She plans to graduate in May 2018 and wants to open a catering business or teach classes to help youth in Niagara Falls learn how to grocery shop, plant and care for produce in a garden, and how to use fresh food to prepare a meal.

Sheard lives by a quote a fellow pastor told her “you can be knocked down, but you’re not knocked out. It’s not over until I win.”

7

CommunityCollege

ECC President Jack Quinn to Retire in June; Search Committee Active SUNY Erie Community College President Jack F. Quinn will retire

June 30, 2017. Quinn, a U.S. Congressman representing Buffalo

Under Chairman Murphy’s leadership, the college has retained

Wheless Partners as the search firm to assist in identifying and

from 1993-2005, presided over the 14,000 student, two-year college recruiting candidates for its next President. Wheless is a nationally since 2008. Quinn, 65, also taught and coached in the Orchard Park recognized firm practicing in Higher Education and will provide Central Schools, worked at the Bethlehem Steel plant and was on

professional guidance throughout this process. Leaders from

the Hamburg Town Council, serving as supervisor for nine years.

the firm have already spent multiple days on the ECC Campuses

“I’ve had a great career in public service and I’m proud of what

to engage college constituents including faculty, staff, alumni,

I’ve done serving the people and the students of Western New

students, community workforce employers, and trustees and has

York,” said Quinn.

also engaged constituents through multiple surveys as part of

Board of Trustees Chair Dennis Murphy ’79 said “Jack Quinn has done an outstanding job advocating for ECC, leading ECC, and adapting ECC to the burgeoning economic growth of Buffalo

the process to develop a profile for candidate identification and evaluation.

According to Murphy, a 19-member search committee has been

and Western New York.” Jack has always seen the big picture, set

formed and is working with Wheless Partners to identify and fully vet

up ECC for the future and driven the college forward each day. We

candidates that will be brought to the college board of trustees for

will miss his leadership, big humor and intimate knowledge of, and

consideration.

appreciation for, our community.

SUNY Honors Seven ECC Students with 2017 Chancellor’s Award Recognition Seven SUNY Erie Community College students were given the

The Chancellor’s Award for Student Excellence was created in

2017 SUNY Chancellor’s Award for Student Excellence on April 5

1997 to recognize students who have best demonstrated, and have

at the Empire State Plaza Convention Center in Albany, NY.

been recognized for, the integration of academic excellence with accomplishments in the areas of leadership, athletics, community service, creative and performing arts, campus involvement, or career

This year’s ECC students honored by SUNY Chancellor Nancy Zimpher are:

achievement. It is the highest honor bestowed upon a student by his or her SUNY college or university. This year, 256 students from 64 campuses received award recognition.

Yasir Ammar Alqaysi, Liberal Arts and Science Rachael Michelle Battles, Early Childhood I’Jaz Ja’ciel Eberhardt, Liberal Arts/Humanities Robert F. Flynn, Liberal Arts/Humanities Evan Daniel Gestwick, Liberal Arts/Social Science Neal Thomas McCallum, Business Administration Hibbah Mojawalla, Liberal Arts and Science/ Childhood Education

“It is my honor to celebrate the achievements of students who have surpassed SUNY’s highest standards of academic excellence and leadership both on and off campus,” said SUNY Chancellor Zimpher. “Every student we recognize today has demonstrated a strong commitment to their degree program, home campus, greater community, and much more. Congratulations to all of the students receiving this year’s award.”

Each year, campus presidents establish a selection committee, which reviews exemplary students. Nominees are then forwarded to the Chancellor’s Office and are subject to a second round of review. Finalists are then recommended to the Chancellor to become recipients of the award. Each recipient receives a framed certificate and medallion, worn at commencement at Buffalo State College on May 17 where these students will once again be recognized.

8

CommunityCollege

Meet our Faculty - Dr. Patricia M. Losito, Executive Dean of Nursing You’ll see many ECC Nursing alumni throughout the various hospitals, clinics, and doctor’s offices in the Western New York area. Our strong Nursing program couldn’t be where it is without our faculty and staff, especially the

Q: Running a very popular program at two different campuses is a lot of hard work. What drives you?

A: The community. We want to provide the best possible nurses in our community. Our faculty and staff have the same goal.

Q: What do you recognize most from/about ECC Nursing alumni?

program’s director. Meet Dr. Patricia

A: What’s wonderful is when the faculty and students are out in

M. Losito, ECC’s Executive Dean of

clinical and (alumni) embrace our students. They are wonderful role

Nursing.

models for our current nursing students. Plus, their willingness to

Her career began at ECC as a

take on a nursing student or to bring a nursing student into their fold

nursing faculty member after working

on the floor. They’re always warm and inviting to our students. That’s

in the field as a staff nurse and nurse

the biggest thing. I think they are just wonderful role models for our

practitioner for several years.

students.

While under Patti’s leadership, ECC’s nursing department continues to be innovative through

Q: What is new in the field right now?

A: I think a lot of it is technology. There is a great deal of it and the ability for our students to be on the front line with the technology

various partnerships. As seen on page 4, one of the most recent

is important. That goes back to the Bak USA partnership (see

partnerships is with Bak USA.

page 4), really because everything in the hospitals now is electronic

Patti holds a BSN from D’Youville College; Masters in Nursing

medical records (EMR) and the ability to fluctuate between one EMR

and Adult Nurse Practitioner from Syracuse University and

and another EMR. And that’s the beauty of ECC, too, because the

completed her Doctorate in Education at D’Youville College.

students go into different facilities so they are using the different EMR systems. I also think that what we’ve really honed in on here is the importance of the humanistic side (of nursing). It’s important to

Q: You became department chair in 2010 and eventually Executive Dean. What made you want to lead the program?

A: I saw opportunity for the department (of Nursing). I am proactive in change; I love change and innovation, and with nursing, it changes all the time and we have to keep pace with it. There was opportunity for change and I think the timing was perfect. I love nursing, I love education, and it just seemed like the perfect fit to bring ideas forward.

Q: The program was just recognized as one of New York State’s best – and tops in Erie and Niagara counties – by

have that evidence-based practice; we talk about evidence-based practice and the students are learning more and more about that, but we also focus on the human side of it. It’s easy to get caught up in the electronic age of it, but we always have to remember what nursing is – it’s the humanistic side – and I think that’s a real strong goal of ours.

Q: What words of encouragement do you have for someone whose passion is to be a nurse or work in the health field?

A: Come to one of our “jump-starts” before you take a class.

vocational website RegisteredNursing.org. What do you credit We pride ourselves in that we do offer the “jump-start your nursing career” the third Saturday of every month and it really provides an to the Nursing Program’s continued success?

A: Absolutely our faculty and all of the staff.

Q: What sets ECC’s Nursing program apart from others?

A: I don’t think it’s just our program, I think it’s ECC. ECC is a wonderful place for students to start. It is cost effective, the transfer ability of our nursing students, and our curriculum, the coursework that they take prior to and while in nursing, provides opportunities for students to continue their education. I really attribute the costeffectiveness and our board scores. I think that is why we continue to be successful.

overview of nursing. We go through what is expected and what to expect. It helps students to realize if it’s really for them. The

other thing is we have a very open door policy here in the nursing department. Students come in and they seek advisement, and we recommend that. Students are always welcome. The biggest thing is to be proactive and to do your own self-assessment because this is your educational journey and what you’re going to need in order to be successful may be something different than what somebody else needs.

9

Alumni&Friends

Alums Frank Burkhart '07, and Al Waziak '97 Build ECC’s Future

By Michael Farrell SUNY Erie Community College boasts more than 70,000 alums in the Buffalo Niagara region. Many have had an impact on the college since their graduation, and more are vocal advocates for ECC’s benefits for students looking to start or restart a careerfocused education.

But in the case of alums Frank Burkhart ‘07 and Al Waziak ‘97, they’re helping to build the college’s academic future with the hand-on training they acquired at ECC. For Burkhart, the ‘07 Business Administration grad and Riverside native operates Advanced Architecture, whose design work produced ECC’s recently opened Center for Nanotechnology Studies at North Campus. The $5.75 million energy-efficient building—officially opened for the Spring 2017 semester—was conceived in partnership with industry experts at Penn State University, and now houses the college’s Nanotechnology AAS degree program. The space ushered forth by Burkhart’s company is now preparing students for career opportunities in burgeoning Western New York fields such as semiconductor manufacturing, biotechnology and environmental science, working within exciting local developments like the Buffalo Niagara Medical Campus, SolarCity/Panasonic’s massive RiverBend site and the WNY Science and Technology Advanced Manufacturing Park.

“Buffalo and Western New York are on the precipice of finally turning the page on our Rust Belt economy,” said Burkhart, who

Frank Burkhart '07 architect for the new nanotechnology building on the north campus and Jack Quinn, President. Below, lab in nanotechnology building.

earned a B.S. in Architecture from University at Buffalo after his time at ECC. “Having a high-tech program like Nanotechnology in our community college says a lot about where Western New York is going, and a lot more about where ECC is going.”

The Center for Nanotechnology Studies provides approximately 6,100 square feet of new learning space; $1.5 million in fabrication and characterization equipment; network capabilities through the Remote Access Instruments for Nanotechnology (RAIN) network to collaborate training with students across the country; and New York State’s only community college-hosted clean room for manipulating particles within an advanced manufacturing process.

It’s a tremendous asset for both the college and its nearby communities. But for Burkhart, his path to involvement in such a project was ultimately enabled by his time at ECC.

“What stands out from my time at ECC was, as I advanced with my education, I became more confident that I could get good grades at the college level, ECC gave me the confidence that I can succeed, and it ultimately steered me toward my architecture degree.”

10

-Frank Burkhart '07

Alumni&Friends

The new energy-efficient Nanotechnology opened this spring. The building was funded primarily through NYSUNY’s 2020 Challenge Grant Programand will house ECC’s Nanotechnology AAS degree program. The space was designed to help prepare students for career opportunities in burgeoning Western New York fields such as semiconductor manufacturing, biotechnology and environmental science.

“What stands out from my time at ECC was, as I advanced with my education, I became more confident that I could get good grades at the college level,” said Burkhart. “It gave me the confidence that I can succeed, and it ultimately steered me toward my architecture degree.”

The same is true for Waziak. The Buffalo native earned his A.A.S. in Civil Engineering from ECC in 1997. Balancing classes with a full-time gig in the construction industry, the now senior project manager for Turner Construction credits his community college education for putting him on his current career path.

“This is what changed my life,” said Waziak, who now lives in Auburn. “Since I already had the benefit of knowing construction, I was immediately convinced that ECC would provide the appropriate education for me. The courses provided the correct amount of theoretical basis, but most importantly, the instructors had experience in the industry. They were able to provide real life experiences and correlations to what happens in real life situations. There is nothing more valuable than to understand how what is being taught to you today will relate to what you do in the future.”

Above, archtechtural rendering of STEM building. Below, Al Waziak '97, senior project manager for Turner Construction at STEM construction site. The STEM building is scheduled to open January 2018.

(continued) 11

Alumni&Friends Thankfully, this future includes Waziak’s work on ECC’s

and international leading

forthcoming STEM Academic Center, scheduled to open in Spring

company and progress

of 2018. The $30 million state-, county- and college-funded project

to a management level,”

will provide approximately 57,000 square feet of new facility space

said Waziak. “There is no

for labs, prep rooms and support spaces for ECC programs

doubt that the quality of

focused on science, technology, engineering, and math, as well as

education that I received at

shared instructional spaces, collaborative study spaces, a tutoring

ECC has contributed to my

center and faculty offices. More than half of ECC’s programs

advancement. Every day, I

leading to an associate degree are in STEM fields, allowing the

have used the teachings in

state-of-the-art facility to both accommodate students and aid a

dealing with my construction

variety of growing Western New York employment fields.

projects.”

“I believe that this project does not only contribute to my alma

Both Burkhart and Waziak are shining examples of how alums

mater, but creates the focal point of the campus that will provide

are using their career-oriented education to have a tangible impact

opportunities for the students,” said Waziak, one of multiple ECC

on their alma mater. It is full-circle contribution at its finest. And

alums with either Turner or Kideney Architects on the STEM

with their involvement in spearheading two major North Campus

development. “The college is being proactive in its approach for the

projects, their work will have a tremendous effect on the direction

future by continuing to grow with a technological outlook.”

of ECC, its students—and the communities both impact.

This industry focus will allow the new building to house students

“My hope is that the Nanotechnology project, combined with

eager to a job market due to lose 20 percent of its Baby Boomer-

the STEM project, will be cornerstones on which the college can

aged workforce in the coming years; and allow the college to

build an educational program that’s not simply an extension of a

be more competitive for prospective students looking for career

high school education,” said Burkhart, “but a jumping-off point for

training in fields determined as projected economic growth

students who want to go on to more intensive studies that can

sectors by the New York Department of Labor. According to

take them anywhere they want to go.”

Waziak, the project is another example of Turner Construction supporting technological advancement and, in a larger sense, the advancement of the Buffalo Niagara region. But for the ECC alum, it’s another example of how his community college education set his current successful trajectory in motion.

“The long story short is that due to my education from ECC, I [gained] the opportunity to get a job with a national

“I believe that this project creates a focal point for the campus that will provide opportunities for the students. The college is being proactive in its approach for the future by continuing to grow with a technological outlook.”

12

-Al Waziak '97

Images from the soon to be completed STEM building

Alumni&Friends

On March 9, the ECC Foundation honored nine individuals and two organizations at Celebrate ECC for their remarkable accomplishments and contributions to ECC and the Western New York community.

More than 300 attendees gathered in the City Campus’ picturesque historic atrium including past distinguished alumni, past Celebrate ECC honorees, ECC alumni, faculty, staff & students, along with community partners and supporters.

“Serving as co-chair of Celebrate ECC was awesome! It gave me a chance to interact with current students (the awards selection process – see page 3), meet alumni who are doing amazing things in the WNY community, and experience the excitement of recognizing graduates who embody the spirit and mission of ECC” co-chair Lenora B. Foote ’90 said. “The gala was a complete success. The Culinary Arts students did an amazing job, and I love how we are able to incorporate their talents and skills in the event.”

Thanks to our sponsors, alumni, faculty and friends who supported the event, we raised almost $50,000 that will impact future students and educational initiatives at the college. A special thank you to National Grid as our presenting sponsor, co-chairs Lenora B. Foote ’90 and Susan Swarts, and ECC’s Hospitality Management & Culinary Arts programs who go above-and-beyond to ensure the success of this event each year.

For photos from the event please visit our Facebook (facebook.com/sunyeccalumni) and Flickr accounts (flickr.com/photos/ecc-

Congratulations to our awardees: 2017 Distinguished Alumni Mark Gaulin '79 Business Administration Vice President/Owner Personal Computers Inc. David Shenk '90 Liberal Arts & Science Director, Erie County Veterans Service Agency Laurie Flury '04 Nursing Adult Nurse Practitioner Roswell Park Cancer Institute TheArthur Duncan '06 Liberal Arts & Science Attorney, Law Office of TheArthur A. Duncan Janine Viglietti '06 Mathematics Assistant Professor, Mathematics Buffalo State College

Kristin Minervini '07 Office Management & Administration Director of Human Resources, Empower Distinguished Alumni Employee Award Jim Bierl '83 Respiratory Care Professor/Department Head Respiratory Care Program Erie Community College Louis J. Billittier Honorary Alumni Award Anthony Nesci Retired Director, Buildings & Grounds Erie Community College 2017 Foundation Award The Statler Foundation 2017 President’s Award GEICO 2017 Community Impact Award Colleen DiPirro President & CEO Amherst Chamber of Commerce

foundation).

13

Foundation

Welcomes New Board Members Thomas Baker

Tom Baker is Vice President of

Business Development at Sandhill Investment Management. Tom was recruited to join the Foundation Board of Directors to co-chair its investment committee and help increase the endowment.

Lenora Foote '90

Lenora Foote ’90 is the Executive Assistant to

Presiding Justice Gerald J. Whalen. We welcome our 2016 Distinguished Alumni to the board as co-chair of Celebrate ECC and as an advocate for student learning. Lenora has already spoken at college recruiting events and to students about the benefits of staying in school and earning an education.

Mark Gaulin '79

Mark Gaulin ’79 is Vice President and Owner of

Personal Computers, Inc. Mark, a 2017 Distinguished Alum, recently became a board member and immediately began mentoring students, speaking at student events and joining the Golf & Tennis Classic Committee.

14

Foundation Annual Report 2016

15

Foundation Annual Report 2016 From the Chairman Dear Friends: The Erie Community College Foundation impacts students’ lives daily. It can be through providing a scholarship, investing in areas of academic excellence or supporting the college’s strategic initiatives with philanthropic support and guidance.

We invest in our alumni and former students by providing professional development, connections and social interaction.

The ECC Foundation has increased its assets more than 200 percent in the last five years. We are proud of our growth and in turn, the additional resources we are able to provide to students and the college. But our job is not nearly complete. The outstanding staff and board of directors work tirelessly every day to connect our alumni, donors and friends to the institution. We recognize our strength is greater in numbers and greater when we all work toward the same outcome. We do not walk this path alone but rather in tandem with you.

On behalf of the Board of Directors of the Erie Community College and the Foundation staff, I’d like to thank you for support this year and encourage you to read our 2016 Annual Report on the following pages.

Rick Mason Chairman Board of Directors

ECC Foundation Board of Directors Officers Richard Mason Chair John Schiavone, CPA Vice Chair Robert E. Pollock Treasurer Cynthia Schwartz Secretary Michael J. Flanagan Vice President Camille P. Wicher, Esq., PhD Vice President Mark L. Martin Immediate Past Chair

Members JP Folsgaard Bak, Esq. Thomas Baker William R. Basile Dennis W. Elsenbeck Lenora Foote '90 Mark Gaulin '79 Paul A. Lamanna Gregory P. Miller, Esq. Anthony J. Picone '65 Christopher Sansone '93 Thomas W. Schratz, Sr. '72 Susan Swarts Thurman Thomas VP, Foundation & Alumni Relations Jeffrey Bagel, CFRE Ex Officio President, Erie Community College Jack Quinn Ex Officio

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“

I am involved with the Foundation because I am a graduate and appreciate the education I received and completely support the model of

”

education that ECC provides.

– Mark Gaulin'79

“

The education provided by ECC is vital to our community. By being involved in the Foundation I feel that I am contributing to the betterment of the organization and the betterment of our community.

– Robert Pollock

”

“

As a graduate of ECC, I experienced firsthand the many benefits of an ECC education.

I hope in a small way, my involvement with the

”

Foundation can assist ECC in moving forward.

– Thomas Schratz '72

Foundation Annual Report 2016 Support and Revenue

2015 2016

Contributions

$ 424,046

$ 424,585

Program Service Revenue

$

$

Special Events

$ 146,002

$ 174,951

Support from Erie Community College

$ 224,074

$ 266,467

Admin & Mgt. fees

$

$

Interest & Dividends

$ 170,345

67,808

23,784

38,241

31,884

$ 127,232

Expenses

2015 2016

Programs

$ 493,123

$ 450,597

Fundraising

$

$

Administration

$ 286,599

44,770

67,415

$ 317,629

Source: Audited Financial Statements Fiscal Year: September 1 - August 31

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Foundation Annual Report 2016 Assets 2016 Cash & Cash Equivalents

$

731,304

Accounts Receivable

$

7,290

Unconditional Promises to Give

$

160,557

Investments

$ 4,101,328

TOTAL

$ 5,000,479

Liabilities 2016 Accounts Payable & Accured Liabilities

$

3,475

Obligations Under Remainder Trust

$ 162,432

TOTAL

$ 165,907

Net Assets 2016 Unrestricted

$ 1,293,231

Temporarily Restricted

$ 1,597,370

Permanently Restricted

$ 1,943,971

TOTAL

$ 4,834,572

Source: Audited Financial Statements As of August 31, 2016

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Foundation Annual Report 2016

Our donors from 9/1/2015-8/31/2016. Every effort is made to be accurate. If you believe there is an error or omission, please contact Chris Gengo at 716.851.1992 or fcongengo@ecc.edu

Thank You to Our Donors $50 to $99 Ms. Margaret Alessi Ms. Lisa Aragona Mr. John Ballow Mr. Bruce Bauer Mr. Daniel Bieger Ms. Barbara Bohlen Mr. & Mrs. Michael Boling Ms. Diane Borowski Mrs. Mary Bubel Ms. Pamela Buehler Mr. Dean Castren Ms. Joan Castro Mr. Michael Catalano, OFS Ms. Kristen Chenelly Mr. George Collins Ms. Lynn Conway Mr. Charles Danzi Mr. Richard Delo Mr. Martin Denecke Ms. Lisa Dicioccio Ms. Ethel Dipaolo Ms. Colleen Doll Ms. Linda Drabik Ms. Barbara Eismann Ms. Nora Carroll Elliott Mr. Perry Figliotti Mr. Raymond Fisher Mr. & Mrs. Kathleen and Brian Freier Ms. Linda Gallagher Dr. Marcia Gellin Ms. Kathy Haney Mr. Jeremy Harrison Mr. Daniel Haymes Mr. & Mrs. David Hoch Ms. Kristine Hoffmeister Ms. Jean Izard Ms. Marguerite Kaczor Mr. Robert Keating Ms. Margaret Kennedy Mr. Michael Kennedy Ms. Michelle Kerr Mr. Dennis Kessler Ms. Sandra Knight Mr. Thomas Kreuder Mr. John Laluk Ms. Dulcy Lecour Mr. Michael Leone Ms. Regina Lettieri Mr. John Leuthe Ms. Barbara Lewandowski Ms. Amy Lill Mr. Stuart Ludwig Mr. Christopher Maugans Mr. Ross McIntyre Mr. Paul McKinnon Mr. James Miller Ms. Patricia Mulligan Ms. Amy Murphy Ms. Susan M Nardozzi Ms. Sylvia Nascimben Network For Good Ms. Jacqueline Paterniti

Ms. Jean Penny Mrs. Danis Piedad Mr. Bruno Pistrin Mr. Jeffrey Renzo Mrs. Winifred Richman Ms. Clarissa Ross Mr. Ward Ruoff Ms. Janet Rusinski Ms. Deborah Schmitt Ms. Marie Schmitz Mr. Bradley Schreiber Mr. Mark Schroeder Ms. Jo Schweitzer Mrs. Judy Silver Mr. John Slisz Mr. Donald Spasiano Ms. Barbara Springer Mr. Carl Stokes Mr. James Stranz Dr. Gary Swistak Mr. Mark Tartaro Mr. & Mrs. Bradley Tichenor Ms. Patricia Ulrich Mr. K William Velia Ms. Janet Vieau Mr. and Mrs. Henry Vitale Mr. Thomas Warren Mr. James Wasmund Mr. Dennis Webber Mr. & Mrs. Marty Weinberger Mr. Michael Weremblewski Mr. Robert Whithed Ms. Brenda Yamin Mr. Robert Zaffram Mr. Morris Ziehm $100 to $499 Ms. Janet Acara Ms. Betty Allen Ms. Joan Amico Mr. Lloyd Arakelian Mr. Neil Arnold Ms. Dorothy Askin Mr. Ronald Bagel Dr. Kenneth Barnes Mr. Derek Bateman Ms. Debra Battistella Mr. Ray Bednarski Dr. Howard Benatovich Dr. Gerald Berkowitz Ms. Robin Bobowicz Mr. Clifford Boncore Mr. John Brennan Dr. Peter Briechle Ms. Sally Bueno Ms. Janine Burton Ms. Carol Buscaglia Ms. Sabrina Caine Mr. Anthony Calandra Ms. Courtney Cameron Ms. Cam Carson Mr. Joseph Chojnacki Dr. Terence Clark Mr. Paul Creighton

Ms. Melissa Day Ms. Rowena DePerio Mr. & Mrs. Eugene Diakowsky Mr. Richard Dixon Mr. Kenneth Donaldson Mr. Frank Dulak Dr. John Eagan Eastcoast Group, LLC Mr. Mark Elevich Mr. Fabio Escobar Dr. Francis Evans Mr. John Foley The Honorable Lenora Foote Mr. Albert Frisina Ms. Mary Garlick Roll Ms. Lynn Gates Mr. James Geary Mr. Christopher Gengo Mr. John Godert Mr. Mark Goldman Mr. Joseph Gonter Mrs. Joy Goudie Ms Colleen Hannen Ms. Barbara Hapeman Mr. Gillard Harrity Mr. Edward Hempling Mr. Daniel Herbeck Ms. Joyce Hetzel Ms. Kathy Hoffman Mr. Paul Holdaway Ms. Marjorie Holland HSBC Philanthropic Programs Mr. Henry Humphreys Ms. Jane Hurley Dr. Marsha Jackson Mr. Peter Jerebko Mr. Carlton Jewitt Ms. Dorothy Johnston Ms. Annette Kajtoch Ms. Kathleen Kennedy Ms. Louise Kieffer Ms. Luanne Kingston Ms. Kristin Klein Wheaton Mr. Stanley Krasinski Mr. James Kraus Mr. Robert Kulczyk Ms. Patricia Lanz Mr. Mark Libassi Mr. & Mrs. Daniel Lill Ms. Jennifer Limer Mr. Charles Lipp Mr. Kevin LoVullo Mr. Adolph Lustenberger Ms. Phyllis MacCameron Mr. James Machtel Ms. Karen Maloney Mr. Richard March Mr. Mark Martin Mr. Richard Mason Mr. Anthony Mauro Mr. Matthew Meier Ms. Lynette Meslinsky Mr. Steve Mullen

Northtown Automotive Companies Mr. & Mrs. Dan Omahen Ms. Mary Beth Orrange Dr. Wayne O’Sullivan Ms. Judith Overs Mr. Benjamin Packer Pahl Associates Marketing/ Communications Mr. Brian Perry Mr. Robert Pollock Ms. Evelyn Post-Dunn Mr. William Prosser Ms. Elizabeth Pujolas Mrs. Anna Reid Mr. Leland Reid Ms. Hope Rektorik Mr. & Mrs. Norm & Diane Reynolds Ms. Josephine Riso Mr. Luis Rodriguez Ms. Cheryl Rogowski Mr. Daniel Rypysc Dr. & Mrs. Richard Schillinger Mr. Mark Sewhuk Mr. Gerard Sheldon Mr. John Sherman Skrobacz & Company, CPA Dr. Joseph Sowinski Mr. Franklin Spina LTD St. Lawrence Business Consultants Ms. Pamela Stachowski Ms. Lynda Stephens Ms. Suzanne Stucker Ms. Susan Swarts Mr. Robert Szynkowski Mr. William Tate Mr. & Mrs. Tim & Colleen Tevens Mr. Earl Timm Dr. William Tobin United Way of Buffalo & Erie County Ms. Audrey Vernon Ms. Mary Vrenna Ms. Sandra Wagner Dr. Richard Waterstrat Mr. Christopher Watson Mr. & Mrs. Lynn Weaver Weldrite Mr. & Mrs. Robert Yalowich Mr. Julius Zebehazy Dr. Kenneth Zieminski $500 to $999 Mr. John Alofs Mr. & Mrs. Jeff & Maryalice Bagel Dr. Timothy Callan CC Products, Inc Ms. Mary Clancy Mr. Kenneth Duke Mr. John Elmore Mr. Michael Flanagan

Mrs. Moira Goldfarb Luxottica Retail Mr. Frank Marracino Mr. Douglas McLeod Mr. Erikson Neilans Optician Society & Training of WNY, Inc PremCom Corporation Ms. Carol Reis Mr. John Schiavone Mr. Thomas Schratz Mr. Mark Stachowski Ms. Rebecca Stock Western Association of Sanitarians Dr. Camille Wicher-Herlovitch Ms. Darley Willis Winning Smiles Pediatric Dentistry, PLLC $1,000 to $4,999 ASM Int’l Buffalo Chapter Confrerie De La Chaine Des Rotisseurs Foundation Mr. John Danna Ellicott Development Co. Fidelity Charitable Gift Fund KeyBank National Assoc.

Trust Division Ms. Louise Kowalski Mr. & Mrs. Richard Penfold Picone Construction Corporation Mrs. Cynthia Schwartz Mr. Paul Stenzel SUNY Empire Div Honors Scholarship Try-It Distributing Co., Inc. Mr. John Wright, RDH/Wright Smiles Pediatric Denistry $5,000+ Anonymous Mr. Scott Bieler Ms. Myra Conley M&T Charitable Foundation Patrick P. Lee Foundation Scott Electric Foundation, Inc. The Statler Foundation West Herr Auto Group In-Kind Donations Northtown Automotive Companies Ford Motor Company Mr. Robert Murdock/ Transitowne Used Cars of Clarence Spectrum Dental Laboratory Transitowne CJDR of West Seneca West Herr Automotive Group West Herr Dodge, LLC

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For information visit: www.ecc.edu/annual-classic or call 716.851.1999 To register contact: Stephanie King Director of Alumni Relations kings@ecc.edu 11:00 AM Registration/Lunch 12:30 PM Shotgun Start

Save the Date Monday, June 19, 2017

Brookfield Country Club Clarence, New York

Connecting Alumni, Former Students, and Friends