Medaille BUFFALO • AMHERST • ROCHESTER SUMMER 2010
SPOTLIGHT ON ENTREPRENEURS
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From a desk in the desert of Arizona to the cold freezer cases of North Tonawanda, our graduates make a difference in their communities through an entrepreneurial spirit. Inside we focus on several of Medaille’s student and alumni efforts.
College News | 4 Founders’ Day | 14 Commencement | 12 Sports Round Up | 30
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Reflection Message from the
PRESIDENT When President Obama visited Buffalo in May, he talked about how “America’s small business owners . . . have always been the backbone of America’s economy. These entrepreneurial pioneers embody the spirit of possibility, the tireless work ethic, and the simple hope for something better that lies in the heart of the American ideal.”
College Relations Staff Editor Kara Kane Director of Communications Designer Lisa Murphy Publications Vice President for Paula R. Valente College Relations Administrative Gwyn Beyer Assistant College Relations Summer (Gemmati) Handzlik Associate ’08 MC Webmaster Joe Flateau Director of Sara Mobilia Fluskey Major Gifts Manager of Kristin Majeroni Alumni Relations Director of Vicki Ward Advancement Services
Contributors Shawn Arrajj ’10 MC Brianna Broad ’11 MC Amanda Collins ’ 96 CYS Megan Fitzgerald ’10 MC Chris Musial ’11 MC James Witherow ’09 MC Photography and Art Joe Cascio Clark Dever Yesenia Garcia-Key ’09 MBA Leah Feroleto Joe Flateau Sara Mobilia Fluskey Kara Kane Jim McCoy Medaille Athletics Dr. Norman Muir Lisa Murphy Chris Ripley ’12 EDU
(716) 880-2000 (800) 292-1582 Amherst | (716) 631-1061 Rochester | (585) 272-0030 www.medaille.edu and alumni.medaille.edu
Vibrant organizations are constantly cycling through periods of change and growth, and Medaille is no exception. In the past year, Medaille has taken steps to embrace a path of sustainable development. Together with new academic programs at each campus, we will provide online programs in fields that are in demand – and poised for growth. And we will expand even further, with dual-degree programs approved to be offered in Asia, and Asian students who will travel to Buffalo for study. When viewed in combination with the capital investments – such as the Fourth Floor Academic Commons and the planned Student Success Center – the path ahead for Medaille is bright, indeed. In the following pages you will find stories of Medaille alumni and students who have taken their dreams and made them come true - real entrepreneurs who reflect boundless “spirit of possibility”.
Richard T. Jurasek, Ph.D. President, Medaille College
Board of Trustees Charles E. Moran Jr. Chair
Andrés Garcia ‘82 Assistant Secretary
Stuart H. Angert Vice Chair
Michael K. Walsh Treasurer
Juanita K. Hunter, Ed.D. Secretary
Stephen L. Cicchinelli ‘98 Peter J. Freyburger, DVM Horace A. Gioia, Esq. Robert S. Graber ‘96 Ellen E. Grant, Ph.D. Richard T. Jurasek, Ph.D. President, Medaille College Margaret Kafka ‘90
James R. Kaskie William H. Pearce Jr. Heidi A. Raphael ’85 Robert L. Stevenson Robby Takac ‘86 Rocco Termini Donald Tomasulo ‘79*
*Ex officio, President of Medaille College Buffalo Alumni Association Board
The Medaille College Magazine brings news, events and campus updates to alumni, students, employees and friends of Medaille College. Address changes, comments, article and photo submissions, and alumni information should be directed to the Editor, c/o the College Relations Office, Medaille College, 18 Agassiz Circle, Buffalo, NY 14214 or kara.m.kane@medaille.edu.
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Table OF CONTENTS
TABLE OF
CONTENTS ENTREPRENEURIAL STUDENTS & ALUMS
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At the heart of any new enterprise lies an individual who is a planner, a dreamer, a goal setter, a risk taker, and a cheerleaderin-chief. Discover how Medaille alumni and students have taken ideas and given them life within existing markets and uncharted fields.
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College News
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Expansion marks the summaries of news from our three campuses, with Oishei Foundation support for Project EQUIP, plans for growth in the Asian region, and continuing work with community partners.
Lauren Dunkle ’12 is just one of the twenty-threeTrue Blue andGoldLeadershipstudents who are helping renovate a house on the East Side.
Commencement 2010 CEREMONIES Graduation signals the passage into a new era of life and careers. The Class of 2010 took a step into their collective futures with the May 21 ceremonies at Kleinhans Music Hall.
u Check out how pitcher Devin Reschke ‘10 and the baseball team, as well as the rest of Medaille’s athletic teams, finished this season on pages 31-35.
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Sports ROUND UP
For a decade, Medaille’s athletics department worked to build strong and vibrant team programs. As the 2009-2010 season proved, the Mavericks have become a forceful player on the national and regional scenes.
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College News
The expansion of Community 101 across four years is now encompassed in Project EQUIP, a new program funded in part by the Oishei Foundation. Students will contribute to Buffalo’s social and economic renewal.
ishei Foundation provides $400,000 grant in support of Project EQUIP
By Shawn Arrajj ’10 MC
Joe Flateau photo
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On Wednesday, February 17, the face of Medaille College’s undergraduate program at the Buffalo campus changed profoundly. On this day it was announced that The John R. Oishei Foundation will provide the school with a $400,000 grant over three years to support Project EQUIP, an integrated learning sequence that embeds community-based, experiential learning with academic studies to help undergraduate students develop the skills they need in the 21st century. The grant enables the College to expand the program beyond the Community 101 projects in which current freshmen are involved. “What we hope to do is continue to make those projects more challenging, give students more opportunities to get out into the community and be involved, and really provide the faculty and staff at the college with the kind of professional development that will help them to integrate this community-based learning into their courses,” says Dr. Brad Hollingshead, associate dean for foundational learning and assessment. According to Dr. Hollingshead, Project EQUIP (Explore, Question, Understand, Involve, Produce),
was developed from lessons learned through Medaille’s learning community initiatives. It is a four-year learning sequence that will become the new learning structure for all incoming students. “Some of the money is going to continue to enhance the first-year experience, but the bulk of that money is going to build out the sequence in the sophomore, junior and senior years,” he says. “This is really an effort to take the next logical step in improving the undergraduate experience.” Medaille submitted a proposal to The Oishei Foundation on November 19, 2009, which was approved on February 2, 2010. In the letter accepting Medaille’s proposal, the directors of the foundation noted that they were “impressed with the commitment that Medaille College is making not only to its students but to the wider community though this deeply engaging and collaborative model.” According to Dr. Hollingshead, assessments of the existing learning communities at Medaille found that students involved demonstrated improvements in terms of persistence and success. “The students who participated in learning communities earned about a half a grade higher in terms of overall GPA compared to when they were not participating,” he says.
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College News
uuu Alan Bigelow, Ph.D. Professor of Humanities
“One of the major purposes of the learning communities is to offer students an opportunity to interact with the Western New York community,” says Alan Bigelow, Ph.D. “In my classes, students wrote a series of research papers on topics including Attica prison, Love Canal, Wegmans, the Zebra mussel problem in Lake Erie, the Buffalo Zoo, the Mayoral race, and the Science Museum. They are venturing out into the community, a community which some of them were born in, and others are seeing for the first time.”
Students explore path of the underground railroad
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PROJECT EQUIP The program extends over the entire curriculum for four years.
u Explore your community
A first-semester learning community for all freshmen combines introductory courses in writing and critical thinking, helping students build a foundation for connecting their academic learning to real-world problem solving through Community 101 projects.
u Question your role
A second-semester learning community for all freshmen combines an analytical writing course (ENG 200) and a course in cross-cultural communication (GEN 220), preparing students to have a positive impact on their communities by understanding self and others.
u Understand your academic discipline
A sophomore course in the student’s major considers the potential of the discipline and its methodology to contribute to a civic and sustainable future.
u Involve yourself
An internship, preceptorship, student teaching placement, or service learning project demonstrates prior learning about one’s role in the community and makes a worthwhile contribution.
u Produce new knowledge
Several years ago, Dr. Ted Pelton, professor of humanities, wrote an article for Buffalo Spree magazine on the underground railroad in Buffalo and Western New York. He met Kevin Cottrell, who runs Motherland Connextions, which conducts underground railroad tours. Ever since, Dr. Pelton had wanted to take the tour. He connected it with his “Freedom & Enslavement” themed learning community and took a group of students on the tour as well.
A senior capstone course in the student’s major assesses disciplinary understanding and contributes to a civic and sustainable future by producing new knowledge or solving a real world problem.
“As students connect to the story and the institutions of Buffalo, their creative energies and talents, as well as those of their teachers, are brought to bear on important local issues,” explains Dr. Brad Hollingshead.
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College News
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Sport Management Students Go... Behind the Scenes
Dr. Jurasek and Medaille “Say Yes” to Higher Education Access President Richard T. Jurasek participated in the White House sponsored Middle Class Task Force Forum on higher education access and affordability held at Syracuse University in September 2009. Also in attendance were U.S. Vice President Joseph Biden, U.S. Secretary of Treasury Timothy Geithner, U.S. Secretary of Education Arne Duncan, and other local higher education leaders. As the only Buffalo-area college to participate in this initiative, Medaille admitted seven students from the Say Yes program to its first-year class for the fall 2009 semester. Medaille’s involvement demonstrates its commitment to providing firstgeneration college students with access to affordable education. Medaille is one of 24 colleges and universities that belong to the Syracuse Higher Education Compact. This coalition has partnered with Say Yes to Education, which works with Syracuse University and the Syracuse City School District, to cover the cost of tuition and books for qualified students. This comprehensive program supports low-income students with tutoring, diagnostic testing, academic programming, summer programs, financial aid counseling and college selection assistance.
Chris Ripley ‘11 EDU photo
On Fridays and Saturdays for the duration of the National Lacrosse League’s season, a handful of Medaille sport management students worked tirelessly through the night to produce highlight reels covering the 11 NLL teams competing in Canada and the United States. This included the hometown team, the Buffalo Bandits, which plays at the HSBC Arena. According to Mark Brownyard ’11 SM, “For the past few years, lacrosse has been one of the biggest-growing youth sports.” With that trend in mind, Medaille’s Sport Management Program entered into an agreement with the National Lacrosse League for the 2010 season, where Medaille students gained first-hand experience about sports marketing and multimedia production in a deadline-driven environment. “The classroom can’t teach you what to do when everything is coming at you all at once,” says Brownyard, referring to the frenzied pace of video feeds and instructions from NLL headquarters. “We have a real sense of pride in this,” he continues, “The NLL has never done this before, and Medaille students are taking it from the ground up.” Brownyard describes the support from Medaille, in terms of access to video software, editing equipment and bandwidth, as “amazing.” “There are so many topics within sport management – it’s more about starting to eliminate the options than figuring out what I want to do,” he shares. “The computer experience is especially valuable.” “The work we have done throughout our first season has earned us credibility with the NLL,” says Dr. Rich Jacob, associate professor of business and director of the sport management program. “They have offered us not only a seat on the board, but we also will be in discussions over the next few months to about our level of involvement. It looks like we will become more involved in assisting the league in the development of their national intern program.” To see the sport management students’ video works, visit www.youtube.com/user/NLL.
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College News
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Student finds his path to success through “Say Yes” program
Jaquar Sampson ’13
By Shawn Arrajj ’10 MC
photos provided by Dr. Norman Muir
Medaille builds programs with
Asian universities Delegations from two of Medaille’s partner universities in the People’s Republic of China, Dalian Maritime University and Shenyang University, visited Medaille in October to sign agreements that outline dual-degree programs between the schools. In December, the Middle States Commission on Higher Education approved Medaille’s request to operate at four additional locations in China and Taiwan. And in February, Dr. Norman Muir, dean of the undergraduate college, and Dr. Richard T. Jurasek, president, traveled to Taiwan to sign a dual-degree 2+2 partnership with the Fortune Institute of Technology in Kaohsiung. They traveled to two of the most prestigious high schools in Taiwan to talk about Medaille College and trends in higher education. And in Taipei, they participated in a country-wide university recruitment fair, meeting with over 50 prospective students with interest in pursuing the 2+2 Medaille in Taiwan program or in applying to Medaille directly. The presence on the Buffalo campus of international students from a distinctly different cultural and linguistic background will provide U.S. students with a rare opportunity to develop their capacity for global understanding and intercultural communication through direct experience, not just academic reading and study. This opportunity will enhance the value of a Medaille undergraduate degree for all students since the capacity for intercultural competence has now become one of the essential workplace outcomes of an undergraduate education sought by U.S. and international employers in the 21st century. Other benefits include opportunities for student and faculty exchanges, for fostering cross-cultural faculty research and teaching collaboration, and for developing overseas internships, service-learning projects, and longer study abroad opportunities.
This past academic year marked Medaille College’s first venture working with the Syracuse-based program, Say Yes to Education (SYTE). Through this program, eight students from low-income families that demonstrated great potential were given the opportunity to enroll at Medaille with all expenses paid. One student, Jaquar Sampson of Syracuse, says he doesn’t know what he would be doing right now if he had not got involved with SYTE. “ ‘Say Yes’ is like the golden ticket,” said Sampson, who is studying psychology and would one day like to work in marriage counseling or family counseling. “It gave me the chance to go to college when it would otherwise be unaffordable,” he says. Sampson says he is not taking a single moment for granted. “People can make what they want of college,” he shares. “Teachers can show you where to go but you have to find your own path. I’m glad I got this opportunity.”
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College News
Move over, Extreme Home Makeover!
Community Partners Arts in Education Institute Veterans Art Program The Arts in Education Institute of WNY teamed up with the Roycroft Campus Corporation and the Buffalo Vet Center to develop a Veterans Art Program to help local service members. The program at Medaille College’s Buffalo Campus gives veterans a chance to explore their experiences and emotions through multiple art disciplines. The program is free and open to any veterans, and their work will be presented in a gallery exhibit and public performance later in the spring. For more information on the Veterans Art Program, contact the Arts in Education Institute at (716) 880-3292. Veterans can also receive information on the program by contacting the Buffalo Vet Center at (716) 8627350. A new home for Kaleidoscope
Kaleidoscope Theatre Productions opened its 2009 theatrical season here at Medaille. The Theatre company will celebrate its ninth anniversary with the opening of its 20102011 season. As part of Curtain Up! in the city of Buffalo, “The Art of Murder” will launch the company’s second season at Medaille running from September 10-25. “Three Viewings,” with “compelling stories of wit, wisdom and pathos,” will be performed January 28-February 12, 2011, followed by the enlightening farce “Black Comedy,” from June 10-25, 2011.
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By Megan Fitzgerald ’10 MC Twenty-three students in Medaille’s True Blue and Gold Leadership Program are making a difference in the Buffalo community by restoring a house on the West Side, located at 376 Rhode Island. The project, which aims to improve the neighborhood, is also helping students discover their leadership potential. “We had to learn how to work together outside of our comfort zones, and I think that’s what being a leader really is,” says Leah Lichtenberger ’11, an elementary
education major involved in the endeavor. The enthusiasm the students have shown stems from the shared idea that devoting time and energy to a worthwhile cause is a beneficial thing. “This project has given us a sense of ownership. I know that I am very proud to be a part of this project and I can probably say the same for my classmates,” explains Lichtenberger. “We’re connecting Medaille to the Buffalo community.”
Medaille Students
join WNY Heroes in
“
A TOY D WNY Heroes, Inc. and Medaille College teamed up in December to collect and deliver toys to local veterans and their families. On December 18, 2009, representatives from WNY Heroes, Inc. arrived at the Medaille College Amherst Campus to pick up boxes of children’s toys, collected over several weeks by faculty, staff and students. Judith M. Horowitz, associate Vice president and dean for Medaille’s School of Adult and Graduate Education, organized the
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College News
TEAC grants full accreditation to School of Education
Leah Feroleto photos
“I’mincrediblyproud of how generous our students and my colleagues have been.”
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Veteran Scholarships
Dr. Judith Horowitz
Y DRIVE event within Medaille’s Amherst and Rochester Campuses. Dr. Horowitz says, “Some of our Amherst classes are having ‘competitions’ with each other to see who could bring the best presents; faculty and staff contributed as well. I’m incredibly proud of how generous our students and my colleagues have been.” Medaille also worked with several Rochester- and Buffalo-based businesses to collect toys for the drive. Pictures are available on Flickr.com. WNY Heroes, Inc. delivered the toys to the homes of local veterans and military personnel just in time to bring smiles for the holidays. WNY Heroes is a nonprofit formed to assist local veterans and military personnel. www.wnyheroes.org.
The School of Education received full accreditation from the Teacher Education Accreditation Council (TEAC) effective December 2009 for a period of five years. This formal review examined all undergraduate and graduate education programs offered within Medaille’s School of Education at its Amherst and Buffalo campuses. The positive result came from the efforts of faculty, staff and students who collected data, generated reports, and participated in TEAC interviews. This accreditation certifies that the professional education programs at Medaille have provided evidence that the program adheres to TEAC’s quality principles of subject matter knowledge, pedagogical knowledge, and caring teaching skills. New undergraduate academic programs approved by NYS Education Department
According to the New York State Division of Veterans Affairs, nearly one million veterans reside in the state, 73% of them having served during times of war. In conjunction with changes to the G.I. Bill, Medaille is partnering with veterans, military personnel and their families to make academic success a reality through two programs: the Veteran Education Tuition Scholarship (VETS), provides up to $10,000 for tuition expenses, and the Yellow Ribbon Scholarship, offered through an agreement with the Veterans Administration to match tuition expenses. Veterans and active duty service members can contact our VA Certifying Officers Jeanne Mossios and Phyllis Hart at military@medaille.edu for more information about pursuing undergraduate and graduate degrees through our Amherst, Buffalo and Rochester campuses. They serve as a central contact to coordinate applications and financial aid paperwork, all the way through to registration.
The New York State Education Department approved Medaille College’s proposals to offer the Bachelor of Science in Education in Adolescent Teaching: Biology 7-12 with Special Education degree, and a dual accounting degree leading to a bachelor of science and a master of science degree. These programs will be offered at the Buffalo Campus to new and continuing students in the fall 2010 semester. Faculty and staff accomplishments are posted regularly at medaillenews.com. Follow Medaille on Twitter (@Medaille) for immediate notification when news is published.
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College News
Medaille creates Department of Graduate Counseling and Psychology A new department within the School of Adult and Graduate Education will house the master’s in mental health counseling program, the master’s in psychology program, the proposed doctoral program in clinical psychology (PsyD), and programs under development in marriage and family therapy and school counseling. The Department of Graduate Counseling and Psychology will be led Dr. Deborah Legge, assistant professor in the Social Sciences Department, and two full-time teaching faculty in the proposed doctoral program in clinical psychology (PsyD) will be appointed to this department. “This program will offer a stronger platform to attract top students, as the school develops a reputation for training excellence. Students and faculty alike will be able to develop a cohesive identity and will be able to provide support to each other as we embark on this exciting journey. “ Dr. Sigrid Frandsen-Pechenik, director of clinical training, PsyD Program. “The programs (within this department) provide a sound knowledge base, clinical skills, and field training, and our graduates will serve the need in the community for quality mental health and healthcare services.” Dr. Lynn Horne-Moyer director, Master of Arts in Psychology Program.
This is a partnership that hits a By Brianna Broad ’11 MC
high
note
Music Is Art joins with Medaille to expand learning opportunities Music Is Art (MiA), a nonprofit organization, moved on to Medaille’s Buffalo Campus this spring, and now shares space with another local arts group, the Arts in Education Institute, at 121 Humboldt. Mary Ellen Mulvey, senior director for community partnerships, says, “There can be big benefits to this collaboration.” For one, Medaille students have the opportunity to work with MiA. Tod Kniazuk, executive director of MiA, says with the new space they are able to have more interns and work-study students to work on MiA projects like the Battle of the Bands, instrument drive, and its annual festival. On top of that, Kniazuk says, “We can always use volunteers.” For the College, Mulvey and Kniazuk see more possibilities for collaboration. “Their partners can become our partners,” says Mulvey, “It’s a great way for Medaille to connect with the city and be in the public’s eye.” “We are brainstorming some ways to bring our programs to the college,” says Kniazuk. Robby Takac ’86 MC, Goo Goo Dolls band member and founder of MiA, helped develop the MiA and Medaille relationship. Kniazuk says, “He has become more involved with Medaille.” Mulvey and Kniazuk are both excited about the move and see it as a way to help each other out.
Kara Kane photos
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College News
JenniferHickok,LynseyZimdahlandLisaScherer of Roswell Park join Larry Robinson, clinical assistant professor in the Accelerated Learning Program, at the conclusion of the Leadercast.
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Kara Kane photo
Be The One Leadercast 2010 WNY leaders from education, business and nonprofit groups converged on Medaille’s campuses in Buffalo, Amherst and Rochester on Friday, May 7, for the Chick-fil-A Be the One Leadercast. This all-day teleconference featured ten leadership experts, including Jim Collins, author of Good to Great, and Ed Bastian, president of Delta Air Lines. Over 250 participants registered for the event, with groups coming from the Jewish Community Center of Rochester, M&T Bank, Baldwin Richardson, Gallina Development, ADT and Medaille. “The people who present at Leadercast are both inspiring people and great teachers,” says Matt Petroski ‘09 MBA. “My learning at Leadercast included lessons from everyone who presented. I recommend the experience to anyone who is or aspires to be a better leader or better person. Now it’s up to me to apply the lessons I learned.”
“[The program had] something everyone could enjoy because there was such a variety in the speakers. They are so knowledgeable in their fields and in leadership. They have so much to offer for leaders looking to refresh their skills or just beginning the journey towards leadership.”
-Kristen Musick-Cake
‘09 MOL
Yesenia Garcia-Key ‘09 MBA photo Nyron Prescod and Joanne Sims, adjunct faculty at the Rochester Campus, enjoy a break in the afternoon sessions.
Kara Kane photo School of Education faculty Dr. Elaine Correa, associate professor, and Dr. Susan Dunkle, visiting instructor, catch up before lunch at the Buffalo Campus event.
“I thought I could enhance my leadership skills that I use on my job and in my community. The most memorable part of the day was knowing that I was one of the 65,000 Leadercast attendees in over 500 locations who were learning about leadership. I felt that I was part of something big.”
-Yvonne Thorne ‘09 MOL
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Commencement 2010 CEREMONIES
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“Go for it.” -U.S. Senator Charles Schumer
These words of wisdom were offeredbyaccomplishedindividuals selected to speak this year to the graduating class of 2010. U.S. Senator Charles Schumer
“You see the vision for your life, and you want to construct a course of action. You have designed a blueprint – a road map in construction terms. . . You are the authors of your life – the architects. You have the tools and power to reach your place and purpose. You aren’t there yet; you’re still on your journey. Break new ground in your chosen fields. Take the education that you’ve earned here to blaze new trails. You were born for this time, for this day. Professionally, personally and spiritually, continue the path of actualization. You are a powerful force in the universe. Your voice is waiting to be heard. Today, we pass the baton to you. Welcome to your incredible life.” Sundra Ryce ’02 MSED
“Tonight is one of the most significant days of your lives. I remember that moment - crossing the stage a few years ago. It was a very intense moment. A moment that many years prior to that some folks said never would happen. Good old-fashioned American-hard work made the difference for me. This country is like no country in the world. You can start off with nothing and become president of a college, or the president of the United States. Yes, you’ll experience challenges, but every challenge represents an opportunity. . . Don’t look at where we are today. Look at where we will be in the future. College represents the exchange of intellectual ideas. It’s up to you to determine how far you want to go with those ideas.” NYS Senator Antoine Thompson
“We are all meant to succeed. Maybe we doubt whether the future we imagine will ever really happen. Maybe we question whether we have what it takes to really shine. But, there is no doubt in anyone’s mind. Our dreams are our destiny and sooner than we know we will be living them. I hope your dreams take you to the corner of your smiles, to the highest of your hopes, to the windows of your opportunities and to the most extraordinary places your heart has ever known!” Shanena Brundage ’10 PSY
Kathryn Benfanti ’10 MHC
“Sir Isaac Newton once said, “We build too many walls, and not enough bridges.” Today, we are here to celebrate the building of bridges. We celebrate the students from each side of the bridge. Our differences are as much as a cause for celebration as our similarities. In mental health counseling, we learn how to understand ourselves in order to understand others. We bring these connections home in our mind, spirit and heart. We know it’s only a beginning – a step along our path. We must not squander this opportunity.”
“College represents the exchange of intellectual ideas. It’s up to you to determine how far you want to go with those ideas.”
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Commencement 2010 CEREMONIES
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ACADEMIC AWARDS Adolescent Education (M.S.Ed.): Jennifer Lynn Plants Business Administration (MBA), Accelerated Learning Program: Thomas H. Kingston Elementary Education (M.S.Ed.): Heather Marie Grillo Elementary Education – Canadian Program (M.S.Ed.): Mohammad Umar Qureshi Literacy Program (M.S.Ed.): Amy V. Rivera Mental Health Counseling (M.A.): Kathryn Ellen Benfanti Organizational Leadership (M.A.): Angela P. Berti Psychology (M.A.): Janice Lang Special Education (M.S.Ed.): Jessica K. Staub Biology (B.S.): Adriea K. Crosdale Business (A.S.): Andrew Rotella Business Administration (M.S.): James M. McDowell Business Administration (B.B.A.): Jenifer M. Lewis Communication (B.S.): Megan Fitzgerald Criminal Justice (B.S.): Craig C. Sollenberger Joe Cascio and Kara Kane photos
UNDERGRADUATE DEGREES Associate in Science: 85 Bachelor of Arts: 27 Bachelor of Business Administration: 112 Bachelor of Science: 132 Bachelor of Science in Education: 20
GRADUATE DEGREES Master of Arts: 113 Master of Business Administration: 91 Master of Science in Education: 614
Education: Childhood (B.S.Ed.): Amanda Kraft Psychology (B.A.): Shanena Brundage Sport Management (B.S.): John Charles Prorok Veterinary Technology (A.S.): Pamela Chadwick Veterinary Technology (B.S.): Tanya Turchiarelli Visual and Digital Arts (B.A.): Matthew R. Kordrupel
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FOUNDERS’ DAY CELEBRATION
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Alumni Honorees A commitment to children in Lancaster: John Trojanowsky ’75 The Lancaster Youth Bureau opened its nomination of John Trojanowsky ’75 ED by noting, “Without John’s initiative and dedicated enthusiasm, the Town of Lancaster Youth Bureau, the Lancaster Youth Foundation, the Lancaster Opera House and countless other organizations that he has led or been a part of would not be as successful as they are in helping the youth and families of Western New York.” He became a Town of Lancaster Youth Counselor in 1978, and four years later, became the organization’s executive director. His leadership in raising funds and pursuing grants that contribute to the development of young people in Lancaster demonstrates the power of a single individual to make a powerful difference in a community.
A noteworthy gift: Henri Muhammad ’04 In 1999, Henri Muhammad ’04 MSED created the Muhammad School of Music, a school devoted to instilling an interest in classical music and string instruments among black and minority children in Buffalo. Together with a team of three teachers, Muhammad delivers after school music programs to elementary school students at the King Center on Genesee Street, Pinnacle Charter School, and during the day at West Hertel Academy and the Bilingual Center in South Buffalo. One nomination acknowledges that “on an average day, he is teaching music to children from 8 in the morning until 8 in the evening. He is committed to providing exceptional opportunities for his students to learn and experience life outside of the classroom.” Over the last 10 years Muhammad has taken his youth ensemble to New York City, Chicago & Washington, DC. In May of 2009 his students performed live Continued on next page
The Fr. Medaille awards for
Service and Citizenship In 1650 Father Jean Pierre Medaille founded the Sisters of St. Joseph to give broad reach to his charitable missions. The Sisters embody his vision of service above self, as reflected in their passionate dedication over three centuries to his exhortation that they should “be at the service of all your neighbors – to console, to relieve, to unite.” Medaille College is one of the countless living legacies of the Sisters’ selfless commitment to this mission. The College directly descends from the Institute of the Sisters of St. Joseph, which the congregation incorporated in 1875 to “educate and prepare teachers for charitable and educational societies and institutes.” And the thousands of teachers thus prepared in turn educated generation upon generation of Buffalo’s immigrant and urban population – creating and sustaining the rich heritage that is uniquely Buffalo. Modern-day Medaille was born in 1968, when the Sisters of St. Joseph entrusted their creation to a private board of trustees and opened its doors to all. Medaille College today, while nonsectarian, remains deeply committed to the original vision of Father Medaille and the Sisters of St. Joseph – that we exist to serve our community, to build strong associations among our people and to accomplish this through providing an education that prepares students to take their rightful place in the world, and ultimately, to make the world better. For many years Founders’ Day was celebrated at Medaille. Its re-emergence in 2010 provided the opportunity for the College to pay tribute to its founders, the Sisters of
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FOUNDERS’ DAY CELEBRATION
Clark Dever photos
St. Joseph, and their legacy of service to Western New York. In that spirit the College solicited nominations of individuals and organizations who exemplify the Sisters’ selfless commitment to service. A selection committee of community leaders assisted in narrowing down this pool of very worthy applicants. The 2010 finalists have made a real difference, and our world is better, more whole, as a result – all in the finest tradition of service exemplified by our founders and the College’s namesake, Father JeanPierre Medaille. For more information on the continued work of the 2010 honorees or to submit a nomination for 2011 please visit www.medaille.edu/founders.
The Fr. Medaille Awards for Service and Citizenship In late fall 2009 a group of highly respected leaders in their fields were asked to serve on the Founders’ Day Celebration Selection Committee. Their job, to review applications and select honorees to receive our first awards for service and citizenship, was not an easy one. For residents of the City of Good Neighbors, the spirit of giving and giving back is deeply rooted in our community culture. The College is very thankful for the gifts of time, talent and resources provided by the 2010 Selection Committee. EILEEN BUCKLEY ’85 News Producer, WBFO JACK CONNORS President, Business First of Buffalo SHARON HANSON Manager, Public & Government Affairs, Time Warner Cable RICHARD T. JURASEK, PH.D. President, Medaille College KENNETH MANNING Partner, Phillips Lytle LLP TIMM J. OTTERSON, DVM Associate Veterinarian, Summer Street Cat Clinic EARL V. WELLS III President, e3communications
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on stage with the Buffalo Philharmonic Orchestra. Muhammad has greatly enriched the youth and culture of the City of Buffalo. His talent and passion predict a bright future for him and his students. This community is privileged to be the beneficiary of his great musical gift and of his dedication to instilling a passion for music in children.
Individual Honorees A focus on training for the visually impaired: Dr. Michael Cropp As chairman of the board for the Olmsted Center for Sight, Dr. Michael Cropp is leading the agency into the boldest and most exciting years of its century-long history. His nomination commends his “passion, integrity, work ethic, commitment to excellence and respect for individuals.” By recognizing value in diverse points of view, he weaves together the threads of their experience to strengthen underlying foundations. By seeing no barriers to action, he moves through local, state and national circles, linking potential partners and working for positive change. Dr. Cropp’s dedication to numerous organizations is fueled by his passion, as a community advocate and activist, to improve the health of all individuals through the promotion of wellness and removal of barriers to quality health care.
Helping children reach their potential: Robert F. Moss Robert F. Moss has dedicated himself to an endeavor that has touched the lives of over 6,000 young people who are “on the brink of success.” The mentoring services coordinated by Big Brothers Big Sisters of Erie County are recognized as one of the most effective ways to address the issues created by poverty, such as drug abuse, teenage pregnancy, and aggressive behavior. Under Moss’s direction as Founder & CEO, this program continues to produce consistent, positive results. It has received Gold Standard recognition from Big Brothers Big Sisters of America for its impressive retention rate Continued on page 16
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of 95% of matches lasting longer than 3 months – significantly higher than the national average of 75%. The Western New York community and its children are the beneficiaries of Moss’s 39 years of service as an educator and non-profit leader.
Harvest House is trying to raise funds to enlarge the school and move the Baby and Children’s Ministry to Jefferson Avenue. Harvest House is operated by four paid staff members and 127 volunteers.
Organization Honorees A dedication to the body and soul of Buffalo: Harvest House
Creating Forever Families: Adoption S.T.A.R.
For families and individuals in crisis, Harvest House provides something that can’t be measured: hope. Through educational outreach programs that tackle illiteracy, free medical services and spiritual ministry, Gary and Linda Tatu have built an amazing institution that has flourished over the past 17 years into an expansive, multidimensional program that attacks our area’s most desperate issues. The Fr. Medaille Award will support the move of the Baby and Children’s Ministry to a larger space, in a building that already houses its Good Neighbors Adult Care and New Hope Education and Training Center. Harvest House was founded 17 years ago when Gary and Linda Tatu sold their home in Williamsville and bought a derelict city church in South Buffalo. Today Harvest House has two locations and serves 17,000 people a year. The Seneca Street location houses a spirituality center used by youth and college students from all over the United States as a base for work camps and retreats. Also at Seneca Street is the Baby and Children’s Ministry. This outreach program provided free cribs, car seats, clothing and other needs to 5,500 children in 2009. The program has outgrown its space and is bursting at the seams. The Ministry Center at 175 Jefferson Avenue is the site of Good Neighbors Health Care, a comprehensive free clinic offering not only primary care but also vision exams and eyeglasses, dental care and chiropractic services. Good Neighbors Health Care is staffed 100% by volunteers. Also at the Jefferson Avenue site is New Hope Education Center, a continuing education facility for adults. Currently
Over the past 10 years, Adoption S.T.A.R. has remained true to its mission, providing Support, Training, Advocacy and Resources for the children and families impacted by adoption and its many options. Adoption S.T.A.R. is firmly rooted in the belief that every child deserves a “forever family.” They offer a variety of programs that provide individual support for every facet of the adoption process. Blue Rose is an Adoption S.T.A.R. support group that provides clinical and social support for women who place a child for adoption. SOFIA provides education, support and social events for adoptive families and children. The Birth Grandparent Support Group brings confidential clinical support to the parents of birth parents who place children for adoption. And ACE is an adult adoptee support group, providing adult adoptees with a place to share their experiences and learn more about identifying information on birth family search and reunion. Adoption S.T.A.R. child placement services include domestic and international adoption and provide extensive humanitarian support to orphanages in Nepal and Haiti. Adoption S.T.A.R. is the lead agency in New York State for the Infant Adoption Awareness Training Project. The Project runs on a grant from the U.S. Department of Health and selects only one agency per state to educate health care professionals who work with pregnant teens and women. Their nomination credits the staff as the secret to the agency’s success. Many of them, having been touched by adoption themselves, bring immeasurable passion and commitment to work every day.
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At the heart of any new enterprise lies an individual who is a planner, a dreamer, a goal setter, a risk taker, and a cheerleaderin-chief. Discover how Medaille alumni have taken ideas and given them life within existing markets and uncharted fields.
“en-tre-pre-neur” Function: noun Etymology: French, from Old French, from entreprendre, to undertake By Amanda Collins ’96 CYS
Date: 1852 one who organizes, manages,
Entrepreneurism. and assumes the risks of a It’s a $10 word that most people misspell, business or enterprise yet everyone understands its meaning. You’re either (Merriam-Webster bitten with the bug to be your own boss, or you look quizzically Dictionary) at those who have the drive. As an entrepreneur myself, it certainly wasn’t an option I would have chosen—or even considered—as a younger person. For some self-starters, business ownership is a way to turn a passion into a paycheck, while for others, it just seems a natural progression of their career. Some entrepreneurs fall into their new roles out of necessity and sometimes by accident when a long-held hobby transforms into a money-making venture. Medaille College’s strong liberal arts curriculum has played a role in planting that seed of entrepreneurism in more than a few alumni across the years. On the following pages, alumni share their journeys from employee to entrepreneur, and how they have found the inspiration to take chances while being their own bosses.
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Leadership
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“These organizations have a unique challenge compared to others, as owners and or employeesareoftentorn betweenbeingbusinesspeople and family members, all at once.”
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A
s a business consultant, Larry Mietus ’05 MOL works with organizations to analyze their leadership teams, strategic plans, financial performance, organizational design, marketplace competitiveness, and advertising in order to provide them with strategies to excel. He works with clients to guide them through the implementation of both tactical and strategic action items. Whether working with a local, regional, or national company, “I’ve found that many places either don’t have a strategic plan, or don’t adhere to the one they do have,” says Mietus. “It’s imperative that businesses have a plan that they can monitor their activities against. It’s critical for such a plan to be created in entrepreneurial or start up situations.” When asked about what mistakes he has seen entrepreneurs make, Mietus offers, “I’ve seen businesses not have a backup plan, and not have a backup to the backup plan. I’m as optimistic as they come, but there’s a fine line between optimism and delusion. You need to be able to ask and answer the question, ‘what if this doesn’t work?’” “Entrepreneurship is about taking calculated risks,” advises Mietus. “You can’t be foolhardy, but you can overthink things. Some people will think so long on a decision that they’re paralyzed. Others jump in so fast, they can get hurt.” He continues, “Think strategically, do your research, make a decision, take action and then monitor the results.” In his estimation, entrepreneurs aren’t always out for fame and acknowledgement. Mietus has worked with the Center for Entrepreneurial Leadership at the University at Buffalo, and he cites “dozens to hundreds of ventures that people don’t know about in Western New York. Branding, marketing and advertising aside, many of these companies are successful and happy with the niche they are in.” Mietus looks to other entrepreneurial people for inspiration and ideas. “Through ‘personal advisory boards,’ there are people you come to know and trust. You can call them and they’ll give you the feedback and advice you need.” As for what he would say to an aspiring entrepreneur, he echoes the best advice he ever received: Do what makes you happy. “I’ve had some neat career paths, and I got to choose them all; and, I knew when to leave,” he says. “Also, people should challenge themselves – whether they’re a child, or an adult. When you’re about to go to sleep, ask yourself the question, ‘what did I learn today?’ If the answer is nothing, you need to get out of bed, pick up a dictionary, a book, or get on the Internet, and learn something. There is so much information out there – and this is an information-based economy. We can’t know everything, and we should never think that we do know everything.” For Mietus, it’s about finding a balance between work, family, faith and community. “Current economic conditions spur more entrepreneurial growth and development,” he says. “People look for ways to do their own thing, and that opens up the door for different opportunities, where your career, education, and lifestyle are melded together. It’s about how you manage your life and time.” He continues, “Once you figure out your passion, work on it hard, and then eventually it won’t be work at all. As a by-product, you’ll be earning a living while enjoying life.” --
KC Kratt photo
Mietus points out that a common thread in his consulting work is that 85% of the businesses with which he works are family-owned.
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Pearls L
SUMMER 2010 l 20 By Amanda Collins ’96 CYS
of Wisdom
akshmi Gosyne ’08 MSED, a native of Trinidad and Tobago who grew up in Canada, was inspired with her current business idea during a visit to Hawaii’s Polynesian Center several years ago. At the time, she was busy running a preschool, growing its attendance to 40 children. Then fate stepped in, introducing into her life her New Zealander husband, Jonathan. She sold the day care and moved to the island with Jonathan. Shortly after, in June 2009, Gosyne launched Pacifika Spirit (www.pacifikaspirit.com), a jewelry company dedicated to showcasing the unique styles of the South Pacific. Business owner Doug Buczak’s ’98 SM path to entrepreneurism was a bit different. While at Medaille, he met Craig Scime ’98 MC, owner of Buffalo-based Absolute Sound (www.absolutesoundonline.com), a full-service special-event production company focusing on entertainment and the execution of events. Doug Buczak ’98 SM He started working for Scime in 1997 and then bought the company outright in November 2006. Although this was his first time leading a business as the principal, Buczak had worked independently prior to this as a contractor and a film and voice actor. He was no stranger to the idea of being an entrepreneur at the time he purchased Absolute Sound. For each of these entrepreneurs, business ownership has offered its share of ups and downs. Whether launching a new idea or expanding a successful organization, entrepreneurs have goals, challenges and amazing wins along the way. Self-employment is typically not a route to earning millions overnight. Plans need to be made, and business owners must be clear as to why they are in business. If it’s just to make money, that’s probably not the best reason. For a start-up organization like Pacifika Spirit, the most pressing challenge is to generate new customers. Since Gosyne’s enterprise is Internet-based, she has had to learn how to reach customers in a different way. “Marketing is a whole new ball game when you try to sell internationally and aren’t there to talk to customers in person,” she shares. On the flip side, though, “An Internet business is by its nature international, and when someone purchases from me, we form a connection.” She has met customers from Norway, Brazil, and Australia through her site. Buczak, too, is inspired by the personal connections he has made. “By far, the greatest reward is meeting so many wonderful and different people. I love surprising clients with something they didn’t expect, which helps make a lasting memory during once-in-alifetime events.” Owning a business is far more than just selling; at its core, it’s all about relationships.
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“By far, the greatest reward is meeting so many wonderful and different people.” - Doug Buczak ’98 SM Goals are imperative to the success of a business, and both Buczak and Gosyne have clear objectives for their companies. “We have developed a positive relationship with clients over the past 15 years and want to maintain that high standard. Working to stay on top is much harder now than it was back then,” said Buczak of Absolute Sound’s long history. In a new economy, businesses are finding that the standard approach may not work as well as it used to. Stepping up personalized service and finding a renewed focus on providing value will aid companies in continuing to be relevant in a down economy. Gosyne aspires to turn her jewelry business into a legion of independent women business owners: “I’d like to have them have their own Pacifika Spirit and take control of their finances, self-confidence, and independence. Think ‘Mary Kay for jewelry.’” Entrepreneurs often ride a fine line between their personal and business lives, as noted by Buczak. “It’s a constant goal of mine to better balance my business and personal life. I have to learn not to work all the time,” he says. When the reputation of the business lies firmly in the lap of the owner, the stress of putting in 100% all the time can be draining. Entrepreneurs need to remember to take time for themselves and for their friends and families. Even one day off a week can be a source of renewal to face the next week’s challenges. Some business owners choose the path of self-employment to own their time. Gosyne enjoys the flexibility entrepreneurship offers as she and her husband build their dream home and make plans to start a family. Again, though, that balance between work and home can be a bit of a teeter-totter. Growing both a life and a company simultaneously challenges owners to choose where to spend their time, which can be a tough choice when more fun activities seem a bit easier than establishing a company. For me, my inspiration came from Doug Anderson and Charlie DiGaudio, two professors I had while at Medaille in the mid-‘90s. Anderson gave me my first C on a paper, challenging me to write as well as I could, not just to be better than my classmates. It was an eye-opener for a procrastinator who’d always been a natural writer. DiGaudio asked me to write my first résumé—for him. When I produced the final draft, he told me I should start a business. I did.
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“I’d like to have them havetheirownPacifika Spirit and take control of their finances, self-confidence, and independence. Think ‘Mary Kay for jewelry.’”
”
- Lakshmi Gosyne’08 MSED
Amanda Collins ’96 CYS is the owner of The Grammar Doctors (www.grammardocs.com), a boutique marketing communications firm located in Phoenix, AZ., and working with clients around the globe to provide copywriting, copyediting, and résumé design.
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Scott Blodgett ’10 e xplores
The Business and Science of
F
Sleep
or someone who helped to found a company out of his basement, the story of Scott Blodgett ‘10 BBA and his business, Sleep Insights Management Services, LLC, is that of the quintessential entrepreneur. Now serving as chief operating officer, Blodgett has worked to expand and adapt his company since its inception in 2005. Having started as a technologist at the Strong Epilepsy Center at the University at Rochester Medical Center, Blodgett had extensive experience in the clinical side of seizure monitoring. At a personal and professional level, he faced some frustrations. “With universities being the way they are, unless someone above you . . . moves away, there’s no upward movement,” says Blodgett. “And, while patient care is good, it’s not great. Patients are more numbers than people, and it’s all about getting people through the system.” Through that frustration, Blodgett and his business partner, Dr. Kenneth Plotkin, sensed an opportunity. “We wanted to focus a health-care business that was patient-centered,” he shares. “Like any other small business, we scraped together money and started to piece together a business. Our original business model was to diagnose and treat patients with sleep disorders - neurological and pulmonary.” “We started off working out of our basements at our homes, and after a few weeks, we found temporary office space,” says Blodgett. From there, the pair coordinated the transformation of a “concrete shell” into a modern and “luxurious” sleep center at Sleep Insights Medical Services, PLLC, learning along the way practical elements of starting a business - from construction to negotiating leases - all without formal business training. “The field of sleep medicine was exploding at the time we opened,” explains Blodgett. “Rochester was underserved, with roughly half the beds that were needed. Our four-bed center hit capacity quickly, and we saw our wait times grow.” In the absence of the detailed business plans that some entrepreneurs swear by, Blodgett observes, “We built a house without a foundation. We had a great-looking house, but there wasn’t a lot of structure, I was missing a formal business education.” He continues, “You need a little skill, a little guts, and
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Q: “You need a little skill, a little guts, and a little luck. You shake it up and come out with a product.” a little luck. You shake it up and come out with a product. What I’ve learned through education at Medaille, and through the school of hard knocks has helped me to be a good leader.” Taking into account certain regulatory issues, the original Sleep Insights Medical Services, PLLC spun off a second company, Sleep Insights Management Services, LLC, to help with expansion. In tandem with that action, the team brought in a third business partner, Jeffrey Dann, a CPA and medical management executive with years of entrepreneurial healthcare experience. In the face of changes to the sleep medicine field, “About six to eight months ago, we had to throw out the playbook and rewrite it to include home sleep testing,” he says. “With a $300-400K investment in each of our sleep centers, the overhead is huge, and we decided as a company that instead of fighting it, we’d embrace “The field of sleep it.” With 38 full-time employees, medicine was including four physicians and two exploding at the time nurse-practitioners, the company weopened.Rochester now serves about 750 patients each month, with approximately wasunderserved,with $9 million in yearly sales. Having roughly half the beds expanded from that single that were needed.” location to four sleep centers in the Rochester area, Sleep Insights Management Services, LLC, and its related Sleep Therapy service, the company is now poised to reach a national market. “Sleep issues are linked to other medical problems; if we can treat patients with sleep apnea, we can lower blood pressure, and increase metabolism to promote weight loss,” he explains. “We only see a fraction of the patients who need it. We’ve launched a national campaign where we’re going from four fixed centers to a fifth in Oswego (NY), and coming up with many state and regional areas where we’re doing home studies and collaborating as care facilitators.” He continues, “We’ve taken hold of the business to collaborate with other partners; we’re their outsourced specialists.”
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How can businesses act more like entrepreneurs?
A:
If you’re not first in the market, and if you’re not the change leader, someone else will be. There’s always someone out there with bright ideas. You have to live under the assumption that you’re not the brightest person in the room; be fast on your feet, and be proactive, not reactive.
Q:
What’s your advice for an aspiring entrepreneur?
A:
Stay in touch with what’s happening in your industry. I keep my fingers on the pulse of everything that’s happening. Many people get buried in the day-to-day of fighting fires, and they forget what’s happening around them.
Q:
Where do you see yourself in 10 years?
A:
I’d like to see myself entering into a major administrative role in a hospital system, bringing some of the qualities in the private sector back to hospitals, where they get lost in the whole bureaucratic and institutional culture. I’d like to effect some real change that makes good business sense for the hospital and good sense for patients.
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STUDENT ENTREPRENEUR in the fourth floor
ACADEMIC COMMONS
SIFE’s executive board
at t he SIFE-run Cafe
“C-Suite” By Megan Fitzgerald ’10 MC
There’s a new, student-run SPoT on the Buffalo campus. The fourth floor of the Main Building, which had in prior years been used as storage space, was remodeled into an Academic Commons for students, faculty, and staff. The area features a brand new café selling SPoT coffee and baked goods. Members of Students in Free Enterprise (SIFE) manage all aspects of the café, from marketing to operations to staffing. According to Dr. Michael Lillis, professor of business and one of the club’s five advisors, the project “gives students the opportunity to be involved in every aspect of running a business, [and] creates
a sustainable source of funding for our educational outreach projects.” “[SIFE] is an opportunity for students to take what they’ve learned in the classroom and ‘pay it forward,’” says Lillis. “Not only do we believe that this initiative will help us bridge the gap between the real world and what goes on in the classroom, but it also has the potential to have a significant impact on the community.” In March, the SIFE team gave a presentation at the regional competition held in Cleveland, Ohio. They received honors for their accomplishments, being named both “Rookie of the Year” and
“First Runner Up.” Matt Leone ‘10, a business major and vice president of SIFE, recognizes the value of participating in the organization. “I feel that [getting involved in] SIFE was one of the best things I could have ever done,” says Leone. “I’ve learned a lot about myself, I’ve gained valuable knowledge about the ‘real world,’ and I have met a lot of people who could potentially get me a job.” Running the SPoT café is just one of seven ongoing projects that the students are involved in.
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RS REACH NEW HEIGHTS HSBC grant supports SIFE initiative in area middle schools Medaille College’s SIFE program has received a $750 grant from HSBC to support a collaborative project that promotes financial and physical health in area middle schools. Medaille students are bringing the Junior Achievement “It’s My Business” curriculum to Buffalo’s parochial schools through a program called CHAMP, Choosing Healthy Alternatives through Mentoring and Play. This volunteer effort works to educate students in grades 5-8 on making better choices in food selection, and to promote the importance of exercise in personal and family units. At St. Amelia’s School in Buffalo, four Medaille students work with middle-schoolers to set up “student markets” within the school. The students chose to create a healthy snack shop in the form of a “Smoothie Shack.” With guidance from the Medaille students about running a business, entrepreneurship and ethics, they will produce a business plan, advertising and marketing material, and a budget. The project will lead to a presentation by the St. Amelia’s students to their peers on why they chose this project and what it Business Department faculty means for the school. Medaille students travel to St. Amelia’s about Patrick Johnson, associate twice each week to work with the students. professor, Dr. Michael Lillis, “I like working with these kids; they’re a professor and chair, Dr. Kenneth bright, fun group,” says Danielle Rollins, Bosner, assistant professor, a sophomore in Medaille’s undergraduate and Kenneth Radig, associate business program. “When we asked them professor, with awards and to think of a product they’d like to create, plaques received at a they were thinking big.” Instead of video regional SIFE competition. games or toys, “one child talked about how he wanted to help his mom, a doctor, help other kids live a better life by finding cures for diseases,” she says. Part of the HSBC grant will cover the costs of buying juicers, blenders, and supplies at St. Amelia’s. The rest will go toward similar efforts at other middle schools.
Joe Cascio phot
The fourth floor served as art space in years past The fourth floor of the Main Building began a new life in the fall as an Academic Commons, a convenient place for students to gather and to study. Though students from the 1980s and beyond may remember the space as home to boxes of archived files and cast-off furniture, it had at one point been usable space. According to Kathleen Turner ’72 EDU, in 1971-72 the fourth floor was Sister Barbara Horan’s art room. “On windy days, the fourth floor room windows shook so much we could barely hear Sister Barbara as she lectured us!” She continues. “We sat on counter-high stools at large wooden art tables. She gave us materials such as wire, cardboard rolls, straws or tinfoil, and we were instructed to create multiple art lessons suitable for primary and intermediate grades.”
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Artful Plan
Brianna Broad ‘11 MC photos
By Brianna Broad ‘11 MC
SUMMER 2010 l 26
The perfect job: getting paid doing what you love. Most people would say that’s impossible, but for Jennifer Faber ’04 BA it’s reality. Faber began her studies at Medaille College in 2001 while working full-time at a collections agency. She thought she would be working at that same company to this day. However, her plans changed. Faber now owns Jenny’s Clayhouse, a place where customers can hand paint their own coffee mugs, plates, picture frames, jewelry boxes and other ceramics. “I never would have believed this was possible,” says Faber. After graduating from Medaille with a bachelor’s degree in business administration in 2004, Faber became unhappy with her collections job. “I thought to myself, ‘My degree is in business, I can do anything,’” explains Faber. She always knew she wanted to work for herself: “Entrepreneurship runs in my family,” says Faber. After painting clay for a hobby, the idea sprung on her and she thought, “This is perfect!” Faber says she wasn’t scared to start her own business and with a “if it works, it works; if it doesn’t, it doesn’t” attitude, she made a plan and opened her doors. “I started basic,” says Faber, “There are definitely challenges, but it’s not hard.” Faber says the hardest part about starting her own business from scratch was the first three years, where she put a lot more in than she got out of the business, at least in terms of finances. “But in the end, it’s all worth it,” she says. Faber says getting her bachelor’s degree would not have been possible without Medaille’s 2+2 program. With her full-time schedule, this program made it possible for Faber to complete college. “I never would have been able to graduate without that program,” says Faber. The small class sizes were another positive aspect for Faber. Faber would love to have interns from Medaille to see what running a business looks like. “It’s a major commitment,” says Faber, “You need to have the drive and want [to succeed].” Faber currently does not have any employees - just some helpers here and there when needed - so she loves the idea of having an intern one day. One thing she learned from all of this is, “There is so much more out there. Don’t be afraid.” Jenny’s Clayhouse is located on Hertel Ave. in Buffalo, just minutes from the Medaille Campus. Visit http://www.jennysclayhouse.com.
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What do you get when you mix a love of ice cream with a love of roller coasters?
Sweet Dream
rM
us
ial
‘11
MC p
ho
to s
In May 2009 Kaluzny opened Coasters Ice Cream Parlor & Sweet Shop, a retro ‘50s ice cream and candy shop in Amherst, NY. “It started off as a business class assignment that we had to design a business plan for,” says Kaluzny. His love of roller coasters provided a name for the shop, while the idea for the parlor was one he and his wife had talked about for a long time. Kaluzny worked hard to create a template that he could use to start his business. “I wanted to do something that I could actually turn into a tangible project, not just a business plan that you spend three weeks doing and then throw out at the end,” explains Kaluzny. “I spent a lot more time doing this [class project] to really make it all work.” Kaluzny said he received a lot of help and advice from Kenneth Radig, MBA, associate professor of business. “I think I had him for about every business class that I had to take, so I developed a good relationship with him,” says Kaluzny. “To this day, we still e-mail each other and catch up.” Kaluzny warns future entrepreneurs against the mindset that their idea is good enough and they can disregard the difficult reality involved in starting their own business. His advice to those looking to start their own business: make sure they have enough cash and know how to get their name out there. “The business has to be your life and the thing you spend all your time with,” offers Kaluzny. “If you don’t, you’re not going to be open very long.” You can follow Coasters on Facebook (http://bit.ly/coastersicecream) or visit their website at http://coastersicecream.com
he to p ris Ch
By Christopher Musial ‘11 MC
You’d have to ask Keith Kaluzny ’07 who, after graduating with a degree in business management, turned his passion for both into a reality.
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Family priorities and
Entrepreneurial
Interests T
he spirit of entrepreneurship cuts across all fields, and for Matt Petroski ’09 MBA, his entrepreneurial interests stretch far beyond his 9-to-5 job at Moog Inc. as an aerospace engineer. In his professional life, he has been involved with the start-up of companies ranging from day care facilities to a training and consulting venture. “My family started a business to take care of children in a family day care, and as they grew, they realized they needed bigger facilities,” says Petroski. “I was able to be part of that growth and to help them through the early expansion years, working on financials, record-keeping, and overall business consulting.” And now, as he focuses on an entrepreneurial venture which includes speaking engagements, coaching and training, he offers, “Being a sole proprietor is difficult, but rewarding, as you can see the flow of the business from the beginning to the end in the customers’ eyes. Today, there is no greater excitement than to see the customer - the audience - react and learn as I am able to teach, motivate and inspire through my consulting business.”
Kara Kane photo
ENTREPRENEURS
(Kaufman Institute Research, www.entrepreneur.gov)
Since World War ll, entrepreneurs have been responsible for
The highest rate of
entrepreneurial activity ages
55-64 the 20-34 age group has the lowest. ing E Com
ntrepreneu rshi pB
9) 200 ne u ,” J
47% had advanced Degrees
Entrepreneurs
he , “T
oo m
- Matt Petrowski ’09 MBA
95.1% of
had earned bachelor’s degrees.
95
%
Am er i
“Businesses in Buffalo face challenges with respect to the business environment and the economy - maybe even a shrinkingpopulation.Theworld isgettingsmallereveryday,and we have to be able to compete internationally. To compete internationally, we have to think internationally. Maybe that is the biggest challenge . . . step back and look at the biggerpictureandfigureout ways to have an impact on the business world, not just Buffalo’s business world. “
SUMMER 2010 l 29
ENTREPRENEURS AT A GLANCE
( Th e
Petroski suggests that managing time is among the biggest challenges that an entrepreneur will face. “Starting and maintaining a business is like having a child,” he says. “My family is very important to me, and I never want them thinking I put my business ahead of my family.” He continues, “As I grow my business, I always weigh each decision on how this will affect my family. In weighing that decision, my family has to get the first nod or else my actions are not in alignment with what I value.” For Petroski, his drive to build businesses has been “a lifetime in the making.” He credits his family as having an “entrepreneurial gene . . . [with] two brothers who have been successful businessmen, and my parents, who have been running an outstanding child care facility for over 20 years.” As for where Petroski gets his best ideas, he cites an incredible value in reading, thinking and talking. “I have been reading about 65 books a year for the last several years,” he says. “Then I have spent double that time thinking about what I read. Finally, I have actively tried new ideas in my daily work - my daily life.” He continues, “Sometimes I failed, sometimes I succeed, but always, I learned. From that experience, my ideas are born.”
n ca
u
The average number of businesses launched by survey respondents was approximately
2.3
The majority of the entrepreneurs in the sample were serial entrepreneurs. (Kaufman Institute Research, www.entrepreneur.gov)
OF RADICAL Innovations (Public Forum Institute)
Take our entrepreneur poll online: www.medaille.edu/entrepreneur
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What a difference a decade makes
Powerhouse programs
By James Witherow ’09 MC
dominate the AMCC
When Michael Carbery, sports information director and assistant director of athletics, joined the Medaille Athletics staff in 1999, the program “was in its infancy.” Describing that time over ten years ago, Carbery says, “It was pretty much Laura [Edholm ’07] and myself, and we were pretty new to the gig. Surprising to many, that infancy did not include the NCAA; rather, a combination of small independent athletic conferences.” “First, we were a part of the Independent Small College Athletic Conference - that’s where our basketball teams early on had some success,” says Carbery. “Then we were a part of the UAA [Upstate Athletic Alliance], which was Hilbert, D’Youville, Cazenovia and [Medaille].” From there, the UAA transitioned to the NEAC [North Eastern Athletic Conference], and Carbery explains, “Just before we got into the AMCC, we became NCAA members.” Since becoming NCAA members in 2004, Medaille has excelled. The men’s soccer team has participated in the NCAA Tournament four times, advancing to the second round twice, while fielding numerous All-Americans and producing the NCAA’s all-time leading assist man in Gary Boughton ’09. The women’s basketball team has also participated in the NCAA Tournament four times, advancing to the second round three times producing the 10th all-time assists woman in Marisa Clark ‘08. Last, but not least, the men’s basketball team has participated in the NCAA tournament in back-to-back seasons. It even made its first-ever appearance in the Chris Ripley ‘12 EDU photos
D-III hoops top 25 national rankings in 20092010. “Our winning percentage as an athletic department right now is .634,” offers Carbery on the success of the athletic department as a whole. “I can’t imagine there are a lot of schools in the country that have that much success.” As with anything in sports, you cannot become successful unless you have good leadership, and that is exactly what Medaille has had over the years with its stellar coaches. “I think we’ve been able to get our hands on some quality coaches, and keep them around,” says Carbery. “They’ve been able to establish themselves and establish their programs. Once you start winning, winning helps recruit.” “Once we got our name out there, we had kids doing well, with All-Americans and NCAA tournaments. That stuff helps,” he continues. Over the past ten years, Medaille Athletics has seen a transformation almost unheard of in college athletics. To advance in ten years from a small, independent, nonNCAA-affiliated conference, to an NCAA powerhouse in men’s soccer and women’s basketball is no small feat. However, this is just the beginning. “As remarkable as it is that we are where we are, you are going to have your peaks and valleys,” says Carbery, “I just think it would be special if we could get a national championship on this campus, and I don’t think we’re that far away.”
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Women’s Soccer
HIGHLIGHTS
Head Coach: Matt Andrews 2009 record: 10-9-2; 7-2-1 AMCC
Men’s Soccer
Head Coach: Daniel Krzyzanowicz ’04 2009 record: 18-3-2; 9-0-1 AMCC; 17 shutouts
The team captured its fifth-straight undefeated AMCC Regular Championship, taking that momentum into the AMCC Tournament and capturing its fourth title in the past five years with a 1-0 win over Penn State-Behrend. The Mavs leaped into their fourth NCAA Tournament, earning their first-ever tournament win (a 3-0 shutout of Denison University) in the first round before falling to #10 Carnegie Mellon University (1-0) in the second round. Gary Boughton ’10 (Lancaster, NY/Lancaster) ended his career with an NCAA record of 82 assists, earning AMCC Player of the Year honors. Kendell McFayden ’10 (Williamsville, NY/Williamsville North) was signed to the Austin Aztex, a United Soccer League First Division Team in Texas. Head Coach Daniel Krzyzanowicz ’04 reached 100 wins at Medaille with a 6-0 victory over Alvernia University, and was named AMCC Coach of the Year. Ryan Goettel ’12 (Syracuse, NY/Cicero-North Syracuse) allowed only five goals in 18 games. In 2010, 4 of the top 6 scorers will return, along with all goaltenders, as the team drives toward a sixth-straight AMCC title.
era ‘11 Gina P
With another appearance in the ECAC Upstate Tournament, the Lady Mavs advanced to the championship game in post-season play before falling (3-1) to SUNY Brockport. Laura Freeman ’10 (Buffalo, NY/ Kenmore West) led the conference in goals with 19, finishing with 38 points and being named to the First Team All Conference for the second straight year. Mary Smialek ’11 (Girard, PA/Girard) was named to the Honorable Mention Team. The team finished third in the AMCC standings, but were shutout by Pitt-Bradford in the opening round of playoffs.
Women’s Volleyball
Head Coach: Jake Beiter ’07 2009 record: 19-12; 6-4 AMCC A program-best overall record at 19-12 signaled a strong season for women’s volleyball. Beginning with five straight wins and a sweep at the Spartan Invitational at D’Youville College, Head Coach Jake Beiter ’07 led the team to its first-ever ECAC Upstate Tournament appearance. In his second year as head coach, he was named AMCC Coach of the Year and was honored by the AVCA as a recipient of the Thirty Under 30 Award. All Conference honors were conferred on Meghan Fahy ’13 (Kendall, NY/Kendall) (Second Team); Gina Traniello ’11 (Falconer, NY/Falconer), Holley McAllister ’10 (Rochester, NY/Rush-Henrietta) and Janine Benkelman ’13 (Eden, NY/Eden) received Honorable Mentions. With a turnaround from eight wins in 2008 to 19 wins in 2009, the team showed the fifth-best improvement in the country. For 2010, 12 of 13 letter-winners will return to the court. 11
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Lauren
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Haberman was the low scorer for the Mavs in five of their nine rounds of golf. E.J. Kuebler ’12 (Williamsville, NY/Williamsville North) led the Mavs three times with low scores in 2009. At its home course, Glen Oak Golf Course, the team finished fourth in the Second Annual Medaille Fall Invitational, shooting 333 as a team, with Mark Jaccarino ’12 (North Tonawanda, NY/North Tonawanda) bringing in a team-best 81.
HIGHLIGHTS
Bowling
Head Coach: Mark Metz After participating in a full slate of tournaments throughout the northeast, the bowling team had a split season, finishing with an 1110 record against NCAA opponents. Laura Mauger ’10 (Clarence, NY/Clarence) and Becca Barton ’10 (Great Bend, PA/Susquehanna Valley) led the team with consistently high games for the Lady Mavs. The Kutztown Invitational was the focal point of the season, where the bowlers faced off against NCAA teams. The Lady Mavs finished in the middle of the pack while competing against many Division I programs. For a third-straight year, the team finished with a winning record – great news given the program’s very short history. Four bowlers from this season’s squad will return, as it looks to earn a berth in the NCAA Tournament in 2011.
Men’s Golf
Cross Country
Head Coach: Jason Longo After entering the season with new Head Coach Jason Longo, the team looked to Bridget George ’11 (Grand Island, NY/ Grand Island), Chris Musial ’11 (Lancaster, NY/St. Francis) and Chris Ribble ’13 (Addison, NY/Addison HS) to help lead the runners. Medaille’s men and women finished eighth at the AMCC Championships at Penn State-Behrend, with scores of 241 and 228, respectively. Ashlea Browning ’11 (Jamestown, NY/Jamestown), Sarah Wind ’13 (Clarence, NY/Clarence), and Ribble and Musial all had strong showings.
Winter
Head Coach: John Edholm Though the team fell short of an AMCC Championship, it showed strong play during the fall. In their opener at the Pitt-Bradford Invitational, they scored 325. The Spartan Shootout at D’Youville saw the Mavs finish in second place, just four strokes behind Erie Community College. Second Team All Conference selection John Haberman ’11 (Kenmore, NY/Kenmore West) shot a 74 at Penn State-Behrend, landing him in sixth place at that tournament;
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HIGHLIGHTS
Men’s Basketball Head Coach: Michael MacDonald 2009-10 record: 24-5 overall; 16-4 AMCC With a phenomenal 13-win start to the season, the Mavs made a strong return to the court, including a 92-91 win over then-#9ranked John Carroll University, a victory that avenged a hard loss
Bowling 09 Team 20
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in the 2009 NCAA Tournament. The team won its second-straight AMCC regular season and tournament titles, propelling them to the NCAA Tournament for a second year. Breaking through to the second round, they upended Nazareth College in overtime, 78-72. A heartbreaking one-point loss to SUNY-IT ended the team’s run, but a core of returning players promises a strong defense of its title in 2011. Keith Hack ’10 (Hopewell Junction, NY/John Jay) led the team, being named the AMCC Player of the Year and selected for the First Team All-Region by the NABC. Hack became the third player in program history to reach the 1,000 point and 500 rebound plateaus for a career. He finished his stellar career in third place on the alltime points list with (1,211) and second in rebounding with (544). Chris Moscato ’10 (Buffalo, NY/Canisius) became the all-time assists leader, with 103 on the season and 393 over four years. He also finished fourth on the all time steals list with 117, first in games played with 110 and third in 3-point field goals made at 161. Mike Berkun ’10 (Getzville, NY/Williamsville North) ended his Medaille career first in three point field goal percentage (43.7%), second from the charity stripe (83.6%) and fourth in assists with (199). The Mavs also graduated Kelly Condello ’10 (Fairport, NY/Fairport) and Ben Kopp ’10 (Franklinville, NY/Franklinville), and each provided the team with quality minutes and strong play both in the paint and from behind the arc. Head Coach Mike MacDonald earned AMCC Coach of the Year honors for the second-straight season and third time in his four years at the helm.
Mike Ber kun ‘10
Women’s Basketball
Head Coach: Pete Lonergan 2009-10 record: 26-3; 20-0 AMCC Sweeping through conference play, the women’s basketball team returned to the top of the AMCC with a program-record 26 wins in the 2009-10 season. For the fourth time in five seasons, the team won the regular season and tournament titles. And, for the fourth time in program history, the AMCC Tournament Title propelled the team to the NCAA Division III Championship Tournament. After winning a first-round matchup against Lebanon Valley College, the Lady Mavs advanced to the second round for the third time in four trips. The team fell in the second-round game to powerhouse Marymount University, ending the season with a tremendous 26-3 record. Seventh-year Head Coach Pete Lonergan led the way, again earning AMCC Coach of the Year honors. Kacie Mills ’11 (Buffalo, NY/Kenmore East) and Amanda Sahhar ’11 (Orchard Park, NY/ Orchard Park) received Second Team All Conference Honors for their strong play, while Meghan Dougherty ’12 (Buffalo, NY/ Nichols) earned Honorable Mention recognition. Mills led the Lady Mavs in scoring with 11.2 points per game, while Sahhar was right behind her averaging 11.0 points and a teambest 6.6 rebounds per game. Dougherty set a program record by draining 56 three-pointers on the year while scoring 9.9 points per game. Mame Yaa Ankoma-Mensa ’11 (Brampton, On/D’Youville) provided a spark off the bench by pulling down 6.5 boards per game and creating disruptions to opposing offenses with her defensive tenacity. Tanisha Travis ’12 (Rochester, NY/Fairport) led the team with 39 blocks while scoring 7.6 points per game and 5.9 rebounds per game. Four of five starters will return as the team attempts to defend its AMCC Title in the 2010-11 season.
Ankoma-M Mame Yaa
ensa ‘11
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history with a 9-9 record. Four players received all-conference honors: Tyler Strassburg ’12, Jim Luthart ’11, Matt Dunkle ’12 and Caleb Higgins ’12. Strassburg set the single season records for goals with 42 and points with 67, while Luthart set a single season program record for assists with 30. Overall, the team set a single season program record for goals at 202 and assists at 113.
HIGHLIGHTS
Baseball
Head Coach: Paul Smaldone 2010 record: 18-18; 12-8 AMCC
Softball
Finishing the season with a 18-18 record, the baseball squad’s 12-8 record in AMCC action gave the team a sixth-place finish. After a two year hiatus, pitcher Brian Vital ’10 ended his Medaille career with a team-best 6-3 with 40 k’s and only 16 walks. Brandon Lumadue ’11 continues his assault on the career records list as he placed in the top five in ten statistical categories.
Men’s Lacrosse
Head Coach: Chaz Bulera 2010 record: 9-9; 6-1 NEAC
Making the ECAC Tournament for the first time, the men’s lacrosse team won its first ECAC Tournament against Morrisville State before falling to top-seeded Kean University in the semifinals. The team reached the most wins in program
Head Coach: Laura Edholm ‘07 2010 record: 23-22; 12-8 AMCC With the most wins in program history, the softball team made its first AMCC title game appearance, its sixth-straight AMCC playoff appearance, and its third-straight ECAC Tournament. With a balanced record of 23-22 overall, its 10-8 record in the AMCC was good for a fifth-place finish. Alyssa Zemla ’11 became the alltime home run leader in program history with 30, while Amanda Westling ’10 and Kristen Rohe ’12 combined for 128 strikeouts.
Women’s Lacrosse
Head Coach: Sarah Royer 2010 record: 4-8; 3-4 NEAC Ending the regular season with a 4-8 record, the team was 3-4 in NEAC play. Marilyn Meyer ’12 was named First Team All NEAC, and she moved into third place on the program’s all-time career list with 49 goals and 56 points. The team won four of its last five games of the season.
Chris Coo g
an ‘10
Matt Dunford ‘11
Bridget G
er ’10 Laura Maug and Holley 0 McAllister ’1
eorge ‘11
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After a 5 year drought the men’s volleyball team climbed to th
7
in the nation
Men’s Volleyball Head Coach: Keith Koch ’00 ’05 2009-10 record: 21-10; 8-0 AMCC Making an eighth NECVA Tournament appearance, men’s volleyball continued into 2010 with a powerhouse record of 2110 overall and 8-0 in the NECVA Western Division. The squad ended the regular season with a divisional title and a secondplace finish at the divisional tournament. Ryan Murdie ’10 earned second team All-American honors, becoming the fifth Maverick player to be named All American, and he was also named AVCA National Player of the Week for the second time in his career. Six players received All Conference Divisional honors: Murdie, Andy Nowotka ’10, Ryan Maxwell ’11, Dan Jackson ’11, Nick Johnson ’11 and Erin Kelly ’13. And, with his 100th career victory, head coach Keith Koch ’00 LS ’05 MBA was named NECVA Western Division Coach of the Year.
For the first time, each of Medaille’s 10 AMCC teams made the conference playoffs, and 12 of 14 eligible teams participated in post-season play.
Dan Jackson ’11 and Brandon Kilijanski ‘13
18 Agassiz Circle Buffalo, NY 14214
get into the swing...
Five years ago, Bob Cole ‘05 MBA and Jennifer Blackchief ’ 06 MBA, started this tournament as a way to honor the memory of Allen Lee Downing, a classmate whose untimely passing at the age of 27 motivated his friends to raise funds in his name for a scholarship. This tournament is the main event raising funds to benefit Medaille College’s endowment, securing the long-term success of the College. This year we will continue to raise funds for our Allen Lee Downing Memorial Scholarship. Our goal is to raise $125,000 for the scholarship fund and we need your help.
Monday, August 16, 2010 Transit Valley Country Club, East Amherst, NY
For more information visit www.medaille.edu/downing or e-mail alumni@medaille.edu.
Join us for a full day of golf and dinner or just the dinner reception, cocktails and the auction.
...support scholarship at Medaille College