Medaille Magazine Summer 2009 by Medaille University

Medaille Academics at a Glance | 4 Sports Round Up | 12 Commencement 2009 | 18 Buffalo’s College | 20

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Reflection When I began my tenure as President Message from the of Medaille College in 2007, I spoke of three qualities in particular that attracted me to the college – its entrepreneurial spirit, nimbleness in action and gritty resilience. Medaille today proves the truth of my original assessment. The worst recession in decades has challenged all of us – individuals, families, and businesses alike. Medaille not only has weathered this storm, but has emerged more robust. This past year has been a time of reflection and action. From the reflection emerged a keen understanding of our strengths; a deep appreciation for Buffalo, its people and treasures; and a determination to anchor ourselves deeply into the life and fabric of this great city. Medaille has been very intentional in its search for partners – to find people and organizations with whom to combine our energies to create a stronger Buffalo and Medaille. We’ve made many promising connections in recent months. There are so many in Buffalo who share a common passion, vision and sense of possibility about this wonderful place – and who are eager to work with us to expand our students’ sense of their own possibilities. Highlighted in the following pages are examples of these connections. For example, Medaille’s investment in McCarthy Park in Northeast Buffalo is a perfect example of a public-private partnership that netted tangible benefits for a distressed neighborhood. And there are Henri L. Muhammad and Anthony Dicembre, two alums whose creativity and energy are transforming young lives. Read on and sample the stories of people whose spirit and flair invigorate Buffalo, our region and the world.

Table OF CONTENTS

TABLE OF

PRESIDENT

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 Webmaster Joe Flateau Director of Sara Mobilia Fluskey Major Gifts Coordinator of Kristin Majeroni Alumni Relations Director of Vicki Ward Advancement Services Contributors Kari Costelloe Megan Fitzgerald ’10 MC Summer (Gemmati) Handzlik ’08 MC Joy Kuebler Nicole Pierson Louis Raczka ’09 LS Photography and Art Joe Flateau Sara Mobilia Fluskey Kara Kane Jim McCoy Medaille Athletics Lisa Murphy Joe Tosto ‘09 MC Greg Wlosinski ’07 VDA (716) 880-2000 (800) 292-1582 Amherst | (716) 631-1061 Rochester | (585) 272-0030 www.medaille.edu and alumni.medaille.edu 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.

CONTENTS Buffalo’s College

Through community partnerships, Medaille College continues to contribute to the sustainability of Buffalo and the greater Niagara Region. As the college moves forward in these challenging times, Medaille’s focus will be on continuing to grow our commitment to enhance the community through our skilled graduates as they learn, grow and their contribution to the workforce.

Academics AT A GLANCE

Updated equipment, new responsibilities, continuing achievement, and a relocation for the Rochester Campus highlight recent activity.

Richard T. Jurasek, Ph.D. President, Medaille College

Board of Trustees Stuart H. Angert Dominick F. Antonelli Stephen L. Cicchinelli ‘98 Peter J. Freyburger, DVM Horace A. Gioia, Esq. Juanita K. Hunter, Ed.D. Richard T. Jurasek, Ph.D. President, Medaille College

Charles E. Moran Jr. Chair Andrés Garcia ‘82 Assistant Secretary Michael K. Walsh Treasurer

Megan Fitzgerald ’10

Summer (Gemmati) Handzlik ’08

Louis Raczka ’09

Joe Tosto ‘09

Greg Wlosinski ’07

Back cover and table of contents buffalo sculpture located outside North Residence Hall created by Mark Lavatelli, MFA, Professor of Humanities.

Sports ROUND UP

Successful strategies, individual records, and a trip to the NCAA Tournament for the men’s basketball team marked another Mavericks season.

Margaret Kafka ‘90 James R. Kaskie William H. Pearce Jr. Lawrence Quinn Hon. Frank A. Sedita Jr. Robert L. Stevenson Robby Takac ‘86 Don Tomasulo ‘79*

*Ex officio, President of Medaille College Buffalo Alumni Association Board

Contributors

Commencement 2009 CEREMONIES

Powerful speakers, delighted families, and 1,074 proud graduates shared a few, final hours together as the academic year concluded at Kleinhans Music Hall.

Table OF CONTENTS

TABLE OF

PRESIDENT

CONTENTS Buffalo’s College

Academics AT A GLANCE

Updated equipment, new responsibilities, continuing achievement, and a relocation for the Rochester Campus highlight recent activity.

Richard T. Jurasek, Ph.D. President, Medaille College

Charles E. Moran Jr. Chair Andrés Garcia ‘82 Assistant Secretary Michael K. Walsh Treasurer

Megan Fitzgerald ’10

Summer (Gemmati) Handzlik ’08

Louis Raczka ’09

Joe Tosto ‘09

Greg Wlosinski ’07

Back cover and table of contents buffalo sculpture located outside North Residence Hall created by Mark Lavatelli, MFA, Professor of Humanities.

Sports ROUND UP

Successful strategies, individual records, and a trip to the NCAA Tournament for the men’s basketball team marked another Mavericks season.

Margaret Kafka ‘90 James R. Kaskie William H. Pearce Jr. Lawrence Quinn Hon. Frank A. Sedita Jr. Robert L. Stevenson Robby Takac ‘86 Don Tomasulo ‘79*

*Ex officio, President of Medaille College Buffalo Alumni Association Board

Contributors

Commencement 2009 CEREMONIES

Powerful speakers, delighted families, and 1,074 proud graduates shared a few, final hours together as the academic year concluded at Kleinhans Music Hall.

FAME

Select clips from MCTV are available on YouTube.com/ medaillebuffalo; the club also has a popular page on Facebook with video content available. “The revamped studio is an amazing resource for Medaille students. It provides a hands-on opportunity to access the same type of equipment used in communication internships and jobs.” - Chris Musial ’11 MC

places behind three high-definition video cameras and in front of monitors and controls. With cameras, light and sound equipment under control, the on-air talent clips wireless mics to clothing and heads onto the stage, beginning the final news broadcast of the 2008-09 academic year.

SUMMER 2009 l 5

New Leadership Guides Strategic Plan Amy DeKay ’95 CYS, Interim Dean of Students

Amy DeKay became the interim dean of student affairs in July 2009. She began at Medaille as the director of student activities in 1997 and has progressively held positions of increasing responsibility. She earned her bachelor’s degree from Medaille and a master’s in student personnel administration from Buffalo State College.

Pamela was named library director in May 2009. She began at Medaille as library systems coordinator in 2006, having worked previously as a librarian at the Albright-Knox Art Gallery, the Buffalo and Erie County Public Library, the Eastman School of Music, and the University at Buffalo. She earned bachelor’s degrees in music and history, and a master’s of library science, all from the University at Buffalo.

he clock ticks down to MCTV’s 12:30 p.m. broadcast. The mood in the Vincent and Harriet Palisano Television Studio is surprisingly calm. News Director Brianna Broad ‘11 MC sits quietly in the remodeled production area, sending texts to news anchors, reporters and production staff as a final reminder that taping is about to begin. Lisa Van Valkinburgh, clinical associate professor of communication, and station manager Dominic Klos ’09 MC check the sound and digital video feed. Minutes before recording starts, 20 other members of MCTV bustle into the room, dropping backpacks and purses, taking their

Academics AT A GLANCE

Pamela Jones, Library Director

Medaille students produce news and class projects from the Vincent and Harriet Palisano Television Studio.

how to view

SUMMER 2009 l 4

minutes of

photo by GREG WLOSINSKI ’07 VDA

Academics AT A GLANCE

Illana Lane, Ph.D., Acting Dean of the School of Education

Dr. Lane joined Medaille in 2001, most recently serving as associate professor and chair of the elementary education department in the School of Education. She will lead a division of the College that educates nearly 1,000 undergraduate and graduate students across programs in special education, secondary education, literacy, elementary education, student teaching, and teacher certification programs for Canadian students. She is a graduate of the University at Buffalo, with a master’s degree and doctorate in education, and earned a bachelor’s degree from Pennsylvania State University. Dr. Lane takes over for Founding Dean of the School of Education Dr. Francis Murphy, who retired on May 31, 2009.

Paula Valente, Vice President for College Relations

Valente will lead Medaille’s fund raising and communications efforts. Valente brings to this role a strong background in community relations and public policy. Most recently, she served as associate vice president for development at Canisius College, an institution from which she is also a graduate. Prior to that position, Valente held leadership positions as the executive director of the YWCA of Greater Portland (Maine), president of the Institute for a Strong Maine Economy, president and CEO of the Maine Health Care Association, and city manager of Auburn, Maine. In addition to receiving a bachelor’s degree from Canisius College, Valente earned a master of public administration degree from George Washington University.

Medaille’s Board of Trustees As of July 1, 2009, the board of trustees saw a change in leadership and the addition of new members. Charles E. Moran Jr., president and CEO of Delaware North Companies, will serve as chair, Michael K. Walsh, executive vice president of Walsh Duffield Companies, Inc., will serve as treasurer, and Andrés Garcia ’82 HHS, business development liaison for the City Business Development Consortium, Inc., will serve as assistant secretary. New board members are listed below, bringing with them experience in business, entrepreneurship, law and communications. William M. Collins, Tom Donahoe, Joseph G. Makowski and Dr. Kathleen C. Owens completed their terms of service as of June 30, 2009. Stephen L. Cicchinelli ’98 CIS Cicchinelli is the director of customer response in the Potomac region for Verizon Communications. He previously served as the Buffalo Campus Alumni Board president.

Peter J. Freyberger, DVM Dr. Peter Freyberger co-founded the Brighton-Eggert Animal Clinic in Tonawanda, where he now serves as president and hospital director. He earned a doctorate in veterinary medicine from Cornell University, and recently published a book, Vetting: The Making of a Veterinarian.

Horace A. Gioia, Esq. Horace Gioia is a partner in the law firm of Rupp, Baase, Pfalzgraf, Cunningham & Coppola LLC. He graduated from Hamilton College and the University at Buffalo School of Law.

Hon. Frank A. Sedita Jr.

The Honorable Frank A. Sedita Jr. is a New York State Supreme Court justice in the Eighth Judicial District (Erie County), with previous experience as a judge for the Erie County Family Court, Buffalo City Court, and Erie County Supreme Court. He is a graduate of Canisius College and the University at Buffalo School of Law.

Robert L. Stevenson Robert Stevenson is the president and CEO of the Eastman Machine Company in Buffalo, and previously served as a trustee from 1991 to 2003. He is a graduate of Yale University.

Don Tomasulo ’79 MC As the president of Medaille’s Buffalo Campus Alumni Board, Don Tomasulo will serve as an ex-officio member of the board of trustees. He is the director of results for Entercom Buffalo.

FAME

SUMMER 2009 l 5

New Leadership Guides Strategic Plan Amy DeKay ’95 CYS, Interim Dean of Students

Academics AT A GLANCE

Pamela Jones, Library Director

Medaille students produce news and class projects from the Vincent and Harriet Palisano Television Studio.

how to view

SUMMER 2009 l 4

minutes of

photo by GREG WLOSINSKI ’07 VDA

Academics AT A GLANCE

Illana Lane, Ph.D., Acting Dean of the School of Education

Paula Valente, Vice President for College Relations

Horace A. Gioia, Esq. Horace Gioia is a partner in the law firm of Rupp, Baase, Pfalzgraf, Cunningham & Coppola LLC. He graduated from Hamilton College and the University at Buffalo School of Law.

Hon. Frank A. Sedita Jr.

Robert L. Stevenson Robert Stevenson is the president and CEO of the Eastman Machine Company in Buffalo, and previously served as a trustee from 1991 to 2003. He is a graduate of Yale University.

Academics AT A GLANCE

Faculty News

Virginia Batchelor, Ph.D.,

Associate Professor in the School of Education, received an award in March 2009 from the Unlimited Possibilities Overcoming Poverty Ministry in honor of National Women’s History Month.

SUMMER 2009 l 6

Welcome to Brighton: A relocation for the Rochester Campus

Academics AT A GLANCE

Around the College Buffalo, Amherst, Rochester Richard Gerber, Ph.D.,

was promoted to Associate Professor of Mathematics and Sciences, effective August 15, 2009, and granted tenure, effective August 15, 2010.

Jennifer Bavifard, Ed.D.,

Executive Director of the Accelerated Learning Program, successfully defended her doctoral dissertation to earn a doctorate in educational leadership from D’Youville College.

Courtney Grim, MFA,

Associate Professor of Humanities, had her experimental 8mm film Duck and Cover shown on December 2008 at the Albright Knox Gallery as part of its Gusto at the Gallery series.

Alan Bigelow, Ph.D.,

Professor of Humanities, published digital fictions in FILE Rio 2009 (Rio de Janeiro, Brazil); Festival de Arte Digitale 2009 (Belo Horizonte, Brazil); and Algorithmia at Root Division Gallery (San Francisco). He was selected for Java Museum’s Net Art Features 2009. Dr. Bigelow also curates the “Searching for a New(er) Digital Literature” exhibition, a collection of twelve multimedia works that offer readers representative examples of new digital poetry and fiction on the web.

Elaine Correa, Ph.D.,

Associate Professor in the School of Education, was granted tenure effective August 15, 2010.

Gerald Erion, Ph.D.,

Associate Professor of Humanities, was promoted to associate professor in 2008 and will be awarded tenure effective August 15, 2009. His paper, “South Park and the Open Society,” was included in Signs of Life in the USA, an anthology. He gave presentations on Neil Postman, student relativism, cities as “text”, and media ecology over the past academic year.

Jeffrey Faunce, Ph.D.,

Assistant Professor in the School of Education, earned his doctorate in education from the University at Buffalo. His dissertation was titled “It’s all about relationships: How do student teachers conceptualize their relationships with their students”.

Brenda Fredette, Ph.D.,

Associate Professor of Mathematics and Sciences, coordinated the Project Green Light Leadership and Recycling Symposium in fall 2008. She served as the advisor to the Life Sciences Club, helping with its first Silent Auction and tree planting project with the Buffalo Olmsted Parks Conservancy. She served as a reviewer for the National Center for Case Study Teaching in Science and as a reader for Advanced Placement Chemistry Exams. Dr. Fredette also led an 11-day field research course for 20 undergraduate students in Costa Rica.

SUMMER 2009 l 7

Mary Louise Hill, Ph.D.,

was promoted to Associate Professor of Humanities, effective August 15, 2009, and granted tenure, effective August 15, 2010.

The paint had barely dried on the walls of the new Rochester campus interior when doors opened and classes started on June 29, 2009. Following a steady, swift period of construction over two months, Medaille designed the facility with the needs of Accelerated Learning Program faculty and students in mind, and in anticipation of continued growth at the campus. Located just four minutes east of the previous facility, the new building in the Town of Brighton remains easy to access from all points in the Rochester region. Visit www.tinyurl.com/medaillerochester for a detailed map.

Brad Hollingshead, Ph.D.,

Associate Dean for Foundational Learning and Assessment, presented at an event hosted by Duquesne University’s Department of English: Visionary Poetics Today: New Visions of Milton and the Romantics.

Richard Jacob, Ph.D.,

Richard T. Jurasek, Ph.D., Medaille College President

was promoted to Associate Professor of Business, effective August 15, 2009, and granted tenure, effective August 15, 2010.

We’re developing new degrees based on the needs of Rochester-area professionals, and this larger facility will support those expanded programs and student base.

Robert H. Johnson, Ph.D.,

What do you think of the new campus? Melissa McNair ‘10 ASB

I think the move is a great step forward for the college. It shows the growth and success the program has had in the Rochester community. Peter M. Rosetano ‘09 BA

The new campus is spacious and looks very attractive. I can hardly wait to attend classes at the new campus!

Ronald Buckman ‘06 MBA

This move solidifies the commitment that Medaille has made. Rochester should be proud to have Medaille continue to raise the educational bar even higher. Holly Kinsey ‘09 BA I am very excited for the new campus. I think it will be a great asset to Rochester. I am looking forward to the presence it will bring. Compiled by Nicole Pierson

Associate Professor of Mathematics and Sciences, co-authored a research paper: “Effects of polyploidy on secondary chemistry, physiology, and performance of native and invasive genotypes of Solidago gigantea (Asteraceae)” that was published in the April 2009 issue of American Journal of Botany. He was also named to the Editorial Board for the newly-launched International Journal of Insect Science. Dr. Johnson participated in a wildlife and photographic expedition to Antarctica in December 2008 and January 2009. His photography was featured in the spring edition of Medaille’s Incite Magazine.

Daniel Kotzin, Ph.D.,

Assistant Professor of Social Sciences, has had his manuscript, Judah L. Magnes: An American Jewish Maverick, accepted for publication by Syracuse University Press, expected to be published in spring 2010, spoke at the Everett Jewish Life Center in Chautauqua in July, with two lectures: one on ethical Zionism, and the other on attempts at Jewish-Arab cooperation.

Academics AT A GLANCE

Faculty News

Virginia Batchelor, Ph.D.,

Associate Professor in the School of Education, received an award in March 2009 from the Unlimited Possibilities Overcoming Poverty Ministry in honor of National Women’s History Month.

SUMMER 2009 l 6

Welcome to Brighton: A relocation for the Rochester Campus

Academics AT A GLANCE

Around the College Buffalo, Amherst, Rochester Richard Gerber, Ph.D.,

was promoted to Associate Professor of Mathematics and Sciences, effective August 15, 2009, and granted tenure, effective August 15, 2010.

Jennifer Bavifard, Ed.D.,

Executive Director of the Accelerated Learning Program, successfully defended her doctoral dissertation to earn a doctorate in educational leadership from D’Youville College.

Courtney Grim, MFA,

Associate Professor of Humanities, had her experimental 8mm film Duck and Cover shown on December 2008 at the Albright Knox Gallery as part of its Gusto at the Gallery series.

Alan Bigelow, Ph.D.,

Elaine Correa, Ph.D.,

Associate Professor in the School of Education, was granted tenure effective August 15, 2010.

Gerald Erion, Ph.D.,

Jeffrey Faunce, Ph.D.,

Brenda Fredette, Ph.D.,

SUMMER 2009 l 7

Mary Louise Hill, Ph.D.,

was promoted to Associate Professor of Humanities, effective August 15, 2009, and granted tenure, effective August 15, 2010.

Brad Hollingshead, Ph.D.,

Richard Jacob, Ph.D.,

Richard T. Jurasek, Ph.D., Medaille College President

was promoted to Associate Professor of Business, effective August 15, 2009, and granted tenure, effective August 15, 2010.

We’re developing new degrees based on the needs of Rochester-area professionals, and this larger facility will support those expanded programs and student base.

Robert H. Johnson, Ph.D.,

What do you think of the new campus? Melissa McNair ‘10 ASB

I think the move is a great step forward for the college. It shows the growth and success the program has had in the Rochester community. Peter M. Rosetano ‘09 BA

The new campus is spacious and looks very attractive. I can hardly wait to attend classes at the new campus!

Ronald Buckman ‘06 MBA

Daniel Kotzin, Ph.D.,

Academics AT A GLANCE

SUMMER 2009 l 8

Preparing for classrooms in

Mark Lavatelli, MFA,

Canada

Professor of Humanities, was awarded a fellowship by the Jentel Artist Residency Program for a four-week period from February 15-March 13, 2009. Lavatelli was among the award recipients focusing on their own creative projects at this working retreat for artists and writers.

Ontario’s next generation of educators travels across the border to earn teaching certificates.

Michael Lillis, Ph.D., and Robert Guang Tian, Ph.D.,

Associate Professors of Business, had their manuscript, “Cross-Cultural Communication and Emotional Intelligence: Inferences from Case Studies of Gender Diverse Groups,” accepted for publication by Marketing Intelligence and Planning. Dr. Lillis presented on student-faculty interaction and faculty emotional intelligence at the Business Research Consortium of Western New York in April 2009, and co-authored an article on risk and returns in academic publishing in the International Journal of Organization Theory and Behavior. Dr. Lillis also was promoted to the rank of professor of business, effective August 15, 2009.

Norman Muir, Ph.D., Dean of the Undergraduate College, Barbara Jurasek, Ph.D., Cross-border ESL Program Coordinator, and Matt Carver, Vice President for Business and

Finance, traveled to Asia in March 2009. In another significant step in building a joint academic program with the Fortune Institute of Technology (FIT) in Taiwan, they traveled to Kaohsiung, Taiwan to discuss ongoing plans to develop a dual-degree program in business and a month-long English as a Second Language (ESL) program with officials from FIT and Kensuidun Enterprises.

Robert Nesslin, M.A./M.S,

Clinical Associate Professor in the School of Adult and Graduate Education, recently received an invitation and was accepted into membership of the Round Table Group, a Washington, D.C.-based consulting service. Nesslin was also promoted to Clinical Associate Professor in the Department of Management and Leadership, effective July 1, 2009.

Ethan Paquin,

Academics AT A GLANCE

Kam Kaur, Rosemary Bianchi, Rita Celetti, Jennifer Benevides, and Anthony Atletico take notes during class with Dr. Jeff Faunce.

ith just over 15 kilometers separating Medaille’s Amherst Campus and the U.S.-Canadian border, thousands of Canadian residents have earned graduate degrees in education from Medaille since the college began offering specialized teacher education programs in the late 1980s. Three times a year, a new cohort of Canadians starts on a path towards certification as teachers in the province of Ontario and the state of New York. After trading their Canadian loonies for American greenbacks while spending time in the States, Medaille’s graduates have landed in cities across Ontario, from Ajax to York, working for school boards in rural, suburban and urban areas. This spring, Alex Kleiner ’08 MSED, Carrie Orr ’08 MSED and Bilal Qureshi ’08 MSED joined the Amherst Campus Alumni Board, representing a sizable number (over 2,400) of alumni living across Canada. For Qureshi and Orr, this is not the first time they have volunteered to serve Medaille.

While in the middle of their program in 2007, they helped to found EGSS, the School of Education’s Graduate Student Society, which continues to provide teaching resources, volunteer opportunities, and social outlets for Medaille’s graduate education students. The Canadian Education Program has grown from a handful of students, to over 200 students by 2002. By 2005, over 650 students from Ontario and other Canadian provinces were enrolled in the program. “If a Canadian school board is looking for future teachers committed to the teaching profession, interested in motivating children to develop to their fullest, and who will make a difference, Medaille College is proud to offer our graduates as the best educators of young people,” says Dr. Robert DiSibio, Associate Dean for Enrollment in the School of Adult and Graduate Education.

Associate Professor of Humanities, participated in the Juniper Festival at the University of Massachusetts at Amherst in April 2009. Previously, his poem sequence Nineains, featuring multiple nine-line stanzas, was published as a hand-crafted limited edition chapbook by the Brooklyn, NY small press, Hand Held Editions.

Hand-on learning defines the elementary classroom.

SUMMER 2009 l 9 Ted Pelton, Ph.D.,

Professor of Humanities, judged the city-wide creative writing contest for Buffalo high school and junior high school students, Speak Your Mind and Shape Your World. He also published four new stories in his Woodchuck series: two in the monthly publication, The Brooklyn Rail, and two in the bi-annual magazine, Yellow Edenwald Field. Dr. Pelton was promoted to Professor of Humanities, effective August 15, 2009.

Louis Pozantides ‘86 MC,

Clinical Associate Professor of Communication, received the Dr. Brian R. Shero Teaching Excellence and Campus Leadership Award. Also, for the fifth consecutive year, Pozentides was named Professor of the Year by the Student Government Association.

Nancy Pugh, DVM,

was promoted to Associate Professor of Veterinary Technology, effective August 15, 2009, with tenure effective August 15, 2010.

Eileen St. John, Ed.D.,

Assistant Professor in the School of Education, successfully defended her dissertation, earning a doctorate in reading education from the University of Pittsburgh.

Marcia Swiatek,

Clinical Assistant Professor in the School of Education, received the R. Neal Appleby Outstanding Teacher Educator Award from the New York State Association of Teacher Educators (NYSATE) at its spring conference in April 2009.

Robert Guang Tian, Ph.D.,

Associate Professor of Business, published an article in the Journal of Central Asia and the Caucasus. “Xinjiang and Its Role in Greater Central Asian Regional Economic Cooperation” appeared in the first issue of 2009. The Journal of Central Asia and the Caucasus is a peer-reviewed academic journal, published in both English and Russian. His article, “From Internal to External: Challenges against U.S.’s Central Asia Policy,” appeared in vol. 56, no. 2 of the Journal of Social and Political Studies.

Lisa Van Valkinburgh,

Carrie Orr ’08 MSED and Bilal Qureshi ’08 MSED

EGSS, the School of Education’s Graduate Student Society logo

Clinical Associate Professor and Chair of the Communication Department, produces a half-hour community service television show with Erie County Sheriff Timothy Howard. Sheriff Howard Presents airs on Time Warner Cable’s public access channels.

Academics AT A GLANCE

SUMMER 2009 l 8

Preparing for classrooms in

Mark Lavatelli, MFA,

Canada

Ontario’s next generation of educators travels across the border to earn teaching certificates.

Michael Lillis, Ph.D., and Robert Guang Tian, Ph.D.,

Norman Muir, Ph.D., Dean of the Undergraduate College, Barbara Jurasek, Ph.D., Cross-border ESL Program Coordinator, and Matt Carver, Vice President for Business and

Robert Nesslin, M.A./M.S,

Ethan Paquin,

Academics AT A GLANCE

Kam Kaur, Rosemary Bianchi, Rita Celetti, Jennifer Benevides, and Anthony Atletico take notes during class with Dr. Jeff Faunce.

Hand-on learning defines the elementary classroom.

SUMMER 2009 l 9 Ted Pelton, Ph.D.,

Louis Pozantides ‘86 MC,

Nancy Pugh, DVM,

was promoted to Associate Professor of Veterinary Technology, effective August 15, 2009, with tenure effective August 15, 2010.

Eileen St. John, Ed.D.,

Assistant Professor in the School of Education, successfully defended her dissertation, earning a doctorate in reading education from the University of Pittsburgh.

Marcia Swiatek,

Robert Guang Tian, Ph.D.,

Lisa Van Valkinburgh,

Carrie Orr ’08 MSED and Bilal Qureshi ’08 MSED

EGSS, the School of Education’s Graduate Student Society logo

Academics AT A GLANCE

SUMMER 2009 l 10

“Some of the ‘outfits’ I have seen in the office that owners will have their pets wear are quite entertaining. That includes the use of clips in the hair and the painting of toenails,” says Dr. Joe Savarese, Professor and Chair of the Veterinary Technology Department. “My fondest story is that of a client who did not wish to have her pet’s eye removed, which was a real necessity. At a post-surgical visit, the pet came in with a pirate’s cap and eye patch sporting a skull and bones.”

Medaille College is .7 miles from the Buffalo Zoo.

Academics AT A GLANCE

Inside out and by the numbers,

take a look at...

uuu

VET TECH

Fuzzy, feathered, exotic or tame, the animals cared for by Vet Tech students and grads come in every shape and size. Story by Summer (Gemmati) Handzlik ’08 MC

206 photos by GREG WLOSINSKI ’07 VDA

VET 206 acquaints students with the proper handling and care of exotic pets and zoo animals.

uuu

Sue Galbo ’91 VT, Beverly Smith ’96 VT, Ellyn Lane, Kelly Valentine ’00 VT ’01 LS, and Alaina Aiken ‘07 VT ’09 BIO.

44 44

cats & dogs

1986

Each year, Vet Tech students tend to cats, dogs, mice and rabbits.

The Vet Tech program began its first classes in 1986.

n the 1950s, veterinarians trained their own employees, delegating routine tasks and procedures as they saw fit. To adhere to the demands of an expanding veterinary profession, formal academic programs started appearing in the 1960s. Today there are over 150 veterinary technology programs, including Medaille’s, in the United States. While most graduates can expect to have responsibilities that include veterinary nursing, imaging, anesthesia, dental hygiene, and diagnostic laboratory procedures in a practice setting, they should also plan to expect a little that is out-of-the-ordinary and a lot of cleaning. After graduating, there are many career opportunities available to Vet Tech graduates. “Careers for Vet Techs are exciting, challenging and require personal commitment. The monetary rewards will not reach the value of the services performed by a Vet Tech, but the high level of personal satisfaction and joy that one will receive

835

students have earned Vet Tech degrees.

2 or 4 YEAR DEGREES

SUMMER 2009 l 11

SEVEN

Medaille is one of seven colleges in New York State with full accreditation for Veterinary Technology.

when working with animals makes it worthwhile,” explains Dr. Joseph Savarese, professor and chair of the Veterinary Technology program. Sue Galbo ’91 VT, a licensed veterinary technician and technical supervisor at the Sheridan Animal Hospital, interacts with five to 15 animals a day. Some of them are typical house pets, and some are not. “We see birds, raptors which are my favorite to help with, pocket pets and reptiles,” says Galbo.

Academics AT A GLANCE

SUMMER 2009 l 10

Medaille College is .7 miles from the Buffalo Zoo.

Academics AT A GLANCE

Inside out and by the numbers,

take a look at...

uuu

VET TECH

Fuzzy, feathered, exotic or tame, the animals cared for by Vet Tech students and grads come in every shape and size. Story by Summer (Gemmati) Handzlik ’08 MC

206 photos by GREG WLOSINSKI ’07 VDA

VET 206 acquaints students with the proper handling and care of exotic pets and zoo animals.

uuu

Sue Galbo ’91 VT, Beverly Smith ’96 VT, Ellyn Lane, Kelly Valentine ’00 VT ’01 LS, and Alaina Aiken ‘07 VT ’09 BIO.

44 44

cats & dogs

1986

Each year, Vet Tech students tend to cats, dogs, mice and rabbits.

The Vet Tech program began its first classes in 1986.

835

students have earned Vet Tech degrees.

2 or 4 YEAR DEGREES

SUMMER 2009 l 11

SEVEN

Medaille is one of seven colleges in New York State with full accreditation for Veterinary Technology.

Sports ROUND UP

Fall

HIGHLIGHTS

Men’s Soccer

The team won its third-straight AMCC Championship in four years against Penn State-Behrend at home (3-0), and headed to its third NCAA D-3 Tournament. The Mavericks lost in a hard-fought game at the University of Rochester against Messiah College (1-2) in overtime. Messiah went on to win the national championship. With its new venue at All High Stadium, adjacent to McCarthy Park in north Buffalo, the team racked up nine wins, one loss and one tie. Gary Boughton ’09 earned accolades as an NSCAA Scholar All-American, with Jared Reisdorf ’09, Jacob Reisdorf ’09 and Boughton earning NSCAA Scholar All-Region honors. The team had eight players selected to the All Conference Squads. The AMCC named Alexander Rouse ’12 as its Newcomer of the Year. Coach Dan Krzyzanowicz ’04 has garnered an impressive 73% winning percentage across seven seasons, with a 96-32-12 record.

Women’s Soccer

First-year head coach Matt Andrews guided the women’s soccer team to an overall record of 12-9-1 against its most challenging schedule in history. The team advanced to the AMCC semi-finals, and continued into post-season play in the ECAC semi-finals, before bowing out in a shootout against RIT. Overtime wins against LaRoche College and Pitt-Bradford gave

SUMMER 2009 l 14

the team momentum, and its first-ever win over Penn State-Behrend gave the players even more confidence about next season. Danielle Radlich ’09 and Laura Freeman ’09 were selected to the AMCC All Conference First Team; Radlich earned this tribute for the third consecutive year. With only three seniors graduating and a strong incoming set of recruits, the Lady Mavs anticipate a solid season in 2009 to build on last year’s success.

Cross Country

Chris Ribble ’12 became the first Medaille men’s cross country runner to win first-place in an event with his time of 33:37 in the 8K run at a Hilbert College meet. Bridget George ’11 also finished first overall on the women’s side with a time of 22:49 in the 5K course. At the SUNY Geneseo Invitation at Letchworth State Park, the women’s team finished with a total time of 2:28.26 in the 6K race, placing 14th out of 17 teams. Ashlea Browning ’11 led the way, finishing 82nd with a time of 26:11.60, with George seconds behind at 26:43.30 to place 97th. Also at the SUNY Geneseo Invitational, Chris Musial ’11 completed the course in 32:34, setting a new personal mark of four minutes faster than his first race of the season. With stiff competition at the Penn State-Behrend Invitational, the women’s team raced the 5K course against 18 other teams, where they placed ahead of three schools in the AMCC: Hilbert, Pitt-Bradford, and LaRoche. In the 8K course, the men’s team came in at 14th, with Ribble earning a team-best time of 34:05.

www.medaillesports.com

Golf

Sheridan Park Golf Course was the venue for Medaille’s first Fall Invitational in late September. The team finished in first place, with E.J. Kuebler ’12 and John Haberman ’11 earning co-medals with scores of 75. At the Daemen College Invitational, held at Gowanda Country Club, Medaille finished first out of five competitors, shooting a team score of 316. Medaille earned another first-place finish at D’Youville’s tournament, held at the Springville Country Club, with a team score of 318. Aaron Jantzi ’09 led the way with 74. The team set a school record of 304 at Peak ‘N Peek, hosted by Penn State-Behrend, placing fourth out of 13 schools. Facing eight schools at the AMCC Championship at Tom’s Run in Blairsville, PA, Medaille held on to third place in the two-day tournament. Jantzi was named to the All Conference First Team, Haberman to the second team, with Kuebler earning an honorable mention honors.

Women’s Volleyball

Volleyball spectators found inspiration watching 5’3” middle blocker Sonia Sloan ’10 dominate in offensive and defensive situations. Transfer Christina Whitney ’12 demonstrated athleticism and inner motivation, and should prove dangerous to opposing teams in 2009. Defensive specialists Tori Kindron ’11 and Holley McCallister ’10 stepped out of their roles to fill attacker positions, surprising opponents with agility and power. Michele Burgstahler ’10 reached a career-milestone with 300 kills and an honorable mention for the AMCC All Star Selections. In the season’s final match, Melissa Carter ’09 and Heather Belmont ’09 carried the team to a victory in an emotional fivegame thriller at home against conference rival Hilbert College.

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HIGHLIGHTS

Winter

Men’s Volleyball

Travelling to Milwaukee, WI, the team defeated Baruch College in a game led by junior outside hitter Ryan Metz ’10, who had a team high of 19 kills. The team dropped a pair of matches against Rivier College and Carthage College, but recovered to win against Endicott College and the Milwaukee School of Engineering to conclude their trip. In its first home game, the Mavs hosted a tri-match with Hunter College and Lancaster Bible College. Cruising past Lancaster, the team rallied to beat Hunter. Jordon Leviness ’12 came off the bench to contribute 3 kills, 5 digs and one amazing service ace. The Mavs overwhelmed the Hilbert College Hawks in a midseason win at home, improving to 6-3 overall. Freshman setter Sam Arnold finished with 27 assists. With a home court advantage, the Mavs swept the D’Youville Spartans 3-0, with Ryan Maxwell ’11 registering 11 kills. In a North East Collegiate Volleyball Association showdown, the Mavs opened strong against the Ramapo College Roadrunners, but fell in the last three sets. Mitchell Shepard ’09 finished his final home game with teamhigh five kills against the Milwaukee School of Engineering in a 3-0 loss. Heading into the NECVA Divisional Championship with a split 13-13 record, the team won against Stevenson University. Players faced Eastern Mennonite University in the semifinals, where they swept EMU 3-0 to battle Nazareth in the finals. The Mavs were 1514 on the year after losing to Nazareth in the final match. Ryan Murdie ’10 became the first Medaille student to garner AVCA national player of the week honors.

Sports ROUND UP

Fall

HIGHLIGHTS

Men’s Soccer

Women’s Soccer

SUMMER 2009 l 14

Cross Country

www.medaillesports.com

Golf

Women’s Volleyball

SUMMER 2009 l 15

HIGHLIGHTS

Winter

Men’s Volleyball

Bowling

Sports ROUND UP

With an overall record of 15 wins and seven losses, the team ranked 17th in the nation for all D-I, D-2 and D-3 programs. Becca Barton ’10 bowled a record-setting 297 game during competition against SUNY IT. Kimmi Wangler ’09 and Melissa Haag ’09 graduated, having started with the program in its inaugural season.

Women’s Basketball

Carissa Ferrucci ’09 energized the team, becoming the fifth player in program history to reach the 1,000-point career plateau. She finished with 1,002 points. Ferrucci earned First Team honors on the AMCC All Conference Team, while Amanda Sahhar ’11 received an honorable mention. Kacie Mills ’09 had a breakout season, averaging 8.7 points and four assists per game. In a close 60-57 victory over the Penn State-Behrend Lions, Tiffany Sullivan ’12 came off the bench to score 12 points, keeping the team in the running for the AMCC title. Taking control in their final regular season game at Hilbert College, the players earned a 63-20 victory over the Hawks. Tanisha Travis ’12 registered six points, six rebounds and a career-high five steals in 18 minutes of play. The team dispatched longtime rival Penn State-Behrend with a 69-60 win in the opening round of the AMCC Tournament, propelling them to a fifth-straight trip to the semifinals. Amanda Sahhar ’12 delivered a command performance with a career-high 34 points and 15 boards. An AMCC Tournament game at Pitt-Greensburg ended the team’s hopes for a fourth-straight title, with a 49-60 loss.

athletes

OF THE YEAR

Jacob Reisdorf Men’s Basketball

Amanda Westling Softball

Spring

SUMMER 2009 l 16

HIGHLIGHTS

Baseball

The team finished with a 9-23 record, just missing the AMCC playoffs. Jason Behnke ’09 finished the season with a .396 batting average, and provided consistency behind the plate and gave good innings on the mount. Co-captain Dan Barrancotta ’10 held steady at the plate, leading the team in RBIs and making a .345 batting average, while cocaptain Brandon Lumadue ’10 struggled with an injured finger, but still ended the season batting .350 and led in average, slugging and home runs. Erik Skibinski ’11 showed skill as shortstop and led the team in stolen bases, and Josh Malkowski ’12 made outstanding plays at third base. Jeff Kasprzyk ’10 batted a strong .325 and led the team in doubles, and Nick Miano ’11 took on challenging assignments and will be a colossal force next season. Following a dedication ceremony for the McCarthy Park fields, the team celebrated with wins over AMCC rival the Franciscan Barons. Lance Roe ’09 dominated the mound, throwing seven strong innings and striking out seven Baron batters.

(6-1) on day one. Day two saw the team win against La Roche in the first round (9-1), but fall in a rematch against Frostburg State (5-2). Alyssa Zemla ’11 hit a team-high 12 home runs and had a .832 slugging percentage. Carrie Stahura ’11 and Keeley John ’12 received all conference honors. Amanda Westling ’10 faced twenty-six batters in the seveninning shutout victory over Frostburg State in the opening round of the AMCC tournament.

Women’s Lacrosse

Melyssa Tollar ’09 became the first Medaille lacrosse player, male or female, to reach the 100-goal mark in a game that went to overtime against Wells College. She finished her career as the alltime leader in goals (113) and points (114). In its first home victory of the season, the team beat Penn StateAbington in a back-and-forth game that ended with a close 9-8 win. On the road at Cazenovia College, the team suffered a heartbreaking 13-12 loss following an early lead of 7-5 at intermission. Jodi Lang ’11 stopped 17 shots in the effort. Tollar, Corinne Nasca ’11, Lang and Betty Herberger ’10 received all conference honors. The team ended with a 2-8 record in the regular season.

Softball

The softball team finished third in the AMCC with a 20-19 record, its second straight season with 20 wins, and was one of six teams to earn an ECAC bid - the second year in a row. The players headed to the AMCC playoffs for the fifth straight year, defeating Frostburg State (1-0) and losing to Mount Aloysius

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www.medaillesports.com

Compiled from coaches’ reports and medaillesports.com

Men’s Lacrosse

The word “student” in studentathlete is not taken lightly, as over fifty percent achieved grades qualifying them as conference scholar-athletes.

With a 7-9 record, the program completed the season with a program-best number of wins and a spot in the NEAC championship game, where the players faced a disappointing loss to Keuka College (17-4). David Bennett ’09 became the all-time leader in goals (98), assists (79) and points (177). Double-overtime victories against Oberlin College and Washington and Jefferson Pete Lonergan College brought out the best in Athletic Director the team’s offensive and defensive Head Coach, women’s basketball capabilities. Goaltender Ben Dlugosh ’09 finished his career as the all-time saves leader with 676. David Bennett, Joe Glieco ’11, Joe Dishaw ’10, Jim Luthart ’11 and Ben Dlugosh earned all conference honors. Rookie midfielder Caleb Higgins ’12 scooped up 63 ground balls, a team-high.

The Athletic Program at Medaille has a unifying and distinctive ethos: each player on each team embodies the best possible blend of game performance, personal development and academic success. - Dr. Richard T. Jurasek

Bowling

Sports ROUND UP

Women’s Basketball

athletes

OF THE YEAR

Jacob Reisdorf Men’s Basketball

Amanda Westling Softball

Spring

SUMMER 2009 l 16

HIGHLIGHTS

Baseball

Women’s Lacrosse

Softball

SUMMER 2009 l 17

www.medaillesports.com

Compiled from coaches’ reports and medaillesports.com

Men’s Lacrosse

The word “student” in studentathlete is not taken lightly, as over fifty percent achieved grades qualifying them as conference scholar-athletes.

Sports ROUND UP

the

SUMMER 2009 l 12 www.medaillesports.com

MAGICAL

run

The men’s basketball team charged forward from a 5-24 record in 2004 to a trip to the Dance in 2009: the NCAA Tournament.

For the third straight year, teams finished with an aggregated winning record of 142-133-3. - Mike Carbery, Assistant Athletic Director

206 students competed in the 2008-09 season.

85 students were new to the program.

11 teams participated in post-season play.

Keith Hack makes a lay up in the NCAA tournament game at John Carroll University. He ranks sixth in scoring (767 points) in program history.

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The Mavs take the AMCC title.

tarting the season with two easy wins against SUNY Cobleskill and Green Mountain College, the Mavericks faced D’Youville in the Ad Pro Classic Final. Ricky Reed ’11 led with 17 points, including a three-pointer down the stretch to secure a 62-52 win and first place in the tourney. A home game against Cazenovia offered one of the most dramatic wins ever seen in the Sullivan Center. Medaille scored 17 points in the game’s final 74 seconds, erasing a sixpoint deficit with 23 seconds left. With one second on the clock, captain Chris Moscato ’10 found forward Ben Kopp ’10 for the game-winning three-pointer. In a crucial January game against Penn State-Altoona, Medaille trailed by 12 points when captain Bill Gersitz ’09 blocked three shots, leading to a 31-8 run over a ten-minute stretch. The Mavs won 78-73. The team blasted through a final six games, clinching its first-ever regular season AMCC title and the right to host the conference tournament. A capacity crowd in the Sullivan Center witnessed incredible shooting by Moscato and a first-half surge by guard Kevin Borden ’11 in an 86-64 win over Frostburg State in the AMCC semi-finals. An unstoppable Keith Hack ’10 went 11-13 from the field, racking up 29 points and seven rebounds against Pitt-Bradford in the AMCC Championship. With Hack’s command performance and stingy defense, the Mavericks went to the Dance with an 82-71 win. The Mavs traveled to Cleveland to face the tenth-ranked team in the nation, the John Carroll Blue Streaks. A late rally by the Streaks left the Mavs short of a win, with a final score of 79-90. This was the first appearance by the Mavericks in the NCAA Tournament in program history. Gersitz became the fifth player in program history to reach 1,000 points in a game against Frostburg State. He finished his career with 1,028 points.

This past season was a very special one for our program. We had 15 student-athletes who represented Medaille College with class and dignity throughout our record-breaking season. This team was truly a team in every sense of the word. They didn’t care about individual accolades; they only cared about winning. These young men definitely embodied the phrase, “it’s amazing how successful you can be if no one cares who gets the credit!” Mike MacDonald, Head Coach, Men’s Basketball

Sports ROUND UP

the

SUMMER 2009 l 12 www.medaillesports.com

MAGICAL

run

The men’s basketball team charged forward from a 5-24 record in 2004 to a trip to the Dance in 2009: the NCAA Tournament.

For the third straight year, teams finished with an aggregated winning record of 142-133-3. - Mike Carbery, Assistant Athletic Director

206 students competed in the 2008-09 season.

85 students were new to the program.

11 teams participated in post-season play.

Keith Hack makes a lay up in the NCAA tournament game at John Carroll University. He ranks sixth in scoring (767 points) in program history.

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The Mavs take the AMCC title.

Commencement 2009 CEREMONIES

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Photo by LISA MURPHY

Excerpts from the day and evening Commencement speeches

It doesn’t matter if you win or lose, as long as you try your hardest and do the best you can. The challenges are not over in our lives.

DEGREES BY THE

numbers

AS: 82 BA: 18 BSED: 25 BS: 139

MA: 91 MBA: 101 MSED: 618

It will be a challenge now for some to find a job. It will be a challenge now for some to continue with schooling. On May 15, 2009, at Kleinhans Music Hall 1,074 students received diplomas representing 34 degrees and programs.s.

Commencement 2009 CEREMONIES

2009 Commencement

An End • A Beginning

Joel Berger ‘09 joins 118 alumni with bachelor’s of arts degrees in criminal justice.

It will be a challenge now for some to start a family. It will be a challenge now though for all of us to continue to grow personally in our own way. - Michael Lamarca ‘09 SM

I suggest that you look to the founding roots of Medaille College. Started as a teaching college for nuns, these women offered up their lives in service of others. I have personally found over and over again, that the way to be happy and stay happy is to pour out your lives in service of others. Having spent most of my adult life working in the nonprofit sector, I discovered for myself that the more you look out for others and try and meet their needs first, the happier and more content your lives will be. This can be your spouse, your roommates, your co-workers, employees or employers, your community.

- Thomas Herrera-Mishler, President and CEO of Buffalo Olmsted Parks Conservancy

Today marks the end of long hours of studying and preparation needed to earn your advanced degree. But now the hard work begins. But you are a step ahead…you have been educated at one of Western New York’s great colleges - a school rooted in religious tradition with an understanding of the skills you need to succeed. There is a saying – “The harder you work, the luckier you get.” Your advanced degree demonstrates your dedication to hard work and sacrifice. In many cases, your family sacrificed along with you as you spent countless hours on your studies. Being prepared, loaded with knowledge, may be the edge you need to get ahead. I am confident this economy will – over time – correct itself. It always does. But the current mind-set of our nation will not correct itself. That’s why you and your peers need to focus on personal responsibility. Take ownership of your future. Make wise decisions with your finances. Hold your leaders accountable for their actions or inactions.

SUMMER 2009 l 19

You have to take your knowledge and skills, matched with your determination and drive, to advance your career. I don’t need to tell you about the current state of the national economy and the struggles people face today. But you are a step ahead… - Chris Collins

- Chris Collins, Erie County Executive

When we take ownership of our education, we create our own value proposition and give credibility to an advanced degree. Everything we knew when we started on this path has been reset to zero, and we walk out of these doors with an education that can and must be sustainable in a new world. - Michael Moretti ‘09 MOL

Commencement 2009 CEREMONIES

SUMMER 2009 l 18

Photo by LISA MURPHY

Excerpts from the day and evening Commencement speeches

It doesn’t matter if you win or lose, as long as you try your hardest and do the best you can. The challenges are not over in our lives.

DEGREES BY THE

numbers

AS: 82 BA: 18 BSED: 25 BS: 139

MA: 91 MBA: 101 MSED: 618

Commencement 2009 CEREMONIES

2009 Commencement

An End • A Beginning

Joel Berger ‘09 joins 118 alumni with bachelor’s of arts degrees in criminal justice.

It will be a challenge now for some to start a family. It will be a challenge now though for all of us to continue to grow personally in our own way. - Michael Lamarca ‘09 SM

- Thomas Herrera-Mishler, President and CEO of Buffalo Olmsted Parks Conservancy

SUMMER 2009 l 19

- Chris Collins, Erie County Executive

u A Buffalo Classic

Each day, Medaille has a positive impact on the city and region. We take a look at...

Buffalo and

EYOND

ortune smiled on Buffalo. It blessed her with a prime geographic location, proximity to natural wonders, and moderate climate. In 1801 the Holland Land Company set up shop in this remarkable location, parceling out tracts of land along the shores of Lake Erie. But Fate challenged Buffalo along the way with political, economic and cultural realities that continue to test the mettle of Buffalo’s residents to this day. Sitting in the heart of Buffalo, Medaille holds a unique opportunity to partner with the community to take on these challenges. And that is precisely what Medaille is doing. Through a growing number of partnerships, Medaille is working with the community to change Buffalo for the better. The following pages give a brief glimpse of the people who are making good things happen in Buffalo —whose efforts give real expression to Buffalo as “the City of Good Neighbors.”

SUMMER 2009 l 20

Buffalo AND BEYOND

SUMMER 2009 l 21

Teacher, Musician, Entrepreneur

n a bright, inviting corner space in the historic Market Arcade Complex off Main Street in downtown Buffalo, a small, glossy violin sits in a window, offering a vivid introduction to visitors at the Muhammad School of Music. With a teacher’s heart, a musician’s ear, and an eye for innovation, Henri L. Muhammad ’04 MSED created a school in 1999 that would inspire an interest in classical music and string instruments among black and minority children in Buffalo. Ten years later, he has established a showcase for musical talent and an outlet for “Twinkle Stars” and “Mini Maestros” to challenge themselves through music and performance. Along with a team of three other teachers, Muhammad delivers after school music programs to elementary students at the King Center on Genesee Street, Pinnacle Charter School, and during the day at the West Hertel Academy and the Bilingual Center in South Buffalo. In May 2009, MSOM students performed at Kleinhans Music Hall in a celebration of the school’s tenth anniversary. The event featured the Buffalo Philharmonic Orchestra and the Buffalo City Ballet Company, and music from Mozart, Bach, Beethoven, and William Grant Still. “There are talented young people in the city of Buffalo,” says Muhammad. “At the concert at Kleinhans . . . the little ones were so focused. They really feel the music. Beethoven’s music is over 200 years old, and they still feel it.”

What makes the Muhammad School of Music curriculum so distinct? Over the course of those two years (at Medaille), I began to develop a teaching method that displayed proven results when attempting to introduce the art form of classical music to inner city youth. It was perfect timing when I enrolled in the master’s of science in education program at Medaille, because now I had an opportunity to put this teaching method on paper in a wellthought out, developed, and concise package. I am thankful to every professor whose class I attended and for the culture of learning at Medaille College, because it provided a fertile environment for the successful compilation of the MSOM curriculum. We have set out to reach this audience (black and minority children) in several unconventional ways. We begin by sharing the rich history of black people in classical music dating back to the origins of the classical instruments in North Africa to the great composers such as Beethoven, Haydn, St. Georges de Chevalier, William Grant Still and others. We strive to familiarize, promote and connect our students with black and minority classical artists from around the world who may not be widely known. We have made our churches, schools, community centers, outdoor music festivals, hip-hop concerts and family reunions into concert halls. Each student we have touched finds a whole new world of opportunities that the study of classical music reveals.

What are your thoughts on the Buffalo area in terms of how it supports the arts and music? I have lived in Buffalo my entire life, with the exception of completing my bachelor’s degree at the University of Rochester and studying music at the Eastman School of Music. In my musical career, traveling to different cities I have always been refreshed to know that Buffalo is endowed with a rich and unique artistic community. The Buffalo Philharmonic Orchestra (BPO), Artpark, Shea’s, the Albright-Knox Art Gallery, and the relatively close proximity to Toronto and New York City make this area a gem. As the country works its way out of an economic crisis, often it is music and the arts that are the first to suffer and suffer most severely. I would encourage the community to take an even greater responsibility to support its cultural institutions and to lift the burden off government entities that may not be able to offer the level of support they offered in the past. MSOM is working to cultivate an entirely new audience of classical music enthusiasts, and we have found much success enlightening the community with this wonderful gift.

What personal philosophy guides your teaching? It is not how much you know, it is how much you care. What motivates me to accomplish the tremendous task of teaching is love of the art form (classical music and the violin), and love continued on next page

Photo by KARA KANE

Buffalo AND BEYOND

Q & A with Henri

u A Buffalo Classic

Each day, Medaille has a positive impact on the city and region. We take a look at...

Buffalo and

EYOND

SUMMER 2009 l 20

Buffalo AND BEYOND

SUMMER 2009 l 21

Teacher, Musician, Entrepreneur

Photo by KARA KANE

Buffalo AND BEYOND

Q & A with Henri

Buffalo AND BEYOND

SUMMER 2009 l 22

continued from previous page

of those I teach. I have found that when children and their families sense a pure love that is not motivated by greed, vanity, selfishness, or arrogance, then they open themselves to whatever you have to share with them. My passion is the violin and classical music that emanates from a heart of love, and this is what makes my teaching an antiquated musical expression successful in a modern hip-hop era.

“

How do you balance being a teacher, a musician and an entrepreneur? I cannot say if I have learned to fully balance these multiple roles. At the concert at Regarding the role as teacher, I recall my martial arts instructor Kleinhans . . . saying “to teach is to learn twice.” the little ones were With every student I teach, I learn more about myself and this so focused. They goes into developing into the really feel the music. musician that I hope to become. Beethoven’s music is Then there is the daily personal practice time of three, four, and over 200 years old, five hours a day that I strive to and they still feel it. maintain to keep my skills at a peak level. The entrepreneurial responsibilities have their place as well. When I studied the lives of Beethoven and Mozart and perform their music, I have found that the special ingredient that made their music soar above the rest was the adverse challenges they faced in their personal lives. As they struggled with the business side of their careers, that struggle is

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Buffalo AND BEYOND

SUMMER 2009 l 23

written into the notes of their greatest music. Over the past year as we prepared for our 10th Anniversary Concert with the BPO, along with practicing and rehearsing, there was much to do from the business standpoint. But through all of the challenges we faced, that night when I mounted the podium to conduct the BPO on Beethoven’s Symphony No. 9, I felt Beethoven like I’ve never felt his music before. The teacher, musician, and entrepreneur all came together to bring his music to life.

Describe one thing that you still want to accomplish professionally. One in particular is to take the MSOM program throughout the country to show both the brilliance of our students here in Buffalo and to give inspiration and hope for what can be done with our youth. Our recent concert with the BPO was a trial run that turned out to be a phenomenal concert. I believe it is time to take what we have accomplished throughout our nation.

Who is your favorite musician or composer, and what is your favorite song or composition? Of my favorites in the classical music genre, Beethoven is at the top of the list. He is arguably the greatest composer who ever wrote western classical music. But believe it or not, I love rock music. I am a huge fan of Lenny Kravitz (since my teens), and the first time I ever went to a rock concert was last year October when I went to his concert in Toronto. I also love the music of No Doubt and I just bought tickets to their upcoming concert. I love the electric guitar and on any given day you can find Jimi Hendrix, Slash from Guns N’ Roses, and Prince in my iPod. I have an appreciation for all genres of music, because they all stem from the various cultural expressions of the human family; and it is the richness of the human family that makes life so wonderful.

What’s the best part of your day? The best part of my day is when I wake up in the morning. Each day represents another opportunity to be a better teacher, perfect a difficult passage in a violin concerto, or inspire another individual with the gift of classical music. If I make one step further by the end of my day I am pleased and looking forward to the next.

Who have been your greatest teachers?

Photo by KARA KANE

I include members of the BPO, faculty at the Eastman School of Music, my latest teacher (who recently passed away) Maestro Charles Veal, and my musical mentor, Minister Louis Farrakhan. I would have to say, however, that my greatest teachers have been each of the students and families I have encountered in my ten years of teaching. Students come with their unique personalities, learning styles, and life experiences, and it is my challenge to inspire and develop them as young musicians. There are often obstacles, tests, and problems I have to solve, but in the end I have learned much in the way of becoming a better teacher. Suffice it to say, I will always be the student in the marvelous classroom of teaching our youth.

Jennifer Blackchief ‘06 MBA Story by Summer (Gemmati) Handzlik ’08 MC

SERVICE This Medaille alum is dedicated to

ho needs a paramedic uniform when you have on a blue sheath dress and heels? It’s mid-week and Jennifer Blackchief ’06 MBA, is headed to Frog Hair Restaurant on Transit to meet up with members of her ALP cohort. On her drive, she notices a car accident, and without any hesitation pulls over to respond. She assesses the scene, and waits for the paramedics to respond before leaving. When she arrives at Frog Hair, she stands in the lobby, ready to focus on her classmates as if stopping for a car accident was no less normal than grabbing a quart of milk on the way home from work. For Blackchief, it may be. By day, she manages the operations of Bristol Home, an eldercare facility in Buffalo. By night, she serves as an emergency medical technician (EMT) and firefighter with the Union Fire Company in West Seneca. Blackchief started at Bristol Home, a thriving not-for-profit organization, in 2003 as the admissions coordinator. Nine months later she became the administrator of Bristol Home. A few years and many small

success stories later, she was promoted to vice president of operations. “My career took a natural course. It wasn’t pre-planned. I have always had an affinity towards service-related environments - something I don’t expect to change,” explains Blackchief, who was nominated by her staff and selected for Buffalo Business First’s Health Care 50 list in 2007. Once you’re inside the Bristol Home facility on Main Street, you can feel the liveliness and spirit that pervades the massive structure. “[We] provide seniors with the highest quality care possible. At the end of the day, our staff ’s actions make the difference between ‘house’ and ‘home’… and our staff remembers that the smallest act can positively impact our residents. That’s how I know we’re getting it right,” says Blackchief. When Blackchief enters the recreational rooms at Bristol Home, the residents’ faces become animated with joy. Bristol strives to “get it right” for their residents. Residents certainly seem to believe that they have. Blackchief is tireless in body and spirit, continued on the next page

We are all given 24 hours to work with each day. It is how we choose to use them that makes each of our lives different. I choose to invest as many of those hours into living, learning and loving as I possibly can. I choose to do. I choose more. - Jennifer Blackchief ’06 MBA

Photo by SUMMER GEMMATI HANDZLIK ‘08 MC

Buffalo AND BEYOND

SUMMER 2009 l 22

continued from previous page

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Buffalo AND BEYOND

SUMMER 2009 l 23

Who have been your greatest teachers?

Photo by KARA KANE

Jennifer Blackchief ‘06 MBA Story by Summer (Gemmati) Handzlik ’08 MC

SERVICE This Medaille alum is dedicated to

Photo by SUMMER GEMMATI HANDZLIK ‘08 MC

continued from previous page

and is inspired knowing there is more to achieve each day: “I choose to invest as many hours into living, learning and loving as I possibly can. She fills every minute of the day, regularly gets to work at 6:30 a.m., and most evenings and weekends carries a pager that can bring her out on a fire or EMT call at any time. Blackchief ’s involvement with the Union Fire Company – which receives about 800 calls a year – began when she was 18. There’s no romantic story attached. She wasn’t saved by a firefighter as a kid; her parents weren’t involved with the department; a firefighter didn’t steal her heart. “It was something I took interest in and never let go [of],” she offers. Blackchief organizes “Revitalize,” an annual health and wellness program presented by the Union Fire Company. “We offer adult and fire prevention for children, but at the time our department provided no opportunities for seniors,” she explains. “Seniors make up the largest portion of our fire district and a growing percentage of the population as a whole. “Revitalize” encompasses a myriad of topics about health, wellness, home safety, falls prevention, financial planning and more. I love this program,” exclaims Blackchief. Between her full-time job, part-time job at Rural/ Metro Ambulance, and volunteer work at the Union Fire Company, Jennifer Blackchief is busy, really busy. When asked what one of her days is like, she giggled aloud, smiled and simply replied, “No two days are alike.”

INTERVENTION

Photo by JOE TOSTO ’ 09 MC

The most effective results are achieved through...

Early Emergencies & Service

SUMMER 2009 l 24

by our Buffalo Campus Reading Center 30%. That’s the rate of illiteracy among adults in Buffalo. Think about that number for a minute. Of every ten people you walk by in the city, three would have difficulty reading this sentence. Here’s another number: 30-million. Research from the American Educator in 2003 cited a 30 million word gap between the number of words spoken to children of parents on welfare and those spoken to children of professional parents by age three. “We’ve been told by area principals who have hired our graduates that they are very knowledgeable about how to effectively teach children to read,” says Claudia Conway, clinical assistant professor and director of the master’s in literacy program. “I think one of the reasons for this is the outstanding experience they have as they tutor area children in the Reading Center as part of their coursework. ” Classics by Dr. Seuss and Roald Dahl share space with current titles by JK Rowling of Harry Potter fame, on the shelves of the Reading Center, located on the first floor of 77 Humboldt on the Buffalo Campus. Having moved into the porch-like room in the spring, the Center is defined by a large,

Buffalo AND BEYOND

colorful kid-friendly rug on the floor, and comfortable, kid-sized chairs and tables around the edge of the room. Graduate students from Medaille’s master’s in literacy program staff the Center, tutoring students (K-6) one-on-one in after school sessions during the school year, and a seven-week session in the summer. The level of support provided can range from intensive remediation to a semester or two of support. “When you walk into our Center, it’s amazing to see teachers and children reading, writing, talking and smiling,” Conway continues. “We are making a real impact on improving the literacy skills of the children of Buffalo.” Each year the Reading Center serves 100 students from Buffalo’s public, charter and parochial schools, with an additional 25 students served at the Marilla Elementary School in the Iroquois Central School District in Elma. The partnership with Marilla Elementary, now entering its second year, is producing quantifiable results. Additional relationships with another local elementary school and a non-profit organization are underway, and may be in place as soon as fall 2009.

SUMMER 2009 l 25

Arts In Education

INSTITUTE Photo by KARA KANE

Buffalo AND BEYOND

Photo by JOE TOSTO ’ 09 MC

Arts In Ed finds a new home in Buffalo at 121 Humboldt.

Becky Hoag and Jackie Albarella of Arts in Ed.

f the life of a house can be described like a book, the house at 121 Humboldt is about to enter its third chapter. After Medaille acquired the private residence, undergraduates lived in it as resident students. Later this summer, the house will become home to the Arts in Education Institute of Western New York, representing a true partnership between the College and one of the most innovative and allembracing educational ventures in the region. “I love the energy and resources that a college campus provides,” says Jackie Albarella, executive director of Arts in Ed. And for Medaille’s student teachers, Arts in Ed will provide opportunities for pre-service hours in local schools, and introduce them to their imaginative methods for drawing children into learning. The Arts in Ed programs, which operate extensively in the Niagara Falls City School District and suburban districts in WNY, integrate theater, music, visual arts and architecture into existing curricula in individual classrooms. With a 29-year history, teaching artists bring their creative enterprises directly to students, augmenting lessons across any topic with an artistic perspective. The new headquarters will include administrative space, a conference room for meetings and planning sessions, and ample storage for its collection of musical instruments, art supplies and teaching materials.

continued from previous page

INTERVENTION

Photo by JOE TOSTO ’ 09 MC

The most effective results are achieved through...

Early Emergencies & Service

SUMMER 2009 l 24

Buffalo AND BEYOND

SUMMER 2009 l 25

Arts In Education

INSTITUTE Photo by KARA KANE

Buffalo AND BEYOND

Photo by JOE TOSTO ’ 09 MC

Arts In Ed finds a new home in Buffalo at 121 Humboldt.

Becky Hoag and Jackie Albarella of Arts in Ed.

Buffalo AND BEYOND

Collaboration of

234,265

residents in Erie County with a college degree (2008)

600,000 teachers in New York State

5.1 million children enrolled in public and private schools in New York State

77,400

children enrolled in the Buffalo City School District

10,261 teachers in Erie County

245,000

children enrolled in public and private schools in Erie County

Effective

PARTNERS In Education

Teachers walk into classrooms each September, armed with sharpened pencils and detailed lesson plans. Along with the pressure to learn the names and faces, teachers in Western New York face tests of their own. The challenges of meeting (exceeding) the standards of the No Child Left Behind Act and the uncertainties of New York State budget funding for schools weigh heavily in the minds of most public educators. Within Medaille’s School of Education, partnerships with local school districts give students in undergraduate and graduate education programs the opportunity to spend hundreds of hours in the classroom. Collaborative programs with the Williamsville, Cheektowaga Central and Buffalo City school districts represent a sampling of the ventures connecting the next generation of Buffalo’s teachers with the current generation of learners.

SUMMER 2009 l 26

Williamsville Central School District Maple East Elementary Each semester, 30 Medaille graduate students in the master’s in elementary education program, and approximately 300 Maple East elementary students learn together in the classroom. Our graduate students teach and participate in special area experiences, including art, physical education, music and enrichment classes, and serve as literacy coaches and math tutors. Student teachers use Maple East as a placement site as well, with Dr. Patricia Heffernan, Visiting Assistant Professor in the School of Education, following up with students for reflection and discussion. Plans are underway to expand Medaille’s partnership beyond Maple East to other schools in the Williamsville district. “The administration, teachers, and students open up their hearts, minds and classrooms for our teacher candidates. This provides a quality, firsthand experience where they participate in real-world teaching and learning in action. It is an excellent hands-on experience for our students - they observe and put theory and strategies into action,” says Mary Beth Scumaci, Clinical Assistant Professor. “Medaille’s partnership with Maple East gives our students the opportunity to participate with some of the top-notch elementary school teachers in Western New York. The Williamsville School District has earned first-place distinction in the Business First school rankings since 2004,” says Scumaci. Maple East liaisons: Cathy Mihalic, principal, and Teresa Kacmarski, reading specialist Medaille liaison: Mary Beth Scumaci, Clinical Assistant Professor, School of Education

ABloomingUNION Partnerships are reciprocal relationships. It’s imperative that schools and colleges collaborate on a common mission and goals to advance the education of students. – Dr. Illana Lane, Acting Dean, School of Education

Don and Carol O’Connor, both clinical instructors in the School of Education, spent over thirty years as teachers at Union East Elementary School in Cheektowaga. Carrying on their family tradition, daughter Katie Pomaranski ‘06 MSED teaches fourth grade at Union East – in the same classroom her father taught while he was an elementary teacher. This enduring relationship has resulted

Buffalo AND BEYOND

SUMMER 2009 l 27

Buffalo Public Schools Bennett High School

Depending on the need, between four and seven Medaille students are actively involved on-site at Bennett High School throughout the school year. Assisting in the placement process are Dr. Bert Stevenson, an assistant principal at Bennett and Lisa Trode, a Medaille graduate and teacher at Bennett. The School of Education is helping the community to bridge the gap between public education and higher education. Medaille students help support the academic needs of Bennett students, and the School of Education offers seminars, staff development, access to Medaille’s library resources, college transition tours, and more. We are reaching out to the public school community in an effort to graduate their students and decrease the overall dropout rates. The School of Education looks forward to expanding the partnership with Bennett, including opportunities for Medaille courses to be taught on-site. Students will be able to take classes on the Bennett High School campus and fulfill their observation hours without having to travel between the two locations. Expansion of services to the Bennett High School faculty, staff and students that would entail campus visits for workshops, classes for high school students, and after school programming are being explored. “Bennett is our first high school partnership. The school is accessible by subway. Students have the ability to observe and tutor and then return to campus for class. The School of Education looks forward to strengthening our connections with the Buffalo Public Schools.” says Dr. Illana Lane, Acting Dean. Bennett liaisons: Dr. Bert Stevenson, assistant principal, and Lisa Santos Trode ‘03 MSED, teacher Compiled by Kari Costelloe

in a partnership between Medaille’s education students and Union East Elementary School. Beginning in spring 2009, graduate students in the O’Connors’ classes attended six sessions at Union East as part of their methods and early field experience class. This on-site, experiential learning promoted unique opportunities for Medaille students, including the completion of mandatory observation and participation experiences. Principal Kate Rudewicz and Assistant Principal Gretchen Sudolak have been active participants in the collaboration. Rudewicz and Sudolak conducted sessions regarding the expectations and responsibilities of student teachers/teachers and seminars concerning the interviewing process for new teachers. Rudewicz, along with other teachers and administrators at Union East, serve as speakers in Medaille classrooms, many of whom are adjunct instructors in the School of Education. In addition, Cheektowaga D.A.R.E. Officer Paul Nazzarett completed the Cyber Safety

for Children seminars throughout summer 2009. The skills and training provided in collaboration with the Cheektowaga school district will prove beneficial as graduates enter the job market. Cheektowaga Central serves as a primary placement site for our student teaching program and involves a large number of placements each semester. Medaille is proud to have many of its graduates serving as teachers and teaching assistants in the Cheektowaga school systems, an affiliation that will be served well by our partnership. The O’Connors are optimistic about Medaille’s growth in Cheektowaga. Currently in development, a partnership with the Cheektowaga Central Middle School will see students in the Adolescent Education program participate in similar methods and early field experience. This partnership will allow the College to serve more students in the Cheektowaga area, while providing additional in-class, experiential learning opportunities for Medaille students.

Speak Your

MIND

In six years, the Speak Your Mind and Share Your World program has expanded from a small writing group for high school students into a celebration of artistic, literary and architectural achievement by Buffalo-area teenagers. “While continuing the collaboration with the American Institute of Architecture, we look to build new relationships to extend the journal’s reach and maximize its impact,” says Dr. Mary Ellen Mulvey, senior director of instructional support and community partnerships. “It’s ‘Onward and Upward!’ for Speak Your Mind as local students express themselves via art, architecture, and writing to shape their futures and their world.” A reception at the Buffalo Campus in late May showcased student artwork, writing, architecture projects, and an art and literary magazine, produced and edited by high school students. The program, sponsored by Medaille, Buffalo Public Schools, HSBC, and the Arts Council of Buffalo and Erie County also produced notecards with student artwork, and a spoken-word CD.

Buffalo AND BEYOND

Collaboration of

234,265

residents in Erie County with a college degree (2008)

600,000 teachers in New York State

5.1 million children enrolled in public and private schools in New York State

77,400

children enrolled in the Buffalo City School District

10,261 teachers in Erie County

245,000

children enrolled in public and private schools in Erie County

Effective

PARTNERS In Education

SUMMER 2009 l 26

Buffalo AND BEYOND

SUMMER 2009 l 27

Buffalo Public Schools Bennett High School

Speak Your

MIND

Buffalo AND BEYOND

Excellence, Collaboration, Urgency & Empowerment at Univera Story by Megan Fitzgerald ’10 MC

andis R. Fuller, APR, ’09 MOL is a part of the Univera team. A communications manager, Fuller oversees public relations, media relations, employee communications, and community outreach for upstate New York’s largest non-profit health plan, which covers 1.8 million people, employs nearly 6,000, and consumes over $325 million in local goods and services. Fuller recently became a Change Agent and Lean Practitioner of the organization. “To adapt to changing times in the health care industry, Univera Healthcare recently began a culture shift initiative,” says Fuller. “Simply put, this means a renewed focus on satisfying our customers through significantly improved business processes and ensuring every contact with us is a remarkable experience.” According to Fuller, “the Change Agents and Lean Practitioners are the constant drivers of desired behaviors. They keep the focus on four cultural elements we identified as essential for our customer centric model: excellence, collaboration, urgency and empowerment.” The initiative strives for continuous improvement, and Fuller is among those who model the desired behaviors to other employees. Fuller believes that her education through Medaille’s master of arts in organizational leadership program assists her with this new responsibility. “I feel that the graduate program gives me the necessary tools in creative thinking and problem solving to help me with Univera Healthcare’s culture shift initiative,” says Fuller. In addition to Fuller’s employment with Univera Healthcare, her resume is filled with various awards she has received over the years. In 1998, she was the first to receive the Excalibur Rising Star Award, “that honors an exceptional newcomer to the public relations field who has demonstrated leadership potential in his/her initial years in the profession.” She was also a recipient of the Buffalo Business First’s 40 Under Forty Award and the Buffalo Black Achievers in Industry Award. Fuller is an accredited member of the Buffalo/Niagara chapter of the Public Relations Society of America (PRSA), and is also a lifetime member of Girl Scouts of the USA. “I am currently a National Operational Volunteer and a past recipient of the Girl Scout Gold Award, the highest award achieved in Girl Scouting,” says Fuller. She was born and raised in Buffalo, a city that she believes is “a diamond in the rough.”

SUMMER 2009 l 28

Mastering Business Big businesses generally don’t start out as behemoths. In fact, businesses in the United States with fewer than 20 employees are responsible for about one-fifth of the nation’s employment. Modest commercial ventures in South Buffalo – Kaisertown, the old First Ward, the Valley, Clinton-Bailey and East Lovejoy – encounter all the risks that come with a new business: finding a niche, scraping up capital, and facing the competition. Starting in April, these ventures also had one significant advantage. Eleven graduates of Medaille’s MBA program, including David Schnettler and Susan Gangi, connected with local, aspiring entrepreneurs to refine business plans and to develop marketing opportunities. Support for these new enterprises was made possible by a partnership of the Ibero-American Action League, Inc., the Greater South Buffalo Chamber of Commerce, New York State and the Empire State Development Corporation, and Robert Nesslin and Jerry Inglet of Medaille’s Amherst Campus. At a July 1 reception for the spring program’s 13 graduates, New York State Assemblyman Mark J.F. Schroeder included the following quote in his remarks: “Initiative is doing the right things without being told.” Though said by noted essayist and Roycroft founder Elbert Hubbard over a century ago, those words resonated with the attendees. This initiative combined the ambition of these modern entrepreneurs with the volunteer spirit of Medaille’s graduates, and sets the stage for continued positive results in Buffalo’s small business community.”

Buffalo AND BEYOND

hile social networking sites like MySpace and Facebook have garnered infinite popularity across the globe, in Buffalo, a different social networking site is catching fire: BuffaloME. Anthony Dicembre ’08 MBA developed the site, which boasts over 1,600 registered members and is dedicated to all things Buffalo.

Photo by KARA KANE

Susan Gangi ‘08 MBA

Soon after graduating from Medaille, Susan Gangi received an invitation from Medaille asking for her to join the NYS EAP initiative. “As a banking professional [vice president and operations manager at M&T Bank], the EAP project intrigued me,” says Gangi. “I was excited to work in the community as a representative of Medaille.” Her involvement with the project has centered around a pre-school in South Buffalo. “The owner and I have been working on increasing enrollment,” she explains. “Our work has included reviewing marketing material, planning an open house, and a survey. Also, we have been brainstorming ideas for revenue-generating initiatives for the business.”

Story by Megan Fitzgerald ’10 MC

“During my graduate work I saw a real lack of locally-focused social media,” says Dicembre. “I thought I would fill that void by creating a social network dedicated to Buffalo.” While enrolled at Medaille’s Amherst Campus, the idea continued to grow and develop as Dicembre applied what he was learning in each of his classes to the project. According to Dicembre, BuffaloME’s mission is to make Buffalo a better place. “Buffalo is what you make of it,” says Dicembre. “There are those people who choose to see and embrace all of the incredible things happening around us and those that don’t. BuffaloME is for those who do and who want to network with others that do. Those are the people that are the future of this area.” As the founder of BuffaloME, Dicembre manages “a five person team that further develops the network online and offline to better connect individuals in Western New York.” He also creates the business plan, develops the direction of the company, facilitates events, manages the internal structure of the site, and develops and executes marketing initiatives. Since the site’s debut in April 2008, BuffaloME’s members have been doing what they can to improve the community, including hosting an ice skating event in November 2008 that brought the members together, supported local business, and collected over 60 toys for the Toys for Tots program. Dicembre explains, “Every single thing we do, we ask ourselves, ‘how does this make Buffalo better?’”

1713

David Schnettler ‘08 MBA

According to David Schnettler, “Buffalo has many of the resources for business to thrive: multiple sources of energy, plenty of places to locate, great schools and a low cost of living.” He continues, “A threat that all businesses, including those in Buffalo, share is choosing to operate without a well thought out business plan.”

SUMMER 2009 l 29

MBA Grads: Are you willing to share your business expertise with an up-and-coming entrepreneur? Entrepreneurs: Are you looking for an experienced professional to give you guidance? Contact Jerry Inglet, assistant director of admissions at the Amherst Campus, to learn about joining this group of movers and shakers that is shaping the future of Buffalo’s business landscape. Call (716) 631-1061, or email ALP@medaille.edu.

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Buffalo AND BEYOND

Excellence, Collaboration, Urgency & Empowerment at Univera Story by Megan Fitzgerald ’10 MC

SUMMER 2009 l 28

Buffalo AND BEYOND

Photo by KARA KANE

Susan Gangi ‘08 MBA

Story by Megan Fitzgerald ’10 MC

1713

David Schnettler ‘08 MBA

SUMMER 2009 l 29

MEMBERS 1005 BLOG

POSTS Year to date since start up

5989 PICTURES POSTED

GROUPS already using buffalome.com to connect with one another.

Buffalo AND BEYOND

SUMMER 2009 l 30

Transforming a city neighborhood

Seven years ago, Jerry Bailey, Jr. ‘11 ASB coached football, and ended up – by chance – at one of his player’s baseball games at McCarthy Park. Seven years later, he has progressed from tee ball coach, to tee ball commissioner, to his current position where he serves as president of the Kensington Little League (KLL). That means Bailey alternates between acting as a coach, teacher, cheerleader, mentor and lead organizer for this growing community enterprise. Since he started volunteering with the KLL, Bailey has watched the transformation of McCarthy Park. “It’s come a long way,” he says, “The kids love the park – especially the softball diamond and the dugout.” As Bailey pursues a BA through the Accelerated Learning Program at the Amherst Campus, that classroom knowledge is supplementing his already formidable management skills. “I know how to run an organization,” he offers. “Knowing that a kid is choosing something positive, and being able to be a positive influence – I know I’ve had an impact.” The KLL fields teams for tee ball, the minor majors, and the juniors’ division, which is a travel team that plays throughout Erie County, each with a home field at McCarthy Park.

Buffalo AND BEYOND

SUMMER 2009 l 31

Cities often measure changes in landscape in terms of decades. Over time, construction and conservation efforts contribute to the transformation of a city. As phase one of the McCarthy Park project gives way to a second, ambitious chapter, the cooperative efforts of Medaille, the city of Buffalo and the state of New York demonstrate that change can happen much more quickly ...

... in the span of just a few short seasons.

MCCARTHY PARK A public-private partnership rejuvenates a community centerpiece

magine being a nine-year-old, living in Buffalo’s Kensington neighborhood. It’s April. Your favorite leather mitt and a brand-new pair of cleats are packed in a bag by the door, and a few of your closest friends wait outside, ready for a walk over to the local baseball diamond. Imagine being a 19-year-old college student, about to start on second base in the first varsity game of the baseball season. You’ve trained during the off-season to build up strength and speed, and now sit on the school van travelling down Amherst Street to your home field. For each of these aspiring athletes, the field of play in April 2008 looked quite bleak. Faded paint, patches of dirt and grit marked McCarthy Park in

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Buffalo as a space in need of some serious attention. By April 2009, the future shined much brighter for the Park. Local legislators gathered with Buffalo and Erie County officials and Medaille representatives for a dedication ceremony that celebrated the successful completion of phase one of the project. In a unique public-private partnership, Medaille College joined forces with New York State and the city of Buffalo to fund extensive renovations to the Park. Since the project began, $625,000 has gone to restore the facility, from the paint on the fences to the sod on the fields, from one in a state of disrepair to one that now is a comfortable home for little leagues, community teams and Medaille’s baseball and softball programs.

stats The average baseball field contains 90,000 square feet of sod. 2.1 miles separate McCarthy Park from Medaille College. Head north on Main Street, swing right on Amherst, and look to your left after a few blocks.

All-High Stadium, home to Medaille’s soccer teams and adjacent to McCarthy Park, filled in for Chicago’s Wrigley Field during a pivotal scene in the classic baseball film, The Natural.

Buffalo AND BEYOND

SUMMER 2009 l 30

Transforming a city neighborhood

Buffalo AND BEYOND

SUMMER 2009 l 31

... in the span of just a few short seasons.

MCCARTHY PARK A public-private partnership rejuvenates a community centerpiece

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All-High Stadium, home to Medaille’s soccer teams and adjacent to McCarthy Park, filled in for Chicago’s Wrigley Field during a pivotal scene in the classic baseball film, The Natural.

Buffalo AND BEYOND

SUMMER 2009 l 32

Buffalo AND BEYOND

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a rare

American

Chestnut spreads its roots at Medaille

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“

Joy Kuebler facilitated the donation of the rare American chestnut tree to the Buffalo Campus arboretum on behalf of her uncle, Bruce C. Grefrath.

Joy Kuebler is a landscape architect based in North Tonawanda.

3 Trees replanted

”

through the efforts of Re-Tree WNY: 10,000 and growing

3 Height of

Medaille’s American chestnut on July 1, 2009: 41 inches

- Kerry Spicer, director of student involvement and co-chair, Green Council

Story by Joy Kuebler

In the spring of 2007, the American Chestnut Society announced that continued developments had recently led to the development of an extremely disease-resistant mix of American and Chinese cultivars. Prior to his death, my uncle, Bruce Grefrath, had been actively following the American chestnut’s rebirth and was excited to learn he could obtain a tree from a dear friend at the U.S. Department of Agriculture. He had also been very excited about our urban arboretum efforts at Medaille College and asked me if the college would be a good home for this incredibly important plant. My uncle was born and raised in Western NY, and giving this tree to his hometown area was very important to him. After speaking with President Jurasek, it was decided that Medaille would become the home for this incredible feat for contemporary forestry in America.

in Buffalo’s October 2006 storm: 30,000

environmental issues.

ARBOR facts 3 Four species of chestnut

photo by LISA MURPHY

The [Buffalo] Campus is strategically located between Forest Lawn Cemetery and Olmsted’s Delaware Park, and could act as the missing link connecting these two historic urban forests. – Joy Kuebler

Days with 50% or more sunshine: 167 (in 2008)

3 Trees damaged

Project Green Light, a student-leadership initiative, and Club Green, a service-oriented group focused on recycling, represent efforts on the Buffalo Campus to raise awareness about

ach time a tree is planted in Buffalo it is a positive event. But there are times when it is taken to another level, and that was the case when Medaille’s Buffalo Campus was selected to be the home of one of seven rare American chestnut trees existing today in North America.

SUMMER 2009 l 33

tree (Castanea) grow on five continents. 3 A chestnut tree can live for 300 years or more. 3 A mature tree releases enough oxygen each year to sustain two human beings. 3 Mark your calendars: New York State celebrates Earth Day on April 30, 2010.

Following the dedication of the American chestnut tree, members of the men’s basketball team marched across the quad towards North Residence Hall. There, they planted two more trees, adding to Medaille’s expanding collection of flora.

Buffalo AND BEYOND

SUMMER 2009 l 32

Buffalo AND BEYOND

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a rare

American

Chestnut spreads its roots at Medaille

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“

Joy Kuebler facilitated the donation of the rare American chestnut tree to the Buffalo Campus arboretum on behalf of her uncle, Bruce C. Grefrath.

Joy Kuebler is a landscape architect based in North Tonawanda.

3 Trees replanted

”

through the efforts of Re-Tree WNY: 10,000 and growing

3 Height of

Medaille’s American chestnut on July 1, 2009: 41 inches

- Kerry Spicer, director of student involvement and co-chair, Green Council

Story by Joy Kuebler

in Buffalo’s October 2006 storm: 30,000

environmental issues.

ARBOR facts 3 Four species of chestnut

photo by LISA MURPHY

Days with 50% or more sunshine: 167 (in 2008)

3 Trees damaged

Project Green Light, a student-leadership initiative, and Club Green, a service-oriented group focused on recycling, represent efforts on the Buffalo Campus to raise awareness about

SUMMER 2009 l 33

Buffalo AND BEYOND

spreading

ROOTS

When Susan Dunkle heard that Medaille would be planting an American chestnut tree on the Buffalo campus, her first thoughts leaped to how she could support ongoing re-treeing efforts. In honor of her current students, Dunkle contributed a directed gift to Medailleâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s arboretum fund to support tree planting and maintenance.

What is the best part about teaching at Medaille? â&#x20AC;&#x153;I really respect how dedicated our Canadian students are, leaving not only their homes, but their country, to come to learn their future craft. And our American students dedicate themselves by coming to school in the evenings after long days of work. Juggling family life, work, and school is a difficult task but they rise to the challenge.â&#x20AC;? - Susan Dunkle,

Visiting Instructor in the School of Education

SUMMER 2009 l 34

From green collar jobs and greenwashing to carbon footprints and carbon trading, the green scene has entered popular culture and shows no signs of fading away. Project Green Light, a student-leadership initiative, and Club Green, a service-oriented group focused on recycling, represent efforts on the Buffalo campus to raise awareness about environmental issues. Students from Perspective Productions coordinated the Going Green Growing Green Sustainability Symposium in April. Dr. Cornelius B. Murphy Jr., President of the State University of New Yorkâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s College of Environmental Science and Forestry, spoke to an attentive .. today. ur spot een serve yodu/goinggr 01 Re , d! audience about green technology .e is limite edaille or call 880-26 Space sit www.m vi trends and environmental n la p leadership opportunities in Please s at our ium s o p m y to join u Western New York. bility S a n i a t s u On a more expansive S Ph.D. w York York phy Jr., cuse, Ne eaker y of New s B. Mur ry, Syra Guest Sp Corneliu State Universit ience & Forest t, Sc scale, a campus-wide Green l Presiden Environmenta of College Council, co-chaired by Dr. 7th April 1 . , y a d ri Robert Johnson, Associate F 3:30 p.me g e ll Professor of Mathematics le Co MedaBiluffalo Campusll and Sciences, and Kerry Ha Lecture cle ssiz Cir a g A Spicer, director of student 8 1 e sion Fre at is m d G involvement, has plans A look IN We will nology OWE tech GRR green unities for l N ia nt to introduce sustainable esse port nesses, si ship op leader Region bu itutions, G E Niagara ademic inst dustry. practices into campus ac d in ment an govern gue in o l a e trends re i or pl activities. With d ex he a We will tplace and w ities ke rtun the mar ercial oppo rough ttend? a ld th m u d m o input from a crossco create gies. Who sh JUZ -FBEFST can be n technolo gree VO N to s N P ay section of faculty, $ w s t ial discus We will e the potent es UPST analyz ble ventur s. t -FHJTMB ST na staff and student or ai VDBUP of sust success fact itical t "SFB &E 1FSTPOOFM and cr M T F F O representatives, t 'BDJMJUJ FTPVSDF 1FSTPO 3 O B e N g V lle the Council will ) t lle Co Medai ion of ublicat p t develop goals and en a stud azine, GOING te Mag GRROEWEINNG Sponsored by Inci projects for the G REEN IFSF G JOH ZPV U F F T P 2009-10 academic U GPSXBSE 8F MPPL year that address resource stewardship and environmental responsibility at each campus. ience tal ental sc en vironm t, environm , s of en en ng the area te managem noff planni lies in ru as pertise zardous w logy, urban ex l ca techni agement, hastems, limno yâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s ph an Dr. Mur neering m le energy sy ent. gi and en ent, renewabwater treatm m assess strial waste du and in

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The Key to Our Success make sure your contact and mailing information is up-to-date by registering with the online alumni community at alumni.medaille.edu.

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Buffalo AND BEYOND

â&#x20AC;&#x153; aying goodbye After 30 years of making her mark at Wendel, this alum is . . .

With the employment period of a current worker currently averaging 48 months, a three-decade stay at a company has become an exception, not the rule. Thirty years ago, Karen Trabert â&#x20AC;&#x2DC;90 LS worked as a file clerk at Wendel Engineers, PC. Thirty years later, Trabert retired from that same company, advancing through the accounting division to lead the companyâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s financial operation as chief financial officer. When she retired, Trabert explains, â&#x20AC;&#x153;My colleagues wanted to throw me a party at first. I preferred doing something more meaningful that would help others go forward . . .so that they could have the benefits of a good education and foundation for their lives.â&#x20AC;? To that end, her co-workers established a scholarship to benefit students enrolled in Medailleâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s undergraduate business program. Throughout her career, Trabert balanced her family life, pursuing her education and dedicating herself to the challenges of her job. â&#x20AC;&#x153;It was very difficult and, at times, overwhelming,â&#x20AC;? she shares. â&#x20AC;&#x153;It was hard to tell my husband and the kids I couldnâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;t join them at the movies or some other family outing when I had to study or complete projects for school on weekends, and to work full-time all week.â&#x20AC;? Shortly after arriving at Wendel, Trabert learned its management information system, and eventually took on the companyâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s cost accounting and billing processes. â&#x20AC;&#x153;I built my reputation . . . by having a dedicated work ethic and a focus on quality and diligence in my work,â&#x20AC;? she says. â&#x20AC;&#x153;When I made a mistake, I owned up to it and learned from it.â&#x20AC;? By 1988, she was supervising the accounting division, and learning components of the engineering consulting business. A departmental expansion in the mid-1990s gave Trabert the duties of controller, and in the early 2000s, she joined the senior management team as controller/CFO. An expansion in mid-2004 added a third Wendel company to the organization, and Trabert had full responsibility for the human resources and information technology functions of Wendel. â&#x20AC;&#x153;As leader of the financial operations of Wendel, I always made sure that I acknowledged the staff that worked for me because, without them, I would not have been nearly as successful in my career,â&#x20AC;? she offers. â&#x20AC;&#x153;They made me look good by fulfilling and exceeding my expectations.â&#x20AC;?

SUMMER 2009 l 35

I want to be an example that says you can do anything you set your mind to, breaking the â&#x20AC;&#x2DC;glass ceilingâ&#x20AC;&#x2122; of what you, yourself or others may think is your limit.

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Buffalo AND BEYOND

spreading

ROOTS

Visiting Instructor in the School of Education

SUMMER 2009 l 34

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The Key to Our Success make sure your contact and mailing information is up-to-date by registering with the online alumni community at alumni.medaille.edu.

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Buffalo AND BEYOND

â&#x20AC;&#x153; aying goodbye After 30 years of making her mark at Wendel, this alum is . . .

SUMMER 2009 l 35

I want to be an example that says you can do anything you set your mind to, breaking the â&#x20AC;&#x2DC;glass ceilingâ&#x20AC;&#x2122; of what you, yourself or others may think is your limit.

â&#x20AC;?

www.medaille.edu

Aspiration for the Year 2020

N E T

Medaille College will be known as the leader in preparing learners for career success and a life-long commitment to a civic and sustainable future in Buffalo, the region, and the world.

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