# MEDAILLE

Medaille University is so proud of all of our alumni! We send our #MedailleCongrats to recognize the life achievements of these empowered individuals who embody Medaille’s mission of academic achievement, career success and civic engagement. Visit medaille.edu/alumni to learn more and submit your own class note.

The graduates highlighted here are just a small sample of recent alumni success. Follow Medaille University on LinkedIn, Facebook or Twitter to catch all #MedailleCongrats updates and join the celebration of our Maverick family.

A Message From the President of the Alumni Association Board of Directors

Greetings fellow Medaille alumni! I am happy to share that our Medaille University Alumni Association Board of Directors is growing and seeking additional members. The Board, comprised of Medaille graduates from different professional and cultural backgrounds, shares a common goal: to help our alumni family grow through career networking, philanthropy and other outreach opportunities that help execute the vision of the University.

Human services alumnus Broderick

Cason ’83 was appointed president of the Community Connections of New York, Inc. (CCNY) Board of Directors. Cason, who also serves as community engagement & program manager at Univera Healthcare, joined the CCNY board in 2020.

Media communication alumnus Michael Morano ’83 was named research director for Sinclair Broadcasting’s Buffalo, Rochester and Richmond, Virginia, stations. Morano has been serving as the research director for Sinclair Broadcasting’s Buffalo stations (WUTV & WNYO) since 2015. Before that, he served as the research director for WGRZ-TV for 15 years.

1990s

Human services alumna Tonja Williams, Ed.D., ’86 was named the superintendent of Buffalo Public Schools, the state’s second largest school district, after a unanimous vote of the Buffalo School Board this July. A Buffalo native, Dr. Williams served as interim superintendent of the district since March. She was also named to the 2022 Buffalo Business First “Power 200 Women” list, as a prominent Western New York woman whose talent and influence fuel economic, social and cultural growth in our region.

Business resource development alumnus Kevin Schmidle ’90 was featured in Buffalo Business First for “Building a Better Buffalo.” Schmidle works as a vice president & senior business banking relationship manager

Beginning each fiscal year with our annual retreat, volunteer leadership on our Board is an excellent way to help build and enhance your career, while remaining a key part of the extended Medaille community. Having spent six years as a member, and the past two as Board president, I have had the pleasure of working closely with the University to continue growing and cultivating our alumni community.

In 2021, Board donations contributed to the creation of an Alumni Board Scholarship, which resulted in awarding three deserving students with scholarships in support of their education. Additionally, the Alumni Board assists with organizing and participating in a number of exciting social and philanthropic events, such as networking mixers, Founders Day and the Annual Medaille Athletics Golf Tournament.

If you are interested in learning more about the joining the Board or other alumni involvement opportunities, please fill out the contact and involvement form online

Bryan Krempa ’00, ’06 ALUMNI ASSOCIATION BOARD PRESIDENT

at M&T Bank, and he volunteers for a wide range of community service work in benefit of the Buffalo City Mission and the American Cancer Society.

Media communication and Master of Arts in organizational leadership (MAOL) alumna Ann Schlifke ’93, ’14 was selected to receive “The Experience Integrator” award at the first annual M&T Bank CX Awards. She has served as a vice president & customer experience manager at the bank since 2013, and the award was given in recognition of excellent, holistic customer service.

Business administration alumna Dionne Williamson ’94 received a Buffalo Business First 2022 Woman of Influence Award for her professional accomplishments, business acumen and valuable contributions to the community. Williamson is the founder & president of UPward Design for Life, a nonprofit organization that furnishes homes for those in need by collecting donations of gently used furniture, décor and household items from the community.

BBA alumna Andrea Bapst, J.D., ’01 was appointed as a law associate at the London office of Foran Glennon. Bapst, who earned her Juris Doctor degree cum laude from Mitchell Hamline School of Law in 2020, focuses her practice on insurance coverage law. She previously worked at boutique law firms in both the U.S. and the U.K.

Sport management alumna Elizabeth Galanis-Miller ’01 was promoted to president & chief operating officer at Sealing Devices Inc., a national rubber products manufacturer and supplier headquartered in Lancaster, New York. She was also named to the 2022 Buffalo Business First “Power 200 Women” list, as a prominent Western New York woman whose talent and influence fuel economic, social and cultural growth in our region.

BBA and MBA alumna Karla J.L. Gadley ’02, ’04 was named to the 2022 Buffalo Business First “Power 200 Women” list, as a prominent Western New York woman whose talent and influence fuel economic, social and cultural growth in our region. Gadley works as the senior vice president & community development officer at Five Star Bank.

Medaille University trustee and MBA alumna Toni Vazquez ’02 was named to the 2022 Buffalo Business First “Power 200 Women” list, as a prominent Western New York woman whose talent and influence fuel economic, social and cultural growth in our region. Vazquez works as the chief systems officer & senior vice president at G-Health Enterprises.

MBA alumna April Sanders, Ph.D., ’02 was promoted to account executive at Uniland Development Company, where she has worked since 2014. In this role, Dr. Sanders will work with clients and brokers, and will coordinate with the company’s planning & design, construction and property management teams to deliver a seamless move-in experience.

BBA alumna Evelyn Kessler ’05, the founder & CEO of International Child Advancement, was awarded the President’s Gold Volunteer Service Award. This award, bestowed by the U.S. president, honors individuals whose service positively impacts communities and inspires those around them to take action. Kessler has contributed to the development, implementation and management of many initiatives to help hundreds of refugee, immigrant and orphan children.

Sport management alumnus Erik Saladin ’05 has agreed to become a fill-in umpire at the MLB minor league level, and has already umpired in games for MLB AAA affiliate the Buffalo Bisons and for AA affiliate the Erie SeaWolves. Saladin, who works full time as a claims examiner for Sedgwick and coaches youth baseball for his kids, has umpired regularly at the college, high school and recreational level over the last 13 years. A former Mavericks baseball standout, Saladin is also a member of the Medaille University Athletic Hall of Fame Class of 2020.

BBA alumna Michele (Lusk) Seaver ’06 was named director of accounting at Delaware North, a global food service and hospitality company headquartered in Buffalo. She will be responsible for governance, controls and accounting process enhancement across the organization.

MAOL alumna Janice (McCaster) McKinnie ’07 was appointed to the Dormitory Authority of the State of New York (DASNY) Board. The board sets DASNY policies, approves financing and monitors adherence to DASNY guidelines. McKinnie also currently works as the executive director for True CDC, a local housing developer.

Medaille University trustee & MBA alumna Brandye Merriweather ’07 was named to the 2022 Buffalo Business First “Power 250” and “Power 200 Women” lists, as a prominent Western New Yorker whose talent and influence drive economic, social and cultural growth in our region. Merriweather, who serves as president of the Buffalo Urban Development Corporation, was also selected to receive a Buffalo Business First 2022 Woman of Influence Award for her valuable contributions to the community. member of the American Counseling Association.

BBA alumnus Edward French ’08 was promoted to vice president & director of technology at ESL Federal Credit Union. French oversees the technological growth for the institution to meet the needs of the market, and he leads the network services and business systems analysis teams.

Media communication alumna Christie Witt Berardi ’09 was featured in a Buffalo Spree article for her successful leadership as the founder & CEO of Witt CX, a boutique marketing strategy agency. In addition to running Witt CX, she serves an adjunct professor teaching public speaking and entrepreneurship at Medaille.

Communication and MBA alumna Summer (Gemmati) Handzlik ’08, ’12 was named director of corporate communications at National Fuel Gas Company. In this role, Handzlik is responsible for managing the company’s corporate philanthropy efforts, in addition to providing oversight for the National Fuel Foundation.

Psychology and clinical psychology doctoral program (PsyD) alumna Lindsay Chatmon, PsyD, ’09, ’18 was appointed as a clinical neuropsychologist at Williamsville Psychiatry, PLLC. Dr. Chatmon administers comprehensive neuropsychological testing, including testing for common neuro developmental disorders like ADHD and autism spectrum disorder, and she specializes in individuals with complex genetic disease and autoimmune disorders who have also experienced traumatic brain injury, seizures or strokes.

2010s

Liberal studies alumnus and former Mavericks men’s basketball player Mike Berkun ’10 was named SUNY Maritime College’s director of athletics. After serving in an interim capacity, Berkun formally moved into the position this April, following a nationwide search. He also serves as head coach of the SUNY Maritime men’s basketball team.

Education alumnus James McNeil, Ph.D., NCC, CRC, ’08 was appointed as assistant professor & counseling program director at Carolina University. Dr. McNeil also serves on the Board of Directors for the Commission on Rehabilitation Counselor Certification, and is a national certified counselor, a certified rehabilitation counselor and a

Mental health counseling alumni

Richard Jimenez ’11 and Caitlin Scheller ’11 were featured in Buffalo Business First for their success in running a therapy practice that is filling a need in the Depew community. The married couple, who met at Medaille, work as therapists at Hillview Mental Health

Counseling PLLC, a private practice that Jimenez founded in 2014. Jimenez serves as the executive director & president, and Scheller is the executive vice president, leading a team of five clinicians and growing.

College. Page brings several years of experience in higher education and athletics to the position.

Psychology alumna Heather Radzikowski ’12 was appointed as the Western New York regional coordinator for New York State Kinship Navigator. In her role, Radzikowski educates local county professionals on kinship policy and law in New York. Before her appointment, she ran her own kinship program for five years under a New York State Office of Children and Family Services contract.

Business administration (A.S. & BBA)

MBA alumnus Michael Hughes ’12 was named to the 2022 Buffalo Business First “Power 250” list, as a prominent Western New Yorker whose talent and influence drive economic, social and cultural growth in our region. Hughes serves as the senior vice president & chief administrative officer at Kaleida Health, and he is the lead executive for Kaleida’s external affairs, overseeing business development, fundraising, marketing, communications, government relations, corporate planning, real estate and construction. In 2022, he was also named chairman of the Niagara Frontier Transportation Authority Board of Commissioners.

Business administration alumna

Rebecca Nason ’12 was promoted to event & marketing associate at Kevin Guest House, a nonprofit organization based in Buffalo that is America’s first healthcare hospitality house providing a comfortable and supportive home for patients and families traveling for medical care. Along with overseeing the organization’s website and social media, Nason supports events and fundraisers to raise awareness and donations.

Communication alumnus Douglas Page ’12 was hired as the assistant director of sports information at Elmira

Clinical mental health counseling alumna Lindsey Rickard ’12 was named vice president of training & access optimization at BestSelf Behavioral Health. A seven-year veteran at BestSelf, Rickard now oversees learning and development for the organization, and she is co-chair of the organization’s Racial Equity & Inclusion Committee. For the last four years, Rickard has also served as an adjunct professor in Medaille’s Department of Counseling & Clinical Psychology. alumna Crystal Morgan ’14, ’16 was named community office manager for BankOnBuffalo’s Northland Central branch. Morgan, who brings over 14 years of banking experience to the role, is responsible for overseeing community outreach and financial literacy programs.

Sport management and criminal justice alumnus David Wantuck ’13 was selected to receive a 2022 Buffalo Business First IDEA (Inclusion Diversity Equity Awareness) Award, meant to recognize and celebrate organizational leaders who are defenders of diversity and champions of inclusion. Wantuck serves as the community engagement specialist & American Sign Language coordinator for Deaf Access Services, an affiliate of People Inc.

Clinical mental health counseling alumna Margery Stanton ’14 was appointed as senior vice president, adult services at BestSelf Behavioral Health. A 10-year veteran of the organization, Stanton is a member of its Utilization Review Committee. She also serves as an adjunct professor in Medaille’s Department of Counseling & Clinical Psychology.

MAOL alumna Lucia Rossi ’15 was promoted to vice president of ambulatory services & population health at Erie County Medical Center, after previously serving as the senior director of outpatient operations & employee health. She was also named to the 2021 Buffalo Business First “40 Under 40” list, in recognition of her career success and community involvement. “Earning my MAOL degree was extremely important to me,” says Rossi. “I truly enjoyed and still use what I learned every day.”

Clinical mental health counseling alumna Isaiah Mantooth-Jordan ’18 passed her National Board for Certified Counselors exam in August 2021, and opened her own private practice, Lockport Mental Health Counseling, in November 2021.

Accounting alumnus Anthony

Lafornara ’15 was appointed as treasury & tax compliance manager for Kaleida Health, the largest health care provider in Western New York. Lafornara also gives back to the Medaille community as a member of the Alumni Association Board of Directors.

Communication program alumna

Shantina Addison ’15 was named to the 2022 Buffalo Business First “30 Under 30” list, which recognizes local professionals in the early stages of their careers who are achieving high levels professionally and in community leadership. Addison works as the assistant director of graduate & transfer admissions at Daemen University.

MAOL alumna Ashley (Strobele)

Misener ’16 was promoted to senior vice president in customer asset management at M&T Bank. Misener began her career at M&T in 2013, and she now oversees over 60 technical, analytical and operational bankers in mortgage servicing. She also gives back to the community as co-founder of a not-for-profit organization benefiting first responders, in memory of her father and along with her sisters who are also Medaille alumnae.

2020s

MBA alumna Marissa L. Rodriguez ’18 was promoted to assistant vice president, financial analyst I in the finance department at M&T Bank, where she has worked in various positons since 2016. In her new role, Rodriguez is overseeing reconciliation for the bank’s fixed assets.

MAOL alumna Natalie SleapWasieczko ’19 was named to the 2022 Buffalo Business First “30 Under 30” list, which recognizes local professionals in the early stages of their careers who are achieving high levels professionally and in community leadership. SleapWasieczko works as the diversity, equity & inclusion program coordinator at Erie County Medical Center, and she gives back to the Medaille community as a member of the Alumni Association Board of Directors.

Communication alumna Katherine Ostrowski ’21 was named marketing specialist at Buckeye Law Group, Inc., based in her hometown of Cleveland, Ohio. In addition to handling marketing initiatives, Ostrowski will be overseeing the law firm’s social media.

Psychology alumnus Cameron Steer ’21 was promoted to recreation coordinator for the Arc of Monroe, a Rochester-based nonprofit organization that provides programs and services for individuals with intellectual or developmental disabilities and their families. “I’m very excited and humbled to have the opportunity to make a difference in people’s lives,” says Steer. “As someone diagnosed with autism myself, this role has extra special meaning to me, as sports and recreation really helped me growing up. If I have the opportunity to give these enriching experiences to others, then I have found my purpose. I thank Medaille University for getting me to this point and giving me great support and opportunities!”

Milestones Milestones

Accounting alumnus and Alumni Board of Directors member Anthony Lafornara ’15 and his fiancé Morgan Vacanti welcomed a son. Rocco Lafornara was born on September 2, 2021.

Psychology alumna Kelly (Costello) Leach ’07 and her husband Geoffrey Leach welcomed a son. Cooper John Leach was born on October 14, 2021, at Sisters Hospital.