WINTER 2018
THE MAGAZINE FOR ALUMNI AND FRIENDS OF MEDAILLE COLLEGE
LESSONS
theTOP from
Career Insights From Successful Alums
in this issue
W I N T E R 2018
facultyspotlight
campusnews
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alumniupdates
P H OTO B Y KC K R AT T
coverfeature
Lessons From the Top: Career Insights from Successful Alums
Dr. DuTremble Kirk’s Health Advice for Pet Owners
Celebrating Our Community College Colors Day and #MedaillePride Awards Social
AWord from Your Alumni Association President
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Medaille alums Sundra Ryce ’07, Cindi McEachon ’10 and Eileen Buckley ’85 (pictured), as well as Mary Jean Jakubowski ’88, Adriana Viverette-Gamble ’12 and Toni Vazquez ’02, have found success in their fields and learned much about career development.
Faculty in the News
events
Events listed here are held at Medaille’s Buffalo campus, unless otherwise indicated. For a complete list of events, visit medaille.edu/calendar. FEB. 22 WRITE THING READING SERIES: Ben Brindise, award-winning spoken word poet MAR. 15 Rochester Adult & Graduate Open House (Rochester campus) MAR. 21 Alumni Mixer at Hamburg Brewing Company, Hamburg
Maverick Memories
MAR. 28 Buffalo Adult & Graduate Open House APR. 21 Undergraduate Open House APR. 24 Alumni Mixer at New York Beer Project, Lockport MAY 2
MavFest
MAY 3
WRITE THING READING SERIES: Prelude Publication Party and Medaille Community Open Mic
MAY 18 Commencement at Kleinhans Music Hall, Buffalo MAVstravaganza (formerly Founders Day) at the Curtiss Hotel, Buffalo
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Alumni Class Notes
The Latest Medaille News and Notes
#MedailleCongrats
Medaille Athletics
Alumni Mentoring and Program of the Month
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International Athletes Make an Impact
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social
Visit medaille.edu for more information about the programs, people and events at Medaille College. facebook.com/medaillecollege
youtube.com/medaillebuffalo
linkedin.com/companies/medaille-college
twitter.com/medaillecollege
linkedin.com/groups/100304
instagram.com/medaillecollege
MAR. 22 WRITE THING READING SERIES: Coleen Murtagh-Paratore, author of The Wedding Planner’s Daughter
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MAGAZINE Vice President for College Relations Managing Editor
Contributing Editor Graphic Designer
J O H N P. C R AW F O R D C H R I S TO P H E R S C H O B E R T PAT R I C I A J E T T Y ‘13 C A R L A F. K E S T N E R
Contributing Writers JEFF B UCKI, TAR A ERWIN, ALYCIA RIPLE Y, JUDITH RUCKI Photography COURTNE Y ANDERSON, CARLA F. KESTNER, KC KR AT T, TIM LUDWIG, NANCY J. PARISI, ANDREA SEELOFF P R I N T E D I N B U F FA LO, N Y B Y K E L L E R B R O S . & M I L L E R I kbmpr i nt i ng. co m
From the President
Greetings!
Officers CHARLES E. MORAN, JR. Chair MICHAEL J. MOLEY ’07 Vice Chair JUANITA K. HUNTER, Ed.D. Secretary
PHOTO BY NANCY J. PARISI
BOARD OF TRUSTEES 2017-18
As always, it’s a great day to be a Maverick!
MICHAEL K. WALSH Treasurer MICHELLE M. KREIB* Administrative Assistant Kevin R. Connolly ’03 Nathan Daun-Barnett, Ph.D. David L. Edmunds, Jr. Horace A. Gioia, Esq. Howard K. Hitzel, Psy.D., MPA Margaret Kafka ’90 Kenneth M. Macur, Ph.D. Martin G. Maynard James K. Morrell William H. Pearce, Jr. Darius G. Pridgen ’07 Richard Schneider ’10, ’12* President of the Alumni Association Board Jeffrey M. Shepard, Ph.D. ’04 Julie R. Snyder Dale Stephens ’99, ’06 Donald R. Tomasulo ’79 Kenneth D. Trbovich ’99 Gregory J. Urban *Non-voting Member
Medaille College continues to grow stronger and stronger. On October 1 we took the official census count of enrollment. Ours is up! • • • •
For the third year in a row, total enrollment is up. The size of the incoming freshman class is up (10 percent). The size of the incoming transfer class is up (29 percent). And the number of students in our adult/graduate and online programs is up, with the graduate school leading the way (up 20 percent).
Our undergraduate admissions team is doing a great job of communicating the value that you’re already aware of. Prospective students are seeing what makes Medaille so unique — the personal attention, the expert faculty, the passionate staff, the focus on career preparedness. It all connects with our stated mission to educate and develop empowered individuals for academic achievement, career success and civic engagement.
ALUMNI ASSOCIATION BOARD OF DIRECTORS 2017-18*
Clearly, Medaille is growing in size and stature. Other schools are trying to catch us. We are the benchmark. And we could not achieve these successes without you, our alumni and friends. Thank you for everything you do!
Officers RICHARD SCHNEIDER ’10, ’12 President
In other #freakinAMAZING news, Medaille will begin working with close to $5 million in new grantfunded projects. These include:
DARRYL McADORY ‘07, ‘09 Vice President
• $1.4 million in Behavioral Health and Workforce Education and Training Program funds. Once running, this grant will allow us to award $10,000 stipends to graduate and doctoral psychology students who choose to do their clinical placements in rural and underserved areas. This is a five-year grant. • Two separate $1.3 million in Upward Bound/TRiO grants to provide college readiness services to students at Buffalo’s Math, Science and Technology High School. These are also five-year grants. • $800,000 from the District Attorney of New York, the Criminal Justice Investment Initiative and the Sunshine Lady Foundation to expand our work within Albion Prison.
BRYAN KREMPA ‘00, ‘06 Executive Vice President KEVIN CONNOLLY ‘03 Parliamentarian Paul Dueringer ‘04, Immediate Past President Leonard Hubbard ‘09, ‘12 Janice Hunt ‘10, ‘12 A.J. Long ‘12 Shawn Loos ‘10, ‘12 Anthony Priore ‘03 Phil Splawski ‘06 Dale Stephens ‘99, ‘06 Adriana Viverette-Gamble ‘12 Christie Witt-Berardi ‘09 *Updated November 2017
Lastly, we are wrapping up work on a donor-funded $1.2 million chemistry lab renovation. Watch for details in our next issue. Let’s stay connected! Follow me on LinkedIn (KenMacur) and Twitter (@KenMacur).
For a list of donors who made gifts during our 2016-17 fiscal year, please visit medaille.edu/donorroll.
Dr. Kenneth M. Macur, President Winter 2018 I Medaille Magazine 3
They are presidents, directors, CFOs, reporters and hosts. Their fields are diverse — construction, media, healthcare, nonprofits — as are their backgrounds. But for all their differences, Mary Jean (Rumpl) Jakubowski ’88, Eileen (Galbo) Buckley ’85, Cindi McEachon ’10, Adriana Viverette-Gamble ’12, Toni Vazquez ’02 and Sundra Ryce ’07 have much in common.
LESSONS
The six Western New Yorkers are all Medaille College alumnae, and credit their experiences at Medaille for greatly contributing to their future success. They all share a passion for what they do. And they’ve learned valuable life and professional development lessons along the way. Here, these six successful alums discuss their lives, their interests and their tips for local career professionals.
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SundraRyce ’07 PRESIDENT, SLR CONTRACTING & SERVICE COMPANY Ma ste r o f S c ie nc e in Educ a tio n
Sundra Ryce founded SLR Contracting & Service Company, Inc., a full-service general construction and management company, in 1996. In addition to being an entrepreneur, she is a corporate leader and motivational speaker. She established Sundra Ryce, Inc., a leadership development company, and shares her business acumen and success strategies internationally through keynote addresses, seminars, workshops, conferences and leadership consulting. HIGHLIGHT OF MY CAREER SO FAR My company just celebrated its 21st anniversary. MOST IMPORTANT LESSON I’VE LEARNED Don’t take anything personally. BEST ADVICE I RECEIVED FROM MEDAILLE FACULTY Stay focused on getting the assignment done. FAVORITE WAY TO RELIEVE STRESS/ DOWNTIME HOBBY Having a spa day. Plus, I enjoy travel and reading.
P H OTO B Y C A R L A F. K E S T N E R
BEST SPOT IN WNY TO GET AWAY FROM IT ALL Niagara-on-the-Lake.
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NO. 1 TIP FOR LOCAL CAREER PROFESSIONALS Focus on self-care and self-leadership, and eliminate any personal belief patterns that could sabotage you. —JUDITH A. RUCKI
TOP Successful Alums
Eileen Buckley ’85 SENIOR REPORTER, WBFO
Bachelor of Science in Media Communication
Eileen Buckley is an award-winning news reporter who began her career as an intern at WBFO 88.7 FM in 1984. Her wide range of radio experience includes news anchoring, reporting, public affairs programming and radio production. Buckley has been the recipient of numerous broadcast and media-related awards, and in 2015 she celebrated her 30th year in broadcasting and media communications.
P H OTO B Y C A R L A F. K E S T N E R
FROM
HIGHLIGHT OF MY CAREER SO FAR I am a nine-time winner of the Art Athens Award for General Excellence in Individual Reporting from the New York State Associated Press Broadcasters Association. Reporting the stories of our community is the most rewarding part of what I do. MOST IMPORTANT LESSON I’VE LEARNED Family comes first. BEST ADVICE I RECEIVED FROM MEDAILLE FACULTY Stay informed if you want to be a journalist. Read newspapers and books — be aware of what’s happening in your community and around the globe. FAVORITE WAY TO RELIEVE STRESS/DOWNTIME HOBBY Gardening, fishing with my husband and taking a ballet class. BEST SPOT IN WNY TO GET AWAY FROM IT ALL Our Lady of Victory Basilica & National Shrine in Lackawanna. It’s a peaceful place to reflect. NO. 1 TIP FOR LOCAL CAREER PROFESSIONALS Stay balanced in your reporting and watch what you post on social media. You always have to cover both sides of an issue. —ALYCIA RIPLEY
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Toni Vazquez ’02
CFO, GREATER BUFFALO UNITED ACCOUNTABLE HEALTHCARE NETWORK M a s t e r o f B u s ine s s Ad minis tra tio n
Toni Vazquez is the CFO of Greater Buffalo United Accountable Healthcare Network, a free service offering healthcare and social needs support for Medicaid recipients. She and her husband, Dr. Raul Vazquez, are the cofounders of the Raul and Toni Vazquez Foundation. Her long list of community service roles currently includes serving as a member of the Williamsville Central School District Board of Education. She served as president of the board in 2016-17. HIGHLIGHT OF MY CAREER SO FAR I pride myself on being able to employ people. I am also a passionate advocate for the less vociferous. I help unveil the potential in people, and I have given opportunities to individuals who were overlooked and ignored. I believed in them, and now they believe in themselves. It makes me proud to empower people. MOST IMPORTANT LESSON I’VE LEARNED I learned a very hard lesson when my parents died. I was a young wife and mother. All of my life, my parents were personally committed to our community. Their continuous crusades for peace, equality, education, justice, freedom and equal opportunity were a constant in our home. When they were no longer here, we were suddenly compelled to pick up the reins and do our part to make our communities better. We did not have them to rely on anymore; now our communities relied on us. So I learned not to take things for granted. I learned to appreciate my gifts. BEST ADVICE I RECEIVED FROM MEDAILLE FACULTY Advocate for yourself. FAVORITE WAY TO RELIEVE STRESS/DOWNTIME HOBBY I love to read and write. I also enjoy movies and family time. I really like to play the piano. BEST SPOT IN WNY TO GET AWAY FROM IT ALL The theater district and local comedy shows. NO. 1 TIP FOR LOCAL CAREER PROFESSIONALS Live, love and serve your community like the entire world is watching — and mimicking your every step. —JUDITH A. RUCKI
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P H OTO B Y C A R L A F. K E S T N E R
Cindi McEachon ’10 In 2014, Cindi McEachon became executive director of Peaceprints of WNY, a nonprofit organization offering comprehensive reentry services to men and women involved in the criminal justice system. Prior to her current position, McEachon was the reentry coordinator for the Erie County Reentry Taskforce and served as a senior job developer for the Center for Employment Opportunities. She was a 2015 Women Who Move the City honoree, a 2016 ATHENA Young Professional finalist and a member of the Leadership Buffalo Class of 2016. In addition, she was recently honored as one of Buffalo Business First’s “40 Under 40” and received a Lockport High School Distinguished Alumni Award.
EXECUTIVE DIRECTOR, PEACEPRINTS OF WNY
Ma ste r o f B usine ss A dministr a tio n
HIGHLIGHT OF MY CAREER SO FAR Beating the odds and becoming the executive director of an incredible nonprofit at the age of 31. MOST IMPORTANT LESSON I’VE LEARNED In my experience, I’ve discovered that many people are innately good or bad. Contrary to popular belief, most of the innately bad people in this world are not sitting in a prison cell — they might be wearing a suit and doing business with you and I every day. BEST ADVICE I RECEIVED FROM MEDAILLE FACULTY Understand the difference between a leader and a manager — and strive to be a leader. FAVORITE WAY TO RELIEVE STRESS/DOWNTIME HOBBY I am a very “Type A” individual, therefore I try to stay active. I take a high intensity interval training (HIIT) workout class five mornings a week, and I run marathons and half marathons. All of these serve as great stress relievers. BEST SPOT IN WNY TO GET AWAY FROM IT ALL SPoT Coffee on Hertel Avenue. It is where I go to unwind, hide out and enjoy my favorite latte. NO. 1 TIP FOR LOCAL CAREER PROFESSIONALS Never forget your “why.” —ALYCIA RIPLEY
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P H OTO B Y C A R L A F. K E S T N E R
Mary JeanJakubowski DIRECTOR, BUFFALO & ERIE COUNTY PUBLIC LIBRARY B a c h e l o r o f S c ie nc e in Lib e ra l S tud ie s
Mary Jean Jakubowski is a 22-year veteran of the local public library system. She has worked in various capacities, including chief operating officer, deputy director of human resources and librarian. In 2013 and 2014, Jakubowski was named one of “Western New York’s Most Influential People,” and in 2012 she was honored as a “Woman of Influence” by Buffalo Business First.
HIGHLIGHT OF MY CAREER SO FAR Being asked to lead this great institution, the Buffalo & Erie County Public Library. MOST IMPORTANT LESSON I’VE LEARNED Patience is a virtue. Hard work, along with the willingness to step in and step up, can and does get recognized. BEST ADVICE I RECEIVED FROM MEDAILLE FACULTY Do what is best for you and remember to give back along the way. FAVORITE WAY TO RELIEVE STRESS/DOWNTIME HOBBY It sounds clichéd, but I read! I also go for long walks, spend time with my family and when I can, I travel to places where there is no cell phone or internet service. BEST SPOT IN WNY TO GET AWAY FROM IT ALL I would be remiss if I did not say any one of our 37 libraries. They offer a plethora of resources and programs, they are right in our own backyard, and they’re free. Beyond the libraries, I love to visit any one of Erie County’s parks. NO. 1 TIP FOR LOCAL CAREER PROFESSIONALS Western New York is a place of opportunity — you just have to look around, be open minded and be willing to start anywhere. Don’t be afraid to leave and come back, either. The door is open and the welcome mat is always out. —ALYCIA RIPLEY
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Adriana Viverette-Gamble began her career as the youngest intern at Buffalo’s WBLK 93.7 FM. Today, she is a radio personality for stations in Buffalo, Rochester and Albany. She is the creator and host of a syndicated show, “The Go Getta Mix,” which airs on WBLK and Albany’s Hot 99.1 She also hosts a monthly show on Sirius XM. Through her philanthropic efforts and a desire to give back, ViveretteGamble founded the Go Getta Scholarship and created the “I Am a Go Getta” Initiative, Enrichment and Mentoring Program, which focuses on motivating and encouraging young adults to dream big and strive for excellence. In addition, she is a member of the Medaille College Alumni Association Board of Directors.
HIGHLIGHT OF MY CAREER SO FAR Having my radio show on the air in three cities at the same time, and being on Sirius XM. MOST IMPORTANT LESSON I’VE LEARNED Don’t set major benchmarks according to your age. BEST ADVICE I RECEIVED FROM MEDAILLE FACULTY Join the Alumni Association — you will love it! FAVORITE WAY TO RELIEVE STRESS/DOWNTIME HOBBY Netflix and wine. BEST SPOT IN WNY TO GET AWAY FROM IT ALL The Erie Basin Marina at 5 a.m. The water speaks to you. NO. 1 TIP FOR LOCAL CAREER PROFESSIONALS Build your personal brand early. Know what it is, and stay true to it. —ALYCIA RIPLEY
P H OTO B Y C O U R T N E Y A N D E R S O N
Adriana Viverette-Gamble ’12 I RADIO PERSONALITY, 93.7 WBLK M a ste r o f B usine ss A dministr a tio n
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campusnews 2017
#MEDAILLE PRIDE
First Annual #MedaillePride Awards Social Honors Alumni and Others on College Colors Day
Maverick spirit was out in full force as alumni, faculty, staff, nominees and guests gathered at the inaugural #MedaillePride Awards Social on September 13. This event, which was held on Medaille’s second annual celebration of College Colors Day, served to recognize distinguished alumni, as well as those who go above and beyond to make significant contributions to the Medaille community. Awards were presented by Medaille President Dr. Kenneth M. Macur and Alumni Association President Richard Schneider ‘10, ‘12. During the ceremony, the Medaille Pride Staff Award was posthumously awarded to and henceforth named in perpetuity after Kathy Lazar ’72, an alumna and staff member who lived and embodied the Medaille spirit for nearly 50 years. PHOTO S BY TIM LUDWIG
— 2017 Award Recipients — THE DISTINGUISHED A LU M N I AWA R D For bringing distinction to Medaille College and the greater community through persistent professional, community and philanthropic achievements.
Margaret Kafka ’90
Since graduating from the business program in 1990, Margaret (Marge) Kafka has remained committed to Medaille and the greater Western New York community, generously giving of her time and talents. Kafka serves on the Medaille College Board of Trustees, and for the past two years has served as the chair of Founders Day (now MAVstravaganza), Medaille’s main fundraising event in support of student scholarships and opportunities. In 2009, she established the Margaret Kafka Women Aspire Scholarship, which is now endowed and awarded annually. Early in 2017, Kafka retired from her position as vice president of corporate services at Merchants Insurance Group, having worked for the company for nearly 50 years. Upon her retirement, Merchants established the Marge Kafka/Merchants Insurance Scholarship, which is given annually to an undergraduate psychology student pursuing a degree in mental health counseling at Medaille.
Laura Horton earned a bachelor’s degree in veterinary technology from Medaille, as well as a master’s degree in organizational leadership. She currently works at the College as assistant director of academic support services, and is an adjunct instructor in the Department of Science, Mathematics & Technology. In her young career, Horton has gone from being a proactive student to a proactive staff member who helps current students reach their goals and dreams.
O U T S TA N D I N G V O LU N T E E R AWA R D For exhibiting unwavering dedication and support of the Medaille College community through volunteer service.
Paul Dueringer ’04
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Paul Dueringer is the immediate past president of the Alumni Association Board of Directors, and has always been a very active alum for Medaille. He is present at numerous Medaille events, and has volunteered much of his time over the years to giving back and helping the College grow. Dueringer currently works as a commercial real estate agent at JR Militello Realty.
campusnews
E AWARDS SOCIAL
2017
MEDAILLE PRIDE FAC U LT Y AWA R D
HONORARY A LU M N I AWA R D For exhibiting dedication and contributing to the Medaille College community by being active and involved in the College and beyond.
Dr. Jeffrey Faunce
Robert Nesslin As a former faculty member at Medaille, Robert (Bob) Nesslin was able to bring his experience into the classroom, providing his students with opportunities to explore concepts that would benefit their careers. Nesslin was a true advocate and empowered his students to advocate for humanity and themselves. The Robert Nesslin Scholarship, which was initiated by Nesslin’s fellow faculty and staff, is a further testament of his impact on the Medaille community.
MEDAILLE PRIDE S T U D E N T AWA R D To recognize students of Medaille College who are model supporters of the greater campus community.
Brandon Leone
To recognize faculty members of Medaille College who are model supporters of the greater campus community.
Department of Education Associate Professor Jeffrey (Jeff ) Faunce, Ph.D. is known for being everywhere on campus, going above and beyond his regular duties as a faculty member. He functions as faculty advisor to the Future Teachers Club, and he regularly serves as emcee or speaker at Medaille events, banquets or seminars. Faunce also handles the play-by-play for Medaille sporting events.
Junior Brandon Leone is an admissions ambassador, resident assistant, orientation leader and the current president of the Student Government Association. Leone is also an active member of numerous clubs on campus, including the Criminal Justice Club and the HERO (Helping Educate Regarding Orientation) Club which he founded. This true Maverick brings Maximus the Mav to life by suiting up in the mascot costume for campus events.
M EDAILLE PRIDE
K AT H Y L A Z A R ’7 2 S TA F F AWA R D To recognize staff members of Medaille College who are model supporters of the greater campus community.
Members of Kathy Lazar’s family attended the #MedaillePride Awards Social on September 13 and accepted Lazar’s award on her behalf.
M E DA I L L E C O L L E G E F I L E P H OTO
Kathleen (Kathy) Lazar started her professional career at Medaille after graduating from the education program. Lazar supported her alma mater from day one. She never wanted to miss a College event, and wouldn’t let anything, even health struggles, get in the way of supporting her Medaille family. Throughout the 50 years of her career at Medaille, most recently as the registrar for the College, she touched many lives and made a great impact on students, faculty, staff and community members. Lazar’s longevity and dedication to the College community embodied the very definition of the Medaille Pride Staff Award, which will henceforth bear her name.
Kathleen (Panaro) Lazar ’72
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campusnews
ING THE CELEBRAT Y ON MMUNIT O C E L IL A MED
second Medaille’s h was t a t n a s abund elebration, whic Pride wa c ed day #Medaille ege Colors Day is fun-fill d an h T . ll 7 1 o 0 C annual er 13, 2 activities include by Septemb held on h excitement and k, a photo booth se it o ruc packed w by Lloyd Taco T y’s ice cream for th e rr c e n P ra e appea and fre tography lled out Ayres Pho ce. ni also fi m lu a n na a d d n n collage o r staff a in atte e reating a , faculty, c st ts e s, n h e c te d o o R n tu S at the edaille” e n M o e d v o n L a Center “Why I e Sullivan ks the wall in th rely than olors e c n si y campus. ommunit ade all College C ho edaille c m w The M d partners who everyone ies. an well as it v rs s ti a c so , a n le o in sp ssib ted ivities po nded or participa Day fest e tt a DWIG AND
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Y T I M LU P H OT O S B Y OT O G R A P H H P S E R AY
HEN < STEP KO Z A K ’S OF P H OT O G, HIS DO BEAST
campusnews
maverickmemories THE LATEST MEDAILLE NEWS & NOTES
It’s been a typically busy few months for Medaille students, faculty, staff and alumni. Here’s a rundown of recent news. For more, visit medaille.edu/news. < During KidsLit Week in November, the College held events with educator Maureen Roussi and artist E.B. Lewis, as well as a reading featuring Medaille professor and children’s book author Dr. Virginia Batchelor. The week culminated with the Medaille-sponsored WNY Children’s Book Expo on November 11. PHOTO BY CARLA F. KESTNER
The Medaille College Wellness Center sponsored an Opioid Epidemic Workshop on October 16. In addition, Save the Michaels of the World, Inc. hosted a screening of Reversing the Stigma, a documentary film about the history of addiction and the opioid crisis, on September 19. < Hours before opening for Bruno Mars at KeyBank Center in Buffalo, international pop star Dua Lipa performed a concert at Medaille on September 27. This secret show sponsored by radio station Kiss 98.5 was exclusively for Medaille students and Kiss contest winners. PHOTO BY CARLA F. KESTNER
The Medaille Life Sciences Club planted trees on November 4 with Buffalo Niagara Waterkeeper at Gill Creek in Niagara Falls. The trees will help stabilize the bank and catch debris and stormwater runoff before it enters the creek. The Medaille Drama Club performed a mystery dinner theater experience titled Murder at Medaille on October 27 and 28. The sold-out shows were presented by the Medaille Alumni Association and the Student Alumni Association. > < Bestselling author Garth Stein discussed his work on October 25 as part of Medaille’s Write Thing Reading Series. Stein’s most wellknown book, The Art of Racing in the Rain, was the Freshman Summer Read book in 2017 for Medaille’s incoming class of 2021. PHOTO BY CARLA F. KESTNER A panel of experts discussed Western New York’s changing healthcare landscape during Buffalo’s Future: Healthcare 101 — What It Means for WNY on October 19. Kaleida Health Senior Vice President Michael Hughes ‘12 moderated the discussion, which was held at Medaille’s Buffalo campus.
^ At the October 17 Intercultural Dialogues open mic event, “What’s Your Truth,” students, faculty and staff discussed identity and shared poetry, music, stories, personal experiences and cultural traditions. VP for Academic Affairs Dr. Lori Quigley served as the emcee and opened the event with a Haudenosaunee Thanksgiving Address. PHOTO BY ANDREA SEELOFF
Dr. Alice Villaseñor’s Children’s Literature course visited the Buffalo City Mission LEAP Program on September 26 in order to take a closer look at the children’s book collection. Over the course of the semester, the students researched books to add to the collection. PHOTO BY LISA KRAGBÉ
Renowned Cuban-American author Achy Obejas spent a week at Medaille’s Buffalo campus from September 25 to 29, as a visiting fellow from the Woodrow Wilson National Fellowship Foundation. During her visit, Obejas served as a guest lecturer in English and creative arts classes, and read some of her work as part of the College’s Write Thing Reading Series. PHOTO BY CARLA F. KESTNER > Medaille alumni gathered for a variety of networking and social events this past fall, ranging from the ZooBrew at Seneca Park Zoo in Rochester on September 8 to a Buffalo Bills game and tailgate party at New Era Field on September 24. Alumni also came together for a mixer at Resurgence Brewing Company, a Buffalo Pedal Tour and a Paint Night.
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campusnews
Medaille College is a popular destination for students from cities and towns throughout Western New York, not to mention the Rochester region, the Southern Tier, Central New York and Southern Ontario. However, Medaille’s reputation as a premier learning institution extends even further — to England, Australia, Nigeria, Scotland, Spain and beyond. While far from home, international students at Medaille are succeeding in the classroom, and many of them are excelling athletically, as well. Medaille Vice President for Student Development and Athletic Director Amy DeKay says all Medaille students have benefited from their interactions with Mavericks from around the globe. “The international presence has certainly added to our athletic program, but more importantly it has enhanced our college community,” DeKay says. “The diverse experiences these students bring to campus, the hard work and pure grit, and the desire to learn and succeed enhance the entire community, on and off campus.” It’s an adjustment for any young person to get used to college. But for students from the other side of the world? It’s a bigger deal entirely.
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Medaille works hard to help international students acclimate to the Buffalo Niagara region and American way of life. Freshman soccer player Daniella Ward of Terrigal, Australia, says it’s been easy to adapt. She credits her Medaille coaches for making her feel welcome in the U.S. “The coaching staff has supported me and my teammates in many ways,” shares Ward. “They’re always asking how I’m doing, how classes are going and how I’m enjoying the U.S. Their support has gone a long way toward making me feel secure.” Ward is currently studying accounting and hopes to pursue a master’s degree in finance or economics.
P H OTO B Y T I M LU D W I G
“I love the dorms at Medaille, and the Buffalo area in general,” she says. “I enjoy the shops and cafes downtown, and I appreciate how the city is being revitalized. I’d definitely urge other international students to consider Medaille. I knew America wouldn’t be like home, and I expected it to be different. The food, weather and culture have been different — in a good way.” U.K. native Micky Blythe coaches both the men’s and women’s soccer teams at Medaille. Athletic director DeKay says when Blythe was hired, he “made it clear that his goal was not only to succeed on the field but also in the classroom, making Medaille’s soccer programs a true example of the NCAA Division III philosophy.” Blythe, the 2017 Allegheny Mountain Collegiate Conference (AMCC) Coach of the Year, knows that talented soccer players can hail from anywhere. His AMCC Championship-winning men’s roster included 24 students from outside of the U.S. “I’ve been fortunate to build a network of contacts around the world since playing professionally in England and the U.S.,” he says. “Originally it was a rarity to have an international player on a roster. Now there’s usually a few international students on any squad looking to be competitive.” Coach Blythe knows from personal experience that adjusting to Western culture can take time. “I come from a rainy, working-class town in northeast England,” he shares. “My life improved when I arrived as much as the weather did! But I can understand that the food can be a factor, and so can parents not being there 24/7 to support the students through challenges they’ll face.” Tyler Sealy of London, England, is a freshman on the Medaille men’s basketball team. A psychology major, Sealy hopes to work as a sports psychologist in the future. He appreciates that Medaille is such a closeknit community. “There is a family environment here,” Sealy says. “All my teachers and the coaching staff have good relationships with the students and know us on a personal level. Honestly, I feel right at home.” Like coach Blythe, Medaille men’s basketball coach Mike Blaine thinks broadly when putting his team together. In addition to Sealy, the Mavericks basketball team roster includes Xavier Cisternino of Australia and Cedric Mondjii of France. Coach Blaine credits his players for making their international teammates feel welcome. “Our team does an outstanding job welcoming all of our new players, whether they are international students or not,” Blaine says. “Ultimately, I’ve found that college students are remarkably similar, regardless of where they come from. They have the same goals and drive to succeed.”
campusnews
It was a very busy — and very successful — fall for Medaille Mavericks athletics. Check out some headlines from a memorable season. MEN’S SOCCER CLAIMS SEVENTH AMCC TITLE The men’s soccer team earned the Allegheny Mountain Collegiate Conference (AMCC) Championship and a spot in the NCAA Division III Tournament with an overtime victory over the Penn-State Behrend Lions. RECORD-SETTING SEASON FOR WOMEN’S TENNIS The women’s tennis team finished the regular season with a 7-3 record, the best in program history. In addition, the team earned the right to host an AMCC first-round playoff game, another first. M E N ’ S G O L F D E F E AT S R I V A L S The men’s golf team claimed three tournament victories against local AMCC rivals Hilbert and D’Youville, in addition to a victory at the Medaille Fall Invitational. THESE ARE JUST A FEW RECENT M E D A I L L E AT H L E T I C S S U C C E S S E S . F O R M O R E O N M E D A I L L E ’ S FA L L S P O R T S , U P D AT E S O N W I N T E R S P O R T S A N D T H E L AT E S T M AV E R I C K S ’ N E W S , V I S I T medail l e spor ts.com.
Winter 2018 I Medaille Magazine 15
facultyspotlight
Dr. DuTremble Kirk and her cat, Snickers. 16 Medaille Magazine I Winter 2018
P H OTO S B Y C A R L A F. K E S T N E R
facultyspotlight
Dr. Lola DuTremble Kirk
D e p a r t m e n t o f Ve t e r i n a r y Te c h n o l o g y
To Lola DuTremble Kirk, D.V.M., the saying “an ounce of prevention is worth a pound of cure” can literally mean the difference between life and death for pets and other domestic animals. That’s because she knows routine treatments (such as heartworm medication) and vaccinations (such as those for distemper and rabies) are essential in helping to ensure our four-legged friends live long and happy lives. “A lot of what I do is educating pet owners about the importance of regular checkups and keeping their pets up-to-date with their treatments and vaccinations,” says Dr. DuTremble Kirk, who has been the program director of the associate degree in applied science in veterinary technology at Medaille’s Rochester Campus for over a year now. “Pet owners know they should have them done, but they may not necessarily understand why, or more importantly, what can happen when they don’t treat and vaccinate on schedule.”
A D V I C E F R O M D R . D uT R E M B L E K I R K
B Y TA R A E R W I N
As a veterinarian, Dr. DuTremble Kirk has seen beloved pets succumb to otherwise treatable or preventable illnesses. She has also seen owners forced to make the heartbreaking decision to euthanize a suffering pet because either the disease is too advanced, or treatment options are too costly. “Of course, that’s the worst-case scenario,” she says. “I pursued a career in veterinary medicine because I love science, I love a challenge and most importantly, I love animals. To be a successful vet or vet technician means you have to be creative and think on your feet. It’s essential for you to explore all of your options in a short amount of time and come up with a plan that will be beneficial to everyone.”
because it’s such a valuable, money-saving system,” she says. Because there are so many reputable pet insurance companies in the market today, Dr. DuTremble Kirk notes, pricing and rates are very competitive. She admits veterinary care, especially for emergency visits and major procedures, can be expensive. “We do try to keep the costs down, and there are things like loans, payment plans and nonprofit organizations that can help, but veterinarians do have their own business overhead to account for,” she said. “Part of pet ownership is being financially responsible for its care, but that’s typically the last thing on peoples’ minds when they bring a new pet home.”
H I D D EN H A Z A R D S Aside from regular checkups, Dr. DuTremble Kirk cites petproofing as a way to ward off potential health issues. There are many common household items pet owners may not realize are hazardous. It’s common knowledge that poinsettias are toxic to cats, as well as chocolate for dogs. But how about Easter lilies as a feline threat, or something as innocuous as a grape or raisin being deadly to canines? “A cat may brush against the lily’s pollen, and later ingest it while grooming, which can lead to kidney failure,” she says. “The toxicity of grapes and raisins are idiosyncratic, which means it depends on the dog’s individual chemistry and how its body processes it. One grape may seriously harm a Great Dane, but 10 may only give a Chihuahua a stomach ache. We just don’t know, which is why we tell clients to bring their pets in immediately if they suspect they’ve eaten something dangerous. Don’t wait to see if the animal starts showing symptoms. It may be too late by then.”
YO U K N OW YO U R P E T B E S T Dr. DuTremble Kirk also advises pet owners not to discount their own instincts or gut feelings when consulting with their veterinarians about their pets’ behavior. “So many times I’ve heard, ‘Something seems off with my dog,’ or ‘I can’t quite put my finger on it, but my cat isn’t acting like herself,’” she says. “Owners will be embarrassed to bring it up, but I always take these concerns seriously. They know their pets best, so when they notice something is not right, it’s worth looking into.” Dr. DuTremble Kirk will usually order some baseline bloodwork in such cases, and “nine times out of 10,” something will show up. As both a vegetarian and world traveler who can claim going on safari in Africa and studying gorillas in Uganda among her expeditions, Dr. DuTremble Kirk’s passion for animal welfare is evident. She’s never looked back on her decision to enter into veterinary medicine. “It’s such a diverse field,” she says, “and there are many avenues to pursue, from a general practice vet or vet technician, to a specialization such as livestock or oncology, or even academia or the nonprofit world.” Dr. DuTremble Kirk notes many of her current students are pursuing their vet tech degrees as a fulfilling second career. “No matter where your interests and talents lie, there’s a way to help animals through this path.”
I N S U R A N C E C A N K EEP CO S T S D OW N Dr. DuTremble Kirk wishes more of her clients knew about or took advantage of pet insurance. “I would say only about 20 percent of my clients have it for their pets, which is disappointing,
Learn more about Medaille’s associate degree in applied science in veterinary technolog y program offered in Rochester and online at medaille.edu/aasvet.
Winter 2018 I Medaille Magazine 17
facultyspotlight
Medaille’s dedicated faculty members make a real difference in the lives of their students, and in the community. That’s why we are always so excited to share the latest faculty news. These are just a few examples, but they represent the hard work all of our faculty members do every day — both on and off campus. DR. ALICE VILLASEÑOR PRESENTS AT JANE AUSTEN CONFERENCE IN ENGLAND Alice Villaseñor, Ph.D., associate professor of English in Medaille’s Department of Interdisciplinary Studies, recently spoke at “Reputations, Legacies, Futures: Jane Austen, Germaine de Staël and Their Contemporaries, 1817-2017,” a three-day conference in Hampshire, England. Dr. Villaseñor’s talk focused on Jane Austen’s reception history in the Victorian period. DR. DONALD NOWAK AUTHORS ARTICLE ON COLLEGE STUDENTS AND GAMBLING An article by Donald E. Nowak Jr., Ph.D., a clinical assistant professor in Medaille’s Department of Counseling & Clinical Psychology, will be published in an upcoming issue of Journal of Gambling Studies. In the article, titled “A Metaanalytical Synthesis and Examination of Pathological and Problem Gambling Rates and Associated Moderators Among College Students, 1987–2016,” Dr. Nowak explains that more than 16 percent of college students have some form of gambling disorder.
BERNADETTE CLABEAUX, Ph.D., clinical assistant professor in Medaille’s Department of Science, Mathematics & Technology, discussed the link between birds and the West Nile Virus in The Buffalo News on October 5. RICHARD JACOB, Ph.D., a professor in Medaille’s Department of Communication & Sport Studies, was named boys basketball coach at the Park School of Buffalo. JAMES RAMSEY, Ph.D., a clinical assistant professor in Medaille’s Department of Interdisciplinary Studies, led a focus group discussion as part of the University at Buffalo (UB) Collegiate Science, Technology Enrichment Program (CSTEP) Summer Research Program in August. ERIKA HAMANN, clinical assistant professor in Medaille’s Department of Interdisciplinary Studies, was the 2017 recipient of the Dr. Brian R. Shero Teaching Excellence and Campus Leadership Award.
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DR. HORNE-MOYER DISCUSSES PARTNERSHIP WITH BESTSELF IN BUFFALO BUSINESS FIRST Lynn Horne-Moyer, Ph.D., chair of Medaille’s Department of Counseling & Clinical Psychology, discussed Medaille’s partnership with BestSelf Behavioral Health, Inc. in a Buffalo Business First feature on October 13. The partnership has resulted in a health outpatient treatment center on the Buffalo campus that provides community services while also serving as a counselor-in-training facility for Medaille students. Dr. Horne-Moyer told Business First that the state-ofthe-art clinic ensures that “the clients, the sector and the students at Medaille all benefit.” DR. VIRGINIA BATCHELOR SPOTLIGHTED DURING KIDSLIT WEEK As part of KidsLit Week (November 4-11), Virginia Batchelor, Ph.D., a professor in Medaille’s Department of Education, read from her children’s book, Stop Calling Me That! My Name is Araminta! The reading was held on Medaille’s Buffalo campus. Dr. Batchelor was a spotlighted author for the Western New York Children’s Book Expo, which was held on November 11.
JACK ANCHIN, Ph.D., a clinical associate professor in Medaille’s Department of Counseling & Clinical Psychology, has written a foreword for the upcoming volume Integral Psychotherapy: A Unifying Approach. KEITH KLOSTERMANN, Ph.D., LMFT, LMHC, an assistant professor in Medaille’s master’s in marriage and family therapy program, presented at an expert event at Edinburgh Napier University in Edinburgh, Scotland. SUSAN STEFFAN, chair of the College’s Department of Business, Management & Leadership, presented to several local professional groups this fall on a variety of topics involving finance. MATTHEW H. BOWKER, Ph.D., a clinical assistant professor in the College’s Department of Interdisciplinary Studies, has co-authored the book A Dangerous Place to Be: Identity, Conflict, and Trauma in Higher Education. It is scheduled to be released by Karnac Books in February.
JENNIFER REICHENBERG, Ph.D., an assistant professor in Medaille’s Department of Education, was one of just two individuals nationwide to be selected by the Reading Hall of Fame to receive an Emerging Scholars Fellowship. TIMOTHY McCORRY, Ph.D., chair of Medaille’s Department of Social Sciences, was interviewed by WHEC-TV about the College’s work teaching inmates at Albion Correctional Facility. CRAIG CENTRIE, Ph.D., a professor in Medaille’s Department of Education, recently announced his retirement as executive director of nonprofit art organization El Museo Francisco Oller y Diego Rivera.
To keep up with the latest Medaille faculty news and accomplishments, visit medaille.edu/news.
Weâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;ve Made Big Changes. Less Time Less Money Same Expert Faculty Same Convenient Locations There has never been a better time to earn your Master of Arts in Organizational Leadership at Medaille College. The program for anyone who wants to develop and manage a team recently changed from 40 credit hours to 30. That means less money AND less time â&#x20AC;&#x201D; you can now earn your degree in just
one year.
medaille.edu/maol
Winter 2018 I Medaille Magazine 19
alumniupdates
#Medaille
congrats A Word From Your Alumni Association President
RICHARD SCHNEIDER ’10, ’12 MBA President and CEO, Crane Home Care
Being involved with the Medaille College Alumni Association Board of Directors has been a very positive experience for me, both personally and professionally. From a personal perspective, I’ve had the pleasure of meeting and interacting with other like-minded alumni. While I certainly have added numerous contacts to my professional network since joining the Alumni Association Board, I value the friendships I’ve made even more. It is through these relationships that my education continued beyond the classroom. I learned from my fellow board members, faculty, staff and administrators the finer qualities of leadership — things that can’t be taught in a textbook. Professionally, my career and business have excelled due to my involvement with the Alumni Association and Board of Directors. I can’t say enough about the importance of networking and the compounding power it offers. Medaille has a very active alumni engagement office that provides alumni with access to countless creative and fun networking opportunities, on and off campus. Through these events, I was able to meet individuals who assisted with the growth of my business. The decision to remain active with Medaille past graduation will have a positive impact on my company for years to come. From day one, undergraduate and graduate students alike share in the Medaille experience and join a very special collegiate family. It is the Alumni Board’s wish to maintain that special relationship well beyond graduation. In my mind, there is no better way to add value to your education than to stay connected to Medaille through getting involved with the Alumni Association or other alumni activities. It costs nothing but a little time, and the dividends are priceless!
20 Medaille Magazine I Winter 2018
The Medaille College Office of Alumni Engagement and Office of Communications have teamed up to honor the life achievements of our alumni. The outstanding graduates highlighted here are just a small sample of recent examples of our alumni – empowered individuals who embody the Medaille mission of academic achievement, career success and civic engagement. Follow Medaille College on Facebook, Twitter or LinkedIn to catch all #MedailleCongrats alumni updates.
1970s
#MedailleCongrats Karen (Ballou) Christie ’79 on being recognized by Buffalo Business First as one of the Women of Influence award recipients in the Nonprofit Leadership category. Christie serves as the chief human resource and community engagement officer for the United Way of Buffalo & Erie County.
1980s
#MedailleCongrats Michael Carter ’90 on his promotion to the position of operations manager at the Conference & Event Center Niagara Falls. #MedailleCongrats Richard Jureller ’96 on his promotion to the position of vice president of community relations with the Buffalo Sabres. #MedailleCongrats Kathy Messer ’97 on being promoted to the position of vice president of state products at Independent Health.
#MedailleCongrats Carl Russo ’81 of 97Rock, a 2017 Buffalo Broadcasters Association Hall of Fame inductee. #MedailleCongrats alumna and former Board of Trustees member Heidi Raphael ’85 for being named vice president of corporate communications at Beasley Media Group. #MedailleCongrats education alumna Patricia (Starr) Balmer ’89 on being appointed principal of St. Mary’s - St. Alphonsus Regional Catholic School.
1990s
#MedailleCongrats computer information systems alum James Vertino ’97 for being named chief information officer for HealthSmart, the largest independent benefits administrator in the country. #MedailleCongrats Christine (Goodman) Dougherty ’98 on her promotion to account director at Eric Mower + Associates.
#MedailleCongrats Dionne (McQuiller) Williamson ’94 on being promoted to national sales director at Visit Buffalo Niagara. In addition to her promotion, she recently formed a 501(c)3 nonprofit organization called Upward Design For Life Corp, which furnishes homes and transforms lives for people in need. She says her Medaille experience has played an important role in her professional success. P H OTO B Y KC K R AT T
“My experience at Medaille College provided me with the educational foundation I needed to help build my career. It also gave me the confidence to step out of my comfort zone to try new endeavors.”
alumniupdates
#MedailleCongrats the newly ordained Padraic Collins-Bohrer ’01. As a deacon in the Episcopal Church Diocese of Rochester, he will serve as chaplain at the University of Rochester Medical Center. #MedailleCongrats Timothy Oldenburg ’01 for being appointed as superintendent of schools for the Tonawanda City School District. #MedailleCongrats BBA and MBA alumna Karla J.L. Gadley ’02, ’04 on being appointed as senior VP and community development officer at Five Star Bank. #MedailleCongrats BBA alumnus Jeff M. Roberts ’03 on being promoted to branch manager at Admar Supply Co Inc. in Binghamton, NY. #MedailleCongrats sport management alumnus Brian Anken ’05 on being hired as the director of athletics at St. Joseph’s Collegiate Institute. #MedailleCongrats MBA alumna Michele (Rogulski) Gennarino ’05 on being announced as the new chief operating officer at Velocitii, LLC. #MedailleCongrats BBA graduate Daniel Komanski ’05 on being appointed vice president of risk management at Robins Financial Credit Union. #MedailleCongrats Anthony Perioli ’05 on being named operations manager, board level products at Amphenol Aerospace.
“
#MedailleCongrats vet tech and bio alumna Stefanie (Bolas) Campbell ’06, ’07 for being named as one of the 2017 incoming class of Epidemic Intelligence Service officers (“disease detectives”) for the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. Campbell states that her passion for epidemiology was sparked her senior year at Medaille when she took an introductory course with Dr. Robert Johnson.
“My experience at Medaille helped shape my career. The veterinary technology program provided me with skills to work at a veterinary clinic and gain experience. The biology degree courses provided me with a foundation for veterinary school and introduced me to epidemiology, which I now use every day. The small class size and personalized education I received from Medaille helped guide me to a meaningful and successful career as a veterinarian/epidemiologist.” #MedailleCongrats MBA alumna Tanya M. (Fish) Petrus ’06 on her promotion to the position of administrative vice president at M&T Bank. #MedailleCongrats MBA alumnus John Sperrazza ’06 on being named chief operating officer of Sisters of Charity Hospital. #MedailleCongrats MBA alum and former Maverick athlete Craig Yanni ’07, ’09 on being inducted into the Hornell High School Sports Hall of Fame in October 2017.
“
2000s
My degree taught me so many valuable and applicable lessons that have propelled my career to the next level! LUCIA ROSSI ’15 MAOL
2010s
#MedailleCongrats Michael Berkun ’10 for being named the head men’s basketball coach at SUNY Maritime College. #MedailleCongrats criminal justice alum Daniel Evans ’11 for recently receiving the Medal of Merit and the Medal of Valor, the highest honors an officer can receive from the Virginia Beach Police Department.
Alumni,
#MedailleCongrats Jeffrey Gramlich ’11, ’12 on his new position as peer support specialist of the PFC Joseph P. Dwyer Program at Veterans One-stop Center of WNY, Inc. #MedailleCongrats Lindsay Delano ’12 on her new position as an addictions counselor at Cazenovia Recovery. #MedailleCongrats communication alum David Neth ’12 on the publication of his book Fuse, the first of a three-book series.
#MedailleCongrats Charles Killian ’08 on his new position as inside sales support representative at ADPRO Sports. #MedailleCongrats Christina Pearl ’09, a recent Athena Award finalist. She is the director of corporate communications at Horizon Health Services. #MedailleCongrats BBA alumna Sheryl Weldon ’09 on being named assistant vice president of claims for GEICO’s regional office in Fredericksburg, VA. She will be responsible for the company’s mid-Atlantic claims operations.
#MedailleCongrats communication alumna Sommer O’Donnell ’12 for being promoted to workflow coordinator, video editor at DigiStream Investigations. #MedailleCongrats communication alumnus Doug Page ’12 on being named new media coordinator with the Office of Sports Information at Barton College.
CO N TAC T DI R E C TO R OF ALUMNI E NG AG E ME NT NICK KOZIOL AT (716) 880-2207 OR njk52@medaille.edu W I T H AN Y QU E S T I O N S OR TO FIND OUT H OW YOU C AN G E T INV OLV E D.
Co nt inue s >
Winter 2018 I Medaille Magazine 21
alumniupdates
2010s (cont.)
#MedailleCongrats Brian Cleary ’15 on his new position as director of digital marketing and social media at [re]noun creative. #MedailleCongrats Anthony Lafornara ’15 who has been hired as a senior accountant at Dansa & D’Arata LLP.
#MedailleCongrats Ashley Hirtzel ’12 for being recognized as a “30 Under 30” honoree by Buffalo Business First. She is the marketing coordinator for the Cantalician Center for Learning, Inc.
“Thanks to Medaille College and its internship program in the communication department, I was able to get the hands-on experience that opened many doors for me. It allowed me to meet great mentors who taught me so much. It even helped me get hired in my desired field of media communications before graduation. I’m extremely grateful for my education from Medaille.” #MedailleCongrats Sarah Kinne ’14 on being hired as a teaching assistant at Northeastern University School of Law. Kinne is also a staff assistant specialist for the Office for Scholarly Communication at Harvard University Libraries. #MedailleCongrats Vanessa Akiki ’15 on being hired at Christian Central Academy to teach regents chemistry and AP Seminar.
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#MedailleCongrats Lucia Rossi ’15 on her promotion to the position of director of outpatient operations primary care at ECMC. Rossi credits her success to her master’s degree in organizational leadership from Medaille: “My degree has taught me so many valuable and applicable lessons that have propelled my career to the next level!”
1990s
#MedailleCongrats Francis Leli ’91 and Susan Leli, who celebrated their 50th wedding anniversary with the renewal of their vows on July 22. #MedailleCongrats vet tech alumna Lori Ann Salisbury ’95 and McKinley Faulkner, who wed on July 2.
2000s
#MedailleCongrats BBA alumnus Adam Boone ’16 who started his own business – a local restaurant he named Boone’s Hillside BBQ. Boone says his education helped make it all possible. #MedailleCongrats communication alumna Brigethia Guins-Jamison ’16 on being named public relations and marketing coordinator at TheBrandistaGuide.com.
#MedailleCongrats Ntare Ali Gault ’14 on his new teaching position at the University of Arizona in its Africana Studies Department. Gault is also an accomplished author, playwright and current Ph.D. candidate at the State University of New York at Buffalo.
“My experience at Medaille was very rewarding, and the academic excellence I achieved allowed me to go directly into my Ph.D. program.”
#MedailleCongrats Amy (McGee) Antholzner ’06 and Matt Antholzner ’06, who welcomed Callie Rose to their family on June 14. #MedailleCongrats Dan Brawn ’08, ’10 and his wife Becky, who welcomed their second daughter, Teagan, on July 14.
#MedailleCongrats Jonathan Augustyn ’09, ’11 and wife Amanda Augustyn ’10, ’11 on the birth of their daughter, Juliette Annalise Augustyn. She was born on November 1.
2010s
#MedailleCongrats education alumna and staff member Sarah (Gleason) Rizzo ’12, ’13 and Anthony Rizzo who were married last summer. #MedailleCongrats education alumni David Kozar ’13, ’14 and Jessica (Newcombe) Kozar ’13 on their wedding in December 2016.
ALUMNI, HELP US RECOGNIZE YOU NEXT! Share your life achievements and submit your class notes online at medaille.edu/classnote, or simply email prj26@medaille.edu.
alumniupdates
Alumni Mentoring Program: Rewarding for Students and Mentors
Alumni mentor Bryan Krempa ’00, ’06 is pictured with his mentee Petrina Sciandra ’17, now an alumni mentor herself.
In 2013, Medaille College’s TRiO Student Support Services Program and the Alumni Association started the Alumni Mentoring Program as a way to match current students with graduates working in a career related to their major. The program has proven to be tremendously successful. Currently, more than 30 pairs meet to discuss career development, networking and professional goals. Mentor Tim Kwiatkowski ’86: “The most rewarding thing is watching the mentees grow and gain confidence.” Mentor Richard Schneider ’10, ’12, president of the Medaille Alumni Association: “When you sit down with your mentor, you become a close friend. You’re someone they can trust.” Interested in making a difference in a student’s life? Contact TRiO Student Support Services Academic Counselor Erin Jozwiak at Erin.M.Jozwiak@medaille.edu to learn more.
Program of the Month Series Shines a Spotlight on Faculty, Students and Alumni
Medaille’s Office of Communications recently launched a Program of the Month series, which is primarily housed on Medaille’s social media accounts. The first two months highlighted the College’s English (B.A.) and clinical mental health counseling (M.A.) programs. The series will serve to showcase faculty expertise, relay the experiences and journeys of current
students and alumni, and demonstrate the value of each degree. Follow Medaille College on Facebook, Twitter or LinkedIn to view content as it is posted, or search the #MedaillePOTM tag. Alumni, if you would like to share some details on your experience in an academic program at Medaille, for possible inclusion in a Program of the Month publication, email alumni@medaille.edu and include #MedaillePOTM in the subject line.
Become a member of
The Sister Alice Huber Society when you choose a gift planning option that is best suited to your lifestyle, your family and your philanthropic interests. We invite you to consider: INCLUDING MEDAILLE IN YOUR WILL OR LIVING TRUST NAMING MEDAILLE AS BENEFICIARY OF YOUR IRA OR LIFE INSURANCE POLICY ESTABLISHING A PLANNED GIF T NAMING MEDAILLE AS THE BENEFICIARY
To learn more, visit medaille.edu/planned-giving or contact Director of Philanthropy Jeanine Purcell at (716) 880-2259.
Winter 2018 I Medaille Magazine 23
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