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EAGLE NIAGARA UNIVERSITY Fall 2011 • Vol. 28, Issue 1 Remembering Brother Steve pg 16 Alumni Weekend 2011 pg 19 Growing in Faith pg 24

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Page 1: Eagle magazine, fall 2011

EA

GL

E

N I A G A R A U N I V E R S I T Y

Fall 2011 • Vol. 28, Issue 1

Remembering Brother Steve pg 16

Alumni Weekend 2011 pg 19

Growing in Faith pg 24

Page 2: Eagle magazine, fall 2011

“The faith of those who live their faith is aserene faith.” — Pope St. Leo the Great

Page 3: Eagle magazine, fall 2011

Inside this issueFEATURES16 Remembering Brother Steve

17 Hockey Player LearnsLife Lesson

19 Alumni Weekend 2011

24 Growing in Faith

DEPARTMENTS2 Opening Remarks

4 On the Ridge

9 1,000 Words

10 Student Profile

14 Living the Mission

18 Advancement Matters

28 News from the Nest

30 Alumni Stories

32 Catching Up

40 The Last Word

View the Eagle online at http://eagleonline.niagara.edu/

Please send correspondence to:

Lisa M. McMahon, MA’09, EditorOffice of Public Relations, Communications and Marketing

Niagara University, N.Y., 14109716.286.8747 • [email protected]

DesignSuzanne M. Karaszewski

Contributors/PhotographyTom Burns Michael Freedman

Ron Epstein Jim McCoyErrin Epstein Derek Zeller, ’12

Founded by the Vincentian Community in 1856, Niagara Universityis a private liberal arts university with a strong, values-based Catholic

tradition. Its four academic divisions include the colleges of Artsand Sciences, Business Administration, Education, and Hospitality

and Tourism Management. The university also maintains anAcademic Exploration Program that provides a learning community

for students who are undecided about their major.

On the cover Purple banners highlighting the advantages ofa Niagara education welcomed incoming and returning students.

The Niagara University Eagle is published three times per year bythe Office of Public Relations, Communications and Marketing.

EAGLEN I A G A R A U N I V E R S I T Y

Fall 2011 • Vol. 28, Issue 1

Page 4: Eagle magazine, fall 2011
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OPENING REmARkS

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I t is that wonderful time of year again whenwe welcome a new class of students toNiagara University. What a great challenge

and privilege we have to educate and learn withthe students of today, just as it was years ago whenyou were a student on Monteagle Ridge.

Interestingly enough, this is also that time of yearwhen we celebrate Alumni Weekend, welcominghome the many graduates who once werestudents here and who come back to be with oneanother and share the great memories of theiralma mater.

God has given us so many gifts. We haveoutstanding graduates and we continue to receivegreat numbers of enthusiastic learners who wantto make sure that their education makes adifference in their lives, and discover how theycan make a positive impact in our world.

We are also grateful for the Vincentians whocontinue to be an integral part of the university.is year, Father John Maher left NU for Rometo work with the General Curia on specialpublications for the community around theworld, and Father Tom McKenna left us tobecome director of the Daughters of Charity inthe new Province of St. Louis.

At the same time, we are happy to welcome backFather John Gouldrick, who will serve as assistantto the president for mission development, as wellas Father Kevin Creagh, our new associate vicepresident for campus ministry. In addition tothese men, we have been blessed with many

members of our faculty, staff and administrationwho, in recent years, have taken part in programsthat focus on Vincentian and Catholic education,spirituality and formation.

During nearly every meeting I attend, theconversation turns to the importance of ourmission at NU; that is to continue to be anexcellent university that is both Catholic andVincentian. Sincere thanks to you, our alumni, forwitnessing on behalf of this mission, one thatinspired you as students and that you carry withyou in various ministries around the globe.

I have the privilege of communicating with all ofyou in each issue of our Eagle magazine, and I liketo thank you for all that you have done to makeNU the great university that it is today. It is alsomy opportunity to call you to do even more forthe present and future students of NiagaraUniversity and your fellow alumni as well.

Tell each other your stories, advise us of yoursuccesses and challenges, and let us know howNiagara has been an important part of shapingthe person that you are today.

Be proud, dear alumni. You certainly make all ofus at NU very proud of you.

God bless you, and if you wish to let us knowmore about yourself, your family, your work andyour outstanding accomplishments, please contactme at [email protected].

Rev. Joseph L. Levesque, C.M.President

Like the new look of the Eagle? Visit the Eagleonline to learn more about the makeover!

Page 6: Eagle magazine, fall 2011

ON THE RIDGE

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The grand opening and blessing of NiagaraUniversity’s new Institute for Civic Engagementwas held on Sept. 27, 2011. An initiativedeveloped through the President’s Office, theinstitute’s purpose is to reinforce the university’scommitment to the region by strengtheningexisting community partnerships and formingnew town-gown relationships. It will immediatelyserve as the university’s primary point of contactfor community members and organizations.Dr. David Taylor, a longtime faculty leader,will serve as director of the institute, whichwill oversee two of the university’s flagshipcommunity-minded programs, Border CommunitySERVICE and ReNU Niagara.

Elizabeth Berger, a criminal justice major atNU, has been selected as the recipient of a $2,500scholarship from the Society of Former SpecialAgents of the FBI. e award is presented annuallyto nine criminal justice majors nationwide throughthe J. Edgar Hoover Memorial ScholarshipProgram, which was established in 1978 torecognize the former FBI director’s pursuit ofexcellence in educational standards.

Niagara University received the scholarshipthanks to a recommendation from Brian Tone,’71, a retired special agent with the FederalBureau of Investigation and a current member ofthe Society of Former Special Agents of the FBI.

Seventeen men and women received diplomasduring the Niagara County Law EnforcementAcademy’s 52nd graduation ceremony, held Aug.1 on the Niagara University campus, where theacademy began conducting classes in February.Niagara is the only four-year, private college inNew York to host a full-time police academy.Coordination of the program on Niagara’scampus has been undertaken by the university’sOffice of Continuing Education and its CriminalJustice Department.

Niagara softball standout Teresa Healy, ’11,has been selected as the 2010-11 Metro AtlanticAthletic Conference’s Female Student-Athlete ofthe Year by the league’s sports information directors.

Healy holds eight Niagara records and rankedthird all-time in school history with a .393 battingaverage and holds the Niagara single-season recordwith 44 RBI. In July, she was named to the EasternCollege Athletic Conference Division I All-StarFirst Team, the only player from the MAACnamed to the top squad.

In addition, 114 Niagara student-athletes werehonored for their academic and athleticaccomplishments by being named to the 2010-11Metro Atlantic Athletic Conference AcademicHonor Roll. Niagara placed the third most onthe honor roll, trailing only Marist (165) andRider (135).

Junior Nicole Karek of the women’s lacrosse teamearned the highest grade point average in theMAAC with a 4.26 in computer science, while thehighest GPA belonging to a male student-athletewas earned by men's tennis player David Lemieux-Sarrasin, who finished with a 4.24 in finance.

Niagara University, in partnership with theCity of Niagara Falls and the P2 Collaborativeof Western New York, received an 18-month,$300,000 grant from e John R. OisheiFoundation for the implementation of “Creatinga Healthier Niagara Falls: A NeighborhoodEmpowerment Approach.” A ribbon-cuttingceremony was held on Sept. 9 to signify theopening of the project’s new outreach office.egoal of the initiative is to improve the individualhealth and quality of life of residents indesignated Niagara Falls neighborhoods bybuilding a system of community-based resourcesand linkages and engaging and building thecapacity of residents to initiate projects that willimprove their neighborhoods and create ahealthy, livable and safe community.

The Niagara University Senior Term EnrichmentProgram, or NUSTEP, a program that enableshigh school students to earn college credits, wasrecently awarded accreditation from the NationalAlliance of Concurrent Enrollment Partnerships.Considered the authority on credit-bearingprograms offered via partnerships between highschools and colleges, NACEP has accreditedNiagara University’s concurrent enrollmentprogram through 2018.

Several hospitality and tourism students earnedprestigious awards this summer. Wendy Reyes, anNU senior from El Paso, Texas, is the lone recipientof this year’s Ronald H. Brown MemorialScholarship, awarded to an undergraduate minoritystudent committed to the pursuit of a career in thetravel industry. e $3,000 scholarship is given inhonor of the late commerce secretary and hisenormous contributions to the U.S. travel andtourism industry.

Junior Nicolas Zachary Barth and Megan Erickson,a transfer student from Schenectady CountyCommunity College, were awarded $6,000 scholar-ships from the New York State Hospitality &Tourism Association’s Education Foundation fortheir exceptional representation of the future of thehospitality industry.

Barth was also among the three NU students whowere awarded academic scholarships fromTourism Cares, the tourism industry’s premiercharitable organization for preservation, conser-vation, restoration and education. In addition toBarth, seniors Brianna Fries and Mary Gibsonwere among the 62 travel, tourism, and hospitalitystudents across the United States and Canada toreceive merit-based awards.

more than 800 new freshmen and transferstudents were welcomed into the Niagara familyduring the weekend of Sept. 1-5, 2011. On- andoff-campus activities, including an inauguralWalk to the Whirlpool, gave students manyopportunities to get to know one another andtheir new “home away from home.”

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ON THE RIDGE

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The College of Education received approval tooffer a new master’s degree in Early Childhoodand Special Education (birth – grade 2). e newprogram leads to initial and professional NewYork state teacher certification in both earlychildhood education and students with disabilitiesfrom birth through grade 2.

Dr. Deborah T. Curtis, director of NU’s HospitalityTraining & Research Center, received theNational Statler Center’s Leadership TowardExcellence Award during a ceremony held Sept. 15.

Conceived by the Olmsted Center for Sight, theStatler Center is a national program that trainsindividuals who are blind, visually impaired andotherwise physically disabled for careers in thehospitality and contact center industry.

Four individuals were recognized for theirextraordinary contributions during NiagaraUniversity’s annual Vincentian Heritage Convo-cation, Sept. 29, 2011.

Inducted into the Niagara Legacy — Alumni ofDistinction was Karen A. Ballard, ’66, whoseleadership in healthcare reform, combined with herubiquitous promotion of the effectiveness of nurseson quality patient care, has prompted recognitionfrom a number of institutions and organizations.

e Rev. Michael Carroll, C.M., received anhonorary Doctor of Sacred eology for hisdedication to serving the Congregation of theMission since 1970 as well as for the tireless careand compassion that he has shown towardCatholic education.

Receiving the university’s Vincentian MissionAward was Fred J. Heuer, ’77, Niagara’s assistantvice president for marketing, and omas M.McDermott, ’62, ’65, former director of counselingservices. e two men were honored for the waysin which they exemplify the charity of St. Vincentde Paul, the university’s patron.

AccoladesNiagara University continues to be recognized for engaged students,

embracing America’s veterans as students, great teaching, successful graduate

outcomes, environmental responsibility, an outstanding campus community,

and exemplary service to the community.

Andrew Goralski, chair of the Buffalo chapter of the Society of Former

Special Agents of the FBI, scholarship recipient Elizabeth Berger, and

Dr. Timothy Ireland, chair of NU’s Criminal Justice Department.

Niagara softball standout

Teresa Healy, ’11

Inaugural Walk to the Whirlpool The Rev. Joseph L. Levesque, C.M., NU president

(center), with Vincentian Heritage honorees Thomas

McDermott,’62,’65; the Rev. Michael Carroll, C.M.;

Karen Ballard, ’66; and Fred Heuer, ’77.

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ON THE RIDGE

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With each passing tweet, it’s becomemore and more apparent thatpeople are turning to Twitter to

access breaking news. But will college studentsturn to the social networking website to learnabout events that have already taken place?

Dr. Mustafa Gökçek hopes so.

e Niagara University assistant professor ofhistory has compiled a list of 90 majorchronological events that took place between1945 and 2005. He began disseminating themas tweets on Sept. 13. Each tweet, a post orstatus update on Twitter that can contain amaximum of 140 characters, will include a linkto a primary source that provides moreinformation on the event.

e tweets will be sent under the handle ofNUHIS199, a reference to Dr. Gökçek’s courseon America and the Contemporary World.

“A vast majority of our students already haveTwitter accounts and I’m hoping that this willbe a way of making learning about history morefun,” says Dr. Gökçek. “I have always beeninterested in utilizing the latest technology inmy class.”

In the past, students in Dr. Gökçek’s MiddleEast history class made short documentariesusing video editing software. He has also usedSkype to video conference in his classes withstudents in China and Egypt. Several of Dr.Gökçek’s colleagues in NU’s History Departmenthave introduced Facebook as a tool to commu-nicate with students.

Professor Teaching Students History 140 Characters at a Time

By Mike Freedman

For his newest endeavor, Dr. Gökçek is adoptingsoftware that was developed by Dr. MuratDemirbas, an associate professor of computerscience at the University of Buffalo. e programwas developed to send tweets at scheduledintervals, making it possible to cover 60 years ofhistory by sending 90 tweets in 90 days, theapproximate duration of the fall semester.

Dr. Gökçek takes the project one step further.Instead of simply sending out one tweet daily,the computer program can be manipulated sothat one historical year translates to one and ahalf days. erefore, if two events occurred oneyear apart, the tweets profiling those events willbe sent one and a half days from each other. Ifthey took place two years apart, there will be athree-day difference between tweets, and so on.

“e nature of this project will help studentsbetter understand the timeline of major events,the time difference between each one, and thehistorical context in which each event tookplace,” explains Dr. Gökçek. “It will alsoencourage the students to follow the links toprimary sources and contribute more effectivelyin class discussions.”

Students enrolled in HIS199 have taken to theproject. ose without Twitter accounts haveregistered with the site. At the end of thesemester, they will prepare poster presentationsbased on what they’ve learned throughoutthe experience. Based on this project’s success, Dr. Gökçek and his colleagues will explore makingthe format applicable to other courses and perhapseven adding a testing component.

“This is certainly quite a new project for all ofus and we are all excited to be a part of it,” saysDr. Gökçek. “We encourage anyone who isinterested to follow us on Twitter.”

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ON THE RIDGE

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At this time last year, Dr. Abdiweli Aliwas concerned with teaching NiagaraUniversity students the concepts of

economic growth and development, inter-national trade, public finance and public choice.Today, the associate professor of economics-turned-prime minister of Somalia is dealingwith the reality of those issues while governinga war-torn, starving nation that has beenvirtually lawless for 20 years.

Dr. Ali, a Somali-American, had been servingas the country’s minister of planning andinternational cooperation since November 2010.He was appointed prime minister by SomalianPresident Sheik Sharif Sheik Ahmed in June,after Mohamed A. Mohamed, another WesternNew York resident, abruptly resigned fromthe position.

In September, Dr. Ali returned to Niagara totalk about the obstacles facing Somalia, his workthere, and the progress he’s made.

His number one challenge is ridding Somalia ofits powerful extremist groups, especially al-Shabab,he said.

“e top priority of the government is security,”he said. “Economists talk about the importanceof location. In Somalia, it’s all about security,security, security.”

Dr. Ali has made significant strides in liberatingthe Somali capital of Mogadishu from AlQaeda-linked extremist insurgents with theassistance of the Somali National Army and theAfrican Union Mission in Somalia.

Stabilizing the country is also a priority, soDr. Ali is focusing on promoting politicaloutreach and drafting a constitution, which willhelp in this effort. “e better the institutionalframework in a country, the more growth,development and progress that we can make,” hesaid, adding that “the most important institutiona country can have is a good constitution, andthat’s what we are working on right now.”

He’s hopeful that the document will be writtenwithin the next three months. The timeframeis of particular importance, given that themandates of Somalia’s transitional governmentexpire next August, at which time a new admin-istration will be elected.

Making his work even more difficult is the factthat Somalia is dealing with its worst famine in60 years. e United Nations has declared six ofthe states in Somalia to be “famine zones,” manyof which are under control of militant extremistgroups. It is believed that 750,000 Somali peoplemay die from starvation in the next threemonths, an epidemic that Dr. Ali blames onman-made deforestation issues that intensifiedthe effects of the country’s drought cycles.

Seeking Order Out of Chaos

As a result, Dr. Ali has continuously appealed tocountries, organizations and individuals world-wide for humanitarian support.

“Somalia’s future hangs in the balance so wecannot make this journey alone,” he said.

e Niagara University community hasresponded to Dr. Ali’s call for aid by establishing“NU Mission Somalia,” a university-sponsoredawareness and fundraising initiative. e project’sobjectives are to maintain continuous on-campus awareness of Dr. Ali’s progress inSomalia; develop educational teaching unitsabout Dr. Ali and Somalia that can be builtinto any class; support the Somali peoplefinancially; and harness the creativity ofstudent groups to find new ways to assist theEast African country. Already, the NiagaraUniversity Student Government Associationhas pledged to contribute $5,000 toward theeffort, and the university has made specialarrangements with Oxfam International* totrack the number of contributions thatoriginate from Niagara University.

“We promise you our support,” said theRev. Joseph L. Levesque, Niagara Universitypresident. “Just as we are side-by-side withyou today, we will walk with you.”

*To make a donation, visit www.oxfamamerica.org/SomaliaRelief. Contributions in $10 increments canalso be made by texting OXFAM to 25383, although thesedonations will not be tracked as part of the NU initiative.For more information about NU Mission Somalia, contactcommittee chairs Stephanie Cole (scole@ niagara.edu) orDr. Brian Murphy (bmm@ niagara.edu), or join the“Niagara University Somalia Support” Facebook group.

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ON THE RIDGE

The proud tradition of the Niagara nursehas been renewed, thanks to the formalapproval the university recently received

from the New York State Department ofEducation to offer two new nursing programs.

One, a four-year B.S. in nursing, will provide amajor in nursing to students entering NU asfreshmen or transfer students without anyspecialized nursing background.

The other, an accelerated B.S. in nursing, willadmit those already holding a bachelor’s degreeor higher, and enroll them in nursing courseson a concentrated, full-time track. Theaccelerated program may be completed withina 12-month timeframe.

“We are thrilled to expand the diversity ofprograms that we are able to offer to thosespecial people who are interested in pursuingnursing careers,” says the Rev. Joseph L.Levesque, C.M., NU’s president. “Niagarapossesses an extensive history of excellence ineducating nurses, and nursing is a program thataligns directly with our mission of serving thosemost in need.”

Nursing at Niagara dates back to theestablishment of its College of Nursing in 1946.e college graduated more than 3,500professional nurses before closing in 2002 due toa steep decline in market demand for nurses.Graduates of the College of Nursing havemaintained very close ties to the university,

forming an alumni council and assisting with theimplementation of a degree completion programthat caters to students who are already registerednurses. is program has been offered since 2006and was accredited by the Commission onCollegiate Nursing Education in 2008.

e new B.S. programs have been designed tobuild upon the resources already in place and inresponse to the critical shortage of nursingprofessionals that is projected to continue wellinto the future. e curricula for these programshave been developed following guidelinespublished by the American Association ofColleges of Nursing, the New York StateCouncil of Deans and the most recent Instituteof Medicine report on nursing competencies.ey will be offered through the Departmentof Nursing, part of NU’s College of Arts andSciences. e four-year track will commence infall 2012 while the accelerated program willbegin in May.

“e demand for nursing education in WesternNew York is at an all-time high,” says Dr. FranCrosby, a 1967 Niagara University graduate whochairs the Department of Nursing. “Niagara’sreputation and the loyalty of its alumni bodyhave served it well, especially once the RN-to-B.S. program opened in 2006. Since word of thestate’s approval began to trickle out, we havebeen really impressed with the quality of nurseswho have indicated interest in faculty positionsand are looking forward to this expansion.”

Nursing Is Back at Niagara University

If you know of someone who may be interested in Niagara’snursing programs, contact the Admissions Off ice at716.286.8700, 800.462.2111, or [email protected].

Page 11: Eagle magazine, fall 2011

Five Niagara University students learned the ropes and a whole lot moreduring a three-week environmental science program that took placeaboard an authentic 19th century wooden sailing ship. Lauren kapus,’13 (left), Jason Davis, ’13 (center), Danielle Graham, ’14 (right), JoeGrenga, ’12, and Carolyn Trabert, ’12, boarded the Flagship Niagara, areproduction of Commodore Oliver Hazard Perry’s flagship from theBattle of Lake Erie during the War of 1812, in Erie, Pa., on July 26. Whilesailing the Great Lakes, the students studied a customized, credit-bearing curriculum that focused on biology, ecology, chemistry andnatural history. They also served as vessel “trainees,” assisting the18 professional crew members in hauling lines and setting sails.This amazing experiential learning experience, which concluded inChicago, Ill., on Aug. 15, was a first of its kind.

To see more photos of the ship and the students, visiteagleonline.niagara.edu.

1,000 WORDS

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STUDENT PROFILE

Like many of his generation, BillHabschied was drafted shortly aftergraduating from high school. After

serving more than four years in the Air Force (“Ispent four years, three months and 15 days inservice. I don’t know why that stays in your head,”he says), he got a job at a local factory. e jobprovided him a good living, but the productionline shiftwork he did was “very monotonous,” andtaught him an important life lesson: you have tolike what you do. So, after taking an earlyretirement, he decided to follow his love of booksinto the study of library science. Now, he’sfinishing his bachelor’s degree at Niagara andplanning to go on to graduate school.

It’s not his first time in a college classroom. Billhad taken a number of computer courses whileworking at the factory and completed hisassociate’s degree at Niagara County CommunityCollege a few years ago. But when he was facedwith the decision of what he wanted to do withhis education, he realized he needed to continuehis studies and enrolled at Niagara.

ere, he learned that while his field of choicewas not available as an undergraduate major, hecould take liberal arts and work with faculty todevelop an individualized, interdisciplinaryprogram suited specifically for his interests andcareer goals. His main focus has been history,supplemented with courses in political science,social sciences, and photography.

Being a nontraditional student was a littleuncomfortable at first, but Bill soon discovereda group of his peers in the university’s newlyestablished veteran’s club. e group meets once amonth to share experiences, and this camaraderiehas helped Bill, and other nontraditionalstudents, ease into college life.

He also discovered that his life experience wasan unexpected advantage in one of his historyclasses: America and the Contemporary World,a course that examines developments affectingAmerica and Americans during the turbulentyears since World War II. Having lived throughthose decades, Bill says the class was “like OldHome Week.”

To complement his classroom studies, Bill hastaken advantage of opportunities to work in theCastellani Art Museum, where he helped toestablish a small library, and in the MarianLibrary, to which he personally donatedthousands of books for a book sale. He laughswhen asked where the books came from.

“You know how you always fib to yourself whenyou want to buy something?” he asks. “I alwayssaid if I buy this book, I’m going to put it in mylibrary and then I’ll have it when I retire. Sothat’s what I did. But the more I collected, (themore) they overgrew my shelves. So then I putthem in chairs, put them on top of this, put themon top of that.”

When he heard about the library’s book sale, hedecided to donate most of his collection. “So myhouse is now back to normal and I have thelibrary back down, and I’m thinking of getting aKindle,” he says.

is December, Bill will graduate with hisbachelor’s degree in liberal arts, and he hopes toattend graduate school. He’s not planning toomuch further ahead than that, though. “I foundout that what you hope to do and what you windup doing are two different things,” he says. “I’mtaking it now just one step at a time.”

William Habschied: Pursuing His Passion

By Lisa McMahon

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marketing major Rebecca Schiedreceived Niagara University’s SeniorMedal during commencement cere-

monies on May 22. e award is given to thestudent in the graduating class with the highestQPA (hers was an impressive 4.29). Rebeccatook time while preparing for her graduatestudies at Syracuse University to answer a fewquestions for the Eagle.

Eagle magazine: Why NU?Rebecca Schied: NU has a beautiful andpeaceful campus and the people were very nice.e members of administration that I met withwere very helpful and almost as excited for meas I was, and the students were generally happyand pleasant people. is made Niagara theplace that I really felt I could grow both as astudent and as a person.

Em: What was your favorite class?RS: My favorite class would have to be my signlanguage classes. e professors, NanetteHarmon and Krista Rahelich, are wonderfulpeople who both introduced me to anotherlanguage as well as to another culture and evenanother side of myself. ese classes gave meanother way to express myself.

Em: Who were your mentors?RS: Professor Bohdan Pikas. From the time Itook his Marketing Principles class to the timeI defended my honors thesis to him, he helpedstrengthen and guide me. I came to Niagara asa very shy and introverted person. ProfessorPikas pushed me both to speak up in class andto not be afraid of failure.

Em: What was your favorite place on campus?RS: e lawn between Clet Hall and St. Vincent’sHall. I lived in Clet Hall for my first two yearsand this is where my friends and I would dohomework or just relax when the weather was nice.It was peaceful there, removed from most of thebustle of the campus and there were beautiful treesand flowers. Just talking about it now makes methink about throwing a Frisbee or hearing some-one practice their bagpipes.

Em: What did it take to earn the highest QPAin your class?RS: It took a combination of skills. e first wassimply dedication. I attended every class, studiedfor every test, completed every assignment, andread every assigned chapter. is was crucialbecause all of the work fed off of each other. Inaddition, I was careful in my class selection,particularly with my electives, matching theclasses to both my skill set and my interests. Ididn’t just blindly pick a social sciences electivethat was at the most convenient time or that myfriends were taking, I picked a class that I wasgoing to find interesting and stay engaged in.

Em: What was the most challenging aspectduring your four years here?RS: All of the multitasking that I had to dosenior year. During that time I had my regularclasses, I had an internship, I was working on myhonors thesis, and I was studying for theGMAT. is period of my life really taughtme the value of time management and theimportance of having a mental outlet. I probablyspent more time working during that year, but Ialso spent more time just hanging out with myfriends. Finding the balance was very important.

Rebecca Schied: NU’s Top Student for 2011

STUDENT PROFILE

Em: What was the most rewarding?RS: e most rewarding part came in mysophomore year when I took Principles ofManagement with professor (William) Angus.As part of that class we became academicconsultants for Research In Motion, which is thecompany that makes the Blackberry. As part ofa team, I analyzed the problem that was given tous and created a solution that was presented tocompany executives. It was hard work, but it wasthe most exciting feeling to hear from executivesthat you did a good job.

Em: What is the most important lesson youlearned at NU?RS: The most important lesson that I learnedwas not learned in a classroom. It was simplyhow to open up to people. I sometimes havedifficulty opening up to people. But myclassmates and my friends really helped melearn how to enjoy myself as well as enjoy beingwith other people. It’s not the kind of thingyou can really be tested on, but it’s one of thebest skills I learned and it is one that I amcontinuing to work on.

Em: What’s next?RS: I am working hard to strengthen mybusiness skills to make me a better asset formy future employer. After grad school I hopeto get into marketing, perhaps working for amajor corporation in its creative departmentor a marketing research firm. Ultimately,though, my path is not completely clear and Ihope to be able to find more guidancethroughout the course of my MBA and evenfrom a summer internship.

By Lisa McMahon

Page 16: Eagle magazine, fall 2011

Student manager Mike Rockwood was instrumental in

establishing the St. Vincent de Paul Store at the former

St. Joseph’s School in Niagara Falls.

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What was once a place wherechildren came to learn is now aspace filled with gently used

clothing, furniture and household items. It’s ahomecoming of sorts, as the St. Vincent de PaulStore is back on Tronolone Place in NiagaraFalls, where it was first established some 60 yearsago. Now located in the auditorium of theformer St. Joseph’s School building, the store isonce again serving the poor and working poorin the Niagara Falls area.

Since its establishment in 1950, the store hasoccupied several locations throughout the city,including Main Street, where it was in operationfor more than 15 years under the direction ofBrother Stephen Kennedy, C.M.* In 1992, itmoved to the former Our Lady of RosarySchool on Niagara Street, where it remaineduntil that building was sold as part of theDiocese of Buffalo’s Journey in Faith andGrace parish revitalization and reorganizationprogram. Organizers began searching for a newsite, ultimately choosing the former schoolbuilding, which is now part of the Holy Familyof Jesus, Mary and Joseph Parish. NiagaraUniversity staff and students were especiallyinstrumental in cleaning the store, removingdebris, making needed repairs and solicitingdonations of new and usable merchandise.

“Working with the St. Vincent de Paul Society issomething that Niagara University takes greatpride in and it correlates directly with our missionas a Catholic and Vincentian institution,” says theRev. Joseph L. Levesque, C.M., the university’spresident. “NU was involved in getting the storeback up and running when it was on the brink ofclosure several years ago and we are committed toseeing through the sustainability of this valuablecommunity resource.”

Today, the store is bustling with activity during itsoperational hours. Volunteers from NiagaraUniversity and several church groups sortdonations in the back room (which was once akitchen) and stock and organize the shelves alongthe walls as customers search through thousandsof donated items. e work is supervised bystudent managers from Niagara University, aninternship opportunity developed by MikeSkowronski, corporate relations developer in NU’sOffice of Career Services, this summer. MikeRockwood was the first of the student managers.

“It (the store) was handed to me and it was ‘dowhatever you want with it,’ basically,” Rockwoodsays. “Improve business, make it into whateveryou can make it into. I’m a third-year businessstudent. It seemed like a good fit, so I jumped atthe opportunity.”

Community Resource Bolstered with Assistance from Niagara University

Rockwood got right to work, organizing the retailspace, developing policies for accepting donations,purchasing promotional ads, and handling theday-to-day operation of the store. Due to hisefforts, the store has quadrupled its sales.

“It takes time to get the word out that we’re here,reopened, up and running,” Rockwood says. “Ittakes time to build the customer base. But there’sa very notable improvement, there’s progress,and that’s good to see. at means more moneyfor the store, more opportunity, a better outlook.”

“Mike did a wonderful job,” says Skowronski. “Hehad an excellent vision and helped merchandisethings appropriately. It was refreshing to havethat youthful presence there, and certainly hecame at the right time for the store because itwas reestablishing itself.”

In the coming months, a new student managerwill take over where Rockwood left off. It’s oneof the goals of the “new” St. Vincent de PaulStore. And in the meantime, student volunteersfrom the university’s Learn and Serve programand those involved with Campus Ministry willcontinue to help, both with running the storeand fundraising for a much-needed new truck.“We definitely want to keep a close Niagaraconnection,” says Skowronski.

By Lisa McMahon

*We are sad to report that Brother Steve passed away onSept. 27, shortly after this article was written. See page 16.

LIVING THE mISSION

Page 18: Eagle magazine, fall 2011

16

In Brother Stephen J. Kennedy, C.M.,cheerfulness and charity went hand in hand.His desire to “work with the people” led him

to donate countless hours in service to the poorand underserved in the Niagara Falls area,both while working as postmaster at NiagaraUniversity, a position he held for 24 years, andafter his retirement in 1987. On Friday, Oct. 7,during a memorial Mass in Alumni Chapel, theNiagara University community celebrated the lifeof Brother Steve, who passed away on Sept. 27 atthe age of 84.

A native of Philadelphia, Brother Steve enteredthe Congregation of the Mission in 1957 afterserving in the Navy during World War II andpursuing a career in business. He was assigned tothe Vincentian Motherhouse in Germantown, Pa.,where he served in a variety of administrativeposts. In 1963, he was assigned to NiagaraUniversity as postmaster of the university’s PostOffice, a position that enabled him to get to knowhundreds of Niagara students. “I think I knewevery student by their first name,” he once said.

He so enjoyed his friendship with the studentsthat he took advantage of opportunities to workwith them in extracurricular pursuits, includingcoaching the university’s golf team andmoderating the men’s and women’s hockeyteams. When the women’s team earned a berthinto the NCAA Frozen Four in 2001-02, theplayers received rings for their achievement.Brother Steve received a ring as well and woreit often. “e ring meant a great deal to him,”the Rev. Joseph Hubbert, C.M., ’73, Vincentianreligious superior, recalls.

Brother Steve also enjoyed the company of hisconfreres and would initiate opportunities forthem to get together, often over Chinese foodor as members of a ursday night bowlingteam. e team was “more camaraderie thancompetition for him,” says Father Hubbert.

But what Brother Steve was most passionateabout was helping the less fortunate in hiscommunity. “is is what life is all about: Love thyneighbor — not abstractly, but concretely,” he oncesaid, and his life clearly reflected this conviction.

He donated countless hours to a variety ofcharitable causes in the Niagara Falls area ondays off and after hours during his postal career.He prepared meals, attended to clean up andprovided hospitality to patrons of MaranathaHouse and the Lampstead, two projects ofthe Catholic Worker; tutored disadvantagedelementary and high school students; started aprogram to teach African American history inlocal churches and in the Niagara County jail;and helped to bring a literacy program to thearea’s maximum-security prison.

Retirement afforded Brother Steve the time to dofull time what he had been doing on a part-timebasis, and, in 1987, he established the St.Vincent de Paul Center of Niagara University.Under his direction, the center distributed millionsof pieces of clothing, furniture and foodstuffs todisadvantaged families in the area and collectedtoys for needy children each Christmas. He alsohad a great appreciation for Native Americanculture and worked with members of theTuscarora Indian Reservation in Niagara Countyand the Six Nations Reservation in Canada. His

Remembering Brother Steve

enthusiasm for and devotion to this work inspiredhundreds of Niagara University students to followhis example. ese charitable deeds, he said,rounds out their education.

For several years, Brother Steve could be foundbehind the wheel of a 14-foot van that wasdonated to the St. Vincent de Paul Center. Withit, he would make his rounds through thecommunity, collecting clothing, appliances andhousehold goods for the distribution center. JanReele, who has worked for the Vincentians forthe past 12 years, recalls that when BrotherSteve drove his truck onto the TuscaroraReservation, the children would run toward it“as if (he) were Santa Claus.”

In recognition of his selfless dedication to theunderserved, Brother Steve was honored with anumber of awards, including the NiagaraUniversity Caritas Medal and the President’sMedal from St. John’s University.

On Tuesday, Oct. 4, a funeral Mass was heldat St. Vincent’s Seminary in Philadelphia.Brother Steve was laid to rest that afternoonat St. Joseph’s Seminary in Princeton, N.J.

“Brother Steve Kennedy was our postmaster formany years, but it was his compassion, service ofthe poor and his consistent smile and joyfulspirit that made him a very special person hereat Niagara University; he was indeed a secondVincent de Paul for us and the Western NewYork community he loved to serve,” said theRev. Joseph L. Levesque, C.M., NiagaraUniversity president. “Brother Steve will liveforever in the hearts of everyone who knew him.”

Page 19: Eagle magazine, fall 2011

17

hat ’s it like in theUnited States?”

It was simple question, but as he lookedat the boy who had asked, a boy who wasabout 13 or 14 and had left his village ofBagamoyo, Tanzania, only a handful oftimes, Sam Goodwin couldn’t come upwith the words to describe a place thatwas so very different from the places theboy knew.

is was a defining moment in a journey that started as an adventure butbecame a life-altering experience for Sam, a senior communications/Frenchmajor from St. Louis, Mo. He had heard about a trip to Tanzania that a friendhad taken the year before to volunteer at a village school, and he was intrigued.He asked his friend to help him arrange a similar trip for himself.

“I’ll go anywhere, especially if I haven’t been there,” Sam says. “Travelingin general and seeing new places is something I enjoy. at whole idea iswhat interested me.”

So, just days after completing his classes in May, Sam boarded a plane inChicago and landed some 18 hours later in Dar es Salaam, Tanzania. ere,he met Charlie Sloan, a former Peace Corps volunteer who had establishedthe school where Sam would work for the next three weeks, and withwhom he’d stay while in the East African country. Although Charlie’shouse had some modern conveniences — a kitchen, family room with TV,running water — Sam says it was nothing like home.

Hockey Player Learns Life Lesson in Tanzania

2011-2012 Purple Eagles Sports Schedule

“For three weeks, I can honestly say that we lived like they did,” he says.“It was frustrating because there were times when we were pretty hungry,but we wanted the experience and we got it.”

Sam spent the majority of his time at Nianjema primary and secondaryschool, where his main responsibility was to help the students improvetheir English skills. He’d assist the older students with their classroom workand play games with the younger ones.

When he wasn’t at the school, Sam worked out to keep in shape for hockey.e Purple Eagles forward would run, despite the 90-degree heat, and keptup with his conditioning routine in Charlie’s small workout room.

“Hockey is the number one priority in my life,” Sam says, “so I had to makesure that things with that were okay before I did anything else.”

By the time his three weeks were over, Sam was ready to return home. Buthe returned with a new perspective and a greater appreciation of howfortunate he is.

“You really realize how good you have it here,” he says. “I learned how muchthey appreciate simple things that we just completely take for granted. It’sreally hard to explain unless you’re there.”

And he says he still thinks about the boy and the simple question he asked.

“I still don’t know how to answer the question,” Sam says. “I still don’tknow where to start.”

By Lisa McMahon

Nov. 19 Women’s Basketball Winthrop 3 p.m.

Women’s Hockey ST. CLOUD STATE 2 p.m.

Nov. 20 Women’s Basketball Bradley 1 p.m.

Nov. 21 Men’s Basketball South Dakota State 5 p.m.

Nov. 22 Men’s Basketball Mercer 7:30 p.m.

Men’s Hockey Cornell 7 p.m.

Nov. 23 Men’s Basketball Sam Houston State 5 p.m.

Nov. 25 Women’s Basketball BUCKNELL 7 p.m.

Nov. 26 Men’s Hockey Sacred Heart** 4 p.m.

Nov. 27 Men’s Hockey Sacred Heart** 4 p.m.

Women’s Basketball PENN 2 p.m.

Nov. 28 Men’s Basketball St. Francis (PA) 7 p.m.

Dec. 2 Men’s Basketball FAIRFIELD* 7 p.m.

Women’s Basketball Colgate TBA

Men’s Hockey Bentley** 7:05 p.m.

Women’s Hockey Ohio State 7 p.m.

Dec. 3 Men’s Hockey Bentley** 7:05 p.m.

Women’s Hockey Ohio State 2 p.m.

Dec. 4 Men’s Basketball IONA* 2 p.m.

Dec. 6 Women’s Basketball Albany TBA

Dec. 7 Men’s Basketball BUFFALO 7 p.m.

Dec. 9 Men’s Hockey Robert Morris** 7:05 p.m.

Dec. 10 Men’s Basketball Hartford 6 p.m.

Women’s Basketball BINGHAMTON 2 p.m.

Men’s Hockey Mercyhurst** 7:05 p.m.

Women’s Hockey CLARKSON 7 p.m.

Dec. 11 Women’s Hockey CLARKSON 2 p.m.

HOME GAMES IN BOLD CAPS * denotes MAAC games ** denotes an Atlantic Hockey Association contest *** denotes a College Hockey America contest

Dec. 13 Men’s Basketball DREXEL 7 p.m.

Women’s Basketball Ohio TBA

Dec. 16 Women’s Basketball St. Bonaventure TBA

Dec. 22 Men’s Basketball Quinnipiac TBA

Dec. 28 Men’s Basketball UMBC TBA

Dec. 29 Women’s Basketball Syracuse TBA

Dec. 30 Men’s Basketball ST. BONAVENTURE 7 p.m.

Men’s Hockey Minnesota 7:05 p.m.

Dec. 31 Men’s Hockey Princeton 4 p.m.

Jan. 2 Men’s Basketball Loyola* TBA

Jan. 6 Men’s Basketball Iona* 7 p.m.

Men’s Hockey UConn** 7:05 p.m.

Jan. 7 Men’s Hockey UConn** 7:05 p.m.

Jan. 8 Men’s Basketball Siena* TBA

Jan. 13 Men’s Basketball SAINT PETER’S* TBA

Men’s Hockey ARMY** 7:05 p.m.

Women’s Hockey Mercyhurst*** 2 p.m.

Jan. 14 Men’s Hockey ARMY** 7:05 p.m.

Women’s Hockey MERCYHURST*** 2 p.m.

Jan. 15 Men’s Basketball MARIST* 2 p.m.

Jan. 19 Men’s Basketball Canisius* TBA

Jan. 20 Men’s Hockey AMERICAN INTERNATIONAL** 7:05 p.m.

Women’s Hockey Syracuse*** 7 p.m.

Jan. 21 Men’s Hockey AMERICAN INTERNATIONAL** 7:05 p.m.

Women’s Hockey Syracuse*** 2 p.m.

Jan. 22 Men’s Basketball Manhattan* TBA

Jan. 27 Men’s Basketball LOYOLA* 7 p.m.

Men’s Hockey Robert Morris** 7:05 p.m.

Women’s Hockey ROBERT MORRIS*** 7 p.m.

Jan. 28 Men’s Hockey ROBERT MORRIS** 7:05 p.m.

Women’s Hockey Robert Morris*** 7 p.m.

Jan. 29 Men’s Basketball MANHATTAN* 2 p.m.

Feb. 3 Men’s Basketball Fairfield* TBA

Men’s Hockey Mercyhurst** 7:05 p.m.

Women’s Hockey MERCYHURST*** 7 p.m.

Feb. 4 Men’s Hockey MERCYHURST** 7:05 p.m.

Women’s Hockey Mercyhurst*** 7 p.m.

Feb. 5 Men’s Basketball Rider* TBA

Feb. 9 Men’s Basketball SIENA* 7 p.m.

Feb. 10 Men’s Hockey AIR FORCE** 7:05 p.m.

Women’s Hockey Robert Morris*** 7 p.m.

Feb. 11 Men’s Basketball RIDER* TBA

Men’s Hockey AIR FORCE** 7:05 p.m.

Feb. 12 Women’s Hockey ROBERT MORRIS*** 5 p.m.

Feb. 14 Men’s Hockey Canisius** 7:05 p.m.

Feb. 15 Men’s Basketball CANISIUS* 7 p.m.

Feb. 16 Men’s Hockey CANISIUS** 7:05 p.m.

Feb. 24 Men’s Basketball Saint Peter’s* TBA

Men’s Hockey RIT** 7:05 p.m.

Women’s Hockey SYRACUSE*** 2 p.m.

Feb. 25 Men’s Hockey RIT** 7:05 p.m.

Women’s Hockey SYRACUSE*** 2 p.m.

Feb. 26 Men’s Basketball Marist* TBA

Date Team Opponent Time Date Team Opponent Time Date Team Opponent Time

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Page 20: Eagle magazine, fall 2011

18

ADVANCEmENT mATTERS

Four individuals whose “vision, accom-plishments and good works reflect the lifeand ministry of St. Vincent de Paul” were

honored at this year’s President’s Dinner, Nov. 11at the Seneca Niagara Casino Hotel and EventCenter in Niagara Falls, N.Y. Pamela Jacobs-Vogtand Peter Vogt, Robert Gioia and Dr. RobertBull Jr. were recognized with the university’sSt. Vincent de Paul Award.

Pamela Jacobs-Vogt and Peter Vogt are knownwidely for their dedication and commitment tothe Western New York community. A teacher bytrade, Pamela’s volunteer activities also point backto learning and education. She has served as atrustee of several area schools, including NiagaraUniversity, and has been very involved with suchorganizations as the Roswell Park Alliance,Skating for the Blind and Handicapped, Artparkand the Sisters of St. Francis Executive Council.

Peter Vogt has had a life-long presence in the artcommunity. His involvement in many organi-zations includes the Albright-Knox Art Gallery,

Locust Street Art and the Burchfield Penney ArtCenter. Since 1972, he has donated more than 32paintings to the Burchfield Penney and was amajor contributor to the creation of the gallery’snew building. His continuous involvement andthe support of his family foundation have madethe success of arts organizations and arts in thelocal community possible.

Robert Gioia’s name is synonymous in WesternNew York with service and dedication to thecommunity. Robert served as president of theboard of trustees of the Nichols School, presidentof the Martin House Restoration Corp., chair-man of the Community Foundation for GreaterBuffalo and of the Buffalo PhilharmonicOrchestra. He is a director of Roswell ParkCancer Institute and a trustee of St. LawrenceUniversity. For the past four years, he has servedas the president of The John R. OisheiFoundation, Western New York’s largestfoundation dedicated to enhancing economicvitality and improving the quality of life for theBuffalo Niagara region.

While he has a successful medical practicein Lewiston, it is the missionary work ofDr. Robert Bull Jr. that makes an immenseimpact on our world. For the past 17 years,Dr. Bull has made regular trips to Chiapas,Mexico, to provide medical care to the peopleof the village of Palenque. He has treatedhundreds of people and recruited dozens ofdoctors, nurses and nurse practitioners for thismedical missionary work.

James, ’73, and Mary Boldt were the chairs ofthis dinner, the proceeds from which benefitthe university’s scholarship program.

Four Honored at President’s Dinner

Robert J. Bull, M.D. Robert Gioia Peter Vogt and Pam Jacobs-Vogt

In the 2010-11 academic year:

98% of undergraduates receivedscholarship assistance from NUtotaling $33,530,000

389 undergraduates receivedendowed scholarship/grantassistance totaling $1,113,000

Campaign$74.1m of $80m goal

Numbers as of Sept. 30, 2011

Golisano Center$14m of $16.5m goal

85%

93%

Page 21: Eagle magazine, fall 2011

Niagara University welcomed graduates of the classes ending in 1s and 6s to Alumni Weekend 2011, held Oct. 6, 7, and 8 on the

university’s campus. Traditional favorites like the annual golf outing, the Welcome Back Party, and the Alumni Dinner-Dance were

offered along with newer activities, such as ReunionFest and a wine tasting. Alumni even had the opportunity to create their very

own Montes, complete with a customized Niagara University Alumni Weekend T-shirt, during a “Build-a-Bird” event in the Gallagher

Center. Niagara University’s military history was in the spotlight during the Pantheon of Warriors, a ceremony that recognized

graduates of the ROTC program who were commissioned, called to active duty and served during a wartime period. For the more

than 350 alumni who attended, the weekend was a wonderful way to reunite, rediscover and relive their NU memories.

Page 22: Eagle magazine, fall 2011

Class of 1986 graduates Sean Buoye, Frank Sapere, and KenBurke joined fellow alumni for a great day on the links atthe Niagara Falls Country Club during the 27th annualAlumni Weekend Golf Tournament Friday morning.

Several Masses and events during Alumni Weekendcelebrated milestone anniversary classes. Walter Rooney,’51, and his wife, Dolores, above, were among those whoenjoyed the festivities in the Heritage Room for the Class of1951, while Vivian (Vinett) Crouth, ’61, and Jerry Crouth, ’61,above right, joined their classmates at the Golden Eagle eventin the Statler Dining Room in St. Vincent’s Hall. Class of 1986friends Sally (Hutteman) Cappa, Mary Beth Teoli Corapi,Jeanne Griffin-Dowling, and Sharon (Mergler) Blazey, at left,attended the special Silver Eagle reception for 25-yearanniversary graduates.

20

The campus war monument outside DunleavyHall was the site of a ceremony commemoratingthe military service of ROTC alumni from theclasses of 1951 and 1961. Bill Bergan, ’61,above, unveiled the new Vietnam EraMemorial Plaque during the event, whileCharlie Starrs, ’51, left, spoke at the wreathceremony for the campus war monument,which was established by his class.

Page 23: Eagle magazine, fall 2011

The Friday night Welcome Back Party inthe Gallagher Center was the officialkick-off for the weekend. Among those inattendance were Frank Delany, ’66, andhis wife, Bernadette, pictured at right;Mark Tambini, ’85; Joe DiChairo, ’86;Sean Buoye, ’86; and Eric Vanderoef, ’86,pictured below; John Kotler; MargaretCampbell Kotler, ’71; Julie Riedlinger; EdRiedlinger, ’71; Kristina Baron; and LarryBaron, ’71, pictured below middle; MaryDeFranco, ’76; Jeanne Kinsella, ’76; andColleen (Corcoran) Camp, ’76, picturedat the bottom.

Back in 2006, when Robert J.Daino made a sizeable gift to helpfinance construction of theAcademic Complex, he said thatNiagara University was at a “uniquemoment” in its history and that heand his wife, Judy, not only wantedto help, but felt that it was theirobligation to do so. That very senseof selfless devotion to NiagaraUniversity is among the reasonsBob was selected as the recipientof the 2011 Alumni Award.

Bob earned a bachelor’s degreein business administration fromNiagara University in 1966. Shortlyafter graduation, he moved toSyracuse to join OnondagaSavings Bank, his first profes-sional opportunity to work withthe financing of residential andcommercial mortgages. He par-layed his experience there into aposition with Marine MidlandRealty Credit Corp., the mortgagebanking division of MarineMidland Bank, in 1973.

In 1977, he co-founded a private mortgage banking companycalled Continental Securities Corp. He served as vice president ofthe company for six years and, in 1983, was appointed president.

Bob retired from Continental Securities in 2002 and formed anew company, RDR Advisors LLC, with his son, Rob. The firm,of which he and his son remain its only employees, engages inthe business of real estate development, acquisition, consultingand commercial mortgage brokerage.

Despite an extremely busy business agenda, Bob always madean effort to give back to his community through his associationwith several charitable organizations. In addition to serving onthe Niagara University Board of Advisors and Board of Trustees,he is a longtime supporter of the Crotty Scholarship, which wasestablished in the memory of his classmate, John T. Crotty. Bobhas also made significant contributions to the SyracuseSymphony Foundation, Rehab Philanthropies, the CatholicDiocese of Syracuse, Rescue Mission, Guardian Angel Society,Francis House, and the Loretto Foundation, Central New York’slargest not-for-profit organization.

Robert J. Daino, '66, received theAlumni Award at the AlumniWeekend Dinner-Dance from theRev. Joseph L. Levesque, C.M.,Niagara University president.

See Catching Up in this issue of the Eagle for informationabout our Deans and Nursing Award winners.

Robert J. Daino, ’66, Honored WithAlumni Award

Page 24: Eagle magazine, fall 2011

Among the alumni who were honored during theweekend were eight graduates of the university’s ROTCprogram, who were inducted into the program’s Hall ofFame Saturday morning. Lt. Col. John F. Fielding, ’61,pictured above; Maj. Gen. Vincent E. Boles, ’76; Brig. Gen.Joseph F. Conlon III, ’64; Brig. Gen. Robert J. Winzinger,’66; Col. Thomas A. Blanchfield, ’51; Col. Donald H. Jones,’61; Lt. Col. Lawrence W. Yager, ’61; and 1st Lt. John T.Mitchell Jr., ’51, became the most recent members to beinducted since the Hall of Fame was established in 2005.

Niagara’s servicemen and women wererecognized and thanked during the Pantheonof Warriors celebration on Saturday morning.Graduates of the ROTC program who werecommissioned, called to active duty andserved during a wartime period were calledby name to receive hats that represented theirbranch of service. Maj. Gen. Vincent E. Boles,’76, pictured above, the ROTC program’shighest ranking graduate, was the featuredspeaker for the event.

22

It was 54 years ago that William T. Gacioch set foot onto the Niagara University campus with $450 in his pocket and a dreamin his heart. His first visit to NU included a chance encounter with Father Ed Burke, a Vincentian who would recognize thisyoung man’s promise and see to it that Bill realized what he called his “Niagara dream.” Father Burke arranged a series ofodd jobs that would help Bill pay his way through school. The two met often to review Bill’s financial progress and hisscholastic performance. Before long, Bill would depart from Niagara with a business degree and a bright future.

Just four years removed from college, Bill launched his own business, National Property Management Associates Inc. Onseveral occasions, Bill has said that his business gives him his greatest joy, especially since his wife, Nancy, and children,Michael, David and Katherine, are principal contributors and its only owners. Not only has the company’s success affordedhim the luxury of providing for his family, it has also made quality homes available to tenants across the country.

Bill currently operates an automobile dealership in Longwood, Fla., where he sells Rolls Royces, Lamborghinis andBentleys, among other high-end cars. A nationally recognized antique and classic car collector, Bill even owns a privateautomobile museum.

It’s now been five decades since Bill graduated from Niagara but, true to his character, he has never forgotten the kindnessshown to him by Niagara and its Vincentian priests and brothers. When the opportunity has presented itself, he’s returnedthat benevolence with gifts of time and talent as a member of Niagara’s Board of Trustees, and of treasure with a $1 millioncontribution to the university’s last capital campaign. He has also made significant charitable donations to several localfoundations and organizations.

In recognition of his outstanding professional success, exemplary charitable service and enduring loyalty to NiagaraUniversity, Bill was recognized with the prestigious Dunleavy Award during Alumni Weekend.

Bill has noted that the excellent, caring approach to students he experienced while at Niagara under Father Burke’s watchstill exists today, and has shown by his actions that he is dedicated to ensuring future students have that same experience sothey can realize their own “Niagara dream.”

William T. Gacioch, ’61, Honored With Dunleavy Award

Page 25: Eagle magazine, fall 2011

Donna Poirier, ’11, receives honor cords from Cheryl Hayes, M.S.N., ANP, RN,as she is inducted into the Gamma Theta chapter of Sigma Theta TauInternational, the nursing honor society, while Mary Lorich, M.A., RN, looks on.

The annual Alumni Dinner-Dance is always a highlight of the weekend.Attendees, including Don Jones, ’61, and his wife, Sarah Lillian, picturedat top; Tom McCarthy, ’51, and Dick Wojciechowski, ’51, pictured above;Donna Julio, ’86; Barb Monahan Spenner, ’86; Maureen Roach Sammon,’86; Barb Downs Capriotti, ’86; Betsey Legg Madden, ’86, and MaryHettler Young, ’86, pictured top left; and Patricia Byrne; Janice Donlon;Joe Donlon, ’61; Samuel Dominick, ’61; and Kathie Dominick, picturedbottom left, enjoyed cocktails, dinner and dancing Saturday night.

23

Page 26: Eagle magazine, fall 2011
Page 27: Eagle magazine, fall 2011

A25

At the very heart of any organization is amission statement, which defines thatinstitution’s reason for being. It focuses thepurpose of the group and guides the actions ofits members.

Within the Niagara University mission state-ment are words critical to the university’s overallpurpose. ese active phrases should not betaken lightly: “educates its students and enrichestheir lives,” “prepares its students for positionsof responsibility,” “seeks to inspire its students,”and “seeks to develop the whole person, mind,body, heart and soul.”

A closer look at the first sentence of NU’s missionstatement carries a subtle, yet powerful phrase:“ … informed by the Catholic and Vincentiantraditions.” It’s these traditions that drive theuniversity’s purpose and inspire the campuscommunity. And it’s these traditions that definethe university’s identity and draw people toMonteagle Ridge.

“I looked at a million schools. I don’t know whatit was about Niagara, but this is where I wassupposed to be,” says Lisa Paska, ’11.

Through her time as an undergraduate, Lisacame to realize that it was Niagara’s Catholicidentity that drew her to NU. “I don’t think Irealized it at the time, but it was definitelythat. There’s so much love here, so much faithand so much hope. I didn’t see it at first, but Iknow now.”

Growing

Within Niagara University’s current missionstatement, there are four enabling goals thatfurther illustrate the deeper purpose of theuniversity. One directly focuses on the university’sCatholic heritage:

Catholic doctrine and its moral code inspire respectfor the God-given dignity of every person and allfaith traditions. Students experience the vision andreality of a Gospel-based, value-centered education.

When considering colleges, students of all faithsfind themselves drawn by the charism ofNiagara University.

“My mother was a little hesitant about meattending Niagara because it is a Catholic schooland I am a Jew,” says Skylar Fairchild, a juniorcriminal justice major with minors in militaryscience, psychology and American SignLanguage. “e Vincentian values are instilledupon us the moment we set foot on campus. Itis not about what religion you are; it’s about whoyou are inside. (Niagara) does not make areligious push; it just uses the values of theCatholic and Vincentian traditions to enforcethe well-being of the people of NU. Niagaradevelops students into adults who are ready forthe world and to serve others.”

Students also find that Niagara encouragestheir spiritual growth, regardless of theirreligious convictions.

“Although I was not Catholic, through theCampus Ministry program I was able to growin my own faith and found commonality withmany aspects of the Catholic and Vincentianmission, becoming inspired to do more in thelocal community,” says Michael DeLoia, ’09.“After graduation, this inspiration stayed withme, and I ended up returning to the Republic ofPanama to do service work with grassrootsorganizations and the Vincentian priests.”

e university provides those who are Catholicwith the opportunity to continue to grow intheir faith and celebrate the rich traditions of theCatholic Church.

Niagara’s Catholic

and

Vincentian traditions

draw people to

Monteagle Ridge

in Faith

Page 28: Eagle magazine, fall 2011

26

“I knew I wanted to attend a Catholic universitybecause I wanted to be free to practice my faithand have that accessibility, such as Mass everySunday and confession,” says Claire Hogan, ’11.“As I attended the first Mass held for ourfreshman class, I remember thinking that I wasnever alone; God, who was with me at home,was also with me here, and that was the onething that remained constant.”

Claire’s thoughts echo those of her parents,Michael and Suzanne Hogan, who graduatedfrom Niagara 35 years ago. Suzanne, who wasdrawn by “the presence of the Vincentians oncampus and the availability of the sacramentsand the chapel,” notes that “a Catholic universityeducation was a very important stepping stonefrom youth to adulthood, giving Mike and methe basis to make decisions that would impactour lives for years to come.”

Employees, too, are attracted by the Catholicismevident across the university’s campus.

“You really believe that people are here for theCatholic and Vincentian mission of the insti-tution,” says Ed McLaughlin, athletic director.“It’s stronger here than any place I’ve ever been.To me that was really appealing, to be able to bein a community where people believe the samethings that I believe –– not just that you wantto do right by the students, but the reason whyyou want to do right by the students.”

Daily interactions with the Vincentians aretangible reminders of the university’s mission.

“is is a special group of confreres,” says JoeMihalich, men’s head basketball coach. “eyshow you that you can have God in your life andyou can be a good Catholic, but those guys arelike a family in itself — they really add to thathere at Niagara University.”

A second enabling goal highlights Niagara’sVincentian heritage:

As a Vincentian university, Niagara draws inspir-ation from St. Vincent de Paul, who organized hiscontemporaries to respond compassionately to people’sbasic needs. Continuing this tradition, Niagaraseeks to inspire its students to serve all members ofsociety, especially the poor and oppressed, in localcommunities and in the larger world.

Howard Morgan, ’86, entered Niagara as aseminarian, expecting only to continue theCatholic traditions he had experienced inCatholic schools and at Sunday Mass with hisfamily. “I knew the importance of prayers andMass,” says Howard, “but my world was rockedshortly after getting here and realizing there wasmore than that to a Catholic education.”

Howard discovered what he describes as “faceservice” through NUCAP (the NiagaraUniversity Community Action Program), aservice program that encourages participants toexpress their faith by action and then share whatthey experience with others. is, and his workwith the university’s Justice and PeaceCommittee, convinced him that “people walk byfaith here. Knowing that it was all driven by yourfaith and what you were being taught in theclassrooms,” made the work he was doing evenmore meaningful.

Perhaps one of the most profound communityservice experiences comes through BASIC(Brothers and Sisters in Christ), a program thatsends students to urban or rural areas in the UnitedStates and the Republic of Panama to work side-by-side with the poor in Vincentian communities.

Senior biology/religious studies major PatrickTeixeira, who has been to Panama and Camden,N.J., with BASIC, notes that the experiencehelped him “to really see what’s there, see howpeople live, see how you can make an impact.”He found that he is now better able tounderstand the plight of the poor. “You get tounderstand their situation. ey became peoplewith names, faces, families, histories.”

Catherine Trzaska, a sophomore studyingtourism/recreation with a concentration inspecial events and a minor in Spanish, says herBASIC experience instilled in her a lifelongdedication to service. “Experiences like thoseyou never forget, and you know how they madeyou feel when you were helping people that younever would have interacted with otherwise,” shesays. “I want to keep that feeling throughout mylife and continue to serve others and just spreadmy faith because I’ve seen firsthand how it canreally help people.”

In the summer of his sophomore year, a tornAchilles tendon kept Ian O’Rourke fromcompeting as a member of NU’s NCAA swimteam. “But I was able to take on new challenges,like going on a BASIC trip to aid and work withthe underprivileged in Philadelphia. I soonrealized that I wanted to change things for thebetter. I wanted to make an impact. I was not surehow I could, but I knew that helping others inone way or another was what I was meant to do.”

A crucial aspect of the BASIC experience is thereflection that takes place as part of the program.As Monica Saltarelli, ’86, campus minister andlecturer of religious studies, explains, “ereflection piece is really what St. Vincent de Paulsays enables us to see Christ in the poor. Whenyou encounter someone from the fringe ofsociety, you may see him or her as repugnant, butwhen you flip the coin, you see the face ofChrist! And hopefully we become Christ forthat person as well.”

e university’s faith tradition, noted in anotherenabling goal, informs the institution as itdevelops in students a spiritual curiosity:

The university’s commitment to the Catholicfaith provides perspective in the search for truthand meaning.

Traditionally, students attend colleges anduniversities during some of the most formativeyears of their lives. For many, these years are a timefor introspective learning and discovery. AtNiagara, students are encouraged to find this truthand meaning, whether it is new to them or areaffirmation of their beliefs. For Caitlyn Kilkenny,’11, NU offered the opportunity to reconnect withthe beliefs she had learned as a child.

“I’ve always been Catholic, but kind of lost trackof it in high school,” she says. She learned aboutNiagara’s RCIA (Rite of Christian Initiation)program when she was a sophomore anddecided to participate so that she could beconfirmed in the Catholic Church. isexperience gave her a new understanding andacceptance of her faith. “Doing those classesmade me more comfortable in being open in myfaith in the NU community,” she says. “When Icame here I knew I was a Catholic and Ibelieved in it, but I wasn’t necessarilycomfortable with it.”

Others, like Chris Haggard, a senior criminaljustice major, are inspired to become Catholicfor the first time.

“Becoming Catholic originated from mycuriosity to answer questions I had about thereligion,” he says. “By learning at NU that faith

Even after leaving

Monteagle Ridge, the

Catholic and Vincentian

influence remains strong

for Niagara’s graduates.

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27

is a continuous learning experience, I’ve come tofind that I need to strengthen my bond withGod throughout my life. One of the mostimportant lessons I could ever learn was thatCatholicism is a lifelong learning experience.I’ve realized that I must continue to pursue mycuriosity and strive to learn as much as I can.”

Although Niagara has a strong identity as aCatholic university and openly welcomes peoplewho choose to practice the Catholic faith, itcontinues to inspire the “search for truth andmeaning” for people of all religions.

“When I was home in a very non-Jewish area, Iwould travel with my family to the nearby citywith a temple to pray,” says Skylar Fairchild.“When I came to NU and witnessed the powerof prayer on students to bring them together, Imissed that. Father John (Maher) invited me tohis Mass on Sunday night. I sat down and wasentranced with his sermon and realized howaccepting NU is to any faith.”

Groups like Living in Faith Together (LIFT)offer opportunities for students of all beliefs tocome together to talk about how they are livingout their faith.

“It’s nice to find other people to talk with aboutfaith,” says Patrick Teixeira, who is a groupfacilitator for LIFT. “It’s comforting to havesomeone in your peer group that you candialogue with. ey are in the same boat as you.”

e essence of Niagara’s mission statement canbe found in its fourth enabling goal:

Niagara University seeks to develop the wholeperson, mind, body, heart and soul, for the benefit ofone’s personal and professional life.

A key piece of this development happens inthe classroom.

“In the business school, students need to betaught all the elements of how to build andmanage profitable businesses,” says Dr. JamesKling, associate professor of management.“Niagara University business graduates will alsounderstand how a business that creates jobs andpays a living wage is helping to reduce povertyand enhance human dignity. e ultimate goalof a successful NU educated business alumnusis to create enough wealth to not only ‘give back’to the community but also to be a leader inaddressing community problems in the spirit ofSt. Vincent de Paul.”

Ian O’Rourke discovered that his passion forhelping others could strengthen his profes-sional development. “I am currently working onmy master’s degree. As part of my studies, I amdeveloping a program, and hopefully a book,that will help others reach their goals anddreams. I also help with the project Angel Shoes,

which sends gently used sandals from the Caveof the Winds at Niagara Falls over to irdWorld countries. I am truly amazed at theprojects I am working on and I am beginning tofinally actualize my own dreams, which drawfrom my desire to learn, grow, and help othersjust like St. Vincent once did. Who would havethought time spent helping others wouldactually benefit us far more than just simplyhelping ourselves.”

Even after leaving Monteagle Ridge, theCatholic and Vincentian influence remainsstrong for Niagara’s graduates.

“e mission of Niagara University provides all itsstudents not only with a passion for learning, butalso with the resources to serve the less fortunate,to transform their communities, and to succeed inall their endeavors,” says Michael DeLoia. “Today,I work for a university-affiliated food pantry anddining room in Niagara Falls, continuing to servethose living in poverty and working with othergroups that strive for social justice.”

And while Lisa Paska may not have recognizedthat it was NU’s Catholic identity that drew herto become a Niagaran, she sees it very clearly now.“It’s not something that you know until youexperience it. I would have never known that I feltthat way about my faith unless I’d come here.”

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NEWS FROm THE NEST

Dear fellow alumni,Alumni Weekend 2011 is a

recent memory. It was great toattend the exciting events andtalk to the alumni who came backfor the weekend. These alumniwere some of the first to see thenewest construction project oncampus, the B. Thomas GolisanoCenter for Integrated Sciences.This state-of-the-art complexwas financed in part by thegenerosity of Mr. Golisano,chairman of Paychex, Inc., and isa priority of the “Promise ofNiagara” capital campaign.

The reunion wasn’t the onlyevent bringing our alumni together.The Alumni Relations Officehosted a number of functions overthe summer, including SaratogaDay at the Races; a boat cruise onthe MoondanceCat on Lake Eriein Buffalo; presidential receptions in Dallas, Fort Worth, Buffalo, and NewYork City; and golf events in Rochester and Niagara Falls. It also sponsoredthe Niagara Legacy — Alumni of Distinction award ceremony, which washeld on campus Sept. 29. Karen Ballard, ’66, was honored with thisprestigious award in recognition of her distinguished career in clinicalnursing practice, education and organizational leadership. Please join mein congratulating Karen!

On a somber note, U.S. Army Col. Paul J. McCarthy, ’60, passed awayJuly 28. Paul was a strong supporter of Niagara University and a memberof the NUAA board. In 1995, Paul received NU’s Alumni of the YearAward. The Niagara community offers its thoughts and prayers for Pauland his family.

The initiatives I mentioned in my last letter continue to be a mainpriority for the Niagara University Alumni Association’s executivecommittee and board of directors. These include strengthening existingchapters and adding new ones; continuing alumni involvement onFacebook; encouraging alumni to become active in community serviceprojects; and growing alumni involvement in local and campus activities.

Please continue your active role with these very important initiatives, or,if you are not yet involved, consider becoming a member of our greatorganization. Contact anyone on our board or in the Alumni RelationsOffice (www.niagaraalumni.com) to join the NUAA, or to share yourthoughts and ideas. Our success is linked directly to your involvement.Please continue to show your pride in Niagara. Go Purple Eagles!

Sincerely,Martin Byrne, ’78President, Niagara University Alumni Association

We have a lot in store for our chapters in the upcoming months.Don’t forget to add these dates to your calendar and check out theEagle’s Nest at www.niagaraalumni.com for more information.*

Don’t receive our emails about events?Send your updated information to [email protected]!

November

18 Raleigh, N.C. — Sabres vs. Hurricanes Game, RBC CenterMichael R. Ganley, Esq., ’05919.235.0060 • [email protected]

December

2 Boston — Bentley vs. NU hockey gameTony Lista, ’80508.951.2641 • [email protected]

9 Rochester — Geva Theatre, A Christmas CarolMike, ’89, and Dianne Moll, ’89 • [email protected][email protected]

10 Erie, Pa. — NU vs. Mercyhurst hockey gameTimothy Carroll, ’84216.479.8655 • [email protected]

Mary Lou Markowski, ’[email protected]

February

2–11 Florida Swing

How do I register for an event?1. Online at the Eagle’s Nest: www.niagaraaalumni.com

2. By phone: 716.286.8787

3. By mail: Alumni Relations OfficeP.O. Box 2008Niagara University, N.Y. 14109-2008

Alumni Events

*Event calendar is subject to change. The listing includes only the confirmed eventsas of printing. Check the Eagle’s Nest for the full listing.

Check us out online at:

Martin Byrne, ’78, president of the

Niagara University Alumni Association,

with Karen Ballard, ’66, recipient of

the 2011 Niagara Legacy — Alumni

of Distinction Award.

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29

NEWS FROm THE NEST

Who Was There

kist Golf Classic, Niagara FallsCountry Club — June 6, 2011 — Brian mylod, ’68, John Greene,

’69, Carol Cole Greene, ’69, andkathy Cichy mylod, ’68.

President’s Receptionin Dallas, Texas —

June 15, 2011 — Gregory Heider, ’92,

Frank Nuchereno,’82, and Ben

Tarantino, ’81.

Day at the Races,Saratoga Race Track

— July 23, 2011 — Patrick Noonan, ’03,

and Robert Gorman, ’43.

Rochester Alumni GolfClassic, Ravenwood GolfClub — June 3, 2011 —Winning team Joe kalil,’07, mike Ciaccia, DanParsons, ’06, and JeffVincent, ’06.

President’s Receptionin Fort Worth, Texas— June 14, 2011 —

Paula Lind, ’78, kristinmalvik, ’95, karen

Wright, ’86, the Rev.Joseph Levesque, C.m.,and Donald Goodman.

kist Golf Classic, NiagaraFalls Country Club —June 6, 2011 —Anne kistand Jim Glynn, ’57.

moondanceCat on Lake Erie— Aug. 13, 2011 —

Ryan mahoney, ’09, andkelly keroack, ’08.

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ALUmNI STORIES

Over the centuries, European immi-grants left their homelands to makebetter lives for themselves in America.

Here, they found new homes and establishedcommunities around the churches they built,which were adorned with the things that remindedthem of the places they had left behind.

Today, Mary Palmeri Holland, ’70, is celebratingthe work of these talented artists and craftsmen atthe Buffalo Religious Arts Center, a gallery sheestablished in 2008 to collect and preserve Buffalo’simmigrant religious and cultural heritage.

“e impetus for this was in 2007,” she says. “Isaw an article in the Buffalo News — it was abig two-page article on all the churches thatwere closing — and I decided I would visit eachof them before they closed.”

During these visits, Mary noticed the beautifulreligious art and realized that it would be lost oncethe building was closed by the Catholic church.“Nobody was trying to protect this religious artand save it for future generations,” she says.Inspired by the movie e Rape of Europa, whichdocumented how the European people in WorldWar II hid their artwork to safeguard it from theNazis, Mary decided to do what she could to savethe artwork and keep it in Western New York.

Her project found a home in the former St.Francis Xavier Roman Catholic Church in theBlack Rock section of Buffalo. From themoment Mary walked into the Roman basilica-style church and saw the hand-painted muralson the walls, she was determined to save thechurch as well.

“I saw this church and I felt that we cannot let itdeteriorate,” she says. “One year after the heat isturned off in a building like this, the muralswould show significant cracks and flaking paint.”

So she purchased the property and beganconverting the church into Xavier Hall, one ofthe few collections of religious art to be housedin a former church. e parish also included aschool and a rectory, which Mary plans to usefor additional display space.

When Mary bought the church, it alreadycontained an impressive collection of religiousart –– in addition to the murals, which werepainted in the Beuronese style developed by acommunity of Benedictine monks in Germanyin the late 19th century, there were stained glasswindows depicting the stations of the cross, theonly ones of their kind in the Buffalo area.“ese windows are especially notable becausethey were made in Munich, Germany, by F.X.Zettler in 1911,” Mary notes.

As Mary began collecting the church relics,statues and stained glass windows from themore than 70 churches that were closing, sherealized that they had something in common —they were all made by Europeans and theyexpressed the various religious decorative stylesof the countries from which the artists came.Her work took on an additional purpose: toshare the heritage of the immigrant people andconvey a sense of who they were.

mary Palmeri Holland, ’70: Preserving a Religious Legacy

“e more items that come in, the more historywe see, the more the stories come through thedoor,” she says.

In the past few years, Mary has acquired morethan 100 artifacts from churches and housesof worship of all denominations, includingstatues, altar furnishings, linens, a collection ofdresses for the Infant of Prague, tapestries, andStations of the Cross in a variety of materials.There is also a brass replica of the TenCommandments and a Star of David donatedby Temple Beth El.

e center opened for visitors in 2009 and sincethen more than 1,200 people have comethrough its doors. e facility has also beenavailable for concerts and weddings. It’s been alabor of love for Mary, whose background inarchitecture and fondness for old buildings andearly European art has given her a uniqueappreciation for these churches and theirreligious artifacts. Her hope is that othersrecognize the exceptional quality and variety ofthe pieces and that the center becomes adestination for people from around the country.

“People go all over Europe to see churches,”she says, “and if they come here they’ll besurprised at what we have. You don’t have tobe religious to enjoy the art. You can just enjoythe beauty.”

By Lisa McMahon

To learn more about the Buffalo Religious Arts Centerand see some of the artwork, visit www.buffaloreligiousarts.org.

Page 34: Eagle magazine, fall 2011

1. Marcia o’Kane, ’74 2. Daniel Richards, ’92 3. Jack Henry Burns III 4. Emerson Michael Faul 5. Pam Spremulli, ’93, with husky mix KoBear

6. Keith Foster ’71 7. John Celock, ’03 8. Lucas Avery, ’97, with his wife, Brianne Amend 9. Charlie Morse

1

2

3

4 5

6

CLASS NOTES

1955Richard Kossmann and his wife, Irene, celebratedtheir 56th wedding anniversary on Aug. 21, 2011.They are the proud parents of four and grand-parents of six.

1965Pauline (Bumbalo) Fugazzotto received hermaster’s degree in theological studies from SpringHill College.

1969Jeff Sullivan has retired from his position as aneconomic developer for the City of Albany, N.Y.,after 16 and a half years.

1971 REUNIoNKeith Foster has been named director ofdevelopment at West Virginia University Collegeof Physical Activity and Sport Sciences inMorgantown, W.V. Most recently, Keith served asdirector of major gifts at Fairmont State Universityand Pierpont Community & Technical College,both in Fairmont, W.V. Keith has completed numerous

relationship management and management trainingcourses, and has held professional positions ineducation, healthcare and manufacturing.

Robert Laver retired in January 2011 after serving39 years with the U.S. Army in various military andcivilian positions.

Mary Anne Shea was awarded the EffectiveLeadership Award for Women in Business duringthe June 9 meeting of the Grand Island ProfessionalWomen’s Chapter, New York State Women, Inc.The award is presented annually by AdvancedCancer TheranosTx to a woman who “promotesequality and equity for all women in the workplace,inspires women to achieve their full potential, isdedicated to helping women further theireducation, and fosters the ability of low-incomewomen to attain the tools necessary to obtain theirself-sustaining goals.” Mary Anne was a seniorcustoms inspector assigned to Buffalo and NiagaraFalls prior to her retirement and has since taken onseveral pro bono public relations activities forvarious organizations in Western New York andNaples, Fla. In addition, she has been publicrelations chairwoman for the Grand Island chapterof NYS Women, Inc., for 29 years.

1972William Bradshaw, Temple University’s directorof athletics, was named an Under Armour FBSDirector of Athletics of the Year by the NationalAssociation of Collegiate Directors of Athletics.He is one of four athletic directors nationwide toreceive the honor, which was awarded during theorganization’s annual convention in June. Theaward is selected by a committee comprisingathletic directors, university presidents andconference commissioners. Bill was the headbaseball coach at Niagara University f rom 1972until 1974 before becoming the university’sdirector of alumni relations, a position he heldfrom 1974 until 1976.

1974Marcia O’Kane was hired as executive director of theGreenwich Chamber of Commerce, Greenwich, Conn.Previously, she was executive director of the StamfordSenior Center, Stamford, Conn., and before that wasdirector of finance and administration at Person-to-Person in Darien, Conn. She has served on severalnonprofit boards, including the Women’s BusinessDevelopment Center. Marcia holds an MBA fromBoston University.

CATCHING UP

32

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9

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1975Catherine (Murray) Buckley has accepted theposition of risk management education coordinatorfor the University of Maryland Medical Systemin Baltimore.

1976 REUNIoNSister Emily Therese Bloom has been named to athree-year term on the Hilbert College board oftrustees. She is ministry project director of theLearning for Life Program at Gerard Place inBuffalo, N.Y., and also served as the associategeneral minister of the Franciscan Sisters of St.Joseph in Hamburg. Sister Emily Therese is pastexecutive director of the Allegany Council onAlcoholism and Substance Abuse and Boys Hopeof Florida and has served as intake counselor at theWyoming County Chemical Abuse TreatmentProgram and the Wyoming County Jail. She hasheld various teaching positions at the elementary,high school and college levels, including at Hilbert.

Brian T. Hassett has been appointed president andCEO of the United Way of the Greater CapitalRegion. Brian, a 31-year veteran of the nonprofitindustry, most recently led corporate partnershipand major giving programs for the Society of St.Vincent de Paul in Phoenix. Prior to that, he servedfor seven years as president of Big Brothers BigSisters of Central Arizona. His earlier responsi-bilities included positions as CEO of the UnitedWay of Metropolitan Chicago, and CEO of Valleyof the Sun United Way in Phoenix.

1978Mary Kohnke-Wagner, Esq., an attorney withMarshall, Dennehey, Warner, Coleman and Gogginin its Philadelphia office, was a panel member at aJuly 2011 seminar hosted by the Worker’sCompensation Section of the Philadelphia BarAssociation. The panel discussed compensationissues for workers at large employers.

Hometown: Raleigh, N.C.Degree: B.A. in political science with minors inpsychology and religious studies

Current job: Attorney with Adams, Howell &Sizemore, P.A.

My best memory at Niagara is: rushing the courtat HSBC Arena after the basketball team won theMAAC Tournament in 2005.

My favorite hangout was: Sharky’s.

The most important life lesson I learned at NUwas: to get involved in as many activities aspossible, and no matter how late you were out thenight before, don’t ever sleep past 9 a.m.

The three words that describe me are: active,energetic, and patient.

My favorite part of my job is: that real estate lawis less adversarial then other areas of law — theparties typically are on good terms and are morecollaborative in getting a deal done.

I still want to learn how to: speak French.

Five random facts about me:1. Since being licensed, I have appeared in

courthouses in approximately one-quarter ofNorth Carolina’s 100 counties.

2. I was an on-air correspondent for Fox BusinessChannel’s 2008 election coverage.

3. The town I lived in when I first moved to NorthCarolina was so small the only apartment availablefor me was in an elderly housing complex.

4. As a senator in NUSGA, I led the Class of 2005delegation to two consecutive “Class of theYear” awards.

5. I lived in Clet Hall for three years … and I wasn’tin the theatre program. Weird.

We’d like to get to know you better! In each issueof the Eagle, we’ll spend a minute (or so) with analum from a random area of the country and ask afew questions to find out more about him or her.Will you be next?

60SECONDSWITH:

Mike Ganley, ’05

CATCHING UP

33

Deans AwardsMagistrate Judge Hugh B. Scott, ’71 College of Arts & Sciences

Since graduating from NiagaraUniversity in 1971, MagistrateJudge Hugh B. Scott has ascendedto the highest levels of the federaljudicial system in a remarkableand pioneering fashion.

Judge Scott went on to earn a JurisDoctor from UB Law School andlater became the first African-American appointed as assistantUnited States attorney in theWestern District of New York. In1981, he was selected as the firstAfrican-American to hold the titleof assistant attorney general incharge of the New York StateDepartment of Law’s regional

office. Judge Scott was elected toserve a 10-year term on the BuffaloCity Court bench in 1984 and re-elected to the post in 1994. Heresigned the position one yearlater to become the first African-American to preside over thefederal court bench in the WesternDistrict of New York.

Throughout his career, which alsoincludes 29 years as a lecturer inUB’s Law School, Judge Scott hasbeen invested in the community,serving on numerous boardsdealing with education, domesticviolence, healthcare, racial justiceand indigent prisoners.

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Daniel J. Kossmann has been appointed chief financialofficer for GFI® Software, a leading IT solutionsprovider for consumers and small and medium-sizedbusinesses. Daniel will be responsible for GFI’s globalfinancial strategy and operations, as well as thecompany’s information technology, legal and humanresources functions. He has more than 30 yearsexperience in financial management and extensiveexperience in the role of CFO for both publicly tradedand privately held technology companies.

1979Santina Lamont has been named director, medicalmanagement, at Fidelis Care, the New York State CatholicHealth Plan. In her new position, Santina will havestatewide responsibility for overseeing utilization of servicesand ensuring that members receive access to appropriatecare. Previously, she was the director of inpatient usemanagement and quality for HealthNow New York Inc.

1980Denise (McLerran) Seigart is associate dean fornursing education at Stevenson University in Baltimore.

1982David M. Jachimiak was appointed chief informationofficer at Fallon Community Health Plan, a healthcareservices organization in Worcester, Mass.

1983Fredrick Wasiak has joined the staff at the SomersetHills YMCA as chief operating officer. Fredrick hasmore than 20 years of YMCA professional experienceand a strong track record in budgeting and fiscalmanagement, financial and community development,program development, facility improvement andexpansion, and staff/volunteer development.

1984Regina Marie Maffeo DeGennaro recently earneda doctorate in nursing practice (DNP) with clinicalfocus in oncology nursing.

Karen (Siembida) Howard has been appointedvice president, strategic initiatives, for theColumbus McKinnon Corp., a global designer,manufacturer and marketer of hoists, cranes,actuators, chain, forged attachments, lift and othermaterial handling products serving a widevariety of commercial and industrial end-usermarkets. A certified public accountant, Karen wasmost recently vice president, finance and CFO forthe company.

1986 REUNIoNDavid P. Kraus has been named director ofKeyBank’s contact centers and is currently a seniorvice president for the organization. He has beenwith the bank since 2006.

1987Carolyn Lawless, CPA, has been promoted to vicepresident of the Estate Planning Council ofCentral New York. Lawless was previouslysecretary of the council.

1992Daniel Richards has been named the newprincipal of Melrose High School, Melrose, Mass.He was previously an assistant principal at BelmontHigh School, Belmont, Mass.

1993Pam (Swanson) Spremulli has illustrated hersecond children’s book WOOF!, which introducesyoung readers to a variety of dog breeds. Her firstchildren’s book, Letter Birds, earned her the Mom’sChoice 2010 Gold Distinguished IllustrationAward. She continues to show her work ingalleries in New York and Cleveland, Ohio. She isa member of the Society of Children’s BookWriters and Illustrators and of the Northern OhioIllustrator’s Society.

34

Deans AwardsDr. James J. Finnerty, ’51 College of Arts & Sciences

Dr. James J. Finnerty earned hismedical degree from New YorkMedical College in 1955 andentered the medical professionthrough his internship andresidency at Sisters of CharityHospital in Buffalo, N.Y. Hebecame the chief of obstetrics/gynecology and deputy hospitalcommander at the United StatesNellis Air Force Base in Nevada.Dr. Finnerty then went on toenjoy a successful medicalcareer in private practice, as anattending physician, and asthe chief attending obstetrics/gynecology at the House ofGood Samaritan Hospital inWatertown, N.Y.

Dr. Finnerty returned to theclassroom, first at the University ofVirginia, and then at the AlbanyMedical Center, where he stillteaches. He was presented with theOutstanding Teaching Award forExcellence in Clinical Teaching bythe Mulholland Society, UniversitySchool of Medicine in 1992. Dr.Finnerty was also honored withthe Association of Professors ofGynecology and Obstetrics Excel-lence in Teaching Award from theAPGO Medical Education Foun-dation in 1994, 2002 and 2004.

Throughout his career, Dr. Finnertymaintained a focus on all membersof society through his research,writing and presentations.

CATCHING UP

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1994Rita G. Alexyn, a partner at Spencer Gleason Hebeand Rague P.C., Wellsboro, Pa., has been named to athree-year term on the Pennsylvania Bar AssociationBoard of Governors. She represents Columbia,Lycoming, Montour, Northumberland, Snyder, Tiogaand Union county lawyers. Rita is a member of thePBA House of Delegates and serves on the PBACommission on Women in the Profession. She is alsoa member of the Tioga County and Lycoming Countybar associations.

2000Nathan Handrahan was named head women’shockey coach at Ohio State University. The formerNiagara University hockey player served as anassistant coach under current Niagara coach DaveBurkholder f rom 2001 through 2004. He thenjoined Robert Morris University men’s ice hockeyprogram as an assistant coach, a position he heldfor two years before taking over the RMU’swomen’s hockey program.

2003John Celock has accepted the position of statepolitics reporter and Patch liaison for TheHuffington Post, based in its Washington bureau. Hepreviously served as the launch editor of WestfieldPatch in New Jersey, a community-specific newsand information platform dedicated to providingcomprehensive and trusted local coverage forindividual towns and communities. John is anaward-winning journalist who has covered a varietyof beats including New York state politics, New Yorkmetropolitan-area real estate development, andcommunity issues throughout Northern New Jersey.His first book, The Next Generation: Young ElectedOff icials and their Impact on American Politics, waspublished in December 2010.

Jeffrey P. Cervoni Jr. has been appointed anassistant principal in the Lake Shore, N.Y., centralschool district. He previously served as a supervisorof instructional programs for career and technicaleducation at Erie 2-Chautauqua-Cattaraugus BOCESCarrier Center. Jeff rey started his career as atechnology teacher in the Alden and Sweet Home,N.Y., districts and worked in the Depew andFrontier, N.Y., districts.

Monica Jean Prunty has accepted the position oftax manager for Global Water Resources inPhoenix, Ariz.

Eric Wells, a teacher in the Osceola County, Fla.,School District, was recently named a scholar forthe National Urban Special Education LeadershipInitiative and will begin course work toward adoctor of education degree at the University ofCentral Florida.

2005Ashlee Burrs accepted a job in the CivicEngagement and Diversity Department at theUniversity of Nevada, Las Vegas, in July 2011. Shewill be working with students on the Rebel PrideCouncil and planning major events such as PremierUNLV and homecoming.

2007Megan Weber was recently promoted to directorof sales for Hampton Inn Buffalo-Airport byBuffalo Lodging Associates, a hotel developmentand management organization. Megan began herhospitality career in 2003 at Buffalo Lodging’sHampton Inn Buffalo/Williamsville, where sheheld the position of guest services representativefor two years. From there, she went on to becomethe manager on duty for Hilton Garden InnBuffalo-Airport, executive housekeeper for SleepInn Buffalo/Amherst, and then front officemanager for Fairfield Inn & Suites Buffalo-Airport, all owned by Buffalo Lodging Associates.

2010Susan J. Clements received honorable mention inthe Hudson Valley Writer’s Guild short fictioncontest for her story Manatee Mornings.

Deans AwardsEdward D. Riedlinger, ’71 College of Business Administration

Edward D. Riedlinger retiredfrom GMAC CommercialMortgage in 2006 after havingbeen employed by the companyand its predecessors in some formfor the preceding 29 years. He hadserved in many positions duringhis nearly three-decade tenure,beginning as a loan analyst in theincome property loan divisionand finishing as the managingdirector/regional manager of thefirm’s production division.

His journey toward becoming anexecutive with one of the world’slargest commercial banking firmsbegan at Niagara University, from

which he graduated with a B.S. incommerce in 1971. Ed spent twoyears in the Army, earned an MBAat the University of Connecticut,reluctantly turned down a teachingoffer at Niagara, and ended up inthe Philadelphia area, where hestill lives today.

Ed is a past president of theDelaware Valley chapter ofNAIOP, the commercial realestate development association,and served on its board ofdirectors for more than 10 years.Today, he remains active in manysimilar organizations in thePhiladelphia region.

CATCHING UP

35

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Fond memories

CATCHING UP

36

L-r: Classmates Ed o’Grady, ’54; Pat Gallagher,

’54; and John “Sparky” Moore, ’54; aka the NU

“Garbage Crew,” in front of Varsity Village with

the 1935 Ford truck they used to collect the trash.

Deans AwardsEdward J. Marinucci Jr., ’86 College of Education

Throughout a 44-year career as aneducator, Edward J. Marinucci Jr.was known for his incessant focus onchildren most in need and hisdedication to the community.

Ed earned undergraduate andgraduate degrees from Buffalo StateCollege and completed NiagaraUniversity’s educational leadershipprogram in school administrationand supervision. His determinationand enthusiasm for education led to

his progression from English teacher(North Junior High School) toassistant principal (LaSalle HighSchool) to chief educational operator(Stella Niagara Education Park) toprincipal (Niagara Middle School).

In 2004, Ed became project directorof the Teacher Quality Enhancementgrant, a U.S. Department of Education-funded program that provided oppor-tunities for veteran teachers to workwith Niagara University faculty and

teacher candidates. This project focusedon closing the student achievement gapand became an exemplary nationalmodel for school-university partner-ships, one that brought recognition toNiagara University and to its Collegeof Education.

Ed retired when the grant periodconcluded in 2009, at a time whenhe was considered by many to beamong the most talented educationaladministrators in Western New York.

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Natalie Martinez was named a tax staff accountantat the Batavia, N.Y., office of Freed Maxick andBattaglia. Natalie was previously a tax consultantwith Tax Technologies in Williamsville, N.Y.

mARRIAGESJames Wysocki, ’91, married Shari Levine onJuly 23, 2011.

Lucas Avery, ’97, married Brianne Amend onMay 21, 2011.

Angela Marie Harding, ’01, married Jason Grasmanon July 9, 2011.

Anthony M. Castelletti Jr., ’04, married Stacey Poole,’06, on Nov. 27, 2010.

Lori E. Hackett, ’07, married Jeffery R. Costello onAug. 12, 2011.

Nathan J. Tompkins, ’07, married Brittany MarieVoelker on June 4, 2011.

Katherine M. Tees, ’08, married Daniel Dolan onJuly 9, 2011.

BIRTHS AND ADOPTIONSPaul, ’86, and Clare (O’Connell) Donahue, ’86,welcomed adopted children Oscar, Silvia andChristian on Nov. 27, 2010. They join siblingsEmily, Matthew and Eileen.

Ted Ritter, ’87, and wife, Susan, welcomed adaughter, Dorian Caroline, on March 8, 2011. Shejoins big sister, Jayne.

Kevin and Teri (Duffy) Burns, ’91, welcomedadopted son, Jack Henry III, on April 24, 2011.

David and Allison (Kosier) Faul, ’93, welcomed ason, Emerson Michael, on April 2, 2011.

Brent, ’94, and Autumn Nicole (Dalkey) Lawson, ’94,welcomed a son, Anderson John, on Sept. 16, 2010.

Matthew and Karen (Oddo) Anastasi, ’96,welcomed twins Matthew Alfonso and MadelineKatherine on Oct. 1, 2010.

Jessica A. Testani, ’96, and Michael Messersmithwelcomed a daughter, Lucy Rose Messersmith, onJune 16, 2011.

Alicia M. Wittman, ’96, and Colin Reichwelcomed a son, Gaige Liam Reich, onMarch 7, 2011.

Mark and Sarah Michele (Arnold) Heslin,’97, welcomed a son, Timothy Edward, onApril 23, 2011.

James and Jennifer L. (Cardamone) Vance, ’97,welcomed a daughter, Ella Marie, on Feb. 3, 2011.

John P. and Lara Kathleen (Brown) Jacob, ’98,’01, welcomed a daughter, Natalie Kathleen, onApril 13, 2011.

Kevin B. and Stephanie M. (Markle) Kelley, ’98,welcomed a son, Jack Sawyer, on Nov. 12, 2010.

John, ’99, and Kathryn (Walsh) O’Brien, ’00,welcomed a son, Brendan Michael, on March 29, 2011.

Lynnette Verges, ’99, and Donell Burch welcomeda son, Matthia Alejandro Burch, on June 17, 2011.

Sam and Laurie S. (Racki) Cione, ’00, welcomeda daughter, Onalee Ann, on Feb. 8, 2011.

Deans AwardsDavid R. Froelke, ’71 College of Hospitality and Tourism Management

David R. Froelke is currently seniorvice president of the RelatedCompanies, responsible for managinga mixed use collection of propertiesthat include Time Warner Center inNew York City, CityPlace in WestPalm Beach, and Sowwah Square inAbu Dhabi. He also has executiveresponsibilities for Columbus Sponsor-ship, the company’s business unit taskedwith developing sponsorship andexperiential opportunities across itsnational portfolio.

Previously, David served in managerialroles for the Westfield Corp. Inc., UrbanRetail Properties Inc., and The CharlesE. Smith Companies. He has beencredited with developing major com-mercial, retail and shopping centers inChicago (North Bridge), Los Angeles(Century City), Arlington (CrystalCity) and Boston (Copley Place).

After spending 14 years as a boardmember for the Rochester Institute ofTechnology’s School of International

Hospitality and Service Innovation,David joined the faculty of FairleighDickinson University in 1998. Inaddition, David has lectured atColumbia University’s Graduate Schoolof Architecture, Planning and Preser-vation, and participates in severalprograms offered by Niagara University’sCollege of Hospitality and TourismManagement, including its Mentorshipand Alumni Advantage programs.

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Rev. Henry V. Lex, ’48, passed away May 23, 2011.

Robert Keefe, ’49, passed away March 7, 2011.

Donald R. Case, ’50, passed away April 10, 2011.

Robert H. Querze, M.D., ’50, passed awayOct. 26, 2010.

Emilio “Zeke” J. Sinacola, ’51, passed awayJune 6, 2011.

Edward R. Davis, ’52, passed away March 3, 2011.

Robert H. Carey, ’54, passed away May 26, 2011.

Norman F. Finch, ’56, passed away July 29, 2011.

Matthew C. Lanighan, ’56, M.S.’65, passed awayAug. 19, 2011. Our condolences to his wife, Patricia“Paddy” Smith, ’59, his sons, Kevin W. Lanighan,M.D., ’82, and Timothy B. (Susan, ’85) Lanighan, andhis daughter, Tracy Lewandowski, M.A.’02.

Bernard Rottkamp, ’56, passed away July 3, 2011.

Dr. Ralph F. Parisi, ’58, passed away April 14, 2011.

Eric, ’01, and Jennie (Gentile) Daniels, ’01, welcomeda son, Nathaniel Anthony, on March 16, 2011.

Jared M., ’02, and Jennifer (Curro) House, ’02,welcomed a son, Caleb James, on Aug. 11, 2011.

Tyler and Heidi (Muller) Maloney, ’02, welcomeda son, Brixton Patrick, on April 28, 2011.

Ken Morse, ’02, and wife, Stephanie, welcomed ason, Charlie, on Feb. 16, 2011.

Frank and Sarah H. (Saladyga) Sardina, ’03,welcomed a daughter, Gianna Nicole, onJune 14, 2011.

Tim and Kathleen J. (Crough) Siracusa,’03, welcomed a daughter, Natalie Jean, onJan. 12, 2011.

Brittnee Lynn Martino, ’04, and Joseph Barbarowelcomed a son, Hayden James Barbaro, onMarch 4, 2011.

Luke, ’06, and Valerie (Montaglione) Parillo,’06, welcomed a daughter, Avery Leigh, onJune 14, 2011.

IN mEmORIUmTo have a Mass celebrated at Alumni Chapel,call Niagara’s Campus Ministry Office at716.286.8400.

Dr. Carmelo Sapone passed away June 24, 2011.Dr. Sapone was a longtime member of the facultyof Niagara University’s College of Education.

Our condolences to Michael Konopski, dean ofenrollment management at Niagara University,on the death of his stepmother, Kathleen Konopski,July 27, 2011.

Thomas J. Hart Sr., ’37, passed away July 8, 2011.

Anthony F. Crescenzi, ’39, passed away July 15,2011. Our condolences to his daughter, RoslynAdair, ’67; his son-in-law, Richard Adair, ’67; hisson, Anthony C. Crescenzi, ’69; his grandson,John Anthony Adair, ’97; and his granddaughters,Alexandra (Crescenzi) Gernant, ’02, and HeatherAdair, ’04.

Jeremiah O’Leary, ’43, passed away Jan. 26, 2011.Our condolences to his wife, Mary Ellen (Rhoney)O’Leary, ’50.

Nursing Alumni Council AwardsMarcia M. Barnes, ’49 Clinical Excellence Award

Marcia M. Barnes began her career atBuffalo General Hospital immediatelyfollowing her graduation from Niagara.After spending time there and atVeterans Administration Hospital,Marcia returned to Niagara in 1965,this time as a sophomore clinicalinstructor in the College of Nursing.

In 1968, she became a pharmacologyinstructor at Millard Fillmore Hospital’sSchool of Practical Nursing. Two years

later, Marcia moved to Nardin Academyto serve as an educator, tasked withdesigning lesson plans in healtheducation for students in grades fourthrough eight. Her innovative curriculawere regarded so highly that New Yorkreferenced them when instituting astatewide health ed program.

Beginning in 1988, Marcia volunteeredher nursing services to assist retiredadults in Ocala, Fla. She performed as

a community health nurse for a decade,while also publishing articles in the localcommunity newsletter and establishingan annual community health fair.

In 2010, Marcia returned to MonteagleRidge once again, this time to launch asix-week educational seminar intendedto heighten public awareness of theeffects of diabetes on a person’s lifestyle.

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John “Kenny” Barrett, ’59, passed away June 20, 2011.

Thomas Brown, ’59, passed away July 8, 2011.

Col. Paul McCarthy, ’60, passed away July 28, 2011.

Charles Tarricone, ’60, passed away June 20, 2011.

Our condolences to Sheila (Thornton) Summers,’61, on the death of her husband, Robert Summers,Sept. 5, 2010.

Our condolences to John Tracinski, ’63, on the deathof his mother, Lottie Tracinski, April 20, 2011.

William L. Hunt III, ’65, passed away May 13, 2011.

Dr. John J. Hughes, ’67, passed away April 22, 2011.

Arthur J. Caggiano, ’69, passed away April 30, 2011.

Our condolences to Jeff Sullivan,’69, on the deathof his father, Frank Sullivan, March 29, 2011.

Our condolences to Christopher O. Carey, ’70, onthe death of his father, Hugh Carey, former NewYork state governor, Aug. 7, 2011.

Thomas Grimley, ’71, passed away July 22, 2011.

Our condolences to omas O’Brien, ’72, on thedeath of his mother, Marian O’Brien, July 12, 2011.

David A. Lippert, ’73, passed away May 26, 2011.

Our condolences to Harry, ’73, and Patricia(O’Connor) Powell, ’73, on the death of their son-in-law, David J. Schoenfeldt, June 15, 2011.

Our condolences to Maureen Salfi, ’73, on thedeath of her sister, Colleen A. (MacKrell) Ryan-Rath, July 31, 2011.

Our condolences to Elizabeth Bogner, ’75, on thedeath of her father, Joseph J. Bogner, Feb. 23, 2011.

Michael James Swanekamp, ’76, passed awayJuly 4, 2011.

Our condolences to Ann Savastano, ’77, on the deathof her father, Carmine Savastano, April 25, 2011.

Kenneth R. Van Buskirk, ’78, passed awayJune 13, 2011.

John Brian “J.B.” Griffin, ’83, passed awayAug. 29, 2011.

Our condolences to Loretta (Powell) Schoenfeldt,’83, on the death of her husband; and to HaleySchoenfeldt, ’11, on the death of her father, DavidJ. Schoenfeldt, June 15, 2011.

Linda G. Laub, ’87, passed away Nov. 14, 2010.

Our condolences to Sandra Jayne (Elliott) Baker’90, on the death of her husband, William Baker,June 11, 2011.

Linda M. Marinucci, ’94, passed away April 20,2011. Our condolences to her husband, Edward J.Marinucci, ’86.

Our ApologiesTo Mr. and Mrs. Michael Gutmann forpublishing the announcement of the birth of theirdaughter under the name of Michael’s father,Thomas. The correct listing should have read: ToMr. and Mrs. Michael Gutmann, ’01 (KimberlyCostello, ’02), Charlotte, N.C., a daughter,Madelyn McNally, Sept. 8, 2010. We are sorry forthe error.

Nursing Alumni Council AwardsMargaret Campbell-Kotler, ’71 Leadership Award

Since graduating cum laude fromNiagara University and adding a master’sdegree from the University of NorthCarolina at Chapel Hill, MargaretCampbell-Kotler has put her nursingeducation to great use. She began hercareer as a public health nurse in theWestchester County (N.Y.) Departmentof Health, where she focused on infantand child health. During this time,Margaret also lectured at CatholicUniversity, Columbia Union Collegeand Purdue University.

In 1987, she organized and deliveredtraining programs on senior mentalhealth and substance abuse recognitionfor the Montgomery County (Md.)Department of Health and HumanServices. She was also instrumentalin the passage of House Bill 559,which made it unlawful for a personto deprive a “vulnerable” adult ofproperty through deception, intimi-dation or undue influence.

In 2008, Margaret was selected tomanage the Defense and VeteransBrain Injury Center’s Office ofEducation in Richmond, Va., whereshe oversaw a national educationprogram on traumatic brain injury.

Earlier this year, she became the actingprogram manager for caregiver trainingand education in the United StatesDepartment of Veterans Affairs.

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Growing up, I was the youngest of fourboys. I have often remarked that I am a“survivor” of being the youngest, a mark

of pride given the amount of teasing I wassubjected to growing up!

My brothers and I were raised to be well-educatedand active in sports and the arts. As an athlete, Ilearned the value of hard work and goal settingfrom my track coach, which I then transferred tomy studies. is value was reinforced by myparents, who would encourage me to continue towork hard, even after achieving success, by saying:“Don’t rest on your laurels!” As a result, I developedan internal motivation and perseverance that hassustained me through the years.

Despite my motivation, school did not come easyto me in my early years due to many eyesightproblems requiring corrective surgeries. In fact, Iwas held back in first grade in order to set a betterlearning foundation for my future, a decision mymom made and one that I am forever grateful for,although not so much at the time it happened!

ese early experiences influenced my desire topursue a career that would enable me to helpstudents understand that learning is a process, thatwe all develop at a different pace, and that it isimportant to have a variety of interests, intellectualpursuits and abilities to be a well-rounded person.

While working 30-40 hours a week as a bankteller, I attended classes before work and eveningsto earn my B.A. in communication studies fromCalifornia State University, Sacramento. I went onto earn an M.A. in communication studies fromWest Virginia University, and a Ph.D. inorganizational communication, with a concen-tration in management, from the University ofOklahoma. Each of my degrees focused on thestudy of individuals in organizations and providedme with an excellent liberal arts learningfoundation. I concerted my studies with research

to better understand the enterprise of teaching andlearning. Although my background is somewhateclectic, it has prepared me well to understand andappreciate the breadth of learning opportunitiesoffered on the NU campus.

In June, after more than 25 years in highereducation and positions including dean of graduatestudies and research at Emporia State University,assistant vice president for academic affairs atCalifornia State University, Los Angeles, and deanof the College of Humanities, Education andSocial Sciences at Gannon University, I was namedNiagara’s vice president for academic affairs. I hadknown of NU as a highly regarded competitorwhile at Gannon. Each time I interacted withindividuals and committees from campus, myappreciation for the university increased,confirming that Niagara is a special learningcommunity — a community that intentionallyemulates all of the traditions of a Catholic andVincentian university. e day Father Levesquecalled to offer me the VPAA position will alwaysbe a benchmark memory in my career and life. Ienjoy Father’s discerning leadership style andam fortunate to seek counsel from my colleague,Dr. Bonnie Rose, since she continues to serve NUas the executive vice president.

As vice president for academic affairs, I will belooking for opportunities to elevate the universityto new levels of academic excellence, expand thediversity and scope of its programs and studentpopulations, and increase its national andinternational profile, while advancing theuniversity’s Catholic and Vincentian mission. I ampleased that Niagara’s academic philosophy mirrorsmy own: that all students should experience aliberal arts-based education. e ability to criticallyevaluate information, develop an informed opinionbased upon knowledge and research, and clearlyarticulate an opinion both in writing and presen-tation is an invaluable set of skills and abilities that

will sustain students for the duration of theircareers. In fact, I firmly believe that the liberal artsthinker is more likely to have the skills to adapt toa changing marketplace as well as be a careerchanger when the marketplace dictates such events.I am happy to report that the exceptional traditionof providing a liberal arts-based degree at NUcontinues and the faculty embraces this philosophyregardless of college affiliation from withinthe university.

Before I came to Niagara, I was impressed with theuniversity’s commitment to excellence in highereducation and service to the student population andthe region. Today, I continue to be impressed withthe faculty, programs and members of the NUlearning community. We are continuously workingto refine current programs and strategically developnew programs to assure our students can remaincompetitive. e current academic vision forNiagara University includes: an increase of learningopportunities pertaining to global perspectives,diversity, and study abroad; expanding offerings toadult and nontraditional students; growth ofcurrent graduate programs and development ofnew ones; and the development of online anddistance education initiatives. e premise of theseinitiatives is in response to the reality of competitionin higher education requiring NU to diversify theacademic portfolio of our curriculum in order tomeet and exceed enrollment growth goals. I ampleased to report that the Vincentian mission andtradition of service that attracted me to NU alsocontinues, as evidenced by our national recognitionfor service learning. I look forward to working witheveryone on campus to challenge ourselves not to“rest on our laurels,” and I encourage alumni andfriends of NU to contact me at [email protected] discuss how we might work together in supportof NU and our learning community.

Dr. Timothy DownsVice President for Academic Affairs

Page 44: Eagle magazine, fall 2011

The Alumni Relations Department is “appy” to announce the launch of theEagle’s Nest mobile app. Stay connected on your smartphone by followingthe directions below.

1. Open your Internet browser

2. Go to http://www.niagaraalumni.com/mobile (*Note: you must insert the http://)

3. Save the webpage as a favorite and add it to your home screen

4. Check out all the app has to offer and stay connected to NU anywhere you are!

Scan the bar codeto instantly

access the app!

Eagle’s Nest Goes Mobile!

Nonprofit Org.U.S. POSTAGEPAIDNiagara University, N.Y.Permit No. 1

Office of Institutional AdvancementNiagara University, NY 14109

CHANGE SERVICE REQUESTED

“For people like me, scholarships don’t just provide aneducation, they provide an opportunity to live.”

Casey Smith, ’12Finance Major

The Niagara Fund is an opportunity for alumni, faculty, staff,students, parents and friends of the university to come togetherto make a difference in the quality of education and services theuniversity provides.

Whether you give when a student calls you during the Phonathon,in response to a letter, by electric funds transfer, or online, you arehelping our students by contributing to the excellence of a NiagaraUniversity education.

And don’t forget to have your gift matched, so your employercontributes, too!

A gift to the Niagara Fund is a gift to the“Promise of Niagara” capital campaign.