Summer 2009 - Niagara University Eagle Online \ Current Issue

Transcription

N
I
A
G
A
R
A
U
N
I
V
E
R
S
I
T
SUMMER 2009 • VOLUME 25 • ISSUE 4
There’s No Place
Like Home pg13
Making a Difference
in Canada pg18
A Grand
Adventure pg20
Y
fromthepresident
In July, Niagara University was named among the top
10 colleges and universities that are best to work for
among medium-size institutions in the United States
by The Chronicle of Higher Education. Niagara’s
prominent ranking in 17 of the 26 categories examined
in the Chronicle’s survey of Great Colleges to Work
For earned us a place on the inaugural Honor Roll.
This is the second time Niagara has been recognized
by the Chronicle as a best place to work among our
peer institutions and it affirms the great work we are
doing to advance our vision of NU as a university; we
are distinguished by the excellence of our academic
programs, the engagement of our students and faculty
in the learning process, and we are realizing our
Catholic and Vincentian mission through a caring
community. I am very proud that Niagara has been
selected as an institution that has created an exceptional
work environment, and I wish to give thanks to the
faculty, staff and administrators who are the heart of
our university. They are the reason Niagara is a great
place to work!
For example, our teaching environment was one of
the categories in which Niagara ranked highly. That’s
not surprising, given the credentials of our faculty
members, who incorporate innovative ideas into their
curriculum to engage students. Our professors are committed to experiential learning and many involve
students in their research. In fact, two student-faculty
research projects were featured in the summer issue of
the CUR Quarterly, the publication of the Council
on Undergraduate Research. You can read more about
that in this issue of the Eagle.
Another example of our professors’ creativity is the
“Crossroads of Empire” workshop coordinated by
Dr. Thomas Chambers, an associate professor of history
and director of the university’s interdisciplinary studies
program. The sessions brought 175 teachers from
across the country to Niagara’s campus and to nearby
Fort Niagara to learn about early interactions between
Europeans and Native Americans through unique
hands-on experiences. The story on page 16 gives
more details about this exciting program.
Niagara also scored well in categories that measured
employee satisfaction with policies, including professional/career development, compensation and benefits,
and work-life balance. We have implemented health
programming into the university over the past two
years. We have also brought in speakers to discuss
nutrition, skin care and Feng Shui, and we reimburse
our employees who join and attend our Weight
Watchers on-campus program. Just as Niagara seeks
to develop the mind, body, heart and soul of our
students, so do we wish to provide opportunities for
our employees to do the same. I am pleased that we
have made so many options available and that our
employees are taking a few moments from their busy
days to focus on their health.
Sixteen individuals with special needs from
Opportunities Unlimited of Niagara participated
in a work readiness program at Niagara University
this summer. The six-week, prevocational skills
program made classroom, real-world and hands-on
experiences available to participants.The students
received certificates of completion from Niagara
University and OU at a graduation ceremony on
Aug. 13. Here, Lyla Goodberry is congratulated by
the Rev. Joseph L. Levesque, C.M., Niagara University
president, as program instructors Jaclyn Rossi
(left) and Melissa Bonar (right), and Connie S.
Brown, executive director of Opportunities
Unlimited, look on. (See story on page 6.)
In addition to those categories in which we did well,
the survey indicated areas that could be improved and
we will be looking at those carefully. One of those areas
was the physical condition of the campus. I am happy
to report that we have made significant progress in
updating and renovating our facilities according to our
campus master plan. A new artificial turf field behind
the Kiernan Center was installed, the lower level of
the Gallagher Center was completely renovated, a new
Vincentian Residence was constructed, and the more
than $3 million theater expansion and renovation
project has begun. Planning for the B. Thomas
Golisano Center for Integrated Sciences is also moving
forward, as are plans for infrastructure and parking
improvements, a new dining facility, re-use of Meade
Hall, and other elements of our master plan. The
current economic climate is challenging us in a number
of ways, but we are working harder than ever to ensure
that we remain on course in achieving the transformation we envision at the university.
I welcome the ideas you may offer to help us continue the vital transformation of Niagara while fulfilling our mission to our students and maintaining
an environment that is a great place to work. Please
feel free to share them with me at [email protected].
Joseph L. Levesque, C.M.
President
summer 2009 • volume 25 • issue 4
www.niagara.edu
A publication for alumni and friends
On the cover
Bringing History to Life 16
Teachers from across the United States came to
Niagara University for a weeklong journey into the
past. In this photo, provided by Douglas Kohler,
Erie County historian, one of the teachers shoots a
smooth bore musket under the watchful eye of a
member of nearby Fort Niagara’s interpretive staff.
In every issue
There’s No Place Like
Home 13
Get to know the Vincentians who currently call
Niagara University home.
13
Making a Difference in
Canada 18
The College of Education’s Bachelor of Professional
Studies program in Ontario takes the essence of
Niagara’s Vincentian mission and quality in the
preparation of teachers across the border.
A Grand Adventure 20
20
Dick Adair, ’67, shares his recent experience of
hiking in the Grand Canyon.
Editor’s Office
Lisa M. McMahon, MA’09
716-286-8747
[email protected]
Around the Ridge 2
Eagle’s Eye 8
Niagara Notables 9
Purple Eagle Pride 10
Advancing NU 12
In the Spotlight 21
Alumni Association
Update 22
Alumni Notes 24
A NU View 29
The Niagara University Eagle is published quarterly by the Office of Communications
and Public Relations for alumni and friends of the university.
Office of Communications and Public Relations
Lisa M. McMahon, MA’09, Acting Director/Editor
Jason R. Mollica, Assistant Director
Suzanne M. Karaszewski, Graphic Designer
Jean H. Spence, Secretary
From the President
Alumni Relations Office
Art Cardella, Director
716-286-8787
[email protected]
www.niagaraalumni.com
aroundtheridge
www.niagara.edu/news
Niagara Named
to Princeton
Review List
Niagara University has again
been named one of the best
colleges and universities in the
Northeast by The Princeton
Review. The education services
company selected Niagara as
one of the 218 institutions
it profiles in its “Best in the
Northeast” section on its Web
site and in its book, “The Best
Northeastern Colleges: 2010
Edition.” Among the advantages
discussed in the profile are
Niagara’s range of manageable,
interesting and practical major
programs, which are enhanced
by a highly supportive and
student-oriented atmosphere.
For more information, see
www.niagara.edu/nu-news/.
NEW HORIZONS — Linus Ormsby (left), director of communications and public relations at Niagara University for the past 25 years,
and Dr. Gerald Carpenter, professor of history, retired at the end of
the 2008-09 academic year.
Ormsby joined Niagara University in 1984 after a 20-year career at
the Niagara Gazette. At Niagara, his work in communications and
advertising has been cited by professional organizations on numerous
occasions. Notable among them is a Platinum Award in the Excalibur
Awards competition sponsored by the Buffalo/Niagara chapter of the
Public Relations Society of America, of which he is a past president.
He was honored in 2004 by that organization as the May C. Randazzo
Outstanding Practitioner of the Year. In June, Niagara University
honored Ormsby with its Medal of Honor, recognizing his exceptional
service to the university.
Carpenter, a faculty member in the university’s history department since 1978, received his bachelor’s degree
from North Carolina State University and his master’s and doctoral degrees from Tulane University. During
his tenure at Niagara, he also coordinated the university’s freshman writing program. In 1996, Carpenter
was honored with the Excellence in Teaching Award, a recognition given annually to the outstanding teacher
at Niagara as voted by a committee of faculty members and students. At that time he described his philosophy
of teaching as based on the premise that the one who does the thinking does the learning. This insight, he said,
“changed everything” for him, adding that what matters in the classroom “is not teaching but learning.”
ALEGRE RECEIVES AWARD — Mitchell Alegre,
coordinator for special projects in Niagara University’s
Office of Campus Activities, was awarded the New York
Leadership Educators Consortium’s Tom Matthews
Visionary Award in recognition of his outstanding service
to the field of leadership development and for continued
commitment to furthering the field of leadership education.
The award was presented at NYLEC’s annual conference
June 1 at the State University of New York at Cortland.
Alegre is the coordinator of the EAGLE (Experience and
Growth in Leadership Education) program and teaches
leadership courses in the College of Business Administration. The program was recognized by NYLEC
in 2008 with the Innovative Program Award. (See the summer 2008 Eagle magazine for a story on the
EAGLE program.)
Castellani Featured in National Magazine
The Castellani Art Museum’s recent exhibition, “Artistic and Functional: Aprons from the Karen Anderson
Collection” was featured in the July/August issue of Museum Magazine.
Museum is the official publication of the American Association of
Museums, the national organization representing more than 15,000
individual museum professionals and volunteers, 3,000 institutions,
and 300 corporate members. This is the first time the musem has been
recognized in this national magazine.
aroundtheridge
BRADLEY BARIE NAMED MCGOWAN SCHOLAR FOR 2009-10 —
Bradley J. Barie, a student in Niagara University’s College of Business Administration, has
been awarded the William G. McGowan Scholarship for the 2009-10 academic year.
A dean’s list student, Barie is an assistant in the college’s Financial Services Lab and a
member of the Collegiate Entrepreneurs Club. Barie also works in commercial transactions
services operations accounting at Citicorp Services Inc. in Amherst. The Olean native is
scheduled to graduate with a Bachelor of Science degree in finance in May 2010.
The McGowan Charitable Fund established the McGowan Scholars program to provide
selected colleges and universities with scholarships to help students who wish to pursue a
business education.
Brother Augustine’s Poetry Released on CD
A two-pack CD of much of the poetry of Brother
Augustine Towey, C.M., recorded by 23 wellknown Western New York theater and media
personalities, is now available through Niagara
University Theatre.
The poems, recorded live at a performance at
the Niagara University Leary Theatre on Feb. 23,
are culled from Towey’s recently published book
called “The Poem You Asked For.” Towey is
director emeritus of Niagara University Theatre
and an award-winning poet.
The double CD is available for $10, plus $3 for
postage and handling, by sending payment to
Margaret Lacki, Poetry CD, Niagara University
Theatre, Niagara University, N.Y. 14109 or by
calling 716-286-8480 during business hours.
The book may be ordered through www.amc
pub/towey.
RESETTING THE STAGE
— Work began in May on the
renovation of Niagara University’s
Leary Theatre. When the theater
reopens in May 2010, it will
include a new stage; spacious,
comfortable seating for 135
patrons; improved acoustics
and lighting; the availability
of assisted listening devices; and
air conditioning. A new lobby
and two-story atrium will also be
constructed, featuring an elevator
and direct access from parking.
Three Alumni Join Boards
Paul O’Leary, ’81
Anthony Borowicz, ’79, MBA’95
Daniel DiPofi, ’84
Paul E. O’Leary Jr. has been elected to a four-year term on the board of trustees of Niagara University.
An alumnus of the university, he is partner in the Buffalo office of Deloitte & Touche. He previously served
as chair of the university’s Board of Advisors.
Two other alumni have been named to four-year terms on the university’s Board of Advisors. They are
Anthony W. Borowicz, ’79, MBA’95, vice president of finance for Greatbatch Inc., Clarence, N.Y.; and
Daniel J. DiPofi, ’84, chief operating officer of the Buffalo Sabres.
Members of the Board of Advisors serve in an advisory capacity to the Rev. Joseph L. Levesque, C.M.,
president of the university.
DENNIS IS FEATURED SPEAKER AT CONFERENCE — Dr.
Cindy-Lee Dennis, associate professor at the Lawrence Bloomberg Faculty
of Nursing at the University of Toronto, was a featured speaker at a conference
on postpartum depression for health care providers on June 2. Dennis is
internationally renowned for her research experience on postpartum depression.
The conference, held at Niagara University, was co-sponsored by Mount
St. Mary’s Hospital and Health Center, The Mental Health Association
of Niagara County, Niagara Falls Memorial Medical Center, and Eastern
Niagara Health System.
The Campus Link
— A Newsletter
for Parents and
Families
Parents, keep informed about
what’s happening on campus
by signing up for the Campus
Link, an e-newsletter that is
delivered each month to your
e-mail inbox. To sign up, go
to www.niagara.edu/parents/
campuslink.htm.
eagle magazine 3
aroundtheridge
Praetzel Named
Interim Chairman
of the Buffalo
Niagara CVB
Dr. Gary Praetzel, dean of
Niagara University’s College
of Hospitality and Tourism
Management, has been
appointed interim chairman of
the Buffalo Niagara Convention
& Visitors Bureau. As part of
his new duties, he will serve on
the CVB’s search committee
for a permanent president and
CEO. Praetzel has been a CVB
board member since 2004.
HIGHLAND GREENFIELDS PROJECT
ESTABLISHED — Niagara University’s ReNU
Niagara Community Outreach Partnership Center
has received a $22,260 grant from the East Hill
Foundation to establish the Highland Community
Greenfields project, an initiative that will assist in
revitalizing the Highland Avenue community in
the City of Niagara Falls. A second grant of $7,080
from the Niagara Area Foundation will also help to
support this initiative.
In partnership with the Highland Community
Revitalization Committee Inc., Western New York
AmeriCorps, and Hands On Greater Buffalo, ReNU
Niagara COPC will oversee the development of a community vegetable garden, low-maintenance green
space, and an entryway to the Highland neighborhood. Niagara University students will help to organize
volunteers to build the garden, and children from the Niagara Falls School District’s Henry J. Kalfas Magnet
School will work with local churches and block clubs to plant the seeds and harvest the vegetables, which
will be transplanted into a designated lot near the school.
NU PARTNERS WITH HEART, LOVE AND SOUL
TO ASSIST COMMUNITY — Heart, Love and Soul
Inc. and Niagara University have signed a partnership
agreement to better aid those in the local community. The
agreement provides Niagara students and staff with opportunities for service learning and strengthens Heart, Love
and Soul now and for the future.
On hand for the signing were (l-r): Sister Mary McCarrick, OSF,
of Heart, Love and Soul; the Rev. Joseph L. Levesque, C.M.,
Niagara University president; Sister Barbara Pfohl, OSF,
executive director of Heart, Love and Soul; Sister Candice
Tucci, OSF, and Sister Dorothy Mueller, OSF, from the
Sisters of St. Francis at Stella Niagara.
Niagara’s Student-Faculty Research Featured in CUR Quarterly
Niagara University student/faculty research was
featured prominently in the summer 2009
issue of CUR Quarterly, the publication of
the Council on Undergraduate Research.
Students in Dr. Seneca Vaught’s classes in
modern civil rights and historical research
methods were pictured on the cover of the
publication, and his story on the policyoriented research they performed was
the subject of the issue’s Summer Focus
section. (See the fall 2008 Eagle for a
story on these research projects, which
examined housing discrimination in
the City of Niagara Falls.)
In addition, a research project
performed by Dr. Ronny Priefer and
chemistry major DiAndra Rudzinski
was also highlighted in that issue.
The project, which was supported by
4 eagle magazine
Niagara University’s Academic Center for Integrated
Sciences, examined how molecules behave in light
to better understand their stability.
“I am thrilled with the Council of Undergraduate
Research’s recognition of the research done by our
students and faculty,” said Dr. Nancy McGlen, dean
of the College of Arts and Sciences. “One of the
college’s goals is to provide our students with research
skills and the opportunity to do research under the
direction of a faculty member. Each year our students
present their research with faculty at Niagara’s
Undergraduate Research Conference and at regional
and national professional conferences. Our students
also frequently co-author publications with faculty.”
Niagara University is a member of the Council
on Undergraduate Research, whose mission is to
support and promote high-quality undergraduate
student-faculty collaborative research and scholarship.
aroundtheridge
Niagara’s Learning Environment Exceeds National Benchmarks
A nationwide study of effective educational practice
has once again found that Niagara University students
rate their institution higher than the national average
on five key measures of student engagement.
The 2009 report from the National Survey of
Student Engagement, which surveyed freshmen and
seniors at 643 four-year colleges and universities,
found that both groups of students ranked Niagara
above national benchmarks in areas including
academic challenge, active and collaborative learning,
student-faculty interaction, enriching educational
experiences, and supportive campus environment.
This instrument is considered to be one of the best
indicators of school performance on areas of student
engagement that are linked with student success.
The results for Niagara were based on 610
randomly selected students. The results for seniors
were statistically significant in all five areas, while
those for freshmen were statistically significant in
four. Niagara ranked particularly strong in those
areas that are closely linked to its mission and to
its commitment to active and integrative learning.
Both Niagara’s freshmen and seniors ranked the
university significantly higher than the national
average in areas that measured the extent to which
students collaborate with others in solving problems
or mastering difficult material; participate in community-based projects such as service learning; and
interact with faculty inside and outside the classroom
to discuss topics such as grades or assignments,
career plans, ideas from readings or class work, or
community or research projects.
In addition, both groups of students rated Niagara
significantly above average for providing a campus
environment that helps them to succeed academically
and socially and fosters quality relationships with
other students, faculty members, and administrative
personnel and offices. They also ranked Niagara
significantly above the norm for facilitating enriching
educational experiences such as opportunities for
students to interact with diverse groups of individuals,
use technology to enhance learning, and participate
in experiential education including internships,
community service, study abroad and senior
capstone courses.
Freshmen and seniors rated Niagara’s level of
academic challenge above the national average, with
the results for seniors being statistically significant.
This benchmark measures the extent to which colleges
and universities promote high levels of student
achievement by emphasizing the importance of
academic effort and setting high expectations for
student performance
“The NSSE survey is a major national benchmarking study of student engagement in higher
education. We are extremely proud that NU’s results
are not only above the norm for the nation on all
key benchmarks, but that they also are improving
year by year. It’s especially gratifying to see that
students appreciate the student-faculty interaction,
opportunities for community service, experiential
learning and other special aspects of their NU
education,” said Dr. Bonnie Rose, executive vice
president/vice president for academic affairs.
COLLEGE OF ARTS AND SCIENCES HONORS MEMBERS — Niagara University’s College
of Arts and Sciences recently honored members of its faculty with awards for excellence in teaching, service and
scholarship. Photo at top left: Dr. Christopher Stoj, assistant professor of biochemistry (left), was awarded the
college’s Excellence in Scholarship Award, and Dr. Timothy Ireland, professor of criminology and criminal justice
(right), was given the Excellence in Service Award. Photo at top right: Daniel Kaczmarek, an adjunct lecturer of
English (left), received the Excellence in Part-Time Teaching Award, and Dr. Jamie Pamela Pimlott (middle),
director of the prelaw program, was honored with the Excellence in Teaching Award.
Pictured with the honorees is Dr. Nancy McGlen, dean of the college.
NU Named to
Chronicle’s Honor
Roll of “Great
Colleges to
Work For”
Niagara University ranks as
one of the top 10 colleges and
universities to work for among
medium-size institutions in the
United States, according to a
survey released in July by The
Chronicle of Higher Education.
Niagara joins 39 colleges and
universities named to an Honor
Roll of “Great Colleges to Work
For” based on the number of
times it was listed in 26 individual recognition categories
examined in the nationwide
survey. The Honor Roll is a new
feature in the Chronicle’s survey,
which recognizes institutions
that have created exceptional
work environments.
Niagara was ranked prominently in 17 of the 26 categories,
including compensation and
benefits, confidence in senior
leadership, connection to
institution and pride, teaching
environment, and healthy
faculty-administration relations.
Niagara also participated in
the Chronicle’s 2008 survey of
colleges and universities, ranking
among the top five institutions
in 20 of 27 categories examined.
eagle magazine 5
aroundtheridge
Work Readiness Program for Individuals with Special
Needs Offered by College of Education
Jaclyn Rossi, a graduate student
in the College of Education,
helps Manuel Gutierrez describe
a photo that shows a job that
can be done in a workplace
setting. Later, Manuel and others
in his class shared what they
wrote with their classmates.
Niagara University’s College of Education
launched a new work readiness program
this summer for individuals with
developmental disabilities who are
eligible for employment opportunities.
The program, developed in partnership with Opportunities Unlimited of
Niagara, makes classroom and real-world
experiences, along with hands-on use of
computers and other technology, available
to individuals with developmental disabilities who are enrolled in prevocational and day programming at the agency.
College of Education students enrolled in programs
for individuals with special needs created curriculum
and taught Opportunities Unlimited individuals twice
a week for six weeks. These classes, which were
designed to facilitate transition into communitybased employment, covered topics including how to
present oneself professionally, communication, good
work habits, accepting supervision, literacy, using
technology, career exploration, and career development.
“These classes provide our students with a hands-on
opportunity to work with transitional adults capable
of moving into a workplace environment and bring
individuals from Opportunities Unlimited into a
university setting,” noted Patricia Wrobel, assistant
dean for external relations in the College of Education.
Participants also met with human resource and
career development professionals from Niagara
University, members of the business community,
and members of Opportunities Unlimited’s board
of directors to learn more about career exploration
and the skills employers are seeking.
Hospitality Students
Awarded Scholarships
Three students in Niagara University’s College of
Hospitality and Tourism Management received
scholarships during the spring semester.
Mary Gibson, a sophomore from Strykersville, N.Y,
is the recipient of the Louis N. Ventresca scholarMary Gibson Lauren Kenney Bethany Wood
ship from the New York State Hospitality and
Tourism Association’s Education Foundation, the highest honor the organization awards. She also received the
National Tour Association Scholarship from Tourism Cares, a nonprofit public charity that gives academic
scholarships annually to students pursuing travel, tourism and hospitality degrees at accredited colleges
and universities. Lauren Kenney and Bethany Wood, seniors in the college, were awarded the Joe Perdue
Scholarship for 2009 by The Club Foundation, a charitable organization for the private club industry.
6 eagle magazine
FATHER LEVESQUE
HONORED — The Rev.
Joseph L. Levesque, C.M.,
Niagara University president,
was conferred the degree of
Doctor of Humane Letters
during Christ the King
Seminary’s 2009 commencement ceremony in May.
Pictured with Father Levesque
(at podium) are (l-r) Dr.
Dennis Castillo, academic
dean at Christ the King Seminary, and the Rev. Peter Drilling, president-rector at Christ
the King Seminary.
In June, Father Levesque received the Chair Award from the Lower Niagara River Region
Chamber of Commerce. He is pictured above with Niagara alumnus John Ceretto, ’75,
MSEd’78, a Niagara County legislator, at the chamber’s gala.
aroundtheridge
College of Education Partnership with Niagara Falls
City School District Recognized by Congress
A partnership between Niagara University’s College of Education and the Niagara Falls
City School District was recognized recently in Washington, D.C., for two grants that
have produced gains in student achievement and the creation of higher-level math and
science courses at the high school level.
Niagara and the school district represented New York state on Capitol Hill during the
American Association for Teacher Education’s fifth annual “Day on the Hill” in June. The
visit highlighted their accomplishments through the Teacher Quality Enhancement Grant, a
five-year award funded by the U.S. Department of Education; and the three-year Math and
Science Partnership Grant, which is funded through New York state’s Department of Education.
Both grants have afforded opportunities for university faculty as well as in-service and
preservice teachers to participate in a continuum of professional development focused on
literacy in the core content areas, and on the integration of math and science through
inquiry-based learning. Over the last five years, 500 Niagara Falls school teachers have
been involved in the grants, which have produced a districtwide initiative to provide a comprehensive,
sustainable professional development model that includes having teacher leaders/content specialists in
every building. The College of Education has also created new programs to meet the needs in the field: a
new master’s degree in math, science and technology, and an advanced certificate of study for teacher leaders.
NIAGARA PARTICIPATES IN TOURISM CARES FOR
GETTYSBURG — Six students from the College of Hospitality and
Tourism Management joined more than 300 volunteers from across the
United States in the annual Tourism Cares for America project at Spangler
Farm in Gettysburg, Pa. The students removed brush and cleared debris off
Civil War-era buildings as part of a major restoration of the property. Sitting
on 80 acres in rural Pennsylvania, Spangler Farm was used as a field hospital
for thousands of wounded soldiers during the Battle of Gettysburg, and
also was the site where Confederate General Lewis Armistead died during
Pickett’s Charge. Today, the property is one of the only field hospitals kept
intact. Here, Courtney Farfaglia (left) and Julie Dorsey help to clear the yard
around the farm. Mary Gibson, Claire Hogan, Brie Reid and Lyn Gonlag
also participated in the event.
Educators and politicians got
together during the American
Association for Teacher
Education’s annual Day on
the Hill. Pictured left to
right are Dr. Jacob Easley II
of Mercy College; Camille
Joseph, legislative correspondent in the office of Senator
Kirsten Gillibrand (D–NY);
Dr. Debra Colley, dean of
Niagara University’s College
of Education; Dr. Lois Fisch
of Utica College; Patricia
Wrobel, assistant dean in
the College of Education;
and Kristin Conklin of Bank
Street College.
New Partnership Will Prepare Health Care
Professionals for Leadership
Niagara University and Catholic Health are teaming up
on two separate initiatives designed to prepare health
care professionals for advancement and leadership.
One, with Niagara’s department of nursing, will provide
a unique “RN to BSN” degree pathway for Catholic
Health’s registered nurses who want to advance their
careers. The other will provide internships for graduate
students in Niagara’s newly established MBA health
care administration concentration.
The Catholic Health Nurse Scholars initiative,
scheduled to begin in January 2010, will offer
qualified nurses employed by Catholic Health the
opportunity to earn a Niagara University Bachelor
of Science in Nursing degree in 30 months. Through
a unique arrangement with Catholic Health, the
university will offer some classes at the organization’s
education center in Cheektowaga with instructors
from its nursing department.
The Catholic Health – MBA partnership, which
begins in the fall semester, will enable Niagara’s
students to gain valuable work experience through
field placements and mentorship opportunities with
Catholic Health executives. The organization, which
worked closely with Niagara’s MBA director, Dr. Peggy
Choong, to develop the health care administration
concentration, will provide hands-on experience to
students through placements in a variety of health
care organizations. A unique aspect of this new
program is the opportunity for participants to join
volunteers on service trips to Jamaica. Students
will accompany John Davanzo, Catholic Health’s
senior vice president of regional development, each
January for approximately two weeks to assist U.S.
health care professionals as they work among the
poor in that country.
eagle magazine 7
eagle’seye
www.niagara.edu/mission
By Rev. John T. Maher, C.M.
University Chaplain
Director of Campus Ministry
8 eagle magazine
The Cult of Celebrity vs.Vocation of Virtue
The “cult of celebrity” is writ large in today’s society.
Whether it is the entertainment industry, professional sports, the business world, or “ordinary folks”
who are given the proverbial 15 minutes of fame,
celebrity is in, and “self-celebrity” is the new, next
thing to revel in. Twitter entices us, and YouTube
(motto: “Broadcast Yourself”) allows us to share the
most mundane and quirky moments of our lives with
the entire world. We run the gamut from “American
Idol” to the latest in “reality shows.” (My
favorite was a short-lived “God or the
Girl” which followed four young
men in their possible pursuit
of priesthood. Alas, the
church came up 0-4).
Wikipedia, a
student portal
for information,
defines the cult
of celebrity as “a
widespread interest
in arbitrarily famous
persons … public
fascination that leads
to a level of idolatry.
It often represents
perceived attitudes
towards a deliberate
apathy and dumbingdown in popular culture.”
We see examples of this phenomenon ranging from court appearances
and trials to over-the-top weddings and,
alas, funerals (which a Los Angeles local
news writer last July described as “a
variety show with a casket in tow.”)
Yet we “stay tuned” with
seemingly endless fascination. Columnist Ken
Connor noted, “We are
increasingly drawn to
digital or virtual venues
that allow us to escape
the humdrum realities of
everyday life in exchange
for a fantasy world to
titillate our senses. We
are losing the ability to
distinguish between the important and the inconsequential” (www.townhall.com, 7/5/09). Connor
asks the plaintive and often-avoided question:
Who’s to blame for this incessant succession of
circuses? Well, we have met the enemy and it is
us. He notes, “We, the American people, are left
holding the bag of responsibility. We choose what
media to consume and how to allocate our time
and attention.”
DePaul University professor Deena Weinstein, in
the insightful article “Celebrity Worship as Weak
Religion,” called it a “substitute for traditional faith
in a culture that denies the truth and demands of
faith … it allows us to worship the best, the worst,
the most banal of ourselves. Celebrities are disposable,
constantly elevated, cast down, and replaced. It is
not based on accomplishments, but on circumstances” (Word & World, 2003).
Where do we look for relief, direction and a new
focus? At Niagara University, every September gives
us the chance to celebrate not only a new freshman
class, but a special moment: the presentation of the
annual Vincentian Mission Award to an employee
whose attitude and performance best signify the
spirit of St. Vincent de Paul on campus, as chosen
by staff and faculty. Begun in 1991 by the late
Father Brian O’Connell, C.M., then president of
Niagara, this award is given at the fall Vincentian
Heritage Convocation. It is a powerful antidote to
the cult of celebrity, calling forth one who knows
and adheres to Niagara’s vocabulary of virtue: namely,
our five core values of spirituality, knowledge,
creativity, integrity, and compassion. The honoree
is one who puts into practice these core values in
the daily routine of campus life.
In reviewing past award winners, one sees a rich
representation of campus life: five faculty members,
seven administrators, two coaches, two support
staff, one academic dean, one campus minister, and
one Vincentian priest. Of the 19 previous winners,
we are fortunate to have 12 still here at Niagara,
doing what they are known to do best: serving the
university in the spirit of St. Vincent de Paul. For
these 19 (soon to be 20) people, it is not about
instant recognition or affirmation, but putting into
practice the vocation of virtue. And we are all the
better because of their efforts and example. As they
lead, so shall we at Niagara hope to follow.
niagaranotables
Suzanne Simon Dietz, MS’90
“How did the Americans treat the German prisoners of war in Europe at the end of WWII?”
This simple question was the starting point for a project that became a spiritual journey for Suzanne Simon Dietz, MS’90, a journey that started
one spring day decades ago on the Niagara University campus and ended just last year with the publication of her book, “Honor Thy Fathers
& Mothers: Niagara Frontier’s Legacy of Patriotism and Survival.”
It was May 6, 1970, and students at Niagara University had erected barricades at the campus entrances to protest against the Vietnam War. Dietz,
a freshman at that time, had received a ride to campus from her father, John, a veteran of WWII who had attended Niagara on the GI Bill. Upon seeing
the students, John told them to get out of the way and then proceeded to drive through the group when they refused to move. That evening, for the first
time, John talked to his daughter about his war experiences. He told her about the atrocities of the Holocaust,
about being part of the unit that liberated one of the concentration camps, and about seeing the twostory piles of bodies inside the camp.
The conversation instilled a longing to learn more about her father’s military service, one that
was further kindled by the book “Good Soldier” by Richard P. Matthews. The book details
the history of the 353rd Infantry Regiment, with which her father had served. Dietz was
surprised to learn that her father’s unit was the one that liberated Ohrdruf, a subcamp
of the Buchenwald concentration camp. “I realized then that he wasn’t only part of the
liberating troops, he was one of the first,” she says.
About that same time, while doing research for a book on the Town of Lewiston,
Dietz was given a photo of German POWs from Fort Niagara who had worked at
a local farm. Although she had been told that only German soldiers were at the
fort, the photo showed men who looked to be of Asian ethnicity. Her curiosity
about the men in the photo and her desire to honor her father led to the book,
a two-year project of collecting stories and researching events. And as she worked
on the book, she became aware of the role Niagara University, and its people,
had in the war.
Her research led to conversations with veterans like John Jircitano, ’42,
who shared his experience of being a B-24 pilot on what was supposed to be
his last mission. Instead, he was shot down by German soldiers and taken
as a prisoner of war. He recalled his days in the camp and his liberation
after nine months as a POW. She spoke with Edward Feigenbaum I, ’48,
who served with the Third Ranger Battalion, and with Frank Nicolette,
’53, MSEd’72, who was part of the Supreme Headquarters Allied
Expeditionary Force when Gen. Dwight D. Eisenhower was in
command of the organization. She learned about Lt. Col. William
Hunt, an assistant professor of military science and tactics at
Niagara from 1941-42, who worked with the War Crimes
Commission in Germany, and whose Youngstown house Dietz’s
parents purchased in the mid-1960s; and heard stories that
connected Niagara County’s Fort Niagara and Bell Aerospace
with Russian labor camps and concentration camps in
Poland. She notes that an underlying thread tying these
stories together was Niagara University. “I thought it
was interesting that all these connections led back to
Niagara,” she says.
In all, the book contains more than 75 stories, and
copious endnotes provide additional information
for people who want to learn even more about the
Niagara Frontier’s legacy of patriotism and survival.
Dietz says that these stories offer a different
perspective of the war than normally presented in
books about this time in history and hopes that
they give readers “a greater awareness of the
incredible people our parents were.”
– Lisa McMahon
Editor’s Note: Dietz is working on her next
book, “Honor Thy Brothers,” which will detail
accounts from the Korean and Vietnam Wars.
purpleeaglepride
www.purpleeagles.com
McCoy Named
Baseball Head
Coach
Mihalich Will Continue to “Live the Dream”
Rob McCoy can go about his
business this offseason knowing
he has job security. McCoy’s
interim title was changed in
June when he was named head
coach of the Purple Eagles
baseball team. He had served
as interim head coach for the
2009 season, leading the Purple
Eagles to a 14-10 conference
record and a tie for fourth place
in the MAAC. McCoy guided
the Purple Eagles to their best
conference mark since 2006.
Niagara finished the season
ranked fourth in the conference
in batting average and earnedrun average in MAAC contests.
McCoy served as the assistant
coach from 2006-08, working
closely with the team’s hitters
and infielders. In 2008, under
his guidance, the Purple Eagles
ranked fourth in the MAAC in
batting and fielding. In addition
to his work with the offense,
McCoy helped the Purple
Eagles sign a nationally diverse
recruiting class made up of
players from California, British
Columbia, Saskatchewan,
Virginia, Ohio, and New York.
10 eagle magazine
Men’s basketball head coach Joe Mihalich will
continue to patrol the sidelines of the Gallagher
Center thanks to a contract extension that was
reached in July.
“Our investment in the men’s basketball program
is centered around our investment in coach Mihalich,”
said Ed McLaughlin, Niagara director of athletics.
“He is an ambassador for the university, a mentor
for all of our student-athletes, and an elite-level
head coach. What he did last year and has been
able to do with our program throughout his
career is amazing and we want it to continue
for a long time.”
Last season, Mihalich’s 11th on the bench, was
one of the most successful campaigns in Niagara
history. The Purple Eagles won 26 games, the most
victories since the 1921-22 season. Mihalich guided
the team to the MAAC Championship for the fifth
time in eight years, reaching the 200th win plateau
along the way. Niagara also participated in a postseason tournament for the fourth time in the last six
years, hosting an NIT game in the Gallagher Center
for the first time in program history.
“I am so thankful for all that Niagara University
has done and is doing for me and my family,”
Mihalich said. “I have said many times that I am
living the dream. To be doing what you love at a
place that you love is truly that: living the dream!
I am a privileged guy and I am very appreciative.”
The two-time MAAC Coach of the Year has led
the Purple Eagles to a pair of NCAA Tournaments
and two NIT berths, and won two MAAC titles and
three MAAC regular
season crowns. He
has coached three
MAAC Players
of the Year,
29 All-MAAC
performers,
including 10
First-Team AllMAAC honorees,
and two MAAC
Tournament
MVPs. Mihalich’s
205 victories rank
second all-time at
Niagara, and he is one
of just six active coaches
with 200 wins and
a .600 winning
percentage while
coaching just
one school.
Two Purple Eagles Named to ESPN The Magazine/CoSIDA
Academic All-America Team
Women’s tennis player Vanja Lakic and men’s
hockey forward Vince Rocco were named to the AtLarge Second Team ESPN The Magazine/CoSIDA
Academic All-America Team in May, as selected
by College Sports Information Directors of America
members. In addition, both were recognized for
their academic achievements with Niagara University’s
Scholar-Athlete Award, given
to the top graduating senior
student-athlete(s).
Lakic, of Waterloo, Ont.,
helped the Purple Eagle women’s
tennis team earn the regular
season MAAC title while posting
an undefeated singles conference
record as a senior. As a junior,
Lakic was 6-1 in MAAC singles
action. She graduated in May
with a 3.91 grade point average
in finance.
Vanja Lakic
Rocco, of Woodbridge, Ont., graduated in May
with a degree in business and a 4.14 GPA. He
earned 2009 CHA Student-Athlete of the Year while
claiming First-Team All-College Hockey America
honors for the second straight season. The forward
was the 11th NU men’s hockey player to join the
100-point
club, which
he did on
Jan. 3, 2009,
with a goal
against Sacred
Heart. He
finished his
illustrious
career with
120 points,
which ranks
ninth all time
at Niagara.
Vince Rocco
purpleeaglepride
www.purpleeagles.com
Look Out, Ol’ Mac Is Back!
Sit down for a
few minutes with
Chris MacKenzie
and you can tell
he is inherently
Niagara. Words
like ethics, honesty
and integrity are
frequently used in
conversation. Those morals will serve MacKenzie
well as he takes on the task of coaching Niagara’s
women’s hockey team. The 34-year-old was tabbed
as the new bench boss this past May, replacing
Margot Page.
MacKenzie is no stranger to NU. He was a member
of the inaugural Purple Eagles men’s hockey team
in 1996. During his years as a student-athlete on
Monteagle Ridge, he became a strong proponent of
Niagara’s core values. He fondly remembers how
those values were instilled in him during the New
Student Convocation 13 years ago. “Father (Paul)
Golden (Niagara’s 24th president) said to make
sure that you always show compassion for others,”
MacKenzie recalls. “I bought into that because it is
the way you want to do things.”
The Niagara Falls, Ont., native is relishing the
opportunity to impart what he has learned as a
student, player and coach onto his new team. “I am
never going to ask something of my team that I wasn’t
willing to do as a player at Niagara,” he says, adding
that his staff must set the example for the team.
At Niagara, MacKenzie played four seasons as one
of the most successful Purple Eagle defenders. He
currently holds seven records for the men’s hockey
team, including most goals, assists and points in a
career and a season by a defenseman.
After earning his degree in commerce with a concentration in human resource management from
Niagara in 2000, he entered the professional hockey
ranks as a player for JYP Jyvaskyla in the Finnish
Elite League. He played for only one season in Finland
before being offered his first coaching opportunity
back in the United States, as assistant coach for former
Niagara men’s hockey coach Blaise McDonald at
UMass-Lowell. MacKenzie assisted in all facets of
practices and games, as well as scouting and recruiting.
He also oversaw the team’s community service
initiatives and served as the academic coordinator,
helping UML earn a record 17 All-Academic AllConference selections in 2005.
As a coach, one of MacKenzie’s essential tasks is
getting players to understand that he has their best
interests in mind. “I think it is important that they
know I care about them and their future after hockey,”
MacKenzie says. “I will always keep them safe and
have their well-being as a priority.”
MacKenzie also stresses that his players should
understand the real reason they are at Niagara: to get
an education. “They have a wonderful opportunity to
not only get a first-class education, but play a Division I
sport,” he says. “There are not a lot of players that get
to that level, especially in women’s hockey.”
With a new coach and seven new recruits,
Niagara’s program will have a fresh start. MacKenzie
expects even the seasoned players to compete for ice
time and that he will make “healthy scratches out of
the lineup” to “hopefully raise us to a higher level.”
MacKenzie says fans can expect an up-tempo,
simple game when they come to the Dwyer Arena.
“It’s hockey and I want the team to be accountable
defensively and creative offensively,” he says.
Even with the changes behind the bench and new
recruits on the ice, Niagara’s new coach feels the
College Hockey America title is up for grabs. That
optimism is sure to make the players and Dwyer
Arena faithful excited for the upcoming campaign.
— Jason Mollica
College Hockey
America Tourney
Returns to
Dwyer Arena
For the second time in three
years, Niagara University will
host the men’s College Hockey
America Tournament. The
four-team, single elimination
tournament will take place on
March 12 and 13, 2010.
“We are thrilled to have the
CHA Tournament back at Dwyer
Arena,” said Niagara director
of athletics and CHA commissioner Ed McLaughlin. “We are
honored to host what will be the
final CHA Tournament and to
provide student-athletes throughout the conference with the
best championship experience
possible. Hosting this tournament gives college hockey fans
throughout Western New York
the chance to visit our campus
and witness the best family value
in the area.”
One of the premier hockey
facilities in Western New York,
Dwyer Arena has hosted the
2004 women’s CHA Tournament, the 2008 men’s and
women’s CHA tournaments,
and will welcome the 2010-11
International Ice Hockey
Federation World Junior
Championships.
Annual Kist Classic Breaks Record
Nearly $20,000 was raised for the Purple Eagles’ athletic teams at the annual
Niagara Alumni and Athletics Ray Kist Golf Classic on June 8, the most ever in its
12-year history. This year’s event also attracted one of its biggest turn-outs, with 128
golfers participating.
Sal Manente, ’87; Bob Gadawski, ’90; Mike Skowronski; and Joe Randazzo, ’58,
were declared the 2009 champions of the event after a tie-breaker against Frank
Fiannaca, ’85; Mark Gabriele, ’84; Matt Jacob, ’84; and Dave Salanger, ’83. Both
foursomes recorded an 18-hole score of 55.
The tournament honors Ray Kist (1948-95), Niagara’s head athletic trainer for
16 years. In 1993, Kist was inducted into the Niagara Athletics Hall of Fame in
recognition of his caring service to Niagara’s student-athletes. The Johnstown, Pa.,
native battled Lou Gehrig’s disease until the illness claimed his life at the age of 46
on Jan. 31, 1995.
(L-r) Three of the winning foursome are pictured with
Dr. Greg Hudecki, ’68, president of Niagara University’s
Alumni Association (second from left). Sal Manente, ’87; Joe
Randazzo, ’58; and Bob Gadawski, ’90.
eagle magazine 11
advancingnu
www.niagara.edu/advancement
www.niagara.edu/promise
The President’s
Report Is
Going Green!
To support Niagara University’s
environmental stewardship
efforts and facilitate a more
timely reporting of gifts, the
2008-09 President’s Report will
be available online only. Visit
the institutional advancement
Web site at www.niagara.edu/
advancement/ this fall to view
the report.
Ernst & Young Matches Gift of Firm’s NU Alumni
Niagara University has received a gift of $9,475 from Ernst & Young LLP as part of the firm’s
matching gifts program. The contribution brings the total amount contributed to NU by the firm
and its staff members to $18,950 this year.
“We are grateful to Ernst & Young and our alumni for taking this initiative,” said Donald P.
Bielecki, NU’s vice president for institutional advancement. “We hope it will be a model for our
graduates in other firms that have matching gift programs.”
Andrew L. Neyman, senior manager in the Buffalo office of Ernst & Young, helped coordinate
the fundraising effort and made the presentation to NU.
The NU Phonathon Is Back
It’s that time of year again when your phones will
be ringing and Niagara University students will
be on the other end, asking you to give back to
the university through a donation to the Niagara
Fund. This is important work, so before you hang
up that phone, consider this.
Gifts to the Niagara Fund are used to bridge
the gap between tuition revenue and the actual
cost associated with a Niagara education. Tuition
covers only 75 percent of the cost of one year of
school. The remaining 25 percent must come from
additional gifts from donors like you! Believe it
or not, donors supported your education during
your time at Niagara; why not give back to help
current and future students?
This year, in order to limit the number of mailings
we send out, we have extended the Phonathon
to four weeks. This added time will enable us to
reach out to all alumni, family and friends of
Niagara University. Our student callers want to
talk about the university with you, tell you their
stories, and hear yours. Don’t think you have the
time to talk or give a gift over the phone? No need
to worry because making a gift over the phone
is a simple process and can be completed in a
matter of minutes!
So this fall when you pick up the phone and
hear Niagara University on the other end, we ask
that you think about the difference you could
make in the lives of our students. A gift to Niagara
University perpetuates Niagara’s tradition of
academic excellence, giving our students the
strong foundation to become leaders. Any gift
amount makes a difference. Please consider making
a gift to the Niagara Fund to help us reach our
goal of $500,000
during this
Phonathon!
We look
forward to
talking with
you soon!
NU
Phonathon
12 eagle magazine
By Jean Spence and Lisa McMahon
Since its founding in 1856, members of the Vincentian Community have called Niagara University home. From the Most Rev. John Timon, C.M., and the
Rev. John J. Lynch, C.M., the first Vincentians to live on Monteagle Ridge, to the current priests and brothers, the list of residents is long and impressive,
including those who would become bishops, presidents of universities, and provincial superiors. While serving in a variety of roles on campus, they have
exemplified the charity of St. Vincent de Paul and set an example for our students to follow. Niagara’s Vincentian community today includes the following men.
The Rev. Joseph L. Levesque, C.M.
Role on Campus: President
Levesque began his career at Niagara University in 1970 as a lecturer in the religious studies
department. After completing his doctoral studies, Levesque returned to Niagara in 1974
where he spent the next 14 years as professor of religious studies, residence director, dean
of the College of Arts and Sciences, and director of the graduate division of Arts and
Sciences. In March of 2000, he was inaugurated as Niagara’s 25th president.
Before Niagara: Ordained to the priesthood in 1967, Levesque spent his first few
years of vocation at St. John’s Preparatory School in Brooklyn and St. Joseph’s
College in Princeton, where he was an instructor of religious studies. In 1986, he was
named president and superior of St. Joseph’s College. He was chosen as provincial
consultor in 1989 and named provincial of the Eastern Province of the Vincentian
Community in 1990. From 1995-97, Levesque served as president of the Conference
of Major Superiors of Men, a leadership organization serving all male religious in the
United States. In that role, he gained a national presence, working with the bishops of
the church and with church authorities in Rome.
Vincentian Inspiration: The example of the Maryknoll major seminarians who provided
religious education to the students in his hometown of North Tarrytown, N.Y. He went on
to study Latin with the Benedictines for one year at Benet Latin School in Hingham, Mass.,
and then applied for entrance to the Vincentians.
The Rev. Joseph G. Hubbert, C.M., ’73
Role on Campus: Vincentian Religious Superior
Associate Professor of Religious Studies
Hubbert returned to Niagara in 1993 after having taught in the religious studies department as
a newly ordained priest from 1977-80. In addition to his teaching responsibilities, Hubbert
serves as moderator for a number of campus organizations and activities, including Family
Weekend, the men’s hockey club, and the softball and basketball teams. He is also a member of
the university’s Hearing Committee.
Before Niagara: Ordained in 1977, Hubbert had teaching assignments at Mary Immaculate
Seminary and the Philadelphia Theological Seminary of St. Charles Borromeo in Overbrook, Pa.
From 1988-92, he served as assistant superior at Mary Immaculate Seminary.
Vincentian Inspiration: Several family members who chose religious lives, including three
aunts and his uncle, Father Joseph Aloysius Hubbert, who was a Vincentian priest and taught at Niagara. Hubbert also spent summers
during his teenage years at a Vincentian vocation workshop in Princeton, N.J., and received his high school education from the Vincentian
Minor Seminary, St. Joseph’s High School and College, in Princeton, N.J., where he encountered many role models.
eagle magazine 13
The Rev. Bruce J. Krause, C.M.
Role on Campus: Campus Minister
Krause joined the campus ministry staff in September of 2008 and also works on Niagara
University’s mission.
Before Niagara: After his ordination in 1982, Krause served for many years in parish ministry,
including assignments in Germantown, Pa., and in several parishes throughout east central
Alabama. During his last parish assignment, he began working with Latino families in the area. He
was associate director of the Vincentian Renewal Center in Princeton, N.J., and the spiritual adviser
for the Eastern Region of the St. Vincent de Paul Society. He also taught courses in theology at St.
John’s University and the College of St. Elizabeth in Morristown, N.J., and served as a part-time
hospital chaplain, president of the Auburn Ministerial Association, and team member for various
youth and adult retreats at parish and diocesan levels.
Vincentian Inspiration: The zeal and enthusiasm of the Vincentian priests and Tritarian sisters
whom Krause knew from his childhood parish, Holy Family Church, in Lannett, Ala., and from
those staffing the parish and campus ministry near his alma mater, Auburn University.
The Rev. Stephen J. Denig, C.M., ’71
Role on Campus: Associate Professor of Education
Denig returned to Niagara University in 2002, 31 years after graduating. In addition to his teaching
responsibilities, he also serves the campus community as alumni chaplain; as a member of the
University Senate, the Advanced Research Committee, the Senate Academic Integrity Committee;
and as chair of the Senate Curriculum Committee.
Before Niagara: Denig was ordained to the priesthood in 1975. Prior to returning to his alma mater,
he served at St. John’s University in Jamaica, N.Y., as assistant professor and assistant dean. He was
also an instructor of educational administration at Rutgers University, headmaster at St. Joseph’s
Preparatory School in Princeton, and taught at Archbishop Wood High School for Boys in Warminster,
Pa. An expert in the field of education, Denig has had numerous published articles and has made
presentations at international and national conferences.
Vincentian Inspiration: His father’s devotion to the Miraculous Medal. (St. Catherine Laboure, a member of the Daughters of Charity, had
a series of five apparitions of the Blessed Virgin Mary. The design for the Miraculous Medal resulted from those apparitions.) The priests
at Denig’s New York City parish, where he served as an altar boy, inspired his vocation to be a priest.
Brother Martin Schneider, C.M.
Role on Campus: Administrative Assistant in the Department of Theater and Fine Arts
Coordinator of Graduate and Undergraduate Commencements
Senior Lecturer in the Department of Communication Studies
Schneider was assigned to Niagara in September of 1972. He first worked in the College of Nursing in
Dunleavy Hall, where he coordinated the audio-visual department and independent study center. In 1976, he
left the college to take on an administrative role in the theater department. He was an adjunct professor in the
English department, teaching freshman English from 1980-90, and lived in O’Shea Hall as a resource person
for much of that time. From 1990-95, Schneider served as director of student activities. He moved to Florida
in 1996 to care for his parents, returning to Monteagle Ridge to organize convocations and commencements.
Schneider came back to live at Niagara in 2001 and was reassigned to the theater department. Among his
duties is coordinating the theater’s repertory company, a children’s story theater troupe that is well-known in
the Western New York area. He also teaches in the communication studies department.
Before Niagara: Schneider took his first vows in 1964 and was assigned to the Seminary of Our Lady of Angels, an interdiocesan major
seminary run by the Vincentians in Albany, N.Y., where he served as assistant librarian and organized the audio-visual aids. He also taught
religion classes at Our Lady of Mercy School in Colonie, N.Y. He took his final vows in 1967.
Vincentian Inspiration: The Vincentians at St. John’s Prep in Brooklyn. His initial interest in religious life was because of the example of
a neighbor’s brother, who was a religious brother.
14 eagle magazine
Brother Augustine Towey, C.M.
Role on Campus: Director Emeritus of Niagara University Theater
Adjunct Professor of Theater and Fine Arts
Niagara University Theatre is synonymous with Towey, who has taught and
directed Niagara students since 1964. He founded the university theater
program in 1975 and established the bachelor of fine arts degree, which
received New York state certification in 1988. He was named director
emeritus upon his retirement in 2005. He continues to direct productions.
Before Niagara: A published poet and playwright, Towey began writing
plays at the age of 17. (He still does. He is the author of seven volumes of
poetry, including his “The Poem You Asked For: The Collected Poems of
Brother Augustine Towey,” and 12 plays, including his treatment of the life of
St. Vincent de Paul, “Vincent in Heaven.” A two-pack CD of much of his poetry is
now available; see page 3 for more information.) Towey entered the Brothers Novitiate
at St. Vincent’s Seminary in Germantown, Pa. He was received into the Vincentian Community
in April 1962 and was missioned to Niagara University, where he has remained ever since.
Vincentian Inspiration: The influence of the Vincentians he met at St. John’s University while working toward his master’s degree.
Although he had a strong desire to enter the religious life since his high school days, he did not pursue this interest until he was 24 years
old, when he entered the seminary to become a brother in October of 1961.
The Rev. John T. Maher, C.M., ’76
Role on Campus: University Chaplain
Director of Campus Ministry
Maher has had a variety of assignments at the university, including director of student activities
from 1986-89 and vice president for student life from 1989-93. He served a seven-year term as
a member of the Niagara University Board of Trustees from 1998-05. He returned to Niagara in
2005 as a member of the campus ministry staff. He currently serves as director of campus
ministry as well as university chaplain.
Before Niagara: Maher was ordained in 1981 and was assigned to Archbishop Wood High
School in Warminister, Pa., to teach religious studies. He also moderated several of the school’s
athletic teams and organizations. After leaving NU in 1993, he studied at the University of
Pennsylvania, earning master’s degrees in social work and liberal arts. He was stationed at St.
Vincent’s Parish in Philadelphia and also served in Catholic Charities for the Archdiocese of Philadelphia, where he spent three years
developing and implementing a pastoral plan for persons living with HIV/AIDS and their caregivers within the five-county archdiocese.
Following that assignment, he was transferred to St. John’s University where he oversaw the design and construction of the first campus
residences for students in the 130-year history of SJU. He also did seminary formation work with the Vincentians while at St. John’s,
serving as the director of field education.
In 2000, Maher became vocation director for the Vincentian Eastern Province, charged with designing a five-year strategic plan for
recruiting new members of the community. He also found time to successfully pursue a certificate program in spiritual direction.
Vincentian Inspiration: The warmth and goodness of the Niagara University Vincentians. He was especially moved by the support he
received when his father became ill during his senior year, and has said that Niagara was a defining moment in his life because of the
relationships he developed here.
In August, Niagara University welcomes another Vincentian, the Rev. Thomas F. McKenna, who will assist in Niagara’s efforts
to become ever stronger in living and promoting its Catholic and Vincentian mission on campus and in the community.
McKenna, formerly provincial superior of the Eastern Province of the Congregation of the Mission, served as vice chair of
the university’s board of trustees for nine years and is now trustee emeritus.
eagle magazine 15
Brian McDonald (French Bearn
Regiment) demonstrates how
musical notes conveyed orders
on the battlefield.
EE
ighty teachers returning to their
classrooms this fall will have an
exciting story to tell about “what
I did on my summer vacation.”
The teachers came to Niagara
University this July from across the
country for an intensive week of study
that included firing a musket, staying
overnight in a haunted “castle” and
learning to play bittle-battle. More
importantly, they also worked with
noted scholars — experts in American
and Native American history — and
developed lesson plans to be used by
themselves and others.
Niagara partnered with nearby Old Fort
Niagara to present two weeklong sessions
of an NEH Landmarks of American
History and Culture Summer Workshop
for School Teachers, “Crossroads of
Empire: Cultural Contact and Imperial
Rivalry at Old Fort Niagara.” This is the
second time Dr. Thomas A. Chambers,
associate professor of history and director
of Niagara’s master’s program in interdis16 eagle magazine
By Susan Mikula Campbell
ciplinary studies, has held the Crossroads
workshop. He held a similar program
in 2006.
“I needed three years to recover,” he
said, only partly joking.
About 175 teachers applied for the 80
available spots, each having to submit
an application essay and a recommendation from their principal. Arrangements
had to be made for visiting faculty.
In the end, participants came from 23
different states as distant as Florida,
Texas and California. Among the many
experts who shared their knowledge was
Pulitzer Prize-winning historian Alan
Taylor of the University of CaliforniaDavis, author of “The Divided Ground.”
Crossroads investigated the interaction between Europeans and Native
Americans in the struggle to control
North America, both during the
Colonial era and the early years of
American independence. The teachers
studied early French contact with the
Iroquois Great League of Peace, warfare
between France and Great Britain with
the Iroquois caught in the middle,
patriot struggles against loyalists and
Indians during the American Revolution,
and key battles fought at Fort Niagara
during the War of 1812. They not
only attended on-campus lectures
and tapped into Niagara’s resources,
but spent time at the old fort, located
at the junction of the Niagara River
and Lake Ontario, nearly every day,
touring its grounds and six 18th
century buildings, learning about its
archeology digs, and even staying
overnight in the French Castle, a
stone fortification built in 1726 for
trade with the Senecas.
“A program like the Crossroads
program is very useful in helping
educators understand the resources
available through historic sites like Fort
Niagara and how those resources can
help them bring history to life in their
classrooms,” said Jerome P. Brubaker,
fort assistant director.
The overnight at the fort was a special hit with the teachers. With the help of
fort interpretive staff, they learned to play bittle-battle, a cross between cricket and
baseball involving two benches as bases, a flat bat and a ball. They watched Brian
McDonald (French Bearn Regiment) shoot a “ridiculously inaccurate” smooth bore
musket and had the opportunity to try it themselves the next day. They listened,
took photos and asked questions as Ian Stout (British mid-century Indian affairs
agent) described and passed around for close-up inspection the material goods,
from uniforms to powder horns used by soldiers of the mid-1700s. Then before
turning in for the night, they took a candlelight tour of the castle that included
the tale of its haunted well.
1. Brian McDonald shoots a smooth bore musket.
2. Three Crossroads participants try unsuccessfully to strike
a spark the old-fashioned way at Old Fort Niagara.
3. The teachers learned to walk in formation while
carrying “muskets.”
1
2
3
Jennifer Lorenzo of Stony Point, N.Y.,
and Kim General of Toms River, N.J.,
both U.S. history teachers, said Crossroads
was “fantastic” and “one of the best so far”
among NEH workshops attended. They
enjoyed not only having field experience at
the fort where history actually happened,
but as Lorenzo pointed out, “We get to
be with other people who have a similar
interest in history.”
The workshop focused not only on
European actions in North America, but
the role of Native Americans. Their
history has only been in the forefront
of early American history training for
teachers for about 20 years, Chambers
said. For instance, the Senecas were key
players in the fall of Fort Niagara during
the French and Indian War, helping the
British cross what is now New York state
without the French hearing about it.
“Many of the teachers told me they
never got this history, never had that
equal treatment,” Chambers said, adding
that even the younger teachers “didn’t
get the depth we offered.”
As part of the Crossroads workshop,
the teachers collaborated on developing
lesson plans and curriculum guides, which
Chambers plans to make available to all
interested teachers on the university’s
Web site by the end of August.
“We were lucky we had an incredibly
rich pool of folks,” Chambers said. “I was
impressed by the quality of the teachers.
I walked away from the seminar with
renewed faith in our school teachers.”
Crossroads won’t be the only collaboration between Niagara and the fort
this year. Chambers is helping coordinate a conference in October involving
the university, Old Fort Niagara and
Brock University in Canada that will
look at the Seven Years War (1754-1763)
from a global perspective and is expected
to draw participants from as far away as
Russia, Great Britain and even Africa.
eagle magazine 17
College of Education
Making a Difference
in Canada
By Jason Mollica
H
enry Ford once said, “If everyone
is moving forward together, then
success takes care of itself.” Ford
may have been speaking about his
motor company’s early triumphs, but his
words could also be used in reference to
the rise of Niagara University’s Bachelor
of Professional Studies program in
Ontario, Canada.
Under the stewardship of Tom Donovan,
Niagara’s director of Ontario programs, and
Dr. Debra Colley, dean of Niagara’s College of
Education, the BPS program has steadily
grown since it received ministerial consent in
August of 2006. There are many factors for
the early triumphs in Ontario, Donovan says.
“Niagara has had a tremendous reputation in
Ontario and a strong base of alumni,” he
notes. “There are over 4,000 alumni of
Niagara’s programs in teacher positions in
Ontario, so we have a very good network.”
Since the college’s first BPS commencement in 2008, 232 teacher candidates have
received degrees from Niagara University. In
June, the program was granted general
accreditation, with no conditions, for a
period of seven years.
“People saw the program as an opportunity to fulfill a dream to become a
teacher,” says Donovan. “There has now
been a resurgence of people (in Canada)
wanting to become teachers and a high
demand for programs as well.”
Expanding on Current Offerings
The BPS program isn’t Niagara’s first foray
north of the border. Niagara has held
ministerial consent in Ontario to offer
master of science in education programs in
administration and supervision and in
counseling since 1984, and currently offers
the administration and supervision program
in Toronto.
“We wanted to bring the essence of our
Vincentian mission and quality in the
preparation of teachers to the new
partnership sites,” says Colley.
The process to launch the BPS program
involved a number of existing faculty who
understood the Ontario education system
and had been involved in the teacher
education program on campus, including Dr.
Vincent Rinaldo, who served as the program
coordinator. Retirements and teachers
leaving the profession had led to a shortage
of teachers at that time. The college’s vision
of creating opportunities for teachers was
facilitated during a meeting with the
directors of the Toronto Catholic and York
Catholic school boards to pursue sites where
the BPS program could be housed. Both
boards were integral in not only providing
schools that could support the operation and
conceptual framework, but that also gave a
genuine learning environment for both
faculty and teacher candidates.
The original accreditation was long and
extensive, according to Donovan, the former
director of education for the Toronto Catholic
District School Board. “Part of it was working
through the actual process, which had a lot
of steps involved,” he says, explaining that
the Canadian government, the Ministry of
Training Colleges and Universities, and the
Quality Assessment Board must review and
approve these kinds of programs.
The Ontario College of Teachers also must
approve any new program. Established in
1997, the college, which is governed by a
37-member council made up of both
educators and members of the public, allows
teachers to regulate and govern their own
profession in the public interest. Teachers
who want to work in publicly funded schools
in Ontario must be certified to teach in the
province and be members of the college.
The two-year accreditation process for
the BPS program wrapped up when
approval came in August of 2006. Niagara
also received the go-ahead to host both
bachelor’s and the master’s programs at the
York Catholic District School Board, the
Durham District School Board, the Toronto
Catholic School Board, the Halton Catholic
School Board, and Talpiot College.
Classes began in January of 2007 with
primary/junior and intermediate/senior
teacher-preparation programs. (Education
divisions in Canadian schools differ from
those in the United States. Primary is
Niagara University held its second BPS commencement in Ontario on Jan. 28, 2009. On hand were Lou
Piovesan, general secretary for the Ontario
Conference of Catholic Bishops; Michael “Pinball”
Clemons, chief executive officer of the Toronto
Argonauts, who delivered the commencement
address and received the university’s Founders
Award; Dr. Debra Colley, dean of the College of
Education; the Rev. Joseph L. Levesque, C.M.,
Niagara University president; Tom Donovan, Niagara
University’s director of Ontario programs; and Dr.
Bonnie Rose, executive vice president/vice president
for academic affairs.
kindergarten to grade three; junior is grade
four to six; intermediate is grade seven to
10; and senior is 11 and 12.) The BPS
program’s first class had one cohort of 23
students in the intermediate-senior and two
cohorts of 51 students in the primary-junior.
“The January start actually differentiated
us from other programs,” Donovan says,
noting that most of the programs begin
in September.
Once the first classes were under way,
the college held a number of information
sessions for students interested in
enrolling in the program. The response was
tremendous; for the fall 2008 incoming
class, more than 620 applications were
received. Forty-nine percent of applicants
were accepted through the program’s highly
competitive admissions process.
Those numbers for the second class in
the BPS reflected a significant jump;
intermediate/senior expanded from one to
two cohorts (23 students to 72), while
primary/junior increased from two to three
cohorts (51 students to 86).
Part of this increased interest is due to the
fact the program is flexible enough to attract
a wide array of individuals. “Niagara’s
program is accessible to mature students,
career changers, professionals, and
individuals currently working within a school
setting that would otherwise not have the
opportunity to pursue a teaching career,”
Colley says.
In the Field
One of the things the College of Education
emphasizes is the significant field experience
component that the BPS program has
compared to any other university in Ontario.
Candidates complete approximately 500
hours of classroom observation and teaching
experience by the time they graduate, and
required field knowledge is structured
throughout the program, which provides
students with continuing theory and practice.
The field experience hours are organized
in three terms. In the first, students complete
a minimum of 75 hours in a school setting,
where they provide classroom assistance,
tutor individuals or small groups, and
complete assignments tied to the field work.
This experience exposes the candidates
to a range of grade levels within their area
of concentration.
In the second term, candidates are
required to complete an additional 75 hours
in a teaching assistanceship, and in the
third, they are placed in two separate sevenweek teaching placements. This valuable
field work gives students exposure to each of
the divisions and experience in their chosen
two teachable subject areas. Teacher candidates must successfully complete the
practicum in order to complete the program,
receive their degree, and be recommended
to the Ontario College of Teachers for a
certificate of qualifications.
“This is what differentiates our program,”
Donovan emphasizes. “Consequently, our
candidates are held in high esteem by
principals and human resources departments when they go to hire.” Donovan adds
that school districts also recognize the rigor
of the Niagara curriculum.
Colley agrees and is thrilled with how the
program has handled the field component.
“Our graduates are well-prepared for the
classroom and well-placed to impact the
future of education in the province of
Ontario,” she says.
The program also exceeds the
recommendations in a 2006 Ontario College
of Teachers’ report on preparing teachers for
the future in a number of ways, including the
length of the program (15 calendar months
rather than the suggested 10) and the 33
credit-hour requirement for completion. In
addition, all candidates must complete at
least one course in special education
dedicated to educating students with special
needs in all-inclusive classrooms. An
elective course is also offered.
The Word Is Out
Niagara’s reputation for both its on-campus
and off-campus program offerings has
preceded itself in Ontario, according to
Donovan. “We have a high proportion of
students whose parents are educators,”
he says. This has proven to be an
unexpected benefit for current students
because Donovan is able to connect with
these individuals for assistance. For
example, Donovan had contacted a retired
director of education to find the best ways
to network and get candidates placed in
a district. “This director’s daughter went
to Niagara’s Lewiston campus and her
experience was fabulous,” he says.
Consequently, the retired director was happy
to assist Donovan.
The College of Education’s faculty has
also received kudos for running a thorough
program. Colley credits this to upholding
Niagara’s high standard for quality in
education. “Our faculty understands the
educational requirements of the Ontario
schools,” she says. “This shapes the work
that they do with teacher candidates —
teaching, advising, supervising, and
mentoring our future educators.
“There may be nothing more important
than the preparation of teachers,” Colley
continues. “It’s with this in mind that we
continuously work to ensure the highest
quality program.” The vision is to prepare
teachers who, in keeping with the mission of
Niagara University, bring a passion for
teaching and a dedication to the learning of
all students.
This preparation is helping BPS program
graduates find success in obtaining jobs. A
recent survey of graduates from the Class
of 2008 showed that nearly 91 percent
were employed six months after receiving
their degrees.
“The candidates are well-prepared and
carry themselves in a professional manner,”
Donovan says.
Niagara University is optimistic about
what lies ahead for the BPS program.
Student enrollment has increased again, so
next semester, there will be four primary
junior cohorts. The College of Education is
also applying to be a provider of additional
qualification courses that will improve both
teacher practices and student learning.
Tomorrow’s teachers and students
will be the benefactors.
The group at the rim of
the Grand Canyon.
Editor’s Note: Dick Adair, ’67, recently participated in The Leukemia and Lymphoma Society’s Team in Training ® hiking adventure to the Grand Canyon.
He has been a volunteer for the organization for more than 20 years and was named Volunteer of the Year in 2007. Here, he shares some of his experience:
My daughter, Heather, ’04, and I joined the local
Leukemia Society Team in Training earlier this year to
prepare for the canyon trek. (My son, John, ’97, was
unable to join us as planned due to work obligations.)
Our team began hiking selected peaks in the New York
Adirondacks in March. We bonded with the other Albany
chapter hikers and fell into a weekend routine of trail
exploration. By May we were in relatively good shape
for our challenge, both physically and financially (we
raised $12,000 for the cause).
Heather and I flew to Phoenix with mother/wife, Roz, ’67,
coming along for moral support. The next day, we drove
to the south rim of the Grand Canyon where we met the
other hikers for dinner and an inspirational meeting that
prepared us for the following day’s challenge.
Saturday, May 9, was the day of the hike. We awoke at
4 a.m. and hustled into the buses with other chapter
hikers from throughout the United States. Our trail guide
gave us some safety instructions and then we were on
our way down the Bright Angel Trail, each of us
carrying our required four liters of water.
20 eagle magazine
’6
Dick Adair,
The rim temperature was a pleasant 78 degrees when
we started our hike but rose as the day went on. We
descended through spectacular scenery, stopping at the
three-mile mark to replenish our water supply and rest
a bit before continuing down. By lunchtime we had
reached our farthest point and our highest temperature
reading — 90 degrees. After a light lunch and short rest,
we were on the way back up.
This leg of our journey was more difficult than the first.
We learned that it is better to not focus on the top
ridge because it never seems to get any closer, and our
legs began to ache as we ascended to the top. The trail
switchbacks seemed endless at first, but as we made
each turn, the terrain became more familiar. After
about two hours, we reached the top, smiling and posing
for photos. Our hike completed, it was time for some
much-deserved margaritas and a good cigar. It was a
successful venture all around to benefit The Leukemia
and Lymphoma Society and bond as a Niagara family.
7, with fello
Heather,
d daughter,
er Hinik an
th
ea
H
er
w hik
’04.
Dick takes a
short break
during his tr
ek.
inthespotlight
Stephen D. Gerling, ’64
Utica native Stephen D. Gerling never set foot on the
Niagara University campus until the start of the fall
semester in 1960, when he arrived to begin classes.
Though his arrival was essentially by happenstance,
he readily admits he could not have chosen a better
school. His collegiate experience, he says, is what
prepared him to meet the challenges that awaited
him as a U.S. Army officer in Vietnam and as a U.S.
Bankruptcy Court judge for the Northern District of
New York.
Since neither of his parents were college graduates,
there was no pressure on young Steve Gerling when
it came time to decide what college to attend. His
mother’s only expectation was that it would be
Catholic. Enter happenstance.
As a student at St. Francis de Sales grammar school
in Utica, Gerling played on an intramural basketball
team named for Niagara. “Thus, NU popped into my
head in attempting to follow my mother’s direction,”
he fondly recalls.
Majoring in history, Gerling studied under a wellrespected faculty that included Dr. Frank Mogavero,
Dr. Zenon Sahan and professor Daniel McGuire. “All
three made learning history very enjoyable,” he recalls.
His other major pursuit was ROTC, which meant
military service would be a part of his future. That
inevitability, however, was postponed when, upon
graduation in 1964, Gerling received a deferment to
attend law school at St. John’s University. Three years
later, with his juris doctor degree completed, the Army
second lieutenant reported for duty with the Armed
Forces Police Detachment at the Brooklyn Naval Yard.
The next year, he was in Vietnam.
Feb. 25, 1969, stands out in Gerling’s consciousness
as if it were yesterday. Prior to that fateful day, he had
been coordinating the work of armed propaganda
teams in the Mekong Delta. Their mission was to try
to convince Viet Cong soldiers and their sympathizers,
through psychological warfare tactics, to come over to
the side of the Vietnamese government. Approaching
the village of Xuan Dong in Dinh Tuong province on
the day in question, Gerling’s team was ambushed and
pinned down by enemy fire. After a brief firefight, the
enemy unit was routed. Gerling, who was by then a
captain, was awarded the Bronze Star for his actions
during the encounter.
Returning to Utica in 1969, Gerling began his
career as a lawyer, serving over the years as assistant
Oneida County attorney, special attorney for the
town of Whitestown and assistant counsel to the
speaker of the New York State Assembly.
Gerling’s entry into the field of bankruptcy law,
again, was a matter of happenstance, beginning when
the senior partner in his first law firm “volunteered”
him to serve as a bankruptcy trustee. Up to that
point, he had never handled a bankruptcy case. He
did, however, become quite accomplished in the
field, eventually gaining appointment to the U.S.
Bankruptcy Court bench in the Northern District of
New York in 1985. He became chief judge in 1994,
and served on the board of governors of the National
Conference of Bankruptcy Judges for three years.
He spent another five years as an adjunct professor
at Syracuse University’s College of Law.
While the jurisdiction, “Northern District of New
York,” may conjure up images of an outpost, and with
Albany and Syracuse as the only major cities, one
might get the impression that not much happens in
bankruptcy court. Gerling, however, says the cases he
handled over the years made for a most interesting
career. For example, he handled the bankruptcy of The
Hotel Syracuse — not once, but twice. Vernon Downs
racetrack and the Mohawk Valley Prowlers, a minor
league hockey team, were other bankruptcy cases he
heard. There was even a hospital mixed in with the
more mundane corporate and consumer cases. And
he presided over the Chapter 11 case of the Bennett
Funding Group, which was called the largest Ponzi
scheme in U.S. history, when it was filed in 1996.
Comparing that to recent cases involving Bernie
Madoff and others who have cheated investors,
Gerling says that most Ponzi schemes seem to start
out as legitimate business enterprises, not as criminal
activities. “Then at some point greed enters the
picture and the need to make more and more
money takes over,” he says.
Given his years of experience, Gerling is able to
offer bankruptcy advice that is both sound and
balanced. “Bankruptcy has serious consequences
and should not be sought out as a remedy except
in the most dire of financial situations,” he says.
Yet he acknowledges that situations such as loss of
employment, catastrophic medical expenses, failed
businesses, divorce, and misuse of credit often can
leave people facing the prospect of bankruptcy.
Gerling notes that circumstances such as those are
exactly what the Founding Fathers considered when
they included the need for legitimate debt relief among
the articles of the Constitution.
When he retired at the end of February, colleagues
praised Gerling for his brilliance, fairness and
common-sense approach to issues — qualities he
readily admits were nurtured during his four years
on Monteagle Ridge.
“When I look back on those years, I have to admit
that I learned a great deal about discipline and respect
for other people,” he says. “I have a soft spot for
NU. I couldn’t have gone to a better school.”
— Linus Ormsby
eagle magazine 21
alumniassociationupdate
Alumni Association
Board of Directors
Gregory Hudecki, ’68
President
Thomas Summers, ’84
Vice President
Nancy Langer, ’78
Secretary
Father Stephen Denig, C.M., ’71
Alumni Chaplain
Art Cardella
Director of Alumni Relations
Maureen Becker, ’90
Shannon Bloomquist, ’07
Martin Byrne, ’78
Timothy Carroll, ’84
Carol Cassell, ’79
Ashleigh Cirilla, ’02
James Collard, ’74
Frances Crosby, ’67
Jeffrey Dann, ’74
Kimberly Dreier, ’09
Frank Fiannaca, ’85
James Hart, ’69
Anthony Lista, ’80
Loretta Madia, ’86
Barbara Malinowski, ’59
Mary Lou Markowski, ’90
Paul McCarthy, ’60
Dianne Moll, ’89
Michael Moll, ’89
Robert Sheehan, ’85
Lavisse Smith, ’75
Melinda Smith, ’78
Lisa Sparks, ’95
Jason Stein, ’93
Iasha Stone, ’08
Michelle Van de Loo, ’01
Alumni Chapters
Albany Chapter
Bob Sheehan, ’85
518-441-2758
[email protected]
Atlanta Chapter
Melinda Smith, ’78
404-934-6135 or 770-935-4511
[email protected]
Boston Chapter
Tony Lista, ’80
508-951-2641
[email protected]
22 eagle magazine
Fellow alumni,
While “fine-tuning” my golf swing at Brookfield
Country Club for the Alumni and Athletics Kist
Golf Classic, I met up with two other golfers:
David Kraus and Ryan DenHaese. Noticing my
NU alumni hat, David, a senior vice president at
Key Bank, told me that he was a 1986 graduate
of Niagara University and had received his MBA
in 1991. Ryan, a neurosurgeon with the Catholic
Health System, noted that he had graduated from
NU in 1994.
As we played golf, we reminisced about our
times at Niagara, where David was a resident
assistant and Ryan attended on a soccer scholarship. I told them about our great rivalries with
Greg Hudecki, ’68 (#42), passes the ball to Calvin St. Bonaventure and Canisius, and about the Aud
in Buffalo, where large crowds would watch the
Murphy, ’70 (#23), guarded by Jim Satlin of St.
Bonaventure University. Jim Malfetti, ’70 (#22), looks on. “Little Three” play basketball. At one point, Ryan
asked me “What year did you graduate?” When
I answered “1968,” Ryan paused before stating, “I wasn’t even born yet!” After a chuckle, I realized that
this casual meeting had enabled us to connect through our Niagara experience, even though our paths
and decades were far apart.
Connecting Niagara graduates with one another was a goal when the Niagara University Alumni Association
was formed in October of 2007. So the next time you wear a Niagara University hat or shirt, be prepared
— you never know who you might meet!
Enjoy the rest of the summer and go on the Eagles Nest at www.niagaraalumni.com to view all the upcoming
alumni events and news including Alumni Weekend ’09,which will be held right here on campus Oct. 9-11.
Sincerely,
Dr. Greg Hudecki
President, Niagara University Alumni Association
Golf Classic for Niagara
Alumni and Friends
Hosted by Rick Collins, ’71, and Ed Nagle, ’71
Come spend the day mixing with Purple Eagle
athletics and Niagara friends at the Raritan Valley
Country Club, Bridgewater, N.J., on Thursday,
Sept. 17. NU’s athletic director, Ed McLaughlin;
men’s ice hockey coach, Dave Burkholder; and men’s
basketball coach, Joe Mihalich, will give you the
inside news on Niagara athletics, and key university
staff will tell you about campus activities and give
you a campaign update. This is your opportunity
to enjoy a great day of golf on an old-fashioned
English golf course while catching up with fellow
alumni in your area.
Interested? Check out the details on the Eagle’s
Nest at www.niagaraalumni.com, but don’t wait
too long — registration deadline is Thursday, Sept. 10
and space is limited!
Questions? Contact the
alumni relations office at
716-286-8787 or e-mail us
at [email protected].
Mark Your Calendar
We have a lot in store for our chapters in the months
ahead. Please mark these dates on your calendar and
check out the Eagle’s Nest for more information.*
September
12
Chicago — Arlington Races
17
New Jersey — New Jersey golf outing
23
Washington, D.C. — Buffalo Nite
in Washington, D.C.
27
Central Maryland — Crab Feast
October
9-11
Alumni Reunion
15
CNY — Networking event
21
Boston — Networking event
22
Tri-state — Networking event
November
7
Buffalo-Niagara — Dinner Theater
“tick … tick … BOOM!”
December
10
Atlanta — Holiday party
16
Cleveland — Holiday party
*Event calendar subject to change. This listing includes only
the confirmed events as of printing. Check the Eagle’s Nest for
upcoming game watch receptions as the basketball and hockey
schedules are released.
alumniassociationupdate
Two Named to Niagara Legacy — Alumni of Distinction
Two outstanding alumni will be recognized for
their accomplishments at the Vincentian Heritage
Convocation on Sept. 24. Joseph V. McCarthy and
Nerses Krikorian will be honored as the newest
members of Niagara Legacy –– Alumni of Distinction,
a program established in 2007 to celebrate alumni
who have demonstrated outstanding accomplishments and excellence in their fields of endeavor,
lived lives that mirror the Vincentian ideals of
the university, and had a positive and lasting
impact on society.
Joseph V. McCarthy
Regarded as one of the
most successful managers in
baseball history, Joe McCarthy
led the New York Yankees
to seven World Series titles
from 1931 to 1946. He
began his baseball career as
an infielder at Niagara in
1905 before pursuing his
professional career in 1907.
Although he never played a
day in the major leagues,
“Marse Joe” guided such legends as Babe Ruth,
Lou Gehrig, Phil Rizzuto, and Joe DiMaggio.
McCarthy holds the highest all-time winning
percentage among managers at .615 and won
2,125 games over his 24 years as a skipper. He also
managed the Chicago Cubs and Boston Red Sox.
McCarthy was inducted into the National Baseball
Hall of Fame in 1957.
Nerses Krikorian
Class of 1943
A pioneer in the United States’ nuclear weapons
program, Nerses “Krik”
Krikorian first arrived
from Armenia in 1925
during the genocide
by the Turks at the
decline of the Ottoman
Empire. He enrolled
at Niagara University
in 1939, majoring in
chemistry. Upon graduating with honors in
1943, Krik landed a
job with Union Carbide
in Niagara Falls and
worked on the now-historic Manhattan Project.
When the project closed, he was assigned to the
Los Alamos Nuclear Laboratory in Los Alamos,
N.M. He was a charter member of the lab’s intelligence council and met with representatives of the
former Soviet Union’s nuclear research program.
Krik was at the forefront of dialogue between the
Soviets and the United States in breaking down
the barriers of the Cold War. In recognition of his
efforts, Krik was awarded the Intelligence Community
Medallion by the Central Intelligence Agency and
the Los Alamos Laboratory Medal. Krik was honored
with an honorary Doctor of Science degree from
Niagara in 2005.
(L-r) Michelle Van de Loo, ’01; Melissa Bartolotta
Ellingham, ’96; and Tara Lee, ’95, enjoy the tristate St. Pat’s Party.
(L-r) Keith Defazio, ’80;Tom Hodick, ’69; Paul
Brooks, ’75; Jeanne Mulkey; and Julie Posniak, ’06,
pause to be photographed at the BuffaloNiagara chapter’s event at Nektar’s.
(L-r) Frank Fiannaca, ’85; Julie Moses, ’08;
Matt Jacob, ’84; and Dave Salanger ’83, at
the Niagara Falls Country Club after the Kist
golf tournament.
Buffalo-Niagara Chapter
Nancy Langer ’78
716-836-5188
[email protected]
Shannon Bloomquist, ’07
716-316-5873
[email protected]
Central New York Chapter
Marty Byrne, ’78
315-424-7139
[email protected]
Lisa Sparks, ’95
315-622-3443 or 607-316-1884
[email protected]
Central Maryland Chapter
Maureen Becker, ’90
410-744-2400
[email protected]
Charlotte Chapter
Jason Stein, ’93
704-332-8407
[email protected]
Chicago Chapter
“Windy City Purple Eagles”
Lavisse Smith, ’75
630-410-8597
[email protected]
Cleveland Chapter
Timothy Carroll ’84
216-479-8655
[email protected]
Mary Lou Markowski, ’90
[email protected]
Delaware Valley Chapter
Ashleigh Cirilla, ’02
585-766-1690
[email protected]
Frank Fiannaca, ’85
856-665-5600
[email protected]
Rochester Chapter
Mike Moll, ’89
585-924-2414
[email protected]
Dianne Moll, ’89
585-924-2414
[email protected]
Tri-State Chapter
Michelle Vandeloo, ‘01
917-685-1675
[email protected]
Washington National
Capital Chapter
Paul McCarthy, ’60
703-931-6478
[email protected]
eagle magazine 23
alumninotes
classnotes
CA&S
CBA
CE
CN
CH
ITHRA
TTT
= College of Arts & Sciences
= College of Business Administration
= College of Education
= College of Nursing
= College of Hospitality & Tourism Management
= Institute of Travel, Hotel & Restaurant
Administration (pre-CH)
= Transportation,Travel & Tourism (pre-ITHRA)
1930s Rocco LaRocca, ’39, (CA&S/Natural
Sciences), Niagara Falls, N.Y., was honored with
the Special Angel Award by Our Lady of Angels
Association at the annual luncheon in June at the
Niagara Falls Country Club.
On a recent trip to Las Vegas,
Frank P. Lamanna Sr., ’63 (right),
met former classmate Henry S.
Poreda, ’63, to share dinner
and memories.
1960s Thad Krupka, ’66, (CBA/Accounting),
San Antonio, Texas, retired from the University of
Minnesota Medical Center where he served as the
senior vice president for research and graduate
medical education.
Terrance O’Connor, ’69, (CE), Trumbull, Conn.,
was honored with the Outstanding Sportsman
Award at the Greater Bridgeport Oldtimers 52nd
annual awards dinner in May 2009.
1970s Michael Greene, ’70, (CA&S/Biology),
Coppola Resigns
Jennifer Coppola, associate
director of alumni relations
at Niagara University for the
past five years, has resigned
from her position to be at
home with her daughter, Tess.
Coppola has been instrumental in developing programs
and building alumni relations,
including establishing the Eagle’s
Nest and enhancing Alumni
Weekend. She has served our
alumni well and we thank her
and wish her well as she embarks
on this new chapter of her life.
24 eagle magazine
Palm Springs, Calif., returned to school following a
25-year career in investment banking and finance to
earn an M.S. in nursing at the Yale University School
of Nursing, and a doctor of nursing practice degree
at the University of Tennessee, Memphis, Health
Science Center. He is in private practice as an
adult nurse practitioner and is certified as an HIV
medicine specialist. He also serves as a part-time
nursing faculty member clinical researcher and has
published a number of scholarly papers in professional publications.
R. Michael Kraus, ’70, (CA&S), East Aurora, N.Y.,
president of the insurance firm R.M. Kraus &
Associates of East Aurora, was recently elected
president of the New York State Teachers’ Retirement
System Board. The board has fiduciary responsibility
to protect the long-term value of the system’s $75
billion investment portfolio and to provide benefit
security for members.
Ellen (Buckley) McGuinn, ’70, (CN), Brooklyn,
N.Y., was presented the 2009 Nursing Educator
Award – Best Teacher at N.Y. College of Technology
by the Diocese of Brooklyn at its annual convocation/
Mass for nurses in May 2009.
Donald Sluti, ’70, (CA&S/Political Science), Kearney,
Neb., retired from the University of Nebraska as
professor emeritus of business administration after
teaching at the university level for 25 years.
Richard M. Abele, ’75, (CA&S/Transportation),
Scottsdale, Ariz., was recently promoted to vice
president of The Landscape Broker, Inc. He is
responsible for landscape construction operations
of large commercial industries in the southwest.
Cheryl (Kemp) Klass, ’77, (CN), Buffalo, N.Y.,
will be honored in October 2009 at the Immaculata
Academy’s Mater Christi Award Gala.
Virginia Taylor, ’79, (CA&S/
Sociology), Batavia, N.Y., has
received the 2009 Bernice Poss
Award. This award is given by
the Western New York Network
for Women Leaders in Higher
Education to women in higher
education who exemplify noteworthy involvement in organizing
and planning activities for the advancement of
women professionals, commitment to and participation in community services and programs for
women, support for colleagues, and compassion in
their own daily conduct.
Philip Viverito, ’79, (CA&S/History), Tonawanda,
N.Y., has been elected to the 2009 Historical
Miniatures Gaming Society Legion of Honor, and
was inducted at the Scruby Awards Dinner in July
2009. The Legion of Honor inducts individuals for
their significant personal accomplishment in one
or more fields of historical miniature gaming.
1980s Judy (Cowan) Antonio, ’83, (CA&S/
Communication), Niagara Falls, Ontario, Canada,
has accepted a position with the Niagara Health
System as the regional program assistant, emergency
services, critical care and outpatient medicine.
James C. Lindner Jr., ’83, (TTT/Hospitality
Management), Tonawanda, N.Y., was promoted to
regional leasing sales manager at First Niagara Bank.
Jacoba D. Winger, ’83, (CN),
Ridgeway, Ontario, Canada,
retired from Douglas Memorial
Hospital in Fort Erie and has
since traveled to Haiti serving at
Mission of Hope with a medical/
nursing team. The team visits small
villages in the mountains where
there is no medical service available.
Thomas M. Chudyk, ’85, (TTT/Transportation),
Centennial, Colo., was promoted to manager of
distribution for Neutrik USA. Neutrik is the premier
manufacturer of electronic connectors supporting
the audio/video market worldwide.
Jeffrey Clark, ’85, (CBA), Mineola, N.Y., has released
his first novel, “Dad’s Masterpiece: The Patricia
Masotto Story,” which is a testament to the life of a
young woman’s passion for the game of soccer and her
father’s unending love for his daughter.
alumninotes
Michael J. Knight Sr., ’87, (CA&S/Political Science),
Delmar, N.Y., was presented the District Award of
Merit at the 2009 Fort Orange District Awards in
March. This is the highest award presented to district
volunteers. Knight has served as Boy Scout cubmaster
for Pack 258 since 1997.
Andrew W. Smith, ’87, (CBA/Accounting),
Ogdensburg, N.Y., has accepted the position of
staff accountant with Hooper & VanHouse, CPAs.
Thomas C. Brandt, ’88, (CBA/Marketing),
Sanford, Fla., has been named general manager
of the Ruth’s Chris Steakhouse Restaurant in Lake
Mary, Fla.
Carl Pfeiffer, ’89, (CA&S/
Criminology & Criminal Justice),
Mechanicville, N.Y., joined the
firm of Tully Rinckey PLLC as
the firm’s chief operating officer.
He is responsible for the firm’s
overall operations, including
financial management, business
and marketing planning, organizational development, and human resources.
1990s Joseph M. Falbo, ’91,
(CBA/Accounting), Grand Island,
N.Y., was elected secretary/
treasurer of the New York State
Society of Certified Public
Accountants at its 112th annual
election meeting in May 2009.
Eric Connor, ’94, (CBA/
Management), Lockport, N.Y.,
started his new financial services business, Connor
Wealth Management, in Lockport, N.Y., in
February 2009.
Lon Gondek, ’94, (CBA/Accounting), Grand
Island, N.Y., was promoted from commercial
underwriter to vice president in Citizen Bank’s
corporate banking group. He works in the bank’s
Buffalo office.
Abigail Mitchell, ’95, (CN), Youngstown, N.Y.,
was named the 2009 Nurse of Distinction of
WNY by the Professional Nurses Association of
WNY and The Buffalo News.
Todd Finnerty, ’98, (CA&S/Psychology),
Worthington, Ohio, recently published his first
book, “Depressive Personality Disorder: Understanding Current Trends in Research and Practice.”
Mary B. (McDonnell) McCormack, ’98, (CN),
Rockaway Point, N.Y., graduated from Molloy
College with a master of science degree in family
nurse practitioner in May 2009.
Jim DeVivo, ’99, (CA&S/Theater
Performance), Woodbridge,
N.J., received a 2009 New Jersey
Governor’s Award in Arts Education
– Distinguished Service to Theatre
Education, which is sponsored
by the Speech and Theatre
Association of New Jersey. He was
also inducted into the Liverpool
Central School District’s Fine Arts Hall of Fame,
which was established six years ago to recognize
individuals who have excelled in the area of fine arts.
Shawn Vainio, ’99, (CA&S/Chemistry, Biology),
Kodiak, Alaska, has been a doctor in the Providence
Medical Center’s emergency room for the past two
and a half years. He just recently finished a monthlong mission to provide free medical and dental
care to the poorest people living in remote regions
of the Indian and Nepal Himalayas.
2000s Toni Ann Daley, ’00,
(CBA/Commerce), Camillus,
N.Y., has been named chief
development officer for The
Alzheimer’s Association, Central
New York chapter. She oversees
the fundraising and marketing
programs and manages the chapter’s
special events, planned giving,
major gift and corporate initiatives.
Michael Taberski, ’01, (CA&S/Criminology),
Westminster, Md., has accepted the position of
dean of students at Mount St. Mary’s University,
the nation’s second oldest Catholic university.
Leah Yaworski, ’02, (CBA/
Human Resources), Farmington,
N.Y., has been appointed by the
Hillside Family of Agencies to the
position of manager of special
events for the Crestwood Children’s
Foundation and the Hillside
Children’s Foundation. She will
be responsible for the development, management and execution of all special events
and fundraising for all affiliates of the Hillside Family
of Agencies.
Katherine (Adams) Courtney, ’03, (CA&S/Social
Work), Webster, N.Y., has been chosen by the
New York State Women’s Bar Association to be a
recipient of the Doris S. Hoffman Outstanding
New Lawyer Award.
Ashley Baker, ’05, (CA&S/Political Science), West
Henrietta, N.Y., has accepted the position of associate
with the law firm Nixon Peabody LLP. She focuses
on advising clients about real estate matters including
acquisitions, development and financing.
Take Networking
to the Next Level
The new and improved alumni
job board is here! The Eagle’s
Nest has partnered with
Experience.com, a leader in
the field of career placement,
to launch our new job board
with more than 800,000 listings.
This partnership significantly
enhances the features of our
online community and provides
you with:
• Personalized job matches
based on your individual
member profile
• The ability to post jobs
and job details to the
Career Center
• Career guidance, including
articles, blogs, industry insight,
as well as personalized content
based on your member profile
• Networking capabilities for
business WebCards, mentoring and résumés
• A portfolio tool to define
accomplishments, recount
personal experiences and
upload files that demonstrate
qualities and skills beyond
what’s listed on a résumé
Alumni Jobs is free of charge,
but is available only to registered
members of the Eagle’s Nest
community. If you have already
registered, you can use your same
user name and password to log
in to the system. If you have not
registered, the process is a simple
one and takes about two minutes
to create your account.
Visit the Eagle’s Nest at
and check out your new job
board today!
eagle magazine 25
alumninotes
Fond Memories
marriages
Michael Taberski, ’01, Westminster, Md., to
Melissa Witte, April 4, 2009.
birthsadoptions
Frank Higman, ’54, submitted
this photo (circa 1956) of
Hubie Brown, ’55, MS’59, with
(l-r) Elaine Crowley, ’59; Lynne
McDougall, ’66;Teresa Crowley
Walsh; and Barbara Crowley
Higman (Frank’s wife). Brown
had returned to Niagara
University to complete a
master’s degree in education
and was staying at a rooming
house in the DeVeaux area
of Niagara Falls run by Mary
McDougall.The women pictured
are Mary’s nieces.
Timothy J. Holahan, ’05, (CA&S/Biology),
Buffalo, N.Y., graduated from Lake Erie College of
Osteopathic Medicine in May 2009. He is a firstyear internal medicine resident with the University
of Buffalo’s medical program.
Teresa Quinlin, ’06, (CBA/Human Resource
Management), Niagara Falls, Ontario, Canada,
was appointed Niagara College’s vice president of
corporate services. She will oversee a division that
includes financial services, human resources, informational technology services, facilities management,
ancillary services and campus security.
David P. Reuter, ’06, (CBA/Marketing), Boston,
has accepted a position as financial analyst for State
Street Corp. in Boston.
militarynews
We Would Love
to Hear From You
Alumni Relations Office
P.O. Box 2008
Niagara University, N.Y. 14109
716-286-8787
[email protected]
26 eagle magazine
Lt. Charles Schiralli, ’00, (CA&S/History),
Chittenango, N.Y., returned from a one-year tour
in Afghanistan in January 2009. He was assigned to
the 27th Brigade of the New York National Guard.
Cpt. Michael Stock, ’03, (CA&S/Criminology &
Criminal Justice), Farmington Hills, Mich., was
selected as the aide-de-camp to the commanding
general, Fort Knox, Ky.
To Mr. and Mrs. Brian Andrews, ’91, Webster,
N.Y., a daughter, Brianna, June 18, 2009.
To Mr. and Mrs. Richard Cantara (Virginia
Palumbo, ’93), North Tonawanda, N.Y., a
daughter, Lauren Elizabeth, March 8, 2009.
To Mr. and Mrs. Philip Dodge (Kathleen Ann
Williams, ’94), Fairport, N.Y., a daughter, Makayla
Grace, March 16, 2009.
To Mr. and Mrs. Daniel Allen (Maureen Ormsby,
’96), Alexandria, Va., a daughter, Erin Grace,
Dec. 9, 2008.
To Mike Messersmith and Jessica Testani, ’96,
Elmhurst, Ill., a daughter, Catherine Anne,
Feb. 9, 2009.
To Mr. and Mrs. Joshua Rich (Diana Grgas, ’98),
a daughter, Sophie Brooke, Feb. 18, 2009.
To Mr. and Mrs. Matthew Rosenow, ’98,
Williamsville, N.Y., a son, Zachary Matthew,
May 9, 2009.
To Mr. and Mrs. Rob Agan (Erica Doland, ’00),
Elmira, N.Y., a son, Trevor Robert, March 11, 2009.
To Mr. and Mrs. Timothy Papienuk, ’00,
Schenectady, N.Y., a daughter, Ava Marie,
May 14, 2009.
To Mr. and Mrs. John Fitzgerald, ’01 (Jennifer
Williams, ’01), Ft. Riley, Kan., a daughter, Genevieve
Katherine, May 6, 2009.
To Mr. and Mrs. Joseph Gugino (Jessica Lyford,
’01), Fredonia, N.Y., a daughter, Rosemary Angeline,
March 21, 2009.
To Mr. and Mrs. Thomas Ferrara, ’03 (Melissa
Sorbello, ’03), East Syracuse, N.Y., a daughter,
Olivia Francesca, Feb. 6, 2009.
To Mr. and Mrs. Robert Cameron (Ashley Lynn
Parks, ’05), Prattsville, N.Y., a son, Blake Alan,
Dec. 15, 2008.
deaths
To have a Mass celebrated at Alumni Chapel,
call NU’s campus ministry office at 716-286-8400.
Joseph P. Tunney, ’36, Corning, N.Y.,
May 10, 2009.
James R. Kellmurray, ’40, Whitesboro, N.Y.,
April 16, 2009.
Mario J. Violante Sr., ’40, Niagara Falls, N.Y.,
April 6, 2009.
alumninotes
Niagara Takes Little Three
Alumni Golf Trophy
Alumni Howard Morgan and Drs. Robert Gadawski
and Salvatore Manente shot a combined score of
247 to claim the Dr. Vincent Marino trophy for
Niagara University at the 59th annual Little Three
Golf Tournament June 29 at Transit Valley Country
Club in East Amherst.
Morgan, a 1986 graduate who is director of
advancement services at NU, shot an 81, while
Gadawski, ’90, and Manente, ’87, posted identical
scores of 83.
The Canisius College trio of Rey Jennetti, Jim
Dorn and Joe Becla shot a combined 252 to claim
second place. St. Bonaventure University alumni
Jim Boland, Brian Murphy and Mike Maziarczyk
posted a 295 for third place.
John D. Colligan, ’41, Victor, N.Y., April 9, 2009.
William Patrick Curtin, ’42, San Diego, Calif.,
Jan. 24, 2009.
Paul C. Stolzenfels, ’42, North Tonawanda, N.Y.,
May 10, 2009.
Joseph Alles, ’43, West Dover, Vt., Feb. 15, 2009.
John G. Redmond, ’43, Syracuse, N.Y.,
Feb. 27, 2009.
Rev. Louis A. Vallone, ’48, Summerfield, Fla.,
April 5, 2009.
Thomas W. Ealy, ’49, Syracuse, N.Y., April 30, 2009.
Francis J. Kishman, ’49, Marcellus, N.Y.,
May 5, 2009.
Rev. Msgr. Onofrio Smiroldo, ’50, Lackawanna,
N.Y., May 15, 2009.
Charles W. Kraft, ’51, Lewiston, N.Y.,
March 10, 2009.
Edward O. Darwin, ’54, Ellicott City, Md.,
May 7, 2009.
Charles W. Koburger Jr., ’56, Arlington, Va.,
May 11, 2009.
Rev. Msgr. S. Theodore Berg, ’57, Blasdell, N.Y.,
April 16, 2009.
Rev. Joseph R. Wright, ’62, Philadelphia,
June 13, 2009.
Joseph F. Conlon III, ’64, Miller Place, N.Y.,
June 24, 2009.
Martha (Ryan) Harwood, ’65, Stratford, Conn.,
April 1, 2009.
Lawrence Berds, ’66, New York, N.Y., May 31, 2009.
Robert R. Reynolds, ’66, Painted Post, N.Y.,
March 27, 2009.
Richard G. Schneider, ’66, Lewiston, N.Y.,
March 11, 2009.
Charles L. Robinson, ’71, Buffalo, N.Y.,
May 29, 2009.
Geraldine Brusino, ’77, Niagara Falls, N.Y.,
March 7, 2009.
Donna May (Steele) Malabre, ’78, Colorado
Springs, Colo., May 26, 2009.
Kim (Colomb) Ball, ’79, Syracuse, N.Y.,
April 12, 2009.
Rev. Michael T. Mazurchuk, ’80, Philadelphia,
June 13, 2009.
Paul A. Teresi, ’88, Boca Raton, Fla.,
June 28, 2009.
Judith Anne Jozwiak, ’05, North Tonawanda,
N.Y., Feb. 26, 2009.
(L-r): Salvatore Manente, ’87;
Robert Gadawski, ’90; and
Howard Morgan, ’86, claimed
the Dr.Vincent Marino Trophy
at this year’s Little Three
golf tournament.
withsympathy
To Evelyn Jean (Zobel) Ames, ’50, Lake
Barrington, Ill., on the death of her husband,
William T. Ames, May 26, 2009.
To Marilyn (Lewis) Kraft, ’50, Lewiston, N.Y.,
on the death of her husband, Charles W. Kraft, ’51,
March 10, 2009.
To Joseph Helak, ’52, Albuquerque, N.M., on
the death of his wife, Barbara Jeanne Helak,
April 6, 2009.
Do you know where
the term “Purple
Eagle” came from?
E-mail us at alumni@
niagara.edu if you
think you know.
eagle magazine 27
alumninotes
Placement and
Credentials Files
The Office of Career Development is reviewing its archive of
placement/credentials files to
ensure the information is accurate and to provide the best
possible service to alumni.
Effective Sept. 1, 2009, credentials files established with the
university that have had no
activity (e.g., updating materials,
requesting to send credentials,
etc.) for 10 years or more will be
destroyed and discarded.
Alumni who established credentials files in 1999 or earlier
and wish to keep their files
active may do so by submitting
a signed, written request by
Dec. 31, 2009, to the Office
of Career Development, P.O.
Box 2041, Niagara University,
N.Y. 14109-2041.
The career development office
provides a wide range of services
to alumni, including résumé
critiques, practice interviews,
career counseling and more.
See www.niagara.edu/career
for more information.
28 eagle magazine
To Edward P. Reilly, ’54, Niagara Falls, N.Y., on the
death of his wife, Irene Pearl Reilly, Dec. 24, 2008.
To George McGrath, ’58, Lewiston, N.Y., on
the death of his mother, Josephine McGrath,
June 20, 2009.
To Rosalie (Fink) Tyrrell-Puccio, ’68, Amesbury,
Mass., on the death of her mother, Rosalie Fink,
Oct. 12, 2008.
To Sharen (Fink) Clugston, ’72, Mercerville,
N.J., on the death of her mother, Rosalie Fink,
Oct. 12, 2008.
To Mario Violante Jr., ’72, Niagara Falls, N.Y.,
on the death of his father, Mario Violante Sr., ’40,
April 6, 2009.
To Ronald Klizek, ’74, Lakewood, N.Y., on the
death of his mother, Ruth J. Klizek, June 8, 2009.
To Sharon Schneider, ’74, Lewiston, N.Y., on the
death of her husband, Richard G. Schneider, ’66,
March 11, 2009.
To G. Bryan Honold, ’75, Minoa, N.Y., on the
death of his son, Bryan Patrick Honold, Feb. 10,
2009.
To Gail (Kellmurray) Colten, ’77, Jamesville, N.Y.,
on the death of her father, James R. Kellmurray, ’40,
April 16, 2009.
To William A. Malabre, ’77, Colorado Springs,
Colo., on the death of his wife, Donna May
(Steele) Malabre, ’78, May 26, 2009.
To Rosalie (Morinello) O’Neil, ’78, on the death
of her sister, Vini Ryan, Jan. 13, 2009.
To Carol Rose (Hutteman) Schreiber, ’79, Ontario,
N.Y., on the death of her father, Harry G. Hutteman,
March 14, 2009.
To Laura (Helak) Warden, ’79, Bosque Farms,
N.M., on the death of her mother, Barbara Jeanne
Helak, April 6, 2009.
To Edward P. Reilly Jr., ’80, Hamburg, N.Y.; to
Shawn T. Reilly, ’87, Port St. Lucie, Fla.; and to
Marybeth (Reilly) Sansano, ’89, Niagara Falls,
N.Y.; on the death of their mother, Irene Pearl
Reilly, Dec. 24, 2008.
To Jacoba D. Winger, ’83, Ridgeway, Ontario,
Canada, on the death of her mother, Maria Verburg,
Jan. 13, 2009.
To Sally Jane (Hutteman) Cappa, ’86, Webster,
N.Y., on the death of her father, Harry G. Hutteman,
March 14, 2009.
To Brian G. Reilly, ’91, Hollywood, Fla., on the
death of his mother, Irene Pearl Reilly, Dec. 24, 2008.
To Erinne Lynch, ’95, Brockport, N.Y., on the death
of her grandfather, Warren J. Lynch, June 24, 2009.
To Edward P. Reilly III, ’05, Hamburg, N.Y., on
the death of his grandmother, Irene Pearl Reilly,
Dec. 24, 2008.
To Rose Becker, ’07, Philadelphia, on the death of
her father, Stephen Becker, July 6, 2009.
To Elizabeth Warden, ’08, Bosque Farms, N.M.,
on the death of her grandmother, Barbara Jeanne
Helak, April 6, 2009.
Several alumni from Niagara University’s College of Hospitality and Tourism Management were in Buffalo
over the summer to assist with the grand opening of a new Staybridge Suites Hotel. The alums are
employed by Scott Enterprises, a family-owned hospitality company based in Erie, Pa. (Back row, l-r):
Chris Scott, vice president of Scott Enterprises, and Paul Leroux, ’91, director of hotel operations. (Front
row, l-r): Julie Dorsey, ’09; Kellyn Klima, ’09; Amy (Smith) Engler, ’81, Staybridge sales director; Lilyan
Goldman, ’08, Staybridge front office manager; and David Zeplowitz, CHA, Staybridge general manager.
anuview
For the last 25 years, I have been privileged to serve as Niagara University’s director of communications and
public relations. The position isn’t something I ever imagined doing while growing up in Niagara Falls. When
the opportunity presented itself, however, I accepted it with great enthusiasm. After 20 years in the newspaper
business, I was ready for a change.
I was fortunate to bring with me many of the skills I would need to do the job. All those skills have been
employed over the years in handling a variety of unusual events. I recount several of them in a talk I often give to
students in classes on public relations. It’s called “When You Think You’ve Seen It All.” If I ever thought that,
I have come to realize that such a state of completeness remains forever elusive.
Early on in my tenure, we had to deal with the fallout from Love Canal and the other environmental issues
facing the city. A major educational effort was used to help people understand, rather than fear, the problems.
In the fall of 1991, two students deliberately tried to go over the falls in a homemade contraption that, luckily
for them, sank shortly after being launched. Police and firemen, who risked their lives to save the students, were
not amused by their foolish exploit. Part of our task was to reassure these selfless public servants that the
university truly appreciated their bravery.
A couple of years earlier, a parking lot on the south end of the campus became the repository for a murder
victim, who had been killed in the city. My day started with a call from the media and ended many hours later
with a call to a local TV station to straighten out a story that thoroughly misrepresented what actually happened.
In more recent years, the events of 9-11, the threat of SARS and swine flu, ongoing concerns over terrorism,
and the tragic events that have occurred on other campuses have combined to produce a heightened state of
alertness and preparedness previously unimagined.
One of the great pleasures of the job has been the opportunity to meet many famous and interesting people.
Most of them have been commencement speakers and honorees — accomplished authors, musicians and
physicians; well-known politicians, educators and media personalities; and dedicated humanitarians, clergymen
and women religious. Perhaps more than any other institution in Western New York, Niagara has consistently
attracted outstanding speakers.
In 1994, my wife and I had a wonderful afternoon with actress Patricia Neal, riding the Maid of the Mist and
visiting local attractions. In 1996, I watched tears roll down the cheeks of the late jazz pianist Oscar Peterson as he
was honored for his wonderful body of work. In 1998, it was a pleasure to meet and talk to the late author and
Pulitzer Prize winner, David Halberstam. I especially enjoyed a walk around Goat Island with Roger Wilkins,
another Pulitzer Prize winner who has graced the NU campus on several occasions. After Tim Russert delivered
his commencement address in 2002, he told me he would skip the reception because he wanted to get back to
Washington ASAP to spend time with his son, Luke, before beginning another work week. Three years ago,
fiddler Natalie MacMaster picked up Father Mike Mazurchuk’s violin after the commencement dinner and
thoroughly entertained those in attendance with one of her signature numbers. It was one of those you-had-tobe-there experiences. Sadly, Father Maz, an alumnus and wonderful Vincentian who was dedicated to working in
the community’s Hispanic ministry, died in June at the age of 50.
Another interesting part of my job has been learning and writing about the history of the university. Niagara’s
is an interesting story, one that provides great reassurance in times of crisis. Each time it has been confronted by
seemingly insurmountable obstacles, someone has stepped forward to provide the necessary assistance, whether
through the strength of personal leadership or through financial support. The list of alumni and friends who have
contributed to building this institution over the last century and a half is long and impressive. When dealing with
difficult issues, I have often reminded myself that an institution like Niagara, built on Catholic and Vincentian
values, is well prepared to withstand whatever public relations challenges may come its way.
During my time at Niagara, five Vincentians have occupied the office of president. Each has had his own
distinctive style, and all, with varying degrees of success, have been dedicated to advancing the growth and
development of the institution.
The last 10 years, under the leadership of Father Joseph Levesque, have been a time of remarkable transition in
the physical appearance and growth of the campus and in the university’s approach to teaching and learning.
Even more exciting developments, including construction of a much-needed science center, are yet to come.
It has been wonderful to witness all that has happened at Niagara over the last quarter of a century and
to have represented an institution with such a rich sense of history and purpose. Retirement, however, beckons,
and after years of being on call 24/7, I am looking forward to experiencing weeks composed of six Saturdays
and one Sunday.
What will I do in retirement? The best answer to that question came at May’s commencement from one of the
honorees, Auxiliary Bishop Octavio Cisneros of the Diocese of Brooklyn. “Let the grace flow,” he advised.
Perfect. I will.
By Linus Ormsby, ’88
Linus Ormsby, director of
Niagara University’s Office of
Communications and Public
Relations for the past 25 years,
received the Medal of Honor in
recognition of his exceptional
service to the university. He
is pictured here with the
Rev. Joseph L. Levesque, C.M.,
Niagara’s president, at his
retirement party in July.
Have something to say? We’re
looking for topical personal essays
for “A NUView.” Articles should be
approximately 700 words on the
topic of your choice. Send them to:
Lisa McMahon, Editor, Office of
Communications and Public
Relations, Niagara University,
N.Y. 14109 or e-mail to
[email protected].
eagle magazine 29
Nonprofit Org.
U.S. POSTAGE
PAID
Niagara University, N.Y.
Permit No. 1
Office of Institutional Advancement
Niagara University, NY 14109
CHANGE SERVICE REQUESTED
Alumni Weekend ’09
Oct. 9, 10 and 11
We are excited to welcome you back in celebration of the anniversary of your graduation! Get out your old yearbooks and NU
sweatshirts and come back to campus to celebrate with your classmates! The reunion is a great opportunity to get reacquainted
with old friends and relive some of your best memories of campus life, whether it has been five years or 50 since you graduated.
We will have something for everyone, including our 25th annual alumni golf outing, theater performances, a Welcome Back Party,
and the traditional Alumni Dinner-Dance. This year, celebrate with the club football program at its special reunion luncheon.
Are you ready? Have you:
• Marked your calendar with the dates?
• Called friends, classmates or teammates to join you?
• Checked out your class page on the Eagle’s Nest?
• Gone online to the Eagle’s Nest at www.niagaraalumni.com to view the entire schedule for the
weekend or to register online? (New to the Nest? Your first-time login code can be found above your
name on the mailing label above.)
• Made weekend hotel reservations? Rooms have been blocked at the Crowne Plaza in Niagara
Falls (300 Third Street). Call 1-800-95-FALLS to make reservations. A special rate of $129/night
has been arranged. Please reference group code NUA when making your reservations.
Sign up now, get ready for a great time, and we'll see you in October!

Summer 2009 - Niagara University Eagle Online \ Current Issue

Transcription

Similar documents

a printable copy of our Park Brochure!

Campark GPS Coordinates Latitude

March 7, 2016 Monday – March 7, 2016 Council - E

Invite - Bday - Laser Tag - Youth - Form

the small business guide - The Business Link Niagara

February 5th and 6th, 2013 Buffalo, New York

Here`s - Niagara Falls ARS

Grant Development

efn g lf classic efn g lf classic - District School Board of Niagara