Investing in Futures pg13 Marketing 101 pg15 Practicing Politics pg19

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WINTER 2008 • VOLUME 24 • ISSUE 2
Investing in
Futures pg13
Marketing 101 pg15
Practicing
Politics pg19
Y
fromthepresident
The Rev. Joseph L. Levesque,
C.M. (second from left), traveled
to Florida in February to meet
with alumni and talk about “The
Promise of Niagara ... The next
150 years,” Niagara’s capital
campaign. He is pictured here
with the alumni who attended
the event at The Villages, Fla.,
on Feb. 7. Also pictured are
Don Bielecki, NU’s vice
president for institutional
advancement (left), and Dr.
Nancy McGlen, dean of the
College of Arts and Sciences
(second from right).
In the 1640s, as the Congregation of the Mission
was expanding into distant lands, St. Vincent de Paul
decided to group the various houses into provinces.
Each province had a provincial superior, who was
called a visitor. The visitor’s role was to visit, traveling
from house to house and meeting with confreres to
discuss whatever matters needed attention.
During the nine years I served as provincial of
the Eastern Province of the Congregation of the
Mission, I served in the role of visitor, traveling up
and down the East Coast, and all the way to Panama,
to meet with the Vincentian priests and brothers
who worked in the province’s various ministries.
These included educational institutions like Niagara
and St. John’s, poor rural parishes in the South, and
even poorer missions in the mountains of Panama.
I enjoyed the role of visitor because I had the
opportunity to meet so many wonderful people —
deeply spiritual people who were intensely committed
to serving others in the spirit of Vincent.
I have thought about my former role as visitor
in recent months as I have traveled north to south
and east to west in my current role as president of
Niagara University. I have been visiting with alumni
and friends, the family of Niagara University that has
spread and grown throughout the world, just as
Vincent’s community did four centuries ago.
Granted, the purpose of my visits is not the
same as when I was provincial. Nevertheless, many
of them have been just as rewarding because of the
wonderful people I have met and because of the
commitment I have seen to ensuring the future of
Niagara University.
The future of the university is exactly the reason
for my frequent travels these days. I have been visiting
NU’s alumni and friends in support of “The
Promise of Niagara ... The next 150
years,” the capital campaign that is
seeking to raise $80 million for a variety
of university needs. As I have noted
before, and promise again, I will go
anywhere, any time, and meet with
anyone to guarantee the campaign’s
success because it is that important
to the future of the university.
There is a wonderful transformation
taking place at Niagara, and it is
important to maintain the momentum
that has brought us to this point in its
history. With a perspective gained
over my nearly 40-year association
with the university, I am convinced
that the success of this campaign will
be viewed as the beginning of a new era of excellence.
That’s because the campaign is designed not only to
help build and enhance facilities, but also to provide
the resources to sustain them. It will aid teaching
and learning, and it will provide support for students
at both the undergraduate and graduate levels. In
short, it will do those things to help Niagara achieve
our vision of becoming widely recognized for our
academic programs and for our style of teaching
and learning, for the excellence of our faculty, and
for the achievements of our students and alumni.
Several features in this edition of the Eagle describe
the variety of learning experiences our students are
having in and outside the classroom.
I am extremely pleased to report that the response
to our fundraising efforts has been very encouraging.
As a result of the many meetings and presentations
made in recent months, the campaign has secured
commitments approaching $38 million — nearly
half way to our goal.
I thank God for the wonderful generosity of our
alumni and friends and for the wonderful support
we have been receiving from various corporations
and foundations. As we continue to work toward
our goal, I ask all members of the Niagara family
to look into your hearts and to do what you can do
financially to support “The Promise of Niagara.”
Please know that in spite of my frequent travels
these days, I always remain available to our alumni
and friends and welcome hearing from you at
[email protected].
Joseph L. Levesque, C.M., President
winter 2008 • volume 24 • issue 2
www.niagara.edu
A publication for alumni and friends
On the cover
An Engaging Education11
Active, integrative learning is the hallmark of a Niagara
education. Students can participate in everything from
cutting-edge scientific research to activities that enable
them to apply practical knowledge in real-world
settings. For example, our media resources studio in
Dunleavy Hall gives students like sophomore Amanda
Kruegar, from Franklinville, N.Y. (top monitor), and
senior Emily Shuart, from Hampton, Va., (seen in the
bottom monitor), the opportunity to learn about
TV production.
NU Research Featured
at Expo 11
Undergraduate research expo recognizes the quality
of Niagara research.
In every issue
BASIC Training 13
From the President
Two students share their stories of learning
while serving.
Around the Ridge 2
Investing in Futures 14
15
17
Business students are challenged to manage the
newly created Monteagle Fund, a portion of
Niagara’s endowment.
Niagara Notables 7
Marketing 101 15
Advancing NU 10
Sports management students promote the Purple
Eagles for a class project.
In the Spotlight 21
Hospitality Italian Style 17
Alumni Association
Update 22
Lake Como exchange program offers a unique
experience to students.
Practicing Politics 19
Political science students apply theory to practice
in internships that take them from elected officials’
local regional offices all the way to Capitol Hill.
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
Linus L. Ormsby, ’88, Director
Lisa M. McMahon, Associate Director for Publications/Editor
Jason R. Mollica, Assistant Director
Suzanne M. Karaszewski, Graphic Designer
Jean H. Spence, Secretary
Mission Central 6
Editor’s Office
Lisa M. McMahon
716-286-8747
[email protected]
Alumni Relations Office
Art Cardella, Director
716-286-8787
[email protected]
www.niagaraalumni.com
Purple Eagle Pride 8
Alumni Notes 24
A NU View 29
aroundtheridge
www.niagara.edu/news
Seven Students
Honored With
Ockerman Awards
Niagara University’s College
of Business Administration
presented seven students with
its annual Everett Ockerman
Award. The award acknowledges
academic excellence.
The recipients, all seniors who
were chosen by the faculty, are:
Shannon Bollinger of Gainesville,
N.Y., supply-chain management;
James Kelley of Farmington,
N.Y., human resource management; Christopher Leendertse
of Ancaster, Ontario, marketing;
Christopher Patti of Cheektowaga,
N.Y., accounting; Michael Placito
of Rochester, N.Y., economics
and finance; Michelle Urban
of Blasdell, N.Y., international business; and Mark
Wilson of Peterborough,
Ontario, management.
The College of Business
established the Ockerman
Award in 1976 in honor of the
former chair of the department
of commerce, who taught at
Niagara from 1946 until his
retirement in 1975.
2 eagle magazine
CHINESE SCHOLARS EXPLORE PARTNERSHIP WITH NIAGARA — Niagara’s College
of Education invited three Chinese Fulbright scholars at Yale University to visit the campus in October to
discuss partnership opportunities, which could include language training courses and student and teacher
exchange programs. Pictured (l-r) are Dr. Yin Zhang from Beijing Forestry University; Dr. Yizhong Ning,
dean of the College of Foreign Languages at Beijing Language and Culture University; Dr. Debra Colley,
dean of NU’s College of Education; Dr. Jinyan Huang, assistant professor of TESOL (Teaching English
to Speakers of Other Languages) in the college; and Dr. Yun Wang from Northeast Normal University.
Beijing Language and Culture University, founded in 1962, is the only international university in China.
With approximately 13,000 students, 9,000 of whom are from more than 160 countries and regions in
the world, its main task is to teach the Chinese language and culture to foreign students.
NU THEATER PROFESSOR,
STUDENT STAR IN
“MOCKINGBIRD” — Doug
Zschiegner, associate director of NU
Theater, and theater studies senior
Cassie Gorniewicz, starred in “To Kill
a Mockingbird,” on stage at Buffalo’s
Studio Arena Theater Jan. 29-Feb. 22.
Zschiegner (center) played the lead
role of Atticus Finch, the lawyer who
represents a man accused of a crime
he didn’t commit, while Gorniewicz
made her professional theater debut
as Mayella Ewell, the man’s accuser.
Performing with her professor,
Gorniewicz noted, “created a whole
other dynamic. At Studio, we are peers,
but he still takes the time to calm any
of my fears, just as any caring professor
would. There is no better way to
start out in the professional theater
world than with a dedicated and trustworthy professor guiding you along!”
Also pictured is Robert Rutland, who played the role of Judge Taylor.
aroundtheridge
www.niagara.edu/news
Three New Directors Appointed
Niagara recently named three individuals to director’s positions at the university.
Thomas A. Hodick, ’69, M.A.’71, has been named director of the Office
of Career Development. He was formerly career development manager and
senior consultant for E. K. Ward & Associates, where he managed corporate
outplacement centers for the West Seneca human resources consulting
company. For the last 13 years, he has served as an adjunct professor of
history at Niagara, where he obtained both his bachelor’s and master’s
degrees in history. He also holds a graduate certificate of specialization
in human resources management from the University at Buffalo.
Robert E. Pfeil has been appointed director of human resources. Prior
to joining Niagara University, Pfeil served for two years as director of human
resources at Niagara County Community College. He has also held past
Thomas A. Hodick, ’69
positions in corporate benefits and human
resource management for several Buffaloarea corporations. Pfeil holds a bachelor’s
degree in business administration/labor
relations and a master’s degree in industrial
engineering from the University at Buffalo.
He is a member of the Employee Relations
Association of Western New York and the
Society for Human Resource Management.
Kate Koperski, curator of folk art at
Niagara University’s Castellani Art Museum,
has been named director of the on-campus
educational and cultural attraction. A native
of Buffalo, Koperski has served the museum
Robert E. Pfeil
Kate Koperski
since 1991. During her tenure, innovative
exhibitions combining contemporary art and folk art have been highlights of Castellani Art Museum
programming. She has been recognized for her collaborative approach to the curatorial process, as well as
for her work in children’s and family arts programming, and has served as a grant review panelist, a regional
editor, and a project consultant for a variety of arts organizations in Western New York and New York state.
“Knowledge often is tacit; it is not obvious
unless you have several perspectives
focused on deciphering and analyzing
and categorizing that knowledge.”
Dr. Milton Cox, director of the Center for the Enhancement
of Learning and Teaching at Miami University of Ohio, discussed
ways to involve the community in teaching and learning during
his keynote address at NU’s Committee on College Teaching
and Learning’s seventh annual regional conference, Jan. 10-11.
This year’s conference focused on faculty learning communities,
and showcased various facets of active, integrative learning,
exploring practical ways that faculty and academic leaders can
build integrative opportunities into their courses.
Nominations
Sought for ROTC
Hall of Fame
Nominations for the 2007
ROTC Hall of Fame class are
now being accepted. Nominees
must have graduated from NU
and participated in NU ROTC
with military service ending in
an honorable discharge, retirement or funeral. In addition,
one or more of the following
prerequisites must be met:
• Lives or lived in the model
of St. Vincent de Paul.
• Made a significant
contribution to the
betterment of society.
• Reached a high-level position
of authority, either civilian
or military, that is worthy
of recognition.
To make a Hall of Fame
nomination, please send a
narrative of the individual’s
achievements, any corroborating
documents, and a 5”x7” photo
of the nominee (digital preferred)
to: Master Sgt. Stephen
Bazemore, P.O. Box 2024,
Niagara University, NY 14109,
or e-mail to [email protected],
no later than May 1, 2008.
Please include contact information with your nomination.
Awardees and/or their family
members will be notified in June
and the induction ceremonies
will be held during Alumni
Weekend 2008.
For more information on
the ROTC Hall of Fame, visit
www.niagara.edu/rotc/AlumniVeterans.htm.
eagle magazine 3
aroundtheridge
www.niagara.edu/news
NU Trains Youth
for Summer
Employment
With the support of two area
foundations, Niagara University
has launched a program to
prepare disadvantaged minority
youth for employment by arts
and cultural organizations and
historical and natural attractions
in the Buffalo-Niagara area.
The Community Foundation
for Greater Buffalo and the
Niagara Area Foundation have
provided nearly $15,000 in grant
funding to train an estimated
20 high school students from
Erie and Niagara counties to
work as interns at nonprofit
organizations and attractions
participating in the program.
Niagara’s College of Hospitality
and Tourism Management’s
Center for Hospitality Training
and Research will conduct the
six-week training program, which
begins in March with internships running from May 12 to
June 20.
The Buffalo Zoo, The Buffalo
Museum of Science, Artpark,
Old Fort Niagara and the
Lockport Locks and Erie Canal
Cruises have agreed to provide
internship positions and either
a paid position or a letter of
recommendation upon successful
completion of the program,
according to Dr. Deborah T.
Curtis, director of the center.
For more information on
the program, see www.niagara.
edu/news.
4 eagle magazine
HULSMAN NAMED TO ADVANCEMENT POST —
J. Patrick Hulsman has been appointed associate vice president
for institutional advancement at Niagara University. He will be
primarily responsible for assisting the university in its $80-million
capital campaign, “The Promise of Niagara … The next 150 years.”
Hulsman, who has more than 30 years of experience in the health
care and advancement fields, most recently was the associate executive
director for institutional advancement for Trocaire College in Buffalo.
A graduate of the State University College at Buffalo, he is a
member of the American College of Healthcare Executives, the
Association for Fundraising Executives, and the Society for
Technical Communication.
DEAN FOR COLLEGE OF BUSINESS NAMED — R. Mark
Wilson, Ph.D., a professor of economics at the University of South
Florida St. Petersburg, has been named dean of Niagara University’s
College of Business Administration. He will join the university in
July, succeeding Philip M. Scherer, Ph.D., who has been serving as
interim dean during the current academic year.
Wilson has written extensively on the economic issues surrounding
health care and has published in numerous academic journals. His
administrative experiences include chairing the department of economics
at the University of South Florida, directing business programs at
South Florida’s St. Petersburg campus, and serving as associate dean
of the College of Business at the University of South Florida St.
Petersburg. He has also been honored with several teaching awards.
A native of Indiana, Wilson holds a bachelor’s degree in mathematics
from DePauw University and master’s and doctoral degrees in economics from Northwestern University.
NIAGARA UNIVERSITY,
NIAGARA COLLEGE
INK PARTNERSHIP —
Niagara University and
Niagara College in Ontario
have renewed an agreement to
offer undergraduate and graduate
scholarships and other educational opportunities to students
preparing for careers in binational economic development.
Under the agreement, officially
called the Niagara Bi-National
Educational Partnership Fund, students who receive entrance scholarships to Niagara College and complete
two- or three-year programs in business or hospitality and tourism will be accepted into related bachelor’s
degree programs at Niagara. Niagara University will also provide scholarships to students interested in
graduate-level studies in bi-national economic development leading to an MBA. The agreement will also
fund research projects and development programs undertaken by students from both institutions and focused
on regional economic development.
Pictured (l-r): Dr. Dan Patterson, Niagara College president; Tim Coons and Beatrice Ufitingabire,
two scholarship recipients; and the Rev. Joseph L. Levesque, C.M., Niagara University president.
aroundtheridge
www.niagara.edu/news
Statler, Carlson Foundations Award NU $475,000 in Grants
Niagara University’s College of Hospitality and
Tourism Management has received two grants
totaling nearly $475,000 to strengthen programs
that provide students with practical industry
experience and other learning opportunities.
A $225,000 grant received from The Statler
Foundation was matched by a grant from The
Curtis L. Carlson Family Foundation that will
provide an additional $248,876 over a three-year
period. The funds will facilitate international
expansion of the college’s student-learning and
placement opportunities and industry training
programs. A new staff position of director of
experiential opportunities will also be created.
The Statler grant will provide the funding to
develop, offer and receive distance-learning courses
in consort with leading hospitality programs in Europe
and South America. At the same time, it will expand
the college’s ability to provide its industry training
programs to different parts of the world. The Carlson
grant will support the staffing needed to develop
and monitor the expanded programming.
The college currently has partnership agreements
with the Catholic University of Milan and the
University of Insubria in Italy; the International
University of Applied Sciences in Bad Honnef,
Germany; and the Universidad San Ignacio de
Loyola in Lima, Peru. The grants will support
existing partnership programs and facilitate
additional ones at all institutions.
The college’s relationships with the hospitality and
tourism industry provide students with internships,
placement and training opportunities with major
hoteliers, including The Leading Hotels of the World.
Students gain other practical learning experiences
by attending major conferences, serving on student
consulting teams that analyze and report on individual
property or corporate projects, exposure to industry
experts and participation in workshops on industry
topics, and attendance at career days. These various
practical-application programs will also benefit
from the grant funds, Praetzel said.
See www.niagara.edu/news/printnews.php?id=
080107143241 for more information.
CAREER DEVELOPMENT
HOSTS CANADIAN
TEACHER CAREER FAIR —
Recruiters from 31 Ontario school
boards and teacher employment
organizations were on the Niagara
University campus Dec. 4 for the
annual Canadian Teacher Career Fair.
The event was held in collaboration
with the career centers at Canisius,
Daemen, D’Youville and Medaille
colleges. Recruiters met with approximately 500 Canadian students from
teacher education programs at NU
and the other sponsoring colleges.
The grants awarded to the
College of Hospitality and
Tourism Management by the
Statler and Curtis L. Carlson
Family foundations will expand
the college’s ability to offer
programs like the Como workabroad program. Pictured in
this 2005 photo are Amanda
Marsh (left) and Michelle
McLaughlin, two students who
participated in the Como
program, with Dr. Gary
Praetzel, dean of the college
(second from left), and JeanMarc Droulers, president and
CEO of the Villa d’Este, one
of the participating hotels.
eagle magazine 5
missioncentral
www.niagara.edu/mission
By Sister Nora Gatto, D.C.
Executive Director
University Mission and Ministry
[email protected]
6 eagle magazine
All Will Be Vincentian
Question: How many Vincentians will be serving
at Niagara University in the year 2020?
Answer: All who serve at Niagara University in the
year 2020 will be “Vincentian.”
What makes Niagara a Vincentian university isn’t
really, nor has it ever been, the number of vowed
Vincentian priests and brothers who are assigned
here. However, the men who have served here over
the past 151 years have paved the way for the laity
who follow in their footsteps and have handed on
the rich tradition and spirituality that they were
formed in as priests and brothers.
So, what exactly is it that makes for a
Vincentian? And how can we be so sure that
as we move into the future all will have these
qualities and characteristics?
Vincentians can be recognized by their:
• Devotion to justice and charity.
• Obvious concern for others, especially those
who are most likely to be neglected.
• Willingness to roll up their sleeves and get
their hands dirty when needed.
• Ability to listen attentively, no matter
where or when, or to whom.
• Inclusive attitude toward those who are not
usually included in anything of importance.
• Reverence for human beings, all kinds
of them, exceeding that of normal, average,
everyday persons.
• Ability to speak with enthusiasm and intelligence
to national and international issues where those
who are poor are being adversely affected.
• Contagious ability to engage others in researching
and eradicating the systemic causes of poverty.
• Ability to draw upon the reasoning powers of
the greatest Catholic thinkers of all time in
decision making, both professional and personal.
• Service to those who are poor, homeless,
marginalized, living in the shadows.
• Happy, joyful, faith-filled attitude.
• Love of life and others.
• Extraordinary gift of being able to see the face
of God in persons who are poor.
In order to prepare Vincentians for the future,
Niagara is embarking upon a new program that
will enable us to develop a deeper understanding
and commitment to the Catholic and Vincentian
heritage that we have. The Vincentian Mission
Institute: Leadership for Higher Education
(announced in the last issue of the Eagle or visit
www.niagara.edu/news/listnews.php for more
information), is the result of collaborative meetings
between the three Vincentian universities in the
United States: St. John’s University in New York,
De Paul University in Chicago, and Niagara. Nine
members of our Niagara community have been
selected to participate in this three-year program, which
will address the distinctive nature of Catholic and
Vincentian higher education with a strong emphasis
on Vincentian history, spirituality and service.
While we know that the laity here on campus
have embraced the Vincentian heritage, we also
believe that graduates of our university take with
them a Vincentian way of looking at the world.
We have heard that many of our alumni would
love an opportunity to participate in a service trip,
much like the BASIC (Brothers and Sisters in Christ)
program that is available to our students. (See page
13 to read the inspiring stories of two BASIC
students.) Wouldn’t it be great to run such a trip
during the spring or summer to a place like
Philadelphia or Brooklyn, where the Vincentians
and Daughters of Charity collaborate in their service
of those who are poor? What about a trip to places
like Mississippi or New Orleans? These would be
opportunities to demonstrate our love for God, as
St. Vincent de Paul has said, “with the strength of
our arms and the sweat of our brows.” If you are an
alumnus of Niagara and would be interested in such
an experience, I need some information from you:
• Where would you like to go?
• What time during the spring or summer
months might you be available?
• Have you ever gone on such a trip?
• What kinds of service would you be most
interested in?
I ask you to e-mail [email protected] your
response and I will get back to you with the
information that I receive.
If it is to be true that in the year 2020 all who
serve at Niagara University will be Vincentian, then
it is up to the loving, caring, concerned, revolutionary,
reverent, hard-working, inclusive and intelligent
professionals who are here now to build their lives
around our mission, because for all Vincentians at
Niagara, mission is central.
niagaranotables
Dr. Henrik Borgstrom
Chair of the Department of Modern and Classical Languages
Associate Professor of French
Education and theater work hand-in-hand, according to Dr. Henrik Borgstrom. And it’s an especially
effective teaching method when used in the study of foreign language, he says. “Theater is one of the best
ways to teach language because you can role-play in the class,” he notes. “Theater is living language.”
Borgstrom takes this approach one step further, out of the classroom and onto the stage. A founding
member of Le Thèâtre de la Chandelle Verte, he is one of four professors of French who adapt French literature
for the theater and then perform that adaptation at universities across the country. The four all hold doctorates
in French and theater from the University of Wisconsin-Madison, and have collaborated for more than 15
years on a variety of French and Francophone productions. A student intern is chosen each year to
accompany the troupe. Alexandra Hare, a former NU French/theater student, was chosen as the intern for
the 2007-2008 season.
With the goal of broadening the appreciation for theater performed in French, the organization
annually selects a literary work to present to university audiences. This year, the troupe is performing “Le
Jeu de L’Amour et du Hasard (The Game of Love and Chance),” an 18th century comedy by Marivaux,
in venues from the East Coast to Washington state. In keeping with its focus on education, the troupe
provides French professors with information including the biography of the author, a synopsis of the
play, language exercises, and lesson plans that they can use in their classes. In addition, the players offer
workshops and talk-back sessions to familiarize the students with the text and help them relate what
they’ve seen to their own lives.
Borgstrom notes the group is mindful that their audiences have varied proficiency in the French
language, and present productions that are visually spectacular.
“The way we perform is always very physical, very visual, so that a student who has had
very little French can still understand it,” he says. “It’s really meant to cater to all levels
of French.” In addition, this year’s performance includes subtitles projected on a
screen above the stage and the program features a scene-by-scene plot summary
so that those in attendance can follow the story.
“Every time we perform there have been members in the audience who don’t
speak a word of French yet still tell me that they enjoyed the show,” Borgstrom says.
The group faces other challenges as well. The story selected must be adapted to
run only an hour, and to be able to be performed by a small cast. In addition, the
production settings must be kept simple because of variations in performance space.
“We’ve performed in classrooms, in a living room, and on elaborate stages,” says
Borgstrom. “We use minimal external effects because we need to be able to adapt the
performance to the space available.” This year’s set is just a chair, although
Borgstrom notes that the costumes are ornate.
Borgstrom wrote the adaptation of both this year’s and last year’s productions,
and performs one of the leading roles in “Le Jeu.” (It’s his first time on stage in 15
years, he admits.) Because coordinating the professors’ schedules can be difficult,
the troupe limits its performances to about 10 per year, which it promotes
through word-of-mouth and personal contacts. “It’s a small community that
knows about us,” Borgstrom says.
This extracurricular passion has enabled Borgstrom to combine his interest in
theater with his studies in French, continuing the work he started as a graduate
student in the French department at UW-M while studying under Judith Graves
Miller, a leading scholar in Francophone theater and performance. There was a
theater component within the department, Borgstrom explains, in which a fullscale production was prepared each year as part of a semester-long course. He
directed the program and, as a result, became a specialist in Francophone-African
theater, which was the program’s focus. His doctoral thesis investigated theater as used
in education, and he frequently publishes in theater journals. Now, as a member of Le
Thèâtre de la Chandelle Verte, he’s come full circle. “It’s all kind of come together with
this program,” he says.
— Lisa McMahon
eagle magazine 7
purpleeaglepride
www.purpleeagles.com
Different Country, Same Great Sport
To say that Egor Mironov has a pair of pretty
big skates to fill is an understatement.
Mironov, a business major from Thornhill,
Ontario, comes to Niagara from a family routed
deep in the sport of hockey. His father, Dmitri,
and uncle, Boris, both played in the NHL and
for the Russian Olympic team.
“I’m next in line,” said Mironov.
When Mironov learned to walk, he learned
to skate. At about 2 and a half years old, he
began learning to play the game on the outdoor
rinks of Russia. However, he had to put the
sport he loved aside a couple of years later when
his family moved from Russia to Canada,
concentrating instead on his education and
learning to speak the English language.
“It’s very hard to be taken out of your element
and move to a completely different country
where you don’t know anyone, and don’t
know the language,” he said. “I found it hard
to fit in when I was younger.”
Mironov started playing hockey again when
he was 11. “I pretty much had a late start and
had to begin again with the bare essentials. I had
to learn to skate again. I was a late bloomer,” he
said, adding that he had the opportunity to travel
to Russia to hone his hockey skills.
Whether he was influenced more by the Russian
style of hockey or the North American style,
there is no question that he gained most of his
hockey knowledge from his father, Dmitri.
8 eagle magazine
Dmitri was drafted in 1991 by the Toronto
Maple Leafs, where he played until 1995. Over the
next seven years, he skated with the Pittsburgh
Penguins, the Anaheim Ducks, the Detroit Red
Wings, and the Washington Capitals. Dmitri drew
upon this experience to help his son in his early
hockey career.
“When we got home after a game, we would
honestly sit down at the kitchen table for an hour
and a half or two hours. He would explain all the
mistakes I made,” said Mironov. “It’s actually
remarkable how he could remember everything,
things I might not have even noticed. He picks
everything apart and always pushes me to be a
better player.”
Mironov has grown to value the lessons his father
taught him, even though it was difficult at times to
accept criticism.
“I never wanted to hear it, but in the long run I
know I appreciate it,” he said. “I might not have
agreed with him, and I might not have liked what
he was saying at the time, but I knew it was the
truth, and it’s what really needs to be told. For
that I really appreciate it.”
Mironov’s father, residing in Toronto, still watches
his son skate at Dwyer Arena, and Egor continues
to learn.
“To this day my father waits for me after
every game.”
— Ben Heckethorn
Athletic Communications Assistant
SOFTBALL LIKE IT
OUGHT TO BE? —
The weather in Elyria,
Ohio, was cold and
snowy; in other words,
it was perfect conditions
for the “Mud Bowl,” a
softball competition that
NU freshman Kristin
Sito’s family and friends
have held for the last 71
years. Sito, a member of
NU’s softball team, was
the first girl to play in
the annual New Year’s
Day event.
purpleeaglepride
www.purpleeagles.com
Making the Band — Again
When the Purple Eagles’ men’s
basketball team played in the
2007 NCAA tournament, the
University of Dayton pep band
pitched in as NU’s pep band.
This year, if the team heads back
to the “Big Dance,” the Purple
Eagles will have a pep band of
their own to provide some sweet
music for support.
You can thank NU alums Pat
Kuciewski, M.S.Ed.’92, and Alan
Stockings, M.S.Ed.’07.
Kuciewski, the assistant principal
at Harry F. Abate Elementary
School, and Stockings, a math
teacher at Niagara Falls High
School, both in Niagara Falls, N.Y., were approached by Niagara last spring about restarting the university’s
own pep band. This is the second time Kuciewski took the baton as leader of the band.
In the late 1980s, when Kuciewski was the band director at the now-defunct LaSalle High School in
Niagara Falls, Niagara contacted him for the first time.
“Niagara didn’t have a pep band at the time,” he recalled. “The university contracted LaSalle’s band to
be NU’s (pep band).” The band would perform at home basketball games, pumping up the crowd with
popular songs and the “Go Purple Eagles” fight song.
When Kuciewski left LaSalle High School in 1993, the group changed directors and ultimately disbanded.
It was brought together again in 1998, thanks to Niagara Middle School, but was once again silenced in 2002.
During the 2006-2007 academic year, Niagara students came together to restart the pep band and once
again, Kuciewski led the charge. “You can take me away from the band,” he said, “but you can’t take the
band out of me.”
The group, consisting of NU students as well as students from surrounding high schools, including a strong
contingent from Niagara Falls High School, has been playing at basketball games in the Gallagher Center since
last fall, performing before each game and at halftime, as well as during time-outs and after the game.
“A pep band brings a certain excitement to a college basketball game,” Kuciewski said. “I’m glad we
can be part of the Niagara basketball experience.”
If you would like more information about the Niagara University pep band, log on to http://eagles.niagara.
edu/jeckel/main.html, or e-mail [email protected].
— Jason Mollica
NU Hosts
CHA Tourney
Dwyer Arena is the place to be
in mid-March, as the Monteagle
Ridge site hosts the College
Hockey America 2008 men’s and
women’s conference tournaments.
For the women, the tournament kicks off on March 7, and
ends with the championship
game on March 8.
The men drop the puck on
March 14 at 7 p.m. with the
fourth seed facing the fifth
seed. The action continues at
2 p.m. on March 15 with the
number one seed facing the
4/5 seed winner; the second
and third seeds play at 7 p.m.
the same night.
The men’s championship
game will take place at 2 p.m.
on March 16. CSTV will
televise the final live.
COOK HITS 100 — Niagara University
junior forward Ted Cook was honored for
earning his 100th career point prior to the
Jan. 11 contest against Robert Morris. Cook,
a junior, hit the century mark with an assist
Dec. 30 vs. Canisius College. The Hogansburg,
N.Y., native is the 10th member of NU’s
100-point club. The only other junior to
get to the 100-point plateau was Barrett
Ehgoetz, who is Niagara’s career leader with
166 points.
eagle magazine 9
advancingnu
www.niagara.edu/advancement
www.niagara.edu/promise
From Don’s Desk
By Don Bielecki,Vice President for Institutional Advancement
I’ve spent much of my time as vice president for
institutional advancement visiting our many alumni
all across the United States, and it’s been a pleasure
to meet with you and learn what is new in your lives.
Now, I cordially invite you to visit Niagara University
so you can see what’s new on Monteagle Ridge.
The campus is attractive, our faculty is enthusiastically
pursing academic excellence, and our students clearly
show that the Niagara education is making a difference
in their lives. There is also a new academic complex
that provides a contemporary learning environment
Beth (Drongosky) Cannon, ’84
(left), with Nancy McGlen, dean
of the College of Arts and
Sciences. McGlen talked about
the exciting things planned for
Niagara, including the construction of a new science building,
during a campaign event at
The Villages, Fla., on Feb. 7.
Correction:
The 2006-2007 President’s
Report incorrectly reported
information about the number
of donors and class participation
rate for the Class of 1951. The
correct information is:
Class of 1951
Class members: 113
Number of donors: 48
Dollar amount: $18,047.08
Participation: 42.48%
We apologize for the error.
Annual Unrestricted
$782,221.55
Athletics
27,532.00
Other
1,005,132.90
Gifts as of Feb. 5, 2008
as well as a home for the colleges of Business
Administration and Education. Alumni and friends
tell me that, after spending time on the campus, they
can feel Niagara is “on the move.” Come see for
yourself the transformation taking place at Niagara.
Visit a former professor. Cheer on a Purple Eagles
athletic team. Experience the financial services
laboratory in the new building. Observe students
engaged in research with a faculty member. What
you will see and experience will make you proud
to be alumni of Niagara University!
“The Promise of Niagara”
Some Thoughts on That Promise
and an Update on the Campaign’s Status
Every student who enters Niagara University is heir to
a promise. That promise was made by the Vincentians
who founded the university, and it is realized by our
graduates, whose works in the world are inspired by
the Vincentian values that recognize the dignity
of each human being’s aspiration to meaningful,
productive and successful lives.
It is, therefore, most appropriate that the capital
campaign currently under way is entitled “The
Promise of Niagara.”
The campaign has already started to transform the
campus and enhance its endowment. The last issue
of the Eagle presented a pictorial essay on the $18.65million Academic Complex/Bisgrove Hall, which
opened prior to the fall 2007 semester. The story
noted that the facility is “the first step in the physical
transformation of Niagara University’s campus.”
There is a symbolic relationship between the
new building and the transformation being made
possible by the campaign. The design of the complex
is inspired by the architectural heritage of many
of the oldest buildings that occupy the university’s
campus. They are landmark structures that have
endured time and, by their long presence and service,
can be said to represent the endurance of NU’s
values-inspired academic mission.
In May of 2007, Niagara University’s president, the
Rev. Joseph L. Levesque, C.M., announced the public
phase of “The Promise of Niagara” campaign and
termed it the most ambitious project in NU’s history.
In concert with the university’s trustees and leadership,
Father Levesque envisioned the campaign as a critically
necessary initiative to match the talent and dedication
of NU’s faculty and staff, as well as the abilities and
aspirations of its students. He noted that the campaign
will provide new and renovated facilities, technologies,
athletic venues, and endowments that will permit
a comprehensive redesign of the university’s campus
and capabilities to meet the challenges of a globalized
21st century.
In announcing the public phase, NU has expressed
confidence that it can raise the funds to reach its goal
and that its community will be there to help ensure the
campaign’s success.
At this writing, “The Promise of Niagara” has
raised nearly $38 million toward the campaign’s
$80 million goal, which is projected to be reached
by or before 2011.
As the campaign progresses, its profile will be
elevated on campus to inspire support from the
university’s educators and staff, for all of us are
entrusted with fulfilling the promise made over
151 years ago, alumni and university community
alike. We must assess the meaning of what that
promise continues to accomplish for our students
and for the world that will benefit from their works.
Our generosity should reflect our participation in
the fulfillment of that promise.
— J. Patrick Hulsman
Associate Vice President for Institutional Advancement
Niagara Fund Total
10 eagle magazine
$1,814,886.40
GOAL: $2 million
An
Engaging
Education
A hallmark of the Niagara experience is the
opportunity our students have to connect theory
with practice and test their knowledge in real-world
settings. Through research, innovative academic
programs, volunteer opportunities, extracurricular
activities, and study-abroad programs, students
enhance their education by developing skills and
principles that will remain with them long after they
leave Monteagle Ridge. The following stories and
photos highlight just some of the ways active
learning is taking place across the campus.
Zachary Mills discusses his research project with New York
State Senator George D. Maziarz.
NU Research Featured at Expo
T
he quality of Niagara University undergraduate research
was recognized when 10 students in the College of Arts
and Sciences were selected to participate in the inaugural
Independent Sector Undergraduate Research Exposition
sponsored by the Commission on Independent Colleges
and Universities. The students
displayed their research
posters at the Legislative
Office Building in Albany
on Jan. 22.
The one-day event brought
together college students,
faculty and New York state
legislators to showcase the
high-quality undergraduate
research being undertaken
by independent colleges and
universities throughout the
state. In all, 70 student
research teams from 27
Mallory van Dongen and Jeffrey
campuses were chosen to
St. Denis with the poster they
participate in the event.
displayed at the undergraduate
“One of our major goals
research expo.
in the College of Arts and
Sciences is to support and
encourage faculty-student research,” noted Dr. Nancy McGlen, dean of
the college. “These research projects span a large number of fields and
showcase the kind of interesting research that’s going on at Niagara.”
In research performed through the university’s Academic Center for
Integrated Sciences and funded by the New York state Gen*NY*sis
program, senior biology major Christopher Greene of Niagara Falls,
and junior biochemistry majors Megan Gombert of Youngstown and
Cara Lucas of Penn Yan studied the genes involved in coronary artery
disease, the most prevalent illness in Niagara County. Working with
Dr. Robert Greene, chair of the biology department; Dr. Deborah
Leonard, senior scientist and research laboratory technician; and Dr.
Michael Merhige of Niagara Falls Memorial Medical Center, they
investigated gene expression as measured by PET-MPI (positron emission
tomography myocardial perfusion imaging). The group found that
there’s a connection between the way these genes are expressed and
individuals’ risk of getting the disease. This information may lead to the
development of a simple blood test to detect the likelihood of getting
coronary artery disease so that preventative steps can be taken.
While the benefits of this research could reach around the globe, the
impetus was close to home. “Niagara County patients are the reason
we’re doing the study,” said Christopher Greene. He added that the expo
gave the students “a chance to show the regional statewide community
that NU is involved in cutting-edge research and working with other
institutions toward a common goal.”
Another ACIS-sponsored research project, performed by Jeffrey St.
Denis of Niagara Falls, a senior majoring in biology and chemistry, and
eagle magazine 11
New York State Senator Antoine M. Thompson (right), whose district includes the City of Niagara
Falls, learns a little more about its problems with housing discrimination from (l-r): Robert
Hengesbach, Tiffany Rockwood and Joseph Fitzpatrick.
Dr. Robert Greene, chair of the biology department; Dr. Deborah Leonard, senior scientist and
research laboratory technician; and students Cara Lucas, Christopher Greene and Megan Gombert
with the research poster they submitted to the undergraduate research expo.
Mallory van Dongen of Lewiston, a junior chemistry major, involved
the development of anti-bacterial agents. These molecules could be used
to preserve food, to coat surfaces to prevent the spread of germs, and
to combat bioterrorism. The two students have been working on this
project with Dr. Ronny Priefer, assistant professor of chemistry; Dr.
Mary McCourt, chair of the chemistry department; and Dr. Walter
Steiner, assistant professor of biology, for nearly two years. Priefer noted
that this endeavor was an interdisciplinary one, drawing from medicinal
chemistry, microbiology, organic chemistry, computational chemistry
and biochemistry. He added that the group is planning to publish its
preliminary findings.
Sophomore Joseph Fitzpatrick of Niagara Falls, and juniors Robert
Hengesbach of Lyndhurst, Ohio; Tiffany Rockwood of Shaker Heights,
Ohio; and Kayleigh Scannell of Lowell, Mass., studied the legacy of
housing discrimination in Niagara Falls, N.Y., as part of two classes
taught by Dr. Seneca Vaught, assistant professor of African and African
American history. Hengesbach, Rockwood and Scannell, students in the
Intro to Research class, investigated the historical factors that led to
12 eagle magazine
housing discrimination in the city of Niagara Falls. Fitzpatrick interviewed
people in the community, producing a short video documentary as part
of his Civil Rights Movement class. The two-part project addresses
the historical effects of housing discrimination and their continuing
contribution to urban decay in Niagara Falls.
The project submitted by senior English major Zachary Mills
of Buffalo, “An Awful Doom: The Distortion of Transmission in
‘Rappaccini’s Daughter,’” developed from an essay he wrote for one
of his classes. Mills’ paper, which he authored with the guidance of
Dr. Paula Kot, associate professor of English, considered the significance
of Giovanni’s poisoning in the Nathaniel Hawthorne work. Kot noted
that they plan to submit the piece for publication in professional journals.
Among the 27 colleges represented at the expo were Adelphi University,
Alfred University, Albany College of Pharmacy, Fordham University
and Iona College.
“We’re in with a very elite group,” McGlen noted. “It’s a great honor
that our students were selected, and it reflects that we are in a prestigious
circle in terms of faculty-student research.”
— Lisa McMahon
Jared Garbowski went to Panama on his second BASIC volunteer trip.
BASIC Training
T
he call to serve the less fortunate is one that often goes
unanswered. At Niagara University, an effort exists to
make sure that this call is heard, answered and spread. For
two Niagara students, Jared Garbowski and Mallory Jakaub,
this effort was realized.
Garbowski and Jakaub are two of several Niagara students who attended
a BASIC (Brothers and Sisters in Christ) service trip this past January.
Garbowski attended his second BASIC trip when he traveled to Panama,
while Jakaub did her service in Philadelphia. The experiences they
had on their respective trips are both captivating and inspiring. Their
stories remind us how rewarding it can be to lend a helping hand to
people in need and provide a first-hand perspective into the problem
of poverty.
“Philadelphia was a lot different than I had expected,” said Jakaub, a
junior international business major from Port Byron, N.Y. “I hadn’t known
a lot about the city, but I was shocked when I saw the living conditions
there. The houses were old and needed remodeling, and there was
garbage everywhere.”
“When you first get off the bus, you look around and are like, ‘wow,
I can’t believe where I am,’” added Garbowski, a senior criminal justice
major from Schenectady, N.Y.
Once this initial shock passes, a sense of inspiration and hope can
be drawn from the less fortunate, Garbowski noted. He said that while
the people he met in Panama had their own life story, filled with struggle
and hardship, they seemed to be bonded by a common factor: a deep
sense of faith. “The people in Panama were very religious,” he explained.
“They don’t have much, only simple things — Bibles, prayer books,
pictures of Jesus. We can learn a lot from them.”
While in Philadelphia, Jakaub worked on Habitat for Humanity
projects and served inner-city youth in after-school programs. This
experience showed her how great an impact one can have on the life
of a person in need. She noted that the poor school children she met in
Philadelphia were very open and emotional, contrary to the often
reserved nature of students in the suburbs. “The kids there were so
happy to see you,” she said. “There was this one particular experience
I had with this little boy who I’d become attached to. When I told
him I had to leave, he began to cry. You could just see how much
those kids appreciated you.”
In Panama, Garbowski toured the poorest areas of the country, both
rural and urban, attended Mass with its citizens, and served at various
Vincentian-run community centers. He noted that volunteering not
only enhances one’s life spiritually, but academically as well. “After
seeing kids in Panama who don’t have and may never have a good
education, I now have a better appreciation for the great education I
am able to get here at NU,” he said.
Attending a BASIC trip is a great way for students to carry out
Niagara’s Vincentian mission of serving the poor while becoming more
well-rounded people, added Jakaub. “The experience opened my eyes
to things I would otherwise never see,” she said. “Sometimes we need to
step out of our comfort zones, and a BASIC trip helps you do that.”
When asked if they would do a BASIC trip again, the answer from
both students was the same: absolutely. Jakaub cited her best friend, who
had done service in Africa, as being her primary inspiration for volunteering
with BASIC. “I would definitely like to go on another BASIC trip. At
the beginning of the trip, nobody really knew each other, but by the
end of the trip we were all so close, like brothers and sisters.”
Garbowski said that his previous positive experience in Philadelphia
was one of his main reasons for going to Panama. “Going on a BASIC
trip allows you to both serve the poor and interact with students and
other people you might otherwise never meet,” he said. “I have
everything I need in life, and I wanted to use my blessings to help
other people.”
— T.J. Colangelo, junior communication studies major
eagle magazine 13
F
rom left,
Niagara
University
design/tech
theater studies
students Kelly Konecko,
Amanda Serio and Jessica
Oney pose with their
“Sesame Street” friend,
“Oscar the Grouch,” at
the Jim Henson Co.
Studio in New York. The
three were among 18 NU
students who took a fourday backstage Broadway
tour in January. The
field trip, coordinated by
NU costume technologist
Marilyn Deighton, exposed
the students to the many
job opportunities available
in design/tech for the theater, film and television industry. Stops on the tour included design studios and costume houses; a
backstage tour of the Broadway musical “Wicked,” guided by Alyce Gilbert, one of Broadway’s renowned wardrobe supervisors;
a panel presentation by IATSE (Stagehands’ Union) members on “Alternative Careers in Theater”; a performance of “Wicked”;
and a visit to CBS Studios. The students also had a chance to meet and mingle with nearly 35 theater alumni who live and work
in the New York City area at a pizza party arranged by NU costume designer Maureen Stevens.
Investing in Futures
O
ne hundred thousand dollars is a lot of money. It’s an
even more significant amount when you’re investing
it for someone else. That’s exactly the challenge 28
Niagara University students are facing this semester
in their MGT 355 Applied Portfolio Management Class.
“The students will become an investment management company
for a semester,” explained Ed Hutton, director of the College of Business
Administration’s financial services laboratory and professor of the course.
“Their goal is to invest as profitably as they can that $100,000.”
In addition to the expertise Hutton can provide (he’s a certified
financial analyst with 25 years of experience with companies including
Chase, M&T and Goldome), the students will be able to draw upon
resources such as industry-standard software programs to keep abreast
of market developments that can affect their investment decisions. The
college’s new trading room is set up to allow students to do exactly
what they’d be doing as financial analysts: watch what’s happening
in the market in real time and monitor companies so that they can
determine which stocks to buy and which to sell.
“We want students to jump on board and find out what it would
be like to work (in the investment field) and be that involved in the
markets,” Hutton said.
14 eagle magazine
The money, which has been set aside as the newly established Monteagle
Fund, is a portion of the university’s endowment. The students, working
in seven teams of four, will be the fund’s portfolio managers. They’ll
survey the companies involved in various segments of the market,
track their performance, read analyst reports, conduct conference
calls with the various companies, and analyze financial statements to
decide where they want to invest. And once they make that decision,
they will do “buy presentations” to convince their classmates that the
investments they recommend are sound ones. They will also be required
to provide reports to the university’s investment committee, and their
performance will be held to the same standards as NU’s other endowment
portfolio managers.
Making this newly acquired fiscal responsibility all the more challenging
are the recent fluctuations in the stock market.
“My biggest concern … is the impending economic recession,
especially following Tuesday, January 22nd’s Federal Funds rate cut of 75
basis points,” noted Lauren Christian, a senior from Holley, N.Y., “but
hopefully the university is investing for the long term and will ride
out the volatile market.” She said that she is confident her group, which
is responsible for materials and industrials, “will make very educated
and well-researched suggestions for the university.”
Bobby Lenhard, an MBA student from Farmington, N.Y., who
decided to take the undergraduate class because he couldn’t resist the
opportunity to invest money for the university, echoed Christian’s
sentiments, adding that “it is important
that NU has faith in us, even through
the more challenging times.” He noted
that his team, which is covering financials,
is already “thinking how best to start
the investing and pave the way for
future classes.”
To help them make their investment
decisions, a group of students will be
assigned to provide an overview at the
beginning of each week, discussing
where the markets are, what the
indexes are, and which companies are
announcing earnings. And while the
class is held twice a week, the majority of
the work will be done outside of class,
Hutton noted, because the students
will have to be fully immersed in what’s
happening in the financial markets both
at home and abroad.
Ed Hutton, director of the College of Business Administration’s financial services laboratory,
This kind of cutting-edge program is
demonstrates the capabilities of the software available in the stock exchange learning center.
offered at only about 150 other schools,
according to Hutton. He said that using
real money “energizes the whole process,” taking the learning out of the
Hofmann challenged his students to take on the marketing, promotion
textbooks and making it a hands-on experience that will enable students and ticket sale responsibilities for the men’s and women’s ice hockey
to develop skills that are in demand. “As much as possible, we want this and basketball teams’ home openers. “I wanted them to have that
to be like a working experience,” he said.
‘real’ feeling and pressure,” he said.
While 28 students are part of this first-time class (selected
According to the students, they did. “Glenn made sure that this class
from an initial pool of 36 registrants due to the limited number of
(was) focused on doing, not just observing,” said Julie Moses, who was
workstations available), Hutton said that in the future, he envisions
in charge of the team marketing the men’s basketball home opener.
only about 10 to 12 students being accepted. He expects that candidates
“It was thrilling,” added Pat Haggerty, a senior who led the team
will apply for the course like they would a job and be “hired” to manage that promoted the women’s basketball home opener. “This was something
the Monteagle Fund for a semester, taking over where the previous
real that we could put on our résumés.”
class left off.
Before the students tackled their marketing duties, they were divided
The fact that his is the inaugural class in this financial endeavor is
into four teams and given the opportunity to “pitch” why they should
a motivating factor for Timothy Bax, a senior from Niagara Falls, be the project manager of their group. “Part of the learning experience
N.Y. “I am glad that the university is giving us this opportunity
was not only selling the event, but selling yourself,” Hofmann said.
to get real experience in investing,” he said. “I really would like
Once each group picked its project manager, it was given a sport to
to make money on our investment so that the university will continue promote with funding from the athletic department. Hofmann said he
to offer this class.”
didn’t want the students’ time spent on developing lengthy marketing
— Lisa McMahon plans; instead, he wanted them to focus on selling tickets. “I wanted
them to learn the hard lessons of marketing,” he said.
The students’ grades were determined in part by how well they
met their financial and attendance goals, Hofmann said. Another factor
was their success in helping local food chain Tops Markets increase
visibility for its bonus cards.
To accomplish these goals, Moses’ team “ … wanted to build off
the
momentum from last year’s MAAC championship win and the
he Apprentice” has garnered plenty of attention
NCAA
tournament appearance,” she said.
for the way it puts contestants through rigorous
They
put together a plan that included giving away two pairs of
business tasks. Glenn Hofmann, Niagara
season
tickets
for men’s basketball through a promotion at Tops, as
University’s associate athletic director for external
at the game for students and the general
as
doing
giveaways
well
affairs, took a cue from the show, figuring that
public.
“If
they
signed
up
for, or showed, a bonus card, they were
if students in his sports sales class wanted to know what it is like to
put
into
a
drawing
for
several
Tops prizes,” Moses explained.
promote an athletic event, he would show them — first hand.
Marketing 101:
Selling the Purple Eagles
“T
eagle magazine 15
Senior sports management major Lee Maslyn was part of the team that organized Hockey Bingo Night as a way to promote the women’s
hockey home opening game.
Moses’ group invited numerous nonprofit organizations to the
game for free — thanks to their agreement with Tops — and welcomed
them with a pregame party in the lower level of the Gallagher Center.
The main idea, according to Moses, was to be creative.
“Glenn stressed to the class that we should focus on organization,
thinking big, and working together,” she said. Her team’s strategy
worked — the home opener, which featured the raising of the 2007
MAAC championship banner and an appearance by the University of
Dayton Pep Band, was a sell-out.
Lee Maslyn, a senior sports management major who is currently
working as an intern in guest services with the National Football
League’s Buffalo Bills, led the charge for the women’s hockey opener.
He and his team did what they termed a “dorm storm” on campus,
in hopes of getting NU students to Dwyer Arena. “We spent at least
five minutes with each person,” he said. “We tried to create some
excitement for the game.”
The team marketed the opener as Hockey Bingo Night, a unique
idea that awarded prizes for certain events during the game. “If a player
scored or got an assist,” Maslyn said, “you marked off their number on
the bingo card.” Winners were entered into a drawing to receive various
prizes, including round trip tickets from JetBlue. Hockey Bingo Night
brought 650 fans to the women’s opener.
Haggerty had double the work. Not only did he lead the women’s
basketball group, he was also part of the team responsible for selling
the men’s hockey home opener.
Haggerty’s basketball group promoted the changes in the women’s
basketball program, particularly the addition of new coach Kendra
Faustin. They also solicited groups for ticket sales.
16 eagle magazine
“We tried to get that big order early so we could see how much risk
we could eliminate,” he said. Nearly 560 fans showed up to see the
game and take part in basketball skills competitions and a piñata bash for
leftover Halloween candy.
Haggerty’s second team, which was responsible for the hockey
game, went after group sales as well by targeting youth hockey players
and their parents. Teammate Matt Caruana, captain of the NU men’s
hockey team, was counted on to help bring in the Niagara Junior Purple
Eagles youth hockey squad because he had worked with the youngsters
in the past. “It was an immediate personal relationship that we could
use,” Haggerty said.
Caruana’s connection led to the group bringing 1,848 fans into Dwyer
Arena that night and setting an attendance record. “It was one of the
more special projects I have ever worked on,” Haggerty said.
Hofmann and the athletic department were so impressed by what
Haggerty had done with the class that they put him in charge of a
“February Push” project to sell tickets for the men’s hockey team’s
remaining regular-season home games.
All along, Hofmann hoped the students would be enthusiastic
about getting into sales. “I think they learned a lot from this
experience,” he said.
According to Moses, who graduated in December and is now an
account executive for the Buffalo Bisons baseball team, they did.
“Had I not had the chance to (take this class) before joining the
Bisons,” she said, “I would not feel as confident as I do now going
into the first meeting with a client.”
Hofmann’s mission was accomplished, and perhaps one day some
of these students will hear: “You’re hired.”
— Jason Mollica
Hospitality Italian Style
Insurbia’s program focuses on theory, while at Niagara, there’s a lot
of practice. In Italy, they don’t live on campus, but return to home or
apartments at the end of the day. Nor do they have career days and
he language, the food, the weather, and being thousands
the university doesn’t help you find a job, Ravelli noted. “Here, they
of miles away from home was a bit difficult at times, but are very lucky,” she said.
Italian students who spent the fall semester studying at
One of the most difficult, and at the same time, valuable, experiences
Niagara University agree — it’s sure going to look good for Anna Mandato was speaking and understanding English. She
on their résumés.
studied English in Italy, but learned mostly grammar rules.
That opinion is shared by their NU counterparts who spent the
“The first month for me was very, very difficult. I didn’t understand
summer working in Italy.
very well when people speak to me.” By the end of the semester, she
It all started in 2001 when Dr. Gary Praetzel, dean of the College
said, “I’m not so well able to answer, but I understand for the most part.”
of Hospitality and Tourism Management, assisted Italy’s University of
Because there are so many foreign visitors in the tourist areas of
Insurbia in developing a new hospitality and tourism program and, in Italy, the ability to speak English and other languages is one of the first
the process, began working with the Lake Como Hotel Association
things employers in the tourism industry there look for on a résumé.
and Lake Como Tourism Association. From this grew an exchange
Ravelli’s English was a bit stronger (she also speaks German and a little
program that for the past four years has put 10 Niagara travel-tourism French), but even she found American classes difficult at first. “They
students to work for the summer in Lake Como hotels and brought
speak so fast,” she said.
10 Insurbia students to study at the NU campus for a semester.
The language difference meant the Italian students had to put in
“I think it’s a unique experience. It helps you grow,” said
some extra studying to keep up with classes and required projects.
Insurbia student Consuelo Ravelli. “You learn a lot of new things
“They study more than any student I know at Niagara,” commented
apart from language.”
Evan Hanrahan, a senior from Ithaca.
Asked what she would miss the
most when she returned to Italy,
Ravelli said it would be the people
she’s met. “They are very friendly and
helpful with us. If you go anywhere
and ask for help, they just smile and
help you.”
During their semester at NU, the
two young women traveled to Toronto,
Washington, Philadelphia, New York
(where they stayed at the WaldorfAstoria for an industry hotel show)
and, when interviewed in December,
had just been to Miami and suffered
the fate of any snowbird who returns
too early. “It was so warm there, and
when we came here, it was snowing!”
Ravelli said.
As to what they wouldn’t miss
on returning home, Mandato
apologetically commented, “I’m
sorry, but I just don’t like the food.”
Not used to that much fat in their
diets, she and Ravelli didn’t fall victim
to french fries or chicken wings.
By contrast, their NU counterparts
loved Italian food.
“It’s so healthy and so fresh. There’s
so much more emotion put into their
food,” Hanrahan said, describing
smoky-flavored, thin-crust pizza with
fresh vegetables baked on a stone.
Como program exchange students, front row: Consuelo Ravelli, Evan Hanrahan and Anna
Mandato. Back row: Nathaniel Adams.
T
eagle magazine 17
Both he and fellow NU senior Nathaniel Adams became addicted
to Italian gelato, which is kept at a lower temperature than American
ice cream. “It’s like cold frosting,” Adams said.
Hanrahan spent last summer working at the Grand Hotel di Como;
Adams at the smaller Villa Flori. They rotated through each of the
departments at their hotels, from kitchen to front desk. Hanrahan
even took over as head of the housekeeping staff at his hotel for a
F
week when the manager went on vacation. Like the Italian students
here, they had to adjust to the language barrier, despite having studied
Italian for a year.
Self-confidence and willingness to serve is the first thing you notice
about the NU students who have worked in Italy.
“It takes a lot of guts for a 20-year-old to work half way around the
world, speak a different language and live with their co-workers at a
or more than 25 years, Niagara University accounting students have prepared and electronically filed federal and state tax returns
free of charge for elderly and low-income taxpayers in Niagara Falls through the Volunteer Income Tax Assistance program sponsored
by the Internal Revenue Service. This year’s program, done in partnership with ReNU Niagara, Niagara University’s Community
Outreach Partnership Center, is being coordinated by members of Beta Alpha Psi, the international honor society for accounting,
and the College of Business Administration’s Accounting Society.
“It’s a good way to apply our mission, and the people that we help really need the help,” noted Alfonso Oddo, chair of the department of
accounting, who added that students participating in this program learn another way to use their talents to serve others.
Pictured, Chris Stacey, a junior from Gasport, N.Y., works with Gerry Catalano, program director in the College of Business Administration,
to brush up on his tax preparation skills.
18 eagle magazine
property with no other Niagara students present,”
Praetzel said.
The NU students who work in Italy get free room
and board, plus invaluable experience, but no payment
at the hotels where they work. They do get 12 credit
hours, which allows them to graduate a semester
early. Adams, for example, already has a job at the
Grand Hyatt in downtown Washington, D.C.
It’s different from going to another country to
vacation. It’s nerve-wracking at first, but when you
work and live in another country, you immerse
yourself in the culture and come out the better for
it, Hanrahan said.
Both the Italian and the NU students credit
Praetzel not only for establishing the program, but
for taking the extra steps to make sure their experience
was a success. As one Italian student wrote Praetzel
after returning home in December: “I will never
be able to thank you enough; it was such a great
experience that it’s difficult to find the right words
to describe it. Thank you.”
It doesn’t matter if it’s a small problem or a large
one, he’s always available to help, Ravelli said.
In Italy, Hanrahan said, Praetzel comes by the hotels
where the students are working, takes them out to
dinner and introduces them to people.
“He really takes care of you. He becomes like a
surrogate parent. You want to make him proud. It’s
the same way you want to make your father proud,”
he said.
— Susan Mikula Campbell
Practicing Politics
Iasha Stone with Assemblyman Herman D. Farrell Jr.
S
tephanie Munas is spending the spring semester
working in the highest court in the country. Jeffrey Sheridan’s
internship with Congresswoman Louise Slaughter led to a
part-time position as her staff assistant. And Iasha Stone had
the opportunity to meet New York State Attorney General
Andrew M. Cuomo while interning in his Buffalo regional office.
The valuable real-world experiences these senior political science
students are taking advantage of comes courtesy of a new internship
course the political science department launched in the fall. While
the department has always encouraged its students to participate in
these off-campus learning opportunities, the online course brings a
more structured approach to the process.
“It really helps the students make sense of their experience,” explained
Dr. Jamie Pimlott, assistant professor in the department. “We want to
make sure we’re having conversations, and using technology to have
these conversations, to give our students the best experience.”
To get these conversations started, Pimlott assigns readings to the
students and has them compare their experiences to what the literature
says. This gives the students the chance to make a connection between
theory and practice, and helps them to reflect on how their particular
internships might influence their future.
“An internship can revolutionize the way they look at their place in
our society and the way that they understand political science and politics,”
Pimlott said. “They’re experiencing how what they’ve learned applies
to the job and can better society.”
Ken Lambert, a sophomore with a double major in international
relations and political science, is hoping the internship he is completing
in Senator Charles Schumer’s Buffalo, N.Y., office will complement
the experiences he has had abroad in Germany. “I need this domestic
experience to understand better the international aspects of politics,”
he said. “To be internationally aware, I need to know what my country
is doing and what their influence on international issues is.” His work
with constituents, although primarily in a support capacity, is helping
him understand the issues that affect Western New Yorkers and what
elected politicians can do about them, he said.
Junior Shawn Davis completed an internship during the fall 2007
semester with the Center for American Progress, a think-tank located
eagle magazine 19
in Washington, D.C., and worked in
Senator Hillary Clinton’s Syracuse, N.Y.,
office last summer. Both these experiences
gave him a different perspective of political
science from what he got on campus, he
said, and made him realize that his career
interest lies in public policy. “I definitely
want to be involved in something that
makes a difference to someone,” he said.
In addition to her work in the attorney
general’s office, Stone completed an
internship with Assemblyman Hakeem
Jeffries. As the only staff member in the
assemblyman’s Albany headquarters, she
ran the office, handling correspondence,
setting up appointments, and talking with
constituents as they waited to see Jeffries.
This position gave her an extensive handson education in the New York state legislative
process, especially concerning the health
care and education issues facing the state,
she noted.
Sometimes, an internship can develop
into a paying job, as it did in Sheridan’s
case. After completing his internship in
Slaughter’s Niagara Falls office in fall of
2006, Sheridan continued to volunteer
through the spring semester. This fall, he
was hired for an entry-level position handling
Western New York agricultural issues,
assisting with requests for grants, and
arranging for congressional letters of
support. This job, he said, is his first
step toward a career as a political adviser.
During his Washington, D.C., internship, Shawn Davis volunteered with the International
Other times, an internship can help
Campaign for Tibet, a nonprofit organization that promotes human rights for Tibetans, during
solidify a career choice. “My Albany
internship and attorney general internship an event at which the Dalai Lama received a Congressional Gold Medal from President
George W. Bush. Davis is pictured outside the Capitol building, where the event was held.
helped guide my decision to become a
civil rights lawyer,” Stone said.
Munas hopes her semester-long, fulltime position with the Office of the Clerk in the Supreme Court will
Kennedy during a presentation in the Lyndon B. Johnson Room at
help her decide what type of law she wants to pursue. “I am allowed to
the Capitol. “It meant something special to me,” he said, noting that
sit in on the oral arguments of my choice so I hope in doing so I
the event was a highlight of his internship.
will realize what area I truly enjoy.” She also expects that her experience
In addition to giving students the opportunity to work in the field,
will give her an advantage when she goes to law school after graduation.
the internships also help to develop a sense of civic engagement and a
“I feel like I will be one step ahead of other first-year law students
desire to participate in community service. “We need to be the change
because it is generally difficult to get a legal internship as an undermakers,” Lambert said. “I want to see change. If I can do that by helping
graduate,” she noted.
even one person with one issue, then I feel humbled and I feel that I’ve
All the internships have an academic component. The students are
been successful in my job, in my career, and in my life.”
required to attend classes and write papers about their experiences to
— Lisa McMahon
earn from three to 15 credit hours. Davis’ paper detailed the opportunities
Editor’s note: Political science graduates who have internship opportunities
he had to observe a number of governmental meetings and deliver
available are asked to contact Dr. Jamie Pimlott at [email protected]
reports to elected officials in the Capitol building. He also discussed
or 716-286-8337.
staffing center briefings and events, and meeting Senator Edward M.
20 eagle magazine
inthespotlight
www.niagaraalumni.com
Stephanie Williams Cowart, ’80
“To whom much is given, much is required.”
Those are the words around which Niagara graduate Stephanie Williams Cowart has built her life, both
personally and professionally in her career with the Niagara Falls Housing Authority.
Cowart began working for the public housing agency in 1983, moving up to the executive director
position in 1996. A tireless worker for her community, she defines her job as not just providing safe, decent,
affordable housing, but providing opportunities to enhance the quality of life. She has been behind
numerous programs from setting up universal pre-kindergarten programs in the authority’s community
centers to establishing Employment Empowerment Training to helping authority residents interact with
police on a more social level with the Police and Parents as Partners program. She initiated energy
conservation measures that have saved the authority $1.4 million. She led Niagara Falls to designation as an
official “Weed and Seed” site through the Department of Justice.
“We say that it’s not only bricks and mortar, but it’s people and possibilities,” Cowart says.
The jewel in her crown came last year, however, when Cowart’s never give up attitude and aggressive
advocacy for housing funding netted a $20 million grant from HUD’s Hope VI program toward
the first phase of a planned $72 million transformation in the city to include housing.
The housing authority first applied for the federal funds five years ago. Cowart kept lobbying,
and when the grant finally came through last year, “I cried; I was so excited.”
Construction is beginning this year on 115 new homes and a new administration building
to replace aging apartment buildings in the city’s north end with affordable rental units and singlefamily homeownership opportunities. Eventually, 282 mixed income housing units will be
built in the city.
“It’s taken our mission statement (‘We empower, we enrich, we build strong communities!’)
to another level,” Cowart says.
Cowart’s work in Niagara Falls has not gone unnoticed. She’s received numerous awards,
including the Niagara County Black Achiever’s Candle in the Dark Award, the YMCA Woman of
the Year Award, the Rev. Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. Civil Rights Achievement Award, the Heroes
of Public Housing Award, the Niagara University Fellowship Award, and the Niagara University
College of Education Community Leadership Award.
There’s no doubt that Cowart loves her home city, and always has. She had a scholarship to
Radcliff in hand when she chose to join the Class of 1980 at NU, where she went on to earn a B.S.
in management, a B.B.A. in accounting, an M.B.A. and an M.S.Ed.
She regards the decision to attend NU as one of the more important steps she’s made in life. The
classes were small, the learning experience great, and she met people she’ll never forget, she says.
“It’s wonderful to have such an institution in your own backyard.”
That Niagara is a Catholic university posed no problem for this active member of Mount Zion
Missionary Baptist Church. There’s just one God, she says simply.
Her connection with NU remains strong today. Niagara donated the services of the first
Weed and Seed coordinator and is active in other areas, such as providing student tutors for
the children at the community centers.
“Niagara happens to be a great partner with the Niagara Falls Housing Authority,” she says.
There’s still quite a bit to be done. Much of Niagara Falls outside the tourist area is run
down and unemployment is high. Cowart refuses to be discouraged.
“I see a lot of need here. I feel God has blessed me with the gifts, talents and ability to give
back to the community,” she says. “There’s no way you can walk away from something that
you love, no matter what the condition.”
It was her parents who taught her that love.
“I’m so blessed that God chose the parents I have. They were my first educators, and certainly,
they are my heroes,” Cowart says. “I could never be where I am today without them.”
Cowart’s husband, Allen, is “very, very supportive” of her work both on the job and
in the many community organizations to which she lends her expertise. Her children,
Schurron and Allen Q., have been brought up in the tradition of community service,
learning from their parents and grandparents that “success is not necessarily about yourself;
it’s about helping other people.”
— Susan Mikula Campbell
Stephanie Williams
Cowart, ’80, with
an architectural
rendering of the new
homes that will be
built through a $20
million Hope VI grant.
eagle magazine 21
alumniassociationupdate
www.niagaraalumni.com
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
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,
As 2008 gets under way there are many opportunities for us Niagarans to get
involved with alumni happenings. Chapter events are taking place across the
country and Alumni Weekend planning is in full swing. Why not make this
the year you reconnect with your alma mater? And there’s a simple and easy
way to do just that — the Eagle’s Nest, Niagara’s online alumni community.
To date about 25 percent of Niagara alumni are “online” at the Eagle’s Nest.
In fact, over the last month alone more than 500 people logged onto the site
to connect, update and network with fellow alumni.
The Eagle’s Nest allows you to keep up-to-date with Niagara NUws, as well
as find out about upcoming Niagara University alumni events. Each user has a
secure personal profile, making registering for events online safe and secure.
The Nest is a convenient way to update former classmates about your latest
news — marriages, births, job changes, etc. — and you can also post photos
to share with the community in your own personal photo album.
The Eagle’s Nest is also great if you’re looking to reconnect with lost friends. The online directory allows
you to search for former classmates, and you can send them instant notes or e-mails right from the site.
There are message boards with topics ranging from Purple Eagle athletics to alumni chapter information,
as well as opportunities to network and post or search job opportunities.
To check out the Eagle’s Nest, visit www.niagaraalumni.com. Your first-time login code can be found
above your name on the mailing label of this magazine.
Let’s make 2008 the year Niagarans take to the Web and build a virtual community of purple and white pride!
All the best from the ’Ridge,
Greg Hudecki, ’68
President, Niagara University Alumni Association
Our newest chapter — alumni
celebrating at the inaugural
Cleveland holiday party.
alumniassociationupdate
www.niagaraalumni.com
Central New York
alumni at their
second annual
holiday party.
Central New York Chapter
Marty Byrne, ’78
315-414-1414
[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
Niagara University Alumni
Relations Office
716-286-8787
[email protected]
Delaware Valley Chapter
Ashleigh Cirilla, ’02
585-766-1690
[email protected]
Rochester Chapter
Mike, ’89, and Diane Moll, ’89
585-924-2414
[email protected]
[email protected]
Alumni in Atlanta
after watching the
Buffalo Sabres play
the Atlanta Thrashers
in early January.
Tri-state Chapter
Michelle Vandeloo, ’01
917-685-1675
mvandeloo@roccofortecollection.
com
Washington, D.C., Chapter
Paul McCarthy, ’60
703-931-6478
[email protected]
Western New York Chapter
Niagara University Alumni
Relations Office
716-286-8787
[email protected]
eagle magazine 23
alumninotes
www.niagaraalumni.com
classnotes
John J. Barnes, ’48, was among
12 WWII veterans who were
honored with the Legion of
Honor, France’s oldest and
highest military and civilian
decoration, during ceremonies
at the French Consolate in
New York City on May 8, 2007.
The Legion of Honor is
conferred on individuals of
distinguished achievement who
have served France in a notable
way. Barnes was honored
for his contribution to the
liberation of France during
WWII. He is pictured here
with Consul General
Francois Delattre.
24 eagle magazine
Governor George Pataki in 2005, after serving for seven
years as a justice of the Supreme Court in Albany County.
CA&S = College of Arts & Sciences
Daniel Brzusek, ’66 (CA&S/Natural Sciences and
CBA = College of Business
Biology), Clyde Hill, Wash., assisted in the publication
Administration
of “Sports Injuries Guidebook” with Rob Gotlin,
= College of Education
CE
team doctor for the New York Knicks. He is also
editor of Spineuniverse.com.
CN = College of Nursing
CH = College of Hospitality & Tourism Thad Krupka, ’66 (CBA/Accounting), San Antonio,
retired to Texas from his position as senior vice president
Management
of operations at the University of Minnesota Medical
ITHRA = Institute of Travel, Hotel &
Center in Minneapolis.
Restaurant Administration
(pre-CH)
Barbara (Hlastala) Hickey, ’68 (CA&S/Political Science),
TTT = Transportation,Travel & Tourism Mableton, Ga., authored and published “The Top 40 Tips
of Business Etiquette” with AuthorHouse Publishing Co.
(pre-ITHRA)
Brig. Gen. Anthony Caruana, ’69 (CA&S/English),
1940s George G. Gentile, ’47
Buffalo, N.Y., was elected to a four-year term as supervisor
(CA&S/Natural Sciences and Biology), of the Town of Tonawanda, N.Y. He also completed
was honored posthumously with
Community Emergency Response Team training through
induction into the Connecticut
Niagara University and is an active participant in the
Veterans Hall of Fame. He served as university’s Border Community SERVICE (Special
a U.S. Marine during World War II
Emergency Response Volunteer Initiative for Community
including combat service during the
Empowerment) project, which provides emergency
Battle for Iwo Jima. He founded the Iwo Jima Memorial preparedness training to citizens and encourages their
Survivor’s Association Inc., and Memorial Historical
participation in opportunities that enhance regional
Foundation, and was the driving force behind the
emergency readiness.
financing and construction of the National Iwo Jima
Barbara (Nagengast) Traver, ’69 (CN/Nursing),
Memorial located in New Britain.
Tonawanda, N.Y., has been elected as a regional chapter
coordinator for the honor society of nursing, Sigma Theta
1950s John Kolecki, ’50 (CE/Education), North
Tau International. Traver was elected at the honor society’s
Tonawanda, N.Y., published “On the Avenues and
39th biennial convention, held in Baltimore. As a regional
Beyond,” a brief history of the Polish community in
coordinator, Traver provides leadership that establishes and
North Tonawanda and a sequel to his previous book,
maintains networks for communication and sharing
“The Hybrid Amerykaniec.”
among 30 chapters, regional committee members, and
members of other international committees.
1960s Vincent J. Moore, ’62
(CA&S), Williamsville, N.Y., has been 1970s Richard J. Herdlein, ’70 (CA&S), Snyder,
selected for inclusion in The Best
N.Y., has been appointed chair of the student personnel
Lawyers in America® 2008. Best
administration department with the State University
Lawyers has conducted independent of New York College at Buffalo. He was honored by
peer-review surveys in which more
the College Student Personnel Association of New
than 25,000 leading attorneys evaluate York State for his outstanding contribution to the
their professional peers in the United profession at the annual professional conference in
States. Moore is an attorney with Damon & Morey
Albany, N.Y., in October 2007.
LLP in Buffalo, N.Y., and was selected for his work in
John Huntz, ’72 (CBA/Accounting), Atlanta, was selected
real estate law.
by TechJournal South as one of the 25 most influential
Joseph P. Wolf, ’62 (CE), Buffalo, N.Y., was presented
people in Southeast tech in its November print edition.
with the John D. Burns Memorial Award by the Western He joined Arcapita Ventures in 2005 and has served
New York Certified Football Officials Association. The
as a member of the board of the National Venture
award is the association’s highest honor and recognized Capital Association and the Securities and Exchange
Wolf ’s outstanding support and devotion to high
Commission’s Small Business Capital Formation Task
school football.
Force Executive Committee.
Sheila (McClincy) Perry, ’63 (CN), Prescott Valley, Ariz.,
Christine McDermott, ’74, M.S.’79,
accepted the position of administrator with Touchstone
was named Niagara University
Communities in Prescott.
Employee of the Month for
Justice Bernard J. Malone Jr., ’65 (CA&S), Delmar,
December 2007 in recognition of
N.Y., was appointed by Governor Eliot Spitzer to fill one
her dedication to the job and her
of three vacancies in the New York State Supreme Court,
commitment to Niagara students.
Appellate Division, Third Judicial Department, in Albany,
McDermott, who has been with
N.Y. Malone previously served on the Appellate Division
Niagara since July 1975, is senior
in the first department, a position he was appointed to by associate director of admissions.
alumninotes
www.niagaraalumni.com
Roy Harris, ’75 (CN), Ellicott City, Md., completed
a Ph.D. in Nursing in January at George Mason
University. He retired from the United States Army
Nurse Corps in August 2006. He looks forward to
increased volunteer activities within his church and the
Army Nurse Corps Association, as well as teaching in
nursing graduate or doctoral programs.
Thomas Ferrara, ’76 (CBA/Commerce), Pound Ridge,
N.Y., chairman of the board of Community Mutual
Savings Bank in White Plains, N.Y., announced his
company’s successful offering as a NASDAQ listed
stock. The closing bell of the exchange was rung by
Ferrara on Aug. 9, 2007, at the NASDAQ.
Ellen (McGrath) Guarnieri, ’77
(CN), Medford, N.J., has been
appointed chief executive officer at
Robert Wood Johnson University
Hospital Hamilton. She previously
held the positions of vice president
for new business development and
executive vice president.
Ellen Behan-Heinbockel, ’78 (CN), Moorestown,
N.J., has accepted a teaching position at the University
of Pennsylvania.
Sallie (Hermann) McQuaid, ’78 (CE/Administration
and Supervision), Honolulu, was elected president of
the Newcomer’s Club, an organization dedicated to
welcoming new residents and acquainting them with
the cultural and social aspects of the community as well
as introducing them to others with similar interests.
Patricia McCauley, ’79 (CN/Nursing), Brooklyn,
N.Y., accepted the position of senior associate
administrator of the cardiovascular product line with
SUNY Downstate Medical Center, in Brooklyn. She
was also inducted into the Manchester Who’s Who of
Executives and Professionals.
1980s Melody (Learned) Burow, ’80 (CN/Nursing),
Niagara Falls, N.Y., provided cards and letters to British
soldiers injured in Afghanistan and Iraq through her
organization, It’s From the Heart, during a visit to
England in April 2007. A story on Burow’s endeavor
was featured in the spring 2005 issue of the Eagle.
Michael Flaherty, ’80 (CA&S/Criminal Justice),
Hastings-on-Hudson, N.Y., has joined Pitney Bowes
as vice president – general manager of state and local
government marketplace. He will oversee aspects of
the business and will continue his active role in
national politics.
Michael G. Herrmann, ’80 (CE/French), Buffalo,
N.Y., completed his master’s degree in education in
counselor education/community mental health from
St. Bonaventure University.
Edward F. Wright Jr., ’80 (CBA/Accounting), Lockport,
N.Y., joins As It Is Inc., as chief financial officer and will
work closely with the launch of TrueThinker.com. His
role will include both developing the financial
foundation for the company during its early fastgrowth phase and during the ongoing round of
venture fundraising activities.
Joseph Cawley, ’81 (CA&S/Criminology and Criminal
Justice), Endwell, N.Y., was elected to the position of
Broome County Court judge in January.
David Prisaznuk, ’81 (CBA/
Accounting), Amherst, N.Y., has
been named controller for Tops
Markets. He provides oversight for
all financial activities, including
control of corporate assets, and is
responsible for risk management,
treasury functions, financial
reporting, and payroll administration.
Michael J. Hennessy, ’82 (CA&S/Psychology), Sherrill,
N.Y., was reelected Oneida County legislator and was
then elected as the Democrat minority leader.
Paul Gullo, ’84 (CBA), Grand Island, N.Y., received
a Doctor of Audiology degree from the Pennsylvania
College of Optometry in August 2007. He relocated
back to the Western New York area in September to
accept a clinical audiologist position with Diversified
Hearing Services.
Tammy (Pascarella) Baker, ’85 (CN/Nursing), Carmel,
N.Y., was recruited as director of emergency services
with the Putnam Hospital Center in November 2007.
Ronald Naradowski, ’86 (CBA/Commerce-Marketing),
Clemson, S.C., has accepted the position of national
sales manager with Autoform Tool and Manufacturing
Inc., in Fremont, Ind. ATM provides product to the
automotive fuels industry.
Michelle (Valentino) Hemmings, ’88 (ITHRA/Travel
and Tourism Administration), Virginia Beach, Va., opened
a new business, Coastal Concierge, LLC, which will
provide time management and personal assistant services
to busy executives throughout the Virginia Beach area.
Theresa Roberts, ’88 (CN), Troy,
N.Y., was named quality manager
of Senior Whole Health of New
York. She will be responsible for
ensuring SWH’s quality improvement
program is in compliance with all
state and regulatory agencies, and
will also manage the company’s
operational and clinical policies and procedures as
well as develop and implement staff seminars.
Attention Social
Work Alumni
The social work department is
updating its records and needs
your help! If you haven’t already
sent us your contact information
(address, phone number, e-mail
address), as well as information
about what you are doing
now, please send it to Marge
Fura, department secretary, at
[email protected]. Then visit
the social work Web site,
www.niagara.edu/socialwork,
to see what your former
classmates and other social
work alumni are up to.
1990s
Charles Ray, ’92 (CA&S/Philosophy),
Rochester, N.Y., has been named director of advancement services at Nazareth College in Rochester.
Tanya Mueller, ’93 (CN/Nursing), Poquoson, Va., has
been named clinical director for the Sentara Obici
Ambulatory Surgical Center.
Ryan Den Haese, ’94 (CA&S/Biology), Clarence,
N.Y., a neurosurgeon of the Brain and Spine Center,
has begun his practice at the Hamot Medical Park
Diagnostic Center in Fredonia, N.Y. Dr. Den Haese
has broad experience in all aspects of neurosurgery
and practices with an emphasis on conservative care
when possible.
eagle magazine 25
alumninotes
www.niagaraalumni.com
Attention Alumni
Nominations for the 2008 class
of Niagara Legacy – Alumni
of Distinction are now being
accepted. You can obtain a nomination form on the Eagle’s Nest
at www.niagaraalumni.com
or by calling the alumni
office at 716-286-8787. All
nominations must be received
by March 31, 2008.
Gerald Gibas, ’94 (CA&S/Criminal Justice), Cairo,
Egypt, is a senior special agent for U.S. Immigration and
Customs Enforcement, and has accepted a position
as senior ICE representative at the U.S. Embassy
in Cairo. Gibas has had recent posting in Ventura,
Ca., and Nassau, Bahamas.
Tom Landers, ’95 (CBA/Accounting), Lake View,
N.Y., was named tax supervisor at Gaines Kriner Elliott,
LLP, Buffalo, N.Y., a certified public accounting and
business advisory firm.
Kristen (Finnegan) Leahy, ’96 (CA&S/Criminology
and Criminal Justice), Delhi, N.Y., accepted the
position of director for probation for Otsego County
in Cooperstown, N.Y.
Nancy Distler, ’97 (CBA/Marketing), Hoboken, N.J.,
has completed the “young readers at risk program,”
the Ennis William Cosby Graduate Certificate
Program at Fordham University. She is in her fifth
year of teaching and currently teaches kindergarten
at PS347, the American Sign Language and English
School in New York City.
Kathleen Stornes, ’97 (CE/Administration and
Supervision), Jamestown, N.Y., accepted the position
of assistant principal K-12 and director of special
education at Clymer Central School in Clymer, N.Y.
Peter Glabik, ’98 (CA&S/Religious
Studies), Whippany, N.J., was
ordained to the priesthood by
Bishop Arthur Serratelli of the
Diocese of Paterson, N.J., during
the vigil Mass of All Saints, Oct.
31, 2007. He is currently stationed
at Saint Cecilia RC Church in
Rockaway, N.Y., and is part-time chaplain at Morris
Catholic High School in Denville, N.J.
Tara (Stilson) Schwab, ’98 (CN), Batavia, Ohio,
graduated with an MSN in May 2007 from Xavier
University and works as a clinical instructor at the Christ
College of Nursing and Health Sciences in Cincinnati.
2000s
Gregory Weigand, ’00 (CBA/Accounting),
Miami, has joined the international tax services group
in the New York City office of PricewaterhouseCoopers
LLP, where he will be advising hedge funds, other
alternative investment funds and their affiliates with
respect to their international tax issues.
Melissa (Sorbello) Ferrara, ’03 (CA&S/Communications), East Syracuse, N.Y., has accepted the
position of kindergarten teacher at East Syracuse
Minoa Central School District.
Thomas Ferrara, ’03 (CBA/Marketing), East Syracuse,
N.Y., has joined Hunt Mortgage, Fayetteville, N.Y., as
a mortgage consultant.
26 eagle magazine
Andrew Weiss, ’03 (CH/Hotel-Food Service), Chantilly,
Va., was hired as executive chef and general manager
of the Ashby Inn in Paris, Virginia.
Monica Prunty, ’04 (CBA/Accounting), Farmington,
N.Y., accepted a position with the Eastman Kodak
Co., Rochester, N.Y. She will be working in
corporate tax.
Eric Zeni, ’04 (CBA/Accounting), Lewiston, N.Y.,
graduated from law school in May 2007 and passed
the New York state bar examination. He has been
certified for admission to the bar of New York in the
Appellate Division, Second Judicial Department.
Jennifer (Gerenski) Kelly, ’05 (CE/Early Childhood),
Ontario, N.Y., has accepted the position of special
education teacher at Stepping Stones Learning Center,
Rochester, N.Y.
William Soto, ’05 (CBA), Orlando, Fla., accepted a
position as sales coordinator for Moulding and Millwork
in Orlando.
Nicole Patti, ’06 (CBA/Accounting), Cheektowaga,
N.Y., was named staff accountant at Gaines Kriner
Elliott, LLP, Buffalo, N.Y., a certified public accounting
and business advisory firm. She recently passed all
parts of the New York State Certified Public Accountant
exam. Also named to staff accountant positions at the
firm were Justin Schasel, ’07 (CBA), Lockport, N.Y.,
and Danielle Seelbinder, ’07 (CBA/Accounting),
Niagara Falls, N.Y.
Helene (St. Pierre) Wiens, ’07 (CE/Mental Health
Counseling), Niagara Falls, Ontario, was hired by the
Ministry of Health in September 2007 to be director
of mental health services and psychotherapist for a
new family health team in Niagara Falls, Ontario.
militarynotes
Lt. Col. Brian O’Neil, ’89 (CN/Nursing), was promoted
to lieutenant colonel and is currently serving in Helmand
Province, Afghanistan, as executive officer of a transition
team that oversees integration and training of the Afghan
army. Upon his return he will be stationed at the
Pentagon working as the executive officer to the director,
plans and resources, deputy chief of staff, G1.
marriages
Richard Valvo, ’63, Parrish, Fla., to Carol Hall,
Parrish, Dec. 22, 2007.
Theresa DeConinck, ’82, Reston, Va., to Laurence
Gration, Reston, May 26, 2007.
Jennifer Mabey, ’93, Holtsville, N.Y., to Michael
Grella, Holtsville, Sept. 15, 2007.
Johanna Grimes, ’99, Hamburg, N.Y., to Jonathan
Shaflucas, Hamburg, Oct. 13, 2007.
Julie Johnson, ’00, Buffalo, N.Y., to Mark Davis,
Buffalo, Oct. 13, 2007.
alumninotes
www.niagaraalumni.com
Timothy Papienuk, ’00, Rome, N.Y., to Christy
Salisbury, Schenectady, N.Y., July 13, 2007.
Amanda Lee Volcko, ’01, Camillus, N.Y., to Joseph
Cieri, Camillus, Oct. 6, 2007.
Jamie Eagan, ’02, Hamburg, N.Y., to Jay Polisoto,
July 27, 2007.
Heidi Mueller, ’02, Amherst, N.Y., to Tyler Maloney,
Amherst, July 7, 2007.
Melissa Sorbello, ’03, East Syracuse, N.Y., to Thomas
Ferrara, ’03, East Syracuse, June 30, 2007.
Elizabeth Freas, ’03, Grand Island, N.Y., to Mark
Granto, Niagara Falls, N.Y., Oct. 6, 2007.
Sarah Dobe, ’05, Alden, N.Y., to Matthew Georger,
Lockport, N.Y., June 9, 2007.
Jennifer Gerenski, ’05, Ontario, N.Y., to Brandin
Kelly, Rochester, N.Y., Sept. 29, 2007.
Gwen Lazarus, ’05, Rushville, N.Y., to Darrell
Winkler, Aug. 25, 2007.
newarrivals
To Mr. and Mrs. Brian Shanahan, ’87, Spencerport,
N.Y., a daughter, Ava Caren, Oct. 25, 2007.
To Mr. and Mrs. William Blaisdell, ’91, Ellsworth,
Maine, a son, William Bradley, Nov. 21, 2007.
To Mr. and Mrs. Louis Stout, ’91, Schertz, Texas,
a son, Matthew Brandon, June 13, 2007.
To Mr. and Mrs. Declan O’Dea (Denise Magnani, ’93),
New York, N.Y., a son, Conor Michael, Nov. 7, 2007.
To Mr. and Mrs. Thomas Pruski, ’94, Silver Spring,
Md., a daughter, Grace, Aug. 30, 2007.
To Mr. and Mrs. Matt Spath, ’94, Charleston, S.C.,
a daughter, Susanah, Aug. 4, 2007.
To Mr. and Mrs. Rob Christie (Rebecca Bauer, ’95),
Geneseo, N.Y., a daughter, Anna Elizabeth,
Sept. 20, 2007.
To Mr. and Mrs. Michael Yacano (Allyson Flynn, ’95),
Camillus, N.Y., a son, Joseph Flynn, May 27, 2007.
To Mr. and Mrs. Angelo De Giulio, ’96, Kenmore,
N.Y., a son, Dominic Martin, Nov. 5, 2007.
To Mr. and Mrs. Stephen Malush, ’96, Grand Island,
N.Y., a daughter, Natalie Sophia, Sept. 21, 2007.
To Mr. and Mrs. Robert Goodyear, ’97 (Carrie
Scippo, ’97), Plano, Texas, a daughter, Gina Francesca,
Jan. 2, 2008.
To Mr. and Mrs. Richard Panaro (Lori Granchelli, ’97),
Williamsville, N.Y., a son, Casey Richard, Nov. 17, 2007.
To Mr. and Mrs. Dave Rogers (Jill Boehnke, ’98),
Waterloo, N.Y., a son, Alexander Carl, Oct. 25, 2007.
To Mr. and Mrs. Eric Hardman, ’98, Burke, Va., a
daughter, Kaylynn Casey, June 5, 2007.
To Mr. and Mrs. Matthew Tessena, ’98 (Jacqui
Masters, ’98), Rochester, N.Y., a daughter, Braeleigh
Paige, Oct. 16, 2007.
To Mr. and Mrs. Corey Romesser, ’99 (Jennifer
Czapla, ’99), Rochester, N.Y., a daughter, Rachael
Evelyn, July 12, 2007.
To Mr. and Mrs. Steven Velarde (Amanda Tripi, ’99),
Wheatfield, N.Y., twin boys, Hayden Howard and
Nicolas James, Aug. 14, 2007.
To Mr. and Mrs. Charlie Schiralli, ’00 (Sarah Hart,
’00), Chittenango, N.Y., a son, Micah, Dec. 18, 2007.
To Mr. and Mrs. Alan Hunt, ’00, Buffalo, N.Y., a
son, Thomas William, Nov. 1, 2007.
To Mr. and Mrs. Andrew Pruski, ’00, Gambrills,
Md., a son, Jacob Daniel, June 2, 2007.
To Olga Ventura, ’00, and Victor Flores, Rockwall,
Texas, a daughter, Nadia Michelle Flores, Sept. 7, 2007.
To Mr. and Mrs. Matthew Chapman (Bernadette
Rose Welter, ’00), North Syracuse, N.Y., a daughter,
Natalie Clare, Nov. 26, 2007.
To Mr. and Mrs. David Adair, ’01 (Jennifer
Coddington, ’01), Tonawanda, N.Y., a son, Evan
Richard, Sept. 12, 2007.
To Mr. and Mrs. Michael Gutmann, ’01 (Kimberly
Costello, ’02), Charlotte, N.C., a son, Cole Patrick,
April 8, 2007.
To Mr. and Mrs. David Van Dewater (Tiffany
Wolford, ’02), Buffalo, N.Y., twin daughters, Olivia
Marie and Addisyn Lane, Sept. 6, 2007.
To Mr. and Mrs. Charles Taylor (Shannon
Woodruff, ’02), Chesapeake, Va., a son, Nicholas
William, Nov. 24, 2007.
To Jessica (Korczak) Davis, ’03, Batavia, N.Y., a son,
Cole James, Dec. 2, 2007.
Sarah Dobe, ’05, and Matthew
Georger wed June 9, 2007.
deaths
To have a Mass celebrated at Alumni Chapel,
call NU’s campus ministry office at 716-286-8400.
Charles Raymond Hall, ’36, Fayetteville, N.Y.,
Jan. 3, 2008.
Frederick W. Gray Jr., ’37, Youngstown, N.Y.,
Dec. 18, 2007.
George K. Christoff, ’38, Rochester, N.Y., Nov. 23, 2007.
Patrick A. DeBiase, ’42, Mundelein, Ill., Oct. 2007.
John A. Crowley, ’43, Wilmington, N.C.,
Oct. 24, 2007.
Rev. Giles Morrill, ’46, Albany, N.Y., Sept. 2, 2007.
Joseph Dooley, ’50, Honeoye, N.Y., Jan. 11, 2008.
Frank R. Gandt, ’50, Pt. Charlotte, Fla., April 30, 2007.
Rocco Tartaglia, ’50, Liverpool, N.Y., Dec. 25, 2007.
eagle magazine 27
alumninotes
www.niagaraalumni.com
Wanted:Your
Purple Eagle
Paraphernalia
Help the alumni relations office
build our archive of historical
Purple Eagle paraphernalia
(beanies, ties, photos, rings,
etc.) by donating your Niagara
gear! Help us preserve some of
Niagara’s alumni history and
tradition. Please contact Jennifer
Coppola, associate alumni
director, at 716-286-8773 or by
e-mail at [email protected]
for more information or to
discuss your items.
Our goal is to have a beanie
from each graduating class!
Charles F. Magee Jr., ’53, Oceanside, Calif.,
July 28, 2006.
Peter E. Ricci, ’53, Scottsdale, Ariz., Oct. 9, 2007.
George John Schneider, ’53, Columbia, S.C.,
Dec. 10, 2007.
Peter J. May, ’54, Lakeland, Fla., March 7, 2007.
Rev. Daniel A. Pokornowski, ’54, Lackawanna,
N.Y., Dec. 8, 2007.
Ronald Magennis, ’55, Port Orange, Fla.,
Dec. 26, 2007.
Jerry Truesdale, ’56, Lancaster, N.Y., Dec. 31, 2007.
Fred J. Barone, ’57, Winter Springs, Fla., Nov. 26, 2007.
Diana (Pillman) Palumbo, ’57, Lewiston, N.Y.,
Dec. 21, 2007.
Andrew A. Pyska, ’58, Lewiston, N.Y., Nov. 3, 2007.
Robert J. Winters, ’58, Austin, Texas, Dec. 8, 2007.
Dominick Oliver, ’61, Niagara Falls, N.Y., Jan. 2, 2008.
John Profitlich, ’62, Westfield, N.J., April 26, 2007.
Donato Fiorentino, ’63, Rochester, N.Y., Dec. 3, 2007.
Robert B. Adair, ’67, Ocean Pines, Md., Oct. 13, 2007.
Salvatore DiGregorio Jr., ’68, Niagara Falls, N.Y.,
Nov. 1, 2007.
William Delaney, ’69, Annapolis, Md., Oct. 28, 2007.
Suzanne Carson, ’72, Baltimore, Jan. 20, 2008.
Robert James Bahn, ’75, Lancaster, N.Y., Nov. 28, 2007.
Steve Knezevich, ’75, Kenmore, N.Y., Dec. 6, 2007.
Esther (Daggett) Reynolds, ’82, Sabattus, Maine,
Nov. 6, 2007.
Steven E. Palka, ’85, Buffalo, N.Y., Dec. 8, 2007.
Michael J. Martin, ’98, Sanborn, N.Y., Dec. 5, 2007.
William Nairn, ’02, St. Catharines, Ontario,
Dec. 8, 2007.
withsympathy
To Franklin Fulson, ’50, Lewiston, N.Y., on the
death of his wife, Mary Fulson, June 1, 2007.
To James V. Glynn, ’57, Lewiston, N.Y., on the
death of his brother, Leo J. Glynn, Nov. 19, 2007.
To John Shannon, ’63, Skaneateles, N.Y., on the
death of his mother, Veronica Shannon, Dec. 9, 2007.
To Paul Shannon, ’71, Exton, Pa.; to Thomas Shannon,
’72, Syracuse, N.Y.; and to William Shannon, ’74,
Chino Hills, Calif., on the death of their mother,
Veronica Shannon, Dec. 9, 2007.
28 eagle magazine
To Cathleen Blood, ’75, Lewiston, N.Y., on the
death of her mother, Cathleen Blood, Nov. 6, 2007.
To Ron Colangelo, ’75, Town of Niagara, N.Y., on the
death of his mother, Theresa Colangelo, Oct. 1, 2007.
To Patricia Kicera, ’77, Fairport, N.Y., on the death
of her mother, Geraldine Kicera, Nov. 8, 2007.
To Joan McCool-Szynkiewicz, ’80, Port Jefferson,
N.Y., on the death of her father, Hugh B. McCool,
Feb. 20, 2007.
To Thomas Tartaglia, ’81, Liverpool, N.Y., on the
death of his father; and to Mary Jo (Janik) Tartaglia,
’83, Liverpool, on the death of her father-in-law,
Rocco Tartaglia, ’50, Dec. 25, 2007.
To Roseanne Colangelo, ’83, Town of Niagara,
N.Y., on the death of her mother, Theresa Colangelo,
Oct. 1, 2007.
To Dominick Oliver, ’84, Buffalo, N.Y.; and to
Christopher Oliver, ’86, Buffalo, on the death of
their father, Dominick Oliver, ’61, Jan. 2, 2008.
To Christopher Glynn, ’85, Williamsville, N.Y., on
the death of his uncle, Leo J. Glynn, Nov. 19, 2007.
To Peter Ricci Jr., ’85, Denver, on the death of his
father, Peter E. Ricci, ’53, Oct. 9, 2007.
To Michael Hebert, ’88, Alpharetta, Ga., on the
death of his mother, Maryellen Hebert, Jan. 7, 2008.
To Mary (Morgan) Rose, ’88, Buffalo, N.Y., on the
death of her father, John Morgan, Dec. 4, 2007.
To William Baker, ’92, Niagara Falls, N.Y., on the
death of his brother, Stephen Baker, Nov. 5, 2007.
To Vincent Y. Grebas, ’94, Prince George, Va., on
the death of his father; and to Cindy (Moynihan)
Grebas, ’94, Prince George, on the death of her
father-in-law, Vincent J. Grebas, Dec. 18, 2007.
To Judy (Conte) Villani, ’95, Niagara Falls, N.Y.,
on the death of her father, Patrick J. Conte Sr.,
Nov. 22, 2007.
To Susan (Palumbo) Schulz, ’99, Clarence, N.Y., on
the death of her mother, Diana (Pillman) Palumbo, ’57,
Dec. 21, 2007.
To Rosalynn (DiGregorio) Harris, ’00, Greensboro,
N.C., on the death of her father, Salvatore
DeGregorio Jr., ’68, Nov. 1, 2007.
To Deirdre Connellan, ’01, Westminster, Colo., on the
death of her father, John J. Connellan, Oct.17, 2007.
To Kari Colangelo, ’07, Town of Niagara, on the
death of her grandmother, Theresa Colangelo,
Oct. 1, 2007.
anuview
The Finish Line
As a Daughter of Charity, I have been assigned to live in many houses (convents) over the past 32 years. We don’t
choose with whom we will live, nor do we choose our jobs. As disciples of Jesus who follow what St. Vincent
de Paul himself followed, we are sent to places where there is great need. And we live in the areas where
people who are poor are most likely to live. Because of this, I’ve lived in some pretty tough neighborhoods, like
Harlem and Syracuse in New York state. It was in Syracuse that I first lived with a Daughter of Charity who
exemplified what it means to live and work with the poor. Her name was Sister Hilary Davis, and she
died Nov. 17, 2007, of cancer. St. Paul’s words in his second letter to Timothy well describe her life:
“I have fought the good fight, I have finished the race.” Let me tell you a bit about the kind of
fighting and racing that Sister Hilary did, and how her life has deeply affected mine.
Sister Hilary spent the last 29 years of her life as a Daughter of Charity. She was from California, and
had entered the Western Province of our community in 1979. She later transferred to this Northeast
province so that she could attend Boston College for her master’s degree in social work. She brought her
guitar. The very first time I met Sister Hilary was at a music practice at our Provincial House in Albany.
We both played the guitar, and both had the same passion for music. However, she had a 12 string.
I was fascinated with her skill and delighted by her sense of humor. We spent more time laughing than
playing, and that’s one of the things I now remember so well about her.
I was assigned to Syracuse in 1995. Sister Hilary had already been there for two years and was
working with the homeless men who lived in the downtown area near the Cathedral, where our
house was. As she introduced me to the neighborhood, I was deeply touched by how many of the
homeless guys she knew by name. She treated them as if they were Wall Street brokers, with ultimate
respect and cordiality. And they loved her. Thus, she was able to move them gently from homelessness to rehabilitation to reintegration into society. She fought the structures to make this happen
and never quit until she crossed the finish line.
In 2003, I was asked to come to Niagara University and live with our sisters in Niagara Falls.
Once again, I would have the opportunity to share life with Sister Hilary. By this time she had
been diagnosed with bone cancer, but you never would have known it. She was as strong and full of vim and
vigor as when I lived with her in ’95. She never seemed to tire, and she would never, never give up no matter
how bad the pain was.
Sister’s ministry in Niagara Falls was as an employee of Mount St. Mary’s Hospital. Her field was social
work, her passion was to befriend all who were poor. She mostly worked at the hospital’s Neighborhood
Health Center on Ninth Street, and she often talked about how difficult it was to see all of the patients who
came to the building because there wasn’t adequate space for the doctors, nurses and social workers. Once
again, it was Hilary fighting the good fight, and finishing the race. Now, the hospital is committed to building
a new, larger and more efficient Neighborhood Health Center, and is raising the money to do so.
In the evenings, Sister Hilary and I sometimes watched a sporting event together, mostly because we always
routed for different teams, and it was fun to fight. The San Francisco Giants were her favorite sports team. She
even had the “official” hat. The day after she died, we went into her bedroom. The hat was hanging on a hook
behind the door. I took it. I’ve worn it on my daily runs every day since because I decided to train for the
Buffalo 1 2 Marathon (13.1 miles) on May 25. I will run the race, in memory of Sister Hilary, to raise money
for the Neighborhood Health Center.
Sister Hilary showed me how to “finish the race,” when it came to serving others with love, when it came to
overcoming obstacles, when it came to coping with personal hurt and disappointment, and finally, when it
came to battling illness. I never heard her complain, and there was never a question as to whether or not she
would use every last bit of life she had in the service of those who were poor, her finish line.
On the back of the hat I took from her room, it says GIANTS. When Hilary died, she was barely 5 feet tall,
having lost several inches due to the illness. But there is no doubt in my mind that she was a GIANT. Nor is
there any doubt about the reward that awaited her. As St. Paul wrote to Timothy, “From now on the crown of
righteousness awaits me, which the Lord, the just judge, will award me on that day, and not only to me, but to
all who have longed for His appearance.” (2 Timothy 4:7-8)
Editor’s note: Readers interested in supporting Sister Nora’s cause may make donations to Mount St. Mary’s Hospital
Foundation, 5300 Military Road, Lewiston, N.Y. 14092, with a note indicating that the donation is in memory of
Sister Hilary Davis, D.C., and for the Ninth Street Clinic.
By Sister Nora Gatto, D.C.
Executive Director of University
Mission and Ministry
Niagara University
Sister Hilary Davis, D.C.
Have something to say? We’re
looking for personal essays for “A
NU View.” 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
Save
the Date
Alumni Weekend ’08
Oct. 10, 11 and 12
Niagara’s annual Alumni Weekend is scheduled for Oct. 10, 11, and 12,
2008. We hope you join us for a weekend on Monteagle Ridge that will
be filled with fun and memories.
This year we celebrate classes with years ending in 3s and 8s. And, as
always, we welcome all alumni back to campus to join in the party. Mark
your calendar now, and look for a formal invitation in early summer.
Our headquarters hotel for Alumni Weekend ’08 is the Crowne Plaza in
Niagara Falls (300 Third St.). Call 1-800-95FALLS to make reservations.
A special rate of $124/night has been arranged. Please reference group
code NUA when making your reservation. Space in the block is not
guaranteed after Sept. 10.
If you are interested in assisting with the planning of your reunion,
please contact Jennifer Coppola, associate director of alumni relations,
at [email protected] or 716-286-8773.
We hope to see you this fall!
Visit the Eagle’s Nest at www.niagaraalumni.com for the most up-to-date
Alumni Weekend information! New to the Nest? Your first-time login code can
be found above your name on the mailing label below.
Office of Institutional Advancement
Niagara University, NY 14109
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