hilbert college magazine - summer 2013
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HILBERTCOLLEGEmagazine
52nd Annual CommencementHilbert's Commencement Features First Master's Graduates p.6
On Campus p.4 | Hawks Under Forty p.14 | Alumni News & Notes p.16 | Athletic News & Notes p.20
Summer 2013
2 summer
PRESIDENT'SLETTER
HILbERT CoLLEgE MAgAzINEA publication for alumni, family,
and friends of Hilbert College
FouNDED 1957 5200 South Park Avenue
Hamburg, NY 14075 Phone: 716.649.7900
Fax: [email protected]
oN THE wEb: hilbert.edu/alumni/hilbert-magazine
Matt Heidt PubliSHer/editor
Patrick broadwater CoNtributiNG Writer
ian Gattie CoNtributiNG PHotoGrAPHer
elizabeth r. MautePubliCAtioN deSiGN
Gregg FortViCe PreSideNt For
iNStitutioNAl AdVANCeMeNt
deanna MessingerANNuAl ANd SPeCiAl GiViNG
tori FelserdeVeloPMeNt ASSoCiAte
oN THE CoVERHoward Zemsky addresses the
graduates at Hilbert's 52nd Annual Commencement Ceremony at the
Wesleyan Church of Hamburg. Photo by Jen Fuller.
THANK YOU for your ongoing support of
As we begin a new academic year, the media is saturated with articles
asking, “Is college worth it?”. When I searched the question on Google, there were
800,000 citations! Higher education in the United States has always been considered
a cornerstone of American democracy, a key driver of economic growth, and as a
pathway to the middle class. Public concern about the increasing price of college and the
economic return on a college degree is at an all-time high.
At Hilbert, we are making every effort to keep a college education affordable for our
students. We have carefully evaluated our expenditures and our tuition increases
have averaged only 2-3% annually while providing over $3.8 million in scholarship aid
each year to Hilbert students. The introduction of financial literacy modules into our
undergraduate curriculum is assisting our students in making good financial decisions
that will minimize their student debt.
In this edition of the Hilbert Magazine, you will read about the addition of a new track
in our MPA graduate program in Health Services Administration as well as in our Adult
Degree Program (ADP). We were able to secure a generous planning grant from the John
R. Oishei Foundation to support the curriculum development and initial implementation
for these efforts - again keeping our direct expenses at a minimal level while growing
enrollment. We are also grateful for the tremendous support of the Board of Trustees,
Hilbert alumni, and special friends who participate in the annual golf outing which
this year raised over $90,000 in student scholarship support. Most importantly, we are
preparing students for careers that are aligned for the workplace needs of the 21st century
so that their college degrees are worth it. What a thrill to hear our May graduates share
the exciting opportunities they were embarking on as they continued their life journey.
Our mission to deliver a high quality Catholic Franciscan education that is preparing
students to become informed citizens committed to serving and strengthening their
communities remains our laser-like focus. At the same time, we are making every effort
to conduct our operations efficiently while creating greater stability, consistency, and
predictability to tuition setting and budget planning.
We are also excited to announce our new Hilbert Reads program, which encourages
a campus-wide focus on one book. This fall, the faculty and staff have selected Conor
Grennan’s book, Little Princes. What an amazing, unexpected experience Conor had as
he set out on his journey around the world - which led him to Nepal and a life-changing
encounter. I would urge your consideration of joining us for an opportunity to meet him
personally on October 8th at 7:00 p.m. in the Swan Auditorium. I hope to welcome you
back to campus for this wonderful program.
Thank you for your ongoing support of Hilbert College. It truly makes it possible to serve
our students in meaningful ways.
Cynthia A. Zane, Ed.D.
President
HILBERT COLLEGE. It truly makes it possible to serve our students in meaningful ways.
table of contents
HC Magazine | 2013 3
Hilbert's 52nd Commencement p. 6
Hilbert College held its 52nd annual commencement ceremony on May 11 and nearly 275 graduates rejoiced in receiving their degrees. The celebration was heightened by being a part of a historic moment for the Franciscan institution as the college conferred master’s degrees for the first time.
On Campus 4Four New Board Members 4
Hilbert Blueprint 5
Division News & Notes 8
New Graduate Track 12
New Business ADP 12
Grant from Oishei Foundation 12
Hawks Under 40 14Michael Gabor & Karen Kalwicki 14
Jason Luna & Jonathan Rajewski 15
Alumni 16Alumni Association 16
Alumni News and Notes 16
Scholarship Golf Tournament 18
Athletics 20Czarnecki Named AD 20
Athletics News and Notes 20
Franciscan Footprints 22
Hilbert Reads 23SPECIAL THANkS To: THE HILbERT CoLLEgE MAgAzINE EDIToRIAL boARD
dr. Anthony Hughes, Peter burns, Gregg Fort,
ian Gattie, Craig Harris & Alaina Houseknecht
4 summer
oNCAMPuS
James Domres, John Fago, Frederick Giese, and Jason Luna have been named to three-year terms on the Hilbert College Board of Trustees.
James Domres is Senior Vice President/COO at DIGITS LLC, a Western New York-based digital forensics and cyber security firm, which he co-founded in 2006. During his 34-year law enforcement career, Domres held a wide range of investigative and supervisory assignments culminating as the Assistant Chief Investigator for the New York State Attorney General. He was a highly decorated member of law enforcement with his efforts being recognized in the United States Congressional Record. He was a leader and member of several State and Federal Task Forces, including the Joint Terrorism Task Force. He co-founded the Drug Interdiction Response Task Force to interrupt the narcotics' pipeline from New York City to upstate New York. He co-founded the Western New York Regional Computer Forensic Lab and sat on its Executive Board for almost 10 years. He was also an adjunct at Hilbert, teaching Computer Investigations, Computer Security, and Computer Forensics. Domres earned his bachelor’s degree from Canisius College. He is also a graduate of the State University of New York at Buffalo School of Management Center for Entrepreneurial Leadership.
John Fago is currently the Senior Director for Channel Marketing and Account Management at Ingram Micro North America. Under his leadership, the channel team manages the overall marketing efforts for SMB, Public Sector, and Healthcare including its associated partner communities (VentureTech Network, SMBAlliance, System ArchiTECHs, and Public Sector Elite). Prior to taking on his current role, Fago was Director of Sales
and responsible for developing Ingram Micro’s strategy and sales operations for our solution provider market in the Midwest region. A 16-year veteran of Ingram Micro, he has consistently worked with the sales team to drive profitable growth. Fago has been honored with the Ingram Micro Award of Excellence, the VTN Partnership Award, President’s Club, and he is a graduate of the first Executive Leadership Academy with UC Irvine. He earned his bachelor’s degree from Canisius College.
Frederick Giese is General Manager, NOCO Distribution, LLC, a division of NOCO Energy, Corp. Giese is a member of the National Lubricant Distributors Advisory Council (NLDAC) and the Imperial Oil Branded Distributor Advisory Council. He is also a member of the Niagara Frontier Boy Scouts Executive Board. Giese earned his bachelor’s degree in economics and history from Allegheny College and his master of business administration from Canisius College.
Jason Luna is an alumnus of Hilbert College and an attorney. He founded Jason C. Luna, PLLC, a personal injury firm, in 2005. His firm represents clients from Western New York to Manhattan and has achieved numerous multi-million dollar awards. Luna previously served as an Assistant District Attorney at the age of 25. Luna is an adjunct at Hilbert and has established the Jason C. Luna Endowment Scholarship. He was named Hilbert’s Man of the Year in 1996. He was a board member of the Valley Community Association and the Hilbert College Alumni Association. Luna earned his bachelor’s degree in criminal justice from Hilbert in
1996. He also is a graduate of SUNY Buffalo Law School. - HC
Hilbert Appoints Four New Board Membersdomres, Fago, Giese, and luna join board of trustees
PRoFESSIoNAL STuDIES
New transfer articulation agreements with Erie Community College and Hilbert College have been established. The agreements are with ECC’s AAS paralegal program and Hilbert’s baccalaureate paralegal program and with ECC’s Digital Forensics certificate program and Hilbert’s Computer Security and Information Assurance program.
Hilbert’s paralegal studies program is the oldest and most established paralegal program in Western New York. It has also been approved by the American Bar Association since 1977 and is a charter member of the American Association for Paralegal Education. It is the only bachelor degree program in Western New York which is approved by the ABA.
The paralegal program has BS and AAS degrees with flexible
scheduling for day or evening courses. Experienced attorneys, who are experts in their fields, teach the paralegal courses at Hilbert. Internships are available and tailored to the student’s goals. Graduates go on to rewarding careers in law firms, corporate legal departments, government, non-profits, banking, insurance, and the public sector.
A previously established articulation agreement between Hilbert College and Genesee Community College has been updated.
The transfer articulation agreement is between GCC’s ABA approved AAS paralegal program and Hilbert’s baccalaureate paralegal program. The GCC program began in 1992 and is a member
of the American Association for Paralegal Education. - HC
Paralegal Articulation Agreement Established With ECC; GCC Agreement Updated
Frederick Giese
Jason Luna
James Domres
John Fago
HC Magazine | 2013 5
ALUMNINEWS
HILbERTbLuEPRINT
VALUES
COMPASSION
HOPE
INTEGRITY
JOY
PEACE
RESPECT
SERVICE
VISION
FIRST YEAR EXPERIENCE/FOUNDATIONS SEMINAR
All incoming freshman are required to participate in the First-Year Experience and the Foundations Seminar. This is designed to get all students acquainted with the college experience and includes participation in a minimum of four ‘passport’ activities on campus. All first year students will participate in the Hilbert College Reads program. Each student will receive a complimentary copy of the year’s selected text and potentially have an opportunity to meet the author.
SOPHOMORE SERVICE
Students are obligated to take one course with a service-learning requirement. Service-learning requirements are unique to each class. In some classes, the entire class may work together on one single project that benefits the community and meets a community need. In other courses, students may be provided the opportunity to complete a service-learning activity by selecting an organization or project from a list of pre-approved community partners and activities. These activities are linked to the classroom curriculum and help meet a need in the community.
JUNIOR SYMPOSIUM
Three professors from different disciplines teach the mandatory Junior Symposium course which encourages students to follow current events and introduces The New York Times as daily reading. Juniors engage in active debates and student-led discussions, which encourage participants to disagree civilly.
SENIOR CAPSTONE
The Hilbert College Blueprint culminates with the Senior Capstone. Unique to each department, the capstone could be – but is not limited to – a project, internship, or research paper. The Senior Capstone is designed to synthesize the student’s four-year educational experience and support the college’s mission to produce ‘informed citizens committed to serving and strengthening their communities.’
FIRST YEAR EXPERIENCE/FOUNDATIONS SEMINAR
SENIOR CAPSTONE
JUNIOR SYMPOSIUM
SOPHOMORE SERVICE
6 summer
ONCAMPUS
Hilbert College held its 52nd annual commencement ceremony on May 11 and nearly 275 graduates rejoiced in receiving their degrees. The celebration was heightened by being a part of a historic moment for the Franciscan institution as the college conferred master’s degrees for the first time.
Commencement speaker, Howard Zemsky, managing partner of Larkin Development Group, encouraged the Class of 2013 to focus on “curiosity, humility, community engagement, optimism, and leadership.”
“If you take yourself too seriously, you will talk too much and listen too little. Make sure you never make the mistake of talking too much and listening too little,” Zemsky said. “So, humility and leadership go together. Be a good listener. Be collaborative. Be a participant.”
“Community engagement and curiosity go together,” Zemsky said. “I want you to earn respect from people because you lead by example and you follow the ‘golden rule.’ Be humble and open-minded. Don’t make the mistake of putting people in little boxes; they have more to offer, just like you do.”
Zemsky continued, “Anything worth doing is worth doing well every single day; it is how you plant seeds for your future.”
Zemsky, the Niagara Frontier Transportation Authority chairman and Gov. Andrew M. Cuomo’s Western New York economic development expert, is a businessman turned developer whose renovation of a vacant building on Exchange Street – the Larkin Building – is credited with transforming an entire neighborhood. Recently, he was selected in a vote of the Buffalo Niagara leadership community conducted by The Buffalo News as “displaying the most leadership when it comes to moving the region forward.”
Hilbert's 52nd Annual CommencementHilbert celebrates first cohort of master's graduates
oNCAMPuS
HC Magazine | 2013 7
In addition to the master’s degrees, Hilbert President Cynthia Zane, Ed.D., conferred four- and two- year degrees to graduates in the Class of 2013.
She also presented an honorary doctorate to Zemsky. The idea of "community" is one of the defining features of the Franciscan life. For his commitment and achievements towards building community in the city of Buffalo and Western New York and bringing about what many believed impossible and transforming our community, Hilbert proudly presented Zemsky an honorary doctorate of humane letters.
The 2013 Hilbert College Medal, presented to those “who embody Franciscan values, demonstrate excellence in their profession or career, and excellence in community service,” was awarded to Vincent O. Hanley, partner at Jaeckle Fleischmann and Mugel, LLC. Hanley served on the Board of Trustees at Hilbert from 2003-12, including two terms as chair.
Top student awards that were presented at Hilbert’s 52nd commencement include:• LambertandMargaretGrahamAwardforafull-time
returning adult student who has earned the highest cumulative quality point average. Presented to Kristine L. Benz.
• Kimberly BruchRaczkowski Memorial Alumni Association Award for a graduate who reflects the spirit of Hilbert and its mission, and possesses strong leadership skills and demonstrates loyalty and dedication to others. Presented to Jerrell T. Mason.
• Sister MaryEdwina Bogel Award to an outstanding female graduate in recognition of her character, intellectual achievement, and devoted service to fellow students and the college. Presented to Nina G. Pierino.
• JohnKisselManoftheYearAwardtoanoutstandingmale student in recognition of his character, intellectual progress, organizational ability, and participation in activities and programs. Presented to Jonathan D. Hulbert. - HC
Hilbert's first cohort of master's graduates.
Howard Zemsky Vincent O. Hanley Jerrell T. Mason Nina G. Pierino
Jonathan D. Hulbert
Hilbert's 52nd Annual CommencementHilbert celebrates first cohort of master's graduates
8 summer
FACULTY/STAFFNOTESDIVISIoNNEwS&NoTES
ADMINISTRATIoN PREsidENt zANE HONOREd At sBU COMMENCEMENt
Hilbert College President Cynthia Zane was one of four people to receive honorary doctorate degrees at St. Bonaventure University’s 153rd annual Commencement Exercises on May 12, 2013. FACUlty RANk PROMOtiONs ANNOUNCEd
At the May meeting of the Board of Trustees, Dr. Zane announced the following promotions in faculty rank:
Dr. James Golden to ProfessorDr. Julie Kusmierz to ProfessorSharon Sisti to Associate ProfessorTaylor Doherty to Associate ProfessorCongratulations on your achievements and thank you for your
contributions to Hilbert College! HOlOMAN NAMEd viCE CHAiR OF tHE iMMACUlAtA BOARd
Hilbert College’s Provost and Vice President for Academic Affairs Christopher Holoman, Ph.D. was recently named the Vice Chair of the Immaculata Academy Board of Trustees. BURNs APPOiNtEd tO iMMACUlAtA BOARd
Hilbert College’s Vice President for Enrollment Management was recently appointed to the Immaculata Academy Board of Trustees.
CiCU RENEWs At-lARGE BOARd APPOiNtMENt FOR zANE
The Commission on Independent Colleges and Universities (CICU) announced that Hilbert College President Cynthia Zane's appointment on the CICU's At-Large Board of Trustees was renewed. CICU’s Board of Trustees represents executive-level participation from colleges and universities in every region of New York State and highlights the diversity of institution type and size within New York State's Independent Sector of higher education. FORt NAMEd tO lOCAl tHEAtRE BOARd
Hilbert College’s Vice President for Institutional Advancement, Gregg Fort, was named to the Irish Classic Theatre Company Board. The Irish Classical Theatre Company presents outstanding productions at The Andrews Theatre, the area’s only true theatre-in-the round. In this intimate setting, the audience is never more than 10 feet from the stage.
dUlAk sPEAks At NAtiONAl CONFERENCE
Hilbert College’s web manager Jenna Dulak made a presentation at BbWorld 2013 in July in Las Vegas. BbWorld is Blackboard's education technology conference. Dulak's session at the conference was titled "ANGEL to Blackboard Learn Migration and Communication Plan." POlONCARz dElivERs AddREss At HilBERt
Erie County Executive Mark C. Poloncarz delivered a modified version of his 2013 State of the County address in a Town Hall meeting format on Thursday, May 16 in the William E. Swan Auditorium on the Hilbert College campus. The address highlighted successes from his first year in office, including economic development around Erie County, negotiation of the Buffalo Bills lease, and creation of the first land bank in New York State. It also included challenges and opportunities that lie ahead for the County.
stUdENts sHiNE At Nys PHi BEtA lAMBdA COMPEtitiON
Starting in 1942, PHI BETA LAMBDA has been a professional society for individuals looking to be in the business field. With just over a quarter of a million students as members, PHI BETA LAMBDA held its New York State competition this past April. Several Hilbert students attended the competition and were cited awards for their performance. Below is a list of the individuals and their rank in the competition.
First Place Awards:John Babocsi- Management Analysis and Decision-MakingJeffrey Krajewski- Strategic Analysis and Decision-Makingsecond Place Awards:Jon Monheim- Management ConceptsCaitlin Queen- Project Managementthird Place Awards:Frank Annunziata- Business Decision-MakingScott Gowanlock- Marketing Analysis and Decision-MakingJamela Jackson- Business Communication
Congratulations to all of the students who participated for their achievement.
GAllANt PROdUCEs vidEOs FOR sPREE
Hilbert College professor Chris Gallant has produced multiple videos for Buffalo Spree magazine including one featuring some of the magazine's 2013 Best of WNY winners. The videos can be seen on the Spree's website www.buffalospree.com, and entering search term "Chris Gallant." kAUdERER HAs WRitiNG CREdit ON FEAtURE iNdiE FilM
Hilbert professor Herb Kauderer has a writing credit for the independent movie "Beyond the Mainstream" which premiered in Buffalo earlier this year. dMAC GRAd HEAds tO sU's NEWHOUsE
Hilbert College digital media graduate, Adam Matula, is headed to graduate school at the S.I. Newhouse School of Public Communications at Syracuse Universtiy, a top-ranked communications school. stUdENt FilM At tRiNity FilM FEst
Hilbert College student Ryan Fleet's film "Parturition" was selected for 2013 Trinity Film Festival in Hartford, Conn.
PRoFESSIoNAL STuDIES ARTS AND SCIENCES
HC Magazine | 2013 9
Hilbert College History Professor Joan Crouse attended a reception at the New Zealand Embassy in Washington, DC this past May. The reception commemorated the 65th anniversary of the U.S./New Zealand Fulbright Scholars program. In 1988, Crouse served as a Fulbright Professor in the American Studies Department at the University of Waikato in Hamilton, New Zealand.
The Fulbright Program is the flagship international educational exchange program sponsored by the U.S. government and is designed to “increase mutual understanding between the people of the United States and the people of other countries.” With this goal as a starting point, the Fulbright Program has provided almost 300,000 participants—chosen for their academic merit and leadership potential — with the opportunity to study, teach, and conduct research, exchange ideas and contribute to finding solutions to shared international concerns.
The Fulbright Program was established in 1946 under legislation introduced by then-Senator J. William Fulbright of Arkansas. The Fulbright Program is sponsored by the U.S. Department of State’s Bureau of Educational and Cultural Affairs.
The Fulbright Program awards approximately 8,000 grants annually. Roughly 1,600 U.S. students, 4,000 foreign students, 1,200 U.S. scholars, and 900 visiting scholars receive awards, in addition to several hundred teachers and professionals. Approximately 310,000
“Fulbrighters” have participated in the Program since its inception in 1946. Currently, the Fulbright Program operates in over 155 countries
worldwide. - HC
Crouse Attends Fulbright scholars ReceptionSoCIAL SCIENCES
CRIMINAL JuSTICE STuDIES tWO stUdENts sElECtEd FOR sCHOlARsHiPs
At its 2013 awards dinner, the Judges and Police Conference of Erie County awarded $800 scholarships to three students majoring in criminal justice, two of which were Hilbert students: Hayley C. Ploetz and Davonna Howard. The conference also named State Supreme Court Justice, Kevin Dillon, its jurist of the year; Erie County Sheriff, Timothy B. Howard, its law enforcement officer of the year; and, Will Fowler, administrator of the Erie County pistol permit office, its outstanding citizen of the year.
MPA stUdENt AWARdEd HAMBURG CHAMBER sCHOlARsHiPs
Master of Public Administration student Joanne Hahn-Smith was awarded the Hamburg Chamber of Commerce Non-Traditional College Student Scholarship.
PsyCHOlOGy stUdENts MAkE dONAtiON tO ANiMAl sHEltER
Five students in Dr. Edward Pristach’s Introduction to Psychology
class last spring investigated several potential community
involvement and service learning opportunities and settled on
helping a rescue shelter for animals. The students collected material
and monetary donations over a three week period in April, collecting
three boxes of items and approximately $200. After selecting the
City of Buffalo Animal Shelter, the money was used to purchase
additional items. The items were given to the shelter on May 1.
This service project was voluntary and student driven, meaning
the students chose a community population, then an agency, and
then determined what activity in which to engage.
kOliN HAs ARtiClE PUBlisHEd iN BOOk
Hilbert College professor Dr. Andrew Kolin recently had an article published in a book edited by Claudio Colaguori -- Security, Life and Death: Governmentality and Biopower in the Post-9/11 Era. Kolin's article is titled - Foucault’s Concept of Governmentality Applied to the Formation of an American Police State.
ADuLT & gRADuATE STuDIES
10 summer
FACULTY/STAFFNOTES
Wendy Edson, chair of the professional studies division at Hilbert, was recently featured in Buffalo Business First and the Buffalo Law Journal as the subject of their recurring feature - Five Questions with. Below is the Q & A.
The Hilbert website says its paralegal studies program introduces students to principles of law that will serve as a solid foundation for their career. How do you achieve an effective combination of both theory and practice?
Our adjunct professors are experienced attorneys with expertise in the practice areas they teach. Our professors must have significant experience working with paralegals so that our students get a solid foundation in both theory and the practical, hands-on tasks typically assigned to paralegals.
The program is described as the oldest and most established one of its kind in Western New York. What kind of a reputation does it have among prospective employers?
Many prospective employers contact our program directly when they have openings. Our graduates are in demand — 70 percent of our 2012-13 graduates were placed before commencement. For example, a local firm just hired two graduates in one week, adding to the two Hilbert graduates who already work there. The legal department of a local HMO has four paralegals on the staff — all are Hilbert graduates.
Describe the program’s faculty. Are they mostly lawyers?Yes, the majority of our faculty are attorneys, but our faculty also
includes a legal administrator and a law librarian.
Does the program offer various concentrations that reflect current practice trends?
Yes, we offer concentrations in child and family law, litigation, and research and writing. We also offer courses that reflect current trends — administrative, environmental, labor, immigration, elder law, employee benefits, law office management and consumer protection law.
What are some of the job opportunities students can expect after graduating?
The majority of graduates start as paralegals or legal assistants in private law firms, but recent graduates also work in corporate legal departments, in compliance offices in banking, health insurance, school districts, and government agencies and nonprofits. Students can expect good job opportunities after graduation. The keys to success are doing internships and considering jobs beyond private law firms. - HC
Edson Recently Featured in Buffalo Business First
Seven students in Hilbert's Master of Public Administration and Master of Science in Criminal Justice Administration programs traveled to Hungary earlier this year. The group spent eight days experiencing international administration with comparisons of criminal justice, health care and non-profit agencies. The students spent their time learning about Hungarian culture and the health care
system. - HC
ADuLT & gRADuATE STuDIES
PRoFESSIoNAL STuDIES
Randy Zimpfer, M.S. in Criminal Justice Administration graduate, outside a prison in Budapest, Hungary.
DIVISIoNNEwS&NoTES
Graduate students visit Hungary
HC Magazine | 2013 11
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ALUMNINEWS
12 summer
DIVISIoNNEwS&NoTES
Hilbert College will receive a $150,000 grant from The John R. Oishei Foundation. The grant is payable over two years and will support the addition of Hilbert’s new Business Management degree through Hilbert’s Center for Adult and Graduate Studies, which was also established with Oishei support in 2010.
The John R. Oishei Foundation strives to be a catalyst for change to enhance economic vitality and the quality of life for the Buffalo Niagara region. The Foundation was established in 1940 by John R. Oishei, founder of Trico Products Corporation.
“The John R. Oishei Foundation’s past support was essential to Hilbert’s success in the creation of the Center for Adult and Graduate Studies,” Cynthia Zane, Ed.D., president of Hilbert College said. “This grant builds on the previous investment and provides opportunities to further prepare our non-traditional students for their careers. This would not be possible without the unparalleled commitment and generosity of The John R. Oishei Foundation.”
The Directors of the Foundation were impressed with the potential of Hilbert’s new Business Management degree to benefit the unique needs of the adult learner, who requires a college experience that
is flexible and directly related to employment opportunities.
Hilbert’s Center for Adult and Graduate Studies has seen the development and implementation of graduate programs in Public Administration and Criminal Justice Administration since 2010. Hilbert College conferred master’s degrees for the first time in its history during the 2013 commencement this past May. Other new initiatives to the Center for Adult and Graduate Studies include: a one week graduate student study away program in Budapest, Hungary, a collaboration with Baker Victory Services known as the Residential Administrative Mentoring Program (RAMP), and a partnership with the Hamburg Chamber of Commerce - Better Your Business Speaker
Series hosted at Hilbert College. - HC
Hilbert to Receive $150k Grant From Oishei Foundation
Hilbert College announced that it has introduced a new graduate degree track focusing on health administration.
The Master of Public Administration: Health Administration degree at Hilbert is designed to prepare students with the skills to succeed in public service and health care management positions in a wide variety of organizations. This program integrates the core curriculum of Hilbert’s MPA with a special focus on health administration and services.
“The curriculum was designed in conjunction with leaders in the WNY health care community,” Dean of Graduate Programs Walter Iwanenko, Ph.D. said.
Graduates can utilize their MPA: Health Administration degree for a wide range of careers in public or health services administration, policy, evaluation, planning, consulting, and related careers. Both experienced professionals and students in the first stages of their careers will benefit from the MPA: Health Administration at Hilbert.
The world of health service organizations, hospitals, public health infrastructure, and related agencies require individuals who are knowledgeable about public health and the structure, organization and financing of health care systems. In addition, individuals in this
field require sharp analytical skills, budgetary acumen and excellent human relations ability.
The courses are designed to prepare students beginning their careers to be competent and effective leaders, and mid-career students to enhance their capacities as managers and leaders. The program balances research with an additional focus on the need for values and ethics in public policy. As a result, Hilbert's program is consistent with its mission. It is expected that Hilbert graduates will go on to lead with a level of competency and integrity second to none.
Unique to Hilbert, the MPA: Health Administration curriculum includes an integrated research project threaded throughout the program. Unlike most graduate programs that ask for a final semester thesis, the Hilbert program allows for a more thorough application of theory and research since the project starts early in the program. The research acts as a foundation upon which to ground and challenge theory to a practical application, culminating in a final capstone
major project. - HC
ADuLT & gRADuATE STuDIESNew Graduate degree track for Health Professionals
Hilbert College announced that it has introduced a new Accelerated Degree Program in Business Management geared toward adult learners.
The Bachelor of Science (B.S.) in Business Management is the third program added to Hilbert’s ADP curriculum. Hilbert also offers a B.S. in Conflict Studies and Dispute Resolution and a B.S. in Organizational Development through the school’s Center for Adult and Graduate Studies. Students enrolled in one of Hilbert’s Accelerated Degree Programs can complete their degree taking classes one night per week. There are six, seven-week terms per year. As a full time student, you could complete up to 36 credits per year. To be eligible for Hilbert’s Accelerated Degree Programs, students must have completed at least 24 college credits from a regionally accredited college. Students can transfer in up to 90 credits of the 120 credits required to graduate.
The B.S. in Business Management prepares students for today's
challenging and highly competitive business environment. The curriculum is based on critical knowledge, marketable skills, and specific competencies critical to successfully managing in the global economy. In addition to helping students build core knowledge in business, the B.S. in Business Management focuses on specific skills and competencies in functional, business, and strategic areas of management.
Offering an integrated curriculum, Hilbert's bachelor-level business management major prepares you with a firm foundation in accounting, finance, marketing, business law and planning. You will gain a solid foundation in computer-based technical skills, a broad liberal arts knowledge base, and an understanding of the world of economics, business, and industry. You will become skilled in organization, motivation, teamwork, networking, leadership, and
ethical decision making. - HC
Hilbert introduces New Accelerated degree Program bachelor of Science in business Management AdP For Adult learners
14 summer
ONCAMPUS
HAWks UNdER 40Gabor, Kalwicki, luna, and rajewski Named Hilbert's First "Four under 40"By Patrick S. Broadwater
HAwkSuNDERFoRTY
Walking down the streets of tiny Kingstree, S.C. seven years ago, Karen Kalwicki got a firsthand look at the effects of poverty on a community. Then a senior at Hilbert, Kalwicki had traveled to Kingstree – a rural town where two-thirds of its 3,000 residents live below the poverty line – on an alternative spring break trip with the college’s Campus Ministry Club. The volunteer group tutored students and performed community beautification projects. But for Kalwicki, the event known as the “Jesus Walk” had the greatest impact. Walking and mingling with community members, she earned a greater appreciation for the daily struggles the town’s poorest residents faced.
“At that point, I knew my career would include advocating for those in poverty in some way,” she said.
Kalwicki was an active and highly honored scholar and athlete, excelling in both women’s soccer and softball at Hilbert. She received the McGrath Award and Mary Edwina Bogel Award upon graduation in 2006, and soon
On a Mission to 'Repair the World'thereafter began advocating for the poor and homeless. She currently works as a paralegal at Neighborhood Legal Services Inc., a non-profit agency in Buffalo, and has been a member of several civic organizations, including the Project Homeless Connect to Buffalo Planning Committee and the Western New York Coalition for the Homeless.
Her advocacy is a continuation of both her desire to do good in the world, as well as the education she received at Hilbert.
“There is a Hebrew phrase that a friend taught me called 'Tikkun olam' meaning to 'repair the world.' Hilbert fostered a dedication to serving others and repairing the world in every area of my life,” Kalwicki said. “From the coaches’ talks on the soccer and softball fields, to our trips with the Campus Ministry Club, to the classroom, in all areas I learned how just one person’s actions can change any situation. This part of my Hilbert education and experience is something that will forever impact my life.”
A recipient of Hilbert’s 2011 GOLD Award,
Karen Kalwicki is a 2006 graduate of Hilbert College.
Finding the right college is all about finding the right fit. Every student has their own strengths, interests and personality, and so does each college. So when a student enrolls at the same school twice, it’s a clear indication that he’s found an ideal match.
Hilbert was that perfect fit for Michael Gabor.
A native of Cheektowaga, Gabor is one of the first students to receive both a bachelor’s and master’s degree from Hilbert. Gabor enrolled at Hilbert as an undergrad and was active in the Ski Club and Students in Free Enterprise (SIFE). He cites “good times with friends in E-4” among his favorite Hilbert memories. He was also a member of the men’s soccer team, where he was an honorable mention all-Allegheny Mountain Collegiate Conference (AMCC) pick after the 2008 season. His six goals and 17 points in his senior season rank ninth best in school history.
After earning his bachelor’s degree,
Hilbert is twice as Nice for GaborGabor returned to Hilbert to pursue one of the College’s newly established graduate programs. He served as an assistant men’s soccer coach, was involved in the Graduate Student Association and graduated with a Master of Science in Criminal Justice Administration.
He credits criminal justice faculty Martin Floss, Kathleen Pierino and John Culhane and business administration professor Patrick Heraty as his most influential mentors.
“My Hilbert education prepared me for investigating financial crimes in a professional working environment,” Gabor said. “I apply the knowledge and skills obtained at Hilbert daily in real-world situations.”
Gabor is currently a global financial crimes compliance anti-money laundering investigator with JP Morgan Chase & Co. He lists soccer, snowboarding and SCUBA diving as his favorite hobbies. - HC
Michael Gabor was member of Hilbert's first cohort of master's graduates this past May.
Kalwicki is also active with the Ride for Roswell and the Thyroid Cancer Survivors Association. She was diagnosed with thyroid cancer in
2008, but is now in complete remission. - HC
Hilbert College introduced the Hawks Under 40 to honor four Hilbert graduates under the age of 40 years old. The inaugural honorees are Michael Gabor '10, Karen Kalwicki '06, Jason Luna '96, and Jonathan Rajewski '04. The honorees were selected because they have made an impact in business, community, research, artistic, leadership, educational, and/or philanthropic endeavors and have demonstrated a commitment to maintaining a lifelong relationship with Hilbert College.
HC Magazine | 2013 15
Jason Luna was among the first to receive a four-year degree from Hilbert. He went on to law school, started his own highly successful firm and has become a respected leader in his community. But in some ways, it’s like he never left college.
And in truth, he really hasn’t.As a student, Luna immersed himself in
college life, playing on the Hawks' baseball team, participating in student government and joining clubs such as the Phi Beta Lambda business fraternity and the Criminal Justice Association, while working as an Admissions Ambassador. At the 1996 Commencement ceremony, he was named Hilbert’s Man of the Year. But that wasn’t the end of his association with the college. Since then, he’s been an Alumni Association board member, established an endowed scholarship for Hilbert students, worked as an adjunct instructor in criminal justice and, most recently, was elected to serve on the Board of Trustees.
The overall atmosphere of daily life on campus had such an impact on Luna he hasn’t wanted to leave it behind.
“I truly felt at home on campus during my first visit to the college and knew at that
Making Himself at Home at Hilbertmoment this was the place for me,” he said. “During my time as a student and as an adjunct that feeling never went away, which explains why I have always stayed involved.”
He is grateful for both the training he received at Hilbert and the mentors who guided him. “John Kissel was my mentor,” he said. Luna also cites Ed Qualey, Pat Heraty, Dan Roland, Sister Edmunette and Sister Adrienne specifically for helping him along the way.
“I use the skills, perspectives and knowledge I gathered at Hilbert every day,” he said. “Since the field I’m in is adversarial in nature, the only true way to get ahead is ensure that I’m always several steps ahead of my adversary. This involves thoroughly investigating my cases by implementing many of the techniques I learned as a CJ student at Hilbert. The business courses that I took gave me a strong foundation for operating my own business.”
After graduating from UB Law School, Luna began his career as an assistant district attorney. By 2005, he opened his own personal injury law firm: Jason C. Luna, PLLC. He is also involved as a volunteer with a number of civic groups, including the Valley Community
Jason Luna was appointed to Hilbert's Board of Trustees this past May.
Association, a not-for-profit organization in Buffalo’s Old First Ward that organizes events such as River Fest and the city’s original St. Patrick’s Day parade.
When he’s not working, Luna enjoys sports, a good cigar, and spending time with his son Jason Jr. (4) and daughter Maya (2). - HC
Clearly, Jonathan Rajewski ’04 has made the most of his opportunities.
He spent just two years at Hilbert, but the experiences he had at the College helped to shape Rajewski into a high profile expert in the area of digital forensics.
An assistant professor at Vermont’s Champlain College, Rajewski oversees the Senator Patrick Leahy Center for Digital Investigation at Champlain, works as a digital forensic examiner for the Vermont Internet Crimes Against Children Task Force, and is a frequent presenter, media expert and private and government consultant in topics dealing with electronic investigations, cyber security and identity theft.
In the past year alone, Rajewski has achieved notoriety for his work as both an investigator and a teacher. He blogged for The Huffington Post about the Manti Te’o “catfishing” affair and was named the top digital forensics professor and one of the best 300 professors in the nation overall by The Princeton Review.
Not bad for someone who had no idea what kind of career he wanted until he discovered Hilbert’s Computer Security and Information Assurance program.
“My dream was to be in a technology area, but I didn’t want to program computers
science and serendipityon a daily basis,” Rajewski said. “[This] was something that appealed to my inner passion – investigating technology. I was a transfer student from Erie Community College and was given an opportunity to prove myself. Without the college’s support and encouragement, I wouldn’t be where I am today.”
At Hilbert, Rajewski thrived under the tutelage of James Domres and Sandy Augustine.
“Both of them were committed to their fields and demonstrated what it took to be a professional,” he said. “I try to live up to their expectations still today.”
And his success in the classroom led to an internship with the New York State Attorney General’s Office. Rajewski believes that internship was the serendipitous event that helped him to land his first post-college job as a consultant with Protiviti. That experience then led him to Champlain, where he brought his private sector perspective to the department and helped to rewrite the curriculum.
“Hilbert College is an excellent school with small class sizes that focuses on professional education,” Rajewski said. “This is a rare breed in higher education, and I am forever grateful for the opportunity to attend such a great school.”
Jonathan Rajewski is a 2004 graduate of Hilbert College.
Rajewski earned a master’s in managing innovation and information technology from Champlain in 2009. He is married and enjoys spending spare time with his wife, son and pug. He also tends to a collection of more than 20 bonsai trees and is an avid runner. - HC
HAWks UNdER 40Gabor, Kalwicki, luna, and rajewski Named Hilbert's First "Four under 40"By Patrick S. Broadwater
ALUMNINEWS
Meg (Rittling) Richardson AAS ‘89 was named the director of alumni relations at D’Youville College.
Robyn Barris BS ’98 was hired in a human services position for the Veteran’s Hospital.
Donna Spencer BS ’98 currently works as a senior paralegal at Wyndham Worldwide Corp. in Orlando, Fl.
Stacey Wickes BS ’04, a police officer with the Dewitt Police Department, was recently named Officer of the Year and received the Outstanding Law Enforcement Accomplishment Award and Outstanding Service to the Community Award at the department’s May 2013 awards ceremony.
Alicia Dix BS ’08 was recently hired by the New York State Police.
Amanda McClure BA ’08 is currently working as an administrative assistant at Davis-Ulmer Sprinkler Co.
Brian Kruszka BS ’09 was featured as the keynote speaker at the City of Buffalo Drug Court Annual Luncheon.
Sally (Wlostowski) Paradowski BS ’10 currently works as a senior auditor for the New York State Insurance Fund.
Eric Seeger BS ’11 was promoted to senior accountant at Lumsden & McCormick, LLP.
Christina Hollenbeck BS ’12 currently works as a civil litigation paralegal at Webster Szanyi, LLP. Lauren Lukasiewicz BS ’12 currently works as a forensic investigator at the Onondaga County Medical Examiner's Office in Syracuse, NY. Amber Grosch BS ’13 was honored as the AMCC FAR Female Scholar Athlete of the Year.
Kaitlyn Steinhorst BS ’13 was hired as a case inventory technician and latent print technician at American Systems.
’10s’00s
ALuMNIASSoCIATIoN
16 summer
the purpose of the Hilbert College Alumni Association is to advance
the interests of the college, to develop and foster a mutually beneficial
relationship between the college and its alumni by providing educational
opportunities, social programs, services and benefits, to build ties and relationships
among alumni and students at the college, to provide alumni input on college
concerns and to link the college of today and tomorrow with its heritage of
excellence, commitment, and service.
Log in to h i lber t .edu/a lumni to read add i t iona l c lass notes and to d iscover the many ways to connect wi th
o ther a lumni and the H i lber t communi ty
’80s
’90s
SANDAMIANoNoMINATIoNSHilbert College Alumni Association is accepting nominations for the San Damiano Awards. The association established these awards to honor alumni and friends of Hilbert who personify the College’s core values and traditions of integrity and excellence.
To make a nomination or for more information contact:
Tori FelserDevelopment Associate
San Damiano Awards Thursday, October 3, 2013
5:30 - 7 p.m.Swan Auditorium & West Herr Atrium
HC Magazine | 2013 17
ALUMNINEWS
Births
Cole David Ranney
Nichole (Becker) Ranney BS ’01 and Joe Ranney welcomed a son, Cole David Ranney, on Monday, June 24, 2013.
Joseph BS ’06 and Jenna (Krzyzaniak) Ferrara BS ’02 welcomed a daughter, Angelina Ferrara, on May 29, 2013.
Sally (Wlostowski) Paradowski BS ’10 and Tom Paradowski welcomed a daughter, Nora Emily Paradowski, on October 2, 2012.
ALuMNITooLkITShow your support for Hilbert College
by downloading free wallpapers, social media avatars, smart phone skins
and more at www.hilbert.edu/alumni/AlumniToolkit
Angelina Ferrara Nora Emily Paradowski
Congratulations to the newly-elected 2013-14 Alumni Board Executive Committee!
President - Dan Jachlewski '99vice President - Krystyl Wachowski '12
secretary - Mary Hermans '04treasurer - Dawn (Belleza) Ehrhardt '02
Parliamentarian - Amy (Bartz) Meisner '01Graduate of the last decade (GOld Representative) - Michael Shriver '11
Dan Jachlewski '99 Krystyl Wachowski '12 Mary Hermans '04
Dawn Ehrhardt '02 Amy Meisner '01 Michael Shriver '11
18 summer
ALUMNINEWS
The 23rd Annual Scholarship Golf Tournament was held on Monday, June 17, raising $92,000 for student scholarships at Hilbert, making it the most successful golf tournament in the college's history. Nearly 140 golfers participated and over 200 attended the post tournament reception and awards ceremony. Next year's tournament will be held on Monday, June 23.
SuPPoRTINgHILbERT
Most successful Golf tournament in Hilbert's History
HC Magazine | 2013 19
FRANCISCANREFLECTIONS
Thank You For HelPiNG uS rAiSe $92,000 iN SCHolArSHiPS At our ANNuAl GolF tourNAMeNt
ALUMNINEWS
Hilbert College senior Amber Grosch and University of Pittsburgh at Greensburg senior David Coradi have been selected by the Allegheny Mountain Collegiate Conference Faculty Athletics Representatives as the conference’s 2013 Scholar Athletes of the Year. They were chosen from a pool of 20 outstanding student-athletes named to the All-Academic Team.
A criminal justice major and psychology minor, Grosch achieved a 3.85 grade point average while participating in three sports (soccer, basketball and softball) all four years for the Hawks. The Depew, NY native was voted the all-sportsmanship team representative by her basketball teammates in 2013 and
Grosch Named scholar Athlete of the yearwas inducted into Chi Alpha Sigma's New York Theta chapter of the National College Student-Athlete Honor Society in 2012. She was also a three-year member of the Student-Athlete Advisory Committee during her time at Hilbert. At the conclusion of her senior year, Grosch was the recipient of Hilbert College’s McGrath Award, presented to the graduating female student-athlete who has made a significant contribution to athletics along with obtaining the highest grade point average.
Grosch joins Maggie Fage (2010) and Katy Dorsheimer (2005) as previous Hilbert College
AMCC FAR Scholar Athletes of the Year. - HC
20 summer
ATHLETICSNEwS
John Czarnecki has been named Hilbert College’s Director of Intercollegiate Athletics, announced President Cynthia Zane, Ed.D. Czarnecki takes over a Hilbert athletics program that has seen much growth and success over the last few years, culminating this past winter with the Hawks’ first Allegheny Mountain Collegiate Conference men’s basketball regular season title.
“The pool of candidates for this position was particularly strong and John is a young, up-and-coming talent in athletic administration,” Zane said. “His experience managing many aspects of successful NCAA Division III athletic programs distinguished him from the other talented candidates. He will be tasked with maintaining the foundation and direction established at Hilbert. I look forward to working with John and I am confident we will continue to see progress and success in the Hawks’ athletic program.”
As Hilbert’s athletics director, Czarnecki will oversee the college’s 13 NCAA Division III men’s and women’s sports teams and provide administrative direction for the athletics program.
“I am thrilled and humbled to be named Hilbert’s athletics director,” Czarnecki said. “The previous athletics director, Sue Viscomi, laid a strong framework to build upon. I look forward to helping the Hawks take the next step to even more success. I am excited to become a part of the Hilbert family and work with the dedicated administration, faculty, staff, and student-athletes.”
Czarnecki, a native of Poughkeepsie, N.Y.,
Czarnecki Named director of intercollegiate Athleticsspent the last four years at Yeshiva University in New York City, most recently as associate athletic director. At Yeshiva, he oversaw all men’s coaches, sports information, men’s athletic training, intramurals and was the NCAA compliance officer. He was also responsible for licensing, merchandising, scheduling and equipment. Czarnecki oversaw the Student Athlete Advisory Committee (SAAC) and was a representative for the NCAA Regional Advisory Committee for men’s basketball.
“John has been an invaluable resource at Yeshiva University,” Joe Bednarsh, athletics director at Yeshiva, said. “He is a true professional whose passion for Division III athletics and drive to better the student-athlete experience will be a tremendous asset to the Hilbert student body. I have no doubt he will be successful there and we will miss his warmth and humor.”
Prior to Yeshiva, Czarnecki was the sports information director at Maritime College, as well as the assistant men’s basketball coach. He spent two years at Maritime after finishing an internship with the SUNYAC office located in Fredonia, N.Y. Prior to that, he served as a graduate assistant in the sports information office at SUNY Potsdam.
While at Maritime College, Czarnecki was responsible for all aspects of the sports information department, including press releases, statistics, pictures, website, and scheduling. He oversaw a staff of two assistants and worked closely with all departments on campus. As the assistant basketball coach, he helped the team to back-to-back Skyline
Conference semi-final appearances as well as the school’s second-ever appearance in the ECAC Tournament. He also coached one student-athlete who signed a professional contract after completing his senior year.
Czarnecki completed his undergraduate work at SUNY Potsdam and earned his Masters in Sports Management from SUNY Cortland.
He and his wife Jill have one son, Jason. - HC
John Czarnecki
Amber Grosch '13
HC Magazine | 2013 21
ALUMNINEWS
Hilbert College and coach Rob deGrandpre were selected as the recipient of the Collegiate Basketball Officials Association’s (CBOA) Sam Schoenfeld Sportsmanship Award for the 2012-13 season.
This award was voted on by the collegiate basketball officials in Upstate New York, and is given to the school, coach, and players who best exemplify the highest degree of sportsmanship, character, and ethics, which are all characteristics of Sam Schoenfeld who was a founding father of CBOA. The award was presented by Kevin Ferguson (area rep), and Benjy Bluman (past president CBOA).
Men's Basketball Honored by CBOA Hilbert (14-4) shared the Allegheny
Mountain Collegiate Conference’s regular season league title and hosted the AMCC championship weekend as the league’s number one-seeded team. The Hawks earned the program’s first 20-win season (20-6) and garnered two 1st Team-All Conference selections (Dan McFarland, Anthony Hodge) as well as the Newcomer of the Year and 3rd Team-All Conference (Jerame Owens) and
Coach of the Year for deGrandpre. - HC
Men's basketball receives sportsmanship award.
After the winter and spring sport season Team Peak Performer champions were announced, Hilbert College officially dominated the Allegheny Mountain Collegiate Conference’s academic championships during the 2012-13 year. Seven of Hilbert’s 11 teams who participate in AMCC championships earned the highest cumulative grade point average at the conclusion of the academic term that they competed in.
This past spring, the women’s basketball (3.47) and softball (3.48) teams along with the men’s volleyball team (3.23) joined the Hawks
Hilbert dominates AMCC Peak Performers in 2012-13men’s and women’s cross country, golf and women’s soccer teams who were announced after the fall 2012 semester.
Thanks to the athletic department’s Athlete Academic Monitoring Program (AAMP), which was introduced in January 2011, the Hawk athletes have responded in positive ways. AAMP was designed to help a struggling student-athlete reach his/her full potential in the classroom. Kelly Starchok, the recipient of the NCAA Women and Minority Grant Hilbert College received in June 2011, directs the program.
“A new standard was set which helps our student-athletes reach their educational potential and achieve their academic goals,” Starchok said. She continued “It is extremely exciting to see our student-athletes take responsibility of their own learning and to see them grow personally as academically well-rounded individuals. I am proud of our student-athletes, our coaches, and the athletic department staff as well as the support provided by the Academic Services Center in
their commitment to the program.” - HC
The National Collegiate Athletic Association (NCAA) announced Adam Weaver (Stow, OH/Archbishop Hoban) as the 2013 NCAA Division III statistical champion in Kills Per Set in men’s volleyball.
Weaver was credited with 311 kills in the 72 sets played during Hilbert College’s 2013 season. His 4.32 kills per set led the sixty-one Division III programs in the country.
Weaver became Hilbert’s All-Time Kill Leader (834) early in his junior year after only forty-eight matches. The Outside Hitter completed his junior season leading the Hawks in kills (311), attempts (719) and hitting percentage (.287) as Hilbert’s primary target. With that in mind, opponents prepared to defend his net-play, and yet he was still able to perform for the Hawks. Weaver also led Hilbert in service aces (31) and points per set (4.97).
Weaver leads division iii in kills Per set Hilbert is a member of the United Volleyball
Conference, considered the most competitive conference in Division III men’s volleyball. Six of Hilbert’s UVC members finished the 2013 season ranked in the Division III Top 15 Poll, and Hilbert (6-21) competed against 8 of the Top 15 teams during the season.
Weaver repeated as a United Volleyball Conference Honorable Mention All-Conference player, having earned that same award at the completion of his freshman year and for the second consecutive season, Weaver was an Allegheny Mountain Collegiate Conference 1st
Team All-Conference member. - HC
Adam Weaver
22 spring
FRANCISCANREFLECTIONSFRANCISCANFooTPRINTS
FRANCISCAN VALUES
Compassion
Hope
Integrity
Joy
Peace
Respect
Service
Vision
Start by doing what’s necessary; then do what’s possible; and suddenly you are doing the impossible. St. Francis of Assisi
22 summer
Sister Mary Tiburtia Gorecki, FSSJ founded and designed the library at Hilbert College and directed it for 28 years.
Born Irene Gorecki in Baltimore, the youngest of 12 children, she entered the Congregation of the Franciscan Sisters of St. Joseph as an aspirant in 1936, became a postulant in 1939 and professed her final vows July 8, 1944.
She earned a bachelor’s degree in education from Mount St. Joseph College, now Medaille College, and a master’s degree in library science from Marywood College in Scranton, Pa.
She told an interviewer in 1987 that she became a librarian by accident. She was supposed to go to a college in Wisconsin to earn a degree in remedial reading, but a mistake in her transfer notice sent her to Marywood instead.
During her 47-year career in education, she served at Corpus Christi School in Buffalo, St. Vincent’s School in North Evans, St. Mary’s of the Lake School in Hamburg and in schools in Massachusetts and Michigan.
Assigned to Hilbert College as library director in 1962, she helped establish the Francis J. and Marie McGrath Library. She led the transfer of 40,000 books into the new library building in 1969, inaugurated several special book collections and was considered the library’s “heart and soul.”
For her first 10 years at the college, she also served as an instructor. She received Hilbert’s President’s Medal in 1972.
She also helped to set up libraries in elementary schools and high schools, at St. Joseph Hospital in Cheektowaga and at Creekbend Heights in Hamburg.
She was active in the American Library Association and the New York Library Association, and had traveled out of state as a library consultant.
She also served as an officer in the Western New York Educational Communications Council and the Western New York Catholic Librarians Conference.
She retired from Hilbert in 1990 and became periodicals librarian at
Christ the King Seminary in East Aurora. - HC
Remembering sister tiburtia 1921-2013Hilbert's First librarian
sister Mary tiburtia GoreckiNov. 25, 1921 – July 31, 2013
HC Magazine | 2013 23
OCTOBER 8, 20137:00 pmWilliam E. Swan AuditoriumReception & Book Signing to Follow
For more information or to make advance reservations contact The Office of Student Life at [email protected] or (716) 926-8927.
Special thank you to: Provosts Office, First Year Experience, Office of Multicultural Affairs, Visiting Artists Series
HILBERTCOLLEGEPRESENTS
New York Times best-selling author ofLittle Princes, Conor Grennan
2014 HILBERTCOLLEGEScholarship Golf Tournament
MONDAY, JUNE 23, 2014TUESDAY, DECEMBER 3, 2013
7:30 p.m.
THURSDAY, OCTOBER 3, 201312 p.m.
THURSDAY, OCTOBER 3, 20135:30 - 7 p.m.
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