medaille college alumnews - summer 2013

8
S U M M E R 2 0 1 3 facebook.com/medaillealumni Search for “Medaille College Alumni” @medaillecollege Congratulations, Class of 2013! Welcome to the Alumni Association! We hope you’ll take advantage of all that the alumni network has to offer. Don’t forget to check out photos from this year’s Commencement Ceremonies, posted on our Flickr page (http://www.flickr.com/photos/medaille), and visit www.medaille.edu/gradphotos to access photos that were taken in the Mary Seton Room at Kleinhans Music Hall! 2013 Commencement So much to celebrate! Dear Alumni, I hope this message finds you happy, healthy, and doing well. The Alumni Association is constantly growing and constantly changing, and this year has been no exception. In the next few pages, you will learn about some of the exciting developments that have taken place over the past few months. For one, our collection of alumni volunteers has increased immensely, including seven new members on the Alumni Association Board of Directors. And most importantly, our efforts to develop a Strategic Plan for the Alumni Association are finally complete! Perhaps another change that you may notice is that I have joined the College Relations team as the Coordinator of Alumni Relations. I am a 2010 graduate of the communication department, and as a student I was involved in a number of clubs and organizations – though the Medaille Perspective newspaper and INcite magazine consumed the majority of my time as an undergrad! It has been a pleasure to meet and work with so many of you over the 2012-13 academic year, and I look forward to connecting with many more of our talented graduates in the future! Please don’t hesitate to contact me if you have questions, comments, or suggestions for the Alumni Association – or if you’d like to get involved! I encourage you to participate and take advantage of our ever-expanding alumni network. Go Mavs! MEGAN FITZGERALD ’10 Coordinator of Alumni Relations COMMENCEMENT PHOTOS BY NANCY J. PARISI

Upload: medaille-college

Post on 30-Mar-2016

227 views

Category:

Documents


4 download

DESCRIPTION

The summer 2013 edition of Medaille College's alumni publication AlumNews.

TRANSCRIPT

S U M M E R 2 0 1 3 facebook .com/medai l lealumni S earch for “Medai l le Col lege Alumni ”@medai l lecol lege

Congratulations, Class of 2013!Welcome to the Alumni Association! We hope you’ll take

advantage of all that the alumni network has to offer. Don’t forget to check out photos from this year’s

Commencement Ceremonies, posted on our Flickr page (http://www.flickr.com/photos/medaille), and visit

www.medaille.edu/gradphotos to access photos that were taken in the Mary Seton Room at Kleinhans Music Hall!

2013 Commencement

So much to celebrate!Dear Alumni,

I hope this message finds you happy, healthy, and doing well.

The Alumni Association is constantly growing and constantly changing, and this year has been no exception. In the next few pages, you will learn about some of the exciting developments that have taken place over the past few months. For one, our collection of alumni volunteers has increased immensely, including seven new members on the Alumni Association Board of Directors. And most importantly, our efforts to develop a Strategic Plan for the Alumni Association are finally complete!

Perhaps another change that you may notice is that I have joined the College Relations team as the Coordinator of Alumni Relations. I am a 2010 graduate of the communication department, and as a student I was involved in a number of clubs and organizations – though the Medaille Perspective newspaper and INcite magazine consumed the majority of my time as an undergrad!

It has been a pleasure to meet and work with so many of you over the 2012-13 academic year, and I look forward to connecting with many more of our talented graduates in the future! Please don’t hesitate to contact me if you have questions, comments, or suggestions for the Alumni Association – or if you’d like to get involved! I encourage you to participate and take advantage of our ever-expanding alumni network.

Go Mavs!

M E g a n F i t z g E R a l d ’ 1 0Coordinator of Alumni Relations

C o M M e N C e M e N T P H o T o S B y N A N C y j . PA R I S I

Share your good news — promotions, birth announcements, engagements, marriages, anniversaries, community service, etc. — by emailing [email protected].

ClassNotes

1970sRayShonnE JonES ’79 was invited and accepted membership into The National Society of Collegiate Scholars (NSCS).

1980salySSa hillgER ’80 has been appointed clinical instructor at Hondros College in Westerville, oH. She instructs LPN students in health care settings on the proper provision of nursing practice.MichaEl MoRano ’83 is the research director for WGRZ-TV. He has been with the company for 13 years.MichaEl caRRoll ’84 was hired as the territorial sales manager for The Hanover Group. He is responsible for profitable growth for Western and Central New york.Scott SMith ’89 became chief photographer and video coordinator at Hager Productions, a video production company in Pittsford, Ny. He begins this position after 22 years as a sports producer and photographer at WHeC TV in Rochester, Ny.

1990sKEvin KURdziEl ’90 graduated with his masters of science, management degree from Thomas edison State College in Trenton, Nj.albERt ERni ’93 ’95 is now a wealth advisory associate at Morgan Stanley Wealth Management.MElaniE (daviSon) KowalEwSKi ’97 was married in September 2012. She is a veterinary technician at the erie County SPCA, and has been working there for 16 years.MichElE (o’connoR) tURnER ’98 received her executive MBA from West Virginia University in May 2013.victoRia hanSon ’99 became the assistant director of operations and auxiliary services at Georgia Gwinnett College.

2000stRaciE zaJac ’00 was accepted into erie Community College’s respiratory care program, and is expected to graduate in 2014.valERiE (PawlowSKi) bEllo ’01 was promoted to assistant professor of communications and media arts at Genesee Community College. She is also the faculty advisor

for the student radio station WGCC 90.7FM.< cathERinE M. (Sicoli) daRling, lvt ’02 and Luke C. Darling were married on April 27, 2013 in Niagara Falls, Ny.ClassNotes continues on page 3

Family can come in all shapes and sizes. Lauren Neubauer ’09 could tell you that. When Neubauer decided that she needed a change, she wasn’t talking about a new haircut. “I felt like I had to do something more with my life,” she said. And that something more was joining the Peace Corps. Despite the fact that this undertaking would relocate Neubauer across the globe to the West African country of Ghana, she received complete support from her parents, two older brothers, and other members of their close-knit family. So in june 2011, Neubauer traveled to Kete-Krachi, and began the adventure of a lifetime, teaching science and computer technology to high school students, while being completely immersed in an unfamiliar culture. “I was terrified,” said Neubauer. “everything was brand new. I didn’t know how to dress, what to say, how to act. I knew American culture, but I didn’t know Ghanaian culture at all.” Since her arrival, she has learned much about the people of her community and their customs, for example, that she can’t use her left hand to eat, as it is considered impure. She has also adjusted to the attention she receives from individuals who may have never seen a white person. It’s not uncommon for them to touch her hair, or her skin. However, one of the greatest challenges has been adapting to the education system. “The work ethic is

nothing like it is in America,” said Neubauer. “If the teacher isn’t there, there’s no class. I’m there to set an example for the Ghanaian teachers, as well.” And even that can be difficult at times, as very few resources are available to teach with. Making the decision to join the Peace Corps was not simple; she knew that the experience would not be easy. But her Medaille family — including professors Dr. Brenda Fredette and Dr. Robert johnson, along with classmates and alumni of the veterinary technology and biology programs — enabled her to embark on a truly unforgettable experience. In fact, it was Dr. Fredette who connected Neubauer to jessica Kelly ’06, an alum who joined the Peace Corps four years before her. “She solidified things for me,” said Neubauer. “I was nervous about language barriers and homesickness, but talking to her helped a lot.” Dr. Fredette and Dr. johnson also wrote letters of recommendation that would assist Neubauer’s acceptance into the program. “They were behind me one hundred percent,” said Neubauer. And that hasn’t changed. “They’re constantly checking up on me, e-mailing me, asking how my experience is going. They’re so excited about the entire experience. They’re just as excited as my family members.” As it turned out, it was not just the personal connection with Dr. Fredette and Dr. johnson that would benefit Neubauer in this undertaking. The

a l U M n E w S I P a g E 2 I S U M M E R 2 0 1 3

AlumnispotlightFinding a “home away from home” in ghana By MeGAN FITZGeRALD ’10

C o n t i n u e s o n p a g e 3

Lauren Neubauer ’09

2000s < Robin nEEdhaM ’02 was named media director at Travers Collins. She is responsible for the planning and purchase of traditional and digital

media for all of the agency’s clients.StEPhaniE (williaMS) calhoUn ’03 is the president of the Minority Bar Association of WNy (MBAWNy) for 2013. The MBAWNy is an organization of attorneys and legal professionals who work to create diversity in the legal profession.nicolE hooPER ’03 ’06 was promoted to human resources specialist at Globalview International. She also received the award for 2012 Adjunct Professor of the year, WNy Market. She teaches at Bryant & Stratton College.collEEn KoblinSKi ’03 ’04 became an adjunct professor at Rio Salado College in Phoenix, AZ in june 2012.

< JESSica (RicE) cho ’04 was married to Patrick Cho on August 25, 2012 in Aurora, Ny.

lataRcia KEnnER daniElS ’04 ’07 ’08 welcomed daughter Angel Diane on july 14, 2012.aMbER wESSER ’04 ’06 was hired by HUNT Real estate as the business development manager for the Buffalo/Niagara region.

< RachEl (conti) bRUzEE ’05 ’07 and chRiStoPhER bRUzEE ’05 welcomed a son, Dominic Christopher Bruzee on March 28, 2013. The family resides in Webster, Ny.

bRiE KiShEl ’05 spoke as a local expert at the Bullying Awareness and Prevention Forum in october 2012. She is the education coordinator for the Museum of disABILITy History.bRiana MccaRthy ’05 welcomed a daughter, Kayleigh Marie Rose Sievers, on March 8, 2013.latEESha McElRath ’05 ’08 ’09 began a new position as child protection services investigator at Child Protective Services of erie County.caRol QUaRantillo ’05 was appointed manager of finance and administration at The Health Foundation for Western and Central New york.

< ERiK Saladin ’05 married wife Kimberly on july 14, 2012.

JEnniFER (goRczynSKi) < walKER ’05 ’12 was married to Chris Walker on May 18, 2013 in Williamsville, Ny. The couple spent

their honeymoon in Rome and received a personal blessing from Pope Francis.

ClassNotes continues on page 4

a l U M n E w S I P a g E 3 I S U M M E R 2 0 1 3

ClassNotes C o N T I N U e DAlumniSpotlight C o N T I N U e D

coursework she completed as a student has also helped immensely. “Being in their classes, and especially doing research projects, has helped me because I’m doing research a lot now,” said Neubauer. “I’m teaching things that I’ve never learned. I have to figure it out for myself.” Considering the impact that Dr. Fredette and Dr. johnson have had in Neubauer’s life, it should come as no surprise that if you asked her, she would tell you that the professors at Medaille are the College’s greatest asset. The difference that they have made in her life has allowed her to make a difference in the lives of the Ghanaian students and community members that she now resides with. even though she is 5,000 miles away from her biological and educational families, she found when she arrived in Ghana that she had simply become part of another. According to Neubauer, the people in Ghana are “very hospitable, kind, and welcoming. They are so genuine. They want to help me.” And the connection was immediate. When she arrived in old Tafo, a small town in the eastern region of Ghana, she went through a three-month long training process, during which she stayed with a host family. “The 14-year-old girl became my little sister,” said Neubauer. After training, she travelled to Kete-Krachi, where she currently lives. When she returned to old Tafo three months later, the girl ran to her and burst into tears. “Seeing her reaction showed me how much I impacted her life, and she’s done the same for me.” It was not just her host family that welcomed her with open arms. The people in her community take care of her as if she is a family member. They cook for her, wash clothes for her, and visit her when she is not teaching. “everyone is seen as a sister, or a mother or father figure,” said Neubauer. “They took me under their wing.” The relationships that she has made have been one of the high points of her time in Ghana. “I’m meeting so many awesome people,” said Neubauer. “I’m getting to spread my wings and learn more about myself.” Although there are 200 Peace Corps volunteers in Ghana, she is currently nine hours away from the nearest volunteer. “everyone’s experiences are different,” said Neubauer. “It’s what you make of it. A lot of it is the attitude you have. everything is a challenge – communicating, the culture – it’s a lot to get used to. There aren’t many opportunities you get like this, to immerse yourself in another culture and learn about another group of people. But you don’t do it any other way.” It’s inevitable to feel homesick at times, but Neubauer has no regrets in her decision to take on this adventure. “It’s difficult being away from family and friends, but the connections that you’re making, the difference that you’re making – it’s so worth it to me.” “I didn’t expect it to be easy. It’s definitely had its challenges. But the good outweighs the bad, for sure.”

a l U M n E w S I P a g E 4 I S U M M E R 2 0 1 3

ClassNotes C o N T I N U e D

2000s< JEnniFER (daviS) bRown ’06 was married to Christopher Brown on August 10, 2012 in Akron, Ny.

a. taMMy diStEFano ’06 was named the purchasing director at D’youville College. She previously worked at the college as the assistant controller.daniEllE Fininzio ’06 joined the University at Buffalo School of Dental Medicine as the associate director of development.

< victoRia JayES ’06 was promoted to account supervisor at SKM Group, a full-service marketing communications agency. She has been with the company since 2011.

hEathER JonES ’06 ’07 was hired at Roswell Park Cancer Institute as a senior lab attendant in the main research complex.alliSon o’toolE ’06 ’08 graduated from St. George’s University School of Veterinary Medicine. She is now working at the SPCA serving erie County.

< lloyd RUFFlE ’06 ’11 and his wife, Andrea Whitehair-Ruffle, welcomed their son Ryan Matthew on August 3, 2012. Ryan joins his big brother, Bryce.

< PatRicK williaMS ’06 married Michelle Casto on june 8, 2012 at Kloc’s Grove in West Seneca.

aManda (Kolin) bUtlER ’07 is the associate director of corporate and foundation relations at University of Buffalo.

< JEnniFER calERo ’07 and her husband, Chris, welcomed daughter julianna Lynn Calero on August 7, 2012.KiMbERly (SMith) FREw, cScP, cPSM ’07 accepted

a position at Dresser-Rand in olean, Ny as senior supply chain manager.

< KylE KaczMaREK ’07 and Alyssa (Sicoli) Kaczmarek were married on october 20, 2012.

MichEllE PERUzzini ’07 and Michael o’Sullivan were married on july 26, 2013.Elita SaUllE ’07 collaborated with two of her teacher friends to begin a web blog on education, www.teachingrocks.ca.JanicE whitE ’07 was named the executive director of True Community Development Corporation, an entity of Buffalo’s True Bethel Baptist Church.

ClassNotes continues on page 5

Alumni Association Develops Strategic PlanIn the summer of 2012, more than 80 alumni from the Amherst, Buffalo, and Rochester campuses shared their Medaille experiences with the Alumni Association. Interviews and planning sessions were held using the appreciative inquiry approach, in an effort to discover the Association’s greatest strengths. After compiling the data, a team of alumni volunteers and staff members used the voices of our graduates to create a mission statement that will lead the Alumni Association for years to come. They also identified three “strategic themes,” including service, growth and fulfillment, and family. If you didn’t have the opportunity to provide your input, you haven’t missed your chance! Share your time and talents by joining one of our three innovation teams, which aim to direct the Alumni Association in their programming, outreach and other initiatives. The innovation teams correspond to each strategic theme, and work to put the Strategic Plan into action! Interested in getting involved? email [email protected] or call Megan Fitzgerald at (716) 880-2207.

Students benefit From Shared ExperiencesIn August, six alumni participated in freshman orientation by speaking about “how to make the most out of your Medaille experience.” charles Killian ’08, Shanena brundage ’09, heather delPriore ’10, Megan Fitzgerald ’10, Eric Richardson ’11, and alec Pinterpe ’13 shared advice and answered questions from incoming students. In october, Kevin Maluchnik ’07 spoke to criminal justice majors about his career in the Niagara Falls Police Department. In November, Margaret (Scott) Suraf ’07, trish Pantano ’08, Mark yerger ’08, and lori ann (Markham) carrig ’09 participated in a panel discussion for english majors about the different job options that are available to them. Additionally, a panel of communication grads spoke about their journeys in the industry. Participants included Eileen (galbo) buckley ’85, bob dingwall ’86, ann Schlifke ’93 ’14, christie witt ’09, and chris Musial, Jr ’11.

alumni association welcomes new board MembersThe Alumni Association Board of Directors grew by seven members this year. Additions included Melissa babiarz ’07, licensed mental health counselor; Jonathan gill ’07, marketing manager at exigence of Team Health; Paige gullotti ’11 ’12, training recruiting specialist at Mutual of omaha; camille Jackson ’09 ’12, senior recruiter for Delaware North Companies; a.J. long ’12, Specific Solutions; Shawn loos ’10 ’12, recruiter at Systems Personnel; and Rich Schneider ’10 ’12, president and Ceo of Home Assist Senior Care, Inc.

missionThe Medaille College Alumni

Association offers a variety of

opportunities that encourage

personal and professional

growth and expand the alumni

experience. We are a diverse

and active family of graduates

who enrich the mission and

vision of the College.

S t R at E g i c t h E M E 1 :

SERvicEexpand our culture of service to positively impact our students, the College, and community. S t R at E g i c t h E M E 2 :

gRowth & FUlFillMEntProvide opportunities for personal and professional development, lifelong learning, networking, and enduring relationships. S t R at E g i c t h E M E 3 :

FaMilyCreate a positive, secure environment where alumni with shared values provide a support system in which individuals are appreciated and heard.

a l U M n E w S I P a g E 5 I S U M M E R 2 0 1 3

ClassNotes C o N T I N U e D

< SaRa (bURKE) FaRMER ’08 and her husband, Daniel, welcomed son Sean Gerald Farmer on November 11, 2012.JanE (RowlandS) loMaglio ’08 was married to Brenden LoMaglio on july

27, 2012 in Churchville, Ny.RodnEy aSSE ’09 was appointed District Treasurer for the Greece Central School District.chRiStiE (witt) bERaRdi ’09 and Christopher Berardi were married on May 18, 2013.JoE ElliS ’09 was named territory manager for Sporcle Inc. in Detroit, MI. He is in charge of Sporcle Live-Detroit, which hosts 70 live trivia shows a week in the Detroit and Ann Arbor areas.

< caRRiE (RoSati) FicK ’09 married Michael Fick on june 30, 2012.daRRin haRzEwSKi

’09 began his employment at CIR electrical Construction Corporation and works with business development in solar energy.

< loRa hoag ’09 ’13 welcomed a daughter, Charlotte elizabeth Cutler on March 23, 2013.SaRah PollingER ’09 was hired as a financial representative at Alliance

Advisory Group. She previously served as the grant research manager for the Buffalo City Mission.

< liSa (StolFa) chinaPPi ’10 was married to Steve Chinappi on September 1, 2012.

< liSa (FaxlangER) FEllingER ’10 was married to jon Fellinger on june 9, 2012.

< MEgan FitzgERald ’10 and joe Hassenfratz are engaged, and will marry in September 2013.

JESSica FRySz ’10 ’11 is a licensed veterinary technician at Banfield Pet Hospital in Amherst. She also became a licensed wildlife rehabilitator in April 2012.bREnna gERwitz ’10 was hired as a technical recruiter at TeK Systems.JacKiE gUgliEtta ’10 became the assistant director of regional programs at the University of Georgia.KEith hacK ’10 was named the assistant men’s basketball coach at SUNy New Paltz.Mindy JEndRowSKi ’10 was appointed police officer in the town of Hamburg in january 2013.Patty nElliS ’10 and MaRK StEinEl ’07 are happy to announce their engagement. The couple plans a june 2014 wedding.

ClassNotes continues on page 6

Education grads gain insight at Events In october, the School of education and the Alumni Association hosted an informal discussion for education graduates entitled “Inside the Teachers’ Lounge.” The event brought alumni together to converse about hot topics and trends in the education field. A session was held at the Buffalo Campus and was led by celeste cavanaugh ’09. An additional event was held in ontario for our Canadian graduates. In April, alumni and students filled the President’s Dining Room to maximum capacity to listen to a panel of school administrators from Western New york who addressed “Strategies for Securing a Teaching Position.” dennis Fitscher ‘76, Regina becker ‘76, and betsy giangreco ‘06 shared their expertise and offered practical tips and suggestions on the hiring process to aspiring teachers.

In october, the young Alumni Committee hosted a Buffalo Bills Game and Tailgate Party. All 75 tickets sold out quickly, and alums enjoyed food from the Armor Inn Tap Room before watching the Bills take on the Tennessee Titans. Be sure to get your tickets to this year’s game before they’re gone! In April, the committee collaborated with Buffalo State College, University at Buffalo, Niagara University, Brockport University, Daemen College, Fredonia State and Hilbert College to offer a Bandits game and pre-party at Pearl Street Grill and Brewery.

Courtney Kopper ’11 ’12, Lauren Haskins ’13 and Sommer O’Donnell ’12P H o T o B y C H R I S R I P L e y ’ 1 2 ’ 1 3

P H o T o B y M I C H A e L P R o T C H ’ 1 4

Sports Fans Unite

P H o T o B y C o D y o S B o U R N e

Lavon Stephens ’05 ’07 (center) and Tanisha DaCosta ‘12 (right)

The Alumni Associations of Medaille, Buffalo State, Daemen, the University at Buffalo, The College at Brockport, Niagara University, and Hilbert College hosted the fourth annual WNy Alumni After Hours in Buffalo at the Hyatt Regency downtown on october 18. The event provided an opportunity for graduates of local colleges and universities to expand their personal and professional networks. Medaille’s established professionals included tony cimorelli ’08, director of marketing at Baillie Lumber Co.; lavon Stephens ’05 ’07, administrative director at Buffalo & erie County Workforce

Development Consortium, Inc.; and Jennifer westerholt ’12, director of marketing and development at Literacy New york Buffalo-Niagara, Inc. on February 20, WNy Alumni After Hours made its debut in downtown Rochester. SUNy oswego joined in the fun, and alumni from all of the institutions gathered at the Genesee Brew House for an evening of networking. Medaille was represented by Mercedes vazquez-Simmons ’10 ’12, national sales manager at Time Warner Cable.

Alumni After Hours Repeat Success in buffalo; debuts in Rochester

two-degree alumni gather for networking ReceptionIn May, graduates who have pursued multiple degrees from the College enjoyed an evening at the home of Dr. Richard jurasek. Alumni were able to reconnect with faculty from the MBA and MA oL programs, as well as make new connections. Food, drinks, and good conversations were had by all.

P H o T o B y M e G A N F I T Z G e R A L D ’ 1 0

a l U M n E w S I P a g E 6 I S U M M E R 2 0 1 3

< MitchEll ShEPaRd ’10 married his wife, Michelle, in November 2012.ShaUna dEMbinSKi ’11 ’12 and chRiS MazzU ’11 ’12 were married on june 8, 2013. The couple welcomed a son, Adrean, in November

2012. Shauna is a preschool teacher at CAo Head Start and Chris is a project manager for P&R Painting Services, Inc.Jonathan loMbaRdo ’11 was hired by the Chesterfield County Police Department in the fall of 2012. He graduated from the police academy in February 2013.JoSEPh Saad ’11 is now an assistant branch manager at Citizen’s Bank in Boston, MA.gina SERRa ’11 became an executive assistant at employer Services Company in june 2012.

< MaRion SinglEton ’11 accepted a position at Grand Island High School as a special education teacher.Sonia Sloan ’11 and Nick Ihle were engaged in january 2013. She works at the Amherst Chamber of Commerce as a creative coordinator.

< bRittany PaPaJ ’12 and MiKE gRUttadaURia ’12 are happy to announce their engagement. The couple met as freshmen and will marry on june 28, 2014.

bRittany dEbolE ’12 is a business development executive at Brafton in Boston, MA.

< adina PERa ’12 was hired as an account coordinator at Crowley Webb. She is pursuing a master’s degree in integrated marketing communications at St. Bonaventure University and will graduate this year.

< caitlin SchaEFER ’12 and Shane Chesnes are happy to announce their engagement. They are planning a September 2013 wedding.

JEnniFER wEStERholt ’12 received Business First’s 40 Under Forty award.

ClassNotes C o N T I N U e D

ExtendedClassnotesIn october 2012, four Medaille alumni and one current student were recognized for making significant contributions in career and community endeavors, and were honored as Black Achievers in Industry: Jonathan abRaMS ’10, information management analyst for HSBC Bank USA; JEnniFER l. haMilton ’04 ’07, senior department administrator at Roswell Park Cancer Institute; taRa n. MccaRtER ’07 ’10, Buffalo Board of education; tonJa M. (bEnSon) williaMS ’86, principal of Futures Academy School 37; and RayShad d. RUSSEll ’14.

< a.J. vEREl ’99 met with the City of Buffalo’s youth Police explorers Academy in August 2012. He spoke to youth, as well as law enforcement representatives from across Western New york, about how “community is the first line of defense in crime prevention.”

In September 2012, Verel was inducted into South Park High School’s Athletic Hall of Fame, as a member of its inaugural class.

ElizabEth waSilUK ’79 celebrated her 25th year as director of Berkeley County Planetarium in Hedgesville High School, in Hedgesville, WV. She received a grant for her high school student team to

participate in the Pulsar Search program, where students search data from the Robert C. Byrd Radio Telescope in Green Bank, WV via the internet for elusive stars called pulsars which spin rapidly, sending out radio signals.

over her 25 years at the Berkeley County Planetarium, Wasiluk has received the prestigious Brennan Award from the Astronomical Society of the Pacific, as well as the Celebrate Women Award in Science from the West Virginia Women’s Commission. She has travelled to astronomy workshops at the University of

Hawaii, Tufts University, The Center for Astrophysics at Harvard University, NASA, Penn State and the National Radio Astronomy observatory in Green Bank, WV.

S h a R E y o U R P E R S o n a l a n d P R o F E S S i o n a l ac c o M P l i S h M E n t S w i t h t h E M E da i l l E c o M M U n i t y ! Email [email protected]

Seminars offer grads Job-Search PreparationIn November, the Amherst Alumni Committee hosted a presentation by joan Graci entitled “Branding yourself.” Graci, owner and president of Human Capital Firm, APA Solutions and Career Reform, shared her perspective of the employment environment with alumni, and provided them with tips on how to succeed in a job search. In March, the committee teamed up with the office of Career Planning to offer an interactive workshop entitled “Speed Interviewing.” Attendees participated in five-minute interviews and received feedback from our human resource experts, including dale Stephens ’99 ’06, Shawn loos ’10 ’12, camille Jackson ’09 ’12, and Patricia Marchinda. In between interviews, alums met with Carol Cullinan (director of Career Planning at Medaille) for resume review.

Joseph Saad ’11 and Camille Jackson ’09 ’12 P H o T o B y M e G A N F I T Z G e R A L D ’ 1 0

a l U M n E w S I P a g E 7 I S U M M E R 2 0 1 3

author Presents at Rochester campusIn November, jennifer Sertl visited the Rochester campus and gave a presentation on “Strategy, Leadership & the Soul: Transforming your organization and yourself for the 21st Century.” Alumni, students, and faculty enjoyed Sertl’s discussion, which provided insight into what it takes to be a leader in a rapidly changing technological environment. Sertl is an internationally respected author, keynote speaker and the president and founder of Agility3R.

Rochester graduates welcomed into alumni associationon Thursday, june 6, the Rochester Graduation Celebration took place in honor of those graduates who completed their degrees in the 2012-13 academic year. Students enjoyed food and drinks while spending the evening with alumni, faculty, and other new grads. yvonne thorne ’04 spoke about her involvement in the Alumni Association and why she chooses to continue her relationship with Medaille.

roChestercampus

Undergraduate Students Enjoy week of Senior activitiesTo kick off Senior Week on Monday, April 29, members of the class of 2013 attended a Senior Brunch, where Jonathan augustyn ’09 spoke about the importance of staying connected as graduates of the College. Members of the young Alumni Committee, including danielle Rollins ’12 and Eric Richardson ’11 also volunteered and talked to seniors about their experiences as alumni.

on Tuesday, April 30, students attended the Senior Reception at the home of Medaille College President Dr. Richard jurasek. Mike Simoncelli ’09 and heather delPriore ’10 mingled with attendees and stressed the importance of using the Medaille network post-graduation. The week continued with the Campus Carnival (including the third annual “Stuff the Bug” attempt, which broke last year’s record with twenty-three people occupying the Volkswagen Beetle!), and a bowling night.

P H o T o S B y C H R I S R I P L e y ’ 1 2 ’ 1 3

P h o t o b y M E g a n F i t z g E R a l d ’ 1 0

NATASHA THOMAS ’13

yvONNe THOrNe ’04

18 Agassiz Circle I Buffalo, NY 14214

leadership Management council debuts Free SeriesThe Leadership Management Council (LMC) has successfully commenced the 2013 Leadership Development Series, having presented two of four sessions which aim to provide continuing education and enhancement of core competencies for organizational leaders. on Thursday, February 28, deborah watkins ’11 led a presentation on “Leading Change and Transformation: View organizational Change From a Different Perspective;” and on Thursday, May 23, Mike Moley ’06, nancy Pietras ’06 ’09 and Dr. Rich Dulski teamed up to tackle “Strategic Planning: Concise Strategy Can Position a Firm to Maintain a Sustained Advantage over Competitors.” The series, which is free and open to the public, continues on Thursday, September 19 with a seminar entitled “Results-Driven Coaching and Development: Take the Lead.” The final presentation, “Aligning Forces to Drive Performance,” will take place on Thursday, November 7. All sessions are held from 7:30 to 9:30 a.m. in the Kevin I. Sullivan Multipurpose Room at the Amherst Campus. Visit www.medaille.edu/LMCseries for more information and to register.What is the Leadership Management Council?Medaille College’s Leadership Management Council (LMC) is comprised of MBA and MoL graduates and Medaille College faculty and staff to help champion excellence in leadership and management for the College. Founded in 2010, the council is comprised of executives and leaders from a variety of Western New york industries, and meets monthly to discuss the development of managerial educational and networking programs. The 2013 Leadership Development Series was established to provide continuing educational opportunities to industry leaders interested in best practices, technology trends, networking and information about Medaille’s graduate programs for career advancement.

thURSday, SEPtEMbER 19 I 7:30 to 9:30 a.m.Results-Driven Coaching & Development: Take the LeadUncover techniques that drive employee career development!

tUESday, octobER 1 I 6 p.m.Job Search Techniques WorkshopWhere and how to find the job that you’re looking for!

FRiday, octobER 4 I 8 a.m. to 4:30 p.m.Pathways to Entrepreneurial SuccessA conference for aspiring business owners! (Rochester Campus)

SUnday, octobER 13 I 10 a.m. tailgate; 1p.m. gameBuffalo Bills Game & Tailgate PartyFood, drinks, football and fun!

thURSday, novEMbER 7 I 7:30 to 9:30 a.m.Aligning Forces to Drive PerformanceLearn how alignment within your organization will help achieve results!

thURSday, novEMbER 14 I 6 p.m.Building a Better Resume WorkshopMake your resume stand out from the crowd!

For more information and to register for these and other alumni events, visit alumni.medaille.edu or e-mail [email protected]!

nonprofIt org.u.s. postage

paIdbuffalo, ny

permIt no. 948

upcomingevents

A L U M N e W S I S P U B L I S H e D T W I C e A y e A R . F o R S U B M I S S I o N S , P L e A S e e M A I L A L U M N I @ M e D A I L L e . e D U I M e G A N F I T Z G e R A L D ‘ 1 0 E d i t o R I C A R L A K e S T N e R g R a P h i c d E S i g n E R