fall 2013 collegium

Messa

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e Presi

dent

Dona

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. Bain

, Ph.D.

Dear Alumni, Friends, and Colleagues:

As the campus settles in to the new academic year, we look forward to all that we hope to achieve in the coming year, and we look back at all we have accomplished.

The Class of 2017 arrived on campus, and they are a bright and promising class, filled with hope, ambition, and energy. As they entered the Ralph C. Wilson, Jr. Athletic Center for the Matriculation Ceremony during Orientation Weekend, I shook the hand of each young man and woman. This is an honor and a privilege that I look forward to each year. I hope that, over their time as Fisher students, I am able to shake their hands many times—in celebration of an achievement, in recognition of an honor, in gratitude for their service. And I look forward to again greeting these students with a handshake as they walk across the stage at commencement and enter our community as educated and committed citizens.

As so many of you have heard me say, “Students are our most precious responsibility, and alumni are our proudest achievement.” There are many wonderful things about being on this campus, but witnessing first-hand that very moment when a student graduates and sets out to impact the world is one of the most rewarding.

In this edition of Collegium, I am pleased to share the stories of five recent graduates who exemplify the values, focus, and dedication of a Fisher student. These stories serve as a reminder of the great contributions being made by our young alumni, and as an inspiration to the Class of 2017.

With kind regards,

Donald E. Bain, Ph.D.President

1015321_SJFC_collegiumFALL_2013(rev).indd 2 10/18/13 12:14 PM

COLLEGIUM

Fall 2013. Collegium is a magazine for alumni, parents, and friends of St. John Fisher College and is published by the Office of Institutional Advancement.

Letters to the Editor are welcome and may be sent to the address below. Diverse views are represented and do not necessarily reflect the opinion of the Editor or official policies of the College.

St. John Fisher College, Collegium Editorial Office: 3690 East Avenue, Rochester, NY 14618 • Email: [email protected].

EDITOR-IN-CHIEF Gerard J. Rooney, Ph.D.

LAYOUT Maherly Schaeffer ’98

CONTRIBUTING WRITERS Donald E. Bain, Ph.D. Anne Geer Samantha Reynolds ’14 Maherly Schaeffer ’98 Kate Torok

PHOTOGRAPHY John Smillie Photography Maherly Schaeffer ’98 Kate Torok Eryn Yates

feAtureS19 Earning Their

Wings

DePArtMentS3 Campus News

11 Academics

27 Class Notes

33 Athletics

Page 25


From the moment families arrive on campus until the sun goes down, freshmen move-in day makes for a campus buzzing with excitement. Here’s a quick rundown of how the day goes: 1. Members of the student move-in team coordinate vehicles to start the day. 2. Members of the Orientation Team work their muscles helping freshmen move in belongings. 3. The freshman class signs the Fisher Creed (see right) as they enter the Matriculation Ceremony. 4. Dr. Bain shakes the hand of each incoming freshman as they file in for the Matriculation Ceremony. He has done this each year of his presidency, shaking an estimated 4,500 hands in that time. 5. As move-in day comes to a close, families say goodbye and squeeze in one last hug. 6. Exhausted members of the Orientation Team relax—and smile—just for a moment before Freshmen Orientation continues.

Welcoming the Class of 2017

1 2

4 5MoVin’ on uP


CAMPUSNEWS

WhAt iS the fiSher creeD? In September 1996, students began to develop a statement that would become the Fisher Creed. William Boatwright ’97, then President of the Student Government Association, led the process with the guidance of the Dean of Students.

“We started with three town hall meetings in the fall of 1997,” recalls Boatwright. “Then, student leaders from multiple organizations created the Fisher Creed.”

Now, 16 years later, freshmen sign the Fisher Creed as a right of passage at the Matriculation Ceremony during Orientation Weekend. All of the signed creeds are hanging in the Campus Center Atrium. The Fisher Creed is below:

As students who have chosen to join the St. John Fisher College community, we share certain basic values and aspirations.

In order to be active participants in a shared living/learning experience, we bring to Fisher:

RESPECT for ourselves; for others, their ideas and beliefs; and for our community as a whole.

OPEN-MINDEDNESS to things that are new, different, and unfamiliar.

INTEGRITY that will enable us to be honest, sincere, and true to ourselves.

By bringing these qualities to our mutual experience, we help build a community that exemplifies the following values:

DIVERSITY of cultural backgrounds, personal characteristics, and life situations, all of which we value for their contribution to our community.

RESPONSIBILITY for individual actions and for their impact on others, and for creating accountability by community members.

EDUCATION with a commitment to scholarship, academic honesty, and life-long learning.

LEADERSHIP in an environment that fosters active engagement in our community, displayed through participation, mentorship, and service.

GROWTH as reflected in continuous personal, intellectual, and spiritual development.

By adhering to the personal attributes and values outlined here, we as Fisher students commit ourselves to lives which fulfill the Basilian motto: Teach me goodness, discipline, and knowledge.

“ As students who have chosen to join the St. John Fisher College “ As students who have chosen to join the St. John Fisher College community, we share certain basic values and aspirations.“community, we share certain basic values and aspirations.3

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Basilian motto: Teach me goodness,

“

Basilian motto: Teach me goodness, discipline, and knowledge.

“

discipline, and knowledge.


CAMPUSNEWS

Fisher earns more recognitionSt. John Fisher College has been cited on the sixth annual list of America’s Top Colleges published by Forbes.com and in the U.S. News & World Report on the America’s Best Colleges 2014 list.

Of the approximately 3,000 accredited colleges and universities in the United States, the Forbes.com report ranks 650 undergraduate institutions based on the quality of the education they provide and how much their students achieve. Fisher was ranked 474.

Of those 650 schools that made the list, 56 are in New York State. Fisher shares honors with local standouts University of Rochester (61), Hobart and William Smith Colleges (108), SUNY Geneseo (250), and Rochester Institute of Technology (349).

Fisher also ranked in several other Forbes Top Colleges sub-lists, including Best Private Colleges (ranked 319); Best Research Universities (ranked 189); and Best Colleges in the Northeast (ranked 159).

The rankings are compiled by the Center for College Affordability & Productivity (CCAP). The CCAP and Forbes use five general categories to rank each school, including student satisfaction, post-graduate success, student debt, four-year graduation rate, and academic success.

The U.S. News & World Report also gave Fisher top honors. For the third year in a row, the College was named to the list of America’s Best Colleges 2014 in the National Universities category. Of the 206 top tier institutions in the National University category, Fisher is ranked 142.

Fisher is one of only seven New York State institutions in the Doctoral/Research University (DRU) classification within the National Universities category. Adelphi University (152), Hofstra University (135), Pace University (173), St. John’s University-New York (152), SUNY College of Environmental Science and Forestry (86), and The New School (135) are also on the list. While several area colleges were recognized on regional lists, Fisher was the only local institution to rank nationally.

And finally, Fisher has been named to the 2014 Military Friendly Schools List, released in September. Military Friendly.com ranks more than 12,000 schools every year, using school reviews from student veterans as well as criteria including financial aid and transition programs to determine the list.

“As we enter our 65th academic year, this recognition is particularly encouraging and reaffirms the value of a Fisher education,” said Dr. Donald E. Bain, President of the College. “The faculty and staff are always working to improve our academic programs and learning environment for our students. Their hard work and focus have led to College-wide enrollment growth, high retention and graduation rates, and successful outcomes for our alumni. Students truly are our most precious responsibility, and all members of the Fisher community are fully committed to their academic, social, and professional success.”

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This summer, St. John Fisher College and the Buffalo Bills hosted “Discover at Fisher” day for 50 local high school students, the “Safe to be Smart” program, and the Rochester City School District’s “Horizons” summer camp program. The students participated in a wide variety of activities and experienced a college campus, all to promote

literacy.

After a welcome from President Donald Bain and his wife, Meg, the students participated in seven interactive sessions with members of the Fisher faculty and staff, along with the Buffalo Bills.

The group did everything from making healthy snacks to producing a show on the Fisher News TV set, making their own sunscreen, experiencing the nursing labs, and working in the computer labs.

At the end of the day, they were treated as VIPs at the Buffalo Bills’ Community Relations tent, where they took in the afternoon practice and got to meet some of the players. This was the event’s sixth year.

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A Day of Discovery


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CAMPUSNEWS

Campus welcomes new provostDr. Randall Krieg officially began his tenure as the College’s new Provost and Dean on July 1. As the Chief Academic Officer of the College, Krieg has responsibility for academic leadership and administration in the areas of planning, developing, implementing, and assessing all academic programs and services.

Krieg says that he was attracted to Fisher because of the quality and dedication of the faculty and staff to the College community and to student learning, something he said was “so evident” during his visits to the campus. Krieg also said the fact that the College is grounded in the liberal arts and, at the same time, has strong professional programs was an important factor for him.

“Fisher is large enough to afford students all of the academic and cultural opportunities of a large university, but small enough to provide

personalized attention and establish lasting relationships that are so important in a community,” he said.

“I bring a lot of ideas, many gained from experience at other institutions of higher education as a professor and administrator. Faculty and staff here at Fisher have many ideas as well,” he said. “So, my first priority is to get to know the rich culture of the College. In meeting with, and getting to know as many people as possible, we will gain from the

exchange of ideas to best enrich the educational environment for our students.”

Thanks to Lynd-BaltaDr. Eileen Lynd-Balta joined Fisher’s Biology Department faculty in 1999. Since then, she has taken on many different leadership roles in addition to classroom work. She has collaborated across disciplines to develop learning models and enhance teaching; she has continued her research in the areas of neurochemical alterations associated with epilepsy; she has been Chair of the Faculty Assembly, serving as an ex-officio member of the Board of Trustees; leader of the “Foundations of Excellence, Student Success, and Retention” initiative; and, most recently, she served as Interim Provost and Dean of the College.

Lynd-Balta took on the position of Interim Provost at a crucial time in the College’s development, during the creation of the institution’s Strategic Plan. As co-chair of the committee, she led a group of faculty, staff, students, and alumni through 18 months of intensive planning.

With the arrival of Dr. Randall Krieg as Provost, Lynd-Balta returned to the classroom to teach and to devote more time to her research. With the biology major experiencing agrowth in interest, she will be leading the department’s expansion as its Chair.

“Dr. Lynd-Balta’s service to Fisher over the past 14 years has been an integral part of the College’s success. Her service as Interim Provost provided a seamless transition, allowing faculty to focus on their work in the classroom and their students,” said Dr. Donald Bain, President.


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A summer of golf “fore” FisherOn Monday, June 10, less than two months before the PGA Championship took up residence at Oak Hill Country Club, St. John Fisher College hosted the 24th Annual Scholarship Golf Tournament, honoring Father Charles Lavery and Father Joseph Dorsey. The tournament attracted a sold-out crowd of 133 golfers to the championship-ready course, raising $139,000 in support of student scholarships.

Tournament co-chairs were Marty Moll, Jr. ’82, Ken McAlpin ’77, and Lauren Burns ’82, with longtime golfer and supporter, Ralph Fornuto ’84 serving as Honorary Chairman.

The Scholarship Golf Tournament will celebrate

its 25th anniversary on Monday, June 9, 2014, at Oak Hill Country Club. To receive information on how to be a part of the event, contact Elizabeth Dorscheid at (585) 385-8134.

The Whackers & Hackers Golf Tournament celebrated its 40th anniversary this July, marking the College’s longest-running alumni event. A full field of golfers enjoyed a beautiful day at Shadow Pines Golf Club in Penfield. Alumni from each decade participated in the tournament. Whackers & Hackers is “driving” its way to its next anniversary, as the 2014 tournament is already scheduled for Friday, July 11.

Staff Spotlight: Terri Bagshaw ’83Golfers at the annual Whackers & Hackers Tournament may see their scores change every year, but there is one thing at the event that has been a constant for over 30 years. Terri Bagshaw ’83, Records and Registration Coor-dinator at Fisher, has been a tournament vol-unteer since she was a student employee at the College.

Bagshaw was a 4th floor resi-dent of Kearney Hall during the summers of 1981 and 1982 when she worked in the Reg-istrar’s Office. It was the pre-email era, and she remembers the Director of Alumni Rela-tions coming around to offices to personally recruit tourna-ment volunteers, so she raised her hand and thought she’d give it a try.

And for over three decades, she has definitely given it a try, only missing two or three tour-naments in that time. She calls herself a “sort of” golfer, having been taught by her college boyfriend and his family on the College’s golf course. She only played enough of the game post-college to be—in her own words—a “solid double-bogey golfer.”

As a volunteer, she runs the “gambling” holes, greeting the golfers as they arrive at the hole where she is stationed and encouraging them to bet money on their own game. She has the most fun being out on the course.

Her favorite Whackers & Hackers memories are from the Shadow Lake days, where the tournament used to be big enough that Shadow Lake was home to the overflow of four-somes from Shadow Pines. She worked on the 9th hole then, where golfers could bet a dollar and if their drive landed on the green, they would win a sleeve of golf balls. If their ball

went into the pond, she’d present them with a roll of Lifesavers. And when she finished work-ing early, she’d get the keys to the beer cart and treat some of her favorite alums on the course!

“It’s fun to see many of the same golfers year af-ter year. So the tournament gives me a chance to see some alums and talk to them about how the College has changed and grown,” she said.


cAMPuS uPDAteSSeveral areas of the campus have undergone cosmetic changes. This summer, the Ward-Haffey Dining Hall received a facelift, the Student Life Center was renamed the Ralph C. Wilson, Jr. Athletic Center, and, earlier in the year, the new Facilities building opened.

Ralph C. Wilson, Jr. Athletic CenterThe Student Life Center was renamed the Ralph C. Wilson, Jr. Athletic Center this summer in recognition of a gift from longtime Buffalo Bills owner Ralph C. Wilson, Jr. Since moving the Buffalo Bills Summer Training Camp to Fisher, the Bills owner has made two very generous gifts to the College. The first gift was used to

build a state of the art faciility which houses the School of Education. The most recent gift, which was given on the occasion of the extension of the Buffalo Bills Summer Training Camp contract, will help to renovate and enhance the fitness and recreational opportunities available in the Athletic Center.”

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Facilities BuildingThe College opened the new Facilities Building in January of 2013. The new space, located in the northeast corner of campus, is the new home for Facilities Services staff. The two-floor building has eight shop areas that accommodate repairs, shelving for inventory, and storage space for equipment. The building also has offices for facilities staff, and a training room. “With shifts working all hours of the day, it was important for us to have a place to share information from one supervisor to the next. Our new building has not only brought all of our equipment and shops to

one place, but it has also helped bring our staff together to better serve our mission to enhance living, learning, and working environments on campus,” says Director of Facilities, Larry Jacobson. “And being able to have larger deliveries saves the College money, as well.”

The former facilities building was approximately one-third of the size of the new building. The new space also allows greater storage for the grounds crew, with a storage barn that can hold 15 tons of salt, compared to just two tons before.


Ward-Haffey Dining HallAccording to Larry Jacobson, Director of Facilities Services, the old service lines in the dining hall were 14 years old. Since the facility has significantly more traffic today than it did then, renovations were necessary to accommodate the increased number of students.

A team of people from both St. John Fisher College and Lackmann Culinary Services, the College’s food service provider, collaborated on the design and planning.

Updates were made to improve efficiency for chefs in the pasta area and the Chef Showcase, to maintain heat for hot food items, and to share nutritional information with diners.

New food areas were added, as well. The dining hall now features a gluten-free station, a turbo oven in the deli to grill the Tuscan flatbread sandwich offerings, and the “My Pantry” space which brings together baked and breakfast items.

The results have been well received by students. “The new dining hall has a very ‘homey’ feel to

it,” says senior Jessie Evarts. “The food is just as good as before, but now with a more welcoming, modern atmosphere.”

Andrea Maccarone, Food Service Director, has noticed a few differences in customer behavior this semester. “Students are drinking more coffee—four more cases each week than before—more hot chocolate, and more tea,” she says, crediting that to the new location and design of the hot beverage station and its proximity to My Pantry. “We feel we’re better able to serve students, while giving them more choices.”

CAMPUSNEWS

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New simulation center enhances nursing education“Have you seen my cat?”asks Professor Joanne Weinschreider into a microphone in one of the new simulation control rooms in the Wegmans School of Nursing Simulation Center. She is providing the voice for a simulation lab experience with two nursing students, as they evaluate a “patient”—SimMan 3G, in one of five new simulation labs.

The 5,000-square foot simulation lab includes five patient rooms, each with a high fidelity mannequin, hospital bed, piped air to simulate oxygen, an ICU touch screen, IV pump, two cameras for observations, a microphone, and a control room for the faculty facilitator to control the mannequin and evaluate student performance.

The simulation mannequin family has grown to include a 3G simulation man (above), SimMom, and SimJunior that join two other standard mannequins.

The lab is also the only in the area to offer a Pyxis MedStation system. “Medication errors are an important patient safety issue,” says Weinschreider. “Having this technology will make Fisher nursing grads more safe, competent, and confident in their practice.”

Wegmans School of Nursing

ACADEMICS

Top: Jo-Ellen Eckel (left) and Tonya Erdle assess SimMan 3G as Joanne Weinschreider facilitates. Above: Jason Richardson uses the Pyxis MedStation system.

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ACADEMICS

Ralph C. Wilson, Jr. School of Education

Training tomorrow’s teachersThe public education system has been receiving a great deal of scrutiny and attention in recent times. A call for higher “common core” content standards, the burgeoning of further federal and state demands for student testing, the insistence of better teacher and administrator evaluation: these and other school reforms make up the current context of change and anxiety that represent the ecology of teaching and learning in 21st century schools.

“The trick is to absorb all of the various policy and structural changes that current schools face, some changes better thought out than others, and still keep your head about what makes for a great teacher, a great principal, a great district leader,” says Dr. Mike Wischnowski, Dean of the Ralph C. Wilson, Jr. School of Education. “Our charge in developing school professionals is to certainly prepare our candidates for the policy demands of the schools they will work in, but especially to help them focus on being their personal best in the nucleus of the educational enterprise: planning, instructing, and assessing learning for the students in their charge.”

He emphasizes that, at Fisher, another ingredient is critical. “We teach our candidates how to inspire learners. Teachers must have a firm grasp of content knowledge as well as attention to the needs of each learner, the ability to build a network of human and other resources, and superior communication skills with multiple stakeholders.”

The faculty and staff in the School of Education have balanced the need to work within school reforms with the need to focus on good teaching and leading.

One example is an extensive revision of the undergraduate teacher education curriculum. Beginning this fall, incoming freshmen in the School of Education will be able to receive much more content knowledge in their program and, depending on the concentration they choose, can graduate more readily with a double major.

“The revision also embeds more of our college courses being taught on-site in local schools, so that the pedagogical lessons learned can be immediately observed and readily applied in a classroom with ‘real’ teachers and students,” stated Dr. Wischnowski.

The School of Education has also been forging important partnerships with local schools in other ways. Dr. Jeff Liles and his Adolescent Development class, through a Bank of America grant, are offering a series of “college-ready” activities at the Early College International High School in the Rochester City School District. The Literacy Department, led by Dr. Kathy Broikou, provides a reading clinic to students in the World of Inquiry School.

“When teaching professionals,” notes Dr. Wischnowski, “proximity to the field is vital for preparing people who can ‘hit the ground running’ upon graduation.”

Additionally, the School of Education has also extended its expertise in leadership development in education and other “learning organizations” with its multi disciplinary doctoral program in Executive Leadership, now being offered in Syracuse at the Regional Higher Education Center on the Onondaga Community College Campus.

“In the School of Education, we are listening to the field and adjusting our services so that graduates from Fisher are prepared beyond a doubt to positively affect the lives of learners at all educational levels,” stated Dr. Wischnowski. Although he admits that education is a volatile, fast-changing field, he said the School is keeping apace while not losing the vocation of teaching and leading in the process.

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Wegmans School of Pharmacy

ACADEMICS

Pharmacy on a Mission, Record-Setting YearStudents and faculty in the Wegmans School of Pharmacy set a record for the School this year by completing five medical mission and service trips in a three-month timeframe.

A total of 25 students and three faculty traveled twice to El Salvador and Kenya, and completed the first domestic mission trip to Montana.

Trip 1: El SalvadorThe trip to El Salvador in June was led by Dr. Christine Birnie, Associate Professor, and was the School’s seventh medical mission to the country. Pharmacy students Melanie Johnson, Jenna Clark, Matt Yacobucci, Chenzira Raphael, and Megan Ziegler, and Fisher nursing students Madeline Anthony, Marinda McIntyre, and Emily Osgood, participated in two projects over eight days.

In total, both teams saw over 2,500 patients through the mobile medical and dental clinics. Pharmacy students assisted in the pharmacy and shadowed physicians and dentists while the nursing students managed the triage area for their team.

One new aspect of the trip was the incorporation of patient home visits. Small teams went into the community to address the health needs of the elderly and homebound, reaching a total of 94 families.

Trip 2: Kenya Kenya was the School’s second summer stop. Students Megan Monahan and Michael Smith were part of a group that saw 400 patients in just four days, treating mostly fungal and musculoskeletal pain problems in patients from rural areas, as well as those suffering from high blood pressure, diabetes, and sexually transmitted infections. The group also held a clinic for approximately 150 patients to help remove microscopic, biting mites. Monahan was especially moved by a visit the group made to a local orphanage to distribute toothbrushes, toothpaste, toys, and deworming medication to 120 children.

“When we were giving out toothbrushes, we were about five short, so we ran to a store and bought a few more. After going back, the children were so

honest about who received one and who didn’t,” said Monahan.

Trip 3: El SalvadorEight students headed back to El Salvador in July, this time to San Miquel, along with Dr. Alex DeLucenay ’06, ’10 (Pharm.D.). Over the course of a week, they served about 2,100 patients. DeLucenay

recalls what an eye-opening experience he had as a student, and feels that it is important to share that with his students. “It is such a blessing to have a school where we foster compassionate pharmacists and encourage them to grow more than just academically,” said DeLucenay.

Paige Nelson, a P-4 student, had participated in a mission in 2012, but for this trip, she took on more responsibilities. Before their departure, she worked closely with DeLucenay to plan the medications list and order what they would need. During the clinic, Nelson took independently screened patients for hypertension and diabetes, providing education and


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literature to improve their health.

“Many of the patients cannot afford medications for their diseases, and now they are aware of what they have, as well as lifestyle changes they can do to better themselves,” said Nelson.

Trip 4: MontanaDr. Jennifer Mathews, Associate Professor, completed the School’s fourth medical mission of the summer, traveling with students Greg Splain, Melissa Backus, Emma Gorman, Ryan DeCaro, In Lam, Kayla Bonanza, Barbara Broderick, and Mark Besley to the Blackfeet Indian Reservation in Montana. It was also the first medical mission trip in the United States.

The group volunteered in many areas throughout the reservation, with much of their work centered in the town of Browning. Students assisted with a Sobriety Festival, interviewed a local medicine man, visited

the Indian Health Services facilities, and took part in a breastfeeding awareness clinic. They also served at an elderly care center.

Trip 5: KenyaThe fifth, and final, service trip sent students back to Kenya. Anita Pena and Kelly Curran, P-3 students, joined three pharmacy students from the Albany College of Pharmacy and Health Sciences, along with nursing students, dental students, and non-medical student volunteers.

“I have always felt compelled to see the world in a meaningful way—not just as a tourist. Knowing that the pharmacy school participates in regular mission trips is what really made me interested in coming to Fisher,” said Pena.

They worked in clinics in Namanga and Dandora at the Kinyago Dandora School, working in the pharmacy with patients. The pair also did some counseling using a translator, and treated almost all patients with deworming medicine and vitamins. All in all, their entire team saw about 2,000 patients in the time they were there.

“I was able to spend most of the second week helping in the dental clinic, and it was great to experience something that I would not usually be able to,” said Curran.

The School of Pharmacy has several more mission trips planned for this academic year, with enthusiastic students signed up and ready to go. Mathews said the trips round out the students’ overall educational experience.

“These service trips support our mission and vision by encouraging students to utilize the skills learned in the classroom and to apply them by giving back to communities in need. These experiences promote a deep commitment to a lifetime of civic integrity,” said Mathews.


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oPen for buSineSSDedicating the Salerno CenterOn September 24, St. John Fisher College officials held a ribbon-cutting and dedication event to formally open the Victor E. Salerno Center for American Enterprise, the new home for the College’s School of Business. Dr. Donald Bain, President; Victor E. Salerno ’66, CEO of O’Connell Electric and Chair of the College’s Board of Trustees; Dr. David Martin, Dean of the School of Business; and several faculty, staff, and business students cut the ribbon, symbolizing the continued growth of the business program and the College overall.

In December of 2011, the College announced the largest gift it had ever received from an alumnus when Salerno gave $2 million to fund the Salerno Center.

Construction on the building began in June of 2012, and was completed in time for this academic year. One of its signature features is the mock trading floor and LED ticker streaming real-time financial data, located on the first floor of the building. Classes for the School of Business previously took place in several locations throughout campus, including Kearney Hall, the College’s original building.


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ACADEMICS

School of Business

“The Salerno Center for American Enterprise has already become a hub of activity on campus, and has been fully embraced by our business faculty and students as a modern, cutting-edge building that will absolutely lead our students into the future of the business world,” said Bain. “This generous gift comes at a time when we’re implementing the College’s strategic plan, and it supports our goal of creating a dedicated environment for business students, faculty, and community leaders to learn, collaborate, and engage with one another. We are very grateful to Vic for his leadership and dedication to the College through the years, and we look forward to watching our business students continue to thrive in their new home.”

“Vic is a living example of the American dream. His work ethic, service to others, and commitment to St. John Fisher College are an inspiration to us all. It has been my pleasure to work with Vic to better our community and it is fitting that his tireless efforts to enhance our region’s economy will be recognized with the opening of the Victor E. Salerno Center for American Enterprise,” said New York State Senator Mike Nozzolio of the 54th Senate District.

insider informationThe 20,000-square-foot building boasts several modern features. Cutting-edge technology includes lecture capture using Echo 360 in each of the nine new classrooms, including the trading floor, which will allow recorded content to be shared online. Classrooms were painted with whiteboard paint, allowing instructors to write directly on the wall, with content shared digitally through the stylus to the computer, and simultaneous projection on adjacent walls.

Opposite page: The Salerno family, along with faculty and staff, and friends of the College cut the ribbon on the Salerno Center. This page, clockwise starting from top: Eileen and Vic Salerno. Students in the School of Business were on hand to celebrate the building’s opening. Vic Salerno with his son Vic and father, Vic.


Department unveils a new nameCommunication/Journalism students returned to Fisher this semester to a department with a new name: The Department of Media and Communication.

Dr. Jack Rosenberry, Department Chair and Associate Professor, said the name change was a collaborative effort with input from faculty, local agencies, and organizations, as well as feedback from a focus group. “We think the name better reflects today’s program and the types of careers our students are preparing for,” he said.

Journalism courses remain a part of the curriculum, but expanded offerings include courses focused on digital media, advertising, and public relations.

In addition to having a new name, the department is now offering a new Media Management

major, the first bachelor of science degree in the program. As a B.S., the major requires 63 credits, which is more than the department’s bachelor of arts degree. The curriculum spans communication content and business-oriented courses, including economics, statistics, and marketing. There is also a tier of electives with advanced work in public relations, advertising, and marketing, and a capstone sequence that involves a practicum.

While the new major was built mostly out of existing courses and will be taught by existing faculty, Rosenberry said what is new is the way in which it requires students to combine the courses toward a particular outcome that builds a joint understanding of media and business management.

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School of Arts & Sciences

ACADEMICS

Faculty serve as interns at local firmThe Academic in Residence program at Butler/Till Advertising in Rochester has given the College’s Media and Communication faculty a chance to bring more than just a snapshot of agency life back to the classroom.

“As the internship director for our department, I’ve had a chance to visit agencies to meet supervisors and see what our interns are doing,” says Dr. Lauren Vicker. “But to have complete access to the agency and its employees for extended days was very enlightening.”

As part of the program, the faculty attended agency meetings and met one-on-one with employees. For Vicker, who also teaches the Communication Careers Seminar, meetings with Fisher alumni like Brandon Smith ’13 and Nicole Henry ’13, who work at the agency, were particularly helpful.

“They explained their jobs and gave me a better sense of the skills and qualities needed. I can take that information back to my students to help them as they plan their career paths.”

Peter Infante, President of Butler/Till, reached out to Fisher to invite faculty participation.

“The professors who have participated have a much better understanding of our company’s culture and can more confidently recommend specific students and graduates for job openings at Butler/Till. The employees we’ve hired as a result have been some of the most successful new hires we’ve made to-date.”

Infante also noted that the experience helpsprofessors gain a deeper understanding of what it’s like to work in today’s advertising agencies.


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Why Teaching Computer Science is a “Hot Job”Dr. Scott Harrison, Associate Professor in the Department of Mathematical and Computing Sciences, was profiled in the Democrat and Chronicle’s “Hot Jobs” column. So, we asked Dr. Harrison, what makes his job so hot?

“What has been happening since 2001 is that the number of people getting undergrad degrees in computer science has been dropping at an alarming rate. We bottomed in 2007, where degree production was less than half of what is was in 2001. We’ve been seeing an increase, but still not enough. Employers want computer science majors, but there aren’t enough graduates to go around. The magic number is 3.5: there are 3.5 jobs available for every single graduate.

This makes it a buyer’s market. Every year, without fail, I get a call at the end of the semester from a local employer asking if I have anyone to fill vacant positions. Last year, it was 12 open positions. Unfortunately, without fail, I have to tell them I don’t, because all of our graduates already have jobs.

A lot of students fall into computer science from taking our introductory programming course. Even non-majors realize that no matter what you do, it’s going to involve a computer, which makes a minor also a very attractive option. Computer Science is unique in that it gives you the ability to tell that computer what to do, as opposed to using software that already exists.

Someone with a degree in computer science can go anywhere and do anything they wish. My suspicion is that they tend to find sub-areas of computer science they like, and go into that when they graduate. It’s really a wide field, consisting of everything from Artificial Intelligence to Bioinformatics to Database Management. And the pay isn’t bad. The first day they take off their cap and gown, they’re looking an average of $63,000 a year, with mid-career salaries easily in six digits.

So my job is hot because I produce the people that are really in demand.”

ACADEMICS

School of Arts & Sciences


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Since 1948, Fisher has worked to prepare graduates to meet workplace demands and find opportunities for long and fruitful careers. Even in today’s competitive job market, our graduates continue to excel. Hear the stories of five members of the Class of 2013 and how they have already found success in their lives after Fisher.Mark Prunella-Miller, School of Arts & SciencesMark Prunella-Miller is the sort of person you know, even at the age of 22, is going to do great things with his life. In fact, recently left his hometown of Barker, New York, to travel to Mozambique, Africa, beginning a 27-month Peace Corps tour as a biology teacher.

He came to Fisher in 2009 with the intention of studying to become a dentist, choosing to major in biology. And since he had always enjoyed studying languages, he decided to add Spanish as an additional major, hoping it would benefit him down the road.

As he worked through his freshman, sophomore, and junior years, Prunella-Miller excelled in and enjoyed his studies, and he was an active member of the campus community, serving on the Fisher Fund student phonathon team, as a member of the Student Government Association and Biology Club, and he organized the campus-wide “Rock the Vote” event during the 2012 presidential election.

A lover of travel, he knew his ideal job would be one that would allow him to see different parts of the world, but it was a summer intern trip to Costa Rica with biology professor Dr. Greg Cunningham that would spark his interest in the Peace Corps.

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“I met a Peace Corps volunteer while doing my research in Costa Rica, and it seemed like an amazing experience,” said Prunella-Miller. “It made sense for me, and it was something that my time at Fisher had just been leading up to, with studying biology and Spanish.”

And so began the long process of applying to be a member of the Peace Corps during the fall semester of his senior year. First came the online application, several essays, and a comprehensive list of references. After a while, he was contacted to do a personal interview on campus with a Peace Corps recruiter.

Prunella-Miller knew the competition for Peace Corps positions was stiff. But, as the recruiter left campus, she told him she’d be nominating him for a spot. Then it was a waiting game.

The Peace Corps matches more than 8,000 current members with projects in 76 countries, taking into account the strengths and skills of the recruits to make a match that will benefit the areas they serve.

“With my background in Spanish, I assumed I would be placed in Latin America, but I was just hoping they’d have a match for me anywhere,” he said.

As the spring semester ended and Senior Week approached, he still didn’t know what the Peace Corps had planned for him, if anything.

And then, during finals week, Mark’s inbox brought him an answer, sort of. The Peace Corps emailed that

they had not matched him to a site in South America, but that they would be giving him his assignment shortly. Again, he waited.

Finally, Prunella-Miller learned he was assigned to teach biology in Mozambique, Africa. He was relieved to know he had an assignment and was excited for the opportunity, but he didn’t know Portuguese. So, he accepted his diploma for his biology and Spanish degrees, and had already started to learn a new language.

As Prunella-Miller prepared to embark on his journey, he still hadquestions about his exact location, his living situation, and what type of biology he would be teaching. Maybe he’d be partnering or living with other Peace Corps volunteers, or maybe he’d be working and living by himself.

“It’s an adrenaline rush,” he admits. “Things like this give me a lot of energy.”

He also said that sometimes, the length of his 27-month assignment can be daunting.

“I can come home to visit, but the flight isn’t cheap, and I’ll be earning only a stipend to support my living expenses. So, I’ll probably stay in Africa for that time,” he said.

An only child, he had some luck convincing his mother, Virginia Prunella, to visit in Mozambique. He credits her with instilling his love of travel. But, in the meantime, he will rely on the internet to communicate with family and friends outside of Africa.

Where will Prunella-Miller land after the Peace Corps? Not knowing where his next few weeks will take him means that life beyond his next adventure is even more of amystery.

“I know I’ll continue to pursue a path that will use what I’ve learned at Fisher. The courses I took even outside of my biology and Spanish requirements have prepared me for this opportunity. The support of my professors and the close relationships I’veformed with my friends has given me the confidence that

I can tackle whatever challenges might come my way, and make the best of any opportunity I’m given,” he said. “But probably, the most important thing that I’ve learned at Fisher is that I – even just one person—have the power to impact others in a positive way. That’s what I want to do with my life: impact others.”

You can follow Mark’s adventures at mpmmozambique.blogspot.com.


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Maddie Deese, Wegmans School of nursingMadeleine Deese has lived in many places. She was born in Richmond, Virginia, and then lived in Houston, Texas, for about 10 years. But, she also spent some years in Las Vegas, Indianapolis, and finally settled in Rochester in 1996. Since then, she has stayed put in Rochester, and now considers herself a local.

The recent graduate of the Wegmans School of Nursing chose nursing as her second career, after traveling the world as a skater with Feld Entertainment’s Disney On Ice!

“Disney was a fantastic experience but, unfortunately, I had many sports injuries. So I always knew that I wanted to go into healthcare,” she said.

Ultimately, it was her mother, a nurse anesthetist, who convinced her that she would make a great nurse.

Deese said her time at Fisher brought her many great clinical opportunities, with most of her experiences being in the cardiac unit at Rochester General Hospital and Strong Memorial Hospital. She said she felt very prepared going into each of her clinical rotations, and credits the Fisher nursing faculty for that. Of course, she experienced the first-day nerves, but quickly assimilated into the rotation and hospital where she was assigned. She also said Fisher teaches students not only how to be a nurse, but how to be active learners in continuing their education, a trait she says is important in a nursing career.

“The faculty were always approachable and supportive. They took extra time if I needed help or even a shoulder to cry on. They taught us so much in a short amount of time, making our learning memorable with personal experiences to illustrate teaching points. Interactive class participation also helped to sharpen our critical thinking skills,” she said.

After graduating, she took a full-time position on the heart failure and cardiac transplant progressive care unit at Strong.

“I love the unit, the patient population, and especially my fellow staff. The unit is like a family—supportive and focused on our development and growth as new nurses,” said Deese.

Perhaps what Deese loves most about her second career are all of the options it brings. She is interested in the Air Force Nursing Corps, MedEvac Flight Nursing, cardiovascular critical care, and may even follow in her mother’s footsteps and become a nurse anesthetist.

erica iafe, School of businessErica Iafe didn’t stop after earning just one degree from Fisher; she thought she’d go ahead and earn another. The Greece native majored in accounting with a minor in corporate finance, graduating with her bachelor’s degree in 2012, and most recently, walked across stage to receive her MBA this past May.

She said her internships gave her the practical and hands-on experience she knew she would need to land her first job. One of her first internships was with Insero & Company CPAs, P.C., during the summer between her junior and senior years. She even traveled to Salt Lake City, Utah, for an audit with some of the firm’s staff.

“It was a great experience to be able to go out on jobs and get some actual auditing experience outside of the classroom during that internship,” she said.

Iafe stayed with the firm for the remainder of her undergraduate and graduate career, working as a tax processing and administrative intern. During busy season, she was responsible for getting


tax returns sent to clients, and helped with many different administrative aspects of the firm. While she had no auditing experience when she started, she felt very prepared at the end of her internship,thanks to Fisher.

“The faculty were very helpful. Any time I had a question, they were always there to help. Our professors all really cared about our success, and ultimately our career choices, so they were always available to talk during recruiting season and throughout the entire school year,” she said.

Iafe also said the Career Center and the Accounting Department faculty—two of the best gifts Fisher gave her—helped lead her to the right opportunities as an undergraduate. “Because of that guidance and experience, I was able to learn more outside of the classroom over the summer, and ultimately choose the firm that I would start my career with,” she said.

It should be no surprise that she chose to stay with Insero & Company CPAs, P.C., after having such great internships. She is now a staff accountant, and started the position in early September. For now, Iafe plans to explore her new career in public accounting and see where it takes her in the future.

Thomas Nguyen, Wegmans School of Pharmacy Thomas Nguyen is one of four family members to attend the Wegmans School of Pharmacy at St. John Fisher College, and the first to graduate with a degree in pharmacy.

His brother, Daniel Nguyen, is a P2 pharmacy student along with their cousins, Michael and Thuy Nguyen, who are a P3 and P1 students, respectively. This will make for four consecutive years of Nguyen Pharmacy Fisher alumni.

Thomas began his education at SUNY Geneseo, but transfered to Fisher after two years. “I had minimal pre-required courses compared to other program requests and I completed them at SUNY Geneseo,” said the Irondequoit native. “Getting accepted at the Wegmans School of Pharmacy allowed me to move closer to my family and friends to complete my remaining education. It was not long after that that my family started to join me in the Wegmans School of Pharmacy program at Fisher and we hit the ground running.”

“I am very pleased to have chosen to pursue a career in Pharmacy,” Nguyen stated. “Once I obtained my first internship, I knew that’s what I wanted to do.”

Thomas is involved in retail pharmacy, while his brother and cousins have other plans after their own graduation dates.


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When asked why Fisher was appealing to his family members, Nguyen said, “Fisher’s professors are super helpful and make themselves very available for any help or questions I had.”

Nguyen is currently a staff pharmacist at CVS. He enjoys his interaction with patients and customers, noting that it makes every day different and interesting. He hopes to learn a lot in this position, and eventually run a pharmacy or work as a district manager for the company.

The Wegmans School of Pharmacy, which opened in 2006, is dedicated to serving the needs of those pursuing careers in pharmacy, and Thomas Nguyen and his family members are just a few prime examples of its professional development over the course of a few years.

Aliza franceschelli , ralph c. Wilson, Jr. School of education Aliza Franceschelli was positive from a young age that her dream was to pursue a degree in education.

Franceschelli not only graduated from Fisher with a bachelor’s degree in Childhood and Special Education, but now furthers her educational accomplishments with pursuing a Master’s degree in Literacy, with high hopes of obtaining a Doctorate and perhaps one day branching out into administration.

“I suppose being a teacher was always in my future,” said Franceschelli. “When I was four years old, I would beg my older siblings’ teachers for homework, so I could be like the ‘big kids.’ Perhaps, that is where my love for education began.”

When looking into colleges and universities, Franceschelli explained how she was seeking a smaller school that provided more individualized attention. “When I toured St. John Fisher College, I fell in love with the campus and I knew Fisher was where I wanted to be.”

Franceschelli had nothing but positive experiences at Fisher. “While the classes were demanding,

the professors provided me with the guidance and support necessary to achieve my academic goals,” said Franceschelli. “The vast experiences that I encountered at Fisher provided me with the fundamental skills and knowledge to meet the vigorous challenges of today’s workforce.”

Her passion and pursuit for a career in education were challenging, especially in today’s marketplace. But, she has found it rewarding. “Now that I am fortunate enough to hold a full-time primary school teaching position, I find there are not enough

hours in the day to provide the students with all the experiences I wish I could give them. However, watching the students grow academically, socially, and individually is most rewarding.”

Franceschelli has prepared and worked hard to pursue her professional career in education and, with her dedication and determination, has more success to come in the near future.


to bring an everlasting light

to your alma mater.

hen you name St. John Fisher College as a beneficiary in your Will or bequest, you are impacting the lives of Fisher students—and therefore our community—for generations to come.

We would like to honor you for remembering the College in your provisions by including you as a member of the exclusive 1948 Society.

Please contact Lawrence J. Oberlies, J.D. in the Office of Institutional Advancement at (585) 385-5225.

SocietY1948St. John Fisher College

bring

henWillandto come.

henWillandto come.


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hoMecoMingBeautiful weather brought more than 1,000 alumni, family, and friends back to campus for a variety of Homecoming events, including reunions, lectures, recognition events, and alumni athlete games, and a record-setting crowd was on hand to watch Fisher take down SUNY Cortland for the Homecoming football game on Saturday afternoon.

Top row: Gary Mucci checking out his yearbook photo at the 1963 reunion celebration. Joseph Vacca ’77, Don Muench ’55, and Paul Kostyniak ’70 at the Science & Technology Hall of Fame (story at right). A group of alumni reconnect at the Alumni Tailgating party. Second row: Melissa Baker Struzik ’98 and family enjoying the Cardinal Carnival; the Fisher Cardinal having a little fun at the football game; JohnKowalski ’68 (center) and classmates enjoying the football game. Third row: a football action shot; President Bain catching up at the alumni tent; women’s soccer alumnae and coaches faced off on the field for a reunion game. Bottom row:Jim Gallagher ’56 with President Bain (story at right); golfers in the Fisher Fall Classic gather for a photo before play begins


honoring AlumniAlumni were honored at two ceremonies held during Homecoming Weekend.

On Thursday, September 26, the College honored James Gallagher ’56 and the late Paul Wamp ’68 with the Accounting Alumni Society Lifetime Achievement Award.

After graduating from Fisher, Gallagher earned an MBA from Harvard Business School. He joined the Tax Department with PricewaterhouseCoopers (PwC) in 1958, and remained with the company for 32 years, retiring in 1990 as partner in Phoenix, Arizona. Gallagher remains active in his community and in his profession.

Wamp, a native of Dansville, NY, began work as a Certified Public Accountant for Pete Marwick Mitchell in Rochester in 1968. He was an active member of his community and of the Fisher alumni association, and served as a professional mentor to many. Wamp passed away in 1995 after a courageous battle with cancer.

Four alumni were inducted into the College’s Science and Technology Hall of Fame at a ceremony on Thursday, September 26.

Dr. Martha Mutschler ’71, Dr. Paul Kostyniak ’70, Dr. Joseph Vacca ’77, and Dr. Donald Muench ’55 all received the honor. The Hall of Fame is located in the Skalny Science Center.

Mutschler is a Professor and Vegetable Breeder in the Department of Plant Breeding and Genetics at Cornell University, working primarily with disease and insect resistance in tomatoes and onions. Mutschler was member of Fisher’s first co-educational class in 1971, and holds M.S. and Ph.D. degrees from the University of Wisconsin-Madison.

Kostyniak is Professor of Pharmacology and Toxicology in the School of Medicine and Biomedical Sciences at the State University of New York at Buffalo. His primary research focuses on the toxicology of heavy metals, chlorinated organics, and antidote development and he also works to assess risks of exposure to fresh water fish, and development of antimicrobial surface coatings.

Vacca is Senior Vice President of the Early Success Sharing Partnerships group within Wuxi Apptec, Ltd., and a retired Vice President of Chemistry at Merck Research Laboratories. He contributed to the discovery and development of HIV protease and integrase inhibitors, and HCV protease inhibitors. He has a Ph.D. in Organic Chemistry from the State University of New York at Buffalo.

Muench is a member of Fisher’s Pioneer Class of 1955 and Professor of Mathematics at the College. Since 1966 he has taught both Mathematics and Computer Science, playing a major role in the development of the curricula in both majors. He holds a D.A. in Mathematics from Idaho State University.


1969Martin Palumbos was recently honored by the Rochester Area Business Ethics Foundation. A scholarship, the Martin Palumbos Rochester Area Business Ethics Foundation Scholarship, will be given annually to a Fisher student. The scholarship was named after Palumbos in honor of his retirement from the board of directors and in celebration of his 11 years of dedication and service to the organization as co-founder and longtime committee chair. Palumbos was instrumental in starting RABEF more than 11 years ago with co-founder Alan Ziegler.

1970 Charles DiSalvo has authored a biography of Mahatma Gandhi’s life as a lawyer. See “Aluminations” below.

Ray Martino and his public relations and advertising firm, Martino Flynn L.L.C., received one of three ETHIE Awards, given to Rochester-based companies who show an executive commitment to business ethics. Martino Flynn won in the medium-sized business category.

Dan Starks was invested into the Sovereign Order of Cyprus during a knighting ceremony on January 12, 2013 in North

Carolina. Starks and four others were the first members of the Order in forty years to be knighted in the United States. Starks has also been awarded an Emmy for a TV series he produced on the local NBC affiliate, WCNC, called “Don’t Be a Victim!”

1972 Howard Root published his first historical fiction piece, Among the Mohegans. See “Aluminations” below.

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CLASSNOTES

Looking for a good biography, or maybe some fiction or historical fiction? When you’re ready to curl up by the fire with a good book this fall, see what Fisher alumni have been authoring.

M.K. Gandhi, Attorney at Law: The Man Before the Mahatma, written by Charles DiSalvo ’70 and published this fall by the University of California Press. Published to great reviews in India in 2012, it is the first book to chronicle the famous peace activist’s life as a law student in Britain and a lawyer in India and South Africa. DiSalvo, himself a lawyer, is the Woodrow Potesta Professor of Law at West Virginia University.

Among the Mohegans was published in July, 2013, and is a historical fiction novel that follows a young Puritan on his journey to the New World where he befriends a Mohegan ally. Author Howard Root ’72 has received the Editor’s Choice and Rising Star awards from the book’s publisher, iUniverse. Root is a retired advertising and marketing executive, and an avid reader of history.

Why Can’t I Be You is the second novel by Allie Larkin ’02. Larkin’s debut novel, Stay, reached #8 on the Wall Street Journal Best-Selling Romance list in 2010. Why Can’t I Be You follows Jenny Shaw as a woman that impulsively jumps into the life of another person, and what she learns about herself in the process.

Aluminations


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UNRESTRICTED: Supports those areas of greatest need ACADEMICS

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How your donation is used matters to yOU. No matter

your choice, your donation matters to STUDENTS.

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$1.3 million in support of students.

Make your voice heard at go.sjfc.edu/voice.


CLASSNOTES

1973 Thomas J. Faith was nominated forVice President of Healthcare Operations by the Board of Directors at the New York State Association of Ambulatory Surgery Center, Inc.

1976 Michael Colliflower was named Chair of the Insurance Regulation Committee (IRC) of the Tort Trial & Insurance Practice Section of the American Bar Association during the annual ABA meeting in San Francisco.

1981 Paul M. Predmore is a member of Bousquet Holstein PLLC, and serves on its Board of Managers. He is the principal attorney and has extensive experience in dealing with the Internal

Revenue Service and the New York State Department of Taxation & Finance on audit, administrative appeals, and litigation and collection issues.

1983 Lisa Critchley, Senior Vice President of Human Resources for Home Properties, was elected as Board Chair of Flower City Habitat for Humanity.

1989 Russ Brandon was recently inducted into the Frontier Field Hall of Fame for his position as the Buffalo Bills team President and CEO.

1990 Larry Ellis has retired after 20 years of service with the United States Coast Guard at the rank of Commander. He served almost 10 years at sea and 17 years forward deployed in the Arabian Gulf, Southeast Asia, and South America conducting counterdrug and intelligence operations. Larry is currently attending the University of South Carolina’s MBA program and will graduate in 2014.

Colleen Stack Lynch received her Master of Science degree in

Entertainment Business from Full Sail University. She is currently the Associate Director, Technology Communications, at ESPN, Inc.

1992 Cheryl Carney has been promoted to Vice President/General Manager of New England markets at Windstream, an Arkansas-based provider of advanced network communications. Cheryl has been with Windstream for 13 years.

Elaine Grinnals Charczuk was named Assistant Vice President of Risk Management & Security Officer with the Central Florida Credit Union. She has also received the Executive Club Award, one of the highest honors within the company.

1993Frank Saraceno recently produced a documentary for ESPN2 about the life of retiring Yankee pitcher, Mariano Rivera.

1994Gregory LaDuca has been named Director of Convention and Visitor Services for VisitRochester. He has more than 13 years of experience in the hospitality industry.

1995 Mark Frederick was promoted by Schneider Electric to Area Sales Manager for the state of Wisconsin. He has relocated from Atlanta to Milwaukee.

upcoming Alumni and chapter eventsnovemberSat. 9 Athletic hall of Fame dinnerWed. 13 Alumni Wine SocialThur. 14 Buffalo Chapter Awards dinnerSat. 16 Courage Bowl/Pre-game party

DecemberFri. 6 First Friday Lecture SeriesSun. 8 Buffalo Chapter nFL Party

And more to come! Stay connected at www.sfjc.edu/alumni and follow “Fisher Alums” on Facebook for the latest info on events and alumni happenings.


CLASSNOTES

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1996 Karen Callanan and Dave Callanan welcomed a daughter, Grace Barbara, on January 1, 2013. Grace joins older brothers Ben and Nate.

Elizabeth A. Colegrove (Betsy Sisson) and David Colegrove were married on October 21, 2011.

1997 Erin Mikulec has been awarded a Fulbright Scholar grant to lecture and conduct research at the University of Helsinki, Finland during the 2013-2014 academic year. Erin is an Assistant Professor in the School of Teaching and Learning at Illinois State University.

While in Finland, she will experience secondary teacher training and serve as a guest lecturer in schools throughout the Helsinki area.

1998 Terry Clark welcomed a son, Croix John, on January 24, 2013.

2000 Arik Andrysiak and Becky Andrysiak welcomed a daughter, Aven Leonardo, on June 25, 2013, joining her brother Corbin.

2004 Dr. Mathis Calvin was named the Superintendent of Stockbridge Valley Central School District.

2006 Samuel P. Burgess earned a Juris Doctor degree, summa cum laude, from the John Marshall Law School in Chicago, where he was the Class of 2013 valedictorian. The previous year, he received a master’s degree in business administration from Missouri Baptist University. He originally graduated from Fisher with a degree in Sport Management and followed the path to transform into a law graduate.

Matthew Cotugno and Laura Geminiani were married on June 8, 2013.

feel the fiSher loVeA lot of alumni returned to Fisher for Homecoming Weekend, but none were dressed quite as nicely as this group.

Pictured here is the wedding party of Meg Allocco-Angell, a 2010 graduate, and Anthony Allocco-Angell, a 2009 graduate. The group returned to Fisher during Homecoming Weekend to get a few photos in celebration of the place that they met: St. John Fisher College. Julie Selner, a bridesmaid and 2010 Fisher alumna, takes the credit for introducing the pair while at Fisher. Zach Mills, a groomsman, represented the Class of 2011 in the wedding.

And, of course, we’re certain their love of Fisher inspired their choice of wedding colors!

Share pictures of yourself and fellow St. John Fisher College alumni celebrating marriage by emailing your photo to [email protected].


CLASSNOTES

2007 Kimmie A. Reap and Michael Reap were married on July 7, 2012 by Fr. William Graf, faculty member and priest at the College.

James L. Smith has joined Harter Secrest & Emery LLP. He will assist in the preparation of employment and family-based petitions for temporary and permanent visas and for naturalization. He received his

M.A. in Classical Archaeology, summa cum laude from the University of Albany, and his B.A. in Anthropology, History, and Philosophy, summa cum laude from St. John Fisher College.

2008 Lisa Famiglietti was recognized at the Rochester Media Association Awards this past June, winning the Young Media Professional Award.

She has served in many capacities at Rochester’s public broadcasting affiliate WXXI, and was honored for her work producing several local, regional, and national series and segments that highlight many parts of Rochester life including the Xerox Rochester International Jazz Festival.

Alumni represent fisher at 2013 PgA championshipThis past August, Fisher found itself squarely in the hotbed of the professional sporting world with the Buffalo Bills taking up residence on campus, and the PGA Championship Tournament taking place just a mile away at Oak Hill Country Club.

Right in the middle of the action at Oak Hill were two 2010 graduates, Erin Cameron, a PGA of American employee, and Cheol Kessler, an Oak Hill employee.

Erin serves as a Championship Manager of Administration, working to coordinate the massive network of volunteers for the week-long 2013 PGA

Championship. Her work for this week began two years ago, coordinating 3,830 volunteers, ranging in age from 16-91, from seven countries and 38 states. She managed 45 volunteers committees, with 65 committee chairs, and 16 executive committee members.

Erin feels that her time at Fisher led her to this point in her career. As a student, Erin was involved in many activities including basketball, Sport Management club, and she completed six internships as a part of her course work. “I learned many lessons,” said Erin. “Some were hard and some were easy, some in the classroom, many outside.” She’s enjoyed her role with the PGA and looks forward to more challenges in the wake of the 2013

Championship. While Erin was busy managing the 2013 PGA Championship from the volunteer side, Cheol was working to ensure that Oak Hill Country Club was prepared to give the PGA golfers, club members, and the Rochester community an exciting, comfortable, and fun experience.

Also a Sport Management major, Cheol participated in many internships, with one leading directly to a job after his graduation. “I interned for the club’s general manager my senior year,” says Cheol. “I applied because I wanted to better understand how host clubs operated and prepared for major championships. This became the perfect opportunity for me.”

As Service Manager for Oak Hill, Cheol’s work was greatly impacted by the 2013 PGA Championship. “There was a lot of pressure to represent the club, the membership, and Rochester community in front of the golfing world,” said Cheol. And it was a success.

Cheol and Erin weren’t the only members of the Fisher family working at the PGA Championship. Nate Waldron ’03 is the Championship Manager of Operations, PGA of America, and 26 students served as interns and volunteers for the PGA. The tournament took place in Rochester, August 5-11.


Mary E. McLean-Scanlon and Joseph Scanlon were married in 2012. The couple has relocated from Chicago to the greater Rochester area, and Mary has been named Director of Institutional Effectiveness at Finger Lakes Community College in Canandaigua, NY.

2009 Lauren Lockett and Jason Cirulli were married on June 1, 2013.

Lauren Lincoln Purvee welcomed a son, Raymond, on March 22, 2013.

Nicole Reitz and Tyler Shue were married on September 7, 2013.

2010 Andrew Knoblauch joined Dixon Schwabl on July 1, 2013 as Digital Media and Public Relations Account Coordinator.

Jessica Pond has been promoted to Audit Senior of Dannible and Mckee, LLP, after three years of service. She has worked on audits, reviews, and compilations in a variety of industries including automotive, construction, and manufacturing.

Daniel Swift completed his MBA at Liberty University in Lynchburg, VA and has joined Lumsden & McCormick LLP as a Staff Accountant. His previous work includes accounting in health insurance and not-for-profits.

2011 Joe Cerami joined Finger Lakes Technologies Group, Inc. as Finance and Accounting Analyst. He is responsible for conducting monthly financial analysis and commission reports.

2012 Luisa M. Iadeluca, Ed.D., founded her own consulting company, Meta Visions Enterprises Consulting Group. As President/CEO, her mission is to procure clients in projects ranging from shared and consolidation of services in school districts and municipalities; efficiency and effectiveness strategies in organizations; and in building partnerships.

In MemoriamMatthew Richards ’05 passed away on September 23, 2013.

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CLASSNOTES

Raymond Purvee was born to Lauren (Lincoln) Purvee ’09 on March 22.

Carmella Marie, daughter of Rocco Arcuri II and Julie (Baker) Arcuri ’09 celebrated her first birthday on September 8.

future fisher Alumni

Share your child’s arrival and get your Fisher bib: Email [email protected] or visit www.sjfc.edu/alumni and submit a Class Note.

Nathanael John McBath was born on October 20, 2012 to parents Gabrielle ’99 and Kevin McBath. Nathanael is pictured here with his proud older brother, Troy.


2933

Twins share many things: a birthday, a family, a

room, and sometimes, clothes. At Fisher, four sets of female twins take the idea of sharing to a whole new level: they’re all student-athletes.

For the 2013-2014 academic year, two sets of twins are members of the women’s soccer program, one set in women’s lacrosse, and another split between field hockey and women’s basketball.

Seniors Katie and Laura B u r g s t r o m chose Fisher for academics and athletics and have been members of the women’s varsity soccer team since their freshman year.

“We love Fisher, and having one another here for

the experience has made it that much more special,” says Laura.

Her sister, Katie, agrees. “One of the main reasons I love Fisher

soccer so much is because Laura is on the team with me. We have played together since we were four years old and she is my best friend.”

In addition to sharing the soccer field, the pair shares Adolescence Education as a major, though they specialize in different areas.

Juniors Hannah and Meaghan Gilbride made the decision to attend Fisher because of the strong nursing program and the small class sizes. Being able to play soccer together was an added benefit.

“I always knew I wanted to play soccer at college,” says Hannah. “The team at Fisher seemed very close-knit and I liked that.”

They played together their freshmen year, and the following year, Hannah moved to the varsity team and Meaghan remained on JV.

“I think playing on two teams has helped us both,” says Meaghan. “We’ve been able to build friendships individually and I feel I have the perfect balance of school and soccer.”

S o p h o m o r e s Karissa and Nicole Hart also share a sport, women’s lacrosse, and a major, Childhood and Special E d u c a t i o n . Though they ended up together, the pair did not plan on attending the same college.

“I thought I wanted to go out on my own. But deep down I could never do that because we are so close,” said Karissa. “We

Seeing DoubleSeeingSeeingSeeingSeeing DoubleSeeing Double Double Double Double DoubleLeft to right: Hannah and Meaghan Gilbride, Laura and Katie Burgstrom, Nicole and Karissa Hart, and Elizabeth and Mary Kate Cusack.


ATHLETICS

34

Courage, Camp, and Commitment For nearly a decade, the St. John Fisher College football team has faced off against the University of Rochester in the annual Courage Bowl, with the game’s proceeds benefiting Camp Good Days and Special Times. This year, the Cardinals will face a new opponent, taking on the Alfred University Saxons on November 16 at Growney Stadium.

The Courage Bowl didn’t serve as a fundraiser in its early years, but in 2010, Camp Good Days’ founder and Cardinals’ assistant coach, Gary Mervis, saw an opportunity. Since then, the event has raised approximately $80,000 for the organization.

“Many children with cancer dream of being a part of a college football team, but due to their illness and treatment, will never have that opportunity. Thanks to the Courage Bowl, some of our campers have had that chance,” said Mervis. “In what has truly become so much more than just a football game, we are all looking forward to the next chapter of the Courage Bowl.”

The Courage Bowl is not your ordinary football game. Campers are chosen as honorary coaches

and cheerleaders, and get an opportunity to meet, practice, and dine with the teams before the big game. During the game, they receive VIP treatment, standing elbow-to-elbow with coaches and players.

“Camp Good Days and the Courage Bowl are very important to St. John Fisher College for reasons vastly more relevant than a football game,” said Bob Ward, Fisher’s Director of Athletics. “The College is committed to the Courage Bowl and, more importantly, committed to Camp Good Days and all it does.”

did choose to live separately, though, because it is a great way to meet people and have a new experience.”

Despite playing very different positions—Nicole is a goalie and Karissa is an attacker—their coach says they share a special connection on the field. “It’s hard to explain,” says Nicole. “We just call it a ‘twin thing.’”

Sophomores Mary Kate and Elizabeth Cusack chose Fisher together, but opted to join

different teams and different academic programs. Mary Kate is a member of the basketball team, majoring in nursing, and

Elizabeth plays for the field hockey team and is undecided in her major.

“Being a part of different teams has made us branch out and meet more new people. We go to each other’s games and cheer each other on,” says Mary Kate.

Elizabeth said that it’s different than high school now that they are on separate teams, because each has a group of

friends that they can bring together.

“It’s fun to explore different paths, knowing that my sister will always be there for me and we’ll always be best friends,” said Elizabeth.

While each pair has a unique experience, they all share a special bond that hasn’t waveredover the years. Each set of twins has two individual personalities, preferences, and it is just acoincidence and a blessing that they chose to call Fisher their “home away from home.” By Samantha Reynolds


Non-Profit Org.U.S. Postage

PAIDRochester, N.Y.Permit No. 1317

3690 East AvenueRochester, NY 14618

FISHER THEN

This photo from the archives shows two students in the 1970s, taking a bit

of time off at the “Duck Ponds.” We invite you to share your memories of

the Duck Ponds with the Alumni Office at [email protected] or (585) 385-

8001.


fall 2013 collegium

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