Hello from the Geography and Planning Department!

Normally at this time, I have the pleasure of hosting the annual Geography

& Planning Banquet and Student Awards Ceremony. Recognizing all the

efforts and successes of our student is always a highlight of the year and

thus the banquet is one of my favorite events. Although we cannot come

together in person to celebrate this year, I would like to recognize the achievements of our incredible students.

Please keep reading to learn about our Geography and Planning Depart-

ment award winners and other notable achievements of our students!

Message from the Chair

Katheryne T. Whittemore Award for Outstanding Student in

Geography & Planning — Regan C. Flemming

The Katheryne T. Whittemore Award for Outstanding

Graduate in Geography and Planning (named after the

founding member of our department) is given to the most out-

standing senior in either major. This is our most prestigious

award. Students must have demonstrated their ability and com-

mitment to the major, above and beyond a good GPA.

Regan is graduating with her BS in Urban and Regional Planning,

as well as minors in Business Economics and Interior Deign

Studies. She also completed an internship with Joy Kuebler,

Landscape Architect PC last fall. She is heading to the University

at Buffalo in the fall, where she has earned a partial scholarship

for graduate study in their Architecture program.

Regan will have her name engraved on the plaque located in the

Geography & Planning Department office. She will also receive a

certificate from the Department, Cross pen, and $50. Congrat-

ulations, Regan!

2020 Student

Awards

Dr. Camille Holmgren

Regan Flemming

Page 2 2020 Student Awards

Western New York American Planning Association Student Merit Award —

Alexis Duwe

The Western New York American Planning Association

Student Merit Award is our most prestigious award given to

a Planning senior.

Alexis is graduating with her BS in Urban and Regional Planning,

as well as a minor Geography. She has also taken on two intern-

ship this spring and is our Planning Intern of the Year (see page

4). Alexis will be pursuing her Masters in Urban Planning at the

University of Buffalo in the fall and has been awarded a partial

scholarship to support her studies.

Alexis will receive an award from the WNY APA and will also

be recognized at a virtual event in lieu of their normal awards

dinner. In addition, she will receive a certificate from the Geog-

raphy & Planning Department. Way to go, Alexis!

Alexis Duwe

National Center for Geographic Education Excellence of Scholarship Award

(Planning) — Hailey Whitney

The National Center for Geographic Education Excel-

lence of Scholarship Award (Planning) recognizes out-

standing academic achievement of a Planning major. The primary

criterion of this award is academic performance. Secondary cri-

teria can include departmental service, dedication, and enthusi-

asm.

Hailey is graduating with both a BS in Urban and Regional Plan-

ning, as well as a BA in Geography, the GIS Certificate, and a

minor in Political Science. She also completed an internship with

WM Schutt Associates. She has received a scholarship and posi-

tion with AmeriCorp in Buffalo to work on the Love Your

Block team helping coordinate mini grants for neighborhood

revitalization. She plans to pursue her Masters in Urban Planning

at University at Buffalo in Fall 2021.

Hailey will receive an award from the NCGE as well as a certifi-

cate from the Geography & Planning Department. Nicely done,

Hailey! Hailey Whitney

Page 3 2020 Student Awards

David Bullough Memorial Award for Academic Excellence — Lauren Roetzer

The David Bullough Memorial Award for Academic Ex-

cellence (named after the son of the late Vern Bullough, for-

mer Dean of SNSS) is awarded to the student minoring in Ge-

ography, Planning, or GIS with the highest minor GPA who will

not be receiving another departmental award that semester.

Lauren graduated in Fall 2019, earning a minor in Geography to

compliment her degree in Childhood Education with a Social

Studies Extension. She has returned to Buffalo State where she

is pursuing her Masters in Education, Literary Specialist (Birth-

12) degree.

Lauren will receive a $50.00 check and a certificate from the

Geography & Planning Department. Congratulations, Lauren!

Lauren Roetzer

Chair’s Discretionary Award — Tyler Dannhauser

The Chair’s Discretionary Award is given at the discretion

of the chair, after consultation with faculty. The award is given

to a student who has made an outstanding contribution to the

department or college, through a particular effort in research,

education, or community involvement.

Tyler graduated in Fall 2019 with a BS in Environmental Geogra-

phy. While at Buffalo State, he was involved with the Niagara

Greenway Fellowship program under the supervision of Dr.

Frothingham. This Fellowship involved doing stream and riparian

habitat assessments and riparian plant surveys, as well as resto-

ration techniques, mapping, and analysis. He also worked for

WNY Prism during summer 2019. His enthusiasm for the out-

doors and the Great Lakes was much appreciated by faculty and

his peers alike.

Tyler will receive a book chosen for him by the Chair, as well as

a certificate from the Geography & Planning Department. Well

done, Tyler! Tyler Dannhauser

Page 4 2020 Student Awards

Planning Intern of the Year

Alexis Duwe did not one, but two internships this

spring. One involved researching and developing

economic development programs for the To-

nawanda Local Development Corporation under

the guidance of Dr. Jason Knight. For the other, she

worked with the Buffalo State Center for Health

and Social Research on statistical analyses and re-

ports for the Anchor Institution under the supervi-

sion of Alan Delmerico and Laura Hill Rao.

Jennifer Hanson

Dean’s List Students

Alexis Duwe

Jennifer interned with Erie County Environment &

Planning under the supervision of Kristen

Guadagno. Jennifer worked with both the County’s

Stormwater Coalition, as well as their GIS depart-

ment. Her work in the field and office mapping

stormwater ponds will help municipalities with the

planning, development, and maintenance of their

systems.

• Gregory Bream

• Diana Chaburka

• Alexis Duwe

• Regan Flemming

• Dominic Gentile

• Kevin Harper

• Samantha Lonas

Spring 2019 Fall 2019

• Anthony Capizzi

• Alexis Duwe

• Regan Flemming

• Kevin Harper

• Mark Valle

• Cecilia Zajac

Geography Intern of the Year