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FALL 2018MAGAZINE OF ST. JOSEPH’S COLLEGIATE INSTITUTE

IN THIS EDITION: MEET THE NEW LEADERSHIP OF ST. JOE’S I CELEBRATING THE CLASS OF 2018

1 • ST. JOSEPH’S COLLEGIATE INSTITUTE

St. Joseph’s Collegiate Institute845 Kenmore Avenue, Buffalo, NY 14223716.874.4024sjci.com

Every effort has been made to ensure the accuracy of this publication. Please contact us with any questions or comments at [email protected] or 716.874.4024.

Our Mission:St. Joseph’s Collegiate Institute transforms the

lives of students from diverse backgrounds

through academic excellence and care for the

whole person in a respectful, Lasallian Catholic

community, developing each student’s unique

talents in preparation for college and life.

/sjcipage @sjci @sjci

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Christopher Fulco President

James Spillman ’95Principal

Suzanne BadgleyDirector of Marketing & Communications

Peter Kennedy ’97 Director of Admissions

Patrick McNally ’01Vice President of Institutional Advancement

Joseph Pernick ’10Alumni Engagement & Development Officer

SPORTS NIGHT2018

FALL 2018 • 2

The CollegiateFall 2018IN THIS ISSUE

3President’s Message

4-6The New Leadership Team

7-10Honoring the Class of 2018

11-12Celebrating the Marauders

13-14Faculty Spotlight: The Arts

15Alumni Spotlight: Career Connections

16Sports Night

17-18Alumni News & Notes

Cover photo: From left to right, Principal James Spillman ’95 and President Christopher Fulco enjoying time together in the halls of St. Joe’s.

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SPORTS NIGHT2018


A MESSAGE FROM OUR PRESIDENTMany of the wonderful people I have met during my few short months on campus have asked what sparked my interest in the president’s position. Simply put, I am not from Western New York, and I was not familiar with the St. Joe’s community. I have had the right experiences and the measurable successes to step into this role, but why St. Joe’s? Let me explain.

After first learning of this opportunity, I headed right to the school’s website. I stumbled pretty quickly on the brotherhood video. The students, teachers, and school leaders spoke so authentically that the brotherhood was palpable. I was immediately hooked.

A few weeks later, during a visit to campus as part of the search process, I had the chance to meet with a group of students. I asked them, “Is this brotherhood real?” And without fail, every single one of the young men in the room said, “That is real. That is who we are. That is St. Joe’s.”

I have had the honor of serving at outstanding, innovative schools during my career, but I was looking for a place rooted in academic excellence where I could also express and share my faith openly. I hope you can imagine my delight when hearing this resounding response that day. I knew I had discovered a unique culture in which students — and teachers — were thriving.

My first summer on the St. Joe’s campus was incredible, and I have been truly humbled by what I have witnessed thus far. We had young men on campus just about every day participating in camps, service projects, college planning workshops, work study, and our Bridge Program for incoming freshmen. And the halls were filled with dedicated staff and faculty members who were busy preparing for the new school year.

On behalf of my entire family, we are so grateful for the warm welcome we have each received at St. Joe’s, and from the wonderful people of Buffalo as we have begun to explore our new hometown. I look forward to meeting so many of you, and I ask for your prayers for our entire school community as we begin a new academic year.

St. John Baptist de La Salle...pray for us.

Live Jesus in our hearts...forever.

Christopher M. Fulco, Ed.D.President

FALL 2018 • 4

When the bell rang on the first day of school this year, it wasn’t just the members of the new freshman class who were filled with anticipation and excitement — and maybe a bit of nerves. The start of the 2018-19 school year triggered some of the same emotions for our two new leaders, President Christopher Fulco, Ed.D. and Principal James Spillman ’95.

Both men assumed their new roles at the beginning of July and spent the summer working tirelessly to prepare for the new year — already forming valuable relationships with faculty, staff, alumni, and students present this summer on campus.

Let us introduce you to these two accomplished men as we celebrate the beginning of their chapter in St. Joe’s history.

Discovering a Love of Education

Chris Fulco grew up in Downingtown, PA, a borough in Chester County located 33 miles west of Philadelphia. He, his brother Dan, and sister Lauren attended Downingtown High School,

where Chris fondly remembers his soccer team’s state championship and his success as a pole vaulter. And it was during a snowstorm on a ski trip bus during his sophomore year when Chris met his future wife, Megan, a junior at the school.

In 1992, Chris headed off to the College of the Holy Cross in Worcester, MA, earning his B.A. in English with a concentration in Peace and Conflict. Chris had his sights set on law school, so he

took a year off to study for the LSAT and accepted a position as an admissions counselor at Georgetown Preparatory School in Bethesda, MD, America’s oldest Catholic boarding and day high school for young men. After six months in the position, the school needed a substitute English teacher, and Chris was selected to step in and fill the urgent need.

“I loved teaching the boys, and I loved being in a school,” said Chris. “Within one day, I knew my career path had changed.”

After teaching for three more years and earning his M.A. in Teaching from Johns Hopkins University, Chris decided it was time to move back home. He eagerly accepted a teaching position in his alma mater, Downingtown High School. Three years later, Chris was offered his first position in school leadership, accepting an assistant principal position at the school.

“I discovered early in my career that I liked the nuts and bolts of education, especially working with and supporting teachers,” Chris explained. “But the students are the ones who can surprise you the most with their insight, creativity, talents, and unique outlook on the world.”

Chris has spent the last nine years as the leader of Woodlynde School in Strafford, PA, an independent school serving students from kindergarten through grade twelve with diverse learning styles, helping them develop learning strategies that ultimately lead to academic success. This professional experience combined with a life-changing personal experience has taught Chris that every student has really unique gifts and talents.

“Fifteen years ago, my daughter was born with severe autism and intellectual disabilities, changing my education philosophies in many ways,” explained Chris. “Being the father of Maeve

MEET THE NEW ST. JOE’S LEADERSHIP TEAM

FEATURE STORY


has made me more patient, more creative, and overall a better educator and leader.”

As the head of school at Woodlynde, Chris oversaw the operations for all departments, including academics, admissions, and advancement. He led a nine-person leadership team through multiple strategic plans and successful capital campaigns, initiatives that led to significant enrollment and giving increases.

The opportunity to lead St. Joe’s came at a time when he was yearning to unite his work as an educator with his Christian faith. “Students in Catholic schools learn to serve their communities, and I believe that is a path to happiness. The St. Joe’s community is transforming young men into caring adults who share their faith and ideals, and this becomes a positive and important cycle for our future.” Chris and Megan, a teacher who has served in Catholic elementary schools for all of her career, spent the first part of 2018 preparing for the transition, falling in love with Buffalo during their frequent visits. In June, they packed up their four children and two dogs and have happily settled in Amherst. Their eldest son, Jack, will be a senior at St. Joe’s this year, and both father and son are looking forward to becoming part of the storied brotherhood that defines St. Joe’s.

“St. La Salle gave himself, his wealth, and his life to serving. The people here have done the same — the teachers, the administrators, the parents, and alumni,” said Chris. “Everyone consistently and lovingly giving so much to this place lends such an authenticity to the St. Joe’s experience, and I’m humbled by the opportunity to help lead this community.”

A Family’s Homecoming

Jim Spillman feels very blessed to have been given the opportunity to return to a place that was so meaningful to him and his own

formation. A member of the class of 1995, he grew up just under two miles away in Tonawanda with his parents, sister Roseann, and brothers Michael ’98 and Stephen ’03. He credits much of his success and happiness to his own St. Joe’s experience.

“Right here is where I developed my own values and a deep love for Christ, putting that faith into action as much as possible as a young man,” explained Jim. “I think one of the reasons St. Joe’s alums are so respected in the community is because of this foundation and the real sense of character you build as a Marauder.”

After St. Joe’s, Jim headed to Boston College, where he would earn a B.A. in Political Science and Communications, M.A. in Pastoral Ministry, and M.Ed. in Educational Administration and Catholic School Leadership. His teaching career began in 2002 at Xaverian Brothers High School in Westwood, MA, an all-boys school serving students in grades seven through twelve.

Spending five years as Campus Minister and Religion Teacher at Xaverian prepared Jim for a more significant leadership role, so he accepted the position of Dean of Students. Jim was able to formally begin his work with novice teachers to improve classroom management and instructional pedagogy while leading many of the school’s operational functions.

By 2010, he had developed the experience and confidence to accept the principal role at Blessed Sacrament School in Walpole, MA, which he held for the past 8 years. His adherence to the

FALL 2018 • 6

school’s mission and core values helped it thrive in an increasingly competitive educational environment.

The St. Joe’s mission has not changed since Jim walked across the stage at Kleinhans, but he’s excited about how the school has evolved since the 90’s, including the physical campus. “When I was in the concert band, we practiced in the basement. The arts program was incredible, but the facilities were not. The fine arts wing, including a 250-seat theater, now offers our students professional-grade facilities.”

Returning to St. Joe’s also means more time with family, including his parents, who are thrilled to have Jim, his wife Katie, and their three children so close. But anyone who has had a conversation with Jim knows how excited he is to be cheering alongside Buffalo fans again.

“I’ve been very loyal, which is tough when you’re living in New England,” said Jim. “But I raised my kids as Buffalo sports fans, and they wore that Bills gear every jersey day in school. Our dog is even named Thurman!”

Katie, a native of Rochester, was recently named the principal at Mt. St. Mary Academy in Kenmore. “It’s pretty incredible that we both have an opportunity to lead Catholic schools with such rich histories and strong legacies in Buffalo,” said Jim. “Catholic schools offer incredible academics with a foundation of character and values that you just don’t get in other places.”

Planning for the Future

With the planned June 30th retirement of President Robert T. Scott, AFSC, and the return to the classroom for Principal Brother Christopher Belleman, FSC, the St. Joe’s Board of Trustees had one year to find the right people to take the reins. The search process allowed our stakeholders to meet the candidates and to have their voices heard along the way, including faculty, staff, alumni, parents, and students.

“It was pretty clear to everyone involved that Dr. Fulco and Mr. Spillman would make an incredible team and continue to build on our momentum,” said SJCI Board Chair John Berger, Jr. ’84. “Their innovative and collaborative style of leadership, focus on academic excellence, and deep commitment to their faith has produced measurable results in the schools where each man has served.”

Dr. Christopher Fulco was named St. Joe’s fourth president in December, and, in February, Chris flew to Boston to meet Jim face-to-face for the first time. “Immediately I was impressed by Jim’s incredible vision on how to drive education forward in today’s world, but it was his humility that really struck me when we finally met in person.”

That first lunch ended up lasting three hours, and the two continued to speak weekly after Jim eagerly accepted the opportunity to take on the principal role. On July 2, the two men moved into their offices and started their important work together on campus.

“I’ve been really moved by how Chris treats people,” said Jim. “Even in day-to-day interactions, he responds with a real sense of compassion and understanding.”

Both men agree that it has been very clear from the beginning that they have a similar vision of St. Joe’s today, and envision many exciting possibilities for the future. From continued technology integration in the classroom to fostering the brotherhood that is vital to our community, Chris and Jim are committed to the tremendous responsibility of leading St. Joe’s.

“Jim and I are grateful to be following such great leaders who have left the school in a position of strength,” said Chris. “With so many people in the community here to support us, we are incredibly motivated by the next generation of young men and their families who are counting on us.”


Isaiah AcostaWilliam AinsworthAlexander AnastasNathan AtkinsBenjamin BaileySamuel BakerKevin BalkinJacob BarberioVincent BarileJacob BealsMason BenzBenjamin BighamJohn BlumTrey BolingJoseph BurnsJesse CanavanMatthew CannonJack CapenTyler CarrStevin CarrollAngelo Catalano

Nico CatanzaroJackson ChristianoVincent Christiano IIIZachary ChrzanowskiCharles CollinsChristopher CollinsThomas ColucciMatthew ConnollyThomas ConwayGarrett CoolidgeAndrew CorraEric CorraJoshua CostolnickDante CracchiolaMark CraftAndrew CranePatrick CurtinThomas D’AmicoAlexander D’AnniballeCameron DabillTyler Depczynski

Charles DeRoseBrian DeyellRyan DiLeoJoseph DispenzaMatthew DobieszKevin DowningZachariah DumaisThomas DuniaKevin DurkinDerek EddoAndrew ErdmanJae FalboNicholas FalboAndrew FergusonMichael Floccare Jr.Trevor FolsomDavid FretzSpencer FromeConnor FusilierJoseph GajewskiLiam Gallagher

John Galvin IIIMichael GencoAlexander GennaroPeter GeraceLuca GiacobbeMichael GianaddaPatrick GilbertRobert GilbertDominyc GlabienAdam GlicaTyler GodesiaboisTheodore GogosChristopher GossJames GrableRyan GracieAndrew GradolphAdam GraffBenjamin GramzaDominic GreccoGunnar GrenauerBraiden Guinther

Noah HausbeckGregory HazeletJoshua HennessyGavin HerlanQuinn HigginsMatthew HilleryGarrett HouseCharles IvancicJustin JenneveJames JohnsonJeremy JohnsonPatrick JohnsonNicolas JulianCollin KempDomenic KershnerAndrew KirchgessnerKyle KirschNathan KohlerMaxwell KrajacicJordan KrzywickiJonathan Kubiak

SPENCER FROME ’18, VALEDICTORIANHARVARD UNIVERSITY

“Our capacity to laugh about almost anything is not because of a loss of intelligence or lack of appreciation for real comedians; it is because St. Joe’s has been a safe haven for us. It is a place where we can be ourselves. While some may think that laughter and silliness can be a distraction to learning, I believe that this atmosphere is absolutely essential to a healthy education, particularly in a time like ours where teenagers and young adults are experiencing more anxiety and stress than ever before.”

CONGRATULATIONS, CLASS OF 2018

FALL 2018 • 8

ANDREW ERDMAN ’18, SALUTATORIANCANISIUS COLLEGE

“This is a time to recognize that St. Joe’s has given us the passion and the strength to see this moment as not only a culmination of four years of brotherhood, but as a transformation—as the beginning of our mission to others. I ask my fellow classmates to use the gifts we have been given; our lives have been created by God, prepared by St. Joe’s, and blessed by the unique brotherhood that we share. In seeing how we use our lives to transform the lives of others, God will surely smile down upon us.”

John Kwarciak Jr.Larry Livingston Jr.Phaybian LivingstonJohn LomeoVincent LoTempioJared MaloneyNicholas ManningJoseph MarciniakTodd MarzecNolan MathurDavid MatthewJoshua MetzAndrew MillerMichael MillerAlejandro Miller- GonzálezWilliam MinderlerNoah MintonGarrett MistrettaDaniel MorsellinoNathan Mrowinski

Timothy MurphyAlexander MyersSteven NguyenCharles NiesciurCharles NoonanKeith NorwardJack OhleMichael OlsenAlexander OrgekMassimo OrtolanoTimothy PaglioneLucas PalmerJoseph PappanoMichael PappanoJacob ParishAlessio PassalacquaDominic PavoneGrayson PawlowskiJohn PesarchickEthan PetzAdam Pohrte

Braden PritchardJoshua PrygonGabe RapiniDeclan RappSkyler Reczek-McKnightJacob RiesterBenjamin RinaldoAlexander RineWilliam RitchieJoseph RizzoMarquel RobertsWilliam RobertsRobert Robinson IITaylor RobinsonGregory RodasSean RooneyMatthew RottarisBrandon RusinRobert RussellBryce ScheelerShane Scheeler

Thomas SchweigerMatthew SciandraFrank SclafaniJohn SeewagenJohn SeibertNathan ShanleyAnthony Shilen IIIVikram SinghTy SlaugenhouptTrace SmithCameron SochaJacob StablewskiThomas StankowskiJacob StobnickiRyan SutherlandIsaac SwensonNicholas TaboneAndrew TheinDakota ThompsonVincent TobiaAndré Torrico

Frederic VinalJames WagnerBenjamin WeppnerChristopher WertsJack WestnerBrandon WiszChristopher WittmannConnor WolbertJoseph WoodPreston WoodsMaxmillian WoppererKurtis WozniakMichael ZatkosMitchel ZelaskoDavid ZulewskiJohn ZulewskiAlex Zulia


The Class of 1931 Outstanding Senior of the Year AwardNominated by their peers, these three members of the Class of 2018 were chosen as finalists for the annual award. Each shares his own words describing his St. Joe’s experience.

OUTSTANDING SENIORS

Award WinnerNICHOLAS MANNING ’18Syracuse University“St. Joe’s promised a ‘brotherhood’ and a transformation into a ‘gentleman of integrity,’ hopeful words that sparked within me dreams of a more benevolent future. I began to blanket myself with maroon sweatshirts and attend athletic events, watching in awe as the student section passionately supported their ‘brothers.’ For the first time in my life, I was witnessing a community, one that seemed to be encouraging, companionable, and most importantly, accepting.

“Suspended from the ceiling of the commons are three banners that rightfully declare, ‘Be Welcomed,’ ‘Be Challenged,’ and ‘Be Inspired.’ I offer up a fourth, ‘Be Accepted,’ to represent what is, in my opinion, the most integral part of our brotherhood. We celebrate our victories as one and we mourn our losses as one, embracing one another in a community for which I am eternally grateful.”

THOMAS DUNIA ’18 Colgate University“The devastating Congo war of 1998 robbed me of my childhood and a stable education for the most part of my life. It was not until St. Joe’s that I found a place where I could grow personally and academically - a place that l will always call home. It provided me with the sense of stability I had longed for, knowing that I would remain in one place for the next four years of my life. I was embraced into a vibrant community that includes students from diverse backgrounds, making me comfortable to fully dive into the academic, athletic, and social opportunities.

“With a passion for foreign affairs, I aspire to take part in conflict resolution and become an asset in a world desperately in need of fresh perspectives and bold leaders. Being a student at such a prestigious institution, I’ve developed leadership qualities that I wouldn’t have been able to hone at any other place.”

SPENCER FROME ’18Harvard University“The reward of a St. Joe’s education coupled with a community of brothers, who support me to be my best self, is enough for me. In the future, when I look back on my time at this school, the defining moments will be the football game where everyone came together for their brothers; the day before an exam where everyone was stressed but was still capable of having a sense of humor; the mornings of stuffing boxes full of canned food to send to Olean; or the first day I walked into this school and felt at home.

“St. Joe’s gave me a community and a culture where I could have fun and also develop my intellectual curiosities. I can only hope that my future schools and jobs have a similar, supportive aura. As a doctor, I hope to use my skills to help everyone in need, not just the people who can pay for it. This was the vision of De La Salle, and as a future St. Joe’s graduate, I happily feel the weight of carrying out this ideal.”

Continuing the tradition of honoring our golden jubilarians, 36 members of the Class of 1968

walked across the stage during the graduation ceremony, and more than 40 participated in the

weekend reunion events.

Congratulations to our Golden Jubilarians

FALL 2018 • 10

Celebrating Their Accomplishments On May 17, we presented diplomas to 205 young men who represented St. Joe’s so well in the classroom, on stage, in our community, on fields of competitive play, and more.

The members of the Class of 2018 earned more than $50 million in scholarship and merit-based awards — recognizing the students’ commitment to do their very best academically and the strong return on each family’s investment in a St. Joe’s education.

Congratulations.

An annual tradition, School Counselor and Varsity Soccer Coach Mike Thoin gathered the senior members of his

league championship team for a photo.Thank you to Brother Dennis Malloy, FSC

for the inspiring words during the 2018 Commencement Address.

Presiding over his last commencement exercises as St. Joe’s President, Mr. Scott had the distinct

pleasure to present his grandson Noah Minton ’18 with his St. Joe’s diploma.


FALL HIGHLIGHTSVarsity Soccer claimed the MMHSAA Championship after an exciting match up against Canisius. After an incredible season that included 13 shutouts, individual honors include five 1st Team All-Catholic selections and three 2nd Team All-Catholic selections. Spencer Frome ’18 was named Defensive Player of the Year in the league and was named to the All-Bees Soccer Team. In addition, Frome and teammate Andre Torrico ’18 earned All-WNY honors.

WINTER HIGHLIGHTSWrestling captured their 4th consecutive All-Catholic Championship and sent 26 Marauders to the state tournament. The team finished in 6th place at States with some incredible individual performances. Joining an elite group, Ty Slaugenhoupt ’18 earned his 100th varsity win during the seaon.

Varsity Basketball Head Coach Mark Simon retired after his 18th season at the helm. From 2002 to 2007, he led his teams to five straight Manhattan Cup Championship games, winning the Cup four times during that span. His teams also won New York Catholic State Championships in 2004 and 2006 and, just last year, he record his 300th victory as head coach.

After a search with outstanding candidates, Gabe Michael was hired to become the next head coach. Mr. Michael takes over the program after six successful seasons as the boys’ head varsity coach at Williamsville South High School. Under his leadership, that program achieved the most wins in school history during the 2015-16 season, made the school’s first ever trip to the New York State Tournament Final Four, and won back-to-back Section VI championships.

Federation Varsity Hockey won the prestigious Massena Invitational Tournament in February and had strong league play throughout the season. After defeating Bishop Timon-St. Jude in the semi-finals, the team fell just short in a 3-2 loss against St. Mary’s of Lancaster in the Niagara Cup Championship game.

Varsity Maroon Hockey captured the Large School WNY Club Hockey Championship with a victory over Orchard Park, winning the fourth club championship in the past six years. After advancing to the state tournament, the team again beat Orchard Park with a 2-1 victory in overtime, securing the second straight New York State Large School State Championship.

Varsity White Hockey made it to the finals of the New York State Small School State Championship bracket. This marks the team’s first appearance at States, losing a heartbreaker in the finals to finish second after an exciting upset victory earlier in the day.

Varsity Bowling had a strong season, with Michael Weber ’20 leading the way. After bowling a three-game session of 823 and breaking tournament records at the Lou Marcantonio Memorial Tournament, Michael was named a WKBW Super Athlete of the Week. He went on to place a close second at the CHSAA State Championship match.

2017-18 MARAUDER ATHLETICS WRAP-UP

FALL 2018 • 12

SPRING HIGHLIGHTSVarsity Lacrosse won their third straight Monsignor Martin Championship with a 9-4 victory over Nichols. The team won all ten games against league competition and was honored with four selections to the All-WNY First Team (Casey Kelly, Hunter Parucki ’20, Kellen Pulera ’19, and C.J. Goss ’18) and three to the Second Team (Trevor Folsom ’18, Robbie Robinson ’18, and Jack Rapini ’19). Six players were named All-Catholic First Team and for more to the second team, with C.J. Goss named Defensive Player of the Year and recipient of the “Ox” Award at the Buffalo News Tom Borrelli Lacrosse Awards. Coach Peter Hudecki ’92 was named Buffalo News Prep Talk Coach of the Year.

Varsity Baseball clinched the regular season Monsignor Martin Championship with a league record of 12-2 and entered the Georgetown Cup Playoffs as the top seed. After losing the first game in the best-of-three semi-finals series against St. Mary’s, the Marauders forced a game three that extended over two days and 14 innings. Cade Dick ’20 gave St. Joe’s the victory with a walk-off single to win 3-2. After another close contest, St Joe’s would fall to St. Francis in the championship series. The team, however, had the highest combined total of players selected to the MMHSAA All-Catholic Baseball Team with nine players receiving honors. Additionally, Will Carlone ’19 was named to the All-WNY Baseball First Team as he set a school record for hits in a season with 33 while batting .478.

Track and Field finished 2nd at the All-Catholic Championships, falling to St. Francis by only 5 points. Tyler Doty ’19 led the way, winning the shot put and the discus. His success continued at the State Catholic Championship, where he won those events again, and was named the Outstanding Field Performer of the meet. He went on to the New York State Federation Championships, where he finished third.

The Rowing Team had another successful season on the water, including winning the men’s overall competition at the Charles Fontana All High Regatta Buffalo City Championships with seven out of eight first place finishes. They also earned 3 golds (Varsity 8, Second Varsity 8, and Novice 8) at the John Bennett Regatta, hosted by the West Side Rowing Club.

Fourteen members of the Class of 2018 will continue their athletic careers in college in the fall. The student-athletes represent six different sports programs.

Stay up-to-date this year with our Marauder reports on Facebook, and follow @SJCIAthletics on Twitter. Go Marauders!


ENCOURAGING INDIVIDUALS AND BUILDING TEAMS: THE ST. JOE’S FINE ARTS PROGRAMFor generations of St. Joe’s students, the study of the arts was synonymous with iconic teachers and personalities like James Deiotte, Russ Owens, and Candie Ward. In recent years, the legends who built the arts program at St. Joe’s have passed its leadership to a new generation of dynamic teachers who are committed to both continuing this tradition and creating their own vision for the future. Each has followed a unique path to the St. Joe’s faculty, and has dedicated their own personal gifts to helping our students become the best versions of themselves.

Jessica Koller Visual Arts Teacher

With a brother who is an alumnus, a mother who worked in the Main Office for years, and many Marauder friends made while attending Holy Angels Academy, Jessica Koller has a long history with St. Joe’s. While she began her studies at Duquesne University planning to study law, a semester abroad spent in European museums changed that – and eventually set her on a career trajectory that brought her to 845 Kenmore Avenue.

“For me, the best part about studying art is the opportunity to think creatively,” Ms. Koller said. “It affords our students a chance to use their minds in a different way and find new avenues to solve problems, whether that it is in my class, math, science, or any subject.”

Already, Ms. Koller has brought a cross-disciplinarian approach to the visual arts. “The Design for Art and Engineering Program presents elements and principles of design in specific engineering fields, which are so vast. This opportunity to think creatively in a mechanical engineering or architectural context is great preparation for the future.”

From years working at Collegiate Summer and currently teaching art from introductory levels to A.P., Ms. Koller has now had a chance to thoroughly experience St. Joe’s for herself.

“It’s such a community, and it’s great to see it first hand and be a part of it. The boys are so welcoming; they are really here for each other. If a challenge is happening with a project or they are having a hard

time outside of school, they are always there to support each other.”

After teaching in other educational environments, Ms. Koller believes she has found her professional home. “It’s just such a nice atmosphere. You get students of all different walks of life, different backgrounds. They have different things going on. They have different interests. It’s nice for them to be able to come together and be on this even playing field.”

Michael Hooker ’06 Vocal Music Teacher, Swing Choir Director

For Michael Hooker ’06, it was his own experience in the vocal music program that brought him back to St. Joe’s – but not in a way that he could have ever predicted.

Mr. Hooker was only a few years past commencement when Mr. Deiotte called his former protégé, asking him to play the piano for the Varsity Singers. From there, he began assisting with the spring musical and became musical director of the Swing Choir in 2012. In retrospect, it may seem like a straight line to his current

position at the helm of the choral music program, which he assumed in 2015, but it almost did not happen.

Shortly before his current job opened up, Mr. Hooker had finished what he thought was his last season with Swing Choir, and was set to move to Chicago to continue his own musical education. But when the call from St. Joe’s came right before he left town, it did not take him long to decide.

“For me,” Mr. Hooker said, “the importance of giving back to the program that shaped why I do music in the first place took far more precedence.”

When asked to describe the unique sound that has shaped so many St. Joe’s students and families, Mr. Hooker said, “It starts back with Jim [Deiotte]. He always focused on what would bring the kids in. Let’s take a song that you have heard a million times, like ‘Here I am Lord’ and make it fit with St. Joe’s students. You need fire underneath, you need intensity. It’s just a different way of looking at choral music.”

“At St. Joe’s,” Mr. Hooker said, “it comes from the inside out. If I feel it, I believe it, the audience will hear that and feel it

FACULTY SPOTLIGHT

FALL 2018 • 14

too. Our singers have the experience of bringing themselves to their music.”

As Mr. Hooker considers the legacy of Mr. Deiotte and his own identity and vision for the future, he said, “The mission behind what we do isn’t changing. The core of what has been established is working: you have a gift, you nurture that gift, and you use it for others. But technology offers us so many opportunities in choral music, and I want to figure out ways to keep incorporating that into the students’ singing.”

“I hope they feel like they are part of something bigger, but they are encouraged to be themselves,” Mr. Hooker said. “For me, that is equally as important as the music.”

Brendan Vincent Instrumental Music Teacher

Brendan Vincent always thought about becoming a band director, but never knew it would be at St. Joe’s – and certainly not in Buffalo, New York.

“My father was a band director, so my daycare was band camp,” Mr. Vincent said. “On career day in third grade, I dressed as a band director.” While an undergrad student at the University of Louisville, Mr. Vincent considered pursuing a career as a professional musician in Nashville, but instead went back to his roots and enrolled in a program towards a Master’s Degree in curriculum and instruction at the University of Alabama.

After seven years as a band director in Raleigh, North Carolina, Mr. Vincent’s wife accepted a faculty position at the University of Buffalo School of Law at the same time – serendipitously – that Russ Owens decided to retire after 43 years at St. Joe’s.

“There’s a long history of instrumental music here,” Mr. Vincent said. “Russ really changed it and made it his own. He built the Jazz Band to be this amazing ensemble. When I applied for the job, my colleagues in North Carolina instantly talked about the Jazz Band, which blew me away.”

As he begins to craft his own imprint on the program, Mr. Vincent said, “I want to honor what he built and make sure that that continues to grow.” While already known on campus for his friendly and easy-going manner, Mr. Vincent brings a competitive spirit that many Marauders can recognize.

“The great thing about St. Joe’s is that we kind of get to play by our own rules. We get to pull in the best that Western New York has to offer. I want to make that my mission, to make our kids realize that we’re not playing around here – we are a team. I want to be the best band in Western New York. I think St. Joe’s deserves that and our students deserve that.”

Paschal Frisina III ’96 Theater Arts Teacher

From his student days, Pashcal Frisina III ’96 always loved being part of the St. Joe’s community. His focus, however, was on the soccer field, where he excelled as a goalie. It was Mr. Deiotte, of course, who encouraged him to expand his Marauder experience, requiring all members of Glee Club to audition for the spring musical, Carousel. To his own surprise, Mr. Frisina landed one of the leads – and has not looked back since.

Following the advice of another St. Joe’s theater legend and one of his mentors, Lynne Kurdziel-Formato, Mr. Frisina followed his passion to New York City, where he appeared off-Broadway and in national and European tours. After moving back to Buffalo in 2006, Mr. Deiotte invited him to start assisting with an Introduction to Theater Class at St. Joe’s.

Since then, Mr. Frisina’s responsibility has grown each year, eventually teaching two sections of Intro to Theater, Public Speaking, co-founding and directing the Fall Drama, and becoming director of the spring musical.

“By studying acting and the theater, you learn yourself first. Then you learn to speak confidently and control your emotion, and speak in front of other people,” Mr. Frisina said. He added that this process has relevance to all career endeavors. “I am not building a program to create actors. I’m building a program to create good people and give them communication skills and confidence for whatever they decide to pursue.”

As anyone who has seen a St. Joe’s spring musical can attest, Mr. Frisina’s favorite aspect of that production is the collaboration across all disciplines in the performing arts. “Theater is the representation of all the different pieces of the department. Your singers learned from Mr. Hooker, your artist designing the program and helping with the set from Ms. Koller, the pit band from Mr. Vincent. Every one jumps in to make it happen.”

Ultimately, for Mr. Frisina, whether it is on the soccer field or on stage, St. Joe’s is still all about community. “Theater is ultimately about working through who you are, why you are here, and considering what you want to become,” Mr. Frisina said. “It’s a collaborative art. It shows you that leadership is a community thing and a team effort.”


In 2008, James Roland ’69 envisioned an opportunity to connect his current students with alumni working in scientific careers across Western New York. The Summer Science Internship Program was born, allowing current Marauders to spend their summer at internship placements such as Roswell Park and UB Neurosurgery. Considering the success of Mr. Roland’s program and the great importance of experiential learning for gaining 21st Century skills, the 2016 St. Joe’s Strategic Plan set a goal to expand this opportunity across all career fields and into the academic year.

Now, the St. Joe’s Internship Program places more than 70 students annually in a wide range of professional environments according to their interests. Primarily possible through the loyalty and professional success of our alumni community, the program continues to expand – and will only keep growing.

“Hosting an SJCI intern is beneficial for both parties,” said Ryan Mura ’07, whose law firm, Mura & Storm PLLC, has served as a host placement the past two years. “For the students, they get a closer look at the day-to-day operations of a law firm, including the opportunity to conduct legal research and even attend court proceedings. For us, we can help inspire the next generation of attorneys and also get the benefit of receiving outstanding work product from our interns.”

Following the recent – and technically the second – retirement of Mr. Roland, Steve Koniarczyk, Director of Technology, took the helm of the Internship Program. “We are looking forward to offering more internship placements next year for students, in every grade, to access meaningful learning experiences,” Mr. Koniarczyk said. “It’s our goal to continue to expand our internship opportunities with our alumni network, which provide students with experiences and skills that will better prepare them for college and future careers.”

To date, alumni have answered the call to mentor current students across Western New York – and even as far as Boston, MA. For the past two summers, Dr. Kyle Eberlin ’99 has hosted an intern at Massachusetts General Hospital, widely considered to be the hospital providing the most advanced care in the United States, and welcomed the young men into his home. This summer, Alan Zdon ’19 joined Dr. Eberlin, a reconstructive surgeon who – among other responsibilities – is an Assistant Professor of Surgery at Harvard University and considered a national leader in his field.

Alan explained, “My experience with Dr. Eberlin was truly eye-opening; it was an opportunity to see accurately what living as a surgeon would be like. It was more than witnessing several surgeries – I was offered the chance to live like a surgeon for a whole week, and I’d like to thank Dr. Eberlin for that.”

Mr. Mura concluded, “St. Joe’s students are consistently hardworking, dedicated, and eager to learn. It has been a pleasure for us to participate in this program for the past two years and we look forward to continuing to work with such excellent students.”

If you are interested in hosting a St. Joe’s intern at your workplace, please contact Mr. Koniarczyk at [email protected] or 716-270-4109.

Kevin Goodwin ’08, Timothy Paglione ’18, Paul Kolkmeyer ’71 and John Pastore ’05 at Priam LLC

Alan Zdon ’19 and Dr. Kyle Eberlin ’99at Massachusetts General Hospital

Jacob DiFrancesco ’19 and Ryan Mura ’07 at Mura & Storm PLLC

Sam Isingoma ’19 and Greg Usewicz’ 87at BHNT Architects

CAREER CONNECTIONS ACROSS ST. JOE’S GENERATIONS

ALUMNI SPOTLIGHT

FALL 2018 • 16

ALUMNI NEWS AND NOTES FALL 2018

1960sHarry S. Colburn Jr. ’60, won eight medals in the 2018 YMCA Masters National Swimming Championships and three medals at the 2018 Pan American Masters Swimming Championships. He is a member of the Sarasota YMCA Sharks Masters swim team.

Robert M. Greene ’62 has been named Chairman of Catholic Health’s Board of Directors. Bob joined the Catholic Health board in 2015. Bob was also recognized as “Lawyer of the Year” in Health Care Law in the 2019 edition of The Best Lawyers In America©. Since it was first published in 1983, Best Lawyers® has become universally regarded as the definitive guide to legal excellence.

Edward M. Murphy Jr. ’68 was presented with the Shick Award from the School of Business at Canisius College for his contributions to the success of the business school and the college. Ed is the Vice President/Chief Investment Officer at Merchants Mutual Insurance Co.

1970sGary M. Crosby ’71 joined the board of directors of the Community Foundation for Greater Buffalo.

Daniel N. Hurley ’71 retired from his position as assistant vice president of government and community relations with the SUNY Upstate Medical University in Syracuse following a 38-year career in the SUNY system.

Daniel P. Schaefer, MD, ’71 an ophthalmologist with Atwal Eye Care, was elected president of the American Society of Ophthalmic Plastic and Reconstructive Surgery.

David J. Nasca ’75 was awarded Business Executive of the Year by the School of Business at Canisius College. Dave is the President and Chief Executive Officer at Evans Bancorp, Inc.

Gerald P. Igoe, MD ’79 was named to 2018’s roster of Health Care Champions for his high level of accomplishment

within the field in Western New York. Jerry is a Clinical Assistant Professor in the Department of Emergency Medicine at UB.

1980sJames N. Bailey ’81 was promoted to vice president, Business Development, Europe & Middle East Region at Rich Products.

Michael Driscoll ’85 was promoted to group vice president at M&T Bank. He most recently served as administrative vice president.

Brian Kucharski ’85 joined Green Genie Environmental Cleaning, one of Western New York’s leading green restoration, remediation, and cleaning companies.

Jody L. Lomeo ’86 was named one of “The 2017 Outstanding Citizens: 9 people who embody what makes WNY special” by The Buffalo News. Jody is president and chief executive of Kaleida Health.

More information and online ticket sales at sjci.com/sportsnight.Questions? Call 716.270.4129

Friday, October 26 at 6 p.m. St. Joe’s Gymnasium

SPORTS NIGHT 2018

All adults are welcome to the festive evening, the only athletic fundraiser of the year!

Tickets: $25 pre-sale, $30 at the door (pre-sale tickets will be available at will call the night of the event)

Don’t miss your chance to win cash prizes including $10,000 in the Big Money Raffle! Winner need not be present.

The enclosed envelope can be used to purchase admission and raffle tickets.

Enjoy the “Taste of St. Joe’s”, featuring great food from local restaurants, beer, wine, and prizes.


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Alumni News and Notes is a compilation of information reported to St. Joseph’s Collegiate Institute.We are not responsible for its accuracy or content.

James A. Pernick Jr. ’86 was named Athletic Director at Mount St. Mary Academy. Jim is also a co-owner of All In Sports Complex in Cheektowaga.

Gregory C. Usewicz ’87 joined Kideney Architects in Buffalo as a Senior Project Manager.

John T. Gavigan ’89 joins SomaDetect as chief operating officer. SomaDetect provides dairy farmers with technology to assess milk quality and herd health.

Kevin P. Roe ’89 had his underwater photos published in CRE8 Magazine, a journal that highlights individuals, artists, and businesses that embody the spirit of creativity, ingenuity, and passion.

1990sJeremy J. Besch ’93 has been named head of school at The Park School of Buffalo, starting July 1, 2018. He has been at Park since 2002 and served as head of its Upper School since 2009.

Sean P. Doyle ’94 joins Hamburg Industrial Development Agency as executive director.

Leonardo C. Sette-Camara ’95 was appointed to the board at Squeaky Wheel Film & Media Art Center. He is currently the Corporate Compliance and Privacy Officer for Catholic Health System.

David N. Braunstein ’96 accepted the position of National Accounts Group Practice Manager at Ivoclar Vivadent, Inc., a worldwide dental company that produces a range of products and systems for dentists and dental technicians.

Bradley L. Sendlak ’98 joined Nussbaumer & Clarke, Inc., Consulting Engineers and Surveyors as a corporate associate, civil engineering.

2000sAndrew D. Bennett ’01 has been named vice president at The Children’s Hospital Foundation at Kaleida Health. He joined the organization in 2017 and has been working as the director of business development at Oishei Children’s Hospital.

Luis A. Rodriguez ’01, is CEO of Rodriguez Construction Group, which was named the #1 Fast Track Company by Buffalo Business First.

Kenneth C. Crawford ’02 has co-owned and co-operated Blue Mountain Cross Country Camp with Sarah Schnitter (wife of John C. Schnitter ’06) since 2016. The summer camp for high school and middle school cross country runners operates in the Pocono Mountains of Pennsylvania. It has a long and storied tradition with St. Joe’s, dating back through coaches Hellerer, Roland, Diggins, and Ivory.

Adam N. Croglia ’06 joined Eric Mower + Associates, an independent marketing and public relations agency, as senior counselor, public affairs.

James W. Ernst ’06 opened Root & Bloom, Western New York’s first entirely vegan restaurant. It is located on Elmwood Avenue.

Sean Balkin ’07 has been named to Buffalo Business First’s 2018 “30 Under 30” class. Sean is an associate at Lippes Mathias Wexler Friedman LLP.

Taylor D. Golba ’08 joined Lipsitz Green Scime Cambria as an associate in the personal injury department.

Joseph L. Rosenhahn ’08 accepted a new position as a Licensed Real Estate Salesperson at Select Sothebys International Realty.

2010sTerrance T. Creighton, MD ’10 (Left), James R. Harb, MD ’10 (Center), and Brian M. Killeen, MD ’10 (Right) received their MD degrees and started their Medical Residencies. Terry started an Emergency Medicine Residency at Detroit Medical Center/Wayne State University/Sinai Grace Hospital. Jim

and Brian both started residencies at the University of Pittsburgh Medical Center, in Neurology and Emergency Medicine, respectively.

Philip J. Silvestri III ’10 and his fiancé, Maggie Shaw, opened Roots Coffee and Tea. The coffee shop is located on Hertel Avenue in North Buffalo.

Eric E. Benedetti ’11 has joined Dopkins & Company, LLP. He will be serving as an associate with the firm’s Tax Advisory group.

2d Lt Kent W. Greer ’11 earned his Air Force Wings and the ability to continue his military career flying an F-16. He completed 55 weeks of undergraduate pilot training from the Euro NATO Joint Jet Pilot Training (ENJJPT) Program.

Aidan M. Ryan ’11 co-edited and published the book Constant Stranger: After Frank Stanford with Foundlings Press, where he is a cofounder and Managing Editor.

James E. Bassett ’14 finished his college lacrosse career at Merrimack College with a Division II National Title. He was also recognized on the All-Conference First Team and received the NEILA Player of the Year award.

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FALL 2018 • 18

David W. Adowski ’77Mario Alaimo ’85William B. Baum John G. Berger ’56Timothy P. BurkePaul Burns ’53Richard P. Buscemi Edward Clark ’45Anthony J. Colucci, Jr., AFSC ’51James F. Connerton ’55Thomas B. Cook ’49Thomas Curran ’51Robert F. Downing ’52Harold E. Farrell John J. Fromen ’58Thomas Gavin ’52Edmond J. Gicewicz Frederic W. Gioia Jonathan M. Graczyk ’10Richard A. Haberman ’87W. Merrick Hayes Joseph C. Hays ’69

Robert W. Herdlein ’49Paul R. Hessinger ’71Henry J. Kaye ’56Arthur J. Keroack ’03Raymond B. Kielich ’39Daniel T. Kirst ’53Douglas Kochan Kenneth R. Kollmar ’69John J. Kraus ’57James E. Lewis ’57Michael Lodick ’68John B. Maher George Malesic Frederick J. Matheis ’53Jay P. Malone ’90Joseph I. Marino

Robert W. MillerRose Mistretta Ronald J. OrlowskiLance Palermo Peter E. Parisi ’64Timothy Paxson ’74Christopher Potter ’87John W. Powell ’43Edward J. Raiff ’47Peter J. RigaLouise RuppDavid T. Ryan Wayde Sauer Donald F. Sommers ’54Franklin J. Spina Joseph Walter ’45

In Memoriam

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BirthsWilliam M. Schukraft ’05 and his wife Brittany welcomed daughter Summer on May 30, 2018.

Thomas J. Tracy ’00 and his wife Michelle would like to introduce Daniel Thomas (1 year) and his older sister Elizabeth Kate (3 years).

Marriages and EngagementsDaniel P. Greene ’00 married Ashley Rowe on August 18, 2018.

Thomas J. “T.J.” Daley ’03 married Stephanie Blaszak on May 12, 2018.

Jeffrey T. Gelormini ’03 married Jennifer Lopez on June 9, 2018.

Ryan S. Elliott ’05 married Jamie Pascucci on April 14, 2018.

Paul J. Hogan ’05 married Lauren Alexander on July 27, 2018.

Tom Schwartz ’05 married Angela Argauer on April 1, 2017.

Erik Hartrich ’07 married Natalie Zagora on August 18, 2018.

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A C o m m u n i t y o f E x C E l l E n C E

ST. JOSEPH’S COLLEGIATE INSTITUTE

845 Kenmore AvenueBuffalo, NY 14223-3195

Address Service Requested

NON-PROFITORGANIZATION

U.S. POSTAGEP A I D

BUFFALO, NYPERMIT NO. 83

OPEN HOUSEHelp us spread the word!

All families with boys in grades 5 – 8 are invited to attend,

and no reservation is required.

Plenty of student tour guides will be ready!

Sunday, October 1410 a.m. to 2 p.m.

Monday, October 15 5 p.m. to 7 p.m.

Current 8th graders are welcome to become a Marauder for a Day this fall.

Visit sjci.com/admissions for details.

UPCOMING ALUMNI ASSOCIATION EVENTS

Friday, November 16 Sports Hall of Fame Induction Ceremony6 p.m. at St. Joe’ssjci.com/shof

Sunday, November 25 Breakfast with Santa9 a.m. at St. Joe’s sjci.com/santa

Wednesday, December 12 Fine Arts Wall of HonorEvening at Rockwell Hall, SUNY Buffalo State sjci.com/fawoh

magazine of st. joseph’s collegiate institute fall 2018.pdf · the collegiate fall 2018 in this...

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