70s
Kathryn (Sprague) Cook ’74, Art, was posthumously awarded an Achievement Award from Maine Community College System for her dedication to the students at the University of Maine at Machias and Eastern Maine Community College, where she taught American Sign Language.
Maureen Kellick ’74, Art, created a mural for Academy Park in Lewiston, NY.
Christine A. (Kloch) Smyczynski ’79, Business Administration, has published her fifth book, Backroads & Byways of Upstate New York.
80s
Lawrence Ronald ’86, Art Painting, was celebrated by the Buffalo Zoo, as his iconic Zoo Mural marks 40 years on display. The piece was his Daemen senior thesis and has greeted millions of zoo visitors since its 1986 unveiling.
90s
Karen Cuevas ’90, Humanities, was inducted into the Meals on Wheels Larry Winnert Society, in recognition of her 17 years of service to the organization.
Dolan Dalpoas ’94, Physical Therapy, was named Chief Community Impact and Philanthropy Officer at Memorial Health, one of the leading healthcare organizations in Illinois.
Kendra (Pavlick) Downs ’96, Elementary Ed., was appointed principal of the Horace Mitchell School in Kittery, Maine.
00s
Anibal Soler Jr. ’00, Visual & Performing Arts, was named to the City & State Westchester Power 100 List for leading dynamic change across NY’s third-largest school district. The honor reflects the collective dedication of the Yonkers Public Schools community, whose shared commitment continues to create the #YonkersMagic.
Kristen (Polakiewicz) Hada ’05, Education, earned a doctorate in Educational Leadership from D’Youville University in August 2025. Hada works at Daemen University as an adjunct faculty member and a student teacher advisor in the education department.
Nekia Kemp ’05, MS Executive Leadership & Change, was named a 2025 Buffalo Business First Women of Influence honoree.
Trina (McCall) Burruss ’06, MS Executive Leadership & Change, was recognized on Buffalo Business First’s 2025 Power 200 Women and Power 100 Business Leaders of Color lists for her bold leadership and commitment to the WNY community.
Ian Jones ’06, History & Government, was named an Allegany County Judge in January 2026. He resides in Caneadea, NY with his wife, Chelsea (Hart) ’08, Physician Assistant Studies, and their two children.
Brian Montanaro ’06, ’08, Health Care Studies, MS Executive Leadership & Change, was named the Boys Basketball Coach at Baldwinsville Central School in Baldwinsville, NY.
Brian Prehna ’06, Psychology, has been named Principal of Halifax Elementary School and has been accepted to the University of Massachusetts Lowell’s Doctor of Education in Leadership and Schooling Program.
Kari (Flanders) Achatz ’07, Art – Visual Arts Education, has been selected for the Buffalo Bills Public Art Program at Highmark Stadium, which brings together more than 45 artists and art teams to create work for a permanent, site-specific art collection throughout the new venue.
10s
Hillary Holden ’10, Health Sciences and Physician Assistant Studies, has joined Bassett Healthcare Network as a physician assistant (PA) with urology at Herkimer Specialty Services, in Herkimer and Little Falls, NY.
David “DJ” Johnson ’10, ’16, Individualized Studies, Executive Leadership & Change Higher Ed. Studies, stepped into the role of Executive Director of Buffalo Prep in Buffalo NY, effective July 1, 2026.
Jessica Kast ’10, Health Sciences Physician Assistant Studies, joined Slocum-Dickson Urgent Care as a PA.
Martha (Deacon) Kershaw ’10, MS Nursing Education, was named the Dean of the College of Nursing, Physical and Allied Health at SUNY Niagara.
Yolanda Fonville-McKnight ’13, Nursing, opened Funville, Buffalo’s private party playground, that offers immersive arcade games and virtual reality rides for the whole family.
Cameron Garrity ’13, ’26, Graphic Design, Leadership & Innovation, produced the short film Something There, which screened at the Marché du Film’s Short Film Corner, part of the 2026 Cannes Film Festival. The film was one of only 24 films out of over 5,000 competing 48 Hour Film Projects made in 2025 selected to represent the 48HFP at Cannes this year.
David Mawer ’13, Art – Visual Arts Education, started a new role as an Assistant Professor of Art Education at Buffalo State University.
Kyle Clifford ’14, ’15, MS Health Care Studies/Athletic Training, opened a dedicated location in Blasdell, NY for Hustle Hoops, a basketball training business founded by Clifford in 2024 to offer private lessons, group programs, team training, camps, and other youth programs in WNY.
Amanda (Youngman) Farrell ’14, Nursing, was named a Clinical Nurse Specialist in Population Health at ECMC.
Kathryn Miller-Procknal ’14, ’21, Social Work, ABA, has successfully defended her dissertation, “Analyzing Tenure through a Critical Race Theory (CRT) Perspective: Exploring Automatic Tenure as a Form of Reparations.”
Emily (Kraft) Hockwater ’16, History, started a position as Associate Director of Advancement, School of Social Work at the University at Buffalo. She was also named President of the Board of Trustees for Buffalo Niagara Heritage Village.
Maria McGrath ’16, Mathematics, was named a Distinguished Educator by the Foundation of the Roman Catholic Diocese of Buffalo at the 2026 Catholic Education Dinner. She received the All God’s Children Award, which is presented to a teacher who sees the sacred dignity in every child, and demonstrates dedication to creating an inclusive, nurturing learning environment.
Kevin Stevens ’16, Physical Therapy, opened Focus Physical Therapy of Olean PC, ensuring area student-athletes and the community have access to high-quality physical therapy. He also serves the community as a member of the Olean City School District Board of Education and is involved in youth sports programs.
20s
Aaron Cole ’17, Health Care Studies – Health & Fitness Training, works at the University of Rochester as a nurse practitioner in cardiac critical care.
Kaylin (Corbran) Devealt ’17, Social Work, was honored by Marquis Who’s Who for Expertise in Disability Inclusion and Accessibility, recognizing her service to the disabled community as both an advocate and professional speaker.
Mark Hamel ’17, Nursing, was honored with a 2025 Excellence in Health Care Award by Buffalo Business First. He works in the ICU at Sisters of Charity Hospital and was one of 23 in WNY recognized with this honor last year.
Kayshawn Macharie ’18, Master of Social Work, has been appointed as the new licensed administrator of the Care Center at Sunset Lake.
Stephanie Hanaka ’20, BS/MS Accounting, was named Senior Tax Accountant at Lumsden McCormick CPA.
Audrey (Krause) Hernandez ’21, Leadership & Innovation, was promoted to Associate Registrar at West University of Health Sciences in Southern California.
Humberto Hernandez Ariza ’21, Leadership & Innovation Higher Education MS, was named Bay Path University’s inaugural Director of Augmented Intelligence Operations, guiding the strategic integration of AI across teaching, learning, and university operations.
Michelina Ricotta ’23, ’25, Natural Science – DPT, started a position at Integrated Chiropractic & Physical Therapy in Irondequoit, NY.
Engagements
Aaron Cole ’17, Health Care Studies – Health & Fitness Training, is engaged to Lexi Gentile. Cole is a nurse practitioner in cardiac critical care at the University of Rochester.
Sara Hornung ’18, English – Adolescence Education, is engaged to Garreth Kelsey.
Gabrielle Sinnott ’19, History & Political Science, is engaged to Jacob Freeman. Sinnott is a Wargame Analyst & Associate at Booz Allen Hamilton.
Marriages
Katie Chesna ’13, Illustration, married Mike Spoth on August 28, 2025.
Lumeshwar Kumar ’17, ’18, Health Promotion & Master in Public Health, married Alex Krull ’17, Bachelor of Fine Arts – Arts Visual & Performing, on November 8, 2025. The two met during their summer orientation in 2013 and began dating in fall 2015. After 10 years of dating, they decided to get married in West New York, NJ. Kumar is a Program Director at BronxWorks in Bronx, NY. Krull is a Signatory Validator at IATSE National Benefit Funds in New York, NY.
Rachel (Zine) Kapan ’18, Natural Science – Health Science, married Ibrahim Kapan on June 19, 2025.
Future Wildcats
Larissa Gramza ’08, ’09, Special Education, and partner Julio Valentin welcomed Romelio on September 16, 2025.
Casey Kelly Pérez ’08, Graphic Design, and Rafael Pérez welcomed Theodore Joseph on June 3, 2025.
Emily Werner ’11, Health Care Studies – Health and Fitness Training, and Joseph welcomed Norah Irene on June 28, 2025.
Kathryn McClure Sullivan ’14, Social Work, and husband Ray welcomed Emmett James on April 6, 2025.
Dominique (Boscarino) ’16, Natural Sciences, and Nikolas Xenopoulos ’16, ’18, DPT, welcomed Victor David on December 26, 2025.
Karl Smiley ’18, ’20, Natural Science, Physical Therapy, and Courtney (Scanlan) Smiley ’19, BS/MS Accounting, welcomed Maya on May 28, 2025.
Shelby Marple ’23, ’24, Paralegal Studies, Inclusive Childhood Ed., and Justin Marple ’25, Inclusive Childhood Ed., welcomed Lillian Mabel and Collette DiFrancesca to the family on March 6, 2026.
In Memoriam
Esther M. (Horan) Rae ’54, Mathematics, May 15, 2025.
Carol Teresa Arns ’56, Biology, June 21, 2025.
Joanne Fitzer ’56, Mathematics, July 25, 2017.
Gretchen (Klausman) Schumacher ’56, Biology, March 10, 2026.
Mary (Manzella) Killeen ’57, Art, September 25, 2023.
Rosemary C. (Kirchmyer) Reszka ’57, Medical Technology, December 30, 2017.
Elizabeth A. (Lotti) Wakefield ’57, Natural Science Chemistry, July 21, 2013.
Julianne Brown ’58, Medical Technology, October 2, 2025.
Maura Fortkort, OSF ’58, Elementary Ed., fmr. VP of Student Affairs, and Education Faculty, June 21, 2025.
Jean (Heffron) Gordon ’60, Elementary Ed., January 30, 2026.
Carol (Ralicki) Otoka ’60, Natural Science – Chemistry, April 14, 2026.
Mary (Kellner) Wieland ’61, History and Government, April 22, 2026.
John & Evelyn Starkey, Former Professor of History & Spouse. Lifelong educators John and Evelyn (Cotter) Starkey were married in August 1956, and died 69 years and one month later within six days of one another: Evelyn on September 25, John on October 1, 2025.
John began his 30-year tenure at Daemen in 1966, when it was known as Rosary Hill College. He was a beloved Russian and European history professor, while Evelyn was an early childhood teacher and lauded trainer for Head Start.
Their love of teaching and the arts will be forever ingrained within Daemen’s history and legacy.
Joanne (Werner) McCartin ’61, Elementary Ed., January 5, 2026.
Charlotte Mae Palisano-Maiorana, Member of the Class of 1961, October 15, 2025.
Mary Kay (Pepe) Poppenberg ’61, English, June 26, 2025.
Margaret Cassidy ’62, Elementary Ed., February 11, 2026.
Barbara Prymas ’62, English, September 2, 2025.
Carol Elizabeth Wesley Steiner ’62, Music, October 5, 2020.
Marcia (Krzyzanowski) Bugaj ’63, Business Administration, April 10, 2026.
Barbara Kregg ’63, Biology, January 26, 2026.
Mary Nicolas MacOretta, OSF ’63, Elementary Ed., October 26, 2025.
Valerie A. (Brown) DiCarlo ’64, Sociology, October 4, 2025.
Judith (Ferraro) Marcella ’64, Spanish, September 27, 2024.
Barbara (Conners) McGovern ’66, Elementary Ed., January 15, 2026.
Rita (Caruana) Arseneau ’67, Elementary Ed., February 27, 2026.
Mary Ann Wolkonowski Smith ’67, Art, December 3, 2023.
Patricia (Cegles) Costello ’68, Medical Tech., November 13, 2025.
Gail (Morrow) Grant ’68, Elementary Ed., December 2024.
Judith A. (Zimmerman) Haueise ’68, Art, May 24, 2024.
Karen (Conelly) Norton ’68, English, June 3, 2016.
Mary Billie Fitzgibbons Unger ’68, Elementary Ed., December 3, 2024.
Joan Geiger ’69, Natural Science, June 25, 2025.
Donna (Scheuing) Muehlig ’69, English, July 29, 2024.
Lilian M. (Maedl) Dunlavey ’70, Elementary Ed., September 7, 2022.
Cheryl (Irwin) Mayewski ’70, Elementary Ed., November 30, 2025.
Donna Anthony, OSF ’71, Elementary Ed., March 19, 2026.
Terese Kinsel, OSF ’71, English, May 1, 2025.
Mary (Keysa) Lexo ’71, History & Government, May 7, 2013.
Carol (Kane) Golyski ’73, Medical Technology, February 28, 2026.
Deborah A. Russo ’73, Elementary Ed., January 19, 2015.
Ellen J. (Coad) Christensen ’74, Sociology, December 18, 2020.
Pauline J. (Popiela) Weinheimer ’74, Sociology, April 10, 2023.
Leslie (Cunningham) Knodt ’76, BS Art, April 2, 2026.
Suzanne (Pomana) Collipp ’95, Nursing, May 9, 2024.
Robert J. Lange III ’96, Social Work and Fmr. Asst. Men’s Basketball Coach, May 28, 2026.
Kimberli (Cochran) Gillotti ’97, Nursing, April 27, 2025.
Michelle R. Johnson-Anderson ’00, Nursing, September 6, 2021.
Adriane Z. (Ross) Williams ’01, Humanities, October 2, 2025.
Michael Maurer ’11, Nursing, November 8, 2025.
Laura Parmington Hall, Member of the Class of 2014, Nursing, December 2, 2025.
James H. Perry ’22, Paralegal Studies Certificate, September 29, 2024.
Frank Carey, Former Head Librarian, September 6, 2022.
Margaret “Marge” DeLuca, Former Daemen Library Serial Coordinator, June 4, 2026.
Marjorie Gliozzo, Friend of Daemen, April 2019.
Evelyn Hoff, Friend of Daemen, December 24, 2025.
Kathleen Kearney, Friend of Daemen, November 12, 2025.
Roger Muehlig, Friend of Daemen, February 15, 2019.
Diane Stadtmiller, Assistant Professor of PA Studies & PA Program Coordinator, April 9, 2026.
Don Silveri, Former Athletics Director & Head Men’s Basketball Coach, February 15, 2026. Silveri led the Daemen men’s basketball program from 1989-2014, achieving 414 wins, nine 20-win seasons, four National Association of Intercollegiate Athletics (NAIA) tournament berths, and two United States Collegiate Athletic Association (USCAA) tournament appearances. He earned Coach of the Year honors five times during his tenure.
He was inducted into the Daemen Athletics Hall of Fame in 2011 . In 2017, he was inducted into the New York State Basketball Coaches Hall of Fame.
In winter 2025, the Don Silveri Legacy Scholarship Fund was established in his memory to assist first-year or transfer students pursuing bachelor’s degrees and intercollegiate athletic endeavors at Daemen.
