The Wehle Wire September 2024

The people, happenings and achievements of The Wehle Business School, Canisius University, Buffalo, New York.

ALUMNI ASSOCIATION RECEPTION - September 27th, 5pm-7pm, Grupp Fireside Lounge, Christine Wiktor to receive the Dr. Bernard L. Martin Award and Steve Gattuso, the Rev. Thomas E. Fleming Distinguished Service Award, Register here!

Making Connections

David Bolz, Sr. HR Director, Delaware North

Alumnus and frequent Wehle guest speaker and career panelist, David Bolz has a long-standing relationship with the university. When asked about his political science undergraduate degree, he grins and makes the point, “I took many an economics course from Dr. Palumbo.”

An Amherst native, David left WNY in the early 80’s, married and raised two children while building a career in financial services. “I was exposed to many aspects of the business at Black Rock and built a track record in senior HR roles, specifically business partnerships and learning and development.”

Thirty-three years later, in 2016, David returned to Buffalo and today is Delaware North’s Senior HR Business Partner.

“I love that I’m back home. Over the years, I’ve been able to support the Wehle Business School… presentations, mentoring students during the pandemic and developing wonderful relationships through the graduate Leadership & Professional Development Program.”

“There’s a gold standard produced by Canisius. In my work I have lots of conversations across the organization. We talk about financial and operational numbers and what they’re really telling us. When someone is thoughtful and demonstrates good critical thinking, I ask them, “Where did you go to school?”

He nods, “I already know the answer. Canisius.”

“And this is why I have such a great affinity for the school. Canisius gave that to me and I’ve definitely carried that out in my career. I’m always so proud of our grads.”

“Producing great talent and giving it an opportunity to shine in Western New York and beyond…well, there’s nothing more important for the future of us all.”

Canisius Center for Analytics and Data Ecosystems

CCADE is led by a 25-member, industry-expert Advisory Council overseeing business analytics, cybersecurity and data analytics masters programs. Employer training is also available in topics like AI. Contact Heather Campbell, Director ([email protected], 716-888-2863).

Masters students and graduates “on the move”

Chase Eagan

An MBA grad in securities analysis (‘24), Chase credits his Golden Griffin Fund (GGF) experience as one of the most memorable and important parts of his education.

‘I can’t say enough about the GGF, not just what I learned but the environment, the lab, and the relationships I forged will last me a lifetime.”

As a Client Associate for ClearPlan Financial, Chase is parlaying that experience into supporting the advisor team and assisting clients.

“I love that I am building on my GGF work of breaking down portfolios and companies, but also learning the client-facing side of investment management.”

Not one to shirk from challenges, Chase credits his years as a high-level, international soccer player with his goal-driven mindset.

“Growing up as an athlete and playing in Europe instilled a disciplined approach to everything I do. Thanks to the GGF and Wehle Business School, I plan to build on this and have a successful career.”

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Mohammed Hoque

An international student from Bangladesh, Mohammed brings six years’ digital marketing experience to his Master of Business Analytics (MBAN) studies.

“I chose Canisius and recommend it to friends at home because of this degree and the Leadership and Professional Development Program (LPDP). The LPDP’s focus on personal coaching, resumes and interviewing helped get me to where I’m at.”

Mohammed attributes his growing technical skills directly with MBAN coursework (building dashboards) and the support of a Canisius alum.

Liz Sujka (’98) is Mohammed’s VP of Marketing at Sedara, a downtown cybersecurity company. As Marketing Coordinator, he says that she and the leadership team have helped him enormously.

“It’s a terrific environment to learn and be creative which I love. I’ve gotten five HubSpot certificates since I started and even participate in leading meetings. I’m grateful for it all.”

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Brooke Skovira

As a Partner Success Manager for Brook Health, a series A start-up, Brooke leverages both her MBA (August ’24) and nursing.

“I manage relationships with WNY primary care offices. Recently, I’ve gotten involved in data management and patient acquisition with the UMass health system. It’s interesting work.”

Brooke is quick to share how her LPDP experience made a night-and-day difference, helping her bridge her clinical experience to a more corporate setting.

“In that first coaching session we identified our experiences, understanding them. The cover letter workshops too were helpful. These little things aren’t so little…They all add up and make a big difference.”

“I remember I didn’t get an internship and then I had interview coaching. It was then that I learned about sounding confident and competent. I got that next job.”

“I plan to remain in digital health. Thanks to The Wehle School and the LPDP I’ve gotten a really good start.”

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Faculty Feature

Dr. Shannon Jemiolo, CPA, PhD

“I get a lot of sophomores who are the first in their families to go to college. I’m first generation too. My best advice is don’t be shy. If you need help, ask for it. There’s nothing I haven’t seen myself or been through.”

Making sure students feel supported is something Dr. Jemiolo does very well.

With an accounting (tax) PhD from the University of Oklahoma she began her career at PricewaterhouseCoopers in Pittsburgh.

“Because PWC had such a strong focus on coaching, I became really involved in developing young talent. That’s where my interest in teaching began.”

Three children (ages 7 months to 6 years) and a move to Buffalo later, Dr. Jemiolo has been a member of Wehle’s accounting faculty for seven years.

“I was one of 35,000 students in my undergrad and very lucky I had a professor who gave me extra support. So I knew I wanted to teach in a smaller school. I also wanted to be with colleagues who had experience outside the classroom. I get all of that here at Wehle.”

Dr. Jemiolo’s research is in corporate social responsibility and sustainability. “This is an important moment for business. It’s fun to see my research intersect with what’s happening now. I build that into my curriculum so its meaningful. I also encourage students to volunteer, get involved in activities like the VITA Tax Program. You learn about yourself and become more well-rounded.”

“I really do love the work but I find it more rewarding to help other people’s careers fly. To make that one-on-one connection with a student is everything.”

Undergraduate Pursuits

MATT THIE

Marketing senior and student marketing intern for Red Bull’s Buffalo office.

My goal is to become a brand marketing manager and ultimately a marketing analyst.

[email protected]

TAYLOR BALDWIN

Business undergrad in the MBA. NCAA Division I volleyball. Just finished internship with Influence Tee.

Hoping to become a pharmaceutical or medical sales representative.

[email protected]

MARCO ALAIMO

Finance senior. Completing KeyBank internship. Credit Analyst, June 2025 in Cleveland.

My long-term goal is to be a commercial or institutional bank relationship manager.

[email protected]

Career readiness that makes a difference.

Jackson Connor, MBA, Global Supply Chain Management

Graduate students like Jackson Connor are required to complete their Leadership & Professional Development Certificate, a 25-hour program that provides four to six hours of personal career coaching and group instruction.

Whether graduate students are coming from undergrad or in established careers, the Program goes to where they are at. They receive customized coaching on resumes, interviewing, networking, public profiles, job search tactics and professionalism.

Like many young professionals, Jackson explored career options. Throughout the Program, he worked with the Director to understand his skills and experiences and then market himself to employers.

His hard work paid off. He started as a Logistics Intern with Sonwil Logistics and recently became a full-time employee.

Here is what Jackson had to say about his Wehle experience.

https://youtu.be/uLNt6X5VZRM

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The Wehle Business School is AACSB accredited, a gold standard achieved by fewer than 5% of business schools worldwide.

Dr. Shawn O’Rourke, Dean

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Next month’s Wire

More interviews with students, alum, employers and award recipients, Christine Wiktor and Steve Gattuso. Questions or comments? Contact Jennifer Patrick (MBA 2000), Wehle Director of Executive Education & Leadership ([email protected], 716-888-8494).