All posts by Dan Higgins

Hilbert Alumni excited for future!

By Kylie Wooliver

In 2016, Nicole Maiorana graduated from Hilbert College with a Bachelor’s degree in Human Services. Where is she now? And what is she doing?
Nicole is now attending graduate school for Clinical Mental Health Counseling at St. Bonaventure’s Buffalo campus, which is actually located right here at Hilbert. While going to school, Nicole works part-time at Brierwood Child Care as a day care teacher.
She has her own classroom where she is responsible for organizing activities and small lesson plans for school-aged children. From 1pm to 3pm, she assists in the infant room, and from 3pm to 6pm she works with kindergarten to fourth grade students. These children are under her care until their parents arrive and take them home.
Nicole says, “Although I enjoy my job, I’m excited to move forward in my career as a licensed mental health counselor.”

Update on The Buffalo Cup

By: Nicole Plucinski

As Fall sports are coming to an end, the first season of the  Buffalo Cup competition has come to an end too.  As we enter  November and the beginning of Winter athletics, another chance begins to get some Hawk magnets up on the Buffalo Cup standings board.  Although there are no Buffalo Cup games in the month of November, they pick up again in December.

The Buffalo Cup is a competition between Medaille College, D’Youville College, and Hilbert sports teams. They are the three Buffalo schools in the AMCC. The idea for the three-school competition came from Hilbert’s athletic director, John Czarnecki.

December:

  • Wednesday December 7th, WBB faces Medaille Away at 6pm – MBB faces Medaille following the Women’s game at 8pm.
  • Monday December 12th, WBB faces D’Youville College at 6pm at Home – MBB faces D’Youville College following the Women’s game at 8pm.

January:

  • Wednesday January 25th, WBB faces Medaille at 6pm at Home – MBB faces Medaille at 8pm

February:

  • Wednesday February 8th, WBB faces D’Youville College Away at 6pm – MBB faces D’Youville College following the Women’s game at 8pm.
  • Wednesday February 8th, MVB faces D’Youville College at Home at 7pm.

March:

  • Wednesday March 29th, SB faces D’Youville College Away at 3pm, and 5pm.

April:

  • Wednesday April 5th, WLAX faces D’Youville College Away at 7pm.
  • Wednesday April 12th, BB faces D’Youville College Away at 1pm, and 3:30pm.
  • Tuesday April 18th, WLAX faces Medaille at Home at 4pm.
  • Wednesday April 26th, SB faces Medaille Away at 3pm, and 5pm.
  • Wednesday April 26th, BB faces Medaille at Home at 1pm, and 3:30pm.

Women’s Soccer Notches Win Against Rival Medaille

By Nicole Plucinski

On Tuesday September 27th 2016, The Women’s Soccer team won their match against cross-town rival Medaille College, 4-0.  On Wednesday September 28th 2016, the team was very excited to be able to be the first team to place a hawk magnet on the Buffalo Cup Board before beginning practice.

The next game that the ladies face that qualifies for a hawk magenent if won is on Wednesday October 19th 2016, away against another cross town rival D’youville College beginning at 5P.M.

 

Meet Danielle Simmons: Starter of Never Miss

By: Breyana Laury

Danielle Simmons graduated from Hilbert College the spring of 2015 with her Bachelors of Science in Criminal Justice.  Beginning January of 2017 Danielle will be attending Law School in Michigan. She has been dancing since she was 2 years old and established Hilbert College’s first dance team in September of 2012.

 

Q: What style of dance have you been doing?

A: I have a lot of experience in different styles of dance. I first started off doing tap but I have also done ballet, modern, jazz, hip hop, Caribbean, waltz, and African dance.

Q: If you could describe Never Miss in 3 words what would they be? Why?

A: Family Orientated: Well over 30 members always had family qualities

Dedicated: Proof shown in multiple YouTube videos. Once we hit the stage we forget about everything else and kill it.

Adaptive: Open to many different events and entertainment. Willing and open to learn new dances such as modern and ballet.

Q: What inspired you to create Never Miss?

A: I would have never thought about making my own dance team once I came to Hilbert College. Leaving Performing Arts I would have never thought that I would dance again actually I just did one performance open mic by myself and then with another girl Davonna Howard and after that alumni from performing arts named Jasmine McCarter we kind of just got together and made a dance and performed it and after a lady named Ashley Goodwin a former student life coordinator of Hilbert College came to us and she inspired me to start my own dance team.

Q: How did you come up with the name Never Miss?

A: After Ashley came to us I was sitting in my room for hour’s days probably even a week or two thinking about different names. I went on google trying to look at different stuff to inspire me to make a name. It was one night my cousin sent me a picture on Facebook and it said never miss a chance to dance and it just stuck with me and it is like never miss a chance to dance and after I’m like I am going to name it Never Miss after the quote.

Q: How did you inspire your dance team members?

A: Our role to coming to Hilbert College is not to dance but it is to be successful within our classes and to get your degree but how I inspire in different ways is to go to class and get your degree but also to let your emotions out while dancing. Inspire that this is a family it is much more than just dancing.

Q: Who are some of the teachers that have inspired you?

A: When I started dancing at 2 years old Ms. Barbara’s School of Dance that is where I first started. After that I went to Ms. K Dance Camp and then I went to Performing Arts where I had teachers Ms. Jones, Ms. Parker, and Ms. Rebecca.

Q: Why do you teach?

A: It has always been a passion for me to dance like I said I never would have thought I would be teaching but it is just a passion and that is just something that I love doing.

Q: What was your favorite part of being a dance captain?

A: I have a few things. Although it was hard managing over 30 members it was it also helped me become a better leader. That is what made me more of a captain do not get me wrong I struggled. It was hard but I kept going because of the girls on the team.

Q: What are your strengths as a dance captain?

A: Communication. Attention to detail and being very organized with all paperwork.

Q: What are some of your weaknesses as a dance captain?

A: Letting the little things get to me rather it is arguments on the team or conflict. Trying to do everything myself. I have a hard time asking for help.

Q: What has been your most memorable moment as a dance captain?

A: Our first performance. I would have never thought the crowd would have went as crazy as they did for that performance. The leadership skills I have gained from it and over 30 people that I still keep in contact with that is most memorable and I still remember almost all the dances.

Who Will You Vote For?

By Dale Zielen

Donald Trump or Hillary Clinton? Who is America’s best hope? In my opinion, neither.  We have all been keeping up with the never ending fighting between the two candidates and the debates they have been having, but nothing I’ve heard them say yet has convinced me that they are going to help us as Americans and as human beings. Honestly all I see is bad decisions and a shitty next four years, no matter which of the two are selected as president.
One of Donald Trump’s plans if he were to become president is to lower taxes for the middle and lower class people, and to make sure that the richer, more powerful people pay more, but not too much to where it destroys jobs or undermines our ability to compete. I find this funny considering Trump acknowledged the fact that he avoided paying federal income taxes for years, eighteen to be exact. But yes lower our taxes and you can pay your fair share Donald, maybe throw in a little extra since you haven’t contributed in quite awhile. He also talks about immigration and securing jobs for Americans which sounds fair, but when you start talking about building walls and saying immigrants don’t belong here in America, the land of opportunity, it can definitely turn people off. Also isn’t your wife an immigrant? Weird.
Now Hillary isn’t any better. She is definitely more welcoming and has a good heart, but she isn’t very bright. We all know about the whole email conspiracy and the wonders about her health. My question is: is she really her best right now? Can she serve and do a good job for four years without any concern that she may have health problems in the future? I guess only time can tell. Come November 8th, Americans are going to have to choose. Trump or Clinton? I have yet to make a decision, have you?

Pie a Professor

“Is thcjfs-pie-thingis fat free?” Forensics Science professor at Hilbert College and Forensics department advisor for the CJFS Association, Daniel Culver, laughed as whip cream dripped down his chin. On September 26, 2016 from 11 am to 1 pm, the Criminal Justice Forensics Science Association hosted a “Pie a Professor” event in order to raise money for the club. Both Doctor Mark Paoni, a criminal justice professor at Hilbert College and criminal justice advisor for aforementioned club, and Professor Culver were victims of multiple aluminum tubs of whip cream “pies” to the face.

“The money is for the club,” Chris Hotaling, club president and a senior majoring in Forensics Science, explained. “It’s to help support trips, expose students to criminal justice, forensics sciences, seeing speakers in that field, trips to prisons, and visit law enforcement agencies. We’re redoing it because it was successful last year.” Anyone and everyone could join in on the fun; C.J. Paoni even took up the offer and pied Professor Culver.

It’s important to work hard for what you want, and these young men and women are definitely doing their part to ensure their future is successful by hosting fun events such as these where both the club and the participants get something out of the experience.

Hilbert’s own directs play at 710 Main

“Wonder of the World” a comedic play written by David Lindsay-Abaire, premiered at 710 Main Theatre on Thursday, September 15th. Hilbert’s own Taylor Doherty, a theatre professor, and member of the Buffalo Laboratory Theatre, was the director of the production.

“Wonder of the World” follows Cass Harris, an out-spoken woman who sets out of a journey of self-discovery after leaving her husband. She meets Lois, an unconcerned woman who suffers as an alcoholic, which causes her to be suicidal. The play follows them as they make their way to Niagara Falls—an iconic landmark much of our Hilbert students know, where Lois plans to go overboard. Audience watch as these unique characters interact with new people who seem to be up to no good. Eventually, these women come to their senses, realizing that running away from their issues isn’t the answer.

Students went to see the production for Professor Doherty as a class requirement. Kashya Williams, a junior majoring in Digital Media and Communication, had a great time at the show. She explains how her laugh could be heard across the theatre. She laughed a lot, and thought the show was very funny. When asked about who her favorite character was, Kashya answered, “The Sextuplets.” Yes, this sounds odd. But in the show, an actress played the role of six different characters, hence the character name.  In addition, Kashya defined her favorite part of the play as being when Captain Mike recalled the story of his wife, and the tragic yet ironic end she met.

Career Expo offers internships in the FBI!

The 10th Annual Criminal Justice and Forensic Science Expo was a popular event at Hilbert College on October 5th. Katie Martoche, the Director of Career and Community Engagement, explained how this event was not limited to criminal justice majors. All students with diverse interests can learn something from this, given the plethora of information at students’ fingertips.

In total, there were 18 groups, situated at different tables, with their pamphlets and posters on display. These tables offered career information for internships—a subject very prominent amongst the study body.

Retha Hunter, with the FBI Jobs, was present, promoting internship opportunities. She hopes to recruit college students to join a diverse team that keeps our communities and nation, as stated on their flyer they handed out during the event. FBI Jobs seek expertise in Intelligence, Computer Science or I.T., Foreign Languages, Engineering, Science, Accounting, Law, Military, and other investigative fields. To enter, a four-year college degree is required along with three years of professional work experience. As mentioned, professionals seek diversity, and appreciate students from all backgrounds. For example, if a student studied in the media or journalism field, a career in Public Affairs is a possibility.

Michelle, a transfer student from JCC, and a junior, studies Forensic Science. In addition, her friend, Chloe, a sophomore, and also a transfer from Millersville, Pennsylvania, is interested in Forensic Science, expressed interests in the criminal justice field. Both girls explained that they applied for an internship with the FBI. Chloe said that this expo was very helpful and presented a lot of information. This was their first time attending Hilbert’s event.

To learn more about the FBI Internship (Summer 2017) and University Hiring Program, visit FBIJOBS.Gov.

Tips for New Students

By Breyana Laury

welcome-studentsIt is that time of year again. Summer vacation has come to an end and new college students proudly claim their spots on campus all over the country. The kids who were once cool in high school and the ones who were witty, arrogant, over-achievers, and class clowns are now the ones shaking in their boots as they start a new chapter as college freshman or fresh meat as they will soon be called once they are gracefully on the campus of their respective colleges with their campus maps turned upside down and trying not to pee their pants. For some of you, this may have been you! It is an exciting time, full of newfound independence for many. It is thrilling to watch campus fill up with young people on the cusp of discovering themselves as adults. The first few days and weeks are an exciting time of transition between high school and college, and truthfully, one for which so many are unprepared. It is also that time of year where I share “words of wisdom” to all the college newbie’s and try to prepare you with the things that we wish someone would have told us. To all of you incoming students, I challenge you to own it. Embrace both the freedom and responsibility that comes with attending college. You are in charge of your academic future, your involvement on campus, and your wellbeing; DO NOT SIT PASSIVELY FOR THE NEXT FOUR YEARS! So without further ado here are my tops tips for college freshman survival and I hope these tips will help you get ready for some of the best years of your life.

TIPS
1.      Join Clubs There are endless opportunities within student organizations and clubs. Do not forget that most clubs will try to lure you in by advertising, “free food at our first meeting!” Even if it is hard, flat and dry pizza from the local pizzeria that tastes like cardboard. Do not get upset! At least you are leaving with a semi full belly, you have learned about a new club, hopefully made a friend or two and did not have to pay for dinner. Trust me, you will thank me later.
2.      Roommates This is the one you want to pay special attention to. This can go incredibly great or horrible. Having a roommate is something that some look forward to and some cringe at the thought of it. Hopefully you were honest when completing your roommate matching form. If not, get ready to get paired up as once strangers and now best friends for life. But let us be honest, that is true for a select few. For the rest of us, that was not the case. I would share my roommate horror stories but I will save you from being further anxious and nervous.

 

Do your best to communicate with your roommate. Communication is important in any relationship and a roommate relationship is not different. There will be times when you wonder why your roommate does not clean up after themselves. Do not sit around and wonder and gossip about them to your new group of friends. That does not solve your problem. Speak up and talk to your roommate. Avoiding conflict is a good thing because remember you do share a room for an entire school year. It is best to stay on good terms with them.

3.      Learn to be an advocate Take a leading role in your college experience inside and outside of the classroom. There are so many people available to help you— academic advisors, professors, student life staff, coaches, and other members of the community but you need to actively seek them out. College offers you opportunities to solve problems on your own. If you have an issue or concern, do not immediately run to your parents there are many other people whom you can turn for guidance and to help bolster your problem solving skills. That is what independence is all about.
4.      Prioritize balance While exercising your new freedom as a college student is fun, balancing responsibility with it can be a challenge, and in fact, it is a skill that can take a lifetime to master. It may not be the most exciting tip for incoming students, but trust me—it is one of the most valuable.
5.      Keep track of your life Keep track of your life with whatever works for you, whether it is a paper planner, the latest and greatest app, or a giant color coded whiteboard calendar. If you are not a morning person, perhaps think twice before you schedule an 8am class. Meet with your professors, find study groups, use services like writing centers and math tutors—all of these resources will help you be a responsible student.
6.      Set goals and monitor your progress toward achieving them The most important goal you can set is the date for your graduation. Meet with your advisor freshman year and build a four year plan for the classes you need to complete and programs you want to experience. You will have a better sense of the sequence of classes you need to take and the milestones you need to hit to study abroad or qualify for a dream internship. Success is rarely attributed to dumb luck; build a plan to make college live up to your expectations.
7.      Take stock of people toward achieving them It is important from the beginning to know what resources are available and how to take advantage of them. Many services and resources are included in your tuition bill, so do not let them go to waste! It is important to think about things like making lasting friendships, finding activities that match your passions and career planning—you do not need to wait until your senior year to use career services. Perhaps the student government association appeals to you, or maybe an athletic team. These are incredibly marketable experiences that will help you in your life—and, you get to meet some really great people.

This does not mean that you should join every club and activity that the campus has to offer. You should not stress about missing out on experiences because it is impossible to do everything. Feel confident and enjoy what you have decided to explore on campus. And if you find that the activities you initially selected are not for you, it is never too late to try something new.

8.      Take care of all of you Your independence on a college campus can also bring new responsibilities that might not be so obvious, like your health— and not just physical health, but mental, emotional, financial, and social health. Even if you have never had a budget or been in charge of your own meal planning college offers you space to learn, make good choices with your wellbeing and these lessons will carry over into your every day adult life.
9.      Pay Attention Think of life as a big treasure hunt and as you move from place to place, relationship to relationship, and from opportunity to opportunity, pay attention to what is happening. Look for clues to help move you towards your happiness.
10.  Be Curious Do not let the world pass you by. Ask questions, wonder why things are the way they are. Do not be afraid to try something new. Be curious about life, about learning, about people and places and things that happen around you and around the world. Soak it all up and learn wherever you are.

 

Enjoy every moment of your college experience. There will be a time when you are ready to graduate and kiss college goodbye. Make the most out of this experience. You are one of the thousands of privileged individuals who have been blessed to call yourself a college student and later a college graduate. So go on, what are you waiting for? Fully immerse yourself in all things college, enjoy the ride, and please remember my words one more time. Pay attention, be curious, and remember life has a way of working itself out.