HAMBURG, N.Y. – Hilbert College will hold its 60th annual commencement ceremony on Saturday, May 15 at 1:00 p.m. via a virtual ceremony at www.hilbert.edu/commencement.
Hilbert President Michael S. Brophy, Ph.D. and Chair of the Board of Trustees, Laurie Boreanaz Carra ‘81, will present the President’s Medal to two members of the Hilbert community, Sharon Sisti and Dr. Christopher R. Siuta. The President’s Medal, one of Hilbert College’s highest honors, recognizes faculty, staff, and members of board of trustees for extraordinary commitment and service to higher education, and for exemplifying Franciscan values. Sisti has worked at Hilbert since 1995. She is a professor and chair of the Social Science division and has won numerous awards in the field of social work during her tenure at Hilbert. Dr. Siuta joined Hilbert in 2019 and serves as Director of Counseling, Health and Wellness. This past year, he has served as the co-chair of the college’s health and safety committee during the COVID-19 pandemic.
President Brophy will also present the Hilbert College Medal during the virtual ceremony to Russell Corigliano. The Hilbert College Medal, one of Hilbert College’s highest honors, is presented to those who embody Franciscan values, demonstrate excellence in their profession or career, and excellence in community service. Corigliano, who is president and CEO of Rosina Foods, has been on the Hilbert College Board of Trustees since 2012. Corigliano’s service on the Board will come to an end this month and his dedication and leadership did not go unnoticed as he chaired or served on almost every Board committee.
President Brophy will confer master’s degrees, in addition to four- and two-year degrees to graduates in the Class of 2021.
Top student awards that will be presented at Hilbert’s 60th commencement include:
- Lambert and Margaret Graham Award for a full-time returning adult student who has earned the highest cumulative quality point average. Presented to William Allen Graves
- Kimberly Bruch Raczkowski Memorial Alumni Association Award for a graduate who reflects the spirit of Hilbert and its mission, and possesses strong leadership skills and demonstrates loyalty and dedication to others.Presented to Rebecca Ann Vermilyea
- Sister Mary Edwina Bogel Award to an outstanding graduate in recognition of their character, intellectual achievement and devoted service to fellow students and the college. Presented to Mackenzi Ryan White
- John Kissel Award to an outstanding student in recognition of their character, intellectual progress, organizational ability, and participation in activities and programs.Presented to John Brechtel
- The Saint Catherine Medal for student achievement is the highest honor given to graduate students at Hilbert College.Presented to Courtney Santasero
In addition to the link to watch the virtual ceremony, please visit www.hilbert.edu/commencement for the 2021 Commencement program including a list of all graduates, academic awards, special distinctions, and more.
Hilbert College, located in suburban Hamburg, N.Y., south of Buffalo, is a private four-year college founded in 1957 in the Catholic Franciscan tradition. With nearly 800 students, Hilbert is a dynamic Western New York college that offers career-focused majors, including one of the top criminal justice programs in the region, and more than 50 minors and concentrations. The college’s engaging, student-centered campus community offers numerous leadership, internship, and service learning opportunities from which students launch successful careers while making positive changes in their communities. The Hilbert Blueprint promotes a well-rounded student experience over four years – starting with the Foundations Seminar in the freshman year, followed by Sophomore Service, Junior Symposium, and culminating with the Senior Capstone. Hilbert has expanded its academic offerings with the college’s first graduate programs in criminal justice administration and public administration, including a track in health administration.