Mater Christi Award Gala October 2, 2008 Michael’s Banquet Facility Click here to purchase Mater Christi Dinner or Raffle tickets. Each year since 1993, the Board of Trustees of Immaculata Academy has held its annual gala to honor deserving community members with its prestigious Mater Christi Award. The 16th annual Mater Christi Award Gala will be held on Thursday, October 2, starting at 6 p.m. at Michael’s Banquet Facility in Hamburg. The event, presented by Ogorek Wealth Management, will feature the recipients of Immaculata Academy’s Master Christi Award for 2008: Debra A. Colley, Ph.D. (IA graduate), Dan Gernatt, Jr., Karen Karalus-Karamanoukian (IA graduate), and Peter & Mary Ann Starkey. Debra A. Colley, Ph.D. is an Immaculata alumna from the class of 1975. She has spent her career serving her community through her work in ensuring the excellence of education in both the public and Catholic sector. She has been the Dean of the College of Education at Niagara University since August, 1999. Prior to joining Niagara University, she worked for the New York State Education Department (SED) from 1988-1999. Holding various positions in both the Office of Higher Education and the Office of Vocational and Education Services for Individuals with Disabilities, Debra held leadership positions in policy and program development, support services and professional development, higher education services and program review. She has also recently served on the Community Involvement Committee for the Diocese of Buffalo and previously led the Task Force on the Future of Catholic Schooling in Niagara Falls. Immaculata Academy honors Dan Gernatt, Jr. and the Gernatt Family of Companies for their community involvement and unwavering devotion to Western New York. Dan started at a young age helping on the family farm and then the sand and gravel, concrete and asphalt businesses. Dan Jr. learned all aspects of the business by actually being part of the business from labor to management. He took over the finances of the family business in 1980 and is largely responsible for the expansion of the business to over 10 locations in Western New York making Gernatt the largest state approved sand and gravel aggregate supplier in New York State. He is currently the CEO and Chief Financial Officer of Gernatt Asphalt Products, Inc., Dan Gernatt Gravel Products, Inc. and Country Side Sand & Gravel, Inc. Dan is also a trustee of Hilbert College, a 25+ year member of the Collins Volunteer Fire Department and has been active in supporting many non-profit organizations including Roswell Park Alliance, Buffalo Children’s Hospital, the American Lung Association, the Leukemia Society, the March of Dimes, the American Heart Association, American Red Cross, St. Francis High School’s Justinian, along with Immaculata Academy. Karen Karalus-Karamanoukian, an alumna of IA’s class of 1984, is recognized as an instrument of positive change for her tireless dedication to her community and her charitable spirit. She is the Executive Vice President for Advanced Cardiac Surgical Associates, PLLC, the parent company of The Vein Treatment Center and The Center for Excessive Sweating. Her philanthropic leadership in Western New York is well-respected and extensive, supporting a wide array of charities such as Gustavo Adolphus (GA) Family Services for abused and neglected children, Prevent Child Abuse New York, Kids Escaping Drugs, Disabled American Veterans, St. Lawrence Church, Camp Good Days, Buffalo Prep, and Compeer, in addition to many other local groups, organizations, and charities. Dr. Peter Starkey was born in Lackawanna and has been a lifelong Hamburg resident. He earned a Bachelor of Science degree from St. Bonaventure University and a Doctor of Dental Surgery degree from SUNY Buffalo School of Dental Medicine. Peter then joined the Bergler, Gianadda, Braunstein & Biondo, P.C. dental practice (which has since become Western New York Dental Group, P.C.) and became a partner in 1988. In addition to practicing chair-side dentistry, he has taken on administrative duties and Peter is currently the Clinical Director of Western New York Dental Group, P.C. He has also been active with Boy Scout Troop 400, the Hamburg Junior Baseball League, and the Alumni Association at SUNY Buffalo School of Dental Medicine. Mary Ann Starkey earned a Bachelor of Business Administration degree from St. Bonaventure University. Upon graduation, she worked in the legal field for twenty years until focusing her efforts on her family and on volunteer pursuits, beginning as a secretary for Rogers & Hites, LLC and Damon and Morey LLC before becoming office administrator for Gibson, McAskill & Crosby, and Colucci & Gallaher, P.C. until her retirement in 2001. Mary Ann has served as editor of S.S. Peter & Paul’s Home School Association newsletter and is also an active member of Immaculata’s Parent Guild. Those interested in attending the award gala or becoming a sponsor may contact Immaculata Academy’s Office of Institutional Advancement at (716) 648-4307. Cochairs Announced for Mater Christi Award Gala Patrick and Ann Heraty, along with Mark and Linda Hooper will serve as co chairs for the 16th annual Mater Christi Award Gala on October 2 in Michael’s Banquet Facility. Patrick Heraty has worked at Hilbert College in Hamburg since 1978, where he has held a variety of academic and administrative positions. As a business professor, he teaches courses in Strategic Planning, Leadership, and Management. In 1989, he was awarded Hilbert College’s highest honor, the President’s Medal, for demonstrating outstanding contribution to student life. Ann Heraty worked in the Lake Shore Central School District at Highland Elementary as their reading specialist since 1967, before retiring last year. She has also served as president of the Evans Business and Professional Organization. The Heratys are active parishioners at St. Bernadette’s in Orchard Park and have served as parish council presidents. Ann has also served as president of the school advisory board and currently serves on the Journey of Faith and Grace committee. Ann and Patrick have both taught religious education at St. Bernadette’s. Deacon Mark Hooper is a registered professional engineer employed with National Fuel Gas for 27 years. He was ordained a Permanent Deacon in 2000 and assigned to Our Lady of Perpetual Help and South Buffalo Mercy Hospital. His past activities include Immaculata Academy Parent Guild Members (and Past Co-President), St. Francis Justinian Auction Co-Chairs, St. Francis High School Parent Guild Board Members, and Parish MISSION Leaders. Mark also serves on the Boards of Directors for Dig Safely New York and Pennsylvania One Call System. Linda has worked as the secretary at Our Lady of Perpetual Help since 1996. She is a member of the Permanent Diaconate Team and Facilitator, and also serves as a Eucharistic Minister. Mark and Linda have been members of Our Lady of Perpetual Help since 1990.
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