Stephanie Cao

Major: Early Childhood/Childhood Education(conc: Math)
Year of Graduation:2016
Hometown / High School: Cheektowaga/ Williamsville South High School
Resident or Commuter: Commuter
Campus Activities: None.

Why did you choose Medaille?  I chose Medaille because I wanted the small classes and personal attention.

How would you describe Medaille in one word?  Friendly.

What is your favorite thing to do at Medaille?  Meet new people!

What advice do you have for  first-year students?  If you’re constantly afraid of trying out new things(such as meeting new people, joining clubs etc), you won’t get a great college experience. Involving yourself as much as you can will help you transition into college better and give you a better experience throughout your years!

 

LaQuan Crawford

Major: Psychology
Year of Graduation: 2014
Hometown / High School:  Bronx/ South Park High
Resident or Commuter: Commuter
Campus Activities: MCTV/ Medaillie radio

Why did you choose Medaille? I chose Medaillie because it is a small personalized school

How would you describe Medaille in one word?  Homey  

What is your favorite thing to do at Medaille?  The people/ teachers that I have met here

What advice do you have for first-year students?  The best advice I can give is to get involved on campus because if they don’t they definitely won’t have fun while they go here

 

Ryan A. DePaolo

Major: Communications
Year of Graduation: 2015
Hometown / High School: North Tonawanda / Cardinal O’Hara
Resident or Commuter: Commuter
Campus Activities: Radio Station, TV Studio, 

Why did you choose Medaille? After my initial interest in the radio station the internship program sold me. Three internships required for graduation? A thoroughly connected staff often willing to bend over backwards to see you succeed? A pages-long professional resume built in 4 years? Yes please.

How would you describe Medaille in one word?  Comfortable

What is your favorite thing to do at Medaille?  I like just hanging out with all of the people I’ve met and friends I’ve made. If it’s warm we’re in the Quad just hanging around; if it’s cold you can normally find me near the fireplace with a smoothie.

What advice do you have for  first-year students?  Relax. College isn’t as hectic as it’s made out to be. Get your work done and then do what you want. Don’t be afraid to talk to anybody, we were all in your position not long ago, we know how it is.

 

Danielle Dworzanski

Major: Sport Management
Year of Graduation: 2014
Hometown / High School: Town of Wheatfield / Niagara Wheatfield High School
Resident or Commuter: commuter
Campus Activities: 

• 2nd Term as Student Government President
• Sports Management Assist Team Vice President 
• Relay for Life Club Committee Chair
• 2nd year as an orientation leader
• Member of the True Blue and Gold leadership program
• Student Activities Board member

Why did you choose Medaille?  I chose Medaille because I felt I would get a high quality education and still be close to home. The connections I have made here will last a life time. 

How would you describe Medaille in one word?  Colorful 

What is your favorite thing to do at Medaille?  Go to campus events hosted by clubs or organizations

What advice do you have for  first-year students?  Get involved!!

 

MJ Girardi

Major: Criminal Justice
Year of Graduation: 2016
Hometown / High School: Orchard Park/ Orchard Park High School
Resident or Commuter: Cummuter
Campus Activities: TBG/ OL

Why did you choose Medaille?  Small class sizes, gave me the most scholarship money

How would you describe Medaille in one word?  Family

What is your favorite thing to do at Medaille?  Learning pertinent information about my major 

What advice do you have for  first-year students?  Surround yourself with the right people early on, it can make or break your freshman year of college.

 

Rachael Gormley

Major: Psychology (alumni)
Year of Graduation: 2013
Hometown / High School: Buffalo, home schooled
Resident or Commuter: commuter
Campus Activities: SGA, MCA, CSC, SAB, MPS, TRiO Peer Mentor

Why did you choose Medaille?  Small classes and basic awesomeness

How would you describe Medaille in one word?  Active

What is your favorite thing to do at Medaille?  MCA Events!!

What advice do you have for first-year students?  Learn to budget!!

 

Raquel A Huber

Major: Secondary English Education with a minor in Special Education
Year of Graduation: December of 2014
Hometown / High School: York, NY-York High School
Resident or Commuter: Resident (South Hall)
Campus Activities: MMD, Paranormal Society, work study at the Advisement Office and Student Ambassador

Why did you choose Medaille?  The closeness of the staff/faculty and students, small class sizes, and right in the heart of Buffalo!

How would you describe Medaille in one word?  Opportunity

What is your favorite thing to do at Medaille?  Watch football in the Quad, and lounge on the picnic tables in the warm weather.

What advice do you have for first-year students?  Get Involved! It’s important to put yourself out there and make the connections that will last you a lifetime.

 

Arielle Kaigler-Hall 

Major: Communications/ Minor: Psychology
Year of Graduation:  May 2014
Hometown / High School:  Syracuse, New York/ Corcoran High School
Resident or Commuter: Resident
Campus Activities: TRIO Peer Mentor, Cross Country 

Why did you choose Medaille? I choose Medaille because it's not close from home and it's not to far from home. 

How would you describe Medaille in one word?  Warm 

What is your favorite thing to do at Medaille?  My favorite thing to do at Medaille would have to attending the end of year activities.

What advice do you have for  first-year students?  I would tell first-year students to be prepare for an adventure because college is something that everyone should experience!  So have fun and make it one of the best experiences of your life! 

 

Shucan Lu (Cathy)

Major: English
Year of Graduation: 2014
Hometown / High School: China / Boluo Secondary School
Resident or Commuter: Commuter
Campus Activities: Asian Culture Club, InterVarsity

Why did you choose Medaille?  I like the small-class teaching which provides each student more opportunities to interact with professors.

How would you describe Medaille in one word?  Homey.

What is your favorite thing to do at Medaille?  Work-out in the new gym and cook with friends in the kitchen.

What advice

 do you have for first-year students?  Join at least one club and feel free to ask for help.

 

Frances Perez

Major: Criminal Justice Minor in Psychology
Year of Graduation: May 2014
Hometown / High School: Buffalo, NY / Math, Science, and Technology Prep
Resident or Commuter: Commuter
Campus Activities: True, Blue, and Gold Leadership. Relay For Life Participant.

Why did you choose Medaille?  The small atmosphere provides me with the quality of learning I need to succeed in my classes. At Medaille I am not the 200th student but the 20th so my professors have time to discuss things I might have missed or not comprehended in class.

How would you describe Medaille in one word?  Genuine

What is your favorite thing to do at Medaille?  I like to donate to any or every charity event because it makes me feel like I’m in touch with the community outside of Medaille as if I could make a difference even if I don’t have time in between classes and work.

What advice do you have for first-year students?  Dive Right In! You can only experience the undergrad experience once. The opportunities are amazing so join as many clubs as possible, go study abroad, go on that trip you think you can’t afford because these experiences will form your opinion about college and if you do things then you’re outlook will be bright. Furthermore, you will most likely stay in college instead of dropping out because you’re enjoying it so much.

 

Brittany Pivarsi

Major: Elementary Education, Math concentration
Year of Graduation: 2014
Hometown / High School: Cheektowaga / St. Mary’s High School
Resident or Commuter: Commuter
Campus Activities: Medaille Music and Drama, Scholars, FTC

Why did you choose Medaille?  It had the excellent education program I was searching for, and it was small enough where I could get to know my classmates and professors really well.

How would you describe Medaille in one word?  Family

What is your favorite thing to do at Medaille?  I love to go to different events that Medaille has, especially the ones with food.

What advice do you have for first-year students?  Be sure to get involved on campus and make sure you ask questions when you are unsure. College is what you make of it!

 

Rosanne Sparacino

Major: Criminal Justice with a minor in Pre-Law
Year of Graduation: 2015
Hometown / High School: Marilla NY, Kenmore East High School
Resident or Commuter: Commuter
Campus Activities: Criminal Justice Club, Cross Country team

Why did you choose Medaille?  Love the small campus and class sizes. The one on one with the professors is great!

How would you describe Medaille in one word?  Entertaining

What is your favorite thing to do at Medaille?  Hang out in the new lounging area on the top floor of Sullivan Center around the fire!

What advice do you have for first-year students?  Get involved! It will help you make new friends and stay active within the Medaille community!

 

Bob Turchiarelli

Major: Accounting - BA
Year of Graduation: 2015
Hometown / High School: Hamburg, NY
Resident or Commuter: Resident
Campus Activities: True Blue & Gold, Intervarsity, Admissions Ambassador

Why did you choose Medaille?  The Community and Opportunities

How would you describe Medaille in one word?  Breathtaking 

What is your favorite thing to do at Medaille?  Participate in events and meet new people

What advice do you have for first-year students?  Be confident and true to yourself. Bring something new to Medaille.

 

Julia F. West

Major: Criminal Justice with a Developmental Psychology and Pre-Law minors.
Year of Graduation: 2014
Hometown / High School: Williamsville South High School
Resident or Commuter: Commuter
Campus Activities: Criminal Justice Club

Why did you choose Medaille?  I chose Medaille mostly because it was small. But also because I did an overnight in the dorms and everyone was really nice and talked highly about Medaille. Couldn’t be happier with my decision.

How would you describe Medaille in one word?  Rewarding!

What is your favorite thing to do at Medaille?  I'd have to say lunch with friends in Sullivan, chat/debate with Dr. McCorry, and plan/have/attend events.

What advice do you have for  first-year students?  Do your thing, find your niche, stay organized, and keep smiling.