Distinguished Alumni recognized during Reunion Weekend
Mercyhurst University presented its highest alumni award – the Sister Carolyn Herrmann Award – to the Honorable Richard A. Lanzillo during its 10th annual Reunion Weekend in June. (See story at left). Five other Distinguished Alumni were also recognized for their outstanding achievements in their careers or for their service to the community. Gary Calabrese ’79 went on to earn another bachelor’s degree in physical therapy from Cleveland State University and a doctorate from the University of Montana. He’s now the Senior Director for Sports Health and Orthopaedic Rehabilitation at the Cleveland Clinic, where he supervises more than 900 employees and facilities around the world. He has worked with all of Cleveland’s major league teams, including 22 years as team physical therapist with the Cleveland Cavaliers.
Stephen Callaghan ‘79 had a 20-year career as a naval aviator, retiring as a Commander, and earned a master’s degree in national security and strategic studies from the Naval War College. He later joined Lockheed-Martin Corporation and directed its F-35 and Naval Aviation Programs. Following a stint with Sikorsky Aircraft, in April he returned to Lockheed-Martin Aeronautics, where he’s now in charge of business development for the F-35 Program. Suki Fuller ’05 has been a competitive intelligence advisor in the automotive, pharmaceutical, technology, and defense industries, and founded her own business, Miribure. Since 2015, she has become known for her work mentoring entrepreneurs, including many women, in the fast-growing tech industry. She has recently entered the venture capital feld as co-founder and CEO of Salaam Ventures, and continues to be a noted public speaker and trainer.
Nalika Nanayakkara ’94 earned her MBA in fnance and management from Columbia University. After positions with Bank of Tokyo- Mitsubishi and Capgemini, she joined EY (formerly known as Ernst & Young) in 2011. A principal, she leads the wealth and asset management practice out of the New York ofce. She has written articles for a variety of respected publications in the fnance industry, and is frequently quoted as an expert by fnancial media. Maria Figurski Wells ’06 has dealt with a series of critical health challenges over the past several years, but went on to create Mama Mia’s BOWtique, a unique children’s store that she uses as a platform to help children sufering from illness. Despite her own health challenges, she has raised more than $30,000 in the last eight months alone to help families dealing with blindness, paralysis, brain cancer, severe heart issues, and more.
Gary Calabrese ’79 receives his Distinguished Alumni Award from President Michael T. Victor and Dr. Melanie Titzel, president of the Mercyhurst University Alumni Association Board of Directors. Maria Figurski Wells ’06 is fanked by her former education professors, Provost Leanne M. Roberts and Dr. Kathy Bukowski, who nominated her for a Distinguished Alumni Award. Unable to attend the awards ceremony: Stephen Callaghan ’79, Nalika Nanayakkara ’94, and Suki Fuller ’06.
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