Alumni Profiles

Image of a graduation cap reading "She turned her can'ts into cans and her dreams into plans.

Learn more about the accomplishments of Graduate School of Education alumni and how our alumni are impacting their field, their community and the world.

“I cherish my work with students and being able to follow where those I worked with are now.”
10/28/24
Timothy Tryjankowski, EdM ’93
Former Director of Honors College Research at the University at Buffalo
Past Chair of the Faculty/Staff Senate
“Don’t be surprised if you’re not doing what you expected, and always be open to learning more.”
10/28/24
Liz Czarnecki, EdM ’94, BA ‘76
Teacher, Williamsville North High School
“I have always wanted to give back to my community and serve through education.”
7/22/24
Genelle Morris, EdD ’14
Superintendent, Olean City School District
“I did my business model on the idea of creating an outsource company that would facilitate the student-athlete feedback process.”
5/6/24
Jennifer Cross, BA '92, EdM '94
Vice President of Professional Services, Game Plan and Managing Director of Athlete Viewpoint

Michael Cross, BA '91, EdM '93
Athletic Director for New Business Development, Penn State University and Board Member, Game Plan
“Persistence embodies, for me, the number one value that a person needs in life. The challenges will always come ... You have to know what it is you’re working toward.”
5/6/24
Joelle Formato, EdM ’15
Founder and Head of School, Persistence Preparatory Academy Charter School
“One of the things that I do all the time as a school psychologist is make sure the children who come into my office know how brilliant and special they are, no matter what.”
5/6/24
Desiree Williams, MA/AC ’15
School Psychologist, Hamlin Park Claude and Ouida Clapp Academy
“It’s all about having the right support around you. Anything is possible.”
5/6/24
Amanda Knapp, BS ’00, EdM ’03
Associate Vice Provost and Assistant Dean, Undergraduate Academic Affairs, University of Maryland, Baltimore County
“The LIFTS program helped me understand who I am as a leader.”
5/6/24
Casandra Wright, EdM ’03
Associate Superintendent, Buffalo Public Schools
When asked how he chose to enroll in GSE’s Teacher Residency Program, Crump calls it, “Divine intervention. Serendipity.”
5/6/24
Gary Crump, CAS ’21
Social Studies Teacher, Frederick Law Olmsted School
“My experiences lead me to become a teacher and work with kids and I love it.”
5/6/24
Rebecca Vujnovic, PhD ’10
Clinical Assistant Professor, University at Buffalo
“Never stop aspiring and inspiring; that is the power of education.”
5/6/24
Timothy Zgliczynski, PhD ’16
Teacher, Lancaster School District
“Without the help and dedication of everybody, change would not be possible.”
5/6/24
Stephen Uebbing, EdD ’87
Professor, University of Rochester
“Working within university settings provides rich and valuable learning opportunities.”
5/6/24
Tanya Christ, PhD ’07
Associate Professor, Oakland University
“I like to think that we have a personal impact when someone takes a tour with us.”
5/6/24
Michael Venturiello, EdM ’16
Founder, Christopher Street Tours
“I had the opportunity to publish and present with professors and counseling center staff.”
5/6/24
Merle Keitel, PhD ’87
Professor, Fordham University
“I learned the aspects and nuances of effective teaching.”
5/6/24
Jillian Wilsey, EdM ’10
Instructor, Niagara County Community College
“I had a tremendous opportunity to learn from some of the best faculty.”
5/6/24
Paula Ganyard, MLS ’96
Library Director, University of Wisconsin-Green Bay
“The strong preparation in professional ethics has served me well in my own work.”
5/6/24
Douglas Scheidt, PhD ’91
Provost, SUNY College of Technology at Canton
“You’re going to have to overcome many, many things in your life, but how you do it develops you into who you will be.”
1/23/23
Brittany Patterson, PhD ’15
Assistant Professor, Baltimore’s University of Maryland School of Medicine
“It’s important for everybody to remember that technology itself will never replace an educator.”
1/23/23
Alie Kuitems, EdM ’09
Lead Technology Integration Specialist, Charter School for Applied Technologies
“The research component project was one of the highlights of my degree program.”
1/23/23
Nosisi Feza, PhD ’09
Professor, University of South Africa

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