| August 26, 2009 | Vol 11. No. 1 |
The NetGazette features profiles of new and current faculty, staff and administrators. If you have an idea for a Canisius profile, please send an E-mail to Kristin Etu '91, NetGazette editor, at etuk@canisius.edu.
Timothy J. McAllister, Telecommunications Technician II for ITS
Tim McAllister, telecommunications technician II for ITS, in the telecomm closet on the third floor of Lyons Hall. McAllister troubleshoots problems that may arise in the wiring and cabling systems throughout the campus.
Ask Timothy J. McAllister, telecommunications technician II for ITS about his job, and it quickly becomes apparent that his work keeps him mobile. And he likes it that way.
“I am primarily responsible for the campuses’ wiring and cabling system.” says McAllister, “If someone has a problem with his or her phone, computer or the card swipe system, I am often the first person to investigate. I am always on the go. That is what I love about this job.”
Before he came to Canisius 15 years ago, McAllister worked as a carpenter and in the construction business. He obtained his bachelor’s degree in technical and liberal studies at the college in 2000 as a non-traditional student.
When he is not at work, McAllister likes to rock it out with a few of his close friends. He plays guitar and sings in the classic rock band, “The Keepers,” which performs regularly at The Pearl Street Grille and Brewery.
“It’s basically a few guys my age, empty nesters, having some fun,” laughs McAllister. “I grew up in the 1960s. Everybody played guitar!”
In addition to his love of music, McAllister and his wife, Noreen, are avid runners. They participate in the Canisius Shoes for Shelter, have run a half marathon and are training for a second half-marathon. McAllister says it is perfect preparation for one of their other pursuits: mountain climbing.
“There are 46 peaks in the Adirondacks and people who climb all 46 of them are called ‘46ers’” says McAllister. “We aspire to that!”
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| Tim McAllister stands atop Sawteeth Mountain on a recent vacation in the Adirondacks. |
McAllister adds that he is an avid supporter of the local economy and an actively promotes Buffalo First, a nonprofit organization comprised of local independent businesses, organizations and concerned citizens who work to build a more local, green and fair economy for all.
Laura (Grinnen) Marek ’06, Research Analyst for Prospect Research
As an undergraduate student at Canisius, Laura B. (Grinnen) Marek ’06, research analyst for prospect research, thought she might pursue a career in journalism.
“I liked to write and I completed some internships,” recalls Marek. “I really didn’t know what development was all about.”
Marek learned a bit about the field when she worked on a temporary project in the Development Office in 2006. In 2007, she was hired to work in the Office of Prospect Research, where she says she gladly puts her writing skills to work.
Marek researches current and prospective donors and writes up reports for the development team. She also assembles the Alumni Notes, Baby Griffs, wedding and in memoriam sections of the Canisius Magazine and researches and writes up profiles of various constituents who are nominated for college awards or honors.
If Marek’s maiden name sounds familiar, it’s because her mother, Cheryl Grinnen, has worked in the Office of Human Resources for more than 15 years. Laura and Cheryl enjoy morning chats as they carpool to work each day from Cheektowaga.
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| Laura Marek '06 and her husband, Mark, on the first floor staircase in Lyons Hall after their July 17 wedding in Christ the King Chapel |
“There are so many beautiful buildings on campus, so I thought why not go across the street to Lyons Hall?” recalls Marek. “The pictures turned out great!”
Marek and her new husband took an Alaskan Cruise for their honeymoon, where they snorkeled and enjoyed sightseeing. Both will head “back to school” this fall: Laura will pursue a second bachelor’s degree in entrepreneurship and Mark a master’s degree in differentiated education.
Outside of work, Marek’s passion is choreography.
“I started taking dance when I was three,” says Marek. “I have worked as a choreographer or performer at the Lancaster Opera House and Riveria Theater for the last three years.”
Marek has been involved in numerous productions performed at The Lancaster Opera House and Riviera Theater including a recent performance of High School Musical 2. She has choreographed many musicals including Oklahoma, Miracle on 34th Street, The Wizard of Oz, High School Musical and Crazy for You. As a performer, Marek played Gertrude McFuzz in Suessical the Musical, Liesl in The Sound of Music, Sr. Leo in Nunsensations, and Sharpay in High School Musical 2.