Alumni in the News

January 21, 2017

Casey MSEd ’14 Looks Ahead to the 2020 Olympics
Boxer places first in U.S. nationals tournament

When Wendy Casey MSEd ’14 first walked into the boxing gym in 2003, her now long-time coach Dean Eoannou, had his doubts about her ability to compete.  Once she stepped into the ring, Eaonnou saw Casey had that killer instinct. 


Fast forward to December of 2016, Casey wins the U.S. nationals  in Kansas City, MO, which earns her a spot on USA Boxing’s elite national team. Casey will travel to Colorado Springs to train and prepare for upcoming international tournaments. Look for an alumni profile about Casey in the upcoming Winter 2017 edition of Canisius Magazine. 

To read more about Casey, click here.

Hassett ’64, PhD, Discusses New Novel
Book explores obscenity trials of James Joyce's 1922 novel "Ulysses"

Joseph Hassett ’64, PhD, recently discussed his new novel The 'Ulysses' Trials: Beauty and Truth Meet the Law, with The Buffalo News. In a Q&A, Hassett credits the late Charles Brady, PhD, longtime English professor at Canisius, for his appreciation of Irish literature.

To read the full interview, click here

Lillis ’82 Receives “Service to Mankind” Award
Alumnus honored by Leukemia & Lymphoma Society  

The Western and Central New York Chapter of the Leukemia & Lymphoma Society recognized Thomas Lillis ’82 with the 2017 “Service to Mankind” Award. The organization’s most prestigious honor is given each year to a person who contributes significantly to the chapter.

Lillis is vice chairman of the society’s local board of trustees and has been a part of the chapter since 1995.

Read more here.

Hyzy ’12 Views Buffalo from a Different Height
DMA major uses his drone to photograph Buffalo in new book

The sky is the limit for Christopher Hyzy ’12. A certified drone pilot, Hyzy uses his skills to showcase Buffalo from up high in his new book "B is for ... Buffalo: An Aerial Alphabet.” In it, Hyzy photographs something in the city that begins with each letter of the alphabet.

Read more about Hyzy's book in The Buffalo News article here.

Puehn ’08 Seeks to Grow Intelligent Bits
Billing software solves big problem for medical transport companies

David Puehn ’08 wants to take his business, Buffalo Intelligent Technology Systems – or Intelligent Bits, into national territory.  Puehn founded Intelligent Bits to solve billing problems for medical transport businesses.  It now serves 230 medical transport companies across the state.

Read more here.

Yancey ’10, ’13 trades career in biology for the stage
Singer/actor finds performing therapeutic

Emily Yancey ’10, ’13, traded a career in biology for one on the stage. After completing her bachelor’s degrees in biology and psychology, Yancey returned to Canisius to study vocal and music performance.

In an interview with BroadwayWorld.com, the singer/actor notes that she finds therapeutic value in performing. Her passion, she says, comes from entertainment that nourishes and heals, whether it is through tears, laughter, solidarity, or something more inexplicable.

Read the full interview here.