Board of Regents Fills Eleven Outgoing Positions

October 5, 2011

BUFFALO, NY – The Canisius University Board of Regents appointed 11 new members to fill outgoing positions. The Board serves as an advisory group to Canisius President John J. Hurley and the college’s Board of Trustees. New members serve three-year terms. The new Board of Regents members are: 

Jill K. Bond ’82, senior vice president and general counsel for Rich Products Corporation; 

James A. Dobmeier ’80, president and founder of Surface America Inc.; 

Annette M. Dispenza-Kajtoch ’88, MBA ’90, senior vice president at First Niagara Bank; 

Mark G. Evans ’83, director of global leadership and organizational development and global education and training for the Colgate-Palmolive Company;

Michael M. Gilbert ’90, vice president of public and community relations for the Buffalo Sabres; 

Amy E. Hoffman ’82, president and co-founder of Rooster Hill Vineyards; 

Jack W. Koessler III, owner of Jack’s Music; 

James E. McNicholas ’68, MSEd ’97, retired Lt. Col. for the U.S. Army; 

Maureen T. Schmitt, chief executive officer of Schmitt Sales Inc.; 

Paul E. Vukelic, president and chief operating officer of Try-It Distributing Co. Inc. and Balkan Beverage LLC; and 

Daniel J. Zimmer ’83, MBA ’87, vice president for corporate finance and development at Delaware North Companies Inc.


Officers for the Canisius University Board of Regents are Chair Michael A. Ervolina Jr. ’79, president of Valu Home Centers Inc.; and Vice Chair Richard C. Suchan ’82, executive director and director of the Advancement Office for the Foundation of the Roman Catholic Diocese of Buffalo. 

Canisius University is one of 28 Catholic Jesuit colleges in the nation and the premier private college in Western New York. Canisius prepares leaders – intelligent, caring, faithful individuals – able to promote excellence in their professions, their communities and their service to humanity.