President, Hilbert College in Buffalo, New York

Dr. Michael S. Brophy currently serves as the president of Hilbert College in Buffalo, New York. He took office at the Hamburg college in January 2019.  Previously, he served as the president of Benedictine University (Chicago and Phoenix) and Marymount California University (Los Angeles).

He became president of Marymount in 2006 when it was a small Catholic liberal arts college in Southern California. He led the transformation of the private two-year college to a multi-site university with undergraduate and graduate degree offerings, doubling enrollment, leading successful fundraising campaigns, and spearheading facilities improvements that built new living and learning environments.

In 2015, Dr. Brophy was appointed president at Benedictine and led the University as it implemented its new strategic plan by increasing fundraising, opening a new college of business, implementing new programs, leading a program prioritization process, and growing its graduate, online, Arizona campus, and community college partnership enrollments. This strengthening of the University lead to an increased Standard & Poor’s financial rating and a reaffirmation of accreditation by the Higher Learning Commission. At both institutions, Dr. Brophy championed access and increased Hispanic student enrollment.

Prior to his presidencies, Dr. Brophy served as a campus dean within the University of Wisconsin system and as an enrollment management leader at Long Island University (New York), the State University of New York, and The Sage Colleges (New York). Dr. Brophy also served as an enrollment consultant to the Kentucky, Indiana, and Louisiana community college systems.

Dr. Brophy earned a BA in music and a MA in English from The College of Saint Rose, an MFA in writing from Long Island University, and a Ph.D. in Educational Leadership and Policy Analysis from the University of Wisconsin-Madison.

A Fulbright award recipient, Dr. Brophy has taught and conducted research in Europe and Cuba. As a filmmaker he has written, directed and edited three films that screened at film festivals, theaters, museums, universities, and foundations throughout the United States, Cuba and Europe, and has had screenplays selected to the Independent Feature Project Market in New York. As a musician, he has accompanied gospel choirs and performed with students and faculty in classical, pop, and jazz settings.

Dr. Brophy and his wife, Tara, reside in Western New York with their three children.

Jerry lives in Hamburg with his wife Gloria and daughter Georgia.

He graduated from St. Francis High School and attended Buffalo State College.  Mr. Deionno’s career at West Herr Automotive Group started in 1988.  He is now a Service Manager.  Jerry has accumulated several honors from Ford Motor Company including multiple Medallion Elite Recognitions, and has helped West Herr earn Ford’s distinguished President’s Award 26 times.

He is Master Certified with  Ford in Service Management and Service Advisor training.  Jerry is a  4th degree member of the Knights of Columbus and a member of its Hamburg Council.  He also participates yearly in the M.S. Great Lake Escape ride.

Dr. Richard Hughes was born and raised in the Western New York and graduated from Perry Central School in 1992. He attended Allegheny College for his Bachelor of Science in Biology, completed his Master of Science and administrative certification at SUNY Fredonia and earned his Doctorate of Educational Leadership from Northcentral University. In December 2017, Rich was appointed the Superintendent of Schools for the Frontier Central School District, located just south of Buffalo along the shores of Lake Erie.

Dr. Hughes began his career as a high school science teacher and coach, before gathering experience in various administrative roles, including the past eight years as a Superintendent. Dr. Hughes led both of his prior school districts through a one student to one device (1:1) technology integration with the foundational focus on the development of a rigorous and relevant curriculum, coupled with effective instructional practices, personalized learning supported by aligned professional development. This resulted in significant academic gains, especially for struggling students in both low wealth districts. Most recently, he led Central Valley from a being a low performing district to amongst the highest performing in the BOCES. During his career he has already supervised over $100,000,000 in capital projects and improvements to lead his school districts into 21st century learning. Rich aims to empower others by acting as a facilitator for creating a shared vision, supporter to provide the necessary tools and training to support growth and a technological agitator by shifting the role of educators from the traditional factory model to one where students lead the learning with teachers acting as their guides. Dr. Hughes received the 2017 Outstanding Superintendent of the Year from NYSCATE. He is also a Lexington Education Leadership Award fellow, a contributor to COSN’s Trusted Learning Environment Seal, a committee member on regional, state and national technology initiatives and a presenter/panelist at various conferences.

Mary Ruth joined the Character Council of Western New York to continue her desired involvement with students. She is currently working with the scholarship and other committees. Mary Ruth recently retired from the Buffalo Board of Education after serving nine years as Central District Representative. She served as President of the Board for three years; Vice President of Student Achievement, Vice President of Executive Affairs, and Chair of Educational Support. She also served as Area 1 Director of the New York State Caucus of Black Board Members 2013-2016.

Ruth was a special education teacher and reading teacher at Community School #53 in Buffalo. Prior to her experiences at School #53, Mary Ruth was a reading teacher for grades pre-kindergarten through six at Broadway Village Elementary #57 where she conducted assessments and evaluations while teaching the Orton-Gillingham method of teaching reading. In September of 2002, she worked as Adjunct Professor in Reading at Medaille College. Mrs. Kapsiak was appointed as Assistant Principal of Stanton Academy #31. In 2004, she was appointed Assistant Principal at Dr. Lydia T.Wright School of Excellence #89. She ended her career with the Buffalo Public Schools as Supervisor of Elementary Education in 2006.

Mary Ruth has earned several degrees including a Bachelor of Arts in Speech Communication, University at Buffalo; Certificate of Completion, Orton-Gillingham Method for Reading from the Gow School in South Wales, N.Y; Masters of Science in Exceptional Education, from Buffalo State College; Masters of Science, Reading, Canisius College; and completed her certification in School District Administration from Canisius College.

Mary Ruth has served on numerous Boards in the past and is still active in the community. She is a member of The Buffalo Philharmonic Orchestra Diversity Council, Alpha Kappa Alpha Sorority, Inc. where she has served as Vice President and now is President Elect, Erie County Chapter of the Links, Inc. serving as the Assistant Secretary, and a proud former Trustee of St. John Baptist Church where she is still actively involved on several committees.

Being involved in the community and in the education of all students has been her desire and focus. Fostering a climate of positive culture, relationships, and character is key in developing communities of which we can be proud.

Mary Ruth resides in Buffalo with her husband, James M. Kapsiak, a retired educator.

Mark McCreary is a life-long resident of Buffalo, NY.  He and his wife Julie have two sons, Conor and Braden.  Mark is a volunteer basketball and baseball coach for his sons’ teams.  He earned degrees from Hilbert College in Computer Science (A.A.S) and Business Administration (B.S).  Mark has worked at Wegmans since 1996 and is currently a Customer Service Team Member in the Prepared Foods department. 

Hamburg Village Mayor Thomas J. Moses Sr. was born in Bradford, Pennsylvania. However, he can be considered a native of Hamburg because he has lived here since 1954. His Alma Maters include Saints Peter and Paul Elementary School and Hamburg High School.

Tom has dedicated much of his life in service to the Hamburg community. He began working for the village in 1967. He held the position of Recreation Supervisor from 1970-2002. Under his leadership, many building and renovation projects were completed. Among these were the development of Glen Meadows Park, the updating of the Village Swim Center, and major improvements to the Community Center Park and the village playgrounds.

Tom’s community involvement exceeded the bounds of his job. He became very active in the Hamburg Schools, serving on the Health Council and Grounds Committee. He was one of the founders of the High School EMT Program. His dedication to the youth of our town and village has been demonstrated throughout his career.

Tom’s concern for others is further evidenced by his long tenure with the Hamburg Volunteer Fire Department. He has been the Assistant Village Disaster Coordinator and a member of the Board of Directors of the Hamburg Counseling Center.

A strong family man, Tom has been married to his wife, Mary Lou, for forty years. They have two sons, six grandchildren, and one great-grandchild. Tom and Mary Lou are active members of Saint Bernadette Parish.

As Mayor of the Village of Hamburg since 2006, Tom has continued to support character development and education. He is easily accessible, always ready to help with any problem or concern. His commitment to the welfare of others is the hallmark of his administration and has been the motivating force of his life.