Staff recognized at UB Campaign for the Community Celebration

The wrap-up event, held on Jan. 25, recognized the people who help make UB’s campaign one of the most successful among U.S. universities.

Mary Kruszynski, residency program coordinator, pharmacy practice, was also recognized for sharing her story to help promote the campaign’s impact.

The William R. Greiner Award is given in memory of the late UB President William Greiner, who was an ardent and vocal supporter of the campaign. The award recognizes an individual who demonstrates President Greiner’s same passion for the campaign.

Coniglio holds a number of campaign-funded organizations close to her heart. In 2002, her husband suffered a tragic workplace injury that left him unable to work. The United Way of Buffalo and Erie County helped her with groceries and necessities during that time. “Catholic Charities [also] stepped in and gave [us] the counseling we needed to get through,” she said.

More recently, her father was in Hospice, where his care and the support her family received was “exceptional.”

“I have lived through the worst but have seen the best in what organizations are out there to help people when they need it,” Coniglio said. “Without the generous donations given by UB employees and many others, services like the ones I received would never be possible.”

Mary Kruszynski’s mother received an Alzheimer’s diagnosis five years ago. Her condition has grown progressively worse, but Kruszynski says the Alzheimer’s Association, Western New York Chapter, is always there for the family.

Kruszynski says for the first few years, her family managed her mother’s illness on their own. But for the past year, the Alzheimer’s Association has been a constant and reassuring partner.

“The Alzheimer’s Association has been wonderful,” says Kruszynski. “They have given us so many resources that I couldn’t imagine now going through this without them.”