SPIRIT. MIND. BODY. CORDECHO 13 Professionally, Pat made a lasting impact during her thirteen-year tenure as a College Advancement Administrator at D’Youville College, where she cultivated meaningful relationships and helped secure resources that advanced the college’s mission. She continued to support the institution as the Alumni Representative on the board of trustees and was honored with the St. Marguerite D’Youville Award in 2010 for her exceptional service. Her commitment to community was unwavering. Pat generously gave her time and talents to numerous organizations, including the Sisters of St. Francis Tribute Dinner Gala Committee, where she helped lead the 150th Anniversary Franciscan Gala. She also volunteered with Christ the King Church, Buffalo Maritime Center, and the Junior League of Buffalo, where she was deeply involved in the Decorators’ Show Houses. Funds raised supported key community initiatives, including the Buffalo Museum of Science, Haven House, the Buffalo Lighthouse Restoration, and Theatre of Youth. Within the Sacred Heart community, Pat served with distinction as a Board member from 2011 to 2015 and later as Board President from 2015 to 2020. She was a member of the Advancement Committee and a joyful presence at nearly every Sacred Heart event, including golf tournaments, alumnae weekends, and Sandstone celebrations. Her nominators noted: “We looked forward to Pat receiving this award with her family and classmates surrounding her. It was only this spring that we learned of her tragic cancer diagnosis and her passing on March 27. Our nomination still stands.” Her children shared that she instilled in them the importance of service, collaboration, and generosity. As adults, they now follow in her footsteps, devoting themselves to causes that matter, just as she taught them to do. They also recalled their mother’s extraordinary ability to fill the room with her vibrant personality and welcoming smile, a presence that will be deeply missed by all who knew her. Pat’s legacy is one of compassion, leadership, and heartfelt connection. Her nomination is not only deserved, it is a tribute to a life beautifully lived and a soul that continues to inspire. The Franciscan Charism Award is presented to a member of our extended family who has given unselfishly to further the mission of Sacred Heart Academy. Linda Cimusz Linda Cimusz first joined the Buffalo Academy of the Sacred Heart community in 2011 when she assumed the role of Director of Academics. Before taking this position, Linda earned her master’s degree in urban education and leadership from Syracuse University, taught in Syracuse Public Schools, and spent 15 years as an assistant superintendent of the Williamsville Central School District. She worked at the state level, serving as the Deputy Commissioner of Education for the State of Texas. During Linda’s time at Sacred Heart, she brought professionalism, a drive for excellence, and constant enthusiasm for improvement. She also had the gift of foresight, something that benefited SHA immeasurably, leading up to the COVID pandemic. A month before the pandemic was making the nightly news, Linda assembled a team and began to formulate a plan that would allow for a seamless transition to online learning. As a result, when schools were closed indefinitely, SHA students continued to learn and be nurtured according to Linda’s plan. Linda most recently returned to SHA as our IB Coordinator. It seems only fitting that she assist in our IBMYP application, as she was instrumental in our authorization for the IB Diploma Program. Sacred Heart’s faculty, staff, and students are stronger thanks to Linda’s leadership. The Living the Spirit Award is presented to individuals or organizations who use their Godgiven talents in outstanding service to others following the tradition of St. Francis and St. Clare. Horizon Health Services Horizon Health Services, Inc. is a not-for-profit corporation providing hope and healing for individuals and their families dealing with substance use and/or mental health disorders. Established in 1975, Horizon is one of the largest providers of outpatient mental health and substance use treatment in Western New York. Horizon Health Services is visibly present in every corner of the Buffalo community with programming designed to meet mental health needs wherever necessary. One example is the Teen Mental Health Program. Horizon’s Teen Mental Health Program, founded by The Devin Waring Foundation with support from The Good Climb and The Revelas Family Foundation, focuses on improving mental health education, awareness, and support for high school students. The program aims to combat the growing mental health and substance use crisis in the community, exacerbated by COVID-19, social isolation, and other challenges. Horizon is present in numerous schools, providing tailored educational programs and resources. Horizon is unique in its approach to collaboration, engaging partners who can best connect those in need with vital resources. Their constant work to build community connections makes them invaluable to the Western New York Community.
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