[Congressional Record Volume 165, Number 180 (Tuesday, November 12, 2019)]
[Extensions of Remarks]
[Page E1428]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]




  CELEBRATING THE INSTALLATION OF DR. MATTHEW GIORDANO AS THE FOURTH 
                    PRESIDENT OF VILLA MARIA COLLEGE

                                 ______
                                 

                           HON. BRIAN HIGGINS

                              of new york

                    in the house of representatives

                       Tuesday, November 12, 2019

  Mr. HIGGINS of New York. Madam Speaker, today I rise to acknowledge 
the installation of Dr. Matthew Giordano as the Fourth President of 
Villa Maria College on Friday, November 15, 2019.
  Villa Maria College is a private, co-educational, Catholic college 
providing the support and resources needed to give students the 
opportunity to learn and grow with a culturally diverse population that 
lives its ideals of truth, charity, and unity.
  Dr. Matthew Giordano, the first male, lay-person president in the 
college's history, assumed the role of interim president in July 2018 
following the retirement of Sister Marcella Marie Garus, Villa's 
legendary forty-year leader. Since that time, the College launched 
three new academic programs including flexible business, game design 
and software development proactively responding to heightened 
employment opportunities in these growth industries. Scholarship 
eSports has also found a home at Villa Maria College.
  This visionary leader is not only responding to the marketplace of 
today but ensuring the college's future growth as he and his team are 
creating a new strategic plan, introduced new models of governance and 
is developing strong connections between the Villa Maria family of 
students, faculty and staff.
  Prior to his selection, Giordano served at vice president for 
academic affairs from 2012 to 2018. During that time, he played a 
pivotal role in planning and implementing the college's creative 
blueprint resulting in major enrollment growth and increased retention, 
launching new academic programs, including an honors program, and 
helping to secure grant funding in support of student success, 
including a $1.8 million Title III grant.
  Dr. Giordano brought his passion for teaching English and gift for 
student engagement to Villa in 2005 and became chairperson of the 
liberal arts department in 2009.
  It is especially noteworthy that while he is working within the 
beautiful, stately walls of the Villa Campus, Dr. Giordano understands 
that the college is strengthened when the surrounding neighborhoods are 
strengthened. An anchor institution and community asset linking the 
borders of the city of Buffalo and the town of Cheektowaga, Villa's new 
president is committed to open dialogue with local leaders and elected 
officials to develop partnerships and initiate collaborative 
relationships in support of its students and neighbors.
  Dr. Giordano has a Bachelor of Arts degree in English and Philosophy 
from Binghamton University and both a Master of Arts and doctorate 
degree in American Literature from the Ohio State University. He 
successfully completed the Executive Leadership Academy of the Council 
of Independent Colleges and the Felician Leadership Institute this past 
year.
  He follows in the footsteps of true Felician leaders as Villa Maria 
College was founded in 1960 by Mother Mary Annette Guzowski and the 
Felician Sisters of the Immaculate Heart of Mary Province. Through 
extensions of charters, National and State Accreditations and 
significant program expansions offering real world experiences, Villa 
Maria College at almost sixty years of service remains a vital center 
of educational energy as it embraces the academic, social and careers 
goals of its students.
  Madam Speaker, I take this time to congratulate Dr. Matthew Giordano 
on his installation as President of Villa Maria College. This new era 
in the college's history will begin with a true celebration witnessed 
by his wife, Jennifer Desiderio, their three daughters and the extended 
Villa Maria Community. We extend our best wishes for continued success 
as he leads this unique institution of higher education into the 
future.

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