BUFFALO, NY - The Canisius Alumni Association conferred its Distinguished Alumni Award upon five graduates of the college during Homecoming Weekend in September. The award recognizes individuals who have made noteworthy contributions in their chosen fields and who, through inspirational leadership, add distinction to their respective professions. The 2016 Distinguished Alumni Award honorees are:
Michael N. Coppola ‘70 - (Retired) President, Chief Executive Officer, Chair, Advance Auto Parts
Michael N. Coppola is considered the best-of-the-best in the retail and merchandising business. The retired president, CEO and chair of Advance Auto Parts is credited with steering the company to become the largest and most progressive retailer of automotive replacement parts and accessories in the U.S.
During his tenure at the wheel, Coppola developed the Fortune 500 company’s marketing, merchandising and new store design strategies. Advance Auto Parts became a higher performing organization under Coppola’s leadership. Forbes magazine recognized those efforts when it named Advance Auto Parts the best managed company in the retail sector.
Coppola previously spent 33 years in the retail grocery business with Tops in the Buffalo area, moving up the ranks to the level of executive vice president. He currently shares his retail and merchandising expertise as an independent retail consultant in Charlotte, North Carolina.
Nora K. McGuire MBA ‘08 - Senior Vice President, Chief Marketing Officer, Independent Health
Nora K. McGuire is a motivating force in helping Western New Yorkers get and stay healthy.
In her role as senior vice president and chief marketing officer for Independent Health, McGuire works to simplify the complex business of healthcare so that people can become educated on how to make healthy choices and be actively engaged in their own healthcare. She is also the impetus behind such popular community programs and partnerships as the Buffalo Bills Health and Wellness Challenge, the local Biggest Loser initiative, and the YMCA Fitness in the Parks program.
Outside of Independent Health, McGuire holds an even more public role. She is the founder and longtime leader of the local Susan G. Komen Race for the Cure. The 5K run and fitness walk raises significant funds for breast cancer awareness and research.
Ronald A. Raccuia ’90 - President, ADPRO Sports Inc.
Ronald A. Raccuia is all about making ideas happen. Ever since graduation, he has coupled his entrepreneurial spirt with his savvy business sense to start, run or grow companies.
Shortly after taking a position with Integrity Office Supply, Raccuia purchased the business and grew it to become an award-winning single source office supply provider.
Raccuia later sold Integrity to Eaton Office Supply and channeled his entrepreneurial energy into the growth of ADPRO Sports. The NFL licensee is currently one of the largest dealers of athletic apparel, footwear and equipment in the U.S.
Always on the go, Raccuia is also an NFL-approved player agent who has represented several Buffalo Bills including Fred Jackson, Brian Moorman and Terrence McGee.
Despite his demanding schedule, Raccuia deeply values making an impact on the Buffalo community and gives generously of his time and talent.
Kenneth M. Sroka ’65, PhD - Professor Emertius, English, Canisius University
The genius of Dr. Kenneth M. Sroka is the dazzling beauty of language he brought to the Canisius classroom. For more than four decades, the professor of English inspired in students an appreciation for reading, writing and experiencing the written word.
Sroka didn’t just teach students. He changed them, particularly those recruited to the Urban Leadership Learning Community, which he co-founded and co-directed. Since its inception in 2000, the ULLC has provided more than 130 socially and economically disadvantaged students an opportunity to obtain a Canisius education.
Even in retirement, Sroka continues to educate. As a volunteer at Erie County Medical Center, he leads weekly bibliotherapy sessions for patients with traumatic brain injuries. Also known as “the reading cure,” bibliotherapy is the systematic use of books to help individuals with mental, physical or emotional problems.
Mary V. Travers Murphy ’80- Executive Director, Family Justice Center of Erie County
Mary V. Travers Murphy is a voice for those who have none. As executive director of the Family Justice Center (FJC) for Erie County, she advocates for victims of domestic violence, providing them a safe haven while they receive medical, legal and financial assistance.
Since 2010, Murphy oversaw the expansion of FJC services with the creation of two new satellite offices. She fought for the FJC’s ability to instantly award orders of protection to victims via videoconferencing with judges. Murphy also led the launch of a tech-check program to assist victims who suspect their vehicles are being tracked by hidden GPS devices, and encouraged the establishment of a support group for family members of domestic violence victims.
In 2015, the U.S. Congressional Victims’ Rights Caucus presented Murphy with its Ed Stout Memorial Award for Outstanding Victim Advocacy.
