Niagara University’s Holzschuh College of Business Administration Honors Four at Annual Awards Dinner

Niagara University's Holzschuh College of Business Administration honored four individuals for their extraordinary leadership and commitment to their communities at its annual Business Awards Dinner on April 25 at the Niagara Falls Convention Center.

The AACSB-accredited college recognized Richard Gold, former M&T Bank president and chief operating officer; Thurman and Patti Thomas and the 34 Group; and alumni John Ruffolo, '95, chief financial officer at Horizon Corporations, and Ashley Decker, '19, MBA'20, associate digital marketing manager, integrated performance marketing at Rich Products, during the event, which supports student activities and engagement.

"Our annual Business Awards Dinner gives us an opportunity to recognize and celebrate the achievements of exemplary leaders within our community while supporting the next generation of business professionals," said Dr. Mark Frascatore, dean of the college.

Gold received the Dean's Award in recognition of the critical role he played in M&T Bank's significant growth over the past three decades to become Western New York's most prominent public company and one of the largest banks in the United States. His 34-year career with the organization included management positions in several areas before being named vice chair and chief risk officer in 2014. During his tenure, Gold worked on nearly every acquisition the bank made; helped direct the development of its online presence; led the mortgage and consumer lending businesses through one of the most challenging environments the industry has ever faced; guided M&T through the complex risk management and regulatory requirements born out of the Great Financial Crisis while maintaining the community-based flexibility that has long been M&T's hallmark; and built a workplace culture that empowers people with a sense of purpose, encourages collaboration, and develops rising leaders.

Thurman and Patti Thomas received the Community Engagement Award for the work they do in the City of Buffalo. The former Buffalo Bill and his wife, a Buffalo native, established the Thurman Thomas Scholarship Fund through SUNY Erie, which is awarded to students of color who attend the institution. In 2018, they transitioned the scholarship into the Thurman Thomas Family Foundation, an organization that collaborates with the city, local hospitals, The Urban League of Buffalo, and other community organizations in Western New York. The Thomases volunteer on several boards and committees and are co-owners in a minority-owned construction company, 34 Group, which was part of the team awarded the new stadium project for the Buffalo Bills. Part of their mission is to encourage, share experiences, and promote other small, minority-owned businesses.

John Ruffolo was named Distinguished Accounting Alumnus at the dinner. A member of the college's advisory board and a volunteer mentor for NU accounting students, Ruffalo was honored for his outstanding professional accomplishments over the course of his career. Today, as CFO at Horizon Corporations, Ruffalo is responsible for directing the preparation of financial reports, including income statements, balance sheets, tax returns, and reports for government regulatory agencies; oversees budget preparation, audit functions, and internal controls; and projects company prospects for future growth opportunities and strategic objectives.

The Alumni Rising Star Award was given to Ashley Decker, who has held various digital marketing roles at Rich's since joining the company in 2018 as an intern. Decker currently leads U.S. marketing campaigns, including email, paid social, search, and display. She is also deeply committed to serving her community, and is an active member of the StayRich Community Service board, channeling her passion into meaningful initiatives. She also participates in the Corporate Challenge and the Cleveland Clinic's VeloSano fundraiser to support cancer research. She was named a member of the Marquis Who's Who of Business in 2023.