Outstanding Alumni Awards
Marina Pang Choa '58
Marina Pang Choa '58 reflects Nazareth’s value of lifelong learning and dedication to the fine arts.
Pang Choa majored in biology at Nazareth and secured for herself several satisfying jobs over the years. In the 1970s, however, after her children were grown, she decided to pursue her love of painting. She has studied under the guidance of a number of renowned masters in Chinese landscape and floral painting and calligraphy. Now a world-class painter herself, her work has been exhibited across China, from Shanghai to Beijing, as well as in the Republic of Singapore; she has also mounted several solo exhibitions in Hong Kong over the years. She served the art world for eight years in her position as treasurer for the Hong Kong University Museum Society/Art Society.
Pang Choa has raised two successful sons, both of whom reside in Hong Kong: the oldest is an investment banker, and the youngest, formerly a doctor, has been appointed a judge. She also has five grandchildren, with whom she is sharing her lifelong love of art. She is an exemplary model of what a Nazareth graduate should be.
Nick Woyciesjes '97
Nick Woyciesjes '97 has established a strong professional presence for himself since graduation, demonstrating both the value of a Nazareth education and a continued commitment to his alma mater.
Woyciesjes graduated from Nazareth with a major in studio art with a concentration in illustration, and after several years of working in the design field, went on to co-found Mirus Group Marketing Communications, a Rochester-based company specializing in brand and corporate identity, sales collateral, and consumer package design. As owner, managing partner, and director of creative services, he has worked with clients such as Wegmans, Eastman Kodak Company, and High Falls Brewery, and his design skills are admired by everyone who has seen the packaging of Wegmans’ Italian Classics product line. Mirus has received two awards from the Muscular Dystrophy Association for their donation of creative services and sponsorship of fundraising events.
Woyciesjes has given back to Nazareth in many ways. His artwork recently appeared in the College’s Design in the Working World: The Alumni Graphic Design Exhibit, for which his company hosted an opening reception widely attended by art alumni, faculty, and students. Mirus Group has also donated their creative services for art department promotional materials. Woyciesjes has often served as a speaker or panelist for the art department and is currently participating in the Entrepreneurial Leadership program, coordinated by the School of Management and the Offices of Alumni Relations and Career Services. Staying connected and giving of his time are just two of the ways Woyciesjes shows his ongoing commitment to Nazareth.
Emily Crerand '08
GOLD (Graduate of the Last Decade) Award Winner
Emily Crerand '08 has embodied Nazareth’s commitment to intellectual and ethical values through her dedication to public service.
Crerand received a degree in history and Asian studies from Nazareth and a master’s in political management from The George Washington University in 2011. While balancing a full- time job at the university, she took on an internship in political fundraising with Berger Hirscherg Strategies in Washington, D.C., and she went on to hold the position of finance director with several national political campaigns, including Ed Potosnak in New Jersey and Heidi Heitkamp in North Dakota. After Heitkamp was elected to the U.S. Senate in November 2012, Crerand joined her team in Washington as the assistant to the chief of staff and intern coordinator.
Distance has not weakened Crerand’s strong Nazareth connections. She remains in regular contact with some of her professors and stays in touch with many classmates through personal visits, phone, and email as well as social media such as Facebook and LinkedIn. Crerand served as president of the Class of 2008 and recently volunteered her time with the class reunion committee. Her dedication to public service and to her college exemplifies the core of Nazareth’s values.
Marina Pang Choa '58
Nick Woyciesjes '97
Emily Crerand '08