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Nazareth's 2020 Commmencement Speaker is Ann Costello

Published February 19, 2020

Ann Costello, executive director of the Golisano Foundation, is the speaker for Nazareth College's 93rd Commencement. Nazareth is bringing both its undergraduate and graduate ceremonies back on campus with two separate ceremonies being held in the new Golisano Training Center (GTC).

The graduate commencement is Friday, May 8, at 6 p.m. in GTC (Procession begins at 5:45 p.m) and the undergraduate commencement ceremony is Saturday, May 9, at 10 a.m. in GTC (Procession begins at 9:45 a.m.).

Costello is executive director of the Golisano Foundation, one of the nation's leading foundations dedicated exclusively to helping individuals with intellectual and developmental disabilities. The Foundation was established in 1985 by Tom Golisano, the Founder and Chairman of Paychex, Inc., a leader in the payroll, human resource, and benefits outsourcing industry.

She has worked for more than 30 years in the non-profit sector, primarily in human service administration, philanthropy, and organizational policy development.

Costello joined the Foundation as Director in 1999 and has witnessed its rapid growth and change in total Foundation assets and annual distribution of funds. She has redefined the Foundation's role in the intellectual disabilities service arena as proactive partner and catalyst for transformation. Under her leadership, the Foundation has also supported and launched innovative partnerships and programs.

With the support of two historic donations from Tom Golisano to Special Olympics - $12 million in 2012 and $25 million in 2015 - Costello is working as an integral advocate and participant in the strategy to advance Special Olympics Global Healthy Communities initiative to expand inclusive access to health-related services to people with intellectual disabilities around the world.

Costello earned her master's degree from the University of Pennsylvania, School of Social Policy and Practice, and also served as a research fellow at the School's City and Regional Planning. She also completed the Executive Program for Philanthropy Leaders at Stanford Graduate School of Business in 2007.

For More Information

Julie Long | Chief PR Officer | 585-389-2456 or jlong2@naz.edu

Nazareth University is an inclusive community of inspired learners, educators, and changemakers who for nearly 100 years have been driven by a bold commitment to action, empathy, equity, and leading innovation for the common good. Impact experiences are at the heart of a Nazareth education, preparing each student to discover within themselves the potential to cultivate positive change in their life's work, in any career field, and in a world that is constantly evolving and infinitely interconnected.

Our broad academic offerings present a range of study options typical of larger universities, yet achieved in our supportive campus culture. Nearly 2,100 undergrad and 600 graduate students enroll in degree and certificate programs and engage in collaborative, transformative learning experiences, preparing for the professions and society of today and tomorrow. In a learning community that purposefully integrates liberal arts and professional programs, Nazareth University graduates are able to launch a lifetime of impactful leadership in communities and workplaces near and far.