Welcome AQ Alumni
The Aquinas Advancement Team cultivates lasting relationships, encouraging support and investment, enhancing Aquinas’ reputation and visibility. Our unwavering dedication ensures Aquinas remains a thriving pillar of Catholic education.
The above vision statement is what our team strives for every day. Aquinas is an incredibly special place, and we believe that those lasting relationships start from the moment a prospective student visits our campus, and continues years after he or she graduates from the hallowed halls of 1127 Dewey Avenue.
The support and investment we see from over 19,000 alumni is like no other, and comes in various forms: time, talent, and treasure. This ongoing commitment from so many of you has made Aquinas a hallmark of the Rochester community for 122 years. As evidenced by our past and present, our future as a thriving pillar of Catholic education will be sustained through the strong network of alumni and friends, near and far.
If you are a prospective family, we encourage you to come and see what makes being part of the Aquinas family so special, and how Aquinas can be a second home for your son or daughter. And if you are an alum, please be sure to visit campus to be reminded why Aquinas was so special to you, because you are always welcome back home!
Aquinas Evermore!
Meet the Advancement Team
In an effort to drive efficiencies and combine several vital functions, Aquinas formed the Office of Advancement, which includes alumni relations, development, enrollment, marketing, communications, and public relations. We look forward to happily serving the Aquinas community.
Alumni Relations & Development: (585) 254-2020 x1064
Enrollment: (585) 254-2020 x1081
Communications: (585) 254-2020 x1023
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Joseph B. Knapp is the Executive Director of Advancement, overseeing all activities currently orchestrated by the Office of Alumni Relations & Development, and the Office of Enrollment. Prior to this role, Joby shared his passion for the school’s mission and future as Director of Enrollment and Public Relations. He is currently in his 30th year at Aquinas. Joby is a graduate of Bowling Green State University with a Bachelor of Science in journalism and a minor is sports management. Joseph "Joby" Knapp Executive Director of Advancement
(585) 254-2020 x1014
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Lisa Clicquennoi '84, P '13 is the Database Administrator for the Advancement Office. In this role, Lisa manages the Aquinas alumni database, assisting with the operational vitality of Aquinas. In her 20 years of service with Aquinas, Lisa has worked as Alumni Relations Officer, Communications Coordinator and Admissions Associate, Engagement Specialist and Attendance Officer. Lisa Clicquennoi ‘84, P '13
Database Administrator
(585) 254-2020 x1059
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Meredith Kallfelz is the Director of Enrollment. She started at Aquinas in 2013 as the Communications Associate, and in 2017, began working in enrollment. Meredith holds a degree in public relations and advertising, and enjoys spending time with her husband and twin daughters, (AQ Class of 2035!). Meredith Kallfelz
Director of Enrollment
(585) 254-2020 x1081
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Jay P. Polston '90 is our Associate Director, Major Gifts and Planned Giving. Jay grew up in the Maplewood neighborhood where he attended Sacred Heart Elementary School and served as an altar boy at Holy Rosary. After graduating from Aquinas, Jay attended Monroe Community College (MCC) for Physical Education and then continued his studies at Springfield College, where he earned a Bachelor's Degree in Human Services. Prior to working at Aquinas, Jay was employed for 22 years with The YMCA of Greater Rochester.
Jay P. Polston ‘90
Associate Director, Major Gifts & Planned Giving
(585) 254-2020 x1061
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Janine Wagner is the Assistant to the President and Office Manager for the Advancement Office. Janine comes to Aquinas with a wealth of knowledge having held similar roles at United Way of Greater Rochester and the Finger Lakes, Rochester Regional Health, and Excellus Blue Cross Blue Shield. Outside of work, Janine enjoys gardening, golfing, and being in the great outdoors. Janine Wagner
Assistant to the President & Office Manager
(585) 254-2020 x1064
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Kelly Conlan serves as the Aquinas Fund and Events Manager, where she oversees the planning and execution of fundraising initiatives and special events at Aquinas. With over 15 years of experience as a not-for-profit professional in the Rochester community, Kelly eagerly joined the Advancement team in 2022. She holds a Bachelor of Science in Visual Arts from the State University of New York at New Paltz. Outside of work, Kelly enjoys spending time with her family: her husband Patrick, and their children Lily, Gavin '21, and Grace '26. Kelly Conlan
Aquinas Fund & Events Manager
(585) 254-2020 x1050
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Colleen Brett is the Director of Communications at Aquinas, overseeing the school's brand and external/internal communications. Prior to this, she served as the Director of Communications for a private travel company and has lived and taught English in Thailand. With extensive experience in public relations, communications, and promotions, Colleen brings a fresh outlook in her role. She loves summer and sunshine, traveling to new places, and immersing herself in different cultures - trying new food along the way. Colleen is excited to join the AQ family and looks forward to promoting Aquinas to the community. Colleen Brett
Director of Communications
(585) 254-2020 x1023
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