Alumni

Meet the Advancement Team

Alumni

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 & Communications: (585) 254-2020 x1071



    • J. Knapp

Joseph B. Knapp is the Executive Director of Advancement at The Aquinas Institute, directing all activities currently orchestrated by the Office of Alumni Relations & Development, and the Office of Enrollment & Communications. Prior to this role, Joby shared his passion for the school’s mission and future as Director of Enrollment and Public Relations, a position he held for 26 years. He and his wife, Wende, have two dogs, Dexter and Gracie Lou. Joby is also an avid fan of his alma mater, Bowling Green, as well as the Cincinnati Reds, Tottenham Hotspur, and all things AQ!



    • L. Clicquennoi '84, P '13

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.



    • V. Clements '96

Valerie Clements ’96 is the Alumni Engagement & Events Manager. After graduating from college, Valerie began working in the hospitality industry and now has over 25 years of experience. Here at Aquinas, she is responsible for engaging with alumni to create opportunities for networking, social activities, and fundraising. She is also in charge of organizing AQ events from concept to completion and evaluation. Valerie enjoys spending time with her family, crafting, and being outdoors.



    • M. Kallfelz

Meredith Kallfelz is the Associate Director of Advancement for Enrollment and Communications. She has managed all facets of the school’s communications since 2013, 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!).



    • J. Polston '90

Jay P. Polston '90 is an Associate Director, Major Gifts and Planned Giving. After graduating from Aquinas Jay attended Springfield College where he earned a Bachelor's Degree in Human Services. Jay and his wife, Mary Kay, have two daughters and two family dogs – Lola and Rudy. Prior to Aquinas, Jay was employed for 22 years with The YMCA of Greater Rochester. His interests include his self-run Notre Dame Football Fan website, racquetball, and boating.



    • B. Acker P'29, 31

Bridgette Acker P'29, '31 is the Enrollment and Communications Coordinator, handling the initial contact with prospective AQ families and helping them through the admissions process. Bridgette manages AQ’s social media pages along with assisting in media projects for Aquinas. Bridgette holds a degree in communications and writing from St. John Fisher. Bridgette and her husband, Chris '97, have two children, Chase and Claire and two Boston Terriers, Arnie and Louie.  



    • K. Conlan P '21, '26

Kelly Conlan P '21, '26 is the Aquinas Fund & Volunteer Manager. Kelly is responsible for managing all aspects of the Aquinas Fund campaign. Kelly is also responsible for recruiting, orienting, training, and soliciting volunteer leaders and committee members for the Institute. Prior to this role Kelly was the Director of Development at Our Lady of Mercy School for Young Women for over five years. Kelly has a Bachelor of Science in the Visual Arts from the State University of New York, College at New Paltz. In her spare time Kelly loves spending time with her family,  indoor cycling, and hiking around Rochester.
© 2013 Aquinas Institute of Rochester
1127 Dewey Avenue
Rochester, NY 14613
(585) 254-2020
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