Laura A. Zaepfel, vice president of Corporate Relations at Uniland Development Company, received the Caritas Medal from Niagara University at the institution’s President’s Dinner recently. The Caritas Medal is awarded annually to honor contemporary leaders who exemplify the charity of St. Vincent de Paul in an extraordinary way.
As Niagara University noted in the award program, “Ms. Zaepfel works to optimize the Buffalo Niagara business climate and construct policies and procedures that will produce a diverse workforce and a sustainable economy in the region. Additionally, she manages Uniland’s corporate philanthropy program, working with and volunteering for organizations that advocate for residents through social justice and diversity, health and wellness, education, and environmental programs. Ms. Zaepfel has provided leadership to organizations including Catholic Charities, Humanities New York, the National Federation of Just Communities, the Buffalo and Erie County Naval & Military Park, and the National Association of Industrial and Office Properties, among others.”
According to the Rev. James J. Maher, C.M., President of Niagara University, Ms. Zaepfel was recognized for how “Her devout faith really impacts how she functions as a businesswoman, [her] commitment to human development, economic and social development, as well as diversity.”
Additional leaders who highlighted her leadership in the award video were Uniland Vice President Michael J. Montante; Buffalo Black Achievers CEO Herbert L. Bellamy, Jr.; Amherst Chamber of Commerce CEO A.J. Baynes; the Rev. Joseph S. Rogliano, pastor of St. Mark and St. Rose of Lima parishes; Niagara University Trustee Kathleen Neville; and New York Assembly Majority Leader, the Hon. Crystal Peoples-Stokes, respectively.
Additional honorees were Paul E. O’Leary Jr., with the Medal of Honor; Rev. Craig D. Pridgen with the Legacy of Service Award; and Rev. Michael J. Carroll, C.M., with the St. Vincent de Paul Award, respectively. The event was held at the Conference & Event Center Niagara Falls on November 15.
