Distinguished Alumni Award

Linda Sroka, earned her associate's degree in Business from Villa Maria College in 1971. During her time as a student and throughout her lifetime, she has served as an active example of the mission of Villa Maria College and its ideals of truth, unity and charity, as reflected in the College's seal. Mrs. Sroka has continued to lead by example, furthering the College’s mission of fostering Christian values, intellectual inquiry, respect for diversity and commitment to serving others, while pursuing her professional and personal endeavors. 

As the Development Manager of Shea’s Performing Arts Center in Buffalo, New York; Mrs. Sroka has championed the promotion of the arts in the Western New York area and beyond. Over the years, she has continued to pursue her academic goals and the development of her professional skills while attending Millard Fillmore College, a division of the University at Buffalo; Canisius College’s Center for Professional Development, The Grant Institute and Cornell University School of Industrial and Labor Relations. Her dedication to serving her profession and her community has also been realized in the public sector. She currently serves on the Board of Trustees for the Western New York Chapter of the Association of Fundraising Professionals; is Chair of the 2010 Association of Fundraising Professional’s National Philanthropic Day, and is a member of the Western New York Service Learning Coalition, an organization whose mission is to serve as a conduit both for community

organizations seeking service learning students and the higher education institutions who place them. Mrs. Sroka continues to demonstrate a commitment to service in her personal life as well, as a devoted mother; she has volunteered and or served as Chair for numerous activities at the schools her son attended throughout the years. She also serves as a Eucharistic Minister at St, Gregory the Great Church in Williamsville.

Mrs. Sroka has spent many years in support of her alma mater, Villa Maria College. As a member of the Alumni Association, she serves on the Alumni Advisory Committee and has participated in several events including the annual golf outing and the annual giving campaign and phonathon. Mrs. Sroka also mentors current business students as a member of the Business Department’s career panel and has provided students with internship opportunities at Shea’s through the College’s Career Development Office.

It is with much appreciation that Villa Maria College honors Linda G. Sroka with its 2010 Distinguished Alumni Award in recognition of per personal and professional contributions to the College as well as the promotion of its mission and values within the community.