Aquinas-Landmark-Winter-2021

25 Bill Shaheen is a 1972 graduate ofThe Aquinas Institute. He continued in the Basilian tradition at St. John Fisher College from which he graduated in 1976 with a Bachelor of Science in Accounting. Later in his career, Bill received certification from the Rochester Institute of Technology Executive Program. Immediately upon graduating, Bill went into public accounting doing tax and audit work, and he became a certified public accountant. After five years, he moved onto corporate finances at Rochester Telephone where he spent 11 years. While there, Bill was responsible for all reporting to the Securities and Exchange Commission as well as the production and management of the operating budgets, which totaled over $200 million. In 1993, Bill went in a somewhat different direction at the urging of his stepfather, Wendel Kleehammer, Aquinas Class of 1940. Wendel was a stockbroker who introduced Bill to William Whitney, one of Wendel’s Aquinas classmates. At the time, Whitney had a boutique investment management firm with about $15 million in assets under management (AUM). In 1995, Bill took over the management of the firm as president and CEO, and in 2000, he became owner. Over the past 26 years, Bill has grown the firm to 12 employees with over $775 millionAUM. Under his leadership,Whitney&Company has become a leading financial management firmwith clients across the country. In addition to his professional life, Bill has always given back to the community. Over the years, he has been on boards for such organizations as the American Diabetes Association, Heritage Christian Services, and as treasurer at Penfield Country Club. He was on the Board of Trustees at Aquinas from 2001 to 2010. During his tenure, Aquinas completed the construction of the Wegmans Sports Complex, the Fine Arts Center and the Robert B. Wegman ’37 Field House. He currently serves as an advisor to the Aquinas Advancement Committee and the president of St. John Fisher College; he is foundation chairperson of the Episcopal Senior Life Community, and treasurer of the Towne Harbor Homeowners’ Association. Bill and his family recognize the importance of education. Because of this, they have established scholarship funds at both Aquinas and St. John Fisher College, totaling nearly $500,000. These funds have helpedmany students whowould not otherwise be able to attend these schools founded in the Basilian tradition, teaching the importance of goodness, discipline and knowledge. Bill has been married to his soulmate and best friend, Ivette, for 37 years.They have two children: Billy, who is a 2007 graduate of Aquinas, and Danielle, as well as two grandchildren. Distinguished Alumnus William Shaheen ’72 When asked if he would speak to the Class of 2021 at their commencement ceremony, Peter M. Guelli ‘83 didn’t hesitate. On Saturday, June 5, 2021, he took the stage at Wegman Stadium and addressed the class with sports analogies and veracity. Understanding the challenges COVID-19 brought upon the world and this senior class, Peter assured them that they can do the impossible because they overcame the impossible. “This class has a chance to be one of the most successful in Aquinas history,” said Peter. “You can inspire the next generation.”This is a powerful statement from someone who certainly knows a thing or two about success. Peter is currently in his third year as Chief Commercial Officer for the New York Giants where he is responsible for the business operations of a team valued at $4.85 billion, the third most in the NFL. He was recruited by ownership in hopes to evolve, modernize, and grow the business of one of the most iconic and successful NFL franchises. In July of 1999, Peter’s career took off when he joined the Buffalo Bills as a manager. He was elevated to the position of Senior Vice President of Business Ventures, where he oversaw all of the organization’s revenue- generating properties and the regionalization of the team’s business efforts. He served as the point person on the team’s relocation of training camp to Rochester, as well as the Bills business efforts in Toronto, Canada. From there Peter spent ten seasons working for Michael Jordan and the NBA’s Charlotte Hornets as the organization’s Chief Operating Officer. He joined the franchise in April 2009, where he was responsible for all marketing, communications and revenue generation for the organization, and served as the president of the team’s charitable arm, the Charlotte Hornets Foundation. In his time with the Hornets organization, Peter restructured the business operation, worked on the team’s ownership transition to Michael Jordan in 2010, spearheaded the return of the historic Hornets brand, directed the team’s participation in NBA Global Games China 2015, and helped the team secure and host the 2019 NBA All-Star Game. During his tenure, the team experienced explosive growth, with the franchise surpassing more than $1 billion in value. Drawing on his vast business experience and the lessons he learned throughout his own life, Peter explained to the Class that they will undoubtedly be thrown curveballs they never saw coming. He is certain though that they can take the unknown head on. His advice to themwhen this happens, “Channel what you’ve been through and learned. I want you to use it for motivation and inspiration. Use it to handle adversity when it strikes. Use it to act with character and integrity, like Aquinas taught you.” Peter comes from an Aquinas family through and through. His father Frank is a graduate of the Class of 1952 and is also a proud member of the Aquinas Hall of Fame. Peter’s brother Joe is a graduate of the Class of 1980, and younger brother Sam is a graduate of the Class of 1984. COMMENCEMENT SPEAKER – PETER M. GUELLI ’83