A Generous Life, An Unforgettable Impact

Whether her penchant for activity is born of being the second youngest of eleven children or a deeply rooted commitment to community health, or both, Carol DeNysschen is rarely sitting still. In fact, the more she does, the happier she is. She is most often participating in the advancement of the Western New York community, through education, advocacy and service.

Carol DeNysschen, PhD MBA MPH FAND, is Dean, School of Professionals, Buffalo State University, where she has worked since 2008. She is also this year’s recipient of FeedMore WNY Foundation’s highest honor, its Legacy Award. The award is presented in recognition of service resulting in the significant and lasting advancement of our organization in terms of capacity, community engagement and program impact.

Carol first became involved with The Food Bank of Western New York in 2015, when asked to consider joining the board of directors by, then member, Karen Bailey-Jones. That was before the food bank’s merger with Meals on Wheels and before the pandemic. Her role evolved quickly and resolutely as the needs of our community changed.

During COVID, Carol co-chaired, along with Jerry Sheldon, FeedMore’s Spread the Love Campaign to collect peanut butter, the most sought-after staple among our 400+ partner agencies. She also helped deliver emergency food boxes and worked the emergency hotline.

Carol advocated on campus, too, spearheading Buffalo State’s Adopt-a-Route program, engaging students and faculty in the weekly delivery of food to the Black Rock area. As faculty advisor for the Rotaract Club, a student Rotary Club, she engaged its members in hosting food drives and volunteering at FeedMore.

When the RISE (Readying Individuals for Successful Employment) Program introduced a culinary segment, Carol secured state-of-the art kitchen facilities for the exciting, new program.

What drives her so? She replies, “The health of our communities is essential to build a stronger, more just future. This [work] ensures that no one faces food insecurity alone and that everyone has access to nutritious food to reduce health disparities.”

Carol is forever looking for ways to do more – for FeedMore, for our community, for every person she meets. Her enthusiasm and compassion are infectious; her legacy is cast.

FeedMore WNY’s Legacy Award will be presented to Carol DeNysschen at our signature Sweet Expectations event, on May 21, at Resurgence Brewing Company.