Staff | Catholic Newman Community at the University of Rochester

Rev. Brian C. Cool '06W (MS), '21W (EdD)

Brian C. Cool was born and raised in a Catholic home in Auburn, New York. One of seven children, he spent many years searching for deeper meaning and discovering it through his Catholic faith. A search for a fulfilling vocation began in high school and he started formal preparations to become a Roman Catholic priest during his sophomore year of college. After receiving a bachelor’s degree in Social Science from Nazareth University of Rochester and meeting the philosophical, theological, and psychological requirements, he was admitted to the St. Mary’s Seminary and University in Baltimore, Maryland. After four years of study, he received a Pontifical Bachelors Sacred Theology and Masters of Divinity. Following a year of parish internship, Fr. Cool was ordained a Roman Catholic priest on June 6, 1993. His assignments included: St. John of Rochester, Fairport, NY; St. Mary’s, Canandaigua, NY, and St. Michael’s, Penn Yan, NY; St. Andrew’s, Dundee, NY and Keuka College, Penn Yan, NY. He has been fulltime Director of Catholic Campus Ministry at the University of Rochester since 1999 and Rochester Institute of Technology since 2013.

Fr. Cool received a master’s degree in Community Mental Health Counseling and a doctoral degree (EdD.) in Human Development, from the University of Rochester.

Former Fr. Chair of the Diocese of Rochester’s Public Policy Committee, and member of the New York State Bishop’s Public Policy Committee, today he serves as a Board member of Catholic Charities and Community Services. An avid Syracuse University Athletics, Boston Red Sox and the Buffalo Bills, Fr. Cool is also a certified Boys High School (NFHS) and Collegiate Men’s lacrosse official (NCAA).

John Ruppert

A native of the Washington, DC/Maryland area, John brings a strong educational foundation, hold ing a Bachelor of Arts in Economics (cum laude) and a Master of Arts in Teaching from Colgate University; With his extensive experience as a Social Studies Teacher at McQuaid Jesuit High School here in Rochester. At McQuaid he guided students in subjects like US History, Global Studies among others. As a head varsity basketball coach, John's leadership skills shone through as he mentored young athletes from modified to varsity levels, while organizing basketball camps and student retreats with the Campus Ministry department.

John’s ministry journey has led him on pilgrimages to Spain and Rome, retracing the footsteps of St. Ignatius of Loyola, exemplifying his devotion to the Catholic faith which he enjoys sharing with all. Recently, John worked with an unwavering commitment to Catholic spiritual development as a person of deep faith, educator as a Pastoral Care Coordinator at St. Ann's Community and at the Trappist Abbey of the Genesee in Geneseo following his retirement from McQuaid High School.

With his wife Kathleen, John resides in Irondequoit (Rochester), where they raised their three children, Riley (25), Aidan (23), and Shannon (19), all Catholic high school graduates.

Darlene Giardina

Retired controller of our own professional baseball cl ub, the Rochester Red Wings, Darlene comes with 25 years of knowledge working in accounting where she oversaw the club finances and day to day operations. In 2012, Darlene was awarded the Rawlings Women Executive of the Year Award in Minor League Baseball for her dedication to her work. We are pleased Darlene has joined our team and are confident she will bring further success in helping us navigate our future growth through added compliance with University and Diocesan policies and good business practices. Darlene and her husband, Michael, have three sons and seven grandchildren and enjoy family time, boating, and travel.

Lucille Izzo

The Catholic Newman Community is thrilled to welcome its newest volunteer, Luci Izzo, to the fold. Luci’s arrival marks a significant milestone in the Community’s journey towards enhancing alumni and parent relationships. Her vast wealth of experience promises to bring new possibilities with those so dear and critical to Catholic life at Rochester and the students we serve. Luci Izzo joins the Catholic Newman Community after an illustrious professional career focused in Sales and Fundraising. Most recently, she spent the last ten years of dedicated service at the University of Rochester Advancement Office where she made an indelible mark in the office of institutional development.

Prior to her tenure in higher education, she spent a successful 40 years in the private sector where half those years were at Eastman Kodak Company. Having relocated to the Midwest then onto the East Coast for 20+ years, Luci was able to fashion her incredible relationship-building, communication, and strategic planning skills—attributes that are invaluable in her new role with us. Fr. Cool states, “Luci has been an incredible friend and co-worker in her time with the University. Her efforts to assist Newman now to grow higher and do even more, is simply a gift from God.” What makes Luci’s transition to the Catholic Newman Community particularly compelling is her commitment to strengthening the bonds between the institution and its alumni and parents through the lens of our Catholic faith. She understands the importance of maintaining these connections long after students have graduated and the importance of faith for young people today.

“We are blessed that Luci sees, understands, and supports wholeheartedly the mission of the Church on Campus.”

Luci is poised to help increase a robust stewardship program that will engage others committed to the same goals. One of Luci’s primary responsibilities at the Catholic Newman Community will be to enhance communication with alumni and parents. In an age where staying connected is more important than ever, Luci’s background uniquely positions her to spearhead initiatives that foster meaningful relationships and interactions. She knows that an engaged alumni and parent community is essential for the vitality of any institution. One immediate area of focus will be on efforts to strengthen membership in the George Eastman Circle, the University of Rochester’s annual giving society. This prestigious society has played and continues to play a pivotal role in supporting the Catholic Newman Community’s mission on Campus with students. Luci’s ties to our Catholic faith runs deep, as she has been a lifelong Catholic.

Hailing from Rochester, NY, Luci resides in Webster with her husband, Ray, a retired Brighton High School teacher. Their shared commitment to education, community involvement, our Catholic faith, and the Catholic Newman Community underscores their passion for making a positive impact on the world around them. Join us in welcoming Luci to the Catholic Newman Community family.

If you have any insights on how we can support this effort or would be willing to share your own experience of why Newman is special to you and your family, please drop her a note at . With you, Luci is poised to become a leader in fostering a more engaged and connected Newman Community at the University of Rochester, ensuring a bright future for all!

Lucille Izzo

The Catholic Newman Community welcomes Luci Izzo as its newest volunteer, heralding a milestone in enhancing alumni and parent relationships. With extensive experience in Sales and Fundraising, including a decade at the University of Rochester Advancement Office, Luci brings invaluable skills to her role. Her commitment to strengthening bonds through the lens of Catholic faith is evident, as she aims to bolster communication, stewardship, and engagement among alumni and parents. Luci's ties to the Catholic faith, coupled with her dedication to education and community involvement, highlight her readiness to contribute to the Newman Community's mission. Join us in welcoming Luci as she leads efforts to foster a more connected and engaged Newman Community at the University of Rochester. For insights or experiences to support this effort, reach out to .