Twenty-nine years of irreplaceable dedication to helping students who need the most has made Toni Schunke an unforgettable individual in the UB community.
Schunke, who has worked at UB since she was 18 years old, the senior administrative assistant in the Office of Disability Services (ODS), is retiring on March 31, ending a 29-year career marked with generosity and love for her job. Her high esteem for the school and its students make it hard for many to say goodbye.
One such student is Katie Schmitz, a doctoral candidate in the Graduate School of Education. As a deaf student getting her graduate degree in English education, Schmitz knew she could depend on the ODS and especially Schunke to arrange for an interpreter to be present in her classes.
"She is one of a kind: enthusiastic, patient, and very willing to do whatever she could to make a situation work," Schmitz said.
Schunke is one of three people who founded the ODS in 1977, after the Rehabilitation Act of 1973 came into effect. The act essentially required by law that institutions funded by the Federal government offer disabled individuals an equal opportunity for success in the classroom or workplace.
Having worked in the office for 29 years, Schunke has assisted many individuals in their success. But in her mind, the students have helped her to continue thinking and changing.
"I've received more than I have given," she said.
Schunke gains motivation from the students she works with who are driven to achieve their goals.
Randy Borst, director of the ODS, has worked hand in hand with Schunke for nine years and has noticed that her approach to students is a unique one.
"She's not clinical in her approach to students and holds them in a high place," Borst said. "There is no doubt that she will be deeply missed."
The ODS at UB ensures disabled students the accommodations they need to eliminate any disadvantage they would have in their classes. As senior administrative assistant, Schunke oversees these activities, such as providing deaf students with interpreters if needed or special computers for those who cannot type.
Schunke described the services as leveling the playing field. While the school cannot guarantee success to disabled students, she said that it gives them the same opportunity to achieve higher learning as every student has at UB.
Schmitz recalled a certain instance when Schunke's determination assisted her in attending an awards dinner that was recognizing the achievements of three women whom she valued and admired.
The department covering the event tried to save some money by cutting the interpreter for part of the program, but Schunke took responsibility for the job and insisted on having an interpreter cover the whole ceremony.
"Toni saved the day. She really was my advocate that night," Schmitz said.
Linda Amabile, assistant to the director for Disability Service and Information, has been Schunke's co-worker for five years and said that she will deeply miss Schunke's presence.
"She has been a wonderful mentor and I can't imagine this office functioning without her," Amabile said. "She is so knowledgeable in this field and you can't take 29 years of experience and replace it easily."
Amabile also said that Schunke is motivated to do her job by much more than just a paycheck.
"She has a deep passion for what she does with these students. She understands them and makes it a priority to put them first," she said.
Along with establishing equal opportunity, Schunke wanted her students to gain independence, a freedom all college students are familiar with. Schunke said that because of technology, disabled students are no longer segregated at home and she made certain that her students had the tools they needed to take part in everyday campus activities.
Anna Jessen, a junior environmental engineering major, has worked in the Disability Services office with Schunke for two years. She described her boss as a mentor who is always willing to help her find the solution to a problem by opening her eyes to a new perspective.
"Toni can always tell what a person needs," Jessen said.
With her professional manner and knowledge of how to handle any situation in her field, it is no wonder Schunke was given the Equal Access award in recognition of her 25 years of service to the disabled community.
Schunke, who will be staying in Buffalo after she retires, said although she has no specific plans, volunteering, spending time with grandkids and having fun are on the agenda. UB will always remain sentimental in her memories.
"UB has given me a good life," she said.
