50 D'MENSIONS MAGAZINE D'YOUVILLE UNIVERSITY 51 FALL 2025 ALUMNI NEWS FALL 2025 ALUMNI NEWS WHEN ANDY BLIDY ARRIVED at D’Youville College in the early 1970s, he was a standout student-athlete with a deep love for science and a drive to make a difference. Over the decades, that combination of discipline, intellectual curiosity and dedication would propel him to the forefront of groundbreaking biomedical research and the Human Genome Project. Today, as chief scientific officer for SaltusBiotech, LLC in California, Blidy’s life reflects the best of what a D’Youville education can inspire — a career that blends intellectual rigor, innovation and a commitment to improving the human condition. His scientific contributions span biotechnology, immunology and molecular biology, with a legacy of innovation that has directly impacted diagnostics, therapeutics, and the advancement of personalized medicine. A graduate of St. Francis High School in Athol Springs, Blidy was well- known in Western New York for his athletic prowess, particularly on the basketball court. His decision to attend D’Youville, then still a young institution transitioning into coeducation, offered him the opportunity to be part of something special. As a member of one of the first men’s basketball teams, Blidy quickly established himself as an outstanding player — known for his skill, tenacity and leadership on and off the court. Always a fan of Saints sports, Andy Blidy (’77), a former basketball player during his collegiate days, poses with D’Youville basketball coach Andy Stark for a photo back in 2022, Stark’s first year with the program. Former hoops standout celebrates 50 years as world-renowned scientific contributor, developer A legacy of biotech innovation “Basketball taught me discipline, resilience, and how to work as part of a team,” Blidy reflects. “Those lessons have been as valuable in science as they ever were in sports.” While athletics played a major role in his student life, academics were never far from Blidy’s mind. He was drawn to the sciences early, fascinated by the intricacies of biology and the potential for research to change lives. Faculty mentors at D’Youville nurtured that interest, challenging him to think critically and engage with emerging developments in medical science. After graduating in 1977 with a degree in biology, Blidy took a position at Roswell Park Comprehensive Cancer Center. There, in the early 1980s, he gained valuable hands-on experience in cutting-edge biomedical research — particularly in lymphocyte research and flow cytometry, an emerging technology at the time. In the mid-1980s, Blidy made the pivotal move to Boston, joining Tufts University School of Medicine and later Beth Israel Deaconess Medical Center. He worked on advanced immunology projects, helping to shape understanding of immune function during a time of rapid medical discovery. The 1980s were also a transformative era in biomedical science, especially in HIV/AIDS research. Blidy became part of the scientific community’s global response to the epidemic, contributing to groundbreaking studies on immune cell behavior and pathology. His expertise extended to the development and application of TaqMan technology — an innovation that revolutionized the ability to detect and quantify genetic material, and which would play a critical role in diagnostics for decades to come. Relocating to California opened a new chapter in Blidy’s career. His roles at Applied Biosystems, Roche Molecular Systems/Ventana and eventually SaltusBiotech positioned him at the heart of some of the most important advancements in molecular biology. He contributed to the Human Genome Project, an ambitious international effort to map the entire human genetic code. For Blidy, the work was more than sequencing data — it was about unlocking possibilities for precision medicine, targeted therapies and early disease detection. Over his career, Blidy has been recognized as a flow cytometry pioneer for more than 50 years, a molecular biology innovator, and a driver of 8K image technology for digital pathology — cutting-edge tools that are shaping the future of cancer diagnostics and therapeutic strategies. Today at SaltusBiotech, Blidy guides scientific strategy with a focus on translating discoveries into real-world medical applications. His leadership continues to bridge research and patient care, ensuring that breakthroughs in the lab lead to meaningful advances in healthcare delivery. Under his direction, the company has pushed the boundaries of biotechnology, integrating his decades of experience across research institutions and global biotech firms into solutions that serve the greater good. Despite his far-reaching accomplishments, Blidy remains deeply connected to his roots. He credits D’Youville for instilling in him the values that have carried him through his career — critical thinking, collaboration and service. “D’Youville prepared me to think critically, work collaboratively and stay focused on making a positive impact,” he says. “Those principles have guided me through every stage of my career.” He also fondly recalls the lifelong friendships forged on campus— teammates, classmates and professors whose influence still resonates. As science continues to evolve, Blidy’s work — spanning lymphocyte research, molecular diagnostics and biotechnology innovation — remains at the forefront, impacting lives around the world. For current and future D’Youville students, his story stands as proof that the lessons learned here can echo across a lifetime and leave a mark on global science. YOUNG ALUM AWARD DR. DARA GILL (’17 DPT) Dr. Dara Gill has distinguished herself as both a dedicated clinician and an inspiring advocate. After being diagnosed with Multiple Sclerosis shortly after graduation, she turned her challenge into a mission to raise awareness and support others with MS and autoimmune disorders. Dr. Gill works across hospital, inpatient, outpatient, and home care settings, sharing her journey on Instagram @dr.dsimone, collaborating with the MS Society, and advocating for patients nationally. Her story has been featured in Women’s Health Magazine. CAREER ACHIEVEMENT AWARD DR. MARK BEEHLER (’14) Dr. Mark Beehler has dedicated his life to education, public service and community leadership. Currently superintendent of Salamanca City Central School District, he has led transformative initiatives that raised graduation rates from 59 to 91 percent, established a nationally recognized STEM program and developed a groundbreaking Native American Curriculum Resource Hub. A U.S. Air Force Reserve veteran, longtime firefighter and active community volunteer, Beehler exemplifies the dedication, vision, and service celebrated by the Career Achievement Award. DELTA SIGMA AWARD CHRISTINE YAKUBEC (’70) Christine Yakubec has dedicated nearly four decades to education, specializing in reading and special education. Her career included roles as a reading specialist, teacher and literacy leader in Florida’s public schools, where she also served as co-chair of the Florida Literacy Association. Now retired, she continues her commitment to learning by volunteering at DYU as a tutor for refugee students and as an actor in the Simulation Lab. ANNE LUM AWARD JUDITH PO-CHEDLEY WILKINS (’74) Judy Po-Chedley Wilkins has distinguished herself through a remarkable career in nursing and healthcare administration, and her lifelong dedication to service. After joining the Peace Corps in Colombia, she earned a Master’s in Health Care Administration and held numerous leadership roles across Texas and New York. Since returning to Buffalo, she has volunteered with the Lions Club, FEMA, Explore Buffalo, the DYU Alumni Board, and FeedMore of WNY.
