UB Newman Center Staff
Fr. Dan Serbicki
Pastor
Fr. Dan brings over a decade of priestly ministry to the UB Newman Center and St. Joseph University Parish, where he serves as pastor of the diocesan Campus Ministry Family #36. Ordained in the Diocese of Buffalo, he previously served as pastor of Family #13 – Fields of Grace, where he helped unify four parishes and nine worship sites during the Road to Renewal restructuring. Before that, he ministered to students at Alfred State as a parochial vicar in Allegany County, beginning a passion for campus ministry that continues today. Fr. Dan is dedicated to helping young adults clarify their values and deepen their Catholic identity, creating spaces where students can explore faith through welcome, growth, and authentic community. When he’s not celebrating Mass, counseling students, or leading parish programs, he enjoys connecting with families across the Newman community and finding ways to bring the Gospel to life in everyday moments.
Mike Colson
Deacon
Mike Colson grew up in Williamsville with a strong Catholic foundation, studied theology before shifting to a successful career in technology, and ultimately rose to Senior Vice President at CTG. A longing for deeper purpose led him back to his faith, beginning Diaconate formation in 2014 and rekindling his love of scripture and service. Today he devotes more than 40 hours each week to the UB Newman Center, supporting Fr. Dan, guiding programs, and ministering to families and students—including baptizing more than 100 children a year. Married to his wife, Mary, for 37 years, with four children and three grandchildren, Mike sees his work at Newman as a calling shaped by the Jesuit ideal Ad maiorem Dei gloriam—to serve for the greater glory of God.
Josh Merlo, Ph.D.
Pastoral Associate
Dr. Josh coordinates Newman’s mission by serving both our students and the UBNC community. A UB alumnus with a PhD in Philosophy, he guides Campus Ministry students as they grow into young adults who live out the values of welcome, growth, exploration, and love. For many of us, Dr. Josh is the go-to for all things UB Newman—and his greatest joy is sharing new experiences with his three-year-old son, Jerry.
Francesca Harvey
Campus Minister/Student Engagement
Francesca wears many hats—she plans and leads activities for UB students, hosts Wednesday Night Dinners, supports Faith Formation, and helps run Vacation Bible School. Her steady presence on campus continues to draw more student involvement. A UB alum with a BA in Communications/Theatre and an MS in Public Relations from Buffalo State, she also sings at the 10:45 Mass. She is currently taking virtual acting classes through a NYC studio.
Josephine “JoJo” Palumbo
Administrative Assistant
Jojo describes herself as the “welcome person” at Newman—but she’s so much more. With a degree in theology, she helps our community support its many ministries and missions, and she now works with Katie on Faith Sharing. She loves spending time with her family and watching the Buffalo Bills. She finds joy in teaching religious education and connecting with the wonderful UBNC members and students who are the heart of Newman.
Katie Colson
Director of Faith Formation/Youth Minister
Katie is all about young families and kids. She leads our growing Faith Sharing Program and organizes a variety of family events. Recently, she’s helped make our 10:45 Mass more family-friendly, including a monthly children’s liturgy. Katie loves working with our wonderful families—but most of all, she cherishes time with her husband and two children. When she gets a break, you’ll find her on the racquetball court.
Austin Reinhart
Campus Minister
Austin has recently been assisting UBNC to support ministry for UB students while also assisting with finance and administrative work. He enjoys helping students connect scripture to their everyday lives—and stargazing with his telescope in his free time. Originally from Ohio, he divides his efforts between UB Newman and Campus Ministry at Buffalo State.
Linda Muldoon
Kitchen Manager
Our newest team member, Linda, oversees the planning, purchasing, and collaboration with volunteers for the student Wednesday Night Dinners. She is very happy to have stepped into this role and loves the fellowship with the volunteers. Her happiest times are with her family: husband, kids, and grandkids – if it’s at a beach, that’s even better!
Liz Papke
Cleaning/Maintenance
Liz helps the UB Newman Center sparkle! And when she’s not here, she treasures time with her family. She loves the spirit of God within the UB Newman community and wants everyone to know how much your presence enhances her worship at Newman.
Mark Palumbo & Tom Grimes
Maintenance
Mark and Tom form an essential team that keeps our building and equipment running safely and efficiently. They regularly reconfigure the Msgr. Pat Keleher Community Room and meeting rooms to meet the Community’s changing needs, ensuring everything is ready for our weekend Masses.
Tom enjoys working with the great UBNC staff and loves boating and fishing on the Niagara River. Mark is happiest spending time with family, friends, and his dog, Ted. He enjoys working out, gardening, and not having to shovel snow! For both, working at UBNC is all about the people and the Community.