Visual and performing arts alum Matthew Favale ’16 has returned to Daemen – this time as an information technology specialist.
Since graduating from Daemen with a bachelor of science in art, with minors in illustration and graphic design, Favale has worked in the service industry at Niagara Label, where he ran a digital HP printing press. 
He is also a Cisco Certified Network Associate.
We spoke with Favale about his time at Daemen, his return as an employee in the Office of Information Technology and his professional goals at the institution.
What experiences led you to working in IT at Daemen?
I first attended Daemen as a graphic design major, but switched my major and graduated with a bachelor of science in art because I enjoyed taking a variety of art courses and wanted to expand my focus.
Before I studied at Daemen, I completed a cyber security program through Erie 1 BOCES where I learned about networking and programming and was granted the outstanding senior award.
This new position allows me to incorporate my skills and passion for IT.
What do you like about working at Daemen?
I enjoy helping people and I am able to do that daily in my new position. I like being able to help people directly with technical issues they are having.
I help respond to support requests for the entire campus. We handle everything from audio visual setup and troubleshooting in the classrooms with faculty, to helping solve general computer issues for students and staff.
Was there a faculty member at Daemen who made a positive impact on you?
One of my former professors, Ken Doyle (who teaches animation at Daemen) has a unique, less orthodox approach to class projects and the curriculum helped me come into my own and develop my own productive work ethic.
Overall, the broadness of the curriculum outside of my major definitely did its job in terms of creating competencies to make me into the well-rounded individual I am and that is required in the modern job market.
What do you look forward to at Daemen?
Mainly, I look forward to the opportunity for advancement. There is room for advancement here at Daemen and it is encouraging to know that there are members of upper management who started from the ground up in a position comparable to mine.
What are some of your passions outside of work?
For most of my life, I have been interested in metal working. I weld, but mostly I do work as a blacksmith.
I have done this for 15 years, and work on personal projects and have also done work as a side business.
I’m also a metal sculpture artist.