BA in religious studies and history, Cornell University (2003). After completing his undergraduate studies at Cornell, Mark spent a year as a member of the Diocesan Service Corps in Buffalo, New York, a program designed for recent college graduates who commit themselves to the tenets of social justice, intentional community, simplicity, and spiritual exploration. As a Corps volunteer, he worked at the AIDS Alliance of Western New York, a drop-in center for those living with HIV/AIDS, and at Compeer of Greater Buffalo, a mental health agency that matches volunteer mentors with children, adults, and seniors dealing with mental illness. After his volunteer year, Mark remained at Compeer as a full-time program and community development coordinator. He has also been active with various other organizations in the Buffalo area as a volunteer, including AIDS Community Services of Western New York, AIDS Family Services, and Pax Christi of Western New York.