Canisius College

As we welcome the autumn season at Canisius there is much to look forward to: the crisp chilly air, warm apple cider, football season, pumpkin picking, and leaves bathed in hues of yellow, orange, and red.  Campus has been full of exciting events recently, most notably the dedication of Dugan Hall, or what was formerly known as Eastwood Hall.  This only two year old residence hall was officially christened as Dugan Hall last Friday, September 28^th. 

The guests of honor at the ceremony included Father Cooke, the President of Canisius College; the Most Rev. Edward Kmiec, the bishop of Buffalo; and the Montante family, the generous donors who own the naming rights to the building and are kindheartedly honoring Father Dugan by naming the building after him.  This will be a nice addition to the already named residence halls that populate the main campus, Bosch and Frisch Halls, both of which are named after Jesuits who lovingly served Canisius College during their time.  Events such as these are rare at any college; therefore my friends and I made it a priority to attend the dedication ceremony.  Our time spent that afternoon was well worth it.  Following the dedication ceremony the school held a buffet reception in the academic quad which was accompanied by a jazz band.  I love attending these types of ceremonies and events because it allows students to rub elbows with alumni and witness Canisius history. 

The unveiling of the newly dedicated Dugan Hall.

Following the Dugan Hall dedication my friends and I attended one of the year’s most exciting events, the Canisius version of Oktoberfest, hosted by the German Club.  This year’s festivities were amazing! At the event an authentic German band, dressed in traditional German garb, plays upbeat and unique music while everyone eats, drinks, and is merry.  I have to admit that there truly is always something going on at Canisius, whether is be during the week or on a weekend. One is never hard-pressed to find something to do.  There hasn’t been one time in four years that I’ve had trouble keeping myself busy. 

The guest of honor, Father Dugan.

Not everything in the last few weeks has been fun and games.  Classes are running full steam and professors are beginning to pile on work and administer the first exams of the semester.  In the last week I have had four tests, one in Endocrinology, another in American Catholics in the Public Square, a writing intensive Medical Ethics exam, and a lab exam in Biotechnology.  Sometimes students get worn out and stressed when exam time approaches because in many instances one will have multiple tests within a one or two week span, which can foster some frenzied study tactics.  For many seniors, including myself, this part of the year is dually stressful because we are also applying to graduate programs.  It is merely a waiting game from this point on, and the uncertainty does not help, but everyone realizes that all the hard work they have put into the last three years will finally pay off when that acceptance letter comes in the mail. 
Fall break weekend approaches us and everyone on campus is looking forward to having a break from all their work and responsibilities.  Many of my friends are going home, some are simply relaxing, and others are going on trips to visit friends.  I usually visit friends during fall break, but this year I’m extra excited because my dad is flying out here so we can make the drive out to Cooperstown to visit the Baseball Hall of Fame.  In closing, this time of year around campus is most exciting because the natural beauty that is autumn shares itself with Canisius and Buffalo, thus transforming the campus and surrounding neighborhoods into a spectacle of nature that only an urban setting can provide. 

Shawn's September 2007 Journal