| November 12, 2008 | Vol 10. No. 3 |
This is the first issue of NetGazette which profiles new and existing faculty, staff and administrators. If you have an idea for a Canisius profile, please send an E-mail to Kristin Etu, '91, NetGazette editor, at etuk@canisius.edu.
 |
Anne-Marie Dobies, ’92, MS ’99, MS ’06, is passionate about her work with Canisius College students.
“Most of the students we serve in DSS are underclassmen. As they grow and their strengths develop, they become more independent,” says Dobies. “My goal is to see them graduate.”
Dobies explains that while many people assume that DSS serves only students with physical disabilities, the office handles all academic and non-academic support services for students with disabilities, including physical, learning and psychological. In fact, the highest percentage of students the office serves has cognitive disabilities.
“I attend many Canisius events, including athletic and cultural, in order to support my students,” says Dobies. “I want them to see me outside of the scope of DSS.”
Canisius College is a very special and personal place for Dobies. She is not only an alumna and a college employee for more than 15 years, but Dobies and husband Eric MS ’99, were married at Christ the King Chapel in 1996 by Rev. Michael F. Tunney, S.J., professor of fine arts, director of the Studio Art Program and rector of the college’s Jesuit Community. Son Jack, 5, and daughter, Isabella, 2, were also baptized in the chapel by Father Tunney.
Promoted to associate dean in July 2008, Dobies is responsible for oversight of the expanded operations of the college's tutoring center, which includes extended hours, supplemental instruction, study halls, and services for student-athletes and probational students.
Dobies serves as an adjunct professor in the Department of College Student Personnel Administration where she teaches CSP 570, Foundations of Counseling in Higher Education. Prior to DSS, she was assistant director of student activities and a graphic designer in the Publications Department (now Creative Services).
Dobies serves on the board of directors for Families of FANA WNY. The local organization is associated with a private orphanage located in Bogotá, Colombia where she and her husband adopted their children. In addition, Dobies coordinates Canisius College service projects at the Little Portion Friary, a Buffalo homeless shelter founded by her father, the late Deacon John Gainey.
For more information about DSS, click here.
 |
 |
Right photo: Kelley (far right) makes prayer ties at the Crow Fair Northern Plains Annual Indian Celebration in Montana in the summer of 2006.
Albertha F. Kelley, administrative associate, facilities management
When you call the Department of Facilities Management, you will likely speak with Albertha F. Kelley. A member of the department’s staff for eight years. Kelley answers the office's phones, processes purchase orders, handles payroll for facilities staff, and reconciles ProCard transactions in the BANNER system, among other duties.
Kelley is also a world traveler. In fact, she has been to such countries as China, Russia, France, Germany, Israel, Egypt and Greece.
“When you travel, you have to open your mind and not look for it to be just like home,” says Kelley. “If is something that you can handle for a week or two, you will be just fine!”
In addition, Kelley has traveled with Canisius College faculty, staff and students on trips, including on a spring 2008 service trip with the Office of Campus Ministry to an orphanage in Poland.
“This was a work trip, not a leisure trip,” says Kelley. “We also had the opportunity to visit Auschwitz. While it was very sobering, the lessons learned for both students and staff will last a lifetime.”
Kelley has also been on four of History Professor Keith R. Burich’s Native American Experience trips out West.
She has been a member of the Canisius College Chorale for six years and works several nights a week in the Old Main Snack Bar. She has taught Sunday school at Westminster Presbyterian Church in Buffalo for 35 years, and enjoys gardening and reading.
Kelley holds a bachelor’s degree in communication from the State University of New York at Buffalo and takes undergraduate classes at Canisius College. While she takes classes at Canisius for personal enjoyment, Kelley hopes to earn a bachelor’s degree in religious studies.
 |
Kelly A. Harper, PhD, an assistant professor of childhood education, holds a PhD in curriculum and instruction from Boston College, a master’s degree from the University of Hartford and a bachelor’s degree from St. Bonaventure University. Previously, she was assistant professor of education at D’Youville College and assistant professor at St. Bonaventure University.
 |
A new assistant professor in the Department of Philosophy, Devonya N. Havis, PhD, specializes in ethics, 20th century continental philosophy and African American philosophy. Prior to Canisius, Havis was an associate professor of philosophy at Virginia Union University. She holds a PhD in philosophy from Boston College and a bachelor’s degree in religion from Williams College.
 |
Laura J. Hechtel, PhD is the new director of the Dr. George E. Schreiner ’43 Pre-Medical Center. Prior to Canisius, Hechtel was an adjunct professor of biology and nursing at St. Ambrose University, and a science and math instructor at Rivermont Collegiate, both in Iowa. She also served as the pre-health professions advisor in the Biology Department at Augustana College in Illinois.
Hechtel holds PhD and master’s degrees in biology from Illinois State University, and a bachelor’s degree in biology, secondary education and physical education from Augustana College.
 |
Jeffrey R. Lindauer, PhD, is the new chair as well as an associate professor of physical education, health and sport studies. He previously was an associate professor in the Department of Kinesiology at the University of Wisconsin-Eau Claire. Lindauer holds a PhD in health, physical education and recreation from the University of New Mexico, a master’s degree from the University of Wisconsin-LaCrosse and a bachelor’s degree in physical education from Wartburg College.
 |
Matthew W. Mitchell, PhD, assistant professor of religious studies, holds a PhD from Temple University, a master’s degree in Hebrew studies from Memorial University of Newfoundland and a bachelor’s degree in religion from the University of Saskatchewan. Prior to Canisius, he was chair of the Department of Comparative Religion at Dalhousie University.