| May 21, 2008 | Vol 9. No. 14 |
Commencement 2008
Family and friends filled UB’s Alumni Arena to congratulate the 750 members of the undergraduate Class of 2008 on May 17. Calvin M. Darden ’72, retired senior vice president of UPS, addressed the graduates.
Darden told graduates that the key to wealth is “not about financial gain, but rather it is about hard work and sticking to your values.” He added that the recent grads have a responsibility to use their education and gifts for the benefit of others.
Rev. Vincent M. Cooke, S.J., college president, presents Calvin M. Darden ’72 with an honorary degree at Saturday’s undergraduate commencement ceremonies.
After years of hard work, 2008 graduates enjoyed their commencement ceremonies.
Darden also received an honorary degree during the ceremony, as did Herbert Hauptman, PhD, director of the Hauptman Woodward Medical Institute and Clement Eckert, president and CEO of the Food Bank of Western New York. James F. Lyons ’56 was the recipient of the LaSalle Medal, which is the Alumni Association's most distinguished award and recognizes substantial contributions in advancing the interests of the college. Adam P. Pendelton ’08 served as the student commencement speaker. U.S. Senator Charles Schumer (D-NY) also briefly addressed the graduates.
Daniel W. Stanton, founding principal of Samson Capital Advisors LLC, a fixed income investment manager in Palm Beach, FL, spoke during graduate commencement ceremonies on Wednesday, May 14 in the Koessler Athletic Center. Stanton also is a former general partner and managing director of Goldman Sachs Group Inc., a leading global investment banking, securities and investment management firm. In his commencement address, he shared with graduates his own “top ten” qualities or characteristics of a good leader. He received an honorary degree during the ceremony, as did David C. Hohn, MD, executive director of health policy and president emeritus of Roswell Park Cancer Institute.
To view the Commencement 2008 photo gallery, click here.
Canisius Employee Graduates
Congratulations to the Canisius employees who were among the graduates at commencement ceremonies in May.
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| Judith R. Caserta, athletic business manager, master’s degree in sport administration | Sarah E. Signorino ’04, associate campus minister, master’s degree in college student personnel administration | Michael G. Sonnefeld, public safety officer, master’s degree in early childhood education | ||
| Not pictured: Lazare A. Adingono, assistant men’s basketball coach, master’s degree in sport administration; Matthew D. Gracie, bachelor’s degree in computer science; Jennifer L. Skowron, human resources associate, bachelor’s degree in history; Mollie A. Strasser, associate director of admissions, master’s degree in college student personnel administration (February). | ||||
ROTC Commissioning
Lt. Col. James H. Soos, chair of military science and Golden Griffin Battalion Commander, commissioned 16 cadets as second lieutenants in the U.S. Army during the college’s 55th ROTC Commissioning Ceremony on Friday, May 16 in the Montante Cultural Center. Seven students graduated from Canisius College, eight graduated from the State University of New York at Buffalo and one graduated from Medaille College. Three-Star Lieutenant General Peter M. Cuviello ’69 (Ret.) served as the guest speaker for the event.
U.S. Navy Captain Robin Wilkening delivered the oath of office via video teleconference for her son, Canisius ROTC Cadet Benjamin O. Berry '08. Wilkening is currently deployed in Kuwait.
Berry’s brother (pictured on screen), Marine Lance Cpl. Noah Berry who is stationed in Hawaii, watched the ceremony via teleconference.
Canisius ROTC Program Receives MacArthur Award Plaque at Honors Ceremony
(l-r) Lt. Col. James H. Soos, chair of military science, Cadet Jeremy Reamer '11, Rev. Vincent M. Cooke, S.J., college president, Cadet Matthew Laney '10, Cadet and Battalion Commander Jessica Lee ’08 and Cadet Robert Tuttle ’10.
At the ROTC Spring Honors ceremony on May 1, Canisius President Rev. Vincent M. Cooke, S.J., presented the MacArthur Award plaque and streamer to the cadre and Lt. Col. James H. Soos, Golden Griffin Battalion command officer and chair of military science. The battalion received the MacArthur Award from the U.S. Army’s Cadet Command for ranking #1 in the Eastern Region out of 135 schools.
Dierenfield Travels with Students to Gold Coast
Pictured above (l-r): Sababu C. Norris, director of multicultural programs, Jessica Grabski '10 and Bruce J. Dierenfield, PhD, professor of history and director of the Program in the African American Experience, visit Elmina, Ghana. Elmina is the site of the famous Portuguese slave castle, which was one of the most important stops on the route of the Trans-Atlantic Slave Trade.
History Professor and Director of the All-College Honors Program Bruce J. Dierenfield, PhD, traveled with nine Canisius students to the West African country of Ghana during spring break. The nine-day trip was part of Dierenfield’s Program in the African American Experience, which is funded through a Peter Canisius Distinguished Teaching Professorship.
Dierenfield and the students toured various historic monuments and nature preserves, including Kakum National Park, a tropical rainforest; the Manhyia Palace Museum, where Asante kings once lived; and Mole National Park, home to elephants, antelope, baboons, warthogs and green monkeys roam.
Prior to becoming an independent nation in 1957, Ghana was a British colony known as Gold Coast. Many people still refer to the country by this name.
Ferguson Travels to South Africa for Sabbatical
During her three-week stay in South Africa, Janet M. Ferguson, PhD, volunteered at an orphanage called the ARK.
Associate Professor of Adolescence Education Janet M. Ferguson, PhD, recently returned from Cape Town, South Africa, where she conducted research on student perceptions toward school safety in the United States and South Africa. Ferguson surveyed students in Cape Town, because schools there are currently considered among the most dangerous in the world. She also surveyed students in Brooklyn, NY and Fort Erie, Canada, as part of her research. She plans to release the results in September.
Summer Hours
Summer hours are now in effect at the college, until August 15. The workday is 8:30 a.m. until 4:30 p.m. with a half-hour lunch period.
CANISIUS EVENTS
Father Cooke Reflects on General Congregation in Rome
The college community filled the Grupp Fireside Lounge on April 21 as Canisius President Rev. Vincent M. Cooke, S.J., shared his reflections on the Jesuits’ 35th General Congregation (GC 35) in Rome. Father Cooke was one of 225 delegates from across the globe chosen to attend GC 35, at which delegates elected a new superior general for the Society of Jesus, Rev. Adolfo Nicolás, S.J., and approved various formal decrees.
The election of a new superior general was the first order of business for the delegates. The process began with the murmuratio: a four day period, during which delegates engaged in one-on-one discussions about the qualifications and abilities of individuals whom they believe may be good candidates for the job.
“Politicking for the job is strictly forbidden,” explained Father Cooke. “No one person can politick for or against himself or anyone else.”
After an intense period of prayer on the fifth day, the delegates elected Father Nicolás on the second ballot.
“Father Nicolás clearly understands that, at its essence, what the Society of Jesus has to offer the world is a closer relationship with Jesus Christ,” said Father Cooke.
Following the election, the delegates turned their attention to matters of business. They approved six formal decrees, including a decree on collaboration.
“We’re moving toward a much larger role for the laity and we need to plan for transitions from Jesuit leadership to lay leadership,” said Father Cooke.
GC 35 marked the second time Father Cooke participated in a general congregation. He also participated in the 33rd General Congregation, when Rev. Peter Hans Kolvenbach, S.J., was elected.
To view Father Cooke's lecture, click here. To learn more about the GC 35 or the election of the superior general, visit www.sjweb.info/35.
Canisius’ First Annual Ignatian Scholarship Day is a Success
More than 200 Canisius College undergraduate and graduate students showcased their research, scholarship and creative performances during the college’s first annual Ignatian Scholarship Day on April 16.
According to Scott A. Chadwick, PhD, vice president for academic affairs, the event was highly successful. “We have already begun plans for next year’s event,” adds Chadwick. “It was an excellent opportunity for students to demonstrate their academic research in a conference environment, and for students, faculty and the campus community to interact and learn new ideas. It proved to be a wonderful opportunity to reach out to prospective students, as well.”
Fifty-five faculty members served as scholarship mentors to the students. Students who participated in the event used a variety of methods for their research, including paper presentations, poster displays, and media presentations. Nine performances took place, which included poetry, drama, vocal or instrumental music. Eight pieces of two and three-dimensional art were also on display.
(left to right) Canisius College junior Brian K. Fluharty ’09, a biochemistry major, and Justine D. Price, PhD, assistant professor of fine arts, discuss the art displays at the college’s Ignatian Scholarship Day on April 19.
Catilin A. Pilliod MSED ’08, speaks with Rev. Paul Nochelski, S.J., chair and associate professor of adolescence education, about her poster presentation entitled “Study Images of Femininity.”
Digital medial arts majors Ian Maroney '08 and Jasio Stefanski '09, students of Assistant Professor of Fine Arts Christine Walsh, created the wooden "haha" sculpture in the quad as part of the college's Ignatian Day Celebration.
Summer Camps
Canisius offers a wide variety of summer camps for school-aged children. For sports camps, click here.
For Young Writers’ Camp (children grades 3-12), click here or contact the Western New York Writing Project at Ext. 3134.
For Summer Science Camp for middle school aged children (entering grades 5-8), click here or contact Steven Szczepankewicz, PhD, associate professor of chemistry/biochemistry at Ext. 2355.
CANISIUS KUDOS
Butler Receives Honors Professor of the Year Award
Canisius College English Professor Robert J. Butler, PhD, is the inaugural recipient of the 2008 Honors Professor of the Year Award. The award recognizes a professor who has made exceptional contributions to the Canisius All-College Honors Program in teaching, scholarship and/or service. Butler served 21 years as director of the Canisius All-College Honors Program (1985-2006). During that pivotal period, he increased the size of the student body, raised admissions standards and expanded the opportunities for cultural enrichment.
Butler is a native of Pittsfield, Massachusetts, and completed his formal education at St. Michael’s College and the University of Notre Dame. He is the author or coauthor of seven books on African American literature, and is an internationally-known authority on the subject. A Kenneth L. Koessler Distinguished Professor, Butler is also renowned for his dedication to teaching and his unflagging commitment to a more just society.
The All–College Honors Program is a learning community of Canisius College’s top students who have excelled academically in high school and in college entrance exams. These students represent the top 10 percent of applicants to Canisius.
Duling, Schmidtke Retirement Party
Paula M. McNutt, PhD, dean of arts and sciences, congratulates Dennis C. Duling, professor of religious studies and theology for 30 years of service to the college. Members of the college community gathered in the Grupp Fireside Lounge on Tuesday, May 20 to congraulate Duling and Charles R. Schmidtke, PhD, associate professor of gerontology, on their retirements this spring.
Charles R. Schmidtke, PhD, associate professor of gerontology, gives a speech at his retirement party in the Grupp Fireside Lounge on May 20. Schmidtke retired after 35 years of service to the college.
Farrugia Receives Distinguished Faculty Award at Honors Convocation
(left to right) Rev. Vincent M. Cooke, S.J., college president presents David L. Farrugia, EdD, chair and professor of counseling and human services with the Distinguished Faculty Award at the Spring Honors Convocation on April 25.
MLK Award Winners
Rhonda F. Dyess-Hands, assistant director of admissions (left), receives the 2008 Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr. Administrator Award from Rev. Vincent M. Cooke, S.J., college president, at Spring Honors Convocation. Emilee C. Flynn ’08 (not pictured) is the 2008 recipient of the Martin Luther King, Jr. Student Award.
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| Ken Schwab, bakery manager, Chartwells |
Nearly 40 people, including three faculty and staff members, participated in Canisius College's second annual Bald for Bucks and Locks of Love event in the Palisano Pavilion on Monday April 28. Bald for Bucks began at Lake Shore High Scool in honor of Canisius graduate Cathleen George '90, who died of cancer in 2004. Sponsored by the Office of Campus Programming and Leadership Development, the event raised $6,500 for Roswell Park Cancer Institute.
Students from Leon Studio One Hair cut hair (and shaved heads!) for the Canisius Bald for Bucks event.
Michael F. Tunney, S.J., professor of fine arts and rector for the Jesuit community and Sarah E. Signorino ’04, associate campus minister, both went “Bald for Bucks.” The second annual event, sponsored by the Office of Campus Programming and Leadership Development, took place in the college’s Palisano Pavilion on April 28.
Dr. I Joan Lorch Awards Given at Women’s Studies Event
Congratulations to the 2006-2007 I. Joan Lorch Award winners, who were honored at this year’s Women’s Studies Luncheon in the Regis Room on Friday, March 9. (Left to right) I. Joan Lorch, PhD, professor emerita of biology; Deborah Abrahamson, admissions associate, recipient of the staff award; Sheri A. Labenski ’08, recipient of the student award; Tanya M. Loughead, PhD, assistant professor of professor of philosophy, recipient of the faculty award and Melinda Rath Sanderson, executive director of the women’s business center, recipient of the administrator award.
Everett Serves on Law Enforcement Memorial Committee for Third Year
For the third year in a row, Buffalo Police Commissioner H. McCarthy Gipson invited Gary M. Everett, director of public safety, to serve as a member of the Law Enforcement Memorial Committee. As part of Law Enforcement Appreciation Month, Everett participated in the Annual Law Enforcement Memorial Service on Monday, May 12 at St. Joseph’s Cathedral. Relatives and law enforcement officers from all over Western New York were in attendance.James Article Included in Newly Published Book
An article authored by Genevieve L. James, PhD, professor emerita of modern languages, is included in the newly published book New Interpretations in the History of French Literature: from Marie de France to Beckett and Cioran by Aleksandra Grusznka (The Edwin Mellon Press, 2008). James’ article, entitled “Portrait d’une orientaliste ‘aventureuse:’ Alexandra David-Neel, 1868-1969,” is on pages 167-192 of the book. In addition, James’ article “Raymond Federman: un auteur bilingue meconnu a decouvir” was published in the book LitteRealite (University New York Publications) Vol. XVIII, No. 1. pp. 68-73.
Sroka Publishes Two Articles
Kenneth M. Sroka, PhD, professor of English and co-director of the Urban Leadership Learning Community, has had two articles accepted for publication in the Brigham Young University journal Literature and Belief. “Reviving Spirit: ‘Illth’ and Health in Charles Dickens’ Little Dorrit" appeared in Vol. 26.2, 2006, 71-104.Another article of Sroka’s, entitled, “Beauties, Beasts, and Myth in Frankenstein (1818) and The Time Machine (1895),” will be published in a future edition of Literature and Belief.