| May 24, 2006 | Vol 7. No. 15 |
Commencement 2006
The Canisius College Alumni Association welcomed more than 875 new members, following commencement ceremonies last week. Thousands of family and friends filled UB’s Alumni Arena to congratulate the undergraduate Class of 2006. Cardinal Theodore Edgar McCarrick, Archbishop of Washington D.C., addressed the graduates and received an honorary degree during the ceremony. Cardinal McCarrick, who served as the late Pope John Paul II’s emissary on international issues, recounted a trip he took to Sarajevo when it was under siege by Bosnian Serb forces. As he traveled through the ruins to the home of the city’s Archbishop, he met a group of teenagers who were distributing food and medicine to senior citizens trapped in a high-rise apartment building. The teens, who risked their own safety, told the Cardinal that they thought this is what God would what them to do.
Like the teens in Sarajevo, Cardinal McCarrick told students to watch out for “the little guy,” who can take many forms, including people in their own communities facing poverty, drug abuse and prostitution. “They are all around us and they need us,” he said. “Don’t be afraid to say ‘Here I am,’ because that is what God wants you to say.”
In addition, honorary degrees were bestowed upon Luiz F. Kahl (posthumously), chair of the NFTA and president of The Vector Group; and philanthropists Sebastian J. ’48 and Lenore M. (McGowan) Rosica. Eric M. Soehnlein ’06 served as student commencement speaker.
Steve Forbes, editor in chief of Forbes magazine and president and CEO of Forbes Inc., spoke during graduate ceremonies on Wednesday, May 17 in the college’s Koessler Athletic Center. Forbes told the 275 master’s degree graduates to find their passion in life. “The key to your life is finding your passion; what you’re good at,” said Forbes. “Then figure out how to make a living at it.” Forbes added, “There is nothing worse than going through life living just for weekends.” Forbes received an honorary degree during the ceremony, as did Wilson Greatbatch, inventor of the cardiac pacemaker.
Rose Marie Castner, academic affairs special events coordinator, gives Petey a high five as she leads Paul Young, PhD, associate professor of education, and the undergraduate commencement procession to the main floor.
Cardinal Theodore Edgar McCarrick, Archbishop of Washington D.C., addressed the undergraduate Canisius College Class of 2006.
Rev. Vincent M. Cooke, S.J,. presents a MS, sport administration degree to David Headrick.
Employee Graduates
The following Canisius employees received their degrees at the Graduate Commencement Ceremony on May 17:
Anne Marie Dobies, director of disability support services; MS, counselor education
Maureen M. Hidy, payroll technician; MSED, adolescent education
Adriann T. Johnson, coordinator/counselor, talent search; MS, education administration
Verna Merriweather, secretary, education and human services, MS; counseling and human services (conferred February 2006)
Shannon D. Moreland, counselor, talent search; MS, special education/childhood education
Derek A. Neverosky, credentials technician for student records and registration; MSED, general education
Debra S. Park, director of public relations; MS, communication and leadership
The following employees received bachelor’s degrees in February 2006:
Vicki Edgerton, secretary, multicultural programs, bachelor’s degree in psychology
Michael G. Sonnenfeld, officer for public safety, bachelor’s degree in physical education/health education
In addition, Cheryl Jessel Yates, secretary, graduate literacy center, received her bachelor’s degree in criminal justice in September 2005.
ROTC Commissioning Ceremony
Lt. Col. James H. Soos, chair of military science, commissioned 12 cadets as second lieutenants in the U.S. Army during the college’s 53rd ROTC Commissioning Ceremony on Friday, May 19 in the Montante Cultural Center. Five students graduated from Canisius College and seven graduated from the State University of New York at Buffalo. Brigadier General Sanford Holman, assistant division commander, 98th Training Division, Rochester, NY, was the guest speaker for the event.
Richey Named New VP for Business & Finance
Patrick E. Richey is the new vice president for business and finance at Canisius. His appointment follows a national search to replace Laurence W. Franz, PhD, who will step down in August after nearly three decades in the position. Richey comes to Canisius from Genesee Community College (GCC) in Batavia, NY, where he is currently vice president of finance and operations, a position he has held since 2002. “Patrick Richey brings a wealth of experience and energy to Canisius College,” said Canisius President Rev. Vincent M. Cooke, S.J. “His vision, collaborative leadership style and strategic planning skills, coupled with his academic experience, will serve the college well in this competitive educational environment.”
Richey added, “Canisius’ evolution into the premier private college in Western New York has positioned the college for a bright future of service to students and the community. I look forward to contributing to the success of the college, and working with Father Cooke, the key members of his administrative team and the entire Canisius community as the college continues to grow and thrive.”
Prior to his tenure at GCC, Richey was a village administrator in LeRoy and then East Aurora, NY, an administrative officer at the Syracuse, NY Department of Public Works and an administrative analyst for the Syracuse Grants Management Unit. He holds a BA from LeMoyne College in Syracuse and a master’s degree in public administration from the Maxwell School of Citizenship and Public Affairs at Syracuse University.
As vice president for business and finance, Richey will report to Father Cooke and serve as a key member of the administrative team. He will oversee all financial and administrative functions of the college including finance, facilities, human resources and business services, and work with Father Cooke to formulate the college’s fiscal strategies.
Renovation On Schedule Renovation on 70 Eastwood Place, the property transferred from Canisius College to Habitat for Humanity in early February, is progressing on schedule. Recently, a new roof was put on the house, and in the coming weeks, the house will be complete with aluminum siding.
Inside, the plumbing and electrical work is complete, and the drywall is nearly finished. Soon Habitat work crews and the college’s Habitat chapter, along with the Burton family, can begin to paint. Work on the home, which occurs each weekend, is expected to be completed this summer. The house will be home to David and Regina Burton and their four children.
Shelley Memorial Paver Dedication
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| Canisius President Rev. Vincent M. Cooke, S.J. and Colleen A. Kenline, secretary for development, with Anita Wahl, Shelley’s mother after the dedication ceremony. | A paver on the Canisius College Leadership Walkway for Patricia J. Wahl Shelley |
A concrete paver on the Canisius College Leadership Walkway in the Quad now serves as a permanent on-campus tribute to the late Patricia J. Wahl Shelley, former secretary for the Department of Chemistry and Biochemistry. The paver, purchased by members of the Canisius College community, was dedicated on May 4 at a ceremony attended by members of Shelley’s family, as well as members of the campus community. Shelley passed away in January 2006.
Summer Hours
Summer hours are now in effect at the college until Friday, August 18. The workday is now 8:30 a.m. – 4:30 p.m., with one-half hour for lunch.
College Closed for Memorial Day
The college will be closed, except for essential operating personnel, on Monday, May 29 in observance of Memorial Day.
Summer NetGazette Schedule
Summer issues of the NetGazette will be published on Wednesday, June 14 and Wednesday, July 12. Submission deadlines are one week prior to publication.