| 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, the recalled meeting group of teenagers that 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 then 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 Headrics.
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.
CANISIUS EVENTS
Franz Retirement Party
Laurence W. Franz, PhD, relaxes at his retirement party with Canisius President Rev. Vincent M. Cooke, S.J. Franz will retire in August from his position of vice president for business and finance, which he has held for 28 years. Following a sabbatical in 2006-2007, he will resume his teaching position in the college’s Economic/Finance Department.
Among the gifts Dr. Franz received was a piece of artwork commissioned by his family, which included sketches of college buildings that he was instrumental in either building or remodeling during his tenure as vice president for business and finance. He was also presented with a painted desk box with a picture of Christ the King Chapel from Father Cooke, and a memory book created by Dawn M. Rotterman, technician for human resources, which was signed by Canisius faculty and staff.
Guests at Dr. Franz’s party congratulate him and reflect on his nearly three decades as vice president at Canisius. (Right to left) Ellen O. Conley, PhD, vice president for student affairs; Joel A. Cohen, PhD, associate vice president for library & information systems, Father Cooke, Larry Franz.
Mass for Feast of the Ascension
There will be a Holy Day Mass for the Feast of the Ascension on Thursday, May 25 at 11:30 a.m. in Christ the King Chapel.
2006 JP Morgan Corporate Challenge Post-Race Party
Although the deadline to register has passed, there’s still time to sign up for Canisius’ post-race party for the 2006 JP Corporate Challenge Race/Walk! The event takes place on Thursday, June 8 at 6:45 p.m. in Delaware Park. Join your Canisius College co-workers and friends for a delicious Chartwells cookout in the Canisius tent for only $5 per person. Family and friends are welcome. For more information, contact Gary Lew, senior facilities operations manager, at Ext. 2255 or send an E-mail to lew@canisius.edu. Money for the tent party is due no later than June 5.
Chartwells Summer Cookouts
Chartwells will once again host their popular Wednesday summer cookouts in the Bart Mitchell Quad, near the Palisano Pavilion. Cookouts will be held from 11 a.m. to 1:30 p.m., on the following dates:
• May 31On cookout dates, the Old Main Snack Bar will close at 10:30 a.m. Cookouts will be held weather permitting, and in the case of rain, will be moved to the Palisano Pavilion.
• June 7
• June 14
• June 21
• June 28
• July 5
• July 12
• July 19
• July 26
• August 2
• August 9
• August 16
Canisius Offers Summer Camps for Children
If you are looking for something educational and fun for your kids to do this summer, Canisius offers a wide variety of summer camps sure to fit any interest.
For sports camps, including soccer, basketball, swimming and diving and softball, 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 children, click here or contact Steven Szczepankewicz, PhD, assistant professor of chemistry/biochemistry at Ext. 2355.
Public Safety Child Fingerprinting Program
Lucas Prince, 5˝, gets his fingerprints taken by Cmdr. Dominic Barone, assistant director of public safety, as his father, Thomas Prince, computer support specialist II/ITS, looks on. The Department of Public Safety offered the fingerprinting identification program to children of Canisius faculty and staff as part of Take Our Daughters and Sons to Work Day on Thursday, April 27.
Take Your Sons and Daughters to Work Day
Chelsea Kasperczyk, 12, spent the day working in the Office of Alumni Relations with mom, Sharon Kasperczyk, secretary for alumni relations.
Mary Ann Rood, secretary for public relations, brought daughter Kelly, 12, to her office for Take Our Sons and Daughters to Work Day.
Photos taken by Hanna Etu, daughter of Kristin Etu '91, public relations specialist.
Canisius Community Day
Nancy V. Wallace, PhD, assistant professor of education (left), along with Canisius education students, helps tidy up the gardens at Early Childhood Center School #17 during Canisius Community Day on April 22.
Canisius Hosts Business Research Consortium
Canisius College hosted the first annual Business Research Consortium of Western New York on April 29. Organized by Joseph G. Eisenhauer, PhD, professor of economics and finance, the event included nearly 100 faculty members from colleges and universities throughout Western New York. Participants met in small group sessions on a variety of topics which included inventory control, operations management, forensic economics, employee motivation and job satisfaction.
CANISIUS KUDOS
Dehn Receives Distinguished Faculty Award
Paula F. Dehn, PhD, professor and chair of biology, speaks after accepting the 2006 Distinguished Faculty Award from Canisius President Rev. Vincent M. Cooke, S.J. (seated next to podium) Pictured to the left of Father Cooke is Herbert J. Nelson, PhD, vice president for academic affairs.
Paula F. Dehn, PhD, professor and chair of biology, is the 2006 recipient of the Kenneth Koessler Distinguished Faculty Award. Dehn accepted her award at Academic Convocation on Friday, April 28 in the Montante Cultural Center. The Kenneth Koessler Distinguished Faculty Award recognizes outstanding faculty members who have taught full-time at Canisius for at least three years, and have been distinguished for contributions to the academic world and teaching excellence.
MLK Award Winners
Jerome L. Neuner, PhD, vice president for academic affairs, accepts his MLK administrator award from Father Cooke at Academic Convocation; Michael J. Gent, PhD, professor of management and marketing waits to accept his MLK faculty award.
Arts and Sciences Retirees
Congratulations to retiring faculty members in the School of Arts and Sciences, who were honored at a reception in the Grupp Fireside Lounge on Tuesday, May 23. From left to right: Daniel P. Starr, PhD, associate professor of history; Frank P. Riga, PhD, professor of English; Joseph A. Tomasulo, PhD, professor of biology; Genevieve L. James, PhD, professor of modern languages; Karl J. Schroeder, PhD, assistant professor of mathematics and statistics; and David B. Dietz, PhD, associate professor of classics.
Dunkle Finishes Fifth in 29th Annual Cleveland Marathon
Brian P. Dunkle, S.J. is pictured here at this year's Canisius and BlueCross and BlueShield Shoes for Shelter race.
Congratulations to Brian P. Dunkle, S.J., instructor of classics, who finished fifth overall and second in his age group (males 30 to 34) at the 29th annual Rite Aid Cleveland Marathon on Sunday, May 21. He perservered through inclement weather to finish with a time of 02:35:14. This is Dunkle's second marathon (he also ran the Buffalo Marathon in 2005).
Three Canisius Faculty Receive Awards at MBA Cocktail Party
Two Canisius faculty members received awards at the annual cocktail party given by the Canisius College Graduate Business Programs of the Richard J. Wehle School of Business on May 12.
Girish Shambu, PhD, associate professor of management and marketing, received the Dr. Donald Calvert Outstanding Professor Award; Howard Stanger, PhD, associate professor of management and marketing, received the Faculty Scholarship Award; and Rev. Thomas A. O’Connor, S.J., associate campus minister, received the Rev. Thomas E. Fleming, S.J. Distinguished Service Award.
Koehneke Named to NATA Board
Peter M. Koehneke, chair of sports medicine/health and human performance, has been named to the board of directors, athletic trainer designee for the National Athletic Trainers’ Association Board of Certification (BOC). BOC is a national credentialing agency which has certified athletic trainers and identified for the public, quality healthcare professionals since 1969. More than 29,000 individuals have earned the ATC credential worldwide.
Smith Participates in National Program on Sudden Cardiac Arrest
Andy Smith, MS '89, ATC, head athletic trainer and clinical coordinator for the athletic training education program, participated in an Inter-Association Task Force to Develop a Consensus Statement on Sudden Cardiac Arrest in Athletics from April 23-24 in Atlanta, Georgia. The National Athletic Trainers Association (NATA) convened the task force, which included physicians and certified athletic trainers from around the country, with a goal of establishing uniform guidelines and standardized protocol for responding to sudden cardiac arrest during athletic participation.
Volonino is Guest Lecturer
Linda A. Volonino, PhD, chair of information systems, recently presented the following guest lectures: -
“Sarbanes-Oxley Compliance and Information Management” for the Master of Science in IT Management Program at the University of Virginia.
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Anti-fraud management seminar to senior financial officers from North and South America, Europe and the Far East divisions of Method Electronics in Chicago, IL.