2005-12-08 IB

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Dec. 8, 2005

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St. Bonaventure University senior ROTC cadet ranks 15th in the nation

St. Bonaventure University senior journalism/mass communication major and ROTC Cadet Battalion Commander Philip Corrigan recently ranked 15th out of 3,838 senior cadets in the nation.

The cadets are assessed on academics, leadership skills, collegiate athletics and performance in the Leader Development and Assessment Course in which 4,500 ROTC cadets from 272 universities compete.

“Phil is an amazing person, leader and athlete — and the key to that success is being well-rounded,” said Lt. Col. Richard Trietley, professor of military science and chair of the Department of Military Science at SBU.

“He has a 3.9 G.P.A., ranking 14th in his class academically, runs Division I cross country and is the cross country team captain, maintains a sports information internship and is our Cadet Battalion Commander,” said Trietley.

As SBU’s Cadet Battalion Commander — a position awarded to the highest performing cadet — Corrigan leads and is responsible for all the cadets in the ROTC program.

“He has demonstrated incredible leadership potential. To my knowledge he is the highest-ranked cadet we’ve ever had at SBU and he demonstrates more potential than any cadet I’ve ever observed,” Trietley said.

Corrigan, a native of Olney, Md., said that he decided to visit SBU because his parents are both alumni; his father received his bachelor’s and master’s degrees from SBU and his mother also received her master’s from SBU.

Corrigan chose to attend SBU because of its School of Journalism and Mass Communication and ROTC program. He said he wanted to participate in the ROTC program because he felt a need to give back.

“It’s something I always wanted to do,” said Corrigan. “I’ve been afforded a lot of opportunities in my life; I’ve never wanted. I feel I owe it to my country to give back. You can make a lot of money doing lots of different things, but at the end of your life you have to be satisfied with what you’ve done.”

Corrigan will graduate this May with Distinguished Military Graduate status. After graduation he plans to serve four years active duty in the Army as an infantry officer and four years in the Army Reserves.

“What motivates me every day is in about a year I’ll be an infantry platoon leader. I’ll be responsible for the soldiers — everything from their finances to their heartbeats. I will owe it to those soldiers to do my best,” said Corrigan. “If I do the best that I can now in school and ROTC it will help me develop the skills and discipline I will need to do that job effectively.”

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Students can pay tribute to civil rights pioneers, win prizes in oratory competition

SBU students can pay tribute to a Civil Rights pioneer and have a chance at winning gift cards to the University Bookstore by entering the Third Annual Martin Luther King Jr. Oratory Competition. The competition will be held during the University’s observance of Martin Luther King Jr. Week (Jan. 16-20, 2006), but students should pick up information packets and register before leaving for Christmas break.

Information packets are available from Nichole Gonzalez in Room 200 of the Reilly Center. This year’s theme is “In the Steps of a Pioneer” and entries should be 3- to 5-minute oratory presentations in the form of a self-written speech, original poetry or the memorization and delivery of a speech/work of a civil rights leader.

The oratory competition will be held Thursday, Jan. 19, 2006, beginning about 4:30 p.m. in the Robert R. Jones Board of Trustees Room. The competition will be preceded by performances by the step team, SBU Steppers, and the a cappella group, Last Second, at 4 p.m. in the adjacent Doyle Dining Room. Following the oratory contest, at approximately 5:30 p.m., St. Bonaventure will recognize winners of its middle school essay competition, which is being judged by SBU student teachers. A dessert reception will follow.

Other activities planned for the week include:
Monday, Jan. 16, 2006
• 4 p.m., prayer service in The Regina A. Quick Center for the Arts atrium
• 4:30-7 p.m., formal dinner in Hickey Dining Hall. The dinner is open to the campus community. Faculty, staff and students not on a meal plan can pick up tickets for the dinner from Nichole Gonzalez in the Reilly Center. During the dinner there will be a reading from Martin Luther King Jr.’s “I Have a Dream” speech.

Tuesday, Jan. 17, 2006
• noon, prayer at the Peace Pole near the Thomas Merton Ministry Center

Wednesday, Jan. 18, 2006
Care packages for guests of The Warming House will be delivered on Wednesday, Jan. 18, as students, faculty and staff prepare and serve the evening meal at The Warming House. The campus community is encouraged to donate toiletries or create their own care packages and drop them off in University Ministries by Tuesday, Jan. 17. Please contact Connie Horan in Admissions at ext. 2429 or Trevor Thompson in University Ministries at ext. 2601 with questions.

Thursday, Jan. 19, 2006
• 4-6 p.m., Student Showcase in Doyle Hall
•4 p.m., performances by SBU Steppers and Last Second, Doyle Dining Room
•4:30 p.m., SBU student oratory competition, Board of Trustees Room
•5:30 p.m., recognition of middle school essay competition winners, Board of Trustees Room
•5:45 p.m., dessert reception, Doyle Dining Room

Friday, Jan. 20, 2006
• 12:30 p.m., Friday Forum, University Club (for faculty & staff). The Rev. Cheryl Parris and students who will be studying the Civil Rights Movement in Alabama during Christmas break (Jan. 12-16) will be the presenters.
• 3:30 p.m., prayer service in the Thomas Merton Center

Also during the week, special movies will be shown on SBU-TV Channel 9 at 4:30 p.m. The lineup for the week is: “Martin Luther King Jr.: The Man and the Dream,” “Crash,” “Mississippi Burning,” “Amistad,” and “Remember the Titans.”

Watch your e-mail and the Web for additional information as plans are finalized: http://www.sbu.edu/index.cfm?objectid=ED517608-1143-EB9C-3AABFE43343AD198

For more information about Martin Luther King Jr. Week 2006, contact Lt. Col. Rick Trietley at ext. 2565 or rtrietle@sbu.edu. The annual observance is organized through the Diversity Action Committee’s Subcommittee on Student Life.

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SBU offers experiential learning programs in local prisons

Two new experiential learning programs at St. Bonaventure University offer students new opportunity for personal growth and vocational discernment.

Students visit Attica Correctional Facility to participate in the Cephas Volunteer program and Gowanda Correctional Facility to interact in discussions with men convicted of driving while intoxicated felonies. Both programs are voluntary and are meant to supplement their classroom education.

Fr. Robert Struzynski, O.F.M., started these programs. He formerly taught at St. Bonaventure and returned to ministry at the University by way of Mt. Irenaeus, the Franciscan retreat center affiliated with St. Bonaventure. After consultation with his community, University Ministries and the correctional facilities, the two programs were approved.

Struzynski has worked in prison ministry programs before, but not with students. From 1994 to 2005, he was a facilitator in human growth groups in Attica, Wyoming and Collins prisons. Also, starting in 1996 and continuing into the present, he works as a chaplain at Gowanda Correctional Facility and does one-on-one counseling with inmates.

He sees these programs as experiential learning programs that supplement classroom education.

“They highlight real honest sharing of personal experience and help extend education into the area of real life and practical value for living,” Struzynski said.

The Attica State Prison program brings students into an experience of a group meeting of Cephas volunteers and inmates of the prison. Cephas is a volunteer organization focused on assisting men in prison and on parole to successfully reintegrate into society after many years of incarceration.

The group meetings are geared to help inmates gain self-awareness, accept responsibility for their actions, achieve a spiritual reawakening and develop a desire to change a lifestyle that continually brings them back to prison.

Andrea Kelley is a senior philosophy major who visited Attica. “I listened more than anything and it was apparent that listening was exactly what was needed,” Kelley said. “I was struck by how well articulated the men were and how high their level of self-awareness was. While some were still in a phase of denial, the majority really just spoke from a very honest and reflective space; it was moving.”

Ian McBride is a graduate student and an international business major who may have changed his career goals after his experience at Attica.

“Visiting Attica allowed me to truly realize my blessing and the struggles of so many in our world,” McBride said. “Because of this experience I want to reach out and use my abilities to service these people through prison ministry.”

The Attica program lasts for two hours on the last Friday of every month. Only three students over the age of 21 are allowed to participate in each session.

In the Gowanda Correctional Facility program, inmates from the facility who are serving prison sentences for DWI felonies tell their stories and enter into a discussion with students in order to bring to light internal and external factors that influenced their poor decision making.

Struzynski sees this program helping both students and inmates. Inmates get further therapy by being able to talk about what happened for the betterment of others. Students hear the terribly tragic consequences of poor decision making in the area of alcohol consumption. In this discussion both groups become more aware of the obstacles to good decision making.

Up to eight students travel to Gowanda Correctional Facility for each session. The students also tour the facility. The program is held Mondays once or twice a month depending on numbers and availability of Gowanda Correctional Facility staff. Students may attend more than once; however, priority is given to new students.

In each of these programs, students are invited to Mt. Irenaeus for an evening away to reflect on their experience and how it has affected their lives. The reflection group at Mt. Irenaeus will be on Dec. 6 for the students who participated in these programs this semester.

Struzynski said the interest in and response to these programs has been very positive. The Attica program is filled for the rest of the semester and about 20 students have already shown interest for the next program at Gowanda which has space available for only eight students.

“I think we’ve got a good thing going here,” says Struzynski. “Learning for wisdom in living should also be an important part of education in our colleges.”

For additional information, contact Fr. Bob Struzynski at (716) 375-2443 or rstruzyn@sbu.edu.

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SBU's United Way campaign wraps up successfully

The University’s employee campaign for The United Way of Cattaraugus County Inc. wrapped up with 58 employees participating, donating $7,460 to support the “Results You Can See” campaign.

This year, more money was donated by fewer employees, 58 down from 87 employees last year, and they still surpassed last year's campaign total. “Each gift is significant because it demonstrates the individual’s commitment to the community,” said Jill Gray, campaign director. “The United Way and the agencies it supports are very grateful.”

SBU students also provided a generous donation to the United Way Campaign, and enthusiastically volunteered their time at a “Rally in the Reilly” during the last two days of the SBU employee campaign.

Winners of the incentive prizes donated by area businesses were: Dr. Greg Gibbs, assistant professor of education, who won a CUTCO Homemaker Cutlery Set; Rob Hurlburt, assistant director of maintenance, who won a Mountain Trail gift basket from Eleni Interiors; Darwin King, professor of accounting, who won three framed and autographed Buffalo Bills prints; James Costanza of the print shop, who won two tickets to “Michael Cooper: Masked Marvels and Wondertales” at SBU’s Quick Center; and Dr. Paul Wood, professor of modern languages, who won a $50 gift certificate from JCPenney.

The three-week campaign began with a community kickoff breakfast, during which University President Sr. Margaret Carney, O.S.F., S.T.D., the first recipient of the United Way’s Community Spirit Award, welcomed the gathering.

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Discover 'The Real China' with St. Bonaventure University

With China quickly becoming a world superpower, St. Bonaventure University is offering a course in China studies. The three-credit course, taught by professor Donald Swanz and consisting of a two-week trip to the country, is available for the spring semester of 2006. Applications for the trip will be accepted through Dec. 16.

This will be professor Donald Swanz’s 14th trip to China, and his 12th with students. Swanz is on the National Committee of U.S.-China Relations. “It’s important to go there and immerse yourself in such a different culture,” he said.

Swanz gives an example of the differences in the business culture of China: A person’s business card is considered a representation of that person, and is to be treated respectfully. “In the U.S., you get a business card and might just take it and put it in your pocket.” In China, there is a very specific way of handling the business card once it is given to you. Swanz explains how misunderstanding the cultural practices of business in China can be devastating. “I knew a guy who lost a $5 million dollar contract because of (the way he accepted the business card).”

The course aims to educate students by introducing them to China’s culture, history and prospects for the future with a business focus. Students will land in “the Paris of the East,” Shanghai, where they will stay for four days. In Shanghai, students will speak with American businessmen operating in China, and discuss with them what living and working in China is like. Students will then travel to Beijing and their host university, the Beijing Institute of Technology. There, English speaking Chinese professors will provide a background on Chinese culture, history, business operations, and management style. Lectures from Chinese business leaders will be given. There will also be opportunities to interact with M.B.A. students at the Institute.

Swanz says that the Chinese students are just as curious about American culture as American students are about Chinese culture. “Students of both nations talk for hours,” said Swanz. “If I asked any of those (Chinese) students if they wanted to go back to the U.S., there isn’t one who’d turn me down.”

Students are also urged to absorb the culture of China, with visitations to Tiananmen Square, The Forbidden City, The Temple of Heaven and many more historical sites. Free time is also provided to experience China personally.

“To get off (the plane) into Shanghai, it’s a different world, I assure you,” said Swanz.

Participants will stay in Western-style fine hotels. The total cost for the trip, expected to take place in May, is $4,100, which includes tuition and all airfare. For answers to any questions or to request an application, contact Donald J. Swanz at (716) 676-5524 or (716) 375-2198.

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Search committee named for VP for University Relations

Brenda McGee Snow, vice president for Business and Finance, will chair the search committee for a new vice president for University Relations.

The search will seek a successor for David P. Ferguson, who left in October to take the post of vice president for Development at The University of Findlay, Ohio.

University president Sr. Margaret Carney, O.S.F., S.T.D., announced that the members of the committee, along with Snow, will include Suzanne W. English, director of media relations, Dr. Michael W. Jackson, associate professor of English and chair of the Faculty Senate Enrollment Committee, Joseph LoSchiavo, executive director of The Regina A. Quick Center for the Arts; Christopher W. Mackowski, associate professor of journalism and mass communication; Steven J. Mest, associate athletic director for communications; Mary K. Piccioli, dean of enrollment and director of institutional research, or a designee from her area; Andrea Trisciuzzi, associate vice president for development and campaign director; and Br. Basil J. Valente, lecturer in journalism and mass communication and representative of the St. Bonaventure Friary.

Paul Wieland, lecturer in journalism and mass communication, will serve as a consulting staff member to the committee.

The president has asked that the committee revise the position description to change emphases in the role and responsibilities of the officer. “I know that you appreciate the importance of this position to the success of the University and its progress in the near and long-term future. David Ferguson created a high level of professional accomplishment and we will eagerly await your recommendations for the next evolutionary step in our pursuit of professional excellence at the Cabinet level,” she wrote in her charge to the committee.

Snow said that the committee will hold an initial meeting soon and begin work in earnest with the start of the new semester. A preliminary timeline calls for a four- to five-month process, with the intention of having a new vice president in place by late spring or early summer.

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Sr. Margaret invites all employees to Christmas celebration

Sr. Margaret, O.S.F., and the members of the Cabinet invite you to the annual St. Bonaventure University Community Christmas Reception on Tuesday, Dec. 13, 2005. The reception will go run from 3 to 6 p.m. at the Regina A. Quick Center for the Arts.

Join us for refreshments, holiday music and an opportunity to visit the wonderful Christmas exhibitions in our museum galleries.

We also extend warm wishes to members of our community preparing for Hannukah, Kwanzaa and the many feasts and memorials of this winter season.

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SBU Modern Languages Department welcomes new professor

The faculty of St. Bonaventure University’s Department of Modern Languages is pleased to welcome assistant professor Zennia D. Hancock, Ph.D., as a colleague.

Hancock, originally from Edinburgh, Scotland, received her doctorate from the University of Maryland. Hancock also holds a master of science degree in Research in Hispanic Studies from the University of Edinburgh and her undergraduate degree is from George Mason University, where she majored in both Spanish and English. Prior to joining the faculty this fall, Dr. Hancock was a visiting instructor of Spanish at George Mason.

“The students here are lots of fun,” says Hancock. “It’s been a wonderful experience.”

Hancock is most excited about her upcoming trip during the Christmas break when she escorts a dozen students to Buenos Aires. They will participate in an intensive language course, tour the city and its environs and take a side trip to Uruguay, all while staying with host families.

Hancock’s first semester at St. Bonaventure saw her teaching intermediate Spanish courses as well as reinstating the German program.

“It’s been great teaching both German and Spanish,” says Hancock. “I’ve been working with good groups of students.”

In addition to her academic work, Hancock has extensive experience as an editor, having worked in bi-lingual editing and writing capacities for firms in the Washington-Metro area. She has been, however, acclimating to the Southern Tier quite well.

“It’s been a warm and welcoming environment, despite the freezing cold temperatures,” says Hancock.

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Fire inspector to follow up Dec. 12; all encouraged to comply

An inspector from the New York State Office of Fire Prevention and Control will make a return visit to the St. Bonaventure campus on Dec. 12.

A visit in late October and early November found some areas of concern, many in the residence halls, and the University has been working since that time to address any violations.

“Each department is responsible for achieving compliance within its area prior to the fire inspector’s return visit,” said University president Sr. Margaret Carney, O.S.F., S.T.D. “We take fire safety very seriously, and expect that every member of the University community will accept the responsibility of safety for themselves and their neighbors.”

All items of concern raised during the earlier visit must be addressed, or a contingency plan for resolving the issue completed, prior to the Dec. 12 visit, according to Phil Winger, director of maintenance and physical plant.

Anyone with questions or concerns may report them to a supervisor or to the Maintenance Office at ext. 2622.

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Career Center News ...

Check out the newest edition of Directions for information on Career Center events and programs during the months of December and January including: upcoming career fairs over Christmas break, information on networking, learning how to create a college central account and more at the Career Center Events Web page.

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Newsmakers ...

On Friday, Dec. 2, Dr. John Mulryan, Board of Trustees Professor of English, gave a guest lecture at Binghamton University titled “‘The Primrose Way to the Everlasting Bonfire’: The Choice of Hercules in Shakespeare, Jonson, and Milton.”

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Constance Pierce, assistant professor of visual and performing arts, offered a presentation on “Imaging Journals: Creative Renewal and the Inward Journey” in the context of art therapy graduate education at The American Art Therapy Association’s National Conference in Atlanta on Nov. 18. The presentation was in collaboration with Gail Rule-Hoffman, director of the Art Therapy Counseling Graduate Program of Ursuline College in Ohio.
Pierce also collaborated with documentary filmmaker Monica Pluncket in her recent independent film titled “Mending Spirits,” which premiered in Cleveland, Ohio, in August. A montage of Pierce’s monotype images were incorporated into the film, as well as scenes from an imaging journal retreat she designed for women who had survived abusive relationships. Proceeds from the film premiere benefited The Ohio Domestic Violence Network.
Pierce served as awards juror for the Art Therapy Annual Exhibition of The Wasmer Gallery in Cleveland in June.

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St. Bonaventure celebrates the Festival of Trees

The Festival of Trees was held Monday, Dec. 5, to celebrate the official end of St. Bonaventure’s Bona Buddies program for the fall semester.

Bona Buddies, along with their parents and mentors, shared music, food, arts and crafts, presents and a visit from Santa. The night also included tours of The Regina A. Quick Center for the Arts. Also, as a special feature this year those who took part in the festival attended a Bonaventure basketball game.

“It really is an incredible blessing for many of the families that participate in the Bona Buddies program,” said the Rev. Cheryl Parris, social ministries coordinator with University Ministries.

Each year, SBU students from all over join the Festival of Trees committee, chaired by senior Kaitlin Sharman and professor Kayla Zimmer, who is the faculty adviser for the committee. There were also many volunteers who helped make the Festival of Trees a success.

“The Festival of Trees is a great program that allows children from the community to come together to celebrate the holidays,” said Sharman. “Overall the event was a success that could not go on without the support of all the volunteers and clubs who sponsor this event.”

Twelve University groups donated time and resources to make the Festival of Trees a success. Volunteers decorated the trees that were on display in the Quick Center and given away to ten families during the event. University Dining Services donated the meal and the Quick Center stayed open late for the tours.

“I love the Festival of Trees because it involves so many people who are not a part of the regular Bona Buddies program,” said Parris.

The Bona Buddies program is a social ministries program where one-to-one relationships are established between SBU students and local children. Applications are available now for students interested in joining the Bona Buddies program next year.

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