1. Kenney Scholars begin semester in Ireland
2. University named to President's Honor Roll for service
3. Collaborative counseling clinic helps Southern Tier
4. University bonds students with Australia for 10th year
5. Georgetown professor to speak at University
6. New courses added to visual arts minor
7. SBU offers vocational service learning trips to Jamaica and Panama
8. Newsmakers
9. Friday Forum
10. Career Center News ...

____________________

Kenney Scholars begin semester in Ireland

The two recipients of the F. Donald Kenney International Scholars awards recently arrived in Ireland and are spending the fall 2006 semester at the National University of Ireland at Galway. Christopher Michel of Wilson, N.Y., and Brendan Keating of Williamsville, N.Y., each received a $1,500 scholarship for study in Ireland.

Michel, a journalism/mass communication major, will focus on courses needed to fulfill requirements for a minor in marketing. Michel has been a Dean’s list student during his three semesters at St. Bonaventure and was recommended for the Kenney award based on his academic accomplishments. In addition to his academic achievement, Michel has also been involved with campus media organizations.

Keating will take courses satisfying requirements for his two majors, marketing and management science, along with courses fulfilling the Clare College core requirements. Keating hopes to gain a better understanding of the European markets in the context of the recent developments of the European Union. This will not be Keating’s first time outside of the U.S. He participated in the Students in Free Enterprise (SIFE) trip to the Bahamas in January 2006.

The F. Donald Kenney estate of Olean established the scholarships in 1999 to promote study abroad opportunities for students interested in overseas academic work in Ireland and England. The awards allow study in the National Universities of Ireland at Maynooth, Limerick and Galway. St. Bonaventure University has maintained a strong relationship with the National University of Ireland since the mid-1980s. American students in Ireland experience a full immersion program both academically and socially and participate in the full collegiate experience in the same way as their Irish counterparts.

For additional information about the St. Bonaventure University study abroad program and scholarship opportunities, contact Alice Sayegh at (716) 375-2574 or visit http://www.sbu.edu/intstudies.

Click here to return to the top of the page

_____________________

University named to President's Honor Roll for service

St. Bonaventure University has been named to the first President’s Higher Education Community Service Honor Roll for distinguished community service.

The award was given in recognition of extraordinary volunteer efforts by the University and its students to serve area neighborhoods and Gulf Coast communities devastated by Hurricane Katrina.

St. Bonaventure and 140 other institutions of higher education were recognized this week for distinguished service and named to the President’s Honor Roll at the Campus Compact 20th anniversary celebration. Schools receiving distinguished service recognition provided exceptional community service over the past year, contributing their time, resources, energy, skills and intellect to serve the nation.

“St. Bonaventure has set a strong example for college-level civic engagement,” said Stephen Goldsmith, chief executive officer of the Corporation for National and Community Service, the federal agency that works to foster a culture of volunteering and service in America. “Many people and communities have been improved because St. Bonaventure and its students identified some of society’s most pressing needs and got involved.”

St. Bonaventure sent 289 people to five sites on the Gulf Coast during spring break 2006, including 220 students — more than 10 percent of the student body. Six students traveled to Mississippi in October 2005 for a week. Fifty members of Students In Free Enterprise (SIFE) traveled to the Bahamas during January 2006 to assist in hurricane relief, becoming the largest international group on the scene. St. Bonaventure SIFE members also teamed up with Olean-area firefighters to raise $45,000 for hurricane relief.

“I am a native Mississippian,” said Dr. Todd Palmer, associate professor of management sciences and one of the faculty leaders during the massive Katrina relief trip. “Watching our students help people who lost everything was one of the most moving things I ever witnessed.”

“It is a great honor and I think this shows the strength of the Bonaventure community’s caring,” said Dr. James Mahar, assistant professor of finance and the first SBU faculty member involved with Katrina relief trips. “From the Gulf Coast to the streets of Buffalo after the recent storm, from students to faculty members, to the alumni and the local community, the entire SBU community continues to inspire not only those that they help, but everyone involved.”

The President’s Higher Education Community Service Honor Roll is co-sponsored by the Corporation for National and Community Service, the Department of Education, the U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development (HUD), USA Freedom Corps, and the President’s Council on Service and Civic Participation. The recognition is presented in cooperation with Campus Compact, a national coalition of nearly 1,000 college and university presidents, and supported by all the major national higher education associations.

“This presidential recognition will bolster our students’ resolve to continue to respond to critical needs through personal sacrifice and service,” said Sr. Margaret Carney, O.S.F., S.T.D., president of St. Bonaventure University. “What better way to prepare for citizenship in the 21st century.”

The award presentations come a day after the Corporation for National and Community Service released a comprehensive study showing college student civic engagement has risen significantly in recent years. The study, which used data collected by the U.S. Census Bureau and the Bureau of Labor Statistics, showed that student volunteering increased approximately 20 percent from 2002 to 2005, and that 3.3 million college students serve their communities and nation. The study showed that college students between ages 16 to 24 are more likely to volunteer than cohorts in that age group who are not enrolled.

Observers have attributed the growth in student service to several causes: the proliferation of high-school and college service-learning classes; an increase in the number of campus offices that link students to volunteer opportunities; and the lingering impact of Sept. 11, 2001, and Hurricane Katrina catastrophes.

The Corporation for National and Community Service is working with other federal agencies, higher education and student associations, and nonprofit organizations to encourage even greater levels of service and civic engagement by college students. Their goal is to increase the number of college students participating in volunteer service to 5 million college students annually by 2010.

The Honor Roll provides more new evidence that the nation is beginning to move toward that level of student civic engagement. More than 1.1 million students from Honor Roll schools participated in local community service activities, and more than 219,000 Honor Roll students provided hurricane relief.

A total of 492 institutions – including private and public schools, four-year institutions, professional schools and community colleges – were named to the first Honor Roll. Those schools chronicled a broad variety of service programs and activities that have strengthened neighborhoods around them and in the Gulf region.

For their efforts, six schools received the highest awards on the President’s Honor Roll. Elon University of North Carolina; California State University, Monterey Bay; and Indiana University-Purdue University at Indianapolis (IUPUI) received top honors for community service. Louisiana State University, Tulane University, and Jackson State University were recognized for providing outstanding hurricane relief.

Universities reported that college students provided nearly 2.3 million service hours volunteering in Hurricane Katrina relief. The value of relief services provided by Honor Roll colleges and students was approximately $87 million.
______________

Click here to return to the top of the page

_____________________

Collaborative Counseling Clinic helps Southern Tier

In 2002, 64 percent of school districts in the Southern Tier of New York reported suspension rates in excess of the state rate of 4.4 percent. The mental illness and suicide rate in the area stand higher than the New York State average, and 37 percent of the population lives in poverty.

St. Bonaventure University has taken the steps in lowering such numbers. The St. Bonaventure University Collaborative Counseling Clinic (CCC) held its first public open house Sept. 21. Senator Catherine Young, a leader in the three-year project, attended the event.

The clinic, sponsored by the School of Education, provides counseling, literacy, and inclusive education services to the surrounding community. The location, along with low costs and short waiting periods, will benefit families living in the Southern Tier. Collaborative partnerships within the University and surrounding communities will also be formed.

The clinic also assists in enhancing training of education graduate students. Students have the opportunity to work with clients under the supervision of a faculty with over 75 years of combined experience in literacy and counseling services. The faculty gives feedback to the students and monitors their progress through recorded videos. Research projects from students and faculty will help develop course curriculum for the School of Education.

The CCC currently consists of a classroom, two offices, and two reading clinic rooms. When renovations are complete the clinic will have six counseling rooms, an observation room, a secure storage room, a group counseling room and a reception area. The 7,500 square foot facility will contain audio-visual monitoring technology and recording facilities for monitoring the progress of patients and students.

“The Clinic can provide outreach services to under-served children in our service area and at the same time provide a supervised clinical practice for the graduate students in the Counselor Education Program,” said Dr. Peggy Yehl Burke, dean, School of Education and School of Graduate Studies. “We are very grateful for Senator Young’s support in helping us carry out the necessary physical renovations and appreciate the additional support of private donors that helped us bring this dream into reality.”

The state of New York led the funding of the project. Through the leadership and lobbying of Senator Young, a gift of $25,000 from the state was secured. “I was very happy to secure a state grant for this project because it is a win-win for everyone,” said Young. “It is a tremendous resource to the community as far as counseling goes, it helps the students learn as much as they can and at the same time it helps the instructors be more effective in getting students trained. I am thrilled St. Bonaventure has taken on this initiative and I wish them all the best.”

The School of Education has improved the lives of over 3,000 children and their families in the past 30 years through its Reading Clinic. The CCC will eventually be able to serve 200 counseling clients and 100 literacy and education services clients per year.

Click here to return to the top of the page

_____________________

University bonds students with Australia for 10th year

ST. BONAVENTURE, N.Y., Oct. 18, 2006 – A close-knit and small community lies on the eastern shores of Australia. Bond University encompasses this community, paving the path for close bonds and friendships between its students and the surrounding area. Residence halls and academic buildings point inward to a small, serene lake located in the center of the campus. Strolling around the campus will most likely result in friendly smiles and greetings from passing people.

Similar to St. Bonaventure University, Bond University provides its students with a community of fellowship and family. For 10 years, St. Bonaventure students have been able to travel abroad to such a community while undergoing academic challenges and experiencing Australian culture.

The study-abroad program to Bond University in Gold Coast, Australia, began in the fall of 1996, when one student opted to study at the newly developed university. Different demands from students resulted in the University shifting study-abroad opportunities from previously European-dominated programs. What emerged was a fall semester study-abroad opportunity to the first private institution in Australia.

“Traveling around Australia and interacting with the friendly Aussies was amazing,” says Ashley Borrelli, a 2006 St. Bonaventure graduate. “Everyone was always willing to help you find your way or suggest a fun local hangout.”

Ten other U.S. universities sponsor the program, which recruits in all 50 states. The cost is almost identical to St. Bonaventure, though only federal aid and not St. Bonaventure aid transfers to Bond. However, in 2000, Bond began to offer two 50 percent tuition scholarships for the fall semester. The scholarships expanded into the spring semester in 2003 as well. SBU faculty members choose the recipients of the scholarships based on academics, leadership and community service.

Bond University also resembles St. Bonaventure academically. Students normally take 16 credits a semester at Bond comprised of courses in a given major and Clare College. Before traveling to Bond, students must have their courses pre-approved, making for easy portability of credits. However, the Australian system of classes differs from that at St. Bonaventure. Each course consists of a tutorial of a small group of students and a lecture of a much larger group. Most courses are graded based on a large paper, a test and several small papers.

Bond University’s school of business is similar to St. Bonaventure’s, including departments such as accounting, finance and management. The journalism program includes departments in public relations, advertising, journalism and communications. Bond University has also expanded into health and sports sciences, an attraction not available at the university 10 years ago.

The chance to experience Australian culture serves as the most compelling attraction to the program. A travel agency is conveniently located on campus, allowing students to explore famous Australian landmarks and geography. Gold Coast, the sixth largest city in Australia, also has plenty to offer.

Jon Georger, a 2006 graduate, enjoyed the nightly steak dinners and paddle pop desserts every night at Don’s Tavern, the campus bar and a popular hangout for all students. Since the university is located on the coast, students have the opportunity to take surfing and scuba diving lessons. Spectator sports such as club cricket and rugby also draw attention from both the students and the community.

“The atmosphere was certainly laid back and it helped me to relax, feel at home, and appreciate life a lot more,” states senior Sara Biryla. “I was not stressed, worn out, hurried, or judged while in Australia. Everything was so perfectly calm, content, understanding, helpful and genuine, which helped make it the best experience ever.”

This past year, the Bond University program has expanded into a summer program: The Australian Experience. The university offers four-week and six-week programs focusing mainly on the Australian environment and society. Though courses contain lectures, trips to various sites around the continent are integrated into the subjects.

Since its establishment 10 years ago, the Bond University study-abroad program continues to gain popularity among students.

“Saying goodbye to Australia, the Australian culture and all the friends you made during your stay was harder than you ever expected,” says Kristen Moore, a 2006 graduate. “This incredible, once in a lifetime experience had come to an end but the memories, laughs and friends will never be forgotten.”

Click here to return to the top of the page

_____________________

New courses added to visual arts minor

At the request of students, St. Bonaventure University has added two new tracks, studio and art history, to the visual arts minor.

A track, a series of three-credit courses, is required for a minor in visual arts. The art history track is predominantly a text-based study of images. “Art History I: Ancient Civilizations,” “Art History II: Early Renaissance through Romanticism” and “Art History III: Contemporary Issues in Art” will make up the three courses.

The studio track will have students creating art, and the courses will include “Drawing I,” “Sculpture I,” and “Beginning Painting: Introduction to Acrylics.” Each track will require an addition of three electives to complete the minor.

Dr. Ed. Simone, chairman of the department of visual and performing arts and director of the theater program, said the studio and art history tracks within the visual arts minor at SBU offer students unique opportunities to go deeper and exercise creativity in a chosen area of visual arts.

“I’m pleased that the art history track was added because it ties in so beautifully with our fabulous Quick Arts Center holdings and galleries. I'm always pleased to see the work of our visual art students and look forward to further developments within the program,” Simone said.

Click here to return to the top of the page

_____________________

Georgetown professor to speak at University

The Department of History, the Franciscan Institute and the Visiting Scholars Committee will bring Georgetown Professor Erick D. Langer to St. Bonaventure University to speak at 4 p.m. Monday, Oct. 23 in the Trustees Room of Doyle Hall.

Langer, an assistant history professor at Georgetown University, will talk on the topic of “European Struggles and American Utopias: The Franciscan Mission Enterprise in the 19th century Bolivian Chaco.”

Langer is a core faculty member at the Edmund A. Walsh School of Foreign Service where he works in the Center for Latin American Studies. Langer teaches courses in Latin America Civilization, Resistance and Rebellion in the Andean World, Indians and the State in Modern Latin America, Latin American Origins and Transformations, and Economic History of Latin America.

A graduate of the University of Washington, Langer received his master’s degree and doctorate in history at Stanford University.

Click here to return to the top of the page

_____________________

Career Center News ...

For more information on Type Talks Registration, JobQuest Registration, NEW On-campus Recruiting Information and How to make a Career Fair Work for you Workshops visit the Career Center Events Web page.

Click here to return to the top of the page

_____________________

SBU offers vocational service trips to Jamaica and Panama

Vocational Service Learning (VSL) trip sites for 2007 will be located in Jamaica and Panama.

VSL trips, sponsored by SIFE and Social Ministries, allow students to experience their vocation, service and cross-cultural learning. Students who are interested in the Jamaica trip should have their applications and dues turned in by Friday, Oct. 20.

The VSL trip to Jamaica will be held over winter break from Jan. 4-14. This trip is designed particularly for freshmen who have not taken the Intellectual Journey course (Clare 101). Other undergraduate students who have not taken the Intellectual Journey course are welcome to apply.

During the spring semester mid-term break, students interested in a different VSL trip will be traveling to Panama. This trip is aimed toward students interested in health care, business/finance and education professions, but all applicants are welcome. Vocational sites will be in Panama City, a rural bush clinic and the Free Trade Zone in Colon.

VSL trips include three elements. The first is vocation. These trips are designed to expose students to their area of specialization by providing them with a vocational judgment opportunity within a global context. Service is the second element. Students are able to learn about the connection between their vocation and service to a community and the world. The third part is cross-cultural learning. The trips allow students to gain in-depth knowledge about many aspects of a country’s life and culture. Students who attended last year’s trip to Jamaica assisted the Allegany Franciscan sisters by volunteering at an orphanage. The students were exposed to 50 abused and abandoned children under 7 years old. The students also volunteered as teacher aids at a local school.

Students who traveled to Panama last year had the chance to work with private and public school children. The quality of the schools varied tremendously. The private school was modern and computer-equipped while the public school, only three miles away, was run down.

Volunteers who attended the VSL trips in the past were pleased with their accommodations in convents and bed-and-breakfasts. Students are asked to save approximately $1,000 in advance for the cost of the trip. More information on deadlines for the Panama trip will be distributed as it arises.

For more information or an application, contact the Rev. Cheryl Parris at cparris@sbu.edu or Anne Foerst at afoerst@sbu.edu.

Click here to return to the top of the page

_____________________

All SBU faculty, staff and
administrators are welcome to all the Friday Forums.Date: Friday, Oct. 20, 2006
Speaker: Dr. Morna Hooker, Professor Emerita at the University of Cambridge, England
Time: Lunch starts at noon, Forum goes from 12:35 to 1:30 p.m., including Q&A
Place: University Club - Above Hickey. Please sign in and pay $3 at the front desk before proceeding upstairs.
Title: "The Perils and Pitfalls of Translating"
Over the last 40 years, Dr. Hooker has written seventeen books and scores of professional articles on a wide range of topics pertaining to the Gospels and the letters of Paul. Her publications have been highly influential in the field of New Testament studies, shaping the debate on a host of questions that have been discussed and debated by New Testament scholars.

Newsmakers

Dr. Robert Amico, professor of philosophy, was an invited speaker at Alfred University's Bergren Forum on Oct. 12, 2006. Amico spoke on "The Curriculum Transformation Project."