In The News

Hill Harper, actor, bestselling author and philanthropist, will speak at 12:45 p.m. at the Canisius College presentation of “We Can’t Wait,” an education, economic and health Ehmpowerment summit on Thursday, February 16 from 8:45 a.m. – 2 p.m.  The event takes place at Zion Dominion Global Ministries, 895 North Forest Road in Williamsville.  Sponsored by the college’s Academic Talent Search program, the event is free and open to the public.

Harper is the author of three New York Times bestsellers and currently stars on the hit television drama CSI:NY as Dr. Sheldon Hawkes.  For more information, click here.

Submitted by:  Office of Public Relations



For those who participated in Canisius Care in 2011, March 15 is the last date that to incur expenses for 2011 funds.  Questions regarding Canisius Care balances should be directed to Independent Health at (716)504-1468 or 1-800-258-3348.

Canisius Care participants have until April 20, 2012 to file for reimbursement. Claim forms can be found here and medical claims are submitted directly to Independent Health.  Dental claims must be submitted and processed under the Canisius dental assistance plan first, then submitted to Independent Health.  Attach a copy of a dental bill and the college’s explanation of benefits to an Independent Health claim form.

The deadline for submitting 2011 dental claims to the Controller’s Office is March 20, 2012.

Please direct questions to Dawn Rotterman at Ext. 3151.

Submitted by:  Dawn Rotterman, associate, human resources



For those who have not done so, all Canisius employees are encouraged to complete the heath assessment questionnaire.  Participation in previous health initiatives is NOT required.  The confidential assessment provides information that will help Independent Health identify programs that best meet the health needs of the college community.  Please note that the college never receives individual health information.

The wellness initiative is important to everyone.  This is evidenced by the generosity of campus individuals and Independent Health.  Everyone completing a health assessment will be eligible to enter three drawings: four tickets to the Sabres vs Montreal on February 17; five personal training sessions with Chuck Pelitera, assistant professor of physical education, health and sport study; or ride time on the Department of Public Safety’s Segway. (The winner will not be required to patrol the campus).  To be eligible for the drawing, please complete the health assessment by February 14, 2012.

In addition to the prizes listed above, the Department of Athletics has generously offered a gift four free tickets to the Canisius Men’s Hockey Game (Canisius vs Mercyhurst) on Friday, February 24 at 7 p.m. in the Buffalo State Sports Arena OR four free tickets to the Canisius Women’s Basketball final game (Canisius vs Siena) on Sunday, February 26 at 2 p.m. in the Koessler Athletic Center for anyone who completes the health assessment questionnaire.  Tickets for the hockey game may be picked up at the ticket table with a Canisius ID card; tickets to the women’s basketball game may be picked up at the Will Call Window with a Canisius ID card.

For those who are Independent Health participants, please click here for instructions on the assessment. The link to the website is listed below the instructions.  Paper copies are available from the Office of Human Resources, which can be sent directly to the Wellness Department at Independent Health.

Thank you for support of this initiative…..it benefits all of us.

Submitted by:  Dawn Rotterman, associate, human resources



Alshwan Hymes

Saturday (February 11) is the big day with free Anderson’s ice cream following the Golden Griffins basketball game versus MAAC rival Siena.  Game time at the Koessler Athletic Center is 2 pm.  Arrive early and catch the senior ceremonies for the cheer and dance teams, watch P.I.P. perform their tremendous dribbling routine at halftime.

Tickets may be purchased at a significant discount with your AAA card.  Lots of fun and entertainment for everyone.  Call Ext. 2885 for more information.

Submitted by: John Maddock, associate athletic director – external affairs, athletics



The Center for Teaching Excellence (CTE) will continue to sponsor the “Teaching Teas” this semester.  These informal, open discussions are opportunities for faculty and staff to share ideas for engaging students in courses.

The “Teaching Teas” will be held in the Faculty Dining Room on the following dates and times:

Mondays from 2:30 – 3:30 p.m. – March 5 and April 16
Tuesdays from 2 – 3 p.m. – February 28, March 27 and May 1

Contact the CTE for further information at Ext. 3720 or cowardp@canisius.edu.

Submitted by:  Pat Coward, PhD, director, Center for Teaching Excellence



The Canisius College Arts Promotion Club presents a recital Sunday (February 12) at 2:30 p.m. in the Montante Cultural Center.  The recital features solos, duets and ensemble performances by members of the Arts Promotion Club.   Tickets are $5 general admission and $3 for students. Proceeds benefit the Hamlin Park Elementary music program. For more information, call the music office at Ext. 2536.

Submitted by:  Ellen Barnum, assistant director, ArtsCanisius




In support of the new intercollegiate rowing program launched last year, the Office of Institutional Advancement recently launched a fundraising initiative to raise $100,000 for rowing.  To learn more about this effort, click the image below to watch a video detailing the program.

To learn more about the rowing program including schedules, results and roster information, click here to visit gogriffs.com.

Submitted by:  Laura Marek, assistant director for advancement projects, institutional advancement



The Golden Griffin men’s basketball team plays hosts to MAAC counterpart Rider University tonight (February 9) at 7 p.m. in the Koessler Athletic Center.  It’s Pepsi Night with free Pepsi Max available to fans attending the contest.

The Canisius-Rider series dates back to 1930 and includes Golden Griffin wins in two of the past three games played in Buffalo.  Canisius guard Harold Washington (pictured) ranks third in league play with a 17.0 ppg average. The Griffs also top the MAAC in free throw percentage.

In addition to the free beverage, Pepsi t-shirts will be tossed into the crowd and a group of fans will win a pizza from Just Pizza.

And don’t forget that Saturday (February 11) is Anderson’s Ice Cream Day when the Griffs meet Siena at 2 p.m.

Submitted by: John Maddock, associate athletic director – external affairs, athletics



Click here (Adobe Acrobat PDF) to read tips from our Employee Assistance Program (Child & Family Services) on how to make 2012 a happy, healthy and productive year.

Submitted by:  Kathy Kelly, administrative associate, human resources




Come and learn how the new myCanisius portal can make life easier during a workshop on Friday (February 10) at 10 a.m. in the ITS Conference Room (Room 106).

Learn how to use the tools, how to find help when needed or how to keep up with what’s going on at Canisius.  The workshop will address questions about myCanisius and perhaps show participants new ideas to save time.

Seating is limited to eight participants.  Click here to reserve a seat.

Submitted by:  Joseph F. Rizzo, academic technology specialist, ITS



Chris Barrea

The Golden Griffin ice hockey team, fresh off a huge home win over Robert Morris this past Saturday, puts on the home sweaters again Thursday (February 9) for an Atlantic Hockey battle against rival RIT. Game time at the Buffalo State Ice Arena is scheduled for 7 p.m.  Wendy’s will provide free Frosty’s to the first 200 fans.

The contest is the first of two this weekend against the Tigers and their large legion of fans.  Canisius travels to Rochester for a return game Saturday night. The Griffs and Tigers are separated by six points in the Atlantic Hockey standings with six games remaining in the regular season.

For additional information, visit www.gogriffs.com.

Submitted by: John Maddock, associate athletic director – external affairs, athletics



The next Physics Cafe will take place Monday (February 13) at 3 p.m. in Horan-O’Donnell, Room 103 with a talk by Robert Poltis, a graduate of the Canisius College Physics Department.  Poltis is presently working on his doctorate at the University at Buffalo, and his talk will be an introduction to the field of cosmology.

Cosmology is the study of the nature, history, and evolution of the universe.  Thanks to recent technological advancements, our generation is the first to see cosmology move from a speculative pursuit to a data-driven science.  Modern cosmology is a marriage of particle physics, general relativity, and astrophysics.  Despite the enormous success over the last 20 years of cosmological exploration, there still remain some bothersome problems that the standard model of cosmology does not address.  Poltis will review the basic picture of cosmology, and present a creative new idea to explain some of these peculiar observations and measurements including dark energy, the fine tuning of the Higgs mass, and the information loss paradox of black holes.

Submitted by:  Michael Wood, PhD, assistant professor, physics




« Previous Entries