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Congressman Higgins Announces Veterans Education Flexibility Act During News Conference at Canisius College

Congressman Brian Higgins (NY-26) announced the Veterans Education Flexibility Act during a news conference held Monday in the college’s Office of Veterans Services.  Members of the Canisius community, veterans and several student veterans were in attendance for the announcement.  The bill would remove time limits veterans have to use the education benefits earned from their service. Monday was the anniversary of the signing of the original GI Bill.  Read more about the bill here.

Congressman Brian Higgins addresses the media at the Office of Veteran Services at Canisius College

“Canisius instituted the Office of Veterans Services in March 2011 to meet the needs of a growing student veteran population,” said President John J. Hurley.  “We are proud to provide our veterans with excellent undergraduate and graduate options that are flexible, affordable and meet their educational goals.”

Canisius continues to receive high marks for its support of military veteransThe college earned the seventh spot among 49 regional universities in the North on U.S. News and World Report’s “Best Colleges for Veterans” ranking for 2015. This is the third consecutive year the college has been in the top ten in this category.  To be considered for this ranking, schools must be certified for the GI Bill and designated as a Yellow Ribbon school by the U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs.

Additionally, Canisius was designated as a 2015 “Military Friendly School” by Victory Media Inc., a veteran-owned business and publisher of G.I. Jobs magazine and the Guide to Military Friendly Schools.  This is the fifth consecutive year the college has earned this designation.

WGRZ TV Channel 2, WKBW TV Channel 7 (http://mms.tveyes.com/Transcript.asp?StationID=2325&DateTime=6%2F22%2F2015+6%3A15%3A37+PM&Term=Canisius&PlayClip=TRUE),Time Warner Cable News and WBFO Radio (http://news.wbfo.org/post/higgins-calls-elimination-gi-bill-time-limits) covered the news conference.

Submitted by: Marketing and Communication

Morris Appointed Associate Vice President for Academic Affairs

I am pleased to announce the appointment of Sara Morris, PhD, as the associate vice president for academic affairs, effective August 19, 2015.

Dr. Morris’ history with Canisius dates back to 1996 when she began her professional career here as an assistant professor in the biology department. Sara was promoted to associate professor in 2002 and to professor in 2006. Sara has also served as co-chair of the biology department since 2011 and is the program coordinator for the Environmental Science Program.

In addition, Sara’s commitment to the college community has been demonstrated through her work on the Faculty Senate, the Faculty Status Committee, the Educational Policy Committee, the Long Range Strategic Planning Committee, the Core Curriculum Task Force, the Strategic Assessment Planning Task Force, the Admissions Advisory Council, and numerous search committees. She has also demonstrated her strong leadership commitment through her work with various professional organizations. She currently serves as Fellow for the American Ornithologists’ Union, and is the first vice president for the Wilson Ornithological Society. In addition, she has received many internal and external professional awards, fellowships, grants and has a robust scholarship resume which includes mentorship of many undergraduate co-authors.

Having earned her B.S. in biology and B.A. in French and fine arts from Presbyterian College and an M.S. and PhD in zoology from Cornell University, she has returned to the classroom at Canisius to study Spanish.

I would like to extend a special thanks to the search committee comprised of Dr. Terri Mangione, co-chair; Dr. Karl Kozlowski, co-chair, Dr. Patricia Erickson, Dr. Mark Meyer and Dr. Mary Shea. Your hard work and sage advice have facilitated the selection of an outstanding individual to help lead the academic division.

Dr. Morris’ expertise, reputation, and long tenure at the college will no doubt prove to be invaluable in her new role. Please join me in congratulating Sara on her appointment.

Submitted by: Margaret C. McCarthy, PhD, vice president, academic affairs

Dean Search Updates

The search committees for the dean of the College of Arts and Sciences and the dean of the Wehle School of Business have been formed and are outlined for your reference below. The search processes will begin during the fall 2015 semester, and we anticipate that the selected individuals will begin their positions during the summer of 2016.

Thank you to the many individuals who graciously offered to assist in these searches, as well as to the Faculty Senate for their support and assistance in soliciting volunteers.

The search committee for the dean of the College of Arts and Sciences consists of Richard Shick, PhD, (co-chair), Rosanne Hartman, PhD (co-chair), Debra Burhans, PhD, Robert Grebenok, PhD, Marjorie Harrington, PhD, Devonya Havis, PhD, Thomas Reber, PhD, Richard Reitsma, PhD, Brian Smith and Rev. Michael Tunney, S.J.

The search committee for the dean of the Wehle School of Business consists of Jeffrey Lindauer, PhD (co-chair), Lynn Fish, PhD (co-chair), Kathleen Brucato, James Goldstein, PhD, Michael Hayes, Ji-Hee Kim, PhD, Rev. Patrick Lynch, S.J., George Palumbo, PhD, Melissa Wanzer, PhD and Mark Zaporowski, PhD.

Submitted by: Margaret C. McCarthy, PhD, vice president, academic affairs

CPD Co-hosts Steve Tasker’s Self-Leadership Experience for Students Grades 9-12

Steve Tasker’s Self-Leadership Experience for students in grades 9-12 and will be held Tuesday, August 4 to Thursday, August 6 on the Canisius College campus. It will be co-sponsored by the Canisius Center for Professional Development and Canisius College’s School of Education and Human Services.

In today’s highly competitive workplace, leadership is key to success in every profession. But as a parent, how can you help your son or daughter develop those critically important skills? The answer is the Steve Tasker Self-Leadership Experience.

Best known as one of the greatest wide receivers and special teams players in NFL history, Tasker will be drawing from his professional experiences on and off the field to help motivate and inspire students during his three-day summer leadership camp. Topics covered will range from ethical decision making and goal setting to public speaking and effective networking.

Children of Canisius employees can enroll at a discounted rate of $255. To enroll your son or daughter, simply go to https://goo.gl/ONrvVX and complete the online form. Use coupon code: STLE15

For more information, contact Colleen Lyons at the CPD at Ext. 8492 or lyonsc@canisius.edu.

Submitted by: Colleen Lyons, manager of sales operations, CPD

Blue and Gold Golf Classic

Registration is now open for the 18th Annual Blue & Gold Golf Classic. This year’s event will be held Monday, August 3 at Lancaster Country Club. Fee is $175 and includes lunch, dinner, golf with cart, use of the driving range, on-course refreshments and open bar.

Tee time is scheduled for 1:00 p.m. and will be a scramble format. Faculty and staff are welcome.

To register, visit www.gogriffs.com

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