The National Science Foundation awarded Canisius College a $1,000,000 grant over five years to support “Canisius Science Scholars: Providing an Integrated Academic and Social Support Scaffolding in the Biological Sciences.” Andrew Stewart, PhD, assistant professor of biology, is the principal investigator (PI) on the grant.

The grant will provide support for the development of a science scholars learning community and includes more than $700,000 of scholarship money for students in biology, environmental science and animal behavior, ecology, and conservation. There is also substantial funding for a number of activities to build both academic and social supports for these students.

Sara Morris, PhD, associate vice president for academic affairs, Sue Margulis, PhD, chair and associate professor of ABEC and biology, and Jon O’Brien, PhD, assistant professor of biology and environmental science, are serving as co-PIs on the grant and will participate in various learning-community activities.

Kristin Finn, PhD, professor of adolescence education and Jim Donnelly, PhD, associate professor of counseling and human services, will evaluate the project to determine high impact activities for possible long-term inclusion in the college.

Stewart adds that he is very excited about the opportunities this grant will provide the Canisius students. Special thanks to the IMPACT Center, especially Chris Lopata, PsyD, professor of teacher education and to Mary Ann Langlois, director of sponsored programs, for the support they provided during the grant writing process.

Information about the new scholarship opportunities will be available in the near future.

Submitted by: Sara Morris, PhD, associate vice president, academic affairs

Join the Student Programming Board for the Fourth Annual Fall Fest this Saturday, September 24 from 11:00 a.m. – 3:00 p.m!  Hosted in the campus quad, this year’s event will feature the 716, Frank Gourmet Hot Dogs, and Ru’s Pierogi food trucks, Barrett Brother’s kettle corn and an ice cream truck.

Activities to look forward to include pumpkin decorating, Henna tattoos, balloon artist, caricatures, inflatable activities, photo keychains and more!  This year a vendor’s corner will feature Buffalo artisans including Retro Bflo shirts, Dramatik Pozy, Peg’s Hardware, Sew-Redi and the WNY Book Arts Center.

Admission to the event for current Canisius students is free.

A formal registration is preferred for faculty, staff, alumni, friends and family: register here. Admission to the event for these groups is $10, which includes a food truck voucher.  Vouchers can also be purchased on-site at the registration tent near the Horan-O’Donnell lot.

Submitted by: Beth Crvelin, assistant director, student life

The Canisius volleyball team celebrates Homecoming Weekend with a pair of contests. The Griffs home opener, after playing their first 11 games on the road, is Saturday, September 24 at 1:00 p.m. versus St. Peter’s. Canisius remains home for a 1:00 p.m. MAAC clash against Rider on Sunday, September 25.

Not only are the Golden Griffins playing their first home games of the season, new coach Lenika Vazquez makes her Koessler debut

For additional information, visit www.GoGriffs.com, or follow on Twitter @GoGriffs. There is no admission charge for home volleyball contests.

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