Canisius University congratulates Janet Wojcik MS ’94, PhD, an alumna of the university’s master’s program in physical education, who has been selected to receive Winthrop University’s top teaching distinction: the James Pinckney Kinard and Lee Wicker Kinard Award for Excellence in Teaching. Wojcik is a professor and the program director of exercise science at Winthrop. She will be formally honored at the university’s December 20 Commencement Ceremony.
The Kinard Award, established more than four decades ago, recognizes faculty who demonstrate exceptional dedication to studentlearning, academic excellence and service to the university community.
In her nomination letter, Beth Coster, dean of Winthrop’s College of Education, Sport and Human Sciences, praised Wojcik as “a teacher who places students at the center of her work … a leader whose contributions have shaped academic programs with lasting impact.”
Since joining the Winthrop faculty in 2006, Wojcik has taught more than a dozen unique undergraduate courses and several graduate courses, spanning exercise physiology, special and aging populations, internships and writing-intensive seminars. Her colleagues describe her as an exceptional academic advisor who “goes above and beyond” in developing meaningful relationships with students, challenging them to set and achieve their academic and professional goals.
“Dr. Wojcik exemplifies the mission of Canisius and our Jesuit ideals through her lifelong commitment to teaching, mentorship and service,” said Karl F. Kozlowski, PhD, associate dean for the School of Behavioral and Health Studies. “We are immensely proud to see a graduate of our University earn such distinguished recognition.”
A prolific scholar, Wojcik regularly publishes in top peer-reviewed journals and presents at the American College of Sports Medicine (ACSM), where she is recognized as a Fellow—one of the organization’s highest distinctions.
Canisius University President Steve Stoute was featured in Episode 11 of Echoes of Masten, a YouTube series hosted by Masten District Councilwoman Zeneta Everhart ’11, HON ’25. The conversation highlighted Canisius’ strong presence in the district, the exciting changes students returned to this fall, the university’s evolving partnership with the NFTA and President Stoute’s description of Canisius as a holistic education—a home for the mind, heart and spirit. Everhart also reflected on her own transformative experience as an adult student, including her service immersion trips and deep engagement with the Canisius community. Watch the full interview YouTube or on the Buffalo Masten District Facebook page.
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The Buffalo News published an opinion piece by Shyam K. Sriram, PhD, assistant professor of political science at Canisius University, and student Joseph Sussina ’26 in its November 30 Viewpoints section. The authors reflect on the 60th anniversary of the Immigration and Nationality Act of 1965, tracing its origins, legacy and continued relevance amid today’s immigration debates. They also highlight the influential roles of Presidents John F. Kennedy and Lyndon B. Johnson in advancing reform. The project stems from Sriram’s August 2024 research visit to the Kennedy Library and Archive in Boston; Sussina will further expand this work during his spring presentation at Ignatian Scholarship Day. Read the full op-ed HERE.
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Maura Snyder, PhD, assistant professor of communication, recently appeared on an episode of the Cultivate Talk podcast, where she joined host Emily Abellon for an in-depth conversation about how parents can help shape healthier and more meaningful media experiences for their children. Snyder shared insights from her current research, including her work exploring how the Barbie movie has created new opportunities for parent–child conversations about identity, empowerment, and modern culture. She and Dr. Abellon also discussed the challenges of bridging academic research with the real-world media habits of families—a recurring theme in both scholars’ work. Click here to listen to the episode.
The Cultivate Talk podcast explores the depth and breadth of human communication.
Will your dog be the next Canisius Canine graduate? Dr. Maura Tyrrell, CPDT-KA, a certified professional dog trainer in the Animal Behavior, Ecology and Conservation (ABEC) and Anthrozoology Program, is hosting a dog training program next semester as part of the Applied Dog Behavior course (ABEC 320/320L).
Dr. Tyrrell is looking for faculty, staff, students or community members who are interested in bringing their dog to campus to participate in this ten-week training program (starting mid February through the end of classes). The aim of the program is for students to learn to create individualized dog training plans and to gain hands-on experience in training important life skills that contribute to a harmonious existence between dogs and their human family.
Depending on the dog’s needs and previous training experience, training may involve learning or refreshing basic behaviors (e.g. settling on a mat, walking on leash, leaving items on the ground, calm greetings, etc.), practicing behaviors around distractions and in new environments, and playing games to improve the dog’s focus and engagement with the handler. The training program also provides cognitive enrichment through “scent work” games in which the dog searches for hidden treats or a novel odor, similar to scent detection dogs. All training exercises use force-free, positive reinforcement techniques. Dogs selected for the program must be friendly toward humans and able to be around other dogs since the training will take place in a group class setting. The ideal candidate enjoys eating treats in a variety of settings!
Training sessions will take place twice a week on Tuesdays and Thursdays at 1-2:20 p.m. from mid February (exact date TBD) – April 30 in the Animal Behavior Lab in Science Hall. The students in the Applied Dog Behavior class will be the primary handlers during training sessions, under the instruction of Dr. Tyrrell. Dog guardians are not required to stay (they can drop the dog off at 1 pm and return at 2 p.m. to pick the dog up for class). The students will provide dog guardians with detailed instructions about how to continue training at home.
If you are interested in this free training opportunity, please fill out this application. Dogs selected for the program must be up to date on their vaccinations and pass an in-person behavior evaluation. Contact Maura Tyrrell at tyrrell3@canisius.edu to learn more about the program.
Submitted by Maura Tyrrell, Experiential Learning Coordinator, 1016C Science Hall
Griffs enrolled in EDU 250 Foundations of Education volunteered at over fifteen (15) Buffalo Public School Community School family events throughout the fall semester. Students spent Thursday evenings and Saturday morning at BPS schools assisting with robust progamming organized by Say Yes Buffalo School Navigators.
Saturday Academies are a time where buildings open their doors to the entire community, bringing in valuable resources, engaging vendors and activities for all ages. Free breakfast and lunch are provided. Canisius students learned about this beneficial community resource as they assisted with family registration, helped young children with crafts, played math games with middle schoolers, supervised open gym time and assisted at petting zoos! A few of the schools Canisius partners with include BPS #74 Hamlin Park, BPS #301 Burgard High School, and BPS #59 Charles Drew Science Magnet School.
Thanks for your help, Griffs!
Submitted by Elizabeth Turner, Director of Educational Partnerships
Officers from the Ocean City Police Department in Maryland visited Intro to Criminal Justice classes on Thursday, Nov. 20, to share information about employment opportunities as Seasonal Public Safety Officers and full-time Police Officers within the department.
Students have the opportunity to gain internship credit for this opportunity, while getting paid experience in law enforcement. The Criminal Justice and Sociology Department continues to strengthen its commitment to career readiness. By bringing Ocean City Police to campus, the department ensures that students are directly exposed to real job and internship pathways that align with their academic interests.
Officers Jared and Justin spoke about how they were recruited into the program, explained what might disqualify applicants, showcased their training and specialty assignments (including mounted police!), and shared stories from their work in the field. They also shared with students that the opportunity allows for them to do actual “hands-on” experience with public service and the opportunity to become FBI trained in specialized skills, such as fingerprinting a crime scene. All of the skills gained from this opportunity are relevant and will help students to build marketable skills on their resume.
This opportunity is NOT limited to only CRJ/SOC students. Anyone is invited to apply at JOINOCPD.COM. If students are interested in internship information and hours, they can contact Dr. Erin Robinson (robinso5@canisius.edu) for more information.
