Under the Arch

STUDENTS DEVOTING SPRING BREAK TO SERVICE

Twenty-five Gannon students have volunteered to participate in alternative, service-oriented trips during the university’s spring break week.

Three separate groups of students departed for their respective destinations on Saturday. The university’s break runs through Sunday, March 7.

“These trips are one of Gannon’s most valuable programs,” said Michelle Kaucic, a graduate assistant for the Center for Social Concerns and director of the alternative service break trips.

“They promote Gannon’s commitment to service as stated in the university’s mission, provide important lessons outside of the classroom, and promote the holistic development of the students,” she added.

One group of students will spend the week constructing homes for Habitat for Humanity in Valdosta, Ga. The students will raise walls and hang drywall and perform structural work as well as painting and landscaping.

Student leaders for the project are Danielle Labrasca and Liz Rinaman. Other student participants are Jonathon Bell, Kristen Donesec, Lisa Elia, Jessica Jennings, Sara Johnson, Amanda Scully, and Thomas Stumpf.

A second group of students will participate in the “Urban Challenge” trip to New York City. The group will serve meals at a soup kitchen and prepare and deliver meals to people with HIV/AIDS and other terminal illnesses.

The student leaders are Stephanie Stroup and Sarah Sunseri. Other student participants are Joseph Bell, Molly Brechtel, Matt Durney, Ed Koch, Libby Robenstine and K.C. Zimmerman.

A third group of students will participate in the “Border Awareness Experience” in Agua Prieta, Mexico, and Douglas, Ariz. Students will learn about border issues such as immigration and employment by working at a local community center and interacting with host families in Mexico.

Student leaders are Keely Davin and Rob Saper. Other student participants are Tricia Dituro, John Evankovich, Maria Lechleitner, Matt Ochalek, Johnathan Schmolt and Aaron Vitron.

OUR EVENTS

Now through March 19 – Gannon University Schuster Gallery: Featuring the “Vision of Hope” exhibit, which showcases the work of the Stairways Behavioral Health staff, students, clients, and board members. The Gallery is located on the third floor of Nash Library.
Wednesday, March 10 – APB Distinguished Speaker Series: Dr. Gail Dines will discuss “Violence Against Women in Media.” Offered at 7:30 p.m. in Zurn 104. Also: Women's History Month: The Indian ladies, led by Rashmi Nadiger, will be giving a lecture from 12 p.m. to 1 p.m. in Zurn 341 (Spiteri Room). The International Student Organization will provide refreshments. The lecture is titled “Henna and the Sari: The Art of Indian Dress.” Also: Senior Salute: 10:30 a.m. to 5 p.m. on the first floor of the Palumbo Center. Encourage your students to participate.
Thursday, March 11 – Community Mass: 11 a.m. in the Chapel.
Friday, March 12 – Gannon University's Erie Chamber Orchestra: This concert will feature four soloists: Paul Schlossman (oboe), David Sublette (clarinet), Carolyn Wallace (bassoon), and Chris Rapier (horn). Offered at 7:30 p.m. in the Chapel.
Tuesday, March 16 – GUSSA Tea. Offered from 11 a.m. to 1 p.m. in the Founder's Room on the third floor of Nash Library.
Thursday, March 18 – Gathering in Praise: “Women Inspiring Hope & Possibility” will be offered at 11 a.m. in the Chapel. Part of the events for Women's History Month.
Tuesday, March 23 – “Yoga for Health”: with Michael Plasha. Offered at 11 a.m. in Palumbo room 3200. Part of the events for Women's History Month.
“Our Events” is intended to serve as a random sample of campus events. For a more complete listing, refer to Eventcal.

CURRENT BIRTHDAYS

Sharon Santia. Jeffrey Shaw. Aleli Schneider. David Prizinsky. Scott Mahle. Patricia Puzar. Amy Adams-Gierlak. William Elias. Allen Bonace. Edward Phillips. Delorah Hulsinger. Jose Morales. Suzanne Richard. David LeVan. Cynthia Snyder. Robert Kinnear. Dennis Valone. Peter Zonca. Mary Anne Rivera. Daniel Giannelli. Emily Frank. Lisa Karle. Ted Marnen. James McGivern. Jorja Rogala. Janice Whiteman. Debra Rastetter. Sandra Storer. Sam Van Eman.

THE PRESIDENT'S SCHEDULE

Monday, March 1 – Catholic Charities Board meeting. Tuesday, March 2 – Gannon men’s and women’s basketball, GLIAC quarterfinal games vs. Wayne State. Wednesday, March 3 – Read Across America in celebration of Dr. Seuss’ 100^th birthday, Our Lady’s Christian School. Thursday, March 4 – Installation of Monsignor Lawrence Brandt as Bishop of the Diocese of Greensburg, Pa. Friday, March 5 – Guest Speaker, NAACP/NEA/AFT/NABSE/NBPTS Conference on “The Role of Teacher Quality in Closing the Achievement Gap,” Washington, D.C. Saturday, March 6 – Distinguished Alumni Ceremony, Howard University Charter Day Dinner, Washington, D.C.

DID YOU KNOW?

Special thanks to Gannon colleagues for their assistance with recent media interview requests. Dr. Antoine M. Garibaldi did an interview with Channel 35-WSEE on the appointment of Paul DiFuccia as COO of the Civic Coordinating Committee, of which Dr. Garibaldi is a member. DiFuccia will work from an office on the Gannon campus. During the interview, Dr. Garibaldi also provided an update on the Gannon University Erie Technology Incubator. Bill Eilola, dean of enrollment services, did an interview with WSEE-Channel 35 on how an “average” student today meets college expenses. Berwyn Moore, associate professor, English, did an interview with the Erie Times-News on haiku as a form of poetry.
Offer your congratulations to Bridget Connaroe, admissions secretary, and to Rick Hammar, maintenance worker, physical plant. Bridget and Rick will be married on March 13 in Erie. Best of luck to the happy couple!
An early reminder: The 2004 Faculty Awards Convocation will be held at 3 p.m. on Friday, April 2 in the Yehl Room. Awards to be presented include the Distinguished Faculty Award, Undergraduate Faculty Research Award, Excellence in Teaching Award, The Bishop Trautman “Feed My Sheep” Award, Retirement, and 25 Years of Service Awards. A reception will follow.
Faculty and staff are asked to encourage students to attend Senior Salute, scheduled for Wednesday, March 10. The event will be held from 10:30 a.m. to 5 p.m. on the first floor of the Palumbo Center.
Applications for Senior Awards are available at the Waldron Campus Center front desk, Dean’s Offices, and on the Student Government Association website, www.gannon.edu/sga. Any senior is eligible for an award. Applications will be judged by a panel of faculty and students and are due by Friday, March 12, in the SOLD Office. The event will take place the evening of April 17 at a location to be determined. For more information, contact Michael McGravey at mcgravey001 or Colleen Bohonek at bohonek001.
The American Cancer Society's Daffodil Days is Wednesday, March 17. Last year $984 was raised, and the goal for 2004 is $1,000. Orders and payment are due by Monday, March 8, and can be placed with Carol Dundon at ext. 7329; Joanne Bucceri at ext. 5351; Kathy DeSante at ext. 7618; and Lori Jasinski at ext. 7564.