Under the Arch

DR. GARIBALDI TO AWARD 317 DEGREES AT WINTER COMMENCEMENT

Gannon University President Antoine M. Garibaldi, Ph.D., will award some 317 degrees at the school’s Winter Commencement Ceremony, to be held Sunday, Dec. 9.

The ceremony will begin at 2 p.m. in the Hammermill Center, Peach Street and South Park Row. The Baccalaureate Mass will begin at 11 a.m. in the Mary, Seat of Wisdom Chapel. All are welcome to attend.

The graduates include three students receiving doctoral degrees, 206 receiving master’s degrees, 99 receiving bachelor’s, and nine receiving associate’s. Three students are graduating summa cum laude, 13 magna cum laude, and 11 cum laude. In addition, four students are graduating with academic honors.

Robert F. Ruyak, a 1971 Gannon graduate, will deliver the keynote address and will be awarded an honorary doctor of laws degree during the ceremony.

Ruyak is the managing partner and CEO at Howrey, LLP, an international law firm specializing in trademark and patent litigation. One of the firm’s most experienced and respected trial lawyers, Ruyak was appointed managing partner and CEO in 2000 and also serves as chairman of the firm’s executive committee.

He holds memberships in the District of Columbia Bar and Pennsylvania State Bar, and is also licensed in the United States Supreme Court, United States Courts of Appeals for the Third, Fourth, Fifth, District of Columbia, and Federal Circuits, and the United States District Court for the District of Columbia.

A partner at Howrey since 1981, Ruyak has extensive litigation and trial experience covering a wide range of commercial disputes and substantive areas of law. Some of the cases he has tried include: antitrust (civil and criminal), intellectual property (patent, trademark and trade secret), insurance coverage, and international trade. Ruyak successfully has represented several high-profile companies to include Sun Microsystems, GTE Card Services, Hewlett Packard, and International Paper, among others.

Active in his profession and in the community, Ruyak is a frequent speaker at conferences and seminars addressing subjects like the protection and enforcement of intellectual property rights, jury trial strategy, and the use of technology in litigation. Ruyak has written and published several legal articles, and he currently serves as chair of the board of the Archdiocesan pro bono Legal Network and chair of the board of trustees of Georgetown Preparatory School.

Ruyak earned a bachelor’s degree in political science from Gannon College in 1971 and a juris doctorate from Georgetown University in 1974. In 2002, Gannon University honored him as one of the university’s Distinguished Alumni.

Ruyak and his wife, Elizabeth, reside in Silver Spring, Maryland.

RECENT NEWS AND HIGHLIGHTS

News of interest on and around campus...

Counselor Day: On Wednesday, Dec. 5, the Office of Admissions will host an informational session for local high school guidance counselors. To date, the participating schools include Central Tech, Strong Vincent, McDowell, Mercyhurst Prep, Cathedral Prep, East, North East, and Iroquois.
Mid-Knight Pancake Breakfast: The breakfast is provided, courtesy of the President’s Office, to help students take a break from studying for their final exams. The pancake breakfast will be held from 9:30 p.m. to 12 a.m. Sunday, Dec. 9 in the cafeteria. Volunteers are welcome for the two shifts: 9-10:30 p.m. and 10:30 p.m. to 12 a.m. Fun door prizes for the students also are needed. For more information or to volunteer for this Gannon tradition, call ext. 5800.
Be a Christmas Angel: The Christmas Angel program is designed to help those who are struggling to make better lives for themselves and their families. Last year, the program provided gifts for nearly 60 children. Your generosity to this program can make a great difference to the Gannon Community during the Holiday season. If you would like to purchase a gift for a child or make a donation to the program, contact Linda Loader at ext. 5618.

CAMPUS EVENTS

Tuesday, December 4 – Advent Reconciliation Service: 9 p.m. in the Mary, Seat of Wisdom Chapel.
Thursday, December 6 – Gathering in Praise: 11 a.m. in the Chapel. Complimentary lunch to follow.
Thursday-Saturday, December 6-8: Schuster Theatre: The Theatre will present “Nine.” Book by Arthur Kopit; music and lyrics by Maury Yeston. Fellini’s classic film “8½” is transformed into this marvelous, Tony Award-winning musical which looks at a 1950s film director and actor who can’t seem to shed his impulsive, philandering ways, and the devoted, beautiful women who together help him “grow up.” All shows will begin at 8 p.m. For more information call the box office at ext. 7494.
Sunday, December 9 – Winter Commencement: The ceremony will begin at 2 p.m. in the Hammermill Center. Dr. Garibaldi will award some 316 degrees. Robert F. Ruyak, a 1971 Gannon graduate, will deliver the keynote address and will be awarded an honorary doctor of laws degree during the ceremony.
“Our Events” is intended to serve as a random sample of campus events. For a more complete listing, refer to Eventcal.

THE PRESIDENT’S SCHEDULE

Tuesday, December 4 – Erie Regional Chamber meeting. Wednesday, December 5 – Erie guidance counselors visit to Gannon; Erie Playhouse holiday musical cameo appearance, It’s a Wonderful Life. Thursday, December 6 – Gathering in Praise; United Way luncheon; Student Hour. Saturday, December 8 – Gannon men’s and women’s basketball vs. Edinboro. Sunday, December 9 – Baccalaureate Mass; Commencement brunch; Commencement Ceremony; Mid-Knight Pancake Breakfast.

PRAYER CONCERNS

Please remember all in your prayers as regretfully we announce the death of:

James Welch, father-in-law of Nancy Kelly, secretary, education department.

CURRENT BIRTHDAYS

Thomas Boyd. Kimberly Grove. Christopher Lawrence. Stephanie Williams. Denise Alexander. James Thompson. Marilyn Moore. Annmarie George. Shuko Fujisaki. Lauren Foltz. Glenn Smartschan. Vincent Fetzner. Paula Barrett. Heather Turner. Gary Garnic. Karen Weston. Barry Brinkman. Ronald Lombard. Donna Green. Cheryl Rink. Brad Ferko. Richard Zack. Jon Glass. Julie Kimball. Carole Galletta. Chris Viscuso. Mary Crane. Julie Hartmann. Scott Stevens. Lisa Wenner.

PICTURE OF THE WEEK

30th annual Social Work Club Christmas Dinner: Santa Claus was a very big hit at yesterday’s Social Work Club Christmas Dinner and Wellness Fair, held in the Hammermill Center. John Coleman, security guard, Campus Police and Safety, again donned the red suit and white beard, much to the delight of the many children who attended. The event provided a full turkey dinner, Christmas presents, and clothing. In addition, representatives from local health and human service agencies were on hand, and organizers were expecting to serve about 800 meals. WICU-12, WJET-24, and WSEE-35 all sent reporters to cover the event.