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December

The St. John Fisher College football program enjoyed its greatest season in the program’s 20-year history. 

The Cardinals advanced to the semifinals of the NCAA Division III Championship (Final 4) and won the program’s first East Regional title.  Fisher’s season ended with a 26-14 loss at Mount Union College, who went on win the national title the following week after defeating University of Wisconsin-Whitewater 35-16.

Fisher finished the year with a 12-2 record, the most wins in the program’s history, and was crowned as the Empire 8 Conference champion for the second time in the last three years. This season also marked the fourth straight year Fisher has advanced to the postseason, while compiling a 38-10 record over the four-year span.

Four members football team have been named as All-Americans by D3football.com, the most in the program’s history.

Senior Gene Lang (C.W. Baker/Baldwinsville) was named to the All-American Defensive First Team.  Mark Robinson (Bath-Haverling/Bath) and Brennan Fortune (Avon/Avon) were selected to the All-American Offensive Second Team, while Steve Stepnick (Iroquois/Cowlesville) was chosen to the Defensive Second Team.

Lang, an inside linebacker, who was named as the Empire 8 Conference Defensive Player of the Year, led the Fisher defense, which set a College-record for shutouts in a season with five, with 147 tackles – 59 more than any other player.  His 147 stops are the second-highest in Fisher history and the 16th-highest season-total in NCAA Division III history.

Twenty-three of his tackles were for losses, including three sacks.  He also recovered four fumbles, while forcing three.

A consensus preseason All-American, Lang finishes his career as the third-highest tackler at Fisher with 325 tackles, while adding seven fumble recoveries and four forced fumbles.    This is the second straight year he has been named to D3football.com All-American Team and the All-East Region Defensive First Team.

Robinson, a 2004 All-American First Team selection and a two-time preseason All-American, led the Fisher offense with 1,570 rushing yards on 272 attempts (5.8 yards per carry) and scored 24 touchdowns (the second-highest single-season totals at Fisher).  He also caught 16 passes for 158 yards. 

Earlier this season, Robinson was named as the East Region Offensive Player of the Year and was chosen to the Empire 8 and the East Region First Team.

For his career, the senior tailback, who was named as an ESPN The Magazine Academic All-American for the second time in the last three years, ranks 13th all-time in NCAA Division III in scoring with 390 points on 65 touchdowns.  He also ranks 17th all-time in Division III with 4,840 yards.

Fortune, a junior left tackle, was a key player in opening holes for Fisher’s rushing game, while giving Fisher quarterbacks plenty of time to pass. 

A two-year starter on the offensive line, Fortune, who stands 6-foot-3 and weighs 310 pounds, helped Fisher set a College-record for points in a season with 529, while ranking second nationally in scoring.  Fisher also ranked among the national leaders in rushing yards per game, averaging 224 yards on the ground per contest.

Stepnick, a three-time Empire 8 All-Conference selection, finished the year with 39 tackles.  The junior cornerback led Fisher with four interceptions, bringing his career total to 14, the most interceptions by any player in Fisher history. 

Stepnick tied the NCAA record for longest interception return with a 100-yard return in Fisher’s 49-21 win over Union College in the first round of the NCAAs. He also had a fumble recovery for a touchdown earlier in the year.

In Fisher’s season-ending loss to Mount Union, Stepnick held Pierre Garcon, an All-American First Teamer, to just one catch for three yards.  In the title game, Garcon totaled eight catches for 116 yards and two touchdowns.

Bank of America Funds Scholarship Program for Nursing and Pharmacy Students at St. John Fisher College

PITTSFORD, N.Y., December 18, 2006—The Bank of America Charitable Foundation, Inc. has announced its commitment to fund a need-based scholarship program for the Wegmans School of Nursing and the Wegmans School of Pharmacy at St. John Fisher College. The Bank of America Charitable Foundation has agreed to a $25,000 gift per year over the next several years.

“Through the creation of this scholarship program, Bank of America is generously providing us with an opportunity to aid students who need financial assistance the most,” said Dr. Donald Bain, President, St. John Fisher College.

The Bank of America Scholarships for Nursing and Pharmacy will provide financial assistance to low- and moderate-income underrepresented students who are interested in careers in nursing and pharmacy. The primary challenge facing these students is securing sufficient funding to afford their educational interests. Lack of funds often causes academically superior students to postpone their pursuit of a college degree.

“We are pleased to support institutions, such as St. John Fisher College, that share our vision and are working to ensure vibrant and growing neighborhoods across our community—allowing people to live, work and pursue their dreams,” said Joseph Rulison, Market President, Bank of America. “This scholarship program is key to our goal to truly make a difference.”

President Bain Elected to Board of Directors at Rochester Business Alliance

PITTSFORD, N.Y., December 13, 2006—Dr. Donald Bain, President of St. John Fisher College, has been elected as a board member at the Rochester Business Alliance, Inc. In this role, President Bain joins several other local business leaders who have an impact on the Rochester community.

The Rochester Business Alliance is the chamber of commerce for the nine-county Rochester region, which includes Monroe, Genesee, Livingston, Ontario, Orleans, Seneca, Wayne, Wyoming, and Yates counties. The RBA provides information, advocacy, human resource services, and networking to help local employers grow.

St. John Fisher College Presents Three Service Awards at “Road Less Traveled” Event

PITTSFORD, N.Y., December 6, 2006—At “The Road Less Traveled” event on November 16, the Peace and Social Justice Studies Program at St. John Fisher College presented three awards to individuals who demonstrate a commitment to the community and St. John Fisher College.

Each year, the Jennifer Patterson Koon Courage Award is given to one Fisher student and one member of the Rochester community. Recipients of the award are committed to peacemaking and strive to make the world a better and more peaceful place. The 2006 Jennifer Patterson Koon Courage Award recipients are Caitlin Pfaffenbach, a senior English/Adolescence Education major at Fisher; and Mark Horn, Operations Manager at the Eastern Service Workers Association (ESWA).

The Peace and Social Justice Studies (PSJS) Spirit Award honors St. John Fisher College graduates who, throughout the years, have lived in the spirit of Fisher’s mission and creed, embracing the values of goodness, discipline, and knowledge, and who have dedicated themselves to lives of intellectual, professional, and civic integrity. The 2006 recipient of the PSJS Spirit Award is Thomas Proietti ’67.

Caitlin Pfaffenbach is a Service Scholar at Fisher and has volunteered at two city schools, where she has demonstrated a desire to work with the neediest children, those whose lives are most likely to be touched by violence. In addition, Pfaffenbach is in her second year of service to Sojourner House, a home for children and mothers who are in rehab or otherwise at risk. She is also involved in numerous campus groups and activities such as Students With a Vision (SWAV), and has volunteered for service projects such as City Speak, Project Community Convergence, and Boxtown.

Mark Horn has been called “the Mother Teresa of Rochester.” At the Eastern Service Workers Association (ESWA), Horn and other volunteers work with the more than 22,000 members to develop self-help benefit programs. ESWA is a local, free, and voluntary association of low-income workers who are trying to work their way out of poverty. For more than 25 years, Horn has been a full-time volunteer who works 18-hour days, takes no salary, and gets by on the kindness of members and friends.

After graduating from Fisher in 1967, Thomas Proietti earned his master’s degree from the Newhouse School at Syracuse University. He returned to Fisher and was instrumental in starting the Communication/Journalism program, where he served as Professor and Department Chair from 1969 to 1981. The Communication/Journalism Department has since become one of the cornerstones of the academic programs at the College. He left Fisher for a brief stint in the business world in communications, but returned to teaching at Monroe Community College (MCC), where he is Department Chair and Professor of Communications. Proietti has been involved in a number of community organizations and activities, including service on the Board of Advisors for Rochester City Schools, the Board of Directors for the YMCA resident camps, and the Programming Advisory Board for WXXI-TV.

Fisher Football Advances To National Semis With Shutout Win over Rowan
Cardinals to Face Eight-Time National Champion Mt. Union

PITTSFORD, N.Y., December 2, 2006 — The St. John Fisher College football team defeated visiting Rowan University 31-0 on Saturday at Fisher’s Growney Stadium in the NCAA Division III Championship East Region Finals.

With the win, Fisher improves to 12-1 on the year, setting a College record for wins in a season, and advances to the national semifinals for the first time in the program’s 20-year history.  Fisher will now face host Mt. Union College at 12 p.m. next Saturday.  Mt. Union has won 21 straight games and has claimed eight national titles in the last 13 years, including a 35-28 win over University of Wisconsin-Whitewater in last year’s national title game.

Fisher, who recorded its College-record fifth shutout of the season, held the Profs to just 120 yards, while the offense racked up 335 yards against the No. 3 defense in the country (Rowan entered the game allowing 192.4 yards per game) and controlled the ball for over 36 minutes.  Fisher forced three first-half turnovers to take a 17-0 lead at intermission and tacked on two more touchdowns in the third quarter.

Fisher quarterback Rob Kramer (Oneida/Oneida) finished the game with 13 completions on 20 attempts for 160 yards and three touchdowns.  The junior quarterback completed eight first-half passes to seven different receivers and now has 21 touchdown passes on the year and just one interception.

Senior All-American Mark Robinson (Bath-Haverling/Bath) rushed for 69 of his team-high 98 yards in the first half, while the defense recorded five sacks, including two each from sophomores Dan Pollock (G. Ray Bodley/Fulton) and Josh Gottlieb (Fox Lane/Pound Ridge). 

Fisher took the lead with 2:13 left in the first quarter, as sophomore Jimmy Smith (Oneida/Oneida) returned a Rowan punt 56 yards for his first career touchdown.  Smith, fielded the punt off of one bounce, and darted up the right sideline to give the Cardinals a 7-0 lead.

The Fisher defense forced its second turnover of the day on Rowan’s next possession, as junior Scott Miranto (North Tonawanda/North Tonawanda) stripped a Rowan wide receiver, which was recovered by Turell Ahmed (St. Joseph’s/Buffalo) at the Rowan 41.  Seven plays later, Corey Jackson (Iroquois/East Aurora) caught a 12-yard pass from Kramer to give the Cardinals a 14-0 lead.

The Cardinals added on three more points on a 25-yard field goal from Chris Pierri (Fairport/Fairport) with 5:04 left in the second quarter.  The defense provided the offense with excellent field position for the scoring drive, as Miranto forced his second fumble of the day, which was recovered by Gene Lang (C.W. Baker/Baldwinsville) at the Rowan 23 yard line.

Fisher scored touchdowns on its first two drives of the second half.   The Cardinals drove 69 yards on six plays with junior tight end Chris Harmon (Caledonia-Mumford/Caledonia) scoring on a 15-yard pass from Kramer with 9:43 left in the third quarter.

Fisher scored the final points of the day with 3:39 left in the third quarter, as Smith caught a five-yard pass from Kramer.

Gottlieb and Lang each finished with seven tackles, while Ahmed and Steve Flagler (Vernon-Verona-Sherrill/Sherrill) each tallied six tackles.  Matt Driscoll (Lakeshore/Angola) finished with five tackles, while Pollock totaled four stops.

Junior cornerback Steve Stepnick (Iroquois/Cowlesville) made his fourth interception of the season, ending Rowan’s opening drive.  He ranks as Fisher’s all-time leader in interceptions with 14.

James Reile (Herkimer/Herkimer) finished the game with 46 yards on seven carries, while Jackson led the Fisher receiving unit with three catches for 69 yards.

Punter Ricky Tatar (Gates-Chili/Rochester) punted five times for an average of 33.6 yards and placed three punts inside the opposition’s 20-yard line.

“This was obviously a huge win for us,” says head coach Paul Vosburgh, who has led the Cardinals to a 38-9 record over the last four years.  “It’s really tough to fathom this win right now, but I think when it sets in later tonight, we’ll realize what a big step this is for our program and how fortunate we are to be the top team in the East.”

November

St. John Fisher College Observes Holidays for All Cultures with “Day of Celebration”

PITTSFORD, N.Y., November 28, 2006—On Saturday, December 2, St. John Fisher College will host a “Day of Celebration,” an all-day, campus-wide festival that showcases holiday celebrations from various races, cultures, ethnicities, and traditions. These observations include Kwanzaa, Three Kings, Hanukkah, Christmas, Chinese New Years, Ramadan, and others.

The festivities at the College will consist of a cultural marketplace area and a marketplace stage in Cleary Family Auditorium in Kearney Hall that will feature dance, music, displays, food, and “make it and take it” arts and crafts. In the evening, the celebration will move to Murphy Hall where Gospelicious, an annual gospel concert, and the Kwanzaa Dinner Ceremony will take place.

The Day of Celebration schedule is as follows:

For more information, please contact Dr. Arlette Miller Smith in the Office of Multicultural Affairs & Diversity Programs at (585) 385-8212.

With Donation from Alumnus, St. John Fisher College Funds the Expansion of Dugan Yard

PITTSFORD, N.Y., November 20, 2006—To help further the success of the baseball program at St. John Fisher College, M. Kevin Dugan, a Fisher alumnus and President of the Class of 1970, has made a substantial gift to the College. The donation will be used to fund the expansion of Dugan Yard, and additional enhancements to the College’s baseball facilities.

“It gives me great pleasure to see an alumnus who remains committed to the College,” said Dr. Donald Bain, President, St. John Fisher College. “Kevin continues to be involved at Fisher through his role as a trustee and through his philanthropy. I’m especially pleased that Kevin’s contributions have been used to create and enhance facilities for baseball, a sport so loved by his father.”

Dugan Yard, a state-of-the-art baseball field located on the Fisher campus, was funded by a previous gift from Dugan, and opened in the spring of 2002. The field is dedicated to the memory of his father, Donald M. Dugan, who was an avid baseball fan. Since the construction of Dugan Yard, Fisher’s baseball program has celebrated higher rankings and larger recruiting classes.

Under Coach Dan Pepicelli, the St. John Fisher College Cardinals have played in the post-season Eastern College Athletic Conference (ECAC) tournament each year for the past four years. During that time, the baseball program has a combined record of 91 wins and 59 losses. In addition, Fisher won ECAC titles in 2004 and 2005.

The expansion project consists of the addition of a clubhouse and press box, and facility enhancements include the purchase of strength training equipment for the clubhouse, and other aesthetic improvements to the baseball field. Both the expansion and enhancements are expected to be completed this fall.

“Kevin’s gift has allowed us to build an elite facility that is second to none in the area,” said Dan Pepicelli, Head Baseball Coach at St. John Fisher College. “For myself and the players, it’s a unique experience to train at Dugan Yard. The field gives us the opportunity to offer students and players the chance to practice at a premier baseball facility. It’s an addition to campus that Fisher can be proud of.”

The 1,400 sq. ft. clubhouse includes a locker room on the ground level, and an advanced training center upstairs. The 800 sq. ft. training center space doubles as a press box for game day. The baseball team, as well as Fisher student-athletes involved in other sports, will have access to the facilities.

“Years after graduation, I am still tremendously proud of my alma mater and its continuous growth,” said Dugan. “I’m thrilled with the accomplishments Coach Pepicelli has achieved, and I only hope our gift, in some small way, helps to elevate the baseball program one more step. My dad would have been proud to have his name associated with Dugan Yard and St. John Fisher College, and all they both represent.”

Rochester native Dugan, along with his wife, Peggy, sons Mike and John, and daughter Molly reside in Naples, Fla. He is CEO of PrimePay/PrimeGroup South, Inc. The firm is headquartered in Tampa, Fla. and has offices in eight cities in the southern United States.

St. John Fisher College Presents 5th Justinian Medal to R. Wayne LeChase

PITTSFORD, N.Y., November 17, 2006—St. John Fisher College’s fifth annual Justinian Medal has been awarded to R. Wayne LeChase, Chief Executive Officer and Managing Partner at LeChase Construction Services, LLC.

The Justinian Medal is given by the College and the Justinian Order, which is comprised of 389 judges and attorneys, all graduates of Fisher, to an individual in recognition of his or her outstanding service and civic leadership in numerous professional, business, and charitable endeavors in the community and at the College.

LeChase joins past Justinian Medal recipients U.S. District Court Judge David G. Larimer; Monroe County Supreme Court Justice Francis A. Affronti; Thomas N. Trevett, Partner in the law firm of Trevett, Lenweaver & Salzer, PC; and the Honorable Edmund A. Calvaruso, Monroe County Surrogate’s Court Judge.

Before joining LeChase Construction Services in 1979, LeChase was a partner in the law firm of LaDuca, Offen and LeChase, and practiced law at the offices of Johnson, Reif and Mullan. Throughout his career as both a law professional and a member of LeChase Construction, where he succeeded his father as President and CEO in 1981, LeChase has set standards for the ethical practice of business and fiduciary responsibility. He earned his bachelor’s degree in Business Administration from John Carroll University and a Juris Doctorate from the University at Buffalo School of Law.

LeChase has been a member of the St. John Fisher College Board of Trustees since 1991. He served as Search Committee Chair in 1995, and acted as Chairman of the Board of Trustees from 1996 to 1998.

LeChase’s commitment to the Rochester community is evident by his participation in many local organizations. His extensive community involvement includes a commitment to the following organizations in which he plays an active role: the Rochester Business Alliance; the Rump Group, which is dedicated to the economic growth of Rochester; the Greater Rochester Enterprise, where he serves as Chairman; the Executive Council of the Otetiana Council of the Boy Scouts of America; the Center for Governmental Research; the United Way of Greater Rochester; George Eastman House; McQuaid Jesuit High School; and the Stewardship Council of the Catholic Diocese of Rochester. He is also an Honorary Trustee and past Board Chairman of the Rochester Museum and Science Center.

The Justinian Order of St. John Fisher College, formed in the spring of 2002, is an academic and legal society intended to create collegiality among Fisher graduates professionally involved in the law. The members have the opportunity to gather socially, bond professionally, and pass on the legacy of Fisher’s legal scholarship to younger Fisher alumni and students.

St. John Fisher College Adds Communication Specialist in Department of Marketing and Communications

PITTSFORD, N.Y., November 14, 2006—Heather Johnson has joined St. John Fisher College as Communication Specialist in the Department of Marketing and Communications. In this role, Johnson works to enhance the reputation of the College through the development and execution of public relations and marketing projects, and also serves as editor of College News and Calendar, Fisher’s monthly campus newsletter.

Johnson was previously employed as an Account Executive in the public relations and public affairs group at Eric Mower and Associates, where she provided project management and counsel for a variety of clients.

Johnson earned a bachelor’s degree in public relations from SUNY Fredonia in 2004. She currently resides in Fairport.

St. John Fisher College Football to Host NCAA Championship First Round Game

PITTSFORD, N.Y., November 14, 2006—After receiving one of seven at-large bids to the NCAA Division III Championship, the St. John Fisher College football team is moving on to the post-season. The Cardinals (9-1), who won the Empire 8 Conference title, will host Liberty League Champion Union College (7-2) on Saturday, November 18 at 12 p.m. at Fisher’s Growney Stadium.

This marks the fourth consecutive season that Fisher has advanced to the post-season. It is also the program’s second NCAA Championship bid. The winner of Saturday’s game will advance from the field of 32 teams to the round of 16 teams and will play either Springfield College or Curry College next week.

Tickets for Saturday’s game will go on sale at 10 a.m. on Saturday. Adult tickets cost $8, and student tickets cost $4.

Fans who are unable to attend the game can tune in to listen by visiting www.teamline.cc and entering “St. John Fisher College” or by calling 1-800-846-4700 and entering team code 2164 when prompted. Both services are free.

St. John Fisher College Marks “Four Freedoms Week” with Presentations, Panels, Readings, and Service Projects

PITTSFORD, N.Y., November 3, 2006—Students and faculty at St. John Fisher College will spend next week exploring the meaning of Franklin Roosevelt’s historic pronouncement of four universal freedoms inhered to every global citizen.

“Four Freedoms Week,” which takes place November 6-11, is marked by both academic and service events, all of which focus on increasing understanding of Roosevelt’s powerful words and their relevance in today’s world. The College has scheduled an array of speakers, panels, training sessions, readings, and debriefings that are free and open to students, faculty, staff, and the general public.

For more information regarding Four Freedoms Week, please contact Dr. Carolyn Vacca, Assistant Professor of History, at (585) 385-8244 or cvacca@sjfc.edu.

The full schedule of events is as follows:

The Wegmans School of Nursing at St. John Fisher College Hosts Nursing Information Session

PITTSFORD, N.Y., November 3, 2006—The Wegmans School of Nursing at St. John Fisher College will hold a nursing information session for prospective transfer and graduate students on Thursday, November 9 at 5:30 p.m.

The information session will provide comprehensive information on: transferring into the BSN program; the RN-to-BSN program; and the MS in Advanced Practice Nursing, with concentrations in Nursing Education, Family Nurse Practitioner, and Clinical Nurse Specialist.

Nursing faculty will be available to talk with attendees about prerequisites, program requirements, and to answer any questions. Representatives from Transfer and Graduate Admissions will also be on hand to discuss the application process.

The nursing information session will be held in the Wegmans School of Pharmacy Atrium on the College campus.

St. John Fisher College to Host 4th Annual Philosophy Day

PITTSFORD, N.Y., November 1, 2006—St. John Fisher College will celebrate “Philosophy Day: Philosophy and Popular Culture” on Wednesday, November 15 and Thursday, November 16 in the midlevel of the Golisano Gateway on campus. “World Philosophy Day” is observed throughout the world as an occasion for people to reflect upon the importance of critical thinking, peace, international cooperation, and the love of wisdom. The sessions at Fisher are free and open to the public.

The events will begin on November 15 at 6:15 p.m. with a presentation titled “Existential Counseling” by Mary McHale, a Fisher graduate student in the Mental Health Counseling program. At 7 p.m., Father Leo Hetzler, C.S.B., Emeritus Professor of English at Fisher, will give the keynote presentation, “Max Brand: The Poet/Philosopher and Writer of Western Novels.” A reception, sponsored by the Alumni Office, will follow at Lavery Library.

On November 16, sessions will begin at 8 a.m. and are scheduled through 9 p.m. Topics include “Philosophy and Education,” “Philosophy and Science Fiction,” “Philosophy in Popular Culture,” “Philosophy and Communication,” “Philosophy and the Creative Arts,” “Philosophy and the Emotions,” and “Philosophy in the 21st Century.”

Presenters include Lynne Bartholomae, Immediate Past President of the Popular Culture Association; Heidi Northwood, Chair of the Nazareth College Department of Philosophy; David Suits, Chair of the RIT Department of Philosophy; Thomas Stone, Founder of Episteme.com, an international philosophy web site; and several members of the St. John Fisher College faculty and student body.

Philosophy Day is sponsored by United Nations Educational, Scientific, and Culture Organization (UNESCO), an agency of the United Nations. UNESCO was founded in November 1945 and is dedicated to furthering the education of the world beyond classrooms and the publication of scientific breakthroughs. “World Philosophy Day” will take place in Marrakech, Morocco on November 15-17.

For more information about Philosophy Day at St. John Fisher College, please contact Dr. David White at (585) 385-8375 or dwhite@sjfc.edu, or Dr. Tim Madigan, at (585) 385-5259 or tmadigan@sjfc.edu.

October 2006

President Bain and Wegman Family Break Ground for Wegmans School of Nursing at St. John Fisher College

PITTSFORD, N.Y., October 31, 2006—St. John Fisher College today broke ground for the building that will house the Wegmans School of Nursing. Dr. Donald Bain, President of the College, was joined at the ceremony by members of the Wegman family, along with faculty, staff, trustees, and friends of the College. In January of this year, the College announced that Robert B. Wegman had donated $8 million to fund the construction of the School of Nursing. The gift remains the largest in Fisher’s history.

The building, approximately 38,000 square feet in size, will be located near the center of campus, between Pioch Hall and Ward Hall. It will contain classrooms, teaching laboratories, offices for faculty and administration, and the Wellness Center, the College’s combined medical and mental health center.

 “Through his gifts to the College, Robert Wegman was committed to the future of the Rochester community,” said Dr. Bain. “With Mr. Wegman’s help, we have been able to address local needs—first, with the creation of the Wegmans School of Pharmacy, and now with the construction of the Wegmans School of Nursing.”

St. John Fisher College has supported a Department of Nursing for more than 16 years. Interest in Fisher’s nursing program has grown in recent years. From 2003-2005, applications for admission to the undergraduate nursing program more than doubled, and enrollment in the program has increased by 66 percent. The Wegmans School of Nursing will allow the College to expand its nursing program to accommodate its growth and to help address the critical nursing shortages facing the profession.

Also participating in the groundbreaking ceremony was Dr. Dianne Cooney Miner, the newly appointed Dean of the Wegmans School of Nursing, and Marilyn Dollinger, who was recently named Associate Dean. Previously, Dr. Miner was the chair of the Department of Nursing at Fisher and, prior to that, was the Associate Dean of Undergraduate Programs at the Decker School of Nursing at Binghamton University (SUNY). Dollinger has served as a member of Fisher’s nursing faculty for 15 years.

The Wegmans School of Nursing building is scheduled to open by the fall of 2007.

The nursing program at St. John Fisher College is fully accredited by the New York State Education Department and the Commission on Collegiate Nursing Education. For more information about the nursing program at Fisher, visit the website at http://home.sjfc.edu/nursing/.

St. John Fisher College Appoints Dr. Miner as Dean, Dr. Dollinger as Associate Dean in the Wegmans School of Nursing

Dianne Cooney Miner	Marilyn Dollinger

PITTSFORD, N.Y., October 31, 2006—St. John Fisher College today announced the appointment of two key members of the administration at the new Wegmans School of Nursing. Dianne Cooney Miner, Ph.D., RN, CNRN, has been named founding Dean of the Wegmans School of Nursing. Marilyn Dollinger, DNS, FNP, APRN BC, will serve as Associate Dean, Chair of the Undergraduate Program, and Coordinator of the Family Nurse Practitioner Program.

“Dr. Miner and Dr. Dollinger have an outstanding track record at the College,” said Dr. Donald Bain, President, St. John Fisher College. “Their success in helping to grow the nursing program here at Fisher throughout the past few years made them the best candidates for these important leadership positions at the new Wegmans School of Nursing.”

Dr. Miner joined Fisher as the Chair of the Department of Nursing in 2003. Prior to accepting the position at the College, she was Associate Dean of Undergraduate Programs and a clinical professor at the Decker School of Nursing at Binghamton University (SUNY). Dr. Miner currently teaches in the undergraduate and graduate programs at Fisher and is adjunct faculty in the doctoral program at Binghamton. Her professional career includes practice in acute and critical care, nursing education, and administration. She is certified by the National Board of Neuroscience Nurses and has practiced full- and part-time as a clinical nurse specialist for 14 years.

Dr. Miner is the President-Elect of the NYS Council of Deans of Baccalaureate and Higher Degree Programs. She also serves as a site evaluator for the Commission on Collegiate Nursing Education (CCNE) and is a member of the Accreditation Review Committee of CCNE. She is an extended member of the New York State Board for Nursing and has served as the Chairperson of the Nursing Practice and Education and Licensure Committee for the Board.

Dr. Dollinger joined the Fisher faculty in 1991 after 15 years of nursing practice in adult critical care. She is a graduate of the University of Toronto, holds a master’s degree from Russell Sage College, and a doctorate from the State University of New York at Buffalo. She is a family nurse practitioner, certified by the American Nurses Credentialing Center and a tenured associate professor at Fisher.

Within the Rochester community, Dr. Dollinger is currently the Chair of the Board of Trustees for St. John’s Nursing Home and the President-Elect of the Genesee Valley Nurses Association. She also serves as the Chair of the Council on Legislation for the New York State Nurses Association.

Fisher Women’s Basketball Coach Phil Kahler Out Indefinitely

PITTSFORD, N.Y., October 30, 2006 — St. John Fisher College women’s basketball head coach Phil Kahler is recovering after suffering a heart attack.

Kahler, now in his 33rd season at the College, had an angiogram procedure done on Tuesday, October 24, 2006, and is currently being treated at Rochester General Hospital.

Over his 33-year career, Kahler has compiled an NCAA record of 731-145. No coach in NCAA basketball history – Division I, II or III -- men’s or women’s – has coached longer than Kahler and won a better percentage of games. His 731 victories are the most by a Division III coach, and his efforts have established Fisher as the all-time winningest women’s basketball program.

Last season, Kahler was named as the WBCA East Region Coach of the Year after leading Fisher to a 25-3 overall record and an undefeated season in the Empire 8 Conference.

No time-table has been set for Kahler’s return to the bench. Assistant coach Marianne O’Connor Ermi will continue coaching the team until then.

Fisher will open up the 2006-2007 season on Friday, November 17th and will host the Holiday Inn Invitational.

St. John Fisher College Presents ‘The Road Less Traveled’ on November 16

PITTSFORD, N.Y., October 30, 2006—St. John Fisher College will present “The Road Less Traveled: Celebrating Lives of Peace, Service, and Social Activism” on Thursday, November 16 in Basil 135 on campus. Hosted by the Peace and Social Justice Studies Program and the Alumni Office, the evening will honor Father Joseph Trovato, C.S.B., for his many years of service to the College. Father Trovato was the founder and long-time Director of Campus Ministry at Fisher.

Father Paul English is the speaker for the evening and will present the first in the Father Joseph Trovato lecture series at Fisher. Father English was the Director of Campus Ministry at Fisher from 1992-2000. He currently is a pastor at St. Anne’s Church in Houston, Texas. The Peace and Social Justice Studies program will announce the creation of the Father Joseph Trovato Fund at Fisher. The event will also feature the presentation of the Jennifer Patterson Koon Courage Awards, as well as the first Peace and Social Justice Spirit Award, which will honor a Fisher graduate.

The following is a detailed schedule for the evening:

• 5:30 p.m. -
  Reception at the Basil Lobby

• 6:15 p.m. -
  “The Road Less Traveled” Program in Basil 135
  Introductions by Dr. Linda MacCammon, Director of the Peace & Social Justice Studies Program

• 6:30 p.m. –     
  Father Joseph Trovato and the Trovato Fund
  Jennifer Patterson Koon Courage Awards
  Peace and Social Justice Spirit Award

• 7:15 p.m. –     
  Father Joseph Trovato Lecture by Father Paul English
  Question and Answer Period

For more information about “The Road Less Traveled,” contact Linda MacCammon at (585) 385-8363 or lmaccammon@sjfc.edu.

First Friday Lecture Series at St. John Fisher College Examines the Freakonomics Phenomenon

PITTSFORD, N.Y., October 27, 2006— Dr. David Pate, Dean of the School of Arts and Sciences at St. John Fisher College, will examine the New York Times bestseller, “Freakonomics: A Rogue Economist Explores the Hidden Side of Everything,” on Friday, Nov. 3, as part of the College’s First Friday Faculty Lecture Series. The event begins at 10 a.m. in Basil 135 on the Fisher campus.

Dr. Pate’s lecture, “Freakonomics: A Perspective on the Phenomenon,” will consider how the book’s authors, Steven Levitt and Stephen Dubner, use intuition, fundamental microeconomic principles and available evidence to understand the phenomena raised in the book. The lecture will cover topics from the book including honesty in the office coffee club and racial inequality, while avoiding the jargon often associated with the public pronunciations of economists.

The First Friday Faculty Lecture program takes place on the first Fridays of October through December during the fall semester and February through April in the spring semester. The lectures are designed for individuals who are interested in hearing perspectives on a variety of current topics from members of the St. John Fisher College Faculty.

For more information about the lecture series or to register for the Nov. 3 lecture, please contact Shannon Hansford at 585-385-7322.

Film Written and Directed by Fisher Alum to be Featured at Regal Henrietta Theater

PITTSFORD, N.Y., October 23, 2006—St. John Fisher College alumnus Rich Christiano, Class of 1978, is the writer-director of a new feature film that opens in select theaters on Friday, Oct. 27. “Unidentified” will be shown locally at the Regal Henrietta Theater.

“Unidentified” is the story of two magazine reporters who investigate a UFO sighting that takes place in a small Texas town and begin to write about it. Through the experiences of the reporters, Christiano presents the various angles people normally use to explain UFOs, and also provides insight into how UFOs can relate to spiritual matters. Are UFOs a hoax? Are they real? Are aliens a threat? In “Unidentified,” Christiano addresses all of these questions.

The movie features Jonathan Aube and Josh Adamson as the two lead reporters. First-time actress Rebecca St. James, a popular Grammy Award-winning Christian singer, also appears in a supporting role.

Christiano, who received his bachelor’s degree in Management from Fisher in 1978, has been producing and distributing inspirational movies since 1985. His last feature film, “Time Changer,” was a time travel adventure starring Gavin MacLeod, Hal Linden, and Jennifer O’Neill. The film was shown in more then 300 theaters nationwide, including Regal Culver Ridge Theater in Rochester.

For more information and to view a trailer, please visit the official movie web site at www.unidentifiedthemovie.com.

DeJesús-Rueff Appointed Vice President of the Board of Trustees for the Center for Youth of Monroe County

Dr. Richard DeJesús-Rueff

PITTSFORD, N.Y., October 17, 2006—Dr. Richard DeJesús-Rueff, Dean of Students at St. John Fisher College, has been named the Vice President of the Board of Trustees for the Center for Youth of Monroe County.

His appointment to Vice President is a result of DeJesús-Rueff’s five years of service as a member of the Board and his success as the Chairperson of the Program Committee. In this role, DeJesús-Rueff took the lead in presenting and obtaining approval of the Board for a recently announced initiative called the SAFEPLACE program. He also contributed to the expansion of the Center’s services to School 45 in Northeast Rochester. In 2005, DeJesús-Rueff collaborated with the University of Rochester’s Summer Urban Fellows Program to create student internship placements at the Center.

The Center for Youth of Monroe County provides free and confidential services to youth ages 12 to 21 and their families. Services include emergency shelter services, counseling intervention, prevention education, a street outreach program, student support centers, an employee readiness program, and a volunteer program.

St. John Fisher College Welcomes Pre-Schoolers to Campus for Pre-K @ College Event

PITTSFORD, N.Y., October 12, 2006—St. John Fisher College will look to the future—to the year 2020, to be exact—when it welcomes a group of potential students and their parents to campus on Saturday, Nov. 4. Pre-K @ College provides an opportunity for pre-schoolers from the Rochester City School District and their parents to learn more about the potential for higher education at St. John Fisher College.

“Pre-K @ College offers us a chance to strengthen our collaboration with the Rochester City School District and get parents thinking about higher education at an early stage of their children’s development,” said Jim Wood, Associate Professor of Childhood Education, Ralph C. Wilson, Jr. School of Education. “Participating parents will receive an introduction to the College and its offerings.”

The College expects 175 children and parents to participate in the event. The schedule includes: a walking tour of the St. John Fisher College campus; “fun shop” activities for parents and children to enjoy together; lunch; and an information session for parents to learn more about college program offerings for adults.

The Pre-K @ College program was created through the cooperation of the Childhood Education Department of the Ralph C. Wilson, Jr. School of Education and the Office of Multicultural Affairs and Diversity Programs, as well as several Fisher student organizations.

St. John Fisher College Names Associate Dean of the Ralph C. Wilson, Jr. School of Education

Julius Gregg Adams, Ph.D.

PITTSFORD, N.Y., October 11, 2006—Julius Gregg Adams, Ph.D., has joined St. John Fisher College as Associate Dean in the Ralph C. Wilson, Jr. School of Education.

As Associate Dean, Dr. Adams is responsible for assisting the Dean in carrying out the School of Education’s mission and strategic goals, as well as those of the College. Additional responsibilities include curriculum, program, and faculty development; research and grant writing; and implementation, monitoring, and ongoing refinement of the School of Education’s strategic plan. He also supervises the Offices of Field Experience and Student Teaching, as well as Academic Advising and Services.

“Dr. Adams brings to Fisher a strong background in college administration and teaching,” said Dr. Arthur “Sam” Walton, Dean of the Ralph C. Wilson, Jr. School of Education. “With more than 20 years of experience, which include extensive leadership and curriculum development skills, Dr. Adams offers the expertise we were seeking for the School of Education. We’re pleased that he has joined St. John Fisher College.”

Most recently, Dr. Adams was the Associate Dean for Teacher Education in the Graduate School of Education at the State University of New York (SUNY) at Buffalo. During that time, he also served as the Interim Executive Director of the Office for University Preparatory Programs (OUPP).

Prior to working for SUNY Buffalo, Dr. Adams spent 12 years at SUNY Fredonia, where he was an Associate Professor of Education before being named Director of the School of Education in 1997.

Dr. Adams earned his Ph.D. and master’s degree in educational psychology from the State University of New York at Buffalo, where he also received his bachelor’s degree in psychology.

In addition to his duties at St. John Fisher College, Dr. Adams also serves on the Western New York Education Service Council.

Ralph C. Wilson, Jr. School of Education at St. John Fisher College Receives National Accreditation

PITTSFORD, N.Y., October 9, 2006—The Ralph C. Wilson, Jr. School of Education at St. John Fisher College recently earned professional accreditation from the National Council for the Accreditation of Teacher Education (NCATE).

NCATE-accredited schools must meet rigorous standards set by the education profession and members of the public. Teacher candidates must have in-depth knowledge of the subject matter that they plan to teach, as well as the skills necessary to convey it so that students learn. The institution must also have partnerships with P-12 schools that enable candidates to develop the skills necessary to help students learn.

The NCATE accreditation provides Fisher with a range of benefits, including: improved school leader and teacher preparation programs to help increase the quality of teachers and other school personnel; a benchmark to measure Fisher against national expectations and program standards, which promotes accountability for the quality of teachers the School of Education produces; increased interaction between the professional education unit and other departments on campus through collaboration with the Arts and Sciences faculty; and the opportunity for the continued development of faculty and staff.

St. John Fisher College has offered education programs since 1970. In response to significant enrollment growth, as well as a substantial increase in the number of faculty and staff members, the Ralph C. Wilson, Jr. School of Education was founded in 2002 to provide leadership and coordination for all education programs. All of the School of Education undergraduate and graduate programs related to teacher and educational leadership are nationally approved by their respective Specialty Program Association (SPA). For more information about the teacher or educational leadership programs at St. John Fisher College, visit the website at www.sjfc.edu.

The U.S. Department of Education recognizes NCATE as a specialized accrediting body for schools, colleges, and departments of education. NCATE is composed of more than 30 professional and policymaker organizations representing millions of Americans committed to quality teaching. It was founded in 1954 by the teaching profession and the states. NCATE continues its mission of working together with the profession and the states to achieve excellence in teacher preparation and development.

September 2006

St. John Fisher College Faculty Member Receives Fulbright Scholar Award

PITTSFORD, N.Y., September 28, 2006—Dr. Mark Rice, Associate Professor of American Studies at St. John Fisher College, has been awarded a Fulbright Scholar grant to help develop an American Studies program at Can Tho University in Vietnam.

Beginning in February 2007, Dr. Rice will spend five months in Vietnam to assist the college in the design and implementation of its American Studies curriculum. He will also teach courses on American Literature and American Society and Culture, and will work with graduate students on their master’s theses.

Dr. Rice received his bachelor’s degree in Psychology from the University of Washington, his master’s degree in American Culture Studies from Bowling Green State University, and his Ph.D. in American Studies from the University of Hawaii at Manoa.

Dr. Rice is one of approximately 800 United States faculty and professionals who will travel abroad to some 140 countries for the 2006-2007 academic year through the Fulbright Scholar Program. Established in 1946 under legislation introduced by the late Senator J. William Fulbright of Arkansas, the program’s purpose is to build mutual understanding between the people of the United States and other countries.

Recipients of the Fulbright Scholar awards are selected on the basis of academic or professional achievement and because they have demonstrated extraordinary leadership potential in their fields. The Fulbright Program is sponsored by the U.S. Department of State, Bureau of Educational and Cultural Affairs.

St. John Fisher College Dedicates the Tom and Heather Bonadio Atrium

PITTSFORD, N.Y., September 22, 2006—St. John Fisher College dedicated the Tom and Heather Bonadio Atrium during a ceremony on Tuesday, Sept. 19. Throughout the years, the Bonadios have been an integral part of the Fisher community. The atrium, located in the College’s Campus Center, was named for the couple in recognition of their generosity and involvement at Fisher.

Tom Bonadio, Founder and Managing Partner of The Bonadio Group, is a Fisher alumnus from the Class of 1971 and has been a trustee of the College since 1998. He served as Chair of the Board at Fisher from 2001 to 2004, and is currently an honorary trustee. In 2004, he received an Honorary Doctor of Laws degree from the College.

Bonadio has kept active in the campus community as a member of the College’s Accounting Advisory Board and has been named the “Outstanding Accounting Alumnus of the Year.” In addition, representatives from The Bonadio Group visit campus each year to actively recruit Fisher accounting students for internship positions and post-graduate employment.

Since its inception in 1978, The Bonadio Group has grown to be the largest independent provider of accounting, business advisory, and financial services in Upstate New York. It has been named a Rochester Top 100 Company by the Democrat and Chronicle for the last eight years.

THURSDAY, SEPTEMBER 21, 2006

DELIVERY OF NONPROFIT AND VOLUNTEER SERVICES TAKES A LEAP FORWARD

City, St. John Fisher College, United Way establish Center for Community Engagement

The City, St. John Fisher College and the United Way of Greater Rochester announced today the formation of a collaborative hub geared to bolster not-for-profit excellence and increase volunteerism in the community.

The newly created Center for Community Engagement’s mission is to enhance the quality of life in the Rochester community by increasing volunteerism and improving the performance of community-based nonprofit organizations. The Center, which is one of Mayor Robert J. Duffy’s first-year goals, will be located on the Fisher campus. The Center for Community Engagement is committed to ensuring that our community’s resources become even stronger and consists of three core programs.

The Mayor’s Office for Volunteerism and Engagement (MOVE) will serve as a catalyst and a resource to promote volunteer involvement in the city of Rochester. MOVE will link and coordinate volunteer projects and grass roots organizations. The United Way will partner with the City to create Volunteer Rochester, a web site where community members can learn more about volunteer opportunities. United Way has been linking people with volunteer opportunities, through its Volunteer Connection, for 20 years - creating a strong foundation for MOVE. The MOVE office will be located at 250 State St. and will open soon. The MOVE initiative has an advisory council comprised of leaders in volunteerism and community engagement from across the greater Rochester community.

The second program of the Center for Community Engagement is the Nonprofit Management Education program, administered through Fisher’s Bittner School of Business. It is designed to help nonprofit agencies strengthen their performance by offering academic programs for local managers and leaders.

“The measure of a community is the sum of how well its citizens come together to support the greater good,” said Mayor Duffy. “The Center for Community Engagement and MOVE have been created to demonstrate hope, unity and commitment in the Rochester area.”

“St. John Fisher College is proud to partner with the City and the United Way to help improve the quality of life for our residents,” said Dr. Donald Bain, President of St. John Fisher College. “Serving the community—through Campus Ministry activities, Service Scholarship initiatives, or First Generation mentoring programs—has been a hallmark of the Fisher experience for nearly 60 years. It’s who we are.”

The other core program within the Center is already up and running in our community. The Partnership for Nonprofit Enterprise Excellence is administered by United Way, Rochester Area Community Foundation and Excellus BlueCross BlueShield. This program’s goal is to enable non-profit boards and their leaders to meet standards of excellence in governance.

“We are honored to be able to work together to connect existing resources to create new synergies and opportunities,” said Peter Carpino, President of United Way of Greater Rochester. “This is going to provide an incredibly effective way to ensure that nonprofits in our community are excelling, not duplicating resources—and, at the end of the day—making this a better place to live for everyone.”

The Center for Community Engagement and MOVE are jointly governed by a Board appointed by Mayor Duffy and Dr. Bain. The Board is chaired by Howard Berman, former CEO of The Lifetime Healthcare Companies. Other members are Dr. Ronald Ambrosetti, Provost and Dean of St. John Fisher College; Dr. Alfred Lewis, Bittner School of Business at Fisher; Jean Howard, Chief of Staff, City of Rochester; Robert E. Brown, Partner, Boylan, Brown, Code, Vigdor, & Wilson, LLP; Kevin Hill, former President and COO, Excellus Health Plan, Inc.; and Dawn Borgeest, Senior V.P. and Chief Marketing Officer, United Way of Greater Rochester.

“This is collaboration and relationship-building at its finest. I would like to thank our partners for their foresight in channeling Rochester’s vast pool of talent and spirit of volunteerism to help improve education, public safety and economic development in our region,” added Mayor Duffy.

“We are one community with great resources and an even greater spirit. Our goal with this initiative is to harness this spirit so that each of us can increase our personal investment and engagement in the community, whether we define it as our neighborhood, our city, our special interests, or the Greater Rochester area community,” said Howard Berman. “This is the beginning of an effort to have our community blossom with vibrance and opportunity, which for so long described and defined who we are.”

News Media:
For more information, contact the City’s Deputy Chief of Staff, Steve Schwab at 428-6282.

St. John Fisher College Invites Public to Lecture by Native American Author David Treuer

PITTSFORD, N.Y., September 21, 2006—The Center for Indigenous Studies at St. John Fisher College will present a lecture by Native American author and critic David Treuer on Wednesday, Oct. 4, from 6 to 8 p.m. in Basil Hall 135 at the College. The event, which includes a light reception with refreshments and opportunities for book signing, is free and open to the public.

Treuer’s lecture, “Some Thoughts on the Non-Existence of Native American Fiction,” will address issues of indigenous identity, notions of cultural authenticity, and the challenges of reading in a postmodern world where multiculturalism and diversity are easily professed but more problematic when put into practice.

An Ojibwe from Leech Lake Reservation in northern Minnesota, Treuer is the author of two new books: The Translation of Dr. Appelles: A Love Story and Native American Fiction: A User’s Manual. His previous novels include Little (1995) and The Hiawatha (1999). Treuer has been the recipient of a Fulbright Fellowship, a Pushcart Prize, and the 1996 Minnesota Book Award. His novels have been translated into four languages. He teaches literature and writing at the University of Minnesota.

Founded in September 2006, the Center for Indigenous Studies at St. John Fisher College promotes academic and cultural education on Native issues through programmatic and curricular initiatives geared toward the campus community and the greater Rochester area. Treuer’s lecture will be the Center’s first official public event.

For more information about the event, please contact Dr. Scott Lyons, Director of the Center for Indigenous Studies and Assistant Professor at St. John Fisher College, at slyons@sjfc.edu.

St. John Fisher College Hires Jadlos as Director of Lavery Library

Melissa Jadlos

PITTSFORD, N.Y., September 20, 2006—Melissa Jadlos has been named as the new Director of the Lavery Library at St. John Fisher College.

Jadlos was previously employed as the Associate Director of the Milne Library at SUNY Geneseo. With more than 12 years of library experience, Jadlos has also held positions at institutions including SUNY Binghamton, St. Lawrence University, and the National Agricultural Library. She earned her master’s degree in Library Science from the University of Maryland at College Park. She currently resides in Avon.

The Charles J. Lavery Library offers a blend of traditional and electronic resources, covering a broad range of subjects, to both the novice and experienced researcher. The library's web-based catalog is supplemented by over 90 electronic databases, and Internet access provides additional information sources. Traditional resources in Lavery Library include 190,000 volumes; approximately 30,000 multimedia items; 900 print periodical subscriptions, and access to 10,000 electronic periodical titles.

New Leadership Announced for Career Center at St. John Fisher College

PITTSFORD, N.Y., September 15, 2006—St. John Fisher College recently appointed new leadership in its Career Center. Betsy McDermott has been promoted to Director of Career Services and Laurie Valentino has been hired as the new Assistant Director.

McDermott has served as the Acting Director of the Career Center since December 2005 and has worked in various counseling capacities since January 2000. She earned her master’s degree from St. Bernard’s School of Theology and Ministry. McDermott currently resides in Fairport.

Valentino brings rich experience in career development, internships, recruiting and event planning. She was previously employed by the University of Rochester. Valentino received her master’s degree in Human Resource Development from St. John Fisher College. She currently resides in Gates.

St. John Fisher College Dedicates the Wegmans School of Pharmacy

PITTSFORD, N.Y., September 12, 2006—St. John Fisher College today dedicated the College’s newest academic building, the Wegmans School of Pharmacy, which opened this fall with an inaugural class of 55 students. The School was made possible by a $5 million gift from the late Robert B. Wegman. The School of Pharmacy is the first of its kind in Monroe County and the fifth in New York State.

The Wegmans School of Pharmacy was established to help alleviate the projected shortfall of qualified pharmacists for the communities and hospitals in Central and Western New York. This is consistent with the Fisher’s commitment to offer educational opportunities that serve the needs of the Rochester community.

The 37,500 square-foot building that bears the Wegman name is a multi-level structure adjacent to the Skalny Science Center. It contains classrooms, laboratories, a drug information center, and study group meeting rooms, as well as faculty/staff offices and several common areas.

The 55 students who make up the inaugural class in the Wegmans School of Pharmacy came from an applicant pool of over 200 people from 22 states.

“Robert Wegman—community leader, benefactor, and visionary—was devoted to Catholic education and to Rochester,” said Dr. Donald Bain, President of St. John Fisher College. “Through his leadership gift to the College, he paved the way for future generations of pharmacists to serve our community.”

Dr. Bain and members of the Wegman family were joined at the dedication by José J. Coronas, Chair of the Board of Trustees; Congressman James Walsh; Senator Jim Alesi; Senator Joseph Robach; Assemblyman Joseph Errigo; County Executive Maggie Brooks; Sheriff Patrick O’Flynn; Deputy Mayor Patricia Malgieri; Pittsford Town Supervisor Bill Carpenter; members of the Board of Trustees; and senior administration officials of the College.

St. John Fisher College to Offer Peace and Social Justice Studies Minor

PITTSFORD, N.Y., September 7, 2006—St. John Fisher College recently introduced a new interdisciplinary minor in Peace and Social Justice Studies, which encourages students to think critically and constructively about peace, peacemaking, and social justice in the current troubled world.

The Peace and Social Justice Studies minor consists of six courses (18 credits) and focuses on three broad areas. The Introduction area provides students with the major principles of the study of peace, peacemaking and social justice as an academic and practical discipline. The Perspectives and Applications area consists of four courses in the humanities and social sciences. The Capstone area is covered by participation in a Peace and Social Justice Studies seminar or an internship.

Students who minor in Peace and Social Justice Studies have an opportunity to “walk the talk” by participating in Students With A Vision (SWAV), a student-run club that is affiliated with the minor. SWAV’s mission is to promote and provide meaningful community service and outreach work for students, primarily in the inner city of Rochester. The club sponsors a number of events throughout the school year and is an active presence on the Fisher campus.

For more information regarding the Peace and Social Justice Studies minor at St. John Fisher College, please contact Dr. Linda MacCammon, Program Director, at (585) 385-8363 or lmaccammon@sjfc.edu.

Fisher named Top Tier Regional Universityby U.S.News & World Report

PITTSFORD, N.Y., September 6, 2006—St. John Fisher College has been named to the list of America’s Best Colleges 2007 by U.S.News & World Report. Fisher was recognized in the Best Universities—Master’s category in the North Region. Schools in this category provide a full range of undergraduate and master’s programs. Fisher is among a select group of schools chosen for this recognition.

In the past decade, St. John Fisher College has emerged as one of the most vibrant colleges in upstate New York. Many factors have combined to create change, including the continuing development of new programs and academic initiatives, special events that have increased Fisher’s public profile and generated new interest in the College, and an increase in philanthropic support that has allowed Fisher to continue to expand its physical plant and develop state-of-the-art facilities.

“This designation is encouraging in that it affirms the value of a Fisher education,” said Dr. Donald E. Bain, President of the College. “Without exception, the Fisher community is focused on improving the learning environment for our students. This focus has led to increased enrollment, improved retention and graduation rates, and the unprecedented success of our graduates. Students truly are our most precious responsibility, and all members of the Fisher community are fully committed to their academic, social, and professional success.”

Over the last several years, the College has established five schools that collectively house the thirty undergraduate, eleven graduate, and two doctoral programs. The School of Arts and Sciences is the largest of the five schools and contains the core liberal arts programs, which are central to the Fisher experience. The Ronald L. Bittner School of Business has received the prestigious Association to Advance Collegiate Schools of Business (AACSB) accreditation, an honor afforded to less than 500 institutions worldwide. The Ralph C. Wilson, Jr. School of Education has recently earned accreditation from the National Council for the Accreditation of Teacher Education (NCATE). NCATE accreditation is the process by which a professional education unit is recognized as meeting national standards.

Most recently, the College has established the Wegmans School of Pharmacy and the Wegmans School of Nursing. The School of Pharmacy, which is housed in a new state-of-the-art facility, enrolled its first class of students in the fall 2006 semester. Fisher’s nursing programs, which include both bachelor’s and master’s level offerings, are accredited by the Committee on Collegiate Nursing Education (CCNE). A new building to house the School of Nursing is currently under construction, with an anticipated completion date of September 2007.

August 2006

St. John Fisher College Welcomes New Students to Campus

PITTSFORD, N.Y., August 31, 2006— This year, St. John Fisher College will welcome a new student class of nearly 845 (almost 570 freshmen and 275 transfer/readmit students) to the Fisher campus on Saturday, September 2, 2006, for the beginning of New Student Orientation. This is the largest freshman class and the largest transfer class in the history of the College.

Resident students will move into the residence halls in the morning, and all new students and their families will celebrate with a picnic on Lavery Lawn. At 2:00 p.m., the Matriculation Ceremony, attended by all new students and their parents, will mark the beginning of the students’ academic endeavors at Fisher. During the ceremony, each student will sign the Fisher Creed, which speaks to the basic values and aspirations of the students at Fisher.

July

St. John Fisher College to Host Summer Institute, A Seminar on the College Admission Process

PITTSFORD, N.Y., July 5, 2006—St. John Fisher College is pleased to present the Summer Institute—an opportunity for high school students to get involved in the planning of their academic future. The Office of Undergraduate Admissions is sponsoring this free seminar designed to assist motivated students in the college application process.

Topics discussed include charting a challenging high school experience, the college selection process, what colleges look for in an applicant, financial aid and scholarship information, interviewing techniques, and tips on the college essay or personal statement.
Students have four dates to choose from to attend the Summer Institute:

Registration for each seminar is at 9:00 a.m. on the day of the event, and the program lasts until 12:00 noon. Information specific to St. John Fisher College will be covered in the optional Information Session in the afternoon.

To register for this program, please complete the online form at http://www.sjfc.edu/admissions/campus_visits.asp.

June 2006

St. John Fisher College and Total Sports Experience Host World Cup Event

PITTSFORD, N.Y., June 15, 2006—This Saturday, June 17, 2006, Total Sports Experience and St. John Fisher College’s Sport Studies Department will host a free, all-day event for World Cup fans of all ages. The event will take place at Total Sports Experience, 880 Elmgrove Road, Rochester, NY  14624.

With the afternoon soccer matches being shown on big-screen televisions, the event also includes a Rochester Rhinos’ youth soccer clinic, skills competitions, and raffles for prizes.

Both men’s and women’s professional soccer players will be on-hand for the free youth clinic, which runs from noon to 1:30 p.m. Following the clinic, various skills competitions will be open to participants of all ages through half-time of the U.S. vs. Italy match.

This event is an excellent opportunity to enjoy the matches in an enthusiastic soccer atmosphere, meet Rhinos’ players, and take home prizes, including Rhinos tickets. The concession area will open at noon.

For more information, contact Jamie Hammond at the Total Sports Experience, 585-458-GAME, or visit http://www.totalsports-experience.com/. You may also contact Dr. Todd Harrison, St. John Fisher College, at 585-329-8919.

St. John Fisher College's Katrina Volunteer Team Gives Back

PITTSFORD , N.Y. , June 7, 2006—On May 7, 2006, a group of Fisher students, faculty, and staff left for New Orleans to assist in the relief efforts from Hurricane Katrina. Under the direction and guidance of Sally Vaughan, Director of Community Service at Fisher, 28 students and 10 faculty/staff members went to help New Orleans rebuild its communities. The group stayed at Camp Algiers , an Army camp where the National Guard was initially placed right after the hurricane, on the west side of the Mississippi. The group worked on the east side, where the neighborhoods are so devastated.

The group divided into three teams to help homeowners remove their personal belongings, tear down their mold-infested walls and ceilings, remove warped tarp flooring, and, most importantly, restore their hope so that they may return to their homes. A total of 11 homes were gutted by the Fisher team.

In addition, the Fisher group met with staff and students from Dillard University , in order to foster a collegiate relationship and long-term partnership for the future. Dillard is one of the institutions that faced horrible devastation to their campus as a result of the hurricane. Dillard is currently housing students and conducting classes at the Hilton Hotel in downtown New Orleans . When the Fisher group returned to Rochester, they were met by gracious Dillard alumni who wanted to show their appreciation for the group's work in New Orleans and for their extension of friendship toward Dillard University .

Prior to the trip, the Fisher students raised money to cover their expenses. Their fundraising efforts were so successful that they were able to make a generous donation of $9,500 to Catholic Charities of the Diocese of New Orleans, who hosted the group in New Orleans, to assist them in their relief efforts and to help keep Camp Algiers open for future volunteer groups.

May 2006

St. John Fisher College Announces $5K Scholarship for Bittner One-Year MBA Program

PITTSFORD, N.Y., May 16, 2006—In order to make graduate education more affordable for a larger number of Rochester's business professionals, the Bittner School of Business at St. John Fisher College today announced that students who apply to the Bittner One-Year MBA Program by June 15, 2006, will be eligible for a $5,000 scholarship.

The Bittner One-Year MBA is an Executive Accelerated Cohort Program specifically designed for students who have earned a bachelor's degree and have five years work experience in a professional environment. Built around a case-study approach, the program examines real-life problems that business executives face on a daily basis.

With the scholarship, tuition for the One-Year MBA is $38,500. This includes a laptop computer, all textbooks, reserved parking, and catered meals on class days.

The program is com prised of three 14-week semesters, during which classes are held on Wednesdays from 3:50 p.m. to 10:20 p.m. and on Saturdays from 7:50 a.m. to 2:20 p.m. This schedule allows students to gain valuable MBA experience while still working full time. The next cohort for the Bittner One-Year MBA Program begins on Wednesday, September 6, 2006, with an application deadline of July 1, 2006.

“The One-Year MBA is ideally suited for students who want to continue their employment while furthering their education,” says Dr. Ted Richardson, Associate Dean for External Affairs. “Graduates of the Bittner One-Year MBA Program have been able to advance their careers both in their current workplace and in positions within new organizations.”

Interested parties who want to learn more about the Bittner One-Year MBA Program are encouraged to attend the Graduate Information Session on June 7, 2006, at 4:30 p.m. in Cleary Auditorium on the St. John Fisher College campus. To register, call (585) 385-8161 or email grad@sjfc.edu .

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The Bittner School of Business is named after Ronald L. Bittner, the late CEO of Frontier Telephone of Rochester , an entrepreneur who changed the telecommunications landscape in the Rochester area and beyond. The Bittner School houses the departments of Accounting & Finance and Management, as well as the MBA Program. The primary goal of the Bittner School is to prepare professionally competent and ethically responsible graduates for careers in local and regional business organizations.

In April 2003, the Bittner School of Business received a Certificate of Accreditation from the prestigious Association to Advance Collegiate Schools of Business (AACSB). The AACSB is the “premier” accrediting agency for bachelor's, master's, and doctoral degree programs in business administration and accounting.

The Justinian Order of St. John Fisher College Holds 5th Annual Luncheon

PITTSFORD , N.Y. , May 10, 2006—The Justinian Order of St. John Fisher College will hold its fifth annual luncheon for members of the judiciary, the Bar, government, law enforcement, and the business sector.

The luncheon will take place on Wednesday, May 17, 2006, at the Crowne Plaza Hotel, 70 State Street , Rochester , New York , at 12:00 p.m. The guest speaker at this year's luncheon will be former Rochester Police Chief Robert S. Warshaw. Mr. Warshaw will discuss a variety of critical contemporary issues in local, state, and national law enforcement.

Throughout his 30-year career, Warshaw has held numerous leadership positions in civilian law enforcement. Prior to his tenure as Chief of Police in Rochester , Warshaw served as Police Chief in Statesville , North Carolina . In 1997, after leaving the force in Rochester , he was nominated by the President of the United States and unanimously confirmed by the Senate to be the Associate Director of the Office of National Drug Control Policy for the Bureau of State and Local Affairs. In that capacity, he was charged with overseeing the creation of policy to address the challenges of America 's 2,000-mile Southwest border, an issue that is one of our nation's most daunting tasks.

Since leaving the White House, Warshaw has been the President of Warshaw & Associates, Inc., a diversified consulting company specializing in private and public sector projects requiring organizational design, executive coaching, law enforcement consulting, internal investigations, training and education, and compliance auditing.

In November 2005, then Mayor-elect Robert Duffy of Rochester asked Mr. Warshaw to be the director of his transition team, a position he retained for the two-month period prior to Mayor Duffy's inauguration.

Tickets for the luncheon are $25.00 per person. Tables of 10 are available as well. To reserve a seat, please call (585) 385-5224.

The Justinian Order of St. John Fisher College is an academic and legal society intended to create collegiality among Fisher graduates professionally involved in the law. It is currently composed of over 300 judges and attorneys, all of whom are graduates of the College.

St. John Fisher College Celebrates 52nd Commencement

PITTSFORD, N.Y., May 1, 2006—St. John Fisher College will graduate more than 700 undergraduate and over 300 graduate students at its 52 nd Commencement on Saturday, May 6, 2006.

Due to the record number of graduates, Commencement will take place off-campus for the first time in the history of the College. This year's ceremony, which will include both graduate and undergraduate students, will take place at the Blue Cross Arena, One War Memorial Drive , at 2:30 p.m.

New York State Attorney General, Eliot Spitzer, will receive an honorary degree of Doctor of Laws from the College and will be the commencement speaker. Additional honorary degrees will be conferred upon Mr. Joseph Skalny, Mr. Robert Hurlbut, and Mr. Joseph R. Rulison '78.

Special recognition will also be paid to Fisher's second graduating class, the Class of 1956, on the occasion of its 50 th college reunion. Representatives from the class will attend the ceremony and offer their congratulations to the graduates.

April 2006

St. John Fisher College Presents “Hate-Free Week"

The media are invited to attend these special events.

PITTSFORD , N.Y. , April 18, 2006—St. John Fisher College is proud to present “Hate-Free Week,” a week dedicated to raising awareness of the ways—big and small—that we all can contribute to making our world safe, inclusive, and welcoming for everyone, regardless of sexual orientation, gender identity, age, race, religion, social status, national or ethnic origin, or any other factor.

Two campus-wide events are scheduled to promote understanding, compassion, and acceptance of diversity in every form.

The first event will feature a presentation by national spokesperson Judy Shepard, mother of Matthew Shepard, who, in 1998, was brutally murdered in an anti-gay hate crime in Laramie , Wyoming . Ms. Shepard will speak this evening, April 18, 2006, at 9:30 p.m. in Cleary Family Auditorium in Kearney Hall. This event is free for Fisher students and $3.00 for general admission.

Her presentation aims to increase awareness of hate crimes, which ended her son's life prematurely at the age of 21, while also discussing the need for greater legislation to protect the GLBT (gay, lesbian, bisexual, transgender) community.

Ms. Shepard created the Matthew Shepard Foundation in 1998 to honor her son and carry out his legacy by supporting educational projects, activities, and documentaries that raise awareness of discrimination and diversity.

“Hate-Free Week” also includes a production of The Laramie Project, a critically acclaimed play based on over 200 interviews with those most directly affected by Matthew Shepard's death. The play, by Moises Kauffman and members of the Tectonic Theater Project, is presented by Fisher Pride, a student-run diversity organization.

The Laramie Project will be performed on April 21 st and 22 nd at 7:00 p.m. in Basil Hall, Room 135. This event is free and open to the public. Donations are greatly appreciated and will benefit the Matthew Shepard Foundation as well as educational programming for Fisher Pride. ASL interpreters will also be present at Saturday night's performance.

During “Hate-Free Week,” Fisher Pride will be featuring a display of statistics and facts about hate. In addition, mock “picket” signs will be posted around campus, proclaiming that “Hate is Not a Fisher Value.”

Donald E. Bain, Ph.D., Installed as Fisher's 6th President

PITTSFORD , N.Y. , April 8, 2006—Mr. Joseph R. Rulison '78, Chair of the St. John Fisher College 's Board of Trustees, presided over the installation of Donald E. Bain, Ph.D., as the College's 6 th President. Bain was named President in November 2005, after serving 14 months as Interim President following the death of Katherine Keough.

Mr. Rulison presented Dr. Bain with the presidential medallion, which depicts the official seal of St. John Fisher College ; and the mace, which is the symbol of the authority of the Office of the President.

During the ceremony, members of the Fisher community, as well as colleagues from the Rochester area, offered greetings in honor of Dr. Bain. They include The Honorable Francis A. Affronti '63, NYS Supreme Court Justice; The Honorable Jim Alesi '70, 55 th District, New York State Senate; Dr. Al Simone, President of RIT; Dr. Deborah VanderBilt, Chair of the Faculty Assembly and Associate Professor of English; Dr. Arthur Walton, Jr., Dean of the Ralph C. Wilson, Jr. School of Education; Victor Salerno, President of the Alumni Board of Directors; Mark Foti '06, President of the Student Government Association; and Dr. Mieczyslaw Biskupski, Professor of History, Central Connecticut State University.

“The most important responsibility that the trustees of any institution of higher learning perform is the selection of their Chief Executive Officer,” said Joseph R. Rulison '78, Chair of the Board of Trustees. “Dr. Bain is the perfect person for Fisher, because he will successfully bring together the spiritual, intellectual, and social energies of the faculty, staff, administration, and trustees toward the accomplishment of their ultimate goal—to prepare and motivate Fisher students to reach their full potential.”

Bain, 62, has been a member of the St. John Fisher College community for over 30 years, and, in addition to his tenure as Interim President, has held the positions of assistant, associate, and full