The Griffin: volume 67, issue 04 - Sept. 27, 1996

              Prizner has no qualms about the college, and ultimately other students, receiving the money instead of himself. He is satisfied that the award gave the school some more national prominence following the success of the Griffs last season. "I wanted to give something back to the college, particularly the professors," says Prizner. Golden Griffins tight end John Prizner received national recognition Saturday after being named as a recipient of the Burger King "Scholar Athlete of the Week." This is the first time a Canisius student has received this prestigious award. With the honor goes $10,000 in Prizner's name to the Canisius College general scholarship fund to be used at the college's discretion. Dr. Thomas Miller, vice-president for Student Affairs said that the money will, "will not have a specific purpose. It will probably be given to more than one student." Viewers of the Notre Dame—Texas game on ABC Saturday who weren't in the kitchen tending to their appetites during the half-time show may have caught the Canisius connection. Griffins head coach Chuck Williams is proud of his association with Prizner, and of Prizner's successes. See Prizner page 2 college work. Photo by ASHLEY DORCKL Y Senior John Prizner was recently featured on ABC television which discussed his community involvement in addition to his Disability support overworked due to budget cuts by Ben Krass Griffin News Reporter In a time when resources are limited, Ryan gives a lot of credit to the patience of his students. It is unfortunate that this same scenario could be played out for many other departments at Canisius. One can only hope that students will be able to pull together in these times of limited resources. Among the architectural improvements that he favors would be to fix the elevators in the student center, which he terms "woefully inadequate." Despite all of the headaches associated with his job, Ryan remarked, "I love the job because the students are great." This reputation has in turn caused the number of students with disabilities attendingCanisius to increase, further straining Ryan's office. Essentially, Ryan has shot himself in the foot with his success. Ryan strongly proposes that the Disability Support Services Office become an independent unit, complete with a director, a customer service assistant and a learning disability specialist. 'There has been an explosion of children with learning disabilities," he noted. Ryan noted the "huge explosion" of these students at Canisius and saw this explosion partly as the result of the two laws. The first wave of students that were af- Two laws have facilitated the need for this particular office at Canisius. The Rehabilitation Act of 1973 declared discrimination on the basis of disability to be illegal in any program or activity that received federal funding, which would include almost all colleges and universities. The Americans with Disabilities Act of 1990 extended the 1973 act to include all remaining colleges and universities. These acts helped to propel students with disabilities into the mainstream at high schools across the country. The generally tight financial situation at Canisius College has impacted many departments so far this year. In particular, disability support services, coordinated by Dan Ryan, has felt the numbers crunch. The list of academic services alone that they make available is never-ending. And yet, Ryan's office operates without a fulltime secretary or a full-time director. Ryan credits Chris Blum in particular for her tireless work in his office that allows him to survive without a secretary. fected by the law are now entering college. Disability support services reports that there are approximately 119 students with disabilities attending Canisius. This is an increase from just eleven students in 1988. Ryan devotes three-fourths of his time to his position as coordinator of disability services, and spends the other onefourth of his time working in the career center. His office is responsible for assisting students with disabilities in accessing all Canisius College programs. This would include meeting the academic, social and emotional needs of these students among other things. For example, his office provides test-taking helpers for students who might not be able to write by themselves, or might provide a Braille printout of a test for a blind student.He willingly conceded that Ryan's office is at capacity and that "we need to keep making progress." On the flip side, Miller stated that "people have recognized that Canisius does a pretty good job [with disability services]." By this he means the dilemma between trying to please his students and provide for their needs, while at the same time trying to please his superiors who want him to essentially do more with less. Ryan also commented that the college is not in full compliance with the two laws governing access for the disabled. Dr. Thomas E. Miller, vice president of Student Affairs, remarked that it "is arguable that the College is not in full compliance with the American with Disabilities Act." 'The issue is the extent to which the college has made a good faith effort," he continued. "We're in trouble," Ryan says. "How long can we get by with a minimum level of staffing?" he asks. "I can't think of another position on campus that has the same difficult problem with polar interests," he continued.WCCG—Broadcasting to the WOrld (see page 3) ROTC— Summer camp (see page 6) First goal... finally! (see page 12) FRIDAY, SEPTEMBER 27, 1996 VOLUME LXVII, NUMBER 4 Canisius student receives national recognition by Phil Rico Griffin News Reporter John Prizner wins Burger King scholarship in the class and on the field The Burger King award is presented to athletes based on GPA, their involvement in community service, and their playing ability. A three year starter, Prizner has 34 career receptions for 297 yards and one touchdown to his record. He holds a 3.75 GPA as a Communication Studies/Sociology dual major and is active on campus and in the community. Considering his accomplishments, the award is merited. Prizner was not a particularly scholarly individual in his Vandergrift, PA, high school. He proudly admits that he washed the slate clean in college by striving for excellence and success. He is especially appreciative of one of his close friends who has guided him in achieving success. The Griifin Serving the Canisius Community Since 1933