The Griffin: volume 68, issue 01 - Sept. 12, 1997

              Freshmen got their first taste of Canisius at the Chicken Barbecue on Monday. Photo by ASHLEY DORCELY Volume LXVIII Number 1 Friday, September 12,1997 Wall peddles business wares to new division As interim vice-president for Student Affairs, Wall states that he hopes to "stay the course, be a good steward, and keep the student affairs division on the course that it has developed over the course of the last few years. In addition, he mentions that he would like to "bring some new things to the table—some perspectives from the business world that may help people think in different ways, plan in new ways...I have a very long-term perspective —past, present and future —and I do have the interest of the college at heart. I started here back in 1974, and I never really left. I'm in here for the long haul. I have the interest of the student affairs division at heart as well as the college as a whole..." INDEX News 1-5 Editorial 4 Viewpoints 6-7 Features 8-11 Gobbledeygook.... 12 Sports 13-16 by Karen Helgeson Griffin Copy Editor involved with the President's strategic planning committee, the purpose of which is to assess the state of and to plan for the future of the college. Wall made mention of his wide experience dealing with various groups of people, including students, through his work as one of the cofounders of the campus Center for Entrepreneurship. This work has also brought him into contact with several CEOs in the local area. In addition, Wall has three years of experience working with the tribal council and president of the Seneca Indian Nation as investment advisor. "I think what happened here is the president felt that given the broad-based experience that I have working with people in a vice-president sort of capacity, and given the fact that I've been working with the strategic planning committee of the college, that I'd be a good pick [for the position]." "I'm the type who spends a lot of time with his students," continued Wall. This tradition promises to carry throughout the year. Although he has not yet met with the Undergraduate Student Association (USA), he has met several times with student body president Matthew Watters, and notes that there are "wonderful people" in the student affairs division of the college. In the meantime, however, Wall anticipates that drawing upon past experiences, including behind-the-scenes involvement in various college planning committees, including the budget committee, will be of aid to him. He has also been heavily Wall admittedly does not possess the specific training in student affairs necessary to allow him to continue in the position for longer than a year. It is understood that he will return to teaching next fall. Wall, a Canisius professor for the last 17 years, is no stranger to the College community, having been a student here from 1974-1978 before completing his graduate studies at the State University at Buffalo. He acknowledges that the position is a difficult one to step into, considering the controversial events surrounding last semester's resignation of Miller, but feels adequately prepared to handle the job. Dr. Richard A. Wall, professor of Economics and Finance, is currently taking a break from his teaching duties after being appointed interim vice-president for Student Affairs by College President, Rev. Vincent M. Cooke, S.J. The position was vacated by Dr. Thomas E. Miller last summer. decided." Since September 2, school officials estimate a freshmen body of 650. Hampering "concrete" numbers are expected drop/add and "back-to-school" delays. Look forward to more information in the coming weeks. Canisius' academic trends are also following the tide of national trends. Nationwide, math and verbal scores are up and the college application pool is becoming more competitive. High school grades were also competitive in this year's class. The class of 2001 averaged nearly 88% on high school transcripts. They've upped the freshmen profile by almost a percent from 1995, and Nelson concludes, "it's a sign of the times." Ms. Penelope Lipps, director of Admissions, says times are also indicating freshmen are declaring majors in-line with national trends. Popular freshmen majors include: accounting, athletic training, biology, and "un- In fact, Canisius is eager to mention overall improvement in freshman academics. SAT scores are up and high school grades are better. This year's freshman class averaged a score of 1089. Two years before, SAT numbers dipped to 1083. "We've got the better student body...including our freshmen," says Dr. Herbert Nelson, vicepresident for Academic Affairs. Nelson doesn't hesitate mentioning that Canisius freshmen have an "edge" over students from other Western New York schools. "Serving the Canisius Community Since 1933" Photo by ASHLEY DORCELY Dr. Richard Wall moves from finance to student affairs. Coming next issue: What's USA up to? by Andrei Jacobs Griffin News Reporter What's inside... Donation to be felt campus-wide 2 Another theory on Diana 7 What the MTV awards were really about 8 Fitzsimmons against the world 14 A salute to Coach Reeds 15 New freshmen in a class by themselves Promises to be "good steward" at the helm of Student Affairs THgQtlFFIN