This week's stories:
'Bonaventure Giant' Keenan dies
By Matt Dabrowski Leo Keenan Jr. '47 died Sunday at Olean General Hospital after a short illness. Born July 20, 1921, in Olean, Keenan attended St. Bonaventure and earned a bachelor of arts in English. He received a master of arts degree from Cornell University in 1948, only to return to St. Bonaventure to teach in 1949. He was most famous for his public speaking courses. In his 52-year career at the university, Keenan was a veritable institution. He was chair of the English department during the 1980s, and served as Acting Dean of the School of Arts and Sciences, the first chairman of the Faculty Senate, director of continuing education, and director of the summer, evening and extension programs. He coached the university golf team from 1967 to 1987, compiling a record of 172-90-10. Three years ago, the university named its annual invitational golf tournament the Leo Keenan Collegiate Invitational. Keenan has the honor of being the only St. Bonaventure alumnus inducted into all three university Halls of Fame, joining the Athletic Hall of Fame in 1993, the ROTC Hall of Fame in 1999, and being named Alumnus of the Year in 1987. In 1999, Leslie Quick III, chairman of the board of trustees and president of the Fleet Securities investment firm, donated $2 million to the university for the creation of endowed grants to support innovative methods of teaching. One of these grants is the Leo Keenan Faculty Development Endowment for the Improvement of Teaching and Learning. But behind all the credits and awards was a great man for St. Bonaventure, loved by his co-workers. In a statement issued by the Office of Marketing and Public Relations, Robert J. Wickenheiser, university president, called Keenan, "a Bonaventure giant," and, "one of the best reflections of what Bonaventure is all about." John Mulryan, board of trustees professor of English, said, "He saw himself as only one model for an English professor, and enthusiastically endorsed those of us who focused on research and publication rather than administration and pedagogy. He was a consummate professional." Keenan was a great man for Olean as well. He was an active member of the community, serving as president of the Olean school board and a partner in an insurance company. He was nicknamed "Toast-master General of the Southern Tier" for his skill as a master of ceremonies. He was also an examiner for applicants to the U.S. military academies, and a member of the Bartlett Country Club in Olean when that organization's membership was by invitation only. John Ash, former mayor of Olean and long-time friend of Keenan said, "He had a real wit about him. That was really unique. It's why he was so sought after to act as a master of ceremonies. As a community, we were lucky to have an individual such as Leo around." One of Keenan's grandsons, sophomore Eric Miller said, "I never realized what an impact he or (my) family had on St. Bonaventure until he passed away. I'm so much more proud of my family than ever after realizing what he did." Keenan is survived by Ann, his wife of 53 years; a sister; nine children including Col. Maureen Keenan-LeBoeuf, a university trustee; nineteen grandchildren; sixteen nieces and nephews; and two great-grandchildren. All nine children graduated from St. Bonaventure. Two grandchildren are currently enrolled at the university.
Francis Hall meal plan hits the spot
By Lisa Barnard With Sodexho offering an alternative meal program, students living in Francis Hall can eat at the Francis Hall Cafe for the cost of one meal at the Hickey Dining Hall. Under the new plan, each time a student swipes his or her card at the Francis Hall Cafe, Sodexho deducts one meal from the customer's account. Francis residents are able to choose from a menu consisting of seven items, such as a chicken tender sub or two slices of pizza. Along with the entree, students get a soft drink and either potato chips or french fries. Currently, the plan is only available for students living in Francis Hall because they are the only students on the east side of campus required to have a meal plan. Garden apartments and Townhouse residents are not included. According to Danielle Germer, board operations manager for Sodexho, the plan saves Francis Hall residents from having to travel across campus to eat dinner. "It gives them somewhere to go so they don't have to walk all the way over to the Hickey," Ger-mer said. Other students can eat at the Francis Hall Cafe, with money deducted from their Bona Bucks ac-counts, similar to the RC Cafe or The Rathskeller. Cash can also be used. The meal-exchange plan is a result of a Student Life survey conducted in Francis Hall, according to Nichole Gonzalez, assistant director of residence life. The program, now in its third week, has generated more business at the Francis Hall Cafe, according to Theresa Ickes, manager of Francis Cafe. "On cold days, kids can just come downstairs and have dinner. It's a change of pace for them," Ickes said. Ickes said that other changes have taken place to increase the appeal of the Francis Hall Cafe, including a big screen television, new chairs and Tuesday Night Karaoke. Junior Jen Nicol enjoys the new plan. "It was a waste of money for a meal plan at Hickey. Now we can actually use the meals. It makes it a lot easier," she said. Junior Kristina Polson said, "It makes it a lot easier to not have to walk to Hickey or use up your debit dollars the first week. The only thing wrong with it is that they don't have anything healthy, like a salad." The Francis Hall Cafe is open for dinner from 5 p.m. to 7 p.m., Sunday through Thursday.
SGA adjusts budgets for five clubs
By Allie Herryman The Student Government Association announced the contribution of around $5,000 to five student organizations' budgets at its Jan. 21 meeting. When SGA allocated budgets in October, many groups complained about the new system. Jim Banko, SGA treasurer told senators to reapply for more money. The American Marketing Association, Black Student Union, College Republicans, International Student Asso-ciation, and Model United Nations all received additional funds. The money came out of the SGA operating budget, which is the money allocated for SGA to continue serving students and clubs, according to Banko. "We want to be there for the groups financially so they don't miss something," Banko said. A representative of the College Republicans said the group requested around $5,000 and was allocated $482. It was given an additional $1,120 in the new appropriation, for a total of $1,602. "The money we were given simply wasn't enough to operate our organization. We're a club of 25 members that actually does things. We take trips and do local work. The money still isn't nearly enough," said Kelly Mallon, club treasurer. Tawanda Mapp, treasurer for the Black Student Union, said, "We didn't get the same (as previous years). We got more." The organization asked SGA for an additional $1,000 and got $800. The BSU uses the money to fund a variety show, the annual Black History Month dinner and the annual end of the year barbecue. They also had to pay some debts incurred last year. Adam Campbell, secretary-general and senator for Model UN, said that the adjustments to the Model UN budget came after it discovered a clerical error on the original budget allocation sheet. "We inverted what revenue and request was," he said, adding that when they resubmitted, the group was allocated an amount of around what it usually receives. "(SGA) realized that we have one goal, the trip to Montreal we just went on. They went over the budget and gave us what was possible to give," Campbell said. Banko explained that when an organization is unhappy with the budget they were allocated and is seeking more funds, they must pick up an "additional funds sheet" from the Student Government offices. Kevin Lafferty, SGA president, and the SGA comptrollers meet to discuss the allocation of additional funds to the appropriate organizations.
Students 'March for Life' in Washington
By Holly McIntyre Fifteen St. Bonaventure students and two friars protested abortion in the 29th annual March for Life in Washington, D.C., Jan. 22. The group, along with 50,000 other people, marched, "to protest abortion and to stand up for innocents who cannot stand up for themselves," said junior Joe Schneible, one of the group. The Rev. Peter Schneible, O.F.M., assistant professor of biology and SBU for Life moderator, said that the March for Life commemorates the anniversary of the Supreme Court decision Roe v. Wade which legalized abortion. SBU for Life is a student organization that opposes abortion. The group left for Washington Jan. 20 to attend rallies, see the sights, and hear Mass at the Basilica of the National Shrine of the Immaculate Conception, said the Rev. Jud Weiksnar, O.F.M., director of the Franciscan Center for Social Concern. The march began the morning of Jan. 22 at the Washington Monument with a Mass celebrated by the Most Rev. Henry Mansell, bishop of the diocese of Buffalo, followed by a series of speeches made by prominent anti-abortion supporters. President George W. Bush addressed the crowd by phone. The marchers then proceeded down Constitution Avenue to the Supreme Court, Schneible said. Some of the students attended the "Pledge for Peace 2000." Freshman Renee Willey described it as, "a rally in the style of Martin Luther King Jr. to stand up for current issues like the war in Afghanistan." Eternal World Television Network interviewed freshman Kevin Gleichauf at the march. He called it a, "once-in-a-lifetime chance," to express his views about abortion and said, "I wish I had more time to tell them how I feel." The students enjoyed joining other people with a common goal. Freshman Steve O'Brien said, "A lot of people (at St. Bonaventure) are pro-choice," and it was a great experience to be surrounded by people who shared his views. Freshman David Skuga added, "The numbers impressed me, just to see the line of people with signs, forward and back." Student groups from the university have participated in the march every year since 1996 and students and faculty have represented the university for several years before that, said Schneible.
Anti-binge drinking initiative in trouble
By Kelly Zientek The Alcohol Coalition, a university initiative to curb campus binge drinking, begins its second semester raising awareness of the issue at St. Bonaventure without any definite plans for this semester, and may even disband. "We need to find out what student interest (in the coalition) is," said Tony Funigiello, director of the coalition. Depending on student interest this semester, the coalition might scale itself down, or head in a different direction. Funigiello stressed that student interest and opinions guide the coalition now. "We had a general-interest meeting at the end of last semester and only one student came," said Funigiello. "We are re-evaluating the need for the coalition." Funigello also said he would like to have an open seminar for students to come express their opinions. Again, depending on student involvement, he hopes to see the group get involved with campus activities. "It is a `wait-and-see' attitude right now," he said. In the fall, the group sponsored a poster contest. Entries must carry an anti-binge drinking message. Student artists submitted thirteen posters. Senior Heather Ammermuller won first place and senior Joe Kuzma finished second, according to Funigiello. "(The status of) the posters are still under discussion. We are trying to figure out a way to reproduce them," said Funigiello. The coalition plans to hang the posters around campus as soon as they can be reproduced. Over Winter Break, members of the Counseling Center talked to local bar owners. "There was no agenda. We just wanted to sit down and talk about what happens in the community after students leave the bars. (The bar owners) are concerned about that, too," said Funigiello. The coalition hopes to meet with bar owners again over the summer. "Our thinking is that a lot of times, things are done without student input, and their input is very important," said Funigiello. Funigiello said the program began because, "We just thought there was a need to educate students on the dangers of over-consumption. I think word got out a little bit last semester." Presently, a group of counselors, faculty, and administrators comprise the coalition, which was formed last summer. The Student Government Association is also loosely involved. Unlike other schools, St. Bonaventure does not have anyone on staff completely devoted to drug and alcohol counseling, Funigiello said.
By Nicole Schuman On any Wednesday, Thursday, Friday and Saturday night, one could see St. Bonaventure students lined up the front steps of Mad Dogs bar at 97 W. Main St. in Allegany. That ended this semester when Mike Lamb, owner of the bar, closed Mad Dogs on Jan. 15. In a letter addressed to The Bona Venture and the "Bona Community," Lamb said, "Family considerations and lifestyle changes were uppermost reasons for this decision." He also said he would remember the "good times" everyone had over the last 12 years. Lamb could not be personally reached for comment. Allegany Police Chief Dominic Papasergi said he did not know why the bar closed. "(The police) did not shut him down, he did it on his own," Papasergi said. He also mentioned the liquor authority had not closed Mad Dogs. Papasergi said police would continue to patrol downtown Allegany on the weekends. Other bar owners and workers in Allegany said they would continue to operate in the same fashion as always. No major changes to entice students will be made. Crisanne Nevin, bartender at The Burton, said the bar would "keep things the same." "Nothing has changed," she said. "We're still as strict on ID-ing. It's a known fact: Mad Dogs was a younger bar. But we don't put a college person at our door. Most of the younger crowd seems to go to The Wave in Olean. We don't advertise for Bona students. If more people try to get in, we have a driver's license book to check." Dan Gleason, owner of The Other Place, hasn't seen any increase in customers since the close and will keep checking IDs the same way. "I always felt I did the best I can do," he said. "It's hard for IDs to get by." The OP also has a driver's license book. The OP has changed one thing: its hours. The bar is open later on Wednesday nights. "Mad Dogs used to have a Wednesday-night special, so now we have a `South of the Border' Mexican-drink night," Gleason said. "We usually closed early on Wednesdays." The Hickey Tavern, located directly across from Mad Dogs, has not changed its policies either. "We're keeping everything the same," said the bartender (who wished to be known just as that.). "It's the same people, always a mixed crowd, and we always ask for ID."
Congress fixes student loan rate
By Chris Piper ARLINGTON, Texas - The U.S. House of Representatives approved a bill last week halting a student-loan revision and fixing future student loan rates at 6.8 percent. "This legislation addresses a number of concerns I've heard from students in Texas, many of whom struggle to pay back the loans they need, to get a quality education," said Rep. Martin Frost (D-Tex.). "Interest rates on student loans should not stop young people from getting the education they need. I'm pleased that Congress has acted to ensure that that doesn't happen." The referendum stops impending changes to the formula used to determine rates on student loans, a redraft that would substantially reduce the cost of borrowing federal funds. Loan rates, currently at 5.99 percent, combine treasury bill values plus a 2.3 percent cost. The revision would have transferred interest rates from treasury bills to an alternate fund. Lenders opposed the revision, scheduled to take effect July 1, 2003, asserting that it would limit their profits and virtually eliminate guaranteed student -loan programs. In addition to stalling the revision, the bill will change loan interest from market-variable standards to a fixed rate of 6.8 percent. Although rates stand at 5.99 percent, they can vary yearly up to 8.25 percent. The change, scheduled for July 1, 2006, will separate interest rates from market fluctuations. Federal money will subsidize lenders beyond the fixed rate if the market demands it. University of Texas - Arlington freshman Beth Henry works in the university's financial aid office and supports the recent legislation. "With fixed rates, at least you know what you're getting into," Henry said. "If you get a loan, you're probably short on money anyway and a fixed rate would help (students) manage things better." Student advocacy groups prompted Congress to impose the 6.8 percent fixed rate, believing it would approximate the low rates borrowers would have been charged if lawmakers allowed the scheduled change to take place, according to The Chronicle of Higher Education. The new fixed rate would be one of the lowest rates students have seen over the years, said Ray Boldreghini, financial aid interim director at the university. "It will let people plan ahead for their repayment," Boldreghini said. "That stability is something we haven't seen before." Secretary of Education Rod Paige praised both the House and the Senate for bipartisan efforts to pass the amendment. "By acting now, Congress has enhanced the stability of a student financial aid program that students and their families across the country depend upon in order to find affordable financing for post-secondary education," according to a statement. The Senate approved the bill, an amendment to the 1965 Higher Education Act, in December. However, a group of House Democrats voted against the legislation after Republican leaders refused to consider a bill sponsored by a Democrat. The proposal now goes to the White House where President Bush is expected to sign it.
Room selection process to begin The housing selection process for the 2002-2003 school year will begin in February, according to a letter mailed to all student post office boxes. There will be an interest session to outline the entire room selection process at 9 p.m. in the Dresser Auditorium, Murphy Professional Building, Section B. All students confused by the room selection process should attend the meeting. Juniors and seniors interested in applying for rooms in the Garden apartments and Townhouses must attend one of the three mandatory sessions below. Applications for apartments will only be available during these meetings. A $150 room deposit for the 2002-2003 school year is due to the Business Office by Feb. 28. For more information, contact the Housing Office at 375-2512 . Quilt planned to commemorate Sept. 11 A meeting for the American Quilt project is scheduled for Feb. 6 at 4 p.m. in University Ministries. Bill Bace '75 initiated the American Quilt project on campus. It is a nationwide effort to "help stitch together America's resolve" and memorialize the victims of Sept. 11 by constructing a quilt or fabric panel that will be sewn together with others from across the country. "We were thinking of doing one for alumni," said Tina Denena, who is helping coordinate the project on campus. "We could also do one for St. Bonaventure that symbolizes hope," she added. The group is looking for volunteers to help create the 3 foot by 6 foot panel for this community. No sewing or quilting experience is needed. For more information, contact Tina Denena at 375-7813 or Beth Eberth at 375-2453. Human resources courses offered The university's Achievement Center plans to sponsor a human resources course beginning Feb. 9. "Certificate Program for Professionals in Human Resource Management" is a 30-hour program offered from 9 a.m. to 4 p.m. Feb. 9 and 23, March 9 and 23, and April 6 and 20. It is designed to prepare human resources professionals for the national examinations offered by the Human Resource Certification Institute on May 4. Enrollment is limited to 20 students and tuition costs $795, which includes course materials. Registration and payment are due to the Achievement Center today. Contact the center for more information at 375-2172. Reception to honor Hall of Fame inductees The ceremony to induct four new members to the Athletic Hall of Fame is scheduled for noon on Feb. 16 in the Trustees' Room in Doyle Hall. Bob Rozyczko, Sue Shay-Danielewicz, John Thurling and Kevin McNamee are the recipients of the award. They were selected from among over 20 nominees solicited from alumni and voted on by athletics department employees. A reception should follow the induction, and further ceremonies are scheduled for during the men's basketball game against Fordham that evening. Poll shows residents want stronger restaurant smoking restrictions A majority of Cattaraugus County residents surveyed believe second-hand smoke is harmful and want lawmakers to establish stronger smoke-free indoor-air laws, particularly in restaurants, according to a public opinion poll released Sunday by the Southern Tier Health Care System. Results indicate that 90 percent of residents surveyed believe regular exposure to second-hand smoke is harmful. Eighty-two percent want stronger smoking restrictions in restaurants and 70 percent believe restaurant workers should not be exposed to second-hand smoke. In addition, 86 percent would not diminish their dining habits or would eat out more frequently if restaurants went smoke free.
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