1. DiMattio named dean of Clare College
2. National Institute of Aerospace engineer to visit St. Bonaventure University
3. McDonald, Sr. Paczesny, Powers and Swan to receive SBU's Gaudete Award in Buffalo
4. St. Bonaventure to host Relay for Life
5. Mathematics contest hosted at St. Bonaventure University
6. SBU hosts eighth annual College Bowl
7. Athletics Department to assist Katrina relief trip
8. Poverty simulation trial run planned in SBU's Doyle Dining Hall
9. St. Bonaventure students study abroad in Argentina and Uruguay during the winter interim session
10. SBU Theater presents 'Crazy Talk: One-Act Festival III'
11. St. Bonaventure tax assistance program expands service
12. Friday Forum
13. Career Center News ...
14. Newsmakers ...

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DiMattio named dean of Clare College

Dr. David DiMattio, associate professor of physics at St. Bonaventure University, has been named the new dean of Clare College. The third dean of Clare College since its inception in the fall of 1998, DiMattio succeeds Michael Chiariello, professor of philosophy and director of the Perugia, Italy, program at SBU.

“I was very honored to be named the new dean of Clare College,” said DiMattio. “As the position advertised, I would like to establish a dialogue across disciplines involving both faculty and students concerning Clare College. The core curriculum should be a core rooted in all disciplines, and it should reflect our Franciscan heritage.”

St. Bonaventure’s nationally acclaimed Clare College has a distinctive relationship with the Franciscan intellectual tradition. It is a 36-credit hour, values-based, multi- and inter-disciplinary core curriculum that is the soul of the University’s general education program.

Clare College encourages students to think critically, to articulate and examine fundamental beliefs, and to see knowledge as unified and coherent. Based on the Franciscan belief that life is an intellectual and spiritual journey, and that educated people are continuous lifelong learners, Clare College classes encourage students to be tolerant and open to new sources of learning.

Clare College courses include Inquiry in the Natural World, Foundations of the Western World, Foundational Religious Texts of the Western World and the Catholic-Franciscan Heritage.

As the dean of Clare College, DiMattio will be responsible for the management of the general education program and Clare College. He will organize and oversee the preparation, planning and scheduling of University Forum and other courses in the curriculum, working with other deans and departmental chairs. He will serve as a liaison to faculty, administrators, parents, students, trustees, alumni and other interested parties to articulate the goals and objectives of the University’s core curriculum.

“I would also like to tackle some of the issues individuals have expressed about Clare College – including flexibility, course numbering and concerns for transfer students,” said DiMattio. “I look forward to listening to all parties involved to continue to strengthen our Clare College core curriculum.”

“I am confident that Dr. DiMattio will continue to build upon the firm foundation that Dr. Chiariello helped establish for Clare College,” said Dr. Frank “Skip” Saal, provost and vice president for Academic Affairs. “He enjoys the respect of students, faculty and administrators, which will facilitate his efforts to further strengthen St. Bonaventure University’s unique core curriculum through multiple conversations across campus.”

DiMattio began teaching at St. Bonaventure in 1999. Some of the courses he has taught include Computer Science, Quantum Mechanics, Numerical Methods, Electricity and Magnetism, Astronomy: Stars and Stellar Systems, Inquiry in the Natural World, Science and Religion, and University Forum, a senior capstone class.
He will continue coordinating University Forum as dean and will also be teaching Inquiry in the Natural World in Perugia this summer.

Active on campus, DiMattio is the student class faculty adviser for the junior and senior classes as well as the men’s ice hockey club. He is on the Sandra A. and William L. Richter Center Advisory Board, the Journey Project Advisory Board, the Clare College Advisory Committee and a physics representative for the science building addition. He is a Yankelovich Fellowship project adviser, a summer orientation academic adviser, a member of the Strategic Planning Committee for Diversity and has participated in several of the Franciscan Center for Social Concern’s service trips.

DiMattio is also active off campus; he is on the board of directors for the Twin Tiers Challenger Learning Center for Western N.Y. He has been a presenter for the Association for Core Text and Curriculum’s annual meeting since 2003 and has presented to numerous area middle schools on “Exploring the Night Sky.”

He received his bachelor’s and master’s degrees in physics from St. Bonaventure, and a Ph.D. in physics from the University of Missouri – Rolla.

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National Institute of Aerospace engineer to visit St. Bonaventure University

Dr. Douglas Stanley, principle research engineer for the National Institute of Aerospace in Hampton, Va., will visit St. Bonaventure on Friday, Feb. 17.

Stanley will be speaking on NASA’s “Vision for Space Exploration” at 7 p.m. Friday in the Robert R. Jones Board of Trustees Room, Doyle Hall. The public is welcome to attend this event.

In addition to the evening event, Stanley will also be speaking at the Friday Forum as well as offering insight to Dr. David DiMattio’s Clare 102 “Inquiry to the Natural World” class. Stanley's visit will overlap with part of the physical science “Stars and Stellar Systems” course.

“We hope to have our students appreciate the real world application of science. Astronomy can sometimes be an intangible science, but with the presentation from an experienced NASA engineer I hope to bring the science ‘back to earth,’” said DiMattio, associate professor of physics and dean of Clare College.

Over the last 20 years, Stanley has played a leading role in most of NASA’s programs for spacecraft design, including the agency’s plans for replacement of the U.S. Space Shuttle. In this time he has acquired great experience in NASA and the industry in leading engineering, design, systems analysis and technology development activities related to the development of advanced space systems and architectures.

Most recently, Stanley directed the 400-person Explorations Systems Architecture Study that was commissioned by NASA. The study’s purpose was to define the systems, schedule, programs, budgets and technologies needed to return humans to the moon, service the International Space Station after the retirement of the Space Shuttle and eventually transport humans to Mars. In honor of his contributions to this study, Stanley was awarded the NASA Exceptional Public Service Medal in 2005.

Stanley was also responsible for the technical oversight and planning of Reusable Launch Vehicle and Advanced Space Transportation Technology Programs at NASA headquarters. He has led a wide variety of technology planning activities and systems analysis studies to determine the costs and benefits of using advanced technologies on future systems in NASA and the industry.

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McDonald, Sr. Paczesny, Powers and Swan to receive SBU's Gaudete Award in Buffalo

St. Bonaventure University will honor Joseph D. McDonald; Sr. Edmunette Paczesny, FSSJ, Ph.D.; Michael B. Powers, Esq.; and Ann L. Swan, with its Gaudete Medal at the Buffalo Gaudete Awards Dinner, recognizing joyful service in the tradition of St. Francis of Assisi.

The Gaudete Awards dinner/dance will be held Saturday, March 25, at the Buffalo/Niagara Marriott located in Amherst, N.Y., under the direction of co-chairs Terry and Jane Gilbride, both graduates of St. Bonaventure. Serving as master of ceremonies for the event will be Buffalo’s WIVB/TV anchor Don Postles.

St. Bonaventure’s Gaudete (gow-DAY-tay) Medals honor business and community leaders who exemplify the spirit of St. Francis of Assisi through their joy, hope, positive outlook on life, sincerely compassionate spirit and desire to serve humankind. Recipients of the Gaudete Medal, which translated means “Rejoice!” have inspired, encouraged and enlightened others through their personal and professional lives.

Joseph D. McDonald was named president and chief executive officer of the Catholic Health System of Buffalo in December 2002. Since coming to Buffalo, McDonald has undertaken a process of review and strategic implementation of the Catholic Health System’s services, initiatives and its relationships with the medical community in order to better align the system for success in fulfilling its mission of service to the community.

Under his leadership, the Catholic Health System has experienced a growth in services, introduction of advanced technology, improved quality and safety and a return to fiscal responsibility. During his first two years as CEO, the Catholic Health System also turned its fiscal situation around, finishing 2003 and 2004 with surpluses for the first time in its history.

In addition, McDonald served as chair of the 2005 American Heart Association’s HeartWalk, and is also a member of the board of directors of Fidelis Care New York and the Buffalo Niagara Partnership Board of Directors. He earned a master’s degree from the University of Tennessee in Nashville and is a fellow of the American College of Health Care Executives.

Sr. Edmunette Paczesny, FSSJ, Ph.D, is the president of Hilbert College, located in Hamburg, N.Y. Under her leadership, the college transitioned from a two-year to a four-year institution, as well as increased its bachelor-degree offerings from a total of five to 13.

In addition to her many accomplishments at Hilbert, Sr. Edmunette is the director of the Western New York Consortium of Higher Education and a member of the Commission on Independent Colleges and Universities in New York State, Association of Catholic Colleges and Universities, Association of Franciscan Colleges and Universities, Rotary Club of Hamburg/Sunrise, Hamburg Chamber of Commerce, Franciscan Federation and the Buffalo Club.

Sr. Edmunette earned a doctorate and a master’s degree in education from Fordham University, as well as a bachelor’s degree from Marquette University. She has also received honorary doctorate of humane letters from Niagara University, Canisius and D’Youville colleges, and Christ the King Seminary.

Michael B. Powers, Esq., is a partner at Phillips Lytle LLP who is experienced in commercial litigation; contract, warranty and fraud claims and products liability.
Powers practices primarily in the areas of commercial litigation and product liability defense.

In the commercial area, Powers handles a variety of matters involving contract and warranty claims, fraudulent trade practices and other business related disputes. He also provides services in the areas of pre-litigation strategic planning, counseling to businesses concerning methods of avoiding litigation and alternative dispute resolution.

Powers is listed in The Best Lawyers in America, and is a member of several clubs and affiliations, including the New York State Bar Association, the Bar Association of Erie County and Phillips Lytle Leadership Council. He earned a law degree from Western New England College School of Law, a master’s degree from Niagara University and a bachelor’s degree from St. Bonaventure University.

Ann L. Swan had a 27-year career as a health and physical education teacher in the Buffalo public schools. In 2004, she was elected to serve a three-year term on the Board of Trustees at Hilbert College.

Her other volunteer activities include Gilda’s Club Western New York, Shea’s Performing Arts Center, and the First Niagara Bank Foundation. She was a 2003 Community Leaders honoree by the National Conference for Community and Justice of Western New York, and received the 2002 Christ the King Seminary Cure of Arts Award, among other previous honors.

Swan, who resides in East Amherst, received a bachelor’s degree from the University at Buffalo.

The March 25 awards program will begin with a cocktail reception at 6 p.m., followed by a 7 p.m. awards ceremony and dinner. At 8 p.m., the evening will be capped off with dancing to the music of JoyRyde.

Corporate tables are $10,000 for diamond, $5,000 for platinum, $2,500 for gold, $2,000 for silver and $1,500 for bronze for sponsors. Individual tickets are $250 for gold, $200 for silver and $150 for bronze attendees.

For additional information, please contact Patty Thibodeau at (716) 375-2334 or pthib@sbu.edu.

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St. Bonaventure to host Relay for Life

A St. Bonaventure University senior is leading the community in the Relay For Life, a series of events that raise awareness and funds for cancer research, education, advocacy and service programs.

The Relay, scheduled to take place April 7 in the Reilly Center Arena, is an overnight event celebrating cancer survivorship and raises funds for the American Cancer Society, the largest non-profit, non-governmental funder of cancer research in the U.S.

Participants create teams that will walk or run from 6 p.m. on April 7 until 8 o’clock the next morning. Each team tries to have at least one person on the track at all times.

Senior Katie Walsh, event chair for the Relay, hopes to raise $15,000 through the event. The Relay For Life will also be preceded by the Relay Kick-off, slated for 7-9 p.m. Monday, Feb. 13, at the Sandra A. and William L. Richter Center. A Relay Rally is also being scheduled. These mini-relays “let people know what Relay For Life is about and offers them the opportunity to register and form a team,” said Walsh.

Walsh, who had been aware of the Relay For Life in high school, decided to institute a Relay For Life in August of 2005. “I had to start my senior (thesis) project. I was racking my brain thinking of something I could do that would interest me, help others, and have a real-world impact,” she said.

Walsh says that she wanted to do the Relay For Life for reasons other than just a thesis grade. “Personally, my grandfather died of cancer, my aunt is battling breast cancer and I found out after I started working to bring the Relay to Bonaventure that a very good friend of mine has cancer — and he’s my age,” she said. “So, I do it for them, but also I hope to bring comfort and support to other students and people who have cancer or know someone who is battling cancer.”

For more information about organizing a team or to donate to the event, contact Walsh at walshkm@sbu.edu, or visit the Relay For Life web site at <http://www.acsevents.org/relay/ny/stbonaventure>.

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Mathematics contest hosted at St. Bonaventure University

On Saturday, Feb. 4, St. Bonaventure University hosted the regional phase of the 2006 Mathcounts competition, a national math contest for sixth-, seventh-, and eighth- grade students.

Contestants worked both individually and in four-person school teams on questions designed by the National Society of Professional Engineers (NSPE), the main sponsoring organization of the event.

The four schools that competed in the event were: Allegany-Limestone Middle School coached by Kathy Stamets; Falconer Central School coached by Becky Anderson; Salamanca Middle School coached by Diane Dietrich; and Tapestry Charter School from Buffalo coached by Carol Vago.

Other organizations sponsoring the contest at the national level include: CNA Foundation, ADC Foundation, General Motors Foundation, Lockheed Martin Corporation, Northrup Grumman Foundation, Raytheon Company, Shell Oil Company, Texas Instruments, 3M Foundation, Xerox Corporation, the National Council of Teachers of Mathematics and the National Aeronautics Space Administration.

Locally, St. Bonaventure University and two anonymous grants financially supported the contest.

The top school teams and the top individuals received trophies. The top three teams have been invited to the New York state competition to be held March 18 at the Rensselaer Polytechnic Institute campus in Troy, N.Y. The top individuals from the state contest will advance to the national competition, May 11 to May 14 in Arlington, Va.

Top Individuals:

1st – Miriam Harms, Falconer Central School
2nd – Collin Everett, Falconer Central School
3rd – Natalie Burns, Falconer Central School

Top Schools:

1st – Falconer Central School
(Natalie Burns, Miriam Harms, Scott Wilson and Collin Everett)
2nd – Allegany-Limestone Middle School
(Peter Clarke, Joey Groele, Chad Monkhouse and Ricky Trietley)
3rd – Tapestry Charter School
(Nicholas Sam, Zachery Bliss, Andrew McGuire and Max Barnhart)

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SBU hosts eighth annual College Bowl

The eighth annual College Bowl on-campus tournament was held in the Dresser Auditorium of the John J. Murphy Professional Building on Saturday, Jan. 28. A record number of eight teams, totaling 32 students, participated.

After a morning round-robin series of matches for seeding purposes, the eight teams competed in a single-elimination tournament in the afternoon in order to determine the overall winner. In the championship finals, the Hello Josephine! team defeated the Four-Oh’s by a score of 260-165. Playing for Hello Josephine! were Chris Allen, Colin King, Sam Orlando and Ariel Bentham.

The next level of College Bowl competition will be the regional tournament, to be held at Marist College in Poughkeepsie Feb. 24 - 26. St. Bonaventure will be represented in the regionals by Ray Prendergast, Jason Schultz, Tim Randel, Sam Orlando and Bill Kenney.

These five students were the top-ranked players in Saturday’s on-campus tournament, and they were selected for the regional team on that basis. Colin King, Dan Devine and Lauren Krieger were also among Saturday’s high scorers. Accompanying the team to Marist will be its faculty mentors, Dr. Lauren De La Vars (English) and Dr. David Matz (Classics).

College Bowl is a fast-paced, quick recall, Jeopardy! style of game involving questions on a wide range of topics, including sports, movies, art, history, literature, mathematics, biology, chemistry, economics, current events and politics. College Bowl is supported at St. Bonaventure by the School of Arts and Sciences.

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Athletics Department to assist Katrina relief trip

St. Bonaventure’s Athletics Department will assist the “BonaResponds” Hurricane Katrina relief trip at this Thursday’s home men’s basketball game against Fordham at the Reilly Center.

Fans planning to attend the game are asked to bring baseball and softball equipment (softballs, baseballs, bats, gloves, shoes, uniforms) to donate to boys and girls Little League teams in Hancock County, Mississippi. The equipment can be either new or used. Members of St. Bonaventure’s softball team will collect the equipment at the Reilly Center entrances prior to and during the 7 p.m. game.

BonaResponds is a collaborative effort of St. Bonaventure University students and faculty as well as community members led by finance professor Dr. Jim Mahar. The group, which numbers about 250 people including St. Bonaventure president Sister Margaret Carney, will travel to Bay St. Louis and Biloxi, Miss., during the University’s spring break March 4-12. One of the unique ways that BonaResponds found to assist children in those hurricane-ravaged areas is helping them re-start their baseball and softball Little Leagues. The teams in the selected communities, Mahar said, lost all of their stored equipment and supplies during Katrina.

In addition to Thursday’s collection, equipment can also be dropped off at the St. Bonaventure softball office or at The Sports Locker, 711 West State Street in Olean, during business hours.

Contact Mahar at (716) 375-2359 or jmahar@sbu.edu or Bonnies softball coach Mike Threehouse at 375-2289 for more information.

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Poverty simulation trial run planned in SBU's Doyle Dining Hall

A Poverty Simulation trial run is planned for 2:30 p.m. Friday, Feb. 17, in St. Bonaventure University’s Doyle Dining Hall.

“The Poverty Simulation is an interactive exercise to educate everyone, from policy makers to local community leaders, about the day-to-day realities of life with a shortage of money and an abundance of stress,” said the Rev. Cheryl Parris, director of social ministries.

“We need at least 40 participants to make this work, which I hope will be a mix of faculty, staff, students and people from the Greater Olean area,” she said. “This event is limited to 40 participants and 20 volunteers.”

“Our first version is going to be done in Doyle as a trial run. We hope to offer the Poverty Simulation twice this semester, probably in Butler Gym, which allows more participation,” Parris said.

“The participants will be assigned roles within a family unit and be assigned tasks and activities of daily living,” said Parris. “The volunteers will represent various agencies that the participants interact with: the grocery store, the bank, loan agencies, hospitals, childcare, social services, schools, etc.”

The Poverty Simulation uses “play” money, props, fictional scenarios and time limits to allow participants to view poverty from different angles in an experimental setting. More information about the Poverty Simulation can be found at www.communityaction.org/poverty.

“We welcome student participants, especially those going to Mississippi and those in Senior Forum. Students in Senior Forum have to do seven hours of communityservice,” Parris said. “If they want to fulfill them with me, they can be discussion leaders. In order to pass it on, they have to experience it first. People going to Mississippi can get a better understanding of some of the stress many people are experiencing in disaster areas and life in general.”

“We are doing this to bring greater awareness to the realities of American poverty, which many identify as the civil rights struggle of the 21st Century,” Parris said.
Individuals interested in participating in the Poverty Simulation may contact Parris by phone at (716) 375-7813 or by e-mail at cparris@sbu.edu by Wednesday Feb. 15.

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St. Bonaventure students study abroad in Argentina and Uruguay during winter interim session

During the winter interim session, while many other students were relaxing at home and spending time with their families, nine St. Bonaventure University students, along with three students from George Mason University in Virginia, were busy earning three credits in Spanish in Argentina. While there, they also had plenty of time to enjoy the hot South American summer — a welcome reprieve from the cold of Western New York.

From Dec. 28 to Jan. 12, group coordinator Dr. Zennia Hancock, professor of modern languages at St. Bonaventure, led the group of 12 as they took intensive Spanish classes through the Universidad de La Plata, stayed with Argentinean host families and found themselves completely immersed in another language and culture.

Based in La Plata, a suburb of the capital, students had easy access to Buenos Aires, and they had the opportunity to sightsee, shop and dine as they toured several of the city’s most famous neighborhoods. Another planned excursion took them to an entirely different South American country for the weekend, as they also visited Uruguay, where they stayed in the capital, Montevideo, and took a daytrip along the coastline to the beautiful beaches of Punta del Este.

Several students noted and appreciated the cultural differences they were exposed to. It took Bonaventure freshman Mike Morgan a while to become accustomed to the Argentinean tradition of exchanging a friendly kiss on the cheek — even with strangers — instead of shaking hands.

“In the beginning, I had to get used to giving kisses, and sometimes I forgot and I shook hands, the American way. The strange looks I got, when I did that, were enough to tell me not to try that again,” said Morgan.

“In Argentina, they seem really interested in what’s going on in everyone’s lives, and they always come up to foreigners, kiss them and ask about their families. That was a really nice thing to see, and it made me ask myself why people in the States aren’t as friendly as that. When I came back to the States, I was very tempted to give total strangers a kiss on the cheek … then I remembered I wasn’t in Argentina anymore,” he said.

Many students also made some enduring friendships. “People take their time with you, even when there is a communication barrier … I made two friends there — and more, of course — and we’ve been writing to each other every week, simple things, over e-mail. I help them with English and they help me with Spanish,” said George Mason student Kamla Dang.

Although students were busy enough with their studies and side trips, they also participated in plenty of extracurricular activities, including tango lessons, “parrilladas” (Argentinean cookouts), a community service activity with the La Plata congregation of sisters of the Holy Word, a wine-tasting course, and plenty of souvenir shopping.

“The wonderful thing about this kind of trip,” said Hancock, “is that students can practice what they learn the moment they step outside of the classroom — in some cases, they have to, in order to catch a cab, buy a sandwich, or ask someone on the street how to find their way to a meeting point. Language acquisition is greatly accelerated. Another obvious plus is that this experience complements the global and cultural education of our students, which is so important in today’s world.”

The Department of Modern Languages offers two faculty-led trips to Spanish-speaking countries. The Argentina trip will be offered again in winter ’07, and a trip is planned to Spain this summer. Interested parties can contact Hancock (Argentina) by e-mail at zhancock@sbu.edu, or Dr. Alva Cellini (Spain) by phone at (716) 375-2466 or by e-mail at acellini@sbu.edu.

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SBU Theater presents "Crazy Talk: One-Act Festival III'

SBU Theater, part of the academic theater program in St. Bonaventure University’s Visual and Performing Arts Department, will present its third one-act festival titled “Crazy Talk.” The performances will take place at 7:30 p.m. Wednesday through Saturday, April 5-8, in the Garret Theater on the SBU campus.

“Crazy Talk” features six contemporary plays written by four American playwrights. Dr. Ed. Simone, associate professor of theater and director of the theater program at St. Bonaventure, is a fan of the one-act play form.

“These plays are very funny, but they have some social significance and even some emotional punch,” says Simone. The plays are presented as back-to-back plays with no intermission. “It’s fast-paced stuff,” Simone says. “The whole evening runs about an hour and a half.”

The first play is “The Sure Thing” by David Ives. Ives is a favorite of SBU audiences, who saw his one-act “Universal Language,” which was part of the first one-act festival in 2003. Pick-up lines fly as a couple in a crowded coffee shop try to make a connection.

The second play, “Waterbabies” by Adam LeFevre, is an enigmatic piece about two mothers and an infant swimming class at the local YMCA.

Ryan Hill’s “The Ferry” takes the third spot on the bill and gives another mismatched couple the chance to hook up on the boat to Staten Island.

David Ives returns for the fourth one-act in this year’s festival, “The Green Hill.” One man’s vision of a far-off place pushes the boundaries of love and devotion.

The fifth play, “Poof!” by Lynn Nottage, shows what happens when an abused woman damns her husband to hell, and he goes.

The final play in SBU Theater’s one-act festival is “Babel’s in Arms,” again by David Ives. This sharp, absurdist spoof set in the ancient middle east pits two befuddled laborers against a pushy real-estate developer who commands them to build a tower to God.

SBU Theater spring productions usually feature senior actors. In “Crazy Talk,” seniors Gabriel Potter, Stephen Schrader, Benjamin Greg and Kara Manning will be making their final undergraduate appearances with SBU Theater. Returning to SBU Theater for “Crazy Talk” are Pat Devers, Matthew Orsini, Jennifer Albanese, Emily Rose Maher, Elizabeth Schumer and SBU Giant Step student Blair Knowles. Two new student actors join SBU Theater for the one-act festival: Jason Pagliaccio and Brittany Henry.

Stage Manager Jessica O’Day is graduating this year after three seasons working in the SBU Theater. Malissa Bergner and Jen Sexton are the one-act festival’s assistant stage managers. Senior Ben Wolf does his farewell work as lighting technician for the festival. Rick Zuber is the production’s sound technician. Simone designed the Piet Mondrian-inspired set with Quick Arts Center Technical Director Don Hopwood.

“Everyone is just pushing hard for really sharp comedy in the performances and the tech,” Simone says. “One-acts are great for student actors because they challenge the actor to create strong character in a very brief space of time. And the tech uses light, music and a minimum of props to make many quickly changing worlds.”

Tickets for “Crazy Talk” are $7 for the public, and $6 for QCA subscribers. Free student rush seating is available. Show your valid student ID in person at the box office beginning at 6:30 p.m. To reserve tickets or for more information call the QCA box office: (716) 375-2492. Reserve tickets early; the intimate Garret Theater only seats 115 for each performance.

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St. Bonaventure tax assistance program expands service

The Bonaventure Accounting Association Volunteer Tax Assistance Program will expand its services into rural parts of Cattaraugus County for the next seven Saturdays from 1 to 5 p.m.
The program will be at the following locations:

• Franklinville Fire Hall on Feb. 18 and a tentative date for March 25;
• Randolph Free Library on Feb. 11 and Feb. 25 with a tentative date for April 8;
• Cattaraugus County Building (Little Valley) on March 18 and April 1.

Services are also available by appointment Monday through Friday at the Olean United Way Office located at 807 W. State Street. For more information, call (716) 372-3620. Tax returns are prepared at no charge to clients.

“The first two years we worked out of the United Way office,” said Susan B. Anders, Ph.D., CPA, associate professor of accounting and head of VITA at SBU. “Students wanted more volunteer hours. In Olean, we were only reaching 15 percent of the eligible people in the county. Our future goal is to reach 50 percent.”

Anders said the IRS estimates there are 1,000 eligible low-income households in the county.

To qualify for VITA services, an individual must make less than $11,750 if single; $31,030 if supporting one child; and $35,263 if supporting two or more children. Married persons filing jointly must make less than $13,750 with no children; $33,030 if supporting one child; and $37,263 if supporting two or more children.

VITA cannot prepare tax returns if an individual is self-employed, has capital gains or losses, or itemizes deductions.

A Journey Project sub-grant allowed the purchase of one computer, one copier and one printer. “We’re going to use my computer too,” Anders said.

The 40 student members of VITA took training on TaxWise software, possess some knowledge of tax law, and needed to pass an IRS certification test to perform their services. They must be re-certified annually. The students studied for the exam over winter break.

“The BAA members get involved with VITA as a community project so that our students can give something back to the community. They like to use their talents as accountants to help out the people of Cattaraugus County,” said Michael D. Kasperski, CPA, lecturer of accounting and BAA adviser.

“Volunteers from the BAA will prepare tax returns during the spring semester. This effort lasts approximately two and 1/2 months and entails a tremendous amount of volunteer hours. The BAA students are the only volunteer tax return preparers and work substantially without supervision,” said Kasperski.
“BAA members are the only individuals who prepare the returns for this program; however the Cattaraugus County DSS and the Olean United Way provides assistance from financial to providing space and logistics for scheduling appointments,” said Kasperski.

“To date, the BAA VITA program has secured refunds of approximately $400,000 for low-income and financially disadvantaged families in Cattaraugus County,” Kasperski said. “In some instances these refunds represent 10 to 15 percent of a family’s spendable income for that year.”

“We are hoping that through the local and county-wide expansion of the program, we will approach $750,000 in refunds brought back to the local economy that previously were not being realized and more importantly making funds available to those who really need it,” said Kasperski.

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Friday Forum

All SBU faculty, staff and administrators are welcome to all the Friday Forums.

Date: Feb. 10, 2006 (this Friday)
Speaker: Karla Bright
Time: Lunch starts at noon, Forum goes from 12:35 to 1:30 p.m., including Q&A
Place: Doyle Dining Hall
Title: "WebTC"

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Career Center news...

For information on the Rochester Area Career Expo, on-campus recruiters, on-campus recruiter orientations and up-coming events, visit the Career Center Events Web page.

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Newsmakers...

Dr. Alva V. Cellini, professor of modern languages, presented a paper titled “Reforming the Church in Benito Pérez Galdós’ Nazarín” at the 2006 International Conference on Arts and Humanities at Honolulu, Hawaii, in January. Cellini chaired the session “Literature and Religion” and was an invited peer paper reviewer for this conference. This international cross-disciplinary event was co-sponsored by East-West Council of Education, Asia Pacific Research Institute of Beijing University and the University of Louisville.

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Peter M. Ghiloni, associate University minister and director of liturgy and music, will be the keynote speaker at the annual Hemingbough Conference in St. Francisville, La., on Saturday, Feb. 11. Ghiloni will address “Engaging Youth in Ministry and Liturgy.” Ghiloni was the keynote speaker at the same conference in 2002. He serves as a consultant for Oregon Catholic Press in addition to his duties at St. Bonaventure.

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Dr. Joel Horowitz, professor of history, was the commentator for a panel titled “Perón and Argentine Nationalism: Updating the Historical Record” at the annual meeting of the Conference on Latin American History. The Conference of Latin American History is an affiliate of the American Historical Association and always holds its meetings simultaneously with that of the larger organization. This year’s conference was held in Philadelphia Jan. 5-8.

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