University at Buffalo
Spring 2011
CADS The Center for Academic Development Service
NEWSLETTER
Message from the Director of CADS The 2010-2011 year has been challenging, exciting, and productive for the CADS programs. As you’ll read in these pages, our students and staff continue to achieve excellence in academics, professional endeavors, and community service. Though these are difficult economic times, we’ve faced the challenges as opportunities to evaluate our efforts, streamline our programming, and focus on accomplishing our mission. We continue to meet our objectives for retention and graduation rates, and we continue to offer students enriching experiences, such as opportunities to engage in undergraduate research. With every year that passes, I am grateful to direct a unit of outstanding admissions, academic support and enrichment programs. Please join me in recognizing some of our stand-out students and staff in this issue of the CADS Newsletter. Dr. Henry Durand Senior Associate Vice Provost and Executive Director
Inside This Issue: Student Accomplishments Program Highlights Staff Updates CADS Staff Contact List
This is an exciting time of the year as our scholars eagerly await the results of their many applications to graduate programs. At this time we would like to extend a special congratulation to a few students who have already received some wonderful news. First and foremost, we have already had four scholars accepted into doctoral programs before they even graduated with their bachelor’s. Carlos Camacho (also Acker Scholar) has been accepted to the CUNY Grad Center’s Sociology PhD program with a teaching assistantship. Jesse Hartloff has been accepted to UB’s Computer Science and Engineering PhD program with a teaching assistantship. Lauren Hennings
(also SSS, ACE, CSTEP) has been accepted to the University of Pittsburg Mathematics PhD program with a fellowship. Also, Shenita McLean (also EOP) has been accepted to UB’s PHD program in Anthropology with an assistantship and a Schomburg fellowship.
Lauren Hennings
Finally, we would like to offer special congratulations to four of our McNair Alumni who have recently earned their doctorates: Folarin Erogbogbo McNair class of 2002, Andrew Griffith McNair class of 2005, Shola Olabasi McNair class of 2003, and last but not least Folashade Shasanya McNair class of 1995. Congratulations to all of these wonderful scholars for achieving their dreams!
Shentia McLean
Peace Corps Bound By: Danielle Johnson
Shervin Stoney, an Acker Scholar and political science major with a minor in photography, was accepted into the Peace Corp, where he will serve in Africa. Shervin’s passion for serving his community is evidenced by his leadership within the UB community, where Shervin currently serves as Vice-President for UB’s Student Association. Shervin works closely with student clubs and organizations to provide opportunities for students to engage in community services. We are so proud of Shervin and confident that he will have a tremendous impact on the world!
STUDENT ACCOMPLISHMENTS
McNair Students Moving Up
Acker Scholar Donates Bone Marrow Acker Scholar and CADS Lab tutor Alex Teschemacher never thought he’d be a match when he registered as a bone marrow donor in 2009. Yet just a few weeks ago, he underwent a bone marrow extraction procedure at Roswell Park Cancer Institute in hopes of saving a life threatened by leukemia. According to the UB Reporter, Teschemacher missed two weeks of classes, but is healing quickly, and he is glad to have been able to help a patient in need. He encourages other eligible donors to consider registering, saying: “It is absolutely worth the the shot at saving someone’s life.” Information about the National Marrow Donor Program is available at: www.marrow.org.
CSTEP Research Intern: Joseph Diehl
CSTEP Research Intern: Chiamaka Agbasionwe
A double major in civil engineering and mathematics, CSTEP student Joseph Diehl’s (also Acker Scholar) focus lately has been engineering. He applied to the CSTEP Summer Research Program to help him decide what he should pursue after graduation. He comments that “my CSTEP Summer Research experience has definitely helped make that decision way easier.” He worked as an intern in the Structural Engineering and Earthquake Simulation Lab in Ketter Hall. Instead of working with computers or test tubes, his time in the lab was spent doing construction. Joseph states “I enjoyed contributing to this experiment in any way I could.”
CSTEP student Chiamaka Agbasionwe was born in Nigeria and raised in the US. As a sophomore biology major, she plans on becoming a doctor with a focus in integrative/holistic medicine. She applied to the CSTEP Summer Research Program because she “needed an internship that would utilize my talents and enable me to think, explore, grow, and discover. For the most part, the program was everything I expected – organized, hard work, effective, and fun.” She enjoyed the workshops on professionalism, resume writing, technical writing, money management, effective presentation skills, and graduate school. She was also able to build lasting relationships with her fellow interns.
The subject of his research was the effects of pounding on seismically isolated structures. He assisted in the construction of a model three-story, seismically isolated structure with moat wall pounding simulation as an eventual goal. This experiment is part of the NEEStips program, which is funded by the NSF. Joseph worked with Dr. Gilberto Mosqueda. Joseph admits “It is the first time I’ve ever done research, but so far I have really enjoyed it and hope to continue.”
Chiamaka worked with Dr. Kathryn Medler in the Department of Biological Sciences. Her research topic concerns the taste system, specifically a new dual responsive transduction signaling pathway that has been recently discovered in taste cells. The goal of the research is to learn more about how chemical stimuli are transduced into electrical signals.
SSS Non-Traditional Star According to the latest edition of UB’s student newspaper, The Spectrum, Michael Tyson’s official title is Assistant Life Editor and his latest article is a background piece on Pulitzer Prize-winner Jhumpa Lahiri’s upcoming visit to UB. Mike is English major and SSS student who took a writing class that led to several articles being published in The Spectrum. In the next semester, he
“A ‘silent’ benefit of the CSTEP research program is that it verified that I indeed want to continue in this career path,” Chiamaka writes. She feels empowered by the experience. “That I can say I have done graduate school level research, without yet being a junior, is a testimony to my ability to succeed in becoming a doctor.”
landed a job with the paper. Besides his work on the newspaper, Mike is also involved in creative writing and publicly reading his poetry at UB’s Center for Inquiry. He has had his writing published in the literary magazine Head as well. Mike is also one of UB’s non-traditional students. He has been away from college for 10 years and has had several careers in the interim. His wife, Gigi, was the first of the two to enroll at UB and join SSS. Now, Mike and Gigi have both earned GPAs of over 3.5. Mike will graduate next spring and plans to earn an MFA in creative writing.
Gilman Scholarship Awardee I always wanted to study abroad in college; however, as an EOP student I knew my finances were scarce and I needed to find alternative ways to fund my adventure. The Benjamin A. Gilman Scholarship provided me the ability to study abroad. Writing the Gilman scholarship essay clarified my goals for studying abroad and increased my confidence in my decision to go. The Gilman is a prestigious scholarship: out of 4000 applicants, only a 1000 receive it. While abroad, I lived in Buenos Aires, Argentina with a family. The family was very nice, but I experienced cul-
tural shock and, at times, I struggled with racial differences and feeling misunderstood. Learning Spanish was also hard, but now I empathize with the struggle that international students have adjusting to UB. It is not easy, but overall it’s worth the effort. I also visited Patagonia, Uruguay, and Puerto Iguazu, which is where the famous waterfalls are located. This experience changed my life for the better, and I encourage all students, especially students in the CADS programs, to go abroad. It is a decision that you will never regret!
CADS Student Represents UB The Department of Interdisciplinary Social Sciences invited Jessica Beaty (a graduating EOP and SSS student) to represent them at UB’s open house with the dean in March. She was selected because of her cheerful personality and the valuable experi-
ence she is gaining from her current internship at the Alzheimer’s Association. In addition, at her first Erie county-wide conference this April, Jessica will present an overview of how Alzheimer’s disease is related to dementia.
YANELBA FERREIRA, EOP STAR…RISING Submitted by: Christina Nietopski, CADS/EOP EOP alumna Yanelba Ferreira was born in Santo Domingo, Dominican Republic. At the age of seven, she arrived to America with her parents and siblings and lived in a one-bedroom apartment in the Bronx. During her sophomore year of high school, Yanelba’s passion for acting began when she auditioned for her school’s Drama Club. The audition consisted of concentrating on a point on the wall and saying, “Get out of my face.” The drama teacher immediately gave Yanelba the part. Audience members enjoyed her dramatic performances and referred to her as “The Screamer.” Yanelba is the first of her family to leave home for college. Fortunately, UB’s Educational Opportunity Program provided her with tutoring, guidance, and support throughout her college experience. Yanelba graduated cum laude from UB with a BS in Computer Science which she refers to as “the safe, comfortable, and smart route.” After graduation in 2005, she started working as a Project Manager in the IT Division of a NYC investment bank. Although Yanelba
enjoyed her work and was gaining invaluable experience, she realized that she would never achieve fulfillment unless she pursued her dream of acting. She resigned from her fulltime position and registered for a three-month acting workshop which officially started her journey to get to Hollywood. She has already earned two IMDb credits. Yanelba is currently rehearsing at the Manhattan Repertory Theatre for Here I Stand and Face the Rain, which opens in April. The EOP staff is proud of Yanelba’s accomplishments and wish her great success in the pursuit of her dreams.
Not Your Typical Internship by Cathleen Morreale
Jordan Ghasemi
Li Zhong
During the 2010 summer semester, PSIP student Jordan Ghasemi completed in an internship at the Buffalo City Hall Law Counsel, which handles legal matters of the City of Buffalo. Jordan’s day-to-day responsibilities included reading contracts, researching the background on City and County contracts, and analyzing contracts to determine who had the right of way in a dispute. Jordan gained a working knowledge of how the City Law Counsel operates and now is considering his possible career paths after law school.
An EOP and CSTEP student Li Zhong completed an internship with the Physical Therapy Department at the Buffalo Veterans Affairs Medical Center (VA), a government-based military veteran health benefit system. Interning at the VA has changed Li’s view of the field of physical therapy and confirmed her interest in pursuing that career path. Through her internship, Li learned about evaluations, treatments, client education, PT techniques, treatment supplies and equipment, and the differences between physical therapists and physicians.
Physical Therapy Department – Fall 2010-VA Medical Center
City Hall—Corporation Counsel Summer 2010 Internship
The SSS family and their support in all areas of my life have made UB the best experience ever. Jashira Castro
SSS Advanced Degrees Roll Call Pictured in top row starting from left. Jennifer Christian (also CSTEP) has been accepted to UB’s Master’s in Education Program Okoa Kinsey has been accepted to UB’s Master’s program in Architecture Krystal LaJoie has been accepted to UB’s MS program in Engineering Jean Mandat (also EOP, CSTEP, McNair) as been accepted to New York College of Osteopathic Medicine Nathan Nabatjhorian has been accepted to the law schools at St Thomas Miami, Florida International University, NOVA Southern Law, Touro Law, Loyola New Orleans Law, and Albany Law
Pictured in bottom row starting from left. Julie Rivera (also in EOP) has been accepted to the MSW program at UB Nima Sadeghian accepted into the Phoenix School of Law Leah Scarborough has been awarded a Graduate Assistantship as she pursues her Master’s of Science in Nutrition at UB Antonio Upia (also CSTEP) has been accepted to UB Master’s in Engineering Program Ashlee Waite has been accepted to UB’s Doctorate of Physical Therapy Program Min Yi Zhang (also EOP)was accepted into UB’s Dental School.
Carly Rehac Interns at The Buffalo Zoo By: Cathleen Morreale
In fall of 2010, Carly Rehac completed an internship at the Buffalo Zoo in the Education Department. The Education Department at the Buffalo Zoo consists of primarily safe, friendly animals, with some exceptions such as the large birds of prey and the vampire bats. Caretakers learn the diets, cage set up, appropriate enrichment, and proper handling skills for each animal. Carly learned directly from professionals in the field and trained a variety of animals. As a result of her internship, Carly has found her calling and will pursue a degree in animal behavior. She feels like she is a better animal care provider for the experience, and that in a small way, she has made a difference in the lives of these animals, which is the best reward of all.
Acker Graduate School Acceptances!! By: Danielle Johnson
The Acker Scholars class of 2011 has received quite a few graduate school acceptances! Juliana Jaramillo, a major in biomedical sciences was accepted into SUNY Downstate Medical School. Alex Pontikos, also a Biolmedical science major, was accepted into Penn State’s Medical School. Carlos Camacho, a major in sociology, who is also a McNair Scholar, was accepted into CUNY Graduate Center Ph.D. program in Sociology. Amanda Arnst, a double-major in psychology and social sciences, was accepted into Boston College’s Master’s Program in Psychology. Jillian Castrellon, a double-major in English and social sciences, was accepted into Northeastern’s Law School. Olivia Schlager, a major in psychology, was accepted into Penn State’s School Psychology Ph.D. Program. Congratulations on your acceptances and accomplishments, Acker Scholar graduates!
Julie Rivera in Brazil EOP and SSS student Julie Rivera is a star student with many accomplishments. She received the Hispanic Women’s League Award and the New York State Chancellor’s Awards in the fall 2010. This June, Julie will earn her BA with a double major in psychology and social sciences, and a minor in Latino Studies. She is currently completing an internship at the Community Action Organization’s Head Start Program. Julie also completed a study abroad in Brazil in August of 2010. There, she learned about their universal health care system, particular the aspect of community outreach. Julie’s advice to other students: “I recommend any student who is interested in study abroad to take advantage of the opportunity. I was able to explore a different country while learning in a safe environment. It was an amazing experience.” I was able to explore a different country while learning in a safe environment. “It was an amazing experience.” She begins UB’s MSW Program in the Fall.
Juan Pereyra – NUFP Fellow Acker Scholar and sociology major Juan Pereyra was accepted into the NASPA Undergraduate Fellows Program, or NUFP as it is called at UB. NASPA, a national organization for Student Affairs Professionals in Higher Education, provides information, conferences, and publications that focus on student development and learning. As a NUFP fellow, Juan will work with the Associate Director of Student Unions and Activities to learn about the student affairs profession, apply to graduate programs, and attend the annual national NASPA 2011 conference in Philadelphia. Congratulations Juan!!
“hola” from Samatha GrossGalindo Argentina, Mexico
“bonjour” from Tara Brown
Paris, France
“tah” from Jillian Castrellon Sheffield, England
“ello” from Dominiqua Griffin London, England
Acker Scholars Study Abroad We’d like to take this opportunity to highlight Acker Scholars who have participated in study abroad programs, where they learned a great deal about themselves, diversity, and intercultural competencies on a global scale. For example, Samantha Gross-Galindo, a fourth-year student double-majoring in Spanish and social sciences studied abroad in Argentina, Mexico, and Nicaragua. Samantha states, “Studying abroad has helped me see that each country has a separate, unique culture, even if they share the same language.” Tara Brown, a fourthyear student majoring in psychology, studied in Paris. Additionally, Jillian Castrellon, a fourthyear student double-majoring in English and social sciences, studied in Sheffield, England. Currently, Dominiqua Griffin, a fourth-year student majoring in sociology, is studying abroad in London. Dominiqua shares, “So far while here in London, I’ve learned that thinking big is not enough. You have to think bigger than that and then think bigger than that. If [students] can fit a study abroad program into [their] college experience, [they should] not hesitate due to financial reasons or missing home.” We are so very proud of the Acker Scholars and their accomplishments!
Year Long Internship With Local Refugees SSS student Hamdi Hersi was simply looking for professional development experiences outside of the classroom. What she gained was a treasure trove of experiences, memories, and new skills. Her fall 2010 and spring 2011 internship was with H.E.A.L. International, Inc., a not-for-profit located on the West Side of Buffalo. H.E.A.L. stands for Helping Everyone Achieve Livelihood, and as an intern, Hamdi was able to contribute directly to their mission. The organization is unique in that it is founded by refugees from Africa, the Middle East, and the Arabian Peninsula who have experienced the hardships of resettlement or migration to America. These refugees have gained a measure of success and stability, and they are giving back to their new community by sharing their knowledge and improving the welfare of
other immigrants, many who have come from Somalia, the Sudan, Ethiopia, Iraq, and Yemen. Hamdi provided individual services to refugees, such as driving them to the hospitals, providing translations, and making preparations for PTO meetings with the parents, teachers, and principles. All of these services were offered with the goal of fostering selfsufficiency when the refugee clients faced similar situations in the future. Nice work, Hamdi!
Dustin Muscato: Stellar Technology Intern After relocating from New York City, SSS engineering student Dustin Muscato has been on a mission since his arrival to UB. Dustin has achieved Dean’s List twice and, as only a sophomore, participated in a rare paid summer internship with Stellar Technology in Amherst, New York. Dustin brings to UB his ten years of experience from the private sector where he held administrative and management training positions. Dustin has been awarded grant aid from SSS twice, and he was awarded the Isaac Waug Memorial Scholarship from the Engineering Department. He is also a beneficiary of tutoring in the CADS Lab which he claims has “really paid off.” Dustin is also a member of Engineers for a Sustainable World, UB Academies, and UB Ski Club. We’re expecting more great accomplishments from this rising star!
Spencer Eng: Flying High Over Singapore Senior accounting student Spencer Eng has been in SSS since September 2008. Last summer, he travelled to Singapore and China through the Asian Business & the Global Economy study abroad program. He enjoyed his time living, working and studying in another country. In fall 2010, Spencer was a recipient of the John G. and Elizabeth Gibbons Scholarship through the UB School of Management. Ever the active SSS student participant, Spencer has been a panelist at SSS workshops, served on the SSS advisory board, and attended performances such as Shen Yun and Ballet Hispanico. Last year, Spencer was chosen as an Inroads intern and he plans to attend graduate school in the NYC area after graduation this spring.
Acker Scholar Works Internship Into Job Alexis Gruschow, an Acker Scholar graduating with her BS in Mechanical Engineering, was offered an amazing internship at General Electric (GE). As an Intern, Alexis’s primary responsibility was to create a transfer function for the Product Definition Team to improve budgeting accuracy by 75%. Additionally, Alexis was responsible for detecting the origin of infancy defects through locomotive comparisons. Although Alexis’s responsibilities focused on engineering tasks, Alexis was also expected to participate in community service and social events coordinated by GE. Alexis served as one of the Captains of GE’s Relay for Life Teams and participated in the HealthAhead initiative, which encouraged healthy lifestyles among GE employees. After graduation, Alexis will begin her studies in the Edison Engineering Development Program
(EEDP), a two-year commitment where she will work in six-month increments in different jobs within the GE Transportation plant. Each week, Alexis will be responsible for collaborating on a 40-page report that proposes a solution to a problem within that unit. Alexis said, “Studies are only half the battle. My interviewers at GE wanted me to be well-rounded and show that I was active in my community.” We are so thrilled for Alexis and all of her accomplishments.
Academic Survival Techniques Course - CPM 203 In spring of 2011, Dr. Christine Gray Tinnesz introduced CPM 203 “Academic Survival Techniques” to CADS students. Formerly, Dr. Tinnesz was the Associate Director of the Methods of Inquiry (MOI) Program at UB. MOI had been at UB since 1987 and many CADS students enrolled in the course. MOI demonstrated tremendous success in raising students’ GPAs and graduation rates. In fact, UB’s Office of Institutional Analysis found that EOP students who took MOI had a 15% higher retention rate and an 8% higher graduation rate than EOP students who did not take the course. CPM 203 draws many of its insights from the Methods of Inquiry course material. Students taking CADS 203 are learning how to learn and they improve their critical thinking skills. In addition to class instruction, students meet with a peer monitor who helps them apply what they are learning in lecture to their other coursework.
Dr. Tinnesz has been at UB since 1997 and earned her doctorate in Educational Foundations. She has co-authored a textbook, published journal articles, and presented at many conferences nationwide. Christine is married with two daughters, Ellie and Casey.
Good Things Happening in The CADS Lab The CADS Lab has been given an updated look! We have new geometric-style grey carpeting along with new ceiling tiles and lights. Students have responded positively to the welcoming environment. The CADS Lab employs 10 academic coaches and 85 tutors in all disciplines, and they are always busy. Tutors are enrolled in undergraduate, graduate, and professional degree programs. Forty-five percent of CADS tutors have been certificated by the College Reading and Learning Association, in one or more of the three levels. At this time we have five
PROGRAM HIGHLIGHTS
Academic Survival Techniques course available for all CADS students.
graduating tutors who have been accepted into medical school, along with 15 other tutors admitted into various graduate school programs.
Laura Neese, a CADS tutor and academic coach since January 2008, received the UB Chancellor Award for 2011 and the Dean’s Award from the Department of Theater and Dance for most outstanding senior. Laura has earned level III CRLA certification in tutoring and has conducted several tutor-training workshops for the CADS Lab.
Educational Opportunity Program 4.0 Club On October 15, 2010 at the Thirty-Sixth Annual EOP Awards Convocation the below students were inducted into the EOP 4.0 Club for achieving a QPA of 4.0 while completing a minimum of 12 credit hours. The admiration and pride of their accomplishment is felt by all of us within EOP. Their superior performance is a direct result of hard work and strong focus on their academic studies. We are so proud to recognize: Fall2009: Man Chiu, Fatima Elabass, Qi Qi Liang Spring 2010: Ashley Ayala, Antonia Cathcart, Anthony Chipre, Yu Lin Dong, Fatima Elabass, Elizabeth Hernandez, James Minter III, Anna Qu, Ashley Smith, Katie Tanzini, Johnny Wang, Shihe Zeng
THE 2011 CADS/EOP SUMMER PROGRAM Submitted by James Louis Ramsey
After months of planning, CADS welcomed 185 of its newest CADS and EOP students to its threeweek residential summer bridge program. Activities kicked off on July 9 with the Staff Training day, where 55 academic counselors, faculty, tutors, residential counselors, and administrative staff participated in presentations and workshops including Academic Integrity and Assisting Survivors of Sexual Assault, which was presented by UB’s Counseling Services. Staff also participated in team-building and strategic planning activities. This year’s Summer Program instruction featured an interdisciplinary approach with collaboration among Writing, World Civilization, and Critical Inquiry faculty to help students complete extended research assignments. Three Cups of Tea, by Greg Mortenson, was required reading and it helped to facilitate critical examination of many issues across the curriculum, including globalization and transcending borders. Students also completed mini-courses in Psychology, Chemistry, Mathematics, and Biology in lecture,
lab, and recitation-style settings. In particular, Biological Sciences prepares students to be successful in Evolutionary and Cell Biology at UB. Students met with academic counselors to finalize course selection, housing, and financial aid. Students were introduced to aspects of university life, including tutoring and academic coaching, course syllabi, UBLearns, and CIT. Students experienced life in the residence halls, cultivated faculty-student relationships, and learned of the rigors and expectations of college life at UB. These are important connections for low-income, often first-generation, students to make, and the students were recognized for their accomplishments at the Summer Program Awards Ceremony on July 29. Students were honored for High Academic Achievement, Best Effort, and a number of citizenship awards. Sariah Duran was recognized for achieving the highest GPA during the program with a 3.90. The EOP staff wishes the Class of 2014 all the best in their future endeavors.
Acker Scholars Serve as Leaders within Relay for Life and Colleges Against Cancer!! By: Danielle Johnson
CSTEP Day of Service The UB CSTEP Day of Service is part of a statewide initiative to provide education and career information to students in grades 7-12. On the CSTEP Day of Service, college students go into classrooms to speak to students about pursuing a college degree and to discuss the underrepresentation of minority students in Science, Technology, Engineering, and Mathematics (STEM) careers and the licensed professions. On April 6, 2011, CSTEP students visited Buffalo’s International Prep Academy (IPA), formerly known as Grover Cleveland High School. They discussed their backgrounds and majors, how their college workload differs from high school, factors to consider when choosing to attend college, and some popular misconceptions about college. Overall, our CSTEP volunteers spoke to nearly 20 classes and reached over 400 students at the IPA. The CSTEP motto is: To whom much is given, much is required. The Day of Service serves as a way for the CSTEP students to give back for all of the support that they have received as they transitioned from high school to college.
“I am very excited to begin graduate school in the fall. I feel that UB has given me some excellent opportunities that will help me to succeed in my academic career ahead” ~Olivia Schlager Acker Schoar
On March 26, 2011, the Acker Scholars participated in Relay for Life, an annual fundraiser that supports cancer research and awareness. This year’s Relay for Life was organized by Colleges Against Cancer, and two Acker Scholars are leaders in that organization. They have invested many months in planning this year’s event. Juliana Jaramillo, a fourth-year student majoring in biomedical sciences, serves as President of Colleges Against Cancer, and Merlyn Vilma, a thirdyear student majoring in biotechnology with a minor in pharmacology & toxicology, serves as Vice-President. Also, Carlos Camacho, a fourthyear student majoring in sociology, served as Master of Ceremonies for the event this year. We appreciate Juliana, Merlyn, and Carlos for all of their hard work, dedication, and commitment to such an amazing cause! Juliana Jaramillo [left] and Merlyn Vilma [right]
Funding Renewed for SSS The staff of SSS is proud to announce that the federal grant that funds the Student Support Services Program was renewed at the start of the 2010-2011 academic year. As a result, SSS will remain at UB through the 2014-2015 year to support students who are lower-income, first generation, and/or have a disability. SSS is funded by the US Department of Education with the goal of helping students earn their bachelor’s degree. Though UB’s SSS Program had earned prior experience points to help them earn renewed funding, we are especially pleased to report that the program was funded on the quality of the application alone in the most recent competition. SSS has been in continuous operation at UB since 1979.
Thirty-Sixth Annual EOP Awards Convocation demonstrated qualities of leadership and achievement. Betty intends to pursue an MBA and CPA after graduating from UB. Patrick D. Crosby, also a graduating senior, received the Arthur O. Eve Award, highlighting his determination and dedication to selfimprovement and public service and to overcoming significant challenges while pursuing academic achievement. Patrick will graduate with a double major in communications and media study and will pursue graduate study.
On October 15, 2010, the Educational Opportunity Program held its 36th Annual Awards Convocation to recognize the outstanding academic accomplishments of EOP students for the 2009-2010 academic year. The hard-working students who graced the Student Union Theatre stage were acknowledged for a variety of achievements. Bei Di (Betty) Wang, a graduating accounting student, received the Percy Sutton Award in recognition of her impressive academic record and
Shenita Ann McLean, the recipient of the inaugural William R. Greiner Leadership Award, was recognized for outstanding leadership, scholarship, and service to the UB community. A double major in physical anthropology and sociology, Shenita has been accepted to UB’s PhD Program in Forensic Anthropology. EOP students who joined the 4.0 Club, received State-wide recognition, Latin honors, and athletic honors were highlighted, and all students receiving a 3.0 or above were also specially recognized.
I am looking forward to graduate school and this new part of my life, and I could never have done any of it without the suppoert and experience that I recieved as an Acker Scholar and CADS Lab tutor. Because of my time within these programs I know that I am prepared for the future. ~ Amanda Arnst, Aker Scholar
News From Our SSS Alumni Azaliah O’Banyoun earned her PharmD from UB Ivoire LaVann (also in EOP) is finishing up her MS in Creative Studies from Buffalo State College Tiffany Mincey is finishing her first year in the Master’s of Public Administration Program at Florida International University, where she has also been awarded the Natasha Sejas “Women in Public Service” Scholarship from South Florida Chapter of the American Society for Public Administration (ASPA). Hieu Nguyen (also in McNair) is finishing his second year in the DDS program at UB Oluwatomi (Tomi) Abayomi (also EOP) finished her Master’s in Higher Education Administration at UB Falania Pierre-Louis (also in EOP) is finish-
ing her first year in the Master’s of Education program at Adelphi University William Frempong is finishing his first year in the PharmD program at the Massachusetts’s College of Pharmacy and Allied Health Mohamed Ahmedin is finishing his first year in UB’s PharmD program. Darrell Kelly is finishing his first year in the BS program in Psychology at Medaille College Coleman Pettway and Danielle Maurice (who was also in EOP) are finishing their first year in UB’s Master’s of Social Work Program and Veronica Ivey is finishing her second year in UB’s MSW program Seng Wong (also EOP) is finishing her MS in Biology from Temple University
2010 McNair Scholars Conference The University at Buffalo Undergraduate Research Conference, sponsored and hosted by the UB McNair Scholars Program, was held from July 15-18, 2010 in beautiful Niagara Falls, New York. It provided an exceptional opportunity for undergraduate students from across the country to present faculty supervised research; network with professors, graduate students and their peers; participate in workshops on the graduate school application process; attend a graduate school opportunities fair; and learn from inspiring speakers who have earned doctoral degrees and advocate the importance of higher education. The conference formally introduced them to the world of academia. The Ronald E. McNair Post Baccalaureate Achievement Program prepares low-income, first generation college students and students from groups underrepresented in graduate education for doctoral study. Services include research opportunities, summer internships, seminars, academic advising, mentoring, and assistance in securing admission and financial aid for graduate programs. The scholars at this conference will be the next generation of professors, researchers, and influential thinkers in our society. In total, twenty (20) University at Buffalo McNair Scholars gave oral presentations of their research, and a large number of their fellow CSTEP scholars gave poster presentations of their research, as well. Overall, 425 participants from across the nation attended this event and the feedback was extremely positive!
McNair Scholars at the UB Celebration of Excellence The McNair Scholars Program is very pleased to announce that we have five scholars who will have the privilege of presenting their research at the UB’s Celebration of Academic Excellence. Oswald Dadson (also Acker Scholar, Bridge to the Doctorate Fellow), a pharmacology and toxicology major, is presenting a poster entitled “Estimating Egyptian Cotton Field Worker Exposure to the Organophosphorus pesticide profenofos.” Lesthia Isaacs, (also Acker Scholar, CSTEP) a psychology major, is presenting a poster entitled, “Teenage Drivers with ADHD: Effectiveness of Technological Interventions.” Shenita McLean (also EOP), a physical anthropology and sociology double major, is presenting a poster entitled “The Perception of and Resilience to Pain Among Athletes in the Culture of Athleticism.” Will Richardson, a sociology major, is doing a presentation entitled “An Analysis of Neighborhood Perceptions among Residents of Spatially Isolated and High Poverty Areas”. Yun Zheng (also CSTEP), a medicinal chemistry and pharmaceutical science double major, is presenting a poster entitled “Analysis of Anions in Local Water.”
Will Richardson
Shenita McLean
CADS Staff at Assisting with the McNair Conference
We look forward to welcoming everyone to our 17th Annual McNair Undergraduate Research Conference scheduled to be held in Niagara Falls, NY from July 14-16, 2011.
Jean Mandat
Emmanual Effah-Appiah
Karibu (Welcome) to Tanzania! By: Gudiya Msuku-Purks
In January, SSS Retention Coordinator Gudiya Msuku-Purks travelled to Dar es Salaam in Tanzania, Africa with a group from UB’s Center for Educational Collaboration (CEC). The CEC group also travelled to Zanzibar, the Serengeti, Musoma, Mwanza and Kitenga during their two-week visit, logging thousands of bus and air miles. Kitenga is the site of several ongoing CEC projects, such as solar cookers. With the help of Solar Liberty Foundation, twelve solar cookers were donated. Gudiya and her CEC travel companions assisted the villagers in putting the cookers together. Solar cookers cut down on the time spent gathering firewood and maintain a safe cooking environment compared to cooking over an open fire. Recently, Gudiya has been updated that the women have created their own recipes and most importantly the cookers work! The CEC, along with partners such as the Immaculate Heart Sisters of Africa, have spearheaded building schools for disenfranchised girls in the village of Kitenga and surrounding Mara region. Two schools are in process, as well as a health clinic. Much is still needed to finish these buildings. The very remote village can only be accessed by dirt roads, and the villagers must make their own bricks. However, it will happen in time.
Gudiya’s goal is to return to Africa with her husband and children. She would like to check on the projects that she had a small part in shaping and, of course, visit new friends she met during her travels. Asante Sana, which is Swahili for thank you very much.
SSS Director Active in National Professional Organization: NACADA In February of 2010, SSS Director Jennifer Morrison was awarded a scholarship from the National Academic Adving Association to attend the NACADA Administrators’ Institute in Florida. The goal of this three-day institute is support administrators as they improve their advising programs and to foster future leaders in NACADA.
Since her participation in the NACADA Institute, Dr. Morrison has also presented a paper at the Annual NACADA Conference in October of 2011. (To be precise, SSS Retention Coordinator Gudiya Msuku-Purks attended NACADA to read Dr. Morrison’s paper, while Dr. Morrison was on maternity leave.) The presentation was titled “Developmental Advising and Advising-asTeaching: Re-evaluating the Relationship” and was written in collaboration with John Brolley from the University at Cincinnati. Their presentation was well-attended and well-received, and Drs. Brolley and Morrison have since been invited to present their work at Indiana University for their staff development in April.
Acker Staff Spotlight
Kirkshinta Turnipseed, Advisor/Co-Coordinator of the Acker Scholars Program in Cora P Maloney College, has been named as one of the 2010 recipients of the Outstanding New Advisor Certificate of Merit Award from the National Academic Advising Association (NACADA). Recipients of this award demonstrate a passion for advising, empathy in working with students and advisors, and the potential to impact on the larger field of advising through the individual’s leadership. Kirkshinta earned her master’s in Student Personnel Administration from Buffalo State College and is currently working on her Ed.D. in educational leadership at Northeastern. “I feel such gratitude to receive the Outstanding New Advisor Certificate of Merit Award and be recognized by my peers for my work creating programs for at-risk college students and my commitment to student success” said Turnipseed, who was presented with the award in Orlando this fall during the annual NACADA conference. Kirkshinta (Shin) Turnipseed is the newest CoCoordinator/Academic Advisor in CPMC. Prior to her position with the Daniel Acker Scholars Program, she worked at Utica College where she coordinated first year programming. Her most recent position was at the University of Illinois where she served as Assistant Director/ Academic Skills Specialist for the Mannie L. Jackson Illinois Academic Enrichment and Leadership Program (I-LEAP). In this capacity, she worked closely with the Dean’s office and academic advisors on admissions and recruitment programs as well as academic outreach and retention. She is a proud graduate of both the University at Buffalo and Buffalo State College. She enjoys spending time with family and friends, traveling, cooking, and exercising. Guiding students throughout the college experience is her passion, and she enjoys seeing students reach their full potential.
CADS Staff Accomplishments
STAFF UPDATES
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James Louis Ramsey, EOP Counselor, was selected for the Tri-State Consortium of Opportunity Programs’ Leadership Institute, held in Tarrytown, New York this spring. The Institute prepares professional staff for leadership positions in higher education, especially in opportunity programs. James attended workshops and a panel discussion featuring executive-level administrators from New York, New Jersey and Pennsylvania.
Cathleen Morreale was awarded a FulbrightHayes Seminar Abroad Program: Land of the Future or of the Present? A historical perspective on Brazil, for summer 2011. The Seminars Abroad Program, authorized by the Mutual Educational and Cultural Exchange (Fulbright-Hays) Act of 1961, provides opportunities for qualified U.S. educators to participate in short-term seminars abroad.
Shanna Crump-Ownes CSTEP Director is a Master Sergeant at the Niagara Falls Air Reserve Station with the 107th Airlift Wing. Recently she was apponted to serve as a paralegal in the Judge Advocates General’s (JAG) Office.
Not Really New to CADS: Welcome Heather Welser Heather Welser has enjoyed a long and storied career in CADs, and she’s only just getting started! As an undergrad, Heather joined the CADS Lab as a tutor in fall of 2006. After she graduated in September of 2008 with a double major in psychology and health and human services, Heather gained admission to graduate school at UB in the School Counseling Program. Soon, she joined the staff of the ACE program as their grad-
uate assistant in February 2009. After graduating with her Ed.M. in September 2009, Heather spent the next year working on a license in counseling and working part-time for the ACE Program. In June 2010, Heather began working for the McNair Scholars program as a temporary employee and in October 2010, she was hired as the McNair Project Assistant/Counselor. Heather enjoys her work with the scholars very much, and she enjoys the challenge of coordinating and hosting the largest undergraduate research conference in the nation! It is her intention to continue her education and complete a doctorate in Higher Education Administration. We’re so lucky to have you, Heather!
I am graduating with a bachelors in the Information Systems program and am looking forward to attending Carnegie Mellon University. I would like to thank the CADS programs especially McNair and Lani, my EOP counselor. ~Felix Ofori
CADS Welcomes New VPUE As the current recently appointed Vice Provost and Dean for Undergraduate Education at the University at Buffalo, Dr. Scott Weber leads the efforts to ensure that undergraduate students have a transformative educational experience with opportunities to engage in truly distinctive research, creative and public service activities that are hallmarks of a top-tier university education. Dr. Weber provides leadership for centralized undergraduate student support services and transformative extracurricular programs, as well as all CADS programs and activities.
As former chair of the Department of Civil, Structural and Environmental Engineering at the University at Buffalo, Weber helped to establish UB’s transportation engineering research program and oversaw the department’s rise to No. 27 in the nation among all U.S. civil engineering programs, according to U.S. News and World Report. Dr. Weber has been a member of UB faculty since 1983 and twice was named professor of the year by the UB student chapter of Tau Beta Pi, the engineering honor society. He received his BS in civil engineering in 1977 and an MS in sanitary engineering in 1978 from Virginia Tech. In 1983 he earned a PhD in civil engineering from the University of California, Davis.
Retired After 33 Years “To everything there is a season, a time for every purpose under heaven...” (King Solomon) After serving for nearly 33 years as EOP counselor, Mrs. Sheryl Marable retired on December 31, 2010. S h e r y l states that it was a blessing, honor and pleasure working with wonderful colleagues and with so many talented and diverse students. She thanks God for entrusting her with the responsibility of facilitating the academic careers of over 1000 students during her tenure at UB. Some of the congratulatory remarks expressed by students and colleagues include: “Congratulations - We love you Sheryl!” EOP Staff “ Y o u are an extraordinary person who has made
a difference in this world with all your years working in EOP. Happy Retirement!!” G. Dougherty “I wish you a wonderful retirement, and may God continue to shine through your life and may you continue to be an example to others.” S. Clarke “I will miss your smiling and encouraging face in the hallways here. All the best to you!” R. Toomey “I am both happy for you and wish you the best in the future, but I am sad that future students here at UB will not benefit from your wisdom, and your kind and generous spirit.” K. Takeuchi “My deepest gratitude for all your service to me and the rest of the students you served throughout your 30+ year career.” M. Morand It is apparent that Sheryl was appreciated and will be truly missed. We extend to Sheryl our heartfelt congratulations and best wishes on her retirement. May she experience a wonderful new beginning and phenomenal future!
Assistant Vice-Provost Retires from CADS Marita K. Daniels, an Assistant Vice Provost in VPUE and Director of the Academic Challenge and Enrichment Program (ACE), retired in August of 2010. Maritia begain her career in higher education at Alfred University and in May 1994 joined the UB staff. She first worked in UB’s Millard Filmore College (MFC) and she remains active on the scholarship committee to this day. In 2003, Marita became the Director of the ACE program which is part of the CADS family. Maritia was always helpful, enthusatic and wearing a smile from ear to ear, and she has made a difference in countless lives while at UB. We will miss Marita and her dedication to the CADS Programs, and we wish her well as she enjoys her retirement in South Carolina.
Salvation Army Stocking Stuffing for Christmas By: Cathleen Morreale
During the past holiday season, CADS staff found a way to share their goodwill. In partnership with the Educational Leadership and Policy Graduate Student Association, CADS staff members stuffed 150 stockings full of toys, clothing, and small tokens that were donated to the Salvation Army. The stockings were distributed to children and families in the Salvation Army’s homeless shelter. This is an annual event for CADS and the donation grows yearly. The 150 stockings stuffed and donated were the second largest donation the Salvation Army received in 2010.
CENTER FOR ACADEMIC DEVELOPMENT SERVICES STAFF CONTACT INFORMATION Dr. Henry J. Durand Senior Associate Vice Provost and Executive Director hjdurand@buffalo.edu
CORA P. MALONEY COLLEGE 255 Capen Hall 645-7301 Dr. Letitia Thomas-Rogers Assistant Vice Provost / Director lthomas@buffalo.edu Kendra Cadogan Graduate Assistant knc4@buffalo.edu Ramelli Choates Senior Academic Advisor rchoates@buffalo.edu Danielle M. Johnson Academic Advisor dmj23@buffalo.edu Cathleen Morreale Coordinator Public Service Internship Program cwalther@buffalo.edu Arlene Parker Dixon Administrative Assistant afpd@buffalo.edu Sarah Piraino Academic Advisor sw28@buffalo.edu Yousef Taha Advisor/ Graduate Assistant yousefta@buffalo.edu Kirkshinta Turnipseed Academic Advisor kt23@buffalo.edu CADS FINANCIAL/ HR ADMIN 255 Capen Hall 645-7301 Brenda Sauka CADS Finance/HR Manager bsauka@buffalo.edu CADS TUTORIAL LAB 46 Capen Hall 645-6693 Linda Zilgme Tutorial Coordinator lbzilgme@buffalo.edu Rebecca Ott Graduate Assistant rebeccao@buffalo.edu
COLLEGIATE SCIENCE AND TECHNOLOGY ENTRY PROGRAM 222 Norton Hall 645-2234 Shanna Crump-Owens Director sicrump@buffalo.edu Patricia Greer Administrative Assistant garrett@buffalo.edu Grace C. Mukupa CSTEP Graduate Assistant gracemuk@buffalo.edu Matthew Woodfork CSTEP Graduate Assistant woodfork@buffalo.edu RONALD E. McNAIR PROGRAM TRIO Programs 220 Norton Hall 645-5478 Dr. Susan J. Ott Director sjott@buffalo.edu Heather Welser Project Assistant hiwelser@buffalo.edu STUDENT SUPPORT SERVICES PROGRAM TRIO Programs 215 Norton Hall 645-2732 Dr. Jennifer Morrison Director J436m@buffalo.edu Linda DelBello Advisor ld28@buffalo.edu Shannon Johnson Project Assistant shannonj@buffalo.edu Gudiya Msuku-Purks Retention Coordinator gm45@buffalo.edu CADS PEER MENTORING 255 Capen Hall 645-7301 Cathleen Morreale cwalther@buffalo.edu
EDUCATIONAL OPPORTUNITY PROGRAM 208 Norton Hall 645-3072 Dr. William Coles III Assistant Vice Provost / Associate Director eophwc@buffalo.edu Janice Anderson Daniels Counseling Secretary jfa@buffalo.edu Darryl K. Barnes Assistant Director dkbarnes@buffalo.edu Roland Garrow Senior Counselor garrow@buffalo.edu Denise Hare Administrative Counselor dyhare@buffalo.edu Lani Jendrowski Academic Coordinator epellj@buffalo.edu Christina M. Nietopski Office Manager cmn2@buffalo.edu James Ramsey Senior Counselor eopjlr@buffalo.edu Marcelina Rodriguez-Rond贸n Senior Counselor mrondon@buffalo.edu Lucinda Scott Senior Counselor lscott@buffalo.edu Manuel Wong Senior Counselor eopwong@buffalo.edu CADS/EOP SUMMER PROGRAM 208 Norton Hall 645-3072