Ribbon Cut on the Collins Institute for Archaeology
The Collins Institute for Archaeological Research was dedicated April 6 with a ribbon cutting and a presentation about Gannon’s Archaeology minor and its related activities. The institute honors Kevin Collins, whose support has helped Gannon develop courses in archaeological studies, particularly in pre-Columbian archaeology. Mr. Collins could not be present; his sister Alexa Sulak, and her husband, Jack Sulak came in his place and cut the ribbon with Suzanne Richard, Ph.D., Associate Professor of History, who oversees Gannon’s Archaeological research activities.
Bill Elias Named Athletic Director Bill Elias, Head Football Coach, was named Director of Athletics on March 30 after a Universitywide committee conducted a national search.
Bill Elias, the new Director of Athletics, participates in the 4th Annual Basketball Challenge vs. President Garibaldi, a fundraiser that supports the senior class gift to the Annual Fund.
Under Elias’s seven-year tenure as head coach, Gannon’s football program broke 152 team or individual school records and moved from nonscholarship football to the scholarship level in 2003. Elias was named Independent Football Alliance (IFA) Coach of the Year after the Golden Knights broke the school record for victories in a season and produced the best winning percentage since 1949.
“I am excited for this opportunity to lead and enhance the University’s strong Athletics Department. I look forward to continued success with the many dedicated coaches, student-athletes, faculty, and staff here at Gannon,” said Bill Elias. Elias will continue to serve as head football coach in the upcoming 2006 season in addition to his new position.
SBDC Awards Small Businesses The Gannon University Small Business Development Center honored several businesses from Northwestern Pennsylvania at its annual Small Business Awards Program on June 1. The awarded businesses were nominated by other established businesses and/or community leaders for excellence in various categories. Steven S. Little,, an author and senior consultant with Inc. magazine, gave a keynote address to open the ceremony. Awards were given in the following categories: • New Start-up – Arvite Technologies, Inc. Grover Martin, founder. Nominated by National City Bank and the Gannon SBDC. • Community Services – Lauger’s Good Lawn, LLC. Richard Lauger, owner. Nominated by WCCBI, Northwest Savings Bank, and the Gannon SBDC. • Export – Corry Micronics, Inc. Don Pavlek, CEO and international sales manager. Nominated by Eriez Magnetics. • Manufacturing – D & E Machining, Inc. Ronald Holl, president. Nominated by ERIEBANK. • Technology – Process and Data Automation. Joseph Snyder and Michael Benedict, principals. Nominated by National City Bank and the Gannon SBDC. • Professional Services – Stone Consulting & Design, Inc. Harvey Stone, president. Nominated by WCCBI, Northwest Savings Bank, and the Gannon SBDC. • Retail – Stefanelli’s Candies, 2054 West Eighth Street, Erie. Frank DeDionisio ’72, principal. Nominated by National City Bank and the Gannon SBDC. • Minority-owned – Crenshaw Brothers Construction Co./Royal Homes Construction & Development, Inc. Donald Crenshaw, principal. Nominated by Northwest Savings Bank. • President’s Award – Schaffner, Knight, Minnaugh & Co. James A. Schaffner, CPA, CVA ’68. Nominated by Gannon University President Antoine M. Garibaldi, Ph.D.
3