February
Canisius presents its first annual Fine Arts Week. Included in the festival are musical performances, lectures, presentations of student art work and a film festival.
February 12
Announcement that beginning in the fall of 1998, Canisius will offer a major in Entrepreneurship.
March 9
Announcement that the Imagine Canisius campaign stands at $18.2 million, over half of its goal of $30 million by the year 2000.
April 6
Announcement that Canisius University and Peking University, Beijing, China, along with business schools at 24 other Jesuit colleges and universities in the United States have created the Beijing International Management Center. This new cooperative educational venture will offer the first foreign MBA in Beijing to be recognized by the Chinese State Council, the government's highest administrative body. The MBA will bring an American curriculum and American business courses into a Chinese context, combining the best of each tradition.
April 23
Fanya Gottesfeld Heller, Holocaust survivor and author, delivered an address titled, "A Women's Voice from the Holocaust," at the annual Women's Studies Luncheon.
April 30
The Dr. George E. Schreiner '43 Pre-Medical Center Distinguished Speakers Series presents Joginder N. Bhayana, M.D., director of the Heart Valve Center and attending cardiothoracic surgeon at Buffalo General Hospital. In 1995, Bhayana performed the first partial left ventriculectomy, or "Batista Procedure," in the world, with the exception of Brazil. The lecture was titled "The Brazilian Connection in Heart Surgery".
May 1
Announcement that James F. Lyons, president and CEO of GenRad, Inc., will address the Canisius University Class of 1998 during commencement ceremonies on Sunday, May 24 in the Marine Midland Arena. Lyons will also be among four individuals receiving honorary degrees.
June 30
Announcement that Canisius has received three leadership gifts that put the Imagine Canisius Capital Campaign initiative over the $20 million mark.
August
Canisius University was ranked the fifth best value among regional universities in the North and one of the best regional schools in the North in U.S. News and World Report's 12th annual list of "America's Best Colleges." The 5th place best value rating is up from a 6th place ranking last year.
August 5
Announcement that the Richard J. Wehle School of Business will offer a master of science degree in Telecommunications Management (MTM) beginning in Fall 1998.
August 7
The master of science in sport administration program received full accreditation from the North American Society of Sport Management (NASSM), giving Canisius the distinction of holding the only such accreditation in New York State.
August 11
The Richard J. Wehle School of Business will offer a 24-credit hour insurance certificate program beginning in Fall 1998.
October 6
The Penfold Commons was dedicated in recognition of Richard and Karen Penfold's gift to the Imagine Canisius capital campaign. The Penfold Commons is a multi-purpose space that provides a focal point for campus-based activities and programs.
October 7
Announcement that Canisius has received the largest gift in its 128-year history from Canisius alumnus James F. Lyons and his wife, Judith. In recognition for their gift, Canisius University will dedicate the 1908 building as Lyons Hall upon completion of the renovations.
October 9
Desmond Hall, located at 183 Jewett Parkway, was dedicated in honor of the late Judge Charles S. Desmond. Desmond Hall will house approximately 30 Canisius upperclassmen and graduate students.
October 25
Rev. Peter-Hans Kolvenbach, S.J., Superior General of the Society of Jesus in Rome was the guest of the Canisius Jesuit community at Loyola Hall for a two-day visit.
October 27
The Patrick P. Lee Student Athletic Center, a new facility located adjacent to the Koessler Athletic Center, was dedicated. Mr. Lee, chairman and chief executive officer of International Motion Control Inc., (IMC) of Buffalo, contributed $500,000 to the college's Imagine Canisius capital campaign.
December 11
Announcement that Carol and Carl Montante committed a gift of $1.5 million to the college's Imagine Canisius capital campaign fund. The gift will be used to renovate the college's Cultural Center, the former St. Vincent's Church at Main Street and Eastwood Place. Upon completion, the facility will be renamed the Carol and Carl Montante Cultural center.
