Canisius High School Today
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Alumni Volunteer Corps (AVC) begins third year
he Alumni Volunteer Corps (AVC) at Canisius
High School begins its third year this fall with
several new faces, including Dr. Joseph Amuso
who has been named director of the program.
A religious studies teacher at Canisius, Dr. Amuso will
build on the success of the AVC program started by
Mr. Paul Cumbo ’97, English teacher and director of service
immersion programs at the school, with the help of Mr.
Paul Zablocki ’01, director of alumni relations. Modeled
on similar programs at other Jesuit schools, AVC is an
11-month, academic-year program in which Canisius High
School alums just out of college offer
volunteer service to their alma mater
while discerning their own future plans
and career paths.
Alumni Volunteers (AVs) assist teachers
in the classroom, tutor Canisius students,
participate in campus ministry and
retreat programs, proctor in the library
and cafeteria, and perform other duties,
all the while bringing their own unique,
individual talents and skills to the role.
“The AVC is an incredible benefit to both the AVs
and Canisius – they receive the experience of
teaching in a high school, and Canisius receives
the volunteer services of essentially four new
facultymembers,”
Dr. Amuso says.
“All of the
AVs came through the blue doors and had
their own experiences at Canisius. After
college, they bring a treasure trove of new
experiences back with them to integrate into
the AVC program.”
About the new director
Dr. Amuso brings a broad range of experience himself to his
new role as director of the AVC. Prior to joining the Canisius
faculty last year, he worked as a teacher and administrator
for more than 15 years in public education in the Gulf Coast
region and New Orleans, LA area. Prior to that he was a Jesuit
in the New York Province of the Society of Jesus.
A native of Utica, NY, Dr. Amuso holds both Ed.S. and
Ed.D. degrees in educational leadership and research from
the University of Southern Mississippi and a master’s in
philosophy from Fordham University. He returned to
Western New York to be closer to family and, with his
experience as a former Jesuit, says being at Canisius High
School is like coming home.
AV
s
in community
AVs apply to participate in the
AVC program early in the year, and
once accepted, undergo training and
orientation during the summer. The
young men live together in one house
– rented by Canisius High School near
the campus – learning to live in an
intentional community in the Jesuit
tradition. The arrangement allows the
AVs to focus their work and energies
in the same way and support one
another in the program’s mission. The
AVs receive a modest monthly living stipend and a school
cafeteria allowance.
As program director, Dr. Amuso helps the AVs develop
a schedule at the school that matches their particular
interests and skills. Each AV also works with a member of the
staff or faculty who serves as their guide and mentor.
Periodic meetings are held throughout the school year with
the director and mentor to review the AV’s progress and
reflect on their work as a Jesuit educator.
“Each AV in this year’s program is gifted and
talented in unique ways, yet they share a
generosity of spirit that is typical of a Canisius
High School student,”
Dr. Amuso concludes.
“The AVC shows how the ongoing loop
comes around at Canisius – there is so much
goodness to tap into with our alums and
this program is the perfect example.”
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