CANISIUS MAGAZINE SPECIAL EDITION FALL 2023
A new chapter begins now
president’sperspective
FALL 2023 I VOLUME 24 / ISSUE 2
President Steve K. Stoute Chief of Staff Cecelia Gotham ’13, MS ’15 Chief Communications Officer & Executive Editor Eileen C. Herbert ’04, MS ’15 Managing Editor Audrey R. Browka Creative Director Patty Herkey Photography Brianna Blank ’14 Tom Wolf ’86 We are eager to hear your comments about Canisius Magazine. Please send correspondence to: Canisius Magazine 2001 Main Street Buffalo, NY 14208 Phone 716-888-2790 Email ccmag@canisius.edu Postmaster send change of address to: Canisius University, 2001 Main Street, Buffalo, NY 14208
And so it begins! On August 1, 2023, a new chapter in the 153-year history of this venerable institution began, and it is our first as Canisius University. We embark on this new academic year, brimming with renewed enthusiasm and purpose – and a reimagined brand identity. Yes, that includes a new logo; one that is a more modern interpretation of Canisius’ history and tradition. However, as you will discover in this special edition of Canisius Magazine, our reimagined brand identity is much more than a mark. It’s a reflection of who we are as an institution, and a core element is the idea that Canisius University is where leaders are made. We provide a transformative education that goes deeper than necessary skills and knowledge. We challenge students to discover their passions and articulate their purpose, which empowers them to move the world toward a more just future. We do this within a tight-knit community, where people are engaged in rigorous academic, creative, personal and spiritual inquiry. Griffs learn there is no progress without action. That they have to take chances, think big and dare to lead with integrity. Canisius-made leaders are driven by compassion and courage. They look at the world and say, “We can do better.” Then, they do it. Over the course of the next several months (and years), this brand identity will come to life in an engaging, multimedia campaign that showcases Canisius-made leaders, who are not only well positioned in their professional fields but well on their way to changing the world. For many of our alumni, “Where Leaders Are Made” will be a refreshing return to what you’ve always known to be true about a Canisius education. For others – particularly future students and their families – this brand promise will serve as an introduction to Canisius University and what it is we do so well here, which is to form and transform principled leaders.
A new chapter begins now Story by: Audrey R. Browka Photos by: Tom Wolf '86
On September 5, 1870, Jacob Lang became the first student to walk through the doors at the brand new Canisius College on Ellicott Street. He was one of just 35 students to enroll in Buffalo’s first Jesuit, Catholic college. But his arrival – and that of his classmates – signified the opening chapter in Canisius’ story of becoming one of Western New York’s most enduring and important institutions. Many compelling chapters have since been written; the most recent on August 1, 2023, when Canisius College formally transitioned to Canisius University. “As excited as we are to share this news, we know this is just the beginning of a new chapter in Canisius’ 153-year history,” President Steve Stoute stated in announcing the transition. “The designation as a university is simultaneously a reflection of what this institution has achieved, a responsibility to continue to impact students and communities, as well as an opportunity to reimagine what Canisius must be in the future.”
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A Long Time Coming Canisius’ transition to university follows a January 2022 vote by the New York State Board of Regents to amend its definition of what constitutes a university. Under the board’s previous classification, in existence since 1969, a university must offer “a range of registered undergraduate and graduate curricula in the liberal arts and sciences; degrees in two or more professional fields; and doctoral programs in at least three academic fields.” The amended definition removes the requirement for professional and doctoral programs. “We applaud the Board of Regents for updating its definition of university and bringing New York into alignment with the rest of the country,” says Lola W. Brabham, president of the Commission on Independent Colleges and Universities (CICU). The organization represents the public policy interests of the state’s 100-plus private and not-for-profit higher education institutions, and advocated for decades to make this necessary change a reality. “New York was the only state in the nation to require the creation and operation of doctoral programs in order to be considered a university, which put our membership at a competitive disadvantage,” continues Brabham. “Removing this barrier ensures that higher education institutions within New York can market themselves to prospective students – at home and abroad – in a manner that reflects the breadth and depth of their academic offerings.”
A S DEFINED BY NEW YORK STATE BOARD OF REGENTS , 2022 – PRESENT
u-ni-ver-si-ty / yoo-nuh-vur-si-tee / noun
University
“University means a higher educational institution offering a range of registered undergraduate and graduate curricula in the liberal arts and sciences, including graduate programs registered in at least three of the following discipline areas: agriculture, biological sciences, business, education, engineering, fine arts, health professions, humanities, physical sciences and social sciences.” Amended Section 50.1(l) of the Commissioner’s Regulations
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UppercaseUniversity University Uppercase
While history may assign August 1, 2023 as the day Canisius While history may assign 1, 2023 as theoperating day Canisius became a university, theAugust institution has been as became a university, the institution has been operating as one since the mid-1970s, according to Vice President for one since the mid-1970s, to Vice for Academic Affairs Sara R.according Morris, PhD. ShePresident explains that Academic SaraState, R. Morris, PhD. She explains between that outside ofAffairs New York the defining difference outside of New York State, the defining difference between a a college and university is often that the latter “offers college anddegrees university is oftendifferent that the fields latter and “offers graduate graduate in several graduates degrees in several different fields and graduates a substantial a substantial number of students from these programs.” number of students from these programs.” Canisius checked this box nearly a half century ago. Canisius checked this box nearly a half century ago. The institution introduced a master’s degree in business in The institution introduced master’s degree in business in 1970, a master’s degree ina counseling in 1972 and a master’s 1970, a master’s degree in counseling in 1972 and a master’s in education program before 1976. in education program before 1976. Today, Canisius offers more than 30 master’s degree Today, Canisius a total of 36 master’s programs. programs. Thatoffers number far exceeds the newdegree guidelines set by That exceedsrevised the new guidelines by the Board the number Board offar Regents’ definition ofset a university, which ofrequires Regents’ revised definition of a university, which requires institutions to “offer a range of graduate curricula in institutions “offer a range ofin graduate curricula in following the the liberal to arts and sciences at least three of the liberal arts and sciences in at least three of the following discipline areas: biological sciences, business, education, discipline areas: biological sciences, business, education, health, and physical and social sciences,” among others. health, and physical and social sciences,” among others. “Our new status as an ‘uppercase’ university is really the “Our new status as an ‘uppercase’ university is really the culmination of Canisius continually expanding its academic culmination of Canisius continually expanding academic programs into the graduate realm over many its years,” Morris programs into the graduate realm over many years,” notes. “We did this – not to become a university – Morris but notes. did this not to become a university but rather“We to meet the–educational needs of students– and rather to meet the educational needs of students and of society by offering a range of exceptional academic ofprograms society by a range of exceptional academic alloffering within the context of an unbelievably strong programs all within the context of an unbelievably strong Jesuit-based education.” Jesuit-based education.”
Master’s Degree Programs
A Game Changer
Adolescence Education
Still, the name change is a game changer.
Adolescence Education/Students with Disabilities
While Canisius has long been a sought-after higher education institution in Western New York, its newly elevated status to university will go a long way in raising the school’s profile and expanding its footprint.
Anthrozoology Applied Nutrition Bilingual Education Extension Business Analytics Canisius University Teacher Residency Childhood Education/Special Education Childhood Education/TESOL Clinical Mental Health Counseling Cybersecurity Data Analytics
“The change helps level the playing field so we can now more effectively compete and market our programs throughout New York, the nation and abroad,” says Vice President for Enrollment Management Danielle D. Ianni, PhD. She explains that an increasing number of traditional and online universities – chartered in other states – have capitalized on the reputational value associated with being a university by recruiting students from New York, “where the term ‘college’ has presented a marketing challenge.”
The small but meaningful switch to university also eliminates confusion by potential international students, who may have previously discounted Canisius as an option due to their perception of what a college is. In many countries and commonwealths, Ianni notes, ‘college’ refers to secondary education – or high school. The change to university gives Canisius greater access to – and attention from – international markets. “In anticipation of Canisius becoming a university, the enrollment team spent the past year strategically focused on laying the foundation and building connections overseas so that when this time came, we would be ready to share the Canisius brand at home and abroad,” Ianni says.
Differentiated Instruction Education – General Education Leadership and Supervision Exercise Science Finance Higher Education and Student Affairs Administration Informal Education and Interpretation
The change helps level the playing field so we can now more effectively compete and market our programs throughout New York, the nation and abroad. Danielle D. Ianni, PhD Vice President, Enrollment Management
Instructional Technologies and Curriculum Design Literacy Education MBA MBA Professional Accounting Physical Education Physician Assistant Studies School Counseling
Canisius offers more than
30
Special Education Sport Administration Sport Product Development Teaching English to Speakers of Other Languages (TESOL) Teaching Students with Disabilities
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Brand New Canisius spent the summer re-energizing its institutional brand to more aptly position itself in the highly competitive, higher education marketplace. Alumni received a sneak-peak at the university’s revitalized visual identity during reunion weekend in June, when President Stoute unveiled the school’s redesigned logo. The modernized mark incorporates elements that honor the institution’s past, and was designed with insight from upwards of 3,000 key stakeholders. “People just had a sharp intake of breath because they were so excited by what they saw,” recalls Canisius Board of Regents Chair Jack J. Dempsey Jr. ’83, who previewed the logo. “It has an old school feel but with a more modern, prestigious twist,” adds Lee Huber ’16. But Canisius’ re-energized brand is much more than a mark.
Rather, it’s a reflection of who Canisius is as an institution, the promise that it makes to stakeholders and how the university goes about keeping that promise. At its core, the brand encapsulates what alumni, students, faculty and families think of when they hear the Canisius name. That universal notion: Canisius is the place where leaders are made. “We conducted hundreds of hours of market research with thousands of constituents over the course of several months and leadership was the overarching theme that rose to the top,” says Ianni. “Canisius has always been the place where leaders are made. We never stopped. And now, we’re putting our stake in the ground. Leadership will be front-and-center in the Canisius University story.”
6%
3%
14% 38%
16% 23%
Market Research
CANISIUS UNIVERSITY LOGO The new Canisius University logo includes key symbols that represent the institution’s history and traditions:
3,000+ Participants n Alumni n Current Students
n Prospective Student Parents n Prospective Students n Faculty & Staff n Other (General Public)
CROSS
SL ANTED BARS
GRIFFIN
SHIELD
The cross represents Canisius’ Catholic identity
The seven slanted bars are linked to the family crest of St. Ignatius Loyola, founder of the Jesuit order
The mythical king of birds and beasts became the official mascot of Canisius sports in 1933
The logo elements appear within the shape of a shield, to impart a stately look and feel
Key Finding:
Canisius University is where leaders are made. Market research consistently and overwhelmingly revealed that Canisius University provides a transformative education, which goes deeper than necessary skills and knowledge. Students learn how to think and how to lead. When they graduate, they are equipped with the knowledge, skills and mindset to be purpose-driven leaders in their industries, fields of inquiry and communities.
Canisius-Made The Canisius University story takes its inspiration from the institution's centuries-old tradition of forming and transforming leaders. But the revived brand defines leadership in a new way. For today’s generation, leadership is less about the C-Suite executive and more a way of life. Canisius’ market research revealed that students are sensitive to society’s most pressing challenges. They embrace the principles of personal accountability and believe that they - and the institutions with which they engage - have a responsibility to work for a more just world. Steadfast in these convictions, today’s students know there is no progress without action and they are ready to take chances, think big and lead with integrity. “They look at the world and say ‘We can do better’ and at Canisius, we empower them to take action for the greater good of humanity,” says President Stoute. Certainly, Canisius University has - and always will - provide a transformative learning experience; one that engages students in rigorous academic, creative, personal and spiritual inquiry. However, the tenets of Canisius-made leaders go deeper and are more distinct than traditional skills and knowledge. Canisius-made leaders are thoughtful, bold, compassionate and courageous.
Thoughtful:
Able to discern the better path forward when faced with complex issues;
Bold:
Canisius-made leaders are:
They envision a more just future and view challenges as opportunities to move the world toward that reality;
Compassionate:
Griffs endeavor toward full human flourishing for the greater societal good; and
Courageous:
They graduate knowing they have to act and do so with intensity and integrity.
“Canisius-made leaders are purpose-driven leaders not only in their industries and fields of inquiry but in every role, at every level, every day,” affirms President Stoute. “It’s what a Canisius education has always been about and it’s what sets us apart.” In large ways and small, across multi-media channels and in new markets most important to the institution’s growth, Canisius University’s revitalized brand will demonstrate what it means to be a Canisius-made leader in ways that reinforce the institution’s value among prospective students, grows pride among current students and alumni, and builds a reputation in Buffalo and beyond. “The world deserves to know the spirit of Canisius University and we’re ready to share it,” concludes President Stoute. 12 CANISIUS M AGA ZINE FALL 2023
The world deserves to know the spirit of Canisius University and we’re ready to share it. - President Stoute -
The Multimedia Campaign for Canisius Canisius is the Jesuit university of Buffalo, where our professional and community connections run deep, and our values are reflected and amplified like no other. Students are empowered to create opportunities and lead the change in the areas they care about most. This leadership will be front and center of Canisius University’s new brand campaign, as it is unveiled over the next 12 months.
Cable/Connected TV/ Streaming
Overall Multimedia Placements
1,500+
WGRZ-TV (NBC), WIVB-TV (CBS), WKBW-TV (ABC), Spectrum TV, ESPN, WNED TV (PBS)
TOTAL ASSETS
17.8 million
1,428
COMMERCIALS
8 million+
ESTIM ATED HOUSEHOLDS REACHED
ESTIM ATED REACH
Purpose The new brand campaign for Canisius University will re-introduce “Where Leaders Are Made” and demonstrate what it means to be a Canisius-made leader in ways that reinforce the institution’s value among prospective students, grows pride among current students and alumni, and builds a reputation in Buffalo and beyond.
Audience Phase 1 of Canisius University’s brand campaign focuses on the Buffalo and Greater Western New York audience to (1) re-introduce Canisius University to current students, the campus community, alumni and donors, businesses and industries; and (2) to elevate awareness and regain the region’s market share among potential best-fit students.
Content and Channels The Canisius University brand campaign is being introduced across internal and external audiences. Traditional assets include commercial advertisements on the most-watched local channels, as well as during Monday Night Football and on National Public Radio. A suite of billboard placements now appear around the area’s major thoroughfares. The allocation of resources leans more heavily, however, on strategic website targeting, streaming and social media assets, which receive the most relevant viewership. 14 CANISIUS M AGA ZINE FALL 2023
Digital SOCIAL MEDIA, STRATEGIC WEBSITE TARGETING, VIDEO, STREAMING SERVICES (I.E. HULU, DISCOVERY+ AND MORE)
REGIONAL M ARKETS BUFFALO, ROCHESTER, ERIE, PA
141
DIGITAL ADS
4.2 million ESTIM ATED REACH
Out-of-Home Placements
7
BILLBOARDS
9.9 million
ESTIM ATED IMPRESSIONS
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Canisius Magazine 2001 Main Street Buffalo, NY 14208 canisius.edu
Canisius Magazine Goes Green Alumni can opt to receive digital edition
As Canisius embarks on a new chapter in its 153-year history, the university remains committed to advancing the goals outlined in Laudato Si.' The Vatican-led initiative calls upon Catholic institutions to strive for eco-sustainable environments by 2028. In response to this call, Canisius Magazine will reduce the number of printed issues, from three to two. To further decrease the publication's environmental footprint, alumni will have the option to receive Canisius Magazine in digital format beginning in winter 2024. The content will be the same as that in the print magazine (and maybe include a few extras) but be delivered via Email and include links to the latest Canisius Magazine stories. The digital edition of Canisius Magazine will also be supplemented by a monthly newsletter from President Steve Stoute. To subscribe to the digital edition of Canisius Magazine, simply scan the QR code to the right and provide your current Email address.