Lasting Impact

Million-dollar gift to ULLC program will support students for generations to come

One of Canisius’ signature programs, the Urban Leadership Learning Community (ULLC), received a $1 million gift from an alumnus who wishes to remain anonymous.

The ULLC provides scholarship support to the best and brightest students from Greater Buffalo, with the aim to create the next generation of leaders in Buffalo and Western New York. Students in the program are from populations historically denied access and systemically excluded from positions of influence and power. The program is co-directed by ULLC alumnus Bennie D. Williams ’11, MS ’13, assistant dean of students and director of the Multicultural Student Center, and Michael Forest, PhD, chair and professor of the Philosophy Department.

“We are extremely grateful for this generous support for one of Canisius’ most distinctive high-impact programs,” said President Steve Stoute. “This gift to the ULLC shows a deep commitment to our Catholic, Jesuit, urban mission, which calls us to be persons for and with others and allows us to inspire a new generation of leaders. It will have a lasting impact on Canisius, Buffalo and Western New York for generations to come.”

“My ULLC scholarship not only provided me with the means to attend Canisius but also with an incredibly supportive community to ensure my success,” said Katara D. Willis ’23. “When I saw firsthand the time, energy and commitment the Canisius community has for its students, I knew it was where I belonged.”

The ULLC fosters transformational leadership through team-based learning, mentorship, leadership development and involvement in co-curricular, extra-curricular and service activities. ULLC students form a diverse learning community, grounded in collaboration, inclusiveness, immersion in living and learning experiences, and problem-solving.

Willis is a teaching assistant in philosophy for Forest, serves as a ULLC intern and is treasurer of Latin American Students and Friends (LASAF). She’s been named to the dean’s list every semester since starting the program and was inducted into Alpha Sigma Nu national Jesuit honor society.

The Jesuit mission of service resonates with Willis.

“Service perfects character and corrects our heart posture,” she said. “Willingness to serve shows us the way to success, and provides us with more than just a job but a road to fulfill our purpose. For me, this is the most important part of job preparation.”

Willis plans to continue her education at Canisius in the Higher Education and Student Affairs Administration program (HESAA).

It’s More than a Game You are What Makes it Possible

Canisius College concluded its “More than a Game” campaign November 30 by hitting its fundraising goal ‘out of the park.’

The seven-week annual crowdfunding initiative, launched by the Athletics Department in partnership with the Office of Institutional Advancement, tallied a record 1,091 donors who provided a total of $309,361 in direct support of the Blue & Gold Athletics Fund or individual athletic teams. The amount raised surpassed the ambitious $300,000 goal set at the start of the campaign.

“Through the hard work of our student-athletes, coaches and staff, the ‘More than a Game’ campaign continues to grow and expand in tremendous ways,” says William J. Maher ’89, director of athletics. In addition to an increase in the donation goal, Maher notes, the number of donors contributing to the campaign also swelled. “It is inspiring to see the incredible support our athletics program receives from the community. These gifts will have a direct impact on our sports program in the coming year.”

This year’s “More than a Game” campaign coincided with the 50th anniversary of Title IX, the federal statute that prohibits sex discrimination in any educational program or activity at any educational institution that receives federal funds.

“Title IX altered the trajectory for females, including myself,” explains Head Women’s Basketball Coach Sarah Nusseibeh. “It created confidence in me and made it possible for me to have female role models.”

To commemorate this important anniversary, supporters of women’s athletics programs were asked to contribute $50 to the campaign. The initiative generated 212 gifts totaling $10,600.

Of the college’s 20 varsity athletic teams, men’s ice hockey scored the highest in dollars raised with a sum total of $108,173.

“The commitment that our alumni, family and friends have shown through their support of Golden Griffin student-athletes motivates us every day,” adds Head Men’s Ice Hockey Coach Trevor Large. “The entire Canisius community will benefit from this generosity and we could not be more grateful.”

Campaign Highlights:

$305,361 Dollars > 1,192 Gifts > 1,091 Donors > Average Gift: $256.17

Top Three Teams (Dollars): Top Three Teams (Gifts):

Men’s Teams: Women’s Teams: Rowing: 174

Ice Hockey: $108,173

Basketball: $16,995 Ice Hockey: 141

Basketball: $39,559 Rowing: $12,406

Lacrosse: $18,638

Softball: $6,245

Baseball: 130