The Niagara University Eagle is published by the Office of Institutional Advancement.
Please send correspondence to: Lisa McMahon, M.A.’09, Editor Niagara University, NY 14109 716.286.8747 / lmcmahon@niagara.edu
FEATURES
Athletics Year in Review 10 12 14 16 17 18 01 02 09 24 26 28
NU Mourns Father Levesque
Focusing on Plight of Migrants
New Center Inspired by St. Vincent
Alumni Weekend 2024
Niagara University Transformed
DEPARTMENTS
Opening Remarks on the ridge
Mission and Ministry
News From the Nest
Alumni Profiles
Catching Up
Cover photo: NU rising junior Ena Das; Rev. James J. Maher, C.M., Niagara University president; Jeffrey R. Holzschuh, ’82, campaign chairman; Jaclyn Rossi Drozd, ’08, M.S.Ed. ’10, vice president of institutional advancement; and rising junior Althea Simmons shared their thoughts at the campaign announcement on May 16, 2024.
Dear Niagara University alumni and friends,
I’ve often referred to “The Miracle of Niagara.”
Throughout its history, Niagara has survived life-threatening crises—fires, near bankruptcies and, in most recent times, a global pandemic. But because we have remained firmly rooted in our Catholic identity, our Vincentian mission, and our commitment to excellence in education, we have been able not only to survive, but to thrive.
The successful completion of our capital campaign, “Powering Transformation,” is further evidence of the miracle of Niagara.
Because of your support, we can continue to offer a transformative educational experience for our students, guided by dedicated and accomplished faculty who are mentors of the mind, heart, and spirit. We are elevating the learning, teaching, and research environment for our students, our faculty, and our larger community through the creation of six academic centers and endowed chairs, and we have re-established the legacy of the College of Nursing.
Your support has enabled us to return to our original beginnings in the City of Buffalo where, under the direction of chemistry professor Dr. Mary McCourt, students will conduct groundbreaking research in the Buffalo Medical Corridor. It has allowed us to strengthen our binational presence, as well, through the expansion of our campus in Vaughan, Ontario, where we serve more than 550 post-baccalaureate students who will soon join the ranks of our 3,400 alumni in the province.
We continue to elevate academic excellence and have raised our graduation rate to be ranging among the top 20 to 25 percent in the United States. Our students follow life and career pathways that lead to personal and professional success. Your support makes this all possible.
We have much to celebrate and be proud of, but we are just beginning. When our mission meets your generosity, God’s abundance is able to multiply our good works and our impact. May God continue to bless our work to allow the miracle of Niagara University to continue to unfold.
With every good wish,
Rev. James J. Maher, C.M. President
Rev. James J. Maher, C.M.
On the Ridge
Academic Partnerships with Universities in India Established
The Rev. James J. Maher, C.M., Niagara University president, and Dr. Duleep C. Deosthale, vice president of international relations and the Brennan Center, traveled to India in February to facilitate academic collaborations with several Indian universities.
The visits demonstrated Father Maher’s commitment to strengthen Niagara’s international presence and prepare students to become global leaders.
“These collaborations will open new horizons for students, fostering cross-cultural understanding and preparing them for the global workforce,” said Father Maher.
On Feb. 19, Father Maher and Dr. Deosthale visited De Paul College Mysore, where Father Maher signed a Memorandum of Understanding with its principal, Father Baiju Anthony, C.M., after a colorful ceremony that began with songs sung by a student choir, a dance performance, and the traditional Lighting of the Lamp. More than 600 students, faculty, staff, and members of the press were in attendance.
In addition to establishing a relationship between the two Vincentian institutions, the MoU will facilitate collaborative academic programs and exchange opportunities for undergraduate and graduate students, with a specific focus on 2+2 options in Niagara’s Holzschuh College of Business Administration and its computer and information sciences program in the College of Arts & Sciences.
Junior Gurustat Makkar is majoring in computer information sciences and finance. He came to Niagara from his hometown of Chandigarh, India, after meeting with Erick Garcia, Niagara’s head tennis coach. He said that meeting sparked his interest in the university and, once he arrived, he found “a warm ambiance and a close-knit community” that enabled him to pursue both his academic and athletic goals.
“Niagara’s intimate class sizes and devoted professors have profoundly enriched my academic journey,” the student-athlete said. “Their unwavering support and patience have been invaluable. Niagara University offers a transformative experience, blending rigorous academics with a vibrant campus life to nurture holistic growth and development. With its commitment to excellence and fostering a supportive community, it’s a place where students can truly thrive and realize their full potential.”
Niagara University also signed an agreement with the DePaul International Residential School that will enable select high school students to pursue their four-year degree in any discipline at NU. This agreement is part of DePaul’s newly framed “Emerging International Scholars Program,” that will identify high achievers and create opportunities for them at Niagara University.
Father Maher described the collaboration as the “first step in this relationship-building exercise that will allow students and their parents to feel confident about the quality of education and learning experiences at Niagara University,” during a meeting with 40 of the school’s students. He noted that the “hightouch nature of the Niagara educational experience” would be a continuation of the DPRIS living and learning environment that he had observed during his visit.
Sophomore Ena Das, a criminology and criminal justice major from Kolkata, West Bengal, can attest to the personal attention students receive at Niagara University. Das wanted to attend college in the United States and chose Niagara because its small class sizes would enable her to get to know her peers and professors. When she arrived, she found a strong sense of community on campus and numerous opportunities for leadership.
Das is a community advisor in her residence hall, promotions co-chair of the NU Campus Programming Board, and treasurer for the
Office of Violence Prevention & Education. She gets together with other aspiring lawyers to study for the LSAT each week and said she made her closest friends when she was part of the student government executive board. She said that these experiences are teaching her the skills she will need for success and helping her to become a better version of herself.
“My experience at Niagara is nothing but fantastic,” she said. “I love how the faculty and staff are so caring and considerate, and I cherish all the friendships and all the amazing bonds I created over here. I just love being a Purple Eagle!”
Father Maher’s visit also included a meeting with Dr. Raman Batra, executive vice president of Noida Institute of Engineering and Technology, to sign an MoU that will create pathways for select students from NIET to explore opportunities at Niagara’s Ontario and Lewiston, N.Y., campuses, especially the 2+2 programs in computer and information sciences and the graduate programs in Ontario.
The fourth MoU was with Rayat Bahra University, a private university in Mohali, Punjab. Father Maher and Dr. Parvinder Singh, vice chancellor of RBU, signed an agreement that will enrich the educational experience for RBU students. Under the agreement, following two years of study at RBU, students will complete their degrees at Niagara University in Lewiston. They will then have the option of pursuing their MBA at either Niagara’s Lewiston or Vaughan, Ontario, campuses.
While in India, Father Maher also met with officials at the U.S. Embassy and the Canadian High Commission in New Delhi. He introduced them to Niagara University, USA and Canada, and provided an overview of its academic programs and its vision to prepare students for leadership roles in a changing global landscape.
Dr. Duleep C. Deosthale, vice president of international relations and the Brennan Center; Rev. Dr. Baiju Antony, De Paul College Mysore principal; and the Rev. James J. Maher, C.M., Niagara University president, with other De Paul College representatives at the ceremony celebrating the establishment of an academic relationship between the two Vincentian institutions.
Niagara University Receives New York State Biodefense Award to Develop Novel Anti-Viral Therapy
NIAGARA UNIVERSITY has been selected to receive a grant from the New York State Biodefense Commercialization Fund. The award of nearly $261,500 will be used to formulate a general anti-viral therapeutic using CholestosomeTM technology, a molecule delivery system developed at Niagara by Dr. Mary McCourt, professor of chemistry. It was one of just three academic institutions to receive awards, which included Columbia University and Mt. Sinai Medical School.
“Niagara University is committed to supporting innovative and groundbreaking research in our laboratories, and this award is an exciting step forward in our efforts to solve healthcare problems locally and globally,” said the Rev. James Maher, C.M., Niagara University president. “This award will advance Dr. McCourt’s critical research in the development of effective treatments against viral diseases and support our commitment to scientific innovation. We are very grateful to Governor Kathy Hochul, ESD President, CEO and Commissioner Hope Knight, and the entire Biodefense Fund committee for this incredible opportunity.”
The project aims to use CholestosomeTM
technology to circumvent the body’s regulation of zinc, allowing intracellular concentrations capable of effecting a general anti-viral response, positively impacting patient outcomes in response to pathogen infections and increasing preparedness for future viral outbreaks or pandemics.
The work will be done in Niagara University’s Biomedical Research Institute on the Buffalo Niagara Medical Campus. Dr. McCourt will lead a team of researchers that also includes students Morgan Hildreth, Michael Trapasso, Kathyrn Bednarz, Sarah Waldmiller, and Isabella Nakhla.
“These students will have the opportunity to work on solving problems that directly impact people,” said Dr. McCourt. “They will see first-hand how important scientific discovery is, how powerful it can be, and what it’s like in a ‘real world’ lab where every day is a fight to find a cure.”
Dr. McCourt, who has been a member of NU’s faculty since 1999, holds 14 patents for the CholestosomeTM technology, which is moving toward commercialization. Her critical expert areas include computational chemistry and molecular modeling,
cancer-targeted drug design, and structural biology with emphasis on lipids. Her main areas of research are the development of CholestosomeTM technology and urine-based biomarker analysis for diagnostic screens focused on breast cancer and Alzheimer’s disease. Dr. McCourt was the recipient of the Schoellkopf Medal in 2020 and is the holder of the Michael, ’60, and Aimee Kakos Endowed Chair of Chemistry.
The Biodefense Commercialization Fund program was created to accelerate the development and commercialization of life science innovations that address serious infectious disease threats, including COVID-19 and its variants, while also creating jobs and encouraging continued growth across New York’s expanding life science industry.
Niagara University Receives Several Grants to Support Students and Enhance Programs
A $100,000 GRANT from the U.S. National Science Foundation’s Robert Noyce Scholarship Program will enable the university to expand STEM education pathways for secondary teachers in high-need school districts. The project, a collaboration between the university’s colleges of Arts and Sciences and Education, is designed to meet the growing need for secondary STEM teachers by developing and revising STEM curricula to prepare students for teacher certification in high-demand areas within the field, such as computer science, physics, and earth science. Through partnerships with the Buffalo and Niagara Falls City School Districts, the project also aims to enhance diversity and inclusive pedagogy in the undergraduate STEM courses.
The university’s clinical mental health counseling program received a grant from the Patrick
P. Lee Foundation to support students preparing for careers in this critical field. The funding will be used to establish up to five scholarships for full-time students in the program, which is accredited by the Council for Accreditation of Counseling and Related Educational Programs. Scholarship recipients will receive up to $10,000 per year for the three-year program, for a total award of $30,000.
The university also received two $100,000 grants from the Mother Cabrini Health Foundation.
The first will support the continuing work of its College of Nursing to foster nurse resilience, effectively bridge the transition from student to healthcare professional, address a critical shortage in the nursing workforce, increase awareness of health inequities, and develop effective approaches to care in complex environments across Western New York, with
an emphasis on Niagara County. This is the third consecutive year the college has received support from the organization for its “Practice Innovations to Support a Resilient, Inclusive & Equitable Nurse Workforce” initiative.
The second Cabrini Foundation grant will enable Niagara University to bring its specialized training in the area of disabilities to the probation departments in 55 counties in New York state and in the five boroughs of New York City through a Train the Trainer and an E-Learning series, with the intention to build it into the NYS Office of Probation and Correctional Alternatives new hire training. This is the third year the Cabrini Foundation has funded this initiative, which has provided customized training for the probation departments in both Niagara and Erie counties.
Institute on Disability Awareness ESTABLISHED
FOR THE PAST 15 YEARS, Niagara University’s Disability Awareness Training program has provided first responders, businesses, and government agencies with customized programs that sensitize and educate participants on all aspects of disabilities and the challenges they may encounter as they interact with and respond to incidents, situations, and accidents that involve individuals with disabilities.
On July 17, 2024, the university reinforced its commitment to fostering inclusivity and understanding for individuals with disabilities by establishing the Institute on Disability Awareness, which will formalize existing programs, expand training options, and make them accessible to a broader audience.
“Niagara University has been a leader in enhancing both awareness of, and service to, people with disabilities of all ages,” said the Rev. James J. Maher, C.M., Niagara University president. “The establishment of the Institute on Disability Awareness will support these efforts in bold new ways and position the university to be the preeminent resource for new approaches, ways of thinking, strategies, and solutions that intentionally foster inclusion, equity, and quality of life for people with disabilities.”
In elevating this commitment, the Niagara University Institute on Disability Awareness will address the critical need for awareness
and training surrounding disability issues. At the center of the institute is an online training product that can easily be used by individuals, companies, organizations and government agencies. The institute also provides live training, resources, programs, and solutions for individuals and organizations. The NUIDA is a holistic training and education center that fulfills a societal need of improving inclusion, equity, and quality of life for people with disabilities, their families, and their communities.
Leading this groundbreaking initiative are two recognized leaders and advocates in the field of disability awareness and disability rights: David Whalen, who developed the Disability Awareness Training program, and Dr. Carolyn Shivers, associate professor of psychology at NU, who will develop an undergraduate minor in disability studies that will be available for students in any program of study.
With the establishment of the institute, Niagara will expand on the many and varied programs it offers to serve people with disabilities, including special education programs through the College of Education. These programs prepare future educators who appreciate and embrace the diverse range of the needs of their students and families, and includes a credit-bearing course for students to learn about Niagara’s continuing partnership with Special Olympics.
Rev. Paul L. Golden, Former President of Niagara University, Passes Away
THE REV. PAUL L. GOLDEN, C.M., who served as president of Niagara University from 1995–1999, passed away peacefully on Jan. 20, 2024, at St. Mary’s of the Barrens in Perryville, Mo. He was 85 years old.
During his tenure at Niagara, Father Golden made an incredible impact on the campus and the broader community. Enrollment increased by more than 30%, and NU successfully completed major accreditations, including those
by the Middle States Association, the National Collegiate Athletic Association, the National League for Nursing Accrediting Commission, and the Council on Social Work Education. The university’s MBA program restructured to incorporate technology and strategic management into the curriculum, and the College of Education developed a master’s degree program in inclusive education.
In addition, NU enhanced its community outreach with the establishment of Learn and Serve, and on campus, Father Golden oversaw the construction of the Dwyer Ice Arena and the addition of men’s and women’s Purple Eagles ice hockey teams.
NATIONAL SECURITY AGENCY Designates NU as Center of Excellence
NIAGARA UNIVERSITY has been designated as a National Security Agency Center of Academic Excellence in Cyber Defense. This important recognition underscores the university’s commitment to advancing cybersecurity education, research, and developing the next generation of cybersecurity professionals to protect the United States’ critical national information infrastructure into the future.
The NSA CAE designation is awarded to institutions that meet rigorous criteria for their cybersecurity programs. These criteria
include academic program quality, faculty expertise, student support, and a demonstrated commitment to collaboration and community outreach in cybersecurity. The program of study validated by the NSA is Niagara University’s Master of Science degree program in Information Security and Digital Forensics (ISDF).
“Receiving the NSA Center of Academic Excellence designation is a testament to the hard work and dedication of our faculty, staff, and students,” said the Rev. James J. Maher, C.M., president of Niagara University. “It highlights our institution’s leadership in cybersecurity education and our commitment to preparing students for critical roles in protecting our nation’s cyber infrastructure.”
As a designated NSA Center of Academic Excellence, Niagara University will benefit from increased access to research funding, collaboration opportunities with other CAE institutions, and the ability to influence national cybersecurity education standards. This designation will also enable the university to offer students enhanced learning opportunities, including specialized courses, hands-on learning, and access to state-of-theart cybersecurity labs and research.
Former School Administrator Named to Niagara University Board of Trustees
ROBERT L. BRADLEY JR., a retired school administrator in the Niagara Falls City School District, has been elected and named to the Niagara University Board of Trustees. The appointment was announced by the Rev. James J. Maher, C.M., president of the university.
Bradley’s diverse work in education has spanned decades. He most recently was chief educational administrator at Niagara Falls High School until his retirement in June 2019, and has held positions within the district including administrator on special assignment, principal, assistant principal, and project director. He was also a guidance counselor in the Lockport City School District and served as a member of the Niagara Falls Board of Education.
Bradley, an ordained minister, is also active within the community as a member of the
board of trustees for Niagara Falls Memorial Medical Center and for Heart, Love &
Soul. Previous roles include executive director of the Niagara Falls Boys & Girls Club, commissioner of the Niagara County Conditional Release Program, and member of the Niagara Falls Rotary Club.
He holds a B.A. in sociology from State University College at Buffalo, and an M.S.Ed. and a professional diploma in school counseling from Niagara University.
“Robert established himself as a seasoned and wise school administrator, always putting the education and well-being of students first. He is a fixture in the community of Western New York and a beacon of light for the City of Niagara Falls. He embodies our Vincentian mission in his lifelong commitment to education in underserved communities. We look forward to the impact he will have as a trustee of Niagara University,” said Father Maher.
TWO ENVIRONMENTAL SCIENCE MAJORS Receive Research Grants
SAMANTHA WROBEL, a junior environmental science major from Amherst, N.Y., and Bethany Mangioni, a junior environmental science major from Cheektowaga, N.Y., were two of the nine students chosen to receive research grants from the Rochester Academy of Science. The students were selected based on the scientific merit of their research and the quality of their grant proposals.
“One of the hallmarks of a Niagara University education is the opportunity for our students to perform high-impact research as undergraduates,” said Dr. William Edwards, professor of biology. “Very few undergraduate students have the opportunity to seek grants and external funding, and even fewer receive these prestigious awards. Sam and Beth’s
accomplishments speak to their future as scientists in conservation and marine sciences.”
Wrobel is examining zooplankton and water samples taken in the lower Niagara River to assess the dietary preference of copepods in her project, “Characterization of the lower Niagara River copepod diet and phytoplankton community composition using 16S rRNA and 18S rRNA gene sequencing.” This research, which she is performing with Dr. Edwards, Dr. Cassandra Marnocha, associate professor of biology, and Coleen Edwards, faculty fellow, investigates the use of a technique that can facilitate more detailed analysis and modeling of freshwater ecosystems ecology.
Mangioni’s project, “Iron-nitrogen cycling through a seasonal cycle within Devil’s Bathtub, a ferruginous meromictic lake,” seeks to determine the source of the excess nitrate found within the bottom waters of the Devil’s Bathtub, a unique meromictic lake at Mendon Ponds Park in Honeoye Falls, N.Y., to gain understanding of its functioning and possible insight into early earth iron-nitrogen dynamics. She is performing this research with Drs. Williams and Marnocha.
Both students presented their work at the Association for the Sciences of Limnology and Oceanography 2024 meeting in Madison, Wisc., in June. The ASLO is the leading professional organization for researchers and educators in the field of aquatic science.
Robert L. Bradley Jr.
On the ridge Niagara UniversityFaculty Spotlights
Lara Berich, assistant professor of costume technology and costume director for Niagara University Theatre, was a featured presenter at the United States Institute for Theatre Technology’s 64th annual conference, March 20–23, 2024, in Seattle.
Berich was one of three drapers who shared their perspectives on the draping process from initial designer conversation to final product during a panel discussion on the different choices available when approaching a build. Berich also led a pair of hands-on, participatory costume labs during the event.
Dr. Patricia Briscoe, Niagara University in Ontario associate professor of education, co-authored “Surviving and Thriving: An Autoethnography of a Black Afro-Caribbean Early Career Teacher in a Northern Ontario First Nation Community,” with NU alumna Jody-Ann Robinson, ’19, M.S.Ed.’22. The article, which was published in the Journal of Teaching and Learning, documented Robinson’s experiences during her three-year teaching placement in an isolated, fly-in community during the pandemic and suggested that early career teachers in First Nation school placements need, among other things, a willingness to be vulnerable and resilient.
Dr. Briscoe also co-authored “Elite High-Level Sports Coach and the School Leader: What Can We Learn from Them?” with alumnus John Della Fortuna, M.S.Ed.’06, M.S.Ed.’21, which was published in March 2024 in the Open Journal of Leadership.
Dr. Shawn Daly, professor of marketing and international business and director of student global experience, was a featured presenter at eLearning Africa, the 17th International Conference & Exhibition on Digital Education, Training & Skills Development, co-hosted by the Ministry of Education of Rwanda and the Rwanda Convention Bureau May 29–31, 2024, in Rwanda.
Dr. Daly was one of four panelists who discussed the role of AI in revolutionizing African business education and its transformative impact on personalizing learning experiences, aligning education with the rapidly changing business world, and advancing diversity, equity, and inclusion in education, with a particular emphasis on promoting gender inclusivity.
He also shared his perspective of the benefits and challenges of using AI in the teaching/learning dyad as a panelist during a discussion about “The Use of Artificial Intelligence Tools in Education: Implications for Academic Integrity” sponsored
by the University of Guyana’s Centre of Excellence for Teaching and Learning in collaboration with Educational Onlining Support Services on June 24, 2024.
Dr. Carol Doyle-Jones, academic associate dean, Niagara University in Ontario, and associate professor in the College of Education, received a Global Excellence Award from the Association of Independent Liberal Arts Colleges for Teacher Education at its annual conference, Feb. 15–16, 2024, in Denver, Colo. Her presentation, “Together Shaping Sustainable Paths in Indigenous Education Research,” shared the ways she facilitates Indigenous education into the Ontario teacher education program through workshops, conferences, and a video series to bridge understandings and relationships with Indigenous educators, knowledge keepers, and storytellers, and to empower teacher candidates to integrate Indigenous perspectives, history, culture, and knowledge into their pedagogy.
She also was named editor-in-chief for the Journal of Classroom Research in Literacy, an online, peer-reviewed journal highlighting research conducted by teacher candidates and teachers. It is published annually each spring.
Dr. Talia Harmon, chair and professor of criminology and criminal justice, recently published an article in the University of Richmond’s Public Interest Law Review. The article, “‘Their Futures, So Full of Dread’: How Barefoot’s Contamination of the Death Penalty Trial Process Continues,” was co-authored by Niagara University alumni Maren Geiger, ’22, M.S.’24, and Moana Houde-Camirand, ’22, M.S.’23, and Michael L. Perlin, professor of law emeritus at New York Law School.
Dr. Derron Hilts, assistant professor and school counseling program coordinator, along with his colleague, Dr. Yanhong Liu, associate professor at Syracuse University, received a $5,000 grant from the New York State School Counselor Association to examine the relationship between the COVID-19 pandemic and student-to-school counselor ratios on student outcomes. Their research aims to illuminate the potential impact of school counselors having relatively manageable caseload sizes on student outcomes, as well as how the COVID-19 pandemic has further influenced this relationship.
Dr. Laura Kremmel, assistant professor of English, authored a chapter in “Religious Horror and the Ecogothic,” a recently published collection that illuminates the ways in which a Christianized understanding of hierarchy, dominion, fear, and sublimity shapes reactions to the environment and conceptions of humanity’s place therein through a survey of Ecogothic texts from the 18th century to the present day.
In her chapter, “Sacred Consumption: An Ecocritical Reading of Gothic
Lara Berich
Dr. Patricia Briscoe
Dr. Shawn Daly
Dr. Carol Doyle-Jones
Dr. Talia Harmon Dr. Derron Hilts
Cannibalism,” Dr. Kremmel explores one of the Gothic’s most shocking taboos—cannibalism—for its position in both religion and nature, as a complex disruptor of human exceptionalism by aligning it with both animals and the divine. Using examples of cannibalism across early Gothic literature through an ecocritical lens, she argues that they offer a disruptive revision of anthropocentrism that circles back on the Gothic’s engagement with Catholicism, placing the eucharistic ritual in a broader, ecocritical light; and that human consumption of humankind serves as a disturbing reminder that humans are consumers of many natural resources, often to their own destruction.
Dr. Caitlin Riegel, assistant professor of education, presented her research on “Dual Accountability: A Cohesive Model Connecting Pre-service and In-Service Approaches to Technology Instruction” at the Association of Teacher Educators Conference in Anaheim, Calif., on March 28, 2024.
This work is a continuation of research Dr. Riegel has performed with Dr. Danielle Weinstein, an assistant principal at Upland Junior High School in California, related to effective technology implementation in the field of education.
Dr. Riegel also recently published a book chapter titled “Leveraging Online Formative Assessments Within the Evolving Landscape of Artificial Intelligence in Education” in Assessment Analytics in Education, and an article titled “Leveraging Generative AI for Effective Rubric Development in Higher Education” in The Teaching Professor. Dr. Shannon Risk, professor of history, presented a lecture based on her book, “The Life and Times of Elizabeth Upham Yates: Crusader for Women’s Suffrage, Temperance, and Missionary Work” at the Susan B. Anthony Birthplace Museum in Adams, Mass., on June 29, 2024.
Dr. Risk’s book chronicles the work Yates did as one of Susan B. Anthony’s “lieutenants” in the women’s suffrage movement. After an early career as a missionary to China, a university student, and a burgeoning popular lecturer in the Woman’s Christian Temperance Union, Yates began speaking at crucial 1890s suffrage battlegrounds in California, South Dakota, and throughout the South. She used her varied skills to navigate the early 20th century, bringing her leadership to Rhode Island, where the women succeeded in bringing presidential suffrage in 1917, and later ratification of the Nineteenth Amendment in 1920. In the last decade of the suffrage battle, Yates lived with brittle bone disease, chronicling her infirmities in her letters to her best friend, Alice Stone Blackwell, which mingled with her active work for the vote.
Dr. Luis Sanchez, associate professor of chemistry, was invited to give a talk about his research on March 13, 2024, as part of Michigan State University’s Organic Chemistry Seminar, a weekly series hosted by MSU’s chemistry department.
Dr. Sanchez presented “Selective reactions involving alkenes and the synthesis of an antimalarial agent from ginger oil,” focusing on the results accomplished by Niagara University students Catherine Larrow, ’24, Emily Steiner, ’19, and Adrian Martinez, ’27.
Dr. Sanchez was also a featured presenter and panelist at a public workshop hosted by the National Academies of Sciences, Engineering,
and Medicine in Washington, D.C., Feb. 21–22, 2024, where he discussed the Sci-Hub website, which hosts millions of academic papers that it makes available for free viewing and downloading. The event provided a forum for experts from academia, industry, and the publishing world to discuss the various benefits and issues related to open access (OA) and FAIR (Findable, Accessible, Interoperable, Reusable) data practices for chemistry and chemical engineering research and publications.
Dr. Rolanda Ward, associate professor of social work and endowed faculty director of the university’s Rose Bente Lee Ostapenko Center for Race, Equity, and Mission, received the Champion of Justice Award from the New York state chapter of the National Association of Social Workers on March 28, 2024. She was recognized for her scholarly work and leadership focusing on society’s most vulnerable, underserved, proven-risk, and oppressed populations and communities.
Dr. Ward has led projects including the Niagara Falls Health Equity Task Force and the City of Niagara Falls Social Justice Commission Employment Subcommittee, and serves as director of the Race, Education, Advocacy, College-Credit-Courses in High School program. She is a frequent presenter at local, state, and national conferences, and serves as a member of the board of directors at MENTOR New York, The Aquarium of Niagara Falls, Community Missions, Inc., The Education Collaborative of WNY, and Catholic Health Systems.
Dr. Talia Zajac, assistant professor of religious studies, wrote the libretto for “Golden Harvest,” an oratorio that commemorates the 125th anniversary of the settlement of Ukrainians in Canada. It was performed on May 19, 2024, by the Victoria Choral Society and musicians from the Victoria Symphony in British Columbia, Canada.
“The choral oratorio was commissioned by Laurence Ewashko, former conductor of the Vienna Boys’ Choir and associate professor of music at the University of Ottawa, who was looking for a librettist who could write in English and French, as well as Ukrainian, to mark the 125th anniversary of Ukrainian settlement in Canada in 2016,” Dr. Zajac explained.
“I am of Ukrainian heritage and grew up in Ottawa, so I was keen to take part in the project.”
The trilingual choral oratorio, which chronicles the journey of one family, symbolic of all Ukrainian pioneers who made the difficult decision to leave behind all that was familiar and dear to them in order to build a better life in Canada, was premiered by the Winnipeg Symphony Orchestra in Manitoba, Canada, in 2016. It has since been performed by a number of other groups, including the Saskatoon Symphony, the McGill Chamber Orchestra, and the Regina Symphony.
Dr. Laura Kremmel Dr. Caitlin Riegel Dr. Shannon Risk
Dr. Luis Sanchez
Dr. Rolanda Ward
Dr. Talia Zajac
Partnership with Buffalo Sabres Provides Unparalleled Opportunities for Students
IN 2023, Niagara University’s College of Hospitality, Sport, and Tourism Management launched a unique partnership with the Buffalo Sabres to give students special access and opportunities in the field of professional sports with one of the leaders in the industry.
As the exclusive higher education partner of the Sabres, Niagara developed the Buffalo Sabres Scholars program in close collaboration with the organization’s front office staff to create a first-of-its kind opportunity that would give students the realworld experience they need for a wide variety of careers in sports.
Since its inception, 20 students have been chosen to participate.
The students earned a $1,500 “signing bonus” in the form of a one-time scholarship before they began the four-year program, which includes mentorship, exclusive activities, and tours of LECOM Harborcenter and other sport and hospitality venues in Western New York.
During their first year, the scholars learned more about the Sabres and Bills organizations through meetings with leadership and attending games. During Niagara Night at
the Buffalo Sabres, the scholars were officially introduced, networked with entry-level staff, and were given a behind-the-scenes tour of pregame operations.
The second year allowed the scholars to focus on more specific areas by completing semester-long case studies on topics suggested by the Sabres’ business development team.
NU’s Club Management Association of America
Student Chapter Named Number One
FOR THE 13TH TIME in its 15-year history, Niagara University’s student chapter of the Club Management Association of America was named Student Chapter of the Year. The recognition was announced by the association at its 2024 World Conference and Club Business Expo, held March 4–8 in Las Vegas.
The prestigious annual award is based on a series of factors, including the number and variety of educational programs offered, member employment and internships in clubs, membership growth, its relationship
with the state chapter of CMAA, and member attendance at events.
“Being the Student Chapter of the Year is a great honor that recognizes the hard work and dedication of our student members and executive board,” said junior Molly Passow, president of the chapter. “Last year’s board set the chapter up for success through club tours, meetings with managers, our fundraiser dinner, and trips to develop our networks and knowledge of the club industry.”
They also observed events like Hockey Fest, the Sabres’ all-day outdoor street hockey tournament, and connected more closely with the organizations’ staff and management to learn the skills necessary for careers with the teams.
During the third and fourth years, all scholars will continue to be mentored and network with the Sabres organization through numerous activities, including the annual sales and ticketing symposium, a one-day professional development and networking event that brings representatives from the account services and ticketing departments of the Sabres, Bills, Amerks, and Bandits to campus, where they present their tips and tricks for creating a memorable customer experience. Scholars role-play scenarios with the staff members and build relationships that can lead to potential jobs.
In addition, two scholars have the opportunity to be accepted each year for paid internships starting their junior year with the organizations and receive exclusive one-on-one mentoring with a member of the Sabres staff to help them transition into a job in the marketplace, either with the Sabres organization or beyond.
Sabres Scholars Lomax Barnes, Natalie Zwelling, Chloe Guagliano, Janell Steed, Jared Schmitt, Zachary Hartwig, Johnathan Weglarski, and Nicholas Jacobs toured KeyBank Center and met with Bandits staff as part of the program’s Bandits Experience.
STUDENTS BELONGING to a faith tradition have long been an important means of shaping lives. However, that influence can no longer be presumed. Each student’s level of engagement and knowledge of religion and religious practice varies greatly. While some students are firmly grounded in a faith tradition, the majority admit to being privately spiritual and unaffiliated with either the Catholic or any other faith tradition.
As I began the Vincentian Spirituality Class in January, many of the students were hesitant to share their spiritual practices and doctrine, and few reported having sustained guidance on these matters with knowledgeable mentors. To mature and arrive at a sense of identity, life’s ultimate questions must be faced and answered. This class, therefore, plays an important role in assisting students to develop critical skills about the role and place of spirituality and the necessity of a faith tradition.
To direct the students to a faith tradition requires that they evaluate their own spiritual needs considering the rich context offered by religion. The spiritual fare for the class was the rich Catholic and Vincentian tradition of Niagara, and various components of Vincentian spirituality were integrated into the weekly class time.
Each class began with a short time of meditation, allowing for the students to get in touch with the events of the day, to consider their emotions, and to become more aware of their surroundings. Past pastoral practice informed my efforts to create a sense of community among the students. I was guided by the Vincentian tradition; love of neighbor includes sharing with them the fruit of our prayer. Participation creates a sense of belonging, so at times, for instance, we went around the room and each student named one virtue they acquired at home. To that end, students reported having important conversations with peers about spirituality. They felt competent to engage questions of spirituality and affiliation with a faith tradition. To add, celebration is an important component of Catholic spirituality—think of the Eucharist and the family table. The students willingly engaged the simple commemoration of Mardi Gras prior to Ash Wednesday, Easter treats when they returned from holiday, and pizza at the conclusion of the last class.
The students articulated their spiritual journey in dialogue with Catholic spirituality. The class also explored the religious and social influences of St. Vincent’s priestly vocation
THE Spiritual Journey OF Niagara Students
By Rev. Gregory J. Semeniuk, C.M., S.Th.D. Vice President of Mission Integration
Vincentian spirituality helped clarify and focus students on how they engage the world. Each of us easily understands our own needs, yet it is with difficulty that we appreciate the needs of others.
and service. Student written reflections (which follow) helped me to understand the ways that Vincentian spirituality responded to their deepest longing for meaning. Although their life experiences have been shaped by a marked decline in religious formation in the family and they tended to relegate spirituality to the private sphere, they progressed in their ability to share on matters pertaining to their spiritual practice: “One of my practices I am dedicated to is daily prayers and expressing gratitude to God each and every day… Even after I pray, I try to remind myself that everything happens for a reason…”
They valued the importance of spirituality and the relationship with God. Many citied affinities with values aligned with Catholic Social Teaching; for example, respect for human dignity, equality, rights of workers, care for the environment, the dignity of work, the right to participation in society, the love of the poor, and the support for the common good. Vincentian spirituality helped clarify and focus students on how they engage the world. Each
of us easily understands our own needs, yet it is with difficulty that we appreciate the needs of others. Niagara University is committed to community service. But more often than not, little time and attention is given to reflecting on its meaning in the light of the Vincentian tradition. St. Vincent encouraged, “Go to the poor: you will find God.” Our patron and saint taught the meaning of God becoming man and finding Jesus Christ in the poor.
“It takes a gentle person to look at the poor and see God hidden and feeling the pull to want to help.”
Based on this discovery, two things happen. First, we are reminded of our dependence upon God for life and blessings. And second, we are integrated into the inescapable human experience of suffering. The gifts of the Holy Spirit flow out from service.
“Each individual is thereby strengthened being part of a larger whole in the service of their God, by helping each other in the ways they can, and being helped in return.”
Reflection and prayer both prior and after service opens our hearts to the spiritual fruits released in the encounter.
“Teaching students about God’s love for them and a way in which they can live by forming a devout life in prayer and faith is more beneficial than any curriculum a teacher can provide a student.”
To close, it’s instructive to return to the students themselves and their reflection on the Vincentian tradition.
“St. Vincent rallied up those he could, such as St. Louise, in order to solve the problem at its core, utilizing kindness and gentleness with the mindsets that they were now servants.”
Their spiritual hunger requires good wholesome fare served in the Vincentian tradition.
Niagara education serves a tested spiritual vintage for current students in many forms. When presented with time for meditation, self-reflection, and sharing on questions of meaning and faith, I found them to be eager participants on the spiritual way. To add, the Catholic and Vincentian faith tradition serves the unaffiliated student well in answering life’s important questions, while respecting other faith traditions and their respective spiritual practices. The class on Vincentian spirituality, and classes like it, changes lives. The good news, students are ready to expand their horizons by trying our unique vintage.
Niagara Mourns Beloved President Emeritus,
the Rev. Joseph L. Levesque, C.M.
He has shown you, O man, what is good; And what does the Lord require of you But to do justly, To love mercy, And to walk humbly with your God?
Micah 6:8
THE REV. JOSEPH L. LEVESQUE, C.M., the 25th president of Niagara University, passed away peacefully June 23, 2024, at St. Catherine’s Infirmary in Philadelphia at the age of 85. The fourth longest-tenured president in the history of Niagara, Father Levesque began his tenure in January 2000 and was conferred the title of president emeritus by the university’s
Editor’s Note: When they learned of Father Levesque’s death, friends near and far sent their condolences and shared their memories. Here are just a few of the messages we received.
“I learned a lot about the man through the many dealings I had with him. In summary, he was kind, caring, generous, gracious, and attentive. When you talked to him in a crowd, you had his attention. He wasn’t one to look over your shoulder for someone more important. You were his focus.
“He began his presidency at a time when the campus needed healing, and he took that responsibility seriously. He wanted a more collegial atmosphere, one in which faculty and staff felt appreciated. He worked hard at that, and his efforts bore fruit.
“His kindness found many channels for expression. Whether it was a gift for a secretary after returning from a trip, a nice bottle of Scotch for a tasting party, or dinner out at a restaurant of his choosing.
“That’s not to say he was a pushover. He could get justifiably angry, but was more inclined toward a peaceful resolution of differences. He appealed to people’s better instincts, no doubt by seeking guidance with one simple question, ‘What would Jesus do?’
“There’s a term much in vogue today. It’s ‘radical hospitality.’ Yvonne Gentile and Debi Nixon define it in their 2020 book, ‘The Art of Hospitality.’ It’s a book Joseph Levesque could have written years ago, for it describes his relationship with other people. The authors write that radical hospitality ‘goes beyond
Board of Trustees when he retired in 2013. Niagara’s Institute for Civic Engagement was also renamed the Rev. Joseph L. Levesque, C.M. Institute for Civic Engagement to honor his unwavering commitment to the community.
“Father Levesque leaves a tremendous legacy, which impacted everyone who had the chance to meet him,” said the Rev. James J. Maher, C.M., NU president. “He will be forever remembered for his faith-filled legacy of pastoral care, his leadership of the Province and Niagara University, and his never-ending commitment to service of the poor and the oppressed. Father Levesque was a shining
being friendly; it is welcoming guests with a warmth, openness, and authenticity that significantly exceeds expectations. It is intentional hospitality that surprises and delights people by making them feel noticed, giving them personal attention, and providing follow-through. It is hospitality that makes guests feel so welcome they want to return again and again.’
“I visited Father Levesque in the infirmary in Germantown about two weeks before he died. When I walked into his room, he stretched out his arms in a beckoning motion, and his face lit up with that beautifully warm smile of his. He didn’t speak, he didn’t have to. He obviously recognized me, leaving a vivid memory I will long cherish. His gesture was reflective of that radical hospitality that marked his dealing with others. He was friendly, kind, and caring to the end.”
Linus Ormsby, former director of public relations at Niagara University
“So much in life is due to those who offer opportunities when we’re young. Twenty-four years ago, Father Joe Levesque brought me to Niagara University as his executive vice president. Forty-one years ago, he appointed me as the undergraduate rep to NU’s strategic planning committee. Rest in peace, my friend. I’ll always be grateful.”
The Rev. Dennis Holtschneider, C.M., ’85
“Some people will remain immortal in their legacy despite their unavoidable mortality. Father Levesque will forever remain one of those people.
“To call him a titan would give too much credit to the titans. We attended Mass together and ate soup together every Tuesday. We never talked about sports (if you wanted to talk about the opera or Latin, he was your guy) but we always talked about life.
“He baptized my son. He showed me how to appreciate good Scotch {Lagavulin, to be precise). He taught me to lead with compassion, grace, patience, and introspection. He taught me to pray on my decisions. He gave me my first shot at being an athletic director and leading a group of people to achieve incredible success.
“Although we emailed regularly until his health declined, my last meal with Father Levesque happened my last night in Niagara Falls. I said to him at one point, ‘Father, I have one question. What in the hell were you thinking hiring me at 33 years old and so inexperienced?’
“He leaned back with a hearty laugh and a big smile before responding, ‘I knew you had the character to lead, and I knew you would figure out the rest of it.’”
“I figured it out because of him.”
Ed McLaughlin, former Niagara University athletic director
Linus Ormsby and Father Levesque
Father Levesque and Father Holtschneider
Father Levesque
example of what a Vincentian priest should strive to be, and he will be greatly missed.”
During Father Levesque’s presidency, Niagara completed an $80 million capital campaign— “The Promise of Niagara…The next 150 years”—at that time, the largest fundraising initiative in its history. The cornerstone of the campaign was the state-of-the-art B. Thomas Golisano Center for Integrated Sciences. The campaign also included the construction of the 56,000-square-foot Academic Complex and adjoining Bisgrove Hall, the renovation of the Leary Theatre and the Elizabeth Ann Clune Center for Theatre, and the Gacioch Family Alumni and Admissions Center, formerly Meade Hall.
A native of North Tarrytown, N.Y., Father Levesque was ordained as a Vincentian priest in 1967 after studies at Mary Immaculate Seminary in Northampton, Pa. He taught religious studies at St. John’s Preparatory
“We would meet periodically over breakfast to discuss the progress and impact of the Levesque Institute for Civic Engagement. If we had a lot of work to do, we would go to Lewiston. If it was more of a social meeting, we would go to Niagara Falls. Everyone knew Father Levesque, but at the Marketside in Niagara Falls, we would get NOTHING done, because so many people knew him and wanted to stop over to the table to say hi or to share an update or maybe even, on occasion, to ask for a blessing. And Father welcomed them all.
“He kept all the current information on his dear confreres, family and other loved ones, friends, and colleagues in one of his most prized possessions—his rolodex. He went through painstaking efforts to make sure that he had all of their birthdays, anniversaries, kids’ birthdays, kids’ anniversaries…
“Over the years, he served as a father figure, a mentor, and a guide for me. He married my wife and me and was a part of many of our family’s important life and milestone events. I don’t know what my life would have been like were he not a part of it.”
Dr. David Taylor, former director of the Levesque Institute for Civic Engagement and professor of criminology & criminal justice
“I have spent most of my day thinking about my time/conversations with Father Levesque. A very smart man for sure. Kindness coupled with a ‘do what’s right’ attitude defined him. My close encounter with him when the decision was made to close the nursing program was very difficult, yet we
School in Brooklyn and at St. Joseph’s Seminary in Princeton, N.J., before being assigned to Niagara’s religious studies department in 1970. Father Levesque left his teaching duties at NU to pursue his studies in theology at The Catholic University of America, where he received his doctoral degree. In 1978, Father Levesque resumed teaching at Niagara and was also named dean of the College of Arts and Sciences and director of the college’s graduate division. He remained in that post until 1986, when he returned to seminary work, serving as president of St. Joseph’s Seminary.
Father Levesque was elected provincial superior of the Eastern Province of the Congregation of the Mission in 1990. He stepped down from the position in June of 1999 after the maximum nine-year term and subsequently assumed the presidency of Niagara University. Immediately following his presidency at
appreciated each other’s ‘side.’ I really appreciated some deep conversations we had. Occasional phone conversations will be forever in my mind and heart.”
Kathleen Sullivan Doerner, ’81
“My relationship with Father Levesque dates back to 2000, when he held a meeting for anyone interested in revitalizing Niagara Falls. What initially was a working relationship quickly developed into much more than that.
“When my dad died 21 years ago, Father Levesque became a father-like figure to me. I only understood what it meant to be a Vincentian once I worked with him. He taught me life lessons about being a good steward of others, and it was impossible to say no to him. He truly taught me what it was to be a servant leader.”
Michael Skowronski, assistant director of Career Services
“The years during Father Levesque’s tenure as president of Niagara University were truly transformational in many, many aspects. Improvements in facilities, faculty, and staff, and most of all, his quiet, humble, and kind leadership style engaged numerous people from business, industry, and the community. Father Levesque made everyone that he came in contact with feel like the most important person during your interactions with him. He definitely led Niagara University through some very challenging times, and Niagara University thrived because of him.”
Joe Shanahan, ’79, co-leader, Niagara University Rochester-area alumni network
Niagara, Father served as the interim president at St. John’s University in Queens, N.Y. Father Levesque served as chair of the boards of both St. John’s and Niagara during his term as provincial. He was concurrently active in the Conference of Major Superiors of Men, a leadership organization that serves all male religious in the United States. Father Levesque served as president from 1995–97, gaining a national presence through his work with the Catholic bishops and with church authorities in Rome. He was the conference’s liaison to the National Conference of Catholic Bishops’ Committee on the Liturgy from 1991–94.
Father Levesque received honorary degrees from Niagara and St. John’s, and an honorary doctorate from Christ the King Seminary, the former seminary in East Aurora, N.Y., where he had served as a board member for several years.
“I invited him to attend our daughter Erika Foster’s First Holy Communion back in 2001. I knew he was a busy university president and did not expect him to come. He did not respond to my invitation. But then, when the Communion Mass started, he came out onto the altar as a co-celebrant of the Mass. He became a member of our family after that.”
Dr. Timothy Osberg, psychology professor
“In 2002, Father Levesque took a risk on hiring me (a non-Catholic from a Canadian community college) to serve as the vice president for academic affairs at Niagara University. I worked with him in that role and as executive vice president until he retired in 2013. During those years he welcomed me into the amazing culture of Niagara University and the enduring mission of the Vincentian community, and he became a dear friend.
“Without doubt, Father Levesque was one of the most important people in my own life, and I saw firsthand how he impacted the lives of so many others through his quiet kindness and compassion, his wit and wisdom, his humor and humility, his focus and friendship, his dedication to the Vincentian mission, his genuine servant leadership, and the best listening skills of anyone I have ever met.”
Dr. Bonnie Rose, former executive vice president
Dr. David Taylor’s wedding with Father Levesque Father Levesque and Kathleen Sullivan Doerner
Dr. Timothy Osberg and family with Father
AUGUST 2023
AUGUST 29
Niagara Department of Athletics
Welcome Back Dinner kicks off the 2023–24 year.
SEPTEMBER 2023
SEPTEMBER 1
Cross country senior Braden York finishes second at Little Three Championship.
SEPTEMBER 9
Men’s golf senior Ben Fey shoots a career-low 68 in round one of The Doc Gimmler at Bethpage Red in Farmingdale, N.Y.
OCTOBER 2023
OCTOBER 1
Volleyball earns the weekend sweep of Canisius, its first regular-season sweep of the Golden Griffins since 2016.
OCTOBER 7
Men’s tennis doubles pairing of senior Trevor Masi (left) and junior Tanner Bedard advance to the quarterfinal round at ITAs.
Niagara Athletics
The 2023–24 season saw unprecedented success for Niagara Athletics as the Purple Eagles captured three MAAC Championships and trips to the NCAA Tournament in women’s lacrosse and baseball. Niagara finished 2023–24 third overall and second on the women’s side in the MAAC Commissioners Cup Standings, its best-ever finish since joining the league in 1989–90.
OCTOBER 8
Women’s bowling wins the Mercyhurst Fall Classic, earning the program’s first-ever tournament win.
OCTOBER 11
Women’s soccer scored six goals in its win over Saint Peter’s, including five in the second half. Senior Emma Bough netted a pair of goals to lead a brigade of five different goal-scorers.
OCTOBER 12
Men’s and women’s swimming hosts St. Bonaventure for the program’s first-ever ESPN+ broadcast.
OCTOBER 21
Women’s soccer senior Amanda Cripps nets a hat-trick as the Purple Eagles defeat Rider 4–0.
OCTOBER 22
Volleyball wins its seventhstraight home match as it defeats Quinnipiac in straight sets.
OCTOBER 25
Men’s soccer tops Battle of the Bridge rival Canisius 3–0 on the road.
OCTOBER 28
Men’s cross country senior Braden York earns All-MAAC honors with his seventh-place finish at the conference championships, the program’s best-ever individual performance.
OCTOBER 29
Women’s bowling hosts its first-ever home event at Classic Lanes.
NOVEMBER 2023
NOVEMBER 8
Women’s basketball opens 2023–24 season with a win over Big Four Hoops rival St. Bonaventure inside the Gallagher Center as it raises its 2023 WNIT banner into the rafters.
NOVEMBER 11
Men’s basketball freshman Ahmad Henderson scores 29 points in his home debut against Bucknell, the most points in by a freshman in a home debut in program history.
NOVEMBER 18
The Department of Athletics inducts its 67th Hall of Fame Class—Bob Dwyer, ’65; Teresa Healy, ’11 (softball), Victoria Rampado, ’17, M.S.Ed.’18 (basketball), and Jean-Arnaud Tassy (head coach, men’s soccer 1974–1981).
NOVEMBER 22–25
Women’s basketball travels to the Cayman Islands to play nationally ranked LSU and UCLA in the Cayman Island Classic.
DECEMBER 2023
DECEMBER 6
Men’s basketball raises a banner for Marshall Wingate, ’72, during halftime of its game against St. Bonaventure.
DECEMBER 29
Men’s basketball earns a comeback road win over Buffalo to pick up the program’s first win over the Bulls since 2013.
JANUARY 2024
JANUARY 11
Hockey defeats No. 19 RIT 3–1 as graduate student Jarrett Fiske stopped 41 of 42 shots and junior Jay Ahearn and senior Carter Randklev tallied two points apiece.
JANUARY 19–20
Hockey sweeps rival Canisius, outscoring the Griffs 10–6 in a home-and-home series.
JANUARY 20
Six
Eagles
Back row: Diana Murata, Mackenzie Smith, Kaelynn Weber, and Taylor Strickland. Front row: Emily Brock, Brianna Thurston, Paige Snook, and Paige Thurston.
Left to right: Alberto Sanchez Cervera, Giovanni Covelli, and Lucas Fenton.
NU president Rev. James Maher, Victoria Rampado, Jean-Arnaud Tassy, Bob Dwyer, Teresa Healy, and associate vice president for athletics Simon Gray.
Left to right: Simon Gray, Marshall Wingate, Father Maher.
Glebs Prohorenkovs
Purple
record double figures as women’s basketball defeats Quinnipiac 86–78.
Year in Review 2023–2024
JANUARY 27
Men’s basketball defeats Marist 67–62 on ESPNU, Niagara’s first nationally televised game in the Gallagher Center since 2018.
JANUARY 29
Baseball hosts the annual First Pitch Dinner with keynote speaker Wynton Bernard, ’12.
FEBRUARY 2024
FEBRUARY 6
Men’s basketball and hockey defeated Canisius on the same night.
FEBRUARY 9
Women’s lacrosse picks up first win of record-setting 2024 season with a 13–9 victory over UC Davis.
FEBRUARY 14
Senior Brianna Thurston becomes Niagara’s first-ever NEC Bowler of the Week.
FEBRUARY 15
Men’s and women’s swimming swept 200 free relay at MAAC Championships, with the women setting a conference meet record.
FEBRUARY 22
Women’s basketball wins a ninth-straight game with a 66–60 overtime win at Quinnipiac.
MARCH 2024
MARCH 9
Men’s and women’s tennis earns sweep of Colgate.
MARCH 9
Women’s basketball defeats Canisius, 84–50, to conclude the regular season 15–5 in MAAC play.
MARCH 10
Hockey defeats Sacred Heart to earn a trip to the AHA semifinals.
MARCH 13
Men’s basketball defeats Siena 67–65 in “MAAC After Dark” thriller to advance to conference quarterfinals for the fourth straight season.
MARCH 15
Women’s basketball defeats Siena to advance to MAAC Championship game against Fairfield.
MARCH 16
Graduate student Shayna Myshrall matches single-game program record with six RBI in win over UMBC.
APRIL 2024
APRIL 7
Women’s tennis improves to 4–0 in MAAC action with a win over Marist, clinching a spot in the MAAC Championship.
APRIL 10
Softball takes two-of-three game series against Canisius, clinching the Canal Cup for the Purple Eagles.
APRIL 16
Cheer wins the first-ever National Championship.
APRIL 17
Women’s lacrosse senior Andra Savage scored eight times in a win over Canisius, setting the program’s single-game and single-season goals record.
APRIL 20
Baseball wins 11th straight MAAC game with a 6–4 win at Siena.
MAY 2024
MAY 5
Women’s lacrosse wins the first-ever MAAC Championship in program history as it defeats No. 22 Fairfield 11–10.
MAY 5
Sapphire John, Hannah AdderleyJulien, Lauryn Speicher, and Deborah Borysewicz win the 4x100 meter relay at the MAAC Women’s Track & Field Championship.
MAY 10
Softball advances to the MAAC semifinal with a 10–3 win over topseeded Marist. Senior Sam Hare hits a pair of three-run home runs.
MAY 10
Women’s lacrosse takes on Stony Brook in the first round of the NCAA Tournament in Syracuse, N.Y.
Left to right: Andra Savage, Riley Latray, and Lexi Braniecki
MAY 18
Baseball sweeps Canisius to earn a share of the MAAC regular season title.
FEBRUARY 17
Women’s swimming wins second MAAC Championship in three seasons, and the men record a second-place finish, their best since 1995.
FEBRUARY 18
Men’s basketball defeats Quinnipiac 80–66 to improve the nation’s longest active road win streak to eight games.
MARCH 21
Women’s basketball defeats Le Moyne in the first round of WNIT inside the Gallagher Center.
MARCH 23
Baseball earns a walk-off win over Iona.
APRIL 21
Men’s golf freshman Carlos Hernandez ties the MAAC record with a 65 in the final round of the MAAC Championship.
APRIL 26
Softball wins eighth straight game with 1–0 walk-off win over Rider.
MAY 25
Baseball captures the first MAAC Championship and a trip to the NCAA Tournament as it defeats Fairfield 10–6.
MAY 31 – JUNE 1
Baseball travels to Stillwater, Okla., for the NCAA Regional.
Back row: Claire Gorton, Megan Jackson, Alaina Pitton, and Paige South. Front row: Reid Tichy, Levi Morgan, Jake Wade, and Nathan Dragon.
Angel Parker
Vincentian Immersion Program Focuses on the Plight of Migrants
By Lisa McMahon, MA’09
ON A COLD AND WINDY TUESDAY evening in January, five students from Niagara University served chicken, cauliflower, salad, bread, cookies, and muffins to migrants and refugees at Holy Family Refugee Center, located just a few steps from the Mexican border in El Paso, Texas.
The students, freshmen Mateo Gruosso, Ava Palo, and Nikaulas Smith-Goddard; sophomore Marianne Bonilla; and junior Henry Brophy, were part of the Vincentian Immersion Program sponsored by Niagara University Campus Ministry. Accompanied by the Rev. Greg Semeniuk, C.M., vice president for mission integration, and Sister Nora Gatto, D.C., director of university mission and ministry, the students spent a week at the border between El Paso and Juarez, Mexico, learning about the issues facing migrants, the agencies that support them, and, perhaps most importantly, how to open their hearts to see Christ in the poor.
“The Vincentian Immersion Program represents an initiation into the Vincentian tradition that makes Niagara University unique, caring for the spiritual, moral, and social formation of our students,” said Father Semeniuk.
The experience was coordinated through the Missionary Society of St. Columban in El Paso. The organization’s Border Awareness Experience connects visiting groups with organizations and institutions related to U.S./Mexico border issues, including poverty, migration, ecology, and human rights.
“The plight of the migrants is difficult and highly politicized,” said Father Semeniuk. “We chose El Paso because it was a site that would allow mission and ministry to teach about effective action and service.”
The Columban Mission Center, a century-old, eco-friendly stucco and brick building, was home for the Niagara University group during their weeklong experience. The group visited four shelters in El Paso and the neighboring city of Juarez, Mexico, where they cooked, cleaned, and spoke with the migrants and refugees about their journeys. They also heard from historians, pastors, a legal aid group, climate change activists, and Border Patrol agents to better understand the context and history of what they were witnessing. At the end of the day, they reflected on their experiences. While they assisted with physical tasks to help those in the shelters, the emphasis was on another kind of service, the “service of presence,” which trans-
forms volunteers through personal interaction with those escaping poverty and violence.
“We were able to have conversations with migrants and hear their testimonies,” said Palo, a political science major who participated in the program to gain valuable first-hand experience that she will be able to draw upon in her pursuit of a career in immigration law. “They are doctors, teachers, pharmacists, nurses, etc., who just want a life that they were not given because of circumstance.”
One of the migrants she will always remember, she says, is Carlos, a young man from Colombia. Carlos was making his second journey to the United States and had traveled through the Darien Gap, one of the most dangerous migration pathways in the world, not once, but twice.
“Last year, he made the journey for the first time, but was put in detention for three months at the U.S. border and then deported,” she explained. “He says he was shackled like a prisoner amongst actual criminals serving 10–20 year sentences, all because he wanted a better life. Despite this setback, he decided to make the journey again in December of 2023, and now he is in Juarez deciding how to cross without getting deported again. This stuck with me because his resilience was astounding.
Henry Brophy, Mateo Gruosso, Nikaulas Smith-Goddard, Sr. Nora Gatto, Marianne Bonilla, Ava Palo, and Fr. Greg Semeniuk, in Juarez, Mexico, where they engaged with migrants at shelters in this border city.
I can't imagine going through the Darien Gap once, let alone twice.”
Smith-Goddard also found the interactions with the migrant families to be impactful, and their “heart-wrenching experience on their journey to the U.S.” changed his perception of the border issues, he said.
“I was lucky enough to sit with one of the women, who brought her two sons, one of whom was about my age, and her daughter,” he said. “We were able to talk about how they made their way across the border, as well as some hopes and dreams they had for when they got settled.”
He said that he learned that the situation at the border was different from the way it is portrayed in the media, and that the people who crossed every day were “people who are trying to escape from their homes and make their way to a safer, better place for themselves and their families.” This experience has also inspired him to want to work with the shelters in his hometown of Rochester, N.Y., to help the incoming migrants and others who live in poverty, he said.
Gruosso, who lives in Niagara-on-the-Lake in Canada, was interested in learning why the immigration process at the southern border differed from that at other U.S. entry points, and his Hispanic culture and faith inspired him to help those who were, in many ways, similar to his own family, he said. Distributing meals to individuals sleeping outside in El Segundo Barrio, a Hispanic neighborhood in El Paso that has served as the entry community for Mexican immigrants to the U.S., was especially significant for him.
“I will never forget the moment when I approached a group of gentlemen who seemed to be my age of 19–20,” he said. “I asked them in Spanish if they needed food and, for that moment, was able to connect with someone just like me, yet so desperate.” This experience “forever changed my emotions,” he said.
The education major added that this experience has helped him better understand how his future career can impact the lives of young immigrants and the importance of English as a Second Language instruction to prepare them for life in a new country.
Prior to the trip, the students attended three formation sessions in the fall semester and received a blessing from the Rev. James J. Maher, C.M., Niagara University president, during a Mass in Alumni Chapel in December. Upon their return, they had a debriefing and thanked benefactors for their financial support and shared their experiences during two Masses in February.
“Vincentian service includes being sent by a community for service and allowing others to participate by prayer and monetary donation,” said Father Semeniuk. “The group donated $600 to local groups serving migrants.”
While immersion opportunities have long been offered at Niagara, this is the first time students have participated in the Border Awareness Experience program. All participants reported that they have a better understanding of the Vincentian charism and of Catholic social teaching because of their experience and that they would be interested in attending another service immersion trip.
Niagara’s Vincentian Immersion Program also sponsors Niagara Plunge, a pre-orientation opportunity that introduces first-year students to the university’s Vincentian tradition of service.
A few days before classes start in the fall, participants assist at local community organizations, engage in daily prayer and reflection, and learn about the legacy of St. Vincent de Paul and the many opportunities they have at NU to serve others in need.
Henry Brophy, Nikaulas Smith-Goddard, Mateo Gruosso, program director Beth Riehle, Sr. Nora Gatto, D.C., Fr. Greg Semeniuk, C.M., Marianne Bonilla, and Ava Palo at the St. Columban Mission Center in front of an image of St. Oscar Romero, former archbishop of San Salvador and martyr.
Mateo Gruosso and Nikaulas Smith-Goddard in El Paso.
Mateo Gruosso and Ava Palo prepare a cauliflower dish for the migrants and refugees at Holy Family Refugee Center in El Paso, Texas.
St. Vincent de Paul
NIAGARA UNIVERSITY’S Vincentian tradition will inform the work of a new livinglearning community designed to empower students to pursue justice in their personal and professional lives.
The Vincentian Center for Justice, located in Bailo Hall on the NU campus and established along the lines of the University of Notre Dame’s Center for Social Concerns and the NYU School of Law Center for Human Rights and Global Justice, serves as the home of the Justice House program. The program aims to shed light on the meaning and goal of justice and foster student-led initiatives to aid and find solutions to the injustice that affects our communities and the world around us, especially in the areas of social justice, legal advocacy, and the Earth and the environment.
“St. Vincent de Paul, the patron saint of Niagara University, was a leader of action and built the legacy of the Vincentians on service to the poor and marginalized,” said the Rev. James J. Maher, C.M., president of Niagara University. “The Vincentian Center for Justice draws its inspiration from Vincent, and its legacy will also be built on engaging service on our campus, in our community, and around the world.”
Open to students of all majors, the program has four primary areas of engagement: the classroom, workshops, in the field, and in the community.
In the classroom, conferences and Social Justice Speaker series events are incorporated into the curriculum. Recent presenters include Luella Kenney, ’58, on her ongoing advocacy around Love Canal and her unwavering commitment to environmental justice.
Workshops provide training for students in specific areas and have been hosted by Niagara University’s Pre-Law Advisement association and the International Humanitarian Assistance Program.
In the field, students gain valuable firsthand knowledge from experiential learning opportunities including the Eurosim program, an annual international intercollegiate simulation of the European Union, and immersion trips to places such as Albuquerque, N.M., for the Gathering of Nations Powwow, North America’s largest powwow, and to Puerto Rico to help in the aftermath of the devastating earthquakes.
The Justice House program also builds partnerships within the community through
projects like the Afghan Scholars Initiative and PeaceAction NY. Students may also choose to live in specially designated Justice Houses on campus, taking their participation to the next level with enhanced opportunities for learning and service.
A major or a minor in justice studies is also available, as is a Justice House Honor Society.
“A student recently described the center as a place where students can find their voice,” said Dr. David Reilly, director of international studies and co-director of the Justice House program. “This is really what the Vincentian Center for Justice is all about: a student centered-space that supports, enriches, and inspires our justice advocates in training. Whether their passion is environment, law and politics, or social justice, we are committed to providing the tools, mentoring, and training for students to find their path.”
Co-directing the program with Dr. Reilly are Dr. Christopher Lee, associate professor of comparative politics, and Dr. Kevin Hinkley, assistant professor of political science. Niagara University trustee Joshua Stevens and his wife, Melissa, were instrumental in the establishment of the program.
Town of Niagara Justice Anthony L. Restaino, ’05; Dr. Kevin Hinkley, ’05, assistant professor of political science; NU student Caroline LeBron; Dr. David Reilly, director of international studies; NU student Tamana Dawi; NU student Kyla Prince; and Buffalo Public Schools assistant principal Nataisia L. Johnson, ’16, M.S.Ed.’22, at the launch of the Vincentian Center for Justice.
Alumni Weekend 2024 a Huge Success
Alumni Weekend 2025
Save the Date
Mark your calendars for next year’s Alumni Weekend! Join your classmates back on campus to relive your NU memories and make new ones from June 6–8, 2025. We will honor our alumni who graduated in class years ending in 0’s and 5’s, but all alumni are welcome back to join the fun!
NIAGARA UNIVERSITY welcomed more than 300 alumni and friends back to the Ridge June 7-9 for its annual Alumni Weekend.
The weekend began with the Class of 1974’s Golden Eagle Celebration and a Welcome Back Party on Friday night. Saturday’s events included a veterans memorial service, an alumni luau showcasing Hawaiian food staples and live music, an athletic meet and greet, a College of Nursing happy hour, and tours of the campus and the Castellani Art Museum. Three new events were added to the lineup this year, including an alumni author event featuring the literary works of two successful Class of 1969 alumni, a College of Hospitality, Sport and Tourism Management happy hour, and a discussion on “Unveiling Nature’s Architects: The Honeybee,” led by Dr. Mark Gallo, professor of biology. On Saturday evening, the Class of 1999 was recognized during the Silver Eagle happy hour for their 25th anniversary from the Ridge, and alumni enjoyed dinner, drinks, music, fireworks, and more during Niagara at Night. The festivities wrapped up with Mass in Alumni Chapel on Sunday.
The weekend also offered an opportunity to recognize several alumni for their professional and personal achievements.
Dennis Blake, ’74, was honored with Niagara University’s Dunleavy Award in recognition of his extraordinary professional success and devotion to the community. Jeffrey Dann, ’74, was named Alumnus of the Year for his outstanding service and dedication to Niagara University, and Jim Collard, ’74, received the John C. DeDeyn, ’65, Achievement Award for his inspiring example of Niagara’s Vincentian tradition. In addition, Col. James Colligan, ’69, was inducted into the NU Military Hall of Fame.
Saturday night: Silver Eagle Lucius Charlemagne, ’99, at Niagara at Night.
Jim Collard, ’74 (center), accepts the John C. DeDeyn, ’65, Achievement Award from Michael Dunn, ’74, and the Rev. James J. Maher, C.M., Niagara University president.
Alumni reconnected at Friday night’s Welcome Back Party.
Eric Swanson, ’04, Andre Maillet, ’04, Meredith Plankenhorn Maillet ’04, at the Alumni Luau.
Military Hall of Fame inductee Col. James Colligan, ’69, with Jaclyn Rossi Drozd, vice president of institutional advancement (left); his wife, Margaret (Mundhenk) Colligan, ’70; and Father Maher.
(Left) Dennis Blake, ’74, (with Father Maher) received the Dunleavy Award at the Alumni Mass. (Right) Jeffrey Dann, ’74, was honored as Alumnus of the Year.
Niagara University
NIAGARA UNIVERSITY successfully
completed the largest and most impactful philanthropic campaign in its 166-year history. “Powering Transformation: The Campaign for Niagara University,” has raised more than $130 million dollars, exceeding its goal of $125 million.
“As we celebrate this historic event for Niagara University, we look to the source of our inspiration, the patron of Niagara University, St. Vincent de Paul, a 17th century French Catholic priest, the founder of the Vincentian community,” said the Rev. James J. Maher, C.M., Niagara University president. “We have much to be proud of and celebrate. We are building a culture of philanthropic giving at NU; when our mission meets your generosity, God is able to multiply our good works and impact.”
In the eight years since “Powering Transformation” was launched, significant academic, capital, and programmatic initiatives have been completed in alignment with the campaign’s priority areas: Academic Excellence, Binational University, Student Engagement, and Student Support and Scholarship.
Academic Excellence
Endowed positions in chemistry, professional ethics, pre-professional health, food industry innovation and supply chain excellence, race equality and mission, and theatre and vocal performance were created, and the university’s College of Nursing was re-established.
Niagara University also instituted a biomedical science research lab on the Buffalo Niagara Medical Campus, with a focus on STEM research, and partnered with the Buffalo Sabres to launch the Sabres Scholars, which provides students unique access and mentorship from the leadership team with the Sabres, LECOM Harborcenter, and other sport and hospitality venues in Western New York.
We give to Niagara because Niagara first gave to us by paving the way via academics for our daughter, Carin Armstrong, ’08, to become very successful in her career in human resources/people and learning in the hotel industry.
Thank you, Niagara University!
— Bill and Margie Armstrong
4,645
Both David Gramza, '82, and Linda (Ray) Gramza, '83, (pictured at David’s NU graduation) graduated from NU with BBA in accounting degrees, which enabled them to succeed in their respective career pursuits. Linda has been a controller in manufacturing in Rochester, N.Y., and with two private golf clubs in Scottsdale, Ariz., while David is a CPA who has served in top financial positions with both private and public companies across several industries after building a foundation in public accounting in Buffalo and Rochester, N.Y., and in project directing at Arthur Andersen and PricewaterhouseCoopers on the West Coast.
“Our years at NU allowed us to grow personally and also to succeed professionally. We developed friends, built both confidence and strong fundamentals at NU, and have long-lasting fond memories of our college years.
Binational University
Niagara University’s campus in Vaughan, Ontario, which was established in 2019, is undergoing an 18,000-squarefoot expansion, increasing the space to 30,000 square feet. The addition of state-of-the-art classrooms, expanded spaces for collaboration, student lounge areas, and faculty offices will further elevate Niagara’s presence as a binational university in the United States and Canada.
“The NU alumni team has kept us updated extremely well over the years, even during our career years across the country in Arizona. Their contact and caring (both in visits to Phoenix and through emails) reinforced us to continue to clear some room in our budget to make cash contributions over the years and to include NU in our estate plan as a beneficiary.
“It is hard to quickly summarize what NU means to us, but it is easy to say it has a special place in our hearts. We hope any donations we have made and can make will help future students benefit from the NU experience, like we have.
“We also realize that donations come in many sizes and shapes, and contributions don't have to be huge. Sharing is caring—and NU taught us that as well!”
Student Engagement
Niagara University
An $11.5 million renovation of the Kiernan Recreation Center and the creation of a state-of-the-art sports lounge, Esports gaming area, and other collaborative opportunities on campus have enriched the livinglearning environment for students.
The work of the Office of Career Services in facilitating crucial internship opportunities has been supported by a $3.5 million gift from William, ’61, ’07 (Hon.) and Nancy Gacioch, which provides students with the opportunity to receive a stipend when they work in an unpaid internship.
As a student at Niagara University and a member of its fledgling women’s basketball and tennis teams, Kathryn Rafter, ’75, helped lead the initiative to have women’s sports officially sanctioned at Niagara. Today, 50 years later, she continues to support and advocate for Niagara’s women’s teams.
“Athletics is a fun, effective way to acquire leadership, discipline, collaboration, and communication know-how—attributes that are particularly valuable for young women entering the work force,” she said. “In addition to these life skills, women athletes retain a lifelong bond with their teammates— how great is that?” she said.
As she reacquainted herself with the sports program over the years, Kathryn, managing partner of Atlantic Consulting Partners, has seen the impact it has had on the young women who compete for Niagara.
“These gals are very well-equipped because of their experience on these teams. I’m just so impressed with their maturity, their positive attitude, and their outlook on life,” she said.
Kathryn also appreciates the values-based approach that has guided the athletic programs under the leadership of the Rev. James Maher, C.M., NU’s president; Simon Gray, its associate vice president for athletics; and the coaching staffs that work tirelessly to build team cultures based on integrity, friendship, accountability, and hard work.
“I think the Vincentian values of the university are shining through with how they choose to compete and what the student-athletes offer off the court—academically and in the community,” she said.
Her encounters with the student-athletes and their coaches also showed her how well they work with the limited resources they have, and she wanted to make a gift that would create additional opportunities for young women.
“I just want to showcase Niagara women athletes’ capabilities,” she said. “All the teams are really good, and their coaches are great! They are proving their worth because they are living their values, and successfully competing. Resources for these programs are quite limited, and the teams need more support. My wish is that more young women can enjoy a successful Niagara student-athlete experience, as they build a solid foundation for a great life!”
Student Support and Scholarships
Campaign chairman Jeffrey Holzschuh, ’82, and his wife, Mary Helen, ’82, became the largest benefactors in the history of the university with their gift of $10 million, which supports the university’s Trustee Scholarship Program for business and nursing students and the men’s and women’s basketball programs.
In addition, the Lois Lyon Brennan Scholars program, which enables talented, high-achieving students from under-resourced communities the opportunity to access Niagara’s transformational education, was established through a $5 million gift from Edward, ’78, and Deborah Brennan, and more than $30 million has been pledged in current-use and endowed scholarships to support students in every program at the university.
Dr. Arthur Florack, '54, always wanted to be a doctor, but he didn’t know how he could go on to college after he graduated from the Aquinas Institute in Rochester, N.Y.
“Despite my desire to become a physician, I had not applied for admission to any college or university,” he said. “I was planning to work and save my money. Scholarships were not like they are today, and student loans didn't exist.”
He recalls sitting with his high school classmates during his graduation in June 1950 as the names of those who received the few available scholarships were being announced, and becoming discouraged.
But then, his homeroom teacher, Father J. Alphonse Malone, CSB, took the stage to announce the last award—a four-year scholarship to Niagara University covering both tuition and room and board. It was given to a deserving Aquinas graduate once every four years.
“To my complete astonishment, the recipient was me,” Dr. Florack said. “My dreams could be realized. I still get goose bumps when I tell someone about it.”
His Niagara education prepared him well for medical school, and he was accepted into the State University of New York Upstate Medical University in Syracuse, N.Y., during his junior year.
“I graduated from medical school in June 1957 with my degree debt free, thanks to hard work and diligent savings and also to the generosity of Niagara, for which I remain grateful,” he said.
After medical school, Dr. Florack completed a residency in obstetrics and gynecology at Rochester General Hospital and practiced that specialty until his retirement in 1991. He also was an assistant professor at the University of Rochester and briefly served as chief of OB-GYN at Rochester General.
“I loved it,” he said of his career.
Because he always appreciated the opportunity Niagara gave him, Dr. Florack supported the university’s “Powering Transformation” campaign with an unrestricted gift that could be used where it was needed most to give students the same opportunity he had.
“I've been lucky,” he said. “NU gave me a free education, and I want to help somebody else get the same so they can get where they want to go.”
Niagara University
Cash Gifts Received
as of 5/31/2024
Academic Excellence
$8,976,727 (15.8%)
Athletics
$6,867,830 (12.1%)
Scholarships
$16,363,087 (28.8%)
Student Experience
$4,336,440 (7.6%)
Unrestricted
$14,794,254 (26%)
Other
$5,411,225 (9.5%) (includes capital, Ontario, CAM, and more)
MORE THAN 9,400 INDIVIDUALS have contributed to “Powering Transformation,” including 32 gifts of $1 million or more, 106 gifts of $100,000 or more, and 162 gifts of at least $25,000. Those donors spanned classes from 1938 to 2027, and hail from nearly all 50 states; the District of Columbia; Ontario, Canada; and the Virgin Islands.
“With this generous support, we have touched over 400 areas of our university community, from scholarships to faculty research initiatives, from campus facility enhancements to experiential opportunities for our students. These contributions are investments in the future of education, innovation, and progress,” said Jaclyn Rossi Drozd, ’08, M.S.Ed. ’10, vice president of institutional advancement. “Today, we celebrate not just the completion
of a campaign, but the beginning of a new chapter—a chapter filled with promise, with potential, and with endless possibilities.”
“When we embarked on this journey in early 2017 and set a goal of $125 million, we knew it would be a challenge. Yet, it was a challenge worth pursuing because of what it represented—a commitment to excellence, to innovation, and to the future of Niagara University,” said campaign chairman Jeffrey Holzschuh, ’82. “Our alumni and friends believe in the mission of Niagara University, and their support has enabled us to surpass every expectation, every challenge, and every obstacle. It is because of their commitment that we stand here today, celebrating this momentous achievement.”
Ben, ’81, and Kathleen (Coman) Tarantino, ’80, felt fortunate to have attended Niagara University and have stayed connected to the school and those who work tirelessly to promote its growth. Because they are proud of the work being done and encouraged by what is happening on Monteagle Ridge, they made a leadership gift to the “Powering Transformation” campaign.
“We give to Niagara because Niagara gave to us in ways we could never have imagined,” said Ben.
“My hope is that current students also love, and benefit from, their years at Niagara,” added Kathleen. “I hope our gift will assist the university in meeting whatever needs are most pressing.”
Ben’s Niagara experience began with a train trip across New York state during his senior year of high school. Although he planned to attend another university, the people, the culture, and his time on campus changed his mind.
Kathleen, on the other hand, always planned to enroll in Niagara’s College of Nursing because of its strong Catholic identity and renowned nursing program. The two were active on campus—they both played intramural sports, and Kathleen also was on the admissions office’s orientation teams during her sophomore, junior, and senior years. They met the fall of 1979 through mutual friends.
After Kathleen graduated with her nursing degree, she worked on a surgical unit at a Syracuse hospital for about a year, then moved into public health before obtaining her master’s degree in nursing and becoming
a nurse practitioner. She transitioned into nursing education after a short time and was a nursing instructor for the rest of her professional career.
Ben attended law school after graduation and worked at a New York City law firm for two years before switching careers to become a bond trader on Wall Street. After he and Kathleen married in 1985, he joined Morgan Stanley/Dean Witter as a financial advisor in its Syracuse, N.Y., office. He shifted into a senior leadership role in 1993 when he was appointed branch manager of Morgan Stanley in New England, which led to several cross-country moves. He also completed a master’s program in executive finance with the Wharton School of the University of Pennsylvania. Today, he runs the upstate New York business for UBS.
Ben and Kathleen raised four children: Peter (a member of NU’s Class of 2010), Caitlin, David, and Maggie. They remain close friends with many of the people they met while at Niagara and connected to their Purple Eagle roots.
“I love the Vincentian mission and philosophy,” said Kathleen. “I believe its influence on me 40 plus years ago is still helping to shape who I am.”
“Niagara is a special place,” Ben added.
“Anyone who takes the time to truly understand its mission and purpose will experience happiness in life.”
We wouldn't have met if it weren't for Niagara U's cross-country team, and want to continue to see both the men's and women's teams grow and be successful. We hope our yearly gifts to NUXC help the coaches and athletes with their needs, but we also want them to know they are supported by the people that came before them.
— Peter Davidow, '10, and Nicole Mehlman-Davidow, '13
Dear Niagara University alumni,
ON MAY 16, WE ANNOUNCED that with our collective efforts we raised over $130 million, making “Powering Transformation” the most successful campaign in the history of Niagara University. Together, we have surpassed every expectation, every challenge, and every obstacle. On behalf of Niagara University, I want to express my deepest gratitude to each and every one of you who contributed to this campaign. Whether through financial contributions, volunteer efforts, or simply by spreading the word, your commitment has made all the difference. It is because of your belief in the mission of Niagara University that we are able to celebrate this momentous achievement.
I am deeply humbled to reflect on the full scope of our accomplishments and the journey we have taken together. Allow me to share with you the impact of this historic achievement.
Of the $130 million dollars, we have raised:
• Over $60 million in cash gifts—a reflection of the immediate support provided by our dedicated Niagara community.
• $22 million in pledged gifts that represent promises of tomorrow and investments in the future of Niagara University.
Niagara University’s Giving Day Receives Broad Support
This year, Niagara University's Giving Day achieved an impressive milestone in our fundraising efforts, raising a total of $440,755 from 1,202 donors. Our donors demonstrated incredible geographic diversity, coming from 29 different states and showcasing the broad support for Niagara University across the country. Congratulations to our top five in both of our leaderboard categories:
Donors: Niagara Fund, Baseball, Women's Lacrosse, College
• $48 million in estate gifts, a testament to the profound impact of philanthropy that transcends time, shaping the future of our institution for generations to come.
But the heart of our campaign is our donors, including 4,645 alumni whose unwavering loyalty and boundless pride have shaped the very fabric of our institution, and 4,823 firsttime donors who have chosen to embark on this journey with us.
As we move forward, we will continue to celebrate not just the completion of a campaign, but the beginning of a new chapter—a chapter filled with promise, potential, and endless possibilities. Once again, thank you, and may our legacy endure for generations to come and for all who call Niagara University home.
Jaclyn Rossi Drozd, ’08, M.S.Ed.’10 Vice President for Institutional Advancement
Jaclyn Rossi Drozd
News from the nest
The Office of Alumni Engagement and our chapters across the country host numerous events for alumni to reconnect and stay engaged with all that is happening on Monteagle Ridge. Scan the QR code for a list of upcoming events.
Alumni enjoyed a pregame gathering at Home Team Pub in Liverpool,
’83, Pat (Moran) Alvarez, ’72, and Tim McLaughlin, ’96, get ready for the game between the Buffalo Sabres and the Tampa Bay Lightning in Tampa on Feb. 29, 2024.
Tina (Pagano) Harding, ’86, Cheryl (Swartz) Gann, ’86, and Trish (Keller) Patetta, ’83, at the Raleigh-Durham alumni gathering on March 7, 2024.
Marni (McKeon) Chur, ’94, and her father, Patrick McKeon, ’69, enjoyed an afternoon of wine tasting at Cooper’s Hawk Winery and Restaurant in Naples, Fla., on Feb. 27, 2024.
Taylor Hackett, ’15, and his wife, Melissa, at the Sarasota alumni happy hour on Feb. 28, 2024.
James Kellmurray, ’09, and Holly (Gregg) Kellmurray, ’10, with their children, Margaret, Evelyn, and James, at the Niagara men’s hockey vs. University of Denver alumni pregame gathering in Denver on Jan. 6, 2024.
Rob Capuano, ’84, Tim Palisano, ’85, Jim Merrill, ’85, John Russell, ’85, George Hurley,
N.Y., before the Niagara men’s basketball vs. Syracuse game on Dec. 21, 2024. Left: Joe Tricarico, ‘21, Taylor Bosket, ‘17, and Greg Jubert, ‘19 Right: Conor Young, ‘07, Alex Wilson, ‘07, Sarah (Gangarossa) Kalil, ‘08, and Joe Kalil, ‘07.
Meagan Townsend, ’14, Craig Sheets, ’95, and Lisa Consolazio McDonald, ’88, at the Orlando alumni gathering happy hour on Feb. 1, 2024.
Tegan Caputi, Shannon Sierzenga, ’23, Angela Gilliam, ’23, Kiley Weber, ’22, Samuel Story, ’22, Dan Schlein, ’17, Paige Smith, ’24, Heather Smith, ’17, Shannon Myers, ’15, and Jacquie Leonard, ’15, enjoy a night of Hatchets and Hops during a young alumni event in Buffalo, N.Y., on Jan. 25, 2024.
Crafting an Award-winning Career in the Entertainment Industry
By Lisa McMahon, MA’09
BEN MURPHY, ’08, INITIALLY thought he would pursue a career in acting. But when he enrolled at Niagara University and was introduced to the variety of career options there were in the entertainment industry, he switched his focus to working behind the camera. Today, Murphy is founder and president of Whiskey Bear, a creative production studio based in Hermosa Beach, Calif. His most recent work, a sci-fi romantic comedy called “Molli and Max In The Future,” which premiered at SXSW 2023, is drawing comparisons to “When Harry Met Sally” and garnering critical acclaim. Murphy followed in the footsteps of his father, Timothy, ’81, and his brother, Joshua, ’05, to become a Purple Eagle.
“Niagara was in my blood,” he said. “It was a really great experience. The professors were amazing; they had a personal connection with their students and supported you and what you wanted to do.”
Murphy was a sophomore studying communication and media studies at Niagara when he took the first steps toward his career. A cousin, who learned that Murphy was hoping to move to Los Angeles to pursue a career in entertainment, offered to connect him with an internship at Endeavor, one of the three major talent agencies in Beverly Hills at that time. Murphy ended up completing two summer internships with the organization.
After graduating a semester early, Murphy made his move to the West Coast, where he continued his work in talent and management as an executive assistant with The Gersh Agency. After a year, he shifted his focus to development and production, working on films, tv shows, music videos, and commercials as a freelancer, including award-winning films “Nightingale,” a 2014 psychological thriller starring David Oyelowo, and “The Apollo,” a 2019 documentary on the internationally renowned New York City theatre. After a brief time as a head of production and executive producer for Lifeboat Productions, Murphy returned to freelance work and
began thinking about establishing his own production company.
The pandemic put those plans on pause, he said, but it also provided an opportunity for him to add another Emmy Award-winning film, “Lucy and Desi,” to his resume. The documentary, which explored the relationship between Lucille Ball and Desi Arnaz, was directed by Amy Poehler and produced in collaboration with Imagine Entertainment, founded by Brian Grazer and Ron Howard.
head of production,” Murphy said. “We have been friends since kindergarten.”
“Niagara was in my blood. It was a really great experience. The professors were amazing; they had a personal connection with their students and supported you and what you wanted to do.”
“That was a great experience,” he said, noting that he worked with Lucie Arnaz and Desi Arnaz Jr. to share their parents’ story. “It’s a love story and, what I love about it, too, is that they were so much a part of television history and how television is still made today.”
In 2021, Murphy launched his own production company, Whiskey Bear. The venture enables him to take on the kinds of projects he most enjoys—“We’re genre agnostic, but we are attracted to anything that’s original or out of the box” —as well as work with his best friend, Michael Tamburrino.
“He came on board about two years ago as my
“Molli and Max” is an impressive start for the company. It’s been Certified Fresh on Rotten Tomatoes, was a New York Times Critic’s Pick, and was distributed theatrically in February. They are currently in production on their next feature documentary and in development on their next feature scripted film. Murphy is also attached as an executive producer for an upcoming Beach Boys documentary, directed by Frank Marshall and Thom Zimny, which is available for streaming on Disney+.
Murphy says that seeing his work advertised on billboards or purchasing one of his films on VOD is a “surreal experience,” and is quick to add that his wife’s support has been critical to his success in a business that often requires long hours and extensive travel.
He also appreciates his cousin’s mentorship and wants to pay it forward for future film industry colleagues.
“I don’t think I would have had the career I had if I didn’t have that opportunity where my cousin helped me,” he said, “and I feel that Niagara was a big part of the path that led me to where I am today. I was very fortunate to have the professors and the friends and the relationships I made there, and I would love to help out other students with internships to show them the door and allow them to then run with it and make it their own.”
Ben Murphy, ’08 (left), and Michael Tamburrino at the Whiskey Bear office in California.
By Lisa McMahon, MA’09
MARISA
(CENCI)
Improving the Health and Lives of Individuals with Developmental Disabilities
education, community services and supports for people with disabilities, early intervention services for infants and toddlers, cultural and linguistic competence, and home visiting services to families impacted by homelessness, poverty, disability, and substance use.
While still working at Georgetown University, Brown traveled with DRI to Mexico City, where it had successfully advocated for the closure of the Casa Esperanza institution. After her retirement in 2018, she visited Bulgaria, which had replaced a system of large, old orphanages with newer, smaller buildings that were still operating as institutions.
BROWN’S career in developmental disability nursing started with a dare. After graduating from Niagara University’s College of Nursing in 1973 and working for three years at Portsmouth Naval Hospital in Virginia, she and her husband moved to Madison, Wisc., where she interviewed at both the local VA hospital and at Central Wisconsin Center, an institution that served individuals with developmental disabilities. When one of the interviewers at the VA suggested she would not like working at the center, she immediately decided that she would accept CWC’s offer. That decision led to a rewarding career of nearly 50 years.
Although she had no previous contact with people with developmental disabilities, Brown gained knowledge and experience working with her nursing director, who was one of the leaders in the field at that time. When Brown and her husband moved to Washington, D.C., two years later, her colleagues referred her to the National Children’s Center, a private residence and school for children with developmental disabilities.
“That connection is what gave me my career in developmental disability nursing,” Brown said. She now serves as chairman of the center’s board of directors. “When they asked me, I couldn’t say no. They were responsible for this wonderful career that I have had.”
While working at National Children’s Center, Brown began graduate studies at George Mason University. After earning her MSN in 1984, she began working for Georgetown University’s Center for Excellence in Developmental Disabilities. Her tenure spanned 34 years, during which she served in a variety of capacities, including as a member of the faculty.
Her work, which always was approached in collaboration with the communities she served, included projects involving health services for people with intellectual disabilities, genetics
One of the projects she is most proud to have been part of is the DC Developmental Disabilities Administration’s Health Initiative, an effort aimed at improving healthcare quality and access for adults with intellectual disabilities.
For 12 years, she directed a team of experts in the developmental disabilities field who worked directly with healthcare professionals to create standards and processes that promoted effective diagnoses, treatment, and coordination of care, and collaborated with an ethicist from Georgetown to develop end-of-life assessments and facilitate person-centered decision-making.
“I am really proud of that work because it set up systems that are still in place in the District,” Brown said.
Brown also did a lot of work within impoverished communities in the District, seeking out the neighborhood leaders to determine what was needed. She recalled working with Miss Patsy, a woman who had been organizing other women in the Northeast section of the District to host summer camps and holiday celebrations for the neighborhood children. This experience taught her “the importance of finding the natural leaders in the community and being their support.”
“It’s not about you, because you don’t live there,” she said. “It’s about learning what the community wants.”
Brown also began bringing graduate students with her as she made her home visits, where they conducted health assessments and learned how to “be comfortable in a community that wasn’t their community.”
Her work has led to service on numerous task forces and advisory groups at the local and state level related to children and adults with developmental disabilities, as well as to volunteer assignments with Disability Rights International (DRI), a nonprofit organization that protects the human rights of individuals with disabilities worldwide.
In April 2022 and October 2023, she accompanied DRI to war-torn Ukraine to visit that country’s institutions for children with disabilities. Although Ukraine has been reforming its orphanage and institutional system for the past decade or so, children with disabilities have largely been excluded from this effort, and the ongoing war was intensifying the situation, as children with the greatest support needs were being moved to overcrowded, understaffed facilities.
“DRI had conducted previous inspections, so they knew things were already bad,” Brown said, “but once the invasion occurred, they were concerned about what was happening and where these people were being moved to.”
In Ukraine, Brown saw buildings that had been quickly constructed on the grounds of existing institutions to house the additional children. Inside the facilities, she saw rows of cribs and beds where babies and children lay in near total inactivity. At some institutions, the residents were being put to work.
Brown’s role was to observe and document the conditions she witnessed, gathering information to be used in a report advocating for the provision of support and resources to protect the health and safety of children with disabilities, and to encourage that they remain with their families rather than be placed in institutions.
“Seeing it for yourself, you can be a much better advocate,” she said.
Part of Brown’s passion to promote community integration and independence for people with disabilities stems from her own personal experience as the mother of a son with autism spectrum disorder. She continues to volunteer with the Arc of Northern Virginia and visits the state capitol each year to meet with legislators. She also did a webinar for Ukrainian parents on transitioning throughout the lifespan.
“It resonated with them,” she said. “Some things cross cultural boundaries—we’re all in this together, we’re all facing the same kind of questions about raising our children.”
Class Notes
1940s
Life of Alumnus Celebrated at Dedication Ceremony
Marcia (Sippel) Barnes, ’49, was honored by the Central New York National Nurses Honor Guard at a Lifetime Recognition of Service ceremony on June 14, 2024. Marcia was the first of two students enrolled in Niagara University’s School of Nursing and earned a four-year baccalaureate degree in nursing, which was rare at the time. She was the first civilian nurse employed by the Veteran’s Hospital in the 1950s, where she cared for World War II veterans. She later served as a nursing instructor at NU. Marcia received a Certificate of Accomplishment from the organization to commemorate her 74 years as a nurse, a rose to show their love and appreciation, a Nightingale lamp that symbolizes the light and hope her work brought to others, and a gratitude quilt.
1960s
Joe Donnelly, ’64, has been a volunteer with the Raleigh-Durham Airport USO for the past 20 years. Since 2006, his RDU USO Honors Support Team has honored all active duty and missing in action military personnel who have died; to date, 912 military deceased, including 13 MIA (five from WWII, four from Korea, and four from Vietnam).
1970s
William Bradshaw, M.S.Ed.’72, was selected as the recipient of the 57th James J. Corbett Memorial Award, the highest honor one can achieve in collegiate athletics administration. He accepted the honor at a ceremony in June 2023. Bill was head baseball coach at Niagara for two seasons from 1973–74 and also served as NU’s alumni director before becoming director of athletics at La Salle University in 1978, beginning a career as a Division I athletics director that spanned nearly 40 years and included positions at DePaul University and Temple University. Under his leadership, his sports programs advanced to NCAA
NIAGARA UNIVERSITY celebrated the life and generosity of alumnus John Francis Walsh, Class of 1943, on April 24, 2024, during a ceremony that included the blessing and dedication of a room in the university’s B. Thomas Golisano Center for Integrated Sciences.
“John Walsh’s life of service to others exemplifies the values of selflessness, integrity, and excellence that we seek to instill in our students,” said the Rev. James J. Maher, Niagara University president. “His journey from student to service member to successful professional is a testament to the transformative power of a Niagara education, and we are grateful for his unwavering support, which will make a difference in the lives of future generations of students and enrich their academic experience.”
Walsh’s commitment to his alma matter, which includes the establishment of an endowed scholarship, was memorialized with the dedication of a lecture hall in the university’s science building in his honor. In addition, a display case containing Walsh’s military awards and badges will be installed in a recently renovated ROTC classroom.
A graduate of Niagara University’s ROTC program, Walsh was a decorated WWII
Championships more than 100 times in 15 different sports.
George Dwyer, ’79, retired after 40 years as a broadcaster in 2017 and embarked on an “encore career” as a pickleball instructor. Since receiving his coach’s certification, George has taught more than 1,000 people, both individually and in groups. He has been an instructor in Alexandria, Clifton, Arlington, Vienna, and Falls Church, Va., and has also taught and done demonstrations in Kolkata. He currently teaches at the YMCAs in Arlington and Vienna, and at Georgetown University.
veteran whose honors included the Bronze Star Medal with Oak Leaf Cluster, the World War II Victory Medal, the French Legion of Honor, and the Army of Occupation Medal. He also was a recipient of the Combat Infantryman Badge, the Army Good Conduct Medal, the American Theater Ribbon, and the European-AfricanMiddle Eastern Theater Ribbon with Five Campaign Stars.
Upon his discharge, Walsh began a 34-year career as an executive and fundraising consultant for nonprofit organizations and consulting firms, including the American Red Cross and Brakely, John Price Jones. He retired in 1983.
Walsh was active in his community as a member of the American Legion, as president of the 35th Infantry Division Association, and as a member of the Order of Saint Maurice, which recognizes the significant contributions made by infantrymen, infantry supporters, and spouses. He was a past president of the Connecticut Council of Chapters of the Military Officers Association of America, a volunteer at the Norwalk Maritime Aquarium, and a member of the Veterans of Foreign Wars and the Catholic War Veterans.
1980s
Nancy (Fronczak) Plemmons, ’81, retired in February 2023 from her position as regional medical director at Everside Health. Nancy joined the organization in 2007 as a North Carolina float advanced practice provider and was promoted to positions including director of clinical development and manager of its 275 clinics, and was the first APP on the regional medical directors team.
Barbara (Forness) Walker, ’83, retired in May 2023 after 40 years of working in multiple areas of nursing.
Marcia Barnes, ’49, with son, Mark Klenz.
Gregory Krikorian, ’84, is dean of students/ Title IX coordinator at Washington College in Chestertown, Md.
Thomas Chudyk, ’85, accepted the position of global director of sales for NorComp, a leader in the design and worldwide manufacture and marketing of I/O interconnect products, based in Charlotte, N.C.
Regina (Houghton) Deible, ’85, was inducted as the first non-physician fellow in the Society of Cardiovascular Intervention and Angiography. She is senior director of clinical affairs at Edwards LifeSciences.
Col. Joseph J. Dichairo, ’86, joined Significance Inc. as director of business development for the Department of Defense, focusing on the Army. The retired Army colonel previously served as the managing director for the aerospace & defense account at SGS Maine Pointe, and as a specialist leader in supply chain optimization with Deloitte.
Astor Fernandes, ’86, MBA’90, recently retired after working full time in retail operations at the Seneca Niagara Hotel Resort and Casino in Niagara Falls, N.Y. He joined the Seneca Gaming Corp. in 2018 after a 19-year career in sales at Sears, Roebuck and Co. He spends his retirement between Newry, South Armagh in Northern Ireland, and the awe-inspiring and breathtaking mountains of Mourne in Carlingford, County Louth, in the Republic of Ireland.
Patricia (Goodliffe) Fernandes, ’89, was appointed administrator at the Kingsbridge Private Hospital in Belfast, Ireland. Prior to this appointment, she was the director of social work at Catholic Health’s Father Baker Manor in Orchard Park, N.Y., for 34 years.
1990s
Gary Pochatko, ’90, was named chief of the Niagara Falls Fire Department. He joined the NFFD in 2001.
Julie Kralisz Connelly, ’91, is competing in badminton during the Pan-American Games, which take place in the United States for the first time this summer in Cleveland, Ohio.
Michael Harrington, ’91, has joined Duane Morris LLP as a partner in the firm’s corporate practice group in its Philadelphia office. Michael represents early and growth-stage
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companies in the life sciences, technology, healthcare, and clean tech sectors on a wide range of corporate matters. He previously was a partner at Fox Rothschild LLP.
Donald Johnston, ’94, is a “semi-retired” casual crisis worker at Stevenson Memorial Hospital in Alliston, Ontario.
Dr. Joseph Senn, ’98, was appointed senior vice president of nonclinical research and development at Oruka Therapeutics, Inc., Waltham, Mass. He most recently served as senior vice president, head of R&D at SalioGen Therapeutics, where he oversaw the development of SalioGen’s first clinical candidate and nonviral gene therapy platform for the retina.
James Green, M.S.Ed.’99, was appointed principal of Fairmont Senior High in West Virginia.
Dr. Shawn Vainio, ’99, received the American Academy of Family Physicians’ Humanitarian Award in October 2023 for his extraordinary and enduring
humanitarian efforts in family medicine. He is a family physician in Bethel, Alaska, and leads teams of medical students, residents, and other healthcare professionals on expeditions to address public health needs and bring primary care to remote regions of the Indian Himalayas.
2000s
Margaret (Smith) Desmarais, ’00, FNP’02, has joined Golisano Primary Care at Niagara Falls Memorial Medical Center. Her previous roles include family nurse practitioner at Niagara Falls Urgent Care and Family Practice, program director of integration services and family nurse practitioner at Horizon Health Services, and family nurse practitioner at WNY Medical Group.
Christopher MacKenzie, ’00, women’s hockey coach at the University of Connecticut, was named CCM/AHCA Division I Women’s Coach of the Year for 2024.
Allison Coomey, ’02, M.S.Ed.’08, was appointed head coach for the University of Delaware’s new NCAA DI women’s hockey team. The Blue Hens are the seventh member of the NCAA’s CHA conference. She has coached in the NCAA with several schools, including Niagara University, and also served various roles within USA Hockey.
Amy (Adriaansen) Broderick, ’03, was promoted to manager at Grossman St. Amour CPAs in Syracuse, N.Y. She practices in the areas of audit and attest engagements and financial statement preparation in the audit services group, and works with nonprofit entities, including affordable housing.
Ryan Shiel, ’03, was appointed director of code enforcement in the City of Syracuse’s Department of Neighborhood and Business Development. He has worked for the city’s Division of Code Enforcement for more than 20 years, most recently as assistant director.
Jessica Brandt, ’09, was appointed assistant director of the central permit office for the City of Syracuse. She previously held positions as innovation project manager and administrative aid in the Office of Management and Budget.
CATCHING UP
2010s
Matthew Kristan, ’10, has been appointed general manager at Canoe Place Inn & Cottages in Hampton Bays, N.Y. Matthew brings 14 years of luxury hotel experience to this role, having held leadership roles with The Carlyle, Four Seasons NYC, and the Mandarin Oriental NY.
Shanda DuClon, M.S.Ed.’11, was named superintendent of the Pine Valley, N.Y., Central School District. She previously was assistant superintendent of the Depew, N.Y., Union Free School District.
Elizabeth Flooks, ’11, was named women’s basketball head coach at East Stroudsburg University of Pennsylvania. She most recently was an assistant coach at Sacred Heart University.
Alisha (Jack) Tolentino, ’11, was named principal of the Odessa-Montour Central School District’s Hanlon Elementary School.
Kyle Donovan, ’13, MBA’20, was named vice president of operations for Mount St. Mary’s Hospital in Lewiston, N.Y., and its Lockport Memorial Campus. The 10-year veteran of the Catholic Health System has held positions in finance and operations and played a significant role in leading special projects for the organization.
Kelsey Weigel, MBA’13, was promoted to tax principal at Lumsden & McCormick, LLP, Buffalo, N.Y. She works with businesses and individuals to recognize potential planning for cross-border repatriation, controlled foreign corporations, and passive foreign investment companies.
Brian Phillips, ’14, was named stadium operations director for Rich Baseball Operations. He has served as director of stadium operations for the Buffalo Bisons since 2020. In his expanded role, Brian will now also oversee the stadium operations for the other two teams owned by Rich Baseball Operations: the Double-A Northwest Arkansas Naturals and the MLB Draft League West Viriginia Black Bears.
Kristin M. Ré, ’15, MBA’16, was promoted to tax principal at Lumsden & McCormick, LLP, Buffalo, N.Y. She works with commercial entities in a variety of industries and extensively with manufacturers and start-up businesses helping them obtain various tax incentives to reduce tax liability and improve cash flow.
Elizabeth Gatto, ’17, is educator and program coordinator at the Buffalo and Erie County Botanical Gardens. Her work, “Seeking Apricity,” was exhibited in the organization’s Arcangel Gallery in spring 2024.
John Anderson, ’18, was promoted to tax manager at Lumsden & McCormick, LLP, Buffalo, N.Y. He specializes in rental real estate partnerships and real transactions and works in tax planning and compliance for high-wealth individuals.
2020s
Robert Ruocco, MBA’20, was named chief information technology officer for Triple-S Management, a managed care company based in Puerto Rico.
Emily Wilbur, ’20, is an associate in the Chicago office of Benesch. She specializes in intricate commercial disputes, directing her legal practice toward cases spanning federal and state courts.
James Lester, ’21, is executive director of the Niagara History Center in Lockport, N.Y. He obtained his master’s degree in history from SUNY Buffalo State University in January 2024.
Shaena Brasz, M.S.Ed.’22, was named principal of Wellwood Middle School in the Fayetteville-Manlius, N.Y., school district.
Jillian Dowdle, ’23, was promoted to marketing coordinator for Tops Markets LLC. She joined Tops as an advertising intern in 2023 after holding intern positions with Sodexo and Lactalis.
Ari Musialowski, ’23, is ticket office and sales fulfillment manager for the Buffalo Bisons. She began her Bisons career in 2022 as part of the club’s internship program.
Births/Adoptions
Todd, ’99, MBA’03, and Julie Janicki welcomed a son, Noah Anthony Janicki, on March 4, 2024.
Colin, ’13, and Angela (Romano) Lynch, ’14, M.S.’15, welcomed a daughter, Kennedy Barbara Lynch, on Sept. 11, 2023.
Weddings/ Anniversaries
Raymond, M.S.Ed.’78, and Suzanne (Simon) Dietz, M.S.Ed.’90, M.S.Ed.’93, celebrated their 50th wedding anniversary on June 20, 2023.
Barbara (Forness) Walker, ’83, and her husband, Dale, celebrated their 25th wedding anniversary in July 2023.
Kelsey Braham, ’17, MBA’18, and Jacob Dewey were married on Sept. 15, 2023.
NU alum from years spanning 1975–2019 celebrated the wedding of Kelsey Braham, ’17, MBA’18. Back row, l-r: Nina (Harlach) Mosher, ’15; Sawyer Mosher, ’16; Bill Schmidtke, ’75; Drew Goss, ’19; Angela Kendt, ’18; Dr. Kevin Lanighan, ’82; Tracy (Lanighan) Lewandowski, M.S.Ed.’01; father of the bride Robert Braham, M.S.Ed.’96. Middle row, l-r: Andrea (Nicolia) Bove, ’14, M.S.Ed.’16; Paige Printup-Lumadue, M.S.Ed.’19; former NU professor Salvatore Pappalardo; Mary Anne Pappalardo, ’81; Christine (Pappalardo) Tillman, ’83; Alexa (Holler) Felvus, ’17; Susan (Kirschgraber) Lanighan, ’85; mother of the bride Kelly (Milleville) Braham, ’86; Jessie Lewandowski, ’13, MBA’14. Front row, l-r: William Lumadue, ’16, MBA’17; Maryann (Dober) Milleville, ’82; Kelsey; Kim (Broconier) Marrocco, ’17, MBA ’18; James Lumadue, ’14, MBA’15; and Kyra Rieker, ’17, MBA ’19.
Ashton DeCaro, ’20, and Shelby McNulty, ’22, were married on March 15, 2024.
Purple Eagles celebrated the marriage of Ashton DeCaro, ’20, and Shelby McNulty, ’22: Tyler Olson, ’22; Marley Judd, ’21; Julia Miskines, ’22; Michelina Haralson, ’22; Shelby and Ashton; Emily Augello, ’22; Alyssa Garmone, ’22; Tricia Lazatin, ’22; Morgan Hilliker, ’22; Isabel Merkle, ’22; and Ben Hayes, ’22.
In Memoriam
William J. McLaughlin, ’49, passed away on Feb. 1, 2024. He had a 40-year career in public accounting, retiring in 1989 from McLaughlin and Slate in Lockport, N.Y.
Grace Bechtel Banks, ’50, passed away on Feb. 12, 2024. She taught at school districts throughout Niagara County.
J. Robert Oliver, ’50, passed away on May 17, 2024.
Bruno P. Pacini, ’50, passed away on April 19, 2024. He taught social studies and coached football at Royalton-Hartland in Middleport, N.Y. After retirement, he was an elected Royalton Town justice for 12 years.
James J. Sullivan, ’50, passed away on April 8, 2024. He spent the last 22 years of his career with Smithsonian Magazine, where he retired as an associate advertising director in 1997.
Eugene J. Tylenda, ’50, passed away on Nov. 26, 2023. He was self-employed as a chemical engineer before his retirement in 2001 and held nine patents in his field. Previously, he had worked in the same capacity with Abbott Labs of Chicago, and Okenel Co. in North Arlington, N.J.
Rev. Robert D. Ashenbrenner, ’51, passed away on Jan. 1, 2024. A professed member of the Oblates, he was a priest, teacher, athletic director, administrator, and religious superior.
Irvin C. Brown, ’53, passed away on March 7, 2024.
Rennie (Ryan) Weckesser, ’53, passed away on Jan. 3, 2024.
Helen Wallace Alletto, ’54, passed away on Jan. 11, 2024.
Arthur A. Francella, ’54, passed away on Feb. 21, 2024. He had a long career in sales, including a 28-year tenure in pharmaceutical sales with Abbott Laboratories.
Deacon John J. Kelly, ’54, passed away on Jan. 21, 2024. He had a 25-year career in education as a superintendent of schools in several districts and was ordained as a deacon in 1980. He served as deacon at St. Michael’s Church in Warsaw, N.Y.
Joan (Lauzau) McCarthy, ’54, passed away in January 2024.
John T. Dasey, ’57, passed away on April 23, 2024. He retired as an accountant from Sierra Research and comptroller from American Optical. Our condolences to his wife, Mary (Mercer) Dasey, ’57.
Bernard R. Garey, ’57, M.A.’62, passed away on Dec. 26, 2023. He taught history and English in the Niagara Wheatfield School District for more than 30 years and also served as a guidance counselor. Our condolences to his daughters, Joyce Garey Wienke, ’83, and Jennifer Garey, ’84, associate director of financial aid at Niagara University.
James J. Sullivan, ’57, passed away on April 8, 2024. He worked for more than 30 years with S.S. Kresge/Kmart Corp., retiring in 1997 as executive vice president and director
CATCHING UP
of store development and international retailing. He then became a partner in Cornerstone Interiors, in Duluth, Ga., and later co-founded Home Expressions Interiors by Laura Bloom in Alpharetta.
Col. (Ret.) Edward J. Brady, ’58, passed away on Jan. 25, 2024. After retiring from the U.S. Army in 1989, he worked for the state of Washington and the State University of New York Plattsburgh.
John Lagnese, ’58, passed away on Jan. 25, 2024. He retired as CFO of the Southwest division at Xerox Corp after a 35-year career with the company.
Manfred H. Leissle, ’58, passed away on April 29, 2024. He was employed as a fire/safety insurance inspector for several local insurance companies and retired as a supervisor and purchasing agent at the Carborundum Company.
Richard I. Mulvey, ’58, passed away on Dec. 6, 2023. His 45-year legal career included positions as city prosecutor, city judge, and urban renewal attorney in Ithaca, N.Y., where he opened his private law practice.
Isabell (Chamberlain) Williams, ’58, passed away on Feb. 12, 2024. She was a middle school teacher in New York and Florida.
John P. Shaw, ’60, passed away on Oct. 2, 2023.
John A. Spano Sr., ’61, passed away on Dec. 20, 2023. He had a career as a comptroller.
David M. McMahon, ’62, M.S.Ed.’68, passed away on Jan. 7, 2024. He was a history teacher in the Lewiston-Porter, N.Y., school district.
Eric C. Williams, ’62, passed away on June 15, 2024. After a 30-year career with the Federal Bureau of Investigation, Eric pursued a career in theatre with Shakespeare & Company in Lenox, Mass. Our condolences to his niece, Caitlin Corbett Bozek, ’07.
Joseph P. Wolf, ’62, passed away on Jan. 2, 2024. He served 46 years as a teacher, coach, and athletic director at St. Joseph’s Collegiate Institute in Buffalo, N.Y.
Jean (Fortuna) Borgatti, ’63, passed away on Feb. 22, 2024. She was a professor of nursing at Niagara University from 1975 to 1987, where she directed the school’s Independent Learning Center and helped to recruit nurses for the ROTC program.
John W. Dobermiller, ’63, passed away on Nov. 13, 2023. He worked in data processing at American Can Company in Connecticut for 25 years, and for the Middlesex, N.J. courts for 15 years.
Arthur M. Spaulding, ’63, passed away on Feb. 1, 2024. He had a career in car sales, retiring from Romano Chrysler Jeep in Fayetteville, N.Y., in 2007.
Richard L. Tulsey, ’63, passed away on Feb. 27, 2024. He retired from the Tioga Central School District in 2005, where he was a teacher and coach. Our condolences to his wife, Sharon (Marano) Tulsey, ’64.
Raymond W. Hopkins, ’64, passed away on June 13, 2023. He joined the Mechanical Contractors Association of New York, Inc., in 1970 and served as its executive vice president from 1983 through 2009.
James H. Hosp, ’64, passed away on Dec. 1, 2023. He retired after 30 years as first vice president of Prudential Securities. Our condolences to his wife, Louise (Derrico) Hosp, ’66.
Richard J. Jankunas Sr., ’64, passed away on Dec. 28, 2023. He was a teacher and later, an administrator in the Amsterdam, N.Y., school district.
Thomas F. McCarthy, ’64, passed away on Dec. 13, 2023. He worked in human resources.
Frank V. Reilly, M.S.’64, passed away on Dec. 23, 2023. He had a long career as a banking executive and founded Reilly & Reilly, Inc., a nationwide mortgage underwriting firm.
Gabriel J. Zanche Sr., ’64, passed away on Dec. 20, 2023. He was founder and president of Gabriel First Corp., a provider of high-performance cleaning products and housekeeping training programs.
John R. Colaprete, ’65, passed away on March 30, 2024. He had a career as a restauranteur and was one of the founders of The Jewish Mother in Virginia Beach.
Helen Foran McMenamin, ’65, passed away on Jan. 21, 2024. She spent over 50 years in the nursing profession, working at prestigious institutions such as Georgetown and Johns Hopkins. Our condolences to her husband, John McMenamin, ’64.
Michael P. Hammond, ’67, passed away on Feb. 13, 2024. He had a 28-year career with the USF&G insurance company and completed his career as a vice president of surety for Zurich North America.
Sheila (Taddeo) Forrest, ’70, M.S.Ed.’74, passed away on July 11, 2023. She was registrar for Perimeter College at Georgia State University before she retired. Our condolences to her husband, Robert P. Forrest, ’86.
Lt. Col. John P. Castro, M.A.’71, passed away on May 21, 2024. He had a 21-year career in the Army, followed by a 20-year career as a technical writer supporting FEMA.
Arthur P. Bevacqua, ’72, passed away on Jan. 1, 2024. He worked various jobs throughout the years, including at Carborundum, the Buffalo News, Grey Line Tours, and Seneca Niagara Casino. Our condolences to his daughter-in-law, Stephanie Bevacqua, M.S.Ed.’21, assistant director of sponsored programs at Niagara University.
John S. O’Dea, ’72, passed away on May 20, 2024. He worked in sales for Corning Glass and Hoshizaki Ice Machines.
Richard M. Manzari, ’73, passed away on April 11, 2024.
Robert Miller Jr., ’74, M.S.’81, passed away on Feb. 25, 2024. He was a guidance counselor in the Norwalk School system for more than 30 years. Our condolences to his brother, Calvin Murphy, ’70.
Dr. Robert S. Greene, ’75, M.S.’77, passed away on Jan. 3, 2024. He was a professor in the biology department at Niagara University for 42 years and chair of the department for 29 years, and an accomplished scholar with multiple publications and grant awards. In May 2023, Dr. Greene was presented with the Award for Excellence in Teaching at the College of Arts & Sciences annual Day of Recognition. He was also an assistant cancer research scientist at Roswell Park Cancer Institute from 1982–2008, and a retired 20-year veteran of the United States Army. Our condolences to his wife, Connie Greene, former office coordinator in NU’s departments of biology, chemistry, and psychology; and to his sons, Michael Greene, ’07, and Christopher Greene, ’08.
Michael W. Haggerty, ’75, passed away on April 6, 2023. Our condolences to his wife, Elizabeth (Langley) Haggerty, ’76.
Maura (Hehir) Nolan, M.S.Ed.’75, passed away on Nov. 2, 2023. She taught at several parochial schools in Niagara Falls and retired after 22 years from the Niagara Wheatfield school district where she was a reading specialist.
Jacob W. Antolich, M.S.Ed.’76, passed away on Feb. 26, 2024. He worked for the HamiltonWentworth Catholic District School Board for more than 33 years in a variety of roles.
Paul D. Nichols, ’76, passed away on May 8, 2024. He retired from General Motors Corporation in 2022 after 44 years of service.
Henry G. Peters, M.S.Ed.’76, passed away on Sept. 14, 2023. He was an educator for over 38 years, beginning as a special education teacher and finishing his career as assistant superintendent with the Williamsville, N.Y., Central School District.
John F. Ruffolo, M.S.Ed.’76, passed away on Dec. 17, 2023. He worked as a mathematics teacher in the Niagara Falls City School District for over 10 years after a career as director of purchasing at OLV Hospital in Lackawanna, N.Y. Our condolences to his son, John A. Ruffolo, ’95, and to his daughter-inlaw, Jacquelyn (Morrone) Ruffolo, ’96.
James F. Horton, ’77, passed away on March 23, 2024. He worked for more than 30 years as a real estate agent, including over 25 with Senecayuga Properties in Seneca Falls.
Victor Onoprijenko, M.S.Ed.’77, passed away on May 22, 2024. He had a 32-year career as a teacher and administrator for the Peel Board of Education in Ontario, Canada.
Terrance R. Brennan, ’78, passed away on May 14, 2024. He worked at Verizon as a district manager of technicians. Our condolences to his sister, Vivian (Brennan) Milczarski, ’85.
Mary (Hartmann) Baggetta, ’79, passed away on March 30, 2024. She was a registered nurse at both Northern Dutchess Hospital and Albany Medical Center before working as a quality auditor for Anthem until her retirement in 2023.
Kent E. Conshafter, ’79, passed away on Feb. 17, 2024. He owned Hanover Abstract Co.
Laura (Helak) Nordin, ’79, passed away on Sept. 4, 2023. She was a teacher and longtime Albuquerque real estate agent. Our condolences to her daughter, Elizabeth L. Taylor, ’08.
Josephine Vicino, ’79, passed away on June 4, 2024. She was a registered nurse at Buffalo General Hospital for more than 35 years.
Walter A. Waselovich, M.S.Ed.’79, passed away on March 1, 2024. He was a teacher for the Niagara Catholic School Board in Ontario, Canada.
Paul Fortunate, M.S.Ed.’80, passed away on Dec. 31, 2023. He taught special education in the Niagara Falls School District for over 30 years.
Laurie F. J. Kraftcheck, M.S.Ed.’80, passed away on Sept. 28, 2023. He was an educator for the Huron-Perth Catholic District School board for 45 years.
Joan T. McCool-Kelly, ’80, passed away on Jan. 1, 2024.
Carol C. Phillip, M.S.Ed.’80, passed away on Nov. 10, 2023. She had a 38-year career as an elementary school teacher.
Patrick D. Dillon, ’81, passed away on Jan. 12, 2024. He retired from National Grid after a 30-year career.
Steven G. Abbott, ’86, passed away on June 3, 2024. He was a computer technician at Central New York Mutual Insurance Co. Our condolences to his brother, James Abbott, ’84.
Ronald W. Klee, ’86, passed away on May 5, 2024.
Darryl P. DiNoto, ’87, passed away on Feb. 25, 2024. He held a number of positions within Niagara County and retired in 2020 as acting facilities director for the Niagara Falls Water Board.
Joseph W. DioGuardi, MBA’87, passed away on March 29, 2024. He had recently retired as superintendent of Addison, N.Y., Central Schools.
Our condolences to Marty Troia, ’88, M.S.Ed.’93, longtime director of career services at Niagara University, on the death of her husband; to Anthony Troia Jr., ’86, and Thomas Troia, ’86, on the death of their father; and to Mary Troia, ’12, on the death of her father-in-law, Anthony M. Troia, who passed away on Feb. 5, 2024.
Theodore D. Ujeski, M.S.Ed.’88, passed away on March 5, 2024. He worked for Giacomo Hotel and the Red Coach Inn in Niagara Falls, N.Y.
Our condolences to Patricia (Goodliffe) Fernandes, ’89, on the death of her mother, and to Astor Fernandes, ’86, MBA’90, on the death of his mother-in-law, Margaret Goodliffe, who passed away on March 9, 2023.
Jacqueline (Harvey) Lowie, ’90, passed away on Dec. 16, 2023. She co-owned Fire Defense of Virginia.
Kevin W. O’Shea, ’90, passed away on Nov. 11, 2023. He was a managing director and relationship manager at Boston Private in San Francisco.
Andrew L. Romer, ’90, passed away on March 27, 2024.
Mary (Blake) Nowak, ’92, passed away on Jan. 15, 2024. She retired from Comerica Bank as the benefits manager after a career that included positions with National Envelope, American Pad and Paper/Niagara Envelope, and Carborundum Company. Our condolences to her husband, Robert Nowak, ’81.
Thomas J. Gates, ’95, passed away on May 8, 2024. He worked as a stage manager on many Broadway, off-Broadway, and regional productions.
Our condolences to Jeremy Colby, ’96, Niagara University general counsel, on the death of his mother-in-law, Judith Behr, who passed away on Oct. 26, 2023.
Jodi Edwards, MBA’96, passed away on Nov. 29, 2023. She had a 27-year career with Royal and Sun Alliance Insurance.
John M. Freischlag, ’97, passed away on Jan. 8, 2024. He worked for Stedman Nursery.
Our condolences to his wife, Nancy P. Freischlag, ’95.
Our condolences to Paula L. Mort, ’99, on the death of her husband, and to Brendan Mort, ’02, on the death of his father, Ronald Mort, who passed away on March 5, 2024.
Erin L. Andrejcak-Biskup, ’08, passed away on Jan. 3, 2024. She was sales director for Marmon Foodservice Technologies.
Benjamin H. Benally, ’14, passed away on Dec. 26, 2023.
Dr. Theresa J. Zielinski, chemistry professor at Niagara University from 1980 to until 1996, passed away on Feb. 17, 2024.
Office of Institutional Advancement
11 Vincentian Drive
P.O. Box 2008
Niagara University, NY 14109
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Niagara University Alumni Legacy Scholarships
For the generations of families whose legacies include a Niagara University graduate, we are proud to offer scholarship opportunities to assist in carrying on that proud tradition. Our Alumni Legacy Scholarships are awarded to qualified undergraduate students who have a parent, stepparent, grandparent, aunt, uncle, and/or sibling who graduated from Niagara University.
Qualified legacy students receive a $1,000 per year scholarship. If more than one student from a legacy family enrolls and attends Niagara at the same time, each sibling’s scholarship will be increased to $2,000.
It’s one way that we are able to thank you for supporting your alma mater while reinforcing our commitment to affordable excellence for the next generation of Purple Eagles.
