Call for Stories || Read The Stories

Call for Stories

To celebrate the 150th anniversary of Niagara University, students in the Writing Studies Minor invite the NU community (alumni, faculty, staff, students—everyone!) to submit entertaining, inspirational, and educational stories about their experiences at NU. The stories can range in tone and style. Try your hand at history, description, memoir, reflections, profiles, poetry—use your imagination!

Please send stories (or queries and suggestions) to Dr. Joseph Little, coordinator of the Writing Studies Minor, jlittle@niagara.edu. Subject line in the email: 150 Stories of NU. Put your story in the body of the email. Identify yourself with first and last name and your connection to Niagara University. Feel free to submit more than one story!

Possible Story Topics:

• Academics
• Athletics
• Student Life
• First day on campus
• Last day on campus
• Residence hall living
• Profile an influential person or event
• Learning Vincentian values
• And many others!

Length: 50 to 450 words
Priority deadline: April 1, 2006
Final deadline: April 12, 2006

Submissions will be edited by students in Editing and Collaboration (ENG 341) for publication in On Campus, The Eagle, The Niagaran, The Index, The Aquila, and the NU English Department web site. Let’s all contribute to the 150th anniversary celebration by writing our stories of Niagara University!

Read The Stories

My Service Trip with Campus Ministry

As I reflect on my four years at Niagara University, and prepare to say my good-byes, one experience in particular comes to mind.  In January of 2003 I went to Fayette County, Pennsylvania on a service trip sponsored by Campus Ministry.  Fayette County had once been a great mining town, prosperous and bustling with life.  Upon my arrival, I encountered only a shadow of that once thriving town.  The miners had packed up long ago, leaving younger generations with little more than a legacy. 

During my stay in Fayette County, I learned the true meaning of Vincentian values.  I was given the opportunity to make a difference in the lives of those who are less fortunate than I am.  I helped deliver meals to the elderly who could no longer feed themselves.  I visited local nursing homes and listened to the residents’ life stories.  I also participated in an after school program, helping children with their homework and playing games with them.  As I got know these children I could not help but admire them.   They had grown up in streets terrorized by drugs and violence, and yet simply remained children.  I prayed to God that these children would perhaps be the first generation to break the cycle of poverty and achieve their dreams. 

I know that I will never forget the lessons I learned in Fayette County.  I will preserve the memory and put my faith into action to help the poor and underprivileged.  

Meghan Anson
Class of ‘06
A&S, English major