I've been associated with Niagara University, in one capacity or another, for more than 30 years.  That long association has allowed me to develop a genuine appreciation of what the university is and why it has such a profound impact on its' students.

Niagara University proudly proclaims in its mission statement that it "educates its students and enriches their lives through programs in the liberal arts and through career preparation, informed by the Catholic and Vincentian traditions." As you might expect, we have an excellent educational institution.  All of our colleges--Arts and Sciences, Business, Education, and Hospitality and Tourism Management--possess the highest national accreditations available.  And so, academically, we are strong, with gifted and dedicated faculty members and staff, and quality students.  But because of who and what we are--Catholic and Vincentian--there is an added dimension to a Niagara University education. In addition to influencing the minds of students, Niagara also shapes their values and touches their hearts.

We are proud of our rich Catholic heritage and proclaim it with great enthusiasm, and Niagara University welcomes all students, no matter what their faith background, offering to everyone the vision and the reality of a Gospel-based, value-centered education that teaches respect for the rights and dignity of all people.

As a Catholic university, we are inspired by the life and work of St. Vincent de Paul, our community's founder.  Vincent was able to pool the good will and skills of those around him to respond to people's needs.  In that tradition, Niagara seeks to inspire its students, faculty, and staff to serve all members of society, especially those most in need.  To that end, we have established a model service learning program that has won national recognition for the quality and scope of its activities.

I invite you to experience Niagara University.  Allow it to impact your life, head, heart, your mind and soul. 

Rev. Joseph L. Levesque, C.M.

Read Fr. Levesque's inaugural speech