Niagara Reads

What is Niagara Reads?

Niagara Reads is NU's annual freshman summer reading program. Students will be given a copy of this year's book at their CARE session and will discuss the book in their NUS 102 classes and participate in activities related to the themes of the book.

The book for the 2010-2011 academic year is Escape from Slavery by Francis Bok. We also invite you to browse our archive of past Niagara Reads materials.

Why does Niagara University have a freshman summer reading program? What are its goals?

• to provide freshmen with a common experience that is intellectually stimulating
• to set the tone for serious college work
• to convey the message that Niagara University is a place where reading and the exchange of ideas are important
• to encourage students to develop the habit of regular reading for pleasure
• to transmit the values of Niagara University

How does Niagara Reads support NU’s mission?

Niagara University's mission statement includes the following goals regarding education:

• “Niagara seeks to develop within its students a passion for learning.”
• “…through its curricular and co-curricular programs, Niagara University seeks to develop the whole person, mind, body, heart, and soul, for the benefit of one’s personal and professional life.”

Niagara Reads supports these goals by supporting in-coming students as they read for pleasure and discuss a common book with their peers and other members of the university community. We hope that our shared book and related activities are enriching to all who participate, and that they motivate students to continue their own reading/discussion activities.

Who runs Niagara Reads?

The Niagara Reads program is run by a committee of faculty members, staff and students who decide on the book, organize activities, and provide support for NUS 102 instructors in their discussions of the book. Current committee members are:

Employees

• Co-Chairs:  Sharon Green (Reading Coordinator, Office of Academic Support; sgreen@niagara.edu) and E. J. Gonser (Assistant Director for Off-Campus Housing Affairs)
• Michelle Ciminelli (Visiting Professor of Education)
• Susan Clements  (Coordinator of Publicity and Events, Castellani Art Museum)
• Stephanie Currie (Adviser, Academic Exploration Program)
• Melissa Landridge (Information Literacy and Reference Librarian)
• Dr. Erin Karper  (Assistant Professor of English)
• Dr. Joseph Little  (Assistant Professor of English)
• Jessie Sams (Lecturer of English)
• Steve Vaughn (Artist in Residence, Theatre)
• Ginny Pasceri (Academic Skills Specialist, Office of Academic Support)
• Michele Smith-Link (Stewardship & Donor Relations Coordinator, Advancement Office)

Students

• Juliana Donner 
• Shane Eckels
• Matthew Brady