NU News Feed

Lynn Torpy Named October's Employee of the Month at NU

Tue, 27 Oct 2009 00:00:00 -0400

Lynn Torpy, office coordinator in the Office of Financial Aid has been named Employee of the Month for October 2009. A native of Wheatfield, Torpy has been employed at Niagara since April 1980, when she was hired as the data control technician in the office.

Torpy is instrumental in providing the financial aid information for CARE, Niagara's orientation program for first-year students. This can be a very stressful time for all concerned. A nomination said,

"Lynn is always accommodating whenever there is additional last minute requests to complete the packages for incoming students."

Not only is Torpy always willing to help, she does it with a positive attitude. Her supervisor, Maureen Salfi, director of the office, commented, "Lynn is a dedicated employee who is very helpful and gracious to her constituents whether it is students, parents or fellow employees."

Torpy resides in Youngstown.

Niagara University Receives Grant for Breast Cancer Research

Wed, 14 Oct 2009 00:00:00 -0400

Dr. Mary McCourt, chairperson and associate professor of chemistry at Niagara University, has received a $150,000 grant from the Avon Foundation for Women to conduct research exploring the development of a new, noninvasive test for breast cancer that may replace the annual mammogram.

McCourt's research will examine if biomarkers collected from urine samples can be used to differentiate healthy breast tissue from diseased breast tissue, potentially replacing mammograms as a primary method of breast cancer screening. She will also investigate the use of these biomarkers in identifying metastatic disease, and whether the methodology could be used to follow the progression of disease and help plan treatment. Dr. Larry Mielnicki, an expert in breast tumor screens and an adjunct professor of chemistry at NU, will collaborate with McCourt on this research, which will be conducted through the university's Academic Center for Integrated Sciences.

"Avon has provided a tremendous opportunity to help us develop a simple urine test for identifying breast cancer," said Dr. McCourt. "This inexpensive, noninvasive technology will improve health care and make breast cancer testing available to groups of women that are not able to access more expensive technologies."

Several undergraduate students in Niagara's science programs will also participate in the research project.

"This will be a great opportunity to expand Niagara University's student-faculty research model to a very important health issue," noted Dr. Nancy McGlen, dean of the College of Arts and Sciences.

Niagara's grant was one of eight awarded to local and regional breast cancer organizations by the Avon Foundation. The organization was founded in 1955 with the mission of improving the lives of women and their families through two key areas of focus: breast cancer and domestic violence.

Niagara University named a "Best in the Northeast" University by The Princeton Review

Thu, 30 Jul 2009 00:00:00 -0400

NIAGARA UNIVERSITY, N.Y. (July 29, 2009)-Niagara University has been named one of the best colleges and universities in the Northeast, according to The Princeton Review. The education services company selected Niagara as one of 218 institutions it recommends in its Best in the Northeast section on its PrincetonReview.com feature, "2010 Best Colleges Region by Region." It also profiles NU in its book, "The Best Northeastern Colleges: 2010 Edition."
    The Princeton Review report describes NU as a place where small class sizes promote "discussion-based and hands-on activities that allow students to be a part of the learning process."
    The survey for the project asked students to rate their schools on several issues -- from the accessibility of their professors to quality of the campus food -- and answer questions about themselves, their fellow students, and their campus life. Actual comments from surveyed students are included on the Web site and in the book.
    The colleges chosen as the best in the Northeast are located in 11 states: Connecticut, Delaware, Maine, Maryland, Massachusetts, New Hampshire, New Jersey, New York, Pennsylvania, Rhode Island, Vermont, and the District of Columbia. On its Web site, The Princeton Review also designated 158 colleges in the Midwest, 123 in the West, and 141 in the Southeast as "regional best" colleges in their locales. The 640 colleges named regional best(s) represent about 25 percent of the nation's 2,500 four-year colleges.
    The Princeton Review is a New York-based company known for its test preparation, college admission and other education services. The "Best Northeastern Colleges -- 2010 Edition" is the sixth edition of the book and part of a line of 165 Princeton Review books published by Random House.

Noted Author Otsuka to Discuss Award-Winning Book at NU in September

Mon, 20 Jul 2009 00:00:00 -0400

Julie Otsuka, author of the book “When the Emperor Was Divine,” will speak at Niagara University on Sept. 10 at 7:30 p.m. in the upper level of the Gallagher Center. The event is free and open to the public; a book signing will follow. Otsuka’s talk is presented by Niagara Reads, the university’s summer reading program for first-year students.

Otsuka’s book details the experience of a Japanese-American family forced to live in an internment camp during World War II. After a woman whose husband was arrested on suspicion of conspiracy sees notices posted around her neighborhood in Berkeley, Calif., instructing Japanese-Americans to evacuate, she prepares to go with her young son and daughter to an internment camp in the Utah desert and severs her ties with her community. The next three years are spent in unpleasant, cramped and impersonal lodgings. The family returns to Berkeley after the war to a home that has been ravaged by vandals; it takes time for them to adjust to life outside the camps and to come to terms with the hostility they face.

The Niagara Reads program was launched eight years ago to provide freshmen with a common, intellectually stimulating experience that sets the tone for serious college work. Books are chosen for their quality, their ability to engage and relate to first-year students, their consistency with the university’s mission, and their potential to spark lively intellectual discussion. Past books include “Escape from Slavery,” by Francis Bok; “Nickel and Dimed,” by Barbara Ehrenreich; and “All But My Life,” by Gerda Weissmann Klein.

Applied Urban Ministry to be Offered Again at NU

Mon, 20 Jul 2009 00:00:00 -0400

A community outreach program leading to a Certificate of Applied Urban Ministry will be offered at Niagara University beginning Sept. 1. Designed by representatives of faith communities in Niagara Falls and Buffalo in cooperation with the university, the interdenominational program is intended to make pastors and lay people more effective leaders in their respective churches and work settings.

The certificate program is an outgrowth of the Institute of Public Ministry, which was started by the Rev. Joseph L. Levesque, C.M., president of Niagara University, and the Rev. Jimmy Rowe, director of the Church and Faith-Based Resource Center at Jericho Road Ministries, Buffalo. The goal of the interfaith institute is to support faith-based institutions in their efforts to meets the needs of their parishioners and immediate communities.

The program consists of four core courses, three courses from either a clergy or lay tract, and four elective courses. The core courses include classes on both the Old and New Testament, effective communications, and comparative theology. Other courses cover various aspects of ministry, preaching and church operations. Courses in the certificate program will be taught by priests, ministers and credentialed lay people qualified in their respective fields.

A complete list of courses and the dates on which they will be offered is available through NU’s Office of Continuing Education. Online registration is also available through the Web site or by calling 716-286-8181.

Featured Education Sponsor

Wed, 26 Nov 2008 00:00:00 -0500

Niagara University has entered into a partnership with Music is Art (MiA) to be the featured educational sponsor for the 2008-2009 academic year.

Founded by Robby Takac of the Goo Goo Dolls, MiA seeks to enlighten and ignite a personal connection to the artistic merit and acceptance of all forms of music.

"Having Niagara University as a partner highlights the educational aspect of our mission," said Takac. "The arts are a key to a fully realized education, and it's great that Niagara University is teaming with us to bring music and the arts to our community."

Niagara University will host several events on its Lewiston campus to benefit Music is Art. Among them are the:

Nov. 14 Live Music Series show with the local rock band Klear and special guest Zak Ward performing.
Feb. 13, 2009, Live Music Series show featuring the Beatles tribute band, BeatleMagic.

All shows in the Live Music Series are from 8 to 11 p.m. in the "Under the Taps" club, Lower Level Gallagher Center. Admission is $5.00 at the door and includes free pizza and wings.
Two other events involving Music is Art will be held on campus, with details on those shows to be released at a later date.

"We are very excited to be partnering with Music is Art," said Fred Heuer, assistant vice president for marketing at NU. "The program is a perfect fit with Niagara's mission in developing the whole person."
Since 2003, Music is Art has worked to explore and reshape music's cultural, social, and educational impact on Western New York through programs such as the annual MiA Festival. Other programs include a music instrument drive, which has collected more than $200,000 worth of new and used instruments, and Music in Action, a 15-week course that helps to inspire young people in primarily underserved school districts.

MiA is a not-for-profit (federal 501c3) organization. MiA operates through a board of directors, staff, partner organizations, sponsors, and many, many volunteers. For more information, log on to: musicisart.org.

NU Class Project

Tue, 04 Nov 2008 00:00:00 -0500

Students in an event-planning class at Niagara University have undertaken an ambitious project to support the Food Bank of Western New York.

The project, "Tackling Hunger One Meal at a Time," will include a series of activities on the NU campus Nov. 16-18. The goal is $7,300 in cash and food donations.

The highlight will be a "Monday Night Football" tailgate party Nov. 17, when the Buffalo Bills take on the Cleveland Browns. Admission will be five non-perishable food items or $3 in cash. The party kicks off at 7:15 p.m. in Under the Taps in the Gallagher Center, and will include wings, food and soda.

David and Myra Conley of East Amherst, who donated $100,000 to the Food Bank in September during Hunger Action Month, will receive a community service award after the 11 a.m. Mass on Sunday, Nov. 16, in Alumni Chapel. A reception will follow in the lower level of the Gallagher Center

At 1 p.m. on Sunday, Nov. 16, Niagara's women's basketball team will play their home opener against Oakland. Those attending will be able to purchase one ticket and get a second one free by donating three non-perishable food items.
The food drive will conclude Tuesday, Nov. 18, when food items can be left in bins in the lower level of the Gallagher Center. Raffle prizes will be awarded throughout the day.

Starting Nov. 10, anyone wishing to make donations can drop off food items in a bin outside the campus ministry office in the lower level of Gallagher.

"Tackling Hunger One Meal at a Time" is being organized by the 12 students in an event management and sports marketing class taught by Drew Cerza, founder of the National Buffalo Wing Festival.

"With hunger becoming an increasingly serious problem in our community, we thought the food drive was an ideal class project to help those in need. That's part of our Vincentian mission here at Niagara University," said Lyn Gonlag, a senior who is helping to organize the project.

The Food Bank, through a network of more than 400 member agencies in Western New York, distributes close to 1 million pounds of food each month. Food collected in the "Tackling Hunger" project is expected to be returned to Niagara County agencies.

Further information can be obtained by e-mailing tacklinghunger@gmail.com.

NU Joins Network of New York State Technology Commercialization Clinics

Mon, 17 Nov 2008 00:00:00 -0500

Modeled after the highly successful Technology Commercialization Research Center at Syracuse University College of Law, funding was secured by the New York State Legislature which enabled an expansion of the model to other colleges and universities throughout the state. Niagara University is the first institution to open a technology transfer and commercialization clinic, which specializes in research to assist with the commercial development of new technologies.

Niagara's clinic will serve Western New York in cooperation and collaboration with various institutions, businesses and professionals in the region. "I am delighted that Niagara University is the pioneer in New York State in launching a Technology Commercialization Clinic," said Ted Hagelin, director of the Technology Commercialization Research Center at Syracuse University.

"The creation of a statewide network of technology transfer clinics builds upon a State investment providing valuable information and analysis that will lead to the commercialization, and economic benefit, of these ideas." said Assemblywoman Francine DelMonte, of the 138th Assembly District and Chair of the Legislative Commission on Science and Technology.

The mission of the Niagara clinic will be to teach a range of technology transfer and commercialization concepts, processes and options and to encourage innovative thinking while providing a service to inventors and prospective ventures in the region. Niagara clinic projects will also focus on bioinformatics and life sciences as well as environmental technologies.

"I am proud to see the Technology Commercialization Research Center that has been so successful at the Syracuse University College of Law expand to western New York," said Assemblyman William Magnarelli, from the 120th Assembly District in Syracuse. "The program has been very successful at Syracuse, and I know it will be successful at Niagara as well."

The goal is to prepare students and positively impact the region's innovation economy. The program is operating under the direction of Stephen Mayer, Ph.D, assistant professor of commerce at Niagara, and involves graduate students working directly with businesses or individual entrepreneurs.

The clinic is working this fall with MMC Lipid Bio Services, Inc., a local biotech company. "Students will research the commercialization of a patent pending technology that shows promise in improving the delivery of therapeutic drugs in the systems of cancer patients," said Mayer.

For more information, contact Mayer at 716-286-8178.

NU, Niagara Wine Trail To Host Summer Wine Day On Aug. 1

Wed, 17 Jun 2009 00:00:00 -0400

NIAGARA UNIVERSITY, N.Y. (June 17, 2009)- Niagara University's Office of Continuing Education, in conjunction with the Niagara Wine Trail, will host Summer Wine Day on Aug. 1 from 11:30 a.m. to 2 p.m. in St. Vincent's Hall on the Lewiston campus. Participants will depart afterwards to experience the wine trail on a bus tour from 2 to 5 p.m.
Participants will learn about food and wine paring with expert John Bourdage of Bourdage Consulting. The educational program will provide both amateur and seasoned wine tasters with a basic understanding of wine and insight into food and wine paring. Topics include pairing wine with food, how to examine wine, cooking with wine and wine and desserts. After the session, participants will be provided maps and directions to visit the wine trails and take part in wine tasting.
"The Niagara Wine Trail and Niagara University together are providing a unique opportunity for the people of the region," said Mike VonHeckler, founder and managing partner of Warm Lake Estate in Lockport. "Wine Day will provide you with all the tips to know what makes for fantastic food and wine pairing."
The cost for the program is $35; the bus is an additional $25. Pre-registration, which is required, includes free wine tasting and a wine glass.
To register, call Continuing Education at 716-286-8181, or http://www.niagara.edu/cce.

NU's College Of Education To Host Literacy, Science Camp In August

Mon, 15 Jun 2009 00:00:00 -0400

Niagara University's College of Education will hold a Literacy and Science, Technology, Engineering, and Math (STEM) camp for children in grades 3 to 8 Aug. 3 to 6 from 8:30 a.m. to 4:30 p.m. at the Lewiston campus' Academic Complex, Room 125. The camp is sponsored by the college's Institute of Applied Learning.

The camp's morning sessions will focus on literacy technology, while the afternoon sessions will allow students hands-on, real-life applications in the STEM content areas, like roller-coaster physics, CSI forensics, the chemistry of art, and the green environment.

"This is a wonderful opportunity for children to explore math, science, literacy, and technology through a creative lens," noted Patricia Wrobel, assistant dean for external relations in the College of Education.

The cost of the camp is $100 and includes materials, lunch and snacks. To register, please call Melissa Bonar at 716-286-8309 or e-mail at mbonar@niagara.edu by June 20.

Kathleen Cauley Named Employee Of The Month For June

Wed, 10 Jun 2009 00:00:00 -0400

Kathleen Cauley, administrative assistant in the Office of the General Counsel, has been named employee of the month at Niagara University for June 2009. A native of Niagara Falls, she has been a member of the university community since July 2007.
Cauley has handled the hectic pace of the office, along with a tremendous amount of paperwork, with ease. A nomination noted, "Katie is a pleasant person to deal with, and considering the sensitive nature and urgent work performed, she handles it all very well." The nominee noted that one never detects worry or lack of organization with Cauley.
Many calls with uncertain resolutions get referred to the general counsel's office, and Cauley makes certain they get resolved. "Katie will work to find the right person to direct the matter to," a nomination said. "This reflects well on the office and Niagara University." Recently, Cauley took on the extra challenge of working to develop, maintain, and refine the university's database of business contacts. Working with the Office of Business Services, she has reached out to many NU employees to get feedback regarding how to better refine this system.
Cauley resides in Lewiston with her two children.

Niagara University's Mitchell Alegre Honored By New York Leadership Educators Consortium

Thu, 04 Jun 2009 00:00:00 -0400

Mitchell Alegre, coordinator for special projects in Niagara University's Office of Campus Activities, was awarded the New York Leadership Educators Consortium's (NYLEC) Tom Matthews Visionary Award in recognition of outstanding service to the field of leadership development and for continued commitment to furthering the field of leadership education. The award was presented at NYLEC's annual conference June 1 at the State University of New York at Cortland.
Alegre is the coordinator of the EAGLE (Experience and Growth in Leadership Education) program and teaches leadership courses in the College of Business Administration. The program was recognized by NYLEC in 2008 with the Innovative Program Award.
NYLEC is an organization of professionals and paraprofessionals from public and private colleges and universities in the state who are involved in the coordination of student leadership education. Its purpose is to provide a network of support for professional growth through sharing ideas, resources and best practices in student leadership development.
For more information, contact Alegre at 716-592-5582 or malegre@niagara.edu.

Niagara University Adds 3 Members To Boards

Fri, 15 May 2009 00:00:00 -0400

Paul E. O'Leary Jr. has been elected to a four-year term on the board of trustees of Niagara University. An alumnus of the university, he is partner in the Buffalo office of Deloitte & Touche. He previously served as chair of the university's Board of Advisors.
Two other persons have been named to four-year terms on the university's Board of Advisors. They are Anthony W. Borowicz of Grand Island, vice president of finance for Greatbatch Inc., Clarence. N.Y., and Daniel J. DiPofi of Buffalo, chief operating officer of the Buffalo Sabres.
Borowicz holds two degrees from NU--a bachelor's degree in business administration, which he obtained in 1979, and a master's degree in business administration, which he received in 1995. DiPofi, a 1984 graduate of NU, holds a degree in accounting.
Members of the Board of Advisors serve in an advisory capacity to the Rev. Joseph L. Levesque, C.M., president of the university.

NU Awarded Grant From Niagara Area Foundation For Highland Greenfields Project

Tue, 19 May 2009 00:00:00 -0400

The Niagara Area Foundation has awarded Niagara University a $7,080 grant to assist in maintaining the Highland Community Greenfields Project. The foundation's support will allow NU students to work on the project by helping to select and organize residents to build the community vegetable garden in the Highland community
The intent of the project is to challenge disadvantaged, at-risk youth in the Highland community of Niagara Falls to help in the revitalization and beautification of their neighborhood by engaging them and their families to build their own capacity to help revitalize and sustain their community, through the establishment and maintenance of a garden, green space, and entryway.
Children from the Niagara Falls School District's Henry J. Kalfas Magnet School will work with local churches and block clubs to grow vegetables from seeds and then transplant them into a designated lot near the school.
The Niagara Area Foundation was established in 2000 by a group of Niagara County individuals in the private and non-profit sectors who felt a major charity-oriented philanthropic void existed in Niagara County. Members of the Niagara Area Foundation board of directors represent the whole of Niagara County and are committed to county-wide philanthropic efforts. The foundation functions as a division of the Community Foundation for Greater Buffalo.
For more information, contact Jill Shuey, ReNU Niagara executive director, at 716-205-0289.

Ernst & Young Matches Gift Of Firm's Nu Alumni

Thu, 21 May 2009 00:00:00 -0400

Niagara University has received a gift of $9,475 from Ernst & Young LLP as part of the firm's matching-gifts program. The contribution brings the total of $18,950 the amount contributed to NU by the firm and its staff members this year.
"We are grateful to Ernst & Young and our alumni for taking this initiative," said Donald P. Bielecki, NU's vice president for institutional advancement. "We hope it will be a model for our graduates in other firms that have matching-gift programs."
Andrew L. Neyman, senior manager in the Buffalo office of Ernst & Young, helped coordinate the fund-raising effort and made the presentation to NU.

Niagara University Theatre Names Second Recipient Of The Julie Burdick Memorial Scholarship

Sat, 13 Jun 2009 00:00:00 -0400

Dr. Sharon Watkinson, chair of Niagara University's department of theater and fine arts, announced that theater studies senior Jessica Bill of Arkport, N.Y., is the second recipient of the Julie Burdick Memorial Scholarship, named after alumna Julie Burdick, '03.

Burdick passed away unexpectedly on Jan. 27, 2007, and her parents, Dr. James Burdick and Mrs. Sharon Burdick of East Amherst, N.Y., established the scholarship as a result of thousands of dollars of contributions made to Niagara University Theatre in honor of their daughter. The Burdick family has requested that one sophomore, junior or senior who is an outstanding theater performance major be chosen by the administrators and faculty of the theater program to receive the scholarship, which will last for the duration of the student's undergraduate years at Niagara University. Once the student has graduated from NU, new recipients for the scholarship will be selected and announced.

Any student selected for this honor must not only excel on stage and in the classroom, but also they must model a Vincentian-like interest in caring for and helping others.

"We are delighted to select Jessica Bill as our second recipient of the Julie Burdick Memorial Scholarship," noted Dr. Watkinson. "When we thought about how extraordinary Julie Burdick was as a 'triple threat' performer, as a student who loved to learn, and as an extraordinarily generous and caring human being, we thought of Jessica Bill. Very simply, Jessica excels not only in theater but also in all of her academic studies. And, like Julie, Jessica is humble, genuine, sincere- hallmarks of an authentic human being."

Bill is a theater performance major at Niagara University and a member of the NU Players board. Roles at N.U. have included "Romeo and Juliet" (Juliet), "Night Train to Foggy Bottom" (the sculpture), "Top Girls" (Lady Nijo), and performances in the 2007 and 2008 24-Hour Projects. This summer, she will be in the cast of Shakespeare in the Park's "The Tempest" in Buffalo. In the past, she has performed at Walt Disney World Theme Park.

Burdick played numerous leading and supporting roles while a theater performance student at Niagara University from 1999-2003. She also performed at Artpark and Buffalo's MusicalFare Theatre in several productions. Following graduation, she worked continually in the theater around the United States. She was cast in several national theatrical productions, playing the role of "Iris Kelly" in the North American tour of "Fame, the Musical" and "Laurey" in Networks Presentations, LLC's revival of "OKLAHOMA!" She also served as the off-stage cover for the four principal roles of the sisters in the national equity tour of "Little Women," and completed a production of "Cabaret" in Washington, D.C.

Brother Augustine Towey, director emeritus of Niagara University Theatre, wrote and delivered the homily for Burdick's Mass of the Resurrection, which was held at Niagara University's Alumni Chapel. He said, "Julie never had 'attitude.' She was not what we call in the business a 'diva.' Her ambitions were not egotistical. All she wanted to do was work. And of course being Julie she wanted to sing, she wanted to dance, she wanted to laugh and to love... As one of her classmates said to me, she was the best of us."

Niagara University Awarded Grant To Establish Highland Greenfields Project

Wed, 13 May 2009 00:00:00 -0400

The East Hill Foundation has awarded Niagara University a $22,260 grant to establish the Highland Community Greenfields project. ReNU Niagara Community Outreach Partnership Center (COPC) and Highland Community Revitalization Committee Inc. (HCRC) will oversee the project. WNY AmeriCorps and Hands On Greater Buffalo will also partner in the project.
The Highland Greenfields will develop a community vegetable garden, low maintenance greenspace, and an entryway to the Highland neighborhood in Niagara Falls. The goal of the project is to re-empower the Highland community and its youth to assist in revitalizing their neighborhood. Children from the Niagara Falls School District's Henry J. Kalfas Magnet School will work with local churches and block clubs to grow vegetables from seeds and then transplant them into a designated lot near the school.
Students will learn how to maintain and harvest vegetables, while learning about the project's environmental impact "This project will be a wonderful opportunity for our students in many ways," said Diane Coty, principal of the Henry J. Kalfas School. "We will be able to show our students firsthand the importance of contributing to the community in which you live." Coty noted that the project will integrate well with the school's science, health and wellness, and physical education curricula.
"The Highland Greenfields project will be intergrenerational," said Willie Dunn, executive director of HCRC. "Residents who have their own private gardens will be able to teach and work side-by-side with local youth to create green spaces that will provide benefits for the entire community."
The East Hill Foundation is a private family foundation, which was founded in 1986. The foundation identifies and funds innovative charitable projects designed to enhance the quality of life of the residents from the eight counties of Western New York. Nonprofit organizations interested in applying for funding may obtain a grant application from the Web site at www.easthillfdn.org.
For more information, contact Jill Shuey, ReNU Niagara executive director, at 716-205-0289.

Valerie Devine Named Employee Of The Month For April

Tue, 28 Apr 2009 00:00:00 -0400

Valerie Devine, Web application developer in the Office of Information Technology at Niagara University, has been named employee of the month for April 2009. She has been a member of the Niagara University community since 2003, when she worked in IT while a full-time student. In June 2005, she was hired as a Web programmer and became the Web application developer in July 2006. Devine has also been a part-time faculty member in the department of computer and information sciences since August of 2007.
"Val has helped offices across campus solve problems with technology and operate more efficiently," a nomination said. Her work with Web applications; myNU, Niagara's online portal system for students, staff and faculty; and the Niagara University Web site was noted in particular. Her commitment to "do things right" has been noted by many on campus.
Devine's attitude and interpersonal skills were also mentioned in several nominations. "Val is a dependable employee, and her work ethic is about as good as it gets," a nomination said. "She has an added passion for her work here, being a former NU student, and contributes to Niagara not only as a programmer, but as a part-time faculty member in the CIS department."
Devine resides in Hamburg.

Former Tim Hortons Exec Joyce, Stanley Cup Winner Bowman Among Honorees At May Commencement Ceremonies

Tue, 28 Apr 2009 00:00:00 -0400

Retired Tim Hortons chief executive officer Ronald Joyce will join nine-time Stanley Cup champion Scotty Bowman in receiving honorary degrees at Niagara University's commencement exercises May 16 and 17.
The graduate commencement will be held Saturday, May 16, in the upper level of the Gallagher Center on the NU campus, beginning at 11 a.m. The undergraduate commencement will take place Sunday, May 17, in Alumni Arena on the State University at Buffalo campus. The ceremony begins at 12:30 p.m.
Timothy Shriver, chairman of the Special Olympics Inc., will speak at the undergraduate commencement; Peter Mansbridge, veteran news anchor of the Canadian Broadcasting Co.'s "The National," will speak at the graduate ceremony.
In addition to speaking, Mansbridge and Shriver will also receive an honorary degree.
Joyce co-founded the popular Tim Hortons coffee chain in 1965, growing the business to 40 stores by 1974. There are now 3,000 stores across Canada. Joyce was instrumental in setting up the Tim Horton Children's Foundation, created in line with Tim Horton's love of children and desire to help those less fortunate. The foundation, which is a nonprofit, charitable organization, operates camps for economically disadvantaged children from communities in which Tim Hortons stores operate.
Bowman is the National Hockey League's all-time leader with 1,224 regular-season wins and 223 postseason victories. Inducted into the Hockey Hall of Fame in 1991, Bowman is the only coach in the history of the sport to lead three different teams to the Stanley Cup. His teams reached the league finals 13 times. He is currently the Chicago Blackhawks senior adviser of hockey operations.

Other honorees include:

Bishop Octavio Cisneros, auxiliary bishop of Brooklyn, N.Y. and a graduate of Niagara University.

Dr. Jean-Marc Droulers, president and chief executive officer of the Vila d'Este in Como, Italy.

Thomas M. O'Brien, president and chief executive officer of State Bank of Long Island and State Bancorp Inc. A graduate of Niagara, he currently serves on its board of trustees.

Marsha Joy Sullivan, president of Nardin Academy and Niagara University trustee.

Patricia McIntosh tabbed as July Employee of the Month

Thu, 23 Jul 2009 00:00:00 -0400

Patricia McIntosh, office coordinator in the Office of Continuing Education, has been named employee of the month for July 2009. McIntosh, a native of Tonawanda, has been a member of the university community since July 2007.

McIntosh's mix of enthusiasm and professionalism was mentioned in a number of nominations. "Patty is the perfect ambassador for the continuing education program," a nomination said. "Both on the telephone, and in person, she is warm and welcoming." Another nomination noted McIntosh as conscientious, efficient, and a most generous person to work with.

"Patty is truly Niagara," said Jay Stockslader, director in the office and McIntosh's supervisor. "She is first and foremost a loving person with unfailing faithfulness to her family. This trait carries over into her work as she is faithful and friendly to all who come in contact with her."

McIntosh resides with her husband and three sons in Ransomville.

Lindsay Atkins Named Niagara University Student Employee Of The Year For 2009

Wed, 22 Apr 2009 00:00:00 -0400

Lindsay Atkins, an assistant in the College of Arts and Science's clinical psychology lab, has been named Niagara University's student employee of the year for 2009. A senior psychology major with a minor in statistics, the Depew native has worked in the lab for two years.
Atkins was an integral part in the design and execution of several large-scale clinical psychology projects, which included an alcohol intervention and evaluation program.
Atkins' supervisor, Dr. Timothy Osberg, professor of psychology, has relied on Lindsay's organizational skills and dependability to coordinate activities in the lab. "Perhaps one of Lindsay's most valuable qualities," said Osberg, "is her ability to work with and train younger students who are just joining the lab or are less experienced."
Atkins has been awarded membership in Delta Epsilon Sigma, a national scholastic honor society for students of Catholic colleges and universities, and Sigma Alpha Sigma, the undergraduate honor society at NU. She is the treasurer of the Class of 2009 in Niagara University's Student Government Association and a member of NU's dean's advisory committee.
For the past two years, Atkins has been president of Active Minds, Niagara's local chapter of a national organization whose aim is to promote awareness of mental-health issues on college campuses.
Atkins will graduate from Niagara in May. This fall, she will enter the doctoral program in clinical psychology at the Florida Institute of Technology in Melbourne.

Memorial Mass To Be Offered For Rev. Kenneth Slattery, C.M.

Wed, 29 Apr 2009 00:00:00 -0400

A memorial Mass will be celebrated at 12:05 p.m. Thursday, April 30, in Niagara University's Alumni Chapel for the Rev. Kenneth F. Slattery, C.M., a former president of the university.

The Rev. Joseph L. Levesque, C.M., NU's president, will celebrate the Mass for the university's 19th president, who died Tuesday, April 21, at St. Catherine's Infirmary at the Vincentian motherhouse in Philadelphia at the age of 87.

A native of Brooklyn, Father Slattery served as president of Niagara from 1965 to 1976. Ordained a Vincentian priest May 22, 1948, after studies at Mary Immaculate Seminary in Northampton, Pa., he was first assigned to Niagara in 1952 after receiving his doctoral degree in philosophy from The Catholic University of America. He then served as dean of studies at Mary Immaculate Seminary from 1954 to 1956 before going to St. John's University in New York, where he was a philosophy professor from 1956 to 1961. He returned to Niagara that year and served as dean of the Graduate School and the School of Education until his appointment as president.

As president, he guided the university to a new level of quality and achievement despite tensions created by the war in Vietnam and the cultural revolution that was under way in the United States. In the Slattery decade, O'Shea and Seton halls were built to accommodate a dramatic growth in Niagara's student body, which increased from 1,900 in 1965 to 3,200 in 1975. During these years, the College of Nursing moved into the newly constructed Dunleavy Hall and the Institute of Transportation, Travel and Tourism, the predecessor of today's College of Hospitality and Tourism Management, was established.

After leaving the presidency of Niagara, Father Slattery continued his career in Catholic education at St. John's University. For more than two decades, he taught in the department of philosophy, including a term as chairman, and held the office of vice president and academic dean. He has served on numerous boards of trustees of colleges and educational agencies.

"Father Ken Slattery was a lifelong educator who served Niagara University very well," said NU's current president, the Rev. Joseph L. Levesque, C.M. "He loved philosophy, so after his presidency he devoted more than 20 years to teaching and administration at St. John's. Our community had great regard for this philosopher-president, who devoted his entire priesthood to Catholic education."

On May 17, 1998, Niagara University granted Father Slattery the honorary degree of Doctor of Laws in recognition of his long and distinguished service to Catholic higher education and to mark his 50th anniversary of ordination to the priesthood. He was honored again with other past presidents of NU in September 2006 as the university began its sesquicentennial celebration.

Among his other honors was an honorary degree from St. John's University, bestowed in 1969. He was also adopted into the Tuscarora Indian Nation in Lewiston in 1966 and given the name Ro-Te-Heh-Thet, which means "Dependable."

He is survived by three sisters, Mrs. Audrey Mulholland of Rumson, N.J., Mrs. Mary Louise Schroeder of North Merrick, N.Y., and Mrs. Rosemary Stark of Staten Island, N.Y.; and a brother, Harold J. Slattery of Sarasota, Fla.

A funeral Mass was celebrated April 24 at St. Thomas More Church at St. John's University in New York. Burial was in the Vincentian cemetery at St. Joseph's College in Princeton, N.J.

Rev. Kenneth Slattery, C.M., Nu's 19th President, Dies At 87

Tue, 21 Apr 2009 00:00:00 -0400

The Rev. Kenneth F. Slattery, C.M., the 19th president of Niagara University, died early today (Tuesday, April 21, 2009) at St. Catherine's Infirmary at the Vincentian motherhouse in Philadelphia. He had been a patient there for the last month of an extended battle against cancer. He was 87.

A native of Brooklyn, Father Slattery served as president of Niagara from 1965 to 1976. Ordained a Vincentian priest May 22, 1948, after studies at Mary Immaculate Seminary in Northampton, Pa., he was first assigned to Niagara in 1952 after receiving his doctoral degree in philosophy from The Catholic University of America. He then served as dean of studies at Mary Immaculate Seminary from 1954 to 1956 before going to St. John's University in New York, where he was a philosophy professor from 1956 to 1961. He returned to Niagara that year and served as dean of the Graduate School and the School of Education until his appointment as president.

As president, he guided the university to a new level of quality and achievement despite tensions created by the war in Vietnam and the cultural revolution that was under way in the United States. In the Slattery decade, O'Shea and Seton halls were built to accommodate a dramatic growth in Niagara's student body, which increased from 1,900 in 1965 to 3,200 in 1975. During these years, the College of Nursing moved into the newly constructed Dunleavy Hall and the Institute of Transportation, Travel and Tourism, the predecessor of today's College of Hospitality and Tourism Management, was established.

After leaving the presidency of Niagara, Father Slattery continued his career in Catholic education at St. John's University. For more than two decades, he taught in the department of philosophy, including a term as chairman, and held the office of vice president and academic dean. He has served on numerous boards of trustees of colleges and educational agencies.

"Father Ken Slattery was a lifelong educator who served Niagara University very well," said NU's current president, the Rev. Joseph L. Levesque, C.M. "He loved philosophy, so after his presidency he devoted more than 20 years to teaching and administration at St. John's. Our community had great regard for this philosopher-president, who devoted his entire priesthood to Catholic education."

On May 17, 1998, Niagara University granted Father Slattery the honorary degree of Doctor of Laws in recognition of his long and distinguished service to Catholic higher education and to mark his 50th anniversary of ordination to the priesthood. He was honored again with other past presidents of NU in September 2006 as the university began its sesquicentennial celebration.

Among his other honors was an honorary degree from St. John's University, bestowed in 1969. He was also adopted into the Tuscarora Indian Nation in Lewiston in 1966 and given the name Ro-Te-Heh-Thet, which means "Dependable."

He is survived by three sisters, Mrs. Audrey Mulholland of Rumson, N.J., Mrs. Mary Louise Schroeder of North Merrick, N.Y., and Mrs. Rosemary Stark of Staten Island, N.Y.; and a brother, Harold J. Slattery of Sarasota, Fla.

Viewing will take place at St. Catherine's Infirmary, 500 East Chelten Ave., Philadelphia, from 1:30 to 2:30 Wednesday and Thursday from 3 to 5 and 7 to 9 p.m. at St. Thomas More Church at St. John's University, 8000 Utopia Parkway, Queens, N.Y. A funeral Mass will be celebrated at 10 a.m. Friday at St. Thomas More Church at St. John's. Burial will be in the Vincentian cemetery at St. Joseph's College in Princeton, N.J.

Special Olympics' Shriver, Canadian Broadcasting Icon Peter Mansbridge To Speak At May Commencement Ceremonies

Mon, 23 Mar 2009 00:00:00 -0400

Timothy Shriver, chairman of the Special Olympics Inc., and Peter Mansbridge, veteran news anchor of the Canadian Broadcasting Co.'s "The National," will speak at Niagara University's commencement exercises May 16 and 17.
Shriver will deliver the undergraduate commencement address Sunday, May 17, in Alumni Arena on the State University at Buffalo campus. The ceremony begins at 12:30 p.m.
Mansbridge will speak at the graduate school's commencement Saturday, May 16, in the upper level of the Gallagher Center on the NU campus. The ceremony begins at 11 a.m.
In addition to speaking, Mansbridge will receive an honorary degree at the undergraduate commencement; Shriver will have an honorary degree at the graduate ceremonies.
Shriver is the son of Eunice Kennedy Shriver, founder of the Special Olympics. He has led the organization for the past 11 years. Last year, Special Olympics celebrated its 40th anniversary with almost 3 million athletes in more than 180 countries around the world. Before joining Special Olympics, Shriver created the New Haven (Conn.) Public Schools' Social Development Project, now considered the leading school-based prevention effort in the United States.
Mansbridge, a native of London, England, has covered events such as the fall of the Berlin Wall, the deaths of Princess Diana and Pope John Paul II, and the war in Afghanistan. He has held the title of chief correspondent and evening news anchor of CBC television news for 20 years.

Professional Development Training In Geographic Information Systems To Be Offered At Nu

Tue, 21 Apr 2009 00:00:00 -0400

The Office of Continuing Education at Niagara University will offer a professional development training program in Geographical Information Systems (GIS) beginning May 11.
GIS, or digital mapping, takes information from databases and spreadsheets and charts it on an interactive map. The U.S. Department of Labor has identified GIS technology as "one of the three most important emerging and evolving fields."
The core course, ArcGIS Desktop I: Getting Started with GIS, will be offered May 11 and 12 from 9 a.m. to 4:30 p.m. in the university's dedicated GIS lab in Dunleavy Hall. On June 16-18, ArcGIS Desktop II: Tools and Functionality will be offered. The cost for the first course is $795; the second is $995.
To register, contact the NU Office of Continuing Education at 716-286-8181 or online at http://www.niagara.edu/cce.

NU, Niagara Hospice To Sponsor Teleconference In April

Mon, 06 Apr 2009 00:00:00 -0400

The Department of Social Work at Niagara University and Niagara Hospice will co-sponsor the Hospice Foundation of America's 16th annual "Living with Grief" teleconference April 29 from 1:30 to 4 p.m. in Bisgrove Hall, Room 350-351, on the Lewiston campus. The event is free, but reservations are required.
The conference, which will be broadcast live via Web cast, is titled "Diversity and End-of-Life Care." It will be moderated by CNN special correspondent Frank Sesno. The teleconference will examine how diversity influences end-of-life decisions and the impact that culture has at the time of death and during bereavement. The program will focus on the most current theories, with hands-on ideas for use in hospice support groups and other setting.
For more information, contact Dr. Clementine Laverman, program director in the Department of Social Work, at 716-286-8520.

NU College Of Education To Hold Annual Professional Recognition Dinner April 30

Tue, 07 Apr 2009 00:00:00 -0400

Niagara University's College of Education will honor six distinguished educators from the U.S. and Canada at a recognition dinner Thursday, April 30, at 6:30 p.m. at Niagara Falls Country Club, 505 Mountain View Drive, Lewiston.
The college will also award special honors to Carol Houwaart-Diez, president of the United Way of Niagara, and The Academy School of the Buffalo Public School District.
The college will give the Educational Leader-of-the-Year Award to Paul Casseri, principal of the Lewiston-Porter Central School District, and Michael Pautler, director of education for the Halton Catholic School District School Board in Hamilton, Ontario. The Counselor-of-the-Year Award will be given to Maryanna Magdalin Fezer, school counselor in the Tonawanda City School District, and Pat Mete, secondary program consultant of the Niagara Catholic District School Board in Welland, Ontario.
Deanna Cudahy of Hyde Park Elementary School in the Niagara Falls City School District and Debbie Kandilas of the St. Joachim Catholic Elementary School in the Hamilton-Wentworth Catholic School District in Hamilton, Ontario, will receive the Teacher-of-the-Year Award.
For more information on the dinner or to attend, contact Marian Fisher of the NU College of Education at 716-286-8560.

Niagara University Partners With Heart, Love And Soul To Assist Community

Tue, 07 Apr 2009 00:00:00 -0400

Heart, Love and Soul Inc. and Niagara University have signed a partnership agreement to better aid those in the local community. The agreement provides Niagara students and staff with opportunities for service learning and strengthens Heart, Love and Soul now and for the future.
"We are excited about this partnership and the opportunity to assist Heart, Love and Soul in expanding its services to the community," said the Rev. Joseph L. Levesque, C.M., Niagara University president.
Heart, Love and Soul was founded in 1982 when the prayer group from Sacred Heart Parish in Niagara Falls saw members losing jobs in difficult economic times. The group offered a vacant grocery store at 15th Street and Pierce Avenue as a location for the food pantry. In later years, Heart, Love and Soul began to prepare meals for the hungry, serving them in various churches as space became available. In 2004, Heart, Love and Soul moved to a fully renovated building at 939 Ontario Ave., where the staff could cook and serve in one location and better fulfill its mission, which is to feed those in need and provide opportunities to improve their quality of life.
As a Vincentian university, Niagara draws its inspiration from St. Vincent de Paul, who organized his contemporaries to respond compassionately to people's basic needs. That same mission lives at Heart, Love and Soul. "We immediately saw that the two organizations had the possibility of a mutually supportive relationship," said Marsha Sullivan, a member of the board of directors of Heart, Love and Soul and Niagara's board of trustees.
For more information, contact Sister Barbara Pfohl, executive director of Heart, Love and Soul, at 716-282-5687

NU To Host "On Faith" Columnist Mathew Schmalz As Part Of Mcnulty Lecture Series

Mon, 30 Mar 2009 00:00:00 -0400

Dr. Mathew N. Schmalz, an associate professor of religious studies and director of the College Honors Program at the College of the Holy Cross, will deliver the Henry and Grace McNulty Lecture on "Religion in the Modern World" April 29 at 5 p.m. in the Castellani Art Museum of Niagara University.
The lecture, titled "The Case of Audrey Santo: Stigmata and Sanctity in American Catholicism," is free and open to the public.
Dr. Schmalz is an expert in Catholicism in the non-Western world, new religious movements, and religions and politics of India and Pakistan. He is presently writing a book on the Santo phenomenon and is a panelist for "On Faith," a Web site maintained by Newsweek and The Washington Post.
Dr. Schmalz earned his bachelor's degree from Amherst College and his master's and doctoral degrees from The Divinity School at the University of Chicago.
The lecture series, which is presented annually to address issues related to social justice and interreligious dialogue, was established by the late Rev. Thomas P. McGourty, C.M., a professor of religious studies at NU, in memory of his late aunt and uncle.
For more information, contact the department of religious studies at 716-286-8460.

NU Cited For Distinguished Marketing, Admissions Campaigns

Mon, 30 Mar 2009 00:00:00 -0400

Work produced by Niagara University's marketing and admissions offices received awards recently in national competitions. Television commercials produced in 2008 and themed "Education That Makes a Difference" received a bronze Telly Award, while a package of printed recruitment materials produced for the admissions office received a bronze medal in the 24th annual Admissions Advertising Awards.
This is the fourth time NU commercials have received the prestigious Telly Award, which honors outstanding local, regional and cable television commercials and programs.
Fred Heuer, assistant vice president for marketing, supervised the production of the commercials, which feature Niagara University students who major in education, chemistry and theater.
The printed materials produced for Niagara's Office of Admissions included the senior view book, application, junior view book, financial aid brochure, campus visit piece, student life brochure, sophomore brochure, search brochure, success brochure, divisional brochures on each of Niagara's colleges and the Academic Exploration Program.
The Admissions Advertising Awards is the largest educational advertising awards competition in the country. In 2009, over 2,000 entries were received from more than 1,000 colleges, universities and secondary schools from all 50 states and several foreign countries.

NU To Welcome Acclaimed Musician Wendell Rivera

Wed, 25 Mar 2009 00:00:00 -0400

Award-winning percussionist Wendell Rivera will present a free program for the community on April 1 from 11 a.m. to 2 p.m. in the lower level of the Gallagher Center on Niagara University's campus. The event is sponsored by the university's department of modern and classical languages, the Latin American issues committee and the campus club, Bienvenidos.
Rivera will perform with his group "Latin Jazz Ensemble." The Buffalo resident has performed with artists such as Aretha Franklin, Ben Vereen and Humberto Ramirez.
Bienvenidos will also sponsor a special lunch with food from Latin America, including Colombian ajiaco, Cuban frijoles, Dominican gandules, Mexican tamales and Caribbean platanos. The price for the lunch is $5.
For more information about this event, contact Niagara University foreign language professor Dr. Gina Ponce de Leon at 716-286-8217.

Carol Coletta Speaks At NU, Says "Talent" Key To A City's Success

Mon, 22 Jun 2009 15:28:38 -0400

Carol Coletta, president and chief executive officer of CEOs for Cities, spoke at Niagara University on March 24 as part of The Niagara Bi-National Education Partnership Speaker Series, a joint venture between the university and Niagara College in Ontario. Coletta's talk, "The Upside of Down: When Imagination Matters," stressed that those cities that can attract the greatest number of people with the most talent will be the ones that win, says Carol Coletta, an expert on urban issues.

Tony Ricciuto, staff writer for the Niagara Falls (Ont.) Review, was on hand for the event and had a story published in the March 25 edition of the paper.
You can read this report by logging on to http://www.niagarafallsreview.ca/ArticleDisplay.aspx?e=1493810.
(Special thanks to Mr. Ricciuto and the Niagara Falls Review.)

NU To Host 3rd Annual Run And Fun Walk To "Stomp Out Stigma"

Thu, 19 Mar 2009 00:00:00 -0400

Niagara University will host a five-kilometer run and fun walk called "Stomp Out Stigma" on Sunday, April 26. All proceeds will benefit the Mental Health Association in Niagara County Inc. The event is co-sponsored by the university's Campus Programming Board, Student Government Association and the student chapter of Active Minds.
The first 200 pre-registered participants will receive a t-shirt and commemorative drawstring backpack. The cost of the event is $18 for the general public. Entries must be post-marked by April 17. Individuals may also sign up on the day of the race for $22.
A one-mile fun walk will start from the Kiernan Center on Niagara's campus at 9 a.m. The 5-K run begins at 9:15 a.m. A post-race party and awards ceremony will take place in the Kiernan Center.
"Whether you are a competitive runner or just want to complete the fun walk, the 'Stomp' is a fun event for everyone," said Bill Newton, assistant director of campus activities at NU. "The real winner is the Mental Health Association in Niagara County." The event has raised $4,000 for the organization over the last two years.
Active Minds is Niagara's local chapter of a national organization whose aim is to promote awareness of mental-health issues on college campuses, as well as student access to appropriate care.
For more information, contact Newton at 716-286-8510, or log on to http://www.niagara.edu/cao/sos.htm to download a registration form.
You can also listen to the latest edition of the "Purple Podcast" with Newton and Dr. Timothy Osberg, professor of pyschology, by clicking the link associated with this story.

ReNU Niagara COPC, UB Law School Partner For Gardening Workshop On March 28

Tue, 17 Mar 2009 00:00:00 -0400

ReNU Niagara, Niagara University's Community Outreach Partnership Center (COPC), and the University at Buffalo Law School will offer a gardening workshop titled "Growing a Green Niagara" on March 28 from 9 a.m. to noon at the Niagara Arts and Cultural Center, 1201 Pine Ave. Niagara Falls Mayor Paul Dyster will attend.
The workshop, which is open to all ages and skill levels, will demonstrate how to grow fresh vegetables in your backyard, as well as how to compost and use a rain barrel. Representatives from the Massachusetts Avenue Project and the New York State Office of Parks, Recreation and Historic Preservation will conduct the workshops.
To participate, call the ReNU Niagara office at 716-205-0289 by March 23.

NU Professor Awarded Third Fulbright Scholarship

Tue, 17 Mar 2009 00:00:00 -0400

Dr. Tenpao Lee, professor of commerce in the College of Business Administration, has been awarded a Fulbright Senior Specialists grant for study this summer at Blantyre International University in Malawi, Africa. A Fulbright Senior Specialist since 2002, this is Dr. Lee's third Fulbright scholarship.
Dr. Lee will be assisting Blantyre in building its supply-chain program, especially in the area of entrepreneurship development. He will present lectures at the graduate and undergraduate levels, consult with administrators and instructors of post-secondary institutions on faculty development, and develop and/or assess academic curricula or educational materials.
Dr. Lee, a Grand Island resident who has taught at Niagara since 1987, was awarded his first Fulbright scholarship in 2000 to lecture and conduct research in Taiwan on its railroad system. He spent five months teaching at the National Chaio-Tung University, his alma mater.
In 2003, he returned to Taiwan and the National Chaio-Tung University to lead a faculty workshop about measuring and improving the quality of business education.
The Fulbright Scholar Program, the U.S. government's flagship exchange program, was proposed to the U.S. Congress in 1945 by then-freshman Sen. J. William Fulbright of Arkansas. He viewed the program as a much-needed vehicle for mutual understanding that would provide the opportunity for leaders and future leaders to observe and better comprehend the institutions, cultures and societies of other countries and peoples. The Fulbright legislation was approved by Congress and signed into law by President Harry Truman in 1946. Since then, more than 83,000 American Fulbrighters have studied, taught or done research in more than 100 countries around the world.
For more information, contact Lee at 716-286-8177.

Lenovo Among Six To Be Honored At College Of Business Administration Dinner

Wed, 18 Mar 2009 00:00:00 -0400

Tom Looney, vice president and general manager of Lenovo North America, will give the keynote address at the 19th annual Niagara University Business Appreciation Dinner on April 21 at 7 p.m. at Conference Center Niagara Falls, 101 Old Falls St. Looney will also accept the Corporate Leadership Award. Dennis Parass, president of Handling Specialty, will accept the Canadian Business-of-the Year Award.
The gala event, themed "World Sourcing," will also honor Heidi Rodale, developmental editor for Rodale Inc.'s "Men's Health" and sports books group. She will accept NU's Family Business of the Year Award. James Keefe, a partner at the Bonadio Group, will be honored with the Distinguished Accounting Alumnus Award.
Two Niagara students, Christopher Sargent and Brenna Zerfas, will also be recognized at the dinner. Sargent, of Kent, N.Y., will receive the college's Outstanding MBA Student; Zerfas, of West Valley, N.Y., will be named the collegeâ€™s Outstanding Undergraduate Student.
Lenovo is one of the world's largest makers of personal computers. Formed by Lenovo Group's acquisition of the former IBM personal computing division, the company develops, manufactures and markets technology products and services worldwide.
Handling Specialty, located in Grimsby, Ontario and Niagara Falls, N.Y., is exclusively dedicated to the custom design and manufacture of material handling systems for demanding applications. The company is considered the premier source for engineered-to-order lifting, tilting, rotating and traversing equipment.
Founded in 1930, Rodale is the world's leading health and wellness content company, with print, digital, and video properties that resonate with millions of customers around the world. It is home to some of the most successful and well-regarded health and wellness brands, including "Men's Health," "Prevention," "Runner's World," "Women's Health," "Best Life," "Bicycling," "Mountain Bike," "Organic Gardening" and "Running Times."
The Bonadio Group is comprised of a set of different companies, alliances and strategic partnerships that deliver over 50 different services.
Complementing this structure is the diverse spectrum of law firms, banks, government officials and programs, regulators, insurers, and venture capitalists.
For more information and reservations, contact the College of Business Administration at 716-286-8050.

Michele Gansworth Named March Employee Of The Month

Fri, 13 Mar 2009 00:00:00 -0400

Michele Gansworth, administrative assistant in the Office of the Executive Vice President/Vice President for Academic Affairs, has been named employee of the month for March 2009. A native of Lewiston, Gansworth has been in the office since 2005. She was hired at Niagara in August 2003 as an assistant in the Office of Human Resources.
In a nomination, Gansworth was cited for her ability to take on multiple tasks. "Michele is masterful with managing a wide array of demands and responsibilities in our office," it said. "She always exudes a very friendly and helpful demeanor."
Another nominator lauded Gansworth as an employee who makes working at the university a positive experience. "Michele is extremely professional and quite competent in her position yet is consistently seeking opportunities to enhance her knowledge and contribution," it said.
Gansworth resides in Niagara Falls with her husband, Gus. She has two children.

NU's Green To Hold Series Of Book Discussions In Lewiston From March Through June

Mon, 09 Mar 2009 00:00:00 -0400

Sharon Green, reading coordinator in the Office of Academic Support and chair of Niagara Reads at Niagara University, will hold four book discussions, on the theme "Rights Denied" at the Lewiston Public Library, 305 South 8th St., from March through June. The discussions, held on Tuesdays from 6:30 to 7:30 p.m., are free and open to the public.
The series begins on March 24 with a discussion of "Escape from Slavery," by Francis Bok. A former Sudanese slave, Bok details his ten years of enslavement, during which he endured regular beatings and ridicule, before his eventual escape.
On April 21, Holocaust Remembrance Day, "All But My Life," the memoir of Gerda Weissmann Klein's six-year ordeal as a victim of Nazi cruelty, will be discussed. The book was the basis for HBO's Academy Award-winning documentary "One Survivor Remembers."
"Warriors Don't Cry," Melba Pattillo Beals' story of integration as one of the "Little Rock Nine," will be discussed on May 12. Beals' memories of the time were so painful, she could not write about them until nearly 40 years later.
The final discussion will be held on June 23. Romaine Patterson's book "The Whole World Was Watching: Living in the Light of Matthew Shepard" will be the topic. Patterson's book describes the 1998 hate crime near Laramie, Wyo., and her creative and brave public response to it at the trial of Matthew Shepard's killers.
For more information, call 716-754-4720 or visit www.lewistonpubliclibrary.org/events.htm

NU's Heaggans Discusses Book About Hip-Hop Music's Stereotyping On Purple Podcast

Wed, 25 Feb 2009 00:00:00 -0500

Dr. Raphael Heaggans, assistant professor of teacher education, is the author of a new book that discusses how some elements of hip-hop music have roots in slavery. The book is titled "The 21st Century Hip-Hop Minstrel Show: Are We Continuing the Blackface Tradition?"
Heaggans notes that some of the negative elements of hip-hop mislead youth by psychologically enslaving them so that they exhibit behaviors and attitudes that contradict their history, struggle, and persecution.
His analysis shows that this "mis-education" continues perpetuating "black stereotypes" enacted in the minstrel show era, when whites in "blackface" would passionately and cruelly entertain other whites about their stereotypic ideas on black culture.
The book, published by University Readers, is available at UniversityReaders.com and Amazon.com.
For more information, contact Heaggans at 716-286-8315. To listen to the Pod cast, click the link associated with this story.

Niagara University Named To Presidential Honor Roll For Community Service

Mon, 09 Feb 2009 00:00:00 -0500

The Corporation for National and Community Service honored Niagara University today with a place on the President's Higher Education Community Service Honor Roll for exemplary service efforts and service to the community.
Niagara was among nine colleges and universities in New York state named as Honor Roll With Distinction members. In all, 83 institutions nationwide were named as Honor Roll With Distinction members and 546 schools as Honor Roll members. The corporation also honored six schools with Presidential Awards. In total, 635 schools were recognized.
Launched in 2006, the Community Service Honor Roll is the highest federal recognition a school can achieve for its commitment to service-learning and civic engagement. Honorees for the award were chosen based on a series of selection factors, including scope and innovation of service projects, percentage of student participation in service activities, incentives for service, and the extent to which the school offers academic service-learning courses.
Niagara, which maintains active service-learning and volunteer programs for students, has been on the Honor Roll since it was first launched. An estimated 2,000 students provide approximately 60,000 hours of service annually as tutors in local schools districts and as interns and volunteers in more than 40 social service agencies and organizations in Western New York and southern Ontario. NU also operates ReNU Niagara, a Community Outreach Partnership Center that coordinates programs in Niagara Falls. Niagara's four colleges also operate centers that provide research, training, and professional and educational services for business and industry, school districts, and families.
Just last month, NU was among 119 colleges and universities nationwide, and six in New York, selected for the Community Engagement Classification of the Carnegie Foundation for the Advancement of Teaching. NU was cited in both categories considered by the foundation: curricular engagement and community outreach and partnerships.
"In this time of economic distress, we need volunteers more than ever. College students represent an enormous pool of idealism and energy to help tackle some of our toughest challenges," said Stephen Goldsmith, vice chair of the board of directors of the Corporation for National and Community Service, which oversees the Honor Roll. "We salute Niagara University for making community service a campus priority, and thank the millions of college students who are helping to renew America through service to others."
The Corporation for National and Community Service is a federal agency that improves lives, strengthens communities, and fosters civic engagement through service and volunteering. The corporation administers Senior Corps, AmeriCorps and Learn and Serve America, a program that supports service-learning in schools, institutions of higher education and community-based organizations.
For a complete list of the schools named to the Honor Roll, go to: www.nationalservice.gov/honorroll.

"Smart City" Host Carol Coletta To Speak At NU In March

Mon, 02 Feb 2009 00:00:00 -0500

Carol Coletta, president and chief executive officer of CEOs for Cities, will speak at Niagara University Tuesday, March 24, at 4:30 p.m. in the Castellani Art Museum. Her talk, "The Upside of Down: When Imagination Matters," is being presented as part of The Niagara Bi-National Education Partnership Speaker Series, a joint venture between the university and Niagara College in Ontario.
Coletta, who also serves the producer and host of the nationally syndicated public radio show "Smart City," is a former executive director of the Mayors' Institute on City Design, a partnership of the National Endowment for the Arts, the U.S. Conference of Mayors and the American Architectural Foundation. Regarded by the national media as an expert on urban issues, she is a frequent speaker on the success formula for cities and creative communities.
The speaker series, which is free and open to the public, is sponsored by Casino Niagara Cares. A reception will follow her talk.

Monica Romeo Named February Employee Of The Month

Fri, 13 Feb 2009 00:00:00 -0500

Monica Romeo, counselor in the Office of Counseling Services, has been named employee of the month for February. A native of Lewiston, she has been associated with Niagara in different capacities since 1999, first serving as the assistant director of counseling services from 1999 until 2000. She returned in 2005 as a part-time counselor and was named full-time seasonal counselor in October 2006.
Romeo's commitment to Niagara is evident in all that she does. A nomination stated that she is the epitome of a consummate professional. "Monica has tremendous interpersonal skills highlighted by the fact that students rave about her and ask specifically for her," it said. "She treats everyone with dignity and respect, as well as warmth and kindness."
Romeo, a licensed mental health counselor, also serves an as adjunct professor in NUâ€™s graduate counseling program. She resides in Niagara Falls.

NU's College Of Hospitality And Tourism Management And Continuing Education To Host Dining Events For Community

Thu, 12 Feb 2009 00:00:00 -0500

From February through April, Niagara University's College of Hospitality and Tourism Management, in cooperation with the university's Office of Continuing Education, will host a series of fine dining events for the community.
In addition, a special etiquette dinner with expert John Bourdage will be held on April 2, 2009 at 6 p.m. The event will be held in the Statler Dining Room located on the fourth floor of St. Vincent's Hall.
This is the eighth year of the college's interactive dining series, showcasing the culinary skills of guest chefs and student managers. The dinners will be held in the Statler Dining Room on the fourth floor of St. Vincent's Hall, the university's main classroom building.
"The dinner series is another example of why we are a leading national and international program in hospitality and tourism," said Dr. Gary Praetzel, dean of the College of Hospitality and Tourism Management, "Our students receive great hands-on experiences and demonstrate their creativity in this dinner series."
The four-course dining events will be held on Thursdays beginning Feb. 19 and continue on March 12, 19, 26 and April 23 and 30. Tickets for the four-course student-chef-themed buffet dinners are $20. All dinners begin at 6 p.m.
The gourmet etiquette dinner with John Bourdage will feature seven courses. The cost of this dinner is $40 per person. Bourdage, of Social Edge Seminars, will offer information on entertaining, business and social etiquette, and wine selection. A North Tonawanda native, Bourdage is a highly respected etiquette expert who graduated in 1985 from Londonâ€™s Ivor Spencer School of British Butler Administration.
Reservations for each of the upcoming events can be made through Niagara University's Office of Continuing Education at 716-286-8181. Payment with credit card is required when reservations are made.

Grant Supports NU Research Into Coronary Artery Disease

Tue, 10 Feb 2009 00:00:00 -0500

Niagara University has been awarded a $60,000 research grant from the Merck Institute for Science Education and the American Association for the Advancement of Science to continue studies into the prevalence of coronary artery disease in Niagara County.
The grant, payable in equal installments over a three-year period, will allow undergraduate students and faculty to collaborate with the Heart Center of Niagara Falls in a pilot study entitled "Iron Status, Oxidative Stress, and Coronary Artery Disease." NU's research effort will examine the use of positron emission tomography (PET) and computed tomography angiography (CTA) for evaluating coronary artery disease.
Coronary artery disease is the leading cause of death in Niagara County. The county and Western New York also have the highest incidence of coronary artery disease in the nation.
Students and faculty from NU's Academic Center for Integrated Sciences have already worked on projects related to coronary artery disease with the Heart Center, GE Healthcare, Roswell Park Cancer Institute, Hauptman Woodward Institute and the University at Buffalo.
NU was among only 14 colleges and universities that qualified for the 2009 Merck-AAAS Undergraduate Science Research Program grants, which were announced in the Feb. 6 edition of Science magazine. The grant program seeks to promote interdisciplinary research experience for undergraduate students in chemistry and biology.

Niagara University Adds Dates For Free Tax Help

Wed, 04 Feb 2009 00:00:00 -0500

Accounting students from Niagara University's College of Business Administration have added more dates and an extra location to provide free tax assistance to members of the Niagara Falls community this tax season. The program, called Volunteer Income Tax Assistance (VITA), is sponsored by the Internal Revenue Service.
Members of Beta Alpha Psi, the international honor society for accounting, and the college's Accounting Society will coordinate the program.
Under the program, NU students prepare and electronically file federal and state tax returns free of charge for elderly and low-income taxpayers in the community.
In mid-March and early April, assistance will be provided at the following locations:

- Niagara University, Dunleavy Hall, rooms 207 and 210; March 10, 12, 17, 19, 24, 26 and 31; April 2 and 7 from 5:30 to 7:30 p.m.

- Niagara Falls High School library, 4455 Porter Road; March 11, 18 and 25; April 1 from 5:30 to 7:30 p.m.

No appointments are needed to participate in this free service. For more information, contact the ReNU Niagara COPC office at 716-205-0289.

EDITOR'S NOTE: For more information on the history of this program, please contact Professor Al Oddo at 286-8158, or aroddo@niagara.edu.

Niagara University Named to Chronicle's Honor Roll of "Great Colleges to Work For"

Mon, 06 Jul 2009 00:00:00 -0400

Niagara University ranks as one of the top 10 colleges and universities to work for among medium-size institutions in the United States, according to a survey released today by The Chronicle of Higher Education.

Niagara joins 39 colleges and universities named to an Honor Roll of “Great Colleges to Work For” based on the number of times it was listed in 26 individual recognition categories examined in the nationwide survey. The Honor Roll is a new feature in the Chronicle’s survey, which recognizes institutions that have created exceptional work environments.

Niagara was ranked prominently in 17 of the 26 categories, including compensation and benefits, confidence in senior leadership, connection to institution and pride, teaching environment, and healthy faculty-administration relations.

“Niagara University is certainly proud of the distinction of being named to the Chronicle’s inaugural Honor Roll,” said the Rev. Joseph L. Levesque, C.M., president of NU. “But the important thanks belong to the faculty, staff and administrators who are the heart of our university. They are the reason Niagara University is a great place to work.”

This year, 247 institutions, including four-year colleges and universities as well as community colleges, participated in the survey, a 270 percent increase from its inaugural year. Participants were segmented into a four-year or two-year category, and classified within these categories based on the size of their undergraduate and graduate enrollment.

The results were determined by responses from nearly 41,000 administrators, faculty and staff members who responded to 60 statements using a five-point scale. The survey was administered online in March and April.

The assessment process included an analysis of demographic data and workplace policies at the participating colleges and universities. It was administered by ModernThink LLC, a human-resources consulting firm that has conducted many "Best Places to Work" surveys for various groups.

Niagara also participated in the Chronicle’s 2008 survey of colleges and universities, ranking among the top five institutions in 20 of 27 categories examined.

NU, Niagara Wine Trail To Host Winter Wine Day On Feb. 28

Thu, 29 Jan 2009 00:00:00 -0500

Niagara University's Office of Continuing Education (CE), in conjunction with the Niagara Wine Trail, will host Winter Wine Day on Feb. 28 from 9 a.m. to 12:15 p.m. on the Lewiston campus.
Educational sessions will be held to allow participants to learn about a variety of wine-related topics, including proper storage and food etiquette, barrels and cooperage, and discovering your own palate.
After the sessions, participants will be provided maps and directions to visit the wine trail and take part in wine tasting.
"Our first Wine Day event last August was a great success," said Mike VonHeckler, founder and managing partner of Warm Lake Estate in Lockport. "We know the Winter Wine Day will give people of the region an opportunity to learn more about wine, wine and food pairing and the booming wine industry based on the Niagara Escarpment."
The cost for the program is $35. Pre-registration, which is required, includes personalized wine glass and 10 percent discount card
To register, call continuing education at 716-286-8181, or www.niagara.edu/cce.

Cert Training Offered To Wheatfield Area Residents

Thu, 29 Jan 2009 00:00:00 -0500

Niagara University will offer free training to Town of Wheatfield area residents interested in serving as a member of a Community Emergency Response Team (CERT) on six consecutive Monday evenings beginning Feb. 23. The first class will meet at the Town of Wheatfield Community Center, 2790 Church Road. Subsequent classes will meet at town fire halls on a schedule to be announced.
The Monday sessions will run from 6:30 to 9:30 p.m. Two additional sessions will be held on Saturdays: Feb. 28 from 9 a.m. to 3 p.m. and April 4 from 9 a.m. to 2 p.m.
Both academic and hands-on training will be provided in emergency preparedness, fire safety, emergency medical operations, light search and rescue, disaster psychology, terrorism, and CERT team organization.
Participants must be at least 16, agree to participate in all eight training sessions, and register as a volunteer with NU's Border Community SERVICE (Special Emergency Response Volunteer Initiative for Community Empowerment).
The Feb. 28 session will be on fire safety and light search and rescue; the April 4 session will be devoted to a course review and simulated disaster exercise.
Pre-registration, which is required, can be completed by contacting Nancy Blundell, executive director, Border Community SERVICE, at 286-8304 or nbb@niagara.edu. Additional information and online registration are available at: www.niagara.edu/bordercommunityservice.

"Pinball" Clemons To Speak At Niagara University Commencement In Toronto

Thu, 22 Jan 2009 00:00:00 -0500

Niagara University will award degrees to 158 graduates at its second commencement in Ontario on Wednesday, Jan. 28, at 7 p.m. at the Toronto Centre for the Arts, 5040 Yonge St.
Michael "Pinball" Clemons, chief executive officer of the Toronto Argonauts, will deliver the commencement address and receive the university's Founders Award.
The Rev. Joseph L. Levesque, C.M. president of Niagara University, will preside at commencement ceremonies and confer the degree of Bachelor of Professional Studies in Education on graduates.
Two students who have achieved the highest grade-point average in their respective fields of study will receive gold medals. They are Michael I. Rosen of Cambridge, Ontario, for the Primary-Junior program, and Lisa Moore Haidle of Toronto, for the Intermediate-Senior Program.
Niagara University, a Catholic and Vincentian university in Lewiston, N.Y., offers a bachelor's degree in teacher education, with programs in Primary-Junior and Intermediate-Senior teacher preparation, at sites in Toronto and York. The university, founded in 1856, has written consent from the Ontario Ministry of Training, Colleges and Universities to offer its programs, which are accredited by the Ontario College of Teachers.
NU, which has offered education programs in Ontario for more than 30 years, held its first commencement for the BPS program in May 2008.
Clemons, who played for and coached the Argonauts, is being honored for his achievements both on and off the field. He played for the Argos for 12 seasons, and twice served as head coach, garnering the second most head-coaching wins in franchise history. He stepped down as coach in December 2007 to become the team's chief executive officer.
In August 2007, he started his own charitable foundation, which is dedicated to helping disadvantaged youth.
Further information on Niagara University and its program in Ontario is available at www.niagara.edu/education.

NU's Ranagan To Get Unique View Of Obama Inauguration

Tue, 13 Jan 2009 00:00:00 -0500

Kaylin Ranagan, admissions counselor at Niagara University, will be mentoring 25 scholars at the Presidential Youth Inaugural Conference (PYIC) in Washington, D.C. on Jan. 20. The PYIC provides inaugural scholars with a unique experience as they take part in and share first hand in the excitement and ceremony of the inauguration of Barack Obama and Joe Biden as the president and vice president of the United States.
Ranagan, a 2008 Niagara University graduate, discussed her involvement in the first edition of the "Purple Podcast" for 2009. To listen, please click the link associated with this story.
For more information on the conference, log on to http://www.cylc.org/pyic/.

NU Class Of 2007 Exceeded National Rates For Employment, Educational Advancement

Fri, 09 Jan 2009 00:00:00 -0500

Members of the Niagara University Class of 2007 far exceeded national averages in their rate of employment and in pursuing advanced education, according to the latest statistics compiled by the Office of Career Development.
A survey of the undergraduate class conducted from January to July 2008 revealed that 79.2 percent of the graduates were employed full time or in military service, while another 16.8 percent were employed part time for a total employment rate of 96 percent. The National Association of Colleges and Employers reported that members of the Class of 2007 from schools the size of Niagara had a total employment rate of 75 percent.
The NU class' educational advancement rate of 58.7 percent was more than twice as high as the national rate of 22.8 percent. The number represents those enrolled full or part time in graduate or professional studies.
Graduate students reported an employment rate of 95.1 percent and an educational advancement rate of 6.9 percent.
"We were extremely pleased with the results of our survey of the Class of 2007," said Thomas Hodick, NU's director of career development. "The positive results are, first and foremost, a reflection of how well Niagara University's approach to active, integrative learning prepares its students for the realities of their chosen career fields."
The report was prepared from data provided by 474 undergraduate and graduate students, representing a 57 percent response rate from the 831 graduates with valid contact information.

Carnegie Foundation Recognizes NU For Community Engagement

Fri, 09 Jan 2009 00:00:00 -0500

The Carnegie Foundation for the Advancement of Teaching, a national policy and research center dedicated to the improvement of teaching and learning, has selected Niagara University for inclusion in its Community Engagement Classification.
NU is among 119 colleges and universities nationwide, and six in New York state, selected for the foundation's 2008 classification, which includes categories for curricular engagement and community outreach and partnerships. NU was cited for its programs and activities in both categories.
"The university is very proud to receive this honor, which reflects the wonderful work our students are doing in the community," said Dr. Marilynn Fleckenstein, associate vice president for academic affairs at NU. "Community engagement is fully in keeping with the university's mission and its desire to instill in students the value of service to others."
NU students, faculty and staff are engaged in a variety of community activities either as part of their coursework, through service-learning opportunities, and as volunteers. An estimated 2,000 students provide approximately 60,000 hours of service annually as tutors in local schools districts and as interns and volunteers in more than 40 social service agencies and organizations in Western New York and southern Ontario. NU also operates ReNU Niagara, a Community Outreach Partnership Center that coordinates programs in Niagara Falls. Niagara's four colleges also operate centers that provide research, training, and professional and educational services for business and industry, school districts, and families.
The newly selected colleges and universities join 76 others identified in the first selection process, which was done in 2006.
NU's inclusion in the Community Engagement Classification is in addition to its Carnegie listing as a master's level educational institution.
In addition to NU, other New York state institutions receiving the 2008 classification for community engagement are Daemen, Keuka, Nazareth and Wagner colleges and SUNY Cortland.
In 2008, 147 institutions applied to document community engagement, up from 89 in 2006. Of the total applications, 119 were successfully classified as community engaged institutions.
Founded by Andrew Carnegie in 1905 and chartered in 1906 by an act of Congress, The Carnegie Foundation for the Advancement of Teaching is an independent policy and research center with the primary mission "to do and perform all things necessary to encourage, uphold, and dignify the profession of the teacher." The foundation is located in Stanford, Calif.

NU's Office Of Continuing Education Accepting Registrations For Fall Classes

Tue, 06 Jan 2009 00:00:00 -0500

Niagara University's Office of Continuing Education is accepting registrations for the Spring 2009 schedule of courses. Credit-free classes are offered both in-person and online.
Classes include flower arranging, a New York state Notary Public preparation class, Microsoft Office certificate, Emergency Medical Service training, beginner and intermediate ballroom dancing, sign language, and a paralegal certificate.
In addition, credit classes are offered after 4 p.m. in a variety of subjects that go toward completing a degree. These classes may be taken either as graduate or undergraduate courses, with the permission of the department chair or appropriate college dean.
To register, contact the Office of Continuing Education at 716-286-8181. Additional information can be found at www.niagara.edu/cce.

NU Plans Daylong Activities To Mark Obama's Presidential Inauguration

Tue, 06 Jan 2009 00:00:00 -0500

Niagara University has planned a number of activities to mark the inauguration of Barack Obama as the 44th president of the United States on Jan. 20. Called "A Celebration of Unity and Hope," the activities will run from 9:30 a.m. to 8 p.m. on inauguration day.
Student clubs representing a diverse range of interests will display educational poster boards to illustrate a number of key issues facing the nation faces. Included are displays on the environment, higher education and immigration. Other posters will introduce students to the members of the new cabinet.
At approximately 10:45 a.m., the Rev. Joseph L. Levesque, C.M., Niagara University president, will give an invocation. Brief remarks will be provided by three speakers, including Dr. Christopher Lee, associate professor of political science, who will talk about the significance of the presidency.
Niagara University will also broadcast the swearing-in ceremony and inaugural address on a large screen in the upper level of the Gallagher Center at approximately 11:45 a.m. A post-inauguration celebration will include Niagara's best rendition of "Chicago-style" pizza, a drum circle, and a poetry performance. Special commemorative pins will be given to attendees.
The celebration concludes with the showing of "Unbought and Unbossed," the 2005 PBS special that chronicled Shirley Chisholm's run for president in 1972. A discussion of the film by Dr. Seneca Vaught, assistant professor of African and African American History, will take place from 6 to 8 p.m. in Room 127 of Dunleavy Hall.
For more information, contact Dr. James McCutcheon, assistant professor of Spanish, at 716-286-8211.

Cert Training Offered To Tonawanda Residents

Tue, 06 Jan 2009 00:00:00 -0500

Niagara University will offer free training for Tonawanda-area residents interested in serving as a member of a Community Emergency Response Team (CERT) on six consecutive Monday evenings beginning Jan. 19 at the Town of Tonawanda Fire Training Facility, 70 Fire Tower Drive. The sessions will run from 6:30 to 9:30 p.m. Two additional sessions will be held on Feb. 21 and 28 from 9 a.m. to 1 p.m.
Both academic and hands-on training will be provided in emergency preparedness, fire safety, emergency medical operations, light search and rescue, disaster psychology, terrorism, and CERT team organization.
Participants must be at least 16, agree to participate in all eight training sessions, and register as a volunteer with NU's Border Community SERVICE (Special Emergency Response Volunteer Initiative for Community Empowerment). The Feb. 28 session will be a disaster-simulation training exercise.
Persons interested in enrolling in the classes should contact Heather Johnson, Town of Tonawanda CERT coordinator, at 879-6606 or hjohnson@tonawanda.ny.us, or Nancy Blundell, executive director, Border Community SERVICE, at 286-8304 or nbb@niagara.edu. Additional information and online registration is available at www.niagara.edu/bordercommunityservice.
Pre-registration is required.

Niagara University Receives Teagle Foundation Grant To Assess Community-Based Learning

Fri, 19 Dec 2008 00:00:00 -0500

Niagara University and two other colleges have been awarded a $281,000 grant from the Teagle Foundation to develop methods for assessing community-based learning programs.
NU will join with Rhodes College in Memphis, Tenn., and Franklin and Marshall College in Lancaster, Pa., in implementing a plan that was developed last year with a preliminary $25,000 grant from the foundation. The goal of the project is to develop a national assessment model that can be used to improve programming.
The three-year project, "Systemic Assessment of Student Learning in Community-Based Learning Programs," is particularly focused on value-added learning that results from students' involvement in sustained college-community partnerships.
Niagara maintains a comprehensive community-service program that focuses on both education and human needs-related activities. Its goal is to enhance students' academic skills and life-long learning, while promoting and advocating social changes.
To centralize and better administer its many community-based learning programs, Niagara is creating a new Center for Community Based Learning and Engagement. Dr. David Taylor, associate professor of criminal justice, has been named director of the new center, which will open in the fall of 2009.
The New York City-based Teagle Foundation provides intellectual and financial resources to ensure that students have access to challenging, wide-ranging and enriching college educations.

Cummings Foundation Commits $100,000 To NU Science Center

Wed, 17 Dec 2008 00:00:00 -0500

The James H. Cummings Foundation of Buffalo, an organization created to further medical science, medical research and medical education, has awarded a $100,000 grant to Niagara University for construction of its new science center.
The grant, which will be paid in equal installments over two years, will be applied to the university's capital campaign, "The Promise of Niagara." The $80 million campaign includes funding for the new science facility, which will be known as the B. Thomas Golisano Center for Integrated Sciences. Golisano, a well-known Rochester businessman who owns Paychex and the Buffalo Sabres, announced a $10 million commitment toward construction of the $25 million science center in October.
The Cummings Foundation grant is its second major commitment to the university's science program. In March 2007, the foundation awarded a $130,000 to the university to purchase equipment for its Academic Center for Integrated Sciences.
In addition to funding programs in medical science, education and research, the Cummings Foundation also provides services for underprivileged boys and girls and assists aged and infirm persons. The charitable, non-profit corporation, which was organized in 1962, is named for a prominent Buffalo pharmaceuticals manufacturer.

NU Names 3 New Trustees, 5 Advisors

Wed, 03 Dec 2008 00:00:00 -0500

Niagara University has added three new members to its board of trustees and four other persons to its presidential advisory board.
Elected to four-year terms as trustees were the Rev. Michael J. Carroll, C.M., superior of the Eastern Province of the Congregation of the Mission (Vincentians); Pamela R. Jacobs-Vogt of Buffalo, chair of the Dr. Lawrence D. Jacobs Foundation; and the Rev. Patrick J. Griffin, C.M., executive vice president for mission and branch campuses, St. John's University.
A graduate of Niagara University, Father Carroll was elected provincial of the Vincentian Community in June. Prior to that, he had served in a variety of capacities at St. John's University for the last 18 years.
Mrs. Jacobs-Vogt has been involved in numerous voluntary activities and has served as a trustee of several Buffalo educational institutions, including high schools, colleges and the State University at Buffalo. Her late husband, Dr. Lawrence D. Jacobs, was a graduate of Niagara University.
Father Griffin, also an alumnus of Niagara, succeeded Father Carroll as executive vice president for mission and branch campuses at St. John's University. Prior to joining St. John's, he was a professor of scripture at the Seminary of the Immaculate Conception in Huntington, N.Y. He holds a doctoral degree in biblical studies from The Catholic University of America.
Named to the Board of Advisors were Mary Hoffman, an alumna of Niagara who is president and chief executive officer of Kenmore Mercy Hospital; Michael R. Wilton, an alumnus of NU who is a member of Patricia Lynch Associates, an Albany government relations firm; Christopher M. Leardini, CPA., vice president, controller/treasurer and interim chief financial officer of Healthnow New York Inc., Buffalo; and Karen L. Howard, a graduate of NU who is vice president for finance and chief financial officer of Columbus McKinnon Corp., Amherst.
Robert Minicucci, a graduate of NU who is president of Health Systems Services Inc., Niagara Falls, has rejoined the board after being off for a year because of term limits.

"Standards For Santa" Discussed On Purple Podcast

Tue, 02 Dec 2008 00:00:00 -0500

It's beginning to look a lot like Christmas around Western New York and Niagara University's College of Education is in the holiday spirit, sponsoring "Standards for Santa" week. The program began on Dec. 1 and wraps up Dec. 6.
Patti Wrobel, assistant dean for external relations in the College, discussed "Standards for Santa" week on the latest edition of the Purple Podcast.

To listen, simply click the link associated with this story. You can also view photos of the decorations in the home of the College of Education, the New Academic Complex.

For more information, contact Wrobel at 716-286-8309.

Michael Jeswald Named November Employee Of The Month

Tue, 25 Nov 2008 00:00:00 -0500

Michael Jeswald, training manager in the College of Hospitality and Tourism Management's Hospitality Training and Research Center, has been named employee of the month for November 2008.
An employee of at NU since Sept. 2005, Jeswald helps hospitality based businesses operate more efficiently and effectively through research and employee training programs. Training, however, is not the only thing he does. As a nomination stated, "Michael has been instrumental in Web site development and has appreciated the support of information technology and accounting in setting up systems to allow credit card payments."
Another nomination highlighted Jeswald's passion for assisting hospitality organizations in reaching their potential. "Recruiting candidates for training is not an easy task," it said. "He is diligent in following through, and uses his sales abilities and industry knowledge to demonstrate the return on the investment."
Jeswald has more than 20 years of experience in the hospitality Industry. He has worked as a night auditor, front office manager, and as sales manager at numerous hotels in Western New York. He was formerly the director of convention services and sales for the Buffalo Convention Center and worked directly with the Convention and Visitors Bureau to secure conventions.
Jeswald resides in North Tonawanda with his wife, Beth, and three children.

NU Joins Network Of New York State Technology Commercialization Clinics

Mon, 17 Nov 2008 00:00:00 -0500

Niagara University has joined a network of technology transfer and commercialization clinics located at higher education institutions throughout New York state. The clinic will be established in the College of Business Administration on the Lewiston campus.
Modeled after the highly successful Technology Commercialization Research Center at Syracuse University College of Law, funding was secured by the New York State Legislature which enabled an expansion of the model to other colleges and universities throughout the state. Niagara University is the first institution to open a technology transfer and commercialization clinic, which specializes in research to assist with the commercial development of new technologies.
Niagara's clinic will serve Western New York in cooperation and collaboration with various institutions, businesses and professionals in the region. "I am delighted that Niagara University is the pioneer in New York State in launching a Technology Commercialization Clinic," said Ted Hagelin, director of the Technology Commercialization Research Center at Syracuse University.
"The creation of a statewide network of technology transfer clinics builds upon a State investment providing valuable information and analysis that will lead to the commercialization, and economic benefit, of these ideas." said Assemblywoman Francine DelMonte, of the 138th Assembly District and Chair of the Legislative Commission on Science and Technology.
The mission of the Niagara clinic will be to teach a range of technology transfer and commercialization concepts, processes and options and to encourage innovative thinking while providing a service to inventors and prospective ventures in the region. Niagara clinic projects will also focus on bioinformatics and life sciences as well as environmental technologies.
"I am proud to see the Technology Commercialization Research Center that has been so successful at the Syracuse University College of Law expand to western New York," said Assemblyman William Magnarelli, from the 120th Assembly District in Syracuse. "The program has been very successful at Syracuse, and I know it will be successful at Niagara as well."
The goal is to prepare students and positively impact the region's innovation economy. The program is operating under the direction of Stephen Mayer, Ph.D, assistant professor of commerce at Niagara, and involves graduate students working directly with businesses or individual entrepreneurs.
The clinic is working this fall with MMC Lipid Bio Services, Inc., a local biotech company. "Students will research the commercialization of a patent pending technology that shows promise in improving the delivery of therapeutic drugs in the systems of cancer patients," said Mayer.
For more information, contact Mayer at 716-286-8178.

NU Named Featured Education Sponsor For Music Is Art

Thu, 06 Nov 2008 00:00:00 -0500

Niagara University has entered into a partnership with Music is Art (MiA) to be the featured educational sponsor for the 2008-2009 academic year.
Founded by Robby Takac of the Goo Goo Dolls, MiA seeks to enlighten and ignite a personal connection to the artistic merit and acceptance of all forms of music.
"Having Niagara University as a partner highlights the educational aspect of our mission," said Takac. "The arts are a key to a fully realized education, and it's great that Niagara University is teaming with us to bring music and the arts to our community."
Niagara University will host several events on its Lewiston campus to benefit Music is Art. Among them are the:
Nov. 14 Live Music Series show with the local rock band Klear and special guest Zak Ward performing.
Feb. 13, 2009, Live Music Series show featuring the Beatles tribute band, BeatleMagic.
All shows in the Live Music Series are from 8 to 11 p.m. in the "Under the Taps" club, Lower Level Gallagher Center. Admission is $5.00 at the door and includes free pizza and wings.
Two other events involving Music is Art will be held on campus, with details on those shows to be released at a later date.
"We are very excited to be partnering with Music is Art," said Fred Heuer, assistant vice president for marketing at NU. "The program is a perfect fit with Niagara's mission in developing the whole person."
Since 2003, Music is Art has worked to explore and reshape music's cultural, social, and educational impact on Western New York through programs such as the annual MiA Festival. Other programs include a music instrument drive, which has collected more than $200,000 worth of new and used instruments, and Music in Action, a 15-week course that helps to inspire young people in primarily underserved school districts.
MiA is a not-for-profit (federal 501c3) organization. MiA operates through a board of directors, staff, partner organizations, sponsors, and many, many volunteers. For more information, log on to: musicisart.org.

NU Class Project: 'Tackling Hunger One Meal At A Time'

Tue, 04 Nov 2008 00:00:00 -0500

Students in an event-planning class at Niagara University have undertaken an ambitious project to support the Food Bank of Western New York.
The project, "Tackling Hunger One Meal at a Time," will include a series of activities on the NU campus Nov. 16-18. The goal is $7,300 in cash and food donations.
The highlight will be a "Monday Night Football" tailgate party Nov. 17, when the Buffalo Bills take on the Cleveland Browns. Admission will be five non-perishable food items or $3 in cash. The party kicks off at 7:15 p.m. in Under the Taps in the Gallagher Center, and will include wings, food and soda.
David and Myra Conley of East Amherst, who donated $100,000 to the Food Bank in September during Hunger Action Month, will receive a community service award after the 11 a.m. Mass on Sunday, Nov. 16, in Alumni Chapel. A reception will follow in the lower level of the Gallagher Center
At 1 p.m. on Sunday, Nov. 16, Niagaraâ€™s womenâ€™s basketball team will play their home opener against Oakland. Those attending will be able to purchase one ticket and get a second one free by donating three non-perishable food items.
The food drive will conclude Tuesday, Nov. 18, when food items can be left in bins in the lower level of the Gallagher Center. Raffle prizes will be awarded throughout the day.
Starting Nov. 10, anyone wishing to make donations can drop off food items in a bin outside the campus ministry office in the lower level of Gallagher.
"Tackling Hunger One Meal at a Time" is being organized by the 12 students in an event management and sports marketing class taught by Drew Cerza, founder of the National Buffalo Wing Festival.
"With hunger becoming an increasingly serious problem in our community, we thought the food drive was an ideal class project to help those in need. That's part of our Vincentian mission here at Niagara University," said Lyn Gonlag, a senior who is helping to organize the project.
The Food Bank, through a network of more than 400 member agencies in Western New York, distributes close to 1 million pounds of food each month. Food collected in the "Tackling Hunger" project is expected to be returned to Niagara County agencies.
Further information can be obtained by e-mailing tacklinghunger@gmail.com.

Niagara University Theatre Names First Recipient Of The Julie Burdick Memorial Scholarship

Thu, 30 Oct 2008 00:00:00 -0400

Dr. Sharon Watkinson, chair of Niagara University's department of theater and fine arts, announced today that theater studies senior Preston Cuer is the first recipient of the Julie Burdick Memorial Scholarship, named after alumna Julie Burdick, '03.

Burdick passed away unexpectedly on Jan. 27, 2007, and her parents, Dr. James Burdick and Mrs. Sharon Burdick of East Amherst, N.Y., established the scholarship as a result of thousands of dollars of contributions made to Niagara University Theatre in honor of their daughter. The Burdick family has requested that one sophomore, junior or senior who is an outstanding theater performance major be chosen by the administrators and faculty of the theater program to receive the scholarship, which will last for the duration of the student's undergraduate years at Niagara University. Once the student has graduated from NU, new recipients for the scholarship will be selected and announced.

Any student selected for this honor must not only excel on stage and in the classroom, but also they must model a Vincentian-like interest in caring for and helping others.

"We are delighted to select Preston Cuer as our first recipient of the Julie Burdick Memorial Scholarship," noted Dr. Watkinson. "When we thought about how extraordinary Julie Burdick was as a 'triple threat' performer, as a student who loved to learn, and as an extraordinarily generous and caring human being, we thought of Preston Cuer. Very simply, Preston excels not only in theater but also in all of his academic studies. And, like Julie, Preston is humble, genuine, sincere; hallmarks of an authentic human being."

A resident of Alexander, N.Y., Cuer has a double major in theater performance and computer information sciences.

Cuer has played roles in "Chicago," "Fiddler on the Roof," "Company," "Cabaret," "Night Train to Foggy Bottom" and every short play festival the department has held during the past four years. After participating in the department's study abroad program at Schiller International University in London last summer, he volunteered to teach math in a mountain village of Romania with a team of volunteers from his parish, the West Middlebury Baptist Church. With the assistance of translators, Cuer and four other math instructors spent two weeks teaching students who "are normally ignored in schools due to ethnic differences." He noted that the mission experience was a "wonderful opportunity" that he would gladly volunteer for again.

Burdick played numerous leading and supporting roles while a theater performance student at Niagara University from 1999 â€“ 2003. She also performed at Artpark and Buffalo's MusicalFare Theatre in several productions. Following graduation, she worked continually in the theater around the United States. She was cast in several national theatrical productions, playing the role of "Iris Kelly" in the North American tour of "Fame, the Musical" and "Laurey" in Networks Presentations, LLC's revival of "OKLAHOMA!" She also served as the off-stage cover for the four principal roles of the sisters in the national equity tour of "Little Women," and completed a production of Cabaret in Washington, D.C.

Brother Augustine Towey, director emeritus of Niagara University Theatre, wrote and delivered the homily for Burdick's Mass of the Resurrection, which was held at Niagara University's Alumni Chapel. He said, "Julie never had 'attitude.' She was not what we call in the business a 'diva.' Her ambitions were not egotistical. All she wanted to do was work. And of course being Julie she wanted to sing, she wanted to dance, she wanted to laugh and to loveâ€¦ As one of her classmates said to me, she was the best of us."

College Of Business Administration Student Stacie Barco Named Mcgowan Scholar For 2008-2009

Thu, 30 Oct 2008 00:00:00 -0400

Stacie L. Barco, a student in Niagara University's College of Business Administration, has been awarded the William G. McGowan Scholarship for the 2008-2009 academic year.
A native of Webster, N.Y., Barco is an economics and finance major, who is scheduled to graduate with a Bachelor of Science degree in commerce in May 2009.
A deanâ€™s list student, she is a member of Niagara's Collegiate Entrepreneurial Organization and works as an intern in the branch manager trainee program at American General Financial Services in Tonawanda.
The McGowan Charitable Fund established the McGowan Scholars program to provide selected colleges and universities with scholarships to help students who wish to pursue a business education. The program is based on the experience of MCI founder William G. McGowan during his college days. Though admitted to Harvard Business School to study for an MBA degree, he did not have sufficient funds to complete his studies. However, he won Harvard's Baker Scholars Award, which provided the funds necessary for him to earn his degree and launch a successful business career.

Michael Lavin Named NU's October Employee Of The Month

Sun, 26 Oct 2008 00:00:00 -0400

Michael Lavin, part-time reference librarian in Niagara University's library, has been named employee of the month for October 2008. A native of Buffalo, Lavin, has been an employee since September 2004.
Lavin can be counted on to provide excellent reference service at the library, according to a Buffalo State College student who visited Niagara's library recently and was appreciative of Lavinâ€™s help. "Michael was so wonderful to me," the nomination said. "I couldnâ€™t believe all of the help he had given, especially considering that I am not a student at Niagara."
Another nomination noted that Lavin's "commitment to providing excellent customer service is always a priority with him."
Lavin currently resides in Amherst with his wife and son.

Niagara University To Host Panel Discussion On Presidential Election

Mon, 27 Oct 2008 00:00:00 -0400

Niagara University will host a debate and discussion titled "McCain or Obama: Who Will Better Serve America" on Wednesday, Oct. 29, at 7 p.m. in Dunleavy Hall, Room 127. Light refreshments will follow.
Panelists include Dr. Todd Bindig, visiting assistant professor of philosophy, and Dr. C. Gerald Carpenter, professor of history. The discussion will be moderated by NU student Michelle Ingalsbe, president of Delta Epsilon Sigma.
The event is sponsored by Niagara University students who are members of Delta Epsilon Sigma, the national honor society for Catholic universities. The public is welcome.

NU Grad Contributes $10,000 To Scholarship In Son's Name

Wed, 15 Oct 2008 00:00:00 -0400

Benedict A. Salamone of Whippany, N.J., a 1960 graduate of Niagara University, has donated $10,000 to establish a scholarship in memory of his son, John, who was killed in the World Trade Center on Sept. 11, 2001.
The John P. Salamone Memorial Scholarship Fund will benefit students from New Jersey or New York who demonstrate financial need, are student athletes, and who show leadership qualities. Students must be in the top 20 percent of their high school graduating class and maintain a 3.0 grade-point average or higher at Niagara to receive the award for multiple years. In addition to being a student leader in high school, the student must also show potential to be a leader at Niagara University.
For more information, contact the College of Education at 716-286-8560.

Culton Discusses NU Sociology Program On Purple Podcast

Thu, 23 Oct 2008 00:00:00 -0400

Dr. Kenneth Culton, assistant professor of sociology at Niagara University, recently sat down to talk about the sociology program on the latest edition of the "Purple Podcast."
Culton, who has been at Niagara since 2005, discusses the benefits of a degree in sociology as well as job opportunities once that degree is attained.
To listen, please click the link associated with this story.

Glynn, Joy Families To Be Honored At Nu President's Dinner

Tue, 21 Oct 2008 00:00:00 -0400

Two prominent local families and two institutions that recently celebrated centennial anniversaries will be recognized at the Niagara University President's Dinner Saturday, Nov. 8, at the Seneca Niagara Casino Hotel Event Center in Niagara Falls.
James and Mary Glynn and their five children and Paul and Alice Mary Joy and the three Joy children will receive the President's Award of Distinction from the Rev. Joseph L. Levesque, C.M., president of the university. Mount St. Mary's Hospital and Health Center and Stella Niagara and the Sisters of St. Francis of Penance and Christian Charity will also receive the award.
Both the Glynn and Joy families, longtime supporters of Niagara University, have a history of charitable support for many institutions and organizations in Western New York. James V. Glynn, a 1957 graduate who is chairman of the Maid of the Mist Corp., is chairman emeritus of NU's board of trustees. His son, Christopher, a 1985 graduate and president of the Maid of the Mist Corp., currently serves as a university trustee. Paul Joy, a past president of The Carborundum Co., is a trustee emeritus of NU. His daughter, Marsha Joy Sullivan, is a current board member.
Founded by the Sisters of St. Francis in 1907, Mount St. Mary's Hospital was located for many years on Sixth Street in Niagara Falls. It began operations in a new facility in the Town of Lewiston in 1965 and is currently operated by Ascension Health, the largest not-for-profit healthcare system in the nation.
Stella Niagara has been sponsored by the Sisters of St. Francis of Penance and Christian Charity since 1908, and remains a private, co-educational Catholic elementary school. The international congregation of religious was founded in 1835 in the Netherlands by Mother Magdalen Damen. The sisters of the Stella Niagara Province, who have been in Buffalo since 1874, also sponsor Sacred Heart Academy in Eggertsville, the Francis Center in Niagara Falls and the Center of Renewal at Stella Niagara.
The dinner will begin at 6 p.m. and will be followed by dancing to the music of Total Eclipse. Tickets may be obtained by contacting the Office of University Events at 286-8779.
Chair couples of the event, which benefits the university's scholarship fund, are Mark and Anna Bruno of Grand Island and Mark and Susan Lettieri of Getzville.

College Of Hospitality And Tourism Management To Honor Four At Annual Convocation

Mon, 20 Oct 2008 00:00:00 -0400

John M. Scott, president and chief executive officer of Rosewood Hotels and Resorts, and John Doherty, executive chef at the Waldorf=Astoria in New York, N.Y., are among the honorees at the Niagara University College of Hospitality and Tourism Management's annual convocation Oct. 23 at 4 p.m. in the Alumni Chapel. The event, which is part of the college's 40th anniversary celebration, is sponsored by The Maid of the Mist Corp.
Scott, who will receive the Lifetime Hotelier Leadership Award, joined Rosewood in 2003. During his tenure, Scott had doubled the number of luxury hotel properties under Rosewood management. The company now manages 18 ultra-luxury properties in seven countries with more than $500 million annually in gross revenues and nearly 5,000 employees. A hospitality industry veteran, he has held senior management positions at the Interpacific Group, the Walt Disney Company, and Maritz, Wolff, and Co.
In 1985, Doherty, who will receive the Food Industry Leadership Award, was the youngest person ever named to the executive chef post at the world-renowned Waldorf=Astoria. Doherty has cooked for more presidents, royalty and heads-of-state than any other chef in the country. A Silver Spoon Award winner from "Food Arts," he recently released his first cookbook, "The Waldorf=Astoria Cookbook," which features over 120 recipes that cover the best in the hotel's dining experience.
Other honorees include:
Thomas Shepard, chief executive officer of The Festival Network, will receive the Travel Industry Leadership Award. Since joining the company in 2007, Festival Network has refined its positioning including rebranding, hired key talent, revamped and strengthened its partnership and revenue models, programming and digital initiatives, broadened the scope of its festivals and increased the number of festivals in the network. Shepard was formerly the executive vice president of international marketing, partnerships and sponsorship for Visa International.
Jan Shrem, founder and proprietor of Clos Pegase Winery in Calistoga, Calif., will receive the Wine Industry Leadership Award. Shrem, who founded the vineyard in 1983, originally was a book publisher in Japan. In 1980, he enrolled in the enology program at the University of Bordeaux in France, where he became fascinated with the idea of combining ancient winemaking practices with emerging technologies.
For more information on the convocation and its honorees, contact Dr. Gary Praetzel, dean of the college, at 716-286-8272.

Brother Augustine Towey's Collected Poems To Be Published

Thu, 16 Oct 2008 00:00:00 -0400

The collected poetry of Brother Augustine Towey, C.M., is being published for the first time by Arthur McAllister Publishers of Harpswell, Maine. The volume, entitled "The Poem You Asked For and Other Poems," is due out Nov. 3. It contains almost the entire body of his previous work, plus several new poems.
Towey, director emeritus of Niagara University Theatre, which he founded some 45 years ago, has authored six other volumes of his poetry. "The Poem You Asked For and Other Poems" includes an essay by Towey in which he writes of his development as a poet.
One critic who praised his work said, "If we had to name a living poet writing in English today whom Auden and Eliot, David Jones and Robert Lowell would take seriously, Augustine's place is as assured as that of his contemporaries, Mary Oliver and Eric Pankey."
Towey, well known for his work in professional and educational theater, came to Niagara University in September of 1964, teaching classes in English literature and speech. Among them was a course in contemporary literature that was devoted mainly to contemporary poetry, a subject he loves. Eventually, he became involved with the Niagara University Players, and from a few early theater courses the current theater program came into existence.
His interest in poetry remained alive during his 45 years of directing and administering the theater program. The six volumes of poetry he published during that time were: "Waiting for Snow in Lewiston" (1990), "The Things of Man" (1991), "Silences" (1996), "Later Enchantments" (2000), "The Anna Poems" (2005) and "Poems from San Francisco" (2006).
In 1996, he recorded a CD of his poetry, "Waiting for Snow in Lewiston: An Evening of Poetry," with actors Vincent O'Neill and Josephine Hogan joining him in reading his work. Plans are under way for a second CD incorporating more of his work to be released in the spring of 2009.
"The Poem You Asked For and Other Poems" may be preordered by e-mailing Orders@amcpub.com and writing "Towey" in the subject line. Instructions will be emailed to those who place an order.

Professional Certificate In Geographic Information Systems To Be Offered At NU

Tue, 14 Oct 2008 00:00:00 -0400

The Office of Continuing Education at Niagara University will offer a professional certificate program in Geographical Information Systems (GIS) beginning Oct. 23.
GIS, or digital mapping, takes information from databases and spreadsheets and charts it on an interactive map. The U.S. Department of Labor has identified GIS technology as "one of the three most important emerging and evolving fields."
The core course, Introduction to ArcGIS I, will be offered Oct. 23-24 from 9 a.m. to 4:30 p.m. in the university's dedicated GIS lab in Dunleavy Hall. On Nov. 5-7, an Introduction to ArcGIS II will be offered. The cost for the first course is $795; the second is $995. Gregory R. Coniglio, ESRI certified trainer and a GIS programmer and analyst, will facilitate both courses.
To register, contact the NU Office of Continuing Education at 716-286-8181, or online at http://www.niagara.edu/cce.

NU Takes Part In "Cans Across America" Food Drive

Wed, 29 Oct 2008 00:00:00 -0400

Niagara University's Sodexo hospitality services is taking part in "Cans Across America" through Nov. 12. The drive, part of Sodexo's nationwide STOP Hunger initiative, aims to collect nearly 400,000 pounds of food nationwide.
Donations can be made from 7:30 a.m. to 10 p.m. at bins located near the Gally Market in the lower level of the Gallagher Center.
Sodexo will match, can for can, every item received at Niagara. In the process, people who donate will be taking part in attempting to set a new Guinness World Record. "Cans Across America" aims to set the record for the largest food drive by a non-charitable organization.
"We are very excited to make this year's 'Cans Across America' event the biggest and best ever," said Bill Baker, general manager of hospitality services at Niagara. "We invite everyone to come out and contribute to this great cause."
For more information, contact Theresa Marinello, customer service supervisor for hospitality services, at 716-286-7372.

NU College of Education, Niagara Falls City School District Highlighted by U.S. Congress for Joint Programs

Mon, 27 Jul 2009 00:00:00 -0400

A partnership between Niagara University's College of Education and the Niagara Falls City School District was recognized recently in Washington, D.C., for two grants that have produced gains in student achievement and the creation of higher-level math and science courses at the high school level.

Niagara and the school district represented New York state on Capitol Hill during the American Association for Teacher Education's fifth annual "Day on the Hill" in June. The visit highlighted their accomplishments through the Teacher Quality Enhancement Grant, a five-year award funded by the U.S. Department of Education, and the three-year Math and Science Partnership Grant, which is funded through New York state's Department of Education.

Both grants have afforded opportunities for university faculty as well as in-service and preservice teachers to participate in a continuum of professional development focused on literacy in the core content areas, and on the integration of math and science through inquiry-based learning. Over the last five years, 500 Niagara Falls school teachers have been involved in the grants, which have produced a districtwide initiative to provide a comprehensive, sustainable professional development model that includes having teacher leaders/content specialists in every building. The College of Education has also created new programs to meet the needs in the field: a new master's degree in math, science and technology, and an advanced certificate of study for teacher leaders.

For more information, contact Patricia Wrobel, assistant dean for external relations, at 716-286-8309.

Executive Director of Hands On Disaster Response to speak at NU Border Community SERVICE event

Tue, 28 Jul 2009 00:00:00 -0400

David Campbell, executive director of Hands on Disaster Response, will give the keynote address at Niagara University's Border Community SERVICE "Empowering Volunteers" conference on Aug. 8 from 8:30 a.m. until 3:30 p.m. in the Castellani Art Museum.

The free event is designed for Community Emergency Response Team volunteers and community leaders. The conference will include hands-on skill reviews, workshops on current community preparedness programs, and an overview of funded community preparedness initiatives. Participants will also have the opportunity to engage in small group discussions about the development of local and regional community preparedness efforts.

Campbell, a 1963 Niagara University graduate and trustee emeritus, travelled to Thailand in 2005 immediately following the tsunami and became one of the founders of HandsOnThailand.org, which brought over 200 volunteers and several hundred thousand dollars to assist the rebuilding of five Phuket fishing villages. In 2006, after a 1,500-volunteer Katrina response project in Mississippi, this volunteer response model became known as Hands On Disaster Response and has brought volunteer assistance to thousands of families since its formative days in Thailand

Hands On Disaster Response is a U.S.-based, 501(c)3 nonprofit organization dedicated to providing hands-on assistance to survivors of natural disasters around the world. By supporting volunteers with housing, meals, tools, and organized work at no charge, the organization is able to provide free and effective response services to communities in need.

To register, log on to www.niagara.edu/BorderCommunityService.

Hands On Disaster Response Web site

NU, NCCC Partner on TESOL Program

Tue, 04 Aug 2009 00:00:00 -0400

Niagara University and Niagara County Community College will jointly offer a Teaching English to Speakers of Other Languages program beginning this fall.

Students in the program will complete the Associate in Arts degree in Liberal Arts and Sciences: Humanities and Social Sciences at NCCC. Approved credits would then be transferred to Niagara, where students can complete a Bachelor of Arts degree to be eligible for certification to teach TESOL grades K to 12 in New York state.

"TESOL is both locally and nationally one of the fastest growing, high-needs areas in teaching," said Dr. Debra Colley, dean of the College of Education at Niagara University. "NCCC and Niagara University have created a model that brings innovation and opportunity to the preparation of teachers in this shortage area."

According to the American Speech-Language-Hearing Association, English language learners will account for approximately 40 percent of the entire school-aged population in the United States by 2030. Currently, it is estimated that there are nearly 20,000 English teaching jobs available worldwide.

For more information, contact the College of Education at 716-286-8560.

Ormsby Honored, McMahon Elevated

Fri, 31 Jul 2009 00:00:00 -0400

Linus Ormsby was awarded Niagara University's Medal of Honor in recognition of his 25 years of service as director of communications and public relations. The presentation was made by the Rev. Joseph L. Levesque, C.M., at a reception marking Ormsby's retirement from the university. The medal, which has been awarded to eight other members of the university community since 1986, recognizes exceptional service over an extended period of time. Ormsby spent 20 years in a variety of editorial positions at the Niagara Gazette before joining NU in 1984.

Lisa McMahon, associate director for publications in NU's Office of Communications and Public Relations, has been named acting director of the office. She holds a bachelor's degree in mass communication from St. Bonaventure University and a Master of Arts degree in interdisciplinary studies from NU. She joined the university in 1997.

Niagara’s Learning Environment Exceeds National Benchmarks

Fri, 28 Aug 2009 00:00:00 -0400

A nationwide study of effective educational practice has once again found that Niagara University students rate their institution higher than the national average on five key measures of student engagement.

The 2009 report from the National Survey of Student Engagement, which surveyed freshmen and seniors at 643 four-year colleges and universities, found that both groups of students ranked Niagara above national benchmarks in areas including academic challenge, active and collaborative learning, student-faculty interaction, enriching educational experiences, and supportive campus environment. This instrument is considered to be one of the best indicators of school performance on areas of student engagement that are linked with student success.

The results for Niagara were based on 610 randomly selected students. The results for seniors were statistically significant all five areas, while those for freshmen were statistically significant in four. Niagara ranked particularly strong in those areas that are closely linked to its mission and to its commitment to active and integrative learning.

Both Niagara's freshmen and seniors ranked the university significantly higher than the national average in areas that measured the extent to which students collaborate with others in solving problems or mastering difficult material; participate in community-based projects such as service learning; and interact with faculty inside and outside the classroom to discuss topics such as grades or assignments, career plans, ideas from readings or class work, or community or research projects.

In addition, both groups of students rated Niagara significantly above average for providing a campus environment that helps them to succeed academically and socially and fosters quality relationships with other students, faculty members, and administrative personnel and offices. They also ranked Niagara significantly above the norm for facilitating enriching educational experiences such as opportunities for students to interact with diverse groups of individuals, use technology to enhance learning, and participate in experiential education including internships, community service, study abroad and senior capstone courses.

Freshmen and seniors rated Niagara's level of academic challenge above the national average, with the results for seniors being statistically significant. This benchmark measures the extent to which colleges and universities promote high levels of student achievement by emphasizing the importance of academic effort and setting high expectations for student performance

"The NSSE survey is a major national benchmarking study of student engagement in higher education. We are extremely proud that NU's results are not only above the norm for the nation on all key benchmarks, but that they also are improving year by year. It's especially gratifying to see that students appreciate the student-faculty interaction, opportunities for community service, experiential learning and other special aspects of their NU education," said Dr. Bonnie Rose, executive vice president/vice president for academic affairs.

Niagara University, Opportunities Unlimited of Niagara Hold Graduation Ceremony

Mon, 17 Aug 2009 00:00:00 -0400

Sixteen individuals with special needs from Opportunities Unlimited of Niagara participated in a work readiness program at Niagara University's College of Education this summer. The six-week, prevocational skills program made classroom, real-world and hands-on experiences available to individuals with developmental disabilities who are enrolled in prevocational and day programming at the agency. The classes were designed to facilitate transition into community-based employment and covered topics including how to present oneself professionally, communication, good work habits, accepting supervision, literacy, using technology, career exploration, and career development.

College of Education students enrolled in programs for individuals with special needs created curriculum and taught the classes. Participants also met with human resource and career development professionals from Niagara University, members of the business community, and members of Opportunities Unlimited’s board of directors to learn more about career exploration and the skills employers are seeking.

“These classes provide our students with a hands-on opportunity to work with transitional adults capable of moving into a workplace environment and brings individuals from Opportunities Unlimited into a university setting,” noted Patricia Wrobel, assistant dean for external relations in the College of Education.

The students received certificates of completion from Niagara University and Opportunities Unlimited at a graduation ceremony on Aug. 13.

Niagara Ranked Among the Best

Fri, 28 Aug 2009 00:00:00 -0400

Niagara University is again listed among the best colleges and universities in the North, according to annual rankings released Aug. 20, 2009, by U.S. News and World Report.

NU is listed 54 among 171 colleges and universities in the northeastern United States that provide a full range of undergraduate and master's degree programs. Compared to last year, Niagara's scores went up in two key indicators of successful student outcomes: freshman retention and the rate of graduation.

Niagara's service-learning program was also highlighted in a special listing of outstanding examples of such programs across the nation. Only 22 institutions among all the colleges and universities in the country were selected for this honor.

The rankings, which are based on factors including peer assessment; retention, graduation and acceptance rates; class sizes; and the giving rate of alumni, will appear in the Sept. 2009 edition of the magazine, which will be on newsstands Aug. 24.

"Niagara is especially pleased to have national recognition for our service learning programs. Education experts agree that involving students in community service either as volunteers or as part of their course work is linked to success in their studies and in their professional lives," said the Rev. Joseph L. Levesque, C.M., president of Niagara University.

Noting Niagara's Catholic and Vincentian mission, he added, "Even more importantly for us at NU, service learning is part of what transforms our graduates into people who are about others and give back to their communities."

Catholic Health and Niagara University Launch Unique Nurse Scholars Program

Fri, 28 Aug 2009 00:00:00 -0400

Program allows registered nurses to earn bachelors degree to advance their careers

Catholic Health is teaming up with Niagara University’s Department of Nursing to offer a unique “RN to BSN” degree pathway for its registered nurses who want to advance their careers. The Catholic Health Nurse Scholars initiative, scheduled to begin in January 2010, will offer qualified nurses employed by Catholic Health the opportunity to earn a Niagara University Bachelor of Science in Nursing degree in 30 months through a special partnership between the university and the health system.

“Nursing is a dynamic field with a lot of opportunities for practitioners with advanced degrees,” said Michael Moley, Senior Vice President of Human Resources for Catholic Health. “This partnership will give our nurses the tools they need to grow within the profession and take on more challenging roles within our system.” Catholic Health will cover the cost of tuition and books, and provide a laptop computer for each nurse enrolled in the program. In exchange, the nurses agree to remain employed within Catholic Health for three years after earning their bachelor's degrees.

Through a unique arrangement with Catholic Health, Niagara University will offer some classes at Catholic Health’s Education Center at the Appletree Business Park in Cheektowaga, with instructors from the university’s Department of Nursing. “Catholic Health and Niagara University share a special relationship and a common desire to improve the quality of healthcare throughout Western New York,” said Dr. Frances Crosby, chairperson of the nursing department. “This important collaborative effort will add a new dimension to nursing education in our community.”

Over the next several months, Catholic Health will be selecting the first group of candidates to be considered for this exclusive education program. “In a time of nursing shortages and health care reform, this program will help us recruit and retain nurses who are committed to life-long learning and practical excellence,” said Mary Kay Vause, director of staff development for Catholic Health. “Together with Niagara University, we are growing our future.”

NU will continue to offer its regular bachelor’s degree completion program for other eligible RNs in the community. It has been designed to be flexible in delivery for working nurses, while maintaining the high standards for which Niagara nurses are recognized. Information about Niagara University’s nursing program can be obtained by calling 716-286-8155 or on line at www.niagara.edu/nursing.

Niagara University and Catholic Health Partner to Train Health Care Leaders

Fri, 28 Aug 2009 00:00:00 -0400

Niagara University and Catholic Health are teaming up on an educational initiative designed to prepare professionals for leadership positions in the health care industry. The partnership, which begins in the fall semester, will enable MBA students in Niagara’s newly established health care administration concentration to gain valuable work experience through field placements and mentorship opportunities within Catholic Health.

“We are extremely excited about this partnership on two levels,” said Dr. Peggy Choong, director of the MBA program. “The first is that Catholic Health and Niagara have a congruence of mission that embraces the spirit of St. Vincent de Paul. The second is that this new concentration in health care administration in the MBA program fulfills a need in the market place. Our partnership with Catholic Health will enable us to provide exceptional training to our students and develop effective leaders in the health care industry.”

Catholic Health executives worked closely with Choong for more than a year to develop the health care concentration, which is unique in this region. It will provide students with a rigorous and in-depth understanding of managerial science with practical and strategic applications in the health care industry. Students will be mentored by top-level Catholic Health executives in a variety of health care settings within the health system.

A unique aspect of the new program is the opportunity for graduate students to join volunteers on medical missions to Jamaica under the auspices of Catholic Health’s parent organization, Catholic Health East’s Global Health Ministry. Students will accompany John Davanzo, Catholic Health’s senior vice president of regional development, each January for approximately two weeks to assist U.S. health care professionals as they work among the poor in that country.

"Putting their skills to work in a developing country can help business students on many levels. It can be a personally transforming leadership experience as they work with people marginalized by poverty,” Davanzo added. “This type of field placement also offers an appreciation of the scale and complexity of health care delivery on a global level, while at the same time, a greater understanding of the values of unselfish service that are such an important part of the Vincentian tradition."

The health care administration concentration is one of several offered by Niagara University’s AACSB International-accredited MBA program. The program, which can be completed in as little as 16 months with convenient weekday evening or Saturday classes, features a nationally acclaimed faculty and a practice-oriented curriculum. For more information about Niagara University’s MBA program, call 716-286-8051, or e-mail mba@niagara.edu.

NU Accounting Students Win Two National Awards

Fri, 21 Aug 2009 00:00:00 -0400

Accounting students from Niagara University's College of Business Administration were honored with two national awards at the annual meeting of Beta Alpha Psi in New York, N.Y., Aug. 6-8. One award was given for the most federal income tax returns prepared; a second was for the number of volunteers contributing at least five hours of service. Seventy-three Niagara students volunteered a total of 800 hours and prepared 640 tax returns.

The Internal Revenue Service presented the awards to Rochelle Greek, of Avon, president of Niagara University's Lambda Chi chapter of Beta Alpha Psi. Also representing Niagara at the conference were Beta Alpha Psi officers Daniel Otto, of Spencerport, and Jessica Schirmer, of Lockport, as well as faculty adviser Al Oddo, professor of accounting.

Beta Alpha Psi is an honorary organization for financial information students and professionals. The primary objective of Beta Alpha Psi is to encourage and give recognition to scholastic and professional excellence in the business information field, and to promote a sense of ethical, social and public responsibility. Founded in 1919, Beta Alpha Psi has more than 300,000 members in 284 chapters on college and university campuses around the world.

For more information, contact Oddo at 716-286-8158.

NU to Offer Project Management, Certified Associate in Project Management Exam Prep Training

Wed, 26 Aug 2009 00:00:00 -0400

Niagara University's Office of Continuing Education, in partnership with Journey Consulting, will offer preparation courses this fall for the Project Management Professional and Certified Associate in Project Management exams. The 10-week classes, which begin Sept. 15, will be offered on the Lewiston campus.

Participants will discuss the five process groups and the nine knowledge areas of project management, and two additional topics: professional and social responsibility; and framework.

The fee for the CAPM exam is $225 for PMI members and $300 for nonmembers. The PMP exam fee for PMI members is $405 and $555 for nonmembers. The certification exam fulfills the required 35-hour PMI and CAPM contact hour requirements.

For more information and to register, log on to http://www.niagara.edu/ce or call 716-286-8181.

Nancy Wagner Named August Employee of the Month

Wed, 26 Aug 2009 00:00:00 -0400

Nancy Wagner, office coordinator in the College of Education's department of graduate education, has been named employee of the month for August 2009. Originally from the Philippines, Wagner has been a member of the university community since January 2008 when she was hired as the intake assistant in the department.

Wagner's ability to handle multiple tasks and remain organized at the same time was mentioned in numerous nominations. "Nancy is cheerful, efficient, and most importantly, highly effective," a nomination said. "She has made our lives so much better."

Nominations also focused on Wagner's unselfish attitude, respect for others and patience. "Nancy exemplifies the mission of Niagara University in her readiness to assist to the fullest extent everyone she encounters, helpfulness in solving issues, and willingness to go the extra mile," said Evan Piece, director of graduate education in the college.

Wagner and her husband reside in Wilson with their two children.

Warhol Gets More Than 15 Minutes of Fame at Castellani

Thu, 27 Aug 2009 00:00:00 -0400

Iconic pop artist Andy Warhol, well known for his interpretations of images from advertising and the news media, as well as his paintings, prints, drawings and sculptures, will be featured during a six-month exhibition titled "Andy Warhol: A Photographic Legacy" at the Castellani Art Museum on the Niagara University campus.

The exhibition, which runs until Jan. 31, 2010, features 158 original Andy Warhol Polaroid photographs and gelatin silver prints, a gift of the Andy Warhol Foundation for the Visual Arts. In addition to photographs, several original Warhol Silk Screens from the Castellani's collection including "Birmingham Race Riot," "Jacqueline Kennedy III," and one of Warhol's iconic renditions of a Campbell's tomato soup can, will be on display.

As part of an integrative learning project coordinated by Michael Beam, curator of collections and exhibitions at the Castellani, NU students will paint in a line drawing of Andy Warhol's interpretation of Leonardo da Vinci's "The Last Supper." The wall-sized mural will be created in the museum's Gallery 2 as part of the exhibition that showcases the Warhol photographs.

For more information about how this exhibit came to fruition and how it brings the museum into the classroom, click the sound like associated with this story. Log on to http://www.niagara.edu/cam for additional details.

Niagara Opens Arms to New Students, Families

Fri, 28 Aug 2009 00:00:00 -0400

Niagara University kicked off its 153rd year by hosting a convocation for new students and their families. The event, now in its seventh year, was held in the Gallagher Center on the Lewiston campus.

New students entered the event to the cheers of Niagara faculty, staff and administration. Sophomores, juniors, and seniors also cheered on the new class. The Rev. Joseph L. Levesque, C.M., Niagara University president, welcomed those gathered. Remarks were also given by Dr. Craig Rivera, associate professor of criminal justice, and Niagara alums Ben, '81, and Kathleen Tarantino, '80.

Each year, university personnel from both the academic and student-life sectors organize the event, which is developing a rich and growing tradition for Niagara's new students.

Niagara University Receives Grant to Enhance Campus Safety

Tue, 01 Sep 2009 00:00:00 -0400

Niagara University has received an 18-month, $398,000 Emergency Management for Higher Education program grant to improve its effectiveness in responding to emergencies and disasters. This grant will enable the university to update and strengthen its current campus emergency response and crisis management plan as well as to finalize plans for several key priority areas including individuals with special needs, prevention of violence on campus, and pandemic planning. Once revised, the plan will provide a comprehensive, integrated, all-hazards approach to crisis prevention, response and management.

In addition to reviewing and updating the university's current plan, the grant will enable Niagara to initiate a comprehensive systems testing and training of personnel, students, and other individuals and organizations as appropriate. This testing and training will ensure a safer, more secure campus environment.

"Over the past several years, Niagara University has dedicated tremendous effort to emergency planning for our campus and for communities of Western New York," said Dr. Bonnie Rose, Niagara's executive vice president and vice president for academic affairs. "This grant will enable us to take our campus planning and emergency preparedness to a new level, and we are very grateful for that."

NU to Hold Dedication Ceremony for Highland Greenfields Project

Mon, 21 Sep 2009 00:00:00 -0400

Niagara University, in partnership with Highland Community Revitalizaton Committee Inc. and the Henry J. Kalfas Magnet Elementary School, will hold a dedication and recognition ceremony on Sept. 22 from 5 to 7 p.m. at 1800 Beech Ave., Niagara Falls. The Rev. Joseph L. Levesque, C.M., Niagara University president, and Niagara Falls mayor Paul Dyster will be in attendance.

NU was awarded a $22,260 grant by the East Hill Foundation and a $7,080 grant from the Niagara Area Foundation earlier this year to establish the Highland Community Greenfields project. ReNU Niagara and Highland Community Revitalization Committee Inc. oversee the project. WNY AmeriCorps and Hands On Greater Buffalo have also partnered in the project.

The goal of the project is to re-empower the Highland community and its youth to assist in revitalizing their neighborhood. Children from the Kalfas Magnet School have worked with local churches and block clubs to grow vegetables from seeds and transplant to the garden.

For more information, contact Jill Shuey, ReNU Niagara executive director, at 716-205-0289.

Rev. Thomas McKenna, C.M. Joins NU as Assistant to the President for Mission Development

Mon, 28 Sep 2009 00:00:00 -0400

The Rev. Thomas F. McKenna, C.M., former provincial superior of the Eastern Province of the Congregation of the Mission, has been named as assistant to the president for mission development at Niagara University. In this position, Father McKenna will resource the universitywide efforts to better understand and fulfill Niagara's mission as a Catholic and Vincentian institution.

A native of Brooklyn, N.Y., he was the vice chairman of Niagara's board of trustees from 1999 to 2008. Ordained in 1970, he received a master of arts degree in philosophy from St. John's University in 1973 and earned a doctorate in systematic theology from the Catholic University of American in 1982. For 10 years, Father McKenna taught spirituality as a member of the department of theology at St. John's. He has also taught at Tangaza College in Nairobi, Kenya.

Father McKenna is the author of several articles that have been published in theological journals and has written one book, titled "Praying with Vincent de Paul," a series of meditations on Vincent's spirituality.
In 2002, Niagara honored Father McKenna for his service to the Vincentian Community by awarding him the honorary degree of Doctor of Pedagogy.

NU Salutes Four at Annual Vincentian Heritage Convocation

Mon, 21 Sep 2009 00:00:00 -0400

Two alumni of Niagara University were inducted into the third class of "Niagara Legacy--Alumni of Distinction" on Sept. 24 as part of a convocation celebrating Vincentian Heritage Week. Inductees included renowned baseball manager Joseph V. McCarthy, who led the New York Yankees to seven World Series titles from 1931 to 1946, and Nerses Krikorian, a pioneer in the United States' nuclear arms program.

McCarthy, who guided such legends as Babe Ruth, Lou Gehrig, Phil Rizzuto, and Joe DiMaggio, began his baseball career as an infielder at Niagara in 1905. Krikorian, a member of the Class of 1943, worked on the now-historic Manhattan Project and was instrumental in discussions between the Soviet Union and the United States on nuclear weapons research. Both honorees were chosen by the selection committee for demonstrating outstanding accomplishments and excellence in their fields of endeavor, living lives that mirror the Vincentian ideals of the university, and having had a positive and lasting impact on society.

Two other persons were feted at the convocation. Dr. Nancy McGlen, dean of Niagara University's College of Arts and Sciences, received the Vincentian Mission Award, which is given to members of the university community who demonstrate the values of St. Vincent de Paul, the universal patron of charity.

Sister Barbara Pfohl, operations manager of Heart, Love and Soul, Inc., a Niagara Falls food pantry and dining room, was awarded the Caritas Medal in recognition of the extraordinary way she exemplifies the charity of St. Vincent.

NU to Co-Host Conference on Seven Years War

Mon, 12 Oct 2009 00:00:00 -0400

Niagara University and Brock University in St. Catharines, Ont. will co-host the Contest for Continents: The Seven Years' War in Global Perspective conference, Oct. 22-24. Sessions will be held at Old Fort Niagara in Youngstown, Niagara University, and Brock University. Distinguished scholars from around the world will be in attendance.

The conference aims to address the conflict as one that transcended the national and imperial categories that have traditionally been used to evaluate it. "The Contest for Continents brings some of the best scholars from the U.S., Canada, and Europe together to discuss a conflict that they usually view only from their own national perspective," said Dr. Thomas Chambers, chair of Niagara's department of history. "It should be an insightful conversation that opens new windows of understanding onto this important conflict." The object of the conference is to study the war both globally, involving North America, South Asia, Europe, the Caribbean, West Africa, and the Philippines, and in transnational perspective, including its military, diplomatic, political, cultural, economic, and social aspects.

Funding has been generously provided by the New York Council for the Humanities, the New York State French and Indian War 250^th Anniversary Commemoration Commission, and New York State Senator George M. Maziarz, 62^nd District.

For more information on the conference, contact Dr. Thomas Chambers, chair of Niagara's department of history, at 716-286-8086, or go to http://oieahc.wm.edu/conferences/contest/.

Niagara to Honor Five at Annual President's Dinner on Nov. 14

Tue, 13 Oct 2009 00:00:00 -0400

Frank and Barbara Layden, along with the Brannen and Montani families and Joyce Fink, will be honored at the annual Niagara University President's Dinner Saturday, Nov. 14, at the Seneca Niagara Casino Hotel Event Center, 310 Fourth St., Niagara Falls.

The event, which will be held from 6 p.m. to midnight, benefits the university's scholarship program. It is being chaired by Carol and Michael Cassell. Mrs. Cassell is a 1979 graduate of Niagara University; Mr. Cassel is a 1980 Niagara graduate.

Frank Layden, the former Niagara men's basketball coach from 1968 to 1976 and award-winning coach and executive of the Utah Jazz, and his wife Barbara will receive the St. Vincent de Paul Award from the Rev. Joseph L. Levesque, C.M., president of the university. The Laydens are known for the charitable endeavors in Utah and consistent loyalty to Niagara. Also receiving the award are Joyce Fink, a lay leader in the Diocese of Buffalo, and the Niacet Corporation of Niagara Falls along with members of the Brannen and Montani families: Augusta Brannen, Kelly and Joanne Brannen, and Larry and Mary Montani.

The St. Vincent de Paul Award is conferred upon those individuals whose vision, accomplishments and good works reflect the life and ministry of St. Vincent de Paul.

Ticket and sponsorship information may be obtained by calling the university events office at 286-8788.

Rep. Louise Slaughter Emphasizes Importance of the Arts at Castellani Art Museum Gala

Tue, 13 Oct 2009 00:00:00 -0400

U.S. Congresswoman Louise Slaughter (D-NY) addressed an enthusiastic audience of museum patrons at the Castellani Art Museum of Niagara University's Seventh Annual Gala, "15 Minutes of Fame! The Andy Warhol Experience" on Saturday, Oct. 17, 2009. Rep. Slaughter, one of Congress' most outspoken and effective advocates for the arts, noted that she was happy "to recognize the important work of both the Castellani Museum and Niagara University as stewards of the arts" at the event, which raises funds for the museum's many educational and exhibition-related programs for Niagara University students and the surrounding community.

Rep. Slaughter also emphasized the importance of the arts to the economy, noting that "arts and culture are important economic assets. They create a hub of economic activity, attracting investments, generating tax revenues, and stimulating local economies through tourism and urban renewal." She added that in her district, there are more than 1,200 arts-related businesses employing nearly 16,000 people.

For the complete text of Rep. Slaughter's remarks, visit www.niagara/edu/speeches/

Niagara Announces Major Increases to Academic Scholarships

Mon, 12 Oct 2009 00:00:00 -0400

Responding to concerns about the rising cost of higher education, Niagara University recently announced major increases to all of its academic scholarships for freshmen and transfer students entering NU in the fall 2010 semester.

Specific increases to the scholarship program include freshman awards that range from $7,500 to $15,000 per year, and transfer awards that range from $7,500 to $11,000 per year. In addition, all awards are renewable each year the student maintains satisfactory academic progress.

"We know that families recognize the quality and advantages of private higher education but have concerns in this economy about financing," noted Michael Konopski, dean of enrollment management at Niagara. "These new scholarship levels will recognize students' academic achievement and make Niagara an even more affordable option."

To help contain the cost of attending Niagara, the university also offers its nationally recognized Level Tuition Program, which allows freshmen students to lock in one tuition rate for all four years of attendance. This innovative program is unique in the area, and it gives participants the assurance of knowing that their tuition rate will not increase over the course of their studies at Niagara. In addition, monthly payment plan options are available to all students.

Students in Niagara's nursing completion program are offered 50 percent discount on tuition. This program offers nurses with an associate's degree or diploma the opportunity to earn their bachelor's degree from Niagara.
For more information, contact Niagara's Office of Admissions at 716-286-8700 or 800-462-2111.

Hospitality and Tourism Management, Continuing Education to Host Dining Events for Community

Thu, 15 Oct 2009 00:00:00 -0400

From October through December, Niagara University's College of Hospitality and Tourism Management, in cooperation with the university's Office of Continuing Education, will host a series of fine dining events for the community.

This is the ninth year of the interactive dining series, showcasing the culinary skills of students in the college's food production class. The dinners will be held in the Statler Dining Room on the fourth floor of St. Vincent's Hall, the university's main classroom building.

"The dinner series is another example of why we are a leading national and international program in hospitality and tourism," said Dr. Gary Praetzel, dean of the College of Hospitality and Tourism Management. "Our students receive great hands-on experiences and demonstrate their creativity in this dinner series."

The four-course dining events will be held on Tuesdays, Wednesdays and Thursdays beginning Oct. 27 and continuing through Dec. 3. Tickets for the student-chef-themed buffet dinners are $20 per person. There are three seatings, which begin at 6:30 p.m.

Reservations for each of the upcoming events can be made through Niagara University's Office of Continuing Education at 716-286-8181. Payment with credit card is required when reservations are made.