St. Vincent de Paul was the focus of a lecture sponsored by Niagara University's history department on March 25. Featured presenters Dr. Stephanie Wichhart, assistant professor of history at Niagara University, and the Rev. Thomas McKenna, C.M., NU's assistant to the president for mission development, discussed "Does History Make the Person or Does the Person Make History: The World of St. Vincent de Paul." This lecture was the second in a series to commemorate the 350th anniversary of the deaths of Vincent de Paul and Louise de Marillac.

St. Vincent de Paul, a 17th century Catholic priest, inspired others to respond compassionately to people's basic needs. He founded the Congregation of the Mission, a community of priests and brothers who sponsor Niagara University. His contemporary, St. Louise de Marillac, was a pioneer in religious life and in the provision of human services, and the founder of the Daughters of Charity.