I am originally from WNY, having attended Our Lady of the Blessed Sacrament and St. Mary’s High School in Lancaster. I did a social work internship in North Tonawanda and it soon became apparent to me that I wanted a career in higher education. Niagara university has been my career home for 10+ years.

Why Niagara?

With strong academics, competitive athletics and programs that develop the whole person, Niagara has it all. The environment here is very nurturing and allows you grow as a person.NU also offers competitive scholarships that reward you for all your hard work in high school. Niagara University truly is a family.

Admission Advice

Get involved! Whether it be in clubs or community service projects, involvement at Niagara is key! Use your 4 years at NU to develop your life and career skills. It’s never to early to begin your resume or practice interviewing. Learn to sell yourself!

Movie: Anything with Meg Ryan or Kate Hudson.
Quote: "Be yourself, everyone else is taken."
Role Model: Anyone who stays true to themselves.
Musical Performer: Miranda Lambert
Book: "Healing with the Energy of the Chakras" —Ambika Wauters

I was born and raised in Williamsville, NY. I’m a proud Billie, class of 1988! While preparing to be a teacher, I discovered a passion for working with students who had made a decision to continue their education. I have worked in college admissions since 1997 and have been at NU since 2006.

Why Niagara?

The real question is, if we have your major, why not consider Niagara? NU offers so much freedom and so many opportunities to students including small class sizes, faculty interaction, Division I sports and great research opportunities…. to name a few. It’s all here. All you need is the desire to get involved and participate in everything Niagara has to offer.

Admission Advice

Meet like minded people. Have conversations. Inquire. You can email us or call to find out everything you ever wanted to know about Niagara – admission criteria, programs, activities, clubs. etc. The relationship you build with your admissions counselor will last through your 4 years at NU and beyond. One last bit of advice, be sure to talk to NU alums, teachers, high school counselors and your family about us!

Movie: Say Anything, Underworld movies
Quote: "The check is in the mail" —Jack Burton
Role Model: My parents– I think they did it right!
Musical Performer: Journey
Book: Walden —Henry David Thoreau

I grew up in Western New York and attended the University at Buffalo. While preparing to be a Spanish teacher, I was fortunate to study abroad three times! I lived in Spain, Argentina and Costa Rica while completing coursework for my degree. I believe that any student, pursuing any major, should take advantage of these life altering opportunities as a college student. There is financial aid available to help you fund these programs and it will make you more marketable to prospective employers in the future.

Why Niagara?

Niagara University offers the best of both worlds; small class sizes and close interaction with faculty, while providing global experience and connections. There are numerous study abroad programs as well as local internships and job placements.

Admissions Advice

Do your homework when researching universities and ask questions. NU students can take advantage of not only state financial aid, but also private scholarship opportunities. Your Admissions Advisor and Deans are here to help you navigate all that NU has to offer. Schedule a campus visit and you will be on your way!

Quote: "A good head and a good heart are always a formidable combination" —Nelson Mandela
Movie: Gone with the Wind
Role Model: You can learn something from each person you meet along the way
Musical Performer: Shakira
Book: Awaken the Giant Within, Anthony Robbins

I grew up in Batavia, N.Y., and attended Batavia High School. I graduated from SUNY Fredonia in 2009 with a bachelor of science in biology; however, along the way I found that my true passion was in higher education, particularly working with prospective students as they look to achieve their college dreams. I completed my master’s degree in organizational leadership from Medaille College in 2012. This helped to solidify my desire to be an advocate for both my students and my peers, which goes hand in hand with Niagara’s rich Vincentian heritage. 

I am thrilled to be a member of the NU admissions team, because NU has the best of what I loved about my own experiences as an undergraduate student – small class sizes, that welcoming community feeling, and strong academics. If you ever have any questions, please feel free to contact me at any time!

I grew up in Youngstown, NY. It was always a dream of mine to attend Niagara University. Although I did not enroll directly after high school, my life's path led right to Monteagle Ridge as an employee and an adult learner. I am so excited to be part of the NU family.

Why Niagara?

Being part of the Niagara University community is truly one of the great blessings in my life and I am proud to be a Purple Eagle! Our students also feel that same sense of community, belonging and pride.

Admission Advice

Visit!! Be sure to visit the campuses of the colleges you are considering. It is the best to get a "feel" of the school and if it is right for you. Also, ask a lot of questions. That’s what we are here for. Good luck!

Movie: Moonstruck
Quote: "In the end, only kindness matters."
Role Model: My Grandmother, Annie
Musical Performer: Stevie Nicks
Book: "Spoils of Time Trilogy" — Penny Vincenzi

A native of Long Island, like many of my classmates, I ventured up to the western region of New York State to attend Niagara University as an undergraduate. I was looking for a university with a strong science and history program convinced I was going undersea with Jacque Cousteau. After a year, I decided on pre-law instead. This was the career path that I was sure I was going to follow until did some volunteer work at a local elementary school with students who were academically challenged. This volunteer service changed my career direction completely. At the beginning of junior year I became and education major (Oh, how I wished NU had the Academic Exploration Program when I attended!). Although challenging, my adviser and I devised a plan for me to complete my four year program on time. After graduation, I went back to Amityville, Long Island and worked as a substitute teacher and started a master’s degree locally. A position in the NU Admissions Office opened and I have been at Mount Eagle Ridge ever since – knowing my passion is working with students and families as they research the next step in the educational process.

Why Niagara?

For each student there may be different reasons or maybe just one overriding reason: academic, social, cultural, athletic, and religious or just a gut feeling. The reasons I chose NU was two-fold: it had a strong  academic reputation and once I stepped foot on campus I knew this was where I belonged (educationally speaking). It is the gut feeling that I could not deny.

As a prospective student, know that foremost NU is a private, Catholic, coeducational, liberal arts university founded by the Vincentian Community in 1856. Our history is rich and so are our academic disciplines – many receiving the highest accreditation possible. In addition, our students have opportunities not only to make a difference academically but also make a difference by getting involved in community service (Learn & Serve). It is here, NU students put into action what an NU education is all about – it is this component that makes NU a wonderfully exciting educational experience.

Admissions Advice

It is never too early to start considering your options. Keep a strong academic schedule, keep track of the activities that you participated in (clubs, sports, community service, part-time job(s) etc), think about which teachers you may want to write letters of recommendations for you, take the SAT or the ACT (or both) and remain positive.

If you visited any colleges and universities before your senior year (I hope you had that opportunity), you may want to revisit. If not this is the time to begin. You will have many options including an open house, discovery days, and personal appointments. You may even want to arrange to take a campus tour, sit in on classes, stay overnight in the residence halls, eat in the cafeteria or meet with a faculty member. Most importantly, make sure you review deadlines for applications, financial aid and scholarships. Plus, find out who your admissions counselor is – this is the person who will help you through the admissions maze for his/her college or university. Finally, take a deep breath and try to enjoy the process.

Movie: Too many to list, I like every type.
Quote: "You gotta love when a plan comes together." — From the A Team TV series

I am originally from Elmira, NY where I attended Elmira’s Notre Dame High School. I am volunteer firefighter with Upper Mountain Fire Company in Lewiston, NY, and on the board of directors at Center City Neighborhood Development Corporation in Niagara Falls, NY. I have a wonderful wife, and a beautiful daughter. As an alum of Niagara University I was elated to have an opportunity to work for my alma mater.

Why Niagara?

Niagara University is a place to call home. When students visit Niagara for the first time, I often hear "this feels like home" or "I could see myself here in the Fall." Niagara also offers students great major choices, Division I sports, many clubs & activities, and a family like atmosphere. The opportunities at Niagara University are limitless!

Admissions Advice

Take school seriously! Success in college begins with you! Do not be afraid to chase your dreams, but remember to be realistic with yourself. Take the SAT or ACT in your junior year, and talk with your guidance counselor about college. VISIT EVERY SCHOOL YOU APPLY TOO! The campus visit is the most important part of the admissions process!

Movie: Any James Bond or Indiana Jones Movie
Quote: My guidance counselor used to say "Hard work, works!" And that is my favorite quote because hard work does work!
Role Model: I don’t really have a role model. I like to be me!
Musician: Bruce Springsteen
Book: The last book I read was a text book. I am more of a current events guy.

I grew up in Clarence, NY and graduated from Nardin Academy High School in 2005.  I earned my undergraduate degree at SUNY Geneseo and went on to complete my graduate work at the University of Michigan , Ann Arbor. I have always been passionate about the college admission process since working at the SUNY Geneseo Admissions office as an undergraduate and was thrilled to join NU’s admissions staff in August, 2011.

Why Niagara?

Since joining the NU staff, I have been constantly amazed by the welcoming, community spirit here on campus, the strong academics and the exciting Division I sports teams. I encourage students to visit and explore everything NU has to offer.

Admission Advice

Visiting college campuses is the best way to find a school that fits with you. Visit schools early, take notes and even bring a camera to take pictures. Never be afraid to ask questions– we are here to help you every step of the way.

Quote: "Never give up, for that is just the time and place that the tide will turn." —Harriet Beecher Stowe
Movie: It’s a Wonderful Life
Role Model: Maya Angelou
Musical Performer: Coldplay
Book: "A Short Guide to a Happy Life" —Anna Quindlen

I grew up in the town of Fairport, NY where school pride, love for your community and togetherness were part of your daily life. When I was researching colleges, I wasn’t exactly sure what I was looking for until I visited Niagara. I just knew right away that NU was for me. I graduated in 2002 and a year later, I was working in Niagara’s Admissions Office.

Why Niagara?

Niagara is a special place. Year after year, I am amazed at the student stories that develop here. As a student, you will meet amazing people who come from all walks of life and learn in so many ways. At NU you will receive a great education, make great connections and leave with great memories. Niagara is a small school with big opportunities. As a Niagaran, you will develop into a well rounded person who is not only academically prepared but also ready to take on the world.

Admission Advice

VISIT, VISIT, VISIT! Take advantage of the many different ways you can visit a college. Meet people, ask questions and get familiar with the college campus and its surroundings. And…. When you are narrowing down your choices, visit again!

Movie: Billy Madison
Quote: "Love Life."
Role Model: Kyle Hargrave, my high school Social Studies Teacher
Musical Performer: Dave Matthews Band
Book: "Z for Zachariah" —Robert O’Brien