Meet our tour guides!
We can’t wait for you to tour our beautiful campus and meet some fellow Purple Eagles!
Whether you come during an Open House, tour with a group, or sign up for a personal tour, our tour guides are ready to greet you with a smile and make you feel at home. There’s no place like Niagara University, and we’re excited for you to experience that firsthand!
Student Tour Guide Leaders
Alexis Kadlecik
Title: Graduate Assistant
Major: Accounting
Hometown: Youngstown, New York
Why NU: I chose Niagara for its beautiful campus, amazing atmosphere, and the great academic experiences it offers. When I stepped on campus I knew it was the place for me!
Althea Simmons
Major: Tourism – Event and Meeting Management
Hometown: Syracuse, New York
Why NU: I chose NU because of the amazing career-based opportunities and alumni connections. There are many ways to receive internships after your freshman year, and to make those meaningful connections.
Evan Saunders
Major: Environmental Science
Hometown: Lockport, New York
Why NU: I chose NU because it is close to home, but also far away enough so that I can live on campus. NU also helps me out financially, making it possible for me to finish my degree almost debt free! Campus is also very beautiful.
Emilee Rodriguez
Major: Early Childhood and Childhood Education (B-6)
Hometown: Mineville, New York
Why NU: I choose NU because of the smaller class sizes, meaning I would have a closer relationship with my professors and classmates. Also because in the education program we start our field experience our first semester, which helps shape our future after we graduate. Finally it was really the perfect fit for me, and has shaped me into who I am today!
Tour Guides
Dianna Bourret
Major: Hotel and Restaurant Management – Luxury Hospitality Operations
Hometown: Hilton, New York
Why NU: I love the sense of community our campus has and the friendships and memories I have made here.
Caleb Calhoun
Major: TESOL Education (K-12)
Hometown: Batavia, New York
Why NU: I chose NU because of the field experience placement. In the College of Education, students are required to go into a classroom and complete 20 credited hours of field experience right from the first semester of freshman year. Not only does it give us the experience for post graduation, but it also lets us get an idea of what grade level we are most seen fit teaching. I’ve made a ton of friends on campus and couldn’t be happier anywhere else!
Malarie Carroll
Major: Math Education (1-9)
Hometown: Gowanda, New York
Why NU: I love NU’s campus. The small size is perfect for me and I especially love how beautiful it is. Each season brings out a different aesthetic which makes walking to and from classes more enjoyable. My favorite is in spring when the flowers and trees start to bloom and tulips are planted across campus.
Brayden Cox
Major: English Education (5-12)
Hometown: Wheatfield, New York
Favorite part about being a tour guide: My favorite part about being a tour guide would have to be connecting with families and prospective students! Getting to know them and their story and seeing it NU is the right fit for them is so rewarding and makes doing it so much fun!
Sara Cross
Major: Political Science
Hometown: Silver Creek, New York
What you love about NU: The first thing I love about Niagara is the amazing people I’ve met. I have made friends through the clubs on campus, in my classes, in my dorm building, and so many other ways. I have found the people who get me and support me through everything. On that note, the faculty at Niagara is some of the best. The professors are always willing to help and are a great resource for building your network and helping you grow as an individual and a professional. I also love all the opportunities the university offers. In my first year at Niagara, i’ve had the privilege to travel to Boston, and Washington, D.C. through the law program, and have gotten to make endless memories through these trips and so many other events. Overall I couldn’t be happier with my choice of Niagara, I genuinely love it here.
Hannah Cukierski
Major: Sports Management and Communications
Hometown: Niagara Falls, Ontario
Favorite part about being a tour guide: My favorite part about being a tour guide is getting the opportunity to show off the beauty of Niagara and all the school has to offer. When giving a tour I try to put myself in the prospective students shoes and remember how exciting yet nerve wracking it was to start the college search. Every family and student is different, so I always personalize tours based on their interests and personality. Making these connections with the families can have a lasting effect and it’s also more likely that the student will remember that when making a college decision.
Cecilia D'Alberto
Major: Chemistry
Hometown: Syracuse, New York
Why NU: I chose NU for the undergraduate research opportunities. The hands-on experience that the Chemistry department provides with outstanding and accomplished professors is something that was very important to me and has set me apart as an undergraduate student.
Sofia Davis
Major: Math Education (5-12)
Hometown: Kenmore, New York
Why NU: I chose NU because of its teaching program and the early field placements the College of Education offers, as well as the beautiful campus we have here at Niagara.
Jacob DeRose
Major: Business Management
Hometown: Buffalo, New York
Why NU: I chose NU because of the community on campus. It is easy to make friends and get involved on campus. Since class sizes are smaller your professor knows who you are which makes it easy to get help from them with anything.
Ryan Esminger
Major: Childhood & Special Education (1-6)
Hometown: Tonawanda, New York
What you love about NU: I love that Niagara feels like a family. I was nervous to dorm when I came to NU as a freshman, but it was easy to make friends and feel welcomed by professors who cared about me and my success. I immediately felt at home, and the more I got involved on campus, the easier it was to feel apart of the niagara community.
Sameer Ijaz
Major: Supply Chain Management
Hometown: Islamabad, Pakistan
What you love about NU: What I love most about NU is the strong sense of community and belonging. Walking around campus and being recognized, valued, and supported as an individual creates a welcoming and inclusive environment. It’s more than just a place to learn, it’s a place where people genuinely care about your well-being, personal growth, and success. The connections built here, both academically and personally, make NU feel like home, fostering an atmosphere where you’re not just a student but a valued member of a close-knit community.
Megan Henel
Major: Childhood and Special Education (1-6)
Hometown: Amherst, New York
Why NU: I chose NU because I felt like it was a community. I loved the small class sizes and I also loved how as a freshman I would be placed in a Elementary classroom. NU was very welcoming and once I stepped on campus I knew this is where I wanted to be!
Qutaiba Kaleem
Major: Computer & Information Sciences, and Business Management
Hometown: Islamabad, Pakistan
Favorite part about being a tour guide: My favorite part of being a tour guide is connecting one‑on‑one with incoming students and easing their first‑day nerves. I love sharing my own stories – where I ate the best meal on campus, what clubs helped me make friends, so they can picture themselves here before they even arrive. Knowing I’ve made their transition a little smoother and given them someone to turn to from day-one makes every tour worthwhile.
Olivia Maturo
Major: Nursing
Hometown: Syracuse, New York
Why NU: The sense of community and the family at NU is what drew me here. I have made so many amazing friends and wonderful connections to my professors This has not only helped me connect with Niagara but with the content of my education! Everyone at NU is here for you!
Romolla McDowell
Major: TESOL Education (K-12)
Hometown: West Falls, New York
Why NU: NU immediately felt like my home away from home when I first visited. There was a sense of calm that I felt. I knew it was the school for me. I loved the look of the campus. For some reason it was very important that I went to a school that was more than just red brick buildings. The scenery is so beautiful and can put me in a good mood.
Emma McNab
Major: Psychology
Hometown: Niagara Falls, New York
What you love about NU: There are a lot of things I love about NU: the beautiful campus, the small class sizes, the kind community, the purple gear, etc. One of my favorite parts of being a student here though, is the opportunities NU has to be involved with the things you love: from your major/minor to all of the clubs. Being part of women’s rugby, has given me my second family and it has brought me opportunities I otherwise wouldn’t have. Women’s rugby has helped me develop my leadership skills, confidence, and sense of purpose which will only benefit me when I step into the real world in my career. I love how my professors know me beyond how I perform in their classes, they will ask how my tournaments go and how I’m doing. NU truly is what students need in college, a second home.
Andrew Nelson
Major: Political Science
Hometown: Ashville, New York
Why NU: I chose to come to NU because of the field experience that I would receive as a student in the College of Education. I was able to be placed into a local school district and see learn about what it takes to be a teacher. This field experience also helped in b=my determination if being a teacher was what I actually wanted.
Cristina Reina-Martinez
Major: Computer and Information Sciences
Hometown: Syracuse, New York
What you love about NU: Something I love about NU is how many different activities there are on campus at all times. Thanks to the Campus Programming Board (CPB), there are always many activities each week that everyone can attend either for free or for a very cheap price. Going to these events has helped me destress from the stressful college life and has also allowed me to make more friends outside of my typical friend group.
Christina Stokes
Major: Nursing
Hometown: Syracuse, New York
Why NU: I enjoyed the atmosphere on campus. Everyone is so warm and inviting here.
Eric Stoj
Major: Accounting
Hometown: Buffalo, New York
What you Love about NU: I personally love the community that surrounds and supports NU. I feel as if everyone is connected and is always trying to help each other grow into a better person. This is why I will always say I love NU.
Tina Krajacic
Major: Luxury Hospitality Operations
Hometown: Buffalo, New York
Favorite part about being a tour guide: My favorite part about being a tour guide is having the opportunity to be a part of a high schoolers college decision and the opportunity to make an impact on them to be able to show what stood out to me at NU and pass it along to them!
Briege Lennon
Major: Theater Performance and English
Hometown: Amherst, New York
Why NU: I chose NU because of how wonderful the theatre program is! I am able to receive conservatory style training while also double majoring and taking classes in other subjects I am interested in.
Luci Cryan
Major: Spanish Education (5-12)
Hometown: Kenmore, New York
What you love about NU: The thing I love most about NU is that there is a friendly face anywhere you go. From my fellow students to my professors, and all other staff and aspects of campus, you are always greeted with a smile. Everyone knows you and you can tell how much NU truly cares. NU is a family and it is so easy to become a part of it and share the love!
Luanys Rivera
Major: Nursing
Hometown: Rochester, New York
Why NU: I chose NU for its inclusivity, abundant career-related resources on campus, and the opportunities to engage with the university through clubs and events. These experiences have allowed me to create valuable connections with both peers and professors.
As a nursing student in NU’s Nursing program, I appreciate the ability to connect with experienced nurses who serve as my professors. They share their insights and provide excellent guidance in helping students develop their career goals and plans. This is the most significant reason why I chose NU.
Mariela Mulready
Major: Computer and Information Sciences
Hometown: Lewiston, New York
Why NU: I choose NU as a transfer student because of how easy the process was! The community here is also so welcoming and nice! Niagara is also the perfect distance to home with great academics!
Lauren Sercu
Major: Political Science
Hometown: Fredonia, New York
Why NU: I chose NU because of the opportunities I was able to pursue as a student here. Along with being able to continue to stay involved in my interests in college, I found the perfect major. Approaching my high school graduation, I was unsure of what I wanted to major in and then I found the Academic and Career Exploration Program at NU! This allowed me more time to explore different options and eventually pick my current major and minors. The ACEP is such a unique and beneficial program and I am so grateful I found it at NU.
Paige Tomlinson
Major: Theater Performance and English
Hometown: Buffalo, New York
Favorite part about being a tour guide: My favorite part about being a tour guide is being able to showcase my love of NU to new prospective students. I also love being a resource for prospective students during their college search!
Arabella Torrado
Major: Hotel and Restaurant Management
Hometown: Rochester New York
Favorite part about being a tour guide: Meeting new people! It’s so fun getting to meet students in their process of picking a college and I love being able to be apart of their journey!
Elizabeth Whipple
Major: Spanish Education
Hometown: Lyndonville, New York
Why NU: I’m a legacy student, my dad went here and the amazing scholarship opportunities. I also love the community at NU!
Eva Conley
Major: Political Science
Hometown: Lockport, New York
Why NU: I chose NU because as soon as I went on campus I felt at home and also the faculty actually cares here.
Keegan Jenkinson
Major: Strategic Management
Hometown: Manchester, United Kingdom
What you love about NU: Access to nature (falls) because it gives student life a great mix urban class with rural flair.
Oksana Dannenberg
Major: Food and CPG Marketing
Hometown: Manlius, New York
Why NU: NU had the small class sizes I knew I loved with professors teaching from industry experience. My niche major is only offered at 3 schools in the country and the opportunities available for me within the business school stood out! The NGA competition team, the PLMA’s, and the mentorship program allowed me to network and gain experience from field professionals, which led me to internships and interviews at some of the world’s largest food and beverage companies!
Osezoname Keilah Aletor
Major: Nursing
Hometown: Lagos, Nigeria
Favorite part about being a tour guide: My favorite part about being a Tour Guide is getting to share my favorite things about NU with prospective students and their families. I love being able to give them a real, personal perspective from someone who’s already part of the community and has gone through this phase. It is a great feeling to showcase my NU pride and highlight the values we stand for, especially our Vincentian Values. Knowing that I can help someone make one of the biggest decisions of their life and possibly influence their choice to join the NU family is truly rewarding.
Brooke Kleinsmith
Major: Nursing
Hometown: Buffalo, New York
Why NU: I chose NU because of its community. When looking at schools, I valued Niagara’s small class sizes and family-like community. I knew coming to an institution built on its Vincentian heritage, I would create life long relationships during my time here.
Gia Pabis
Majors: Biology and Pre-Veterinary
Hometown: Elmira, New York
What you love about NU: I love the peace that surrounds campus. Being in a loud crazy family living here has given me n outlet for how I want my household future to look like in my adulthood while holding myself responsible for my future career.
Megan Engler
Major: Integrated Business Management
Hometown: Clarence, New York
What you love about NU: I love the community here at NU because I feel welcomed everywhere I go and everyone was so willing to help me my first few weeks of school. The first week I got here I was able to make a great group of friends and my professors where great with helping me when I was struggling.
Jaidyn Clipperton
Major: B–6 Early Childhood Education
Hometown: Georgetown, Ontario
Why NU: I chose NU because it allows me to complete my concurrent education program in four years while also giving me the opportunity to play on the school’s hockey team. It’s also only two hours from my home in Ontario, which means my friends and family can come watch my games and visit on weekends.
Owen Stoneburgh
Major: Education 7–12, Social Studies
Hometown: Burlington, Ontario
What you love about NU: I love how tight knit the NU community is. The smaller population size makes me feel like we are our own small community. When walking through campus I see my peers as well as professors who are always happy to see you. Recognizing so many people on campus helps develop a feeling of belonging and really ties the on campus experience together.
Marty Divis
Major: Criminal Justice and Criminology
Hometown: San Diego, California
What you love about NU: I love NU because of the small classes and school, allowing close connection with classmates and professors!
Holland Browning
Major: Early Childhood/Special Education
Hometown: Gowanda, New York
Why NU: I chose NU because it immediately felt like a place where I could belong. It is a small and supportive community with a welcoming atmosphere.
Kaylie Wittmeyer
Major: Marketing
Hometown: West Seneca, New York
Favorite part about being a tour guide: My favorite part about being a tour guide is helping students find their home away from home. Niagara truly is an enriching environment that transforms you. Not just academically, but personally. I value being able to offer insights and guidance that truly resonate and help make each student’s next steps a little smoother.
Lyndzie Wagner
Major: Social Work
Hometown: Lockport, New York
Why NU: I was unsure of what I wanted to do in college and in the future and I had heard about NU’s Academic and Career Exploration Program. I thought that this would be a good fit for me to help me get decide what career I would enjoy!
Guinevere Coats
Majors: Psychology and Criminal Justice andCriminology
Hometown: Bolivar, New York
Favorite part about being a tour guide: I love answering prospective students questions while introducing them to Niagara University! I have been in the same shoes before, contemplating where I want to go to college and what I want to study. It can be overwhelming, especially when making decisions for the future. My job of being a tour guide allows me to share my personal experience and knowledge to help others find what they are looking for in colleges!
Cameron Gilson
Major: International Business Management
Hometown: Lockport, New York
NU: I chose NU because of the small class sizes and the tight knit community that I observed. During my first year at NU I noticed that professors wanted to know your name, clubs and organizations wanted you to get involved, and the sense of community is not just something that is talked about. You can truly see and feel it the second you step on to campus. I also knew I wanted to commute and the welcoming atmosphere made me confident in the idea that I would still get a good college experience while also being able to live at home.
Caitlyn Hawk
Major: Early Childhood Education
Hometown: Lewiston, New York
NU: I chose NU because of the sense of family that there is on campus. This was very important for me when choosing my school. I also enjoy the small class sizes here at Niagara.
Don’t wait to start planning your future! The first step is to schedule a campus tour and take in everything life on The Ridge has to offer. Contact an admissions counselor if you have questions!
Personal Tour
Tours are offered several times a week, and additional appointments can be made with campus offices to personalize your experience.
Schedule Your TourAttend an Open House
Meet with admissions counselors, world-class faculty and NU staff as you explore your options and experience campus life. Register for an upcoming open house!
View SchedulePlan a Group Tour
If you’re a high school counselor with a group of students interested in touring, we can accommodate! Come visit for the day, or stay overnight!
Schedule Your Tour
My name is Madi Feng, and I’m a senior from Tonawanda High School. A few weeks ago, the Associate Director of Admissions (Julie Candella) came to visit my school for a pizza party and chat session with students interested in Niagara University. During that session, I was talking with my fellow classmates about how NU has been approaching us. We collectively agreed that NU has gone above and beyond to connect with us. During the session, for example, we were so engrossed in our conversation with Julie that we were caught off guard by the bell! The NU admissions team feels very accessible to us students and they have really helped me with my college search. NU admissions have really made an impact on me and my classmates.Madi Feng High School Student
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NU offers rolling admissions, which means that you can apply at any time for the upcoming semester. Applications are reviewed as they come in, and students are typically notified of an admission decision in 3-4 weeks. What’s stopping you?
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