The Dome

Over the weekend, nearly 500 undergraduate and graduate students crossed the stage to officially become Canisius University graduates. Families, friends, faculty and staff gathered to celebrate the Class of 2026 during a weekend filled with Griff pride, reflection and excitement for what lies ahead.

Festivities began Friday with a Baccalaureate Mass in Christ the King Chapel, the Academic Excellence Awards Ceremony and the PA Program White Coat Ceremony. On Saturday, two commencement ceremonies were held in the Koessler Athletic Center. The first honored graduates from the Division of Arts, Education & Sciences at 10 a.m. while the second celebrated the Division of Business, Communications and Health Studies at 1:30 p.m.

Rebecca Krawiec, PhD, professor and chair of Religious Studies and Theology, led both commencement processions as mace bearer, while Canisius Chaplin Rev. Fred Betti, SJ, delivered the invocation.

Kelly Ryan, president of Jesuit Refugee Service/USA, delivered the commencement address during the morning ceremony for the Division of Arts, Education and Sciences. She encouraged graduates to lead with compassion, truth and moral courage in an increasingly divided world. Drawing on her work with refugees and immigrants, Ryan challenged the Class of 2026 to care for their neighbors, uphold human dignity, seek truth in the face of misinformation and “take care of one another” as they move into their next chapter.

Student speaker Maggie Donner ’26, an adolescence education major with a biology concentration, reflected on the importance of embracing life’s uncertainty with kindness, curiosity and confidence, encouraging graduates to carry forward empathy, leadership and resilience shaped during their time at Canisius.

During the afternoon ceremony, award-winning writer and alumnus Damon J. Young ’02 addressed graduates from the Division of Business, Communications and Health Studies with a speech that encouraged students to challenge conventional advice, define success on their own terms and embrace their ability to shape a better future.

Student speaker Michaela Staskiewicz ’26, an English major on the Pre-Physician Assistant Track, reminded her classmates that it is often the small, everyday choices — joining clubs, pursuing new opportunities, supporting others and embracing the Jesuit value of magis — that define the Canisius experience and shape compassionate, courageous leaders.

From proud smiles and celebratory hugs to the turning of tassels, commencement weekend was a meaningful sendoff for the newest generation of Canisius alumni.

Here are some photos capturing the joy and spirit of the weekend festivities.

As participants in the Clean Mobility Project, Canisius University has two wonderful opportunities to explore our region by bike during National Bike Month and all year: 1)  Through the use of Reddy Bikes and 2) By signing up for the weekly GoBike Bike Month Battle (earn points walking, running or taking mass transit!).

Here is more information about the Reddy Bikeshare memberships:

“To celebrate, we’re continue offer FREE annual memberships to Reddy Bikeshare for all Canisius faculty, staff, and students (a $40 value)!

With your membership, you’ll get access not just to the red bikes located at the stations around campus, but to hundreds of Reddy bikes and Reddy+ e-bikes across Buffalo and Niagara Falls—making it easy to get around, explore, or simply enjoy a ride, whenever it fits your day.

Why try bikeshare?
Reddy Bikeshare is a convenient, flexible way to ride without the need to own or maintain a bike. Whether you’re commuting, running errands, or just getting outside, bikeshare makes it simple:

• Take a quick ride on your lunch break for fresh air and exercise
• Check if there’s a station near your home and try biking to campus
• Explore new neighborhoods, parks, and waterfront areas
• Skip the hassle of storage, upkeep, and repairs

How it works:

1. Sign up using this exclusive link for Canisius campus members: https://l.ead.me/bgA5Je
2. Unlock a bike at any Reddy station using the Social Bicycles app
3. Ride to your destination and return it to any station in the network

FREQUENTY ASKED QUESTIONS

Do I really get it for free?
Yes—the $40 annual membership fee is fully covered for Canisius campus members.

Are there any costs?
 You’ll only pay for the time you ride:

• Standard bikes: $0.01 per minute
• Reddy+ e-bikes: $0.10 per minute

Why do I need a credit card?
A credit card is required to start your account and cover any usage fees, but you won’t be charged for the membership itself.

Where can I ride?
Anywhere within the Reddy Bikeshare system! You can pick up and drop off bikes at stations throughout Buffalo and Niagara Falls.

Is it beginner-friendly?
Absolutely—bikeshare is designed for all experience levels. You can ride at your own pace and choose routes that feel comfortable.

Sign up today and celebrate Bike Month your way—whether it’s a quick spin, a new commute, or a weekend adventure.”

Week Two of the GoBike Bike Month Battle continues, and you can enroll for one week or all four weeks! Congratulations to Dr. Shyam Sriram for being first on our leaderboard during week one! Week Two we “battle” M&T Bank for bragging rights. Join us, won’t you? Simply opne the QR Code on the flyer to get started.

Please email Yvonne Widenor at widenory@canisius.edu for more information about either the membership or the bike battle.

The Golisano Center for Student Success is looking for motivated staff and administrators interested in teaching First-Year Experience (FYE) for the fall 2026 semester. FYE is a required one-credit course that acts as an extended orientation for first year students, introducing them to the university’s support services and teaching skills that support their transition to college. FYE meets one time per week for 50 minutes and instructors work together with a peer mentor to deliver the course material.

If you are interested in teaching FYE in the fall, please email Shana Richardson, assistant vice president for student success, at willia23@canisius.edu no later than Friday May 29, with the following:

• In approximately 200 words, please share why you are interested in teaching FYE, as well as a summary of your experience working with students
• An updated resume

Please note that available sections of FYE are limited. We hope you will consider this opportunity to work with first-year students!

We are pleased to announce that Canisius will move to summer hours of 8:30 a.m. – 4:30 p.m. beginning on Monday, May 18.  Canisius will also close at 1:00 p.m. on Fridays beginning Friday, May 22. These hours will continue through Friday, August 7. Please contact the Office of Human Resources with any questions.

Canisius faculty and staff are invited to attend a Town Hall with the Senior Leadership Team on Wednesday, May 27 at 3:00 p.m. in the Regis Room of the Richard E. Winter ’43 Student Center. Please save the date by adding this event to your calendar.

President Stoute will provide an update on the university’s strategic initiatives, celebrate key institutional wins, and recognize the dedication and years of service of members of the Canisius community.

The format will then shift to a campus conversation and working session focused on the university’s path forward.

Attendees are encouraged to come prepared with ideas, perspectives and questions that can help shape what comes next for Canisius. The conversation will explore opportunities for growth, approaches to addressing challenges and how we move Canisius forward, together. The session is designed to foster open dialogue and engagement across the campus community.

Submitted by: Office of the President

Canisius University will serve as a host site for the 2026 New York Youth Law Academy (NYYLA), a free week-long summer program that introduces high school students to careers in law and pathways to law school.

The program will be held July 27–31.

Read more HERE.

The Canisius University Higher Education Opportunity Program celebrated its graduating seniors during its annual HEOP Senior Celebration, recognizing a remarkable cohort for their hard work, perseverance and achievements. Pictured left to right are William Monk, Aguer Doar, Shainna Overstreet, Taliah Savage, Trah’Anna Albea, Kerriann Womble, Romani Hutchinson and Rachel LaRussa. Congratulations to all the graduates, and best wishes for what’s next!

While most graduates will spend commencement Saturday celebrating with family and friends, our Golden Griffin rowers have another big event on the schedule — competing for a MAAC Championship.

Congratulations and good luck to Gianna Weaver, Katie Bapst, Sophie Hartzell, Kaleigh Schwab, Addie Naylor and Francesca DiCamillo, who crossed the graduation stage this week before heading to Cooper River Park in Pennsauken Township, NJ for the 2026 MAAC Women’s Rowing Championship on May 17.

Cheer them on as they race for a title — the championships will be streamed on ESPN+.

Canisius University’s own Fr. Fred Betti, SJ, was honored as the 2026 recipient of the Mother Mary Lange, O.S.P. Award during the NativityMiguel Scholars Award Banquet held May 13 at Salvatore’s Italian Prime.

The award recognizes individuals whose work in African American communities and urban neighborhoods reflects the spirit of service championed by Mother Mary Lange, foundress of the Oblate Sisters of Providence. Her legacy lives on through those dedicated to serving the poor, the neglected and all those in need.

Fr. Betti’s lifelong commitment to education, compassion and community leadership continues to make a lasting impact both on campus and throughout Western New York. Congratulations to Fr. Betti on this well-deserved honor.

Jeffrey Oxman, PhD, spoke with the online personal finance site WalletHub for a May 12 article about the best credit cards available that don’t require a social security number. The assistant professor of economics and finance explained why most credit card companies do require applicants to provide a social security number and provided tips on how immigrants looking to establish credit in the U.S. can do so through introductory level credit cards designed for people with little or no credit history. Click here to read the story.

The 2026-2027 Academic Catalog is scheduled to publish in July. Therefore, we are asking that all catalog page and program curriculum edits be completed by Friday, June 26. To help users make these changes review sessions will be offered and helpful instructions are linked on the Academic Affairs Courseleaf wiki page.

The review sessions will provide an overview of the Courseleaf modules for the catalog (CAT), courses (CIM for Courses), and program requirements (CIM for Programs).  This training is recommended for any current or future chairs/program directors, faculty members who intend to develop new courses, faculty members who oversee minors or other curricula, administrative associates to academic departments, or and staff members currently assigned a catalog page.  Contact Amy Beiter for list of assigned pages.

Register for one of the upcoming sessions here:

• Wednesday, May 20 @ 9:00-10:30 am, Old Main 119
• Wednesday, June 2 @ 9:00 -10:30 am, Old Main 119
• Thursday, June 4 @ 1:30-3:00 pm via Microsoft Teams
• Tuesday, June 9 @ 10:30 am- 12:00 pm via Microsoft Teams

If you have any questions or are unable to attend a review session and require additional assistance with any edits or updates, please reach out to Amy Beiter at beiter5@canisius.edu or 716-888-2311.

Dear Campus Community,

On May 14, 2022, a tragic and racially motivated mass shooting occurred in Buffalo, NY, at Tops Market on Jefferson Avenue, targeting African Americans. This act of hate claimed the lives of 10 individuals and physically injured 3 others. As we approach this solemn anniversary, we honor the memory of those lost and reaffirm our commitment to justice, healing, and unity. 

We invite students, staff, and faculty to participate in the following events on Thursday, May 14:

•  5/14 Day of Service & Remembrance Food Giveaway, 12:00 p.m.- 2:00 p.m., Frank E. Merriweather, Jr. Library, 1324 Jefferson Avenue
•  Ecumenical Prayer with Father Fredrick G. Betti, SJ, after Mass, beginning at 12:45 p.m., Christ the King Chapel. Peace print Doves are on display outside the chapel.
• Pre-Ceremony Remembrance Observance & Reflection Space, 1:30 p.m.–6:00 p.m., Frank E. Merriweather, Jr. Library, 1324 Jefferson Avenue
• 5/14 Day of Service & Remembrance sponsored by the Clementine Gold Group

1. 1. 9:00 a.m.-2:00 p.m. Acts of Service
      You can serve from anywhere, and how you serve is up to you:

• • • Write & mail notes of encouragement to elders or students
    • Deliver care kits to East Side neighbors (snacks, socks, affirmations)
    • Refill a community fridge with fresh food + water
    • Support Black-owned East Side businesses

2. 3:00 p.m. – 7:00 p.m.: Community Gathering

E Utica St, between Jefferson & Dupont:

• • • Live Music from Tru Journey
    • Reflection station: post-its, poetry, art, intention-setting
    • Local food vendors (free)
    • Kids Zone: bubbles, chalk, books, art table
    • And More

Counseling services are also available at the Frank E. Merriweather, Jr. Library from 12:00 p.m.-3:00 p.m.

Our Jesuit mission calls us to be people for and with others. Let us come together in remembrance and solidarity with the East Side of Buffalo.

All are welcome to join on the plaza in front of Christ the King Chapel on Thursday, May 14 at 12:45 p.m. for a brief ecumenical prayer service in remembrance of the 5/14 Tops shooting victims.

Canisius athletics continues to excel in the classroom, with all varsity programs in good standing and 12 teams earning perfect APR scores in the NCAA’s latest academic report. Read more here.

It’s that time of year again, and we need your help! The Buffalo News Best of 716 nominations are just around the corner, opening Thursday, May 28.

The Top 5 universities with the most nominations will advance to the voting round on July 14. With your help, we have the chance to be recognized as the best university in the 716 for the third consecutive year.

Let’s all remind Buffalo what makes Canisius University stand above the rest!
Get ready to nominate on May 28, and help us spread the word!

Contest Timeline 2026:
Nominations: May 28 – June 16
Voting: July 14 – July 28
Winners Announced: Sunday, September 27

Read more HERE.

Sure, summer hasn’t even started yet … but with the official NFL schedule release happening tomorrow, football is already creeping in.

Some Canisius students got an early taste of the excitement last month when they worked one of the NFL’s biggest events — the NFL Draft in Pittsburgh.

Read their story HERE.

All faculty are invited to join in the procession for the Baccalaureate Mass on Friday, May 15.

If you would like to take part, please gather on the first floor of the student center in front of the dining hall by 4:15 p.m. in regalia.

Canisius faculty and staff are invited to attend a Town Hall with the Senior Leadership Team on Wednesday, May 27 at 3:00 p.m. in the Regis Room of the Richard E. Winter ’43 Student Center.

Please save the date by adding this event to your calendar.

President Stoute will provide an update on the university’s strategic initiatives, celebrate key institutional wins, and recognize the dedication and years of service of members of the Canisius community.

The format will then shift to a campus conversation and working session focused on the university’s path forward.

Attendees are encouraged to come prepared with ideas, perspectives and questions that can help shape what comes next for Canisius. The conversation will explore opportunities for growth, approaches to addressing challenges and how we move Canisius forward, together. The session is designed to foster open dialogue and engagement across the campus community.

Submitted by: Office of the President

As we approach the end of our 25-26 fiscal year, here is some important information from the Controller’s Office for the campus community to keep in mind:

Requisitions

• All requisitions are to be submitted by the end of business day on Friday, May 15 to allow for sufficient approval and processing time. Related invoices should be submitted as soon as possible.

Visa/Center Suite

• All VISA charges posted to the bank by 5/31/26 will be charged to the 25-26 budget.
• Any charges that post AFTER 5/31/26 will be charged to the 26-27 budget.
  • Please note that it can take up to 1-7 business days for charges to post.

AP Checks

• All invoices and check requests are to be submitted by end of day on Friday, May 22 to allow for sufficient approval and processing time. AP checks will be issued on Thursday, May 28.

Please contact Accounts Payable at 888-8525 with any questions.

Controller’s Office

Canisius faculty and staff are invited to attend a Town Hall with President Steve Stoute on Wednesday, May 27 at 3:00 p.m. in the Regis Room of the Richard E. Winter ’43 Student Center.

Please save the date by adding this event to your calendar.

President Stoute will provide an update on the university’s strategic initiatives, celebrate key institutional wins, and recognize the dedication and years of service of members of the Canisius community.

The format will then shift to a campus conversation and working session focused on the university’s path forward.

Attendees are encouraged to come prepared with ideas, perspectives and questions that can help shape what comes next for Canisius. The conversation will explore opportunities for growth, approaches to addressing challenges and how we move Canisius forward, together. The session is designed to foster open dialogue and engagement across the campus community.

Submitted by: Office of the President

We are pleased to announce that Canisius University will move to summer Hours of 8:30 a.m. – 4:30 pm beginning on Monday, May 18.  These hours will continue through Friday, August 7. Canisius will also close at 1:00 pm on Fridays beginning Friday, May 22 and will continue through Friday, August 7. Please contact the Office of Human Resources with any questions.

Everyone’s favorite employee E-letter will soon switch to a summer schedule.

Wednesday, May 27 will be the final edition of The Dome for the academic year. After May 27, The Dome will publish once per week, on Wednesdays, through the start of the fall 2026 semester. At that time, The Dome will return to its regular publishing schedule of Mondays, Wednesdays and Fridays.

The deadline for summer submissions is 2:00 p.m. on the preceding Tuesday.

Click here to make a submission to The Dome.

Submitted by: University Communications

WKBW-TV Channel 7 welcomed Lauren Jenkins to its Friday, May 8 morning edition of “Second Cup.” The executive director of the Women’s Business Center spoke about the resources the WBC provides to female entrepreneurs and their growing economic impact across Western New York, as well as the IGNITE Awards, which took place in the evening of May 8. The annual event recognizes the leadership, innovation and economic contributions of women-owned businesses throughout the region. Click here to watch the interview, which starts at 5:00 minutes in.

Canisius University’s Chief Information Officer (CIO) Nathan Marshall is the inaugural recipient of OculusIT’s CIO of the Year Award, earning the honor from a competitive pool of more than 20 eligible CIOs.

OculusIT introduced the award this year as part of its new Nomination-Based Annual Rewards & Recognition Program, which recognizes top-performing CIOs. To earn the award, a CIO must demonstrate exceptional performance across six key areas: innovation and digital transformation, execution excellence, risk management and security mindset, customer and business centricity, leadership and team development, and data-driven decision making.

Marshall stood out in the nomination process for his commitment to performance excellence and values-driven leadership. One nominator described him as “a visionary and people-first CIO who drives transformative impact by bridging technology with campus needs, fostering team growth and going above and beyond to support clients with exceptional leadership and collaboration.”

Please join us in congratulating Nathan Marshall on this well-deserved honor.

Canisius faculty and staff are invited to attend a Town Hall with President Steve Stoute on Wednesday, May 27 at 3:00 p.m. in the Regis Room of the Richard E. Winter ’43 Student Center.

Please save the date by adding this event to your calendar.

President Stoute will provide an update on the university’s strategic initiatives, celebrate key institutional wins, and recognize the dedication and years of service of members of the Canisius community.

The format will then shift to a campus conversation and working session focused on the university’s path forward.

Attendees are encouraged to come prepared with ideas, perspectives and questions that can help shape what comes next for Canisius. The conversation will explore opportunities for growth, approaches to addressing challenges and how we move Canisius forward, together. The session is designed to foster open dialogue and engagement across the campus community.

Submitted by: Office of the President

High school students who want a head start on their college and career path have a new option this summer.  Canisius University is launching the Pre-College Applied STEM & Professional Program, a two-week summer experience that runs July 26 – August 7. Open to rising sophomores, juniors and seniors, the program offers two different tracks for students: Medical or AI & Technology for Business. 

The Medical track gives students a hands-on introduction to the science behind healthcare.  They explore human anatomy and physiology, conduct laboratory experiments in cell biology and genetics, and learn how medical professionals use tools such as MRI, X-ray and ultrasound to diagnose and treat disease.  Clinical simulations place students in real patient-care scenarios and field trips bring that learning to life with visits to the Jacobs School of Medicine and Biomedical Sciences Simulation Center and the Jacobs Institute for Biomedical Engineering.  

The AI & Technology for Business track is designed for students curious about how artificial intelligence and technology are reshaping industries and the workplace. Students learn coding fundamentals using beginner-friendly tools, dig into AI ethics and its impact on privacy and society, and complete hands-on projects such as building their own AI-powered chatbot and creating interactive games.  A visit to M&T Bank’s cybersecurity command center in downtown Buffalo gives students the opportunity to meet professionals working in cybersecurity, software development and data analytics.  

Click here to learn more.

Some of the most pressing issues in cybersecurity will take center stage in Buffalo next month — with a distinctly local twist.

On Saturday, June 6, BSides Buffalo returns to Canisius University with this year’s theme, “We’re Hacking Proud,” a nod to Buffalo’s iconic “We’re Talking Proud” campaign and a reflection of the region’s growing, tight-knit cybersecurity community.

The one-day, grassroots conference will bring together cybersecurity professionals, hobbyists and students in Science Hall from 8:30 a.m. to 5:30 p.m. Organizers expect approximately 400 attendees for what has become one of Western New York’s signature technology events.

Part of a global network founded in 2009, BSides events are community-driven gatherings designed to share knowledge, surface emerging threats and build connections across the cybersecurity field. This year marks the fifth BSides Buffalo conference.

Click here to learn more or to register.

The Golisano Center for Student Success is looking for motivated staff and administrators interested in teaching First-Year Experience (FYE) for the fall 2026 semester. FYE is a required one-credit course that acts as an extended orientation for first year students, introducing them to the university’s support services and teaching skills that support their transition to college. FYE meets one time per week for 50 minutes and instructors work together with a peer mentor to deliver the course material.

If you are interested in teaching FYE in the fall, please email Shana Richardson, assistant vice president for student success, at willia23@canisius.edu no later than Friday May 29, 2026, with the following:

• In approximately 200 words, please share why you are interested in teaching FYE, as well as a summary of your experience working with students
• An updated resume

Please note that available sections of FYE are limited. We hope you will consider this opportunity to work with first-year students!

Everyone’s favorite employee E-letter will soon switch to a summer schedule.

Wednesday, May 27 will be the final edition of The Dome for the academic year. After May 27, The Dome will publish once per week, on Wednesdays, through the start of the fall 2026 semester. At that time, The Dome will return to its regular publishing schedule of Mondays, Wednesdays and Fridays.

The deadline for summer submissions is 2:00 p.m. on the preceding Tuesday.

Click here to make a submission to The Dome.

Submitted by: University Communications

We are pleased to announce that Canisius will move to summer Hours of 8:30 a.m. – 4:30 pm beginning on Monday, May 18.  These hours will continue through Friday, August 7. Canisius will also close at 1:00 pm on Fridays beginning Friday, May 22 and will continue through Friday, August 7. Please contact the Office of Human Resources with any questions.

We are pleased to announce that Canisius will move to summer Hours of 8:30 a.m. – 4:30 pm beginning on Monday, May 18.  These hours will continue through Friday, August 7. Canisius will also close at 1:00 pm on Fridays beginning Friday, May 22 and will continue through Friday, August 7. Please contact the Office of Human Resources with any questions.

The ALANA Student Center celebrated the achievements of 31 students of color during the ALANA Graduation 2026 ceremony. The event brought together family, friends, faculty and staff who gathered to honor and support the graduates as they marked this important milestone in their academic journey.

The ceremony recognized the perseverance, leadership and contributions of ALANA graduates to the Canisius University community. It was a meaningful celebration of identity, belonging and achievement, highlighting the importance of creating spaces where students of color feel seen, valued and supported.

In her remarks to the ALANA Graduating Class of 2026, ALANA Student Center Director Monika McFoy offered words of encouragement and affirmation. “You have already proven that you can rise, adapt and overcome. Continue to believe in your ability to create spaces where there are none and transform the already existing ones,” she said.

Her message reflected the spirit of the occasion, reminding graduates that their experiences, voices and leadership will continue to make an impact beyond graduation. As they prepare for the next chapter of their lives, the 2026 ALANA Graduation  ceremony served as both a celebration of accomplishment and a charge to continue leading with purpose, courage and resilience.

A-Z Animals interviewed Josh Russell, PhD, director of the Anthrozoology Program, for an April 22 story about “The Science Behind How Our Pets Transform Our Lives.” Russell points to biology for the reason as to why the bond between people and their pets feels so profound.  “Research shows that mutual gaze and touch between humans and their dogs can increase oxytocin and other ‘feel good’ hormones both in humans and dogs.”  Read the full story here. 

Assistant Professor of Anthrozoology Chirantana Mathkari, PhD, weighed in with the digital magazine PetHelpful about how to safely approach and interact with Highland cows, a breed growing in popularity among animal lovers and on social media. Mathkari explained that understanding the animal’s “pressure, flight and fight zones” is key to building trust, noting that people should move slowly and approach from the side to avoid startling the animal. Click here to read the story.

WGRZ-TV Channel 2 hosted Lauren Jenkins on its May 4 show “Most Buffalo.” The executive director of the Women’s Business Center spoke about the resources the WBC provides to female entrepreneurs and their growing economic impact across Western New York, as well as the IGNITE Awards, happening May 8. The annual event recognizes the leadership, innovation and economic contributions of women-owned businesses throughout the region. Click here to watch the interview.

The Buffalo News spoke with Assistant Professor of Economics Julie Anna Golebiewski, PhD, for a May 2 story about the region’s steady job market amid rising energy prices and global uncertainty. Golebiewski noted that “we’re slow to hire but at least we’re not firing,” indicating the economy has show resilience despite declining consumer confidence. Click here to read the story.

Canisius faculty and staff are invited to attend a Town Hall with President Steve Stoute on Wednesday, May 27 at 3:00 p.m. in the Regis Room of the Richard E. Winter ’43 Student Center.

Please save the date by adding this event to your calendar.

President Stoute will provide an update on the university’s strategic initiatives, celebrate key institutional wins, and recognize the dedication and years of service of members of the Canisius community.

The format will then shift to a campus conversation and working session focused on the university’s path forward.

Attendees are encouraged to come prepared with ideas, perspectives and questions that can help shape what comes next for Canisius. The conversation will explore opportunities for growth, approaches to addressing challenges and how we move Canisius forward, together. The session is designed to foster open dialogue and engagement across the campus community.

Submitted by: Office of the President

The 29th annual Canisius Blue and Golf Golf Classic, presented by Bengal Machine, returns to Transit Valley Country Club on Aug. 10, 2026.

Registration is now open with multiple playing and sponsorship options, including corporate foursomes, tournament foursomes and space for individual golfers. Sponsorship opportunities include hole sponsorship (which includes a custom flag used on the day of the event), tee signs and segments of the tournament.

Registration at Transit Valley Country Club, the driving range and lunch will open at 10:30 a.m., with tee times set to start of No. 1 and No. 10 tees at 11:30 a.m. All golfers will receive dinner at the club following the completion of their round. 

For more information, click here.

Employees of the university who are receiving a degree or who have a spouse or child receiving a degree are welcome to have a complimentary family photograph taken immediately following the commencement ceremony.

To request a photo, click here and complete the online request form. Your request must be received by today, Monday, May 4.  A confirmation email will be sent to you at a later date.

If you have any questions, contact the office of Event Services at Ext. 2180 or email commencement@canisius.edu.

As we approach the end of our 25-26 fiscal year, here is some important information from the Controller’s Office for the campus community to keep in mind:

Requisitions

• All requisitions are to be submitted by the end of business day on Friday, May 15 to allow for sufficient approval and processing time. Related invoices should be submitted as soon as possible.

Visa/Center Suite

• All VISA charges posted to the bank by 5/31/26 will be charged to the 25-26 budget.
• Any charges that post AFTER 5/31/26 will be charged to the 26-27 budget.
  • Please note that it can take up to 1-7 business days for charges to post.

AP Checks

• All invoices and check requests are to be submitted by end of day on Friday, May 22 to allow for sufficient approval and processing time. AP checks will be issued on Thursday, May 28.

Please contact Accounts Payable at 888-8525 with any questions.

Controller’s Office

Commencement is Saturday, May 16, 2026, in the Koessler Athletic Center (KAC). Graduate and undergraduate degrees will be conferred at the following ceremonies:

1. Division of Arts, Education & Sciences Degrees Conferred – 10:00 a.m. 
2. Division of Business, Communications & Health Studies Degrees Conferred – 1:30 pm

This event marks the culmination of years of hard work, dedication, and the unwavering perseverance of our students, who are now filled with pride, hope, and the promise of a bright future. Each of us has played a role in their transformation, and we hope you’ll join us in celebrating this exciting milestone. Watching our graduates and their families come together is a powerful reminder of the purpose behind our efforts every day.

To volunteer, please click HEREby Thursday, May 7, 2026.

More information on commencement week events can be found HERE.

Please do not hesitate to contact Julie Marzolf at schwab12@canisius.edu or Lauren Kicak at kicakl@canisius.edu with additional questions or concerns.

We look forward to celebrating the Class of 2026!

A little rain couldn’t put a damper on Griff Fest 2026, held Friday, May 1.

The beloved tradition gives students a well-deserved ‘breather’ on the last day of spring classes before they settle down to study for final exams.   

Students tested their luck at carnival games, competed for Canisius-themed giveaways and even ziplined across campus.  Local flavor was also in full supply, with some of Buffalo’s most popular food trucks serving up their favorite fare.  

Organized by the Student Programming Board, Griff Fest embodies campus life at Canisius: a balance of academic rigor with meaningful connections and memorable experiences outside the classroom.  The spirited end-of-year send off marked 102 years this spring, evolving from its Quad Party origins.

Philip Reed, professor of philosophy at Canisius University, has published a new essay, “The Christian Prohibition of Suicide,” in The Oxford Handbook of the Philosophy of Suicide.

The chapter offers a comprehensive overview of how Christian thought has historically evaluated suicide, tracing perspectives from the early Church to contemporary theology. It examines longstanding reasons for the traditional Christian condemnation of suicide, including the belief that it violates God’s authority over life, expresses ingratitude, rejects the call to endure suffering, and is morally prohibited as a form of killing.

At the same time, Reed addresses complex cases that have challenged this prohibition, such as biblical figures like Samson, Christian martyrs, and interpretations surrounding the death of Jesus. The work explores how Christian moral theology has developed nuanced distinctions—particularly between intending one’s death and merely foreseeing it—in order to clarify and defend its ethical stance.

More information on Reed’s contribution can be found here: https://academic.oup.com/edited-volume/61787/chapter-abstract/545092806?redirectedFrom=fulltext

As we approach the end of our 25-26 fiscal year, here is some important information from the Controller’s Office for the campus community to keep in mind:

Requisitions

• All requisitions are to be submitted by the end of business day on Friday, May 15 to allow for sufficient approval and processing time. Related invoices should be submitted as soon as possible.

Visa/Center Suite

• All VISA charges posted to the bank by 5/31/26 will be charged to the 25-26 budget.
• Any charges that post AFTER 5/31/26 will be charged to the 26-27 budget.
  • Please note that it can take up to 1-7 business days for charges to post.

AP Checks

• All invoices and check requests are to be submitted by end of day on Friday, May 22 to allow for sufficient approval and processing time. AP checks will be issued on Thursday, May 28.

Please contact Accounts Payable at 888-8525 with any questions.

Controller’s Office

Students enrolled in ABEC 365: Animal Communication recently participated in an immersive, behind-the-scenes tour of the Buffalo Museum of Science, connecting classroom learning with real-world scientific collections.

Throughout the semester, students have explored how and why animals communicate using visual, auditory, vibrational, chemical, and tactile signals. In preparation for the visit, they developed questions focused on museum specimen preparation, public outreach, and how preserved collections can inform the study of animal behavior and communication.

Earlier this month, students went “backstage with the band,” gaining exclusive access to areas not typically open to the public. The group learned from Paige Langle, collections manager, and Abbey Hines ’18, while exploring the museum’s rare species holdings, vertebrate and fluid collection rooms, and research laboratory.

During the visit, students examined how museums contribute to conservation efforts and scientific research. They also applied their classroom knowledge of structural colors and pigments to understand the importance of maintaining large specimen collections within a single species. One highlight included viewing narwhal tusks, connecting directly to prior coursework examining the still-debated structure and function of these unique features.

The experience offered students a rare opportunity to engage directly with specimens and professionals in the field, deepening their understanding of the animals they study in the classroom.

Buffalo Toronto Public Media interviewed Federal Trade Commissioner (FTC) Rebecca Kelly Slaughter ahead of her April 30 visit to Canisius as part of the Raichle Lecture Series on Law in American Society.  Slaughter, who is currently in a legal fight for her reinstatement to the FTC, spoke to the local NPR station about the concept of removal for cause and her career in public service.  Click here to listen to the interview, which was also picked up by which was also picked up by WXXI-AM Radio in Rochester, WRVO-AM Radio in Syracuse/Oswego and WAMC/Northeast Public Radio, which broadcasts in New York, Massachusetts, Connecticut, Vermont, New Jersey, New Hampshire and Pennsylvania.

WKBW-TV news anchor Michael Wooten also spoke with Slaughter in advance of her Canisius visit.  The interview appeared on the afternoon program called “Voices” and can be viewed here and on Yahoo News.

WGRZ-TV Channel 2 reported on Canisius University’s newest student success initiative, Canisius Computes, during its April 29 broadcasts.  The 1:1 computing initiative provides every incoming first-year student with a MacBook Air, helping to ensure that all students have access to the same reliable technology from day one.  Click here to watch the story.  Posts

Several local media outlets reported on Canisius University’s new partnership with Western Atlantic University School of Medicine to offer an accelerated BS/MD pathway.  WGRZ-TV Channel 2, Buffalo Toronto Public Media and WBEN-AM Radio all reported on the April 28 agreement, which enables students to earn a bachelor’s degree from Canisius and a doctor of medicine from Western Atlantic in six years rather than the traditional eight.  

Shawn O’Rourke, PhD, dean of the Division of Business, Communications and Health Studies, was quoted in the April 27 edition of The Buffalo News about the latest rankings from U.S. News & World Report, which places the university’s Wehle Business School among the top 100 business schools in the country.  The school climbed five spots to No. 87 nationally, reflecting its continued momentum in graduate business education.  

The students in BIO322, Conservation Biology, hosted another successful poster session in the Science Hall Atrium. Visitors had a chance to learn about a range of topics and things that we each can do to benefit the environment. Whether it is composting, solar farms, public transportation or keeping your cat inside – you can make a difference for the environment!

Rebecca Krawiec, PhD, professor and chair of Religious Studies and Theology, will lead the academic procession for this year’s commencement ceremonies, as mace bearer. The honor is given each year to the recipient of the Kenneth L. Koessler Distinguished Faculty Award, which recognizes excellence in teaching and scholarship.

Ask almost anyone at Canisius about Krawiec and the words come quickly: brilliant, demanding, kind, transformative. In the classroom, she challenges students to think more critically, write more precisely and engage more deeply with complex questions of religion, history and human experience. Her courses span the Core curriculum and advanced seminars, reaching students across disciplines and often changing the course of their academic journeys.

Students describe her as “the kind of professor you turn to first” — not just for academic guidance but because “she sees what students need before they know it themselves.” Krawiec points them toward the right texts, asks the questions they have not yet thought to ask, and pushes students to rethink and strengthen their ideas. She also builds student-centered classrooms that make learning more active and accessible, sharing these practices with colleagues across campus, who look to her for leadership in pedagogy and course design.

As department chair, Krawiec guides faculty with steadiness and principle. She leads curriculum development, represents her department in faculty governance, and works closely with colleagues to sustain and strengthen the academic life of religious studies and theology at the university.

An internationally recognized expert in Egyptian monasticism and early Christianity, Krawiec is the author of Shenoute and the Women of the White Monastery, with a second monograph forthcoming from Oxford University Press. She publishes widely in leading journals, delivers invited lectures, and through her work on the NEH-funded Coptic Scriptorium project, develops digital tools that expand access to ancient texts for scholars worldwide.

As mace bearer, Krawiec will carry a symbol of academic authority and tradition — representing the values of teaching, scholarship and service that define a Canisius education.

Buffalo Toronto Public Media (the local NPR station) reported on a new partnership between Canisius University and Western Atlantic University School of Medicine on Tuesday, April 28. The two schools held a ceremonial signing in Science Hall to formally recognize a new six-year BS-MD pathway, announced earlier this year. Click here to read the story.

The Buffalo News gave a nod to the Women’s Business Center (WBC) in its Tuesday, April 28 edition. The WBC will spotlight the role of women entrepreneurs in Western New York when it hosts its ninth annual Ignite Award on May 8. In the past year, the center served approximately 300 women entrepreneurs and helped secure an estimated $200,000 in business financing for clients. Click here to read the story.

Laurence W. “Larry” Franz, PhD, a former professor of economics and finance and vice president for business and finance at Canisius College, passed away April 5, 2026, at the age of 86.

A Buffalo native, Franz devoted much of his professional life to Canisius, where he was a respected educator and administrator whose tenure was once described by former president Rev. Vincent Cooke, SJ, as the “Franz Era.”

Franz is survived by his wife of 62 years, Eileen (nee Vanderburgh) Franz; his children, Laura (Ron) Urmson and Marcus (Tammy) Franz; and four grandchildren, Elizabeth, Brooke and Tyler Urmson and Lucas Franz. He is also survived by his sisters, Diane Peschio and Lynne Dillon, along with several nieces and nephews.

A link to his full obituary and online memorial is available here.

Buffalo, NY – The Canisius University Frank G. Raichle Lecture Series on Law in American Society welcomes Rebecca Kelly Slaughter to campus on Thursday, April 30 at 7:00 p.m. in the Chester HON ’01 and Diane Stranczek Science Hall Commons. The event, titled “For Cause: On Careers in Public Service and Fighting for Justice,” is free and open to the public; doors open at 6:30 p.m. 

Slaughter has served as a Federal Trade Commissioner (FTC) since 2018, first appointed by President Donald Trump and reappointed by President Joe Biden in 2023. At the FTC, she has been a forceful advocate for consumers and working families, championing greater transparency and robust enforcement of competition and consumer protection laws. 

Before joining the FTC, Slaughter served as Chief Counsel to U.S. Senator Charles Schumer of New York and was an associate at Sidley Austin LLP in Washington, D.C. She holds a BA in Anthropology magna cum laude from Yale University and a JD from Yale Law School, where she served as an editor of the Yale Law Journal. 

Slaughter is currently the plaintiff in Trump v. Slaughter, now before the U.S. Supreme Court, which will determine whether Congress has the authority to protect members of independent regulatory agencies from removal except for cause. The case challenges the President’s authority to remove agency heads and could result in the Court overturning its 1935 decision in Humphrey’s Executor v. United States — with far-reaching implications for the independence of federal agencies and the separation of powers.

The Frank G. Raichle Lecture Series is sponsored by the Frank G. Raichle Pre-Law Center, established at Canisius University in 1981. The center was made possible by a gift from the late Frank G. Raichle, Esq., a leader of the American Bar Association and former member of the Canisius University Board of Trustees. 

Commencement is Saturday, May 16, 2026, in the Koessler Athletic Center (KAC). Graduate and undergraduate degrees will be conferred at the following ceremonies:

1. Division of Arts, Education & Sciences Degrees Conferred – 10:00 a.m. 
2. Division of Business, Communications & Health Studies Degrees Conferred – 1:30 pm

This event marks the culmination of years of hard work, dedication, and the unwavering perseverance of our students, who are now filled with pride, hope, and the promise of a bright future. Each of us has played a role in their transformation, and we hope you’ll join us in celebrating this exciting milestone. Watching our graduates and their families come together is a powerful reminder of the purpose behind our efforts every day.

To volunteer, please click HERE by Thursday, May 7, 2026.

More information on commencement week events can be found HERE.

Please do not hesitate to contact Julie Marzolf at schwab12@canisius.edu or Lauren Kicak at kicakl@canisius.edu with additional questions or concerns.

We look forward to celebrating the Class of 2026!

If you are looking for a reason to procrastinate during finals week, pick up the latest edition of Lovecraftiana: The Magazine for Eldridge Horror.  The 25th edition contains a story called “In the Cold Starlight” by Joe Wood ’22 (creative writing and psychology).

The magazine by Rogue Planet Press is devoted to the subgenre of horror fiction created by H. P. Lovecraft, characterized by themes of cosmic horror, the unknowable and the insignificance of humanity in the universe. It often emphasizes fear of the unknown and the consequences of forbidden knowledge.  Just in time for the end of the semester.

As part of their coursework, students in HON376 Education in Museums and Zoos created information panels and engaging learning activities inspired by their favorite stuffed animals, and the content is now entitled “Stuffed Animal Zoo on View: The Wonders of the Animal Kingdom.”

Check out this exhibit in the Student Gallery in the Richard E. Winter ’42 Student Center (second floor near the student club rooms). It will be on view until next semester.

Canisius University and the Western Atlantic University School of Medicine (WAUSM) marked an important milestone in their partnership on Tuesday with a ceremonial signing held in Science Hall Commons, formally recognizing the six-year BS–MD pathway announced earlier this year.

The program creates a structured route for students pursuing careers in medicine, allowing them to complete both undergraduate studies at Canisius and medical training with WAUSM on an accelerated timeline that leads to both a bachelor’s degree and Doctor of Medicine in six years.

President Steve Stoute noted that the new partnership reflects a shared commitment between the two institutions.

“This partnership reflects our commitment to academic excellence and to expanding pathways that connect students to meaningful opportunities,” he said. “It responds to real barriers in medical education and strengthens the pathway for students called to serve in medicine.”

Dean of the College of Arts, Education and Sciences Nancy Wallace highlighted the academic foundation that supports the program and the strength of Canisius’ pre-med preparation.

“Our curriculum is designed to prepare students not only in the sciences but in the communication, ethical reasoning, and human understanding essential to the practice of medicine,” Wallace said.

The inaugural cohort will be drawn from the Chemistry and Health Sciences major, where a strong percentage of graduates continue into health professions.

As part of Canisius University’s transition to a Paper-Lite campus, new multi-function printers and scanners have been installed across campus, replacing older devices with more efficient, standardized equipment. These machines are designed to streamline printing, copying and scanning while supporting the university’s efforts to reduce paper use and operate more sustainably. The instructions below will help you navigate the basic functions—copying and scanning—on the new devices.

TO COPY A DOCUMENT

1. Swipe in, then select Device Functions.

2. Tap Use device functions.

3. Tap the Copy tile.

4. Confirm all settings, then hit Start to make a copy.

TO SCAN A DOCUMENT

1. Swipe in, the select Scan

2. Next, select Scan to my Email.

3. You’ll notice that documents can only be scanned to your own email, so any documents going to another individual will need to be forwarded via email. Once ready, hit Start scanning.

Submitted by: Scott Petrick, director, ITS

The Permanent Chair of Polish Culture at Canisius University presents a concert featuring Polish operatic soprano, Dominika Zamara, and the 100+ voices of the Combined Chorus of the Polish Singers Alliance of America at St. Stanislaus Bishop & Martyr Church, 389 Peckham Street, 14206 on Sunday, May 17 at 1:30 p.m. 

Soprano Dominika Zamara gained musical recognition early in her native Poland. After graduating from Wrocław University of Music, she went to Italy in pursuit of higher artistic study. Having won a scholarship from the Verona State Conservatory, she performed in masterclasses with some of Italy’s most highly regarded operatic teachers. 

Her operatic debut took place in 2010 as Mimi, in Puccini’s “La Boheme” under the direction of Maestro De Mori. Her outstanding vocal qualities, dynamic stage presence, and versatility in multiple genres quickly led to international performances across the globe — Europe, USA, Mexico, Argentina, China, South Korea and Australia. Ms. Zamara will perform works by Mozart, Verdi, Chopin, Moniuszko, and the ever popular “Habanera” from Bizet’s “Carmen.”

The concert, celebrating the 250^th anniversary of America and the Alliance’s 137^th year, will also include performances by the top-scoring choirs in a competition held on Saturday.  The  combined chorus will perform music of Kosciuszko, Walenty Bonk, celebrating Pulaski, Peter Gorecki’s spectacular “Processionale” and Walkiewicz/Witakowski’s “Gora Piesn,” the anthem of the Polish Singers Alliance. 

A free will offering will be taken to benefit the Polish Singers Alliance and Polish Arts Club of Buffalo scholarship funds.

The event is open to the public. Email wyrobekml@gmail.com for more information.

Canisius University celebrated the 101st anniversary of its DiGamma Honor Society on Friday, April 17, inducting nine distinguished individuals in recognition of their exemplary service and commitment to the university community. The annual ceremony was held at the Buffalo Club and brought together more than 100 alumni, faculty, staff and students in celebration of leadership and lifelong dedication to Canisius.

Founded in 1925 as the “Coffin Club,” the DiGamma Honor Society recognizes individuals who have demonstrated exceptional commitment to advancing Canisius University through service to students, alumni and the broader campus community. For more than a century, DiGamma has honored those whose leadership and generosity reflect the Jesuit value of being men and women for others.

This year’s inductees are (front row, l-r):

Drew M. Pettit ’11, MBA ’13
Director, US Equity Strategy
Citi

Lisa M. Pugliese ’89
Field Office Director, 
U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development

Shana M. Richardson ’06, MS ’19
Assistant Vice President, Student Success
Canisius University 

Cecelia R. Gotham ’13, MS ’15
Chief of Staff, 
Canisius University 

(back row, l-r)

Anthony B. Spada Jr. ’80, MBA ’87 
(Retired) President and Chief Executive Officer, 
AAA Western and Central New York 

Joseph F. Greenwald ’12, MBA ’13
Portfolio Manager and Financial Advisor,
Morgan Stanley 

Kevin R. Hardwick, PhD
Associate Professor, Political Science
Canisius University 

Michael A. DeMarco ’05 
Director, Global Head of Documentation Operations Unit 
Citi 

Not pictured:
Christopher M. Kelly ’83 
Partner, 
Jones Day

The campus community is invited to attend a ceremonial signing celebrating a new six-year accelerated BS/MD pathway between Canisius University and the Western Atlantic University School of Medicine (WAUSM).

The event will take place on Tuesday, April 28 at 1:00 p.m. in Science Hall Commons.

The partnership establishes a direct pathway for qualified students to pursue a Bachelor’s degree at Canisius University and a Doctor of Medicine (MD) through WAUSM, strengthening opportunities for students preparing for careers in medicine.

From campus programming and student leadership at Canisius to leading community and partnerships at a fast-growing tech company, Meagan Allers MS ’15 has built a career rooted in connection, adaptability and Jesuit values. Her journey—from an unexpected setback to professional growth in San Diego—highlights the power of the Canisius alumni network and the lasting impact of hands-on experience.

Read the full story HERE.

Denim Day is observed worldwide to show support for survivors of sexual violence. It originated after an Italian court overturned a perpetrator’s conviction with the justification that the woman’s jeans were so tight they would have been impossible to remove them without her assistance.

In response, women of the Italian parliament wore jeans to work the following day in solidarity with the survivor and in protest of the ruling, helping spark what has become and international day of awareness and support.

Please join the entire community by wearing jeans, and your ‘Griffs Supporting Griffs’ T-shirt if you have one, on Wednesday, April 29th.

The growing economic impact of women entrepreneurs across Western New York will be in the spotlight Friday, May 8 when the Women’s Business Center (WBC) at Canisius University hosts its 9th annual IGNITE Awards.  The event, to be held from 7:00–10:00 p.m. in the Science Hall at 1901 Main Street, recognizes the leadership, innovation and economic contributions of women-owned businesses throughout the region.

Founded in 2003 through support from the U.S. Small Business Administration, the Women’s Business Center at Canisius University provides no-cost business counseling, training and resources to women entrepreneurs across eight counties of Western New York. In the past year, the center served approximately 300 women entrepreneurs and helped secure an estimated $200,000 in business financing for clients.  Additionally, the WBC supported women-owned businesses that collectively grossed more than $32 million in revenue. 

That momentum is reflected in this year’s IGNITE Awards, which drew 60 nominations – more than double last year’s total – across four categories: Emerging Entrepreneur, Woman of Impact, Innovator & Change Maker, and Woman-Owned Business of the Year. 

Click here to learn more or to purchase tickets.

The Canisius University Frank G. Raichle Lecture Series on Law in American Society welcomes Rebecca Kelly Slaughter to campus on Thursday, April 30 at 7:00 p.m. in the Chester HON ’01 and Diane Stranczek Science Hall Commons. The event, titled “For Cause: On Careers in Public Service and Fighting for Justice,” is free and open to the public; doors open at 6:30 p.m.

Slaughter has served as a Federal Trade Commissioner (FTC) since 2018, first appointed by President Donald Trump and reappointed by President Joe Biden in 2023. At the FTC, she has been a forceful advocate for consumers and working families, championing greater transparency and robust enforcement of competition and consumer protection laws. 

Click here to learn more.

As we approach the conclusion of the spring semester, we want to share information about summer storage options available for residential and commuter students who may need assistance storing their belongings between academic terms. We recognize that the end of the year can be a particularly stressful time for students and parents alike. Between finishing exams, packing up, moving out, and travelling home, students do not have much time to spare.

Canisius University will continue its partnership with Dorm Room Movers to provide students with convenient summer storage and shipping services. This service is designed to ease the transition at the end of the academic year and reduce the logistical challenges students often face during move-out.

Dorm Room Movers will pick up student belongings directly from campus, store items securely over the summer, and return them prior to the start of the fall semester. Students who are not returning to campus may also arrange for direct shipment of their belongings. Not returning to campus? No worries! Dorm Room Movers can ship your items anywhere in the U.S. and to over 30 countries.

Key Dates:

• Spring 2026 Pick-Up: Friday, May 8
• Fall 2026 Return / Drop-Off: Saturday, August 22

Additional details, including registration instructions and service information, are available on the Canisius website:

https://www.canisius.edu/student-experience/student-life-housing/student-housing/student-housing-faq/canisius-summer-storage

If you or students and families have questions regarding summer storage, please direct them to: stulife@canisius.edu

Thank you for your continued support of our students.

Sincerely,
Office of Student Life
Canisius University

As part of the Clean Mobility Project, we are working to encourage faculty and staff to consider alternate methods of transportation. Go Bike is sponsoring a challenge across western New York, and we are looking for participants to represent Canisius.

On Tuesday, May 5, GObike will kick off the second annual Bike Month Battle between multiple businesses in Western New York!

Bike Month Battle is part of Bike Month Presented by Independent Health. Your employees residing in Western New York are invited to participate in this challenge to MOVE! The weather is turning beautiful, the leaves are arriving, and there’s no better time to reconnect with our communities on foot, on bikes, or on public transit.

HOW TO PARTICIPATE:

We suggest using Strava or Google Maps Timeline, two free mobile apps, to track your mileage, but if you have another application you prefer, go right ahead. You can turn it on when you begin a walk, bike ride or transit ride. Just remember to turn it off when you’re done so you stay accurate.

In order to make your submissions official, participants must use THIS FORM to track their previous week’s mileage each Tuesday by 10:00AM. GObike will send reminders to staff liaisons on Mondays. We’re using the honor system here, folks. We trust you!

Participants may compile all their trips for entry Tuesday morning, or make entries multiple times throughout the week.

Note: Strava and other tracking applications may default to publishing your trip to a public feed. You can make changes to publish where no one can see, or just your friends, or also to hide your starting and ending locations for privacy.

Any outdoor activity counts! Walking the dog. Commuting to work. Going for a jog. Taking the bus to the store. Friday night joy rides on your bike with your best friends!

POINTS SYSTEM:

1 point per mile on bike

2 points per mile walking/running/rollerblading/ skateboarding/rolling in a wheelchair/other mobility assistance device

3 points per mile on public transit

KEEPING IT EVEN:

GObike will tabulate scores at 11:00AM on Tuesdays, and turn around a report by EOD. Point totals will be divided by the number of participants to produce an average score. Whether your business is small or large, you’ve got a fighting chance to win!

SCHEDULE:

Round-Robin Week 1: Tuesday May 5 through Monday, May 11, 2026
Submit Scores Tuesday, May 12 by 10AM

Round-Robin Week 2: Tuesday May 12 through Monday May 18
Submit Scores Tuesday, May 19 by 10AM

Round-Robin Week 3: Tuesday May 19 through Monday 25 (Memorial Day is part of Week 3)
Submit scores Tuesday, May 26 by 10AM

CHAMPIONSHIP WEEK: Tuesday May 26 through Monday June 1

Submit scores Tuesday, June 2 by 10AM
CHAMPIONS CROWNED: Bike Breakfast Party at BNMC Innovation Center Thursday, June 4, 2026, 8:00AM.

MATCHUPS:

Opponents will be randomly selected each week for the first three weeks of the competition. Then the top two teams will face off in week 4 for the championship.

WHAT DO YOU WIN?

Bragging rights. Improved health and happiness. Improved productivity from employees who actively commute into work.

Oh you want more?! Fine!

How’s 20 tickets to SkyRide (Presented by Independent Health) on Sunday July 19, and 10 tickets to SkyRide VIP Party on Thursday July 16?

You want MORE? OK

GObike’s workshop staff welded a custom trophy that Cannon Design currently holds in their most prominent space. It’s up to your team to take that trophy home to your site!!

Please contact Yvonne Widenor, the campus’ representative for the Clean Mobility Project at widenory@canisius.edu for more information.

Denim Day is observed worldwide to show support for survivors of sexual violence. It originated after an Italian court overturned a perpetrator’s conviction with the justification that the woman’s jeans were so tight they would have been impossible to remove them without her assistance.

In response, women of the Italian parliament wore jeans to work the following day in solidarity with the survivor and in protest of the ruling, helping spark what has become and international day of awareness and support.

Please join the entire community by wearing jeans, and your ‘Griffs Supporting Griffs’ T-shirt if you have one, on Wednesday, April 29th.

Submitted by: Student Affairs/Finance & Administration

Join the USA Sustainability Committee this Saturday, April 25 for a  campus clean-up!  Participants should gather at 10:00 a.m. at Christ the King Chapel.  The clean-up continues through 11:00 p.m.

The campus community is invited to attend a ceremonial signing celebrating a new six-year accelerated BS/MD pathway between Canisius University and the Western Atlantic University School of Medicine (WAUSM).

The event will take place on Tuesday, April 28 at 1:00 p.m. in Science Hall Commons.

The partnership establishes a direct pathway for qualified students to pursue a Bachelor’s degree at Canisius University and a Doctor of Medicine (MD) through WAUSM, strengthening opportunities for students preparing for careers in medicine.

Krit Marohn (General Chemistry Laboratory Coordinator at Canisius) and Dr. Sherry Chemler (Larkin Professor of Chemistry at UB), co-coordinators of the USNCO for the WNY Section of the American Chemical Society (WNY ACS), invited all public, private and home-schooled high school students residing in the WNY area to participate in the local Chemistry Olympiad Exam.

The 2026 local exam was administered on Feb 28, at the University at Buffalo. There were 35 participants.  The exam included 60 multiple choice questions covering general and organic chemistry.

The seven top-scoring students on the local exam were invited to participate in the 2026 National Chemistry Olympiad Exam that was administered at Canisius University on April 11. This exam included 60 multiple choice questions, 8 explanation questions, and 2 laboratory practical experiments covering general chemistry.

The 20 top-scoring students from the National Exam spend two weeks at a Study Camp in June to undergo rigorous training. Based on their performance, four students are chosen to represent the U.S. at the International Chemistry Olympiad. The 2026 International Chemistry Olympiad will be held in Tashkent, Uzbekistan in July with high school students from over 90 countries expected to participate.

The four international competitors are accompanied by mentors who translate the test, inspect laboratories and arbitrate the score of the exams. Students and mentors also have opportunities to interact with one another and experience the host country’s culture through planned educational and social events.

Funding to support the Chemistry Olympiad competition in WNY was provided by Honeywell Buffalo Research Laboratory (now Solstice Advanced Materials) and the Walter L. Kosiba, PhD (’43) Chemistry Olympiad Endowment Fund.

Employees of the university who are receiving a degree or who have a spouse or child receiving a degree are welcome to have a complimentary family photograph taken immediately following the commencement ceremony.

To request a photo, click here and complete the online request form. Your request must be received by Monday, May 4.  A confirmation email will be sent to you at a later date.

If you have any questions, contact the office of Event Services at Ext. 2180 or email commencement@canisius.edu.

On April 20, Canisius University celebrated the academic achievements and resilience of six first-generation students during an induction ceremony for the Delta Gamma Chapter of Alpha Alpha Alpha Honor Society, also known as Tri-Alpha. Family members, friends, faculty and staff gathered to recognize the newest inductees and honor their commitment to academic excellence, leadership, and perseverance. The ceremony was officiated by the chapter’s Chief Advisor, Monika McFoy.

Pictured from left to right are Ellen Acquah ’26 | Trinity DeGraffenreid ’28 | Kaneea Burnett ’27 | Ida Segmuller ’25, MS ’27 | Syeda Rahmani ’27 | Melvin Omari Mensah ‘25

Tri-Alpha is the national honor society for first-generation college students. It recognizes students who are the first in their families to pursue a bachelor’s degree and who have demonstrated strong academic success. The society also promotes scholarship, leadership, and support for future first-generation students.

The event’s keynote speaker, Spence Liechty of Campus Ministry, offered words of encouragement and reflection to the inductees. He reminded students that meaningful success is never achieved alone, emphasizing the importance of recognizing the mentors, family members, friends, and campus supporters who help along the journey. He also challenged the scholars to continue to “learn with curiosity” and “lead with humility,” encouraging them to remain grounded as they pursue future goals. In closing, he shared a powerful reminder: “Your accomplishment today is not the finish line, but the starting line.”

The induction ceremony reflected Canisius University’s ongoing commitment to celebrating student achievement and supporting first-generation scholars as they continue to thrive academically, personally, and professionally.

At the 24th Annual Leadership Banquet at Canisius University, student leader Abubakr Jallow ’28 was honored with the ALANA Excellence Award, recognizing his outstanding leadership, service, and commitment to uplifting underrepresented students of color on campus.

Presented by ALANA Student Center graduate assistant Joseph Dodoo, MS ’26, the award celebrates students whose contributions have made a meaningful impact within the Canisius community. During the ceremony, Dodoo highlighted Jallow’s dedication to service, excellence, and community building.

A sophomore majoring in Finance and Data Science, Jallow has already established an impressive record of leadership. He is a ULLC Scholar, serves as a two-year President of the Residence Hall Association, and is the co-founder and first-year President of the National Society of Black Engineers chapter at Canisius University.

Through these roles and many others, Jallow has demonstrated a strong commitment to strengthening campus life and creating opportunities for fellow students. His leadership style, rooted in collaboration and service, continues to inspire peers across the university.

The ALANA Student Center congratulates Abubakr Jallow on this well-deserved recognition and looks forward to the continued impact he will make at Canisius University and beyond.

Canisius University will host its annual Accounting Banquet on Thursday, April 23, at Salvatore’s, where three distinguished award recipients will be honored: David O. Faturos ’92, MBA ’98, CPA, Accountant of the Year; Amanda S. Talty ’02, recipient of the Dr. Joseph R. Coppola ’40 Award; and Patrick Byrne ’16, MBA ’17, CISA, CRISC, CISSP, recipient of the Young Alumni Award.

David O. Faturos serves as senior vice president of finance at Rich Products Corporation, where he has spent more than three decades in leadership roles spanning internal audit, corporate control and executive finance. He previously served as executive vice president and chief financial officer, overseeing the company’s financial strategy, operations and risk management. A graduate of Canisius and the Stanford Executive Education Program, Faturos is an active member of the university’s Council of Accountancy and SAP Software Education Initiative and serves as treasurer and finance committee chair for the Buffalo Academy of the Sacred Heart.

Amanda S. Talty is a director in KPMG LLP’s Center for Audit Solutions, bringing more than 20 years of audit and assurance experience supporting clients and engagement teams. A Buffalo native and Canisius graduate, she is known for her collaborative leadership and role in advancing audit quality, consistency and performance across teams. Talty is an active member of the AICPA and NYSSCPA, serves on the Canisius Council on Accountancy, and has contributed to community and talent development initiatives throughout her career.

Patrick Byrne is a principal specialist in technology and cybersecurity risk at M&T Bank, where he focuses on aligning risk practices with evolving regulatory expectations. His career spans internal audit, risk advisory and cybersecurity leadership, including service as chief information security officer at Evans Bank. An active leader in the Western New York professional community, Byrne serves as president of the ISACA WNY Chapter and remains engaged with Canisius through mentorship, guest lectures and student-focused initiatives.

WGRZ-TV Channel 2 interviewed Dr. Zorba Paster on it’s April 20 edition of “Most Buffalo.” Dr. Paster is best known for hosting “Zorba Paster On Your Health,” which aired on National Public Radio (NPR) for 33 years before ending in fall 2025 and sparked thoughtful, engaging conversations about health and wellness. Paster currently hosts the “Stay Well with Dr. Zorba Paster” podcast, focused on helping people live full, optimistic and vibrant lives by reducing suffering and building resilience.  He will deliver a lecture at Canisius at 7:00 p.m. on Thursday, April 23 titled “Finding Joy in Caring for Others.” Click here to watch the interview.

Assistant Professor of Economics Julie Anna Golebiewski, PhD, weighed in with The Buffalo News for an April 17 story about the Buffalo Niagara region adding jobs at a faster pace than the rest of the country, for the first time in years. Golebiewski noted the growth “could indicate that there is a resilience in the labor market locally that may fuel, at least, small gains going forward.” Click here to read the full story.

Please save the date of the Faculty/Staff Appreciation Day at the Bison’s baseball game on Wednesday, August 5, versus the Norfolk Tide at 1:05 p.m.

Details to come.

All three Canisius University student ensembles are scheduled to perform this month.
We are so excited to celebrate the end of the semester with these performances and hope to see you in the audience! These concerts are free and open to the public.

Here is the schedule:

Friday, April 24
Jazz Ensemble
7:30 PM Montante Cultural Center

Sunday, April 26
Canisius University Chamber Orchestra
7:30 PM Montante Cultural Center

Monday, April 27
Canisius University Chorale
7:30 PM Christ-the-King Chapel

Then, the historic Buffalo Silver Band returns to campus on Saturday, April 25, for a “Notes From All Around” concert at 3:00 PM in Montante Cultural Center. Cost is a free will offering (pay as you wish) with a suggested donation of $20.

As described on the website, “This exciting performance is guaranteed to kindle your wanderlust as the BSB takes you on a whirlwind tour around the world. With ports of call in Europe, the Middle East, the South Pacific, and South America, the band will paint vivid portraits of exotic and exciting destinations. No passport required!” 

It will be a spectacular weekend of music! Please mark your calendars and visit canisius.edu/artscanisius for information about our programming. Any other questions can be sent to Yvonne Widenor, Director or ArtsCanisius at widenory@canisius.edu

The semester is winding down, but it’s never too learning to learn something new. Please join the students of BIO 322 (Conservation Biology) for the annual poster session.

You’re sure to learn something new that will benefit the environment!

Thursday, April 30, 10-11:20, in the Science Hall Atrium.

Do it for the planet!

Submitted by Sue Margulis, Professor, ABEC and Biology

The Ignite Awards are back and this year, they’re bigger, bolder, and designed to be one of the most exciting nights for women in business across Western New York.

On May 8 at Canisius University, we’re celebrating women who are building, leading, and shaping what’s next.

And this year, we’re thrilled to have Maddy Glab of the Buffalo Bills hosting the evening—bringing even more energy to a night that’s all about celebrating women in business.

Here’s what to expect:

• A red carpet arrival.
• A champagne welcome to kick off the night.
• A live awards show recognizing standout women entrepreneurs.
• And a room filled with connection, conversation, and opportunity.

 Tickets Now Available – $65

Purchase Here

Whether you’re coming to celebrate, connect, or simply be in the room, this is a night you won’t want to miss.

We can’t wait to see you there!

WBC Team

Canisius University announced today a new articulation agreement with Boston College that creates a streamlined pathway for students to earn a Master of Healthcare Administration (MHA).  The partnership brings together two Jesuit institutions focused on preparing graduates for leadership roles in one of the nation’s fastest-growing sectors and is part of a broader Canisius strategy to expand academic programs and partnerships in emerging fields.  

Canisius students across disciplines can begin working toward the MHA during their senior year through Boston College’s Woods College of Advancing Studies. They may transfer up to six Canisius graduate credits that apply to the master’s degree and receive a 10 percent tuition discount as part of the partnership.  

The Canisius-Boston College partnership comes at a moment of significant opportunity in healthcare.  According to the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics, employment of medical and health services managers is projected to grow 23 percent through 2034, much faster than the average for all occupations, with a median annual salary of $117,980.  

Boston College’s MHA program includes coursework in health policy, healthcare leadership, innovation-based strategy and analytics, with customizable electives that allow students to align their studies with their individual career goals. The program is offered fully online with flexible full- and part-time options, enabling students to balance their studies with other personal or professional commitments.  It can be completed in as few as 12 months and offers three start dates each year.  

Canisius’ partnership with Boston College advances the university’s strategic plan, Answer the Call, which prioritizes the expansion of academic pathways for students into graduate and professional programs in high-demand fields.  

In recent months, Canisius has announced partnerships with Syracuse University (engineering and computer science), Western Atlantic University School of Medicine (accelerated MD pathway), Hilbert College (education) and Northeast College of Health Sciences (chiropractic).  Together, these agreements create more direct and affordable routes from Canisius to professions in growing and essential sectors.  

Click here to learn more.

Each spring, the President’s Innovation Fund marks a new cycle of investment in faculty and staff ideas that help advance the university’s priorities.  For 2026-27, the fund will evolve to take an even more focused approach. 

This upcoming year, the PIF will be accepting new applications by invitation-only in specifically designated focus areas.  The evolution of the fund allows Canisius to align investments more closely with the strategic priorities that will most meaningfully move the university forward. Current grant recipients will continue to receive funding in support of their ongoing work, pending the submission of completed progress reports. Those invited to participate in newly designated focus areas will be contacted directly.

Since its launch in 2024, the PIF has awarded nearly $300,000 in grant funding to support 15 innovative projects led by members of our faculty and staff. These projects have advanced Canisius’s strategic priorities in meaningful ways, and I am proud of what this community has accomplished through them.

Additional details, including designated focus areas, will be shared with the campus community, once final. In the meantime, questions may be directed to Cece Gotham, Chief of Staff, at gothamc@canisius.edu.

While the formal application process for 2026-27 will be by invitation, faculty/staff are encouraged to share their ideas with the Office of the President for future consideration.

Submitted by: Cece Gotham, chief of staff, President’s Office

Annual NYS fire inspections for all campus buildings began on April 16. The first round of inspections will span three weeks.

During this time we will be walking all areas of campus to ensure we are in compliance with NYS fire codes.

These are some of the top violations found during past NYS inspections in our residence halls, academic and administrative buildings.

• Items attached or hanging on sprinkler pipes.
• Surge protector plugged into extension cords.
• Non-fire rated window coverings.
• Surge protector plugged into surge protectors.
• Unprotected multi-tap/multi-plug extension cords.
• Exits blocked by storage.
• Propped fire doors.
• Compressed gas tanks unsecured in food service and lab areas.
• Space heaters not plugged directly into wall outlet and/or no tip over protection.
• Doors failing to close and latch.
• Excessive stored combustible materials (books/paper) in offices and storage rooms.

If you have any questions, please contact the Facilities Office at 2250.

On Thursday, April 23, at 4:00 p.m., in the Library Learning Center, the Canisius Conversation series will host Ezzeldeen Masri and Iky Salinas from PeaceWorks on Campus.

Launched in 2024, PeaceWorks on Campus (PWoC) brings Israeli and Palestinian civic leaders directly to universities and equips future diplomats, policymakers, and global leaders with a pragmatic, solutions-oriented understanding of Israel and Palestine. 

Ezzeldeen Masri was born in Gaza City and has a background in international relations and conflict resolution. Masri previously served as First Secretary in the Palestinian Diplomatic Corps, where he oversaw organizations promoting peace between Israel and Palestine. Iky Salinas has been deeply involved in peace building initiatives and broader political activism.  Salinas worked for Middle East Entrepreneurs of Tomorrow, which seeks to inspire Israeli and Palestinian youth to find common ground.

All are welcome to join a unique opportunity for students, staff, and faculty to engage in a meaningful discussion with members of the Israeli and Palestinian communities who are actively working toward peace.

Once again, the 19th annual Ignatian Scholarship Day highlighted the achievements of undergraduate and graduate students through a wide range of expression, including poster sessions, digital presentations, artistic displays and performances. To recognize the efforts and exceptional work of our students, the campus community and guests gathered on Wednesday, April 15 to celebrate their accomplishments.

Topics ranged from “Melodies of Motivation: Music Treatment for Motivation in Patients with Depression” and “Attitudes Toward Immigration: Xenophobia in the United States” to “Lead in Shore Samples Along the Buffalo River” and “I Remember Clifford,” a beautiful trumpet performance of the jazz standard written by Benny Golson in 1956–57 as a tribute to trumpeter Clifford Brown, performed in the Chapel.

The breadth and depth of research and creative expression on display reflected the intellectual curiosity and talent of Canisius students, capturing just a glimpse of the day’s energy and impact. Here’s a look at how students reflected on the event on LinkedIn:

Hebah Abdo | Katie Bapst | Danielle Haynes | Scott Heldwein | | Calvin Herrick | Megan Kocher | Nana Akosua Ofori Amanfo | Matthew Smith 

Here are some photos from the day:

Close to 500 undergraduate and graduate students will receive their degrees from Canisius University on Saturday, May 16, when the Class of 2026 is celebrated during commencement ceremonies in the Koessler Athletic Center. 

Kelly Ryan, president of Jesuit Refugee Service/USA, will deliver the commencement address to students from the Division of Arts, Education and Sciences at 10:00 a.m.  

Award-winning writer and Canisius alumnus Damon J. Young ’02 will address students from the Division of Business, Communications and Health Studies at 1:30 p.m. 

Kelly Ryan leads global efforts to serve nearly one million displaced people across 58 countries through education, emergency assistance, mental health support and advocacy.  She has spent nearly three decades working at the intersection of law, diplomacy and humanitarian policy, including senior roles with the U.S. Department of State and the Department of Homeland Security.  Ryan has also served as an advisor to the United Nations High Commissioner for Refugees and held leadership roles in international migration policy coordination in Geneva, helping shape global responses to refugee and asylum issues.

For Ryan, it is a life’s work built on the belief that compassion, courage and justice are not abstract ideals but guiding principles that shape action on behalf of those most in need.  Her work has been featured in The New York Times, The Washington Post, The Wall Street Journal and the BBC. 

Damon Young is known for giving an honest and probing voice to the Black American experience.  

He is co-founder and editor-in-chief of Very Smart Brothas, a widely read digital publication that shapes national conversations on Black culture and contemporary life. His writing has appeared in The New York Times, The Washington Post and GQ, among other national outlets. 

Young is the author of What Doesn’t Kill You Makes You Blacker, winner of the Thurber Prize for American Humor. He also hosts the podcast “Stuck with Damon Young” and will release his debut novel, Snowdrop, in 2027. 

A native of Pittsburgh, Young arrived at Canisius on a basketball scholarship and initially intended to pursue a professional athletic career. Instead, he discovered his voice as a writer through poetry and student publications, launching his path as a storyteller. 

He has since spent his career speaking to complexity – challenging audiences to confront uncomfortable truths and arrive at a more honest understanding of culture, identity and shared responsibility.

Click here to read more about this year’s commencement speakers.  

Through a grant from the Cullen Foundation, high school students from Tapestry Charter School and BuffSci Charter School have been spending the 2025-26 school year exploring the teaching profession. The partnership with Canisius aims to introduce the teaching profession as an achievable and rewarding career to high school students and transition them into a teacher preparation program with the hope that the students will return to teach in their alma mater.

Grow Your Own Initiatives, as they are called, are increasing in frequency around NYS and the country.

The students are enrolled in EDU 100 (Exploring the Teaching Profession) within their high school schedule. They are awarded Canisius University credit upon successful completion of the course and a 15-hour internship in their K-8 buildings alongside certified teachers.

On March 30, 19 high school students spent the day learning about teaching pathways, sitting in on classes with professors, eating in the dining hall, touring campus, and listening to a panel of current education majors.  There is already one Tapestry student committed to pursuing a career in teaching at Canisius next year.

The Ignite Awards are back and this year, they’re bigger, bolder, and designed to be one of the most exciting nights for women in business across Western New York.

On May 8 at Canisius University, we’re celebrating women who are building, leading, and shaping what’s next.

And this year, we’re thrilled to have Maddy Glab of the Buffalo Bills hosting the evening—bringing even more energy to a night that’s all about celebrating women in business.

Here’s what to expect:

•  A red carpet arrival.
•  A champagne welcome to kick off the night.
•  A live awards show recognizing standout women entrepreneurs.
•  And a room filled with connection, conversation, and opportunity.

 Early Bird Tickets Now Available – $55

Available through April 17

(Prices increase to $65 after)

Purchase Tickets Here

Whether you’re coming to celebrate, connect, or simply be in the room, this is a night you won’t want to miss.

We can’t wait to see you there!

WBC Team

Clare Hart ’18 has come full circle, returning to her childhood elementary school as a librarian where she now inspires a new generation of readers. Drawing on her Canisius education and passion for books, she’s helping students discover the same joy in reading that first shaped her path.

Read more HERE about Hart’s journey from student to educator and how she’s fostering creativity, community and a lifelong love of learning.

As we roll out our new printers we have had some issues with as we integrate the new Ricoh Printers to our Papercut manager.  We are working to correct these issues. For now, if you run into the issue of releasing the job and it fails to actually print, please follow steps below.

On the printer, select Print Release.

Select your print job and click Print

. 

Select the Check Status button

In the Machine Status tab, scroll down until you see the Printer tab, then hit Check

. 

Click the box with the text “Force print from another tray.”

Under Select Paper Tray, choose the Tray 1 box

. 

With Tray 1 selected, hit OK, then tap Print

.  

Submitted by: Scott Petrick, Director of ITS – OculusIT

On behalf of Canisius Earning Excellence Program (CEEP) Review and Recommendation Committee, Yvonne Widenor, assistant professor of art history, is pleased to announce the recipients of the 2026-27 CEEP Scholarships.

The scholarships were granted to 40 students with 24 faculty members serving as mentors. The list of this year’s recipients are listed above and can also be viewed by clicking here.

CEEP is an exciting learning and earning opportunity that pairs students with Canisius faculty for educational and rewarding experiences. These positions are intellectually demanding, create opportunities for applied learning outside the classroom, are closely related to a career or scholarly field and directly related to faculty scholarship. By working with faculty on research-focused projects, students are able to achieve a high level of preparedness for maintaining professional working relationships and for continued studies at the graduate level.

Congratulations to all the recipients!

Healthcare professionals training at Catholic Health now have a powerful new training tool at their disposal, courtesy of Canisius University.  On April 7, the university’s Physician Assistant Studies Program donated a high-fidelity medical simulation mannequin to Catholic Health Clinical Education.  The equipment is capable of replicating real patient emergencies to help clinicians sharpen critical, potentially life-saving skills.  

“This mannequin has been a remarkable teaching tool for our students, helping them develop the clinical skills and confidence they need to deliver exceptional patient care,” said Aimee Larson, DMSc, PA-C, chair and program director of PA Studies at Canisius.  “It felt only right to extend its impact by placing it with an organization doing such important work for our community.  We couldn’t think of a better home for it.”     

Medical simulation mannequins are sophisticated, lifelike training tools used throughout healthcare education to replicate real patient scenarios — from routine assessments to high-stakes emergency situations. They allow clinicians and students to build and refine critical skills in a safe, controlled environment, without risk to actual patients.

Click here to read more.

Josh Russell, PhD, director of the Anthrozoology Program, was interviewed by A-Z Animals for an April 8 story about the science behind the pain of losing a pet. Russell, who has spent his career studying the human-animal bond, explained what makes pet loss so difficult for humans to deal with, the reasons behind so much pain and why some people dismiss pet loss. Click here to read the full story, which was also picked up by Yahoo News.

The Buffalo News Editorial Board commended the university in its April 10 edition for the opening of the new Golisano Center for Student Success. The $4.75 million project combines the university’s success coaching, career development, peer mentoring, Writing Center and accessibility services in one location. Click here to read the editorial.