Senior Associate Campus Minister J. Joseph Van Volkenburg ’88, affectionately known as “JVV,” was recognized for going above and beyond in his service to the community. Van Volkenburg is the latest recipient of the One Buffalo Community Award established by Pegula Sports and Entertainment and presented by the New Era Cap Company to individuals who make Western New York a better place by going out of their way to positively impact the region.
Van Volkenburg works tirelessly to involve Canisius students, faculty and staff in local community outreach with Buffalo’s poor and homeless populations. He spearheads such programs as the Burrito Project, the Sandwich & Spirituality Ministry, Meals on Wheels and Habitat for Humanity. St. Luke’s Mission of Mercy is perhaps the greatest beneficiary of Van Volkenburg’s generous spirit. His is not only personally committed to the work of the mission but recruits countless members of the college community to assist in the dining room, the Mission Mall and St. Luke’s School.
Pegula Sports and Entertainment, the Buffalo Bills and the Buffalo Sabres will donate $2,500 to St. Luke’s Mission of Mercy as designated by Van Volkenburg.
“When our students go to St. Luke’s, they are serving the poorest of the poor, the most needy, most forgotten of God’s children,” says Van Volkenburg. “St. Luke’s provides dignity and hope.”
He was nominated for the One Buffalo Community Award by Karl Kozlowski, PhD, associate professor of kinesiology at the college.
Van Volkenburg was recognized with a video tribute during the Buffalo Sabres game on March 27.
Click here to watch the video.
Submitted by: College Communications
