Canisius University celebrated the life and legacy of St. Ignatius Loyola on July 31.
The founder of the Society of Jesus cast aside a life of privilege to dedicate himself to service for the greater glory of God, and his inspiration has guided Canisius since the first Jesuits began as teachers at the institution in 1870.
The Jesuit community (pictured above) and members of the Christ the King Chapel faith community recognized the Feast Day of St. Ignatius with Mass for the faculty, staff, administrators. Many alumni of Ignatian schools, and friends and family from as far as Florida and Canada, also attended.
Mass was followed by lunch from the Cheesy Chick Food Truck in Bart Mitchell Quad.
This year’s celebration included a theme of gratitude and welcome for the Jesuit community:
Canisius bid a heartfelt farewell to Rev. Tom Slon, SJ, who has faithfully served as superior of the Jesuit community for eight years. He leaves Canisius to begin a new chapter with the Jesuit Conference.
The campus community also warmly welcomed Rev. Jason Downer, SJ, ’03, MS ’06, as the new superior. Canisius looks forward to his guidance ensuring that service, justice and spirituality remain at the heart of Canisius.
Submitted by: Rev. Fred Betti, SJ, chaplain, Mission & Ministry
Join us in welcoming our incoming class at our 2nd Annual New Student Convocation on Friday, August 23 at 2:00 p.m. in the Koessler Athletic Center! As a part of the event, new students will process in through two lines of faculty and staff paralleling the procession at commencement.
All faculty and staff attending are encouraged to wear Canisius gear for the occasion! RSVP at https://forms.gle/otdDbKEeTRmCwwZ8A by August 16. There will be a reception immediately following the event.
Submitted by: Amy Beiter, curriculum and student support project associate, Academic Affairs
The Department of Chemistry and Biochemistry hosted its 8th annual Summer Research Symposium on Friday, July 26, in the first-floor hallway of Horan O’Donnell.
Fourteen students presented posters on the latest results from their summer research projects in the areas of chemistry, biochemistry and physics. More than 70 students, faculty, alumni and family members attended the celebration of our student researchers.
Professor Emeritus Joseph F. Bieron ’59, PhD, who passed away in December 2023, was a champion of the department’s summer research program. During his nearly 40 year tenure, as a faculty member, Joe mentored numerous research students and, even after retiring, remained actively involved helping to raise funds in support of the program. To honor his legacy, the department officially named the symposium the Joseph F. Bieron PhD (’59), Chemistry and Biochemistry Research Symposium. Members of Joe’s family, including all five of his children, were present for the official naming of the symposium.
Submitted by: Phil Sheridan, Professor and Chair, Department of Chemistry and Biochemistry
Dr. Jane Fisher’s article tracing how the 1918 flu has been remembered in advertising appeared in The Edinburgh Companion to First World War Periodicals.
The volume was recently awarded the 2024 Research Prize of the European Society for Periodical Research (ESPRit). Dr. Fisher frequently draws on media images to discuss the 1918 flu in her classes English 365CA Core Capstone: Representing World War I and Honors 391: Imagining Medicine.
Pictured above is a Dixie Cup illustration ad from the World Ward II era.
Submitted by: Jane Fisher, PhD, associate professor, English
The Canisius University Office of Advancement is pleased to welcome the following new members to the team:
Amanda Crotty, Gift Processing Specialist joined the Advancement team on July 1. Amanda is a management professional with more than 30 years of experience across public, private and non-profit sectors. She has demonstrated expertise in project management, strategic planning, program development, and relationship building with internal and external stakeholders. Her most recent role as coordinator at the Women’s Business Center at Canisius University involved program development, marketing, client counseling, and financial management. She has held significant roles such as treasurer for Friends of India Walton, development database manager at Ronald McDonald House Charities, and various positions at Empire United Soccer Academy and Delaware Soccer Club. Amanda has a strong background in managing volunteers, developing marketing strategies, and overseeing financial operations. She holds a BSFS in international economics from Georgetown University and plans to pursue a master’s in higher education and student affairs administration at Canisius University.
Nicole Zienty, Donor Engagement Coordinator also joined the team in July. Nicole is a highly motivated development professional with 11 years of philanthropy experience, including event management, proposal development, donor cultivation, and stewardship. She has held significant roles at Little Friends Inc., including donor stewardship and grants administrator, and director of donor relations, where she managed grant proposals, annual giving programs, and donor portfolios. At the Chicago Zoological Society, she served in various capacities such as assistant director of philanthropic partnerships & events, managing corporate partnerships, and coordinating fundraising events. Nicole also worked as the community relations coordinator at Big Brothers Big Sisters of Erie County, focusing on volunteer recruitment and community partnerships. She holds a BBA with a concentration in marketing from Loyola University Chicago. Nicole is currently pursuing her CFRE credential.
Emily Hockwater, Leadership Gift Officer joined Canisius on august 5. Emily is an alumni relations professional transitioning into fundraising, leveraging her strong background in cultivating relationships and engaging with alumni. At Daemen University, she excelled as director of alumni relations by developing strategic events, collaborating with leadership, and managing alumni data and communications. Previously, she managed extensive collections at the Seward House Museum and supported development efforts, digital content creation, and grant writing. Her role at Syracuse University Art Museum involved detailed collections management and public engagement. Emily also has significant volunteer experience on boards and committees related to historic preservation and heritage. She holds a master’s in museum studies from Syracuse University and a bachelor’s in history from Daemen University.
Submitted by: Shannon Lyons, Advancement Coordinator, Office of Advancement
