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This Weekend: Two Big Matchups for the Griffs

It’s a big weekend for the Griffs!

Women’s basketball hosts defending MAAC champions Fairfield Stags. Game time is 1 p.m. on Saturday, Jan. 18, at the Koessler Athletic Center. Tickets are available at the Koessler Athletic Center Box Office.

Also on Saturday at 1 p.m., swimming and diving hosts rival Niagara University at the Burt Flickinger Center downtown. The swimming and diving meet is free admission.

Submitted by: Mike Kochczynski, Assistant Athletic Director, Department of Athletics

Commemorating Martin Luther King Jr.

On Jan. 20, communities across the nation will honor the birthday of the Rev. Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. Traditionally, this day is observed as a day of service, celebrating Dr. King’s enduring commitment to others. Although classes will not be held that day, we would like to encourage you to participate in local programs and events commemorating the occasion. Additionally, the 60th Presidential Inauguration will take place in Washington, D.C., and will be available on major news outlets.

Sunday, Jan. 19: City of Buffalo Annual Rev. Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr. Celebration, 6:00 p.m.  FREE

  • Kleinhans Music Hall, 3 Symphony Circle, Buffalo

Monday, Jan. 20: WNY 5th Annual Rev. Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr. Day of Service, 7:30 a.m. doors open, 8:00 a.m. rally.

  • Bethel AME Church, 1525 Michigan Ave., Buffalo, NY 14209. The day of service will begin with coffee and grab-and-go breakfast followed by community service opportunities. Please register here. 

               Service sites are still available:

               Agape AME Church, 224 Northland Ave.

              Cornerstone of Wisdom Ministries, 191 Winslow Ave.

              Flex Squad, Bethel AME Church, 1525 Michigan St.

              Greater Faith Temple COGIC, 480 Hickory St.

              Living Swell Foundation, 59 Ericson St.

              St. Mark Full Gospel Church, 446 Goodyear Ave.

              Trinidad Neighborhood Association Block Club, 40-22 Trinidad Place

Monday, Jan. 20: 60th Presidential Inauguration, noon

  • Available on major news outlets

Monday, Jan. 20, Music & Spoken Word: Celebrating the Life and Legacy of Rev. Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr., 5:00 p.m.

  • Hallwalls Contemporary Arts Center, 341 Delaware Ave., Buffalo,  FREE

Wednesday, Jan. 29, Freedom Mic sponsored by USA Diversity Committee

  • Location and time to be announced

Freedom Mic will provide a platform for students to express their thoughts about the inauguration while incorporating an element of hope and unity in honor of Dr. King’s legacy.

Helpful resources

Submitted by: Fatima Rodriguez-Johnson, Associate Dean for Diversity & Inclusion

PA Studies Awarded $500K Grant

Canisius University is the recipient of a $500,000 grant from the Mother Cabrini Health Foundation. The grant will be directed to the physician assistant (PA) studies program to support its goal to boost diversity in the allied health workforce across Western New York by providing scholarships to students from diverse backgrounds. This is the fifth grant awarded to the PA studies program from the Mother Cabrini Health Foundation in recent years, totaling nearly $2.2 million.  

“This continued support from the Mother Cabrini Health Foundation is transformative for our PA Studies program and our mission to build a more diverse health care workforce in Western New York,” says Dr. Aimee Larson, director of Canisius University’s PA studies program. “This grant will help remove financial barriers for talented students from underrepresented backgrounds, enabling them to pursue careers as physician assistants and ultimately provide culturally competent care to our region’s most vulnerable populations.”

Read more about the grant in the Canisius New center.

Submitted by: University Communications

CEEP 2025-26 Applications

Students can submit applications for the 2025-26 Canisius Earning Excellence Program (CEEP) awards beginning Monday, Jan. 27, through Monday, Feb. 24.

The Canisius Earning Excellence Program awards students with funding for intellectually demanding projects that create opportunities for applied learning outside the classroom. The work completed through this program is closely related to a career or scholarly field and directly related to faculty scholarship. By working alongside 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.

Canisius University undergraduates in any major may apply for a CEEP award if they have a 3.2 or higher overall GPA and if they have a faculty or university administrator sponsor with an appropriate CEEP project. Please note: Students with an overall GPA below 3.2 may apply for a CEEP award, but awards will only be granted if the student’s overall GPA is higher than 3.2 at the end of the spring semester and/or if their semester GPA was 3.4 or higher in the past two semesters.

CEEP students receive stipend payments deposited into their accounts with student records at the end of each semester. This allows students to receive federal work-study (if eligible) in addition to their CEEP project.

More information and current online applications are available on the Academic Affairs CEEP Information Page on MyCanisius. Students will also receive an email notification with details regarding the application process. Please note: Current CEEP award recipients interested in continuing their project next year will need to fill out new applications for the 2025-26 award – renewal is not automatic.

If you have any questions regarding the award and application process, contact Amy Beiter (beiter5@canisius.edu) or Yvonne Widenor (widenory@canisius.edu).

Submitted by: Amy Beiter, Curriculum and Student Support Project Associate, Academic Affairs

Canisius Appoints Bridget Niland VP for Academic Affairs

For generations, Bridget Niland’s family has been part of the Canisius University story. This week, she began her own chapter as Niland stepped into the role of vice president for academic affairs. Niland brings extensive academic experience, an inspiring vision and deep ties to the community.  

“We are thrilled to welcome Dr. Niland to this crucial leadership role at Canisius University,” says President Steve Stoute. “Her proven track record in higher education combined with her lifelong connection to the Western New York community – and ties to Canisius – make her uniquely qualified to help shape our academic future.” 

As vice president for academic affairs, Niland will advance the university’s strategic agenda and foster interdisciplinary collaboration while upholding Canisius University’s rigorous academic standards. Her responsibilities include oversight of curriculum development, faculty affairs and strategic academic initiatives.

“I am truly honored and humbled to join the Canisius community and the esteemed academic affairs unit,” Niland says. “My father, uncles and many relatives earned their degrees at Canisius. Like so many Western New York families, Canisius and the Jesuit higher education model changed the trajectory of our lives.”

Niland comes to Canisius with more than 20 years of higher education experience. She most recently served as dean of the College of Hospitality, Sport, and Tourism Management at Niagara University. During her tenure, Niland championed the growth of these academic disciplines, expanded student career opportunities, and elevated the overall student experience.  

“Canisius has truly been the touchstone for higher education in Western New York,” Niland adds. “It is not just the place where leaders are made, but where lives have been changed. Buffalo is at its best when Canisius is thriving. President Stoute and the talented Canisius community have crafted an inclusive strategy to navigate the challenges of the 21st century and write the next chapter of success for this storied institution and its faculty, staff and graduates.”

Read more about Niland and her family connection to the university in the Canisius News center.

Submitted by: University Communications