Canisius University announced that it will recognize Rochester entrepreneur and philanthropist B. Thomas Golisano by naming its new student success center the Golisano Center for Student Success. Golisano made a transformational $5 million gift to the university in fall 2024, which Canisius is using to support the construction and future operation of a centralized hub for critical student support services. The naming celebrates Golisano’s investment in Canisius’ vision to be the preeminent student success university in the region, where students come to succeed – academically, professionally and personally.
“Mr. Golisano’s extraordinary gift significantly advances our institutional vision of Canisius as the student success university,” said Canisius University President Steve Stoute. “It enables us to realize a strategic priority outlined in Answer the Call by creating a single, dynamic and engaging student-centered space that brings a multitude of resources together to ensure every student has the support they need to thrive at Canisius.”
Currently under construction on the second floor of the Andrew L. Bouwhuis, SJ, Library, the project combines private philanthropy with public investment, by leveraging Golisano’s gift to unlock a $1 million New York State Higher Education Capital (HECap) matching grant that Canisius received in summer 2024.
Construction on the Golisano Center began in June 2025 and is expected to be completed in spring 2026. The center will feature modern, bright, open spaces, collaborative work areas, and dedicated zones for academic and career support. Click here to read more about the key functional areas that will be housed in the new Golisano Center for Student Success.
Submitted by: University Communications
