Canisius University is the recipient of a $1 million Higher Education Capital (HECap) matching grant from the Dormitory Authority of the State of New York (DASNY). The funding will support the second phase of renovations to Old Main, the university’s primary academic building, modernizing classrooms and collaborative spaces with state-of-the-art technology. Work is scheduled to begin in spring 2026.
Canisius began modernizing Old Main last summer by converting former administrative offices into state-of-the-art hybrid-flexible (HyFlex) learning labs. Completed for the start of the fall 2025 semester, these first-floor classrooms feature modular furniture, interactive whiteboards and advanced audiovisual systems that foster collaboration and active student engagement.
Phase 2 of the renovation project will create 15 HyFlex classrooms and three collaborative study spaces on the upper floors of Old Main. These classrooms, like those on the first floor, will include mobile furniture, interactive whiteboards and advanced audiovisual systems. Additionally, they will be equipped with technology that enables students to participate in person, live online or asynchronously, allowing Canisius to expand its program offerings for both traditional students and adult learners.
We invite you to get to know the newest members of our Canisius University faculty!
This fall, several talented educators joined our campus community, bringing fresh perspectives, diverse expertise and a shared commitment to student success.
Many of our new faculty participated in the New Faculty Orientation held in August and continue to connect through monthly meet-ups with Yvonne Widenor, fellow in Academic Affairs.
We’re grateful for the energy and insight they bring to our classrooms and campus life — and look forward to seeing them at upcoming university events.
Read on to meet the new faculty members who are helping shape the Canisius experience:
The Buffalo News editorial board commended Canisius University and the Niagara Frontier Transportation Authority (NFTA) for a new partnership that provides students with free, unlimited access to buses and Metro Rail routes. The new initiative “is a chance for students who do not have cars to get sustainable lifts to and from classes,” reads the editorial. “It also encourages students to explore beyond campus borders.”
Canisius University is saddened to report on the passing of Frank P. Riga, PhD. The emeritus professor of English died on October 19, 2025.
Riga devoted his career to Canisius, teaching 19th century British literature, Shakespeare and children’s literature in the English Department. He also served as director of the Graduate Scholarship Office for many years, supporting students in their academic pursuits.
Outside the classroom, Riga’s research spanned from Shakespeare to C.S. Lewis and J.R.R. Tolkien, with articles appearing in numerous scholarly journals. He also became widely recognized as an expert on Santa Claus and gift-giving traditions across cultures. In retirement, Riga continued writing and publishing. He authored Beppo: A Calabrian Tale in 2017 and Beppo’s America: An Immigrant Tale in 2018, both inspired by his Italian roots. Later in 2018, Riga published Frank’s Christmas Book, in which he shared essays on Christmas traditions, blending his academic expertise with personal reflection.
Riga was preceded in death by his wife, Mary Ann, and his son, Joseph. He is survived by four children.
The Christ the King Chapel community hosted an All Souls Day Mass and brunch this past Sunday, Nov. 2, at Loyola Hall. All Souls Day is a time to remind the Christian faithful that they are in communion with all who have gone before them.
Nearly 100 members of the campus community and alumni attended the Mass, with many staying afterward to share brunch and fellowship. Several families who submitted names for the chapel’s memorial tree were also present. Father Betti gives special thanks to Mary Ellen and Nicole for their help in organizing and processing the memorial names.
