The PDK International Buffalo/Niagara Chapter is convening an AI Summit on Thursday, April 23, from 6:00PM to 8:00PM at Cheektowaga Central Highschool.
Full information:
The Buffalo-Niagara Chapter of Phi Delta Kappa International welcomes you to the Western New York AI Summit, a convening focused on the opportunities and challenges artificial intelligence (AI) presents for education. This summit brings together recognized educational leaders to explore how AI is reshaping teaching, learning, leadership, and policy, while centering equity, ethics, and human-centered design. Through research-informed conversations and real-world classroom perspectives, participants will examine how AI can support educators, expand access, and enhance student learning without compromising trust, privacy, or inclusion. The Western New York AI Summit creates space for thoughtful dialogue, shared learning, and collaboration, empowering educators to engage critically and confidently with AI as it continues to shape the future of education.
For more information (including the speaker information and agenda) and to RSVP, see the WNY AI Summit page here or click and download the flyer below:
Have new adjuncts teaching courses in your program/department this summer and want to make sure they know the available tools at Canisius University? Or are you an adjunct that wants a brief refresher?
Delaware Arif joined Canisius University in August as an associate professor of multimedia journalism. He comes to Canisius from the University of North Alabama and earned his PhD from Southern Illinois University. Arif’s research focuses on how immigrant communities use social media to maintain relationships and stay connected across borders.
What excited you most about joining the Canisius community? I’ve never worked in a private institution before, and I’m so impressed with the rigorous academic environment here at Canisius.
What first sparked your interest in studying how immigrant communities use social media, and what drew you to this research area? I came to the United States as an international student. As an immigrant myself, I feel comfortable working with immigrant communities and am deeply interested in understanding how they connect and express themselves through social media.
How do you hope to bring your research into the classroom, and what do you want your students to take away from your courses in multimedia journalism? I plan to share my experiences and research findings with my students so they can learn about the world from a firsthand perspective. I want them to see how communication and storytelling shape our understanding of different cultures and communities.
Are there new projects or collaborations you’re especially excited to pursue here at Canisius? I would like to work with local organizations and the broader community to spread the word about all the great things happening at Canisius.
Outside of your professional work, what do you enjoy doing in your free time? I love road trips, traveling and volunteering with community organizations.
What’s one fun or little-known fact about you that colleagues and students might be surprised to learn? I started studying at the School of Music at the University of South Alabama in my 40s. I have a passion for music—my research even explores music and political communication, and I’ve written a book and two journal articles on the topic. While there, I learned how to play guitar and read musical notes. I also love to sing, and I was drawn to the guitar because its sound is amazing—and it makes it easier to sing along!
April 2 | HOLY THURSDAY
No 12:05 Mass
Mass of the Lord’s Supper and Washing of the Feet 7 p.m.
Chapel is open for prayer until 11 PM
April 3 | GOOD FRIDAY
Chapel opens at Noon for personal prayer.
Confessions 1:00 – 2:00 p.m.
Liturgy of the Lord’s Passion 3:00 p.m.
Out Door Way of the Cross (weather permitting) 7:00 p.m.
April 4 | HOLY SATURDAY
Chapel is closed all day until 5:00 p.m.
The Vigil Mass of Easter with Sacraments of Initiation 6 p.m.
April 5 | EASTER SUNDAY
Mass 9:30 AM with Easter Goodies and Egg Hunt
No 7:00 p.m. Mass
Delaware Arif joined Canisius University in August as an associate professor of multimedia journalism. He comes to Canisius from the University of North Alabama and earned his PhD from Southern Illinois University. Arif’s research focuses on how immigrant communities use social media to maintain relationships and stay connected across borders.
