by Danielle Pagano | Apr 10, 2026 | Staff
The Ignite Awards are back and this year, they’re bigger, bolder, and designed to be one of the most exciting nights for women in business across Western New York.
On May 8 at Canisius University, we’re celebrating women who are building, leading, and shaping what’s next.
And this year, we’re thrilled to have Maddy Glab of the Buffalo Bills hosting the evening—bringing even more energy to a night that’s all about celebrating women in business.
Here’s what to expect:
- A red carpet arrival.
- A champagne welcome to kick off the night.
- A live awards show recognizing standout women entrepreneurs.
- And a room filled with connection, conversation, and opportunity.
Tickets Now Available – $55
Purchase Here
Whether you’re coming to celebrate, connect, or simply be in the room, this is a night you won’t want to miss.
We can’t wait to see you there!
WBC Team
by Emeri Krawczyk | Apr 10, 2026 | Staff
In fall, Canisius University welcomed Petrina Hill-Cheatom ’88, assumed the role of Title IX coordinator and associate dean of students. A Canisius alumna with extensive experience in higher education leadership, Hill-Cheatom brings a deep commitment to student support, community building and the Jesuit values that first shaped her time on campus.
What is something about your approach to leadership or working with students that you think surprises people?
I embrace the idea that leadership is a dynamic process that evolves over time and adapts to context. I lead with a servant’s heart, driven by an innate desire to support and uplift others. While I enjoy working with people from all walks of life, I am especially passionate about engaging with college students in meaningful ways. Connection is central to how I lead. In previous leadership roles, I was often responsible for upholding institutional policies but I always prioritized education, empathy and active listening. I strive to understand various perspectives and create environments in which students feel safe, supported and empowered to grow holistically.
How do you hope to shape campus culture around respect and inclusion during your first year in this role?
I will contribute to campus culture by consistently modeling respect, inclusiveness and integrity in all my interactions. I am committed to fostering environments in which faculty, staff and students feel heard, valued and empowered.Through mentorship and collaboration, I will support students in leading initiatives that reflect their values and enhance the campus experience. I believe in equipping student leaders to drive meaningful changes based on empathy, social justice and collective well-being.In the Title IX space, I see opportunities to work collaboratively with the campus community to audit and improve systems by partnering with departments to inform and educate, identify policy gaps, and address practices that strengthen university policy, Title IX and other state and federal statutes.
You have worked in higher education for many years. What is one lesson from those experiences that you bring with you to Canisius?
Relationships are critical to advancing an organization’s mission. Trust and connection drive everything, from student success to institutional change. At Canisius, I will prioritize building authentic relationships with students, staff and faculty to build a community in which collaboration is natural and progress is a shared value.
What part of campus life or the Canisius community are you most excited to reconnect with?
Being a part of the Jesuit tradition and community is important to me. At this point in my life, faith is foundational. I am excited to engage in the educational aspects of my job by informing faculty, staff and students about Title IX, offering information, guidance and encouragement, and supporting the mission of Student Affairs and the university.
Outside of work, what do you enjoy doing to recharge or stay inspired?
Outside of work, I stay inspired by serving in my church community, where I support members through mentorship, youth engagement and outreach initiatives. I also serve on various community boards. Volunteering helps keep me grounded and reminds me why advocacy matters, especially for those navigating transitions and hardships. I find joy in helping others rediscover their strengths, whether it is through cooking a warm meal, developing programs, listening to concerns or helping individuals complete their educational aspirations.
What is something that colleagues might be surprised to learn about you?
I am often the go-to person in my family and church community when something needs to be organized or coordinated. Whether it is rallying resources, serving as an intermediary or streamlining efforts, I naturally step into those roles. I was recently married to my grammar school classmate, and I am a proud mother of a 30-year-old daughter and a 28-year-old bonus daughter. I also remain close with several of my college friends from Canisius, including my former roommate, allowing this season of life to come full circle in a beautiful way.
by Emeri Krawczyk | Apr 10, 2026 | Staff
A Canisius University alumnus whose work brings clarity to the ever-changing housing market is stepping into a new academic research leadership role, as Kevin C. Gillen, ’94, has been named the inaugural Principal Research Fellow at Drexel University’s Wilbur C. Henderson Real Estate Institute, where he will continue producing widely followed housing reports and providing insight on regional economic trends—for the full story, click here.
by Jennifer Lodi-Smith | Apr 10, 2026 | Staff
Did you know? Canisius alum Alex Sidare’s ’22, award-winning honors thesis estimated that between 700,000 and 2.5 million birds die annually in Western New York alone from residential window collisions. When commercial buildings are included in estimates, this would at least double. Recent research suggests these numbers may be underestimates. One of the ways that our community can be more bird friendly is to participate in the national Lights Out Program.
Adopting this practice here in WNY is particularly important as our region is a central place for migratory birds moving through our Niagara River Corridor Globally Significant Important Bird Area. In WNY, we have a particular responsibility for the impact of light pollution given our region’s history as “The City of Light” – one of the first places to have electricity in the world! Light pollution doesn’t just harm birds either – it plays a huge role in our ecology!
What can you do to help?
- Get involved with efforts to help! Check out the Canisius Collision Monitoring Team and Bird Friendly Buffalo
- Visit BirdCast (co-developed by Canisius alumnus Kyle Horton!) to see peak migration times when these actions are most important but consider adopting them year-round to protect our local birds as well as those visiting on their migration journey.
- Turn off all nonessential (don’t compromise safety) lights and close window blinds between 10 p.m. and dawn from April 15-May 31 and Aug. 15-Nov. 15.
- Encourage your communities to adopt these practices (here is a sample letter adapted from National Audubon’s resources – also see https://birdcast.info/science-to-action/lights-out/).
- Keep outdoor cats inside at least during peak times of bird activity. We also call attention to the role of outdoor cats in bird mortality annually with a staggering estimate of 1-4 BILLION birds killed by cats in the U.S. alone each year. And like window collisions, this is likely an underestimate. Research also suggests that staying indoors is better for your cat’s health. Read more about outdoor cats and their effects on birds.
What to do when you find:
Submitted by Jenn Lodi-Smith, professor of psychology
by Emeri Krawczyk | Apr 10, 2026 | Staff
Please join the New York State Department of Transportation for a listening session on Thursday, April 16, 5-7 PM in Science Hall Commons.
The DOT is gathering public comment before beginning the Environmental Impact Statement process for the Kensington Expressway re-vamp.
If you live, work or visit Buffalo – make your voice heard! Stop by the listening session, learn about the options and express your opinion. Read HERE.
