The Dome

Please be aware that network maintenance will take place this Friday, July 11th from 2pm-4pm that may cause intermittent connection issues. Any disruption is anticipated to be minimal and brief in duration. We appreciate your patience and understanding.

Submitted by: Nathan Marshall – Chief Information Officer – OculusIT

The Canisius University Board of Trustees appointed three new members to fill outgoing positions. The new members will each serve three-year terms, which became effective on July 1, 2025.  The Canisius University Board of Trustees formulates and recommends policy to Canisius University President Steve Stoute. The new Board of Trustees members are:

Chris Kelly ’83, of Cleveland, OH.  Kelly is a partner at the law firm of Jones Day, and the newly appointed board chair of the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame.  Kelly is a returning member of the Canisius University Board of Trustees.  He earned a BA in political science and business from Canisius and a juris doctor from Duke University.  

Joseph Lombardo ’00, of Buffalo.  Lombardo is head of M&T Equipment Finance Group.  He holds a BS in finance from Canisius and an MBA from the University of Michigan. 

Clotilde Perez-Bode Dedecker ’82, of Buffalo.  Perez-Bode Dedecker is the retired president and chief executive officer of the Community Foundation for Greater Buffalo.  She received her BA from Canisius University and her MS in education from the State University of New York at Buffalo.  

Brian M. Murphy ’95 will continue to serve as chair of the Canisius University Board of Trustees for the 2025-26 year. Cindy Skrzycki ’76 was recently elected to a three-year term as vice chair.  Robert L. Baumet, Canisius University’s vice president for finance and administration, is treasurer of the Board of Trustees.  Cecelia R. Gotham ’13, MS ’15, chief of staff for President Steve Stoute, is secretary.  Jeff Bogart ’93, president of the Canisius University Alumni Association, is an ex-officio member of the Board of Trustees.

Submitted by: University Communications

The Buffalo News reported on Canisius securing a $1M Collegiate Science and Technology Entry Program (CSTEP) grant from the New York State Department of Education. The grant will be used to help support underrepresented students pursuing degrees in science, technology, engineering and mathematics (STEM) and health-related fields. CSTEP is a competitive statewide program that awards grants to postsecondary institutions to help increase diversity in professional licensure careers.  

Click here to read the story, which appeared in the July 2 edition of The News.

Submitted by: University Communications

Please be aware that network maintenance will take place this Saturday, July 5th, beginning around 10:30 AM. You may experience intermittent connectivity issues and potential login difficulties across various systems for several hours. We appreciate your patience and understanding.

Submitted by: Nathan Marshall – Chief Information Officer – OculusIT

The Chartered Financial Analyst (CFA) Institute hosted its inaugural Experiential Learning in Finance Conference in New York City on June 27, 2025, bringing together more than 100 finance professors from 27 countries.  The conference focused on experiential learning approaches in finance education and among the distinguished speakers was Golden Griffin Fund Director Steve Gattuso, who shared insights that few in academia can claim: the secrets behind coaching a team to a global championship. 

Gattuso has director Canisius University’s Golden Griffin Fund since 2013 and built it into a national model for experiential finance education.  Under his leadership, Canisius has earned a reputation as a powerhouse in the annual CFA Institute Research Challenge, a global competition in financial analysis and valuation.  

At the conference, Gattuso presented on the strategies and practices that have contributed to the GGF’s long-standing success.  His session focused specifically on the pedagogical benefits for finance students who participate in the annual CFA Institute Research Challenge.  Gattuso explained the how the experience gives students the opportunity to apply the theoretical finance concepts they learn in the classroom to real-world situations, “which enables them to understand the theory at a much deeper level.”  

Click here to read more.

Submitted by: University Communications

We’re thrilled to share that Canisius has advanced to the voting round of the 2025 Buffalo News Best of 716! We will need your support to help us claim the title of Best University in the 716 once again! Voting is open from July 15th through July 29th, every vote counts! Voting details will be shared before voting begins. Go Griffs!

Submitted by: University Communications

Canisius University is the recipient of a significant Collegiate Science and Technology Entry Program (CSTEP) grant from the New York State Department of Education.  The five-year grant will provide approximately $222,400 annually to support underrepresented students pursuing careers in science, technology, engineering, mathematics (STEM), and health-related fields. CSTEP is a competitive statewide program that awards grants to postsecondary institutions to help increase diversity in professional licensure careers.  

At Canisius, the CSTEP program is projected to serve upwards of 90 historically underrepresented and economically disadvantaged students each year, from 2025 through 2030.  The program will focus on undergraduate students pursuing degrees in biochemistry, biology, biomedical sciences, chemistry, clinical lab science, computer science, data science, environmental science, kinesiology, mathematics and psychology. 

“New York’s investment in Canisius strengthens our ability to support students who bring diverse perspectives and talents to STEM fields,” says Vice President for Academic Affairs Bridget Niland, JD, PhD.  “This grant enables us to provide more of the academic and professional development resources our students need to achieve their full potential and become the next generation of leaders in these high-demand careers.” 

Click here to read more.

Submitted by: University Communications

The Canisius University Alumni Association has named four graduates as recipients of its 2025 Distinguished Alumni Award – the highest honor for alumni achievement.  The Distinguished Alumni Award recognizes individuals who have excelled in their chosen fields and who, through exemplary leadership, add distinction to their respective professions.  Canisius University has conferred more than 220 Distinguished Alumni Awards since the recognition was established in 1975.  The 2025 Distinguished Alumni Award honorees are: 

Thomas Barnett ’79, owner and founder of Tom Barnett New York, a luxury menswear company;

Mark Johnson ’94, senior vice president and community development manager for the Commonwealth of Virginia at Truist;

Carla Sacco MSEd ’09, a multifaceted performer, educator and humanitarian; and

Thomas White ’80, MD, a distinguished internal medicine physician with more than 40 years of experience.

The Canisius University Alumni Association is also introducing an Emerging Leader Award this year. The award recognizes an alumna/us who is 40 years of age or younger and has demonstrated exceptional achievement early in their careers while embodying the Jesuit values of service to others, and a commitment to excellence that defines the Canisius experience.  

Demario Strickland ’06, MS ’18, EdD, is the inaugural recipient of the Emerging Leader Award. He is the newly appointed superintendent of Mount Vernon City School District in Mount Vernon, NY. 

Click here to read more about each of this year’s honorees.

The Distinguished Alumni Award and Emerging Leader Award will be conferred during ceremonies on Friday, September 26, 2025, at 6:00 p.m. in the Montante Cultural Center.

Submitted by: University Communications

Canisius University is proud to announce that Karl F. Kozlowski, PhD, has been named a Fellow of the American College of Sports Medicine (ACSM). Kozlowski is associate dean for the School of Education and Human Services and professor and chair of the Department of Kinesiology.  He received the prestigious honor during ACSM’s annual meeting in Atlanta, GA.   

Fellow status is one of the highest honors bestowed by the ACSM and is reserved for individuals who have demonstrated excellence in research, education, and service in the fields of exercise science and sports medicine. Kozlowski’s professional achievements, scholarly contributions and commitment to the mission of ACSM made him an outstanding candidate for this recognition. 

Kozlowski is a nationally respected educator and researcher whose career has focused on the use of exercise as a non-pharmaceutical treatment for disease, injury and disability. His research explores high-intensity functional exercise, exercise testing as a diagnostic tool and the therapeutic role of exercise in populations ranging from individuals with concussions to children with autism. 

Click here to read more.

Submitted by: University Communications

The Buffalo News interviewed Emeritus Professor of English Roger Stephenson, PhD, for a June 23 story about the late Chef Anne Burrell ’91. Stephenson taught Burrell in the late 1980s and early 1990s when she was a student at Canisius, studying English and communication studies. Burrell went on to earn fame as a television chef on the Food Network. She taught home cooks how to make restaurant-style dishes on the Emmy-nominated show “Secrets of a Restaurant Chef” and later coached amateur cooks on the long-running series “Worst Cooks in America.” Burrell died Tuesday, June 17. She was 55. Also quoted in the story is Kate Schilentz, a 2004 Canisius graduate and food journalist. Click here to read the story.

The Editorial Board of The Buffalo News credited Canisius University’s Teacher Residency Program for helping to strengthen the region’s teacher pipeline. The June 20 opinion piece explained how the program provides a pathway to longtime employment in this essential field. The article went on to say, “In these uncertain budgetary times, the folks running this critical teaching program are relieved to be independent of federal funding so districts can continue to rely on this pipeline of well-trained, prepared teachers.” Click here to read the full story.

Julia Anna Golebiewski, PhD, weighed in with The Buffalo News about whether the region’s job market will be able to hold up amid uncertainty caused by the Trump administration’s tariff policies. In the June 18 story, the associate professor of economics and finance indicated the local market has become more uncertain as businesses and consumers still don’t know just how much the tariffs will cost them. Click here to read more.

The Association of Jesuit Colleges and Universities (AJCU) invited President Steve Stoute to share a reflection on his recent week-long service encounter in El Salvador, as part of the Ignatian Colleagues Program (ICP). ICP is a formation program run by AJCU for leaders in higher education. President Stoute’s reflection appeared in the June 13 edition of AJCU Higher Ed News and can be read here.

Submitted by: University Communications

The Tower Lot will be closed until further notice due to campus upgrade projects.

Please contact the Facilities Office at 888-2250 with any questions.

Submitted by: Joseph Snodgrass, Director of Facilities, Facilities Management

Vincent O’Keefe is the author of “The Niagara River Gorge: A Church Full of Joy,” which appears in the current issue of Great Lakes Review, a literary magazine devoted to celebrating the Great Lakes region in fiction, poetry, nonfiction, and photography.

O’Keefe recalls how as a boy growing up in the DeVeaux neighborhood of Niagara Falls, he explored “the gorge” first with family and later with classmates, and he describes the pleasure he feels today when he revisits it in the company of old friends:

“A hike down the gorge today makes us question Heraclitus’s dictum that “you can’t enter the same river twice.” For when we visit the gorge, our adult eyes love to see many of the same sights from the past—the sections of the path where old rockslides and tree roots still impact the route, the similar look of the wooded sides of the gorge, the same green-and-white color combinations of the river and its rapids.”

O’Keefe graduated from Canisius in 1991, as a member of all-college honors with a major in English. He earned an MA in English from Temple University and a PhD in American literature from Loyola University Chicago. His freelance writing has appeared in The New York Times, The Washington Post, Time, Newsweek, Parents, Business Insider, Next Avenue, City Dads, Your Teen, The Plain Dealer ,and The Huffington Post.

You can read “The Niagara River Gorge: A Church Full of Joy” here:

https://greatlakesreview.org/the-niagara-river-gorge-a-church-full-of-joy/

You can learn more about Vincent O’Keefe and his work here:

https://vincentokeefe.com

Submitted by: Mick Cochrane, Professor

Canisius University announced today that Ashley Luedke, PhD, associate professor in the Department of Counseling and Human Services in the School of Education and Human Services, has taken over as president of the North Atlantic Region Association for Counselor Education and Supervision (NARACES). Luedke’s term begins July 2025 and extends through June 2026. 

As president of NARACES, Luedke will serve as chief executive officer of the association and the chairperson of its Executive Council. Luedke’s duties include oversight of the fall conference and representation of NARACES on the Association for Counseling Education and Supervision (ACES) Executive Council. Following her term as president, Luedke will serve a one-year term as past president.

Luedke is a licensed mental health counselor in the states of New York and Florida. She received her clinical training and master of science degree in mental health counseling from Canisius University before going on to complete her doctorate in counselor education from Florida Atlantic University. Luedke’s background is in crisis and trauma clinical work. Her research explores the therapeutic relationship and looks at the impact of nonverbal communication. In Luedke’s clinical work, she utilizes creative modalities and an integrated approach grounded in gestalt. As a professor she focuses on bringing practice into the classroom and enhancing clinical skills with the focus on the client.  Click here to read more.

Submitted by: Karl Kozlowski, PhD, associate dean, School of Education and Human Services

The Buffalo News highlighted how Canisius University’s Teacher Residency Program is uniquely positioned to survive federal funding cuts that are threatening similar programs across Western New York State.  In the June 12 article, Professors Lorrei DiCamillo and Joyce Fanning, co-director of the program, explain how Canisius relies on partnerships with local schools and foundations rather than federal grants.  Click here to read the full story. 

WIVB-TV Channel 4 News interviewed Adjunct Professor Matt Gracie for a June 7 story about “Hack Nickel City.”  The cybersecurity and information technology event welcomed some 300 professionals, students and enthusiasts to campus for a day of learning, collaboration and innovation.  The event was hosted  by BSides Buffalo and organized by Gracie.  Click here to watch the story. 

Submitted by: University Communications

We need your support and collaboration to create the best experiences for all at Griff Weekend!

The Offices of Alumni Engagement and Student Engagement are now accepting submissions for Department Events and Affinity Reunions for Griff Weekend 2025. As a reminder, Griff Weekend will combine two favorite traditions – Family Weekend and Alumni Weekend/Reunion – into one amazing fun-filled experience on campus from September 26-28!

Highlights include special reunions for class years ending in 0’s and 5’s, Fall Fest, Blue & Gold Bash for everyone, the Distinguished Alumni and Emerging Leader Award program, and so much more!

All alumni, families, students, faculty, staff, and friends of Canisius are welcome to attend!

We have a jam-packed schedule and want to ensure constituents have the opportunity to attend multiple offerings. Affinity Reunions (clubs, majors, honor societies, etc.) and Department Events are suggested to be held on Friday, September 26 between 5 to 7 p.m. and Saturday, September 27 between 2:30 to 4:30 p.m.

Departments and Affinity Groups may partner with the Office of Alumni & Constituent Engagement for marketing and communications. Event logistics and expenses are the responsibility of each individual department or club.

All submissions are due no later than Monday, June 16, 2025. Griff Weekend registration will go live Wednesday, June 18.

If you have questions about the submission process, please contact Lauren Orlowski, Director of Alumni & Constituent Engagement at orlowskl@canisius.edu

Submit here! 

Submitted by: Lauren Orlowski, Director of Alumni & Constituent Engagement, Advancement Division

Nearly 1,000 local students have applied to Canisius University under the new Buffalo Promise Scholarship, the university’s bold initiative announced in fall 2024 to make college more affordable. As of May 8, 989 prospective undergraduates have applied for admission to Canisius from the 142- ZIP code; 313 have been awarded a Buffalo Promise Scholarship after completion of the financial aid process; and 120 have committed to Canisius for fall 2025.  

The strong application and enrollment numbers mark a promising start to the scholarship’s pilot year and reflect a 74% increase in applicants from the 142- ZIP code and a 59% increase in applicants from Erie County, compared with the fall 2024 admissions cycle. 

Launched in October 2024, the Buffalo Promise Scholarship covers 100% of undergraduate tuition for up to four years for eligible students, significantly expanding access to a Canisius education for families in Buffalo and across the region.  

“We are thrilled with the interest in the Buffalo Promise Scholarship and what it signals about our ability to attract and support high-achieving local students,” said Danielle Ianni, PhD, vice president for enrollment management. “This response underscores how deeply the promise of affordability resonates with students and families.”

Click here to read more about the Buffalo Promise Scholarship.

Submitted by: University Communications

The race is back on and it’s time to nominate Canisius as the best university in the 716! The 5 universities with the most nominations by June 17th will advance to the voting round starting on July 15th. Nominate Canisius by following the link, click on “in the community” -> local universities -> nominate Canisius University. Let’s show the 716 why we’ve earned our place at the top and deserve to stay there! https://buffalonews.com/exclusive/readerschoice/ballot-2025/

Submitted by: University Communications

Danielle Ianni, PhD, was quoted in a June 8 Forbes article about the human skills universities must teach students in order to stay ahead of AI.

The vice president for enrollment management and university communications emphasized that a Canisius education focuses on preparing students for lifelong professional growth through ethical judgement, creative problem-solving, and leadership development. These human-centered qualities, Ianni said, remain valuable regardless of how industries evolve with technological advancement. Click here to read the full story.

The online personal finance company WalletHub interviewed Jeffrey Oxman, PhD, for its latest feature titled “What is a Budget?” The assistant professor of economics and finance weighed in about the benefits of having a budget and offered tips to help people create and stick to a budget. Click here to read the article.

Submitted by: University Communications

For more than 150 years, Canisius University has opened its doors to higher education for students of all backgrounds. That legacy – and our students’ futures – are now at risk.

Congress is considering a budget bill that would eliminate $349 billion from federal student aid over the next 10 years, significantly reducing access to Pell Grants and federal student loans for both undergraduate and graduate students.  

To stop these harmful cuts, Canisius is asking faculty and staff to speak up for students by contacting their U.S. senators and representatives vis this Save Student Aid link. 

These drastic cuts threaten the future of our Golden Griffins – and our entire community.  

The vast majority of Canisius students receive some form of financial aid, with millions of dollars in federal funding going to support them annually. For undergraduate students, the proposed changes would reduce Pell Grant eligibility by imposing stricter income limits and work requirements. Graduate students face elimination of subsidized loans and reduced access to federal aid programs altogether.  

Why this matters

Current students: They’ve worked hard to earn their place at Canisius University. These federal programs may mean the difference between them staying on track or falling behind.  

Families: With the help of federal aid, families are able to stretch their investment in their child’s future – and ensure it pays off.  

Alumni: Whether through Pell Grants, work study or student loans, federal programs likely helped fund the Canisius experience for many of our alumni. Today’s students deserve the same opportunity they had.

Faculty and staff: You see every day that student talent isn’t limited by income. Your voice can help those students whose potential depends on these programs.  

Our Jesuit tradition calls us to be “men and women for and with others.”  Now is the time to answer that call.  

Federal lawmakers need to hear from real Griffins about real consequences. They need to know that behind every statistic is a student studying to build a future, a graduate who once did, a family navigating college costs and a community strengthened by an accessible education.  

The Student Aid Alliance has created a simple tool that allows you to contact your U.S. senators and representatives about protecting federal student aid programs. Canisius University asks that you click on the link to
SAVE STUDENT AID to send pre-written message or personalize it with your own Canisius story.  

Submitted by: University Communications

Dear Members of the Canisius Community,

The 5^th annual Juneteenth Celebration at Canisius University will be held todayn Wednesday, June 11, 2025.  All faculty, staff, and students are invited to share in a day of solidarity in honor of our African American community.  This year’s event begins at 9:00 a.m. in the Science Hall Commons with a welcome by President Stoute and concludes with lunch.  All are welcome and encouraged to participate, and we ask that you RSVP by Friday, June 6^th.

In collaboration with Juneteenth Inc. of Buffalo, Canisius will host a Sankofa Day for the city-wide recognition.  Sankofa means to “go back and get,” it recognizes the past while focusing on the future.  Members of the campus and local community will participate in workshops and engage in service projects.

Juneteenth commemorates the anniversary of the date when news of emancipation finally reached most enslaved African Americans in Texas, and Canisius is proud to honor this day. It was on June 19, 1865, when Maj. Gen. Gordon Granger, along with more than 1,800 federal troops, arrived in Galveston, TX, to take control of the state from the Confederate rebellion, nearly two months after the war’s last major battle. Gen. Granger issued an order confirming the freedom promised in President Abraham Lincoln’s 1863 Emancipation Proclamation, freedom which was denied to them by the Confederate government.

Canisius’ Juneteenth celebration hopes to inspire conversation and action in our ongoing work toward anti-racism, diversity, and inclusion.

Members of the university are also invited to attend activities held throughout the month. For more details on events and opportunities to volunteer for the city of Buffalo Juneteenth Celebration, please visit Juneteenth Buffalo.

Canisius University’s annual Open Enrollment period for health insurance benefits runs through 11:59 p.m. on Sunday, June 8, 2025. During this time, faculty and staff will have the opportunity to review and select benefit options for the upcoming year. 

The last open enrollment information session will be held today, Wednesday, June 4 from 10:00 – 11:00 a.m. on Teams: Join the meeting now

While many aspects of the benefits remain the same, there are several important changes and new offerings to share:

CHANGES AND UPDATES

1. New Enrollment Platform: Canisius University is transitioning to a new online enrollment platform, Navigator, as the previous platform (Maxwell) is no longer supported. This transition is necessary to ensure continued and secure access to the benefits selection process. 
   • All benefit-eligible employees will receive an Email from Navigator on Thursday, May 22, with instructions on how to create their accounts. 
   • Once set up, employees must re-enroll in all benefits, including health insurance, dental, vision, life insurance, long-term disability, health savings account (HSA), and dependent care.
   • Re-enrollment is required to maintain coverage.  Employees who do not complete the re-enrollment process by 11:59 p.m. on Sunday, June 8, will be deemed to have waived all benefits and will not be eligible to re-enroll until next year.
   • *Employees may log into the Maxwell Health website to verify their current benefits. To log in, employees should use their Canisius email address as their username. Anyone who has forgotten their password can click “trouble logging in” and then select “password reset.”

2. Premium Adjustments: Independent Health, the university’s health insurance provider, has announced premium increases for the upcoming year. While these adjustments are unfortunate, they reflect broader, industry-wide trends and are not unique to Independent Health. The impact on individual employees will vary depending on plan selection and salary level. 
   • Canisius remains committed to maintaining its overall 75:25 cost-sharing ratio, meaning the university contributes 75% of total premium costs across all health plans to help ensure healthcare remains an essential employee benefit. 
   • Detailed information about premium adjustments is available on the MyCanisius portal (Human Resources -> Benefit Information).

3. Increased Health Savings Account (HSA) Contributions: To help offset the impact of rising premiums, Canisius University will increase its contributions to employees’ Health Savings Accounts. Contribution amounts will vary based on plan coverage and salary level and are intended to offer meaningful assistance for healthcare expenses. The new HSA contribution amounts can be found on the MyCanisius portal (Human Resources -> Benefit Information.)
   • To receive these contributions, eligible employees must complete the attestation form, even if completed in previous years. Employees will be prompted to sign the attestation form once they create their new account on the Navigator platform. 

4. Deductible Adjustment: Due to new IRS regulations, there will be a change to the $1600/$3200 iDirect annual deductible:
   • Single coverage: $1,650 (previously $1,600)
   • Family coverage: $3,300 (previously $3,200)

No Other Benefit Changes: All other benefits, copays and coverage details will remain unchanged. The costs for voluntary supplemental insurance, including dental and vision, will also remain unchanged. 

NEW VOLUNTARY BENEFIT OPTIONS

To further support employees, Canisius is introducing new voluntary supplemental insurance options through Guardian Insurance, in addition to the existing vision and dental plans: 

1. Critical illness insurance: This benefit provides added financial protection in the event of a serious health diagnosis. It is designed to help cover unexpected expenses that can accompany conditions such as cancer, heart attack, stroke, Parkinson’s disease, and other serious illnesses.   

2. Accident insurance: This supplemental coverage helps offset the out-of-pocket costs that can result from an accident, including ambulance fees, X-rays, or deductibles. 

3. Special enrollment for voluntary life insurance: Guardian is offering a special enrollment period for voluntary life insurance. Employees will be eligible to enroll or increase voluntary life insurance coverage up to the guaranteed issue amount without providing any health history.

NEXT STEPS

• Visit the MyCanisius portal for complete plan details, premium information, and new benefit options (Human Resources -> Benefit Information).

• Attend an Open Enrollment informational session. Session dates and times will be emailed later today, Wednesday, May 21. 

• Create a new account in Navigator. Instructions will be emailed on Thursday, May 22.   

• Re-enroll in all benefits by 11:59 p.m. on June 8, 2025.

All benefit-eligible employees are encouraged to view their options carefully during this Open Enrollment period to make informed decisions that best support their individual and family needs. Anyone with questions prior to the informational sessions is welcome to contact the Human Resources Department at Ext. 2240 or at hr@canisius.edu.  

Submitted by: Human Resources

Dear colleagues,

Following up from the discussion about our financial picture at the State of the University, I am pleased to share that S&P Global has issued its official credit rating of the University, in connection with our upcoming bond offering. S&P has assigned Canisius University a credit rating of “BBB” for our Series 2025 Revenue Bonds, with an outlook of “Stable.”

This investment-grade rating represents a significant milestone in our bond offering process and reflects S&P’s assessment of the university’s creditworthiness, strategic direction, and confidence in the leadership’s ability to successfully execute the strategy. Moreover, it clears the way for Canisius to access $55 million in tax-exempt bond funding through an issuance recently approved by the Buffalo and Erie County Industrial Land Development Corporation.

An investment-grade rating positions Canisius well to move forward with key elements of Answer the Call. The University will use the $55 million in bonds for two primary purposes: to refinance nearly $40 million in existing debt, at more favorable interest rates, and to invest in capital projects that enhance the student experience and modernize learning environments. These projects include the construction of a Student Success Center in the Bouwhuis Library, the renovation of 26,000 square feet of space in Science Hall, and the construction of innovative, engaging, student-centered learning spaces in Old Main.

I want to take a moment to recognize Bob Baumet, vice president for finance and administration, for his good work in managing this process, along with the countless others who have contributed in important ways to these efforts. We will continue to work closely with our underwriters over the weeks and months ahead to optimize the timing and structure of the bond issuance.

Thank you for all you do to answer the call.

AMDG,

President Steve Stoute

Below are the dates for 2025 Summer Orientation:

Session 1: July 15th-16th

Session 2: July 18th-19th

Session 3: July 22nd-23rd

Session 4: July 25th-26th

Please keep in mind that during each of these sessions we will have roughly 100 students on campus. If you have any questions regarding orientation please reach out to franceyj@canisius.edu.

Submitted by: Jason Francey, Director of Student Engagement and Leadership Development, Student Life

Timothy Sawicki, PhD, associate professor and director of the online physical education master’s program, published Teaching Students Through a Movement Education Approach by Mellen Press. 

The 2nd edition textbook adds new information with the inclusion of national and state standards of physical education as part of the lesson and unit planning process. The textbook also delves into qualities of a good lesson in physical education, qualities of a good teacher, developmentally appropriate activities for the age group being taught, and modifying equipment and classroom/gymnasium management techniques. Additionally, Sawicki shares 20 time-tested lesson plans in physical education, which educators can adapt to the age group the teacher is instructing.

Submitted by: Timothy Sawicki, PhD, associate professor and director, Online Physical Education Master’s Program

WalletHub recently interviewed Steve Gattuso on the topic of credit card benefits. The executive director of the Golden Griffin Fund shared which credit cards offer the best benefits, which have the most underrated and overrated benefits. Gattuso also offered advice for evaluating cards’ benefit packages. Click here to read the interview.

Submitted by: University Communications

TIAA, the university’s retirement plan provider, is hosting virtual information sessions. Check the attached PDF for a look at the June 2025 list of days and times, and mark your calendars.

Visit the TIAA website for the full schedule of webinars for 2025 and to register.

Submitted by: Bethany Voorhees, HR coordinator, Human Resources

Enjoy reading the current edition of The Wehle Wire. This e-newsletter focuses on the career activities of Wehle graduate and undergraduate students as well as profiles of our business school faculty and alumni.  Click here to view.

Submitted by: Jennifer Patrick

Dear Members of the Canisius Community,

The 5^th annual Juneteenth Celebration at Canisius University will be held on Wednesday, June 11, 2025.  All faculty, staff, and students are invited to share in a day of solidarity in honor of our African American community.  This year’s event begins at 9:00 a.m. in the Science Hall Commons with a welcome by President Stoute and concludes with lunch.  All are welcome and encouraged to participate, and we ask that you RSVP by Friday, June 6^th.

In collaboration with Juneteenth Inc. of Buffalo, Canisius will host a Sankofa Day for the city-wide recognition.  Sankofa means to “go back and get,” it recognizes the past while focusing on the future.  Members of the campus and local community will participate in workshops and engage in service projects.

Juneteenth commemorates the anniversary of the date when news of emancipation finally reached most enslaved African Americans in Texas, and Canisius is proud to honor this day. It was on June 19, 1865, when Maj. Gen. Gordon Granger, along with more than 1,800 federal troops, arrived in Galveston, TX, to take control of the state from the Confederate rebellion, nearly two months after the war’s last major battle. Gen. Granger issued an order confirming the freedom promised in President Abraham Lincoln’s 1863 Emancipation Proclamation, freedom which was denied to them by the Confederate government.

Canisius’ Juneteenth celebration hopes to inspire conversation and action in our ongoing work toward anti-racism, diversity, and inclusion.

Members of the university are also invited to attend activities held throughout the month. For more details on events and opportunities to volunteer for the city of Buffalo Juneteenth Celebration, please visit Juneteenth Buffalo.

Please join us this afternoon, May 28 from 3:00 – 5:00 in Grupp Fireside Lounge as we say farewell of our colleagues:

Maggie Burkard, Academic Affairs

Ginny Carver, School of Education and Human

Ben Dunkle, Digital Media Arts

Joanne Feary, Controller’s Office

Margaret Kraatz, Financial Aid

Terri Nusstein, Wehle School of Business

Veronica Serwacki, College of Arts & Sciences

Barb Zimmermann, Counseling Center

With gratitude and admiration, we recognize their dedication, commitment and many of years of service to Canisius University!

Submitted by: Academic Affairs

Women’s basketball is hosting a kids camp this summer!

Camp runs July 14-17 from 9:00 a.m. – 4 p.m. in the Koessler Athletic Center. Girls and boys entering grades 1-8 are welcome to join us for a fun-filled week of skill development and games led by our players and coaching staff.

The cost is $265 for the week.  Spots are limited, so sign up soon! Follow the link below to register!

https://canisiuswomensbasketball.totalcamps.com/shop/product/481264

All Canisius faculty and staff can use code CUSTAFF25 for a $25 discount at checkout!

Also, if you have multiple campers from one family please email Coach Stephan Walton, you may be eligible for discounted family pricing!

For questions, contact Assistant Coach Stephan Walton at waltons@canisius.edu. 

Submitted by: Courtney Roman, assistant women’s basketball coach

Political Science Professor Shyam Sriram, PhD, and five of his students recently authored an article for the May edition of Best Practices in Jesuit Higher Education about their comprehensive effort to help refugees across Buffalo. The case study discusses their bold initiative aimed at fostering institutional awareness and action regarding the needs of refugees resettled in Buffalo. Their work aligns closely with the university’s Jesuit values of being “men and women in service to others” and “care for the whole person,” and teaches students to view refugees as individuals rather than data points. The article, which can be read here, highlights three key ways in which the university is actively responding to this call for leadership.

Submitted by: University Communications

The Canisius University Class of 2025 produced nearly 500 graduates who embody the Jesuit mission of academic excellence, service and leadership. This theme that was reinforced by commencement speakers Rev. Zachariah Presutti ’07, HON ’25, SJ, and Zeneta Everhart ’11, HON ’25, both of whom emphasized the institution’s enduring legacy of forming ethically-minded, justice-oriented servant leaders.

While many graduates represent this mission, below are three whose stories showcase the transformative power of a Canisius, Jesuit education:

Courtney Lyons ’25 (above) leveraged faculty mentorship and rigorous academic preparation to earn acceptance to Georgetown University Law School, where she plans to pursue non-profit criminal defense work serving society’s most vulnerable populations. Read her story here.

Katie Castiglia ’25 (above) discovered her calling to serve other through Campus Ministry outreach and leadership in the All-College Honors Program. She will soon begin a year of service with the Jesuit Volunteer Corps in California. Read her story here.

Kian Porhomayon ’25 (above) transformed from a shy freshman into a confident leader who conducted research on academic motivation and food justice. The experience prepared him for his next chapter: medical school at the University at Buffalo’s Jacobs School of Medicine. Click here to read Kian’s story.

Submitted by: University Communications

Erin Robinson, PhD, was interviewed by Inside Climate News, a national news source for climate and environmental issues. Robinson commented on the trends of bitcoin mines being developed in communities, specifically the Western New York community of North Tonawanda. She speaks as a resident and scholar activist working on these issues with other concerned residents.

Read the full story here. Click here to learn more about these issues from Inside Climate News.

Submitted by: University Communications

Please join us on Wednesday, May 28 when we honor the journeys ahead for some of our valued colleagues. This gathering will celebrate those who will be leaving Canisius at the end of this academic year.

Time: 3:00 – 5:00 p.m.
Location: Grupp Fireside Lounge

This is a chance for all of us to celebrate our shared time and the bonds that remain. Light refreshments will be served.

Submitted by: Academic Affairs

As our institution transitions into a new season, we’d like to take a moment to come together as a community and honor the journeys ahead for some of our valued colleagues. Join us for a casual gathering to celebrate those who will be leaving Canisius at the end of this academic year into their next adventures—whether that’s rest, exploration, or new pursuits.

Date:  Wednesday, May 28, 2025

Time: 3:00 – 5:00 pm.

Location: Grupp Fireside Lounge

Light refreshments will be served.

This is a chance for all of us—whether continuing or departing—to celebrate our shared time and the bonds that remain. The event will be framed as a general celebration, without naming individuals unless they let us know they would like to be acknowledged. If you were one of our colleagues who opted for the VSP and are comfortable being recognized—whether by name, a toast, or another gesture—please email Maggie Burkard @ burkardm@canisius.edu. And if you’d prefer to attend quietly or not attend at all, we completely understand and support your wishes.

We hope to see you there!

Submitted by: Academic Affairs

President Steve Stoute invites faculty and staff to attend a special State of the University Address today, Wednesday, May 21, 2025, at 10:00 a.m. in Regis.

While the State of the University Address is traditionally held at the start of each academic year, this special session proved necessary to share important institutional updates with faculty and staff in a timely manner.  Scheduling it for May 21 allowed everyone to fully focus on end-of-year academic priorities and celebrations and ensure these important institutional matters receive the attention they deserve.

During the State of the University Address, President Stoute will provide updates on:

• Recommendations from the Institutional Sustainability Task Force
• Strategic guidance from our operational review consultants, Kennedy & Company
• Strategic priorities for the upcoming fiscal year
• Additional university updates and initiatives

A brief question-and-answer session will follow the address.

Everyone’s attendance and engagement are essential as the university continues on its path to a strong and sustainable future together.  Click here to add the State of the University Address to your calendar.

The Institutional Sustainability Report has been posted to the portal for your review in advance. We look forward to seeing you there!

Submitted by: Denise Flannery, Executive Associate, Office of the President

The 2025–2026 Academic Catalog is scheduled to go live in early July. To meet this timeline, we are asking that all catalog page and program curriculum edits be completed by Wednesday, June 25. To support you in this process, I will be offering virtual review sessions and have provided helpful guides on the Academic Affairs Courseleaf Wiki. The virtual review sessions will cover the Courseleaf modules for the catalog (CAT), courses (CIM for Courses), and program requirements (CIM for Programs). You can access these modules through the MyCanisius portal by navigating to Academic Services > Courseleaf. This training is recommended for any current or future chairs/program directors, faculty members who intend to develop new courses, faculty members who oversee minors or other curricula, administrative associates to academic departments, or anyone designated as a page owner. The attached spreadsheet will help you see all pages you are able to edit within the catalog.

Register for a virtual review session:

• Thursday, May 22 | 1:30–3:00 PM
• Wednesday, May 28 | 10:00–11:30 AM
• Tuesday, June 3 | 10:00–11:30 AM
• Thursday, June 5 | 1:30–3:00 PM

Register here

If you have any questions or require additional assistance with any edits or updates, please reach out to Amy Beiter at beiter5@canisius.edu or 716-888-2311

Submitted by: Amy Beiter, curriculum and student support project associate, Student Records and Financial Services

The Buffalo News featured a photo gallery from Canisius University’s 2025 commencement ceremonies for the College of Arts & Sciences in its May 18 edition. Click here to view the images.

Submitted by: University Communications

President Steve Stoute invites faculty and staff to attend a special State of the University Address on Wednesday, May 21, 2025, at 10:00 a.m. in Regis.

While the State of the University Address is traditionally held at the start of each academic year, this special session proved necessary to share important institutional updates with faculty and staff in a timely manner.  Scheduling it for May 21 allows everyone to fully focus on end-of-year academic priorities and celebrations and ensures these important institutional matters receive the attention they deserve.

During the State of the University Address, President Stoute will provide updates on:

• Recommendations from the Institutional Sustainability Task Force
• Strategic guidance from our operational review consultants, Kennedy & Company
• Strategic priorities for the upcoming fiscal year
• Additional university updates and initiatives

A brief question-and-answer session will follow the address.

Everyone’s attendance and engagement are essential as the university continues on its path to a strong and sustainable future together.  Click here to add the State of the University Address to your calendar.

The Institutional Sustainability Report has been posted to the portal for your review in advance. We look forward to seeing you there!

Submitted by: Denise Flannery, Executive Associate, Office of the President

Julia Schurr ’23 has been named an Arrupe Scholar to complete a 5-year MD-MPH dual degree at the Creighton University School of Medicine – Pheonix Campus. This scholarship program honors Pedro Arrupe, SJ, a social justice champion, and covers half of Julia’s medical school tuition and will fully fund her Master of Public Health degree. This scholarship is part of a program meant to “foster international partnerships while applying a decolonizing framework rooted in equity.” Julia will participate in four immersion trips focused on improving social determinants of health to assist international partner sites on projects working toward development goals.

Julia earned a major in Psychology and a minor in Neuropsychology at Canisius and was in our All College Honors Program where she wrote her honors thesis “Health Risks During Pregnancy: Evaluating Reproductive Healthcare Through a Free Health Clinic Perspective” focused on health disparities under the mentorship of Professor Susan Putnam. Julia then went on to volunteer with the Jericho Road Community Health Center’s Pricilla Project as a birth mentor to a Syrian refugee, accompanying her mentee through postpartum care after giving birth to twins.

While at Canisius, Julia played on our D-1 soccer team for four years and completed two Pre-Med internships, one with PEPID (a medical informatics company) and one as a medical scribe at Dent Neurologic Institute.

After graduation, Julia worked in the Roswell Park Comprehensive Cancer Center as a medical scribe and is currently completing a year of service through the Jesuit Volunteer Corp in San Diego where she works with an under-resourced Catholic K-8 school.

Julia was mentored into the Jesuit Volunteer Corp by Caitlyn O’Toole, MS ’24, a former Pre-Med Graduate Assistant who completed our School Counseling program and currently works in a Buffalo public school. Caitlyn had previously served in the Jesuit Volunteer Corp and received a scholarship given to JVC alumni who attend Canisius.

Submitted by: Allyson Backstrom, Director, Dr. George E. Schreiner ’43 Pre-Medical Center

TIAA Financial Consultant Ed Haspett will be on campus again for one-on-one sessions on Thursday, May 22, in the Student Center Conference Room 205, and still has open spots. Schedule your session using the link below. This is a great opportunity for employees to discuss their TIAA 403(b) retirement plans and receive personalized financial guidance.

Visit the TIAA website to schedule your session

Learn more about Ed Haspett

Submitted by: Bethany Voorhees, HR coordinator, Human Resources

Canisius University hosted a special early graduation ceremony on Tuesday, May 13, for seven senior members of the rowing team who will miss their official commencement ceremonies to compete in the Metro Atlantic Athletic Conference (MAAC) Championships.

The intimate ceremony took place at 3:00 p.m. in the Montante Cultural Center and honored both the academic achievements and athletic commitments of these dedicated student-athletes. Canisius President Steve Stoute conferred degrees upon the seven seniors: Hannah Kenefick, Morgan Marsallo, Cecelia Reiser, Macey Schneider, Kaleigh Schwab, Brooke Urmson and Skylar Vles.  Vice President for Academic Affairs Bridget Niland, JD, PhD, served as master of ceremonies, and Chaplain for Mission and Ministry Rev. Fred Betti, SJ, delivered the invocation.

The senior rowers will compete in the MAAC Championships in Cherry Hill, NJ, from May 16-18, preventing them from attending Canisius University’s official graduation ceremony on May 17. Click here to read more.

Submitted by: University Communications

Joshua Russell, PhD, of the ABEC & Anthrozoology departments was interviewed by a journalist from The Athletic, the sports section of The New York Times. The article, “Dogs, cheetahs, wolves: Why do coaches love to show animal videos to their teams,” explores the many reasons why coaches use animal videos as motivational tools, and features interviews with head coaches Pete Carroll, Mike Leach, and Jim Harbaugh.  Russell commented on some of the evolutionary and social reasons as to why animal imagery might be motivational.

The article can be read in full here. (subscription required)

Submitted by: University Communications

Joe Wood’s In the Cold Starlight is being published by Rogue Planet Press, an independent publisher that specializes is science fiction and cosmic horror. The book will be serialized in four installments through their magazine Lovecraftiana.

At Canisius, Wood served as editor-in-chief of Quadrangle, worked as a writing center tutor, and was a member of Sigma Tau Delta, the international English honors society. His all-college honors thesis was a work of fiction, Bleeding Statutes: Robot Stories.

Currently Wood is a graduate student and CRISP fellow at SUNY Oswego, where he is researching and collaborating on initiatives to promote diversity in the field of school psychology.

You can learn more about Joe Wood’s writing on his author website:

https://wood4792.wixsite.com/joe-wood-writes

Submitted by: Mick Cochrane, Professor, English

Dear Campus Community,

On May 14, 2022, a tragic and racially motivated mass shooting occurred in Buffalo, NY, at Tops Market on Jefferson Avenue, targeting African Americans. This act of hate claimed the lives of 10 individuals and physically injured 3 others. As we approach this solemn anniversary, we honor the memory of those lost and reaffirm our commitment to justice, healing, and unity. 

We invite students, staff, and faculty to participate in the following events on Wednesday, May 14th:

• 10:00 a.m.–2:00 p.m.
  5/14 Community Space
  Frank E. Merriweather, Jr. Library, 1324 Jefferson Avenue
• 12:05 p.m.
  Campus Mass with Father Jason Downer, SJ
  Christ the King Chapel
  Peaceprints Doves will be displayed outside the chapel.
• 5/14 Day of Service & Remembrance sponsored by the Clementine Gold Group
  1. 2:00 p.m.
     Memorial Ceremony
     Tops Market, Jefferson Avenue
     A pause in the day to collectively remember and honor the victims.
  2. 3:00 p.m.–7:00 p.m.
     Community Gathering
     East Utica Street (between Jefferson & Dupont)
     A free, family-friendly event featuring music, wellness activities, art, healing, food, and joy.

• 3:00 p.m.–7:00 p.m.
  5/14: In Our Own Words
  Frank E. Merriweather, Jr. Library, 1324 Jefferson Avenue

Counseling services are also available at the Frank E. Merriweather, Jr. Library in the morning from 10:00 a.m.-2:00 p.m.

 Our Jesuit mission calls us to be people for and with others. Let us come together in remembrance and solidarity with the East Side of Buffalo.

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

Women’s Basketball’s Summer Camp!

Women’s Basketball is hosting a kids camp this summer! Camp runs JULY 14-17 from 9am to 4pm in the Koessler Athletic Center. Girls and Boys entering grades 1st through 8th are welcome to join us for a fun-filled week of skill development and games led by our players and coaching staff.

The cost is $265 for the week—spots are limited, so sign up soon! Follow the link below to register!

https://canisiuswomensbasketball.totalcamps.com/shop/product/481264

All Canisius Faculty & Staff can use code “CUSTAFF25” for a$25 discount at checkout! Also, if you have multiple campers from one family please email Coach Stephan Walton, you may be eligible for discounted family pricing!

For questions, contact Assistant Coach Stephan Walton at waltons@canisius.edu

Submitted by: Courtney Roman, Assistant Women’s Basketball Coach, Koessler Athletic Center

Everyone’s favorite employee E-letter will soon switch to its summer schedule.

Beginning the week of May 26, The Dome will publish once a week, on Wednesdays. This schedule will continue until the first week of classes for the fall 2025 semester. At that time, The Dome will return to its regularly publishing schedule of Mondays, Wednesdays, and Fridays.

The deadline for summer submissions is 2:00 p.m. on the Tuesday prior.

Submitted by: University Communications

Business First interviewed Aimee Larson for a May 9 story about how physician assistants are gaining more autonomy in the field, as state lawmakers have eliminated some administrative barriers to their practice. The director and chair of PA Studies explained that applications to the Canisius program have tripled since its first year, from 140 to 400. “People going into the health professions realize that the autonomy for PAs is growing, so there’s a lot you can do in this field,” said Larson. “They see the capacity to do a lot for patients without the time and financial burden of medical school, which is seven or eight years.” Click here to read the full story.

Submitted by: University Communications

President Steve Stoute invites faculty and staff to attend a special State of the University Address on Wednesday, May 21, 2025, at 10:00 a.m. in Regis.

While the State of the University Address is traditionally held at the start of each academic year, this special session proved necessary to share important institutional updates with faculty and staff in a timely manner.  Scheduling it for May 21 allows everyone to fully focus on end-of-year academic priorities and celebrations and ensures these important institutional matters receive the attention they deserve.  

During the State of the University Address, President Stoute will provide updates on:

• Recommendations from the Institutional Sustainability Task Force
• Strategic guidance from our operational review consultants, Kennedy & Company
• Strategic priorities for the upcoming fiscal year
• Additional university updates and initiatives

A brief question-and-answer session will follow the address.

Everyone’s attendance and engagement are essential as the university continues on its path to a strong and sustainable future together.  Click here to add the State of the University Address to your calendar.

Submitted by: University Communications

Submitted by: Tyler Kron-Piatek, Instructional Designer, COLI

In a world where cyber-attacks continue to increase in both frequency and sophistication, the region’s digital defenders are preparing to fight back.  Cyber security professionals, enthusiasts and students will converge at Canisius University on Saturday, June 7 for BSides Buffalo, a cybersecurity and information technology conference.  The event takes place at Science Hall, located at the corner of Main and Jefferson streets, and runs from 8:30 a.m. – 6:00 p.m.  The conference is expected to draw upwards of 200 participants.  

Established in 2009, BSides is a national non-profit organization dedicated to advancing information security knowledge through events, conferences and seminars around the world.  Each event is unique and organized based on the interests and skills of the local community but all foster collaboration, education and innovation in cybersecurity at a time when digital threats continue to evolve and impact organizations of all sizes.  

Highlights of the BSides Buffalo conference include: 

Specialized presentation tracks: Industry experts will deliver talks across a variety of security topics, including “Hacking is Art,” a track that explores the creative intersection between technology and artistic expression, and “Introsec,” a track that introduces newcomers and novices to the fundamentals of cybersecurity.  

Hands-on learning: Amateurs can take their first steps in hardware hacking by learning how to solder electronic circuits.  

Capture the flag competition: Advanced cyber sleuths can put their skills to the test in a friendly hacking competition, in which participants race to solve various security-related challenges that range from reverse engineering to web application security, cryptography and network security to forensics.  

Click here to learn more.

Submitted by: University Communications

As part of this exciting partnership, Canisius and the University of Alberta co-hosted the inaugural Master’s Challenge Data Science Olympiad, a competition designed to replicate real-world data science challenges. The Olympiad brought together seven teams from each university, comprising students from Canisius’s data analytics program and Alberta’s master’s students in data analytics. Each team tackled a complex, real-life problem, working under conditions that mirrored the demands and pressures of the professional data science environment.

The competition was judged by a panel of industry professionals from both the United States and Canada, ensuring each project was evaluated from a diverse and rigorous perspective. In total, each team’s work was assessed twice by U.S.-based judges and twice by Canadian juries.

The Olympiad highlights Canisius’s growing reputation in the field of data science and reinforces the program’s commitment to providing students with hands-on, high-impact learning opportunities. With continued international partnerships and experiential learning initiatives, the future of data science at Canisius looks exceptionally bright.

Congratulations to all of our participating students on this remarkable achievement!

Submitted by: Sana Spector

President Steve Stoute invites faculty and staff to attend a special State of the University Address on Wednesday, May 21, 2025, at 10:00 a.m. in Regis.

While the State of the University Address is traditionally held at the start of each academic year, this special session proved necessary to share important institutional updates with faculty and staff in a timely manner.  Scheduling it for May 21 allows everyone to fully focus on end-of-year academic priorities and celebrations and ensures these important institutional matters receive the attention they deserve.  

During the State of the University Address, President Stoute will provide updates on:

• Recommendations from the Institutional Sustainability Task Force
• Strategic guidance from our operational review consultants, Kennedy & Company
• Strategic priorities for the upcoming fiscal year
• Additional university updates and initiatives

A brief question-and-answer session will follow the address.

Everyone’s attendance and engagement are essential as the university continues on its path to a strong and sustainable future together.  Click here to add the State of the University Address to your calendar.

Submitted by: University Communications

Chemistry alumnus John Federice (’23) is the recipient of a Galileo Circle Scholarship from the University of Arizona, where he is currently in his second year in the Chemistry Ph.D. program.  The Galileo Circle Scholarship is awarded to undergraduate and graduate students who demonstrate exceptional potential in the physical, mathematical, environmental, cognitive, and life sciences.    At Arizona, John is a member of Prof. Jon Njardson’s research group, which utilizes synthetic organic chemistry to create new materials, drugs, and organic reactions.  John is currently working with other members of the Njardson research group on a total synthesis of Apomorphine, a drug used to treat Parkinson’s disease.  He is also working on methodology project, where he is using anionic amino cope chemistry developed in the Njardson group, to build unique natural product scaffolds, as well as derivatives of the popular ADHD drug Ritalin.  While at Canisius, John was a Frank Dinan Research Scholar. He conducted research in organic synthesis in the laboratory of Prof. Tim Gregg for three summers.

Submitted by: Phil Sheridan, Professor and Chair, Department of Chemistry and Biochemistry

Professor emerita Barbara Irwin was featured in the Financial Times Article “The Great Soap Opera Inheritance.” You can read the article here!

Submitted by: Professor emerita Barbara Irwin

WKBW-TV Channel 7 visited campus on Monday, May 6 to speak with students in Dr. Sue Margulis’ integral ecology class, who were challenged to examine local environmental issues. One of the student groups investigated the Goodyear Tire and Rubber plant in Niagara Falls, which WKBW’s investigation team recently uncovered has been emitting a cancer-causing chemical into the air up to seven times the legal limit. The Canisius students whom Channel 7 spoke with spent the semester researching what the cancer-causing chemical is doing to the environment, and how it affects nearby communities and plant workers. Click here to watch the story.

Emerita Professor of Communications Barb Irwin, PhD, spoke with the Financial Times for a May 5 story about the launch of the first new soap opera in the U.S. in 25 years. Irwin, whose research interests lie in the study of daytime soap operas and the impact of the mass media on today’s society, explains how soap operas “give the audience an opportunity to really connect with the characters.” To read the full story, click here. Irwin is the co-author of New York Times bestsellers The Young and the Restless: Most Memorable Moments and The Young and the Restless Special Silver Anniversary Collectors Edition.

Submitted by: University Communications

Today, Wednesday May 7 at 4:00 p.m. in Regis, join faculty and staff for an End of Semester Ignatian Examen! This is an opportunity for a guided reflection on consolations and desolations of the semester in the spirit of our Ignatian heritage. All faculty and staff are invited to participate. 

Submitted by: Spencer Liechty, assistant vice president, Mission Integration

Check out the new podcast series on Spotify: “Canisius Conservation Conversations.” As part of the core capstone Integral Ecology, several groups of students created podcasts on issues of environmental justice and sustainability. Check out their podcasts, and encourage others to check out the podcast series too!

Submitted by: Sue Margulis, Professor, ABEC/Anthrozoology and Biology

We are pleased to announce that Canisius will move to Summer Hours of 8:30 a.m. – 4:30 p.m. beginning on Monday, May 19.  These hours will continue through Friday, August 8. Canisius will also close at 1:00 p.m. on Fridays beginning Friday, May 23 and will continue through Friday, August 8. Please contact the Office of Human Resources with any questions.

Submitted by: Bethany Voorhees, HR coordinator, Human Resources

The offices of Academic Affairs and Institutional Advancement have named Mark Hodin, PhD, professor of English, as the recipient of the 2025 Kenneth L. Koessler Distinguished Faculty Award. The award recognizes faculty members who have made significant contributions to the university through excellence in teaching, scholarship, and service. 

For more than two decades, Hodin has served the Canisius community as an inspiring teacher, accomplished scholar, and generous mentor. He teaches a broad range of courses—from first-year English to specialized courses of his own design such as Cold War Culture and Counterculture.

“Semester after semester, students express their affectionate gratitude for the care and attention he shows them, for how truly and deeply he listens to them and brings out their very best,” noted English professor and colleague Mick Cochrane, PhD.

As a scholar, Hodin’s work has been published in prestigious journals and frequently cited. Within the university, he has provided leadership in various roles, including chair of the English Department, the core curriculum committee, and the faculty senate.

Submitted by: University Communications

Canisius University is pleased to announce that Fatima Rodriguez Johnson MS ’98, associate dean of diversity and inclusion, has been recognized by City & State magazine for its first-ever “Trailblazers in Higher Education” list.  The recognition celebrates individuals and organizations who are developing groundbreaking platforms, implementing revolutionary programs, advocating for transformative policies, enhancing economic opportunities, and leading the charge toward a better higher education system.  

With more than two decades of experience in higher education, Rodriguez Johnson provides leadership, coordination and strategic planning for campus-wide initiatives to advance diversity, equity and inclusion at Canisius University.  Her recognition highlights her significant contributions to create a more inclusive higher education environment for current and future generations. 

A native of Buffalo, Rodriguez Johnson earned her bachelor’s degree in sociology from the State University of New York at Fredonia and her master’s degree in higher education administration from Canisius University.  

City & State magazine covers New York’s local and state politics and policy.  

Submitted by: University Communications

Everyone’s favorite employee E-letter will soon switch to its summer schedule.

Beginning the week of May 26, The Dome will publish once a week, on Wednesdays. This schedule will continue until the first week of classes for the fall 2025 semester. At that time, The Dome will return to its regularly publishing schedule of Mondays, Wednesdays, and Fridays.

The deadline for summer submissions is 2:00 p.m. on the Tuesday prior.

Submitted by: University Communications

The students in conservation biology (BIO322) held the class annual poster session on May 1, and it was a great success. The students researched various topics ranging from walkable cities to bird-safe windows to composting.

Join us in Spring ’26 for the next poster session!

​

Submitted by: Sue Margulis, Professor, ABEC/Anthrozoology and Biology

The university will be hosting its annual Juneteenth Recognition event.  Please mark your calendars, more details to follow!

Submitted by: Fatima Rodriguez Johnson, Assoicate Dean for Diversity & Inclusion, Academic Affairs

As of May 1, 2025, the mileage rate increased to $.70 cents per mile. The travel expense form will be updated by next week. If you have any questions, call the Controller’s office at 716-888-8525.

Submitted by: Controllers Office

Canisius University President Steve Stoute has signed a statement, recently released by the American Association of Colleges and Universities (AAC&U), from numerous college and university presidents and leaders of scholarly societies in response to ongoing actions by the federal government affecting higher education. The educational and nonprofit leaders were convened by AAC&U and the American Academy of Arts and Sciences. The statement, titled “A Call for Constructive Engagement,” marks the first time current presidents have spoken out collectively in large numbers about these issues. 

“We speak with one voice against the unprecedented government overreach and political interference now endangering American higher education,” the statement says.  

The statement makes clear what’s at stake—for higher education and for America’s shared prosperity—in any unraveling of the longstanding, productive partnership between government and institutions of higher learning. While the presidents “are open to constructive reform and do not oppose legitimate government oversight,” they also make clear that they will stand against attempts to restrict or undermine the freedoms fundamental to higher education. The statement calls for “constructive engagement that improves our institutions and serves our republic.”  

Submitted by: University Communications

Sofia dePietro, Class of 2025, completed a most unique Honors Thesis entitled “Florida Island: An Alternate Route of Evolution”, and her artistic illustrations and animations of animal life on Florida Island are on view in the Andrew L. Bouwhuis, JS Library near the Circulation Desk until May 20. Please stop by and marvel at the drawings and sculpture of the various animals Sofia “created” based on her research into the Pliocene Epoch and speculative evolution. According to di Pietro, “Speculative evolution, also called speculative biology, is a creative genre where hypothetical evolutionary scenarios are proposed to explain the existence of fictional creatures.” Her thesis advisor was Dr. Sue Margulis from ABEC, and her second reader was Professor Jacqueline Welch, Fine Arts. We are all incredibly proud of Sofia’s research and artworks and hope that you are able to enjoy them too. Professor Yvonne Widenor, Director of the Studio Arts Galleries, is also pictured as she assisted Sofia in the installation of the artworks.

Pictured: L-R: Professor Yvonne Widenor, Professor Jacqueline Welch, Sofia dePietro, and Dr. Sue Margulis.

Submitted by: Yvonne K. Widenor, Assistant Professor, Art History, MLLC, AVPAA, Director, ArtsCanisius

Do you know a student who is stressed over finals? If so, encourage them to join Campus Ministry for 9:30 a.m. or 7:00 p.m. Mass at Christ the King Chapel this Sunday, May 4 when Rev. Fred Betti, SJ, will offer a Blessing of the Brains. During this time-honored Canisius tradition, Father Betti asks God to bless students with wisdom and understanding as they enter finals week.

Submitted by: Rev. Fred Betti, SJ, chaplain, Mission & Ministry

As we approach the end of our 24-25 fiscal year, here is some important information from the Controller’s Office for the campus community to keep in mind:

Requisitions
All requisitions are to be submitted by the end of business day on Thursday May 15, 2025 to allow for sufficient approval and processing time. Related invoices should be submitted as soon as possible.

Visa/Center Suite
All VISA charges posted to the bank by 5/31/25 will be charged to the 24-25 budget. Any charges that post AFTER 5/31/25 will be charged to the 25-26 budget. Please note that it can take up to 1-7 business days for charges to post.

AP Checks
All invoices and check requests are to be submitted by end of day on Friday May 23, 2025 to allow for sufficient approval and processing time. AP checks will be issued on Tuesday May 27, 2025.

Please contact Accounts Payable at 888-8525 with any questions.

Submitted by: Controller’s Office

Visiting Assistant Professor Dersu Tanca’s new article, “Global Politics and Turkey’s Democratic Backsliding,” has been published in Southeast European and Black Sea Studies.

You can access the article here.

Submitted by: Dersu Tanca, Visiting Assistant Professor

Over 16 public, private, and charter schools were represented throughout a specialized professional development series for new teachers in the WNY area.  The Golden Griffin Professional Learning Community (PLC) met monthly from November-April and provided support relative to the needs of those new in the field: classroom management, working with diverse learners, self-care for teachers, family engagement and more.  Eight facilitators (veteran teachers) provided ongoing support and resources for their own small groups of novice teachers.  The series concluded on April 24th with members engaged in a Book Talk based on one of four recommended books. Participating teachers and facilitators were eligible for CTLE credits through Canisius University. This series was made possible by a grant from Key Bank, secured by Dr. Marya Grande. Dr. Grande and Elizabeth Turner facilitated the Thursday evenings and enjoyed working with alumni, current graduate students and future graduate students of Canisius University!

Submitted by: Elizabeth Turner, Director of Educational Partnerships

As part of Canisius’ efforts to streamline technology services and responsibly manage resources, the university will transition from Zoom to Microsoft Teams as its primary video conferencing platform, effective June 1, 2025. This strategic move leverages the university’s existing Microsoft suite subscription and is projected to result in important cost savings.  

Microsoft Teams offers many of the same collaboration tools as Zoom plus additional features including seamless integration with Outlook calendar, no time limits on meetings, department/office chat groups (called Chats) and sharing groups (called Teams) to quickly share important documents amongst members. 

To help ensure a smooth transition, faculty and staff are encouraged to: 

• Visit the Microsoft Office Support: Teams Tutorials Wiki Page 
• Sign up for a 30-minute Microsoft Teams Workshop
• Schedule a 1-on-1 appointment with COLI staff 

As part of this transition, licensed Zoom accounts will no longer be accessible after June 1, 2025.  Therefore, if you have important videos stored in Zoom’s cloud, please download them by May 31, 2025 to avoid any loss of content.  

At the same time, ITS and COLI will shift support to Microsoft Teams as the university’s primary video conferencing platform.  Faculty and staff will still have access to the free version of Zoom, however, please note that it has certain limitations. Learn more about these limitations here.  Additional information and resources can be found here.  

We appreciate your cooperation during this transition and are excited about the opportunities Microsoft Teams offers for improved collaboration across our campus community.  

Submitted by: Tyler Kron-Piatek, instructional designer, COLI

ITS will be applying Banner upgrades to our production environment, on Sunday May 4th, 2025 from approximately 6:00 am –1:00 pm. During this maintenance window, the Banner Application, Self-Service Banner (Student Profile, registration, timesheets, leave balances, etc.) will be unavailable. These upgrades have already been applied to TST1, and PPRD databases for testing purposes and are required to keep our systems up to date.

The ITS systems status page, found in dark blue top section of the portal, will be updated accordingly.

If you encounter any issues post upgrade, please contact the help desk at helpdesk@canisius.edu or at 716.888.8340.

Submitted by: Michele Folsom, Director of Administrative Computing

Mark your calendar for an opportunity for our campus community to come together and reflect on the spring semester. Wednesday May 7th at 4:00pm in Regis join faculty and staff for an End of Semester Ignatian Examen. This is an opportunity for a guided reflection on consolations and desolations of the semester in the spirit of our Ignatian heritage. All faculty and staff are invited to participate.

Submitted by: Spencer Liechty, AVP for Mission Integration

The conservation biology class will be hosting its annual poster session on the last day of the semester, Thursday May 1. Please stop by Science Hall Atrium between 10 and 11:20 to learn about things that you can do to benefit the environment.

Submitted by: Sue Margulis, Professor, ABEC/Anthrozoology and Biology

May is Mental Health Awareness Month — a perfect time to check in on how you’re really doing. This insightful article from Lawley Insurance Group’s Live Well, Work Well series focuses on learning the difference between mental health and mental illness. Understanding this can help you prioritize your well-being and seek the right kind of support when needed for yourself or for others.

Submitted by: Bethany Voorhees, HR coordinator, Human Resources

It’s time to start thinking about the annual shredding event.  Materials will be collected between May 19 – May 30th.  All materials identified to be shredded must be placed in boxes with the top secured with tape and clearly marked “SHRED”.  When the boxes are ready, please submit a Facilities Work Request to schedule a pick-up.

Shredding is reserved for materials that are confidential, sensitive, or private in nature.  Materials that are not considered confidential, sensitive, or private in nature should be placed in recycle bins located throughout the campus.  This event is for University related materials only.  Personal material will not be accepted.

If you have any questions or concerns, please contact the Facilities office at 2250.  Work requests will not be taken over the phone.  A Facilities Work Request must be submitted identifying the location and number of boxes to be picked-up.  We ask for your help with managing our precious resources.  Please collect all your shredding materials before submitting the work order so we can efficiently plan our pick-ups.

Submitted by: Joseph Snodgrass, Director of Facilities, Facilities Management

TIAA Financial Consultant Ed Haspett will be on campus again for one-on-one sessions on Monday, May 5 and Thursday, May 22, in the Student Center Conference Room 205, and still has open spots. Schedule your session using the link below. This is a great opportunity for employees to discuss their TIAA 403(b) retirement plans and receive personalized financial guidance.

Visit the TIAA website to schedule your session

Learn more about Ed Haspett

Submitted by: Bethany Voorhees, HR Coordinator, Human Resources

Submitted by: Joseph Dodoo, Program Coordinator (Graduate Assistant) – ALANA Student Center

Please join in community celebrating the amazing birds across the street from our campus in Forest Lawn Cemetery! 

• Sunday, May 4 (Star Wars costumes encouraged!), 10am-12pm. This outing is in partnership with the Feminist Bird Club of Buffalo and the WNY Young Birders Club so bring out all your family! Please register in advance at https://www.eventbrite.com/e/may-the-spark-be-with-you-bird-outing-at-forest-lawn-tickets-1309237176639?aff=
• Monday, May 5, 9am-11am. No RSVP required, just come and have fun!

Directions & Parking

Please meet at the Chapel (yellow 2 on Forest Lawn Map – https://forest-lawn.com/plan-your-visit/map/) by the group holding The Spark Bird Project flag. To find the Chapel, enter Forest Lawn at either the Delaware/Delavan (yellow 9) or Main/Delavan (yellow 8) entrance and follow the white lines. Forest Lawn is accessible on multiple bus routes and from the Delavan/Canisius station as well as by car, bicycle, and foot. Please consider carpooling if you are driving! Parking including accessible parking is generally available for approximately two dozen cars near the Chapel. 

Outing Details

Our outing will start with a round of introductions including learning a little bit about The Spark Bird Project and sharing your spark bird or favorite bird. We will then meander approximately 1 – 1.5 miles around Mirror Lake and along the Scajaquada Creek. Our primary path will be on level, paved surfaces including regularly spaced benches and shade with opportunities to explore grassy and hilly spots  or enjoy a more stationary birding experience for interested individuals. Everyone should dress for the weather to be comfortable for an hour or two outside – sunscreen, raingear, etc. as appropriate! A limited number of binoculars are available on request with advance notice and at least one spotting scope will be available for use by the group. Bathrooms are not always available at Forest Lawn so please plan accordingly. Because this outing is happening in an active cemetery, please note that memorial activities always take priority. Be respectful of the other users of Forest Lawn and ensure you are familiar with the rules & regulations (https://forest-lawn.com/about/rules-regulations/). 

The Birds of Forest Lawn

May is the peak time of year for birds at Forest Lawn! Warblers and other migratory songbirds are the highlight species. They are often quite vocal and active this time of year so taking some time to familiarize yourself with songs may be a fun and helpful activity! Other birds are present too from waterfowl to raptors! Here are some eBird lists from last May to give you a sense of who we might encounter: https://ebird.org/checklist/S171940584 & https://ebird.org/checklist/S173501998.  

Submitted by: Jenn Lodi-Smith, professor of psychology

The Department of Kinesiology welcomed Exercise Science students from Erie 1 BOCES to our exercise physiology lab in Science Hall! Dr. Dennis Koch, Associate Professor of Kinesiology provided an experience featuring hands-on use of our VO2 max and Bod Pod capabilities — two tools not only used in our lab but also widely used in clinical and professional settings. The Department of Kinesiology has Advanced Credit programs giving Erie I and Erie 2 BOCES students 12 college credits toward their major for completing their BOCES Exercise Science program. A special shoutout to our own awesome student volunteers who stepped up for the demonstrations!

Submitted by: Karl F. Kozlowski, Professor and Chair, Department of Kinesiology

Canisius University will join Catholics worldwide on Saturday to mourn the passing of His Holiness Pope Francis.

The Holy Father will be remembered for his dedication to serving the poor and marginalized, his passionate advocacy for our common home, and his embodiment of humility through his simple lifestyle. Pope Francis left an indelible mark on both the Church and society at large. His life exemplified the very mission and values that Canisius strives to uphold. The Canisius community gathers in solemn prayer and reflection as we honor his extraordinary life and enduring legacy.

Submitted by: University Communications

Canisius University President Steve Stoute spoke with WBFO Radio on April 22 about the university exploring a debt offering that would generate resources needed to invest in initiatives to fuel academic excellence and innovation, and student success and engagement. President Stoute explained how the initiative would help finance a series of renovations to Old Main and Science Hall, as well as the creation of a Student Success Center in the Andrew Bouwhuis Library. Click here for the full story.

Submitted by: University Communications

Canisius University received significant media attention on Monday, April 21, following the passing of Pope Francis, the first Jesuit pope in history. Local media outlets covered the memorial Mass held on campus to honor the pope’s life and legacy, highlighting the institution’s Jesuit connection to Rome.

President Steve Stoute, Rev. Fred Betti, SJ, chaplain for mission and ministry, and Jonathan Lawrence, PhD, professor of religious studies, all provided insights for the local media.

Their interviews can be viewed on
WGRZ-TV Channel 2 with Kelly Dudzik
WGRZ-TV Channel 2 with Andy Paden
WIVB-TV Channel 4

Father Betti also spoke with WBEN-AM Radio 930 on Monday, April 21 and Buffalo-Toronto Public Media (formerly WBFO Radio).

WGRZ-TV Channel 2 interviewed Associate Professor of Psychology and IAR Researcher Jonathan Rodgers, PhD, on Thursday, April 17 following several controversial comments about autism from Health and Human Services Secretary Robert F. Kennedy Jr. During his 30-minute address, RFK remarked that individuals with autism would be unable to lead fulfilling lives, including holding jobs or having relationships. Rodgers condemned RFK’s comments and warned that they increase the stigma surrounding autism. Click here to watch the story.

Rodgers’ IAR colleague and Psychology Professor Marcus Thomeer, PhD, was recently interviewed by digital creator and holistic health coach Danielle Ufland-Westfield for her Facebook Live program. Thomeer spoke about the work and the research conducted at the Institute for Autism Research, as well as its upcoming summerMAX program. This comprehensive social development program teaches social skills to 7-12-year old autistic children and also works with them on interest expansion, interpretation of non-literal language (idioms), and face and affect recognition. Ufland-Westfield’s son participated in summerMAX and now she is helping to raise money for the program. Click here to watch Thomeer’s interview using passcode: 2hvZ9$&&.

Submitted by: University Communications

Denim Day is celebrated world wide to show support for survivors of sexual violence.  It originated when a alleged perpetrator in Italy was found not guilty.  The reason: the jeans the woman was wearing were considered tight, in fact so tight, that there was no way that the alleged perpetrator could have removed them without help from the woman.

The next day, women in the Italy’s parliament came to work in jeans to show their disapproval of the ruling and their support of the survivor.

Please join the entire community by wearing jeans, and your Griffs Supporting Griffs T-shirt if you have one, on Wednesday, April 30.

Submitted by: Debbie Owens, Title IX Coordinator/Associate Dean of Students

Pictured above: ASN 2025 Honorary Inductees (left to right) Shawn O’Rourke, PhD, Bridget E. Niland, PhD, Joshua Russell, PhD.

Pictured above: ASN 2025 Student inductees, top row (far right) Deacon Timothy E. Chriswell, middle row (l-r) Gabby Kaderli, Gabrielle Myers, Kaitlin O’Meara, Fred Piwko, Cloe Armstrong, (bottom row, l-r) Ryan Harrington, Delaney Hayden, Mikayla Boyd, Sophie Asher, Sydney Umstead.

The Alpha Sigma Nu Honor Society of Jesuit Colleges and Universities extends its heartiest congratulations to its new Alpha Sigma Nu inductees.  A total of 14 students and three honorary inductees were inducted at the Alpha Sigma Nu Induction Ceremony on Thursday, April 10, 2025, in Christ the King Chapel.  (Three student inductees were unable to attend the ceremony.)

Alpha Sigma Nu recognizes those students who distinguish themselves in scholarship, loyalty and service.  The only honor society permitted to bear the name Jesuit, Alpha Sigma Nu encourages its members to a lifetime pursuit of intellectual development, deepening Ignatian spirituality, service to others, and a commitment to the core principles of Jesuit education.  Selection to Alpha Sigma Nu is one of the highest honors awarded to students in the top 15 percent of the class on a Jesuit campus.

Submitted by: Veronica Serwacki, Canisius University chapter coordinator, Alpha Sigma Nu, and executive associate, College of Arts & Sciences

Canisius is taking another important step in its progress toward achieving the goals outlined in the university’s strategic plan: Answer The Call. The university is exploring a debt offering that would generate resources needed to invest in initiatives to fuel academic excellence and innovation, and student success and engagement. As part of this process, a public hearing will take place on April 30, 2025, conducted by the Buffalo and Erie County Industrial Land Development Corporation—the issuer of the debt.

In addition to debt funding for strategic initiatives, Canisius will refinance approximately $40 million in existing debt from previous campus improvement projects. If approved, this debt offering will result in substantial cost savings for the university, and provide capital to reinvest into several important projects including the:

• Renovation of approximately 45,000 square feet of academic space in Old Main Hall
• Rehabilitation of approximately 26,000 square feet of space in Science Hall
• Creation of a new student success center

This potential debt offering represents an opportunity to maximize the university’s resources while continuing to enhance campus facilities for students and faculty, in furtherance of the strategic goals outlined in Answer The Call.

Submitted by: University Communications

Commencement is Saturday, May 17, 2025, in the Koessler Athletic Center (KAC). Graduate and undergraduate degrees will be conferred at the following ceremonies:

1. College of Arts & Sciences Degrees Conferred – 10:00 a.m.
2. School of Education and Wehle Business School Degrees Conferred – 1:30 p.m.

This event marks the culmination of years of hard work, dedication, and the unwavering perseverance of our students, who are now filled with pride, hope, and the promise of a bright future.

Each of us has played a role in their transformation, and we hope you’ll join us in celebrating this exciting milestone. Watching our graduates and their families come together is a powerful reminder of the purpose behind our efforts every day.

To volunteer, please click HERE by Thursday, May 8, 2025. 

More information on commencement week events can be found HERE. Please do not hesitate to contact Maggie Burkard at burkardm@canisius.edu with additional questions or concerns.

We look forward to celebrating the Class of 2025!

Submitted by: Maggie Burkard, Academic Affairs

The conservation biology class will be hosting its annual poster session on the last day of the semester, Thursday May 1. Please stop by Science Hall Atrium between 10 and 11:20 to learn about things that you can do to benefit the environment.

Submitted by: Sue Margulis, Professor, ABEC/Anthrozoology and Biology

Canisius students with USFWS employee (and ABEC alum) Shakira Jinez

Students from the undergraduate ABEC and graduate Anthrozoology programs joined Dr. Robin Foster for a volunteer experience at the Stewart B. McKinney National Wildlife Refuge in Connecticut over Easter break. Students participated in recovery activities for the Roseate Tern, clearing trails on Falkner Island – home to one of the largest tern nesting colonies on the east coast. The trails allow biologists and interns to conduct anti-predator patrols, protecting the nests by chasing away stealthy predators that use the shrubby cover to sneak into the tern colony.

The group also participated in a beach clean-up and learned about conservation efforts for the Diamondback Terrapin, the history of the refuge, and careers with the US Fish and Wildlife Service. Students on the trip had lots of opportunities for birding and viewing marine wildlife, including seals and jellyfish. This unique opportunity to experience “a day in the life” with the USFWS was facilitated by 2019 ABEC alumna Shakira Jinez, who works at the refuge.

Students taking in the the view from the top of the historic lighthouse on Falkner Island

Students enjoying the boat ride to Falkner in their “survival suits.”

Students clearing trails on Falkner Island

Submitted by: Robin Foster, Assistant Professor, ABEC & Anthrozoology

Krit Marohn, general chemistry laboratory coordinator at Canisius, and Dr. Sherry Chemler, professor of Chemistry at UB, co-coordinators of the U.S. National Chemistry Olympiad (USNCO) for the WNY American Chemical Society (ACS) local section, invited all high school students residing in WNY to participate in the Chemistry Olympiad.  Honeywell’s Buffalo Research Lab provides generous financial support for the Chemistry Olympiad competition in WNY.

The 2025 Local Exam was administered on March 15.  There were 39 participants.  The exam included 60 multiple choice questions covering general and organic chemistry.

The six top performing students on the 2025 local exam were invited to participate in the 2025 national exam, which was administered at Canisius University on April 5.  This exam included 60 multiple choice questions, eight explanation questions, and two laboratory practical experiments also covering general and organic chemistry.

The 20 top scoring students on the national exam are invited to spend two weeks at a study camp in June to undergo rigorous training for the international exam. Based on their performance, four students are chosen to represent the U.S. at the International Chemistry Olympiad.  This year’s International Chemistry Olympiad will take place in July in Dubai, United Arab Emirates.  These four international competitors are accompanied by mentors who translate the test, inspect laboratories and arbitrate the score of the exams. Students and mentors also have opportunities to interact with one another and experience the host country’s culture through planned educational and social events.

Submitted by: Phil Sheridan, Professor and Chair, Department of Chemistry and Biochemistry

Congrats to Dr. Justin Del Vecchio, Director of the Cybersecurity MS and Assistant Professor of Computer Science.

His article, “Defending the Dnieper with Artificial Intelligence”, shares how to use large language models to enhance intelligence analysis using open source documents from the current Russo-Ukrainian conflict. Justin developed a powerful AI system that uses multiple language models to analyze large datasets and generate detailed intelligence reports. This innovative pipeline enhances real-time decision-making by transforming open-source documents into searchable, nuanced insights—demonstrated through applications to the Russo-Ukrainian conflict.

Read the full article here.

Submitted by: Heather Campbell, Professional Director CCADE

Technology plays a vital role in shaping the academic and operational excellence of Canisius University. To ensure that our technological environment continues to support the needs of our students, faculty, and staff effectively, the university will be conducting a comprehensive technology assessment in partnership with OculusIT, a leading provider of Higher Education technology solutions.

The OculusIT team will be on-site from April 21 to May 9 to assess our existing IT systems, information security, networks, and technology support services. This assessment will help the university identify opportunities for improvement and innovation in our technological landscape.

What to Expect During the Assessment:

• Comprehensive review of current IT infrastructure, systems, and networks, including equipment, labs, and enterprise systems
• Security assessment to identify vulnerabilities and strengthen our defenses
• Evaluation of IT staffing and IT support services for students, faculty, and staff

Following the assessment, OculusIT will provide recommendations for optimizing technology resources and processes at Canisius in support of our strategic goals. This collaborative effort will help ensure that the IT environment at Canisius is aligned with our institution’s long-term goals. OculusIT will contact the identified individuals to participate.

Thank you for your support and engagement in this important initiative.

Submitted by: Bob Baumet

Canisius University marked a historic milestone on Friday, April 11 when it celebrated the 100th anniversary of its prestigious DiGamma Honor Society while welcoming 10 distinguished individuals into its ranks.  

Founded in 1925 as “The Coffin Club,” the DiGamma Honor Society has spent a century recognizing those who have demonstrated exceptional dedication to the advancement of the university through exemplary service to students, fellow alumni, and the broader Canisius University community. 

“This centennial celebration is a testament to the strength and selflessness of the alumni of Canisius University,” said William Lorenz Jr. ’09, president the Canisius University Alumni Association and grand master of the DiGamma Honor Society. “The legacy of being men and women for others continues through this year’s remarkable inductees who exemplify the values that have defined and sustained DiGamma for a century.” 

This year’s inductees are (pictured l-r):

• William Lorenz Jr. ’09 (grand master of DiGamma Honor Society) 
• Maeve E. Huggins ’09, Esq.
  Assistant U.S. Attorney, Buffalo, NY 
• Karl Kozlowski, PhD
  Associate Dean, School of Education and Human Services; 
  Professor and Chair, Sports & Exercise Health Care 
  Canisius University 
• Fatima L. Rodriguez Johnson MS ’98
  Associate Dean, Diversity & Inclusion
  Canisius University 
• Brandon T. Bielecki ‘15, MS ’19 
  Director, Advancement 
  Canisius University 
• Timothy A. Sanders ’97
  Senior Pastor
  CrossNation Global Ministries 
• Margaret W. Paroski ’76, MD
  President, Chief Executive Officer 
  Catholic Medical Partners 
• Susan M. Marchione ’85, MS ’99, EdD
  Assistant Vice President, Program Development 
  Daemen University 
• Steven A. Gattuso ‘87, MBA ’88 
  Executive Director, Golden Griffin Fund 
  Canisius University 
• Richard W. Ryskalczyk ’10 
  Co-managing Partner, Portfolio Manager 
  Sandhill Investment Management 
• Jerry G. Canada, Jr. ’86 
  Member, Board of Directors 
  TruBridge 

Click here to read more about the history of the DiGamma Honor Society.

Back for the 3rd year! BSides Buffalo is a day long conference to enjoy, learn from, and celebrate the Western New York information security community.

Tickets

$20 – Register for the Event

Students: Want a free ticket? Just submit your resume to share with our sponsors and get a code for a free ticket to this event!

Note: Please purchase your ticket by May 10 to make sure that you get a t-shirt, any tickets purchased after that may not include one.

Agenda includes:

• Multiple talk tracks where experts will share their knowledge with the community. This includes a “Hacking Is Art” track for speakers at the intersection of technology and art, and an “Introsec” track for people new to the field.
• An exhibitor hall for our event sponsors.
• A community groups area with representatives from other hacking and technology organizations in the area.
• A Capture The Flag competition with prizes.
• A soldering workshop with a free project you can take home.
• Free lunch!
• Plenty of conference swag.
• A chance to network with your peers in the community.

Register for the Event

Submitted by: Heather Campbell, Professional Director CCADE