DiGamma Inducts Seven New Student Members

by lynch39 | Mar 20, 2023 | Faculty

                                 Photo by Tom Wolf ’86

The Canisius College DiGamma Honor Society inducted seven new members on Tuesday, March 14, 2023 during a ceremony at Christ the King Chapel. The prestigious honor society is composed of Canisius alumni, faculty, administrators and students who have distinguished themselves through exemplary service to the college over an extended period of time.  The spring 2023 inductees are: 

• Mason Bowes, a junior in the All-College Honors Program, majors in both English and Philosophy, and has a minor in Art-History. He is the current President of the Honors Student Association, an Executive Editor for the Quadrangle Literary Magazine, and Co-President of Sigma Tau Delta. Additionally, Mason does research for the Philosophy department through the Canisius Earning Excellence Program, works as a Teacher’s Assistant for Philosophy 101, and is a Tutor for the Writing Center. Over the summer, he assists Canisius in accepting incoming students through his work as both a Lead Orientation Leader and as the Lead FYE Peer Mentor.
• Genevieve Fontana is a junior transfer student double majoring in Animal Behavior, Ecology, and Conservation (ABEC) and Digital Media Arts (DMA), projected to graduate in May 2024. She is the USA Sustainability Committee Chair, serves as Junior Senator for the Undergraduate Student Association, is a Phi Sigma Sigma sorority member acting as the Community Impact Chair, the Student Representative for Laudato Si, and the Social Media Student Assistant for the ABEC department. Genevieve shares her passion for sustainability by organizing many earth-friendly initiatives around campus. Most notably, she planned and executed the “Clothing Swap” during Earth Week, providing a resource for students to exchange their unwanted clothing; because of its success, she is excited to finally open a thrift store on campus in the coming semesters.
• Eric Muharareni is a senior at Canisius College following an International Business and Finance major undergraduate degree. He is currently part of the Urban Leadership Learning Community (ULLC) program simultaneously being Vice President of the Global Horizons Club, as well as being a Track and Field athlete. He constantly helps out and supports events as well as creates big events as part of Global Horizons. He is an active member in his school and church community, where he is part of a youth group that often does community service feeding the poor at St. Luke’s. For work, he is a personal trainer at LA Fitness, helping individuals achieve their physical goals. This portrays how he is determined to be with and for others.
• Alyssa Quinlan, a junior in the All-College Honors Program, is a Biology major on the Pre-Pharmacy track. She anticipates her graduation in May of 2024, with continuing education at D’Youville University in their PharmD program. She is a member of the Society of Pre-Health Professionals, holding the position of the Allied Health Chair, as well as belonging to the mentorship program for underclassmen. Additionally, she is a Teaching Assistant in an Introductory Biology lab, working with students and leading them towards success. She regularly participates in volunteer events on campus, including those associated with the Make-A-Wish Foundation and Brothers of Mercy. Likewise, she engages in her community through volunteering as a dance assistant and camp coach, guiding young students through extracurricular activities.
• Olivia Rutowski, a junior in the All-College Honors Program, is majoring in Biology with a Music minor on the Pre-Med track. On campus, she is the President of Students for Life, Events Manager for the Society of Pre-Health Professionals, a Tour Guide for the Undergraduate Admissions Department and a member of the Canisius Earning Excellence Program for Canisius’ Biology department. Additionally, she is a TA for the Biology department, and sings in the Canisius College Chorale and at many of the Canisius’s sporting events. In the Buffalo community, she enjoys running Ignite the Light, the young adult group at St. Gabriel’s RC Church, working as a home aid through People Inc, and volunteering her time at CompassCare Pregnancy Services. She currently aspires to go to medical school and looks forward to the day she can serve others as a physician.
• Camryn Warren is a senior Biology major on the Pre-Medical track with a minor in Criminal Justice in the All-College Honors Program. Upon graduation from Canisius, Camryn will be attending medical school at the University at Buffalo Jacobs School of Medicine. On campus, Camryn serves as the President of the Minority Association of Pre-Health Students (MAPS). She is also involved with the Commuter Student Association and Society of Pre-Health Professionals (SPHP), as well as the Asian Student Association (ASA). Camryn is also a part of Alpha Phi Sigma, the National Criminal Justice Honor Society. Additionally, she coaches youth basketball and volunteers at the Mary Wilson Foundation: Girls in Sports and Niagara Organizing Alliance for Hope (NOAH).
• Marisa Taylor Warren, a senior in the All-College Honors Program, is a Biology Major with a Criminal Justice Minor. Upon graduating this spring, she will be furthering her education at the University at Buffalo Jacobs School of Medicine. At Canisius, Marisa is the Treasurer of the Minority Association of Pre-Health Students and is the Vice President of Alpha Sigma Nu, the National Jesuit Higher Education Honor Society. Additionally, she served as a Peer-Assisted Learning Leader for the General Chemistry course, and is a member of the Asian Student Association, the Society of Pre-Health Professionals and Alpha Phi Sigma, the National Criminal Justice Honor Society. Marisa also enjoys conducting research at the Jacobs School of Medicine. She is active in the community, volunteering her time through tutoring and working at Niagara Organizing Alliance for Hope, where faith and DEI initiatives guide their work to mitigate injustices in the community.

Submitted by:  Rev. Patrick Lynch, SJ, Jesuit Associate for Mission & Identity and Professor emeritus of Religious Studies & Theology

DiGamma Inducts 12 New Members

by lynch39 | Nov 11, 2022 | Faculty

The Canisius College DiGamma Honor Society inducted 12 new members on Wednesday, November 9, 2022 during a ceremony at Christ the King Chapel.  The prestigious honor society is composed of Canisius alumni, faculty, administrators and students who have distinguished themselves through exemplary service to the college over an extended period of time.

The DiGamma Honor Society was pleased to have President Steve K. Stoute, President of the Alumni Board of Directors and grand master, Mike Kochczynski, and moderator and faculty Advisor Rev. Benjamin Fiore, SJ, in attendance.

This year’s inductees are:

Eliana DeGlopper ‘23 is in the All-College Honors Program and is a Biology major on the pre-med track, with a minor in Creative Writing. She is the Vice President of the Beta Beta Beta Biological Honors Society, as well as a nationally inducted member, a Resident Assistant, conducts CEEP-funded research in the Biology department on microplastics, works at a Primary Care office as a Medical Assistant, is on the dance team, is a Griffin Writer, was the Society of Pre-Health Professionals Allopathic Committee Co-Chair for two years, and has volunteered with Danceability, Compeer, and the ENERGY Literacy Program. She is attending medical school next year to pursue a career as a doctor.

Alexandria Fazio ‘23 is a senior in the All-College Honors Program and is majoring in Adolescent Education and History. She is a member of the Kappa Delta Pi Honors Society, the Phi Alpha Theta Honors Society, and is the captain of the Canisius College Dance Team. In previous years, she worked as a Resident Assistant and was the Events Coordinator for the Commuter Student Association.

Hannah Fischer ‘22 is in the All-College Honors Program and is triple majoring in Environmental Studies, Journalism, and Digital Media Arts with a concentration in filmmaking. She has been a three-year Orientation Leader, a First-Year Experience Peer Mentor, a member of the Canisius Earning Excellence Program for the Sociology Department, a Digital Media Tutor, and has attended a Winter Service Week in Detroit and Flint, Michigan with Campus Ministry. Additionally, she is an intern at Full Circle Studios, a film studio downtown, and also produces Kaleidoscope, a TV program exploring different religions, for use on WGRZ, Spectrum, and Yo​​uTube. This environmental and media work prompted her to create a 30-minute thesis documentary entitled “Exploring the Intersectionality of Climate Justice and How it Impacts the Western New York Community.” She hopes to continue this work documenting environmental and climate concerns in the future through film.

Jillian Galanti ‘24 is majoring in Criminal Justice with minors in Spanish and Forensic Psychology with a concentration in Law Enforcement. She is a three year member of the Undergraduate Student Association where she now serves as the Executive Vice President. Jillian is a level 3 member of  the Golden Griffin Leadership Academy. She is also a 3-year member of the Canisius Women’s Lacrosse team. Off campus, Jillian is an after-school Spanish teacher with The Enrichment Company where she teaches students from K-4 Spanish vocabulary by using her 9 years of Spanish. She volunteers with Justice for Migrant Families where she provides support and necessary resources to individuals that are mistreated by the immigration laws of the U.S.

Mylan Hawkins ‘23 is a double major in Journalism and Strategic Communication. She is in the Urban Leadership Learning Community (ULLC) and the All-College Honors Program. Currently, she is the President of the Association of Women and Men in Communication, a communication-based club on campus, the Secretary of Lambda Pi Eta, a national communication honor society, a student intern for the ULLC, and Chair of the Diversity Committee. Additionally, Mylan has proctored for two foundation courses on campus, one in English and the other in Religious Studies. Outside of campus, Mylan is a social media intern for Councilman Joel Feroleto highlighting the various murals on Hertel Ave.

Patrick Healy ‘23 is studying History, Philosophy, Political Science, and Urban Studies. He is Treasurer of Alpha Sigma Nu Jesuit Honor Society, President of Model United Nations Club, President of Phi Alpha Delta Law Fraternity, and Managing Editor of The Griffin. At Canisius, Patrick has served as a Research Assistant, Writing Tutor, Orientation Leader, and Peer Mentor. Active in local politics, this year Patrick was elected to the Erie County Democratic Committee and appointed to the West Seneca Environmental Commission.

Myles Hervey ‘22 is a graduate student pursuing his MBA with a concentration in Accounting. He is a member of the Canisius Accounting Society, the Graduate Assistant/Program Advisor for the Accounting Department and a Western New York Prosperity Fellow. Additionally, he is a Board Member of the Education Collaborative of Western New York and an alumni and active volunteer of Buffalo Prep. In this way, he shows his dedication to improving education inequality in the Western New York community.

Jahare Hudson ‘24 is a Psychology and Sociology Major with a minor in Clinical Counseling for Adults and Creative Writing. He is a member of the Urban Leadership Learning Community. During the 2021-2022 school year, Jahare served as the Speaker of the Undergraduate Student Association (U.S.A.). This year, he serves as the President of U.S.A. and is a General Body Member of the Afro-American Society club and the Latin American Students and Friends (L.A.S.A.F.) club. He is an Urban Leadership Learning Community Intern-in-Training. He is a Research Lab Assistant for Dr. Arbuckle in the Psychology Department and a Proctor for classes like Philosophy 101 and English 111. Additionally, Jahare is a member of the Psi Chi Honor Society. Lastly, he is a recently joined member of the NAACP, the National Association for the Advancement of Colored People, which is the oldest and largest civil rights organization.

Hannah Iqbal ‘23 is a Biology major with a Sociology minor in the All-College Honors Program. On campus, she is the Vice President of the Minority Association of Pre-Medical Students, a Research Assistant in Dr. Grebenok’s lab, and has served as the Assistant Features Editor and Writer for the Griffin, as well as a Mentor in the Emerging Health Scholars Program. Off campus, she volunteers at Harvest House Ministry Center, is a member of the New York State Area Health Education Center (NYS AHEC) Scholars Program, and has dedicated many hours to Pediatric Adolescent Urgent Care as a volunteer. She has also taken part in Remote Area Medical, a no cost pop-up clinic in Belmont, NY, and served as a Crisis Counselor for Crisis Text Line.

Lanie Masset ‘23 is an Environmental Science major with an Art History minor on the pre-health track in the All-College Honors Program. She is the President of Women in Science as well as a member of the Society of Pre-Health Professionals, Vegetarian Club, and Project Conservation. She has participated in the Remote Area Medical trips sponsored by the Pre-Health Center, as well as the Winter Service Week trips to Wheeling, West Virginia. She will also serve as a student leader on the 2023 Winter Service Week trip. Additionally, she works as a Medical Assistant at the Buffalo Medical Group. Lanie also dedicates her time to volunteering with local not-for-profits like Feral Cat Focus and the Ten Lives Club.

Emma Radel ‘24 is a double major in Creative Writing and Psychology with minors in English, Spanish, and Neuropsychology, and is a part of the All-College Honors Program. On campus, Emma is the copy editor of The Griffin, the school’s newspaper, as well as an executive editor of Quadrangle, Canisius College’s literary magazine. She is also a part of Sigma Tau Delta, a national English Honors Society.

Lauren Ritchie ‘24 is a Biology major on the pre-PA track in the All-College Honors Program. She is involved in many clubs on campus, most notably the Society of Pre-Health Professionals, of which she is on the E-Board. Lauren is also an Honors Mentor for the incoming first-year Honors students and an Orientation Leader for New Griff Orientation. She volunteers with various healthcare organizations such as Remote Area Medical, which is a nonprofit that provides free medical care to those without access, and Susan G. Komen, a breast cancer foundation dedicated to finding a cure. Off campus, she is a Medical Assistant with Primary Care of WNY and spends a lot of her time shadowing in doctor’s offices.

Submitted by: Sarah Lynch, student, Integrated Marketing Communication and Digital Media Arts