The MOU was agreed in order to encourage student, faculty and staff exchanges between Niagara University and Mary Immaculate College, Ireland’s largest Catholic college of Education and the Liberal Arts and an affiliate of the University of Limerick.

The agreement was reached by Dr. Tim Downs, vice president for academic affairs at Niagara, and Michael A. Hayes, president of Mary Immaculate College.

Both institutions offer curricula in teacher education that are intertwined with programs in the arts and sciences.

“Having studied the impressive list of majors and minors available at Niagara University, I am excited about our many areas of mutual interest and the potential for both the students and staff of our two institutions to flourish. This partnership is in direct accordance with one of the core objectives of Mary Immaculate College’s Strategic Plan 2012-2016, which is to bring an international dimension to all college activities.” Hayes said.

Added Dr. Downs: “We understand that providing our students with an excellent education that is global in perspective is critical as businesses continue to integrate operations worldwide. Partnering with highly regarded institutions like Mary Immaculate College illustrates one of the many ways that we are accomplishing this goal.”

Niagara University offers 150 study abroad experiences in 30 countries, which can range from a full semester to a few weeks. For more information, please call 716.286.8360 or visit www.niagara.edu/sap.

At the commencement liturgy on Friday, Most Rev. Richard J. Malone, bishop of Buffalo, was presented with an honorary Doctor of Laws.

On Saturday, May 11, undergraduate students received their degrees at two separate ceremonies in the Gallagher Center. Nikolas Wallenda, the world-renowned daredevil who triumphantly crossed Niagara Falls on a two-inch steel wire last June, delivered the commencement address to Niagara’s colleges of Business Administration and Hospitality and Tourism Management at the morning event. He and John P. Rumschik, ’77, president and chief operating officer of M&T Insurance Agency Inc., received honorary degrees.

That afternoon, Niagara’s colleges of Arts and Sciences and Education heard from Father Levesque, who was presented with the university’s prestigious Medal of Honor in light of his numerous contributions to Niagara University and the surrounding communities.

Also at the ceremonies, NU alumnus Sen. George Maziarz,’76, received the St. Vincent De Paul Award for his “vision, accomplishments, and good works (that) reflect the life and ministry of St. Vincent de Paul.”

You can listen to all three commencement addresses here and see photo galleries here.

It’ll be a banner day for the Sydors – Kathy, a sociology major, and Aaron, who will receive degrees in international studies and political science.

Fortunately for them, their areas of study both fall under the umbrella of Niagara’s College of Arts and Sciences, where Kathy has served as assistant to the dean since 2008. Otherwise, the two may have graduated during separate commencement ceremonies this weekend.

The timing had to be right, too. It wasn’t a given that mother and son would fulfill their graduation requirements during the same semester. Kathy, despite the insider access that comes with her position, says that she didn’t realize she would be graduating with Aaron until about a year ago.

“I knew it would be very close, but I couldn’t say for sure if we’d both be graduating this May,” she said. “It was somewhat difficult to estimate because I only take two courses each semester, whereas Aaron’s a full-time student.”

It helped that Kathy had a headstart on her son, receiving an associate’s degree from Niagara’s College of Business Administration in 2001.

Aaron, who also minored in history and Spanish, originally planned to move on to law school after completing his undergraduate studies. However, a few factors, including a positive experience he had studying abroad in Spain has altered his outlook, at least temporarily. His cultural experience in Spain helped improve his speaking skills and advance his interest in Latin America.

The 2009 Lewiston-Porter graduate is now considering relocating overseas – Chile is his first choice – to teach English as a second language, the topic on which is honors thesis was based.

“Spanish was really the only class that I truly struggled in at NU; I think it was the only class that I got lower than a B in,” he said. “I took that as a challenge, and I really started to enjoy it. When I want to do something and it’s something I’m passionate about, I’ll definitely do it.”

Aaron is also passionate about international relations, commenting that when he does decide to apply to law school, international law will be his field of choice.

Kathy, meanwhile, has no interest in finding a new career path. An NU employee since 2001, she says that it was Dr. Nancy McGlen, dean of the College of Arts and Sciences and Kathy’s boss, who talked her into going back to school.

“Dr. McGlen was instrumental in getting me to commit to earning my bachelor’s degree,” said Kathy, whose younger son, Stephen, is a junior at Syracuse University. “My family’s been so supportive, but I owe a lot to Nancy.”

Saturday’s commencement will take on greater significance since it will be the last for Dr. McGlen, who is retiring after 33 years at Niagara University. (On Wednesday afternoon, Dr. Tim Downs, vice president for academic affairs, announced that Dr. McGlen would be bestowed the title of dean and professor emeritus, as approved by the Board of Trustees.)

“It’s especially exciting because it’s her last graduation,” Kathy admitted.

The Sydor family affiliation extends beyond the Dean’s Office as well.

The Rev. John Maher, C.M., a former NU employee whose brother will be installed as the university’s 26^th president this summer, confirmed Aaron when he was in 11^th grade. The two stayed in touch, occasionally meeting for lunch before Father Maher assumed a new assignment in Rome in June 2011.

When Aaron was studying abroad in Europe, he connected with Father Maher in Rome on the afternoon of his 22^nd birthday, and then stayed for a couple days in the Vatican City compound.

“I got to stay for free and they even gave me a birthday cake!” Aaron remarked.

Aaron has also formed a close relationship with Dr. John Stranges, who Aaron ranks among his favorite professors and considers a great mentor. In fact, Aaron laments that they only see each other sporadically now, due to the fact that Aaron took all of Dr. Stranges’s classes during his freshman and sophomore years at Niagara.

Hours before that birthday lunch he shared with Father Maher, Aaron met Dr. Stranges for breakfast in Barcelona.

Kathy and Aaron attest that attending the same college at the same time has brought them closer. Kathy says that it was nice having her son drop by her office just to chat or to go to lunch with.

“Or when I’m a little poor and come in to ask for money,” Aaron joked.

Having your mother work in the Dean’s Office is also (usually) advantageous in that it offers another set of eyes and ears on campus.

“It definitely helped that my mom was able to fill me in on different opportunities or events that I might not have seen, being a commuter student,” Aaron said. “I will admit that my attendance is probably a little better than it would’ve been, too.”

Kathy and Aaron never took a class together at NU, although they nearly registered for the same 300-level course this past semester. They talked about it. Aaron wanted to, Kathy didn’t.

Why not?

“I think she was embarrassed because I was going to do better than her,” Aaron cracked.

It will be Kathy, however, getting the last laugh: She’ll be graduating with magna cum laude status, signifying a cumulative GPA of at least 3.5. Aaron, who fell just short of that distinction, will have to “settle” for cum laude (cumulative GPA over 3.25).

“Right after Dr. McGlen says, ‘Aaron Matthew Sydor, cum laude,’ I’m going to hear, ‘Kathleen Ann Wagner Sydor, magna cum laude,’” Aaron explained. “Mom’s going to make me look bad.”

Father Levesque will step down from the President’s Office this summer after spending 13 years at the helm of the Catholic and Vincentian institution.

Niagara University will hold three commencement events this week – two for undergraduates – as well as a special liturgy and ROTC commissioning, all of which will take place on the upper level of the Gallagher Center. Admission will be granted to ticketed guests only.

The keynote speaker for Niagara’s graduate commencement exercises, scheduled for Thursday, May 9, at 7 p.m., will be Kenneth D. Taylor, the former Canadian ambassador to Iran who helped orchestrate the escape of six Americans from captivity during the Iranian hostage crisis in 1979. For his efforts, Taylor has received the United States Congressional Gold Medal, The Order of Canada and keys to the cities of New York, Los Angeles, San Francisco, Las Vegas and Dallas. From 1998 to 2004, Taylor served as chancellor of Victoria University in The University of Toronto. He, William Lishman, an award-winning sculptor, filmmaker, inventor, naturalist and public speaker, and John M. Howard, an NU Trustee and owner of John Howard Cellars of Distinction, will receive honorary degrees.

On Friday, May 10, Niagara will host a senior class brunch at 10 a.m. and a celebratory event at noon. At 3:30 p.m., a commencement liturgy will take place in the upper level of the Gallagher Center, during which the Most Rev. Richard J. Malone, bishop of Buffalo, will be presented with an honorary Doctor of Laws. The day concludes with a senior class gala at 5 p.m. and the ROTC commissioning at 7 p.m.

Nikolas Wallenda, the world-renowned daredevil who triumphantly crossed Niagara Falls on a two-inch steel wire last June, will deliver the commencement address to Niagara’s colleges of Business Administration and Hospitality and Tourism Management on Saturday, May 11, at 10 a.m. He and John P. Rumschik, president and chief operating officer of M&T Insurance Agency Inc., will receive honorary degrees.

At 3 p.m. on Saturday, May 11, Niagara’s colleges of Arts and Sciences and Education will hear from Father Levesque, NU’s fourth-longest tenured president and the man responsible for spearheading the most transformational period in the university’s 156-year history. Father Levesque will be presented with the university’s prestigious Medal of Honor in light of his numerous contributions to Niagara University and the surrounding communities.

For more information on Niagara University’s 2013 commencement ceremonies, please visit www.niagara.edu/commencement.

The Rev. John Gouldrick, C.M., associate vice president for mission and director of the Vincentian Scholars Program, and Dr. Thomas Chambers, director of the master’s program in interdisciplinary studies and chair of the history department, were also welcomed into Kappa Gamma Pi as honorary inductees.

The purpose of Kappa Gamma Pi is to strive for a high standard of personal Christian excellence, service and scholarship among members; to encourage individual and group initiative and participation in local and national church and secular affairs; and to awaken a spirit of Christian leadership among the undergraduates of Kappa affiliated colleges and universities.

“Let that be our prayer, to go out together and to serve those most in need,” said the Rev. Joseph L. Levesque, NU president, during his remarks.

Father Levesque has made community service a focal point of his presidency at Niagara University, which will conclude this summer after 13 years.

Congratulations to the inductees:

• Kristy Barrett (Kenmore, N.Y.)
  • Master of Science/Special Education
• Kelly Byrne (Lewiston, N.Y.)
  • Master of Science/Clinical Mental Health Counseling
• David Cheung (Calendon, Ontario)
  • Master of Science/Education 5-12
• Christianna Chiavetta (Amherst, N.Y.)
  • Master of Science/Education 5-12
• Andrea Fazio (Toronto, Ontario)
  • Master of Science/Education 5-12
• Elona Finlay (Guelph, Ontario)
  • Master of Science/Education 5-12
• Stefanie Fortunato (Woodbridge, Ontario)
  • Master of Science/School Psychology
• Jordan Goldstein (Amherst, N.Y.)
  • Master of Science/Mental Health Counseling
• Nathan Johnson (Grand Island, N.Y.)
  • Master of Business Administration
• Gloria Kordasiewicz (Lakeview, N.Y.)
  • Master of Science/Criminal Justice Administration
• Kristin Lundy (Spencerport, N.Y.)
  • Master of Science/Criminal Justice Administration
• Lori Majewski (Cheektowaga, N.Y.)
  • Master of Science/Education B-6
• Brittany McMahon (Niagara Falls, N.Y.)
  • Master of Science/School Counseling
• Brittany Miles (East Amherst, N.Y.)
  • Master of Science/Education B-6
• Emily Oleyourryk (Oswego, N.Y.)
  • Master of Science/Literacy Instruction
• Kyle Phillips (Akron, N.Y.)
  • Master of Business Administration
• Kathryn Potter (Honeoye Falls, N.Y.)
  • Master of Science/Literacy Instruction
• Sean Patrick Repman (Buffalo, N.Y.)
  • Master of Business Administration
• Kirsten Rodgers (Wilson, N.Y.)
  • Master of Science/Education B-6
• Christopher Russell (Youngstown, N.Y.)
  • Master of Science/School Counseling
• Laurice Russell (Ransomville, N.Y.)
  • Master of Arts/Interdisciplinary Studies
• Katelyn Schober (Amherst, N.Y.)
  • Master of Science/School Psychology
• Jennifer Cardamone Schultz (Lewiston, N.Y.)
  • Master of Science/School Counseling
• Ashley Serwon (Cheektowaga, N.Y.)
  • Master of Science/Literacy Instruction, B-6
• Kayla Snell (Lockport, N.Y.)
  • Master of Science/Education B-6
• Latrell Sturdivant (Niagara Falls, N.Y.)
  • Master of Science/School Psychology
• Olivia Wells (Stoney Creek, Ontario)
  • Master of Science/Education B-6
• Jamie Lynn Whiffing (Hamilton, Ontario)
  • Master of Science/Education B-6

Kappa, gamma and pi are the initial letters of the Greek phrase that means “Catholic Women Leaders.” The original name has been retained because of its importance in the society’s history. However, both non-Catholics and men are welcomed to the membership of Kappa Gamma Pi each year.

Membership in Kappa Gamma Pi is a promise for the future, to continue in service to church and community. Members are chosen because they have already demonstrated this commitment, and are expected to continue in this leadership role after graduation.

Additional photos from the event are posted on Niagara University’s Facebook page.

To learn more about the graduate programs offered at Niagara University, please call 716.286.8769 or visit www.niagara.edu/graduate.

“Lord, give success to the work of your hands in the lives of these nurses. Bless these hands for they do the work of your hands. We pray this through Christ our Lord.”

With that, members of the class of 2013 joined the more than 3,500 alumni of Niagara University’s nursing program. The annual Mass and Blessing Ceremony took place Tuesday, May 3, 2013, in Niagara’s Alumni Chapel.

Following Father Creagh’s homily, the graduates were presented with pins symbolizing academic achievement, scholarly learning, professional dedication and Christian commitment. The pins, received by graduates to acknowledge completion of the program, are designed to be unique to the institution where they are attained.

Congratulations to the following graduates:

• Julie Bajor (Ransomville, N.Y.)
• Amber Bougard (North Tonawanda, N.Y.)
• Brittany Braasch (Derby, N.Y.)
• Alison Butler (Buffalo, N.Y.)
• Essence Chestnut (Amherst, N.Y.)
• Lauren Fontaine (Windsor, Ontario, Canada
• Cara Gabriele (Youngstown, N.Y.)
• Laxey Lynch (Grand Island, N.Y.)
• Jennifer MacNichols (Akron, N.Y.)
• Samantha Maj (Lewiston, N.Y.)
• Nicole Maloney (Hamburg, N.Y.)
• Diane Marchitte (West Seneca, N.Y.)
• Michelle Nicht (Buffalo, NY
• Cynthia Pietrzykowski (North Tonawanda, N.Y.)
• Chelsea Raymond (Lewiston, N.Y.)
• Lynn Sawicki (Buffalo, N.Y.)
• Brianna Steel (Newfane, N.Y.)
• Athena Tucker (North Tonawanda, N.Y.)

The most recent graduates of NU’s highly regarded nursing curriculum celebrated their achievement during a post-event reception at the Castellani Art Museum.

Additional photos are available on Niagara University’s Facebook page.

For more information on Niagara University’s nursing programs, please visit www.niagara.edu/nursing/.

Campus Compact is a national coalition of almost 1,200 college and university presidents who are committed to fulfilling the civic purposes of higher education.

Lorenzo was nominated by the Rev. Joseph L. Levesque, C.M., president of Niagara University.

As founder and president of the university’s chapter To Write Love on Her Arms, Lorenzo is working tirelessly to address issues of depression and the co-occurring effects of substance abuse and self-injury that often result when left untreated. Her impact is felt on campus, where she heads several initiatives raising conversations and providing safe spaces for young people to share their stories and their struggles.

Lorenzo is also impacting the local community, working with local businesses to raise awareness about teen issues and to create a local “It Gets Better” video for youth who may be contemplating suicide. She expects to earn a Ph.D. in clinical psychology and open a private practice to provide mental health counseling for children and young adults.

“Crystal possesses the passion and energy that is needed to truly make a difference in the community,” Father Levesque said. “As a sophomore, she has demonstrated on numerous occasions that she is already an outstanding leader, a young lady with a very bright future.”

Lorenzo was featured in a 2011 advertising campaign for Niagara, and maintains a blog on the university’s website.

The Newman Civic Fellows Award honors inspiring college student leaders who have demonstrated an investment in finding solutions for challenges facing communities throughout the country. Through service, research and advocacy, Newman Civic Fellows are making the most of their college experiences to better understand themselves, the root causes of social issues and effective mechanisms for creating lasting change. These students represent the next generation of public problem solvers and civic leaders. They serve as national examples of the role that higher education can – and does – play in building a better world.

Newman Civic Fellows awards are made in memory of Frank Newman, who dedicated his life to creating systemic change through education reform. At the core of Dr. Newman’s leadership was a belief in the power of individuals to make a difference and in the power of connection with others. Newman Civic Fellows form a unique network of leaders who will inspire and keep hope alive for one another during college and afterward, as the network expands exponentially each year.

The Newman Civic Fellows Awards are made possible through the support of the KPMG Foundation. A full list of the 2013 Newman Civic Fellows is available on www.compact.org.

Hundreds of Niagara University students were honored for their achievements as undergraduates during the Day of Recognition, which was also the last that the Rev. Joseph L. Levesque, C.M., will preside over. It was Father Levesque who instituted the event while serving as the dean of the college in 1981. This summer, he will step down from the President’s Office after spending 13 years in the position.

The 2013 adaptation was also the last for Dr. Nancy McGlen, who is retiring after serving 15 years as dean of the College of Arts and Sciences.

Along with the bestowment of numerous awards for academic excellence, the 2013 Day of Recognition featured remarks from Father Levesque and Dr. McGlen, as well as comments from Dr. Tim Downs, vice president for academic affairs; Dr. Henrik Borgstrom, associate professor of modern and classical languages, and Stephen Fuest, a senior majoring in biology.

To view more photos from the 2013 Day of Recognition, go to Niagara University’s Facebook page.

For more information on Niagara University’s College of Arts and Sciences, please visit www.niagara.edu/coas.

Schiano’s winning poster was titled “Young Adult Cancer Awareness: A Public Relations Presentation.”

“The opportunity offered a lot of experience in presenting about the young adult cancer community so I took a lot of time to do the research in it and eventually it paid off because I love expressing just how important it is to get involved in the young adult cancer fight,” explained the native of Gates, N.Y.

Seven other communication studies students, in addition to Schiano, presented posters or research papers derived from their honors theses or communication studies department’s courses. They included Jeannine Alsous, Kerisa Bonville, Robert Crates, Ashley Dilcher, Julie Fonzi, Julie Hunt, Jillian Teeter and Alicia Wainwright.

Many of the students said that they appreciated seeing the research done by others in their field. It helped them understand the vast possibilities of research in communication studies.

“The best part of this experience (was) being able to discuss the research that we were able to conduct throughout the year and it was great being able to talk about and learn about other people’s experiences and what they have done,” said Crates, whose co-presented a poster with fellow seniors Bonville and Dilcher.

Bonville also presented a research paper on the media’s construction of the ideal woman via televised Miss America and Miss USA pageants.

The Conference for Undergraduate Research in Communication, which began in 2004 as a small gathering of communication students from Western New York, has grown into a vibrant regional conference. Sponsored annually by RIT’s department of communication, the conference has drawn nearly 250 undergraduate scholars from colleges and universities in New York, Pennsylvania, Massachusetts and Virginia.

“We’re incredibly proud of our students,” said Dr. Kalen Churcher, assistant professor of communication studies. “Their work is a sample of some of the best in the department. They represented Niagara University well.”

Senior communications major Vince Schiano has a passion for fighting the killer disease through action. As part of his honors thesis, Schiano brought some adventurous university students — five men and three women — on stage in the student union’s Multi-purpose Room and had them go bald.

It’s all part of his “Shave to Save” program designed to expose students to the grim realities of cancer support, not necessarily the disease itself.

“When someone’s diagnosed with cancer, it’s not the disease that causes hair loss,” Schiano said shortly after leading by example. “It’s the chemotherapy, it’s the radiation that does it.”

About 130 students and staff took in the events, tied into the university’s Ridge Fest celebration, and raised $7,200 through various fundraising methods.

Students like junior Vanessa Dunn, who recently lost her great aunt to cancer, surpassed $3,700 in less than one week after deciding to shave her head last week.

The money is being donated to the Ulman Cancer Fund for Young Adults, a nonprofit based in Baltimore that specializes in young adult cancer patient support services. Through the fund, 83 cents of every dollar donated goes directly to funding support services for those who are diagnosed with cancer, specifically young adults between the ages of 15 and 39.

Schiano’s experiences with the Ulman Fund began last year when he rode a bicycle across the country raising money. That endeavor raised $7,100.

Schiano’s thesis was designed for him to research student attitudes on cancer and construct a public relations plan to raise awareness and support for the cause.

E.J. Giacomini, an Albany-area resident and sophomore communications major at NU, had his head shaved as part of the event. He said he did it in honor of a dear friend who passed away from cancer in October 2010.

“I call her my Mim,” Giacomini said. “When I was born, my parents worked. So she pretty much raised me. She was my second mom. When she died Oct. 6, 2010, I put a picture of me and her as the background on my phone. And every October and on her birthday in August, I go and visit her.”

In addition to Schiano, Giacomini and Dunn, the other Niagara University students who “shaved to save” were Clarence Farnham, Andrew Uttaro, Christina Gugliuzza, Scott Lindell and Katie Hamilton.

It was an incredible evening, one that elicited a range of emotions, but especially courage, sadness and pride.

Added Dunn, “I just can’t believe the support that I’ve received from so many people here. I’ve never been so proud to be a Purple Eagle.”

(Article published online with permission from the Niagara Gazette.)