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.

Eta Sigma Delta is open to hospitality, tourism and sport management students who have completed at least 50 percent of the credit hours required for graduation, and are in the top 20 percent of their class. The honor society is governed by the International Council on Hotel, Restaurant and Institutional Education (ICHRIE), and has over 90 active chapters throughout the world. Niagara University has maintained a chapter since 1990.

Congratulations to this year’s inductees:

• Marissa Peters, ’14 (Baldwinsville, N.Y.)
• Margaret Kroczynski, ’14 (Tonawanda, N.Y.)
• Joanna Toomey, ’14 (Williamsville, N.Y.)
• Rachel   Zilka, ’14 (Lancaster, N.Y.)
• Adam Listman, ’14 (Livonia, N.Y.)
• Danielle Caloia, ’14 (Syracuse, N.Y.)
• Anna Tamashuk, ’14 (Dryden, N.Y.)
• Erinn Hill, ’14 (Grand Rapids, Mich.)
• Brandon Sterner, ’14 (North Evans, N.Y.)
• Christine Brumfield, ’14 (Rochester, N.Y.)
• Megan Erickson, ’14 (Selkirk, N.Y.)
• Ryan Wichhart, ’14 (Niagara Falls, N.Y.)

In 1978, a group of students from the University of New Hampshire’s Whittemore School of Business and Economics identified a need to recognize hospitality and tourism students for outstanding academic achievement, meritorious service and demonstrated professionalism. The result was the establishment of the first chapter of Eta Sigma Delta, the International Hospitality Management Honor Society.

For more information on Niagara University’s College of Hospitality and Tourism Management, including its new master’s program in sport management, please visit www.niagara.edu/hospitality or call 716.286.8279.

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.

Witte’s paper took the top prize in the undergraduate student forum category, earning the Berlin, Germany, native a plaque and $500.

This is the second straight year that a student enrolled in the dual degree program at Niagara University has captured the conference’s top honor.

Entries for the Best Paper Award were judged based on the topic relevance and contribution of research to existing knowledge, sound methodology and statistical analysis, structure and clarity of writing, and conclusions and implications.

“We are quite proud of the dual degree program that we offer with our partner institution in Germany, as it presents us with a chance to host outstanding students like Isa, while also providing extremely unique opportunities for our students to learn abroad,” said Dr. Gary Praetzel, dean of Niagara’s College of Hospitality and Tourism Management. “I commend Isa for the remarkable work that she put in to earn this international honor.”

The abstract for Witte’s winning paper, Mystery shopping in the luxury hospitality industry: Service quality assurance from an employee perspective, appears below:

Mystery shopping is one of the various service quality assurance measurement tools used by hotel companies. It provides valuable information when these companies wish to improve their guests’ experience. However, during the assessment, front-line employees have been overlooked even though they are an essential part of the guests’ experience. The purpose of this study is to examine the attitudes of front-line employees to mystery shopping. A questionnaire survey will be administered to front-line employees working at luxury hotels in the U.S. The findings can lead to suggestions that will motivate front-line employees to ensure service excellence.

Dr. Chang Huh, an associate professor in NU’s College of Hospitality and Tourism Management and KAHTEA member, assisted Witte in preparing her paper and accompanied her to the conference.

Conference participants included professors, researchers and industry practitioners from the U.S., Korea, Philippines and Australia.

The Korea America Hospitality & Tourism Educators Association (KAHTEA) fosters academic and professional collaboration and networking between hospitality educators and industry professionals in both Korea and America.

Witte is a matriculating toward a degree in hospitality management from NU as well as from her highly-regarded home institution in Bad Honnef, Germany. The partnership is one of the many unique programs offered through NU’s accredited College of Hospitality and Tourism Management.

For more information on Niagara University’s College of Hospitality and Tourism Management, please call 716.286.8279 or visit www.niagara.edu/hospitality.

The exclusive honor is conferred by more than 2,842 schools in all 50 states and the District of Columbia. It has become one of the most highly regarded and longstanding honors programs in the nation, having earned the respect of college faculties and administrations.

Students chosen for Who’s Who are the young adults who enhance the positive image of American youth though their contributions to their communities and schools. Nominations are completed during the fall semester each year and must be endorsed by Niagara’s faculty or administration.

Qualifications include:

• Junior or senior status
• QPA of 3.0 or higher
• Participation and leadership in academic and extracurricular activities involvement
• Citizenship and service to Niagara
• Potential for future achievement

Congratulations to this year’s honorees:

• Jeannine Alsous (Youngstown, N.Y.)
• Tracey Bayer (Webster, N.Y.)
• Jessica Bialkowski (East Amherst, N.Y.)
• James Bova (Syracuse, N.Y.)
• Jennifer Budnar (Cazenovia, N.Y.)
• Kayla Carrasquillo (Newfane, N.Y.)
• Kristina Chartrand (Honeoye Falls, N.Y.)
• Shawn Chatmon (Olean, N.Y.)
• Jason Cutler (Niagara Falls, N.Y.)
• Fabio DelCarlo (Harrison, N.J.)
• Ashley DeMar (Watertown, N.Y.)
• Jamie Demuth (Rochester, N.Y.)
• Carly Dunlap (Lockport, N.Y.)
• Skylar Fairchild (Trumansburg, N.Y.)
• Sean Farber (Carbondale, Pa.)
• Stephen Fuest (Penfield, N.Y.)
• Kevin Flynn (Fairport, N.Y.)
• Daniel French (Mt. Airy, Md.)
• Mary Gallo (Ransomville, N.Y.)
• Kaitlyn Goss (Elma, N.Y.)
• Kassandra Grys (West Seneca, N.Y.)
• Meghan Henley (Pine City, N.Y.)
• Rebecca Immer (Yonkers, N.Y.)
• Kayla Jaehn (Orchard Park, N.Y.)
• Logan Jensen (Orchard Park, N.Y.)
• Sara Kates (Pittsford, N.Y.)
• Megan Kemple (Theresa, N.Y.)
• Daniel King (South Glens Falls, N.Y.)
• LeAnna Kozlowski (Grand Island, N.Y.)
• Brianna Lanoye (West Seneca, N.Y.)
• Kendyl Litwiller (Naples, N.Y.)
• Angela Loveland (Niagara Falls, N.Y.)
• Marissa McCarthy (Buffalo, N.Y.)
• Joanne McKeon (Albany, N.Y.)
• Amy Mings (Buffalo, N.Y.)
• Christopher Morrow (Rochester, N.Y.)
• Michael Mucci (Grand Island, N.Y.)
• Matt Nadler (New Rochelle, N.Y.)
• Andrea Nicolia (Grand Island, N.Y.)
• Makayla Olden (Ayer, Mass.)
• Erika Osberg (Grand Island, N.Y.)
• Hannah Owczarczak (East Aurora, N.Y.)
• Emily Read (Whitesboro, N.Y.)
• Chelsea Recor (Lancaster, N.Y.)
• Ethan Rugani (Lancaster, N.Y.)
• Vincent Schiano (Rochester, N.Y.)
• Stephanie Schmidt (Rochester, N.Y.)
• Theresa Schmidt (Attica, N.Y.)
• Michael Sheridan (Williamsville, N.Y.)
• David Siracuse (Rochester, N.Y.)
• Marc Skill (Dayton, Ohio)
• Gabriel Sorrentino (Buffalo, N.Y.)
• Andrew Spacher (Fairport, N.Y.)
• Mark Stamer (Hamburg, N.Y.)
• Alissa Sumerano (Hurley, N.Y.)
• Catherine Trzaska (Lancaster, N.Y.)
• Daniel Urtz (Verona, N.Y.)
• Stephanie Wattie (Derby, N.Y.)
• Mitchell Willie (Wappingers Falls, N.Y.)
• John Woodley (Niagara Falls, N.Y.)
• Molli Zahm (Buffalo, N.Y.)

The certificates were awarded by Bill Newton, Niagara University’s assistant director of campus activities.

The Rev. Joseph L. Levesque, C.M., university president, inducted 36 students into Sigma Alpha Sigma, a selective society established by the Niagara Class of 1933 to recognize and reward the academic and extracurricular achievements of outstanding students. The purpose of the organization also includes creating an incentive for undergraduate students and fostering an example of high standards.

Father Levesque was joined by current Sigma Alpha Sigma officers Andrea Nicolia (president), James Kemnitz (vice president), Chelsea Recor (secretary) and Andrea DeRosa (treasurer) in presenting cords to new and honorary inductees.

Nanette L. Harmon, lecturer of American Sign Language, provided the event’s keynote address.

Amanda Karaszewski, an education major from Kenmore, was named this year’s Outstanding Freshman while Crystal Lorenzo, a Fredonia native studying psychology and Spanish, took home the award for Outstanding Sophomore.

Additional photos on Niagara University’s Facebook page

Congratulations to this year’s Sigma Alpha Sigma inductees:

• Andrew Adolf (Theatre Performance/Lancaster, N.Y.)
• Kelsey Atwater (Mathematics/Rochester, N.Y.)
• Christian Beaucage (Criminal Justice/East Syracuse, N.Y.)
• Emily Bork (Spanish/Kenmore, N.Y.)
• Steve Boyle (Finance/Grand Island, N.Y.)
• Catherine Cardinal (Criminal Justice/Freeville, N.Y.)
• Kristina Chartrand (Marketing/Honeyoye Falls, N.Y.)
• Courtney R. Corbetta (Communications/Lewiston, N.Y.)
• Gina DelGreco (History/Moon Township, Pa.)
• Benjamin Dinehart (Accounting/Penn Yan, N.Y.)
• Stephan F. D’Urso (Political Science/Brooklyn, N.Y.)
• Michael M. Federspiel (Finance/Lewiston, N.Y.)
• Kevin Flynn (Accounting/Fairport, N.Y.)
• Ethan Froelich (Criminal Justice/Rome, N.Y.)
• Derek Hammerl (Criminal Justice/Rosendale, N.Y.)
• Molly J. Hyland (English, Special Ed 7-12/Grand Island, N.Y.)
• Elizabeth Jankowiak (Liberal Arts, Special Ed 1-6/Orchard Park, N.Y.)
• Marissa McCarthy (Math, Special Ed 7-12/Buffalo, N.Y.)
• Kyle Meyers (Criminal Justice/Penn Yan, N.Y.)
• Edmond C. Moloney (Criminal Justice/Rock Tavern, N.Y.)
• Michael Mucci (Psychology/Grand Island, N.Y.)
• Matthew Nadler (Political Science/New Rochelle, N.Y.)
• William Olszewski (Criminal Justice/Skaneateles, N.Y.)
• Erika Osberg (Psychology/Grand Island, N.Y.)
• Allison Radley (English, Special Ed 7-12/Penfield, N.Y.)
• Paige Reitmeier (Finance/Kenmore, N.Y.)
• Nathaniel Resila (History & Religious Studies/Schenectady, N.Y.)
• Kevin Ryan (Finance/Eden, N.Y.)
• Marc A. Skill (Hotel & Restaurant Management/Dayton, Ohio)
• Matthew Stevens (Criminal Justice/Churchville, N.Y.)
• Eric Stoutenburg (Biochemistry/Rochester, N.Y.)
• Leanne Michelle Stuck (Communications/Amherst, N.Y.)
• Kimberly Vona  (Marketing/Angola, N.Y.)
• Mitchell Willie (Criminal Justice/Wappingers Falls, N.Y.)
• Laura C. Yost (Biochemistry/Nichols, N.Y.)

Honorary inductees included:

• Dr. Brian Bennett, chair and associate professor of religious studies
• Karin Crumb Kosmala, facility designer
• Dr. Phong Le, assistant professor of mathematics
• Sandra Mann Ormsby, director of university events
• Cheryl Wilson, assistant to the dean of the College of Education

The name of the Sigma Alpha Sigma society signifies the scholastic, athletic and social achievements of its members. Admission to the group remains the highest undergraduate honor and is based upon a comprehensive and elaborate point system used to evaluate student participation.

Originally, the yearly tapping ceremony was held in conjunction with “Moving Up Day.” The induction ceremony has been held annually with the exception of a three-year suspension during World War II. The ritual of induction for new members has remained an enduring tradition.

However, some traditions have been broken, while others have been instituted. Women first entered the society in 1947. Outstanding Freshman and Sophomore Awards were established in 1970 and 1976, respectively, to recognize an accomplished member of each class.

The 22-member Board is responsible for the oversight of the multi-structure estate designed by Frank Lloyd Wright for Darwin D. Martin and widely considered a masterpiece of 20th century architecture.

Dr. Praetzel has been a member of the Niagara University community since 1978, save for a short time when he worked in the Federal Reserve System. He was appointed director of the university’s Institute of Travel, Hotel and Restaurant Administration in August 1999. On February 8, 2001, the institute became the College of Hospitality and Tourism Management, only the fourth college of its type in the country, with Dr. Praetzel assuming the title of dean. Under his leadership, the college has grown into a leading national and international program, as evidenced by its national ranking, its role as a founding member of The Leading Hotel Schools of the World, and its prestigious industry partnerships.

Dr. Praetzel earned B.A., M.A., and Ph.D. degrees in economics from the State University of New York at Buffalo. He has served on the boards of many organizations around the world.

For more information on the Darwin Martin House, please go online to www.darwinmartinhouse.org.

To learn more about Niagara University’s programs in hospitality and tourism management, including a new master’s degree program in sport management, please visit www.niagara.edu/hospitality or call 716.286.8279.

Attendees will be treated to wine and hors d’oeuvres upon entering the event. The remainder of the evening will include a silent auction, a four-course dinner and wine pairing.

Wines are provided courtesy of Prime Wines Corp., a member of The Premier Group.

All hors d’oeuvres will be prepared and served by students in the College of Hospitality and Tourism Management.

Tickets for the event are $150 per person or $1,000 for a table of eight.

The event is co-sponsored by NU’s Office of Continuing Education.

Niagara University’s College of Hospitality and Tourism Management was the first in the world to offer a bachelor’s degree in tourism and is a founding member of the Leading Hotel Schools of the World, a global organization of five-star resorts and higher-ed institutions.

Click here to view the invitation. For more information on Niagara University’s College of Hospitality and Tourism Management, please call 716.286.8181 or visit www.niagara.edu/hospitality.

The free event begins at 9:30 a.m. A continental breakfast will be offered to all attendees.

Graduate School Open House is an excellent opportunity for prospective students and their families to learn more about NU’s accredited graduate degree programs in business administration, sport management, criminal justice administration, teacher education, counseling, educational leadership and interdisciplinary studies as well as Niagara’s Ph.D. program in leadership and policy.

Attendees will be able to speak individually with university faculty and staff members about course offerings while representatives from Niagara offices of financial aid, career development and other student services will also be present to answer questions. In addition, current NU graduate students will be on hand to talk about life on campus.

To request more information and/or register, please contact Niagara University’s Office of Graduate Admissions at 716.286.8700, 800.462.2111 or log on to www.niagara.edu/april.