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.

Dr. Ireland succeeds Dr. Nancy McGlen, who will retire in June after serving for 15 years in the position.

As dean, Dr. Ireland’s primary responsibility will be the general administration of the college, and also to foster and nurture the growth and academic excellence of the college in accordance with Niagara’s mission. He will accordingly be tasked with recruiting, evaluating, retaining and promoting quality faculty; offering leadership in curriculum innovation, development and assessment; monitoring the evaluation of students; supervising and distributing the allocation of college resources; and working with other sectors to sustain and increase enrollments, among other duties.

“We were very pleased to be able to identify the most qualified individual for this critical position from within our university community,” stated Dr. Timothy Downs, Niagara’s vice president for academic affairs. “Nancy has done an incredible job in bringing the College of Arts and Sciences to its current level of excellence, and the person succeeding her has some sizable shoes to fill. We are very confident that Tim, with his credentials and experience at Niagara, will be that person.”

A professor in NU’s department of criminology and criminal justice since 1996, Dr. Ireland earned a B.S. (English literature) from St. Bonaventure University, an M.S. (criminal justice) from Northeastern University and a Ph.D. (criminal justice) from SUNY Albany.

Dr. Ireland’s research interests are diverse. For a number of years, he has been affiliated with a longitudinal research project (The Rochester Youth Development Study), which has allowed him to explore the causes and consequences of exposure to family violence. He recently finished work as a co-principle investigator on a National Institute of Drug Abuse grant. An article Dr. Ireland coauthored on intergenerational continuities and discontinuities in intimate partner violence was selected as one of the 10 best violence research publications of 2011 by the Psychology of Violence multidisciplinary research journal.

To learn more about the programs offered through Niagara University’s College of Arts and Sciences, please call 716.286.8060 or visit www.niagara.edu/coas.

Niagara University Theatre will also present Into the Woods, the Tony Award-winning Stephen Sondheim and James Lapine fairytale musical, from April 18 through 28.  Associate professor Doug Zschiegner will direct the production, while associate professor Terri Filips Vaughan is choreographer and music adjunct Randy Andropolis will provide musical direction. The production premiered on Broadway in 1987, and most recently received critical acclaim at New York’s Central Park this past summer.

On the day of the gala, the musical matinee will be followed by a cocktail reception, dinner and silent and live auction at the Niagara Falls Country Club in Lewiston. Auction items include gift certificates to area stores, restaurants and businesses, paintings, entertainment and sports-related memorabilia, gift baskets and much more.

Dr. Nancy McGlen and her husband, Joseph Gadawski, of Grand Island, are this year’s honorary gala chairs. Dr. McGlen is dean of NU’s College of Arts and Sciences and Gadawski is retired from his position as the vice president of Clark Container, formerly a Division of Mark IV Industries. Longtime supporters of NU Theatre, the honorary chairs are thrilled to have the opportunity to provide leadership for this important fundraiser.

Auction committee co-chairs include Friends board members Maria Arena of Clarence, Pamela LeCuyer of Getzville, Lori Presti of Youngstown, and Adair M. Saviola of Buffalo. Arena is board secretary and decorations chair of the event, and Saviola is board president. Dinner committee chair is Friends’ board vice president, Russell Papia, of Williamsville.

Funds raised from the annual gala will benefit the theater program and its students, from needed theatre equipment and supplies to workshops and mentoring by guest artists with such professional credits as the Broadway stage, television shows and films. Tickets for the gala are $150 per person. For more information about the gala, please contact Ann Heuer, office and media coordinator, at 716.286.8480.

A most unliterary matron is intent on turning her home into a bastion of learning. She becomes easy prey for an ingratiating con artist who passes himself off as a famous poet and becomes a permanent houseguest, much to the chagrin of her husband. Worse yet, the poet has set his sights on marrying one of their two beautiful daughters.

The Learned Ladies will be on stage in the Leary Theatre within the Elizabeth Ann Clune Center for Theatre, Clet Hall at 7 p.m. on Thursday, March 21, Monday, March 25, and Tuesday, March 26. The production will be presented at 7:30 p.m. on Friday, March 22, and Saturday, March 23. In addition, 2 p.m. matinees are on stage Saturday, March 23, and Sunday, March 24 (with a post-show discussion).

Cast members include the following NU theater studies students from Western and Central New York, Ohio, and Southern Ontario: Primo R. Thomas (Chrysale); Grace Turner (Martine); Richard Cole (Ariste); Keirsten Lynne Greifenstein (Henriette); Alexander Utz (Clitandre); Patrick J. Tighe (Trissotin); Stephanie Wattie (Vadius); Megan Kemple (Philamente); Kathleen Denecke (Armande); and Karen Harty (Belise). Set design is by David Dwyer. Costume design is by Maureen Stevens and sound coordination is by Glenn Bernardis. NU theatre design/technology senior Tony Rajewski is the production’s lighting designer. Theatre design/technology junior Saige Woods is stage manager of the production, and senior performance major Fabio Del Carlo is the assistant stage manager.

For tickets and information, please call 716.286.8685 or visit the NU Theatre Box Office.

A celebrated comedian, musician, author and playwright, Martin has created a not-to-be-missed comedy about two icons and their chance meeting. Einstein and Picasso walk into a bar…each on the verge of their greatest accomplishments, and a comically magical night ensues!

Picasso at the Lapin Agile will be staged at the Castellani Art Museum on the NU campus at 7 p.m. on Thursday, Feb. 14, and at 7:30 p.m. on Friday, Feb. 15, and Saturday, Feb. 16.  A 2 p.m. matinee will be held at the museum Sunday, Feb. 17.

Cast members include the following NU theater studies students from Western and Central New York and Ohio:  Andrew Adolf (Freddy), Colin Reboy (Gaston), Stephanie M. Valliere (Germaine), Michael Sheridan (Albert Einstein), Kathleen Macari (Suzanne), Sean Craig (Sagot), Alan Trinca (Pablo Picasso), Matt Gilbert (Charles Dabernow Schmendiman), Leacel Hillenbrand (The Countess), Nicole Weintraub (A Female Admirer), Josh Ranallo (A Visitor) and Anna Krempholtz (Narrator/Guitarist).

For tickets and information, please call 716.286.8685 or visit the NU Theatre Box Office.

Niagara University also performed well on the world’s biggest sporting stage, with current students and recent graduates involved in three different projects associated with Super Bowl XLVII in New Orleans.

Eleven students enrolled in NU’s College of Hospitality and Tourism Management were selected for the five-day trip to The Big Easy, where they greeted visitors, worked on Super Bowl Boulevard and took a few shifts at the NFL Experience, the league’s interactive theme park, among the several other activities requested by organizers.

On Super Bowl Sunday, the hospitality, tourism and sport management majors offered hospitality services during the sold-out NFL On Location pregame party, before attending the game and coordinating the postgame hoopla on the field at the Mercedes-Benz Superdome.

“Being able to work with NFL On Location at Super Bowl XLVII was a true once-in-a-lifetime experience,” exclaimed senior Dan Pearson. “There were also so many events that not only went on at the Superdome, but throughout the city of New Orleans. Having the opportunity to work at pregame and postgame parties and ensure every fan had a memorable experience wherever I could time was very humbling. I know this trip will only help me in my future sports career.”

On the Monday morning following the game, the students woke up early to volunteer in a soup kitchen at the St. Vincent de Paul Society in Baton Rouge.

“While volunteering at the Super Bowl was an experience in itself, being able to give back to the people of the Baton Rouge community was also a rewarding experience,” stated senior Alexis Wayne. “Considering Niagara is a Vincentian university, it only felt fitting that we had the opportunity to volunteer for the St. Vincent de Paul Society in Louisiana. It felt good being able to relate the values we’ve learned at Niagara to a completely different community.”

This is the fifth time in seven years that Niagara University students have participated in the NFL’s showcase event. And this time, the group was assisted by a pair of Niagara University alumni: Cameron Kovach, ’11, a volunteer coordinator with the New Orleans host committee who attended Super Bowl XLV as an NU student; and Ashley Blossom, ’11, who worked in the NFL Accreditation Center.

Similar service-learning experiences are offered regularly by the College of Hospitality and Tourism Management. This spring, for example, several sport management students will volunteer during Major League Baseball’s spring training.

After graduating last May with a degree in communication studies, Derek Zeller hooked up with www.proplayerinsiders.com, a professional football website that’s affiliated with the NFL Players Association. Zeller photographed seven Buffalo Bills games from the sidelines this year (including preseason) and then, in January, got the call to capture images of the numerous events in New Orleans leading up to the Super Bowl – as well as The Big Game.

“It has been such a surreal experience – a dream come true,” said Zeller a few hours after snapping more than 3,000 pictures during Baltimore’s 34-31 win over San Francisco. “Between the events to Radio Row to the game itself, you’re used to seeing all these people on TV and now you’re standing right next to them, shaking hands with guys like Jerry Rice and Andre Reed.”

Meanwhile, Carmen Ruby Floyd, a 2000 Niagara University alumna, is used to rubbing elbows with A-list celebrities. The successful Broadway actress has performed for Ruby Dee, August Wilson and Bette Milder, and her work has given her the opportunity to meet former President Bill Clinton, Diana Ross Tom Hanks and Sarah Jessica Parker.

On Sunday, Floyd was featured prominently in Tide’s “Miracle Stain” advertisement, a 60-second spot that was rated among the evening’s top commercials by The New York Times, The Washington Post, USA Today and several others. Floyd played the role of the Baltimore Ravens fan who “mistakenly” washed her husband’s 49ers jersey after it had incurred a stain in the shape of former San Francisco great Joe Montana.

It was Tide’s first Super Bowl commercial since 2008.

Coincidentally, Floyd discovered that she would be working with the same director who coordinated a Sprint commercial she appeared in four years ago.

“It was quite wonderful and all we did was laugh on set,” Floyd told WIVB Channel 4. “It was one of the easiest, best jobs. It’s a wonderful blessing, it’s really, really great and I’m so fortunate to do this.”

In 2000, Floyd, then a student, appeared in a commercial for Niagara University. Interviewed by The Buffalo News on Tuesday, Floyd credited her time at Niagara for providing her with the well-rounded tools necessary to succeed in the profession.

“There is obviously dance, vocal and acting, but they have you do stage management, costumes, lighting and sound,” she said.

“It’s a very well-rounded theater school, and my training has definitely paid off.”

For more information on Niagara University, please visit www.niagara.edu or call 716.286.8700.

Three cycles of 10-minute plays written by various playwrights will be presented over two consecutive weekends. Comedies, dramas and everything in between—our debut of 23 student directors produces a smorgasbord of professionally published 10-minute plays.  If one production is not to your taste, you only have to wait 10 minutes before the next one.

(With some plays, adult situations and language may be an appropriate warning to anticipate.)

Producing director of the Short Play Festival is Doug Zschiegner, associate professor and associate director of Niagara University Theatre. Production manager is theatre studies design/technology alumnus Jayson Clark.

Student directors of the productions include: Kelsey M. Anderson, Alexei A. Carstensen, Ashley Marie DeMar, Kathleen Denecke, Greggory Gansworth, Alex Garcia, Bobby Hall, Leacel Hillenbrand, Kendyl Litwiller, Nathan Andrew Miller, Amy Mings, Tony Rajewski, Glenna Rankin, Steph Schmidt, Christina Secola, Michael Sheridan, Alissa Sumerano, Patrick J. Tighe, Dan Urtz, Stephanie M. Valliere, Richard Vogt, Stephanie Wattie, and Nicole Weintraub. The students hail from all over New York state and Massachusetts.

The Short Play Festival will be on stage in the Leary Theatre within the Elizabeth Ann Clune Center for Theatre, Clet Hall, at 7:30 p.m. on Friday, Jan.  18 (Cycle A), and 2 p.m. on Saturday, Jan. 19 (Cycle A); Saturday, Jan. 19 at 7:30 p.m. (Cycle B), and 2 p.m. on Sunday, Jan. 20 (Cycle B); and at 7:30 p.m. on Friday, Jan. 25 (Cycle C), and 2 p.m. on Saturday, Jan. 26 (Cycle C).

Brother Augustine Towey, C.M., passed away Thursday, Nov. 22, 2012, after a lengthy illness. He was 75 years old.

Thoughtful, written reflections of Brother Augustine’s impact on the local and worldwide theatre community have recently appeared in Artvoice and The Buffalo News.

Brother Augustine had a long and distinguished history with Niagara University, and his impact on Monteagle Ridge will be remembered forever. He is credited with developing Niagara University Theatre into a nationally recognized program, and he was instrumental in the building of the Elizabeth Ann Clune Center for Theatre and the renovation of the Leary Theatre.

Brother Augustine came to NU in September of 1964 and taught classes in English literature and speech. He then became involved with the Niagara University Players and, from a few early theatre courses, the current theatre program came into existence. In his time at Niagara, Brother Augustine directed more than 135 plays and nurtured countless actors in the process. He also established the bachelor of fine arts degree at NU, which received New York state certification in 1988.

Brother Augustine is an accomplished poet and has published seven volumes and recorded two CDs of poetry while at NU. This past July, Brother Augustine published a new collection of poetry titled Jesus, Mary, and Joseph: Pieces for the Holy Family. This short collection contains his reflections on the Holy Family, written in his customary warm and human style.

Brother was well-known in the local theatre community as well. He directed at local professional venues including Opera Sacra, Irish Classical Theatre Company and the Buffalo Philharmonic Orchestra. He served as associate artistic director for theatre programs and as the director and founder of Artpark Repertory Theatre from its inception in 1975 until 2003. He served as a member of the board of directors of the Niagara Council of the Arts. Brother Augustine also wrote 12 plays for the stage and television, including The Guardian for the NBC-TV network.

In 1994, Artpark and Company honored Brother Augustine for his contributions to the arts in Western New York by naming a chair after him. In 1989 he was awarded an honorary doctor of fine arts degree from St. John’s University, where he served as a member of its board of trustees for 13 years, and the Medal of Honor by Niagara University. He is also the recipient of the Career Achievement Award from Artvoice, a Brotherhood-Sisterhood Award from the Western New York Region of the National Conference for Community and Justice for his work in the arts, and the Outstanding Artist Award from the Arts Councils in Buffalo and Erie County.

Brother Augustine is originally from Hempstead, N.Y. At the time of his death, he was living at St. Vincent’s Seminary, the Provincial Headquarters of the Eastern Province of the Congregation of the Mission, in Philadelphia, Pa. He is survived by his beloved sisters, Anne Towey and Brenda Romanski; his nephew, Scott Romanski; his niece, Helen Tostaine and her husband, Gregory; and his sister-in-law, Helen Towey. He is predeceased by his brother, Douglas.

Memorial donations may be made to the Brother Augustine Towey Theatre Scholarship Fund, c/o Niagara University, Office of Institutional Advancement, Lewiston Rd., Niagara University, N.Y. 14109.

A horrendous water shortage, caused by a 20-year drought, has led to a government ban on private bathrooms. Citizens must use public amenities, regulated by a single malevolent company that profits by demanding payment for one of humanity’s most fundamental needs. From out of the destitute masses, a hero arises to lead his fellows against the tyrannical regime.

Cast members include the following NU theater studies students: Alan Trinca of South Buffalo, N.Y. (Officer Lockstock); Celine Keefe of Williamsville, N.Y. (Penelope Pennywise); Alex Garcia of Greece, N.Y. (Bobby Strong); Renee Landrigan of Lockport, N.Y. (Little Sally); Marina Raquel Laurendi of Lewiston, N.Y. (Hope Cladwell); Matt Gilbert of Berea, Ohio (Mr. McQueen); Bobby Hall of Syracuse, N.Y. (Senator Fipp); Nathan Andrew Miller of Buffalo, N.Y. (Old Man Strong); Dan Urtz of Verona, N.Y. (Hot Blades Harry); Keirsten Lynne Greifenstein of Cleveland, Ohio (Soupy Sue); Bradeen Walders of Albion, N.Y. (Cladwell’s Secretary); Dave Spychalski of Holley, N.Y. (Tiny Tom); Matt DiVita of Rochester, N.Y. (Dr. Billeaux); Ashley Marie DeMar of Watertown, N.Y. (Little Becky Two-Shoes); Lauren Parrow of Fairport, N.Y. (Mrs. Millennium); Tyler J. Duncan of Sanborn, N.Y. (Bobby the Stockfish/Cop); Katie Macari of Troy, N.Y. (UGC Executive #2/Cop); Andrew Adolf of Lancaster, N.Y. (Officer Barrel); Steven Sass of Huntington Beach, Calif. (Billy Boy/Cop); Arianne Davidow of  Clarence Center, N.Y. (UCG Executive #1/Cop); Phoebe Wright of Fairfield, Conn. (Josephine Strong); Courtney Corbetta of Lewiston, N.Y. (Old Woman/Cop); Kyle Baran of Clarence Center, N.Y. (Cladwell B. Cladwell); and Elena V. Feliz of Tonawanda, N.Y., Kaylee Leroy of Solvay, N.Y., and Preston D. Williams of Rabun Gap, Ga. (The Unwashed Poor). In addition, Kendyl Litwiller of Naples, N.Y., is stage manager. Fabio Del Carlo of Harrison, NJ, and Steve Lukaszewski of Port Ewan, N.Y., are assistant stage managers.

Set design is by assistant professor of design/technology and scenic designer/production manager David Dwyer. Costume design is by alumna Andrea Gollhardt, while lighting design is by alumnus Jayson Clark. Sound coordination is by sound adjunct Glenn Bernardis. Assistant director of the production is senior theatre performance major Megan Kemple. Assistant choreographer is junior theatre performance major Kelsey M. Anderson.

The production is on stage in the Leary Theatre within the Elizabeth Ann Clune Center for Theatre, Clet Hall, at 7 p.m. on Thursday, Dec. 6, and Thursday, Dec. 13, and at 7:30 p.m. on Friday, Dec. 7, Saturday, Dec. 8, Friday, Dec. 14, and Saturday, Dec. 15.  Matinees will be held at 2 p.m. on Saturday, Dec. 8, Sunday, Dec. 9 (with post-show discussion), Saturday, Dec. 15 and Sunday, Dec. 16.

For tickets and information, please call 716.286.8685 or visit the NU Theatre Box Office.

Brother Augustine had a long and distinguished history with Niagara University and his impact on Monteagle Ridge will be remembered forever. Brother Augustine is credited with developing Niagara University Theatre into a nationally recognized program, and he was instrumental in the building of the Elizabeth Ann Clune Center for Theatre and the renovation of the Leary Theatre.

Brother Augustine came to NU in September of 1964 and taught classes in English literature and speech. He then became involved with the Niagara University Players and, from a few early theatre courses, the current theatre program came into existence. In his time at Niagara, Brother Augustine directed more than 135 plays and nurtured countless actors in the process. He also established the bachelor of fine arts degree at NU, which received New York state certification in 1988.

“The passing of Brother Augustine is a loss that will be felt for some time at Niagara University,” said the Rev. Joseph L. Levesque, C.M., NU president. “For many, Brother Augustine’s personal and visionary approach to teaching and theatre was representative of our institution as a whole. Over the course of more than four decades, he inspired countless young men and women, personally and professionally, all of whom are better people for having known him. Our community has been – and will always be – grateful for having been blessed with Brother Augustine’s presence, but his passing on Thanksgiving presented us with another fitting opportunity to express our appreciation for a trusted colleague, a close friend and a great man. ‘Bro’ will be missed.”

Brother Augustine is also an accomplished poet and has published seven volumes and recorded two CDs of poetry while at NU. This past July, Brother Augustine published a new collection of poetry titled Jesus, Mary, and Joseph: Pieces for the Holy Family. This short collection contains his reflections on the Holy Family, written in his customary warm and human style.

Brother Augustine was also well-known in the local theatre community as well. He directed at local professional venues including Opera Sacra, Irish Classical Theatre Company and the Buffalo Philharmonic Orchestra. He served as associate artistic director for theatre programs and the director and founder of Artpark Repertory Theatre from its inception in 1975 until 2003. He served as a member of the board of directors of the Niagara Council of the Arts. Brother Augustine also wrote 12 plays for the stage and television, including The Guardian for the NBC-TV network.

In 1994, Artpark and Company honored Brother Augustine for his contributions to the arts in Western New York by naming a chair after him. In 1989, he was awarded an honorary doctor of fine arts degree from St. John’s University, where he served as a member of the board of trustees for 13 years, and the Medal of Honor by Niagara University. He is also the recipient of the Career Achievement Award from Artvoice, a Brotherhood-Sisterhood Award from the Western New York Region of the National Conference for Community and Justice for his work in the arts, and the Outstanding Artist Award from the Arts Councils in Buffalo and Erie County.

Brother Augustine is originally from Hempstead, N.Y. At the time of his death, he was living at St. Vincent’s Seminary, the Provincial Headquarters of the Eastern Province of the Congregation of the Mission in Philadelphia, Pa. He is survived by his beloved sisters, Anne Towey and Brenda Romanski; his nephew, Scott Romaski; his niece, Helen Tostaine, and her husband, Gregory; and his sister-in-law, Helen Towey. He was predeceased by his brother, Douglas.

A viewing will be held on Wednesday, Nov. 28, 2012, 2-5 p.m. and 7-9 p.m.; and Thursday, Nov. 29, 2012, 9-10 a.m. at St. Thomas More Church on the Queens Campus of St. John’s University, 8000 Utopia Parkway, Queens, N.Y. 11439. A Funeral Mass will be held Thursday, Nov. 29, 2012, at 10:30 a.m. at St. Thomas More Church on the Queens Campus of St. John’s University. Interment will follow at 2 p.m. at the Vincentian Community Cemetery, Princeton, N.J.

Memorial donations may be made to the Brother Augustine Towey Theatre Scholarship Fund, c/o Niagara University, Office of Institutional Advancement, Lewiston Rd., Niagara University, N.Y. 14109.