Niagara University celebrated its students and honored distinguished individuals who embody Niagara’s mission within their communities during its 2025 President’s Dinner on Nov. 5, 2025, at the Seneca Niagara Resort & Casino. Proceeds from the President’s Dinner benefit Niagara University’s scholarship programs. This year’s event raised $240,000 toward student scholarship assistance.
The event was hosted by the Rev. James J. Maher, C.M., president of Niagara University, and co-chaired by Dr. Thomas Summers, ’84, vice chair of Niagara’s Board of Trustees, and his wife, Jennifer. The evening included a formal program with remarks from Father Maher, along with the presentation of awards.
The St. Vincent de Paul Award was presented to Scott Bieler, president and CEO of West Herr Automotive Group and The Scott Bieler Family Foundation, in recognition of his professional success, dedication to philanthropy and civic leadership, and outstanding support of Niagara University and its students.
In September, Niagara University celebrated the official opening of the Bieler Institute of Business Ethics, a state-of-the-art facility dedicated to advancing ethical leadership and innovation. The institute will create opportunities for students from colleges across the university, facilitating cross-disciplinary learning in its collaboration hub, classroom of the future, and financial trading lab, while fostering a deep understanding of responsible leadership and ethical decision-making.
The Vincentian Community was honored with the Ozanam Medal in celebration of the 400th anniversary of the Congregation of the Mission, the founders of Niagara University. The Rev. Stephen M. Grozio, C.M., ’75, provincial of the Eastern Province of the Congregation of the Mission, accepted the award.
In the four centuries since its founding by St. Vincent de Paul, this community of Catholic priests and brothers has grown to operate in 95 countries with more than 3,000 members who follow St. Vincent’s example of holiness and energetic labors, dedicating their lives to prayer, community life, and evangelical service, seeking out those most in need of God’s love and mercy. The Vincentian charism is evident in Niagara University’s commitment to educating students for lives of service and leadership and in its ongoing work to provide access and opportunity to those most in need.
View photos from the event here.
