Niagara University honored four members of the Niagara community for their commitment to the university’s Vincentian mission during the 2026 Vincentian Heritage Convocation on Sept. 24.
The annual event is part of Niagara’s Vincentian Heritage Week, a university tradition that celebrates the people, values, traditions, and service that have shaped Niagara since its founding. The week also provides opportunities for the university community to learn more about the Vincentian mission through education, advocacy, and service.
This year’s honorees included Melissa Heidt, manager of operations for Niagara University’s Holzschuh College of Business Administration; Rev. John A. Cooper Jr., of Niagara Gospel in Niagara Falls; Mateo Grusso, a senior education major at Niagara; and Sr. Ellen Marie Hagar, D.C., executive director of the Vincentian Family Office.
Heidt received the Vincentian Mission Award, recognizing her contributions to Niagara University and its Vincentian mission. In her role with the Holzschuh College of Business Administration, Heidt supports the college’s operations and works alongside its faculty and staff.
Cooper received the Rev. Thomas A. Judge, C.M. Award for his work with Niagara Gospel and his service to the Niagara Falls community. Niagara Gospel’s mission focuses on meeting the basic needs of people who are poor, afflicted, addicted, and in need, while providing support through a Christian ministry. Cooper also serves as a board member of Niagara Gospel Rescue Mission.
Grusso received the St. Jean Gabriel Perboyre Medal, which recognizes a Niagara student who demonstrates a commitment to the university’s Vincentian values. As a senior education major, Grusso represents the student side of Niagara’s Vincentian mission and the university’s emphasis on putting its values into action.
Hagar received an honorary Doctor of Humane Letters and served as the keynote speaker for the convocation.
As executive director of the Vincentian Family Office, Hagar works with members of the worldwide Vincentian Family to strengthen collaboration and support the shared Vincentian mission. She was appointed to the position in November 2025, succeeding Fr. Joseph “Joe” Agostino, C.M., who had led the office since its creation.
In her remarks, Hagar reflected on what it means to carry on Niagara’s Vincentian heritage and the people who have helped shape the university throughout its history. She spoke about the traditions, achievements, beliefs, and values passed down through generations of Niagara students, faculty, staff, alumni, and Vincentian priests.
“Heritage shapes our identity and becomes part of who we are,” Hagar said, highlighting Niagara’s Vincentian values of humility, simplicity, charity, zeal, and Divine Providence.
Hagar also recognized the faculty and staff who have played an important role in carrying out Niagara’s mission and supporting its students.
“The critical mass, the servants of the students, the backbone of the institution is always the faculty and staff,” Hagar said.
Throughout her address, Hagar encouraged the Niagara community to continue building on the university’s history while staying connected to the values that have guided it for generations.
She also challenged students to have the courage to stay true to what they believe.
“Have the courage to choose what you believe, regardless of the cost in friends, in groups, in esteem,” Hagar said. “Be true to yourself and to the God that speaks to all of us.”
Hagar closed by encouraging the Niagara community to carry its Vincentian heritage forward while remembering the people who helped build the university and its mission.
“Live this heritage and be forever thankful for the men and women who transmitted this to you,” she said.
The four honorees reflect the Vincentian mission in different ways, from supporting Niagara students and the university community to serving people in need and strengthening the work of the global Vincentian Family.
