Niagara University honored its Class of 2026 this past week during a series of commencement ceremonies in Lewiston and Vaughan, Ontario, emphasizing a commitment to civic leadership and educational access.
The festivities began May 14 at Artpark with the graduate commencement. Keynote speaker Larry Quinn, a prominent businessman and former leader of the Buffalo Sabres, urged the master’s and doctoral candidates to look toward the future of their communities. Quinn, who received an honorary Doctor of Commercial Science, drew on his experience with the Buffalo Canalside project to encourage graduates to embrace a “long-term accumulation of vision” for regional growth.
During the undergraduate ceremonies on May 16, Brianna Lanoye, a 2013 Niagara alumna and principal of Buffalo Academy of Science II, delivered the keynote address. Lanoye, recipient of the St. Louise de Marillac Award, reflected on her work expanding her school’s enrollment from 60 to more than 350 students. She spoke to the transformative power of education, noting that systemic barriers often dictate access and urging the new graduates to lead with service.
The Rev. James J. Maher, C.M., university president, addressed the graduates at each session, describing them as being prepared to meet the “twists, turns, and challenges” of life. He emphasized that the university sends them forth as a “legion of over 40,000 Purple Eagles prepared to soar” and urged them to stay connected to each other and to Niagara University.
The ceremonies concluded May 21 for NU’s campus in Ontario. The Honorable Dr. Michael A. Tibollo, Ontario’s first minister of mental health and addictions, served as the keynote speaker and received the St. Vincent de Paul Medal. Tibollo highlighted the intersection of professional excellence and human compassion, encouraging the graduates to advocate for the most vulnerable members of society.
The university also bestowed several honorary degrees throughout the week. Honorees included Larry A. Montani and Kevin Nephew, who received honorary Doctor of Commercial Science degrees; Mark Laurrie, ’84, M.S.’89, M.S.’93, who received an honorary Doctor of Pedagogy; and Tracie Marie Nephew, who was awarded an honorary Doctor of Humane Letters. Dr. Salma I. Ghanem received an honorary Doctor of Letters for her work in cultural bridge-building. Additional recognition was given to Sam Ciccolini, recipient of the President’s Medal, and Antonet Orlando, who received the St. Louise de Marillac Award for her four decades of service to people with developmental disabilities.
