The Holzschuh College of Business celebrated another successful academic year on May 6 with faculty and staff, enjoying food, fellowship, and reflections on key highlights—including strong student engagement through on-site visits, case competitions, conferences, and a memorable study abroad experience in Italy, among others.
Several faculty were honored with awards during the celebration, including Dr. Dennis Nsafoah, assistant professor of economics, who received the award for research; Yazbeck Sarkees, faculty fellow in supply chain management, who received the award for service; and Dr. Changjie Hu, assistant professor of finance, Vaughan campus, who received the award for teaching.
Dr. Dennis Nsafoah and Yazbeck Sarkees were among the faculty members recognized by the Holzschuh College of Business. They are pictured with Dr. Mark Frascatore, dean of the college.
Dr. Nsafoah, who joined Niagara University in 2021, focuses his research on how central‑bank and fiscal policies influence international macroeconomic outcomes. Six of his studies were published over the past year.
“While I am grateful for this recognition, I see plenty of room for growth,” he said. “My goal is to deepen my contributions to the field and to partner more closely with colleagues across our college to produce high‑impact research for years to come."
Sarkees is chair of the college’s mentorship program and serves on several committees, including strategic planning, which he co-chairs; the MRD committee; the Supply Chain Center of Excellence; and the NULTA executive team. He also mentors new faculty, supports colleagues with their research and conference presentations, records NU BizTalk podcast episodes on mentorship and supply chain, and assists students in securing internships and job opportunities.
“What’s most rewarding to me, above all, is seeing the positive impact our efforts have on students—whether through behind-the-scenes initiatives or direct interactions,” he said. “It’s a privilege to be part of a team so deeply committed to student success."
Dr. Changjie Hu, who joined NU in 2020, was honored for his outstanding contributions to student learning, curriculum innovation, and mentorship at Niagara University. Highlighted and recognized by his students during the recent PEQAB review in Ontario, his teaching approach is grounded in simplifying complex financial concepts and connecting them to real-world applications. Dr. Hu revamped FIN644 Investments to align with the Canadian Investment Funds Course and established a partnership with IFSE to facilitate mutual fund licensing for his students. He also redesigned FIN686 Management of Financial Institutions using leading risk management resources aligned with the FRM framework and mentored a student team to represent NU in the prestigious Global Case Competition at Harvard. Outside the classroom, Dr. Hu remains deeply committed to advising and mentoring students, reflecting his strong belief in student-centered learning and continuous pedagogical improvement.
“The Holzschuh College of Business thrives because of exceptional faculty like our award recipients Dr. Changjie Hu, Dr. Dennis Nsafoah, and Mr. Yazbeck Sarkees, who exemplify teaching excellence, research innovation, and dedicated service,” said Dr. Mark Frascatore, dean of the college.
Retiring professors Dr. James Kling (with his wife, Patsy) and Dr. Joseph Caruso (with his wife, Barbara), were honored at the event.
Dr. James Kling, associate professor of supply chain management, and Dr. Joseph Caruso, faculty fellow in economics, were also recognized for their distinguished careers characterized by unwavering commitment to their students.
“Dr. Kling's three decades of wisdom and leadership in supply chain management and Dr. Caruso's real-world industry expertise have enriched our college immeasurably. Their legacies will continue to shape our institution for years to come," said Dr. Frascatore.
The college also celebrated its graduating business students with a pinning ceremony on May 16. Nearly 125 seniors received a Holzschuh College of Business Administration pin, as well as a champagne glass etched with the NU logo and adorned with a Class of 2025 charm during the event, which included remarks from the Rev. James J. Maher, C.M., Niagara University president, and a song played on the violin by Dr. Qing Yang, assistant professor of finance and economics.