Prominent businessman Larry Quinn, award-winning educator Brianna Lanoye, ’13, and the Honorable Dr. Michael A. Tibollo are among the featured speakers at Niagara University’s 2026 commencement ceremonies in Lewiston, N.Y., and Vaughan, Ontario. These speakers and honorees represent the university’s commitment to excellence, service, and the transformative power of education.
Niagara University is honored to welcome Larry Quinn as the keynote speaker for the graduate commencement ceremony on May 14. A prominent businessman who serves on the board of trustees of the Golisano Institute for Business & Entrepreneurship, Quinn is well known as a former leader within the Buffalo Sabres organization, serving as team president and later as managing partner and minority owner. Quinn has also played a pivotal role in shaping Buffalo’s civic landscape as vice chairman of the Erie Canal Harbor Development Corporation, where he was a driving force behind the Canalside project. He will be awarded an honorary Doctor of Commercial Science.
On May 16, Brianna Lanoye, ’13, will deliver the address at both the morning and afternoon undergraduate commencement ceremonies. Since 2020, Lanoye has served as the principal of Buffalo Academy of Science II. Under her leadership, the school has grown from 60 students to an institution serving more than 350. Recognized for her dedication to educational access, she will receive the St. Louise de Marillac Award.
Several other distinguished individuals will be recognized for their contributions:
- Larry A. Montani, former co-managing director of Niacet Corp. and chair of NU’s Board of Trustees, will be honored with an honorary Doctor of Commercial Science for his service to Niagara University, Catholic education, and the broader community.
- Kevin Nephew, president and CEO of Seneca Gaming Corporation and the first member of the Seneca Nation to lead the organization, will receive an honorary Doctor of Commercial Science.
- Tracie Marie Nephew, an activist dedicated to supporting individuals struggling with addiction and uplifting local youth, will receive an honorary Doctor of Humane Letters.
- Mark Laurrie, ’84, M.S.’89, M.S.’93, superintendent of the Niagara Falls City School District with over 40 years of service in education, will receive an honorary Doctor of Pedagogy.
- Dr. Salma I. Ghanem, provost of DePaul University, will be awarded an honorary Doctor of Letters for her commitment to crossing cultural and racial boundaries.
The Niagara University in Ontario ceremony will take place on May 21, featuring the Honorable Dr. Michael A. Tibollo as the keynote speaker. As Ontario’s first minister of mental health and addictions and current associate attorney general, Dr. Tibollo will be honored with the St. Vincent de Paul Medal.
Additional honorees in Ontario include Sam Ciccolini, a philanthropic figure who will receive the President’s Medal, and Antonet Orlando, who will receive the St. Louise de Marillac Award for more than four decades of supporting people with developmental disabilities.
Additional information can be found at www.niagara.edu/commencement.
