Niagara University is celebrating 170 years of history, and this year’s Vincentian Heritage Week will give the campus community an opportunity to reflect on the values that have shaped the university since its founding.
Taking place Sept. 20 through 27, this year’s Heritage Week is centered around the theme “Celebrating Our Heritage of Vincentian Values and Education.”
One of the highlights of the week will be the inaugural Vincentian Mission Day on Wednesday, Sept. 23.
Vincentian Mission Day will bring together students, faculty and staff for a full day focused on learning more about Niagara’s Vincentian mission. The day will feature presentations, workshops and interactive activities led by faculty and staff from across the university.
Rather than attending their regularly scheduled classes, students will have the opportunity to choose from a variety of mission-focused events throughout the day. All classes beginning before 4 p.m. will not meet for their regular sessions.
The goal is to give students an opportunity to experience Niagara’s mission outside of the traditional classroom while learning more about the Vincentian values that remain an important part of the university community.
Faculty and staff are also encouraged to participate in the day’s activities.
Vincentian Mission Day is part of a larger weeklong celebration of Niagara’s Vincentian heritage. Throughout Heritage Week, members of the university community will have opportunities to celebrate Niagara’s history and explore how its Vincentian values continue to influence the university today.
With Niagara marking its 170th anniversary this year, Heritage Week also provides an opportunity to look at the university’s history while considering how its mission continues to shape the student experience.
The full schedules for Vincentian Mission Day and Vincentian Heritage Week are available below.
View the Vincentian Mission Day schedule
Additional events throughout the week include:
12:00 p.m. – 1:20 p.m.
AI and the Catholic University: A Discussion of Pope Leo’s Encyclical, in the Library Rare Book Room. Registration is required due to limited space.
1:30 to 3:30 p.m.
Poverty Simulation. in the Multi-Purpose Room.
5 to 7 p.m.
“Monsieur Vincent” film screening, in Glynn Hall 407, followed by reflection from Niagara professors on the life of St. Vincent de Paul and the film’s depiction of 17th-century France, culture, religion and society.
12 p.m. to 1 p.m
Healing Circles, at Marian House.
Interfaith Roundtable, in Glynn Hall 405. Faculty and students will discuss the intersection of faith and service.
8:00 a.m. to 8:45 a.m
Kickoff event, in the Multi-Purpose Room.
9 a.m. to 4 p.m.
10:30 a.m. to 11:50 a.m.
Cybersecurity Expert Panel in Glynn Hall 115. Register here. Submit a panel question.
Mission Day activities.
4:30 p.m.
Vincentian Heritage Convocation, in Alumni Chapel.
12:00 p.m. to 1 p.m.
Lunch and Learn: Experiential Learning as Career Preparation, noon to 1 p.m.
Friends of the Poor Walk, hosted by the St. Vincent de Paul Society in Grand Island, New York.
Service and Community Building Opportunities with local agencies in Niagara Falls.
1:30 p.m.
Tour of the Castellani Art Museum’s “King of Power, Queen of Beauty” exhibit
2:00 p.m. to 3 p.m.
Annual Archbishop John J. Lynch, C.M. Lecture in the Castellani Art Museum, featuring Dr. Amelia Gallagher.
Mass for the Solemnity of St. Vincent de Paul at 11 a.m. in Alumni Chapel. The university’s newest class of Vincentian Scholars, the Class of 2030, will be pinned during the Mass.
Students, faculty and staff are encouraged to take part in the week’s activities and celebrate the Vincentian heritage that has been part of Niagara University for 170 years.
