Niagara University formally welcomed 17 new members into the prestigious President’s Honor Society during an induction ceremony held April 30 in the Russell J. Salvatore Dining Commons.
The evening served as both a celebration of student leadership and a heartfelt sendoff for the society’s graduating seniors. The President’s Honor Society recognizes students who embody the university’s Catholic and Vincentian traditions.
Candidates are nominated by their dean or the senior leadership team before undergoing a rigorous application and interview process that evaluates their poise, professionalism, and commitment to the university’s mission and values. Through the university’s mission, guided by Vincentian values and its Catholic identity, Niagara aims to help students build courage, confidence, and a clear sense of purpose. Members of the society serve as ambassadors to the university during key presidential events throughout the year.
A Story of Resilience and Growth
The ceremony featured a personal address from current member Christina Ehbanehita Stokes, a senior nursing student. Stokes shared a vulnerable account of her journey, revealing that she had faced academic probation twice early in her college career.
“Your setbacks do not define you,” Stokes told the audience. “The moments where you feel like you’re falling behind… those moments can either break you, or they can build you”.
She described how she transformed her mindset to eventually earn a place on the Dean’s List and serve as a peer mentor and mission volunteer in Liberia.
Keynote: The Power of Intentionality
The keynote address was delivered by Sara Villnave, senior associate director of enrollment events and visitor experience. A proud alumna who has been part of the NU community since 1998, Villnave urged the new inductees to be “problem solvers” and to lead with grace.
Villnave highlighted the importance of small gestures in leadership, such as offering a smile or truly listening to others.
“Your influence will be felt in how you made others around you feel,” she said. “Be genuine, be kind, be authentically you”.
Honors and ‘Passing of the Torch’
During the ceremony, the Rev. James J. Maher, C.M., president of Niagara University, offered a blessing for the pins and medals, assisted by the Rev. Greg Semeniuk, C.M., vice president for mission integration. To symbolize the “passing of the torch,” current members assisted Father Maher in pinning the new inductees.
The university also honored 14 graduating seniors, presenting them with medals to be worn at graduation as a symbol of their enduring legacy at Niagara.
2026 President’s Honor Society Inductees
The following students were inducted for their scholarship and devotion to the Niagara mission:
- Osezoname “Keilah” Aletor (nursing)
- Arrianna Blachowicz (biology)
- Deborah Borysewicz (childhood and special education)
- Allison Clark (hospitality: luxury operations)
- Nathan Clough (sports and event management)
- Luci Cryan (education: Spanish)
- Valerie Daun-Barnett (social work)
- Mateo Gruoso (education)
- Valentina Krajacic (hospitality: luxury operations)
- Payton Lee (sports management)
- Baron Lesch (social work)
- Max McCurdy (sports management and communications)
- Ross Roloson (biology)
- Jason Rudnicki (history)
- Paige Tomlinson (theater performance/English)
- Emma Tower (art history and museum studies)
- Mysha Turn (biology)
Graduating Seniors Recognized: Andrew Barber, Shannon Bennett, Maren Drews, Madeline Hayes, Elsie Hilmey, Ethan Kuntz, Cameron Nagel, Godis Nicholson, Julia Nielson, Madeline Norton, Baileigh Racky, Emilee Rodrigues, Hannah Stewart, and Christina Stokes. Father Maher concluded the evening by thanking the students for their leadership and their role in helping Niagara University grow as an institution of regional, national, binational, and global excellence.
