Niagara University was the host institution for FEMA’s nationally recognized Multi-Hazard Emergency Management for Higher Education course, Aug. 19-21, 2025. Representatives from area schools, including SUNY Niagara, the University at Buffalo, and Buffalo State University joined Niagara University administration, faculty, staff, and students in the three-day training, which focused on creating, reviewing, implementing, and exercising emergency operations plans for campuses.
A highlight of the training involved a hands-on simulation that challenged participants to manage a mock fire in a student union on a college campus. The practical exercise evaluated how well attendees could allocate resources, maintain clear channels of communication, and execute decision-making while providing insights into the effectiveness of their existing emergency protocols.
“We are honored to host the FEMA Emergency Management course for higher education on our campus,” said the Rev. James Maher, C.M., Niagara University president. “This training plays a vital role in preparing our leadership and emergency response teams with the knowledge and strategies needed to respond swiftly and effectively during times of crisis, helping to ensure the safety, security, and well-being of everyone in our campus community.”
Presenters included Sheila McCartney, course manager, mitigation branch for FEMA’s National Disaster & Emergency Management University; Michael Cash, director of public safety for the city of Guadalupe, Calif., and Eric Sorchik, former state emergency management training officer for the New Jersey State Police Office of Emergency Management.
