History professor among 250 honorees recognized for Erie County’s 250th anniversary
Dr. Mustafa Gokcek, professor and chair of the history department at Niagara University, has received the Congressional Award in Cultural Excellence as part of Erie County’s 250th anniversary celebration.
The award, part of the Heritage 250 Recognition, is presented by the General Pulaski Association, the New York State 250th Commemorative Commission, Erie County, and U.S. Rep. Timothy Kennedy. It honors 250 people whose dedication and leadership have made a meaningful impact on cultural communities across Erie County and Western New York.
Honorees are recognized for furthering the mission of their cultural organizations, serving their cultural community or the broader community, strengthening cross-cultural relationships, or contributing to the well-being of the region.
The 250 recipients were recognized at the Heritage 250 Festival and Parade on Sept. 12 in Depew. They will be celebrated again at an awards dinner in December.
Dr. Gokcek helped establish Niagara’s Middle Eastern and Islamic Studies program.
