Niagara Through the Years

Founded by the Vincentian Community in 1856, Niagara University is a private university with a strong, values-based mission delivered through the Catholic Intellectual tradition. Its four academic divisions include the Faculties of Arts and Sciences, Business Administration, Education, and Hospitality and Tourism Management. With its main campus located on the Niagara River overlooking the Province of Ontario, Canada, the university is located at the northern limits of the City of Niagara Falls, N.Y., about four miles from the world-famous cataracts. More than 4,200 students are enrolled in its undergraduate and graduate programs.

Nov. 21, 1856, is generally regarded as the birthdate of Niagara University. On that day, six seminary students, accompanied by two faculty members, moved from the residence of the Most Rev. John Timon, C.M., the first bishop of the Diocese of Buffalo, into a vacated orphan home for boys on Best Street in Buffalo. The six-acre site, however, was less than ideal, and so the two Vincentian faculty members, Fathers John J. Lynch and John Monaghan, immediately began a search for a more ideal setting for the seminary.

During a visit to the Village of Suspension Bridge (now Niagara Falls) that same winter, they learned that the 100-acre Vedder farm, located a few miles north on Monteagle Ridge, was for sale. Negotiations ensued, and on Feb. 23, 1857, an agreement was reached for purchase of the property. Less than two months later, Father Lynch purchased the adjoining 200-acre DeVeaux farm complete with a barn and the two-story tavern known as The Half-Way House. On May 1, 1857, 23 weeks after its founding, the College and Seminary of Our Lady of Angels moved from Buffalo to its new home on Monteagle Ridge.

The barroom and bowling alley in The Half-Way House (named for its location between Suspension Bridge and Lewiston) became the sacristy and chapel, respectively. The attic, and later the barn loft, provided dormitory facilities. The fall of 1857 saw enrolment increase from six to 24 students. The following year it rose to 80, resulting in expansion of existing facilities. The year 1859 also saw Father Lynch, the university’s co-founder with Bishop Timon, appointed coadjutor bishop of Toronto, Ontario.

In response to the growing number of collegians and seminarians, a new building was constructed in 1862 to serve as the administration-seminary building. The following year, on April 20, 1863, the New York State Legislature granted a charter empowering the College and Seminary of Our Lady of Angels to confer degrees upon its graduates.

Disaster stuck on Dec. 5, 1864, when fire destroyed the administration-seminary building. As a result, the school was forced to close. Reconstruction began in April of 1865 and the school reopened in September of that year.

On the occasion of Niagara’s 25th anniversary on Nov. 21, 1881, Bishop Stephen V. Ryan, C.M., provincial superior of the American Vincentians at the time of his appointment as the second bishop of Buffalo, congratulated the college and seminary, which had graduated 300 priests, 25 doctors, 47 lawyers, 40 professors, 15 newspaper editors, 25 brokers, 245 merchants, many members of the Legislature, and hundreds in other walks of life.

Marcus Brown is credited with rescuing Niagara University from being foreclosed on a $3,000 loan. John B. Stranges recounted the story in the Rainbow Never Fades: Niagara University 1856-2006.

Niagara University received Ministerial Consent from the Province to offer a graduate program in Educational Leadership from approved sites within Ontario.

Niagara University receives consent from the Ministry of Colleges and Universities and accreditation from the Ontario College of Teachers to deliver a new Bachelor of Professional Studies in Education program in the Province of Ontario.

On January 18, 2019, Niagara University consolidated its program offerings in Ontario and established a new site in Vaughan. From this new site graduate and post-baccalaureate programs are offered from the Faculties of Arts and Sciences, Business Administration, and Education. At the time of its opening, Niagara University in Ontario had more than 300 Ontario students registered for and attending classes in Vaughan.

Niagara University has taken another step toward becoming a binational university within the Province of Ontario with the addition of three new programs. Starting in Fall 2020, students begin enrolling in Niagara’s Master of Business Administration program, MS in Finance and MS in Information security and digital forensics.

Niagara University launches two new programs on its campus in Vaughan, Ontario. In Fall 2024 students begin to enrol in Master of Arts in Criminal Justice Administration program and Master in Disaster/Emergency Management and National Security.

Niagara completed an 18,000 square foot expansion dedicated to the Cortellucci family. The Cortellucci Family Hall is state-of-the-art facility on the Vaughan campus featuring smart technology classrooms, expanded collaboration spaces, student lounge areas, an event venue, and welcoming faculty offices that will significantly enhance the student experience through modern, innovative, and inclusive learning environments that support academic, personal, and professional growth.