“Mission: Inclusion Unleashing the Power of Diversity,” is the theme of Niagara University’s 2022 Vincentian Heritage Week celebration, an annual observation that highlights its rich history of education and service in the spirit of St. Vincent de Paul, a 17th century Catholic priest who inspired and organized his contemporaries to serve the less fortunate. This year’s event takes place Sept. 25-30, 2022.
During the week, activities that focus on what still must be done in the areas of poverty elimination and equitable access, inclusion and success at NU, and ecologically sustainable culture and the use of resources will be held on the university’s Lewiston, N.Y., and Vaughan, Ontario, campuses.
Sunday, Sept. 25
Ginger Strand “The Meanings of Niagara”
2-3 p.m., Castellani Art Museum
Author Ginger Strand will share the sometimes surprising meanings layered onto Niagara Falls, introducing us to mythical Native American maidens, double-crossing town fathers, fugitive slaves, unknowing Manhattan Project workers, missing pharaohs, and 280,000 radioactive mice.
Monday, Sept. 26
Poverty Simulation (Dept. of Social Work)
1-4 p.m., MPR, Gallagher Center
Perri Klass M.D., Bringing Down Infant and Child Mortality: Prevention, Progress, and Persistent Disparities
5-6:15 p.m., Dunleavy Hall Room 127
Dr. Perri Klass, professor of journalism and pediatrics at New York University and co-director of NYU Florence, will discuss her recent book, “The Best Medicine: How Science and Public Health Gave Children a Future.” This timely book traces the complexities of medical history and explores the readjustment to a world where childhood death becomes a tragic exception rather than a predictable part of parenthood—and pediatrics.
Tuesday, Sept. 27
Vincentian Mission Institute Panel Discussion
12-12:45 p.m., MPR, Gallagher Center
Panelists will share how participating in the two-year program impacted their work at Niagara. Panelists include: Dr. Henrik Borgstrom, Dr. Pete Butera, Dr. Kris Principe, Dr. Kurt Stahura, Adrienne Stanfill, Dr. David Taylor, and Dr. Stefanie Wichhart.
Wednesday, Sept. 28
Vincentian Heritage Convocation
4:30-6 p.m., Alumni Chapel
Honourees:
- Caritas Medal: John Sauter, Ph.D., assistant dean for academic affairs, College of Arts and Sciences, Niagara University
- St. Louise de Marillac Award: Tracia McKissic, director of teacher education field experience, College of Education, Niagara University
- Frederic Ozanam Medal: Theresa Schmidt, ’14, program director, Heart, Love and Soul
- Vincentian Mission Award: Carol Doyle-Jones, Ph.D., associate professor and academic chair, Ontario Educational Studies, Niagara University
- Honorary Doctoral Degree of Humane Letters: Denise Góñez-Santos, Regional Bilingual Education Resource Network West/school improvement specialist, Erie 1 BOCES
Thursday, Sept. 29
Vaughan Showcase of Graduate Research Aligned with our Vincentian Values
4-6 p.m., Vaughan Campus Room 103
Friday, Sept. 30
Vincentian Heritage Mass
1:30 p.m., Upper Level Gallagher Center