The New Buffalo Institute

A New Vision for Building Community

Buffalo, New York—the state’s second-largest city—continues to enjoy an economic renaissance. Located in historic Hamlin Park, Canisius College is poised to play a critical role in ensuring that the East Side—our home community—benefits from this ongoing resurgence. As an integral part of Canisius 150, our strategic plan, the New Buffalo Institute (NBI) was established to facilitate programs, collaborations and creative solutions. These diverse initiatives seek to build upon new developments in the Buffalo region while addressing the persistent challenges and injustices that impact our surrounding community. 

-What We Do-

Convene and Build Community

Canisius will facilitate numerous opportunities with stakeholders to listen, learn and understand community needs in our identified areas of focus. We will work with members of the community to develop sustained relationships to chart a path forward on critical issues.

Promote Research and Innovative Teaching Projects 

Canisius will seek funding to support research and innovative teaching projects that advance the goals of the NBI and are focused on the issues impacting the East Side of Buffalo. Our intent is to develop creative initiatives that impact teaching and community solutions, and provide unique learning 
opportunities that would not otherwise be possible for students.

Offer Educational Programs

Canisius will serve as a welcoming site for public conversations and lectures on topics related to the priorities of the East Side and the goals of the NBI.

Share Other Knowledge Resources 

Canisius will provide scholarly expertise and relevant information to meet the needs of community stakeholders.

Learn About Mission & Goals

Areas of Focus

The NBI will initially focus on five strategic priorities, each of which has significant implications for the East Side of Buffalo.

  • Urban Education
  • Immersion East Side
  • New Americans in the City of Buffalo
  • Hamlin Park Initiative
  • Entrepreneurship and Economic Development

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    New Buffalo Institute Task Force 

    Since 2017, our planning task force has held a variety of listening sessions and collaborated on an implementation strategy.
    We are thankful for the generous contributions that have been made by these members of our campus community:
     
    • John Hurley (chair), President of Canisius College
    • Dr. M. Fernanda Astiz, School of Education & Human Services
    • Sr. Patricia Brady, MSNN, Director of the Center for Service Learning
    • Mike Hayes, Director of Campus Ministry
    • Dr. Barbara Irwin, College of Arts & Sciences
    • Dr. Margaret McCarthy, Vice President for Academic Affairs 
    • Dr. Erin Robinson, College of the Arts & Sciences
    • Erica Sammarco, Office of the President
    • Sarah Signorino, Director of Mission & Identity
    • Dr. Nancy Wallace, School of Education & Human Services
    • Dr. Sarah Woodside, Wehle School of Business

    Additional Resources

    The resources below will give you more information about the New Buffalo Institute as well as other ways Canisius is serving the community:

    White Paper 

    2018 Community Impact Report

    WNY Economic News newsletter