At a time when communities across the country are competing to attract and retain young talent, a partnership between Canisius University and the Prentice Family Foundation is helping to ensure the region’s future leaders build their careers close to home.
Twenty-four Canisius University students have been selected as recipients of the 2026-27 Western New York Prosperity Fellowship, a program designed to cultivate the next generation of professionals, entrepreneurs and changemakers committed to contributing to the region’s economic growth and long-term viability.
Supported by the Prentice Family Foundation, the fellowship combines scholarship assistance, paid internships, mentorship and professional development opportunities that encourage talented young students to live, work and lead in the eight-county region of Western New York.
“The Western New York Prosperity Fellowship is about much more than financial support,” said Shawn O’Rourke, PhD, dean of the Division of Business, Communications & Health Studies at Canisius University. “It creates opportunities for students to build meaningful professional connections, gain hands-on experiences and envision a future for themselves here in Western New York. We are proud that this year’s fellows represent a wide range of disciplines and share a common commitment to contributing their talents, ideas and leadership to the continued growth of our region.”
Each Prosperity Fellow receives up to $25,000 in combined scholarship and internship support for the academic year, based on demonstrated financial need. The program also provides paid, credit-bearing summer internships of up to 200 hours at $20 per hour, allowing fellows to work alongside senior leaders in their chosen fields. In return, fellows commit to working in Western New York for at least two of the 10 years following graduation.
Beyond scholarship support, fellows participate in a cohort-based experience designed to deepen their understanding of Western New York’s economic landscape. Programming includes professional development seminars, networking opportunities and mentorship from program alumni who remain committed to strengthening the region and supporting the next generation of leaders.
Established by Bryan and Joan Prentice in 2007, the Prentice Family Foundation was created to make a multi-generational economic impact on Western New York by investing in entrepreneurial-minded students and helping them translate their talents into careers that benefit the region.
The Canisius University recipients of the 2026-27 WNY Prosperity Fellowships are:
Collin Churpita (North Tonawanda) is pursuing an MBA at Canisius University after earning a bachelor’s degree in marketing and management. He has held leadership roles in the Integrated Marketing Communication (IMC) Masterclass and completed marketing internships. He plans to build a career focused on business growth and leadership in Western New York.
Shannon Dean (Grand Island) is a returning fellow pursuing a master’s in clinical mental health counseling at Canisius University. She holds degrees in psychology and exercise science and operates a life coaching practice. Dean plans to become a licensed counselor serving individuals and families in the region.
Sarah Easler (Norwich, NY) is pursuing a master’s in clinical mental health counseling at Canisius University. She previously worked in leadership and human resources roles at Lexington Co-op. Easler plans to provide accessible, client-centered mental health care in Buffalo.
Gabriel Hellwig (Fredonia) is an accounting major at Canisius University preparing for CPA licensure and pursuing an MBA. He has completed tax and audit internships and is active in the business fraternity Alpha Kappa Psi. Hellwig plans to pursue a career in accounting and business development in Western New York.
Brett Johnson (Williamsville) is pursuing a master’s in exercise science at Canisius University. A former collegiate baseball player and team captain, he plans to become a strength and conditioning coach working with athletes in the Buffalo area.
Jared Johnson (Buffalo) is pursuing a master’s in cybersecurity at Canisius after earning a bachelor’s degree in computer science from the university. He is currently completing a cybersecurity internship and has extensive community volunteer experience in Buffalo.
Jacob Mages (Elma) is completing an MBA at Canisius University after earning a degree in accounting and corporate finance from Wilkes University. He has audit and tax internship experience in Western New York and is pursuing CPA licensure.
Emily May (Amherst) is a student in the Physician Assistant Studies Program at Canisius University. She earned her undergraduate degree in biology from Canisius and plans to practice primary care in underserved Buffalo communities.
Regis McDaniel (Buffalo) is pursuing a master’s in clinical mental health counseling at Canisius University. McDaniel has a background in museum sciences and community outreach, and plans to focus on expanding mental health access in rural and underserved communities.
Kyle Neudorf (Williamsville) is pursuing a master’s in sports administration at Canisius University. He has experience with multiple Buffalo sports organizations and is currently interning with the Buffalo Bills. Neudorf plans to become a collegiate athletic director.
Megan O’Leary (Amherst) is pursuing a master’s in clinical mental health counseling at Canisius University. She has experience working with children with autism and as a crisis counselor. O’Leary plans to support adolescent mental health in the Buffalo area.
Tina Or (New York, NY) is pursuing a master’s in data analytics at Canisius. She has leadership experience in mathematics and mentorship programs and plans to pursue data analytics work in the nonprofit sector.
Shainna Overstreet (Buffalo) is a psychology major at Canisius University and first-generation college graduate. She works with Buffalo Public Schools and focuses on trauma-informed support for youth and families.
Jenna Palladino (Williamsville) is a special education teacher in the Williamsville Central School District pursuing additional graduate study in TESOL (Teaching English to Speakers of Other Languages). She has more than 10 years of experience in inclusive education and plans to expand adaptive learning programs.
Victoria Pawlak (Ransomville) is in the Physician Assistant Studies Program at Canisius University. She studied biomedical sciences at Nazareth University and has clinical and research experience in healthcare. Pawlak plans to focus on preventive care in Western New York.
Kendall Perreault (Lewiston) is pursuing a master’s in literacy education at Canisius University after graduating early from SUNY Geneseo with a degree in early childhood and childhood education. She aims to become a literacy educator supporting diverse learners.
Bella Peters (Orchard Park) is an undergraduate student in accounting and accounting systems and analytics at Canisius University. She has held leadership roles in student government and business organizations and plans to pursue CPA licensure and a career in public accounting.
Noah Radomski (Lancaster) is pursuing an MBA at Canisius after earning a degree in sport management from the university. He has experience with local sports organizations and in marketing and customer care roles. Radomski plans to build a career in sports or business in Buffalo.
Dakari Sawyers (Buffalo) is pursuing an MBA in risk management at Canisius after earning a bachelor’s degree in finance from the university. He has experience in municipal financial empowerment work. Sawyers plans to pursue certified financial planner (CFP) certification and a career in wealth management.
Jessica Shine (Williamsville) is a clinical mental health counseling graduate student at Canisius University in her third year as a fellow. She has a background in psychology and collegiate athletics. Shine plans to become a licensed mental health counselor specializing in youth and athletes.
Tristan Spotts (Lake Placid, NY) is pursuing a master’s in clinical mental health counseling at Canisius University after graduating from the University at Buffalo. He has experience in research, service organizations and community volunteering.
Ramsey Tozier (Brasher Falls, NY) is a clinical mental health counseling graduate student at Canisius University. She is completing practicum and internship placements in Erie County and plans to become a licensed mental health counselor in Western New York.
Nicholas Tumpaloff (Hamburg) is an undergraduate student in the accelerated BS/MBA accounting program at Canisius University. He serves as vice president of the Society of Economics and Finance and plans to pursue CPA licensure.
John Van Vessem (Buffalo) earned a bachelor’s degree in strategic communications from Canisius University and plans to pursue an MBA in marketing. He has experience in residential life and digital marketing and aims to launch a social media marketing agency.
Canisius was founded in 1870 in Buffalo, NY, and is one of 27 Jesuit colleges and universities in the U.S. Consistently ranked among the top institutions in the Northeast, Canisius offers undergraduate, graduate and pre-professional programs distinguished by close student-faculty collaboration, mentoring and an emphasis on ethical, purpose-driven leadership.
