Buffalo, NY – Canisius University announces the appointment of AnneMarie Haumesser, EdD, as vice president for advancement, effective January 2026. Haumesser currently serves as assistant vice president for advancement at Canisius. In this role, she has expanded alumni engagement, strengthened donor relations and contributed to the university’s strategic fundraising initiatives. Haumesser succeeds Dianna Civello, who has served the institution with distinction since 2003 and will transition to the role of executive director of presidential advancement, returning to her work as a frontline fundraiser.
“AnneMarie is a thoughtful and driven advancement professional who understands how philanthropy strengthens the student experience and animates our Jesuit mission,” said President Steve Stoute in announcing Haumesser’s appointment. “I am confident she will guide our philanthropic efforts with clarity and purpose, as we endeavor to answer the call.”
Haumesser joined Canisius University’s advancement team in 2023, after holding leadership roles at D’Youville University and Nardin Academy, where she grew community partnerships, cultivated donor support and guided institutional advancement priorities. She began her career at the University of Rochester, first in Fraternity and Sorority Affairs and later as assistant director of alumni engagement - a role that underscored the impact alumni have in strengthening the life of the institution that shaped them.
“Canisius University is a place where people care deeply about students and one another, and it is a privilege to serve a community shaped by that commitment,” said Haumesser. “I am grateful for the opportunity to build on the work of my colleagues to help advance a mission that changes lives and strengthens our region.”
Haumesser holds a bachelor’s degree in secondary education from SUNY Oneonta, and master’s and doctoral degrees in higher education administration from the Warner School of Education at the University of Rochester. A long-time member of the Association of Fundraising Professionals (AFP) Western New York Chapter, she has served in such roles as vice president for professional development, co-chair of AFP’s Day of Education and as a member of the AFP Board of Directors. The organization most recently honored Haumesser with its 2025 Rising Star Fundraising Professional award, which recognizes young professionals who have made significant contributions to the field of fundraising.
Haumesser follows Dianna Civello, who has provided transformational leadership to Canisius University’s advancement division for more than two decades.
Since arriving at Canisius in 2003, she co-founded the Medical Advisory Board, a 50-plus member group that supports pre-medical and pre-health students throughout their time at Canisius, and the Women of Canisius Leadership Council, which engages alumnae, students and friends of the university through personal and professional development and leadership support. Civello was also a key contributor to the Legacy of Leadership Campaign, which concluded with $95.5 million raised and marked the largest campaign in the university’s history.
Civello’s leadership has strengthened alumni engagement, elevated fundraising strategy and built partnerships that enhance the student experience, support faculty excellence and position Canisius for long-term sustainability.
“Dianna has given more than two decades of transformational service to Canisius and has strengthened our advancement operations in lasting ways,” added President Stoute. “Her long-standing donor relationships will continue to benefit Canisius and I am grateful she will continue to bring her deep commitment to our mission in her new role.”
Canisius University is a private, Catholic, Jesuit university in Buffalo, New York. Founded in 1870, it is one of 27 Jesuit colleges and universities in the United States and the premier private university in Western New York. Through its seven schools and colleges, Canisius offers more than 100 undergraduate majors and programs, 65 master's programs, and a variety of professional degrees.
