Canisius Celebrates its Sesquicentennial Anniversary!

May 23, 2019

Happy birthday to Canisius! The college will celebrate its 150th anniversary during the 2019-20 academic year. This milestone provides a wonderful opportunity for us to share and celebrate Canisius’ storied history as we mark 150 years of academic excellence and leadership in the city of Buffalo and all of Western New York.  We hope alumni will come back to campus often to share in the celebration.

Many events and speakers are scheduled to showcase the college’s academic distinctions, social justice initiatives and our Catholic, Jesuit mission and identity.

Several annual events, including Mass of the Holy Spirit, President Hurley’s convocation, the Regents Ball and Alumni Weekend will be enhanced and rebranded as Sesquicentennial events. A community service project, a signature basketball game and a Buffalo Philharmonic Orchestra concert are also in the planning stages.

Beginning this summer, the campus will be branded with Sesquicentennial images and graphics–light pole banners with the new Sesquicentennial logo will be installed in July, and a commemorative mural in Old Main unveiled early in 2020. The bookstore and our website will feature a special collection of Canisius Sesquicentennial merchandise and apparel.

The celebration formally begins with a joint Sesquicentennial Mass of Celebration with Canisius High School on Saturday, September 14 at 4:30 p.m. at St. Joseph Cathedral.

In October, we will publish a commemorative edition of Canisius Magazine. This special 100-page issue captures the highlights of the college’s history with seldom-seen photos and fact-filled features and timeline; it will be a keepsake item for everyone.

The 2019-20 academic year will be a memorable celebration for all members of the Canisius community. Stay tuned to GriffNews and watch social media for updates as we prepare to celebrate this historic milestone.