Buffalo, NY — Griff Weekend 2025 (Sept. 26-28) welcomed alumni, families, students and friends back to Canisius University for a weekend filled with reunions, awards, traditions and the beloved Blue & Gold Bash.
“We’re grateful to everyone who came back to make this year so special,” said Lauren Orlowski, director of alumni and constituent engagement at Canisius University. “It’s such a joy to see alumni, families and students celebrating side by side.”
Honoring Leaders
A highlight of the weekend was Friday’s 2025 Distinguished Alumni & Emerging Leader Award Presentation and Dinner, where five graduates were recognized with the university’s highest honor for alumni achievement—a reflection of Canisius’ long history of excellence and leadership:
• Thomas Barnett ’79, Snyder, NY — Owner and founder of Tom Barnett New York, a luxury menswear company with locations in New York, Washington, D.C., and Beverly Hills.
• Thomas White ’80, MD, East Amherst, NY — Distinguished physician with the Buffalo Medical Group, affiliated hospitals, and part of the Buffalo Bills team of physicians.
• Mark Johnson ’94, Virginia Beach, VA — Senior vice president and community development manager, Truist Financial Corporation.
• Demario Strickland ’06, MS ’18, EdD, New York, NY — Superintendent, Mount Vernon City School District.
• Carla Sacco MSEd ’09, Toronto, ON — Performer, educator, and humanitarian uniting performing arts with social justice advocacy.
Strickland was honored as the inaugural recipient of the Emerging Leader Award. Established this year, the award recognizes alumni 40 years of age or younger who have demonstrated exceptional achievement early in their careers. He previously served as interim superintendent of the Rochester City School District, where he stabilized operations and oversaw a $1.1 billion budget. His leadership career spans roles from mentor-teacher to building administrator, and as “the teaching and learning superintendent,” he has led three schools out of state receivership while strengthening partnerships with the New York State Education Department.
The Wehle Business School conferred two of its most prominent awards upon alumni during a reception held Friday night. Timothy Calkins ’02 received the Dr. Bernard L. Martin Award, which recognizes a distinguished graduate of the Business School's MBA program for exceptional career achievement and commitment to community service. Julie Anna Golebiewski ’04 received the Rev. Thomas E. Fleming, SJ, Award, conferred upon someone who has demonstrated outstanding dedication and service to the institution.
Saturday began on a thoughtful note in the Regis Room of the Richard E. Winter ’42 Student Center, where President Steve K. Stoute hosted Coffee & Conversation. The event featured a dialogue on “Lessons in Leadership” with former chair of the Canisius Board of Trustee Ed Carey ’69, a retired real estate developer. The wide-ranging conversation explored how Jesuit values, education, and global experience shaped his leadership journey.
Reunions & Connections
Griff Weekend was extra special for classes ending in 0s and 5s, who gathered for milestone celebrations across Buffalo on Friday night:
• The Class of 1970 proved 55 years strong at Cole’s on Elmwood, a Buffalo favorite.
• The Class of 1975 kicked off its golden 50th reunion with dinner in Science Hall’s Chester HON ’01 and Diane Stranczek Commons before taking the celebration to the Parkside Meadow in Buffalo’s historic Parkside neighborhood.
• Just down the timeline, the Class of 1980 also gathered at Parkside Meadow, toasting 45 years of friendship and milestones.
• The Class of 2000 celebrated 25 years in style at Patina 250 in The Westin Buffalo with plenty of laughs and memories.
• And last but not least, the Class of 2015 brought the energy downtown, toasting 10 years at Pearl Street Grill & Brewery in true Griff fashion.
Alumni organizations hosted gatherings that kept the momentum going by bringing their own energy to the mix. Communications alumni gathered in the Grupp Fireside Lounge for a warm prelude to Saturday’s Blue & Gold Bash, while Football alumni fired up the grill Saturday for a reunion barbecue followed by a Bills tailgate and game event on Sunday.
Campus Celebrations
Campus life was in full swing on Saturday as Fall Fest filled the Quad with carnival games, food trucks dishing out local favorites, and plenty of outdoor fun, while alumni could join student-led tours to rediscover campus favorites.
The weekend’s energy culminated in the Blue & Gold Bash held in the Dining Hall on Saturday night. Shawn Smith, from The Voice, set the tone for a lively evening. Students, families and alumni from all years—especially the special reunion classes ending in 0 and 5—enjoyed music, captured memories in a photo booth and mingled with the beloved Petey. Click here for a full gallery of photos from the Blue & Gold Bash.
Faith, Reflection and Enduring Spirit
Once again, Griff Weekend renewed the spirit of belonging that defines the Canisius community across generations. The weekend closed with Mass in Christ the King Chapel, followed by the Golden Plus Brunch for members of the Class of 1975 and earlier.
“Griff Weekend was a powerful reminder of the pride and spirit that define our community,” said Jeff Bogart ’93, president of the Alumni Association Board of Directors. “More than just an event, it reflected the ongoing dedication and leadership that continue to shape the Canisius experience for all.”
Orlowski added, “Griff Weekend isn’t just about honoring the past. It’s about creating new memories and connections that carry the Canisius family forward.”
Together, their reflections capture the joy, pride, and tradition that make Griff Weekend a true celebration of the Canisius spirit.
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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.
