Buffalo, NY - Canisius University hosted a special early graduation ceremony on Tuesday, May 13, for seven senior members of the rowing team who will miss their official commencement ceremonies to compete in the Metro Atlantic Athletic Conference (MAAC) Championships.
The intimate ceremony took place at 3:00 p.m. in the Montante Cultural Center and honored both the academic achievements and athletic commitments of these dedicated student-athletes. Canisius President Steve Stoute conferred degrees upon the seven seniors: Hannah Kenefick, Morgan Marsallo, Cecelia Reiser, Macey Schneider, Kaleigh Schwab, Brooke Urmson and Skylar Vles. Vice President for Academic Affairs Bridget Niland, JD, PhD, served as master of ceremonies, and Chaplain for Mission and Ministry Rev. Fred Betti, SJ, delivered the invocation.
The senior rowers will compete in the MAAC Championships in Cherry Hill, NJ, from May 16-18, preventing them from attending Canisius University's official graduation ceremony on May 17.
For these student-athletes, the scheduling conflict between graduation and the championship represented the culmination of their dual commitment to academics and athletics throughout their college careers.
Senior Brooke Urmson reflected on her initial reaction to the conflict. "At first, I was definitely disappointed. Graduation is such a milestone, and I always imagined walking across that stage with my classmates. Once the initial reaction settled, I realized that competing in the MAAC Championships with my team, something we've trained for all year, was just as meaningful." She added, "It's a unique situation, but in many ways, it's the perfect representation of what being a student-athlete is all about: sacrifice, commitment, and prioritizing the team."
Fellow senior Skylar Vles shared similar sentiments. "Rowing has been one of, if not the most important part of my time spent at Canisius, only rivaled by my studies and pursuit in the classroom. Missing our graduation to compete for a conference championship after the hours the girls have put in is the only thing that feels worthwhile to miss it."
Morgan Marsallo emphasized the significance of the moment saying, "Even though it made me sad to know we would miss the traditional graduation, I also felt a sense of gratitude. I get to graduate with my best friends, the people who have been by my side through everything. That makes this moment incredibly meaningful, and it's something I will always cherish."
The special graduation ceremony allowed the student-athletes a more personal celebration, in that they were surrounded by teammates who have shared their journey.
"It means everything to be able to celebrate our graduation in a way that's just for us, with the people who have shared so much of this journey," said Urmson. "It makes it incredibly personal and memorable. It's a reminder that while our college experience may look different from others, it's no less significant. If anything, it's more tightly knit."
Senior Cece Reiser noted the special significance of graduating alongside teammates. "A lot of us are in different schools at the university, so all of us being able to have this moment together is really special."
Senior Hannah Kenefick explained, "I think it is so special that Canisius allows us to celebrate the accomplishment of graduation with whomever we invite. Since there are only a small number of graduating seniors, compared to the ordinary graduation ceremony, there are plenty of seats for family, friends, mentors, coaches, and teammates."
The graduating seniors unanimously agreed that their experiences as student-athletes have shaped their college years and prepared them for life after graduation, embodying the Jesuit educational ideal of developing the whole person: intellectually, physically, and spiritually.
"Being a student-athlete has defined my college experience," said Urmson. "It's taught me time management, resilience, and how to work as part of a team toward a common goal. I've learned how to show up even on the hard days, how to lead by example, and how to balance pressure in both academics and athletics."
Vles shared how being a student-athlete transformed her college experience. "The challenges that come with being a student-athlete aren't relatable to someone who hasn't experienced it, having to say no to nights out with friends so you can be at 100% for practice, cheering on other teams around campus to demonstrate support to your fellow athletes when you could be resting or studying, or missing major events for team travel are all sacrifices you choose to make."
The seniors also underscored how rowing has prepared them for post-college life, demonstrating how Canisius' commitment to formative education extends beyond the classroom. "Rowing has instilled a deep work ethic and discipline in me," Urmson explained. "There's no shortcut to success in this sport, just consistent effort, day after day. That mindset will carry into whatever I do after college."
Reiser echoed those sentiments. "The only way to get better is to keep working hard every day. Every day doesn't have to be your best, but you have to show up and put the work in. That is definitely something I'm going to take with me after college."
Kenefick also shared, "Rowing has taught me what grit is. There really is no other sport like it, pushing your body to limits you didn't know it had, proving to yourself that you can do the unimaginable and do it well. Rowing has ignited a spark within me that pushes me to always strive for greatness."
As these seven student-athletes continue their journey from the classroom to the championship and beyond, they carry with them the values and formation that define a Canisius education.
