For recent graduates Jill Galanti ’24 and Alexandra Hackett ’25, a Canisius University education was about more than preparing for a career — it was about answering a call to serve. Through the Criminal Justice Program, both have found the knowledge, experience and purpose to pursue careers in law enforcement. Along the way, they developed the judgment, communication and interpersonal skills needed for a profession that remains deeply human in an era of artificial intelligence, where empathy, ethical decision-making and public trust cannot be automated.
[Photo: Jill Galanti ’24, now a New York State Trooper, credits her Canisius education with preparing her for a career of service in law enforcement.]
A Calling to Serve
Galanti, now a New York State Trooper, had an interest in law enforcement from a young age. She was drawn to the career path early on as a result of her interest in crime documentaries and later, her experience as an intern with the Monroe County Sheriff’s Department during her senior year of high school. The former Division I lacrosse player explained, “I really wanted that team atmosphere and something I could evolve in on both a personal and professional level. My cup is full when I help people,” she said.
During her time at Canisius, Galanti, a DiGamma Honor Society member, had the opportunity to work with Anita Butera, JD, PhD, former professor in the Department of Criminal Justice, Sociology and Environmental Studies, to help build the Community Policing Course from the ground up. Tasked with finding guest speakers, the opportunity allowed her to build relationships with representatives from a variety of different agencies.
Hackett, who recently began her work in the Batavia Police Department, was also drawn to law enforcement because of a desire to help people. “I wanted a career where every day presents new challenges and where I can positively impact people’s lives. Criminal justice stood out because it combines problem-solving, public service and the opportunity to protect others,” she said, adding that coursework helped her understand criminology theories, the legal system, as well as ethical policing practices. “My major prepared me to approach situations thoughtfully, communicate effectively, and make decisions based on both the law and empathy,” she said.
Preparing for the Profession
Hackett noted that her time at the Public Safety Training Facility in Monroe County following Canisius, was mentally and physically challenging. Despite this, she knew she was in the right place, “I found that I enjoyed pushing myself and learning new skills. Every challenge made me more confident that law enforcement was the career I want to pursue.”
Galanti emphasized how her time at Canisius prepared her for the police academy, noting the high academic standards the state has for recruits. The rigorous state trooper program requires students to master a semester’s worth of material each week. Of the 378 students in her entering class, just 176 crossed the finish line at graduation, including Galanti.
Galanti credited her ability to handle the high workload to head coach Russell Allen, of the women’s lacrosse team, and Lindy Fieder ‘06, MS ‘08, associate director academic achievement and student athlete support. Both hold athletes to high academic standards. Galanti says they helped her develop time management skills that carried her through the police academy.
Galanti added her experience as captain of the women’s lacrosse team and executive vice president of the Undergraduate Student Association helped build her confidence, strengthen her public speaking abilities and prepared her for the critical conversations required to enforce the law while building trust within the community. She credits her Spanish and psychology minors with preparing her to serve diverse communities. Her Spanish studies made her proficient in the language, while psychology equipped her to counsel domestic violence survivors and connect them with resources.
Hackett also said her time in the student senate, particularly as Public Safety Liaison, strengthened her ability to communicate effectively with law enforcement officers and community members to promote public safety. Like Galanti, she said her academic background prepared her for the police academy, where the research and writing skills she developed at Canisius proved invaluable.
Bringing Jesuit Values Into Law Enforcement
Reflecting on their time at Canisius, the pair highlighted that Jesuit values continue to influence others in how they serve.
Hackett noted that cura personalis (care for the whole person) reminds her that every individual has a story, encouraging her to look beyond the immediate situation in order to balance accountability with care. She said, “A Jesuit education emphasizes serving others with integrity, compassion, and respect. It taught me that law enforcement is about more than enforcing laws, it’s about building trust, treating people fairly, and recognizing the dignity of every individual.”
Galanti said Canisius taught her the importance of caring for herself while serving others. She continues to volunteer at recruiting events, sharing her experiences and highlighting the importance of communication in law enforcement. “In this job you can get all the statistics in the world but if you can’t connect with the people you serve then I feel that they are as important,” she said.
As they carry their Canisius experiences into their law enforcement careers, both are eager to serve their communities and make the most of the opportunities ahead. Hackett said, “I look forward to building relationships within the community and being someone people can rely on when they need help most.”
Galanti is excited about the opportunities ahead with the New York State Police, including potential assignments with the K-9 or Crimes Against Children units. Wherever her career takes her, she is committed to serving her community and continuing to grow personally and professionally. “I am focused on becoming a better person so I can be a better police officer,” she said.
