BUFFALO, NY – Canisius University marked a historic milestone on Friday, April 11 when it celebrated the 100th anniversary of its prestigious DiGamma Honor Society while welcoming 10 distinguished individuals into its ranks.
Founded in 1925 as "The Coffin Club," the DiGamma Honor Society has spent a century recognizing those who have demonstrated exceptional dedication to the advancement of the university through exemplary service to students, fellow alumni, and the broader Canisius University community.
"This centennial celebration is a testament to the strength and selflessness of the alumni of Canisius University,” said William Lorenz Jr. ’09, president the Canisius University Alumni Association and grand master of the DiGamma Honor Society. "The legacy of being men and women for others continues through this year's remarkable inductees who exemplify the values that have defined and sustained DiGamma for a century."
This year's inductees are (pictured l-r):
- William Lorenz Jr. '09 (grand master of DiGamma Honor Society)
- Maeve E. Huggins ’09, Esq.
Assistant U.S. Attorney, Buffalo, NY - Karl Kozlowski, PhD
Associate Dean, School of Education and Human Services;
Professor and Chair, Sports & Exercise Health Care
Canisius University - Fatima L. Rodriguez Johnson MS ’98
Associate Dean, Diversity & Inclusion
Canisius University - Brandon T. Bielecki ‘15, MS ’19
Director, Advancement
Canisius University - Timothy A. Sanders ’97
Senior Pastor
CrossNation Global Ministries - Margaret W. Paroski ’76, MD
President, Chief Executive Officer
Catholic Medical Partners - Susan M. Marchione ’85, MS ’99, EdD
Assistant Vice President, Program Development
Daemen University - Steven A. Gattuso ‘87, MBA ’88
Executive Director, Golden Griffin Fund
Canisius University - Richard W. Ryskalczyk ’10
Co-managing Partner, Portfolio Manager
Sandhill Investment Management - Jerry G. Canada, Jr. ’86
Member, Board of Directors
TruBridge
The DiGamma Honor Society first emerged in 1925 as the Coffin Club, inducting outstanding seniors in a colorful ceremony each year during the Junior Prom. Over its first 18 years, the society welcomed 178 student leaders before operations lapsed during World War II.
In 1952, the Alumni Association revived the society, establishing a formal constitution and by-laws. The year 1968 saw the formation of DiGamma Alpha Society, the Canisius College Honor Society for Women, created to honor outstanding female graduates who had distinguished themselves through service to both the university and community.
The modern DiGamma Honor Society was established in 1983 when these two separate societies merged.
Today, with more than 1,600 total members, DiGamma continues its mission of honoring those who render outstanding service to and promote the interests and welfare of Canisius University.
"DiGamma members selflessly utilize the benefits of their talents and education to give back to Canisius," continues Lorenz. "Steadfast service and commitment to alma mater, extraordinary leadership and career achievements, and above all care and concern for others – this is what it means to be a DiGamma member."
Membership in the Society includes life members (alumni, administrators, and faculty who have distinguished themselves over an extended period) and student members (juniors and seniors with academic excellence and demonstrated leadership). Through a rigorous nomination process, up to eight alumni, two administration and faculty members, and 30 students can be selected for membership and induction into DiGamma each year.
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.
