For generations, the generosity of donors has helped Canisius University expand access, create opportunity and support the personal development of students while advancing its Jesuit mission in meaningful ways.
One of the most recent examples of this commitment is the Nash, Norris, Veasey, Adams-Dudley Impact Fund (NNVAD). Established in 2023, it honors the transformative legacies of Jesse E. Nash HON ’93, Sababu C. Norris, Martha A. Veasey ’82, MS ’89, and Lilly A. Adams-Dudley ’72, MS ’85.
These influential trailblazers helped shape the fabric of the university by advocating for underserved and underrepresented students while creating pathways for academic, personal and professional success.
Today, the Fund has evolved into a focused effort to support African American, Latinx American, Asian American and Native American (ALANA) students at Canisius University.
For David Rudder ’96, PhD, dean of professional studies at Regis College and one of the alumni who helped shape the Fund, that legacy is deeply personal.
“It truly takes a village to complete a college degree, especially for first-generation graduates,” Rudder said. “College was, in many ways, a foreign space for many of us. Nash, Norris, Veasey, and Adams-Dudley created the support systems and encouragement needed for students to grow, fail, question and ultimately discover who they were and what paths they wanted to pursue.”
He added that the Impact Fund continues that legacy by ensuring today’s Canisius students receive the same foundation of care, guidance and advocacy.
Alumni-Led Philanthropy Supporting ALANA Student Success
The Fund was inspired by a collective effort of alumni, including Vincent Clark ’97, who sought to support students of color at Canisius University while honoring the faculty and staff members who profoundly shaped their own college experiences.
“A few of us—including Sababu Norris himself—began talking about alumni coming together to establish a fund,” Clark said. “In typical Sababu fashion, he didn’t want his name attached to it or any recognition. His focus was on honoring Professor Jesse Nash, Martha Veasey and Lilly Adams-Dudley. At the time, those conversations were still in the early stages, and unbeknownst to us, David [Rudder] was independently having similar thoughts about how alumni could give back in a meaningful way,” said Clark.
Motivated by the importance of representation—seeing leaders of color, such as Canisius University President Steve Stoute, in positions of influence—they created a structured, sustainable way for alumni to give back.
“His [President Stoute’s] appointment was an important milestone in the history of the university and one that we specifically wanted to lend our supportive voice to when we recognized that you have to put your money where your mouth is in that regard,” said Clark.
Since its founding, the Impact Fund has become a cornerstone of student support at Canisius University, providing targeted financial aid for experiential learning opportunities that enrich academic growth, expand professional networks and open pathways to competitive careers.
“The Fund allows Canisius to thoughtfully identify the types of experiential learning opportunities that best support students based on their lived experiences, the hurdles they face and their individual academic needs,” Rudder said.
To date, donors have pledged $96,000 to the NNVAD Impact Fund, reflecting both the generosity of alumni and the growing momentum behind its mission to advance equity and opportunity for ALANA students at Canisius University.
Championing the Next Generation of Innovators and Healers
In 2024, the Fund played an important role in expanding access to high-impact opportunities in STEM and healthcare fields. Support from the Fund —along with the United Student Association (USA)—enabled members of the newly established Canisius chapter of the National Society of Black Engineers (NSBE) to attend the organization’s national conference in Chicago.
There, students connected with industry leaders, took part in professional development workshops, and engaged with recruiters from leading engineering and technology companies, experiences that are essential to launching competitive careers.
Bee Mulenga ’26, a computer science and cybersecurity major, attended the conference and reflected on the impact: “I am deeply grateful for the generosity of the NNVAD Fund. Its support not only enabled me to attend the conference but also gave me access to experiences and opportunities that will shape my future in profound ways. I am excited to apply what I have learned, build on the connections I have made and continue striving toward my goals.” The Fund also helped cover MCAT preparation courses for students involved in the Minority Association of Premedical Students (MAPS) allowing aspiring healthcare professionals to prepare with confidence.
Priya Ahmed ’26, a pre-med student, shared:
“Being able to join my peers in preparation for the MCAT without the socio-economic barrier was a privilege. Cura personalis [care for the whole person] is not only preached but also practiced. I can only hope to one day continue the legacy.”
Cura Personalis and the Future of the NNVAD Impact Fund
For Rudder, watching the Fund translate into real opportunities for students has been especially meaningful.
“Seeing students gain the opportunity to attend conferences has been incredibly meaningful,” he said. “Watching them step into professional spaces, make connections, and broaden their sense of possibility affirms exactly why the Fund exists.”
He also sees the Fund as a powerful expression of Jesuit education and the value of cura personalis. “The Fund’s namesakes embodied this philosophy through individualized attention, mentorship and compassion,” Rudder said. “They nurtured our intellectual, emotional, spiritual and personal development. In honoring that legacy, the Fund reminds us that every student’s unique circumstance matters.”
Clark added, “This Fund is an opportunity to have a positive, lasting impact on the lives of current and future students at a place we all share a deep affinity for. At the same time, it honors four individuals who poured into us and invested in our success—people without whom many of us may not have matriculated through Canisius University.”
Looking ahead, Rudder hopes the Fund will strengthen alumni engagement across generations. “Sustained alumni involvement can create a cycle of opportunity that benefits generations of ALANA students to come,” he said.
Advancing Canisius University’s Strategic Vision
The NNVAD Impact Fund directly advances the goals of Canisius University’s Answer the Call strategic plan, which prioritizes expanding access to career-shaping experiences and fostering inclusive excellence.
As higher education continues to evolve, the Fund stands as a testament to the power of community, alumni philanthropy and the enduring influence of those who paved the way.
Members of the Canisius University Alumni of Color
The following alumni made the initial contributions to establish the Fund and play a vital role in ensuring Canisius’ continued growth and longevity:
Stacey Cheatom ’97; Lorenda Chisolm ‘99, ‘04, ’10; Vincent D. Clark ’97; Nicole Delts ’95; Nikita Fortune ’07; Christopher Greene ’95; Mark Johnson ’94; Sean Jones ’97; Aaron Knighton ’10; Jeff Knighton ’11; Tawana R. Lane ’97; Robin Scott-Lartigue ’95; Maurice McNab ’94; Omar Menifee ’01; Darrione Nall ’99; Olivia Owens ’19; Julian Radney ’11; David Rudder ’96; John Saltos ’97; Tim and April Sanders ’98; Sharif Shahied ’99; Candace Shiree ’99; Bert Stephen ’96; Marc Swygert ’97; Joyce Walker ‘96, ’98; Tisha Wills ’95; Dennis Wilson ‘98, ’01
To learn more about supporting the Nash, Norris, Veasey, Adams-Dudley Fund or to make a gift that directly impacts ALANA student success, contact AnneMarie Haumesser, EdD, vice president for advancement, at 716-888-8226 or @email. Donations can also be made to the Canisius Fund HERE. Please include “NNVAD Impact Fund” in the designation description.
