Buffalo, NY - Canisius University opened its 2025-26 academic year on Monday, August 25 with record enrollment, refreshed spaces and a renewed spirit, underscoring the school's growing momentum.
Record Enrollment Driven by Buffalo Promise Scholarship
The university welcomed 567 new undergraduate students this fall, including 456 freshmen and 111 transfer students - representing a 15% increase in freshman enrollment over last year and a 16.6% increase in total new undergraduates compared to fall 2024.
Much of this growth is attributed to the Buffalo Promise Scholarship, which covers 100% of undergraduate tuition for eligible students from 142- ZIP codes whose household adjusted income is $125,000 or less. In its inaugural year, more than 1,000 prospective undergraduates applied for admission to Canisius from the 142- ZIP code; 327 were awarded a Buffalo Promise Scholarship after completion of the financial aid process; and 128 students committed to Canisius for fall 2025.
“We are encouraged by this growth and the momentum it represents for the university,” said Vice President for Enrollment Danielle Ianni, PhD. “A Canisius education prepares students to lead, succeed and make a meaningful difference in their communities, and that’s clearly resonating with students and their families.”
The university also continues to attract transfer students, with 111 choosing Canisius this fall. This success has been recognized nationally, as Canisius was named to the Phi Theta Kappa Honor Society's Transfer Honor Roll for the second consecutive year, joining just 251 institutions nationwide to receive this honor.
“This year’s strong enrollment numbers demonstrate the impact of our strategic focus on academic excellence, student success and community engagement,” added President Stoute. “We are building something special here at Canisius and this incoming class will be part of that legacy.”
Move-In Day
The academic year began in earnest on Friday, August 22, with Move-In Day, where the campus community came together to welcome new students and their families as they settled into Bosch and Frisch residence halls. Student athletes played a particularly vital role in this tradition, greeting families, helping empty vehicles packed with dorm room essentials, and carrying belongings up to student rooms—embodying the spirit of service that defines the Canisius experience.
Later that day, President Steve Stoute formally welcomed the Class of 2029 and their families during New Student Convocation in the Montante Cultural Center, officially launching their journey as Golden Griffins.
New Spaces and Fresh Places
As students settled into campus life, President Stoute shared a special video message highlighting the "new spaces and fresh places" across campus, giving students a look at the exciting developments that await them this year. Among the notable improvements are the new HyFlex classrooms in Old Main, with advanced technology and modular furniture to support collaborative teaching and learning.
The university's highly regarded Animal Behavior, Ecology and Conservation program (ABEC) has relocated to expanded facilities in Science Hall, providing students with new and enhanced laboratory spaces to support their research and hands-on learning experiences. The Kinesiology program also moved to Science Hall, adding to the already dynamic hub for health and science education.
In addition to academic spaces, the university enhanced its wellness offerings with the opening of a new wellness studio on the 2nd floor of Palisano Pavilion. Students can also enjoy a new dining option with the addition of Unapologetic Coffee. Owned and operated by Canisius alumnae Alissa Officer '10, MS '11 and Alicia Officer '10, MS '11, the cafe offers another inviting space for students to study and socialize.
Looking ahead, students can anticipate the opening of the Golisano Center for Student Success, expected to launch later this academic year, which will house collaborative work areas and dedicated spaces for academic and career support.
Mass of the Holy Spirit
The campus community now turns its attention to one of Canisius University's most meaningful traditions—the annual Mass of the Holy Spirit, scheduled for 10:00 a.m. Wednesday, September 10, in Christ the King Chapel. This centuries-old Jesuit tradition marks the official start of the academic year and invokes the Holy Spirit's guidance, wisdom and inspiration for the year ahead.
Classes will be canceled during the Mass to allow the entire campus community—faculty, staff, and students of all faith traditions—to gather in prayer and reflection. The celebration will be preceded by a formal academic procession from Old Main to Christ the King Chapel, with faculty in full academic regalia processing through the campus Quad, accompanied by students, staff, administrators, and a ceremonial bagpiper.
A Legacy of Excellence Continues
Reflecting on this exciting start to the academic year, President Stoute emphasized the university's deep connection to its founding mission.
"We are blessed to have the privilege to endeavor together to shape the minds, hearts, bodies, and spirits of the next generation of ethically-minded, justice-oriented, servant leaders," he said to the campus community. "As stewards of a legacy that began in 1870 when German Jesuits welcomed 35 young men to find their purpose through higher education at this Jesuit university in Buffalo, we have a special responsibility to advance the Jesuit tradition of educational innovation and academic excellence."
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