Buffalo, NY - Canisius University is set to celebrate its Class of 2025 with a series of events leading up to the main commencement ceremonies on Saturday, May 17, 2025.
Special Early Graduation Ceremony for Row Team
On Tuesday, May 13, 2025, at 3:00 p.m. in the Montante Cultural Center, Canisius will hold a special graduation ceremony for seven senior student-athletes from the row team. These students will miss the official commencement ceremonies due to their commitment to compete in the Metro Atlantic Athletic Conference (MAAC) Championships in Cherry Hill, NJ from May 16-18.
Canisius President Steve Stoute will confer degrees upon these student-athletes. Vice President for Academic Affairs Bridget Niland, JD, PhD, will serve as master of ceremonies, and Chaplain for Mission and Ministry Rev. Fred Betti, SJ, will deliver the invocation.
Academic Excellence Awards Ceremony
On Friday, May 16 at 2:00 p.m. in the Montante Cultural Center, Canisius will host its annual Academic Excellence Awards Ceremony. This event celebrates students for their outstanding accomplishments within their academic departments and programs, as well as their leadership roles university-wide. The university takes pride in recognizing the remarkable achievements of its students and looks forward to their future success in graduate and professional schools.
Baccalaureate Mass
Also on Friday, May 16 at 4:30 p.m., graduates, families, and friends are invited to attend the Baccalaureate Mass in Christ the King Chapel. This celebration honors the graduating class. Graduates are asked to wear their graduation gowns (without hoods or caps) for the Mass.
Commencement Ceremonies
The main commencement ceremonies will take place on Saturday, May 17, at the Koessler Athletic Center:
Morning Ceremony - College of Arts & Sciences (10:00 a.m.)
Commencement Speaker: Rev. Zachariah F. Presutti '07, SJ
Founder of the Thrive for Life Prison Project
Student Speaker: Ava Green '25
Journalism major from Herkimer, NY
Editor-in-chief of The Griffin student newspaper
Afternoon Ceremony - Wehle Business School and School of Education and Human Services (1:30 p.m.)
Commencement Speaker: Zeneta B. Everhart '11
Buffalo Common Councilwoman
Student Speaker: Mekhi Edwards '25
Marketing major from Buffalo
Digital marketing specialist and nonprofit board member
Canisius University President Steve K. Stoute will confer honorary degrees upon the commencement speakers during the ceremonies.
Distinguished Faculty Award
The university will recognize Mark Hodin, PhD, professor of English, as the recipient of the 2025 Kenneth L. Koessler Distinguished Faculty Award. Hodin has served the Canisius community for over two decades as an inspiring teacher, accomplished scholar, and generous mentor.
Founded in 1870 in Buffalo, NY, Canisius 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.
