Canisius University is on the rise. From new degree programs and state-of-the-art facilities to growing national recognition, the 2024-25 academic year was marked by progress and momentum. What follows captures some of those key achievements and standout moments that made it one to remember.
ACADEMIC EXCELLENCE
Bold new leadership and forward-thinking initiatives advanced academic excellence and innovation at Canisius University in 2024-25. Under the strategic guidance of Vice President for Academic Affairs Bridget Niland, JD, PhD, appointed in January, Canisius University expanded its degree offerings in emerging academic fields and developed new certificate programs for adult learners to increase pathways to career advancement and economic mobility. Further fueling academic excellence was the President’s Innovation Fund, which awarded its first round of grants to faculty- and staff-led initiatives that integrate innovative approaches to our work.
ON THE RISE
New initiatives led to measurable gains in key national rankings. Canisius climbed in the U.S. News & World Report ranking categories for:
- Best Colleges
- Best Value
- Best Colleges for Veterans
- Top Performers for Social Mobility
The Wehle School of Business jumped 15 spots to No. 90 among graduate business programs, while online master’s programs in business and education landed in the top 100.
Locally, The Buffalo News crowned Canisius “Best Local University” in its popular Best of 716 contest!
WELCOMING TOMORROW'S LEADERS
Strategic efforts to expand the affordability of a Canisius education began yielding strong results in early 2025. The debut of the Buffalo Promise Scholarship drew 1,000-plus applications, driving a 31.5% increase in applicants from the 142- ZIP code. Spring 2025 saw the highest rate of new freshmen since 2012, with enrollment up 75% over 2024. Transfer students were part of the story too, as Canisius earned a spot on the national Phi Theta Kappa Transfer Honor Roll for helping them complete degrees in four years.
LEARNING BY DOING
Students across all disciplines stepped outside the classroom this year to engage in experiential learning opportunities that challenged their minds and broadened their perspectives.
Pre-health majors provided 1,000 hours of care to underserved communities at Remote Area Medical clinics, while accounting students put theory into practice, offering free tax-filing services to our Hamlin Park neighbors.
Ecology students investigated toxic emissions at Buffalo’s Goodyear plant, education majors examined teaching inequities in New Orleans, and an interdisciplinary team of students surveyed the human impact on biodiversity in the Everglades.
REIMAGINING OUR CAMPUS
Plans to modernize campus took shape during the 2024-25 academic year, laying the foundation for a more connected, student-centric environment. Construction began on the new Student Success Center (SSC) located on the 3rd floor of the Bouwhuis Library. The SSC will bring academic advising, career development, tutoring, the Writing Center and student accessibility services under one roof.
Meanwhile, the offices of Student Affairs, Business & Finance and Human Resources moved from Old Main to Bagen Hall, making way for new hyflex classrooms that will be the learning laboratories of the future, equipped with state-of-the-art technology, modular furniture and modern teaching tools.
MEDIA MOMENTS
National news outlets turned to Canisius University in 2024-25 for smart perspectives and standout stories.
The New York Times, Forbes, U.S. News & World Report, CEO World, the BBC and more featured Canisius faculty and administrators on topics including:
- How Higher Ed Can Solve the Business Talent Shortage
- How to Sleep Like an Olympic Athlete
- Pet-proofing Your Home for the Holidays
- A New Soap Opera that Rekindles the Past
- The Rise of Bitcoin Mines
Catch up on all our media moments from the past year at Canisius in the News.
PHILANTHROPIC IMPACT
Donor support delivered a meaningful impact in 2024-25, as comprehensive fundraising initiatives raised $14.3 million from alumni, family and friends. An unrestricted $5 million gift from philanthropist Tom Golisano will help launch the new Student Success Center. Several grants also helped advance academic programs including: $500k from the Mother Cabrini Health Foundation to boost diversity in the Physician Assistant Studies program, $350k from the National Science Foundation for STEM workforce development, and a gift of an undisclosed amount from the Cullen Foundation to grow community-driven teacher pipelines.
GOLDEN GRIFFS!
It was a banner year for the blue and gold!
Canisius scored big by adding women’s acrobatics and tumbling as its 21st intercollegiate athletic program, set to debut in fall 2025. Student-athletes clinched an impressive 97% graduation success rate, proving Golden Griffins excel on the field and in the classroom.
A new partnership with Leveling the Playing Field brought sports equipment to kids in need, affirming our student-athletes’ commitment to community. The Griffs also finished the year strong, capturing the Canal Cup in the Battle of the Bridge rivalry! Catch all the highlights at GoGriffs.com.
