Buffalo, NY – Canisius University is the recipient of $1.15 million in federal funding to support the expansion of hybrid-flexible (HyFlex) and technology-enhanced classrooms in Old Main, the school’s primary academic building. The funding was secured through the federal appropriations process with support from U.S. Sen. Charles Schumer and will strengthen Canisius' ability to deliver flexible hybrid and online learning options for students.
"This federal investment will help Canisius continue to modernize Old Main while expanding flexible, technology-rich learning options for our students – a central priority of the university’s strategic plan, Answer the Call,” said Canisius President Steve Stoute. "We are grateful to Senator Schumer for his leadership, and support of Canisius and higher education in Western New York."
The funding supports technology and infrastructure upgrades in 26 classrooms, including 10 HyFlex classrooms and 16 high-tech flexible classrooms. These upgrades will enable students to participate in courses in person, online or asynchronously. Improvements include LED flat panel displays, system controllers, trackable cameras, microphones, instructor podiums, wireless connectivity upgrades and mobile furniture designed to support collaboration and active learning.
“Western New York faces a real and growing skills gap, and Canisius University is committed to being part of that solution,” added Bridget Niland, JD, PhD, vice president for academic affairs. “By expanding our HyFlex classroom capacity, we can broaden access to evening, weekend and online courses to better serve adult learners, career changers and working professionals who need flexible pathways to earn credentials.”
The federal funding is the latest investment in the multi-phase renovation of Old Main which, when complete, will update approximately 45,000 square feet of space in a building that has not undergone a major renovation since the 1990s. In November 2025, the Dormitory Authority of the State of New York (DASNY) awarded Canisius University a $1 million Higher Education Capital (HECap) matching grant. That grant will support the creation of 15 HyFlex classrooms and three collaborative study spaces on the upper floors of Old Main, with work scheduled to begin in spring 2026. Together, the federal appropriation and the HECap grant represent more than $2.15 million in external support for the Old Main project.
Renovations to Old Main began in summer 2025 with the conversion of former administrative offices into state-of-the-art HyFlex learning labs on the building's first floor. Completed for the start of the fall 2025 semester, these classrooms feature modular furniture, interactive whiteboards and advanced audiovisual systems designed to foster collaboration and active student engagement.
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.
