Buffalo, NY - Canisius University celebrated the 101st anniversary of its DiGamma Honor Society on Friday, April 17, inducting nine distinguished individuals in recognition of their exemplary service and commitment to the university community. The annual ceremony was held at the Buffalo Club and brought together more than 100 alumni, faculty, staff and students in celebration of leadership and lifelong dedication to Canisius.
Founded in 1925 as the “Coffin Club,” the DiGamma Honor Society recognizes individuals who have demonstrated exceptional commitment to advancing Canisius University through service to students, alumni and the broader campus community. For more than a century, DiGamma has honored those whose leadership and generosity reflect the Jesuit value of being men and women for others.
This year’s inductees are (front row, l-r):
Drew M. Pettit ’11, MBA ’13
Director, US Equity Strategy
Citi
Lisa M. Pugliese ’89
Field Office Director,
U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development
Shana M. Richardson ’06, MS ’19
Assistant Vice President, Student Success
Canisius University
Cecelia R. Gotham ’13, MS ’15
Chief of Staff,
Canisius University
(back row, l-r)
Anthony B. Spada Jr. ’80, MBA ’87
(Retired) President and Chief Executive Officer,
AAA Western and Central New York
Joseph F. Greenwald ’12, MBA ’13
Portfolio Manager and Financial Advisor,
Morgan Stanley
Kevin R. Hardwick, PhD
Associate Professor, Political Science
Canisius University
Michael A. DeMarco ’05
Director, Global Head of Documentation Operations Unit
Citi
Not pictured:
Christopher M. Kelly ’83
Partner,
Jones Day
Membership in the DiGamma Honor Society recognizes alumni, faculty, administrators and students who have demonstrated outstanding service to Canisius University and its mission. Through a selective nomination process, inductees are chosen for their leadership, professional achievement and sustained commitment to the university community.
The DiGamma Honor Society first emerged in 1925 and has evolved through several iterations, including its revival in 1952 by the Alumni Association and the establishment of DiGamma Alpha Society in 1968 to recognize outstanding female graduates. The modern society was formed in 1983 through the merger of these organizations.
Today, with more than 1,600 members, DiGamma continues to honor individuals who advance the mission and welfare of Canisius University through extraordinary service and leadership.
Canisius University, founded in 1870 in Buffalo, NY, is one of 27 Jesuit colleges and universities in the United States. 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.
