Buffalo, NY - Canisius University’s Biology program, long recognized for its strong student outcomes, research opportunities and faculty mentorship, has a newly named home in Science Hall that reflects its legacy strength and future potential. The university dedicated the Catherine ‘72 and Francis Burzik Biology Suite on Wednesday, October 7, in recognition of two longtime benefactors whose philanthropy has helped shape opportunities for students in the sciences.
The new space honors Catherine M. Burzik ‘72 and her husband, Francis Burzik. The couple's $2 million in philanthropic support helped fund the development of Science Hall and establish the Catherine and Francis Burzik Endowed Scholarship Fund. At the time it was made, the Burzik’s gift commitment represented the largest philanthropic gift from an alumna in the university’s history.
“Cathy Burzik never lost sight of where she started,” said Canisius University President Steve Stoute. “As her career took her to the highest levels of business, healthcare and life sciences, she remained committed to alma mater and to opening doors for students. We are deeply grateful for Cathy and Frank’s generosity, their leadership, and their enduring belief in the promise of a Canisius education. The naming of this space in their honor recognizes a lasting investment in our students and our university.”
“Canisius played an important role in preparing me for the opportunities and experiences that followed throughout my career,” added Burzik. “Frank and I are pleased to be able to support this space where the next generation of students can now learn, collaborate and engage in the hands-on experiences that are essential to successful careers in science and healthcare fields.”
A nationally recognized leader in the life sciences industry, Burzik earned dual degrees in mathematics and classics from Canisius before building a distinguished career in healthcare, biotechnology and medical technology. She held executive leadership positions with Johnson & Johnson, Applied Biosystems and Kinetic Concepts Inc., and her work helped advance innovation in fields ranging from diagnostics and genomics to regenerative medicine.
Throughout her career, Burzik remained closely connected to Canisius, serving as a member, then chair, of the university’s Board of Trustees and advocating for continued investment in the sciences.
The new Catherine ‘72 and Francis Burzik Biology Suite is home to one of the university’s signature academic programs. The biology curriculum combines classroom learning with laboratory, field and research experiences while developing in students a foundational understanding in ecology and evolution, organismal biology, and cellular and molecular biology. Ninety-five percent of Canisius biology graduates are accepted to graduate school, while 86 percent are accepted to medical school. Alumni go onto careers in healthcare fields, research, education and government.
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.
