St. Vincent de Paul believed in the virtue of action and he loved to use this classic motto: TOTUM OPUS NOSTRUM IN OPERATIONE CONSISTIT (All our work ends up in action). Then he would add that "Perfection does not come from ecstasy but rather from doing the will of God." (sv 11:41. 317).
Action research, or research that makes a difference is the mark of a Niagara University scholar. St. Vincent knew well that inquiry, study, reading, observation, and testing were essential for effective, organized responses to poverty. However, he insisted that all of this work bear fruit for the betterment of those who were trapped in poverty.

Niagara University’s tradition of scholarship that sets the stage for social change grows daily, because of the fruitful collaborations of faculty, students and community partners.