Vincentian Heritage Week September 23-30, 2023
Persevering with a Grateful Vincentian Heart

St.Vincent DePaul Stained GlassActivities and events that highlight perseverance and gratefulness will be held during Niagara University’s 2023 Vincentian Heritage Week celebration, an annual observation that highlights its rich history of education and service in the spirit of St. Vincent de Paul, a 17th century Catholic priest who inspired and organized his contemporaries to serve the less fortunate. This year’s event takes place Sept. 23-30, 2023.

The celebration includes activities such as Mass, lectures and panel discussions, the annual Vincentian convocation, and a cleanup on Main Street in the City of Niagara Falls.

Saturday, Sept. 23

Tour of Niagara exhibit and 2nd annual Lynch Lecture, "Famous Writers at the Falls"
1-4 p.m., Castellani Art Museum

English professor Dr. Jamie Carr will share anecdotes of famous writers’ experiences—previously untold tales, unique takes on well-known visits, and materials just too good to exclude—from her new book, "Niagaras of Ink." A tour of the current exhibit "Northward: Views of the Niagara River" will also be offered.

Sunday, Sept. 24

Family Mass and Blessing of new Vincentian Scholars
11 a.m., Alumni Chapel

Monday, Sept. 25

Mass of St. Vincent de Paul
10 a.m., Upper Level Gallagher Center

Poverty Simulation (Dept. of Social Work)
1-4 p.m., MPR, Gallagher Center

Panel Discussion: "Perseverance and Caring for Others"
5-6:15 p.m., Golisano 101

The Ostapenko Center for Ethics in Medicine and Healthcare and the Center for the Study and Practice of Religion are co-sponsoring a panel discussion exploring the importance of perseverance in a broad range of professions.

Tuesday, Sept. 26

Panel Discussion with members of the Vincentian Mission Institute and the Vincentian Mission Certificate program
1-2 p.m., MPR, Gallagher Center

Members of the current and past cohorts of the VMC and VMI will share their experiences and the impact it has on their mindset in their professional activities. The first of two panels, open to all to attend.

Wednesday, Sept. 27

Panel Discussion with members of the Vincentian Mission Institute and the Vincentian Mission Certificate program
Noon-1 p.m., MPR, Gallagher Center

The second panel discussion by members of the current and past cohorts of the VMC and VMI who will share their experiences and the impact it has on their mindset in their professional activities. Open to all to attend.

Thursday, Sept. 28

Lecture by Dr. Ahmet Kuru, director of the Center for Islamic and Arabic Studies at San Diego State University
Noon-1 p.m., MPR, Gallagher Center

Dr. Ahmet Kuru will discuss the contemporary underdevelopment in the Muslim world. For further details, contact Dr. Mustafa Gokchek, professor of history, at 716.286.8195.

Powering Inclusive Excellence (Office of Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion)
1-2:30 p.m., Dining Commons

Dr. Daniel E. Walker, a critically acclaimed scholar, award-winning filmmaker, and philanthropist, will be the keynote speaker for this event, which is a continuation of the ongoing Inclusive Excellence initiative at NU.

Alumni Chapel, 4:30pm
Vincentian Heritage Convocation
Topic: Vincentian Convocation 2023
Time: Sep 28, 2023 04:30 PM Eastern Time (US and Canada)

Join Zoom Meeting
https://niagara-edu.zoom.us/j/81624243904

Meeting ID: 816 2424 3904

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  • Perboyre Medal: Caroline Lebron, Master of Sciences in Criminal Justice Administration, Niagara University
  • St. Louise de Marillac Award: Esmeralda Sierra, President of Hispanic Heritage Council of WNY and Board of Trustees for Catholic Charities of Buffalo
  • Frederic Ozanam Medal: John Belcastro, Principal for Alternative and Continuing Education Niagara Catholic District School Board
  • Vincentian Mission Award: Stefanie Wichhart, Ph.D.,Professor of History, College of Arts and Sciences, Niagara University
  • Honorary Doctoral Degree of Pedagogy: Reverend Gilbert Walker, C.M., Coordinator of the Vincentian Popular Mission Team and Provincial Council for Western Province of the Congregation of the Mission

Friday, Sept. 29

Levesque Community Services Showcase (Levesque Institute)
10 a.m.-2 p.m., Lower Level Gallagher Center

The community organizations who have partnered with the Levesque Institute will share details of past initiatives and current opportunities.

Saturday, Sept. 30

Heritage Week Caring in the Community Day (Levesque Institute)
10 a.m.-2 p.m.

Niagara University students will participate in a cleanup and beautification of NU@822 and the garden at Heart, Love & Soul. Underground Railway Museum tours will also be available for them to explore the history of compassion and support for those seeking freedom

Go to the poor: you will find God - St. Vincent de Paul