By Rick Pfeiffer
Niagara Gazette
NIAGARA FALLS —
Niagara University has received a $2 million gift to establish a new Vincentian Scholars program from Falls businessman and alumni James Glynn.
The gift, from Glynn, his wife Mary and their family, was announced at a Monday afternoon news conference on the campus.
The university also announced it will name the atrium in Bisgrove Hall the Glynn Family Atrium.
“Our love for Niagara, both the university and the local community, also motivates us in our desire to partner with the university in developing an ongoing program that will make a real difference in the lives of the marginalized,” Glynn said. “All of this, of course, is in fully keeping with the Vincentian mission of Niagara University.”
The Vincentian Scholars Program is designed to meet community needs in a unique four-year curriculum that will prepare students to step in and assist local, regional and national organizations that work with the poor and oppressed.
“The gift comes from the heart of the Glynn family,” Glynn said. “It is inspired, first, by our Catholic faith and the gospel mandate that those who have been given much are bound to help those among us who are in need.”
Glynn said the budding scholars chosen for the program showed a desire to use “their talents to help bring about change.”
The University introduced Emma Li of Ontario, New York, Theresa Schmidt of Attica and Rebecca Yuhas of Rochester as its first Vincentian Scholars.
“It’s exciting, but intimidating (to be one of the first scholars),” Schmidt said. “It’s exciting to set a standard for the scholars who will follow.”
Li, who said she had both “anxiety and anticipation” being first in the program, hopes she’ll have the opportunity for a wide variety of experiences.
“I think (the scholars program) will take us to a lot of places in the community,” she said.
Yuhas, who will be an education major, sees the program bringing value to a wide cross-section of NU students.
“I’ve seem the impact education can have on a child,” Yuhas said. “Every major (at the university) will have an impact on the Vincentian Scholars Program.”
NU President Rev. Joseph Levesque said the Glynn gift supports the university’s mission.
“In establishing the Vincentian Scholars Program, (the Glynns) have demonstrated their commitment not only to Niagara, but to the entire community,” Levesque said. “The (scholars program) will be an incredible experience for our students and for the communities they will serve.”
