Commencement 2017

During commencement week, the Koessler Athletic Center will be decked out in Canisius blue and gold and filled to capacity with members of the college community.  This year’s graduates will hear the sage advice of two fellow Griffs when they address the undergraduate and graduate classes of 2017 during commencement ceremonies in May.

Christine M. Licata-Culhane ’67, MS ’71, EdD, will deliver remarks to the graduate class on Wednesday, May 17 at 7:00 p.m.  Licata-Culhane is the senior associate provost and professor in the Division of Academic Affairs at Rochester Institute of Technology (RIT).  Licata-Culhane will receive an honorary degree during the ceremony.

Nelson D. Civello ’67, retired president of the Fixed Income Capital Markets Group for Dain Rauscher Corp and past chair of The Bond Market Association, will address the undergraduate class on Saturday, May 20 at 10:00 a.m.

During undergraduate ceremonies, Canisius will confer honorary degrees upon Civello, Bishop Matthew H. Clark, retired bishop of the Roman Catholic Diocese of Rochester; Michael “Mitch” Flynn, owner and creative director of Flynn and Friends and founder of the Ride for Roswell; Amy J. Habib MS ’63, past chair of the board of directors of Petri Baking Products, Inc. and L. Nelson “Nick” Hopkins, MD, internationally recognized pioneer of endovascular neurosurgery.

Nora E. Eberl Plizga ’92 and Thomas G. Smith ’7l are the 2017 recipients of the LaSalle Medal.  Conferred by the Alumni Association, the LaSalle Medal recognizes outstanding Canisius alumni whose substantial contributions to the college have, over time, advanced the interests and the mission of alma mater.

Eberl is the third generation co-owner of Eberl Iron Works Inc.  Smith is a former partner with Hartner, Secrest & Emery, LLP.

Read more about commencement speakers and honorees here. 

Enjoy last year’s commencement video here.