Dear Lisa Teaches Warning Signs of Dating Violence

BUFFALO, NY − Canisius University will present “Dear Lisa,” a lecture by Tom Santoro, on Monday, February 13 at 7:00 p.m. in the Regis Room of the Richard E. Winter Student Center. Santoro’s lecture, which is free and open to the public, is sponsored by the Office of Campus Programming and Leadership Development. 

“Dear Lisa” tells the story of Santoro’s 18 year-old daughter, Lisa, who was murdered by her ex-boyfriend on July 29, 1984. He had stalked and lured her to his home to kill her. Following his daughter’s death, Santoro decided to focus his energy from heartache into a mission to educate as many young people as possible about the signs of dating violence and about how to make respect the center of all healthy relationships. Santoro’s lecture is designed to encourage students to recognize patterns of abuse, escalation and incidents in dangerous relationships. He facilitates a discussion about domestic and dating violence that allows students to share their thoughts and explore their perceptions of the issue. 

Santoro has visited hundreds of high schools and colleges across the country, and reached more than a quarter million students and teachers with his message. He has appeared on local and national television outlets includingThe Montel Williams Show and The Oprah Winfrey Show. 

For more information, contact Katie Martoche in the Office of Campus Programming and Leadership Development, at (716) 888-2190. 

Canisius University is one of 28 Catholic, Jesuit colleges in the nation and the premier private college in Western New York. Canisius prepares leaders – intelligent, caring, faithful individuals – able to pursue and promote excellence in their professions, their communities and their service to humanity.