Buffalo, NY – Canisius University President Steve Stoute will receive the prestigious Trailblazer Award from the Niagara Organizing Alliance for Hope (NOAH) at its “Night with the Stars” gala and auction on Saturday, October 26. The Trailblazer Award recognizes individuals who exemplify NOAH’s mission to address local and regional issues of justice and equity through community building, negotiation with decision makers and direct action. President Stoute is being recognized for his transformative leadership in higher education and his commitment to fostering inclusive community partnerships.
Since becoming Canisius’ first president of color in July 2022, President Stoute has implemented several groundbreaking initiatives. Under his leadership, Canisius became Western New York’s first higher education institution to adopt a test-free undergraduate admissions policy, removing standardized testing barriers to increase educational access. He also successfully petitioned the New York State Education Department Board of Regents for university designation. The transition to Canisius University took place on August 1, 2023, alongside the unveiling of a new strategic plan and branding initiative for the institution. Most recently, President Stoute introduced the Canisius Buffalo Promise Scholarship, which covers 100% of tuition for eligible local students.
President Stoute’s leadership earned him an appointment as co-chair of the Western New York Regional Economic Development Council and to the NCAA Committee on Women's Athletics. He received accolades from the weekly magazine City and State, which named him among the 100 most influential faith leaders in New York State. President Stoute was also named to Business First’s list of “Power 100 Business Leaders of Color” and its “Power 250” list of the most influential leaders in the region.
For more information about NOAH’s “Night with the Stars” gala and auction, click here.
Canisius was founded in 1870 in Buffalo, NY, and is one of 27 Jesuit colleges and universities in the U.S. Consistently ranked among the top institutions in the Northeast, Canisius offers undergraduate, graduate and pre-professional programs distinguished by close student-faculty collaboration, mentoring and an emphasis on ethical, purpose-driven leadership.
