Donald K. Boswell To Speak at Graduate Commencement

Buffalo, NY – Donald K. Boswell, president and chief executive officer (CEO) of the Western New York Public Broadcasting Association, will address the Canisius University Class of 2012 during graduate commencement ceremonies on Wednesday, May 16 at 7 p.m. in college’s Koessler Athletic Center. Approximately 820 graduate degrees will be conferred at this time. Boswell will be presented with an honorary degree during the ceremony. 

In 1998, Boswell realized a life-long goal when he was named president and CEO of the Western New York Public Broadcasting Association, which operates WNED television, AM and FM radio, and WBFO. He began his career during a public television internship with Pittsburgh’s PBS station (WQED), when he was mentored by the station’s president, Don Tavner. Boswell’s early broadcasting career continued in WVIA in Scranton-Wilkes Barre, North Texas Public Broadcasting in Dallas, KCTS in Seattle, and North Dallas Public Broadcasting. 

Boswell’s experience and vision help to shape WNED into a significant community partner for Western New York. The station invested in new digital technology to expand its reach. Its sophisticated facilities are now equipped to bring the best quality entertainment to audiences and produce top-quality productions that promote the Western New York and Southern Ontario regions. 

Under Boswell’s leadership, WNED maintains a strong institutional commitment to education. An unprecedented grant of $2.5 million from the John R. Oishei Foundation enabled WNED to collaborate with the region’s most influential education technology organizations to create the ThinkBright Lifelong Learning Program. The service television, online resources and community outreach bring a diverse set of educational programming to homes and schools. 

Boswell has served on the boards of the Albright-Knox Art Gallery, the Buffalo Niagara Convention and Visitors Bureau, and the Martin House Restoration Corporation. He also collaborated with Maestro JoAnn Falletta to institute the International Guitar Concerto Competition. The biennial event is considered the premier competition of its kind and attracts top classical guitarists from around the world. 

For more information, contact the Office of Public Relations at (716)888-2790.

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.