The Niland Brothers
A legacy of bravery
One of the most poignant stories of Canisius' involvement in World War II is that of the Niland family, whose story provided a model for the film, “Saving Private Ryan.” Edward, Preston, Robert and Frederick were the sons of Michael and Augusta Niland. All went to Canisius University, except for Preston, who attended the University at Buffalo. Niland died in action during the first two days of the D-Day invasion at Normandy. Radio operator Edward Niland ’36 was listed as missing after his plane went down in Burma. He was later found to be alive in a Burmese POW camp. A fourth brother, Frederick ’43, was sent home from Normandy to spare the family more heartbreak. Seventy-five years after the D-Day invasion that helped free Western Europe from Nazi occupation, the legacy of the Niland brothers’ brave sacrifices lives on. Read more.
Caped Crusader
Lorenz ’09 transforms from attorney to Batman for charity
Will Lorenz ’09 is a real-life superhero. Associate counsel at HoganWillig, Lorenz is a civil litigator who helped state legislators arrive at what became the final version of the Child Victims Act. After he won “Buffalo’s Best Batman” contest in 2015, he began volunteering at events as Batman. His secret identity has taken him all over Western New York and overseas to help raise money for charities. Read more.
Bauth ’MS ’89 Inducted into Baseball Coaches Hall of Fame
Alumnus is longest tenured coach in SUNY ECC baseball history
Joe Bauth ’MS ’89 was inducted into the National Junior College Athletic Association (NJCAA) Baseball Coaches Association Hall of Fame. Bauth’s team, SUNY Erie Community College (ECC), has consistently been one of the top teams in Region 3 and NJCAA Division 3 baseball for nearly three decades. Read more.
Buffalo Booster
Fashana MBA ’11 spreads good news about the Queen City
As director of marketing for Visit Buffalo Niagara, Karen Fashana MBA ’11 loves to share all the great things to see and do in Western New York. She especially enjoys breaking visitors’ stereotypes of Buffalo and informing them of the city’s beautiful waterfront, unique architecture and local cuisine. Read more.
