University-Wide Awards and Prizes

The Rev. Francis A. O’Malley, SJ, Memorial Award is awarded to the member(s) of the graduating class who has achieved the highest cumulative average among students who have completed four years of study at Canisius University. This award is based on eight semesters of completed work.

The Rev. James M. Demske, SJ, Scholastic Achievement Award is bestowed upon a senior(s) who has transferred to Canisius University and has completed at least 60 credit hours at Canisius. This student will have achieved an exceptionally high cumulative average while a student at Canisius. This award is based on all semesters of completed work at Canisius.

The Alumni Association Distinguished Senior Award is awarded to a senior(s) who has distinguished him/herself through leadership roles and service to the University.

The ALANA Achievement Award is bestowed on a senior who is African American, Latino/a American, Asian American, or Native American who exemplifies the Jesuit value of Magis through academic excellence, exceptional leadership, and service to Canisius and/or the community at large.

The Campus Ministry Award is given to a graduating senior with a strong academic record who has contributed to the Canisius University community through participation in the events and programs of Campus Ministry and who has taken a leadership role in faith and justice activities.

The David A. & Moira S. Dooley Laudato Si' Award recognizes a student who embodies caring for our common home with substantial contributions to environmental sustainability efforts on our campus and in our community.

Excellence in Student Life is awarded to graduating seniors who have made outstanding contributions not only to their student organizations, but through service to student life as a whole.

The Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr. Awards are given to faculty members, students, or administrators whose lives and work best represent the ideals of Dr. King.

The Rev. Edmund G. Ryan, Sj Student Activities Leadership Involvement Awards are awarded to graduating seniors who have made outstanding contributions to their student organizations.

All-College Honors Program

The Amy Betros Community Service Award is awarded to a graduating All-College Honors student who best exemplifies the Jesuit spirit of “men & women for and with others.” This award for community service is named for Amy Betros who co-founded and co-directs St. Luke’s Mission of Mercy on the East Side of Buffalo, an organization that provides food, clothing, shelter, and tutoring for those in need.

The Robert J. Butler Award for Leadership recognizes students who have exercised strong leadership in carrying out co-curricular and extra-curricular activities for the All-College Honors Program, and who have taken leadership roles in honors classes.

The Kristin M. Brady Award for Excellence in All-College Honors Thesis is awarded to a senior who has written the most outstanding thesis in the All-College Honors Program.

The Beatriz & René De La Pedraja Award for Empirical Research is awarded to a student to recognize their empirical research in the Canisius All-College Honors thesis. This award is named for Beatriz De La Pedraja, who taught mathematics and Spanish, and Dr. René De La Pedraja, professor of history and past recipient of the Kenneth L. Koessler Distinguished Faculty Award

The John J. Hurley Award for Academic Excellence, Leadership and Social Justice is awarded to the All-College Honors student graduating in the spring semester who best exemplifies the Jesuit values of academic excellence, leadership, and the promotion of justice. The award is named for the Canisius University president who was an outstanding All-College Honors student (Class of 1978) at Canisius and, since then, has exemplified the spirit of magis as a community leader, generous benefactor, and a tireless advocate of social justice.

The Daniel Vela Humanitarian Award is presented to a student in the All-College Honors Program who regularly volunteers with a service-oriented organization. Their personality is not only marked by a great humility, but in the likeness of Dan Vela, they also possess a positive attitude and good sense of humor. The awardee is committed to furthering the justice efforts of the Canisius University community and beyond. They are an embodiment of Canisius’ Jesuit values as they are a person for and with others striving for excellence in service and academia. In essence, the awardee is someone who is willing to stand for a cause, and uplift their community with the same tenacity as Dan Vela.

Raichle Pre-Law Center

The Albert R. Mugel Award is presented annually by the Raichle Pre-Law Center. It is given to a senior intending to pursue a career in law and whose achievements, individual character, and dedication to the welfare of the community best exemplify the career and ideals of Albert R. Mugel. Mr. Mugel was a member of the University’s Board of Trustees and worked tirelessly to enhance the Pre-Law Center and enhance its position in Western New York.

Urban Leadership Learning Community

The Lenore "Lee" Rosica Award for Outstanding Leadership and Service is presented to the Urban Leadership Learning Community senior who has demonstrated outstanding leadership and service both at the University and in the wider community.

The Sebastian J. "Red" Rosica Award for Excellence in Academic Achievement is presented to the Urban Leadership Learning Community senior who has earned the highest GPA in their undergraduate career.

Women & Gender Studies Program

The Dr. I. Joan Lorch Award for Women & Gender Studies honors a person who has made a significant contribution to women and who exemplifies the pursuit of liberation and justice regarding sex, gender, and sexuality. The award is bestowed by the Women & Gender Studies Advisory board each year in three categories: Canisius Student Award, Canisius Colleague Award, and Community Award.