Niagara University offers tips on taking ‘brain breaks’

By Kaylee Brennan NU students work on homework. Finals week is approaching and the students at Niagara University are stressed. From term papers to upcoming exams, this is the most popular time for students to contemplate dropping out (just kidding). Niagara University students are prepared and confident and they know when it is time to … Continue reading Niagara University offers tips on taking ‘brain breaks’

More than 100 NU students donate blood

ConnectLife hosted blood drive at Niagara University on Nov. 10-11 Freshman Skyler Stanley poses for a picture while donating blood at the recent drive held at Niagara University. By Kaylee Brennan ConnectLife hosted a blood drive at Niagara University in the multipurpose room at the Gallagher Center, and more than 100 NU students donated their … Continue reading More than 100 NU students donate blood

What is OMA, and why should you be interested?

Pictured is Oma Program Coordinator Taylor Lilton. By Jheanelle Kerr The Niagara University Office of Multicultural Affairs – otherwise known as Oma – is considered a safe space for all students regardless of race, color, sexual orientation or gender. It is known for its promotion of inclusion and diversity. This office is in charge of … Continue reading What is OMA, and why should you be interested?

3 comfort spots on campus

By Jheanelle Kerr As an international student who always felt awkward in crowds of people who often did not speak my language or understand me, I was always searching for that haven where I could relax, do assignments, or debrief what I learned in class. Over the past two months of attending Niagara University, I … Continue reading 3 comfort spots on campus

NU’s ‘Surviving…Thriving: A Journey of Healing Through Art’ honors survivors, raises awareness of domestic violence

Attendees view artwork created by survivors of domestic violence at the fifth “Surviving…Thriving: A Journey of Healing Through Art” exhibit, held in observance of Domestic Violence Awareness Month. (NU photo) A viewing of artwork created by survivors of domestic violence was the centerpiece of an event Sept. 30 at Niagara University’s Castellani Art Museum called … Continue reading NU’s ‘Surviving…Thriving: A Journey of Healing Through Art’ honors survivors, raises awareness of domestic violence

Buffalo Bills Offseason Recap

By Franklin Heinzmann BUFFALO, N.Y. – With the waves of the NFL free agency dying down, it provides a great window for us to look back at the moves the Bills GM Brandon Beane and company made this offseason to bolster the roster ahead of the 2020 NFL Draft and the upcoming season. Acquiring WR … Continue reading Buffalo Bills Offseason Recap

Make America Rage Again: Why a RATM reunion is the perfect soundtrack for today’s political hellscape

By: Michael DePietro Last month, legendary hip-hop/metal pioneers Rage Against the Machine (RATM) announced a worldwide reunion tour, including the band’s first visit back to Buffalo since 1993. The ‘Public Service Announcement‎” tour, which also features hip-hop supergroup Run the Jewels, will mark the first time the band has performed together in nearly a decade. … Continue reading Make America Rage Again: Why a RATM reunion is the perfect soundtrack for today’s political hellscape

“Dracula” series review

By: Michael DePietro Last month, audiences worldwide finally got a chance to sink their teeth into “Dracula,” a new television series based on Bram Stoker’s classic horror novel. Co-produced by the BBC/Netflix, the series is helmed by Mark Gatiss and Steven Moffat, the duo behind the BBC’s critically acclaimed series, “Sherlock.” Like many of the … Continue reading “Dracula” series review

New tennis courts debuted on campus

By: Mike Taber Image by Mike Taber NIAGARA UNIVERSITY, N.Y. - In early September, a long awaited change was made to one the sports complexes on campus. If you haven’t seen already, brand new tennis courts have replaced the red and green tennis courts in the complex near Campus Safety. Purple and grey are the … Continue reading New tennis courts debuted on campus

NU unveils plan for new Sports Lounge

By Spencer Vadnais and Kevin McDonnell Image by the Office of Student Affairs NIAGARA UNIVERSITY, N.Y. - NU is moving forward with plans to create a new Sports Lounge in O’Shea Hall. The space is projected to come online in a late fall semester opening and will include, as a part of it, an eSports … Continue reading NU unveils plan for new Sports Lounge

The Black Keys are back: ‘Let’s Rock’ Review

  Picture: The Black Keys guitarist Dan Auerbach. Picture by NRK P3. Licensed under CC BY-NC-SA 2.0. By Franklin Heinzmann NIAGARA UNIVERSITY, N.Y. – On June 28, 2019, The Black Keys released their latest album ‘Let’s Rock,’ which ended a five-year hiatus.  The album features songs that only add to The Black Keys’ collection of … Continue reading The Black Keys are back: ‘Let’s Rock’ Review

The Albright Knox to close for several years

By: Nina Grenga BUFFALO, N.Y.- Gaining a $155 million grant for expansions, the Albright Knox is expected to close this November for approximately 2-3 years. Back in 2014, the art gallery made the decision to take on the grand expansion of the campus, adding the "AK- 360" building to their roster along with other extensions. … Continue reading The Albright Knox to close for several years

Restaurant Review: Lucy East African Cuisine

By: Matthew McKenzie BUFFALO, N. Y.- When thinking of the many great foods that make up the culture of Western New York, one's mind drifts to chicken wings and Bisons dip, but hopefully Lucy East African Cuisine could be added to the list soon. Walking in, either Abba or Naima, will introduce themselves and seat … Continue reading Restaurant Review: Lucy East African Cuisine

Flavored E-Cigarette Prohibition

By: Nick Josselyn NIAGARA UNIVERSITY, N.Y.- With rising health concerns regarding e-cigarette products, governments on both the state and national level are pushing toward a ban on flavored e-cigarette and vape products. Supporters of the ban cite a correlation between e-cigarette users and lung illnesses. The Center for Disease Control (CDC) have counted around 530 … Continue reading Flavored E-Cigarette Prohibition

Love, Death + Robots: Netflix Series Review

Image: Robot Beach 3"by Andy Wilson [Creative Commons] By: Michael DePietro NIAGARA UNIVERSITY, N.Y.— Back in 2008, film makers David Fincher (“The Social Network,” “Gone Girl”) and Tim Miller (“Deadpool”) announced that they had begun working together on a reimagining of the 1981 cult classic “Heavy Metal.” Over a decade later, the final result is … Continue reading Love, Death + Robots: Netflix Series Review

TBTN 2019

"Writing this article was one of the biggest accomplishments in my college career so far. This was my second semester writing for The Wire. It was one of the most challenging pieces I have written, as this topic can be extremely sensitive, and I wanted to get the survivor’s story across in the best way … Continue reading TBTN 2019

Jumpin’ jellyfish! ‘SpongeBob Squarepants’ turns 20

By: Michael DePietro NIAGARA UNIVERSITY N.Y — Are you ready kids?! Because on May 1st everyone’s favorite yellow sponge is turning 20 years old! Sure, the barnacle-heads over at Nickelodeon aren’t starting their “Best Year Ever” celebration until July 17th since that’s when the initial series run officially began, but any real goofy goober will … Continue reading Jumpin’ jellyfish! ‘SpongeBob Squarepants’ turns 20

Buffalo takes on ELLEN

Viral Buffalo police duo join Ellen DeGeneres on stage By: Nina Grenga BUFFALO, N.Y.- In the age of social media, anything can happen- like receiving an invitation to be on ELLEN via Facebook... after going viral of course. Buffalo cop duo Michael Norwood and Moe Badger had become an instant hit over social media when … Continue reading Buffalo takes on ELLEN

Game of Thrones is finally back!

By: Kevin McDonnell NIAGARA UNIVERSITY, N.Y.- By the time this article is printed fans of the HBO series of "Game of Thrones" will be three episodes in to the six-episode final season. For anyone looking to get into the series you surely will not be disappointed but take the time to stop reading this article … Continue reading Game of Thrones is finally back!

From Niagara to the Grammys

By: Liam Cuddy NIAGARA UNIVERSITY, N.Y.- People say you “find yourself” in college. It’s a place where you realize who you are, what you want to do, and where your life is heading. That wasn’t quite the case for alumni, Jack Hogan, a student who graduated with a biology degree in 2003, and wound up … Continue reading From Niagara to the Grammys

NU wants students to #HaltHate

By: Michael DePietro NIAGARA UNIVERSITY, N.Y.- Leadership Niagara and the Rev. Joseph L. Levesque, C.M. Institute for Civic Engagement are challenging social media users to #HaltHate, beginning with “A Day Without Hate” on April 2. The social media challenge, announced at the annual Compassionate Niagara conference on March 13, encourages participants to commit deeds of … Continue reading NU wants students to #HaltHate

NUSGA veterans face off in presidential debate

By: Kevin McDonnell NIAGARA UNIVERSITY, N.Y. - This past Wednesday student-body Vice President, Nick Graham, and Class of 2020 Treasurer, Jake Bachner, went head-to-head in a moderated debate with the hope of propelling one of them to the presidency. The debate format followed closely to what you would expect of a real presidential debate. It … Continue reading NUSGA veterans face off in presidential debate

Housing FOR students

By: Kevin McDonnell NIAGARA UNIVERSITY, N.Y. – It is that time of the year, yet again, on the NU campus. The intermittent snow showers between classes to blanket the brown grass across campus or the occasional ice storm to add a little extra fun to the morning day commute. Such is the way of life … Continue reading Housing FOR students

‘IMPACT Connects’ makes service more efficient for students and faculty

By: Michael DePietro NIAGARA UNIVERSITY - The IMPACT office recently unveiled IMPACT Connects, a new website that offers a fresh, user-friendly way for Niagara University students to connect to community service opportunities that best fit their skills and interests. The service’s goal is to help students fulfill their community service requirements by not only making … Continue reading ‘IMPACT Connects’ makes service more efficient for students and faculty

Elizabeth Camara: NUSGA’s inaugural Diversity and Inclusion chair

By: Madison Ruffo NIAGARA UNIVERSITY, N.Y. -  As Black History Month comes to a close, Niagara University remains on a path toward intersectionality. That is the main goal of Elizabeth Camara, NUSGA’s Diversity and Inclusion chair. The position, created under the leadership of student-body President Cheyenne Freely, is based on a similar position created following … Continue reading Elizabeth Camara: NUSGA’s inaugural Diversity and Inclusion chair

NUSGA hosts first Town Hall meeting

By: Madison Ruffo NIAGARA UNIVERSITY, N.Y.- On Thursday, February 28, students and administrators gathered in Dunleavy 127 to engage in a “Town Hall” meeting hosted by a number of the NUSGA representatives. A panel consisting of student-body President (Cheyenne Freely), student-body Vice President (Nick Graham), NUSGA’s Diversity and Inclusion chair (Elizabeth Camara), Event Planner (Morgan … Continue reading NUSGA hosts first Town Hall meeting

A State of chaos

By: Kevin McDonnellNIAGARA UNIVERSITY, N.Y.- The fate of Virginia’s governorship remains uncertain. Governor Ralph Northam became a prominent figure in national politics when a photograph was discovered in his 1984 East Virginia Medical School yearbook of a man depicted in “blackface” next to another individual dressed as a member of the Ku Klux Klan. Northam … Continue reading A State of chaos

Come As You Are; NEDA Week

By Brittany Rosso   LEWISTON, N.Y. - On Feb. 25, thousands of women and men will come together to shine a light on eating disorders in honor of National Eating Disorder Awareness Week. The annual week extends through March 3, and serves as a way to educate the public, spread hopeful messages and put resources … Continue reading Come As You Are; NEDA Week

A conversation about the fandom with Impractical Joker, James Murray

By: Nina Grenga NIAGARA UNIVERSITY, N.Y.- “Hey, its James Murray!” If you’re as big of an Impractical Jokers fan as I am, then you realize how surreal answering my phone and being greeted with this cheerful introduction was for me. Yes, after bombarding his assistant’s email for a couple of weeks, I was able to … Continue reading A conversation about the fandom with Impractical Joker, James Murray

Best places to study during finals week

By: Sarah Rance NIAGARA UNIVERSITY, N.Y. - Final exams are quickly approaching, and that means studying - a lot. Productive studying can be largely determined by location. Some people need a silent place to study, while some people need a little background noise. It is important to find a spot that works for you. Read … Continue reading Best places to study during finals week

If actions reveal values

By: Vince de Paul NIAGARA UNIVERSITY, N.Y. - At a recent basketball game, a Niagara University student was selected at random and given the opportunity to win tuition for a semester if they could sink four consecutive basketball shots.  Through this promotion, the University appears to be signaling: That it places a greater value on … Continue reading If actions reveal values

NU gives back with Adopt-A-Family

By Alize Rosado NIAGARA UNIVERSITY N.Y. - As the days get colder, Niagara students' hearts get a little warmer. With the holiday season fast approaching Campus Ministry is doing their annual Adopt-A-Family program which gives Christmas gifts to local families in need. Niagara University and Campus Ministry work closely with Summit Life, a crisis pregnancy … Continue reading NU gives back with Adopt-A-Family

NUOP: More Than an Opportunity

By: Max Liebel NIAGARA UNIVERSITY, N.Y. - I found myself sitting around a group of people in a social setting here on campus my sophomore year talking about where we came from, our old high schools, and the towns we grew up in. I had mentioned that I was a NUOP student and the girl sitting … Continue reading NUOP: More Than an Opportunity

The hostess with the… roaches?

By Max Liebel NIAGARA UNIVERSITY, N.Y. - Clet hall is a touchstone for a lot of students on campus. It's home to classrooms for the theatre program, student housing, a dinning hall, and now roaches. A picture surfaced a few weeks ago of a cockroach in the hallway of the lower level of Clet hall. … Continue reading The hostess with the… roaches?

Professors speak out on mental health

By: Brittany Rosso "I fear our profession has lost some of the humanity it used to have."- Survey Participant. NIAGARA UNIVERSITY, N.Y. - In an anonymous survey, professors had the chance to share their opinions towards faculty mental health first-aid training. Out of approximately 100 recipients of the survey, 35 chose to respond. Areas that … Continue reading Professors speak out on mental health

Excelsior Program opens alternate avenues for affordable education

By: Hugh Brown NIAGARA UNIVERSITY, N.Y. - The Excelsior Program is a large, state-funded scholarship that helps send residents of New York State to public college, specifically SUNY schools. The Excelsior program has recently come into effect, and has already drastically impacted enrollment numbers at Niagara University and Canisius College. The NU administration has recently … Continue reading Excelsior Program opens alternate avenues for affordable education

On or off campus: the price of freedom

By: Alize Rosado NIAGARA UNIVERSITY, N.Y .- One of the things freshmen look forward to most is their chance to live in the off-campus apartments. It is the perfect chance for students to have some freedoms, while remaining close to school. However, for some students, living in the off-campus apartments can be more of an inconvenience … Continue reading On or off campus: the price of freedom

How can Niagara University improve?

By: Ava Mrozik NIAGARA UNIVERSITY, N.Y. - Delta Epsilon Sigma organized a panel discussion on Nov. 7 addressing how Niagara University can improve both socially and academically. The meeting began with a short explanation from each panel member of how they thought NU could make improvements. The panel members for the discussion were Jason Jakubowski, … Continue reading How can Niagara University improve?

What do the results of the Midterm Elections mean?

By: Sarah Rance NIAGARA UNIVERSITY, N.Y. - While most students are aware that the midterm elections have just passed on Nov. 6, very few people know what these winning candidates’ platforms are and what they mean for them. As college students and young adults, it is our duty to become aware of the politics which … Continue reading What do the results of the Midterm Elections mean?

Shining a light on the deaf community – one coffee at a time

By: Katherine Snyder NIAGARA UNIVERSITY, N.Y. - The Deaf community is an important part of our society, making improving our communications with them a pertinent topic. American Sign Language, also known as ASL, is the official language used to communicate among those who are deaf or hard of hearing (DHH). Recently, Starbucks opened up their … Continue reading Shining a light on the deaf community – one coffee at a time

Varsity Village house continues to make noise

NIAGARA UNIVERSITY, N.Y. - Varsity Village House IV, officially delegated as the Social Justice house, has continued their relentless advocation of the biggest social and political issues that are hindering the nation. It looks as though they won't silence themselves anytime soon. Earlier this semester, House IV hung up a banner with the message "slavery never … Continue reading Varsity Village house continues to make noise

Fight for Life group rejected by NUSGA

By: Hugh Brown NIAGARA UNIVERSITY, N.Y. - The "Fight for Life" group was denied club status by the Niagara University Student Government Association after Ethan De Rosa, a member of the group, presented their constitution to NUSGA at a legislative meeting on Sunday, November 11. After presenting to NUSGA, members of the student government asked … Continue reading Fight for Life group rejected by NUSGA

An “Unlawful” Situation

By: Alize Rosado NIAGARA UNIVERSITY, N.Y. - Niagara University has prided itself on having an outstanding law program with faculty and courses that have helped students get into Ivy League schools. Their program has even been lauded by schools such as University at Buffalo because of its uniqueness. However, recent changes within the law department … Continue reading An “Unlawful” Situation

Mental health: bridging the gap

By: Brittany Rosso and Ava Mrozik NIAGARA UNIVERSITY, N.Y. - In a world where core mental health issues are rising each and every day, it is crucial for the Niagara University community to consider beyond the basics of mental health awareness and investigate what can further be done. NU must not only address the basic ways … Continue reading Mental health: bridging the gap

Veteran spotlight: John Martek

Photo by Sgt. Sean P. Casey By: Sarah Rance NIAGARA UNIVERSITY, N.Y. - Veterans Day is for honoring and thanking the men and women who have dedicated themselves to and fought for their country. There are 85 student veterans on campus this semester.  According to Robert Healy, the Director of Veteran Services here at Niagara … Continue reading Veteran spotlight: John Martek

Diving into the dark arts

By: Liam Cuddy NIAGARA UNIVERSITY, N.Y. - Next semester’s classes have officially been put online and registration starts soon. Every year students scramble to find that perfect class. A class that peaks their interest, that challenges them to think outside the box, that is different and really stands out. This particular class varies from major-to-major, … Continue reading Diving into the dark arts

Finding healthy ways to reduce anxiety

Here are a few ways to help cope with your panic and worry By: Maxwell Faery NIAGARA UNIVERSITY, N.Y. - Anxiety is very common for most college students and sometimes there are countless stressors in one’s life that causes them pain and worry. Anxiety can be hard to avoid, especially if it's about something that … Continue reading Finding healthy ways to reduce anxiety

music criticism

Do music reviews still matter?

By: Zackary Kephart NIAGARA UNIVERSITY, N.Y.- What was a critic's role in a pre-streaming world? Was it to dictate what music was good and bad? Was it to offer an insight into the music so consumers could make their own choices and spend their money wisely? It seems like a combination of both, yet both … Continue reading Do music reviews still matter?

The Happiest Ski-son of All

By Jack Seewagen It is now December, which means winter in Niagara Falls is officially here. For the next few months or so, our days will be defined by cold rain and snow. For many, this season is dreaded, but there is a specific group of people who are very excited about the coming of … Continue reading The Happiest Ski-son of All

Border No Longer Requires COVID-19 Tests

By Zach Penque As of Tuesday, Nov. 30, the U.S.-Canadian border no longer requires Canadians to submit a COVID-19 test if they have been in the U.S. for less than 72 hours. The change in policy came almost a month after the border opened on Nov. 9. While it is a possibility that the border … Continue reading Border No Longer Requires COVID-19 Tests

NU’s CRU Soars: ‘A community with a difference’

By Jheanelle Kerr Since 1951, Campus Crusade for Christ International (CRU) has advocated for a Christ-centered college experience. Its mission is to win, build and send disciples. CRU is a community passionate about connecting people to Jesus Christ. "Our purpose is helping to fulfill the Great Commission in the power of the Holy Spirit by … Continue reading NU’s CRU Soars: ‘A community with a difference’

‘A Celebration of Black Artist’ at Castellani

Review by Jy’Ahzhannae Taylor Niagara University's demographic is heavily populated with Caucasian students or students of European descent. But Niagara does its best to promote diversity and inclusion on campus and to ensure students can feel as though they are equal, even though their home for the next four years is a predominantly white institution. … Continue reading ‘A Celebration of Black Artist’ at Castellani

NU continues on with mask mandate

By Zach Penque The deadline to get the COVID-19 vaccine has passed for students and faculty at NU. Those who failed to provide proof of vaccination status, unless exempt, are now in direct violation of the Student Conduct System. Fortunately, it is reported that over 94% of the student population has received their shots. Despite … Continue reading NU continues on with mask mandate

Niagara University students flood into health services as sickness spreads throughout campus

By Kaylee Brennan “The Purple Plague” (aka a small, seasonal, viral infection) has spread throughout Niagara University. Students are experiencing different symptoms such as a runny nose, coughing, earaches and body pains. Tests taken at health services everyday prove it is not the coronavirus, but simply a miserable, viral infection that disrupts students’ everyday lives. … Continue reading Niagara University students flood into health services as sickness spreads throughout campus

Bands and the Bills

Review by Jack Seewagen Music and sports both have the unique power to bring people together, and that is what I witnessed in Buffalo two Sundays ago. That afternoon, a local do-it-yourself concert was held at an abandoned industrial lot to get people hyped up for the Bills vs. Chiefs game that night. I had … Continue reading Bands and the Bills