News

Every month we honor and celebrate diversity. However, this month there are several significant events, milestones, and movements, specifically as they relate to Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion. Some of these celebrations include Pride, the National Puerto Rican Day Parade, and Juneteenth. Pride month commemorates years of struggle for civil rights, the ongoing pursuit of equal justice, and the accomplishments of the lesbian, gay, bisexual, transgender, queer, intersex, asexual and pansexual (LGBTQIAP+) community. The National Puerto Rican Day Parade celebrates Puerto Rican culture, heritage, arts, achievements, and legacy with music and dance. Additionally, the Juneteenth festival has been commemorated as a day to celebrate the abolishment of slavery and the Emancipation Proclamation in the United States. Celebrations typically include religious services, speeches, educational events, family gatherings, and festivals that emphasize education and the achievements of African Americans.

The Board of Trustees of Hilbert College, a Catholic Franciscan college based in Hamburg, New York, today announced the acquisition of Valley College, a career-focused college with campuses in West Virginia and Ohio, by its affiliate, Franciscan Services. Together, the colleges will serve more than 2,000 students across New York, West Virginia, and Ohio in traditional and online programs. All required regulatory approvals have been secured and the consortium will begin operations on June 1.

Hilbert College held its 62nd annual commencement ceremony on Friday, May 19 at the Hafner Recreation Center on the Hilbert campus. The graduates welcomed commencement speaker The Most Reverend Michael W. Fisher, Bishop of the Diocese of Buffalo—the Bishop’s first commencement speech since arriving in Buffalo in January 2021.

Medaille University is well-known for generously committing their resources to educate students. At Hilbert, we are here to help continue that mission to those affected by Medaille's devastating closure. We offer love and support to students, faculty, and staff as they encounter uncertainty during this difficult transition. As we generate interest from Medaille students, it is our mission to create a welcoming and nurturing environment where we empower students to continue their education and provide them with the skills and resources necessary to achieve their educational goals.

Sunday marks the one-year anniversary since the devastating mass shooting in Buffalo, which tragically claimed the lives of 10 innocent people and injured three others. Our thoughts and prayers remain focused on the victims, their families, and those impacted most. May the 10 lives we lost on that horrifying day remain on our minds and in our hearts. This weekend, the City of Buffalo is hosting a series of remembrance events to offer healing and hope for the community.

Wishing you joy and gladness in this Easter Season. In a world full of many difficulties, crises, and hurt; let us remember during this Easter, that God is with us, alive and well in the world. As we celebrate Easter and the risen Christ, let us be reminded that this is a special time set apart when we are invited to awaken our memory of God’s presence in our lives.

I want to take a moment to bring to your attention and ask for your support for our community members during the upcoming Jewish High Holiday. Passover starts at sundown on Wednesday, April 5, and ends after nightfall on Thursday, April 13.

Hilbert College has named Kristine Still, PhD, as Provost and Executive Vice President. Still assumes this new role in June. As the college's chief academic officer, Still will join Hilbert at a pivotal moment for the college and community, closely following the announcement of its pending acquisition of Ohio and West Virginia-based Valley College and the steady expansion of its undergraduate and graduate programs across traditional and online settings.

The celebration of Ramadan begins this evening, Wednesday, March 22nd. Ramadan is a spiritual month for Muslims that is marked by special observations such as fasting and nightly prayer. In the spirit of St. Francis in his encounter with the Sultan Malik al-Kamil, we encourage you to discover more about this tradition and take our Muslim brothers and sisters into consideration.

As colleges and universities across the country remember Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr., today let us take a moment and pause for thoughtful reflection. As we continue to witness our nation's discourse, let us be reminded that Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. was a champion for justice, racial equality, and change. His courage challenged the morality of our nation. However, you choose to spend Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. Day, I hope you will take some time to remember Dr. King and to reflect on how we can advance the values he stood for in our own lives and in the communities we share.

Hilbert College Athletic Director Tim Seil is pleased to announce Ted Egger has been named the Head Coach of the Hawks’ Football program.

Hilbert College was awarded a $500,000 grant from The Mother Cabrini Health Foundation. This is the third year Hilbert has received this grant and will be used to continue essential support of the Franciscan Advocacy & Resource Center at Hilbert. As you know, this Center helps students overcome life issues and supports and strengthens their ability to transition and thrive in their educational setting and beyond.