Father Joseph L. Levesque, C.M., announced today that after 13 years as President he will resign from his position at the conclusion of the current academic year.
He quickly made clear however that he will remain at NU. The university’s Board of Trustees has voted to confer on him the title of president emeritus. In this role, Father Levesque will be empowered to continue to help Niagara in ways designated by the new president and in a manner familiar to Father Levesque, especially in the areas of institutional advancement and in relation to the Institute for Civic Engagement.
“This truly is a bittersweet day for me,” admitted Father Levesque, whose association with Niagara University commenced in 1970 as a lecturer of religious studies. “With the help, trust and guidance of so many, we have accomplished the numerous goals that I articulated during my inaugural address. We have been successful in establishing and stabilizing a ‘new Niagara,’ all while remaining faithful to our mission and the best interests of our students and the community that we call home.
“I have been a member of the Niagara University community for more than four decades now and although I will no longer be president, I am very happy to be able to say that I will remain at NU for a long time to come, God willing.”
Father Levesque became the 25th president of Niagara University in January 2000. Under his leadership, Niagara University has experienced a continuous process of transformation that has significantly developed the physical character of the university’s campus and its 21st century approach to teaching and learning.
Visit the Niagara University website to read more about Father’s time at Niagara and a gallery of pictures from those years .
Well Done, Joe.
Padre–you have done your work at NiagaraU. Very well Its with much regret that I see you resign but know you will be about your Father Business in the future and that gives me both hope and confidence that things will progresses as the have for the last thirteen years Iam happy you will be staying at NiagaraU n your new position After all Niagara has been home to you for many yearsAthough we don’t know each othervpersonally Iam very familiar with thevVincentian Community and the work that has been done over the years and continues today.Over thevyears I have known many Vincentian Priests all them have been made of a Special Breed The leadership you have provided the last thirteen years will not be easily forgotten .You have been everything to the Niagara Community and it won’t be forgotten.It certainly is Bitter Sweet in many repects for many that you are stepping aside but one needs to know the fact you wont be leaving completely will be a big Plusnot only for the New President put ALL for the Niagara Communityas well the Vincentian Community As you know the presence of DedicatedClergy on our Catholic CollegeCampuses is very essential to the Young peoplle we educate .As you prepare to give up your posittion My thoughts and Prayers are with you .May you have many more years of serving God as a Vincentian Priest