Levesque Institute for Civic Engagement
is committed to reinforcing Niagara University's mission by changing systems for social and economic IMPACT
Message from the Director
At the Levesque Institute for Civic Engagement, we believe service is more than an action – it is a responsibility and a catalyst for meaningful change. Rooted in Niagara University’s Vincentian mission, we connect students, faculty, and community partners to address real needs with purpose and compassion.
Our work is guided by four pillars: Birth-12 Education, Community Outreach, Health and Wellness, and Revitalization. Through these focus areas, we collaborate with local school districts, community-based organizations, and businesses to strengthen the Western New York region. Initiatives like IMPACT Connects empower students and employees to engage in service while allowing us to track and demonstrate the measurable economic impact of that work across campus and community.
As we prepare the leaders of tomorrow, we are also helping to build a stronger, more connected workforce today. Your generous support makes this possible-expanding opportunities, deepening impact, and advancing equity for those we serve.
Together, we can continue to transform lives through service.
Who We Are
The Levesque Institute for Civic Engagement lives out the University’s Vincentian heritage by serving as a bridge between campus and community – advancing partnerships that are grounded in humility, solidarity, and bold service.
Inspired by more than 400 years of the Vincentian tradition, we believe that authentic engagement begins by listening. Period. We work alongside, not apart from, our community partners, responding to community-identified priorities with shared purpose and mutual respect.
Rooted in the values of human dignity, social justice, and compassion, the Institute helps prepare students to become ethical leaders and engaged citizens. We work together to ensure that education is not separate from the community, but in service to it. Our approach reflects the Vincentian call to live humbly and serve boldly;
Live humbly by listening first, honoring community expertise, and cultivating reciprocal partnerships.
Serve boldly by mobilizing university resources, students, faculty, and regional partners to address systemic changes, challenges, and expand opportunities.
Levesque Institute continuously strives to strengthen civic infrastructure by connecting higher education, Birth-12 systems, nonprofit organizations, employers, municipalities, and residents to improve community well-being.
Our Approach: The Four Pillars
To deepen impact and ensure strategic alignment with community priorities, the Levesque Institute was established with four core pillars to guide all programs and partnerships.
These pillars reflect our role as an anchor institution, focusing resources, academic expertise, and student engagement on the most pressing needs across the Niagara region. Together, these pillars create a cohesive framework that strengthens campus-community relationships, supports measurable outcomes, and fosters long-term, sustainable impact.
Pillar 1: Education
(Birth - 12th Grade)
- Build foundational skills in early learning
- Support academic success and social-emotional development
- Expand access to dual enrollment and postsecondary pathways
- Prepare students for both college and workforce opportunities
- Grounded in Vincentian values, we ensure that all students, particularly those from underserved communities, have the support, resources, and confidence to achieve their full potential
Pillar 2: Community Outreach
Community Outreach is at the heart of the Levesque Institute’s mission. Through intentional collaboration with nonprofit organizations, schools, healthcare providers, and local leaders, we co-create programs that focus on addressing community challenges.
Our approach emphasizes reciprocity and shared impact. We foster trusted, mutually beneficial partnerships to create shared value and optimal results. Students engage in meaningful service-learning experiences that enhance their academic growth while contributing to measurable outcomes for our partners.
Together, we are strengthening neighborhoods, expanding access to resources, and building a more connected and resilient Niagara community.
Pillar 3: Health & Wellness
We understand that thriving communities begin with healthy individuals.
Our Health & Wellness initiatives connect students, faculty, and community partners to address physical, mental, and social determinants of health. Efforts are often focused particularly in under-resourced communities across the Niagara region.
Through service-learning, prevention education, digital health access, clinics, mentoring, and outreach, students gain hands-on experience while supporting critical community needs. These initiatives reflect our Vincentian commitment to human dignity, equity, and compassionate service. By integrating wellness with civic engagement, we prepare students not only for careers in health-related fields, but for lives of purpose and responsibility to strengthen individual well-being and community resilience.
Pillar 4: Revitalization
Spotlights
Spotlights recognize and celebrate outstanding students and community partnership who make a meaningful impact through their achievements, leadership, and service.
Student Spotlight
Cristina Reina- Martinez
My experience at Niagara University has been great. As part of the first cohort of Brennan Scholars, I was able to attend college, which has always been my goal and the main reason I immigrated to the United States. These four years tremendously helped me grow as a person.
In my freshman year, I learned how to live away from home. I figured out how to ask for help, make friends, and meet new people. I joined clubs and stepped out of my comfort zone.
In my sophomore year, I created a club with some of my classmates and ran events. I applied for a tour guide position, which helped me be more comfortable with talking to people I don’t know and become more social.
In my junior year, I worked on CIS projects with my professor and other classmates, which helped me narrow down what career I wanted to pursue.
In my senior year, I was able to study abroad in Alicante, Spain. I had an amazing experience. I was able to connect with my culture and learn new things.
All in all, I learned a lot while studying here at Niagara, both academically and personally. For the current and future Brennan Scholars, I would like to give this advice: take every chance you get. Whether it is studying abroad, joining a club, doing community service, or whatever else. The more you get involved, the more you’ll learn about yourself and become the person you truly want to be.
Community Spotlight
Junior Achievement of Western New York
Junior Achievement of WNY (JA) and Levesque Institute at Niagara University partnered to provide enrichment activities and civic engagement opportunities for Niagara Falls High school students. Levesque Institute hosted the Bridges to Excellence program for high school students with disabilities during the spring 2026 semester. The program was tailored for the students to learn about community resources and have them participate in career exploration activities. Three Niagara University work study students completed JA’s Coaching training in December to prepare to facilitate the program. Their training topics included the role of an effective Coach, the Coaching mindset, and strategies for building positive relationships. After completing this training, the students provided support to empower the high school students. The NU students earned a Coaching Credential and an Essential Work Skills credential from Junior Achievement in addition to 30 hours of volunteer work. The high school students completed the JA Economics for Success program and received a certificate of completion for their portfolios.
During the summer months, Levesque Institute will partner with JA to provide work readiness and post-secondary planning for Niagara Falls High School Early College Smart Scholars. JA will facilitate topics such as: Career self-awareness, Career Exploration, Professionalism 101, How to Present Yourself to Employers, Goal Setting, and Financial Readiness.
Latest News
Levesque Institute for Civic Engagement – NU News All the latest news from Niagara University
- NU’s Bowling Team Volunteers at Saturday Academy
by Lisa McMahon on December 9, 2025Members of Niagara University’s bowling team volunteered at a Saturday Academy on Dec. 6 at Cataract Elementary School in Niagara Falls, N.Y. The free, family-friendly event is offered by the Niagara Falls City School District to support students and strengthen family connections.
- Niagara University Students Live Vincentian Spirit During Holidays
by Lisa McMahon on December 1, 2025Niagara University students embraced the university’s Vincentian tradition during two annual holiday events in the City of Niagara Falls.
- Educators and Community Organizations Discuss Early Childhood Best Practices at Niagara University Summit
by Lisa McMahon on October 29, 2025Niagara University’s Levesque Institute for Civic Engagement welcomed educators and members of community organizations to the 2025 Early Childhood Summit on Oct. 25. The event, which was generously funded by the Peter and Elizabeth Tower Foundation, focused on collective impact for early learners […]
