Niagara University to Prospective Students: “Find Your Wings”

A bold new advertising campaign for Niagara University invites prospective students to "Find Your Wings," a nod to the transformational living-learning experience that occurs at its scenic campuses on Monteagle Ridge in Lewiston, N.Y., and in Vaughan, Ontario, Canada.

The new messaging was developed through a collaborative, yearlong brand assessment in association with Buffalo-based advertising agency Crowley Webb. It is designed to blend the 168-year heritage and current strengths of the university as identified by students, alumni, faculty, staff and administration, as well as individuals in the community.

"We repeatedly hear that Niagara University has a transformational impact on students in the most meaningful of ways - academically, athletically, spiritually, and socially," said the Rev. James J. Maher, C.M., president of Niagara University. "We are eager to tell the remarkable stories of how our excellent academic programs and world-class faculty prepare students for postgraduate success in an ever-changing global marketplace."

To that end, U.S. News and World Report 2024-2025 college rankings confirm that the return on investment Niagara University offers families is the best of all 73 institutions evaluated in the North. NU was the named the region's "Best Value" in the publication's most recent survey of "America's Best Colleges." The calculation considers a school's academic quality and net cost of attendance.

"Outcomes-based storytelling that clearly articulates 'the why' behind Niagara University's ascension among regional institutions is the focus of this campaign," noted Michael Freedman, NU's vice president of marketing and undergraduate enrollment. "Every decision made at Niagara is undertaken with the student experience in mind, and now we're bringing that intentional approach to our advertising. Viewers will see a variety of Niagara success stories through the eyes of Purple Eagles."

The brand study and analysis identified the university's differentiators as academic excellence; its student-centric approach; the connectedness of its campus community; plentiful experiential learning opportunities; Vincentian tradition and values; and its unique, binational location.

"Crowley Webb is incredibly proud to have partnered with Niagara University on this transformative 'Find Your Wings' campaign," said Tricia Barrett, CEO of Crowley Webb. "From conducting the initial research that sought to uncover what makes NU so special, to developing a creative concept that brought this insight to life, our team was dedicated to capturing the authentic spirit of NU and the incredible impact its student-centric approach has on its students. After more than 14 years of partnership, we can definitely say that 'Find Your Wings' truly reflects the essence of the Niagara University experience."

Niagara University's "Find Your Wings" brand anthem commercial debuted Sept. 21 during the National Hockey League preseason game between the Buffalo Sabres and Pittsburgh Penguins. NU is the official higher education partner of the Sabres.