Niagara University Honors Two Individuals During Veterans Day Celebration

Niagara University observed Veterans Day with a special celebration in honor of the Rev. Joseph L. Levesque, C.M., former president of Niagara University and founder of its veteran program, and Rev. Lt. Thomas M. Conway, a Navy chaplain and Niagara University alumnus who received the Navy Cross for giving his life to bring spirituality and peace to the crew of the USS Indianapolis.

"We are honored to recognize these two individuals, who have impacted so many of the brave men and women who served our country to defend our freedoms," said the Rev. James J. Maher, C.M., president of Niagara University. "As we express our deepest heartfelt gratitude to our veterans, both living and deceased, we are also encouraged to renew our efforts to support them by creating a home where they can flourish academically, personally, socially, and spiritually."

NYS Senator Robert Ortt was a featured speaker at the event, during which a plaque honoring Father Levesque and a mural by local artist Tyshaun D. Tyson commemorating Father Conway's heroic sacrifice were unveiled. Other speakers included Karl Hinterberger, director of the Veterans Services program; Robert Healy, inaugural director; and NU student and veteran Zechary Fisher.

In 2010, Father Levesque spearheaded the establishment of the Veterans Services office on campus to assist military veterans, active-duty service members, and their family members with their transition to academic life. On June 6, 2019, the university cut the ribbon on a newly renovated veterans lounge in DePaul Hall on the university's Lewiston campus, demonstrating its commitment to being a "veteran friendly" campus. Initiatives like these have earned the university numerous recognitions for its support of veterans; most recently, as among the top 10 "Best Colleges for Veterans," in the North, according to U.S. News & World Report's annual survey of "America's Best Colleges." The ranking is based on factors including GI-Bill certification, participation in the Yellow Ribbon Program, and having 20 or more undergraduate students who are veterans or active service members.

A native of Waterbury, Conn., Father Conway enrolled at Niagara University in 1928 and was ordained a priest for the diocese of Buffalo in 1934. He enlisted in the Navy in 1942 and served on the USS Medusa as Navy chaplain for several months before being assigned to the ill-fated USS Indianapolis on Aug. 25, 1944. He was aboard the heavy cruiser when it was torpedoed by a Japanese submarine just after midnight on July 31, 1945. For three days before exhaustion resulted in his own drowning, the 37-year-old priest swam among the nearly 900 survivors, praying with them, hearing their confessions, and administering the last rites. The 316 crewmen eventually rescued credited him with providing the spiritual strength and hope that allowed them to survive.

The establishment of the Veterans Services office continued Niagara University's long history of honoring and supporting military students, veterans, and their families. The Catholic and Vincentian university supports a U.S. Army ROTC program and participates in the Department of Veterans Affairs GI Bill Yellow Ribbon Program, a provision of the Post-9/11 Veterans Educational Assistance Act of 2008.

Military alumni of Niagara include two Medal of Honor recipients, Gen. William Donovan and Lt. John Bobo, and a humanitarian nominated for sainthood, Father Nelson Baker.