Meet our tour guides!
We can’t wait for you to tour our beautiful campus and meet some fellow Purple Eagles!
Whether you come during an Open House, tour with a group, or sign up for a personal tour, our tour guides are ready to greet you with a smile and make you feel at home. There’s no place like 51³Ô¹ÏºÚÁÏ, and we’re excited for you to experience that firsthand!
Student Tour Guide Leaders
Alexis Kadlecik
°Õ¾±³Ù±ô±ð:ÌýGraduate Assistant
Major: Accounting
Hometown: Youngstown, NY
Why NU: I chose Niagara for its beautiful campus, amazing atmosphere, and the great academic experiences it offers. When I stepped on campus I knew it was the place for me!
Althea Simmons
²Ñ²¹Âá´Ç°ù:ÌýTourism – Event and Meeting Management
Hometown: Syracuse, NY
Why NU: I chose NU because of the amazing career-based opportunities and alumni connections. There are many ways to receive internships after your freshman year, and to make those meaningful connections.
Evan Saunders
Major: Environmental Science
Hometown: Lockport, NY
Why NU: I chose NU because it is close to home, but also far away enough so that I can live on campus. NU also helps me out financially, making it possible for me to finish my degree almost debt free! Campus is also very beautiful.
Emilee Rodriguez
²Ñ²¹Âá´Ç°ù:ÌýEarly Childhood and Childhood Education (B-6)
±á´Ç³¾±ð³Ù´Ç·É²Ô:Ìý Mineville, NY
Why NU: I choose NU because of the smaller class sizes, meaning I would have a closer relationship with my professors and classmates. Also because in the education program we start our field experience our first semester, which helps shape our future after we graduate. Finally it was really the perfect fit for me, and has shaped me into who I am today!
Tour Guides
Dianna Bourret
Major: International Management
Hometown: Hilton, NY
Why NU: I love the sense of community our campus has and the friendships and memories I have made here.
Caleb Calhoun
²Ñ²¹Âá´Ç°ù:ÌýTESOL Education (K-12)
±á´Ç³¾±ð³Ù´Ç·É²Ô:Ìý Batavia, NY
Why NU: I chose NU because of the field experience placement. In the College of Education, students are required to go into a classroom and complete 20 credited hours of field experience right from the first semester of freshman year. Not only does it give us the experience for post graduation, but it also lets us get an idea of what grade level we are most seen fit teaching. I’ve made a ton of friends on campus and couldn’t be happier anywhere else!
Malarie Carroll
²Ñ²¹Âá´Ç°ù:ÌýMath Education (1-9)
±á´Ç³¾±ð³Ù´Ç·É²Ô:Ìý Gowanda, NY
Why NU: I love NU’s campus. The small size is perfect for me and I especially love how beautiful it is. Each season brings out a a different aesthetic which makes walking to and from classes more enjoyable. My favorite is in spring when the flowers and trees start to bloom and tulips are planted across campus.
Brayden Cox
²Ñ²¹Âá´Ç°ù:ÌýEnglish Education (5-12)
±á´Ç³¾±ð³Ù´Ç·É²Ô:Ìý Wheatfield, NY
Favorite Part about Being a Tour Guide: My favorite part about being a tour guide would have to be connecting with families and prospective students! Getting to know them and their story and seeing it NU is the right fit for them is so rewarding and makes doing it so much fun!
Sara Cross
Major: Psychology
Hometown: Silver Creek, NY
What You Love About NU: The first thing I love about Niagara is the amazing people I’ve met. I have made friends through the clubs on campus, in my classes, in my dorm building, and so many other ways. I have found the people who get me and support me through everything. On that note, the faculty at Niagara is some of the best. The professors are always willing to help and are a great resource for building your network and helping you grow as an individual and a professional. I also love all the opportunities the university offers. In my first year at Niagara, i’ve had the privilege to travel to Boston, and Washington, D.C. through the law program, and have gotten to make endless memories through these trips and so many other events. Overall I couldn’t be happier with my choice of Niagara, I genuinely love it here.
Hannah Cukierski
²Ñ²¹Âá´Ç°ù:ÌýSports Management and Communications
±á´Ç³¾±ð³Ù´Ç·É²Ô:Ìý Niagara Falls, ON
Favorite Part about Being a Tour Guide: My favorite part about being a tour guide is getting the opportunity to show off the beauty of Niagara and all the school has to offer. When giving a tour I try to put myself in the prospective students shoes and remember how exciting yet nerve wracking it was to start the college search. Every family and student is different, so I always personalize tours based on their interests and personality. Making these connections with the families can have a lasting effect and it’s also more likely that the student will remember that when making a college decision.
Cecilia D'Alberto
²Ñ²¹Âá´Ç°ù:ÌýChemistry
±á´Ç³¾±ð³Ù´Ç·É²Ô:Ìý Syracuse, NY
Why NU: I chose NU for the undergraduate research opportunities. The hands-on experience that the Chemistry department provides with outstanding and accomplished professors is something that was very important to me and has set me apart as an undergraduate student.
Sophia Davis
Major: Math Education (5-12)
Hometown: Kenmore, NY
Why NU: I chose NU because of its teaching program and the early field placements the College of Education offers, as well as the beautiful campus we have here at Niagara.
Jacob DeRose
Major: Business Management
Hometown: Buffalo, NY
Why NU: I chose NU because of the community on campus. It is easy to make friends and get involved on campus. Since class sizes are smaller your professor knows who you are which makes it easy to get help from them with anything.
Ryan Esminger
²Ñ²¹Âá´Ç°ù:ÌýChildhood & Special Education (1-6)
±á´Ç³¾±ð³Ù´Ç·É²Ô:Ìý Tonawanda, NY
What You Love about NU: I love that Niagara feels like a family. I was nervous to dorm when I came to NU as a freshman, but it was easy to make friends and feel welcomed by professors who cared about me and my success. I immediately felt at home, and the more I got involved on campus, the easier it was to feel apart of the niagara community.
LeeAnn Gajewski
Major: Social Work
Hometown: Middleport, NY
Why NU: NU chose me. I toured NU my Junior year of high school and fell in love. The beautiful scenery, historic buildings, and welcoming environment struck me. I originally had planned on going to NCCC first but I couldn’t go there knowing I belonged at NU. After receiving the Full Flight Scholarship, I knew I was meant to be a Purple Eagle. Plus who doesn’t look good in purple ?!
Sameer Ijaz
²Ñ²¹Âá´Ç°ù:ÌýSupply Chain Management
±á´Ç³¾±ð³Ù´Ç·É²Ô:ÌýIslamabad, Pakistan
What You Love about NU: What I love most about NU is the strong sense of community and belonging. Walking around campus and being recognized, valued, and supported as an individual creates a welcoming and inclusive environment. It’s more than just a place to learn, it’s a place where people genuinely care about your well-being, personal growth, and success. The connections built here, both academically and personally, make NU feel like home, fostering an atmosphere where you’re not just a student but a valued member of a close-knit community.
Megan Henel
Major: Childhood and Special Education (1-6)
Hometown: Amherst, NY
Why NU: I chose NU because I felt like it was a community. I loved the small class sizes and I also loved how as a freshman I would be placed in a Elementary classroom. NU was very welcoming and once I stepped on campus I knew this is where I wanted to be!
Lillian Jarzabek
²Ñ²¹Âá´Ç°ù:ÌýTheatre Performance
±á´Ç³¾±ð³Ù´Ç·É²Ô:Ìý Conesus, NY
Favorite Part about Being a Tour Guide: My favourite part of being a tour guide is learning things I never might have known about other programs from my peers! I love learning about all the opportunities and unique experiences students are offered across the entire university, not just my own major. Each time I learn something new about NU from my fellow guides I am more and more proud to be a purple eagle!
Olivia Maturo
²Ñ²¹Âá´Ç°ù:ÌýNursing
±á´Ç³¾±ð³Ù´Ç·É²Ô:Ìý Syracuse, NY
Why NU: The sense of community and the family at NU is what drew me here. I have made so many amazing friends and wonderful connections to my professors This has not only helped me connect with Niagara but with the content of my education! Everyone at NU is here for you!
Romolla McDowell
Major: TESOL
±á´Ç³¾±ð³Ù´Ç·É²Ô:Ìý West Falls, NY
Why NU: NU immediately felt like my home away from home when I first visited. There was a sense of calm that I felt. I knew it was the school for me. I loved the look of the campus. For some reason it was very important that I went to a school that was more than just red brick buildings. The scenery is so beautiful and can put me in a good mood.
Emma McNab
²Ñ²¹Âá´Ç°ù:ÌýPsychology
±á´Ç³¾±ð³Ù´Ç·É²Ô:Ìý Niagara Falls, NY
What You Love about NU: There are a lot of things I love about NU: the beautiful campus, the small class sizes, the kind community, the purple gear, etc. One of my favorite parts of being a student here though, is the opportunities NU has to be involved with the things you love: from your major/minor to all of the clubs. Being part of women’s rugby, has given me my second family and it has brought me opportunities I otherwise wouldn’t have. Women’s rugby has helped me develop my leadership skills, confidence, and sense of purpose which will only benefit me when I step into the real world in my career. I love how my professors know me beyond how I perform in their classes, they will ask how my tournaments go and how I’m doing. NU truly is what students need in college, a second home.
Andrew Nelson
Major: Social Studies Education (5-12)
±á´Ç³¾±ð³Ù´Ç·É²Ô:Ìý Ashville, NY
Why NU: I chose to come to NU because of the field experience that I would receive as a student in the College of Education. I was able to be placed into a local school district and see learn about what it takes to be a teacher. This field experience also helped in b=my determination if being a teacher was what I actually wanted.
Cristina Reina-Martinez
Major: Computer and Information Sciences
Hometown: Syracuse, NY
What You Love about NU: Something I love about NU is how many different activities there are on campus at all times. Thanks to the Campus Programming Board (CPB), there are always many activities each week that everyone can attend either for free or for a very cheap price. Going to these events has helped me destress from the stressful college life and has also allowed me to make more friends outside of my typical friend group.
Eric Stoj
²Ñ²¹Âá´Ç°ù:ÌýAccounting
±á´Ç³¾±ð³Ù´Ç·É²Ô:Ìý Buffalo, NY
What you Love about NU: I personally love the community that surrounds and supports NU. I feel as if everyone is connected and is always trying to help each other grow into a better person. This is why I will always say I love NU.
Tina Krajacic
Major: Luxury Hospitality Operations
Hometown: Buffalo, NY
Favorite Part About Being a Tour Guide: My favorite part about being a tour guide is having the opportunity to be a part of a high schoolers college decision and the opportunity to make an impact on them to be able to show what stood out to me at NU and pass it along to them!
Briege Lennon
Major: Theater Performance and English
Hometown: Amherst, NY
Why NU: I chose NU because of how wonderful the theatre program is! I am able to receive conservatory style training while also double majoring and taking classes in other subjects I am interested in.
Luci Cryan
Major: Spanish Education (5-12)
Hometown: Kenmore, NY
What you Love about NU: The thing I love most about NU is that there is a friendly face anywhere you go. From my fellow students to my professors, and all other staff and aspects of campus, you are always greeted with a smile. Everyone knows you and you can tell how much NU truly cares. NU is a family and it is so easy to become a part of it and share the love!
Luanys Rivera
Major: Nursing
Hometown: Rochester, NY
Why NU: I chose NU for its inclusivity, abundant career-related resources on campus, and the opportunities to engage with the university through clubs and events. These experiences have allowed me to create valuable connections with both peers and professors.
As a nursing student in NU’s Nursing program, I appreciate the ability to connect with experienced nurses who serve as my professors. They share their insights and provide excellent guidance in helping students develop their career goals and plans. This is the most significant reason why I chose NU.
Mariela Mulready
Major: Computer and Information Sciences
Hometown: Lewiston, NY
Why NU: I choose NU as a transfer student because of how easy the process was! The community here is also so welcoming and nice! Niagara is also the perfect distance to home with great academics!
Lauren Sercu
Major: Political Science
Hometown: Fredonia, NY
Why NU: I chose NU because of the opportunities I was able to pursue as a student here. Along with being able to continue to stay involved in my interests in college, I found the perfect major. Approaching my high school graduation, I was unsure of what I wanted to major in and then I found the Academic and Career Exploration Program at NU! This allowed me more time to explore different options and eventually pick my current major and minors. The ACEP is such a unique and beneficial program and I am so grateful I found it at NU.
Paige Tomlinson
Major: Theater Performance and English
Hometown: Buffalo, NY
Favorite Part about Being a Tour Guide: My favorite part about being a tour guide is being able to showcase my love of NU to new prospective students. I also love being a resource for prospective students during their college search!
Arabella Torrado
Major: Hotel and Restaurant Management
Hometown: Rochester NY
Favorite Part about Being a Tour Guide: Meeting new people! It’s so fun getting to meet students in their process of picking a college and I love being able to be apart of their journey!
Elizabeth Whipple
Major: Spanish Education
Hometown: Lyndonville, NY
Why NU: I’m a legacy student, my dad went here and the amazing scholarship opportunities. I also love the community at NU!
Holly Ruggiero
Major: Criminology and Criminal Justice
Hometown: Utica, NY
Why NU: I mainly chose NU for ROTC and everything that came with it, but when visiting the campus itself drew me in. I love the location, the size, and how each season has something very pretty to appreciate.
Don’t wait to start planning your future! The first step is to schedule a campus tour and take in everything life on The Ridge has to offer. Contact an admissions counselor if you have questions!
Personal Tour
Tours are offered several times a week, and additional appointments can be made with campus offices to personalize your experience.
Attend an Open House
Meet with admissions counselors, world-class faculty and NU staff as you explore your options and experience campus life. Register for an upcoming open house!
Plan a Group Tour
If you’re a high school counselor with a group of students interested in touring, we can accommodate! Come visit for the day, or stay overnight!
Schedule Your Tour
My name is Madi Feng, and I’m a senior from Tonawanda High School. A few weeks ago, the Associate Director of Admissions (Julie Candella) came to visit my school for a pizza party and chat session with students interested in 51³Ô¹ÏºÚÁÏ. During that session, I was talking with my fellow classmates about how NU has been approaching us. We collectively agreed that NU has gone above and beyond to connect with us. During the session, for example, we were so engrossed in our conversation with Julie that we were caught off guard by the bell! The NU admissions team feels very accessible to us students and they have really helped me with my college search. NU admissions have really made an impact on me and my classmates.Madi Feng High School Student
Ready to Apply?
Filling out an application is easy!
NU offers rolling admissions, which means that you can apply at any time for the upcoming semester. Applications are reviewed as they come in, and students are typically notified of an admission decision in 3-4 weeks. What’s stopping you?