Dr. Rolanda Ward Named Endowed Faculty Director of Niagara University’s Ostapenko Center
Dr. Rolanda Ward was formally introduced yesterday morning as the inaugural endowed faculty director of the Rose Bente Lee Ostapenko Center for Race, Equality and Mission at Niagara University.
Dr. Ward originally joined Niagara University as an associate professor of social work in the fall of 2015. She was appointed to lead the Ostapenko Center in August, a position that will require her to coordinate the university’s efforts to serve as a resource and leverage change on issues related to diversity, equality and social justice – both on campus and within the community.
The Ostapenko Center operates within the auspices of NU’s Office of Academic Affairs. It works in partnership with several university offices, including the Office of Multicultural Affairs, and seeks input through a community board comprised of regional leaders and an advisory council that represents external stakeholders.
“In the words of Pope Francis, we have created a center that is ‘a place of encounter,’ where we truly listen to one another, where we learn from one another, where we live, believe, act and breathe as brothers and sisters,” said the Rev. James J. Maher, C.M., president of Niagara University, during this morning’s event, which kicked off NU’s celebration of Vincentian Heritage Week. “Grounded in our mission, the center will also celebrate the living memory of St. Justin de Jacobis, a Vincentian priest and a loyal son of St. Vincent de Paul who ministered in Ethiopia and is considered an apostle to Africa.
“We are very pleased to have Dr. Ward heading up these critical initiatives – and many others – and know that you will find her to be a talented and willing collaborator.”
Click here to learn more about Dr. Ward’s vision for the Ostapenko Center.