NU News

• Print

NU Salutes Four at Annual Vincentian Heritage Convocation

September 21, 2009

Two alumni of Niagara University were inducted into the third class of "Niagara Legacy--Alumni of Distinction" on Sept. 24 as part of a convocation celebrating Vincentian Heritage Week.  Inductees included renowned baseball manager Joseph V. McCarthy, who led the New York Yankees to seven World Series titles from 1931 to 1946, and Nerses Krikorian, a pioneer in the United States' nuclear arms program.

McCarthy, who guided such legends as Babe Ruth, Lou Gehrig, Phil Rizzuto, and Joe DiMaggio, began his baseball career as an infielder at Niagara in 1905. Krikorian, a member of the Class of 1943, worked on the now-historic Manhattan Project and was instrumental in discussions between the Soviet Union and the United States on nuclear weapons research. Both honorees were chosen by the selection committee for demonstrating outstanding accomplishments and excellence in their fields of endeavor, living lives that mirror the Vincentian ideals of the university, and having had a positive and lasting impact on society.

Two other persons were feted at the convocation. Dr. Nancy McGlen, dean of Niagara University's College of Arts and Sciences, received the Vincentian Mission Award, which is given to members of the university community who demonstrate the values of St. Vincent de Paul, the universal patron of charity.

Sister Barbara Pfohl, operations manager of Heart, Love and Soul, Inc., a Niagara Falls food pantry and dining room, was awarded the Caritas Medal in recognition of the extraordinary way she exemplifies the charity of St. Vincent.