Niagara University Celebrates 50th Annual Meet the Accounting & Business Professionals Night

For the past 50 years, Niagara University has brought accounting and business students, alumni, and employers together for an evening of networking and career exploration during its annual Meet the Accounting & Business Professionals Night.

Co-sponsored by the Holzschuh College of Business Administration and the Gacioch Center for Career and Professional Development, this year's event on Sept. 9, 2025, welcomed 40 companies representing a wide range of industries, and nearly as many Niagara alumni who returned to campus to represent their organizations and give back to the next generation of business leaders. More than 220 students attended, eager to connect with employers and gain valuable insights into their career paths.

"The MTABP night continues to be one of our most successful events of the year," said Dr. Mark Frascatore, dean of the Holzschuh College of Business. "With over 40 companies and hundreds of students interacting on a professional level, the event epitomizes what the Holzschuh College of Business is about-preparing our students for successful professional lives with thriving organizations."

The highly anticipated yearly tradition offers a wonderful venue to connect the students with alums and employers, noted Dr. Lei Han, associate professor of accounting.

"Our students had the opportunity to meet people in the industry, obtain insiders' scoop about the firms they were interested in, secure internships, and even land permanent jobs," she said. "As a faculty member, I couldn't be happier to witness the 'full circle moment' when our alums came back on campus to recruit students."

Nick Dentice, '03, manager of campus recruiting at Withum, was one of the Niagara alums who returned to their alma mater for the event.

"As a proud Niagara alum, I've always appreciated how the university's Vincentian values-service, integrity, and compassion-shaped my personal and professional journey," he said. "Those same values resonate deeply with our culture at Withum, where we strive to make a meaningful impact through authentic relationships and purpose-driven work. Events like MTABP are a great example of that spirit in action, connecting students and employers in a way that's both intentional and inspiring."

For students, the evening was an opportunity to connect with professionals, learn more about different career paths, and gain valuable insight into the accounting and business fields.

"The event was especially helpful to practice networking and hear directly from alumni about their experiences," said junior accounting major Luca Buscaglia. "Overall, the event was a great step in supporting my career goals, and I'm very grateful to have been a part of it."

The professionalism of the Niagara University students impressed the employers in attendance.

"It was a pleasure connecting with such driven and well-spoken students," said Shelbie Gallagher, early talent associate recruiter at M&T Bank. "Their enthusiasm and thoughtful questions reflected a genuine interest in building meaningful careers. I'm excited about the opportunities ahead for them and confident they'll bring fresh energy and insight to the workforce."

MTABP Night continues to be a pivotal opportunity for Niagara's students to launch careers, build networks, and engage directly with alumni and industry leaders. The event has become a cornerstone of the Niagara experience-one that has prepared thousands of Purple Eagles for professional success over the last five decades.