Niagara University Cuts Ribbon on Bieler Institute of Business Ethics

Niagara University celebrated the official opening of the Bieler Institute of Business Ethics with a ribbon cutting on Sept. 24, 2025. The initiative, spearheaded by a generous gift from Scott and Kathy Bieler and the Scott Bieler Family Foundation, transformed the first floor of the university's Bisgrove Hall into a state-of-the-art facility dedicated to advancing ethical leadership and innovation.

"We are grateful to Mr. and Mrs. Bieler for their support of this critical initiative, which will establish Niagara University as a national leader in ethics and innovation and marks our commitment to uphold and champion the values of integrity, accountability, and ethical leadership in the world of business," said the Rev. James J. Maher, C.M., Niagara University president.

"I am proud to support Niagara University and its commitment to cultivating principled leaders who can address the challenges of a rapidly evolving world and drive positive change in their communities," said Scott Bieler, local philanthropist and president & CEO of the West Herr Automotive Group. "It is our hope that this effort inspires integrity and compassion and reinforces the Vincentian values of ethical leadership, social responsibility, and innovation."

The Bieler Institute will create opportunities for students from colleges across the university, facilitating cross-disciplinary learning. Key features include a collaboration hub with a flexible technology-enabled space for teamwork and innovation; a classroom of the future, where students will be immersed in real-world ethical scenarios that simulate complex decision-making environments through the use of augmented reality (AR), virtual reality (VR), and artificial intelligence (AI); and a high-tech computer lab with financial trading terminals and industry-standard business software.

Ethics principles will be woven throughout the curriculum to ensure students gain a deep understanding of responsible leadership and ethical decision-making. Students will also learn more about the growing importance and ethical implications of AI-driven technologies in business, including fairness, accountability, and transparency.

"The Bieler Institute of Business Ethics is a game-changing initiative for Niagara University and our community," said Dr. Mark Frascatore, dean of the Holzschuh College of Business Administration. "This state-of-the-art facility will not only provide our students with cutting-edge tools and immersive experiences, but will also serve as a center of thought leadership, education, and real-world engagement, bringing together scholars, students, and industry leaders to explore not just what businesses can do, but what they should do.

"The institute will also play a vital role in supporting our Centers of Excellence in Food Industry Leadership and Supply Chain Management, fostering innovation and ethical practices in these critical areas. Together, these initiatives ensure our students graduate with the knowledge and skills to make a meaningful impact in their industries and communities."

The institute will also serve as a hub for ethical leadership in Western New York, collaborating with local organizations to host seminars, workshops, and events on ethical business practices, and hosting global conferences, including the International Vincentian Business Ethics Conference, to foster dialogue on ethical challenges across industries and cultures.