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By: Tony Farina

Britini Margaret Anne D’Angelo, of Niagara Falls, was awarded two top honors at the 3:00 PM Niagara University Commencement Exercises at Artpark on May 18th, 2019 and made Niagara University history. 

D’Angelo had found out Wednesday evening, May 15th, at the Senior Formal that she was the recipient of this year’s Niagara Medal, which she was nominated for and then voted on by her Niagara University senior class peers.  The Niagara Medal is awarded annually to a graduating senior who exemplifies the spirit of St. Vincent DePaul, has proven to be a motivated person and student leader with his/her peers, and has been involved inside and outside of the classroom with a combination of academic and co-curricular activities with student clubs, organizations and other community initiatives. 

After receiving her dual Bachelor degrees, her BFA in Theatre Performance and her BA in Communication and Media Studies, she was awarded the medal again at the May 18th Commencement.  However, after receiving the Niagara medal by the Rev. James J. Maher, C.M., D. Min the President of Niagara University, Dr. C. Henrick Borggstrom, Ph.D, Associate Provost and Professor of Modern and Classical Languages, asked D’Angelo to “not go anywhere just yet.” 

He went on to say that D’Angelo was also the recipient of the Senior Medal, which is awarded to a graduating Senior who has obtained the highest academic record.   Borgstrom then added that this is the first time in Niagara University’s history that a single student has received both awards. 

D’Angelo earned an impressive 4.0 while obtaining her dual Bachelor of Arts degrees and her minor in American Sign Language and Deaf Studies accumulating approximately 168 credit hours at Niagara University.  D’Angelo said she feels Blessed Beyond Belief to have been able to go to Niagara University, which was a dream come true for her since she was a young girl.  

She stated that Niagara University is not only where you go to obtain an amazing education by outstanding professors, serve others through volunteering and mission work, and join fun and interesting clubs, but also where you can meet some really incredible people and define yourself.  

D’Angelo stated she cherished her time at Niagara and will always Bleed Purple. 

“Receiving both awards was absolutely surreal,” said D’Angelo. “It’s something I could have never dreamt of and honestly I was speechless. I felt honored to be chosen by my peers and for my hard work to be recognized. I am honored to be the first recipient of both awards.”

D’Angelo will be touring with Missoula Children’s Theatre around the country bringing theatre to children of all ages for one year. Upon completing her tour she plans to head back to Niagara and continue to pursue a Masters  in Regular Education and then another in Special Education.