Michael Madden '67, founder of the BlackEagle Partners private equity investment firm, is giving back to Canisius High School with a $2.5 million gift. His commitment will go toward building and funding the new Madden Center for Global Learning on the school's main Delaware Avenue campus.

With a modern architectural design and a prominent location adjacent to the Rand mansion, the Madden Center for Global Learning will provide a programmatic experience to enhance and promote learning by connecting students with Jesuit institutions, Canisius alumni, and other learning opportunities worldwide. Faculty and students will be able to participate in educational and cultural exchanges opening Canisius students to a world of knowledge beyond the classroom.

Madden’s gift, the largest in Canisius’ “Rich Tradition. Bold Vision.” capital campaign, has allowed the school to approach the $20 million mark in its ongoing campaign. Other campaign pillars are new baseball fields at the school’s Robert J. Stransky Athletic Complex in West Seneca, the addition of a Center for the Arts to the school’s Delaware Avenue campus, and scholarship and financial aid programs.

Madden grew up in South Buffalo and received a scholarship to attend Canisius as his family was unable to afford tuition with his steelworker father on disability. The young Madden also helped fund his tuition by working as a delivery driver after school. Madden excelled academically at Canisius, while outside of school he found success boxing in the Golden Gloves program. After earning his undergraduate degree at Le Moyne College, Madden completed his MBA at the Wharton School at the University of Pennsylvania. He then worked for a Wall Street securities firm, where he ultimately ran global investment banking before founding his private equity investment firm, BlackEagle Partners. The Madden School of Business at Le Moyne College is also named in his honor.

“Mike’s generosity is a testament to the kind of man he is,” says Canisius President Fr. David Ciancimino, S.J. “We are grateful for his leadership in this campaign, and for providing resources to enable the school to build on its 150 years of rich history and implement a bold vision of Jesuit education for tomorrow’s students.”

“I consider myself very blessed with a wonderful family, strong personal relationships and some good fortune in my business career,” says Madden. “I also believe a major underpinning of my life has been the time I spent at Canisius. I applaud Fr. Ciancimino for his vision and I am grateful to have the ability to give back to my alma mater. The Center for Global Learning will enhance the opportunity for today’s Canisius students to interact with the global community and gain insight into the critical issues of our time.”

Construction on the Madden Center for Global Learning is expected to get underway in early 2022 with the Center ready for use by September 2022.

Click here to read The Buffalo News article about Madden's gift.