Every Canisius alumnus has a story, and today we’re sharing the story of Kyle Liszewski ’13. Full disclosure — he’s my younger brother. But, even if he was no relation, he still has an interesting story.

Kyle is currently earnings his Psy.D. at Indiana University of Pennsylvania (IUP) and received his undergraduate degree from Canisius College ’17, his Master’s Degree in Clinical Psychology from IUP ’19. He played baseball for Canisius High School for all four years, captaining the varsity team his senior year. He then played baseball at Canisius College and St. Lawrence University.

I have always been curious what motivates individuals to make their first gift to an organization. Why now? Was it an event that you just remembered? Was it a person you bumped into who reminded you of the good that organization did for your life? Or, did it just pop in your head one morning? I asked my brother these questions.

Q. This past Day of Caring in May 2020 you made your first gift to Canisius High School, why now?

A. It felt right. It felt like the right thing to do that day. When I received the email about Day of Caring, and was reading the stories of the students and how they were handling all the craziness, I wanted to give. Canisius had a great impact on my life and yours, and I wanted to make sure those current students were taken care of able to continue their time at Canisius.

Q. Did you think of any specific memories that day when you decided to give?

A. Not really a specific memory, but just a general “good” feeling I had when thinking about Canisius. The time I spent with my friends at Canisius, my favorite teachers, and the classes at Canisius that made me passionate about pursuing a career in Psychology. I wouldn’t be doing what I am doing now without the foundation Canisius gave me.

Q. So you talked about a general feeling, but do you have a specific memory that stands out?

A. I think that would be my four years as part of the baseball program. I made some great friends and ultimately I wanted to play in college and luckily enough I had the opportunity to do so. Being a part of the program also taught me how to be a leader, work with others as part of a team, and become passionate about something.

Q. The foundation you spoke about earlier, that is helping you with your Ph.D. program I’d safely assume?

A. Oh of course. Playing sports at Canisius taught me certain things that I wouldn’t have learned in the classroom. But the things I learned in the classroom were so important. I learned how to critically think and to WRITE. Strong writing skills are essential in college and for obtaining a graduate degree. Canisius taught me those skills. I felt like I had a leg up.

Q. What would you say to an alumnus thinking about making his first gift to Canisius?

A. First I would say it does not matter the amount. You know the amount I gave (speaking to me jokingly). It was not anything crazy, but it was important to me! All our gifts pooled together will have an impact. I would tell him to think about where you are now, and the impact Canisius had on you that helped you get there. It may have been a small impact or large one, but I bet it had some part in it. You know we were the first ones in our family to attend Canisius and if we can help someone be the first person in their family go to Canisius, I am all in.

Q. Awesome, anything else you want to add before we end?

A. I just want to commend all the teachers and students who are still in school five days a week in this crazy year. From what you have told me, and what I've seen, it seems the Canisius staff is working tenfold to help the students excel this year.

When we go home to our parents or grandparents house they have neighbors who have kids who are current Canisius students. Sometimes when we are walking the dogs we see the parents and their sons and they are just so happy talking about Canisius. Obviously whatever Canisius is doing, they are doing it right.

Q.) Thanks, and I promise no strings attached with doing the interview, haha. I won’t ask for the second gift…yet…

If you have any questions about the Blue Doors Annual Fund please reach out to the Director of Annual Giving Ken Liszewski ’10 at liszewski@canisiushigh.org or 716.200.0267.