Andrea Tyrpak-Endres, who is in her eighth year as principal and executive vice president for academics at Canisius High School, has decided to conclude her tenure as principal at the end of the 2021-22 academic year, Canisius President Fr. David S. Ciancimino, S.J., announced Friday morning. 

Tyrpak-Endres, the first female principal in the 151-year history of Canisius, will continue to teach religion at the school. Tyrpak-Endres has taught for more than 35 years at Canisius, including throughout her tenure as principal.

"I am grateful for Andrea, her dedication to our mission and her care for our Canisius High School community," said Ciancimino. "Andrea is a teacher. As the 'principal teacher' at Canisius, she has consistently led with the needs of our students and school community as her guide. It has been my privilege to work closely with her these past seven years.

“Andrea will continue to teach, work with our CHS House System and assume other duties in the coming year."

Tyrpak-Endres was hired by Canisius as a religious studies teacher in 1975 and has been at the school for all but eight years since then. 

“I have always considered myself blessed to be working at Canisius High School and with students who are bright, energetic and engaging,” Tyrpak-Endres said.

“It has been a tremendous joy to be part of their Jesuit education and our school's continued commitment to cura personalis – care for the whole person. The students of Canisius, and the men they went on to become, have been a major part of my life and my own personal formation. 

“It has been my honor to lead our talented and committed faculty, especially as we all encountered the unprecedented situations brought on by the COVID-19 pandemic. 

“While my time in my current role will conclude at the end of this school year, I am very much looking forward to continuing my life's work – that of a teacher – and contributing to the very special place that is Canisius High School.” 

Tyrpak-Endres, who taught concurrently at Buffalo State for 14 years prior to becoming principal, has also served as the campus minister at Canisius. She was the head of the religion department before becoming assistant principal, then was named acting principal in 2014-15 before being appointed to the position.

“It is a hallmark of Jesuit education to form leaders who serve, not for themselves, but for others, while seeking that which is for God’s greater glory,” said Ciancimino. “This spirit of servant leadership led Andrea to accept the challenges of leading in various roles over the years and, perhaps most notably, when asked to serve as principal.

“I appreciate Andrea not simply for her tenure as principal, but for her unfailing commitment to Canisius and the high ideals of Jesuit education.”  

Canisius has begun a national search for her replacement.