Baron Nieves
Thank you, Canisius.
I am beyond grateful, and it is an honor to be nominated for Mr. Canisius alongside Cole, David, Elliot, Matt and Nick. This distinguished group of young men truly embodies what it means to be a Canisius Crusader.
We all walk through the same Blue Doors, unsure of who we are, but here, through cura personalis – care for the whole person – we’re shaped into the men we are meant to become. Every challenge, every moment, and every person we meet contributes to the care of our mind, body, and spirit.
Here at Canisius, I have been blessed to have amazing teachers and faculty supporting me. They have challenged me academically, pushing me to grow my mind, to better understand others, and to better understand the world. The long nights of studying, the hard tests, the notes, projects, and lectures have shaped me into a stronger student, which has helped me grow academically and as a person.
I am incredibly grateful for the Jesuits and Campus Ministry staff at Canisius who have guided us in our faith. Through retreats like Emmaus and Kairos, service trips, and school Mass, they helped me build a relationship with God I hadn’t fully understood was possible. Their example has shown me what it truly means to be Men for Others, and we are blessed to have such role models deepening our faith.
And lastly, to my brothers – there has never been a dull moment. From the laughs, the Blue Crew sections, Walkathons, the Wilderness Retreat, the House Games, and simple conversations in the halls – every moment has been unforgettable. I am proud to call all of you my brothers, and every interaction with you has helped shape me into a Man for Others.
As we leave these Blue Doors, may we carry the greatest of who we’ve become into the world.
God Bless and Go Crusaders,
Baron Nieves