‘Canisius changed my life,’ says benefactor Michael Madden ’67
BUFFALO, NY – Canisius High School celebrated the newest feature of its expansive campus and the proud alumnus who made it possible on Friday with the ribbon-cutting and dedication of the Madden Center for Global Learning.
The striking and innovative new addition to Canisius High School’s campus on Delaware Avenue was funded by a $2.5 million gift by 1967 CHS graduate and South Buffalo native Michael Madden, who is the founder of the private equity investment firm BlackEagle Partners.
“Canisius changed my life,” said Madden, who applied for and received a scholarship to attend CHS, as his family was unable to afford tuition with his steelworker father on disability. Madden also helped fund his own tuition by working as a delivery driver after school.
“It made me a different person,” Madden said of CHS in his address to students near the end of the Mass of the Holy Spirit in Scaccia Auditorium.
“It gave me the tools that I didn’t even know existed. It provided me with a set of keys which would ultimately unlock many doors: In academics, in spirituality, in athletics, in the arts. Things that I had no appreciation for previously became a reality and allowed me to thrive.
“The dedication today is handing to you all, my successor students, another key, in terms of a center for global learning. It hopefully will give you access to scholars and programs around the world throughout the Jesuit community and elsewhere.”
The unique Madden Center for Global Learning is a dynamic and multi-functional space designed to enhance and promote learning through both in-person and virtual experiences.
The 1,500-square-foot facility is highlighted by a giant interactive video conference screen which connects students with fellow Jesuit institutions, Canisius High School alumni and learning opportunities worldwide.
The Madden Center also features an electronic stock and information ticker, flexible learning spaces for large groups or cohorts, advanced audio technology, as well as many other educational aides.
The center has already been used for video conferences for students, including one earlier this year with World Aquatics CEO Brent Nowicki, a 1997 CHS graduate who interacted with students from his office in Switzerland.
Following the Mass of the Holy Spirit, a ribbon-cutting was held for the Madden Center, which was formally dedicated by Assistant to the President Fr. Richard Zanoni, S.J. The ceremony also included Madden’s good friend and CHS Trustee Ken Kencel, a 1977 CHS graduate, addressing the group by videoconference. Madden also had a son and granddaughter celebrate with him via videoconference.
“The Madden Center enables Canisius to break new ground and lead the way in utilizing the diverse richness and potential of technology as the ministry of Jesuit education moves into and through the 21st century,” said President Fr. David Ciancimino, S.J. “Our students now enjoy the unique capacity to broaden their horizons far beyond the walls of this school, to interact with other like-minded individuals, especially those at Jesuit institutions literally throughout the world.”
Madden, a member of the CHS Distinguished Alumni Hall of Honor, has served CHS in various capacities as one of the school’s most dedicated alumni, including two terms on the Board of Trustees and hosting several alumni gatherings in New York City.
“Michael Madden’s life story is marked by hard work, perseverance, business smarts, personal integrity and a genuine and generous care for others,” said Ciancimino. “We recognize this loyal alumnus for his unwavering support for Canisius High School and his generous commitment to the future of our faculty, staff and students.”
The construction of the center was made possible by Madden’s gift of $2.5 million, which is one of the largest single gifts ever to Canisius High School. The donation was a pillar of Canisius’ recent “Rich Tradition. Bold Vision” capital campaign which also included the construction of the new Coppola Family Fields baseball complex and enhancements to CHS Center for the Arts programs.
Constructed by Uniland Development Company, the Madden Center features a modern architectural design that complements the existing campus architecture and creates a welcoming and inspiring learning environment. It is centrally located to students and faculty, strategically placed between the Koessler Academic Center and the Beecher Academic Wing.
“The Madden Center for Global Learning signifies an investment in the future of Catholic, Jesuit high school education and the empowerment of generations to come,” said 1986 CHS graduate Michael J. Montante, CEO of Uniland, Western New York’s largest commercial real estate developer. “Building on Canisius High School’s storied academic and architectural traditions, this newest addition stands as a beacon of inspiration, nurturing generations of learners who will shape our world.”
Madden built Black Eagle Partners, a firm with offices in New York, Detroit and Sarasota, after a 40-year career in financial services, much of which was spent in investment banking on Wall Street. He and his wife, Lynn, founded the Center for Aging Resources and Enrichment (CARE) at Le Moyne University in 2019. The mission of CARE is to improve the spiritual, education, and health of the senior community of Central New York.
Madden concluded his remarks during the Mass of the Holy Spirit with some advice for current CHS students.
“It’s important to recognize that when you have these keys at your disposal,” Madden said. “Don’t waste them. Don’t ignore them. Take advantage of every opportunity that exists here for you to become a Man for Others and a better man for yourself.”
Video credit: Canisius High School
