Niagara University Celebrates the Life of Alumnus at Dedication Ceremony

Niagara University celebrated the life and generosity of alumnus John Francis Walsh, Class of 1943, on Wednesday, April 24, 2024, during a ceremony that included the blessing and dedication of a room in the university's B. Thomas Golisano Center for Integrated Sciences.

Walsh's commitment to his alma matter, which includes the establishment of an endowed scholarship, was memorialized with the dedication of a lecture hall in the university's science building in his honor. In addition, a display case containing Walsh's military awards and badges will be installed in a recently renovated ROTC classroom.

A graduate of Niagara University's ROTC program, Walsh was a decorated WWII veteran whose honors included the Bronze Star Medal with Oak Leaf Cluster, the World War II Victory Medal, the French Legion of Honor, and the Army of Occupation Medal. He also was a recipient of the Combat Infantryman Badge, the Army Good Conduct Medal, the American Theater Ribbon, and the European-African-Middle Eastern Theater Ribbon with Five Campaign Stars.

Upon his discharge, Walsh began a 34-year career as an executive and fundraising consultant for nonprofit organizations and consulting firms, including the American Red Cross and Brakely, John Price Jones. He retired in 1983.

Walsh was active in his community as a member of the American Legion, as president of the 35th Infantry Division Association, and as a member of the Order of Saint Maurice, which recognizes the significant contributions made by infantrymen, infantry supporters, and spouses. He was a past president of the Connecticut Council of Chapters of the Military Officers Association of America, a volunteer at the Norwalk Maritime Aquarium, and a member of the Veterans of Foreign Wars and the Catholic War