Empowering Future Sports Leaders: Discover How Sabres Scholars at Niagara University Shapes Tomorrow’s Professionals

During a recent game at KeyBank Center, the Buffalo Sabres celebrated the first graduating class of Niagara University’s Sabres Scholars program. This initiative, started three years ago, connects students from Niagara’s College of Hospitality, Sport and Tourism Management with opportunities in the sports industry. Each year, ten students are chosen for mentorship and hands-on experience with the Sabres, Bandits, Bills, and LECOM Harborcenter.

Dr. Timothy Ireland, Niagara’s provost, praised the program as beneficial to both students and the Sabres, creating a skilled future workforce while supporting local talent. Scholars receive a $1,500 scholarship, and the program unfolds over four years, helping students explore various careers in sports.

Evan Blatner, a junior in the program, highlighted the value of networking with professionals in marketing, legal, PR, and social media. This diverse exposure helps students like him clarify their academic and career goals. As juniors, they are encouraged to pursue internships with the Sabres, which provide further mentorship.

Marc Barnat, a member of the graduating class, secured an internship with the Sabres’ business development team. He stated that the connections he made through Sabres Scholars gave him an edge during the selection process. Familiar faces from his network made the transition smoother and easier, highlighting the importance of relationships in the job market.

The Sabres Scholars program focuses on corporate partnerships, benefiting both the Sabres and Niagara University. Dr. Ireland noted that this collaboration brings attention to the university, attracting potential students from nearby regions like Philadelphia and New York City.

Successes from the program are evident. Barnat plans to return home to Syracuse after graduation to intern with the Syracuse Mets, while Blatner has taken on a managerial role with Niagara’s men’s hockey team, gaining hands-on experience in marketing and sponsorship.

The program uniquely supports students’ growth. Barnat reflected on his journey from a shy student to someone more outgoing and ready to engage in the industry. The skills and confidence they develop through Sabres Scholars give them a strong foundation for careers in sports.

Research shows that programs like this can increase employability in competitive fields. According to a recent survey by the National Association of Colleges and Employers, internships significantly boost job prospects for graduates. What’s clear from the Sabres Scholars experience is that practical learning, coupled with mentorship, paves the way for future success in the sports industry.

For more information on the impact of internships in today’s job market, you can read a report from the National Association of Colleges and Employers here.

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