Niagara University has renamed its recently renovated and expanded Dining Commons to commemorate a generous gift from local restaurateur and philanthropist Russell J. Salvatore. The Russell J. Salvatore Dining Commons at Niagara University underwent an $8 million renovation and expansion, which was completed in January. Preliminary construction on the facility began in April 2016.

Salvatore’s gift to Niagara University, the amount of which was not disclosed, adds to the formidable list of local organizations that he supports, including Kids Escaping Drugs, the Food Bank of Western New York, Roswell Park Cancer Institute, Erie County Medical Center, the Variety Club of Buffalo, and several school districts.