Embodying the Jesuit values, Dr. Dombrowski reignites criminal justice

By: Andrew Nowel, Sports Layout Editor

From walking the campus just over 25 years ago as a student to the moment Dr. Jill Dombrowski stepped back onto campus as a full-time professor, the memories immediately came flowing back from the former Griff. As she steps into a pivotal role for the university and the criminal justice department, the motto of Canisius ‘once a Griff always a Griff’ showcases itself as Dr. Dombrowski represents an alumni network that stretches far beyond the walls of the Blue and Gold.

Dr. Dombrowski graduated from Canisius in 2001 with a dual degree in criminal justice and psychology after taking classes as a Griff in the criminal justice department and loving it. When she started at Canisius, Dr. Dombrowski had a different plan for what she wanted to do, but criminal justice found a way into her life. “The curriculum was a bit different at the time because we had to take something in every area. I took a criminal law and procedure class and absolutely loved it, so I made the choice to switch from pre-pharmacy to criminal justice and psychology. It was right when they first started to offer the dual major,” said Dr. Dombrowski.

A place like Canisius with its Jesuit values also drew her back to the university as she comes from a faith background where her values align with the values that Canisius stands for. “I think Canisius really shaped my outlook on service to the community. Seeing the patients I work with as people and not just problems in the community was because of the Jesuit values that really stuck with me,” said Dr. Dombrowski. Stepping into the role of being the program director of the criminal justice department, Dr. Dombrowski knows that continuing to share these values with her students will benefit their lives just like it did with hers.

This isn’t the first semester Dr. Dombrowski has taught at Canisius as she comes in 11 years deep into being an adjunct professor for the department, but now has settled down into a permanent role with the university. Her goal focuses on the students, and how she can benefit them in any way she and the department can. “I want students to feel comfortable coming in and talking about job opportunities and internship opportunities. I built a network of other Canisius alumni who are in the field and have them come into classes to speak,” said Dr. Dombrowski.

With a good step in the right direction for the criminal justice department as Dr. Dombrowski continues to live out the Jesuit values through her teaching, the Canisius campus builds the foundation of being ‘men and women for and with others’ through the department that will produce the future lawyers and first responders of the next generation. Though things have changed, Dr. Dombrowski still holds the core of being a Griff as she cares for the whole person.