ST. BONAVENTURE, N.Y. — Honoring her life’s work as a beloved teacher, renowned scholar and transformative college president, St. Bonaventure University has established the Sr. Margaret Carney, ’86, Endowed Chair in Theology and Franciscan Studies, marking only the second endowed chair in the university’s 167-year history.
The announcement was made during the recent Commencement weekend as Carney received an honorary doctorate and delivered the keynote address to the Class of 2025.

The Sr. Margaret Carney Endowed Chair underscores the university’s commitment to its core Franciscan mission and academic excellence. The endowment will cultivate research, intellectual discourse, and innovative teaching in Theology and Franciscan Studies, ensuring the rich tradition of Franciscan thought stays a vital part of St. Bonaventure. It also directly extends Carney’s scholarly legacy.

“Through the endowed chair, our students will be assured of sustained access to high quality, distinguished faculty who will instruct, mentor, and engage in the Franciscan Intellectual tradition,” said Dr. David Hilmey, provost and vice president for Academic Affairs. “Sr. Margaret was critical to the reinvigoration of the university with Franciscan scholarship and education, and this endowment will support that commitment into the future.”
Carney, St. Bonaventure’s 20th president, led from 2004-2016, retiring as president emeritus in recognition of her accomplishments. Only three presidents served longer at SBU.

Under her leadership, the university invested $71 million in capital projects and exceeded its $90 million goal for The 150th Anniversary Campaign, helping to double the endowment between 2005 and 2015. A staunch proponent of diversity, she also founded the Center for Arab and Islamic Studies and the Damietta Center for Multicultural Affairs.

Carney’s leadership quickly built trust, revitalized campus life, and most importantly, reignited the university’s Franciscan mission. Joe Flanagan, St. Bonaventure’s longtime Alumni director and member of the Class of 1974, aptly summarized her impact: “The thing about Sister is that I never forgot she was a Franciscan first. She was exactly what the university needed at the time. She had the right stuff.”

This significant endowment resulted from a quiet campaign led by emeritus trustee Jack McGinley, Class of 1965, with assistance from First Lady Betsy Gingerich. This collective act of philanthropy reflects the deep gratitude the entire Bona family holds for Carney, recognizing her indelible impact on the university community and its enduring Franciscan spirit.

“This endowed chair is not only a tribute to Sr. Margaret’s remarkable intellect and transformative leadership but is also a vital investment in the future of the Franciscan intellectual tradition,” said Dr. Jeff Gingerich, president of St. Bonaventure. “Just as Sr. Margaret did during her tenure here, this endowed chair will empower the university to proudly educate compassionate global citizens for our world’s future.”

Carney received her doctorate in theology in Rome in 1988, becoming the first woman to graduate from the Franciscan University of Rome at the doctoral level. She studied in Europe after completing master’s degrees in theology at Duquesne and Franciscan Studies at St. Bonaventure (1986).
Among the honors she has received are the Lifetime Achievement Award from Business First of Buffalo for Women of Influence; the Citation Award from the National Federation of Just Communities, Buffalo; and the L.O.U.I.E. Award from the Greater Olean Area Chamber of Commerce. Today, she is a member of the Sisters of St. Francis of the Neumann Communities and is a teacher of Franciscan history and spirituality.

“Our goal is to raise $2 million during the next five years for this support,” said Mike Pressimone, vice president for Advancement. “In the few weeks leading up to Commencement weekend, donors had already committed nearly $800,000. This is a real testament to the love and respect that people feel for Sr. Margaret. We are honored to celebrate Sr. Margaret’s dynamic leadership and lifetime commitment to the Franciscan mission. This endowment reflects the generosity and guidance that are hallmarks of her life’s work.”

People interested in contributing to the endowment can do so online at sbu.edu/donate or by contacting Pressimone at (716) 375-2331 or mpressimone@sbu.edu.