Fr. Tunney is rector of the Jesuit community at Canisius, a professor of fine arts and founding director of studio art at Canisius. He left his academic positions to serve in his new role, which began August 1.

As director of mission and identity, Tunney’s primary responsibility will be to ensure that opportunities are available for Canisius faculty, staff, alumni and trustees to learn about and deepen their understanding of the institution’s Catholic and Jesuit identity, its educational mission and their part in fulfilling it. He will also develop programs, activities and university-wide policy and procedures that promote the spiritual formation of the campus community, further the university’s Ignatian traditions, and advance the Jesuit mission, especially in the service of faith and the promotion of justice.

“I look forward to working with all the people and constituencies of Canisius College,” Tunney said about his new appointment. “Engaging in conversations and actions with them on matters of faith, reason, justice and leadership in our world today will be transformative for all of us.” [Canisius College]

Photo Courtesy Jim Courtney/Buffalo Business First

Jesuit Father Vincent Cooke, 10 weeks away from leaving his post as president of Canisius College, doesn’t have regrets about his 17-year tenure at the helm of the private Buffalo institution.

Money has been raised. Land has been secured. Buildings have been renovated. And, topping his list of successes, student academic quality has risen.

Fr. Cooke is set to retire June 30 as the college’s 23rd president. His successor, longtime Canisius administrator and alum John Hurley, was appointed incoming president last fall by the college’s board of trustees. It marks the first time a non-clergyman will lead the college since its 1870 founding by German Jesuits.

Read more here: Cooke leaves Canisius without any regrets – Business First of Buffalo