For her illustrious career in the field of higher education, Sr. Margaret Carney, O.S.F., S.T.D., president of St. Bonaventure University, was lauded Tuesday in Albany as a New York State Senate 2016 “Woman of Distinction.”

Sen. Catharine Young (R,C,I- 57th District) selected Sr. Margaret as the 57th Senate District’s honoree for her long and distinguished record in higher education and community involvement.

“Sr. Margaret is held in such high regard because of her record of service to St. Bonaventure University, and all of Western New York. Beyond her work building St. Bonaventure into a renowned institution of higher learning, she has been relentless in her efforts to better our community, which makes her an obvious choice for this acknowledgment,” said Sen. Young.

“As president of St. Bonaventure, Sr. Margaret has focused on increasing diversity in all sectors of the university, and promoting a curriculum that makes students leaders on a global scale. She has dedicated her life to educating and helping young people and she is a role model for our youth. Her character, charisma and devotion are truly fitting of the Senate’s Woman of Distinction recognition,” Sen. Young said.

“This is a wonderful honor and the fact that it's coming from Senator Young, an esteemed graduate of St. Bonaventure, makes it even more special, both personally and professionally,” Sr. Carney said.

At the ceremony, Sr. Margaret and other distinguished women from across New York state were highlighted for their service and commitment to their respective communities. The New York State Senate Woman of Distinction award was created in 1998 to annually pay tribute to women who have demonstrated remarkable character, initiative, and commitment in serving their neighbors, strengthening our communities, and acting as role models.

Sr. Margaret served as the dean and director of the Franciscan Institute of St. Bonaventure. The Institute operates a center for research and textual scholarship in the field of Franciscan/medieval theology, history and philosophy and a school that educates leaders for the various branches of the Franciscan religious orders in the Catholic Church.

In 2004, Sr. Margaret Carney, was installed as the 20th president of St. Bonaventure University — a position she has held with excellence, Sen. Young said. Sr. Margaret is stepping down from the presidency in July.

As president of the university, she has led two successful campaigns: The 150th Anniversary Campaign for St. Bonaventure, which closed at $95 million, and the $15 million campaign for the new School of Business.

Beyond the campus, Sr. Margaret is a member of the Atlantic 10 Council of Presidents and the Commission on Independent Colleges and Universities. She previously served as the Chair of the Board of Directors of the Association of Catholic Colleges and Universities and the Association of Franciscan Colleges and Universities. She also was a member of the Committee on Education of the United States Conference of Catholic Bishops.

Sr. Margaret has received numerous honors and recognitions throughout her career in higher education, including the Lifetime Achievement Award from Business First of Buffalo for Women of Influence, and the Citation Award from the National Federation of Just Communities—Buffalo. She also holds honorary degrees from The Franciscan University of Steubenville, St. Francis University, Hilbert College, Madonna University, Felician College, Siena College, Duquesne University, Saint Vincent College, and Christ the King Seminary.

“Sr. Margaret is truly an example for women everywhere. As an official New York State Senate Woman of Distinction, Sr. Margaret’s legacy will live on in perpetuity as an example for future generations. She is truly worthy of our deepest respect, admiration, and heartfelt thanks,” Sen. Young said.