By Hannah Gordon
Editor in Chief
Just days after Sr. Margaret Carney, O.S.F., revealed her cancer diagnosis, the community was still shocked.
“I was in class (Wednesday) when my professor told us that a special Notice Board had been sent out,” said JW Cook, junior political science major. “We all stopped what we were doing and the room grew silent. All of us sat there for the rest of the period in shock.”
On Wednesday morning, Sr. Margaret, university president, sent a letter via email to the campus community, revealing her diagnosis of multiple myeloma, a blood cancer which causes “abnormal plasma cells to collect themselves in bones and the bone marrow,” according to the letter.
Sr. Margaret said she found out about the diagnosis “shortly after” announcing her decision to retire as St. Bonaventure University’s president. She said she can continue her duties through the end of her term but will need to reduce her schedule, and she will rely on her Cabinet members to fill in the gaps. This included cancelling a trip to Brazil to finalize agreements with Bonaventure’s education partners there.
Fr. Francis Di Spigno, O.F.M., director of University Ministries and a member of Sr. Margaret’s Cabinet, said the extra responsibility would be welcomed, as Sr. Margaret is “one of the hardest working people” he knows.
“No one can be in two places at once, but she’s probably one of the few people that comes damn close to that,” he said.
Others shared Fr. Francis’ sentiment and recalled memories of Sr. Margaret’s hardworking spirit, which they believe will drive her through her illness.
Fr. Dominic Monti, O.F.M., former university president, said he worked with Sr. Margaret for 15 to 20 years before he was interim president when they were both active in the “relatively small world” of Franciscan scholars. When Fr. Dominic was interim president, Sr. Margaret served as his executive vice president for Franciscan Mission.
“We took on issues together as a real team and complimented each other well,” Fr. Dominic said. “She has a lot of insight and tremendous energy. I know she is a real fighter, and if anyone can overcome this illness and return to full activity, it’s her.”
Robert Daugherty, chairman of the Board of Trustees, also sent a message via email to the campus community Wednesday morning, commenting on Sr. Margaret’s announcement.
“We are, of course, first concerned with her well-being and making sure she has the support she needs to heal and beat this disease,” Daugherty wrote. “The Board, Cabinet and other campus leaders and staff will surround her with love and support while also continuing to lead our campus agenda. We will enable her to take care of herself as she also concludes her presidency in her chosen style and manner.”
Her “chosen style” seems to be committed to the campus through and through. She attended the men’s basketball game Wednesday night and was welcomed by student’s chanting her name and holding signs of appreciation and well wishes.
Cook, the Student Government Association (SGA) treasurer, promoted SGA’s request for students to bring these types of posters to the game with them and use the hashtag CarneyStrong.
“Bonas frequently uses #BonaStrong, so when another student tweeted #CarneyStrong, we jumped on board with that,” Cook said. “We really just want Sr. (Margaret) to know that she has our support during this difficult time, as she has brought our university through some of its toughest times.”
Lauren Gailbraith, a senior biology major, said, while she doesn’t know Sr. Margaret personally, the news shook her and her parents.
“I forwarded the email to my parents. We couldn’t believe it,” she said. “It wasn’t an email anyone could ever expect. Even though I’ve never met her, Sr. Margaret is a part of this place.”
The Bonaventure community certainly feels Sr. Margaret is an integral part of Bonaventure and will continue to be even when she steps down.
Lee Coppola, the former dean of the journalism and mass communication school, worked closely with Sr. Margaret when she was dean and director of the Franciscan Institute. He recalled her fighting spirit, much like Fr. Francis and Fr. Dominic.
“I know her to be a fighter,” he said. “And I know if it’s possible for her to lick this disease, she will lick it.”
gordonhr13@bonaventure.edu
