For Robert Butler, PhD, professor of English, scholarship in the area of African American literature represents a lifelong passion. His expertise is recognized by the African American Review, which regularly requests his assistance in reviewing books. His recent book reviews include Michael Nieto Garcia’s Autobiography in Black and Brown: Ethnic Identity in Richard Wright and Richard Rodriguez, Douglas Field’s All Those Strangers: The Art and Lives of James Baldwin, and Steven Tracy’s Hot Music, Ragmentation, and the Bluing of American Literature.

In addition, he is an active scholar in his own right. He has two articles appearing in the book Richard Wright: Writing America at Home and from Abroad edited by Virginia Whatley Smith. Dr. Butler’s first article explores how Wright portrays women in his fiction and the second examines how a posthumously published novel, A Father’s Law, artfully alludes to and transforms the meaning of Wright’s first novel, Native Son.

Dr. Butler also recently published an article in Ralph Ellison in the Twenty-first Century. Dr. Butler’s contribution focuses on how Ralph Ellison’s novel Invisible Man is rooted in the values of the Civil Rights Movement. These works are the most recent examples of Dr. Butler’s 50-year enthusiasm for his scholarship.

Submitted by: Sara Morris, associate vice president, academic affairs

It’s hard not to notice Rev. Michael Tunney, SJ. From the trademark colorful Crocs he sports around Loyola Hall to his energy and compassionate care he shows on campus, Father Tunney brings a real joy wherever he goes. His engaging smile, ability to laugh and sense of mission are ever apparent across his 22 years at Canisius. This is a good thing in his role as director of mission and identity and his time in the Studio Art program’s classrooms.

From daily Ignatian Moments and videos on Ignatius Loyola, Jesuit history, Ignatian spirituality and Jesuit Education on the webpage, Father Tunney has offered all of our campus constituencies a fresh appreciation of Jesuit education. His time teaching students is spent not only learning the discipline-specifics of hand-to-eye coordination and perceptual 2D rendering, but also the thoughtful written and spoken articulation of personal insights and reflections on the art his students create. And in recent years, he appreciates his students’ sharing their talents in the Buffalo community through their service learning.

The 2014 myMAGIS campaign Father Tunney crafted with photography professor Tom Wolf and COM/RST double major Katie Cosgrove ’14, reflects his dedication to creativity, the personal experience of our colleagues and students and the detail work involved in a project that still has legs online and nationally in the AJCU media network. He helped each author get his and her spiritual message concisely, crisply and powerfully communicated.

Did you know…Father Tunney served as rector for the Jesuit community from 2007-13. He has kept sacramental and pastoral ties on campus and in the diocese, currently at St. Luke’s Mission of Mercy and St. Joseph’s University Parish. Father Tunney keeps up his painting chops in the studio and on local gallery walls, carrying on the Jesuit tradition of excellence in the arts. Father Tunney’s newest venture is making iPhone videos posted to YouTube, keeping his family connected to the world!

Submitted by: Public Relations

Canisius College hosted a professional development conference for mathematics teachers on Saturday, January 23, in Science Hall. The conference, entitled “Mathematics: Making Connections,” drew 130 mathematics teachers (grades preK-12) from area public, private, Catholic and charter schools. Canisius alumni, current students and faculty also attended.

Conference coordinator Barbara A. Burns, PhD, professor of teacher education, noted that “Sessions provided teachers with opportunities to discuss the common core in mathematics, successful strategies for reaching struggling mathematics students, differentiating instruction in mathematics for all students, and preparing students for college programs in science, technology, engineering and mathematics (STEM).”

The keynote speaker, Eileen Ryan, elementary teacher in the Williamsville School District, asked participants to “Please Watch Your Language,” as she encouraged all to make small changes to their mathematics communication skills.

Submitted by Public Relations