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Rector
Professor of Fine Arts
Director of the Studio Art Program
Saint Ignatius Loyola believed that God could be revealed through creative pursuits, including theatre, music and fine art. As a professor of fine arts and director of the Studio Art Program at Canisius College, Rev. Michael F. Tunney, S.J., cultivates the skills and imagination of his students, and encourages them to share their finished works for the enjoyment of others.
In fall 2003, Father Tunney launched the college’s multidisciplinary studio art minor. A gifted artist, he holds a bachelor’s degree in English and philosophy from Fordham University, a master of fine arts/master of science in art history from the Pratt Institute, a master of sacred theology degree and a master of divinity degree, both from the Jesuit School of Theology at Berkeley. Father Tunney has exhibited locally at the Albright-Knox Art Gallery, Art Dialogue Gallery and the former Bryant Street Art Gallery.
Now the newly appointed Rector of the Canisius College Jesuit Community, Father Tunney is responsible for cura personalis, or personal care, of the Jesuits, and cura apostolica, or guidance, of their activities in the local Jesuit educational institutions. He also ensures that the Jesuit mission and identity are preserved within these ministries.
His ministry extends beyond Canisius College. Father Tunney served as weekend liturgist at St. Mary of Sorrows Church in Buffalo for 13 years and currently assists with weekday Masses at St. Luke’s Mission of Mercy.
Father Tunney says, “A college is a great place for Jesuits to live and labor: in the classrooms with students where we all grow in wisdom and grace; in offices with colleagues where our decisions shape many lives in an ever-changing world; in meetings where our voices support, guide and challenge; in the Quad when stories and laughter make us more human and holy; and in the chapel, gathered around the scripture and Eucharist, where the body of Christ never tires of teaching, healing and walking with us.”