UB Newman Center celebrated the annual Mass of the Holy Spirit at St. Joseph University Church Sunday morning. (Dan Cappellazzo)

The Newman Centers at the University at Buffalo honored Sister Margaret Carney, OSF, and Sister Denise Roche, GNSH, at their annual Mass of the Holy Spirit at St. Joseph University Church on Sunday.

Each year the Newman Award is given at the Mass to recognize outstanding service in the community.  It is a significant recognition. This year's award was given to two Western New York Higher Education leaders to recognize their long and distinguished careers in higher education.

Sister Denise A. Roche was appointed the fourteenth president of D'Youville College in 1979. A Buffalo native, she entered the Grey Nuns of the Sacred heart in 1961 and completed her undergraduate work in sociology and social work at D'Youville College. She received her master's degree in sociology from Boston University and her doctorate from the University of Massachusetts. Prior to her appointment to the presidency, Sister Denise served on the D'Youville faculty, as well as chair of the sociology department and associate dean for continuing studies and academic services.

Sister Denise was instrumental in the development of several new academic programs in occupational and physical therapy, community health nursing, health care management, physician assisting, as well as doctoral programs in educational leadership, health policy and education, physical therapy, chiropractics and most recently pharmacy.  Several cooperative programs with the Buffalo public schools have also been implemented.

In addition she has overseen the physical expansion of the campus, including the Montante Library complex, the Niagara Street annex, The Bauer Family Academic Center, the Dr. Charles & Mary Schweitzer Bauer School of Arts, Sciences & Education, and the major restorations to the Kavinoky Theatre and the Kessler Administration Building.

Sister Margaret Carney served as the twentieth president of St. Bonaventure University, a position she took in 2004. She recently retired in July.
Prior to being inaugurated, Sister 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.

She holds a master's degree from Duquesne University in theology and St. Bonaventure in Franciscan studies. Her doctorate was awarded by the Franciscan University of Rome-the Pontifical university "Antonianum."

Sister Margaret has two successful campaigns to her credit: the 150th Anniversary Campaign for St. Bonaventure which closed at $95 million, and the $15 million campaign for the new school of Business.  Her presidency has focused on improving mission integration, increasing diversity in all sectors of campus life, and promoting a cycle of curriculum assessment that is sustainable and an effective strategic planning modality.

Sister Margaret's honors include 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.