Michael Williams
Director of the Journey Project
Michael graduated from Allegheny College in 1998 with a degree in the self-designed major, "Social Thought." This was an interdisciplinary degree between Religious Studies, Philosophy, Sociology, Anthropology, Political Science, Economics, History and Psychology. His undergraduate thesis was titled, "Justice for the American Juvenile: Considering the Historical Barriers and Future Prospects." He now has one semester left to complete his masters in Theology, and hopes to one day enter a doctoral program in Theology or Religious Studies.
In August 2005 Michael was named the new Director of the Journey Project. Before coming to Bonaventure he worked for four years at the Wesley Foundation at Ball State University running a similar program but on a much smaller scale. Additionally he worked for the University of Indianapolis in the Ecumenical and Interfaith Programs Office for one year.
In college Michael thought he would go on to teach Social Studies as well as coach track and field. He never imagined he would work in higher education, but through the Lilly Endowment's "Programs for the Theological Exploration of Vocation," he has found a niche that truly makes sense of his life. "I like to think of what I do as a practice of theology, a constant engagement between theory and practice," he said.
Michael has been married for five years to Rhonda Shellenbarger Williams who is an elementary educator. For her, teaching is an intellectual endeavor and a true art. They have three children, Ela (4) and Diertrich (2), and Jacob (4 months). They live in Portville, NY on a 32-acre farm, where he and his family pretend to be farmers. They have four cows, a bunch of chickens, a dog named Stormy and a cat named White Socks. Ela is White socks' 'momma,' and Stormy is the 'little sister' of both Dietrich and Ela. "We have great neighbors and have been truly welcomed in both the community and the St. Bonaventure community," he said.
For more information about the Journey Project please contact Michael at 716.375.7643, or stop by his office located in the Thomas Merton Center on the St. Bonaventure University campus.
Siobhan Catanzaro
Siobhan is a 20-year-old junior majoring in journalism. This is Siobhan's second year at the Journey Project and she looks forward to being on the staff. She is also a member of the Public Relations Society and plans to intern in Washington D.C. this summer in the public relations field. Siobhan is very excited to be a part of St. Bonaventure and hopes to one day work in public relations or advertising.
Lasantha Rodrigo
Lasantha Rodrigo is a Learning Fellow in the English Graduate Program at St. Bonaventure University. Originally from Sri Lanka, he received his BA in Theater and English Literature from Pacific Lutheran University, Tacoma, WA. He’s excited about working on the Journey Project newsletter. “It gives me the opportunity to write the kind of stories we should all hear about,” he says. He claims that he turns to God for guidance in whatever he does.
Journey Project Advisory Board
Br. F. Edward Coughlin
Br. F. Edward Coughlin, O.F.M, PhD rejoined the St. Bonaventure community in August of 2005 as the new Vice President for Franciscan Mission. As a 1970 graduate of St. Bonaventure, Br. Edward graduated with a Bachelor of Arts degree in Sociology, and in 1975 received his PhD in Counseling from Catholic University in Washington D.C. Br. Edward also has a Master of Arts degree from Boston College in Pastoral Ministry, which he received in 1980.
Most recently Br. Edward returns to Bonaventure from New York City, where he served as secretary of the Holy Name Province since 1996.
As VP Br. Ed hopes to provide adequate leadership through the integration of Franciscan missions in all parts of St. Bonaventure life. He will be responsible for “developing collaborative relations,” with University organizations including Mt. Irenaeus, University Ministries, The Journey Project, The Franciscan Institute, The School of Franciscan Studies, and The Franciscan Center for Social Concern. He will tie the Franciscan traditions and values to these organizations and assist President Sr. Margaret Carney on various levels.
At St. Bonaventure, Br. Edward has also previously served as director of the Franciscan Institute from 1991-1995, University Trustee from 1985-1990, Coordinator of New Student Orientation from 1975-1977 and also as a counselor where he began his vocation for the Counseling and Placement Center at St. Bonaventure from 1974-1977.
In terms of vocation Br. Edward suggests students should “Listen to your heart and follow your interests to find your path.” He said “ I am very impressed with what the Journey Project has to offer students.” He continued, “Learning, linked with service is a challenge but a great opportunity. Those who take advantage of this will have a key experience in finding vocation.”
Board Members
