To Err on the Side of Love: Announcing The Reverend Kathleen Buckley Conference Room for Diversity & Inclusion
As part of the closing ceremonies of the UNITY Project at St. Lawrence University on Wednesday, Oct. 14, it was announced that Room 336 in the Sullivan Student Center would be named in memory of The Reverend Kathleen Buckley, St. Lawrence’s University Chaplain for 19 years.
Buckley was a long-standing member of the St. Lawrence University Diversity Committee and deeply involved in intergroup dialogue, restorative justice trainings, fostering interfaith dialogue and space, and various diversity working groups throughout her time here.
As part of the University's commitment to diversity and inclusion, and in memory of Buckley, The Reverend Kathleen Buckley Conference Room for Diversity & Inclusion will be a meeting space open to all students whose work aligns with Buckley’s inspired vision for the Laurentian community.
Buckley was known for her openness, her generous spirit, and her welcoming heart. When pushed on her principles of welcome, especially for marginalized groups such as LGBTQ persons, religious minorities, and people of color, she would often say, “…and if I am wrong, I’d rather err on the side of love.”
A memorial fund has also been established at the University in honor of Buckley. Gifts for this fund can be made at: https://alumni.stlawu.edu/the-buckley-fund or mailed to St. Lawrence earmarked for the Buckley Fund: University Advancement, 23 Romoda Drive, Canton, NY 13617.
