The Canisius athletic department is saddened to learn of the passing of Rev. Vincent M. Cooke, SJ, the 23rd President of Canisius College, Thursday night after a brief battle with cancer. Father Cooke was 81 years old.

Considered a bold visionary during his 23-year tenure as president of the College, Father Cooke played an important leadership role in helping guide the Canisius athletic department and the Metro Atlantic Athletic Conference, where he served as the conference's president from 1996-98.  As part of the overall facilities growth during his time in charge at Canisius, numerous improvements and upgrades were made to the physical plants at the Koessler Athletic Center and the Demske Sports Complex. Those initiatives proved to be the genesis for the successful programs Canisius currently sponsors. He was also the leading force in the College's acquisition of former HealthNow building, which was renamed Science Hall, home to the athletic department's state-of-the-art ESPN3 control room and television studio.

“Father Cooke appreciated the importance a successful NCAA Division I athletic program had on the alumni and students of Canisius College,” Canisius Director of Athletics Bill Maher said. “The success and strength of our athletic program can be directly connected to his vision of providing our student-athletes with a quality experience during their time in Blue and Gold.

“I am grateful for the opportunity he gave me to lead our athletic program and will always appreciate the importance he placed on ensuring each of our student-athletes could celebrate their personal spirituality during their time at Canisius.”