Summer 2020 | A June of Jubilees - St. John Fisher University

This June, two beloved St. John Fisher College faculty members, Fr. Albert Cylwicki, CSB, and Fr. William Graf celebrate their 60th Jubilee of Ordination to the Priesthood.

Fr. Al Cylwicki at the College's 2016 Commencement Ceremony, where he was given the President’s Medal for Service to St. John Fisher College.

Fr. Cylwicki, known to many as “Fr. Al,” recently retired from the math department and is an emeritus member of the Board of Trustees. During his more than 20 years at Fisher, Fr. Cylwicki taught math, tutored in the Math Center, served as the assistant director of campus ministry, and served as a long-time member of the College’s Board of Trustees. In 2016, President Gerard J. Rooney presented Fr. Cylwicki with the President’s Medal for Service to St. John Fisher College during the Commencement ceremony.

He earned bachelor’s degrees from the University of Assumption, in Windsor, and the University of St. Michael’s College, in Toronto. He also holds a master’s degree from the University of Detroit. Fr. Cylwicki entered the Congregation of St. Basil in 1950 and was ordained to the priesthood in 1960 in Toronto.

Fr. Graf talks with students at the 2019 Scholarship Dinner.

Fr. Graf, who joined the Fisher faculty as an adjunct in 1982 and became a full-time faculty member in 2001, currently serves as chair of the Religious Studies Department. Holding the College’s first endowed professorship, the Fr. John Cavanaugh CSB, Endowed Chair, Graf has hosted speakers and programs that advance campus conversations on social justice, Catholic higher education, and through the Thomas More Lecture Series, explores ethical issues across industries and business sectors.

Fr. Graf holds academic degrees in history, education, and theology and has extensive experience as a pastor. His life-long interest in history has framed his pastoral concerns for a commitment to social justice. His specialties include social ethics and the theology of marriage and sexuality. Most recently, his research interests have focused on the use of power in leadership positions in schools.