Noted theologian Diana Hayes to inaugurate Newman Center’s ‘Women Wisdom’ lecture series

BUFFALO, N.Y. – Buffalo native and University at Buffalo alumna Diana L. Hayes, JD, PhD, the first African-American woman to earn a pontifical doctorate in sacred theology, the highest theological degree in the pontifical university system of the Catholic Church, will inaugurate the new “Women Wisdom” lecture series sponsored by the University at Buffalo Newman Center, of the UB Campus Ministry Association.

Hayes’ talk will take place April 28 at 7 p.m. at the center, 495 Skinnersville Rd., Amherst. It is free and open to the public.

Hayes is an emerita professor of systematic theology at Georgetown University whose talk is titled “Standing in the Shoes My Mother Made: The Making of a Womanist Theologian,” which is also the title of the most recent of her eight books.

“Our new Pope has called on the church to develop a new theology of women,” said Msgr. J. Patrick Keleher, director of the Newman Center.

“This lecture and the series it inaugurates begin our response to that call. It will permit us to hear the stories of women who will shape this new theology,” he said.

Hayes received her undergraduate degree from UB and a law degree (JD) from George Washington National Law Center as well as a baccalaureate degree and a licentiate in sacred theology from the Catholic University of America. She received a doctoral degree in religious studies as well as her pontifical doctorate from the Catholic University of Louvain (Belgium).

A recipient of three honorary doctoral degrees, Hayes is also the author or editor of eight books and more than 75 articles in journals or edited books.

“Standing in the Shoes My Mother Made: A Womanist Theology” will be available for sale and signing at her lecture.

Additional contact: Michael Toner at oakleafm@pce.net and 716-636-1533.