Kearney Hall at Sunset

About Fisher Forward

There has never been a better time to build upon our past to help secure our future.

Move Fisher Forward

The narrative of St. John Fisher University chronicles steady growth and broadening impact since our beginning, nearly 75 years ago. While respectful of our history and traditions, Fisher has always kept its focus keenly on the future, anticipating and responding to the changes in society that bring new opportunities to our students. Our success is dependent upon the generosity of our alumni, friends, and community – essential partners of St. John Fisher University. Students, programs, and the Fisher campus will be empowered by this generosity to support and drive innovation, programming, and the future, expanding the impact of this work broadly throughout the community and beyond.

Campaign Leaders

Victor Salerno
Vic Salerno ’66, Campaign Chair

Former CEO, O’Connell Electric Company
Member, St. John Fisher University Board of Trustees

Long-time Board member and loyal Fisher alumnus, Vic Salerno ’66, is serving as the chair of Fisher Forward. Mr. Salerno recently retired as chief executive officer of O’Connell Electric Company, a role he held since 2006 with the company he served for over 50 years. In 2011, Mr. Salerno gave $2 million to Fisher - the largest gift ever received from an alumnus - for a new building to house the School of Business. In 2013, the Victor E. Salerno Center for American Enterprise opened its doors.

Wayne and Beverly LeChase
Wayne and Beverly LeChase, Honorary Chairs

Wayne and Beverly LeChase are loyal and longtime donors of St. John Fisher University. Wayne, chairman of LeChase, served on the Board of Trustees from 1991-2015 and today is a member of the Trustee Emeriti Society.

Gerard Rooney
Dr. Gerard J. Rooney, President

St. John Fisher University

President Rooney took office in 2015 after having served as the University's executive vice president for enrollment, advancement, and planning. Dr. Rooney has been a member of the Fisher family for over two decades and is the proud parent of two Fisher alumni.

President's Office

News and Events

 Janice C. Loss ’92 and Dr. Frederick Cohn

Over the last two decades, the St. John Fisher University campus community has heard lectures from leading researchers in nanotechnology, genetics, and imaging technology, thanks to the annual Robert and Janice Loss Science Lecture Series.

Attendees of the 2022 Scholarship Golf Tournament

The annual Fisher Scholarship Golf Tournament will be held on Monday, June 12, at renowned Oak Hill Country Club, home of the 2023 PGA Championship.

 Robert Egger and Alexander Justice Moore

Food justice activists Robert Egger and Alexander Justice Moore will deliver a keynote address during the 2023 Donald L. and Marilyn B. Muench Faith in Action Lecture Series. Their lecture, “From Charity to Change,” will explore food scarcity and detail their experiences helping to battle hunger and poverty. The event, which is free and open to the public, will take place at 5 p.m. Wednesday, April 12, in Cleary Family Auditorium.

 Four students pose in the I Heart Fisher Giving Day photo booth.

On Thursday, March 23, a record-setting 1,072 donors showed their support and pride in St. John Fisher University, giving more than $285,000 on the fourth annual I Heart Fisher Day of Giving. The funds raised will support students, academic programs, athletics, and other important initiatives.

 A student on campus.

Nearly one year ahead of schedule, St. John Fisher University surpassed its Fisher Forward campaign goal, raising $85.5 million to date in support of the institution.

 Two pharmacy students walk through the Integrated Science and Health Science Building.

A $1 million gift to the Wegmans School of Pharmacy will create transformational opportunities for the next generation of students by providing substantial tuition assistance over the course of their academic careers.

A rendering of the Dugan Family Practice Facility.

St. John Fisher University has announced a gift from alumnus Kevin Dugan ’70, long-time supporter of the University’s nationally-ranked baseball team, to fund the construction of the state-of-the-art Dugan Family Practice Facility.

06.12
12:30 p.m. shotgun start
Where: Oak Hill Country Club