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
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 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.
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.
News and Events
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.