1948 Society

The 1948 Society, named in honor of the year that St. John Fisher University received its charter, recognizes individuals who have named Fisher as a beneficiary of a planned future gift.

Founded in 2005 with 12 pioneer members, the Society’s long roster of more than 100 donors reflects the strength of the future of our institution. Members enjoy special events and opportunities throughout the year and on-campus recognition reflects each donor’s commitment.

Your membership in the 1948 Society will leave a lasting impact on the University, and we would like to share the appropriate recognition for your generosity.

Contact the Office of Institutional Advancement at (585) 385-5292 or advancement@sjf.edu for more information on planned giving and the 1948 Society.

Leaving a Legacy

Allegra ’94 and Dennis Lavoie ’77

Teachers have been a great influence in the life of Dennis Lavoie ’77. "My mother, Mary, was my first teacher, and she instilled in me a love of learning.”

At Fisher, Dennis encountered more teachers who would steer him toward a career that would use both his love of language and the teaching profession. After earning a degree in Spanish with a minor in French, Dennis received a master’s degree in Spanish at Middlebury College. He has enjoyed a long teaching career at Fairport Senior High School and is nationally certified in language education.

"When my mother passed away, I knew that I wanted to honor her memory and the profession she loved so much," says Dennis. "With the encouragement of my wife, I have provided in my will a generous legacy to endow the Mary Gadwood Lavoie Scholarship Fund to aid students pursuing a teaching degree in elementary education or foreign language. It’s a meaningful way to honor my mother, and it will support the growth of Fisher for generations to come."

John Sinclair ’96

"As a second generation owner of our family business, I felt it was important to give back to one of the biggest positive influences on my professional development. I am proud to tell people I went to Fisher and encourage many friends and family considering a four-year school to check out all Fisher has to offer. It’s not just a college, it's a family. And what better way to give back than to include Fisher as part of my estate planning. Perhaps my gift, along with many others, will help to shape and influence future generations to be positive members of our community and, in turn, nurture the University for generations to come! I'm glad to help in what little way I can with Fisher’s continuing mission."