Olean Star

Latest News

ST. BONAVENTURE — Dr. Jeff Gingerich has signed a contract extension that will keep him in place as St. Bonaventure University’s president through May 2030. The university’s Board of Trustees previously approved the extension. “I’m grateful to our trustees for their show of faith in my leadership. These first three years as president of this remarkable university have been the most fulfilling of my career in higher education,” Gingerich said. “But I want to be clear that their show of faith is just as much about the tremendous work of the administrators, faculty and staff I’ve been blessed to be surrounded with as it is about me.” Gingerich, who’s worked in higher education since 2000, began his presidency at SBU in the summer of 2022. Since then, the university has welcomed the three largest freshman classes in 20 years, with total enrollment in fall 2024 — undergraduate and graduate — reaching the fourth-highest mark in university history. “Our Board’s unanimous approval of Jeff's contract extension is a testament to Jeff's dedicated leadership. We’ve had extraordinary momentum under his tenure, including record student enrollment, new academic programs and greater engagement in the community,” said Michael Hickey, chair of the Board. “We’re very pleased with Jeff’s contributions to our Bolder Bonaventure fundraising campaign and commitment to increasing our endowment. His vision and orchestration of a long-term strategic plan will set the stage for growth and a vibrant future at St. Bonaventure.” Gingerich has traveled extensively across the country during his first three years, meeting with alumni and donors as the university nears the end of its seven-year Bolder Bonaventure campaign. The university is on the brink of reaching its $125 million fundraising goal well before the campaign ends May 31. Work on one of the pillars of the campaign — the major renovation of the Jandoli School of Communication — is scheduled to begin this spring. Gingerich has also worked to increase administrative transparency, communicating with the campus community through regularly scheduled Town Halls, President’s Hours and email updates on topics ranging from sustainability efforts and NCAA challenges to university finances and the complexity of building a budget. In his desire to enhance the university’s relationship with the neighboring Seneca Nation of Indians, the president worked to establish a committee made up of university and Seneca leaders to work on initiatives to rekindle their relationship, including the development of a Land Acknowledgement Statement. The land upon which SBU sits was once Seneca land. Gingerich also established a Sustainability Task Force and charged the University Planning Commission with developing a new strategic plan. Gingerich and his wife, Betsy, have hosted numerous social events across campus and at their home for students and staff to strengthen their bonds with the campus community. The president also established a now beloved campus tradition: the annual Christmas tree lighting at Marchiori Pavilion.

St. Bonaventure President’s contract extended through 2030

January 24, 2025

ST. BONAVENTURE — Dr. Jeff Gingerich has signed a contract extension that will keep him in place as St. Bonaventure University’s president through May 2030. The university’s Board of Trustees

Salamanca girls hoops stave off late Allegany-Limestone comeback attempt in 46-35 win

January 24, 2025

By SPENCER BATES batesoleanstar@gmail.com SALAMANCA — After nearly falling victim to a full-fledged comeback attempt, the Salamanca girls basketball team responded when it needed to most and secured a 46-35

Thursday Roundup: Resilient Lady Panthers buck losing streak; Olean girls roll past Dunkirk to secure consecutive wins

January 24, 2025

PORTVILLE, NY – After trailing for the entirety of the game, a big fourth quarter lifted the Portville girls’ basketball team to a 30-20 win over Falconer, ending a four-game

Otto-Eldred's Shene Thomas pulls up for a very contested jump shot during the Terrors' 45-33 win over Cameron County on Thursday. | Photo by Hunter O. Lyle

Terrors stay undefeated with season sweep of Red Raiders

January 23, 2025

By HUNTER O. LYLE lyleoleanstar@gmail.com EMPORIUM, PA – Despite being held to their lowest score all season, the Otto-Eldred boys’ basketball team retained their spot atop the North Tier League

Dr. Kevin D. Watkins, Cattaraugus County Public Health director.

Right Thinkers panel to discuss ‘State of Health Care’ Monday

May 16, 2024

By RICK MILLER Olean Star ALLEGANY — The Right Thinkers will meet Monday, May 20, beginning at 5 p.m. at The Hall on Fourth Street in Allegany. There is a

Saturday’s Float the Allegheny looking at better weather than 2023

May 16, 2024

By RICK MILLER Olean Star The weather for Saturday’s Float the Allegheny kayak and canoe paddle from the Steam Valley Road launch in Portville to an afterparty in Franchot Park

(Rick Miller/Olean Star) M.J. Painting Contractor Corp. plans to begin construction of a $1.7 million facility at 350 Franklin St., Olean, a former brownfield, this summer.

M.J. Painting to begin construction of new Olean facility this summer

May 16, 2024

By RICK MILLER Olean Star ELLICOTTVILLE — M.J. Painting Contractor Corp., plans to begin construction of a $1.7 million facility this summer on a 9-acre site at 350 Franklin St.,

Star photo by Daniella Langianese. The Tri-County Arts Council building on West State Street in Olean is showcasing art by Denise Drummond and Joseph Grice through June 15.

Denise Drummond, Joseph Grice’s art featured at Tri-County Arts Council

May 16, 2024

By DANIELLA LANGIANESE Star Staff Reporter dani@bradfordstar.com OLEAN — The Tri-County Arts Council presents “A Natural Connection” at its West State Street Gallery in Olean. The public is invited to