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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

Bona women’s hoops hope to embrace ‘enthusiasm of the unknown’ in A10 tournament

March 3, 2025

By SPENCER BATES batesoleanstar@gmail.com HENRICO, VA — For the St. Bonaventure women’s basketball team, from here on out, it is win or go home. The regular season has reached its

(Gofundme) This photo shows the late Zach Golley with his wife, Emily and their daughter Bailey.

Ellicottville man dies after his truck is struck by a train

March 3, 2025

By RICK MILLER Olean Star ELLICOTTVILLE — An Ellicottville village employee who was critically injured when a train struck his truck last Thursday died Saturday at Erie County Medical Center. Zach Golley,

(Ricki Miller/Olean Star) Members of the striking Collins Correctional Facility corrections officers were at strike headquarters earlier this week outside the prison on Route 62 north of Gowanda.

Cattaraugus County lawmakers back striking corrections officers

March 3, 2025

EDITOR’S NOTE: The union representing striking New York State corrections officers and the Department of Corrections and Community Safety agreed to terms to end the strike on Friday. Many COs,

(Rick Miller/Olean Star) Randy Sprague, owner of Sprague Maple Farms watches over a valve that releases sap from the plastic tubing into a tank behind Sprague’s Restaurant.

Flowing sap a sweet sound at Sprague’s Maple Farms

March 3, 2025

By RICK MILLER Olean Star PORTVILLE — Sprague’s Maple Farms has produced its first maple syrup of the 2025 season. With several warm days earlier this week, the taps started running through

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Latest News

St. Bonaventure President’s contract extended through 2030

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

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

Terrors stay undefeated with season sweep of Red Raiders

Bona women’s hoops hope to embrace ‘enthusiasm of the unknown’ in A10 tournament

Ellicottville man dies after his truck is struck by a train

Cattaraugus County lawmakers back striking corrections officers

Flowing sap a sweet sound at Sprague’s Maple Farms

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