ST. BONAVENTURE — More than 170 students and teachers from 14 area high schools attended the Jandoli School of Communication’s 2026 Communications Day at St. Bonaventure University on Friday, March 20.
It marked 90 years since CommDay, originally called Press Day, began its long history at St. Bonaventure. The university first held the event for high school students to learn about journalism in 1936, more than a decade before St. Bonaventure had a communication or journalism program.
Since 1987, the annual event has been known as Communications Day to reflect the many educational and career paths in communication.
“CommDay has been a launchpad for careers in journalism and communication for thousands of students over many years,” said Aaron Chimbel, dean of the Jandoli School of Communication. “This year’s CommDay showcased how much has changed – and also some of the enduring skills that provide an important foundation for communication professionals. Here’s to the next 90 years!”
Advertising executive Pat Lafferty, ’88, delivered the keynote address. Lafferty, an Army veteran, has more than 30 years of experience leading transformational advertising and marketing companies. In January, he became president of APR, a global advisory that partners with the world’s top brands to optimize marketing investments across the content supply chain.
Students participated in workshops on writing, integrated marketing communications, disinformation, local news, media consumption and mental health, social media, sports broadcasting and live broadcast news.
Schools had the opportunity to submit students’ best work for the CommDay competition in video, photography and writing categories.
Dean Chimbel announced the following winners, who will be granted scholarships if they attend St. Bonaventure. The scholarships will continue each year up to four years for students who major in one of the Jandoli School’s undergraduate programs.
Recipients are:
Best Photography (A $500 scholarship for students attending St. Bonaventure)
Salamanca High School — “Finding Warmth in the Cold” by Hadleigh Krug.
Best Video (a $500 scholarship for students attending St. Bonaventure)
Salamanca High School — “Boarding Schools” by Jack Gordnier, Ayla Newark and Jude Papke.
Best Writing (a $500 scholarship for students attending St. Bonaventure)
Salamanca High School — “YouTube Restricted” by Rowan Brown.
Best in Show (A $1,000 scholarship for students attending St. Bonaventure)
CA BOCES Career and Technical Education Center at Olean — “Love & Wisdom” by Cam’Ron Fischer, Lauren Blazejewski, James Hughey, Joey Gilray, Acacia Steffenhagen, Shia Suzara and Lee Killingbeck.
