News – Olean Star

Always Local. Always Free. Olean Local News

Always Local. Always Free.

CONTACT US: Oleanstar@gmail.com

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

(Rick Miller/Olean Star) Cattaraugus County lawmakers adjourned Wednesday’s meeting in memory of former legislator Jim Ellis of East Otto.

County Legislature approves $30,000 to hire healthcare consulting firm, accepts $49,000 in State funding from “I Love New York”, adjourn meeting in honor of Jim Ellis

January 23, 2025

By RICK MILLER Olean Star LITTLE VALLEY — Cattaraugus County lawmakers on Wednesday adjourned in memory of

Alderman consider replacing aging City Garage on North Barry Street

January 23, 2025

By RICK MILLER Olean Star OLEAN — It has been nearly three decades since the City of

Homeless “point in time count” Wednesday

January 23, 2025

By RICK MILLER Olean Star Early Wednesday, teams of volunteers will fan out across Cattaraugus County in

Seneca Nation President J. Conrad (left), who met with State Sen. George Borrello in Albany last week, accused New York of dragging its feet on gaming compact negotiations.

Seneca president says New York ‘dragging its feet’ on new compact

January 23, 2025

By RICK MILLER Olean Star ALBANY — Seneca Nation President J. Conrad Seneca said in Albany last

Seneca Nation President J. Conrad Seneca and members of the Tribal Council met with State Sen. George Borrello when they visited Albany for Gov. Kathy Hochul’s State of the State Address.

Borrello, Sempolinski pan Hochul for not mentioning Seneca compact

January 22, 2025

By RICK MILLER Olean Star State elected officials representing Cattaraugus County expressed disappointment last week over Gov.

Bradford City Administrator Eric Taylor swore in Austin Coleman as the newest firefighter for the Bradford City Fire Department during Tuesday evening’s Bradford City Council meeting. Star photo by Daniella Langianese

Bradford City Council focuses on downtown improvements, ends requirement for property sale inspections

May 17, 2024

By DANIELLA LANGIANESE Star News Staff Reporter dani@bradfordstar.com It was a busy meeting for the

Wind turbines like these in northern Chauatauqua County, visible from the Cattaraugus County town of Dayton, are at the heart of a challenge by Cattaraugus County to the state Siuting Board's power to override a county road use agreement with the Alle-Catt developer. (Rick Miller/Olean Star)

County challenging Siting Board ruling bypassing Alle-Catt road use agreement

May 17, 2024

By RICK MILLER Olean Star LITTLE VALLEY — Cattaraugus County is taking the New York

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,

(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