By Kiara Catanzaro
News Editor
Larry Sorokes has been appointed executive director of grants administration following his previous role as associate vice president and executive director for grants administration and lifelong learning.
He will now assist faculty and staff in identifying and applying for local, state and federal grants from government agencies and public and private foundations. He will also notify St. Bonaventure of potential financial advantages within the local community, which he said will create opportunities for the university.
“I will be in a position to promote the university as an economic engine for the region and notify university administration of opportunities that are in the pipeline with other economic-development partners,” Sorokes said. “I will also seek direction from university leadership as to strategic priorities that can cultivate alternative, non-enrollment-driven revenues and help to build partnerships that will enable these priorities to be achieved.”
Aside from his role at St. Bonaventure University, Sorokes will also serve as the CEO of the Greater Olean Area Chamber of Commerce Board (GOACC).
“My principal role with the Chamber is to establish collaborative partnerships for regional economic development,” Sorokes said. “The university is a principal partner, so while I will have two distinct jobs, there is tremendous overlap.”
Sorokes will spend less time at Bonaventure; however, he said he plans to balance both leadership roles equally.
“My time on campus will be substantially reduced in order to accommodate my new position with GOACC, but I will be in contact with university staff on a daily basis to ensure timely exchange of information and meeting deadlines,” Sorokes said.
Sorokes came to St. Bonaventure in 2008 as associate vice president for Franciscan mission and founding director of the Father Mychal Judge Center. However, during his time over the last five years, he has worked in many areas of the university and the local community. He had also served as director of the disbanded Center for Community Engagement.
Sorokes also has an extensive background working with the local Olean community.
“I have served on the City of Olean Planning Board, elected alderman for the City Council, and held leadership roles on several nonprofit boards and task forces,” Sorokes said. “Currently, I am on the boards of the Southern Tier Community Health Center Network, the Cattaraugus Region Community Foundation, and the Family Partners Group, Inc., in addition to GOACC.”
Sorokes said he wants students and faculty to give any grant ideas they may have that will benefit the St. Bonaventure community
“I welcome ideas for grant applications or community-development projects from the university community,” Sorokes said. “Additionally, I am very interested in helping faculty, staff, and students make better connections in the Olean area, whether for research, service projects or other partnerships.”
Sorokes said he appreciates his new opportunity as he continues to work with St. Bonaventure.
“I am grateful to the St. Bonaventure leadership for helping to facilitate the creation of this new opportunity, which I think is a win-win for all concerned,” Sorokes said.
