St. Bonaventure alum John G. Berger Jr., ’88 alongside his wife Suzanne Berger are set to receive the 2016 Gaudete medal on April 28, 2016.
The award recognizes people in the Buffalo community who exemplify Franciscan values and do selfless service.
According to Monica Mattioli, executive director of alumni relations and campus facilitator for this year’s awards, the distribution of awards include one Bonaventure alumnus, and one or two community members that showcase the Franciscan spirit.
Mr. Berger credits some of the work he does now to the teachings and values he learned at Bonaventure.
According to Mr. Berger, he spent two years on the Franciscan values committee, and he has served on the Mt. Irenaeus board for twelve years.
According to a recent press release, Mr. Berger serves on the St. Joseph’s Collegiate Advancement Committee. Mr. and Mrs. Berger served as corporate co-chairs for Catholic Charities appeals in 2015, and served as chair couple for 2014 Lasallian “Bright Futures” dinner and auction.
The selection process has different steps. There is no set standard for what qualifies as an award recipient.
“A local committee surfaces potential candidates for the award, afterwards the committee makes recommendations among the various candidates of whom should get the award,” said Mattioli. “Finally the president of the school makes the final appointment of the award recipients.”
The positions of medal recipients in the past vary, ranging from philanthropists and corporate executives to journalist and religious officers.
“The one thing that stands out about each recipient is joyful service. They are not simply serving yet serving with great enthusiasm and joy,” said Mattioli.
Two others will join the couple in being awarded the medal.
Fr. Joseph Bayne, O.F.M is receiving the award as well. Mattioli refers to Bayne as the “fire fighter friar”. He helps men, women and children in crisis situations through outreach and counseling.
Jack Connors, father of two Bonaventure grads, is also set to receive the award. According to the press release he is the president and publisher of Business First and currently serves as the chairman of the board of trustees of the Buffalo & Erie County Public Library.
According to Mattioli, a list is being developed of students that will attend the event at Hyatt Regency Buffalo.
For information concerning tickets, sponsorships and event advertising, contact Monica Mattioli at mmattiol@sbu.edu, or visit www.sbu.edu/gaudete.
fieldsbj14@bonaventure.edu
