BY TUCKER REILLY, EDITOR IN CHIEF
St. Bonaventure University has a new president, just over one year after the death of the late Dr. Dennis DePerro. Dr. Jeff Gingerich, who currently serves as the provost and senior vice president of Academic Affairs at the University of Scranton, will be assuming the role on June 20.
The search for a new university president began just after the conclusion of the Spring 2021 semester, with a committee made up of trustees, faculty, administrators and the campus community. Over the course of the search, the university partnered with search firm WittKieffer. The firm continued to accept new applications into early 2022 The committee announced it had narrowed down to finalists on Feb. 18.
Michael Hill, president of the Chautauqua Institution and the search committee’s secretary, described the qualities that made Gingerich distinct from other candidates.
“I would say three things broadly [set Gingerich apart], the first being that he clearly has a deep background and understanding of how universities work, he has overseen or participated in most major functions of a university,” he said. “The second was a deep sense that he fit into the Franciscan charism of Bonaventure. He started his career serving people on the margins in New Orleans and that really grounds who he is.”
Hill’s final note of distinction concerned Gingerich’s unique experience of “stepping in after the death of a popular president.” Gingerich became acting president of Scranton after the passing of Father Scott R. Pilarz, SJ in March 2021.
“There was a sense that coming off of not only COVID-19 but Dr. DePerro’s death, having someone who understood what our campus was going through would be important as we grow into the next phase,” said Hill.
Meghan Hall, a senior journalism and marketing double major, served as the student liaison for the committee. She mentioned some of the qualifications that made Gingerich a good fit for the committee and Bonaventure as a whole.
“Dr. Gingerich was not only qualified from an academic standpoint – being a scholar and having experience in higher education – but also based on personality and fit for the university,” said Hall. “He definitely embodies the Franciscan values that the university upholds and he speaks easily and well about issues of diversity, equity and inclusion. That’s an important area for students and members in the presidential search process.”
Although she will be graduating at the end of this semester, Hall is optimistic about the future under Dr. Gingerich.
“I’m looking forward to seeing what happens with Dr. Gingerich’s administration,” said Hall. “He has talked a lot about how at his current institution he likes to spend a lot of time with students, so I hope that he continues to do that when he comes here. I think that students will be really pleased when they do get to meet him.”
The university held a welcoming press conference for Gingerich on Wednesday afternoon at the Regina A. Quick Center for the Arts. During his opening speech, Gingerich expressed his gratitude towards the university community and emphasized the need for Bonaventure on the global stage.
“The world needs a Franciscan and a St. Bonaventure education now more than ever. It’s such an honor to become a part of the Bonas family and to work with this great campus community to move St. Bonaventure forward to a bright future,” he said. “I’m so glad to be here. So excited and thank you from the bottom of my heart for your recognition, for providing that connection to bring me here and bring Betsy here to this campus community.”
Dr. Joseph Zimmer has served as acting president of the university since DePerro’s death. During his introduction to Wednesday’s press conference, he highlighted the university’s desire for new leadership and willingness to move forward.
“We are happy to hand you the reins of a community and institution that is strong and ready to face the challenges of catholic higher education,” said Zimmer. “We welcome you to the greatest place on earth.”
Tom Missel, the university’s chief communications officer, was visibly emotional on stage after Zimmer’s comment – “greatest place on earth” was DePerro’s nickname for Bonaventure.
“You’re a jerk for that, Joe,” said Missel, taking the microphone. “But that’s absolutely right.”
reillyt19@bonaventure.edu
