Fr. Larry Ford
Photo Courtesy of Noticeboard
BY: ELIZABETH KAMROWSKI, NEWS ASSIGNMENT EDITOR
This past December, St. Bonaventure University’s Board of Trustees, appointed Fr. Larry Ford, who emphasizes guardianship and a unique Franciscan perspective for the university’s well-being.
Ford is the secretary of the province of our Lady of Guadalupe, an organization that works to bring joy, hope and God’s goodwill to people of every age, race, demographic and spiritual background, according to the Franciscan Friars website.
From 2009-2020 he was involved with the Holy Name of Jesus-St. Gregory the Great parish in New York City, according to the Bonaventure website.
Ford earned his bachelor’s degree in industrial relations from Le Moyne College, and his Master of Science in Administration from the University of Notre Dame. Ford received his doctorate at the Lynch School of Education at Boston College, according to the Bonaventure website.
The Board of Trustees at Bonaventure oversees the inner workings of the university. Board members are elected for a three-year term and can serve for three consecutive terms. The Board of Trustees meets four times a year.
Ford believes that being a board member comes with important responsibilities.
“The trustees bear the responsibility of making sure how the university acts is always fair and appropriate,” said Ford.
Ford says that being on the board of trustees means being a caretaker of the university.
“We have a responsibility for the friars entrusted to your care for their emotional, spiritual [and] physical wellbeing,” said Ford. “To some degree that informs my relationship to the university. We are the guardians [of Bonaventure].”
Ford believes that his Franciscan background in working for the Our Lady of Guadalupe province will bring a unique perspective to the board.
“I bring a unique perspective in terms of the Franciscans across the country and this new province and our priorities and then what types of friars are available as faculty members, campus ministers, board members, and professionals,” said Ford.
Growing up in Olean, New York and being the son of an alumni and employee, Larry Ford Sr., Ford has been a member of the Bonaventure community for many years. He believes that this will benefit him while on board.
“The fact that I have a history of Bonaventure, I bring the best of what Bonaventure has been, and now I also have a perspective of what is necessary,” said Ford.
Ford says since the university requires Franciscans on the board, it helps inform and infuse the discussions with Franciscan charisma.
“It’s a great attribute,” said Ford. “One of its benefits is it’s a great protection against accidentally moving away from the Franciscan charismatic requirements.”
Dr. Jeff Gingerich, the president of Bonaventure, said Ford will be a valued member of the board of trustees.
“Fr. Larry will be a great addition to our trustees. We are always blessed to have a significant Franciscan presence on our board, and Fr. Larry certainly adds to that,” said Gingerich. “But the added benefit is the institutional knowledge and perspective of Bonaventure that he brings to the table. He was raised a Bonnie, a son of one of the most respected employees Bona’s has ever had, Larry Ford Sr.”
Ford said he did not hesitate to accept the position.
“I want to prioritize this job. To say yes was easy. I have learned enough that I think I can help, and I want to be good at it,” said Ford. “The little kid in me is really proud of being a trustee.”
kamrowes23@bonaventure.edu
