Jason Amore
Photo Courtesy: St. Bonaventure University’s website
BY: MORGAN KILGER, NEWS EDITOR
On Dec. 21, 2023, Jason Amore was welcomed to the St. Bonaventure community as the new Vice President of Advancement. On Feb. 6, a week before his start date, Amore passed away due to a short illness.
The St. Bonaventure community is deeply saddened by the loss of Amore. Many of his soon- to- be colleagues became acquainted with him before his passing.
“I’m heartbroken for the folks in our Advancement Office, who had already begun to develop an affinity for Jason because he had reached out to so many of them before he was even officially on the clock,” said President Dr. Jeff Gingerich, university President.
Tom Missel, chief communications officer, was acquainted with Amore before he stepped into office. Missel felt a sense of loss even though he didn’t know Amore as well as others may have.
“I did feel a great sense of loss because of what the university missed out on,” said Missel.
Amore had set goals and made plans for Bonaventure before his start date, including a Team Member Award. The award was intended to build a culture around celebrating colleague’s successes and seeing what their career goals are.
Amore had been excited to work at Bonaventure — even calling it his dream job.
“Jason loved Bonaventure, even though he didn’t go here, and was so excited about coming here,” said Missel.
Amore held a deep connection with Bonaventure. Growing up near Bonaventure, he would attend basketball games with his father. His father was also a Bonaventure graduate.
Amore had worked in university advancement for 23 years. Before accepting his position at Bonaventure, Amore previously worked at the University of Louisville.
“During his time at the University of Louisville, Jason Amore made a tremendous impact,” said Hawkins. “Not only was he instrumental in the development and closure of a billion-dollar campaign but his biggest impact was the relationships he built across campus and across the country – both with colleagues and donors.”
Hawkins said that his colleagues saw Amore as both a colleague and a friend.
“Jason was a beloved colleague, mentor, leader, fundraiser but most importantly – a friend. His UofL family will miss him greatly and offer our heartfelt condolences to his family,” said Hawkins.
Missel agrees with Hawkins regarding Amore’s impact on his colleagues..
“After hearing so much about him,” said Missel. “Everyone who ever worked for Jason loved working with him.”
Amore also worked in advancement from 2017-2021 at Alfred University — his alma mater.
Amore graduated from Alfred in 1997 with a bachelor’s degree in communication studies. In 1999, Amore earned a master’s degree in community service administration, also from Alfred University.
While at Alfred as a student, he starred on the men’s basketball team. In 1997, Amore’s senior year, he led Alfred to a slot in the NCAA Division lll playoffs.
Amore was inducted into the Alfred University Athletics Hall of Fame in 2014.
Outside of work, Amore had a loving family.
“But it’s his family, especially his two young children, I hurt for the most,” said Gingerich. “From everything I’ve learned and from what he expressed during the interview process, he was a great dad.”
Amore would often spectate his children’s sporting events and coached his son’s basketball team.
Amore’s wake and funeral service were held last week. The wake service was from 4 p.m. to 8 p.m. on Friday, Feb. 9 and 10:30 a.m. to 12:30 p.m. on Saturday, Feb. 10.
The funeral service was held at the St. Bonaventure church at 1 p.m. Amore was laid to rest in the St. Bonaventure cemetery.
kilgermi22@bonaventure.edu
