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News & Events
Retchless named vice president for Advancement at SBU
Jun 22, 2026
Lindsay Retchless, currently serving as chief of staff to the president and interim vice president for University Advancement, has been named vice president for Advancement at St. Bonaventure University.
Retchless will retain her role as the president’s chief of staff. The structure is designed to more closely connect the work of the President’s Office with the university’s fundraising, alumni engagement and long-term priorities.
“After witnessing Lindsay’s ability to work with our Advancement team to achieve our stretch goals this spring, it was clear that Lindsay is the leader who will take us to the next level in fundraising and alumni engagement,” said Dr. Jeff Gingerich, university president. “The search process made clear that Lindsay’s experience, leadership style and deep understanding of St. Bonaventure’s mission position her well to lead us into a stronger future.”
Since her appointment as interim vice president, Retchless has worked closely with Advancement colleagues on successful Giving Day efforts and year-end fundraising strategies that helped the division exceed key annual goals — approximately $3.1 million for The Bonaventure Fund and $1.3 million for the Bonnies Athletic Fund.
She also helped launch and lead the St. Bonaventure Golf Invitational at Pinehurst with Board leadership and Advancement colleagues. Now in its second year, the event has generated more than $1.4 million for the university’s endowment.
“Lindsay has a unique ability to connect institutional priorities with philanthropic opportunity. We are confident that her leadership will strengthen the alignment between our strategic vision for Bonaventure and the philanthropic plans, partnerships and resources needed to advance it,” said Luke H. Brown, chair of the university’s Board of Trustees.
Gingerich said the structure reflects the importance of connecting the work of the President’s Office and University Advancement around the priorities that matter most for the university.
“Lindsay brings the judgment, institutional knowledge and collaborative approach needed to help move important work forward,” Gingerich said.
Retchless has been with St. Bonaventure since 2020, first as assistant director of Alumni Engagement, and then as director of Alumni Engagement after the retirement of Joe Flanagan in 2022. She has been Gingerich’s chief of staff since August 2024.
As chief of staff, Retchless has worked closely with the president, Cabinet and Board of Trustees on university priorities, presidential communications, governance support, donor strategy, government relations and cross-campus initiatives.
Retchless has spent more than 25 years in advancement in higher education, building relationships with alumni, donors, volunteers and university partners through roles in alumni engagement, communications and fundraising.
Prior to joining St. Bonaventure, Retchless was director of Alumni Relations at the University of Pittsburgh at Bradford, where she led alumni engagement strategy, worked closely with donor prospects and volunteers, launched a Student Alumni Association, and partnered with Advancement colleagues on fundraising and campaign priorities.
“I’m grateful for the opportunity to continue serving St. Bonaventure in this expanded role and to work alongside the Advancement and Alumni Engagement team every day,” Retchless said. “Bona’s is a university I love deeply, and I’m honored to help lead this work at such an important time.
“Our alumni, parents and friends believe in the Franciscan values that define St. Bonaventure and in the students whose lives are changed here. I look forward to working with them — and with our talented team — to build on that commitment and strengthen the university’s future.”
Retchless holds a bachelor’s degree in Business Management with a minor in International Management from Pitt-Bradford and a Master of Public Policy and Management degree from the University of Pittsburgh. She is a former member of two boards of directors: Leadership McKean and Interfaith Caregivers.
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About the University: The nation’s first Franciscan university, St. Bonaventure is a community committed to transforming the lives of its students inside and outside the classroom, inspiring in them a commitment to academic excellence and lifelong civic engagement. Out of 167 regional universities in the North, St. Bonaventure was ranked #8 for value and #19 overall by U.S. News and World Report (2025).
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South Carolina LowCountry Bonnies Weekend Getaway
Join fellow Bonnies for a fun-filled weekend on Hilton Head Island, Sept. 25–26! Kick things off with happy hour Friday evening at Local Legend Brewing, followed by a Saturday golf outing at Indigo Run and an evening cruise aboard the Salty Dog.
Friday the 25th - Cocktails at Legends Brewery & Beer Garden from 6:00 PM.
Saturday the 26th - golf outing at Indigo Run, price $126 per round, 5 tee times for groups of four starting at 12:30, clubhouse to be closed for an event but we will have access to a beverage cart and driving range.
Saturday the 26th - evening cruise on the Salty Dog Cruise boat at 6:00 PM, price is $43 per person.
Please contact the alumni office with any questions and we will get you in touch with the SC Chapter Leader, Andy Fry.
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Family Legacy Reception
Family Weekend Legacy Reception
Legacy families are invited to join us for refreshments during Family Weekend! Hosted by the Office of Alumni Engagement, this special reception is an opportunity to meet some of our deans and faculty, connect with fellow legacy families, and enjoy time together on campus.
SBU legacy students and their family members are welcome to attend, so bring the whole family and gather for a Bona family photo!
Saturday, Sept. 26
11 a.m.–12:30 p.m.
Reilly Center – Hall of Fame RoomKindly RSVP by Friday, Sept. 18. Registration details coming soon!
For questions or more information, contact the Office of Alumni Engagement at alumni@sbu.edu.
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Explore SBU your way! Next option:
Explore St. Bonaventure your way with campus tours, Discovery Days, Open Houses and personalized visits this fall!
Fall Open Houses
Saturday, Oct. 3 & Saturday, Oct. 24
Dennis R. DePerro School of Health Professions Discovery Day
Friday, Oct. 16
Schools of Communication and Education Discovery Day
Friday, Nov. 6
Jandoli School of Communication | School of Education
Veterans Day Discovery Day, featuring the School of Business
Wednesday, Nov. 11
LEARN MORE ABOUT VISITING SBU
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Master's Entry to Practice (MEP) Nursing VIRTUAL Info Session
Learn more about the Master's Entry to Practice program in our virtual information session.
- 12:30- 1:30 p.m., Monday, October 5, 2026; register now
A Zoom meeting link will be sent to registrants.
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Francis: A New Oratorio by Richard Danielpour
Experience the world premiere of Francis, a powerful new oratorio by acclaimed composer Richard Danielpour inspired by the life of St. Francis of Assisi and commemorating the 800th anniversary of his death. Featuring a libretto by Sr. Margaret Carney, O.S.F. Led by JoAnn Falletta and featuring Claudia Christian as narrator, the performance brings together the Buffalo Philharmonic Orchestra and Buffalo Philharmonic Chorus for an unforgettable musical experience.
Sunday, October 11 | 2:30pm
- Kleinhans Music Hall
3 Symphony Circle
Buffalo, NY 14201A special ticket price of $40 is available for seats labeled pink and dark blue on the seating chart. Use promo code FRANCISJUBILEE when purchasing tickets online, or call the BPO Box Office at 716-885-5000 and mention the promo code. Tickets on sale now!
Before the Performance:
A Special Bonaventure LuncheonJoin Sr. Margaret at Marcato by Oliver’s at Kleinhans Music Hall as she shares reflections on bringing the oratorio to life. The luncheon is free, but registration is required by Oct. 5. Performance tickets must be purchased separately.
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2026 Hellinger Award
The annual Hellinger Awards Ceremony honors the Jandoli School’s top graduates and recognizes the accomplishments of outstanding alumni. We look forward to honoring 2026 Hellinger Award recipient David Scibilia, honorable mention Conor Amendola, Alumnus of the Year Dr. Michael Hill and welcoming keynote speaker Lisa Wilson, a groundbreaking sports journalist and editorial director at The Athletic.
Aloft Hotel, Grand Aeries Room | 500 Pearl Street | Buffalo, NY 14202
Reception and open bar at 5:30 p.m. | Program at 6:30 p.m.
There is a hotel block at the Aloft, providing convenient access to the event and accommodations. You can make your hotel reservations here through Sept. 25.
For questions about sponsorships or advertising, or to arrange a payment method other than credit card, please contact Ashley Childs at achilds@sbu.edu
Registration and sponsorship information is now available here.
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St. Bonaventure MBB vs. Penn State
Join fellow Bonnies to root on the men’s basketball team as they face Penn State in an exhibition game at the Key Bank Center in Buffalo, NY at 4:00 p.m.
All courtside seats (first row) and floor seats on risers (second row) in sections 1-10 include access to the 1970 Club located behind Section 123. The 1970 Club will include a cash bar that will open at 1:30 p.m. and food served at 3:00 p.m.
Additional pre-game reception information will be announced soon.
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2027 Reunion Weekend
Save the Date: Reunion Weekend 2027!
Mark your calendars! Reunion Weekend 2027 returns to its traditional first weekend in June, taking place June 4–6, 2027.
We'll be celebrating alumni from class years ending in 2 and 7, with a special welcome to the Class of 1977 as they celebrate their 50th Reunion. All alumni are welcome to attend!
Start making your travel and accommodation plans now, and stay tuned for registration details, event information, and more exciting updates in the months ahead. We can't wait to welcome you back to St. Bonaventure!