Gift Ensures Longevity of St. John Fisher University’s President’s Residence

A $2.5 million gift to St. John Fisher University will ensure that its President’s Residence will continue to remain a gathering place for engagement with students, alumni, donors, and community members for many years to come.

The gift was given by alumnus and past University Board Chair Joseph R. ’78 and Karen Rulison. The Rulison family legacy at Fisher includes daughters Libby Priddy ’05 and Morgan Rulison ’11. Rulison is also an Emeritus Trustee.

As board chair, Joe Rulison was instrumental in guiding the University through the purchase of the property in 2005. Situated on East Avenue, the residence borders the University’s south campus. It was first occupied by President Emeritus Dr. Donald E. Bain throughout his presidency. President Gerard J. Rooney assumed occupancy in July 2015 when he began his tenure as president.

The residence has been used to host receptions, committee meetings, dinners and celebrations of Fisher and philanthropy. The Rooneys introduced “Pizza & Puzzles,” an event that invites undergraduate students to the home for dinner and fellowship, as well as “Coffee and Conversation,” for small groups of faculty and staff to visit with their colleagues.

“We have had the pleasure of opening the doors of the house to thousands of students, alumni, donors, and community members, hosting them for events during Alumni Weekend, the Feast of St. John Fisher, and one of my favorite annual events, the student leader dinner at the start of each academic year,” said Rooney. “Joe had a vision for a residential space that would allow Fisher’s presidents to host more intimate gatherings, and we have the opportunity to live that vision. I am grateful to him for his continuing philanthropy and commitment to this special place.”

A portion of Rulison’s gift will be allocated to current maintenance and upkeep of the property, and the remainder will establish an endowment for future maintenance and capital improvements, ensuring in perpetuity a place for university leadership. The gift was made in support of the University’s comprehensive fundraising campaign, Fisher Forward.

For more information about the Fisher Forward campaign, visit fisherforward.sjf.edu.