ST. BONAVENTURE — St. Bonaventure University will celebrate the rich legacy and exciting future of the Jandoli School of Communication during the school’s 75th anniversary and Hellinger celebration Oct. 19 on campus.
The festivities include the 2024 Hellinger Award ceremony honoring Hellinger Award winner Rich Williams, ’24, and honorable mention Cassidey Kavathas, ’24, and the Alumnus of the Year presentation to Lee Coppola, former dean of the school and a member of the Class of 1964.
The Oct. 19 events will begin at 1 p.m. with a symposium on local news followed by a ceremonial groundbreaking for the Jandoli School’s facilities expansion and renovation, the celebration program, and a reception and dinner. Longtime New York Times reporter and columnist Dan Barry, ’80, will be the keynote speaker at the dinner.
“The legacy of Russell Jandoli and the world-class program he built showcases the best of St. Bonaventure University,” said Aaron Chimbel, dean of the Jandoli School. “He built a department that became a school named in his honor because he focused on ethical journalism and communication practices. His leadership has led to 75 years of excellence and I am excited to celebrate our rich history as we also look forward to the bright future for this school.”
A key part of that bright future includes transforming the School of Communication’s home in the 1981-era John J. Murphy Professional Building. The major expansion and renovation of the building will create more flexible, accessible and modern spaces for classes and experiential learning.
The first phase of the overhaul includes the addition of a glass-enclosed communication center, which will feature a state-of-the-art broadcast production suite, digital newsroom of the future, and new homes for WSBU radio and the Bona Venture newspaper. Gifts to A Bolder Bonaventure comprehensive campaign are the catalyst to the stunning renovations.
“The long-awaited expansion and renovation of the Murphy Building will finally provide our students with a dynamic facility designed for communication professionals,” Chimbel said. “I am enormously thankful for the generosity of our alumni and supporters who have made this moment possible. Their dedication to the Jandoli School shows the special culture of giving back that has been a hallmark of this program for decades.”
With the exception of the 75th anniversary dinner, all events are free. Guests are asked to register in advance for all events. Reservations by Oct. 1 are appreciated, especially for the dinner.