Our Basilian Heritage: A Foundation for Transformative Education

At St. John Fisher University, our mission is deeply rooted in the Basilian tradition—a legacy that shapes our approach to education, community, and personal growth.

This heritage, brought to life by the Congregation of St. Basil, informs our commitment to truth, intellectual freedom, student-centered accompaniment, and educating for justice.

Foundational Fisher Values

The Unity of Truth

We educate not only to uplift individuals—but to prepare leaders who will create a more just and compassionate world.

Central to Basilian education is the belief that learning is a lifelong pursuit of truth—truth pursued through faith, reason, and the transformative power of education. Basilian institutions invite students to engage life’s deepest questions with courage and humility. They foster a love of the liberal arts, a respect for rigorous scholarship, and a commitment to service—guiding students toward deeper understanding and purpose.

The Strength of Many Voices

Fisher’s Basilian heritage celebrates intellectual freedom and the respectful exchange of ideas. Inspired by the Basilians’ early commitment to education for all, we value the richness of varied experiences and perspectives that shape our community. This openness is not merely a principle—it is a lived practice. By inviting dialogue across difference, we help students expand their thinking, refine their convictions, and discover new dimensions of truth.

Accompaniment of Every Student

Education at Fisher is personal. A Basilian education is more than academic instruction—it is a relationship built on trust, care, and a sincere interest in the whole person. Faculty and staff meet students where they are—intellectually, spiritually, and personally—offering accompaniment that extends beyond the classroom. Whether in office hours, campus ministry, or casual conversations, these moments of accompaniment become the foundation for growth, belonging, and transformation. It’s a tradition rooted in presence and compassion, where educators see each student not just as a learner, but as a person with a story worth knowing and respecting. At Fisher, this legacy continues to shape a campus culture where students are known, supported, and inspired to become their fullest selves.

Educating for Justice

From its earliest days, Basilian education has sought to open doors of opportunity and foster compassion in action. What began as a mission to serve first-generation students has grown into a broader vision: to prepare graduates who act with integrity, fairness, and care for the common good. At Fisher, this commitment continues through initiatives that expand access, strengthen community partnerships, and empower students to use their gifts in service of others.