2026 First Friday Lecture Series Schedule Released

The 2026 First Friday Lecture Series at St. John Fisher University will feature speakers from across the institution.

The series begins on Friday, March 6, with an overview of the successfully completed Fisher Forward Campaign, the largest comprehensive fundraising campaign in the University’s history. Chris Biehn, vice president for institutional advancement, will share highlights of the campaign including results, donor participation, advancement efforts, and its lasting impact.

The remaining schedule features:

Spring 2026

Friday, April 10 
“Becoming a Fulbright Scholar” 
Presented by Dr. Lisa Phillips, associate professor and chair, Department of Pharmacy Practice and Administration

Friday, May 1 
“State of the University”
Presented by President Gerard J. Rooney

Fall 2026

Friday, Oct. 2 
“25 Years of Buffalo Bills Training Camp at Fisher”
Presented by Paul Hemingway, director of experiential learning and outreach, Sport Management Department and Buffalo Bills Training Camp Fisher Lead

Friday, Nov. 6 
“Frederick Douglass Collection at Lavery Library”
Presented by Julia Novakovic, head of special collections and University archivist

Friday, Dec. 11 
“Celebrating the 30th Anniversary of the Service Scholars Program”
Presented by Emily Colliss, associate director of the Institute for Civic and Community Engagement

All lectures begin at 10:30 a.m. in the James ’71 and Kathleen Leo Community Room in the Joseph S. Skalny Welcome Center. A continental breakfast will be served at 10 a.m., and following the lecture, attendees are invited to attend 12:30 p.m. Mass at the Hermance Family Chapel of St. Basil the Great.

Register for the lecture series online. For questions about the First Friday Lecture Series, call the Office of Institutional Advancement at (585) 385-5292 or email alumni@sjf.edu. Parking is available in Lot A.