Gift to Support Innovation and Growth in the School of Business

St. John Fisher University business students will benefit from additional professional development opportunities thanks to a generous gift from Fisher alumna Cheryl Yawman ’86 and her husband, Philip Yawman, member of the Board of Trustees and outgoing Board chair.

The gift has established the Yawman Family Student Experience Fund to expand all School of Business programs, with a focus on accounting and entrepreneurship through adding a new student experiences and engagement position as well as a contribution to the Fish Tank Pitch Competition.

“Phil and I were fortunate to benefit from having great mentors and entrepreneurial opportunities in our careers. We are passionate about the transformational experience a Fisher education brings and have both been actively engaged in long term volunteer service to Fisher as part of our commitment to continue that legacy,” said Cheryl Yawman. “This gift supporting Fisher’s mentoring and Fish Tank programs was an easy decision as it helps ensure that future Fisher students have those same opportunities to be impacted by the Fisher experience.”

The student experiences and engagement position will support the Accounting Mentoring Program, the Entrepreneurship Program, and other areas of study through the development of co-curricular events and programming to enhance student learning, community service, and social and professional networking opportunities.

The annual Fish Tank Pitch Competition allows any Fisher student, regardless of their major or stage in idea development, to pitch their business idea to a panel of experts. The event also gives students the opportunity to network with professionals and receive feedback on their ideas.

“The Yawmans’ engagement with the University reflects a shared belief in the transformative power of a Fisher education and a desire to support future Fisher students,” said Dr. Gerard J. Rooney, president. “We are deeply grateful for their leadership and service to the University and to the School of Business. Their generosity will further strengthen the student experience for the next generation of business leaders.”

Shaped by Cheryl’s experience as a Fisher student, the Yawmans share a deep commitment to the University and its mission. A graduate of Fisher’s accounting program, Cheryl has remained closely connected to the University, being integrally involved in the Accounting Mentoring Program, and a longtime Accounting Advisory Board member. She has also shared her time and expertise with students and supporting the continued strength of the accounting program that helped launch her career. Phil has also demonstrated a strong dedication to Fisher through his decades of service as a member of the University’s Board of Trustees, including his most recent role as chair of the Board from June 2024-June 2026. The University recognized his service and impact by presenting him with an Honorary Degree of Doctor of Humane Letters during the 72nd Commencement.