OLEAN - St. Bonaventure University has been named recipient of the 2008 Enterprising Business Award given by the Greater Olean Area Chamber of Commerce.

The award honors those who exemplify the enterprising spirit of community and commercial growth in the greater Olean community and will be presented at the chamber's 103rd Annual Dinner scheduled for Thursday, Nov. 6, at Premier Banquet Center.

Chamber officials said the Enterprising Business Award is the highest distinction for a business given by the chamber's 733 members. It is given annually to a privately owned business in the greater Olean area that demonstrates a well-planned, thorough and serious approach to business development and exemplifies the unique hometown charm of the area in manners of administration, customer service and quality of product.

"Over the past 150 years, St. Bonaventure has earned a reputation for academic excellence and the extraordinary character of its students, paving the way for the success of its 25,000 graduates," said John Sayegh, the chamber's chief operating officer.

Founded in 1858, the university is in the midst of celebrating its sesquicentennial.

Mr. Sayegh said through endeavors such as the Paccioli Project, efforts such as BonaResponds, and commitments such as Bona Buddies and The Warming House, the university has attracted students who are committed to service. This not only enhances the campus environment, but provides a wide range of resources, opportunities and assistance to the regional communities.

According to officials, through the Volunteer Income Tax Assistance (VITA) program alone, more than $1.6 million in income tax refunds have been returned to Cattaraugus County residents, and The Warming House serves more than 12,000 meals to individuals and families each year.

Mr. Sayegh observed that the outreach efforts of The Regina A. Quick Center for the Arts extend across Western New York as the center offers a wide array of educational services to regional school districts, providing hundreds of schoolchildren with the opportunity to tour exhibitions, complete hands-on art projects, see an exhibition-related film or watch a school-day performance.

He noted St. Bonaventure has an academic heritage that has served as a springboard to thousands of successful and rewarding careers. The university is helping develop the next generation of health-care professionals through unique academic programs in partnership with several leading medical schools, offering dual-degree programs in medicine, dentistry, pharmacy and physical therapy. St. Bonaventure is also partnering with Olean General Hospital to provide clinical medical experience for pre-med students.

Signifying the university's commitment to continuous improvement and assessment, Mr. Sayegh said, the School of Business is accredited by the Association to Advance Collegiate Schools in Business, the School of Education has achieved accreditation from the National Council for the Accreditation of Teacher Education, and St. Bonaventure is pursuing accreditation for the renowned Russell J. Jandoli School of Journalism and Mass Communication.

Chamber officials said the university's faculty, staff and administrators are part of the region's leadership infrastructure, serving on boards of the United Way, Olean General Hospital, Genesis House, Literacy Volunteers, Mental Health Association of Cattaraugus County, Portville Central School Board of Education, Cattaraugus-Allegany-Erie-Wyoming BOCES, and Leadership Cattaraugus. Athletic coaches and student-athletes frequently visit area schools for leadership development.

Mr. Sayegh said through services and programs that are open to the community and through the inspirational efforts of SBU's companion organization Mount Irenaeus, St. Bonaventure has been a centerpiece of enrichment in the Franciscan tradition and beyond for 150 years.

"Since the first cornerstone was laid, the campus has expanded to 31 academic and support buildings and residence halls. The university has grown from its first class of 15 students to now offering more than 50 undergraduate majors and 20 graduate programs for some 2,500 students. St. Bonaventure strengthens the Western New York economy with its direct employment of more than 650 employees and an economic impact of more than $140 million a year on the region," Mr. Sayegh said.

An informal reception will start at 6 p.m., with the Annual Dinner following at 7 p.m. Call the Greater Olean Area Chamber of Commerce at 372-4433 for more information on the dinner ceremony.

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