FEBRUARY 2020 – An alumnus of Saint John Fisher College and Board of Trustees member, Vic has created a legacy of giving at the institution. In recognition of his decades of service to the College, he received the Robert L. Payton Award for Voluntary Service, presented by the Council for Advancement and Support of Education (CASE) at an awards ceremony, in February. The award recognizes an individual who demonstrates leadership in advancement programs, furtherance of the philanthropic tradition, and public articulation of needs, goals, and issues in education.
“Vic is among one of the College’s most loyal alumni, providing constant support and commitment to our mission for more than five decades,” said Dr. Gerard J. Rooney, president of the College. “As a donor, his generosity sets the bar high and as a volunteer, he is often seen on campus meeting with students, sharing his knowledge and best advice to help lead them to lives of purpose. His impact is significant and felt College-wide.”
Proof of his generous commitment to the College is the Victor E. Salerno Center for American Enterprise, home to the School of Business. The building is the fruit of a $2 million gift Salerno and his wife, Eileen, made to the College during its Vision 2020 Campaign. To date, it is the largest gift ever made to the College by one of its graduates.
In September 2019, Salerno was announced as the chair of Fisher Forward, the College’s largest comprehensive campaign, engaging prospective campaign committee members, weighing in on priorities, and participating in leadership gift solicitations.
“I like to say that St. John Fisher College is the bright light on the hill. It does so much good for the community,” he said. “We have alumni in influential roles in every industry around the region and country. It has been an honor to help the College expand its sphere of influence over the past decades.”
Pictured above is Vic Salerno with Dr. Gerald Rooney, President of St. John Fisher College