"I want thank you for the opportunity to build something like this."
-Bill Richter

Sandra A. Richter, an Olean native and 1957 graduate of St. Bonaventure University, decided it was time to give back to her alma mater.

When Sandra's husband, William L. Richter first approached University President, Robert Wickenheiser, he had one thing in mind: Make a contribution to the campus that would immediately improve the quality of life for students for generations to come.

"I think Bob really understood the retention value of having a recreation and sports building on campus," says Richter.  "I was sold on the idea immediately and made a $3 million cash donation, so the school could begin plans for the project while the money accrued interest."

But Mr. Richter's involvement in the project did not end there, and little did he know then how much of himself he would put into this project.  "I really got caught up in this project from the beginning, and wanted to make sure that the focus be put on the students and their needs."

In addition to joining the university's Board of Trustees, Richter was allowed to be on the building committee and be a part of the process, which was rewarding for him on many levels.  "From the early stages of meeting with architects and contractors all the way to the grand opening, it has been a great experience for me."

The Sandra A. and William L. Richter Center dedication and grand opening took place on Sept. 30, 2004, and Mr. Richter says that the felt like a proud parent as he watched the students go into the building for the first time.  "We made a point of letting the students go in first because this place is for them.  Just to see the look on their faces and to hear them saying things like, 'awesome,' was truly rewarding and made it all worthwhile for me."

-Recreational Sports & Fitness, March 2005