You’re Invited Into Our 3Peaks Campaign
Historic Campaign Launches
Join us as we continue Fr. Dan’s vision and honor his legacy.
A $9.5 million endowment-centric philanthropic campaign to ensure the necessary resources are in place to help fund the expanding Mt. Irenaeus ministry was announced by Br. Kevin Kriso, ofm, guardian and animator of the Holy Peace Friary at Mt. Irenaeus and Mike Fenn, Executive Director of the Mountain on June 30. At the time of the June launch of the public phase of the campaign, more than $7 million had been committed by 85 donors toward the $9.5 million goal.
The 3Peaks Campaign is being co-chaired by Les Quick, III ‘75, of Bernardsville, N.J., and Bob Daugherty ‘77, of Chatham, N.J. They are joined by Kathy Pekar Colucci ‘77 of Chatham, Mass. and Jim Gould ’80 of Rochester, N.Y., on the Campaign leadership team. Campaign Communications are led by Mt. Irenaeus Trustee Evan McElroy ‘74 with assistance from former Trustee Greg Licamele ‘99. Former Mt. Irenaeus Trustee and career fundraiser Rob Buckla ‘84 is serving as Campaign Director.
The campaign, honoring the extraordinary life and ministry of our founder, will bolster the Mountain’s $6 million endowment by adding another $8 million in assets. In addition, during the five-year campaign period, all donors to the Mountain Fund will be recognized as campaign benefactors. It is anticipated that Mt. Irenaeus will raise $2 million in Mountain Fund dollars during the campaign period.
“Because Mt. Irenaeus does not charge a fee for participation in any of its ministries, it is essential that all who love the Mountain step up for this campaign to ensure we have the resources to adequately steward our mission as well as our 380 acres of land and 14 buildings in West Clarksville. This is a campaign that Fr. Dan Riley wanted us to do, expressed again within hours of his passing in July 2024,” Br. Kevin said.
CONSIDER GIVING NOW
Campaign Gift Challenges
Are You a Bonaventure Graduate From 2010-2026? Learn More About the Benvenuto Challenge
Are You a Bonaventure Graduate From 2000-2009? Learn More About the Benvenuto Challenge
Are You a Bonaventure Graduate From 1990-1999? Learn More About the Jilot Family Challenge
To discuss a multi-year pledge or for more information, contact Campaign Director Rob Buckla at rbuckla@sbu.edu.
3 Peaks of Mt. Irenaeus
Service to Students
Service primarily to the St. Bonaventure University student community on campus and at the Mountain.
Service to Adults
Adult outreach at the Mountain, On the Road, In the Home, through social media, content creation, faith formation pods and more.
Service to Franciscan World
A unique ministry within the Province of Our Lady of Guadalupe for friars and the wider Franciscan world to experience and be formed in a contemplative way of life and ministry.
Ministry Profiles
Learn more about those who staff our ministry and live the Mountain life:
Learn More About Mt. Irenaeus
Just imagine for yourself that you’ve died. And we’re all going to die. Then Michael (the Archangel) is leading you over but can’t seem to find his way.
Just listen for the laugh. Because the laugh will be coming from the center of the Kingdom. And, Daniel will make a place for you at the table as he always did on the Mountain.
A seed has fallen to the ground and died. And has born much fruit. We have all been nourished by it.
— Fr. Xavier Seubert, ofm
Homily at Mass of Christian Burial for Fr. Dan
St. Bonaventure University Chapel, Aug. 2, 2024
Learn more about the icons of Fr. Dan Riley and Fr. Dan Hurley.
Testimonials
“My life has been profoundly changed by time spent with the friars and the community at the Mountain, and their light needs to continue shining for future generations. I’m proud to support the 3Peaks Campaign through the Mountain Fund, the Fr. Dan Riley Memorial Endowment, and by including Mt. Irenaeus in my estate plan.”
“My wife and I have been involved with the Mountain since 1985. Mt. Irenaeus and all of the people we have come to know and love along the way have shaped not only our lives but our children’s lives as well. The Mountain is such an important place not only for the St. Bonaventure students but for the local community as well as communities far away through Mountain on the Road trips and the social media and podcast presence. We are honored to be able to support the 3 Peaks Campaign to help support the Mountain and Father Dan Riley’s legacy.”
“For my wife Margaret and me, Mt. Irenaeus represents the heart of the St. Bonaventure experience—where faith formation comes alive in a deeply meaningful way. The Mountain continues to shape lives through community, reflection and service. Honoring the legacy of Fr. Dan Riley, ofm, we are proud to support a mission that has a lasting impact on our family and so many others.”
“I look forward to one day taking my son on his first trip to Mt. Irenaeus, just like my family did for me almost 25 years ago, where I have the distinct memory of meeting Fr. Dan as a six-year-old.”
“It’s amazing that what started in the small corner of Western New York State has grown to be a nationwide connection of people who simply want to live as Francis did and spread his goodness with others. My hope is that students for years to come will benefit from the tremendous gifts I received as a student in the formative years of my life.”
“Fr. Dan would be happy about all the work being done to keep his vision alive for the benefit of our faith, our Church and the Bonaventure community and beyond. It is the least we can do for someone who, unknowingly, did so much for so many.”
“Fr. Dan Riley has meant a lot to me, from the day we met at Bonas in 1971, to the phone conversation we had two weeks before he passed. I can think of no better way to honor his memory than to make sure his legacy lives on in perpetuity through Mt. Irenaeus.”
“The Mountain has been making all things new for more than 40 years and Fr. Dan’s vision lives on in the friars, in Mike, Karen, Natalie, Declan, and all who minister there. As a Trustee and 3Peaks Campaign donor, I am thrilled to support such a powerful mission that invites St. Bonaventure students, alumni and friends into our shared Franciscan life.”