2012 Leadership Breakfast
Members of St. Bonaventure University’s prestigious Seraphim Legacy Society and Devereux Giving Societies joined University president Sr. Margaret Carney, O.S.F., S.T.D., on June 2 for the 2012 Leadership Breakfast during Reunion Weekend.
The gathering offered the opportunity to recognize and celebrate the generosity of St. Bonaventure's lead donors.
The program included a welcome message from Kathleen Colucci, ’77, a member of St. Bonaventure’s Board of Trustees, and featured guest speaker Patricia Mahoney Dumser, ’62, a professional storyteller.
Ms. Dumser, who was among the first coeds at St. Bonaventure, recalled the challenges and opportunities she and her fellow "trail blazers" faced. It was a time when females were not permitted to wear shorts or live on campus. “The number of women studying and thriving here today with the men is a particular thrill for me,” she said to the more than 140 guests present.
She noted that the University continues to be a "special place" where lifelong bonds are formed.
“What each of you does — as Devereux Donors and Seraphim members — is to help keep this institution strong,” she said.
Ms. Dumser graduated in 1962 with a bachelor's degree in history. She became a storyteller following a career as an English high school teacher. She met her late husband, Robert, '62, at St. Bonaventure. They raised three children, one of whom is also a Bonnie who carried on the traditon of marrying a fellow Bona grad (son Joseph, '87, met his wife, Kelly Wirth Dumser, '87, at Bona's). 
As a tribute to her husband, Ms. Dumser created the Robert W. Dumser Memorial Endowment, which provides support for programming at Mt. Irenaeus.
University President Sr. Margaret Carney, O.S.F., S.T.D., spoke of the importance of the Devereux and Seraphim socieities. "You continue the legacy of Nicholas and Mary Devereux. You are proof that their dream was valid, real and enduring," she said.
The program also featured Steve Watson, director of Intercollegiate Athletics, who shared a look back at the successful men's and women's basketball season -- and a look ahead at the next fundraising initiatives: the women's basketball locker room renovation project and a turf field initiative.
Mary Driscoll, vice president for University Advancement, unveiled new logos for the Devereux and Seraphim societies. The logos feature the classic bell tower image and represent a renewed commitment to ensuring the future of the University.
For more images from the Leadership Breakfast, please visit www.sbu.edu/bonaflickr.