 The 2012 St. Bonaventure University Reunion Weekend featured a Saturday night cocktail reception and dinner. At this year's dinner, held on June 2, Julie Cunningham, director of annual giving programs, presented University President, Sr. Margaret Carney, O.S.F., S.T.D., with a check for $12,000,148 representing what had been donated this year by St. Bonaventure alumni and friends.
“We would like to thank the Bonaventure community for their all-inspiring generosity in assisting us in helping students on their journey toward become extraordinary,” stated Cunningham.
At the dinner, three outstanding alumni were honored with the Alumnus of the Year award for the service and dedication to the University. |
| Patrick "Pat" Farenga, '52 |
.jpg "2012 Alum of Year Farenga 1") Farenga of Hartsdale, N.Y., has received a humanitarian award, as well as citations from former-President Bush and Governor Cuomo for his service during the 1980 earthquake in Southern Italy. As a funeral director, Farenga contacted fifty funeral homes, churches, and hospitals, who then sent empty caskets filled with relief supplies to Southern Italy.
Presently Farenga is trying to arrange for the recognition of two Bona's alumni involved in literary projects. Tom Ryan, '52, is featured in a nonfiction work covering the Cold War and Terry McShane, '50, is the author of The Death of Jimmy Hoffa.
A member of the distinguished Seraphim Society, Farenga has also volunteered for the University's Office of Admissions, as well as the Bonaventure Fund. |
| Paul H. Titus, '57 |
 Titus of Pittsburgh has served as a university trustee, a member and chair of the Academic Affairs Committee, and a Trustees Division chair for the University's Bonaventure Fund. He has also been a member of the Devereux Society of donors since 1987 and was a donor to the University's National Endowment of the Humanities Challenge Grant. He earned his law degree from the University of Notre Dame after graduating from St. Bonaventure University in 1957 and is now an attorney with Schnader, Harrison, Segel & Lewis.
"Whatever I have done for the University is both because of my affection for the school and the people who have served all [of] us who attended the school," explained Titus. He also stated that he would like to "make that same Bonaventure experience and education available to others in the years ahead."
"The spirit of warmth and generosity and the dedication to teaching and learning which animated the place when I was there still flourishes. The Franciscan spirit animates the school and all the staff."
"I was completely surprised to receive the award," said Titus. "Especially since I know so many alums who have done more than I have for the University." |
| Jocelyn Thomas, '77 |
 Thomas has been involved with the University for roughly three decades. She has developed a survey of Metro NYU alumni to assess alumni event interest, as well as served on the National Alumni Association Board. Thomas has also organized a Universal Bonaventure Celebration in New Jersey in 2008 and is a member of the editorial advisory board for the Bonaventure Magazine. She now serves as an informal liaison between Holy Name Province and the University.
"I feel very honored to have been recognized with the St. Bonaventure University's Alumnus of the Year Award," said Thomas.
“It has brought me great satisfaction through the years to help the university – on both a formal and informal basis. Whether it is by organizing events, serving on the National Alumni Association Board or acting as a spokesperson for the friars, my involvement has been rewarding. After years of volunteering, I was pleased in 2006 to be offered the position of communications director of Holy Name Province where publicizing the value of Franciscan education is part of my position.
"Though my service began as a way to help my alma mater -- the university I love so much -- it has turned into an activity that also benefits me. My involvement is extremely rewarding and enjoyable. One of the best experiences was participating in St. Bonaventure’s 150th anniversary pilgrimage in 2008. During our journey through Ireland and Italy, we learned about the history of the university and of the Franciscans. We were also able to meet descendants of the friar who founded St. Bonaventure University." |
To see the full press release click here.