transitioned from a student to a donor. "I was
fresh out of school, living in a rather dumpy
the check and thinking, `Can I really afford this? I have
debts to pay,' but I knew it was the right thing to do."
LLC in New York City, earned a bachelor of business
administration degree with a major in accounting from
St. Bonaventure in 1988. A longtime supporter of and
volunteer for the university, she also serves on the Board
of Trustees and the School of Business Campaign
Steering Committee.
my experience at St. Bonaventure. I know now that my
time at Bona's laid the foundation for the many bless-
ings our family has experienced since and we will always
be indebted to St. Bonaventure."
inspire a future generation of philanthropists, Dow
issued a challenge match to the class of 2012: She
would match, dollar for dollar, every donation to the
senior class gift.
graduating class. "Everyone was stunned by her gen-
erosity," said Courtney Cobb, class of 2012 secretary. "It
sparked a new level of enthusiasm. Within days, we
acquired more than 40 new donors."
2
tradition of
O.S.F., S.T.D., president of the university (center), at the 2012 Barbara
Carr McKee Scholarship Luncheon on Friday, April 20, in the Robert R.
Jones Board of Trustees Room in Doyle Hall. Students pictured (from
left) are Emily Tronetti, '12; Alexis Thomas, '13; Thomas Green, '15; and
Rachael Herrmann, '15. The annual luncheon allows students the
opportunity to meet and thank the donors who helped fund their edu-
cation. More than 300 students received endowed or annual scholar-
ships in the 2011-2012 academic year.
of scholarships
Bridget Steele, Mike Kaplan and Melissa Gentile; (second row) Jaela Agnello,
Lauren Pingelski, Courtney Cobb and Abhi Aggarwal; and (back row) Kelsey
Brockenshire, Amy Jones and Michelle McKernan. INSET: Colette Dow.
dent, noted that Dow's gift added
more than financial assistance.
entrance to the Bonaventure family
comes with a lifelong membership.
When she threw her hat into the
ring, I became excited for a time
when maybe I could do the same
type of thing in the future," he said.
more than $4,100 to the class gift
class campaign netting approximate-
ly $12,000. Funds will be used to
renovate the Rathskeller with new
paint, wall decorations, flat screen
televisions and other upgrades.
luck," Dow said. "I think they
should be commended for their spir-
it. We are blessed with a group of
new young alumni who already real-
ize how vitally important it is to give
back."