ABOUT SBU

We believe education should be a transformational experience, one enriched by the tools to love more humanely, deeply and well in the world.



Bell tower 2

Welcome

Our Mission

St. Bonaventure University is a Catholic university dedicated to educational excellence as informed by our Franciscan and liberal arts traditions. In the words of our patron, we believe that there should be “no knowledge without love,” and thus seek to transform the lives of our students, inspiring in them a lifelong commitment to service and citizenship.

St. Bonaventure embraces students, faculty and staff of all faiths and cultures and strives to bring out the best in every individual through meaningful relationships. As an academic and spiritual community, we endeavor to prepare our students for the challenges they will face in their professional careers and personal lives. Learn more at Mission & Values.


SBU Snapshot

Students near De La Roche Hall entrance.

At St. Bonaventure, pathways to internships, graduate schools and careers are established in the context of a renowned liberal arts tradition.

SBU has more than 50 undergraduate majors, including eight combined-degree programs and early assurance programs.

We also offer 20 graduate programs, most of which are available fully online, including a new doctoral program in Educational Leadership and an online master's program in Speech-Language Pathology. 

Our most popular undergraduate academic programs are Accounting, Finance, Biology, Health Science, Sports Media, Sports Management, Inclusive & Early Childhood Education, Criminology, & Psychology. 


Campus Upgrades

The Game Room at SBU.

Over the last 10 years, SBU’s infrastructure has undergone a significant transformation — and the work continues.

• A new School of Business.
• A new home for University Ministries.
• A new School of Health Professions.
• A three-year renovation of Plassmann Hall, home to our Schools of Arts & Sciences and Education.
• A new restaurant at SBU’s golf course.
• A new welcome sign to campus.
• Renovated admissions wing in our Administration Building.
• A major renovation to The Rathskeller, our on-campus student lounge.
• An outdoor pavilion for events.
• Creation of a cutting-edge game room.
• A renovated conference center.
• Major addition planned for Jandoli School of Communication.

 

 

Alumni

Alumnus holding an alumni pin.

St. Bonaventure proudly boasts more than 33,000 alumni worldwide. They are leading some of the largest and renowned businesses and schools in the world, and they are working for every major broadcast network. Our grads are impressive — and their loyalty is legendary! They not only flock to campus each year for Reunion Weekend, but they gather regularly around the globe to celebrate the friendships, connections, and networks inspired by their beloved alma mater.

With more than 30 chapters across the nation, alumni take part in an array of events and activities each year. They also actively engage with our students in mentoring relationships, hosting interns, and providing career advice and assistance. A favorite annual gathering is the popular Bonnies4Bonnies event, which brings loyal alumni back to campus to advise current students about career opportunities.

 

 

Schools, Academics & Organizational Structure

St. Bonaventure University is organized into several schools and academic units, each offering programs rooted in academic excellence, real-world relevance, and a commitment to Franciscan values. Our academic structure reflects the diverse interests and career goals of our students while providing a strong liberal arts foundation and hands-on learning opportunities across disciplines.

School of Arts and Sciences
The largest academic unit at St. Bonaventure, this school offers a wide range of majors in the humanities, social sciences, mathematics, and natural sciences. Students are encouraged to think critically, communicate effectively, and explore big ideas that shape the human experience.

School of Business
Accredited by the AACSB, the School of Business equips students with the knowledge and skills needed to lead in a global economy. With programs in accounting, finance, marketing, and more, students benefit from strong industry connections and experiential learning.

Jandoli School of Communication
A nationally recognized program that prepares students for careers in journalism, strategic communication, broadcasting, and digital media. The school emphasizes ethical storytelling, innovation, and hands-on experience in a rapidly evolving media landscape.

School of Education
Committed to preparing future educators, counselors, and school leaders, this school offers both undergraduate and graduate degrees that combine academic rigor with practical training. Students gain experience in real classroom settings and are mentored by faculty with deep field expertise.

School of Health Professions
St. Bonaventure’s newest academic school addresses growing workforce demand in health care. Programs in health science, occupational therapy, and public health prepare students for impactful careers focused on improving community well-being.

Each academic school is led by a dean who works closely with faculty to develop curriculum, support student success, and advance scholarly research. Together, these schools form a collaborative learning environment where students can pursue their passions and prepare for meaningful careers.



Discover more about SBU at the links below & learn why 9 out of 10 graduates say they would choose SBU again.

 

St. Bonaventure University

University Information

As an academic and spiritual community, we endeavor to prepare our students for the challenges they will face in their professional careers and personal lives.

University Information
Accreditations & Rankings

St. Bonaventure is recognized for academic excellence by distinctive accrediting organizations and is consistently rated as a top university in the Northeast.

Accreditations & Rankings
Directories & Administration

We are a community. Our faculty and staff dedicate themselves to making connections - among themselves, their courses and, most importantly, our students.

Directories & Administration
Career Opportunities

Exciting career opportunities are available at St. Bonaventure. Contact our Human Resources staff today.

Career Opportunities
History

Founded in 1858 to promote Catholic-Franciscan education, we continue to pursue academic excellence through personalized attention that reflects the Franciscan tradition of valuing human relationships.

History
Community Programs

We are an integral part of the Olean and Allegany communities and we take great pride in sharing our facilities and expertise with our neighbors.

Community Programs
Map & Directions

The St. Bonaventure University campus is spread over 500 acres in a valley surrounded by the Allegheny foothills of southwestern New York state, a region known as the Southern Tier.

Maps & Directions
Events & Conferences

A variety of banquet spaces, theaters, conference rooms, boardrooms and classrooms, along with an in-house catering team are available!

Events & Conferences
University Strategic Plan

SBU’s five-year strategic plan (2021-2026) boldly commits to our Franciscan mission and heritage, continued innovation and a new culture of strategic thinking.

Strategic Plan
News & Events
Paper by Posmanick examines integrating college football teams Sep 10, 2025 | A paper written by Dr. Benjamin Posmanick, assistant professor of Finance, has been published in the Journal of Sports Economics, which is generally considered the top field journal in sports economics.
Research group presents on hydrogen storage Sep 10, 2025 | Scientists in the Simpson Research Group presented their work at the American Chemical Society (ACS) 2025 Fall National Meeting in Washington, D.C.
Vaughan showcases Jamaica’s first OT program at international conferences Sep 10, 2025 | Molly Vaughan, clinical assistant professor of Occupational Therapy, presented in April at the American Occupational Therapy Association (AOTA) Inspire Conference in Philadelphia, where she shared her team’s work in developing the first occupational therapy program in Jamaica.
Professor explores climate change and health disparities at global conference Sep 10, 2025 | Dr. Heather McDivitt, assistant professor of Philosophy, gave a virtual presentation on Aug. 8 titled “Understanding The Impact of Climate Change on Social Determinants of Health: Addressing Disparity in Health Care Outcomes” during the 4th International Conference on Women and Gender Studies organized in Malaysia.
SBU leaders present on campus sustainability efforts at AFCU event Sep 10, 2025 | In a presentation titled “Top Down and Bottom Up: Self Study Seeking a Culture of Sustainability,” Fr. Stephen Mimnaugh, O.F.M., Karen Pulaski, and Dr. Kevin Vogel described St. Bonaventure University’s sustainability efforts at the Association of Franciscan Colleges and Universities (AFCU) Symposium held at Viterbo University, June 4-7.
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