Recent graduates share their experiences in the History Program
Samuel Fuller, Class of 2019
Biology & History Double Major
Double majoring in history at St. Bonaventure was one of the best decisions I ever made. I knew I wanted to be a physician and would have to take science classes, so it made sense to major in biology. However, I also had a passion for history stemming from my interest in American coin and paper currency collecting.
Dr. Payne, the chair of the history department, and the whole history department was extremely understanding with my scheduling being a double major. My first history class I took was about the history of sports in America with Dr. Payne following my freshman spring semester. This was a class I was excited to take as I was also an athlete. This class was online during the summer and was run incredibly well. I also learned in a unique and innovative way by taking a class taught by making and working through game mechanics with Dr. Payne. This allowed me to be creative by making a game as a final project, but also allowed me to sort out important facts from the Civil War that I wanted to include in my game. I was also able to broaden my horizons by taking two summer courses abroad in Italy that I would not have been able to take in the US (history of Florence and history of the Italian mafia). I also learned in a more traditional sense when I took history of the American Revolution with Dr. Pitt. This allowed me to hone my critical reading skills and writing skills.
The best part of my experience with the history department was that they tailored my experience to what I wanted it to be while still meeting department expectations. I took courses I enjoyed, as this was a passion rather than a career, and learned a great deal of history, how to appraise literature, and learned from fantastic professors and mentors. My experiences then came full circle as I was able to complete my final history and honors thesis on American currency and how it can be used to study history with Dr. Pitt as my mentor.
Ashlee Gray, Class of 2019
English & History Double Major
In my freshman year at St. Bonaventure University, I switched majors quite a few times. I was not sure what I wanted to do and it seemed my only option was a career in STEM. Thankfully, I switched to the humanities as a double major in English and History.
As a History major, I had many unique opportunities to learn history in practice and presented research at the Arts and Science Exposition. All the professors were personable and were always available outside of class. Additionally, the History department aided me in finding an internship at the Robert H. Jackson Center, where I learned invaluable historic and curator skills that will be beneficial in my future career in the library field. I was challenged to write evidence-based arguments, improve my analytic skills, and apply history to the digital age.
With my degree, I landed a job working in a library right after graduating and was accepted into a Master’s Program in Information and Library Science.
I will forever remember my experiences with the History department and I hope future students will enjoy the program as I did.
Joe Gardner, Class of 2020
Adolescent Education Major with History Concentration
When I reflect upon my experiences as a history major at St. Bonaventure University I recognize how the professors are always looking for new ways to connect history to students’ lives. I was able to make historical podcasts for assignments and played Assassins creed for others! As a duel major, learning how to teach history through video games was one of the coolest experiences I had at Bonas.
The history department is intelligent, compassionate and eager to share their passion with you! They only create high quality historians at St. Bonaventure University!
Carter Bunce, Class of 2017
History Major
As a student in the History Department at St. Bonaventure I was able to learn, collaborate, and engage in history with a tight-knit, dedicated group of students and professors who were accessible, passionate, and caring. The learning experiences were varied and interactive, enabling history to come to life. My fondest memories include digitizing SBU and local history at the St. Bonaventure Cemetery, integrating library archives and game design in Public History, myriad historical discussions and debates, and being actively involved in planning on-campus events and off-campus trips to local historical sites with the History Club. I will forever cherish my time as a student in the History Department at St. Bonaventure and the relationships built with students and faculty.