Timothy Walter of Wading River, New York, has been selected to give the student address during St. Bonaventure University’s December Recognition Ceremony on Saturday, Dec. 14.

The ceremony, recognizing undergraduate and graduate students who completed their degrees this semester, begins at 10:30 a.m. in the Regina A. Quick Center for the Arts.

Walter is completing his Bachelor of Science degree in psychology and a minor in philosophy. During the past year, he has had the opportunity to join two faculty members on research projects – personality research with Dr. Stephanie Vogel and social psychology research with Dr. Robin Valeri. He presented findings on the latter at the November American Society of Criminology Meeting Conference.

Walter said his Catholic faith has very much influenced his life as a St. Bonaventure student. He has done a range of volunteer work through the Franciscan Center for Social Concern, mainly through service trips to the St. Francis Inn in Philadelphia and Nazareth Farm in Salem, West Virginia. On weekends, he is a lector and Eucharistic minister for the liturgical ministries at SBU. Walter has lived in the Serra House as a participant in the Lateran Program for Discerning Students for all three and a half years at St. Bonaventure.

He is also passionate about the LGBT+ community on and off campus, and is involved in the Spectrum LGBTQIA+ Alliance.

An active member of the Chattertons Poetry Club, Walter has participated in many open mic nights and poetry showcases. To do something new in his last semester at the university, Walter was the latest addition to the Step Team this fall.

He has also engaged prospective students through the Admissions Office as a student ambassador and as a telerecruiter coordinator.

During his address, Walter plans to give a brief overview of some challenges and triumphs he has faced at St. Bonaventure. While weaving in some comedic relief Walter says he hopes the graduating class feels a sense of gratitude and empowerment as they begin the next chapter of their lives.

Also at the recognition ceremony, Dr. Denny Wilkins, a professor in the Jandoli School of Communication, will give the faculty address.

University President Dr. Dennis DePerro will offer remarks and Dr. Joseph Zimmer, provost and vice president for Academic Affairs will welcome the graduates and their families.

Dr. Lisa Buenaventura, dean of the School of Graduate Studies and dean of the School of Education, will present the graduate students. Dr. David Hilmey, dean of the School of Arts and Sciences, will present the undergraduate students.

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About the University: The nation’s first Franciscan university, St. Bonaventure University is a community committed to transforming the lives of our students inside and outside the classroom, inspiring in them a lifelong commitment to service and citizenship. In 2019, St. Bonaventure was named the #1 regional university value in New York and #2 in the North by U.S. News and World Report.