On Thursday, Aug. 22, St. Bonaventure University will officially welcome more than 500 freshmen into the Bonaventure family during Welcome Days 2019.

The freshmen will settle into their residence halls before the annual Candlelight Ceremony held at 9 p.m. that evening. The ceremony will be held on the steps of Plassmann Hall with a block party to follow.

“Welcome Days is one of my favorite times of the year at Bonaventure,” said Calsey Bump, a senior adolescence education and English major. “This is the fourth one I’ve been able to be a part of and each year it’s so exciting to see everyone on campus together. It’s such a great time for everyone to start bonding and making friendships that they’ll cherish forever.”

On Friday, Aug 23, incoming students will meet their peer coaches, who are available to help and guide them through their first semester at Bonaventure, whether they are struggling to find someone to sit with in the Hickey Dining Hall or have questions about registering for classes.

Also on the 23rd, new students will be immersed into the St. Bonaventure community. With various presentations and activities, the members of Class of 2023 will prepare for the transition to college life and the expectations of them.

On Saturday, Aug. 24, students will learn more about student life on campus with workshops on topics including responsible drinking, stereotypes, and discrimination and diversity.

The new students will participate in a “Day of Involvement” on Sunday, Aug. 25, when they will learn about the campus clubs and organizations available on campus.

“I’m looking forward to all the freshmen becoming acclimated to the Bonaventure culture and academics,” said Sarah Barnard, assistant director of the Student Success Center. “We have tons of events planned and I’m excited to see all of the freshmen together and getting to know each other.”

During the summer orientation sessions, freshmen were asked to bring school supplies to donate to Saint’s Place in Rochester, New York. Saint’s Place assists refugees from war-torn countries who are seeking asylum in the United States. These donations will serve as school packs for refugee children.

These legal immigrants arrive in Rochester through the Refugee and Immigration Department of the Catholic Family Center.

St. Bonaventure’s upperclassmen will begin arriving on Aug. 24 and Transfer Student Orientation is planned for Aug. 24 with optional activities on Aug. 25. Fall semester classes begin Monday, Aug. 26.  

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About the University: The nation’s first Franciscan university, we believe in the goodness of every person and in the ability of every person to do extraordinary things. St. Bonaventure University cultivates graduates who are confident and creative communicators, collaborative leaders and team members, and innovative problem solvers who are respectful of themselves, others, and the diverse world around them. Named the #1 regional university value in New York and #2 in the North by U.S. News and World Report, we are establishing pathways to internships, graduate schools and careers in the context of our renowned liberal arts tradition.