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Bona grad and Ghana native, Paul Nana Afful, volunteered at SBU's Warming House soup kitchen, one of many service opportunities available at SBU.Social Action Programs
News & Events
St. Bonaventure’s School of Communication adds bachelor’s program in Sports Media
Jul 10, 2020
St. Bonaventure University’s Jandoli School of Communication, already with a rich history of producing acclaimed sports journalists, will begin offering a bachelor of arts degree in Sports Media this fall.
New York’s State Education Department approved the program last week.
“Given the name recognition alone of the sports journalists this university has turned out, it makes perfect sense for us to offer a degree specifically geared toward students seeking careers in sports media,” said Aaron Chimbel, dean of the Jandoli School. “Plus, having a Division I athletics program creates a number of tremendous opportunities for our students without having to leave campus.”
Jandoli School students already broadcast the university’s Division I games on ESPN+ and a group of students recently went to Atlanta to cover Super Bowl LIII. Many student media members also covered the Bonnies’ NCAA men’s basketball tournament games in Dayton and Dallas last March.
Among SBU’s distinguished sports media alumni are Adrian Wojnarowski (’91), Chris LaPlaca (’79) and Tim Bontemps (’07) at ESPN; Mike Vaccaro (’89) at the New York Post; Rachel Axon (’06) at USA Today; Todd Dybas (’99) at NBC Sports Washington; Donna Ditota (’83) at the Syracuse Post-Standard; and Shannon Shepherd (’12) at Fox Sports West.
St. Bonaventure has also turned out many alumni who’ve gone on to successful careers in college sports information offices.
Students enrolled in the major will learn the same communications fundamentals as in the Jandoli School’s existing majors in journalism and strategic communication through the core Jandoli School curriculum, and then focus on sports-related classes, Chimbel said.
The combined course of study prepares them for communication careers in a variety of sports-related fields, including sports writing, sports broadcasting, public relations, marketing communications, and sports information.
“We consulted with some of our alumni on the need for the major and also solicited their ideas about the content of the program,” Chimbel said. “One thing they all stressed — that a focus on writing was particularly crucial.”
A higher education study showed strong student demand for bachelor’s-level sports communication programs, while national demand for sports communication professionals grew 29 percent from 2013 to 2017.
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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.
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South Carolina LowCountry Bonnies Weekend Getaway
Join fellow Bonnies for a fun-filled weekend on Hilton Head Island, Sept. 25–26! Kick things off with happy hour Friday evening at Local Legend Brewing, followed by a Saturday golf outing at Indigo Run and an evening cruise aboard the Salty Dog.
Friday the 25th - Cocktails at Legends Brewery & Beer Garden from 6:00 PM.
Saturday the 26th - golf outing at Indigo Run, price $126 per round, 5 tee times for groups of four starting at 12:30, clubhouse to be closed for an event but we will have access to a beverage cart and driving range.
Saturday the 26th - evening cruise on the Salty Dog Cruise boat at 6:00 PM, price is $43 per person.
Please contact the alumni office with any questions and we will get you in touch with the SC Chapter Leader, Andy Fry.
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Family Legacy Reception
Family Weekend Legacy Reception
Legacy families are invited to join us for refreshments during Family Weekend! Hosted by the Office of Alumni Engagement, this special reception is an opportunity to meet some of our deans and faculty, connect with fellow legacy families, and enjoy time together on campus.
SBU legacy students and their family members are welcome to attend, so bring the whole family and gather for a Bona family photo!
Saturday, Sept. 26
11 a.m.–12:30 p.m.
Reilly Center – Hall of Fame RoomKindly RSVP by Friday, Sept. 18. Registration details coming soon!
For questions or more information, contact the Office of Alumni Engagement at alumni@sbu.edu.
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Explore SBU your way! Next option:
Explore St. Bonaventure your way with campus tours, Discovery Days, Open Houses and personalized visits this fall!
Fall Open Houses
Saturday, Oct. 3 & Saturday, Oct. 24
Dennis R. DePerro School of Health Professions Discovery Day
Friday, Oct. 16
Schools of Communication and Education Discovery Day
Friday, Nov. 6
Jandoli School of Communication | School of Education
Veterans Day Discovery Day, featuring the School of Business
Wednesday, Nov. 11
LEARN MORE ABOUT VISITING SBU
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Master's Entry to Practice (MEP) Nursing VIRTUAL Info Session
Learn more about the Master's Entry to Practice program in our virtual information session.
- 12:30- 1:30 p.m., Monday, October 5, 2026; register now
A Zoom meeting link will be sent to registrants.
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Francis: A New Oratorio by Richard Danielpour
Experience the world premiere of Francis, a powerful new oratorio by acclaimed composer Richard Danielpour inspired by the life of St. Francis of Assisi and commemorating the 800th anniversary of his death. Featuring a libretto by Sr. Margaret Carney, O.S.F. Led by JoAnn Falletta and featuring Claudia Christian as narrator, the performance brings together the Buffalo Philharmonic Orchestra and Buffalo Philharmonic Chorus for an unforgettable musical experience.
Sunday, October 11 | 2:30pm
- Kleinhans Music Hall
3 Symphony Circle
Buffalo, NY 14201A special ticket price of $40 is available for seats labeled pink and dark blue on the seating chart. Use promo code FRANCISJUBILEE when purchasing tickets online, or call the BPO Box Office at 716-885-5000 and mention the promo code. Tickets on sale now!
Before the Performance:
A Special Bonaventure LuncheonJoin Sr. Margaret at Marcato by Oliver’s at Kleinhans Music Hall as she shares reflections on bringing the oratorio to life. The luncheon is free, but registration is required by Oct. 5. Performance tickets must be purchased separately.
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2026 Hellinger Award
The annual Hellinger Awards Ceremony honors the Jandoli School’s top graduates and recognizes the accomplishments of outstanding alumni. We look forward to honoring 2026 Hellinger Award recipient David Scibilia, honorable mention Conor Amendola, Alumnus of the Year Dr. Michael Hill and welcoming keynote speaker Lisa Wilson, a groundbreaking sports journalist and editorial director at The Athletic.
Aloft Hotel, Grand Aeries Room | 500 Pearl Street | Buffalo, NY 14202
Reception and open bar at 5:30 p.m. | Program at 6:30 p.m.
There is a hotel block at the Aloft, providing convenient access to the event and accommodations. You can make your hotel reservations here through Sept. 25.
For questions about sponsorships or advertising, or to arrange a payment method other than credit card, please contact Ashley Childs at achilds@sbu.edu
Registration and sponsorship information is now available here.
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St. Bonaventure MBB vs. Penn State
Join fellow Bonnies to root on the men’s basketball team as they face Penn State in an exhibition game at the Key Bank Center in Buffalo, NY at 4:00 p.m.
All courtside seats (first row) and floor seats on risers (second row) in sections 1-10 include access to the 1970 Club located behind Section 123. The 1970 Club will include a cash bar that will open at 1:30 p.m. and food served at 3:00 p.m.
Additional pre-game reception information will be announced soon.
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2027 Reunion Weekend
Save the Date: Reunion Weekend 2027!
Mark your calendars! Reunion Weekend 2027 returns to its traditional first weekend in June, taking place June 4–6, 2027.
We'll be celebrating alumni from class years ending in 2 and 7, with a special welcome to the Class of 1977 as they celebrate their 50th Reunion. All alumni are welcome to attend!
Start making your travel and accommodation plans now, and stay tuned for registration details, event information, and more exciting updates in the months ahead. We can't wait to welcome you back to St. Bonaventure!