St. Bonaventure University
Student Voices
"The best feeling you can ever get is when you show kindness to others."
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
Contemporary painter Frank Morrison to discuss art, identity
Feb 6, 2026
Frank Morrison, an Atlanta-based contemporary painter and award-winning illustrator, will give a public talk at 12:15 p.m. Friday, March 6, in the Rigas Family Theater of the Regina A. Quick Center for the Arts at St. Bonaventure University. The event is free and open to the public.
Morrison’s talk will draw from his personal and professional journey through multiple artistic disciplines, connecting his experiences as a fine artist, illustrator and cultural storyteller to the importance of creativity, imagination and visual literacy. His presentation is expected to resonate particularly with emerging artists and practicing art educators, emphasizing the role of art as a tool for inspiration, education and cultural engagement.
Morrison uses expressive brushwork and, at times, spray paint to amplify Black voices that are too often overlooked amid the noise of modern life.
His dynamic visual language blends the elegance of Neo-Mannerism with the raw edge of street art, pushing the boundaries between figuration and abstraction. Through this fusion, he celebrates the rich history, creativity and resilience of the Black community.
Imagination has always been central to Morrison’s identity. Raised on a military base, he learned to invent new worlds and tell stories through drawing. A move to New Jersey later exposed him to the realities of racism, and art became his refuge, a way to reshape his world and insert himself into a visual culture that rarely represented Black lives.
The hip-hop movement of the 1980s profoundly shaped his artistic evolution. Graffiti and breakdancing became early modes of expression, and a high school tour with recording artist Sybil introduced him to the broader world of art and performance. During that tour, a visit to the Louvre — encouraged by his high school art teacher — left a lasting impression as Morrison was captivated by the technical mastery and storytelling power of the great European painters.
Determined to merge those classical traditions with his lived experience, Morrison began teaching himself the techniques of the Old Masters while drawing inspiration from African American pioneers like the Neo-Mannerists, the Ashcan School, and the Mexican Muralists. These influences, filtered through the lens of Black culture, became the foundation of his fluid, distinctive style.
In addition to his career as a fine artist, Morrison is an award-winning children’s book illustrator, recognized for balancing whimsy with emotional depth. His honors include the Coretta Scott King Illustrator Honor, the NAACP Image Award and the John Steptoe Award. His work has been exhibited at venues such as Expo Chicago and Scope Miami and with notable galleries including Richard Beavers Gallery and Savacou Gallery.
Morrison’s work stands as both a visual archive and an act of cultural affirmation. Each piece tells a story rooted in memory, shaped by music and motion, and grounded in the everyday brilliance of Black life in America.
Morrison’s public talk is presented in conjunction with a professional development conference hosted by the Quick Center for K-12 art teachers. Educators seeking additional information about the conference may call the Quick Center at 716-375-2494.
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About the University: The nation’s first Franciscan university, St. Bonaventure is a community committed to transforming the lives of its students inside and outside the classroom, inspiring in them a commitment to academic excellence and lifelong civic engagement. Out of 167 regional universities in the North, St. Bonaventure was ranked #8 for value and #19 overall by U.S. News and World Report (2025).
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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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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!