St. Bonaventure University
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"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
Léone Worden’s art at SBU Quick Center
May 22, 2025
The rich artistic legacy of Léone Elizabeth Worden, a beloved Olean-area artist and community figure, will be honored with a special exhibition opening during Reunion Weekend 2025, June 6-8, at the Regina A. Quick Center for the Arts at St.
Bonaventure University. 
Worden (b. 1907, St. Paul, Minn.; d. 1999, Olean, N.Y.) was known for her vibrant plein-air landscapes and evocative still-life works, created between the 1930s and early 1960s. The exhibit will showcase a wide array of her artistic expressions, ranging from graphite and charcoal sketches to pastels, watercolors, and oils. Many of the pieces on display reflect her deep connection to rural Western New York, where she often painted while exploring the countryside with her husband, St. Bonaventure biology professor Dr. John L. Worden, and fellow local artists.
"Supporting alumni through the arts isn’t just about showcasing talent — it’s about honoring the journeys that began here,” Paula Bernstein, assistant director of the Quick Center for the Arts, said. “When we uplift alumni artists, we strengthen the bond between past and present, and affirm that creativity, like community, is a lifelong legacy of St. Bonaventure and the Regina A. Quick Center for the Arts.”
In addition to painting, Worden was deeply engaged in ceramics, jewelry and quilting. She also served as a longtime member of the Art Department of the Olean Little Theatre Guild. Her work demonstrates a keen eye for the region’s architectural and natural beauty, drawing viewers into sensitive compositions that reflect both cultural and environmental familiarity. The exhibition also features contemplative still-life paintings of domestic scenes, offering an intimate glimpse into her life and surroundings.
Worden’s artistic journey began in St. Paul, where she studied at the Convent of the Visitation School and later the Minneapolis School of Art (now the Minneapolis College of Art and Design). She worked as an interior decorator before moving to Olean in 1934, where she became a vital member of the university and local arts communities, contributing illustrations to academic publications and volunteering extensively in civic and religious organizations.
The exhibit opening reception will be held from Noon to 2 p.m. Saturday, June 7, and will include a gallery talk at 1 p.m. The works will be on display in the second floor Mezzanine Gallery through August 8.
Summer hours for the Quick Center galleries are 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. Monday through Friday, beginning June 1. Admission is free and open to the public.
This exhibition is one of many special events celebrating the 30th anniversary of the Regina A. Quick Center for the Arts. . Learn more about the Quick Center's exhibitions and programs.
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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!