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
SBU President Gingerich launches BonaLeads: President’s Leadership Academy
Oct 7, 2024
Dr. Jeff Gingerich, university president, has launched BonaLeads: President’s Leadership Academy.
BonaLeads is designed to prepare faculty and staff with the skills needed to contribute to the strategic growth of St. Bonaventure University. The program will help to grow and nurture the leadership capabilities of the participants to make a greater impact on both the university and their ultimate career paths.
Participants of the inaugural cohort were recommended by divisional vice presidents and approved by the president based on their dedication, talent and potential to contribute to the university’s mission and goals.
“Our faculty and staff are the cornerstone of a St. Bonaventure education, and their professional development is a key component to their continued success as well as ours,” said Gingerich. “The program represents an investment in our campus community, providing participants with the tools and knowledge they need to become leaders not only at St. Bonaventure, but perhaps elsewhere in the field of higher education.”
Inaugural participants of BonaLeads: President’s Leadership Academy:
- Dr. Pamina Abkowitz, School of Education
- Marty Blind, University Advancement
- Dr. Derien Braxton, Dennis R. DePerro School of Health Professions
- Ryan Clingan, Athletics
- Mary Coombs, School of Business
- Rob DeFazio, Student Affairs
- Melissa DeRose, University Advancement
- Beth Eberth, Marketing & Communications
- Dr. Kaplan Harris, School of Arts & Sciences
- Fr. Steve Kuehn, O.F.M., University Ministries
- Kyle Leslie, Human Resources
- Steve Mest, Athletics
- Adriane Spencer, Student Success Center
- Dr. Christine Uhl, School of Arts & Sciences
- Alexis Watson, Athletics
- Caitlin Webster, Events & Conferences
- Dean Whitcomb, Enrollment
- Tara Zak, President’s Office
The program will be led by the president and his wife, Betsy Gingerich.
The inaugural cohort of BonaLeads kicked off last month, with participants engaging in a series of sessions, activities and discussions designed to provide leaders with new insights into the inner workings of higher education. The program will conclude the week after Commencement.
Gingerich intends for the initiative to become an annual program, welcoming a new cohort of participants each year.
______________
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. Out of 167 regional universities in the North, St. Bonaventure was ranked #6 for value and #14 for innovation by U.S. News and World Report (2024).
-
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.
- 6:00- 7:00 p.m., Tuesday, September 8, 2026; register now
A Zoom meeting link will be sent to registrants.
-
Master of Science in Occupational Therapy (MSOT) OPEN HOUSE
, St. BonaventureJoin us to ask questions, tour our campus, and explore opportunities for clinical experiences and internships.
Register here
-
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.
-
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.
-
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!