St. Bonaventure University
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News & Events
St. Bonaventure marks bold fundraising year, raising more than $20 million for the university
Jun 16, 2023
While celebrating the arrival of St. Bonaventure University’s 22nd president and launching the largest fundraising campaign in its history, St. Bonaventure alumni and friends joined together in raising more than $20 million overall for the university, including more than $2.9 million for The Bonaventure Fund.
“I’ve learned in my first year how invested Bonnies are in their alma mater,” said Dr. Jeff Gingerich, university president. “They understand the value of a Bonaventure education and want to ensure that future generations can reap the benefits of it as well.”
More than 6,600 donors contributed gifts overall to the university between June 1, 2022 and May 31, 2023.
This marks another outstanding year of fundraising for the university, according to Janet Glogouski, interim vice president for Advancement. “It’s been an incredible effort by our alumni, students, parents, friends, faculty, staff and benefactors,” Glogouski said. “We are extremely grateful to each and every donor for their generosity.”
Glogouski noted that the $2.9 million raised for The Bonaventure Fund is essential in support of operations. Gifts to the fund enrich educational experiences, strengthen student support programs and boost scholarship aid. Last fall, the university welcomed the largest incoming freshman class in 20 years due in part to expanded scholarship aid packages, she said.
Glogouski also praised the hard work of the many volunteers who generated excitement among classmates during the 2023 Reunion Class Challenge. The initiative raised $628,325 for the fund, with members of the classes of 1983 and 1973 leading the way with the most money raised and the highest participation rate, respectively.
Another high note includes the best-ever fundraising year for the Bonnies Athletic Fund (BAF) with more than $1.2 million raised in support of student-athletes.
Funds raised through the past fiscal year also count toward the $125 million goal of the Bolder Bonaventure campaign. Since the beginning of its “silent phase” in 2018 through May 31, 2023, more than $96 million has been raised and utilized.
“All of this speaks to the profound belief our community has in the Bonaventure experience and their commitment to its character and values,” Gingerich said. “We are working as one to build a bolder future for all.”
During the 2022-2023 fiscal year (unaudited results), St. Bonaventure also:
- Enjoyed the support of 1,620 Devereux and Young Grotto Society members who invested more than $16 million in the university.
- Celebrated the eighth annual Bona Giving Day, which generated 1,400 gifts and more than $478,000 for The Bonaventure Fund.
- Launched the first-ever Bonnies Athletic Fund Giving Day, raising more than $267,000 from more than 1,300 donations.
- Received 100 percent participation in giving from members of the Board of Trustees for The Bonaventure Fund.
- Welcomed 299 new donors who gave to The Bonaventure Fund.
- Received gifts from 10 estates, totaling over $3.5 million.
- Hosted more than 500 alumni during Reunion Weekend.
- Dispersed 19 Keenan-Martine grants totaling nearly $100,000 for teaching enhancement.
- Established 20 new scholarships, bringing the total number of endowed and annual scholarships at the university to 345.
- Awarded more than $1.8 million through endowed and annually funded scholarships to 512 deserving students.
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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. St. Bonaventure was named the #5 regional university value in the North in U.S. News and World Report’s 2022 college rankings edition.
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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!