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
Western New York Girls in Sports returns to SBU
The Western New York Girls in Sports program, a free sports sampling event for girls ages 9-12, is set to take place from 10 a.m. to 1 p.m., Saturday, Oct. 5, at St. Bonaventure University.
With its mission to promote healthy choices and create pathways for girls to participate in local, high school and even collegiate sports, in 2024 more than 1,200 girls from across Erie Chautauqua, Cattaraugus, Allegany and Niagara counties have participated in the program.
No sports experience is necessary and all skill levels are welcome. The Oct. 5 event will provide girls with the opportunity to try out a range of sports such as basketball, tennis, golf, volleyball and more.
Girls will enjoy free lunch, receive a free T-shirt and swag bag, meet St. Bonaventure female student-athletes, and participate in activities designed to foster teamwork, confidence, and physical fitness.
Registration, available at www.uwcac.org/wny-girls-in-sports, is due Sept. 27.
The event aims to inspire young girls to explore various sports while promoting health, fitness and life skills through physical activity. With funding from the Ralph C. Wilson Jr. Foundation, it is organized with the support of the United Way of Buffalo and Erie County, United Way of Cattaraugus & Allegany Counties, and St. Bonaventure University.
“We are excited to invite girls from across Western New York to join us again for this amazing event,” Sue McAuley, UWCAC executive director, said. “Sports offer so much more than physical activity – they build essential life skills like teamwork, leadership, and resilience. This event is about creating opportunities and inspiring young girls to realize their potential.”
Since its founding in 2006 by Mary Wilson, the Western New York Girls in Sports initiative has worked to expand access to sports programs for girls, particularly those from underserved neighborhoods.
In addition to offering this program free of charge, transportation costs will be covered for interested schools, making it even more accessible for students to attend. Cattaraugus and Allegany county schools are encouraged to participate and take advantage of this unique opportunity to engage their students in sports.
The United Way of Cattaraugus & Allegany Counties is proud to support this initiative as part of its ongoing efforts to promote health and personal development among young people in the community.
For more information, contact the United Way of Cattaraugus & Allegany Counties at 716-372-3620 or via email at director@uwcac.org.
The United Way of Cattaraugus & Allegany Counties brings people together to build strong communities where everyone thrives. They tackle tough challenges and work with private, public, and nonprofit partners to boost education, economic solutions, and health resources.
For more information on United Way programs, visit www.uwcac.org.
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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!