In 1219, St. Francis and Brother Illuminato traveled with the Fifth Crusade to Damietta, Egypt. Their hope was to speak with Muslim people about Christianity in the hopes of peacefully converting them.

After the Fifth Crusade was defeated at the battle of Damietta, St. Francis and Brother Illuminato crossed the battle line and were arrested and brought before the sultan, Malek al-Kamil.

Initially St. Francis attempted to convert the sultan, but realized that he already knew and loved God. For roughly 20 days they discussed prayer and religious life. Afterward, St. Francis and Brother Illuminato were released and returned to Italy.

This story paints a picture of interfaith dialog. This story shows that even though individuals may have differences in religion, people can find mutual understanding through their experiences of God. The message of this story is that people must truly listen to each other and in doing so we may notice that we are not so different. 

 

Black Student Union

Black Student Union (BSU) strives to promote a sense of community for black students at St. Bonaventure.

Political activism and cultural unity are emphasized through various social and cultural events and programs throughout the school year, which include communications, social and cultural activities, academic affairs and publications.

All students are encouraged to participate in the various facets of BSU.

Spectrum

Spectrum is St. Bonaventure University’s LGBTQIA+ alliance.

Spectrum raises awareness about issues facing LGBTQIA+ individuals, promotes an inclusive and respectful community, and creates spaces where LGBTQIA+ students feel welcomed and safe.

Spectrum honors our Catholic-Franciscan tradition by advocating respect for the dignity of all people. Whether you identify as LGBTQIA+ or you are a straight ally, we are open to, and appreciative of, your involvement.

Muslim Students Association

Muslim Students Association (MSA) is a club that is inclusive and inviting to all. We encourage students of many different faith traditions and backgrounds to come together to experience a different side to a different culture.

We have a great time discussing various topics including the Arabic language, Islamophobia, and injustices around us, while sharing sweets and treats.

We plan special events, such as a day trip to the Cleveland Museum of Art to view an exhibition on the Mughal Empire, which ruled South Asia from 1526 until its demise in the 19th century.

Asian Students in Action

Asian Students in Action (ASIA) is an organization for Asian and Pacific Island Americans of all backgrounds, ethnicities, and heritages.

The main objectives of ASIA include:

• providing an academic, social, political, and cultural support group for Asian and Pacific Island Americans at St. Bonaventure
• fostering a brotherhood and sisterhood among the diverse Asian/Pacific ethnicities in the U.S. while bringing awareness to the campus community of a broader understanding of the diverse issues facing people of Asian descent in the United States today.

STEP

The Step Team is based on a long and rich tradition in African-based communities that use movement, words and sounds to communicate allegiance to a group.

The stepping tradition in the U.S. grew out of song and dance rituals practiced by historically African-American fraternities and sororities, beginning in the early 1900s.

The Step Team performs at a variety of places, from basketball games to its own shows.

All are welcome to join. Prior experience is not required.

Latin American Student Organization

The Latin American Student Organization (LASO) serves as an active peer support group and offers social and educational programs and activities. In addition, LASO serves as the unifying Latino organization on campus.

LASO promotes activism, advocacy, mentorship, race relations, inclusiveness, community service, leadership, and history. LASO constantly provides quality projects, discussions, and events that contribute to the student experience at St. Bonaventure.

Learn about all university Clubs & Organizations

 

Café Damietta

Café Damietta events are where students gather for open and free discussions on various topics, such as college culture, First Amendment rights, and healthy relationships. We also partner with other groups and offices on campus to help lead these conversations. 

Galleries

Each month a new gallery opens in the Damietta Center to showcase art and information about a certain topic or group. The different clubs and organizations on campus have the opportunity to host a gallery to showcase their culture. 

Stole Ceremony 

This is a special celebration, held annually as part of the university's Commencement Week activities, that celebrates the achievements of historically underrepresented students.