A number of St. Bonaventure University community members and organizations were recognized for their accomplishments and dedication to the university community during the 2023 Fr. Joe Doino, O.F.M., and Student Life Awards Luncheon on Wednesday, April 19.

2023 Ideal Bonaventure Students

Annually selected are two graduating students and two runners-up who most exemplify the spirit of St. Bonaventure and the ideals of St. Francis through their demonstrated commitment to community service and academic excellence throughout their undergraduate time at Bona’s. This highest honor and treasured tradition celebrates the wonderful character of the St. Bonaventure graduate. (A detailed story on the honorees will be released on Commencement Sunday.)

Ayushi Jain and Caroline Rozanski, Ideal Bonaventure Students

Deandre Allen and Nikolas Figueroa, Ideal Bonaventure Students (honorable mention)

University Ministries Awards

Elizabeth Egan, FCSC Student of the Year, presented to the student whose dedication and commitment most exemplifies the mission and ministry of the Franciscan Center for Social Concern.

Ryan Realbuto, Mt. Irenaeus Student of the Year, presented to the student whose dedication and commitment most exemplifies the mission and ministry of Mt. Irenaeus.

Valentina Cossio, San Damiano Student of the Year, presented to the student leader who gave the most time and dedication to support the mission, ministry and programming of the San Damiano Center for Pastoral & Liturgical Ministries.  

Fr. Joe Doino, O.F.M., Awards

The following people are winners of Fr. Joe Doino, O.F.M., Awards, which honor individuals, programs and organizations that have made significant contributions to the university community during the past academic year:

Dr. Guy Imhoff, The Fr. Bob Stewart, O.F.M. Advisor/Moderator of the Year, presented to the faculty or staff member(s) who voluntarily gave the most time and dedication to the organization they serve as adviser, moderator or chaplain. Imhoff is the adviser to the men’s club volleyball and men’s club soccer teams.

ASIA’s production of “Alice in Wonderland,” Program of the Year, presented in recognition of the best program or event held within the last year.

Men’s & Women’s Swimming & Diving Teams, Donald L. Korben Community Service Award, presented to the group/student who has gone “beyond the call of duty” in volunteering their service to the university and/or surrounding communities.

Donald Hopwood and Jessica Foskolos, The Fr. Gervase White, O.F.M. Staff Person of the Year, presented to a St. Bonaventure employee who has gone out of their way, especially in aiding students and enhancing student life on campus. Donald Hopwood is the technical director at the Quick Center; Jessica Foskolos is the Equity Institute coordinator.

Active Minds, Organization of the Year, presented to the organization that has demonstrated a commitment to St. Bonaventure University through its activities and has added to student life.

Brady Fitzpatrick, Dennis R. DePerro Student Leader of the Year, presented to the top leader of a campus organization who has shown exemplary leadership abilities in guiding their organization to success. Fitzpatrick is a member of the men’s club hockey team.

Tara Leonard, The Terry Bickel Student Life Award, presented to the person(s) who has made the most substantial contribution to the area of student life.

Connor Raine, Heather Lohr SGA Member of the Year, an award for a Student Government Association member in honor of 1994 graduate Heather Lohr, a former management and academic delegate who died after an extended illness. Lohr brought renewed professionalism to her positions, in which she showed selflessness and a willingness to help.

Dr. Jose Medrano, The Leo E. Keenan, Jr. Faculty Appreciation Award, presented to the faculty member who most exemplifies a genuine commitment to human betterment through the acquisition of knowledge; who is guided in their daily life by a deep sensitivity and gentle understanding of differences; and who reflects in their relationships with students an enduring optimism.

Step Team, The Margaret T. Bryner Award, given in recognition of positive actions by a group or individual(s) in support of diversity and multicultural initiatives on the St. Bonaventure campus.

Bonaventure Values Awards

The SBU Values Awards honor first-year and sophomore students who best exemplify the university’s core values.

Norah Marriner, Community, presented to the student who demonstrates a commitment of fostering an inclusive community that values diversity, mutual respect and the creation of a true sense of belonging.

Anas Alami-Sounni, Compassion, presented to the student who shares God’s unconditional love, particularly with those on the margins of society: those in need, the ignored, and the excluded.

Melian Martinez, Integrity, presented in recognition of the student who accepts responsibility for their actions and whose relationships are based on respect for the dignity of others, honesty, and transparency.

Breauna Ware, Wisdom, presented to the student who demonstrates that an education is transformative of the whole person, concerned not only with intellect, but also with the will, the heart, and the body.

Leadership Awards

Emily Tiedemann, The EMPOWER Award, given to one or more students who demonstrate leadership and initiative in supporting the goals of EMPOWER, a student peer prevention educator group that aims to educate the campus community on sexual assault, dating, domestic violence and stalking.

Military Aligned Student Program Award

Gabriella George, Service Leadership Award for exceptional performance while serving as a volunteer/student leader in the St. Bonaventure University Military Aligned Students Program.

Residence Life

Ka-Mya Thomas, RA Senior Achievement Award: An individual award given to a graduating resident assistant with at least two or more years of service to Residence Life who has made exceptional contributions to their residential community through program development, addressing student needs, and leadership through crisis response, etc. This individual also actively supported peer staff through mentorship, guidance, and training of team members in both an individual and group dynamic. This is the highest honor a graduating resident assistant can achieve.

Kimberlie Mitchell, RA Rookie of the Year Award: An individual award given to a first-year resident assistant who has demonstrated exceptional contributions to their residential community through program development, addressing student needs, and leadership through crisis response.

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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.