One-day giving blitz raises $280,000

For the fourth year, St. Bonaventure University’s #BonaGivingDay encouraged alumni and friends to “Rise to the Challenge” in support of today’s students.

From 12:01 a.m. to midnight on Feb.7, Bona’s worldwide community joined together, responding to a series of friendly giving challenges and raising $280,212.24.

“Backing Bona’s is a strong tradition for our community members. Immense pride and gratitude always shine through every #BonaGivingDay,” said Alan Riddle, a development officer for Annual Giving and a member of the group spearheading the popular one-day giving blitz.

Stories from current students and faculty were shared throughout the day, describing the impact Bona’s has had on their lives. This, alongside seven challenges, propelled the initiative by encouraging everyone from young alumni to the general public to give, no matter the size of the donation.

Anna Bulszewicz, ’07, a lecturer of broadcast journalism in the Jandoli School of Communication and former anchor for an award-winning ABC/FOX affiliate team, was a faculty member highlighted.

“I remembered I had never felt kinder, smarter or that the world was at my fingertips more than when I was at Bonaventure,” Bulszewicz said.

Gifts made during #BonaGivingDay support The Bonaventure Fund, which helps to enhance academic resources, expand financial aid, attract and retain faculty, infuse classrooms with the latest technology, and offer students an array of extracurricular programs.

Freshman computer science major Emma Fox was featured during the campaign and is one of only two women who declared a computer science major out of the more than 500 students in 2018’s freshman class. Growing up in a rural farming town in Western New York, she was considered “different” for her interest in computers.

“Most everything I have done has felt like an uphill battle,” she said. “But it has given me a voice and allowed me to speak out.”

After receiving a generous financial aid package that helped make a Bonaventure education a reality, she is bringing that same determination to Bona’s and continues to push boundaries. But for the first time, Fox said she feels like she has an ally instead of an opponent.

Riddle said the more than $280,000 raised represents a total of 691 gifts made throughout the 24-hour giving challenge.

For more information about The Bonaventure Fund or to learn how to be part of #BonaGivingDay next year, please contact the Office of Annual Giving at (716) 375-2328. 

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About the University: The nation’s first Franciscan university, we believe in the goodness of every person and in the ability of every person to do extraordinary things. St. Bonaventure University cultivates graduates who are confident and creative communicators, collaborative leaders and team members, and innovative problem solvers who are respectful of themselves, others, and the diverse world around them. Named the #1 regional university value in New York and #2 in the North by U.S. News and World Report, we are establishing pathways to internships, graduate schools and careers in the context of our renowned liberal arts tradition.