St. Bonaventure University
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A Bolder Bonaventure: Ignite. Inspire. Invest.Visit the campaign website
Senior journalism major Karolina Dombaxi is focused on a bright future
Every day, senior Karolina Dombaxi moves forward with purpose. While her goals are big, her ambition is bigger.
Born in Moscow, Russia, Dombaxi and her parents immigrated to the United States when she was 5 years old, settling in Buffalo, New York.
“Being a first-generation college student and immigrant is a lot of pressure,” she said. “It comes with the knowledge that I am setting a path for my family and for whoever comes after me... It’s an accomplishment, yes, but it’s also a weight on my shoulders.”
Working hard and remaining focused on her life goals is how Dombaxi maintains her high output while also keeping anxiety at bay.
A journalism major in the Jandoli School of Communication with a minor in criminology, she serves as president of Her Campus at SBU and as a student worker for the Office of Alumni Engagement. She was the first junior to receive the Tapestry Diversity Award, being honored for her focus on diversity, equity and inclusion in her work.
Dombaxi wants to travel the world and experience different faiths, cultures and food. She also dreams of one day becoming a celebrated novelist.
“I want to write novels with characters that not only I can relate to but that give a voice and inspiration to little Black girls or Black women,” Dombaxi said. “Growing up, a lot of the adventurous fantasy books I read didn’t have characters that looked, acted or had any experiences that I did. That’s something I want to change.”
She appreciates the personalized education she’s receiving at St. Bonaventure and the close-knit community she’s found here.
“What I love most about being a student in the Jandoli School is the support,” she said. “Not only am I supported and helped by my professors but also by my classmates who don't view me as competition and are always glad to help.”
Anna M. Bulszewicz, lecturer in the Jandoli School, has high praise for how Dombaxi has approached being in school.
“Karolina is completing her journey as a refined, fierce, feminine force. This is what we hope for. She ‘got the assignment,’” Bulszewicz said. “She takes advantage of her opportunities, works hard for her success, and chooses victory. In my opinion, knowing she will professionally contribute to our future world, translates to immense promise.”
It is a future Dombaxi cannot wait to begin. Even while settling in for her final year as an undergrad, she is laying the groundwork for life after graduation.
“What inspires me is the thought of being a financially independent woman,” she said. “I want to think of college as a steppingstone that helps me go on to bigger and better things.”
Learn how you can help ignite and inspire students like Karolina Dombaxi.
Visit: A BOLDER BONAVENTURE: Ignite. Inspire. Invest.
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BOLD Visions: Jandoli School of Communication
For 75 years, St. Bonaventure has produced some of the nation’s most respected journalists and communicators. How do we do it? Let us show you.
We invite you to visit the Jandoli School of Communication to see our students in action – and learn how we will make this legendary school bolder in the years to come.
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BOLD Visions: The Intersection of Athletics and Media
You don’t have to be a diehard sports fan to recognize how fast athletics is changing, including how we consume sports – watching, reading and interacting with fellow fans about it all. To break down the rapid developments in NIL, corporate partnerships, media rights, conference alignment and more, the Bonnies most in the know are ready to share their insights. In addition, as the Official Education Partner of the Buffalo Bills, we will explore how this partnership benefits both the Bills and St. Bonaventure.
We will also share how you can help support the Jandoli School of Communication and Department of Athletics as we build A Bolder Bonaventure.
Register here -
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Learn about our competitive academic portfolio, admissions application guidelines, scholarships and financial aid. You'll take a campus tour with a student ambassador, and have a complimentary lunch in our dining hall. Two sessions: 10 a.m. and 2 p.m.
Learn more at Visit SBU.