Support SBU

The pathway to success begins with you!

St. Bonaventure University

News & Events

‘Unconditional Surrender’ brings Grant’s Civil War story to life

Oct 8, 2025


Chris Mackowski and Curt FieldsThe latest book by Dr. Chris Mackowski, professor of Journalism and Mass Communication in the Jandoli School, offers a reader-friendly, intro-level overview of Union General Ulysses S. Grant’s wartime career.

During the Civil War, Grant earned the nickname “Unconditional Surrender” – a play on his initials – after he captured an entire Confederate army in February 1862. It was the first major northern victory of the war, and it made Grant a household name, North and South.

The victory led to a string of other achievements that eventually ended the war in 1865 and put Grant in the White House in 1868.

The book, “Unconditional Surrender: Ulysses S. Grant in the Civil War,” is co-authored by Dr. Curt Fields, a member of the board of directors of the Ulysses S. Grant Association. As the nation’s foremost Grant “living historian,” Fields travels the country doing first-person portrayals of Grant. “Unconditional Surrender” was released in August by Savas Beatie, LLC.

See All News
  • The 2025 Mark Hellinger Awards

    The annual Hellinger Awards Ceremony honors the Jandoli School's top graduates and recognizes the accomplishments of outstanding alumni.

    2025 Hellinger honorees: Allie Elkins, '25, Jefrey Canova, '25, and Deb Henretta, '83

    Tuesday, Oct. 14, 2025 | Reception at 11:30 a.m. | Program at noon | National Press Club | Washington, D.C.

    For questions about sponsorships, ads or to pay other than using a credit card, please contact Ashley Childs at achilds@sbu.edu

    *Registration for this event has closed


  • Mountain on the Road - Rochester

    Join us as we begin a weekend celebrating the Feast of St Francis of Assisi, join Br. Joe Kotula, OFM,s, Mountain Community members, Alumni and Bona students for prayer, sharing and reflection.

    Our Lady of Mercy School
    1437 Blossom Rd, Rochester, NY


  • MSED Graduate Programs Information Session - Virtual

    , St. Bonaventure

    Join us to explore St. Bonaventure University’s MSED graduate programs, including Adolescence Education, Educational Leadership, Inclusive Special Education, and Literacy (Birth to Grade 12). Discover more about these programs, the admissions process, and meet our faculty.

    Register here

See All Events