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‘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.

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  • Francis: A New Oratorio by Richard Danielpour

    Experience the world premiere of Francis, a powerful new oratorio by acclaimed composer Richard Danielpour inspired by the life of St. Francis of Assisi and commemorating the 800th anniversary of his death. Featuring a libretto by Sr. Margaret Carney, O.S.F. Led by JoAnn Falletta and featuring Claudia Christian as narrator, the performance brings together the Buffalo Philharmonic Orchestra and Buffalo Philharmonic Chorus for an unforgettable musical experience.

    Sunday, October 11 | 2:30pm

    Kleinhans Music Hall 

    3 Symphony Circle
    Buffalo, NY 14201

    A special ticket price of $40 is available for seats labeled pink and dark blue on the seating chart. Use promo code FRANCISJUBILEE when purchasing tickets online, or call the BPO Box Office at 716-885-5000 and mention the promo code.  Tickets on sale now!

    Before the Performance:
    A Special Bonaventure Luncheon (NEW TIME 11:30AM) 

    Join Sr. Margaret at Marcato by Oliver’s at Kleinhans Music Hall as she shares reflections on bringing the oratorio to life. The luncheon is free, but registration is required by Oct. 5. Performance tickets must be purchased separately.

    RESERVE YOUR PLACE AT THE LUNCHEON

     

     


  • Rochester Mountain On The Road

    Thursday, October 15 | 6:30pm-8pm

    Our Lady of Mercy School

    1437 Blossom Road

    Rochester, NY

    Register Here

    For more than 20 years, St. Bonaventure University and Mt. Irenaeus have brought the spirit of the Mountain to alumni communities across the country, creating opportunities to reconnect, reflect and share in the Franciscan tradition.

    Each gathering offers a taste of the Mountain experience, including a prayer service or liturgy followed by time for conversation and fellowship. It’s a chance to reconnect with familiar faces, make new connections and experience the welcoming sense of community that makes the Mountain so special.

     


  • Explore SBU your way! Next option:

    Explore St. Bonaventure your way with campus tours, Discovery Days, Open Houses and personalized visits this fall!

    Dennis R. DePerro School of Health Professions Discovery Day
    Friday, Oct. 16

    Fall Open House
    Saturday, Oct. 24

    Schools of Communication and Education Discovery Day
    Friday, Nov. 6 
    Jandoli School of Communication | School of Education

    Veterans Day Discovery Day, featuring the School of Business
    Wednesday, Nov. 11

    LEARN MORE ABOUT VISITING SBU


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