St. Bonaventure University: A Legacy of Franciscan Tradition and Academic Excellence

St. Bonaventure University, a private institution rooted in the Franciscan tradition, has a rich history and a strong commitment to academic excellence. Located in St. Bonaventure, New York, the university offers a comprehensive educational experience that fosters intellectual, spiritual, and social growth.

A Foundation Built on Vision and Faith

The story of St. Bonaventure University begins with Nicholas Devereux, a prominent landholder and financier from Utica, NY. Devereux, seeking to develop the town of Allegany, collaborated with John Timon, the Bishop of Buffalo, to establish a Catholic college and seminary. Their vision was realized through the dedication of Franciscan friars, who arrived from Italy in 1855 under the leadership of Fr. Pamphilus da Magliano, the College’s first President.

On October 4, 1858, the Feast of St. Francis, the new school was formally dedicated and named after St. Bonaventure of Bagnoregio, the Patron of Franciscan Studies and Learning. In June 1860, St. Bonaventure College held its first Commencement Exercise, graduating a class of 15 students. The College was provisionally chartered on March 1, 1875, by an Act of the Regents of the State of New York.

The institution's commitment to higher education led to the development of a full-time graduate program in the 1920s, which has continually expanded. Early in the 20th century St. Bonaventure also became home to the School of Franciscan Studies and the Franciscan Institute. The permanent Charter of Incorporation of the College was granted by the State in 1883, and in 1950, after nearly a century of operation, St. Bonaventure's College was granted university status by New York State.

A Commitment to Franciscan Values

SBU is "all about Franciscan values and learning how to be successful yet ethical," resulting in a "very open and accepting community." The school's size allows students to "all share the same teachers, dining hall, and sports teams," creating an atmosphere where "everyone is like family." Students are described as "young professionals with open minds and a drive to change the world. They are creative, thoughtful, respectful of others, and wellinformed." One undergrad observes that the student body is "Unfailingly kind to one another.

Academics: A Comprehensive and Engaging Experience

St. Bonaventure University offers more than 50 academic programs across its various schools, including the Jandoli School of Communication, the School of Arts & Sciences, the School of Business, the School of Education, and The Dennis R. DePerro School of Health Professions.

History Department: Exploring the Past to Understand the Present

At St. Bonaventure University, History students explore the world with highly qualified professors. Our students get the best of both worlds, professors who are dedicated teachers and accomplished researchers. You learn in small classroom settings, working closely with engaged faculty who have published numerous books and articles. We live in a complicated world that is rapidly changing. History helps us understand that world. From pandemics, historic statues, race relations, to the internet #everythinghasahistory. In the 21st century, students doing history is part of learning history.

The Department of History offers a B.A. in History and a minor in History. A major in History is quite flexible. A student can fashion his or her individual course of study.

The History Department offers a range of courses, including:

HIST 102
HIST 200
HIST 307
HIST 308
HIST 309
HIST 310
HIST 311

History majors do hands-on work in class and with internships at the Friedsam Library, the University Archives, and the Regina A. Quick Center for the Arts. Internships are available locally, and we have also had students intern in Washington, D.C.

Read also: Affording Saint Leo University

HIST 106: The Art of Historical Detection, introduces history as problem solving and investigation. HIST 300: Historical Methods and Historiography, is where students learn the craft of historical writing and why we write history. At Bona's, our students create history for the digital age in a dedicated class, HIST 419: Digital History and Archival Practices. Working in the University Archives and closely with faculty and archivist, students turn historical research into products for the digital age.

Students have a chance to showcase their research at the annual Arts & Sciences Exposition or at local history conferences. Students also participate in the History Club, where they organize group visits to historical sites in the area, and join Phi Alpha Theta, the International Honor Society in History.

A Focus on Student Success

The university prides itself on its qualified staff, welcoming student body, and opportunities for service and extracurricular activities, all contributing to a well-rounded college experience. The faculty is genuinely engaged with the students, their education, and their lives. Professors are always willing to spend extra time with you when needed, understanding the value of one-on-one conversation and availability outside of the classroom. Students are encouraged to provide feedback to the faculty, noting that professors really take our teacher evaluations to heart.

The intimate size of the university ensures that every student has the opportunity to tutor, teach, do research, and lead during their undergrad career. The school fosters social, academic, and spiritual growth for students of all backgrounds, which prepares students for the professional world. This holistic approach may explain why 99 percent of graduates are employed or enter graduate school within six months of graduation.

Campus Life: A Vibrant and Engaging Community

SBU is filled with students who are passionate in the classroom, in the line of volunteer service, and in school spirit," and "getting involved is a huge part of the culture here. The school holds a ton of events on campus, which are extremely fun and entertaining. Clubs are big at Bonas, too." When students are not studying or in class, they often spend time with friends, going to the gym, playing sports, and participating in club meetings and school events.

Read also: SLU Hospital Overview

The campus newspaper, The Bona Venture, has been published continuously since 1926. Known on campus as The BV, the newspaper has earned The Pacemaker Award numerous times from the Associated Collegiate Press, the last time in 1994. The school's student radio station is known as WSBU 88.3 The Buzz.

A Place of Inspiration

Thomas Merton, the Catholic monk and writer, taught English at St. Bonaventure for a year just at the start of World War II, living on campus on the second floor of Devereux Hall. During this time, he decided to join the Trappists, and later entered the monastery in Kentucky in 1941. A heart-shaped clearing on a mountain in view of campus is linked to Merton in campus myth. Some students call it "Merton's Heart" and claim that Merton visited the place often and that the trees fell when he died.

Athletics: The Bonnies

St. Bonaventure is an NCAA Division I member of the Atlantic 10 Conference and offers 19 varsity athletic programs. The school's programs are known as the Bonnies.

A Legacy of Achievement

Six alumni of the university have received the Pulitzer Prize, including Dan Barry (1980), Bill Briggs (1985), Robert A. Dubill (1958), John Hanchette (1964), Charles J.

tags: #saint #bonaventure #university #history #academics