The Bonathon & You

Bonathon students make calls during the fall semester. They enjoy making connections with alumni and friends of the university.

You hear your phone buzz as you put away dinner dishes and the evening sun casts its rose-colored rays through the kitchen window.

“Hello!” A cheerful voice greets you. “I’m calling from St. Bonaventure University.”

You take the call and chat with the Bonaventure student. Soon you’re talking about meals in the Hickey, buzzer beater games in the Reilly Center, classes that both inspired and challenged you, and the friars and professors whose voices you can still recall.

The conversation sends you back to your college days at Bona’s. And if your connection with the student caller is genuine, you might even donate to The Bonaventure Fund.

The Bonathon is our student-driven calling program, which operates Sunday through Wednesday evenings during the fall and spring semesters. Located on the first floor of the Murphy Professional Building, the Bonathon is staffed by more than a dozen students who make phone calls to update the Bonaventure community on what is happening on campus and ask for donations.

The operation is overseen by three student supervisors: Victoria Vega, ’22, an accounting major; Nate Cole, ’23, a political science major; and Allison King ’23, an inclusive childhood and early childhood education major. Each worked as a Bonathon caller in previous years.

Bonathon students are encouraged to view their position as more than just an on-campus job. A certain amount of telemarketing takes place, but the work is ultimately driven by Bona’s mission.

“I like working at the Bonathon because of the connections I can make with alumni and friends. I love the feeling of home at St. Bona-venture and the connection that exists between all the students,” said Laura Esposito, ’23, a health science major. “The Bonaventure Fund has helped me network with alumni and make connections in my major. Plus, alumni have given me awesome advice.”

Asking for money can be challenging, but Assistant Director of the Annual Fund Rachel Elser works with her supervisors to make the job fun. The room is decorated for each holiday, games are played every night, competitions are waged to see who can earn the most, and callers snack on candy during the break. The atmosphere is relaxed and friendly.

On any given shift, callers attempt hundreds of calls, although only a small percentage lead to actual conversations. While callers have a general script to follow, the calls are led by connection. More than anything, the students want to make genuine connections with the alumni, parents, and friends whom they call; a win-win for everyone, regardless of the outcome. Although, of course, they would prefer that the phone conversation end with a donation, too.

“I like working for the Bonathon because I love talking to parents and alumni,” said Matt Villanueva, ’22, an English and adolescent education major. “I also like being able to thank the people who help fund the scholarships that allow me to attends Bona’s. I love Bonaventure because of its intimate community. Along with small class sizes, everyone knows each other and the community is so close.”

That sentiment is echoed by criminology major Chloe George, ’22. “I like being able to talk about Bonaventure and a person’s time here,” she said. “Bonaventure has brought me my greatest friends.” 

So, next time you hear the phone buzz, take a moment to answer the call — you may be surprised to find a fellow Bonnie on the line.

Please take the call! Add us to your select phone list: (716) 375-2000.