So many threads tie Bonnies together
Before I was even offered the job as president of St. Bonaventure, I decided to make an under-the-radar visit to campus with Betsy once I entered the finalist stage. I at least wanted to get a sense if this could be the right place for us, even if it was only a snapshot.
Being a former college basketball player and big college hoops fan, coming on the weekend of a Bonnies game seemed ideal, an easy way to blend in without really being noticed and an opportunity to see for myself if all I had heard about the Reilly Center’s electric atmosphere was true. The experience didn’t disappoint.
In my many travels across the country the last 18 months, to major donor events and pre-game alumni socials, it’s clear that Bonnies basketball is a strong thread tying generations of alumni together.
But now well into my second year as president, what I’ve learned is that the overwhelming sense of community we see on display in the RC begins forming long before a student goes to their first Bonnies game.
Why? Quite simply, the people, who are committed to building and nurturing relationships from the moment a student steps on campus.
I was honored to be able to speak at the ceremony, Dec. 9 in the Hall of Fame, dedicating the RC Ticket Office to the late Larry Ford, ’62. In a career spanning more than 30 years at the university, most notably as director of Reilly Center, Larry left an indelible imprint on hundreds of students, both as a friend and father figure.
The ceremony was scheduled to be held outside the ticket office but the outpouring of friends and family who wanted to attend turned it into a standing-room-only event in the Hall of Fame.
In Tom McElroy’s funny, heartfelt dedication speech, he mentioned how impressed he was with how quickly Betsy and I had embraced the mission and spirit of Bona’s.
It’s an easy thing to do at St. Bonaventure because of the legacies that existed before us. Bonaventure isn’t about big new buildings or major grants we’ve received. It’s really about the people. The people are the legacies here and Larry is one of our greatest legacies.
So are Brian and John McAllister. Throughout distinguished teaching careers at St. Bonaventure totaling 65 years of devoted service, the brothers made a lasting difference in the lives of countless Bonaventure business students. Brian just retired last year after 45 years at SBU.
Now, a Business Scholars Endowment created in their name will carry on their legacy, empowering students to acquire high-impact summer internships, better preparing them to meet the challenges of business in an ever-changing world.
Knowing the affinity so many students had for them, I’m confident the campaign will be a success. Even with their careers in the rear-view mirror, the relationships Brian and John established here will continue to have a remarkable impact on the lives of students they’ll never know.
For 50 years, Bonaventure students have been making a remarkable impact on the lives of the underserved members of our community.
As important as the Warming House (see page 10) is in addressing the concerns of food insecurity in our region, it’s just as important for the fellowship our students provide to people that society has often turned its back on. Students learned that lesson in 1974 from friars like Dan Riley and John O’Connor and they continue to learn it today from people like Alice Miller Nation, who oversees all the programing in our Franciscan Center for Social Concern.
Basketball will always matter at Bonaventure. People will always matter more.
Dr. Jeff Gingerich
University President
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