The phrase “campus culture” technically applies to every college and university, but it comes alive at St. Bonaventure University. Located in the Allegheny River Valley in southwestern New York, a.k.a the middle of nowhere, with just under 2,000 undergraduate students, St. Bonaventure University is dubbed “Bona Territory” for a reason. Everyone knows everyone. Everyone knows everyone’s business, and everyone is friends with everyone (mostly).
When I chose St. Bonaventure University, I knew it was more than putting down a deposit and choosing a school. It was joining a family.
Here are things you won’t understand unless you’re a Bonnie (and an explanation):
1. The Enchanted Mountains
St. Bonaventure University has a stunning campus with gorgeous brick buildings covered in ivy. What’s even more beautiful, though, are the lush mountains that surround the campus. They are snowy and sparkling in the winter, brightly colored in fall, and full of new life in the spring.
Because of these mountains, our campus gets extra aesthetic points, but students have plenty of opportunities to walk trails, hike or visit a local state park.
The Enchanted Mountains are frequently referenced in conversation amongst Bonaventure students, especially between my friends and me.
2. the cult that is bonnies basketball fans
If you go to Bonnies, know someone from Bonnies, or graduated from Bonnies, chances are you’re a passionate follower of Bonnies basketball.
If you are a student at Bonaventure, you know that we like to get rowdy and be loud. Win or lose.
St. Bonaventure University’s dedication to attending the basketball games, and how we behave at them speaks to the community and family at this school.
3. Mansion, slaughter, irish, and other not-so-frat houses
At Bonaventure, upperclassmen are given the option to live in off-campus housing. The houses are usually very nice and can fit plenty of students.
What makes them unique, however, is their names. Almost every house rented by Bonaventure students has a name. They vaguely resemble fraternity houses, especially the ones rented out by all boys, minus the fraternity.
Most don’t, but some houses throw parties open to the student body, further affirming their not-so-frat title.
4. Cart city
Cart City is a business venture that I can only assume has been more than wildly successful.
Cart City is run by a group of men from Olean, New York, who grill and sell hotdogs and sausage outside of a house. They have efficiently placed themselves in the middle of the bar scene, leading to their success.
My friends have said that they don’t even go out for parties and nightlife on the weekends; they go out for a Cart City hotdog.
Every student loves Cart City, and my most impressive accomplishment was being on aux at Cart City at the end of the night.
5. mt. Irenaeus and other Franciscan Happenings
St. Bonaventure University is a Franciscan school, so every student is required to learn about and be involved in the Franciscan tradition here.
Every student is required to take religion classes that focus on the life and doings of St. Francis and St. Clare of Assisi. These classes are incredibly enlightening, fun, and informative.
A really cool part of Bonaventure culture is Mt. Irenaeus, a Franciscan mountain community established to bring peace, Franciscan values, and community to all who visit.
I was lucky enough to go on a retreat there before school started and it was incredibly bonding for me and my peers.
6. Sean “snake” miller: “small town socialite”
No explanation here. You just wouldn’t get it.
7. “Piano Man” by Billy Joel
“Piano Man” by Billy Joel is a rock song released in 1973. It was an immediate hit then, and it lives on in an iconic bar in Allegany. The Burton is recognizable to all who visit by its huge Bona wolf mural and through all of the stories from alumni and upperclassmen.
Before closing on Fridays and Saturdays, everyone makes a big circle under the bright red LED lights and sings “Piano Man” together.
While this tradition may seem silly to outsiders, it speaks to the sense of family at Bonaventure. Our home is our community.
8. The Bonnies
The last part of our college culture is, well, us.
St. Bonaventure University is the strongest, most loving, most fun, and most close-knit community I have ever been a part of. The people I have become friends with here will be a part of my life forever, and I have learned so much from them.
Not only have I learned amazing things from my wonderful professors, but this place has taught me more than how to learn, it has taught me how to live, and for that, I am forever grateful.