By Emily Carson
News Assignment Editor
The class of 2012 announced it will be raising funds to renovate The Rathskeller as its gift to the university.
“Logistics are still being worked out, but we will be putting concrete ideas into plan soon,” Courtney Cobb, senior class secretary, said. “We’re currently researching different options that would enhance the atmosphere.”
Cobb said the ideas include a jukebox, a bar rail, newer furniture, televisions, an air hockey table and, most importantly, bringing some SBU identity to the ‘Skeller.
“Currently, there is nothing really down there that says ‘St. Bonaventure’ or ‘The Rathskeller,'” Cobb said. “We want to make a wall of SBU memorabilia near the entrance similar to the decorations you see pinned on the walls at restaurants like Applebee’s.”
Jaela Agnello, senior class vice president, came up with the idea of a Bonaventure memorabilia wall that hopes to include jerseys from athletic teams, club pictures, funny T-shirts, banners, flags, the Bona Wolf, and pictures of athletes and their accomplishments.
“It lacks any school pride in the center, and only bar, at our school,” Agnello said. “Many alumni fight to keep the ‘Skeller in business, and we want to make them proud. We also want to have something to come back to as alumni.”
The senior gift committee will finance the project through the senior gift fundraising campaign. The committee consists of 14 seniors from leadership positions in different clubs and organizations, chartered by the Student Government Association (SGA), according to Cobb.
“We are asking all seniors to make a pledge of $20.12 to the campaign, but we will also support donations of any amount,” Cobb said.
The idea to renovate the ‘Skeller came as a collaborated effort from assistant director for the Center for Activities, Steve Kuchera, director of intramurals, Rob DeFazio, and SGA President Michelle McKernan.
McKernan, who has worked in the ‘Skeller since her freshman year and is now a bartender on Friday nights for Senior Social, said she would like to see students take advantage of the deals offered at the ‘Skeller.
“I’ve always said how dark and gloomy it was, and my friends have said the same,” she said. “After talking with Steve Kuchera, it only made sense to try and fix the ‘Skeller up in hopes that more students would use it and it would be more pleasing to the eye. ”
McKernan said it was important for the senior gift committee to pick a gift the senior class will be not only be remembered for, but also proud of.
“The ‘Skeller used to be the ‘hot spot’ on campus for alumni,” she said. “Bringing it back to life would benefit not only the current students but also alumni and future students.”
According to Cobb, a complete list of renovations will be announced during graduation in May, and construction will most likely take place during the summer.
Cobb said she believes the renovations will benefit the entire Bonaventure community, including alumni.
“Although we are all here to become educated, a healthy experience at Bonaventure also requires socialization and building relationships,” she said. “Between sports, music and activities that are held in the ‘Skeller, there are countless opportunities for students to socialize with each other. This is a very special place to many, so we think it’s important to preserve the history and the spirit and passion of the ‘Skeller.”
carsonek10@bonaventure.edu
