Steve Kuchera
By Elizabeth Grady
Promotions Editor
Most students at St. Bonaventure have stopped into the Office of Campus and Recreational Leadership (C.A.R.L.) at least once to buy movie tickets or sign up for a bus trip. But some students might not know the soft-spoken man in the corner office. His name is Steve Kuchera, and he is the assistant director of activities, recreation and leadership.
Kuchera maintains several roles in his umbrella title. He acts as the advisor to the Campus Activities Board (C.A.B.) and works with all clubs and organizations on campus in terms of their initial formation and purchasing. He also works closely with class officers by helping them plan their events. He oversees the programming and staff in the Rathskellar and the planning of big campus events, like Family Weekend and Spring Weekend.
While in these roles, Kuchera realizes the importance of keeping an open mind, especially as advisor to C.A.B.
“I’m really there pushing C.A.B. to always be open to new things and options,” Kuchera said.
Kuchera discovered his passion for higher education as an undergraduate at East Stroudsburg University majoring in sports management. His early involvement in their campus activities board and student life sparked his interest. While working toward a master’s in leadership, he served as a graduate assistant on the C.A.B.
After applying to universities all over the country, Kuchera settled on his position at St. Bonaventure.
“I chose Bonaventure because of its location, the people, which was the main reason, and what the school stood for,” Kuchera said.
Beginning his fifth year at Bona’s, Kuchera has found that the people remain his favorite part of his position.
“Seeing the students grow and develop over their four years (at Bonaventure) has really been the highlight for me,” he said. “I hope I’ve had a minor impact on their career if they were involved through this office, in a club or program, or to even be a reference and see the students get jobs after college.”
During his time at Bona’s, Kuchera has also witnessed and helped install several improvements in his office, including the offering of discounted movie tickets and the growth of off-campus bus trips.
An exciting time in his position occurred last semester as both the men’s and women’s basketball teams advanced, and bus trips were planned for their games.
“It was crazy but fun at the same time,” Kuchera said. “It was long hours finding hotels and buses, and organizing sign-ups. It was a great experience, and we hope we have the opportunity to do it again.”
Kuchera’s passion for the university fuels his motivation to provide for the campus community, despite the occasional long workdays.
“I love what I do,” Kuchera said. “I love St. Bonaventure. I love being here. I feel like every day I wake up I don’t feel like I’m going to work.”
*”Bonaventure’s unsung heroes” will profile extraordinary faculty, staff and administrators throughout the semester
