By Jillian Hammell
Contributing Writer
As you make your way through the Hickey during crowded lunch hours or casually find a table at dinner, you may notice a new addition. During the summer, the Hickey underwent construction to open up a staircase leading from the dining hall into the Rathskeller.
Not only does the underground bar hold social events, it’s also a prime spot for the gathering of students and alumni.
The Rathskeller has been a large part of campus history since its founding in 1967. Events like “Open Mic Night” and poetry slam competition are commonly held in the Rathskeller throughout the semester. However, its atmosphere had been lacking that certain spark it used to hold several decades ago, according to Bonaventure alumni.
Last spring, a group of students and faculty decided to take action and bring the Skeller back to life.
Courtney Cobb, senior class secretary in 2012 explained the reasoning behind the renovations.
“Every year, the senior class officers participate in a senior gift,” Cobb, a graduate student of the literacy program said.
“We wanted to do a project that benefited the community of St. Bonaventure.”
With that idea in mind, the Rathskeller renovations began during second semester. Through fundraising and donations, the Class of 2012 was able to raise more than $11,500 for the senior gift.
“For the first time ever, the students broke 100 donors,” said Alan Riddle, assistant of the annual fund.
With the donations secured, the committee was ready to create a new and improved Rathskeller.
“We wanted to make it a place that people would want to go to and truly enjoy,” said grad student Kelsey Brockenshire, the 2011-2012 senior class treasurer.
Rob DeFazio, director of the center for activities, recreation and leadership, has history with the Rathskeller. As a Bonaventure alum, he said the Skeller was a great place to gather with friends. DeFazio ultimately helped with the renovation ideas.
“With the help of Alan Riddle, Steve Kuchera (assistant director of center for activities), class officers, maintenance, donors and myself, the work was able to get done,” DeFazio said.
The Rathskeller is still receiving more additions such as sports memorabilia from the NCAA championships, two large couches and carpeting by the entrance way, Riddle said.
“We hope to display a signed Andrew Nicholson jersey as part of one of our showcases,” Riddle said.
The newly renovated Rathskeller is a target for underclassmen. With the addition of six televisions (including three 65-inch TV’s), dart boards, and seating, students of any age can enjoy the Skeller with friends.
Displayed on the walls are Bonaventure’s colors — brown, white and yellow as opposed to the old red and white.
“We hope to make it the primary spot on campus,” Cobb said. “The Bona experience is contagious, and we want that feeling to come to the Skeller.”
The official Rathskeller unveiling is planned for February, 2013. In the meantime, students can stop by the Skeller to see the progress of renovations for themselves.
