By: Rachel Konieczney
Assistant News Editor
Over 70 prospective students have visited campus during the five admissions events since the beginning of the spring semester, Monica Emery, director of recruitment, said.
According to Emery, this number is a slight increase from last spring’s admissions events.
“The event is meant to introduce St. Bonaventure University to students who are just beginning their college search, as well as provide more detailed information for students narrowing their decision,” Emery said. “The presentation is given from the perspective of helping students gain insights into St. Bonaventure that wouldn’t necessarily be found through their own research.”
Bonaventure offers five opportunities each semester when prospective students can visit the campus on a Saturday. Topics discussed include academics, admissions and financial aid. Presenters also highlight Bonaventure’s Franciscan identity and how it impacts students, Emery said.
Emily Izydorczak, an incoming student, said she was immediately impressed with Bonaventure during her visit.
“At the visit I felt like the students cared, [and] it was definitely more personal when I was able to speak with [Nancy Cunniff-Casey] from the education department. I think the reason why I picked Bonas was because everyone was so welcoming that it felt like home.”
Cunniff-Casey is an education professor.
Izydorczak said the Bonaventure admissions team is unique.
“As my family and I attended the recruitment visits, I found that it was really cool to personally know the admissions team,” Izydorczak said. “After my first visit, [Emery] knew my family by name. This type of intimacy really didn’t happen to me at any other college and the fact that the admissions team was so involved made me want to attend Bonas even more.”
Emery said the admissions events are also open to high school juniors, although the event helps seniors confirm their decision to come to Bonaventure.
Emery declined to provide a number of committed students.
A typical Saturday admissions event begins with check in and refreshments before a 30-minute admissions presentation, according to Emery. Following the presentation, families are taken on a tour led by a student ambassador, who is selected with consideration of the prospective student’s major, hometown and extracurricular activities. The tour concludes with a complimentary brunch in the Hickey Dining Hall, where faculty talk to students about their intended major, opportunities at Bonaventure and outcomes of recent graduates, Emery said.
Izydorczak, who will be on the women’s cross country team next year, said she is excited for her arrival in the fall.
“Being on my own for the first time will be different, however, I know that it will be a positive change,” Izydorczak said. “I’m looking forward for the opportunities that lie ahead like running, volunteering, studying abroad and joining clubs. But, what I am most excited for is to meet new people.”
