Bonaventure alumni will return for the 42nd annual Homecoming Weekend, beginning today and ending Feb. 14.
The festivities begin today with Bona Pride day, and everyone is encouraged to sport his or her best Bona’s gear. Throughout the day, different events are being held such as the Bonnies4Bonnies networking event from 3 to 5 p.m. in Doyle Hall and free open skating from 6 to 8 p.m. followed by a Bonnies Hockey game at 8, both at the Olean Recreation Center.
While the school is hosting a multitude of events over the weekend, alumni said they are most excited to be back on campus with their former classmates.
“I live too far away from the larger upstate New York cities to see all of the people I know from Bonaventure as often as I’d like,” said Chris Spiker, ‘14. “I know at least one or two people from my class who didn’t go to last year’s alumni weekend, so it’ll be great to see them.”
Spiker added after noticing there were only 300 tickets left for Saturday’s basketball game, he quickly made his purchase.
He said he hasn’t had a chance to look up all the events going on this weekend, but he’s happy to be able to bond with other Bonnies.
“What I miss the most is living with about 2,000 people bonded by passion for all things Bona’s and for each other,” Spiker said. “I have yet to meet anyone with the same admiration for their alma mater as us.”
Hannah Robinson, ’15, is heading back to Bona’s today. She plans to attend the basketball game with her family, and this specific game will be a unique experience for her.
“It’s somewhat ironic that the game on alumni weekend is against George Washington, because that’s where I go to med school,” Robinson said. “I’ll obviously be cheering for my Bonnies though. I can’t wait to be back in the RC for a game.”
Robinson said she is looking forward to coming back into the “Bona Bubble” for a few days. After moving on to a different school, she said she truly appreciates the closeness Bona’s offers.
“We fill the student section for basketball games, our teachers know us by name and it’s actually difficult to walk by someone on campus and not have seen them before,” said Robinson. “I miss being surrounded by people who are more excited to come back to school at the end of winter break than they were to go home at the end of finals. During your time at Bona’s, it becomes your home.”
Even with sporting events going on and restaurants to eat at, Robinson and Spiker both agree the people are the reason the weekend is so special.
“One weekend never does Bonaventure pride justice,” said Spiker.
