By Kaylyn Foody
Contributing Writer
Fr. Richard Vosko, OFM, design consultant for the McGinley-Carney Center for Franciscan Ministry, is set to receive an honorary degree from the university on Sunday, Sept. 17 to recognize his work.
The new university ministries building, opened in May with features such as a fully functional kitchen, a large conference room and an Interfaith Tower that welcomes people of any faith.
Fr. Richard is a Roman Catholic Priest in the Diocese of Albany and an Honorary Member of the American Institute of Architects. He has an extensive portfolio of cathedrals and synagogues.
The original concept that he pitched was based on the architectural style of the town Bagnoregio, where St. Bonaventure was born, said Fr. Richard.
“The architects skillfully took these ideas and showed a variety of schemes for the tower which would house the intimate prayer space,” said Fr. Richard. “The contemporary results resonate with the traditional architecture on campus.”
The prayer room in the tower is used for men’s and women’s mountain time, a prayer time set up by the university ministries committee and housed in the new building.
Up until Fr. Richard’s proposal for the tower, there had been many ideas pitched by the committee, which includes Fr. Francis Di Spigno, OFM and Spillman Architects. Once they decided to build a tower, they then made a decision on what kind of windows should be put in.
Fr. Richard’s original idea was a large art window.
“In a more simple, but effective way, the present glazing not only illuminates the interior of the prayer room, it makes the tower a beacon on campus, pointing the way to the center for Franciscan ministries,” said Fr. Richard.
The building is open to students 24/7 with the Franciscan value of hospitality to all in mind.
“The Center for Franciscan Ministries on campus resonates with that practice,” says Fr. Richard. “The center is a place where students can relax, study and share food and beverages with one another.”
Fr. Richard will be receiving his honorary doctorate on Sunday, Sept. 17 at 4 p.m. in the University Chapel.
foodykm17@bonaventure.edu
