During the short Thanksgiving Break at St. Bonaventure University, many students plan to head home to spend time with their families and friends. Some drive to other states, some travel to different countries and some need not go far at all. Others, however, end up staying on campus or in the Olean area, and it is for these students that the University Ministries plan their yearly Thanksgiving service and celebration.
For a number of years, the ministry center has been holding Thanksgiving celebrations so that students are still able to celebrate the holiday. They started advertising a month in advance this year, in order to give students time to plan for the event.
“University Ministries offers this opportunity for all who want to be with others to celebrate Thanksgiving traditions as well as just have a good time with others from the SBU community,” Alice Miller Nation, director of the Franciscan Center for Social Concern said.
The service begins at 4 p.m. on Thanksgiving Day, where students will play board games, decorate a Christmas tree and socialize in the Great Room of the McGinley-Carney Center for Franciscan Ministry. After a full Thanksgiving dinner, students can watch a movie in the lounge and decorate Christmas cookies to bring home. Students are encouraged to bring guests, and everyone from the SBU Community is welcome to this event.
Although Thanksgiving isn’t for two weeks, some students are pleased that the school holds services like this and believe it’s important to get the word out now.
“I didn’t really hear about it before now, but it sounds nice, and I think it’s good for all the kids that are staying here,” said Jack Gombatto, a freshman criminology major. “Even though I won’t be here, maybe a hundred [students] or less are staying, so I assume it’ll be small, and I’m glad they’re having it.”
Miller Nation also says while a large portion of students are from the New York area, the event is very important for students who aren’t able to get off of campus.
“It’s a wonderful tradition begun by University Ministries and a great way to gather with those who want to celebrate Thanksgiving and might not be able to travel for the holiday,” she said.
“All those coming can expect some laughter, great food and a fun afternoon and evening.”
As previously stated, the Thanksgiving service is open to everyone from the SBU community and surrounding area, but the Ministry Center does request that all attendees RSVP for the event by Tuesday, Nov. 26. This can be done by emailing Miller Nation at anation@sbu.edu.
By Tucker Reilly, Features Assignment Editor
reillyt19@bonaventure.edu
