BY ELIZABETH EGAN, STAFF WRITER
“Participating in Giving Tuesday is the truest way to answer the Franciscan call of giving to your fellow human.”
This was St. Bonaventure University alum, Cameron Hurst’s, response when asked what he would say to anyone considering donating to the Franciscan Center for Social Concern on Giving Tuesday.
Since Bonaventure is a Franciscan university, the FCSC is a significant part of campus for many students. While speaking with Hurst, who graduated from Bonaventure in the fall of 2019 with a double major in journalism and music, he demonstrated how the FCSC can benefit students long after they leave campus.
Even though Hurst was a double major, he spoke mostly about his time in the Jandoli School. It was because of his journalistic excellence that he got recruited into the FCSC.
“I loved that journalism students worked together to create a culture of collaboration and making sure not that we got it first, but that we got it right,” said Hurst.
Alice Miller Nation, the director of the FCSC, approached Hurst about doing an interview with Friar Dan Riley as part of that year’s Giving Tuesday campaign. He ended up staying on with the FCSC for his last semester, working as a development associate. There was a lot that Hurst did in that role, but one of his favorite jobs was writing the FCSC newsletter. This is something he does as a part of his job now.
Hurst Spoke highly of his time working with Miller Nation. He described a whirlwind experience as they worked day and night to promote the day of giving and also keep the FCSC running.
“I was impressed with her dynamic ability to reach out to people and tap into different peoples’ talents and use them to the advantage of the population they serve. She doesn’t micromanage, she guides.” said Hurst.
Miller Nation was always open to trying new ideas. Some things failed but she was willing to give most new ideas a go. Hurst helped implement new promotional strategies through TikTok and Instagram that are still used today. Some things worked, some things did not, but Hurst said the work was always fun and worthy.
Experience working in such an open and collaborative environment is an invaluable experience to have before graduating college. The creative autonomy Hurst described as having with his position is what one might expect after many years working in an industry, but Hurst thrived with these responsibilities.
“All that I did in that short time has benefited me so greatly. It helped me organize myself and prepare for everything that was going to be thrown at me in a public sector line of work and it was great.” said Hurst.
While Hurst did not get a chance to volunteer with any of the FCSC organizations, he was excited to be able to benefit them through his work in the office. The coolest part of Hurst’s experience was getting to directly help out the organizations when he would be sent to make purchases for the Warming House and food pantry. He said it was the most immediate way to see peoples’ generous donations in action.
While the FCSC exists to benefit the community, the benefits it has for the students who take advantage of its opportunities are incredible.
The Warming House gives a grad student the opportunity to run a nonprofit for a year.
Bona Buddies gives students the opportunity to learn how to be a mentor and invest a little bit of themselves into someone else.
The SBU@SPCA, gives college students the benefit of spending a little time walking dogs and cuddling kittens.
Silver Wolves allows students to spend time with the elderly and provide companionship while also benefiting from the wisdom they have to offer.
In my own experience, the confidence and leadership skills I have gained from my time working as a coordinator at the Warming House has prepared me for a management position at my summer job. The internship I have now with the FCSC’s social media team has allowed me to experience the same collaboration and autonomy that Hurst loved.
To anyone considering donating on or in the days leading up to Giving Tuesday, Hurst wants you to know this: The money you donate will have a direct impact on some of the most vulnerable populations within the greater Olean and Bonaventure communities. Thank you Cameron Hurst, for taking the time to talk with me about the FCSC, and all you did to support its programs during your time at Bonaventure. Are any readers interested in participating in Giving Tuesday? You can donate here: 2021 Franciscan Center for Social Concern: Elizabeth Egan – St. Bonaventure University (sbu.edu) or go to the FCSC website for more information.
