From left to right: Mary A. Hamilton, Aaron Chimbel and Hadley Thompson
Photo courtesy of Danny Bush
BY: DAVID SCIBILIA, FEATURES EDITOR AND BROOKE JOHNPIER, STAFF WRITER
When Hadley Thompson, a senior political science and journalism major, checked her phone on the morning of January 21, the last thing she was expecting to see was an email asking her to stop by the dean’s office.
“Your middle name is Promise, right?” Aaron Chimbel, dean of the Jandoli School of Communication at St. Bonaventure University asked Thompson.
“Yes,” Thompson said, a smile spreading across her face as anxiety turned into excitement.
“Well, that’s so fitting, because you are the 2024 woman of promise recipient,” Chimbel told her.
Thompson, a senior journalism and political science double major, received the Mary A. Hamilton Woman of Promise award last Tuesday. This award is given to a female senior student who has excelled in and out of the classroom. Selected by faculty members, the student is someone who possesses all of the skills to thrive in her postgraduate career.
Thompson was known through her work with campus media, including The Bona Venture, TAPinto Greater Olean, Her Campus, and the campus radio station. Outside of Bonaventure, Thompson serves as an editorial assistant for Innovation Leader in Boston, Massachusetts where she crafts promotional content.
Chimbel said Thompson was best described by her determination and hard work ethic.
“It felt really great,” said Thompson. “Almost a little bit euphoric and nostalgic at the same time. That same day was the day that I found out I got into my first law school.”
The ceremony started with Evelyn Kinnah, ‘97, delivering a speech circling the themes of the importance of grit and determination.
“Never give up on your dreams,” said Kinnah. “If you have the dream — and the will to make it happen — it is possible.”
Then, Kinnah urged the audience to take action to achieve their goals.
“This is your story — not anyone else’s,” said Kinnah. “Write it. Trust yourself and your story. Knowledge is nothing without action, so take steps towards your goals.”
Then David Hilmey, the provost and vice president for academic affairs delivered his remarks, praising Thompson for her continuous hard work and determination.
“Just know that you, Hadley Thompson, have left behind a better Bonaventure,” said Hilmey.
In her acceptance speech, Thompson said the active act of observation played a major role in her decision to pursue journalism.
“This is what sparked my love for journalism,” said Thompson. “What I noticed I wanted to be able to share with everyone else.”
But as a political science double major, Thompson was looking for something that could connect her political passion with her love for journalism.
“Dr. Mary Rose Kubal, a political science professor, mentioned that I should apply for an internship at the New York State Capitol,” said Thompson. “This was perfect timing — It coincided with my angst of not yet knowing what I wanted to do and showed me an open door to a possible future.”
Although the internship centered around helping with daily legislative work, research and taking on some administrative responsibilities, Thompson said her favorite part was meeting with lobbyists and advocates.
“During my time in Albany, I took most of the meetings with lobbyists and this was my favorite part of what by far,” said Thompson. “[This] taught me the art of human connection; It’s the most valuable tool I have learned.”
Thompson said she hopes to work in advocacy after graduation from law school.
“I would love to do some type of lobbying work or advocacy,” said Thompson. “It would also be awesome if one day I had my own lobbying or advocacy firm.”
Thompson thanked her family who constantly supported her and the Jandoli staff who pushed her to her full potential.
Thompson said that dedicating yourself to something you love is important, even if you don’t get recognition for it immediately.
“If you don’t see your hard work paying off right away, it’s coming,” said Thompson. “It’s really easy to be jaded, especially in the field of journalism where a lot of the work you do isn’t necessarily in the classroom or taken for a grade. Your recognition is coming though.”
johnpibl23@bonaventure.edu
scibild22@bonaventure.edu
