From freshmen year to senior year, Bonaventure students grow up

ST. BONAVENTURE (May 10) — Tap. Tap. Tap. Drumming her pencil against the one-armed desk, a frazzled freshman awaits her first class to end at St. Bonaventure University. Unsure of what classroom to go to next, she scurries by classes until she finds the right one.

That was Hannah Flanigan three years ago as a freshman journalism and mass communication major. Now a senior political science major, Flanigan quietly scribbles notes in a one-armed desk, knowing where she’ll be next.

The 49th Annual Western New York Maple Festival

Written For The Villager

For the past 48 years, local maple producers have participated in the Western New York Maple Festival and this year is no different.

Even though the festival is being held one week later than usual due to a late Easter, the Western New York Maple Festival, more commonly known simply as “Maple Fest,” will be going off just the same.

On Thursday, April 28 at 7 p.m., the Maple King and Queen Contest will be held in the Franklinville Elementary School Cafeteria. Those competing to be crowned queen are Cassia Kuhn, Gabrielle Bennett, Nicki Kellogg and Kristin Biela. The contestant for king is Ryan Bigham. The contestants will be judged based on their presentation, talent and on-the-spot questions relating to Maple Festival. This year’s talent will be both vocal and instrumental performances.

Smaller academic programs marketing themselves, trying to increase student numbers

ST. BONAVENTURE (April 15) — Just like any other student at St. Bonaventure University, Stephanie Petty participated in a history class and walked amongst the other students, witnessing first hand a day in the life of a Bonaventure student. Two weeks ago, Petty, from two and a half hours away, took part in Spring into Bona’s, an event designed to help prospective students just like her learn more about Bonaventure and how it works.

To persuade Petty to come to Bona’s, Bonaventure first had to market the university and its programs to her and all the other potential students.

However, St. Bonaventure students and faculty members said the university didn’t market each program the same.

Bonaventure announces tuition increase

Tiffany Nunez (left) & Charlee Smith (right) Courtesy of Charlee Smith

ST. BONAVENTURE —
Click. Click. Click. Smack! Slamming her laptop shut and scurrying to find her Blackberry, sophomore Charlee Smith unearthed her phone from the pile of papers on her desk to call her father. She had just read Sr. Margaret Carney’s e-mail. St. Bonaventure University had raised tuition again.

Carney, the university president, informed students of a 3.7 percent increase in an e-mail to the campus community on Feb. 3.

“The tuition and fees for the 2011-12 academic year will be $27,890,” wrote Carney.

Ellicottville's Relay For Life date set

Written for The Villager

With the kick-off meeting last Wednesday, Feb. 9, Relay For Life of Ellicottville launched its new season.

Welcoming new comers and recognizing veteran team captains, the 2011 Relay season got underway. Besides acting as the start for the new fundraising season, the gathering was also a chance to have an informational meeting for the new members of the Relay For Life team.

So far, nine teams have registered, but Mike Porpiglia, community executive for the American Cancer Society, hopes that they will meet or exceed last year’s 26 teams.

This year’s Relay For Life will be held on June 4, 2011 from 12 p.m.-12 a.m. at the Ellicottville Central School track.

Anyone interested in creating a team or joining one can either log on to www.relayforlife.org, or call the 24/7 toll free number 1-800-227-2345.

Bonaventure to install new computer program, increase its Internet advertising

   ST. BONAVENTURE (Jan. 30) — One year ago, Xavier Galindo of California Googled private schools on the East Coast and found St. Bonaventure University. Galindo sought more information about Bonaventure after discovering the number of different majors offered at the private school by receiving e-mails and mailings. After a few weeks, Galindo knew Bonaventure could allow him to be far away from home while attending a small university.

   For the past three years, the university has adapted its integrated marketing framework to incorporate Facebook, Twitter, other social media sites and the Internet in general, said Emily Sinsabaugh, vice president of university relations who has a doctorate.

   Integrated marketing, Sinsabaugh said, aligns different media outlets (such as the Web, TV, flyers, etc.) to build on the activities occurring around campus in a cohesive manner.

Local ski shop wins award

Written for The Villager

The popular ski shop, The City Garage, won the national award for “Best Vibe” by Skiing Business, an online magazine.

Sean Lowes opened The City Garage with his wife in 1999. The ski shop is open year round and specializes for each season. During the winter, the store specializes in skis: alpine skis, Nordic skis and Twin Tip skis, just to name a few.

In the summer, the shop switches gears to provide people with the best in technical summer gear; including, sunglasses, footwear and The City Garage is the only one in the area to offer stand up paddle boards. The latter is a growing trend on the West Coast that is slowly but surely migrating to the East Coast where The City Garage is fully embracing it.