It's an absolute privilege for me to say that my job as assistant director of the FCSC is something I'm passionate about. I've always yearned for a career where I can make a difference in someone's life through eye-opening experiences. Knowing that my role and this job centered around assisting students in the FCSC was more than I could imagine.

Being an FCSC staff member right after graduating from St. Bonaventure makes my role a bit unique. Sometimes students remind me of my own experience during my very first days at Bona's. I feel their excitement about embarking on a new chapter, making new friends, and becoming a part of the Bona family. I also keenly understand their struggles and challenges, because I first arrived as an international student from Tokyo, Japan, entering a completely different culture and environment.

I started at the Warming House when the COVID-19 pandemic began. I casually began as a volunteer, which truly put me on the track of establishing the unbreakable bond with the Warming House and other FCSC programs today. What initially began as a casual undertaking has evolved into something I can now professionally pass on to the SBU students of future generations. I believe that I was called to this important role to not only sustain our wonderful community but also to further enhance my own experiences.

I'm also passionate about continuing to develop current programs and practices within the FCSC. After talking to many parents at Orientation for incoming students last summer, I felt even more responsibility. If I had kids, I would also want them to have the opportunity to experience and learn to the best of their abilities, gaining something unique from their time at Bona's.

Seeing students achieve success brings me great joy. The Warming House and all the other FCSC programs hold such special significance in the history of our university and in the hearts and experiences of our students. I am committed to maintaining our rich outreach programs and helping them to grow. Understanding that my role also includes maintaining the heritage of Franciscan values and experiences at Bona's for future Bonnies motivates me to continue working diligently.

Your support means a lot more to us than anyone might realize, but I truly understand its significance and value. 

Thank you for all you do. 

Mike W.

All FCSC Programs

• Warming House - oldest student-run soup kitchen in the country (18,000 meals already served this year).
• Bona Buddies - largest youth mentoring program in Cattaraugus County.
• SBU Food Pantry - begun in 2019 when we realized food insecurity on campus was a thing.
• SBU@SPCA - a chance to allow SBU students to prepare dogs and cats socialization in preparation for adoption.
• Silver Wolves - relationship building and engagement between SBU students and local seniors.
• Break the Bubble - taking students away from campus to engage in transformational service and advocacy opportunities.