ONCE A BONNIE …

St. Bonaventure provided Denis Farrell, ’86, with more than an education—it was a community where he made lifelong friends and learned invaluable lessons.

Denis was born and raised in Rockaway Township, New Jersey. He and his siblings attended the same Catholic grammar and high schools. His brother Greg, ’81, five years older, went on to attend St. Bonaventure.

“I went to a few SBU graduations, but in my senior year of high school, I went to a Bonnie’s basketball game, and I was hooked,” Denis said.

Denis served as the concert chairman for the student activities committee (SAC) during his junior and senior years. He was also a member of “3rd Rob,” known to be a bit “wild.” “During the fall of my senior year, I was able to secure 30 tickets for two consecutive Grateful Dead shows in Rochester. It was quite a (bus) trip,” he laughed.

SBU was well known in the Northeast for its communication and business schools, and Denis, a business major, was offered a job at Traveler’s Insurance in the summer of 1986 immediately after graduation. Though he didn't take that position, he eventually was offered the same job after his parents moved to Charlotte, North Carolina. Denis has been in the claim division for 38 years.

Still a “Deadhead” and a fervent music fan, Denis has been attending Dead-related shows since the early ’80s and travels the country for music. “Every time I go to a Dead-related show, I always run into a Bonnie!” He also enjoys cycling and supports the National MS Society and participates in their annual MS150 cycling event.

Because of his love for St. Bonaventure, Denis has established a gift to SBU in his estate plan. “Between my upbringing and the Franciscan values I learned at SBU, I was taught that if you can provide for others in need, then it’s important to do so.”

“It’s important to try and live the best life possible and always treat people the way you want to be treated,” Denis said. “This is why I choose to give back to St. Bonaventure. Once a Bonnie, always a Bonnie!"