From The Heart: Brand Identity

The 'From The Heart' feature series takes an in-depth look at St. Bonaventure student-athletes and coaches. Named for the beloved Merton's Heart that overlooks campus, this series will tell the stories of Bonnies athletic programs on and off the field. Click here for previous installments in the series.  

Over the past year, St. Bonaventure’s athletic facilities have seen some big changes.  

Highlighted by an upgrade to Handler Park at McGraw-Jennings Field, construction of new tennis courts, and a facelift to the Reilly Center, the Bonnies are making a push into the new era of Division I athletics.  

The initiatives started in July 2024 with St. Bonaventure announcing a re-energized brand identity. The project gave St. Bonaventure athletics’ logos and wordmarks a fresh new look.  

The Bonnies brand refresh led into this summer’s projects. In each part of the renovations, the new branding was displayed across the Reilly Center.  

“It’s really important that we reinforce our brand,” said Bob Beretta, Vice President and Director of Athletics. “We have to take pride in the fact we’re Bonnies, and take pride in the mark that tells a story of who we are.” 

Upgrades to St. Bonaventure’s campus have commenced over the past year. This past summer, over 15 facility-enhancement projects were completed to give the athletic complex some much-needed upgrades. The facility enhancement included big both big projects, like the $1.5 million renovation project for the baseball field and the construction of a new outdoor tennis complex, and smaller projects, like giving each team their own space on campus. 

“We have to provide our student athletes with a championship experience, and it starts with facilities,” Beretta said. “We want to provide each of them with a memorable experience. We strive for perfection and hope to attain excellence. That’s the standard we’ve set for ourselves.” 

In the past, Bonnies teams have had to share locker rooms in the Reilly Center, moving in and out when it wasn’t their championship season. Beretta, a former member of St. Bonaventure’s baseball team, has witnessed this in both the past and present. 

“When I was here as a player 40 years ago, we shared a locker room with the men’s soccer team,” Beretta said. “When I returned 40 years later, we were still sharing team locker rooms. Our women’s lacrosse team would be training in the fall last year, and they were walking to class with their sticks and practice gear. I didn’t think that was acceptable. It’s really important in this day and age that every team has its own space. It builds community, it’s bonding, and it provides a level of pride in your team.” 

Now, every team on St. Bonaventure’s campus has their own space. The areas allow Bonnies’ student-athletes to have a place to come together as a team. These areas also have also been a target of the athletic department’s branding initiative. Each space displays St. Bonaventure Athletics logos and wordmarks, adding a welcoming feel for Bonnies student-athletes. 

The renovation projects have impacted more than just current St. Bonaventure athletes. In an era where NIL is making headlines, the Bonnies want to use their facilities to help bring in future student-athletes. 

“We look for things that separate St. Bonaventure from other institutions. Sometimes it’s those small things that can make a big difference with a student-athlete,” Beretta said.  

St. Bonaventure is also honoring its past athletes and teams with the renovation projects. 

A new Wall of Champions has been introduced in the Reilly Center. Located on the Reilly Center concourse, the wall displays team photos to honor past conference champions for the Bonnies. Across from the Wall of Champions are new collages, celebrating a century of success for the men’s team and 40 years at the Division I level for the women’s team.

A preview of the Wall of Champions images to be installed in the Reilly Center later this semester.

As seen in the images above, new wall collages in the hallways of the Reilly Center concourse celebrate the history for both the Bonnies men's and women's basketball programs.

Down the hall, displays can be found celebrating the Bonnies’ senior awards, recognizing some of St. Bonaventure’s top leaders on and off the field. 

“It’s very difficult to achieve at the highest level at the Division I level,” Beretta said. “When we accomplish championships or when we accomplish greatness, I want to make sure we celebrate those things.” 

St. Bonaventure’s recent upgrades aren’t all they’ve got in store. Senior Deputy Executive Director of Athletics Ryan Clingan spoke on future renovation plans.  

“Our mindset has been, ‘How do we continuously improve what we have, so it doesn’t feel like what it did 10 years ago,’” Clingan said. 

St. Bonaventure is working on constructing a brand-new athletic performance center, creating a new weight room and spaces for sports medicine. In addition, Clingan referenced the athletic department’s ambitions to build a track and second turf field on campus. He also expects St. Bonaventure to continue making improvements inside the Reilly Center. 

Going into the winter, the university is nearing the completion of this phase of the renovation project. These upgrades reflect the strong commitment from St. Bonaventure to offer its athletes a high-level experience, while also reinforcing the pride that comes with being a Bonnie.