By Kiara Catanzaro
News Editor
Arthur Moats, Buffalo Bills linebacker, will visit St. Bonaventure University on Saturday, Feb. 8 to speak on the importance of community service and how the NFL gives back. The speech is open to students, faculty and members of the local community.
Last semester, 2,000 people in the St. Bonaventure community made a pledge to volunteer through a 10-day campaign organized by the university, the Buffalo Bills and the United Way.
Moats, winner of the Bills’ 2013 Walter Payton Man of the Year Award for his dedication to community service, will be joined by Bonaventure alumnus Dan McCarthy, ‘10, ‘12, the community outreach development coordinator for the Bills, during his remarks.
The speech will be in the William E. and Ann L. Swan Business Center in room 209 at 2 p.m. For students taking Clare 401-The University Forum this semester, attending this speech counts as one of the required plenary sessions.
Moats will also make an appearance at the men’s basketball game against Dayton at 4 p.m.
“In addition to his speech, Moats will also attend the basketball game that afternoon and step onto the floor to thank students and the crowd during one of the long timeouts,” Simone Bernstein, a senior social entrepreneurship and altruism major, said. “After the game, there will be a 15-to-20-minute photo session with students or community members who are interested.”
Bernstein worked with Moats to coordinate the 10-day campaign last semester. She said she admires Moats for his dedication to volunteering.
“Arthur Moats, who is involved in this campaign, is an incredible role model, Bernstein said. “He plays hard on the football field and gives back in so many ways. It is important that we consider giving our time to support organizations in need of volunteers. Volunteering allows people to think critically about ways they can improve their communities.”
Emily Doherty, a sophomore strategic communications and digital media major, offered advice on how the Bonaventure campus community can give back to both the local Olean and Allegany communities.
“The warming house is a great place for students to volunteer,” Doherty said. “I plan on making trips there myself this semester. Also, the local SPCA really appreciates those who come in and volunteer with animals.”
Regina Penepent, president of Alpha Phi Omega (APO) said there are other projects for Bonaventure students looking to get involved on campus.
“For the past four years being involved with APO, and I have both planned and participated in service events such as Trunk or Treat, making cards and Warm Snuggly Blankets for patients at Roswell Park and helping the local Olean community with Christmas decorations,” Penepent said.
Doherty helped Bernstein gather pledges last semester for the campaign. She said she hopes Moats’ speech will inspire Bonaventure students to volunteer more in their communities.
“I hope those who attend the speech will be inspired to make a difference,” Doherty said. “Working on this project has not only been a great learning experience, but it has allowed me to step back and look at my own life. Am I helping out when I can? By having someone as successful as Moats share how he takes time out of his busy schedule to help others, it shows that we all can do the same. His success has not taken away his desire to volunteer, which I admire very much.”
catanzka12@bonaventure.edu
