The Bysieks at the beach
Photo courtesy of Edward Bysiek
Wedding photo of Evelyn and Edward Bysiek
Photo courtesy of Edward Bysiek
BY: SAWYER BURKE, NEWS EDITOR
Love is in the air at St. Bonaventure University, where Edward Bysiek, professor of accounting, and Evelyn Bysiek, professor of finance, share not only a workplace in the School of Business but a life together as well.
The pair have been together for 21 years and married for almost 18.
“We actually met years before we started dating. I was working as a DJ in a local nightclub and she requested a bunch of songs,” said Edward Bysiek. “We got to talking and became friends, exchanging the occasional e-mail over the next couple of years.”
Evelyn Bysiek had been studying abroad in Australia, and once she returned, the two met up for coffee and talked for six hours.
Edward Bysiek started teaching at Bonaventure in the fall of 2006.
“I started by teaching a master’s degree course where most of the students were older than me,” said Edward Bysiek. “I really enjoyed it and then started teaching freshmen business majors the next year.”
After the couple had kids, Evelyn Bysiek began teaching math courses in the fall of 2015 and currently teaches QMX 210.
Edward Bysiek said his favorite part of working at the same university is the energy of the college atmosphere.
“I feel like we have both given and received a tremendous amount from being able to teach,” said Edward Bysiek. “Looking back at the past two decades, it is very satisfying to think of all the students whose lives we’ve impacted.”
St. Bonaventure holds a special place in Edward Bysiek’s heart being an Olean native. In high school, he would ride his bike over to the Reilly Center to shoot some baskets.
“Occasionally, the team would need an extra guy and I would hop in for a run,” said Edward Bysiek. “So, it’s neat to say that I’ve been playing hoops at Bonas for over 30 years.”
Edward Bysiek attended SBU for both his undergraduate and graduate degrees while Evelyn Bysiek attended Alfred University until she came to St. Bonaventure.
“Evelyn went to Alfred University but finally figured out what all the hype was about here at SBU,” said Edward Bysiek. “She finally caved and earned her grad degree from here as well.”
