"This building is for the Bonaventure student...both individually and collectively."

-Rev. Francis Kearney, OFM

Front View of the Reilly Center

In 1964, the Very Rev. Francis Kearney, OFM, University President, revealed plans on a new $3.5 million dollar field house and student center on campus.  Construction on what is currently known as the Reilly Center began in 1965.  The Siegfried Construction Company of Buffalo was the major contractor.  The building was to be called the University Center, including a gymnasium with a seating capacity of 6,000, an Olympic size swimming pool, a cafeteria, a few classrooms, a bookstore, lounges, and guidance and athletic offices.

Today, the Reilly Center houses the Career Center, WSBU (the campus radio station), Counseling Center, Athletic Offices, the Bookstore, ROTC, and many other offices.

Reilly Center Gym in 2005

The first game was played in the new gymnasium Dec. 2, 1966.  On May 21, 1967, the new building was dedicated as the "University Center."   An address was given by Col. Edward Eagan, Rhodes scholar and Olympic boxing champion of the 1920's.  On June 1, 1974, it was rededicated as the Reilly Center in memory of Carroll "Mike" Reilly.  Today the Reilly Center is the home of the St. Bonaventure Bonnies basketball teams, swim team, and many other sports. 

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