Lavelle Matthews was a freshman at St. Bonaventure when he passed away on March 13, 2004. A student with a very bright future, he was a pre-law student, a member of the HEOP program, and the Rugby team. Matthews is remembered as being a kind, caring individual with a great sense of humor, who always looked out for everyone else. He is remembered by the St. Bonaventure community as a young man who was lost far too soon.

The Lavelle Matthews Bench is located near Plassmann Hall across from the St. Theresa of Lisieux shrine. It was dedicated in November 2004.