The Bonaventure Man

This is a section in the beginning of the 1941-42 Student Manual.  It tells all about "The Bonaventure Man", who he is supposed to be and what he is to stand for.  It appears in the vast majority of the Student Handbooks/Manuals.  As noted in some of the "Argument" sections, the rules were upheld to create the type of man described below.

1941-42 Student Manual

The Bonaventure Man

            He acts upon principle.  His norm of conduct is not the Spartan “Shall I be caught?” but the Christian “Is it right or wrong?”  No other approval can substitute for him the approval of his own conscience.

            He cherishes self respect.  Clean of thought, or word, or action, he prizes his honor as the gospel “pearl of great price,” as a radiant heritage come down to him from generation of noble fore bears.

            He is considerate towards others.  Putting them in his own place, transferring to them his own personality, he treats them as courteously as he should wish to be treated himself.  He is prompt to assist them in their need, even anticipating their request.

            He observes gentlemanly restraint.  He is cheerful without being boisterous; companionable without being bore some; studious without being pedantic.  He has the happy faculty of enjoying himself with moderation and therefore without regret.

            He has a keen sense of fairplay.  He curries no favor, seeks no undue privileges.  He knows how to take a just defeat without claiming some abstruse “moral victory”.  He recognizes courage and ability even though they work to the disadvantage of the home team.

            He is loyal-to his teams, to his fellows, to his Alma Mater.  His loyalty-no merely abstract ideal, however lucent-makes him active in the affairs of the school.  He can always be depended upon to do his part.

            He has a hundred admirable traits, all amounting to the one: he is always and everywhere a gentleman.

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Last updated: 02 March 2006
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