William J. Cooper
At one point in time, the space outside Devereux Hall was home to St. Bonaventure's Veteran Memorial, which honored those alumni who served their country during times of war. Of the brave men and women whose names are on the memorial, William J. Cooper is one of the most spoken about amongst alumni and students.
Before the memorial was moved to the front of the Reilly Center, it could be seen from the windows of Devereux Hall. It was said that on one night of the year, at one particular time of night, the ghost of Cooper could be seen standing in uniform in front of the old memorial, admiring his name listed with the rest of the World War II veterans. Before disappearing once again, Cooper would bend over the memorial and polish his name with his sleeve.
Through the years the memorial weathered and names began to fade, but not William Cooper's. Until the memorial was removed and replaced with St. Bonaventure's current statue, Cooper's name shone as fresh and legible as it was the day it was engraved.
Before the memorial was moved to the front of the Reilly Center, it could be seen from the windows of Devereux Hall. It was said that on one night of the year, at one particular time of night, the ghost of Cooper could be seen standing in uniform in front of the old memorial, admiring his name listed with the rest of the World War II veterans. Before disappearing once again, Cooper would bend over the memorial and polish his name with his sleeve.
Through the years the memorial weathered and names began to fade, but not William Cooper's. Until the memorial was removed and replaced with St. Bonaventure's current statue, Cooper's name shone as fresh and legible as it was the day it was engraved.