winter 2009-2010 - The University of Scranton

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That “something” parlayed into something
special during his years at Scranton.
“The people at the University are so caring,”
he says, recalling the concern of maintenance
staff and professors, including one
who became a mentor.
During his freshman year, Bonner met
Sr. Joan Roccasalvo, C.S.J., associate campus
minister and adjunct professor of music.
“We hit it off,” he says, and before he knew
it, he was enrolled in a “Bach to Rock” class
with Sr. Joan. By the time he graduated,
Bonner had earned a minor in music history,
not to mention a lifetime friend who,
from time to time, joins him as a guest at
Yankees home games.
After graduating from Scranton, he
landed a job working for WNBC in the
sports department with Len Burman. It was
during Bonner’s first big assignment on the
road in 1996 – covering spring training in
Tampa – that he met the public relations
director for the Yankees. A couple of years
Michael Bonner ’95, senior director, scoreboard and broadcasting, for the New York Yankees is quite
literally a billboard for his alma mater, as he proudly displays his photo alongside a University of
Scranton logo on the big screen at Yankee Stadium.
later, while working for the NHL, he was
contacted about the job with the Yankees.
The rest, as they say, is history.
Despite his busy schedule – including 15-
hour days for home games – Bonner continually
finds time to stay connected to his alma
mater. He’s hosted a game at Yankee Stadium
for alumni of the Scranton Club of New
York, attends the annual alumni “Socials in
the Sunshine State” while accompanying the
Yankees at spring training in Tampa, and is a
regular at the President’s Business Council’s
Annual Award Dinner in New York.
Best yet, he doesn’t miss an opportunity
to return to that sacred ground at Scranton.
He gets back to Scranton at least once a year
to do a story on the Scranton/Wilkes-Barre
Yankees.
“I’d like to think that in a small way
I played a part in bringing the Yankees
affiliate to Scranton,” says Bonner, explaining
how he extolled the large Yankee fan
base to the chief operating officer of the
team when they were looking to change
minor league affiliates.
While in the area, Bonner hosts alumni
and friends at the games at PNC Field.
During a visit in June, he brought his wife,
Mandi, and 10 month-old daughter, Anna,
to campus for a tour.
“I’ve always been proud of being a graduate
of the University, and I’m pleased to give
back,” he says.
In many ways, Scranton is his field of
dreams.
Generations of Alumni Keep the Scranton Legacy Alive