This building is the "front door" of the campus for most
visiting high school students. It is named for Frank Bonta, who served as
Dean of Admissions for 44 years before retiring (1951-1995), witnessing 11
generations of Albion College students come and go. This image is from the
Albion College Website, 2005.
The dedication ceremony was held during Homecoming Weekend
in 1996, attracting more than 100 former Admissions Office staff members,
friends and guests. One of which, Linda Vivian Pulling '75, said of Bonta
that "I've never worked for or with another person who is more professional
than Frank Bonta. His level of integrity and class is rare, and it goes
without saying that there isn't a more loyal Albion College alumnus!" During
the weekend, Frank was also presented with the Alumni Association's
Meritorious Service Award.
Bonta served for 3 years in the U.S. Navy during World War
II before earning his college degree from Albion. Following his graduation
in 1949, he worked as the executive assistant to the managing director of
the Veterans of Foreign Wars National Home in Eaton Rapids. In 1951, he
began his career at Albion as an admissions counselor, was promoted to
Director in 1961, and finally Dean in 1973. While at Albion, Bonta also
coordinated the College's Commencements and Honors Convocations and held
numerous leadership roles in professional organizations, including a term as
president of the Michigan Association of Collegiate Registrars and
Admissions Officers. Prior to his term as president, Bonta served as
chairman of the Junior-Senior College Articulation Committee, 1968-60;
secretary, 1964-66; and chairman, Secondary School-College Relations
Committee, 1962-63. Bonta was also a registered consultant in college
admissions for the North Central Association of Colleges and Secondary
Schools. He was a member of the National Association of College Admissions
Counselors, for which he served on the Advisory Board from 1963-68. In
addition, he was a member of the Study Committee on Present and Future Needs
for Postsecondary Education for the State Board of Education.
Bonta earned his M.A. in 1960 and his Ed.S. in 1966, both
from Michigan State University. He also received an honorary Doctor of Laws
degree from Albion in 1982.
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