Frank Bonta was a pitcher on the baseball team from 1947 to1949, but he is best remembered for his staunch support of Britonathletics and for leading the recruitment of 11 generations ofAlbion College student-athletes.
Frank, who received his M.A. and Ed.S. degrees from MichiganState University, began his long career at Albion as an admissionscounselor in 1951. He retired as dean of admissions after 44 yearsof service in 1995.
Frank received an honorary doctor of laws degree from Albion in1982 and the Meritorious Service Award in 1996. On HomecomingWeekend 1996, Albion dedicated the Bonta Admissions House in hishonor.
Frank is still a regular at many Briton home athletic events. Hehas a “reserved” spot along the fence atSprankle-Sprandel Stadium to watch football on autumn Saturdayafternoons, and during basketball season he joins Morley Fraser andother long-time fans in the bleachers on the north side of KresgeGymnasium.
Frank lives in Eaton Rapids with his wife, Patricia SmallwoodBonta, ’50. The couple has two daughters: Julie Bonta Frayer,’77, and Amy Bonta Bender, ’78. They also have fivegrandchildren, including Lauren Bender, ’05.
