Cleveland State University remembers athletics enthusiast Bonita Tiffany for her unwavering support of the Vikings

Oct. 20, 2006

Cleveland State University lost one of its biggest athletic supporters recently.  Bonita Tiffany showed unwavering support for Viking athletics and has been described as dedicated, caring, exuberant, happy, cheerful, kind and generous by those who had the opportunity to meet her. 

Bonita succumbed to cancer after a courageous two-year battle with the disease, and the Cleveland State family showed their appreciation for her following a volleyball match against Loyola University Chicago on September 29 by having quotes from current and former Vikings athletes posted around Woodling Gymnasium. These quotes gave everyone the chance to see what kind of an impact Bonita had throughout the years. 

"I remember seeing Bonita in the stands watching our softball games and cheering us on," said softball/cross country athlete Christina Swierz. "She was always such a huge supporter of Cleveland State athletics. She even traveled to watch our cross country team run and joined us for dinner afterwards.  She was such an amazing person and will be remembered forever."

"Bonita was an extremely lovely person.  She has been to nearly every home game that I have played in four years at Cleveland State," said men's soccer athlete Mark Zambra.  "Even when we had to travel to Mentor for home games, she made the journey with us.  She gave our boys food after games and always had a kind word for us.  I will miss her very much as she was Cleveland State's number-one fan and someone I will never forget."

Bonita was a fixture at most of Cleveland State's home events and she made a tremendous effort to be at as many away contests as possible, especially Horizon League Championship events.  Bonita did not own a car, but she managed to show up at distant locations such as Milwaukee, Chicago and Indianapolis.

"Each year that the conference championship was to be held at a site other than CSU, Bonita would always want to sit down and get our exact schedule for the trip," said women's swimming coach Mike Lehto."  Bonita needed to know early so that she could set up her bus schedule to that city and also make sure that the city's bus schedule allowed her to get to the events on time.  I am fortunate to have met such a thoughtful and caring person - that opportunity does not happen every day."

Bonita was an excellent example of the "ultimate fan."  She was dedicated to the Viking teams as a whole, spreading her energy and enthusiasm throughout every Cleveland State team.  

"We will always remember Bonita and miss the support she showed our volleyball team," said women's volleyball athlete Danielle Siefker.  "She was always at our home matches cheering us on and filling our sweet tooth to the fullest with some of the best cookies ever." 

The Cleveland State University Student-Athlete Advisory Council has developed the Bonita Tiffany Fund, which will be used to build a memorial in gratitude for a devoted and caring woman who loved the Vikings.  The memorial is expected to be placed near Woodling Gymnasium in the form of a bench carrying her name as well as a tree planted in her honor.