Campus Community
Posted: Thursday, November 13, 2008Carmine A. Grande Conference Room Dedicated
A major renovation project in Cleveland Hall 418 was recently completed, and the room was officially dedicated to the memory of the late Carmine Grande, former vice president for institutional advancement and development, in a ceremony held on October 14.
President Howard opened the event with welcoming remarks. Todd Brason, member and past chair of the Buffalo State College Foundation Board, and James Brandys, ’71, ’73, Buffalo State College Council member and chair of the Buffalo State College Planned Giving Committee, also spoke, remembering Grande as an individual who gave unstintingly of his talent and time on behalf of the college. Those in attendance included friends, staff, members of the College Council and the Foundation Board, and family members Rev. Dr. Geri Lyon, Grande’s widow; Kristin, his daughter; Erika, his daughter-in-law; and Rebekah, his granddaughter.
Lyon and John Hoskins, chair of the College Council, unveiled a plaque dedicating the Carmine A. Grande Conference Room “in honor and appreciation of Dr. Grande’s years of dedicated service.”
Grande, DPS, ACFRE, served Buffalo State College as vice president for institutional advancement and development and executive director of the Buffalo State College Foundation from 1997 until his death in 2006. Under his direction, fundraising at Buffalo State increased dramatically. Among the numerous major gifts raised during his tenure was a $2.4 million challenge grant for the college’s esteemed art conservation program. He was also instrumental in securing several million-dollar gifts, one of which resulted in the first endowed chair in the college’s history.
The renovation project, started in late spring, includes a movable instructor’s console designed especially for the project, according to project manager Debra A. Hurley, assistant design and construction coordinator in the Facilities Planning Department. The room will have “smart” technology installed soon, including a ceiling-mounted projector, computer, monitor, and VCR/DVD player.
