The Buffalo State University community is saddened by the death of Michael E. Woodruff, assistant director of financial aid (retired), who died April 7, 2024. Mr. Woodruff joined the campus in 1988 and retired in 2010. He is survived by his wife, Ottilie; three children; and seven grandchildren. The family will receive friends Wednesday, April 17, at 10:00 a.m. at Calvary Baptist Church, 1184 Genesee Street, Buffalo, New York 14211. A Memorial Life Celebration will follow at 11:00 a.m. More information is available online.

Governor Kathy Hochul signed into law on April 3, 2024, new discretionary thresholds for purchases from NYS certified minority- and woman-owned business enterprises (MWBEs) and service disabled veteran-owned business enterprises (SDVOB). The discretionary purchasing threshold when buying from these entities has been increased from $500,000 to $750,000. This law is effective immediately. This law precludes the university from performing a formal bid when using certified MWBEs.

Campus departments are encouraged to use certified MWBEs and SDVOBs where possible. A searchable statewide MWBE directory is available on the Procurement website and can also be found on the NYS website.

Departments should contact Procurement Services for planning purposes for purchases that are expected to be over $50,000 using state funds if the intention is to use an MWBE or SDVOB.

Please contact Kristy Mediak, senior director of procurement services, with questions.

Every Friday is $7 entry into the Bengal Kitchen for breakfast, lunch, and dinner! Come and enjoy a delicious meal with co-workers. We hope to see you there!

Please join the Biology Department and the Great Lakes Center for the seminar "Examining Inequality in Aquatic Ecosystem Services: Evidence from Large-Scale Monitoring Programs," presented by Katya E. Kovalenko, research associate at the University of Minnesota Duluth, today, April 15, at 3:00 p.m. in Science and Mathematics Complex 151. Attendees are welcome to enjoy coffee and cookies during the seminar.

Abstract
Multiple aquatic ecosystem services sustain humanity, but some of them may not be equitably accessible to all people. Dr. Kovalenko takes a transdisciplinary approach to recent literature to highlight some of the inequalities specific to aquatic ecosystems, focusing on provisioning, supporting and cultural aquatic ecosystem services. She used existing data from large-scale aquatic monitoring programs (National Coastal Condition Assessment, National Lakes Assessment) to examine relationships between ecosystem condition, approximating a subset of cultural and provisioning services, and inequality (population below poverty level, minority population). She assessed whether monitoring sites equitably represented the gradient of socioeconomic backgrounds. Several water quality indicators were associated with significantly different minority and low income percentages; however, the effect size was generally small, with the exception of nitrogen condition status. Minority communities were somewhat underrepresented when comparing the distribution of all census blocks with those in proximity to monitoring sites. Analyses were sensitive to the skewed distribution of monitoring sites with a low frequency of observations at the more socially vulnerable part of the gradient. She will discuss implications of these findings for improving the representation of vulnerable communities in large-scale monitoring programs.

Please join the Biology Department and the Great Lakes Center for the seminar "Examining Inequality in Aquatic Ecosystem Services: Evidence from Large-Scale Monitoring Programs," presented by Katya E. Kovalenko, research associate at the University of Minnesota Duluth, on Monday, April 15, at 3:00 p.m. in Science and Mathematics Complex 151. Attendees are welcome to enjoy coffee and cookies during the seminar.

Abstract
Multiple aquatic ecosystem services sustain humanity, but some of them may not be equitably accessible to all people. Dr. Kovalenko takes a transdisciplinary approach to recent literature to highlight some of the inequalities specific to aquatic ecosystems, focusing on provisioning, supporting and cultural aquatic ecosystem services. She used existing data from large-scale aquatic monitoring programs (National Coastal Condition Assessment, National Lakes Assessment) to examine relationships between ecosystem condition, approximating a subset of cultural and provisioning services, and inequality (population below poverty level, minority population). She assessed whether monitoring sites equitably represented the gradient of socioeconomic backgrounds. Several water quality indicators were associated with significantly different minority and low income percentages; however, the effect size was generally small, with the exception of nitrogen condition status. Minority communities were somewhat underrepresented when comparing the distribution of all census blocks with those in proximity to monitoring sites. Analyses were sensitive to the skewed distribution of monitoring sites with a low frequency of observations at the more socially vulnerable part of the gradient. She will discuss implications of these findings for improving the representation of vulnerable communities in large-scale monitoring programs.

Please join the Alumni Engagement Office as we partner with Compeer Buffalo to offer Mental Health 101 training to the campus community and mentors in the Alumni Mentorship Program on Wednesday, May 1, from 5:30 to 6:30 p.m. in the LoRusso Alumni and Visitor Center's Zemsky Family Presentation Room (second floor).

In this one-hour workshop, you will learn basic information about mental health, facts that help reduce stigma, the importance of de-escalation, community resources, and an introduction to other training opportunities with Compeer including mental health first aid. 

The training is free to attend. RSVP by email.

Because of an unforeseen error, the College Senate elections have been suspended and will resume at a later date once the error is resolved.

Buffalo State University's Fashion and Textile Technology Department and New Era Cap proudly present the 17th annual Runway fashion show Saturday, April 20, at 7:00 p.m. in the Buffalo State Sports Arena. Doors open at 5:00 p.m., so arrive early to secure your spot.

Experience the creativity and talent of our Buffalo State students as they take the stage to showcase their designs, production skills, and collaborative efforts. Dress to impress and immerse yourself in the glamour of our live Red Carpet and Photobooth. Don't miss the chance to shop at our new Bengal Bodega boutique and network with the finest in Buffalo's fashion scene!

Event Timeline
Doors open - 5:00 p.m.
Opening remarks - 7:00 p.m.
Show starts - 7:05 p.m.
Closing remarks and awards - 8:00 p.m.
Event ends - 8:30 p.m.

Learn more about our 2024 focus, True Delusion!

For more information, visit the Runway website.

The Runway Experience

RUNWAY: GENERAL ADMISSION $20

• Live Red Carpet access
• Shop our Benga Bodega (cash and cards accepted)
• Enjoy our Buffalovebus photobooth experience

RUNWAY: VIP $100

The Ultimate Runway VIP Experience 5:00-6:30 p.m. VIP guests will be seated at 6:30 p.m.; show starts promptly at 7:00 p.m.

• Access to a private VIP party in Sports Arena (new spot!)
• Enjoy complimentary beer, wine, and hors d'oeuvres
• Reserved VIP seating
• Exclusive Runway x OM New York limited edition True Delusion tote bag
• Runway swag by Renew Bath & Body and In-Room Plus
• Shop our Benga Bodega (cash and cards accepted)
• Enjoy our Buffalovebus photobooth experience

POSE: Live Red Carpet
Experience the epitome of fabulousness with our live red carpet featuring Buffalo drag queens Carrot Darling and Ditzy Duke. From jaw-dropping True Delusion outfits to mesmerizing makeup, these queens will dazzle you as they own the carpet, exuding g-l-a-m-o-u-r. Bring the action and bring the style. Who are you wearing to Runway?

SHOP: Bengal Bodega
The Bengal Bodega is a pop-up boutique that celebrates the entrepreneurial spirit of Buffalo State University. Shop the curated selection of products ranging from apparel and accessories to one-of-a-kind vintage and handmade finds. Bengal Bodega supports Milligan's Buffalo State Food Pantry by contributing 10 percent of proceeds to help combat food insecurity among students at Buffalo State.

We extend our sincere gratitude to our 2024 sponsors:
Presenting Sponsor: New Era Cap

Bespoke Sponsor: Spicy Creative, Tribe Up North, Legacy House, Creative Connect

Couture Sponsor: OM NEW YORK

Collection Sponsor: Evergreen, Crisis Services, M&T Bank, Franco's Pizza, West Herr, Wegman's, Renew Bath and Body, In-Room Plus

Designer Sponsor: BetterMynd, Ingram Micro, Buffalovebus, Second Chic, Metagama, Save the Rags, Ms. Eye Candy Boutique, Trend Up, CrossClipss, Buffalo State Alumni Association 

Thank you to our campus partners: School of the Professions, Buffalo State Foundation, Open House, Africana Studies, Fiber Arts, Theater Department, Events Management, Marketing and Communications, and Alumni Association.

Stay in the loop with all things Runway! Follow us on social media for your daily dose of fashion, meet the designers, and catch behind-the-scenes footage of the making of this student produced event. Don't forget to show some love by hitting that like and share button!

@buffalostatefashion

@bsurunway

Julia Bottoms, '12, '17, celebrated local artist and Buffalo State graduate, will speak at the Burchfield Penney Art Center on Thursday, April 18, at 6:00 p.m. Ms. Bottoms is a visual artist and an entrepreneur. As a working artist, she has received many important commissions, including the Freedom Wall, a large-scale mural, and Before and After Again, currently on display at the Buffalo AKG Art Museum. Last year she had a solo exhibition at the Burchfield Penney. Ms. Bottoms will discuss her artistic and professional journey. This special program is free and open to the public.

Co-sponsors include the Buffalo State Small Business Development Center (SBDC), the Burchfield Penney Art Center, the Anne Frank Project, the Art and Design Department, and the Inclusion and Equity division of the Dean of Students Office. For more information, please contact Susan McCartney, director of the SBDC.

This year Bengals and Bikes has formed a team to help raise funds for cancer research. Ride for Roswell (RFR) is scheduled for Saturday, June 22, and we are looking for riders to help us fundraise. You are welcome to check out our fundraising page or join our team.

Our goal is to recruit 20 team members and raise $500 each for a total of $10,000 (hopefully more!). Each rider is a fundraiser, and all fundraisers get their own fundraising page on the RFR website. To be on the team and fundraise, you must register for a ride. You can select any ride you want from a list (short, long, or anything in between), or you can select to do your own ride. 

Please direct questions to Eric "Luke" Krieg, professor of sociology.