From the Vice President for Institutional Advancement
Posted: Monday, April 18, 2016Philanthropy at Work
I am happy to announce that the April 9 Buffalo State College Foundation Scholarship Gala raised a remarkable $205,000. Those dollars will fund scholarships for 82 exemplary students enrolled in the Muriel A. Howard Honors Program. This year’s total includes a record-breaking $54,000 raised during Stand for a Student at the end of the live auction.
Nothing makes me prouder than to see the Buffalo State community come together to help students realize their dream of a college education. It is truly philanthropy at work. To everyone who participated in the 19th annual gala and to everyone who gave, please accept my heartfelt thanks.
I would specifically like to thank this year’s gala chairs, James Brandys, ’71, ’73, and Joy Brandys, as well as Buffalo State President Katherine Conway-Turner and Dr. Alvin Turner and presenting sponsor, M&T Bank. Our gala would not have turned out as beautifully as it did without the tireless dedication of gala committee members Dorothy Ferguson, Jon Amoia, Mark Trammell, Patty O'Brien, Kathryn Neeson, and Christie Wilson.
I also want to recognize the talents of associate dean of the School of Arts and Humanities Carlos Jones and the theater students who put on a fantastic multimedia dance performance, and of faculty members Lynn Boorady and Jozef Bajus and their fashion and textile technology and design students, respectively, who created the unique art installation that added to the Paris-themed décor.
Founded in 1984, the Honors Program provides intellectually committed undergraduate students with a rewarding and academically challenging learning experience. Each year, we accept only about 50 students into the program. When they arrive, they are expected to participate in all the academic opportunities the college has to offer, including rigorous courses, unique seminars, undergraduate research, and internships. When they graduate, these students are prepared to excel in the global job market and to hold leadership positions in their professional careers and in their communities.
None of this would be possible without the scholarships that enable these exceptional students to pursue their studies at Buffalo State. Since the fundraiser began in 1998, the gala has helped raise more than $3.5 million in scholarship funds.
To see more details about this year’s gala, please visit the Giving website.
