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from the UBAA President
Alumni can help maintain UB’s momentum amid fiscal challenges
Last fall, in the face of the U.S. economy’s meltdown, I was left with many more questions than answers. The country’s financial situation—and certainly that of New York State—was tenuous at best. Financial institutions were closing or being bought out, the stock market was experiencing record-setting fluctuations and the presidential election was upon us. Closer to home, the University at Buffalo was facing a state budget cut of at least 10 percent or approximately $21 million.
If you’re anything like me and my family, you’ve been making tough choices in terms of personal spending. What can we afford? What is a true necessity versus a clear-cut luxury? How much support can we provide to our favorite charities and not-for-profit causes? Is retirement even an option?
Likewise, UB is facing a similar challenge that could be summarized as “making do with less.” Given these conditions, how do we continue transforming this university into a world-class research institution? In his annual address to the community this past September, UB president John B. Simpson outlined the potential impact of state budget cuts on the university and its programs. Furthermore, he implored community members to help bring about state regulatory reforms that would enable UB 2020—our plan for expansion and academic excellence—to succeed.
Collectively, alumni play a very important role in maintaining UB 2020’s momentum. The UB Alumni Association is working to keep you and all our constituents engaged and energized, as the university strengthens its reputation as a great research university and as a pillar among its peer institutions and within its various communities, whether they be local, regional, national or international.
Are you interested in being part of the solution? Join UB Believers (it’s free). Join the UB Alumni Association (it doesn’t cost much and now friends of the university may join, too). Attend UB-sponsored events in a city near you (and get reconnected). Or, if you are so inclined, please consider making a philanthropic gift to a UB department, activity or scholarship fund that has special meaning for you.
These times do indeed call for vigorous and unqualified support for our alma mater—please join me in our common plan for action.
Marc A. Adler, MA ’83, MBA ’82 & BA ’79
President, UB Alumni Association
marc@flynnandfriends.com; 716-523-1957
UB in the News
New York Times
SUNY weighs the value of Division I sports
An article in the New York Times looks at the advantages and disadvantages SUNY schools have encountered as they upgrade their athletic programs to compete with other major public institutions at the Division I level. UB is mentioned as having led the way to Division I in 1991 and the football team played a bowl game for the first time in January, but the path has not been as smooth for other SUNY campuses. The article quotes former UB president William H. Greiner and UB athletic director Warde Manuel.
New York Times
UB photographer says a rephotograph lifts the illusion that time stops
UB's Doug Levere, photographer in University Communications, is quoted in a New York Times article about the changing urban landscape of New York City.
USA Today
Government downsizing may result in a dangerous concentration of power, expert says
An article in USA Today about efforts in Western New York to downsize local governments and the wave of national frustration over big government that was illustrated this year by raucous town-hall style meeting over health care reports a study by UB's Regional Institute concluded that if every municipality in Erie County cut two legislators, the savings would be "negligible," less than $4 per person a year in most cases. The article quotes Kathryn Foster, director of the Regional Institute.