Anonymous donor gives $2.5 million for engineering scholarships

One of the largest bequests ever made to UB will be an investment in the School of Engineering and Applied Sciences student body. The $2.5 million bequest commitment will fund scholarships to recruit outstanding undergraduate and graduate engineering students.

Proceeds from the bequest, made by an anonymous faculty member through an estate plan, also will support a potential professorship.

The donor targeted scholarships "because this area needs more help financially to enable engineering students to attend and receive an exceptional education at UB. State support is insufficient. I want to see this bequest grow in the years to come to benefit many financially needy students in the future."

President William R. Greiner praised the donor for his dedication to future UB students in financial need. "UB's School of Engineering and Applied Sciences is among the top 10 percent of the nation's schools of engineering. And we want to stay in that exclusive group," said Greiner. "This support guarantees that many bright and talented students will not only be assured of the opportunity to study here, but they can do so knowing UB believes strongly in what they have to offer to engineering."

The bequest, noted Greiner, also "sends another strong and very positive message that those within, as well as outside the university, care deeply about UB's students and its future. This is an overwhelming vote of confidence from a member of the UB family."

Mark H. Karwan, dean of the engineering school, agreed that the bequest sends a resounding message about the strength of the community's commitment to the well-being of the university.

"This bequest from a UB faculty member is instrumental in demonstrating to our alumni, friends and corporate partners how much we care about our institution. We are extremely fortunate to have such a demonstration of leadership and dedication," said Karwan.

He added that funding scholarships is vital to efforts by the school and university to actively recruit outstanding students.

"Top schools are based on the best students, faculty, staff and facilities," said Karwan. "Because this bequest is funding scholarships, it will assist our initiatives to attract and retain the best and brightest students and help students afford a quality education. In doing so, the gift will impact the overall quality of the engineering school."

When fulfilled, the endowed scholarship fund will be created with a bequest upon the death of the donor. The first scholarships will be available at that time.