2014 - LaVita J. Spentz

Upon graduating from the UBEOC in 1988, LaVita became employed in administrative support positions for several community-based agencies including St. Ann's Center, St. Augustine's Center, Lake Shore Maternal Support Program, and the Lake Shore ACT Program.  Having built a strong record of community service, LaVita continued to assume positions of ever increasing responsibility. LaVita served as the Executive Director of the Delavan-Grider Community Center, Program Coordinator at Crucial Human Services, and Youth Coordinator at the Community Action Organization (CAO). For the past 10 years, LaVita has served in the capacity as Administrator for the Thomas T. Edwards Funeral Home. During this time she was instrumental in helping the company earn six “Benchmark of Excellence Awards,” - the highest award given by the corporate office.  Her employment in the funeral industry led to her involvement in the Western New York Perinatal Bereavement Network’s Wings of Love Program, in the “Wings of Love Memorial Walk,” and the “Evening to Remember” event where she earned a community service award given by the network. LaVita is a member of the Buffalo Genealogical Society of the African Diaspora (BGSAD) and is a member of Sword of the Spirit Ministries.

It is through her demonstrated community service, advocacy, and leadership that the University at Buffalo Educational Opportunity Center recognizesd Ms. LaVita J. Spentz as the 2014 recipient of the Arthur O. Eve Education and Community Service Award.

Alumni Affairs and Student Development Office