It's not how you start... it's where you finish
2019 - Donald Paulk
2019 UBEOC Distinguished Alumni Award
UBEOC Class of 1974
Mr. Donald Paulk was 11 years old when his father passed away at the age of 34. As one of 11 children, Mr. Paulk learned to deal with life’s hardships early in life while growing up in the housing projects of Buffalo, NY. As a child, he sang in a group called the Energetics; and as a teenager he was a member of a street gang.
"The Buffalo EOC inspired me to think beyond doing what I was told to do, instead to think about what I ‘could’ do."
Two weeks after graduating East High School in Buffalo, NY, Mr. Paulk joined the United States Marine Corps (USMC). He served in the Infantry as a Lance Corporal and was deployed on the USS Austin, an amphibious transport dock ship in the United States Navy. After military service, Mr. Paulk enrolled in the College Preparation Program at the University at Buffalo Educational Opportunity Center. He stated that his military service taught him to do what he was ‘told’ to do but that “The EOC inspired me to think beyond doing what I was told to do, instead to think about what I ‘could’ do.” As the second oldest male, Mr. Paulk emphasized that he felt an immense responsibility to be a role model to his siblings by creating his new beginning at EOC.
Mr. Paulk enrolled at Erie Community College (now known as SUNY Erie)) and earned an Associate Degree in Social Science. As the first member of his family to earn a college degree, Mr. Paulk continued his education and later earned Bachelor and Master Degrees in the social and community services field from Buffalo State College. During this time, Mr. Paulk continued his service to the country by serving in the Army and National Guard Reserves.
Mr. Paulk’s commitment to humanitarian causes is evidenced by his dedication to working and volunteering with a variety of community agencies. He has worked with mentally and physically challenged youth and substance abusers involved in the juvenile justice systems in Florida and California. Locally, he was a Resident Service Coordinator at the WNY Veterans Housing Coalition, a Mental Health Coordinator at the Community Action Organization, a Mental Health Specialist at Baker Hall School and a Case Manager at St. Augustine’s Center.
Mr. Paulk currently assists Veterans involved in the Drug and Family Treatment Courts in Buffalo, NY who are experiencing mental health issues. He is also a DJ at A Gathering Place, a social program run by Catholic Charities, for adults age 60 and older who may need assistance with activities of daily living. Mr. Paulk is the 3rd Vice Commander at the American Legion Jesse Clipper Post No. 430, where he plays bugle TAPS for flag ceremonies and military funerals, and where he was honored as the recipient of the 2018 Legionnaire of the Year Award. In recognition of his service and commitment to the Western New York community, Mr. Paulk was awarded a 2019 Community Change Maker Award from the Mary B. Talbert Civic and Cultural Club of Buffalo.
Alumni Affairs and Student Development Office