UB President's Medal Awarded to Lawrence P. Castellani

BUFFALO, N.Y. -- Lawrence P. Castellani, former chair of the University at Buffalo Council and the Board of Trustees of the UB Foundation, Inc., received the UB President's Medal in recognition of extraordinary service to UB at the annual University Founders Dinner held on Nov. 9 in UB's Center for the Arts.

The President's Medal, first presented in 1990, recognizes "outstanding scholarly or artistic achievements, humanitarian acts, contributions of time or treasure, exemplary leadership or any other major contribution to the development of the University at Buffalo and the quality of life in the UB community."

"It is fitting that we recognize Larry Castellani, a leader in Western New York for many years as president and chief executive officer of Tops Markets, and now with Tops Markets' parent company, Royal Ahold," said UB President William R. Greiner, who presented the medal to Castellani.

"Larry has provided outstanding leadership and service to the University at Buffalo in many capacities. He has been a very active member of the University at Buffalo Foundation's Board of Trustees since 1986, chairing the foundation's Audit Committee from 1989-91. He then served with great distinction as chairman of the foundation board before being named chair of the University at Buffalo Council."

Greiner noted, "As council chair, Larry helped establish a council structure that will work more effectively with SUNY system administration and the SUNY Board of Trustees.

"Larry's leadership also was a key in enhancing the quality of student life at UB, particularly the newly expanded housing options for undergraduate and graduate students.

"For these reasons, we take great pride in presenting the President's Medal to him."

Castellani resigned from the UB Council on Sept. 1 after accepting a position as president and chief executive officer of Ahold Support Services, South America. He is based in Buenos Aires, Argentina.

Also at the Founders Dinner, Greiner presented the Walter P. Cooke Award to Reginald B. Newman, II, who succeeded Castellani as president of the UB Foundation Board of Trustees.

The Cooke award, given by the UB Alumni Association, recognizes non-alumni who have made notable and meritorious contributions to UB and its family, influencing growth and improvement for the university. Newman, president of NOCO Energy Corp., has been a member of the foundation board since 1989.

Newman was named the recipient of the Cooke award last spring, but was unable to attend the alumni association's awards dinner in May.