Fund-Raising Dinner to Benefit Physical Therapy Scholarships, Alfred T. Caffiero Endowment

BUFFALO, N.Y. -- Physical therapist Alfred T. Caffiero, a role model for students, faculty, patients and friends alike, is being honored for his lifetime achievements by the UB School of Health Related Professions.

University administrators also plan to announce the establishment of the Alfred T. Caffiero Endowed Scholarship Fund for physical therapy students at a dinner honoring him to be held at 6:30 p.m. on Nov. 11 in the University Inn & Conference Center, 2401 North Forest Road, Getzville.

A clinical instructor in the UB School of Health Related Professions and a physical therapist who has practiced for more than 40 years in Western New York, Caffiero has treated hundreds of patients, including professional athletes, the elderly and the disabled. A resident of Amherst, he also has mentored dozens of UB physical therapy students who worked with him as interns or came to work for him as newly graduated physical therapists.

Caffiero graduated from Ithaca College with his bachelor's degree in 1960 and began practicing at South Buffalo Mercy Hospital in 1961. In 1962, he moved to St. Joseph's Intercommunity Hospital, where he directed the physical therapy program for 25 years. In 1980, Caffiero and his partners -- Bill Hahn and Walter Syzmanski -- founded Western New York Physical and Occupational Therapy Group.

Diagnosed four years ago with amyotrophic lateral sclerosis, also known as Lou Gehrig's Disease, Caffiero continues to consult with patients at his many offices and at the Weinburg Campus, always encouraging them and looking for ways to improve their quality of life.

Tickets for the dinner reception are $50 with the entire amount going to the scholarship fund. Tickets may be purchased by calling 716-829-3434 x269.

Donations to the Alfred T. Caffiero Endowed Scholarship Fund can be sent to the School of Health Related Professions, 435 Kimball Tower - South Campus, State University of New York at Buffalo, Buffalo, NY 14214-3079. Checks should be made payable to the University at Buffalo Foundation.

For information on how you can support the University at Buffalo, go to http://www.buffalo.edu/giving.