Formidable Entertainment Executive and Producer Brad Grey to Receive SUNY Honorary Degree on March 27

BUFFALO, N.Y. -- Brad Grey, a University at Buffalo alumnus who is a top producer in the entertainment industry will receive an honorary Doctor of Humane Letters degree from the State University of New York at the University at Buffalo on March 27.

Grey, chairman of Brillstein-Grey Entertainment, will be honored for his contributions and achievement in the field of entertainment business, and his world-wide industry renown.

"Brad Grey's business acumen, pronounced emphasis on professional and artistic integrity and legendary respect for his clients' vision have set a new industry standard, transforming the entertainment world and enriching the media arts for generations to come," said UB President William R. Greiner.

"Throughout his trailblazing career, he has excelled by combining extraordinary business savvy with an instinct for creative talent and nurturing innovative ideas.

"Mr. Grey's own vision and willingness to support groundbreaking projects such as 'The Sopranos' -- even in the face of strong opposition -- have revolutionized popular television, expanding and diversifying the boundaries of the genre."

Grey's trip to Buffalo will include a visit to the UB North (Amherst) Campus, where he will lecture to students in the media study program. He will receive his honorary degree at a private luncheon reception to be held in the home of President and Mrs. Greiner.

Grey runs a multifaceted entertainment company, cited by Forbes Magazine as "Hollywood's most successful management and production firm."

Brillstein-Grey Management's extensive list of clients includes: Jennifer Aniston, Marc Anthony, Jim Belushi, Wayne Brady, Dana Carvey, Bob Costas, Courteney Cox, the Hon. Rudolph Giuliani, Greg Kinnear, Rob Lowe, Bill Maher, John Malkovich, Lorne Michaels, Dennis Miller, Brad Pitt, Guy Ritchie, Adam Sandler, Martin Short, Christian Slater, Jimmy Smits, David Spade, Nia Vardalos and Noah Wyle.

The company's television studio, Brad Grey Television, currently has a number of shows on the air for the 2002-2003 network season. The company serves as executive producer of "The Sopranos," "Just Shoot Me," "According to Jim," "Real Time with Bill Maher," and "My Big Fat Greek Life." The company also produced "The Larry Sanders Show" and "News Radio," both of which now are in syndication.

Grey graduated in 1979 from UB, where he majored in communication and business. His wife, the former Jill Gutterson, received a bachelor's degree in social sciences interdisciplinary studies in 1979.

He began his career in Buffalo, first working with fellow UB alumnus Harvey Weinstein's production company and then as a partner with him in a talent management company.

In addition to his professional accomplishments, Grey has shown his commitment to his alma mater and the education of future media professionals by sharing his expertise with up-and-coming students in UB's master's program in film production, and by serving as a media study Advisory Committee member.

In 1998, he received the Distinguished Alumni Award from the UB Alumni Association.

Grey serves on the UCLA Executive Board of the Medical Sciences, the Board of Directors of KCET, the Board of Directors for Project A.L.S., the Dean's Council at New York University's Tisch School of the Arts, the Los Angeles Board of Governors of the Museum of Television and Radio, and the Board of Councilors at the University of Southern California's School of Cinema-Television.