Campaign Donor Wall to be Dedicated on Oct. 14

BUFFALO, N.Y. -- A granite donor wall honoring individuals, corporations and foundations that made leadership commitments to "The Campaign for UB: Generation to Generation" as well as the campaign volunteer leaders, will be dedicated on UB's North Campus on Oct. 14 on the eve of the investiture of John B. Simpson as UB's 14th president.

The campaign, the largest in the university's history, spanned seven years and concluded in September 2003.

Simpson praised the campaign's volunteer leadership and the results achieved. "As the most ambitious and most successful fund-raising initiative in the history of our university, 'The Campaign for UB: Generation to Generation' set an inspiring precedent for the University at Buffalo," Simpson noted.

"Having raised $291.6 million -- exceeding its goal by $41.6 million -- this visionary campaign established a new benchmark for UB's growth and development in every respect, fostering an expanded culture of giving and volunteerism that has served to invigorate our entire university community."

Jeremy M. Jacobs '60, chair of the UB Council and honorary campaign chair, echoed Simpson's comments.

"This wall will be a reminder of our accomplishments: reconnecting with alumni, realizing greater recognition of UB's achievements among an external audience and re-energizing the spirit of philanthropy," Jacobs added. "'Thank you' to all of the individuals, corporations and foundations, who partnered with this premiere public research institution to leave an outstanding legacy."

The wall, standing some seven feet high and nearly eight feet long with approximately 375 names engraved on it, will be located in a small grove of trees next to Slee Hall on the UB North (Amherst) Campus and facing the adjacent Center for the Arts. The wall celebrates donors who made commitments of $50,000 or more across the 13 decanal units of the university as well as athletics, libraries, the University Honors Program and WBFO 88.7 FM, the National Public Radio affiliate operated by UB.

"The donor wall is a tangible and visible way we can demonstrate our appreciation to these alumni, volunteers, partners and friends who led the way in making 'The Campaign for UB' an overwhelming success," said Jennifer A. McDonough, UB vice president for university advancement.

"Moreover, this tribute stands as a testament to the level of affection and conviction our donor and volunteer family has in our university and its future, and will undoubtedly be an inspiration to others." McDonough added: "These very important donors set an example for the nearly 75,000 donors who made commitments at all levels, many for the first time, that resulted in the campaign's record-high totals of more than $291.6 million."

Due to logistical considerations, a full-size replica of the wall will be unveiled during a ceremony at 6 p.m. in the Center for the Arts Atrium. A reception will follow for the more than 300 attending guests and university representatives.

In addition to Simpson, speakers at the program will include Jacobs and University Professor William R. Greiner, retired UB president who served during "The Campaign for UB." Simpson and Greiner will unveil the replica of the wall.

"I am enormously grateful for all the generous donors and volunteers leaders who stepped forward to support 'The Campaign for UB: Generation to Generation' and whose names we have written in stone on this very special wall." Greiner said.

"Celebrating our success, we also recognize that this campaign and its donors have formed the foundation, in fact, the very cornerstone on which we will continue building this great university. I am proud that during my years as president, I was part of this tremendous effort."

"The Campaign for UB" began its public phase in October 2000 with a goal of $250 million. At the time, it was the most ambitious campaign on record for a public university in New York State or throughout New England. The fifth major campaign since the university's founding in 1846, it was the UB's first national and international fund-raising initiative, and was conducted on a comprehensive, university-wide basis with volunteer leaders across the country. Of the nearly 75,000 donors who committed to the campaign, 62 percent were alumni and nearly 39 percent of alumni donors were giving for the first time, thus establishing a solid foundation for future philanthropy and volunteerism.