Gift Will Bring Distinguished Architects to Campus

BUFFALO, N.Y. -- A $30,000 gift from Christopher Michael Martell and his wife, Sally, will support a program that will bring architects of international significance to the University at Buffalo School of Architecture and Planning to work with graduate students and give a school-wide public lecture.

Martell is the owner of Rainbow Products Services, which specializes in concert sound and lighting. He holds two degrees from the UB School of Architecture and Planning -- a bachelor's degree received in 1996 and a master's degree in architecture awarded in 2001.

Sally Martell is executive director of The Klingenstein Third Generation Foundation, which was established in 1993 to support funding for research in the areas of childhood and adolescent depression, and Attention Deficit/Hyperactivity Disorder (ADHD).

"We are delighted that a young alumnus and his wife recognize the value of philanthropy and are helping to support our school in ways that their gift can benefit many students," said Brian Carter, dean of the School of Architecture and Planning.

"Their gift will be important in advancing our school and building the reputation of the graduate program in architecture at UB," he added. "Thanks to the Martells, our students will gain new understandings of design and better appreciation of the creative insights and inspiration of gifted architects."

Mike Martell explained, "We wanted to give back to the school in a way that would benefit as many students in the program as possible. We wanted to direct some of our efforts at UB, where I received an excellent education." The Martell's gift will be spread over a two-year period.

On April 1, the internationally renowned architect Steven Holl will deliver the inaugural Martell Lecture at 5:30 p.m. in 147 Diefendorf Hall on the UB South (Main Street) Campus. The lecture will be free and open to the public.