Community Outreach Focus of School of Management Event

BUFFALO, N.Y. – John M. Thomas, dean of the University at Buffalo School of Management, recognized the public-service and community-engagement activities of the school's faculty, staff and students at a luncheon held today in 106 Jacobs Management Center on UB's North Campus.

He presented a Community Service Leadership Award to the Graduate Management Association (GMA) for their activities over the past year, and discuss how the School of Management will continue to share its resources with the community.

"Community engagement has long been an important initiative of the School of Management," says Thomas. "And our commitment to public service mirrors the renewed commitment that has come out of the university's long-term strategic planning process, UB 2020."

According to Cynthia Shore, assistant dean and director of corporate and community relations, the School of Management recently completed a school-wide survey to inventory the public service and volunteer activities of its faculty, staff and students.

"The results were impressive," says Shore, who plans to share the survey findings in a presentation at the luncheon. "So many individuals from the school contribute to our community in myriad ways. This event is a great opportunity to celebrate and acknowledge their contributions."

A community service fair will follow the luncheon from 1–3 p.m. in the atrium of the school's Alfiero Center. A number of organizations will be present, including AIDS Family Services, YWCA of WNY, Autistic Services, Paradise Opportunities, Mental Health Association, Consumer Credit Counseling Services, Franciscan Center, Inc., Hispanics United, Crisis Services, Erie County SPCA, American Cancer Society-Erie County, Upstate New York Transplant Services, Literacy Volunteers, VIVE, Gilda's Club, Habitat for Humanity and the International Institute.

The fair, which is being co-hosted by the Graduate Management Association and UB's Leadership Development Center, will allow faculty, staff and students to learn more about the services and volunteer opportunities of participating agencies.

Highlights of the fair will include a Red Cross fundraiser for victims of Hurricane Katrina, and raffle where one of the participating agencies will be selected to receive the proceeds of the annual MBA Date Auction, which will be held in early 2006.

The University at Buffalo School of Management is ranked as one of the world's "top business schools" by The Wall Street Journal. It also has been cited by Forbes for "best return on investment." For more information about the UB School of Management, visit http://www.mgt.buffalo.edu,