Gift Will Bring Financial Experts to Campus

BUFFALO, N.Y. -- A gift of $50,000 from brothers Leslie Sufrin, C.P.A., and Gerald Sufrin, M.D., a long-time UB professor, will support annual lectures in finance, financial economics and accounting in the University at Buffalo School of Management.

The Helen and Oscar Sufrin Endowed Lectureship is named in honor of the Sufrins' late parents.

"Through this gift, we hope to enhance the scholarly and educational atmosphere at the school. It means a lot to me and my brother to be able to establish this gift in memory of our parents," said Gerald Sufrin, professor of urology and chair of the Department of Urology in the UB School of Medicine and Biomedical Sciences since 1982.

Sufrin said that several years ago he wanted to learn more about accounting when he was elected treasurer of the American Urological Association. He subsequently enrolled in courses in finance, investment and accounting in the UB School of Management.

"I was impressed by the faculty," he added. "They are supportive of students, dedicated and knowledgeable. I wanted to give something back."

He persuaded his brother, Leslie, who is a certified public accountant in New York City, to join him in honoring his parents' memory. The late Oscar Sufrin was a college professor at Long Island University and an accountant. His wife, Helen, was a stay-at-home mother.

"Our father had a strong commitment to education and learning," said Gerald Sufrin. "No matter what field he was in, he had an educational drive to all of his endeavors. This gift is fitting to honor his values."

Beginning this academic year, the School of Management annually will bring to campus a distinguished business professional in the area of accounting, finance, financial economics or financial management to deliver the lecture. The inaugural lecture currently is being arranged.

"I am grateful to the Sufrins for their generous gift and look forward to the continuing exchange of ideas that occurs by bringing distinguished scholars to campus," said John M. Thomas, dean of the UB School of Management.