Edmond, Connie Gicewicz Make Major Gift to UB Athletics

BUFFALO, NY – The name Gicewicz has long been associated with athletics at the University at Buffalo.

Beginning with Edmond J. "Doc" Gicewicz's prowess on the fields and courts, continuing with his long service to the university and a lifetime of contributions, including the couple's most recent through a $200,000 charitable gift annuity, Gicewicz and his wife, Connie, have helped to ensure UB's continued athletics growth. In recognition of all they have done in support of the athletics program at the university, the UB Athletics Hall of Fame will be renamed the Dr. and Mrs. Edmond J. Gicewicz Family UB Athletics Hall of Fame. A ceremony recognizing their support will take place on April 14.

"The long-standing commitment of the Gicewicz family to the advancement of the university, as well as through their philanthropic contributions as highlighted by this charitable gift annuity, is greatly appreciated by the University at Buffalo," said Warde J. Manuel, director of athletics. "This honor will most appropriately ensure the continuing legacy of "Doc" Gicewicz, as it will help provide future UB student-athletes with the enhancements necessary to compete at a championship level both on and off the athletic fields."

Gicewicz starred at UB in three sports – football, basketball and baseball – while earning his undergraduate degree, which was awarded in 1952. He served as captain of the varsity football, basketball and baseball teams, and was named a Little All-American in football. He earned his medical degree from the UB School of Medicine and Biomedical Sciences in 1956. His accomplishments on the court, field and gridiron have been acknowledged with election to the UB Athletics Hall of Fame and the Greater Buffalo Sports Hall of Fame.

The Gicewiczes have remained lifelong friends and supporters of the Bulls' athletic programs. Ed served 27 years as team physician.

Gicewicz also has filled many other important roles at UB, including serving as a member of the UB Council, the university's local governing council, since 1997. Among the leadership roles have been president of the UB Alumni Association and the University at Buffalo Medical Alumni Association, and founder and first medical director of the University Sports Medicine Institute, which continues to thrive today. Gicewicz has held appointments as an assistant professor of clinical surgery and an assistant professor of clinical orthopedics in the UB School of Medicine and Biomedical Sciences. He has been honored by his alma mater with the Distinguished Alumni Award, as well as the prestigious Samuel P. Capen Chancellor's Award.

"Education, educators and sports have been the major factors in enabling us to make this gift," said Ed Gicewicz. "We therefore consider this a 'payback' so that others may enjoy the same opportunities that were presented to us."

The Gicewiczes live in Getzville.