Money Raised Through Gala Event to Provide Funding for Student Scholarships at UB

BUFFALO, N.Y. -- The University at Buffalo raised $148,000 for student scholarships thanks to the more than 400 business executives, UB faculty and administrators and community leaders who attended the Scholarship Gala 2009.

Gala co-chairs Carol Fatta and Keith Stolzenburg presented UB President John B. Simpson with a check following an evening of student performances and other entertainment held Nov. 7 in Alumni Arena's Triple Gym on the North Campus.

Now in its fourth year, the gala has raised approximately $635,000 for financial support. The money raised is used to support student scholarships across campus, with some of the funding distributed annually and some deposited into an endowment to provide scholarships for future generations of students.

A portion of money raised funds scholarships to allow Buffalo Public Schools (BPS) students to attend UB. The scholarships pay their tuition and fees for four years, in addition to providing money each year for books and supplies. Each student also receives a new computer. In return, BPS scholarship recipients are required to maintain a 3.0 grade-point average throughout their four years at UB. They also are expected to participate in community service activities and leadership training.

"Scholarship support paves the way for new opportunities for our students," said UB President John B. Simpson. "Intellectual challenges, cultural awareness, educational experiences -- these are all life-changing events that students can experience at the university. The gala plays an instrumental role in raising awareness of the very significant need to create educational opportunity through student scholarships and to increasing the resources available to them. We thank our presenting sponsors, Greatbatch and BlueCross BlueShield of Western New York and all the other sponsors for their commitment to student scholarships."

UB freshman Amani Johnson is among the students who has benefited from funds raised through the Scholarship Gala.

"As a senior in high school, the college application process was a stressful time for me," she said. "I wasn't exactly sure about what college would be best for me. When it came down to the wire, my top two choices were Spellman College and the University at Buffalo, and it was extremely difficult for me to choose.

"However, receiving the BPS scholarship made the choice very easy. I worked very hard in high school, and a scholarship was exactly the reward I was hoping for. I'm happy now, and I definitely feel like I made the right decision."

As part of UB 2020, the strategic plan to transform UB into a model 21st-century public research university, UB is committed to attracting the best and brightest students, and providing access to financially needy students. Scholarships are an effective way to recruit students and ensure that all qualified students have access to higher education.

The University at Buffalo is a premier research-intensive public university, the largest and most comprehensive campus in the State University of New York. UB's more than 28,000 students pursue their academic interests through more than 300 undergraduate, graduate and professional degree programs. Founded in 1846, the University at Buffalo is a member of the Association of American Universities.