Eighth UB scholarship gala set for November 8

The University at Buffalo will hold the eighth UB Scholarship Gala from 6-11 p.m. Friday, Nov. 8, in the Edward Wright Practice Facility on the North Campus.

This year’s co-chairs are Mark and Sharon Hamister, Gary and Donna Bichler, and A. Scott and Jo Ann Weber. Presenting sponsors for the 2013 gala are Verizon, the Hamister Group and R&P Oak Hill Development.

Mark Hamister, chair and CEO of the Hamister Group, is a UB Foundation board director. Gary Bichler, principal of R&P Oak Hill Development, is a member of the UB board of trustees.  Scott Weber is UB’s senior vice provost for academic affairs.

The gala will feature a cocktail reception and silent auction, followed by dinner, a live auction and dancing to the music of Party of Nine. There also will be student performances and competitions throughout the evening.

Tickets are $200 per person and tables are $1,600, with sponsorships still available. Dress is UB “creative blue tie.”

Proceeds from this premier fundraising event support scholarships for UB students in need. The gala, which sold out last year, has raised more than $1.17 million since it began in 2006 as a way to attract academically accomplished students to UB. Gala proceeds also are used to keep students enrolled who experience financial hardship during the school year.

Gifts from individuals, corporations and foundations help give these deserving students the chance to earn their UB degrees. Several gala scholarships are awarded each year to students of all majors. 

UB President Satish K. Tripathi calls the event a great opportunity to support his vision for academic excellence and access.

"UB is an acknowledged national leader in championing student access and success.  We are nationally recognized for our commitment to expanding educational opportunity and ensuring our students graduate in a timely way. Scholarship support is key to helping us achieve this impact, and helping expand access to a world-class UB education. "

For more information, tickets or sponsorships, please call (716) 881-1709 or visit www.giving.buffalo.edu/ubgala.