University at Buffalo releases details regarding the Distinguished Speakers Series

BUFFALO, N.Y. – University at Buffalo officials announced today that they paid $275,000, directed to the Clinton Foundation, for former Secretary of State Hillary Rodham Clinton’s speaking engagement as part of their 2013-2014 Distinguished Speakers Series.

No state funding or student tuition revenue is used to fund the Distinguished Speakers Series and the fees of guest speakers, including that of Secretary Clinton, university officials said.  The speaking fee and all other appearance costs are financed entirely through ticket sales, sponsorships and endowments established specifically to support the university’s Distinguished Speakers Series.   

The contract with the Harry Walker Agency for the speaking engagement was released by the university after it conducted a review of its records in response to public information requests made this month by members of the media and the public.

In 2013-14, more than 29,000 people attended the Distinguished Speakers Series, which featured seven renowned speakers.  About 6,500 community members and students attended Secretary Clinton’s speech in UB’s Alumni Arena.  The series generated $550,000 in ticket sales which -- with sponsorships and endowments established specifically to support the university’s speakers series totaling $350,000 -- covered all speaking fees and all costs for the speakers series.

In its 28th year at the university, UB’s Distinguished Speakers Series has a long tradition of bringing to the campus and community a wide range of public figures and leaders in the arts, culture, society and global politics to foster dialogue and debate about the issues of the day.

For more information about the series, go to www.student-affairs.buffalo.edu/special/aboutseries.