Celebration of Academic Excellence 2022

Good afternoon—and welcome to UB’s Celebration of Student Academic Excellence!

I am so pleased to be with all of you this afternoon for this wonderful occasion. And to today’s honorees—Congratulations!

It is a privilege to recognize your achievements, and your commitment to the highest ideals of our university. You are among UB’s most talented and ambitious students. As today’s event highlights, you are accomplishing your life’s goals as you push the boundaries of scholarly research and make exciting discoveries.

Every year, I look forward to this great university tradition. It is always gratifying for me to speak with our students about their work, and what led them to their field of interest.

On that note, I hope all of you had an opportunity to view the more than 200 research and creative projects displayed at Alumni Arena earlier this afternoon. As I spoke with our students about their projects, it was clear to me that they are taking full advantage of their UB experience.

Whether in laboratory experiments, clinical experiences, internships, or creative expression, our students constantly seek to solve problems from new angles. At every stage of their education, they are not only eager to better understand the world, they are resolved to contribute to the world.

It is this spirit of curiosity, innovation and purpose that defines our UB students—just as it defines academic excellence. As a result, our students are increasingly winning prestigious honors and awards. This recognition speaks to the meaningful difference they’re making on their field of study—and on society!

Congratulations to all of our undergraduate and graduate students for embodying UB’s mission of excellence. I would also like to acknowledge and congratulate our faculty mentors for tapping our students’ full potential, and for guiding their scholarly development.

As we prepare the next generation of scholars to tackle the challenges of today—and tomorrow—it is truly rewarding to see our students reach this high point in their journey.

Please join me in applauding our outstanding students, as well as the dedicated faculty mentors and staff who have supported them in their pursuits.

Congratulations, again, to all of our honorees.

I wish you all the best for much continued success!