UB celebrates as Campaign for the Community reaches its goal

The UB community celebrated a successful 2018 Employees Campaign for the Community with a large gathering and awards presentation on Thursday afternoon in Hayes Hall.

UB employees contributed $850,112 to the 2018 campaign, exceeding the goal of $850,000. This is the 18th consecutive year the campaign has eclipsed $800,000 in contributions, which has led to its being consistently ranked as one of the five largest university giving campaigns in the nation.

“Our commitment to the many communities that we serve is a deeply held value at UB,” President Satish K. Tripathi told those in attendance. “Academic and research excellence is our first priority, but it is always guided by the principles of engagement. When we harness our intellectual and creative capacities for the greater good, we truly uphold the public purpose of higher education.

“From the start, this campaign has been so energized and so focused on making an impact,” Tripathi said. “I would like to thank all of those who have contributed to this year’s campaign. Buffalo is known as a city of good neighbors because of individuals like you.”

Joseph Zambon, dean of the School of Dental Medicine and chair of this year’s campaign, said he was grateful for everyone’s hard work toward the campaign, especially because of the impact it will make.

“The money that we’ve raised in the campaign will support a number of worthwhile groups in the community and will improve numerous lives. This is a tangible demonstration of the university’s support for our region,” Zambon said.

Ten units across the university met their individual financial goals for this year’s campaign: the schools of Architecture and Planning, Dental Medicine, Nursing and Social Work; the Jacobs School of Medicine and Biomedical Sciences, the Emeritus Center, the Office of the President, the UB Foundation, University Communications and University Libraries.

Susan Dow and Pam Rose of the University Libraries were recognized as Volunteers of the Year for embodying the spirit of the campaign to its fullest extent.

Mary Kruszynski of the School of Pharmacy and Pharmaceutical Sciences received the Unsung Hero award for her vital and significant work behind the scenes.

The William R. Greiner Award, given to an individual who demonstrates the passion that the late UB president had for the campaign, was awarded to Andrea Proper of the School of Nursing.

The School of Public Health and Public Health Professions was the recipient of the Progress Maker award, given to a university unit that made significant strides, but ultimately didn’t meet its financial and participation goals.

Colleen Lutz of the Office of the President received the Service Recognition Award for her exemplary work in helping coordinate and continue the campaign’s success.

The Chair’s Cup, awarded at the discretion of Zambon to a unit showing exemplary commitment, was given to University Libraries.

The campaign’s highest honor, the Bennett Cup, was awarded to Student Life. Named after Robert Bennett, former president and CEO of the United Way of Buffalo and Erie County, the award is given to a unit that was successful in increasing new dollars, donors or participants. Student Life was able to increase the number of donors by 23 percent in this year’s campaign.

“(The United Way team is thrilled) to be able to partner with the University at Buffalo for this campaign,” said Michael Weiner, president and CEO of the United Way of Buffalo and Erie County. “The work done in the UB campaign is so critical to community well-being; it helps make a difference in the lives of those most in need, and it supports critical services that enhance the quality of life.

“Over the past five years, the campaign has been averaging about $850,000 a year, and that’s a substantial investment,” Weiner said. “This is an impressive performance and there aren’t that many universities that have this kind of performance when it comes to charitable giving.”

Campaign contributions benefit 12,000 agencies involved with United Way of Buffalo and Erie County, as well as many others.

Donations are still being accepted for the 2018 campaign through March 31. Those interested in making a donation can visit the campaign website.