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Why contribute to the Faculty Staff Campaign?
By BARBARA BYERS
Published February 14, 2019 This content is archived.
Now at its halfway point, the 2019 UB Faculty Staff Campaign is expected to reach its ambitious goal: to have 1,700 faculty and staff members donate a collective $1 million by the time the campaign ends.
Aviva Abramovsky
To date, 1,142 faculty and staff donors, or 67 percent of the 1,700 goal, have raised $639,164, or 64 percent of the monetary goal. “We’re really pleased with the pace of the campaign so far, and have confidence that our faculty and staff will make sure our goal is met,” says Aviva Abramovsky, dean of the School of Law and campaign co-chair with Mark Alnutt, director of athletics.
The campaign, which kicked off in October, will close on UB Giving Day, April 29-30. “Our participation rate is encouraging and I am grateful for my colleagues throughout the university who have joined Aviva and me in making a gift,” Alnutt adds.
Mark Alnutt
Donors may select any area of the university to direct their gift, and many decide to contribute to areas that directly help students. Things like study abroad, student travel expenses to professional conferences, student emergencies, and improvements to learning and collaborative spaces are all supported through the UB Faculty Staff Campaign.
Abramovsky and Alnutt share with UBNow why the UB Faculty Staff Campaign means so much to them.
As newer members of the UB community, what have you experienced so far that makes UB stand out from other schools or institutions where you’ve worked? In other words, how do you see UB being bold?
Abramovsky: The university is deeply integrated into the fabric of Western New York, and that is what sets us apart from other institutions. UB students are passionate and engaged in the region’s re-emergence. They work with community partners to implement innovation and solve problems. That’s a bold and inspiring approach to education.
Alnutt: As one of the top public universities in the nation, I find UB has a true sense of a “student-first” mentality. On a daily basis, I see faculty and staff rolling up their sleeves and working with each other to ensure that we continue to grow as a university.
Why do you think it is important for faculty and staff to support UB?
Abramovsky: Our faculty and staff believe in the importance of public education. We witness its impact every day. We see how it transforms the lives of our students. Supporting the university through the Faculty Staff Campaign demonstrates our commitment to the students we serve and our belief in the power of education.
Alnutt: It’s so important for faculty and staff to support this campaign as we build a better UB together, which directly impacts the first-class experience that we provide our students. It also shows that our faculty and staff are behind the great vision of the university.
Why are you personally supporting this campaign?
Abramovsky: Because I believe in Buffalo. As the daughter of two UB alums, this city and this university have always been a part of who I am. I am excited to invest in UB’s future and to support the initiatives that will distinguish Buffalo as a hub for innovation and leadership.
Alnutt: I truly believe it is my duty to support this campaign. On my first day of work here, one of the first things I did was to give to the athletic department’s Blue and White campaign, and I quickly realized the impact my gift can make. It’s an honor to serve as co-chair for this campaign, as one has an opportunity to learn more about other departments and units, and what their needs are within this University.
What is your UB Bold Moment?
Abramovsky: In 2001, I was practicing law as an insurance coverage attorney. I dealt with tragic events on a regular basis. But on Sept. 11, my world, like everyone else’s, was shaken, and my definition of tragedy was forever changed. In that moment, I knew that it was necessary and right to pursue the academic side of insurance coverage, where I could affect policy change and have a broader impact on our world. That decision paved the way for my career in higher education, and ultimately brought me here to Buffalo. I am proud to lead a law school focused on access to justice at a university committed to the welfare of its community. I feel that fate has brought me here.
Alnutt: Mine is simple: Accepting the offer to become director of athletics here at UB. I fully understand what a healthy athletic department can do for a university and the community in which we reside. I want to instill a sense a pride with all of our stakeholders through our student-athletes’ performance in the classroom, on the field or court, and in the community. We’ll brag about our successes and won’t be shy about it. We have a slogan, “Why Not the Bulls.” So I challenge people to tell us “why not” as we continue the upward trajectory we’ve begun.
To learn more about the Faculty Staff Campaign or to show your UB pride by making a donation, visit the Boldly Buffalo website.