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Unveiling recognizes donors to One World Café
Original artwork for One World Café — including this mural by MFA student Tai Lopez — was made possible by Stephen Still, BS ’76. Additional artwork is forthcoming from UB faculty member Joan Linder and Chicago artist Brendan Fernandes. Photo: Heather Bellini
By BARBARA BYERS
Published June 23, 2022
President Satish K. Tripathi, other UB leadership and more than 125 guests attended a reception and donor wall unveiling June 9 to recognize those whose contributions helped made One World Café possible.
“As our Boldly Buffalo campaign nears its $1 billion goal, it is an absolute pleasure to welcome these donors to campus so they could see firsthand what we’ve accomplished together,” said Rodney Grabowski, vice president for university advancement. “The impact is immediate and lasting, and we are grateful.”
President Satish K. Tripathi thanks donors who contributed to One World Cafe. Photo: Heather Bellini
From its inception, One World Café was envisioned as an inviting campus hub that would bring members of the UB community together to work, study, socialize and collaborate. And, as Tripathi noted, “One World Café is much more than an international eatery. In keeping with UB’s Heart of the Campus initiative, every aspect of UB’s physical environment must support our students’ personal development and academic success.”
Generous donor support of One World Café is evident throughout the space, from enhancing the aesthetic with artwork to names displayed on discrete spaces.
To celebrate their deep ties with UB, and in honor of her late husband, Karen Gerhardt made a $250,000 gift, which helped establish the Karen and Lester Gerhardt Dining Room in the University Club. “We both [felt] it’s important to give back,” Gerhardt said. “The university gave us the steppingstone to the life we’ve had. And this is my joy to do.”
Alumnus Stephen Still, BS ’76, supported the creation of original artwork for the space, including pieces by MFA student Tai Lopez, Chicago-based artist Brendan Fernandes and UB art professor Joan Linder.
“We’re grateful for Stephen’s support, as well as a leadership gift from Eileen Silvers, longtime College of Arts and Science Dean’s Advisory Committee member and UB Foundation Board member, along with her husband, Richard Bronstein,” Grabowski said. “In recognition of their support, we have named the conference room (the Eileen Silvers, BA ’70 and Richard Bronstein Conference Room). Their support has made this space an inviting new home for the entire UB community to gather.”