Faculty, staff recognized for long-term contributions

One is working to identify new drug treatments. Another studies addictive behaviors. One is improving electrical conductivity in semiconductors. Another is using computational methods to better understand societal problems and advance the social good.

In all, 58 members of UB’s faculty and staff were recognized for their outstanding achievements in their individual fields at the 19th annual Celebration of Faculty and Staff Academic Excellence on Thursday in Lippes Concert Hall in Slee Hall, North Campus.

President Satish K. Tripathi thanked them for the example they set and for consistently “upholding exemplary standards in your work and scholarship.”

“It is a privilege to recognize your commitment to the highest ideals of our university,” Tripathi said. “At UB, the caliber of our work distinguishes us as a flagship university. It’s how we set ourselves apart — in the lab, the classroom, the conference room — indeed, in all of our academic and professional pursuits.

“Achieving this level of excellence not only inspires our peers — it sets the standard that others aspire to achieve,” he said.

UB’s annual Celebration of Faculty and Staff Academic Excellence recognizes those individuals whose long-term contributions have made a significant impact on the people and communities around them, whether through groundbreaking research or in ensuring the smooth operation of the university’s departments and offices.

Tripathi and Provost A. Scott Weber welcomed the honorees on stage and presented them with their awards, as family, friends and fellow colleagues applauded their achievements.

Weber thanked the 2021-22 honorees and told them how critical they are to UB’s success.

“This occasion for celebrating your extraordinary achievements is also an opportunity to celebrate who we are as a university,” Weber said. “As a public research university, we are committed to delivering research, creative activities, education and engagement that address the world’s challenges and positively impact our local and global communities.”

Faculty and staff were acknowledged in several categories, including:

• Awards that are recognized as “prestigious” or “highly prestigious” by the National Research Council.
• SUNY Distinguished faculty.
• SUNY Chancellor’s Awards for Excellence.
• UB Distinguished Professor.
• 50 years of service at UB.

The complete list of honorees can be found on the Celebration of Academic Excellence website.

“I am equally impressed by your motivation,” Tripathi told them. “I know our UB faculty and staff don’t pursue excellence for recognition or acclaim. Rather, you are excelling on behalf of our university community, our region — the greater good.

“In harnessing your expertise and creativity for their highest purpose, you are making a difference at UB and in the communities we serve,” the president said. “By making your mark on your field, you are helping UB make its mark on society.”

Robert Granfield, vice provost for faculty affairs, served as the main presenter during the hour-long ceremony that also featured a performance by guitarists Stephen Guerra, clinical assistant professor of music, and Sungmin Shin, associate professor of music.