A performance by the Mozarteum Orchestra, considered the foremost ensemble dedicated to 18th-century music, will be presented at the first Bernice Poss Memorial Concert at 8 p.m. Nov. 3 at UB's Center for the Arts.

"Bernice Poss' children have chosen a fitting and generous way to honor and remember their mother," said Kerry S. Grant, dean of the Faculty of Arts and Letters. "They have taken the first step to ensure that Mrs. Poss' love of the arts will be shared by scores of audiences for many years to come."

Supporting the gift are Poss' children: Ellen M. Poss, M.D., and Stephen Poss of Boston, Mass.; Katherine Salazar-Poss of San Francisco, Calif.; and Robert Poss of New York City.

Poss began her association with UB as a graduate student in the history department. She held appointments as assistant to the chairs of the departments of sociology and history, assistant to the provost in the Faculty of Social Sciences, assistant dean in the Faculty of Arts and Letters, assistant to the vice president for academic development. At the time of her death in 1988, she was executive assistant to the university provost.

Poss served on the Professional Staff Senate, as well as several university task forces and committees. Her outstanding work performance and dedication to the university was recognized in 1978 when she received the SUNY Chancellor's Award for Excellence in Professional Service.

Poss, known for being a strong advocate for the advancement of women, was a founder of the Women's Studies College and taught some of the first courses in women's history ever offered at a major university. Chair of the President's Committee on the Recruitment and Promotion of Women, she was an active participant in the American Council on Education's programs for the advancement of women in higher education administration.

In honor of Poss' many contributions to academia and the community, the Western Region of the American Council on Education/National Identification Program (ACE/NIP) for the Advancement of Women in Higher Education Administration established the annual Bernice Poss Award in 1990.

It is given to an individual who has been involved in activities for the advancement of women professionals, demonstrated commitment to and participated in community services and programs for women, and in her daily conduct shows professionalism, support for women colleagues and compassion.

For ticket information on the Bernice Poss Memorial Concert, call the Center for the Arts box office at 645-ARTS.