The scholarships and fellowships provide not only much-needed financial support, but also allow students to gain valuable experience and expand networking opportunities.

Executive MBA student Lynne McFarland was among those who attended to extend her appreciation to UB supporters.

"In addition to meeting executives from local companies, this event provided students an opportunity to put a face with the name of the fellowship supporters and to thank them for their generosity," she said.

MBA student Michael Benfanti noted that supporters of the university help students fulfill their goals and expand career opportunities.

"With funding assistance provided by an interest-free loan from the (George F.) Rand Memorial Endowed Fund, I'll be traveling to China this summer to enhance my studies in international business and marketing," he said. "Meeting Calvin Rand, who established the fund, made it more personal and allowed me to learn more about Mr. Rand's strong ties to UB."

The luncheon also was an opportunity to promote the School of Management's new Adopt-A-Class program, through which a corporation "adopts" a management course and works with the faculty member to provide real work experiences and applications as part of the course work. To date, two courses have been part of the program, and three more are expected to participate in the program in the near future.

"The Appreciation Luncheon allowed School of Management students and faculty and their supporters to meet personally and to visualize the importance of scholarship and research opportunities," said Frederick W. Winter, dean of the School of Management.

Nearly two dozen scholarship recipients and supporters attended the event.