Buffalo State 20th annual Scholarship Gala Benefits, Honors Students

One way in which Buffalo State helps high-achieving students afford a college education is through its annual Foundation Scholarship Gala. The 20th annual gala will be held Saturday, April 29, in the Campbell Student Union Social Hall.

This year’s gala theme, “Bengala,” pays tribute to our college’s mascot. Festivities begin at 6:00 p.m. with cocktails and hors d’oeuvres, followed by a multi-course dinner at 7:00 p.m., a live auction at 8:00 p.m., and international coffees in the Fireside Lounge at 9:00 p.m. John DiSciullo will serve as master of ceremonies and auctioneer.

Commitments for this year’s gala have already reached capacity.

“I am especially pleased that this year’s gala is sold out,” said Susanne Bair, vice president for institutional advancement. “We are grateful to the Bengala committee co-chairs, Bob and Margaret Zak, and committee members Jonathan Amoia and Leslie Zemsky for their dedication to this event and our students. The gala is a great example of Western New York's commitment to Buffalo State.”

Proceeds from the gala provide scholarships to students enrolled in Buffalo State’s prestigious Muriel A. Howard Honors Program. Since the fundraiser began in 1998, the gala has helped raise approximately $4 million in scholarship funds.

The honors program, which was founded in 1984, provides outstanding, intellectually committed undergraduate students with a rewarding, academically challenging learning experience. Those who are accepted into the program are expected to work hard and are rewarded with opportunities for scholarships, research, high academic achievement, and awards. The program is available to both first-time college students and transfer students. Currently, about 200 students are enrolled.

This year’s Presenting Sponsors are M&T Bank and Merchants Mutual Insurance.