Buffalo State Formally Kicks Off Transforming Lives Fundraising Campaign

The Buffalo State campus community marked the beginning of an historic $20 million fundraising campaign Friday afternoon with a celebratory program in the Performing Arts Center at Rockwell Hall.

The audience heard from Buffalo State leaders, alumni, local business leaders, and students about their role in Transforming Lives: A Campaign for Buffalo State, an initiative that will take place over the next three years.

“Buffalo State has a strong tradition as a leading comprehensive institution that offers opportunities for students in a vibrant campus community,” Buffalo State President Aaron Podolefsky said. “This campaign advances that tradition by ensuring the transformative educational experience students have here will remain affordable to them, a priority I’ve envisioned as essential since coming to Buffalo State as president in 2010.

“This campaign will touch on all parts of campus and the student experience — from scholarships to enhanced learning spaces.”

At the close of the program Podolefsky revealed that during the silent phase of the campaign, which began last year, donors contributed $13 million. A few of those donors—Karen E. Penfold, ’69 alumna, James Grunebaum, professor emeritus of philosophy and history, and Louis P. Ciminelli, chairman and CEO of LPCiminelli,—spoke about their commitment to Buffalo State.

The campaign comes at a crucial time in the institution’s history, when state dollars are dwindling while student need remains high.  

Stories will be appear each Thursday this fall in the Daily Bulletin focusing on the campaign donors and how their gifts will transform students and Buffalo State.