Celebrate, Serve, Imagine-Student Style

Share
President Aaron Podolefsky will formally cut the ribbon to symbolize the opening of the renovated Student Union Quad, Tuesday, October 26, at 12:15 p.m.

He will be joined by Stan Kardonsky, vice president for finance and management, whose office oversees the project, and by two students: Renae Johnson, student representative to the College Council, and Lindsey Porter, the president of United Students Government. Podolefsky will offer brief remarks, followed by Johnson and Porter.

“This is a pivotal moment for Buffalo State and I am so happy to be a part of it," said Porter. "I am extremely pleased to welcome President Podolefsky to the campus.”

The Student Union Quad renovation is a $5.3 million project that began in May 2009. All aspects will be completed in November 2010. “It’s a wonderful new space,” said Lisa Krieger, assistant vice president for finance and management. “The Student Union Quad is one of the hearts of the campus. With the new plantings, hardscape features, and benches, the space has been transformed into a place that invites studying, socializing, or just enjoying a few minutes outside.”

Following the ribbon-cutting, the Inauguration Bash will give students a way to welcome Podolefsky. “We’ve gone all out for this event,” said Tim Ecklund, associate vice president for campus life. “The activities embrace celebration, service, and certainly imagination, as our students welcome their college’s new president.”
br />The bash will offer a carnival atmosphere, complete with treats such as fried dough and Italian sausage—traditional food at a Buffalo festival—as well as other items. Activities include the chance to “build a Bengal,” who proudly wears the inauguration theme “Celebrate, Serve, and Imagine.” Students can create souvenir photos of themselves in a photo booth, help make a video-memories DVD for the new president, and customize a T-shirt.

Student service activities include a domestic violence awareness table at which students will be able to make a purple ribbon pin in observance of Domestic Violence Awareness Month. In conjunction with AIDS Community Services, an AIDS memorial quilt will be on display, and students can help to make a new one. S.P.I.R.I.T. Gospel Choir, Step Expressions, and Tha Ink Club, all student groups, will present music, dance, and poetry performances, respectively.

“We know that everybody will have a great time,” said Ecklund, “and we’re thrilled that our students will be celebrating President Podolefsky’s inauguration.”
Media Contact:
Mary Durlak, Senior Writer | 7168783517 | durlakma@buffalostate.edu