Buffalo State Hosts First Event at New Alumni and Visitor Center
Buffalo State unveiled a major addition to campus this summer with the opening of the Jacqueline Vito LoRusso Alumni and Visitor Center at the corner of Rockwell Road and Grant Street.
The 10,800-square-foot two-story structure serves as a grand new gathering place for alumni as well as an information center and rendezvous point for prospective students, their families, and other campus visitors. Undergraduate admissions tours will begin from the center in late August, and the Alumni Association has several events planned in the building for the fall.
The Alumni and Visitor Center officially opened its doors to more than 150 Buffalo State alumni and friends for its first event, the 50-Plus Club Reunion, on Sunday, July 22. The 50-Plus Club is made up of Buffalo State alumni who graduated 50 or more years ago. Members from the classes of 1945–1967 were represented at this year’s luncheon and reception.
“Welcoming the 50-Plus Club as the first alumni to the new center is significant,” said James Finnerty, vice president for institutional advancement. “They are a special group of alumni, and their continued support of Buffalo State over the years is unparalleled.”
“The 50-Plus Club are integral members of the Buffalo State alumni community,” said President Katherine Conway-Turner, “and I enjoy hearing about their experiences on campus, which highlight the rich history of Buffalo State. Many of these alumni remember the Buffalo State campus when it had only four academic buildings. Despite our progress and growth over more than 50 years, several themes of the campus have remained constant, including dedicated instructors and a learning environment that enables students to make lifelong friends.”
During the event, the Alumni Association recognized Jacqueline Vito LoRusso (pictured at left with President Conway-Turner), ’62, ’64, for her longtime support of Buffalo State and the Alumni Association. Her $1 million lead gift was the most significant donation to fund the construction of the new building.
Daisy Estelle Anderson, ’51, received the Alumni Association’s Senior Service Award, which honors graduates who continue to serve Buffalo State and their communities through their volunteerism. Anderson has been volunteering for the past 30 years at Ladies of Charity in Buffalo.
In addition to class reunions, the Alumni and Visitor Center will serve as the site for admissions tours for prospective students and families, guest speakers, lifelong learning programs, and alumni affinity events.
“The Alumni and Visitor Center is not just a building,” said Mary-Jo Jagord, director of alumni engagement. “It symbolizes the lifelong connection between our alumni and Buffalo State. Our role is to provide graduates with the support and services to strengthen this connection, and the new center will help anchor the alumni presence on campus.”