Buffalo State to Wegmans: Thank You!

On Friday, June 29, Wegmans received a plaque from Buffalo State recognizing the crucial role the supermarket has played in the success of the Global Book Project, held at Wegmans on Amherst Street in Buffalo.

The Global Book Project received the Muriel A. Howard Award for the Promotion of Equity and Campus Diversity, which was awarded by the President’s Council for Equity and Campus Diversityat Buffalo State to faculty members who have been active in the project. The Art Education, Elementary Education and Reading, and Music departments were among those that took part in the project.

"The faculty who received the award on behalf of the Global Book Project wanted to share it with Wegmans because the store provides the meeting space," said Scott Johnson, interim senior adviser to the president for equity and campus diversity and dean of University College.

Wegmans also offers a healthy snack to the children as part of its Eating the Rainbow program.

"We are very grateful for this partnership that has allowed us to bring books to children in their own neighborhood," said Johnson.

The Global Book Project, which has been running for more than two years, brings Buffalo State students preparing to be teachers to the café on Saturday mornings for ten weeks each semester. Teacher candidates read books aloud to the children who attend. The books are about different countries, including the countries from which many of the neighborhood’s immigrants came.

Each child receives a free book to take home, thanks in part to Project Flight. The project is scheduled to continue this fall.

"From this location, the Global Book Project is spreading around the world," said Pixita del Prado Hill, associate professor of elementary education and reading. In June, Buffalo State teacher candidates traveled to Chile to work with teacher candidates at the Universidad Mayor. A Global Book Project has been established there to promote English language learning at a public school in Santiago.

Del Prado Hill said, "We want Wegmans to know how much we appreciate their help and support, and the enthusiasm their associates bring to the Global Book Project."

Pictured (left to right): Kim Truesdell, associate professor, Elementary Education and Reading; Jason Bielinski, chef, Wegmans Amherst Street; Amy Pastore, Perishable Area Manger, Wegmans  Amherst Street; and Scott Johnson, interim senior adviser to the president for equity and campus diversity and dean of University College.