Commencement Profile: Linda A. Dobmeier

Linda Dobmeier, '71, exemplifies professional accomplishment, community service, and support for Buffalo State College.

Dobmeier will receive the President’s Distinguished Service Award during the 10:00 a.m. baccalaureate ceremony at Buffalo State's 140th Commencement, Saturday, May 12, in the Sports Arena.

After earning a B.S. in elementary education at Buffalo State, Dobmeier spent 11 years teaching second grade at the William Kaegebein School on Grand Island. She continued her education during that time, and received a master’s in education from the University at Buffalo and a master’s in business administration from Canisius College.

In 1982, she left her teaching duties to assist in managing her family-owned business, Dobmeier Janitor Supply Inc. The locally owned company employs more than 40 people. Dobmeier has worked to build the company while maintaining its high standards for quality, integrity, and customer service. Dobmeier joined the Buffalo State College Foundation Board of Directors, where she has served as a member of the board, a member of the Executive Committee, and chair of the Nominating Committee. She was elected chair of the foundation in 2007. Under her leadership, the foundation raised a record $8 million in fiscal year 2007–2008. During the economic downturn in 2008, the foundation was able to maintain all student scholarships and to take a lead role in the new student housing project. Her leadership and stability have been vital in the foundation’s support of the college during its recent presidential transition.

In addition to being an ardent and enthusiastic ambassador for the college, Dobmeier is a persuasive advocate for the All College Honors Program and the Burchfield Penney Art Center at Buffalo State, which she has served as a member of its Board of Trustees. Dobmeier is a member of the Peterson Society, the college’s honor society for supporters who have made a planned gift to Buffalo State. In addition to her many other roles on campus, she has actively supported the Foundation Scholarship Galas for 2007 through 2011, and she has served as chair of the foundation’s annual Golf and Tennis Scholarship Classic.

Dobmeier has been active in the community as a member of a number of boards over the years, including the Roswell Park Cancer Institute Board of Directors, the Canisius College Board of Trustees, the Amherst Police Foundation Board, the Niagara Lutheran Health Foundation Board of Trustees, and the Brothers of Mercy Campus Foundation.

Dobmeier and Dobmeier Janitor Supply have been generous and consistent financial contributors to Buffalo State College and the Burchfield Penney Art Center for many years.