Community Meet and Greet to Connect College with Neighborhood

Buffalo State students, faculty, and staff have a unique opportunity to interact with the college’s neighbors during the third annual Community Meet and Greet on Saturday, September 5, from noon to 3:00 p.m. at the Student Apartment Complex (STAC) at Grant Street and Rockwell Road.

“The purpose is to provide a way for the Buffalo State community to meet residents of Elmwood, especially those living on Forest, Grant, and Potomac, in a safe and positive environment,” said event coordinator Paula Madrigal, assistant director of prevention and health promotion for the Weigel Health Center.

The free event, sponsored by the Grant Allocation Committee and a Faculty-Student Association grant, is open to participants of all ages and will feature carnival games, a scavenger hunt, food, music, and prizes. Representatives from numerous campus groups including United Students Government, the Equity and Campus Diversity Office, and the Anne Frank Project will be on hand to disseminate information, as will community businesses and non-profit organizations.

“Our goal is to provide opportunities for conversations between students who live in the community and neighborhood community members,” Madrigal said. “Everyone should enjoy and appreciate their community and neighbors, but sometimes it's hard to take the first step to initiate that conversation.”

Madrigal encourages students to wear jerseys or letters that represent the college, their fraternity, sorority, or other campus organization.

“We have students doing philanthropy and community service that people don’t know about,” she said. “So many of our students are giving back to the community, not only through campus clubs and organizations but also in their individual daily lives.”

Student groups, organizations, and volunteers who wish to get involved with the event should complete an online application.

Registration is required for all attendees, although families can register as a group. By participating in activities such as a scavenger hunt and a "Know Your Neighbors" questionnaire or donating 10 empty and returnable cans or bottles, attendees can earn raffle tickets for a variety of prizes.

Participants can earn extra raffle tickets by registering before August 28 (two tickets) or September 1 (one ticket). Prizes include autographed sports memorabilia, gift cards, and other items.

For more information, contact Madrigal at (716) 878-4719.