Gala Supports Students in Prestigious Honors Program

One way in which Buffalo State helps high-achieving students afford a college education is through its annual Foundation Scholarship Gala. The 18th annual gala will be held on Saturday, April 18, in the Campbell Student Union Social Hall.

Festivities begin at 6:00 p.m. with cocktails and hors d’oeuvres, followed by a multicourse dinner at 7:00 p.m., a live auction at 9:00 p.m. and flaming coffee and delicacies in the Fireside Lounge. John Di Sciullo from WBBZ-TV and Desiree Wiley, ’12, from WKBW-TV will serve as masters of ceremonies. Cash Cunningham of Cash Realty and Auctions will serve as auctioneer.

Proceeds from the gala provide scholarships to students enrolled in Buffalo State’s prestigious Muriel A. Howard Honors Program. Since the fundraiser began in 1998, the gala has helped raise more than $3.5 million in scholarship funds.

The honors program, which was founded in 1984, provides outstanding, intellectually committed undergraduate students with a rewarding, academically challenging learning experience. Those who are accepted into the program are expected to work hard and are rewarded with opportunities for scholarships, research, high academic achievement, and awards. The program is available to both first-time college students and transfer students. Currently, about 200 students are enrolled.

This year’s gala chair is Linda A. Dobmeier, ’71. She is also chair of the Buffalo State College Council and a past chair of the Buffalo State College Foundation. Paul Lamparelli, ’82, is the current Foundation Board chair.

“Reach for the Stars,” an original watercolor painting by celebrated artist Rita Argen Auerbach, ’54, ’74, showcasing Rockwell Hall under a starry sky, is among this year’s live auction items.

Other auction items include “One Buffalo Experience,” featuring behind-the-scenes tours of HarborCenter, First Niagara Center, and Ralph Wilson Stadium along with lunch at (716) Food and Sabres, Bills, and HarborCenter apparel and memorabilia; dinner with Buffalo State President Katherine Conway-Turner; Soiree at the Silverthorne Mansion; and Buffalo Bills and Sabres game packages.

Gala sponsors include Larkin Development Group, LP Ciminelli Inc., M&T Bank, and Chartwells. Tickets are $250 per person.

For more information, contact Kathryn Neeson at (716) 878-4895.