In 2006, Buffalo State College established the College and Community Partnerships Office, creating a dedicated office with a central focus for public and community collaboration. It has facilitated many worthwhile connections in its early existence for the betterment of the community, and now looks to initiate new collaborations at an upcoming breakfast program.



Representatives of business and not-for-profits are invited to attend the office’s first “Celebration of Partnerships” breakfast program on Feb. 21, 2008, from 8 to 9:30 a.m. at the Burchfield-Penney Art Center, located on campus on the third floor of Rockwell Hall. Reservations are required no later than Feb. 13 by calling 878-5444 or 878-4132, or by e-mailing partner@buffalostate.edu. Attendees will receive parking permits for the event.



Marian Deutschman, interim director of the College and Community Partnerships Office, will showcase a few model collaborations with brief presentations and handouts. The event will allow ample time for members of the community and Buffalo State faculty to interact and explore mutually beneficial opportunities.



“Our job is to connect people,” said Deutschman. “Through partnerships, we can solve problems and help members of the community find the expertise they need to achieve their goals. Currently, the College is involved with more than 450 connections in the community. This is in addition to internships, volunteers, and service learning. We’re committed to the vitality of the region.”



Deutschman hopes the breakfast program will generate plenty of dialogue and match more faculty and staff with members of community organizations. Her office’s three areas of emphasis include programs in education, economic and workforce development, and arts and cultural organizations.



Three examples in these areas include: Buffalo State’s exchange of administrative resources with the Buffalo and Erie County Historical Society; collaboration between Buffalo State’s Earth Sciences and Science Education Department and the Buffalo Niagara Riverkeeper to monitor local water quality and restore shoreline habitats; and an economic development partnership between Buffalo State’s Fashion Textile and Technology Program and the Eastman Machine Company to test software designed to improve customized cutting of materials.



“Buffalo State has more than 750 faculty members,” said Deutschman. “Each is an expert in his or her particular field. We look to build on our tradition of community involvement and make an even greater difference in Buffalo and Western New York.”



For a list of college centers and partnerships at Buffalo State College, please visit http://www.buffalostate.edu/partnerships/x502.xml.