Tom Calderone to Receive Honorary Doctorate at Buffalo State
Tom Calderone, President of VH1, will receive an honorary doctorate of humane letters at Buffalo State College’s 136th Commencement on Saturday, May 10.
A 1986 graduate of Buffalo State, Calderone heads one of the most successful and talked-about brands in all of television. Currently in 95 million homes, VH1 has generated 23 consecutive quarters of growth among its total viewership by delivering a critically acclaimed mix of music and pop culture-based series, specials, live events and digital media. Calderone also captains VH1’s award-winning pro-social efforts, serving as chairman of the VH1 Save The Music Foundation, which has donated $40 million worth of music instruments in the last 10 years to restore music education programs in public schools.
“Tom Calderone’s work as chairman of the VH1 Save the Music Foundation epitomizes the college’s vision statement to improve our region, our nation and our world, one student at a time,” said Buffalo State College President Muriel A. Howard. “Over the years, Tom has returned to campus regularly, generously sharing his time, experience and wisdom with our students. For all of his accomplishments, as well as those to come, we look forward to presenting Tom Calderone with a SUNY honorary doctorate of humane letters.”
Last year, Calderone was named one of Mediaweek magazine’s 50 most influential executives shaping the future of media. He currently oversees the strategy and management of VH1, including business development, marketing and promotion, finance, communications, public affairs, research and human resources.
Since taking the helm of VH1, Calderone has launched the network’s “Rock Honors,” which annually salutes rock artists for their impact on pop culture, as well as spearheaded the network’s partnership with the Broadcast Film Critics Association and VH1’s live telecasts of the group’s annual Critics Choice Awards. He also oversees VH1 Classic’s relationship with the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame and that network’s live telecasts of the Hall’s annual induction ceremonies. He also directs VH1’s multi-million dollar media partnership with the Global Fund to Fight AIDS, Tuberculosis and Malaria as well as VH1 Classic’s “Rock Autism” initiative.
Calderone launched his media career at Buffalo State College at WBNY-FM. Besides hosting on-the-air music/talk shows and developing the talk franchise “All Talk Monday,” he lead the team as Program Director to change the station’s format to alternative/progressive which still stands today. He was also instrumental off the air in helping WBNY obtain its federal FM license. Since graduating, he has been a good friend to the college, securing internships for students and visiting campus frequently to talk to student and alumni groups.
“Anyone who knows me knows that Buffalo State remains a very special place for me because the school helped mold me into the person that I am today,” said Calderone. “My years there were a truly positive 360-degree experience from my teachers and my classes to WBNY and back to all of my fellow students. I am deeply gratified to receive this honor and want to thank the SUNY Board of Trustees, Dr. Howard and my teacher and mentor Tom McCray.”
Buffalo State’s commencement activities will honor 1,800 undergraduates and 700 graduate students during three ceremonies at the Sports Arena on May 10.
A 1986 graduate of Buffalo State, Calderone heads one of the most successful and talked-about brands in all of television. Currently in 95 million homes, VH1 has generated 23 consecutive quarters of growth among its total viewership by delivering a critically acclaimed mix of music and pop culture-based series, specials, live events and digital media. Calderone also captains VH1’s award-winning pro-social efforts, serving as chairman of the VH1 Save The Music Foundation, which has donated $40 million worth of music instruments in the last 10 years to restore music education programs in public schools.
“Tom Calderone’s work as chairman of the VH1 Save the Music Foundation epitomizes the college’s vision statement to improve our region, our nation and our world, one student at a time,” said Buffalo State College President Muriel A. Howard. “Over the years, Tom has returned to campus regularly, generously sharing his time, experience and wisdom with our students. For all of his accomplishments, as well as those to come, we look forward to presenting Tom Calderone with a SUNY honorary doctorate of humane letters.”
Last year, Calderone was named one of Mediaweek magazine’s 50 most influential executives shaping the future of media. He currently oversees the strategy and management of VH1, including business development, marketing and promotion, finance, communications, public affairs, research and human resources.
Since taking the helm of VH1, Calderone has launched the network’s “Rock Honors,” which annually salutes rock artists for their impact on pop culture, as well as spearheaded the network’s partnership with the Broadcast Film Critics Association and VH1’s live telecasts of the group’s annual Critics Choice Awards. He also oversees VH1 Classic’s relationship with the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame and that network’s live telecasts of the Hall’s annual induction ceremonies. He also directs VH1’s multi-million dollar media partnership with the Global Fund to Fight AIDS, Tuberculosis and Malaria as well as VH1 Classic’s “Rock Autism” initiative.
Calderone launched his media career at Buffalo State College at WBNY-FM. Besides hosting on-the-air music/talk shows and developing the talk franchise “All Talk Monday,” he lead the team as Program Director to change the station’s format to alternative/progressive which still stands today. He was also instrumental off the air in helping WBNY obtain its federal FM license. Since graduating, he has been a good friend to the college, securing internships for students and visiting campus frequently to talk to student and alumni groups.
“Anyone who knows me knows that Buffalo State remains a very special place for me because the school helped mold me into the person that I am today,” said Calderone. “My years there were a truly positive 360-degree experience from my teachers and my classes to WBNY and back to all of my fellow students. I am deeply gratified to receive this honor and want to thank the SUNY Board of Trustees, Dr. Howard and my teacher and mentor Tom McCray.”
Buffalo State’s commencement activities will honor 1,800 undergraduates and 700 graduate students during three ceremonies at the Sports Arena on May 10.
Media Contact:
Jerod Dahlgren, Public Relations Staff Writer | 7168785569 | dahlgrjt@buffalostate.edu