Year of the City: November In Review

The November Year of the City lecture, “Buffalo Public Schools: A World-Class Education for Every Child,” was presented by Pamela C. Brown, superintendent of Buffalo Public Schools. Brown’s talk, one of the highlights of November’s Year of the City events, took place at the invitation of the School of Education.

Among the many college-community events presented by the School of Arts and Humanities in November was the Nor’easter Conference, an event cosponsored with the Burchfield Penney Art Center, the Albright-Knox Art Gallery, and Big Orbit Gallery. The conference, coordinated by Ken Payne, professor of fine arts, and Elena Lourenco, assistant professor of fine arts, explored and celebrated cast iron art. The Buffalo State Philharmonia, a college-community orchestra that includes students, faculty, and community musicians, presented Beethoven’s Symphony No. 8 in F Major and featured renowned instrumentalist Sal Andolina performing Concertino for Soprano Saxophone and Orchestra.

The School of Natural and Social Sciences reported that students completing the professional applied and computational math program, a professional science master offered by the Mathematics Department, have begun their careers even before graduating. The program works closely with area businesses to tailor curriculum to meet industry needs.

The Physics Department once again hosted the Physics Olympics, a competition for middle and high school students interested in science. Besides recognizing the winners of individual timed contests, the event emphasizes fun and camaraderie among science teachers, professors, and students.

Carol DeNysschen, associate professor of dietetics and nutrition, received the Western New York Outstanding Dietetic Educator of the Year award from the Western New York Dietetic Association, recognizing her teaching, mentoring, and leadership activities. DeNysschen, a registered dietician, oversees clinical nutrition courses at local hospitals. The Dietetics and Nutrition Department is part of the School of the Professions.

Buffalo State’s role in the world beyond Western New York was demonstrated by the fourth annual Silent March on November 8. This ceremony pays tribute to members of the Buffalo State community who have served in any branch of the United States military or allied services. This year’s observation was especially poignant because Brett E. Gornewicz, ’11, a United States Army Reserve soldier, was killed in Afghanistan on November 3.

Hal Payne, vice president for student affairs, has worked with the West Side Business and Taxpayers’ Association since 1990. The organization named him its 2012 Man of the Year, citing his recent work as chair of Buffalo State’s Committee on University and Community Relations.

Many more college-community partnerships and collaborations will mark the spring 2013 semester as Buffalo State continues to celebrate the Year of the City.