Historic fundraising campaign goes public
By Michael Canfield
On September 19, 2012
Buffalo State is set to kick-off the historic "Transforming Lives" fundraising campaign at the end of
September, aimed at benefiting several areas of campus as well as academic life. The goal is to raise $20
million over the next three years.
The kick-off event will begin at 4 p.m. on Sept. 28 in Rockwell Hall, said President Aaron Podolefsky. The
event will feature a speech by Podolefsky, as well as from students who have been impacted directly by
money donated to the school. A band will also be playing outside, and food will be provided.
"It's going to be exciting," Podolefsky said while addressing the College Senate.
The campaign, which has been in the quiet phase for the last year, is the first all-encompassing
fundraising campaign on campus, said Susanne Bair, vice president of Institutional Advancement.
The number one goal of the campaign, she said, is to assist the students.
According to a press release on the campaign, the endeavor will benefit several areas of campus
and academic life, including undergraduate and graduate research, scholarships and fellowships and
economic development.
The quiet phase of a fundraising campaign describes the time before it is publicly announced, so the
public part of the campaign is starting out with some funding already raised, Bair said. Some of the
money donated during this phase has already gone toward assisting students. A recent gift will help 12
students looking to go abroad pay for airfare.
"We want more students to travel abroad," she said. "Twelve students will have their lives changed."
Another positive impact of the campaign involves students choosing Buffalo State who may not have
otherwise, based on the availability of scholarships, updates to campus facilities and a faculty that cares
about students, Bair said.
"Some students who weren't going to come here will now come here," she said. "It's a great, great
opportunity for students. We have great faculty, scholarships to get you through and great buildings."
Feedback from prospective donors has been positive, Bair said. She's been travelling around the country
with Podolefsky, speaking with alumni and those interested in assisting the school meet its goal.
"People are excited about the campaign," she said. "People are talking a lot about Buffalo State and
want to support all of the things we're doing. They really want to make a difference for students."
While this is the first campaign of its type at Buffalo State, it is not unusual. Canisius College and Niagara
University recently finished similar campaigns, Bair said.
Students are encouraged to attend the kick-off event, Bair said, and meet some of the donors and
alumni who are passionate about Buffalo State.
"Having students there will be great," she said enthusiastically. "Have a great time. This is your school!"
Although exact numbers on how much money has been raised so far won't be announced until Sept. 28,
Bair is confident the fundraising campaign will meet its goal.
"The reason I'm confident," she said, "is I know our alumni and friends want to make a difference. They
care about students, and want to transform lives."
Michael Canfield can be reached by email at canfield.record@live.com.
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