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Buffalo State kicks off comprehensive campaign
By Michael Canfield
On October 2, 2012
Buffalo State kicked off the historic Transforming Lives fundraising campaign last Friday at Rockwell Hall,
with members of the campus community enjoying speakers, food and a live band.
The campaign, which is beginning its second year of four, has raised $13 million so far, President Aaron
Podolefsky revealed at the event. The first year of the fundraising drive is known as its quiet year, before
the campaign goes public. This is the largest comprehensive fundraising campaign in Buffalo State
history.
As public universities receive less and less state funding, they have to start acting like their private
counterparts, Podolefsky explained during his State of the College Address on Thursday. Private money
and philanthropy help boost things like the amount of scholarships available to students, the facilities on
campus and the overall student experience.
"A successful campaign can make the margin of difference between good and great," he said.
Several guest speakers took the stage in the Performing Arts Center at Rockwell Hall, including several
students who have been directly affected by things Buffalo State is doing.
Junior Theater major Julia Smith was able to take a trip to Rwanda as part of the Anne Frank Project. She
said the trip changed her life.
"Usually, life changing experiences are recognized in hindsight," she said.
This trip, however, lent itself to a much quicker realization.
"For me, this experience came with an understanding," Smith said, "and an immediate appreciation and
gratitude for such an incredible opportunity."
Jake Simmons, an Individualized Studies major, grew up poor, among other things.
"My childhood was filled with poverty, devastating losses, including my mother, and a car accident that
left me paralyzed temporarily from the waist down," he said.
Basketball was the one constant in his life, Simmons said. He never thought it would get him to college.
"It was only a dream," he said. "When I finally got the opportunity, I knew I was going to make the most
of it."
Simmons said he appreciates the people who have been there for him on his way through college.
"I'm here because of you," he said.
He has a message for the people who have given, or will give Buffalo State money.
"Each of you who gives to the college, understand, you touch so many lives," he said.
Louis Ciminelli, chairman and CEO of LPCiminelli Inc., also spoke at the event. His company has
relationships with several colleges and universities in the area. None are as important as his company's
relationship with Buffalo State.
"I believe Buffalo State has integrated itself into the fabric of Buffalo in a very organic way," he
said. "I've said this to many people, and I believe it's true. The Elmwood Village, which has been voted
one of the top 10 urban neighborhoods in the country, would not be what it is if Buff State didn't border
it at the north end."
Ciminelli said he will continue to work with Buffalo State and encourages others to get involved with the
Transforming Lives campaign as well.
"What attracts me to Buffalo State, and what will continue to attract me to Buffalo State, is the striving
for excellence I see and its willingness, even though it's a public institution, to act like a family," he said.
Michael Canfield can be reached by email at canfield.record@live.com.
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