New school year celebrated at convocation

Buffalo State's 2011 Academic Convocation was held Thursday in the Rockwell Hall Auditorium, celebrating the achievements of President Aaron Podolefsky and past and present members of the Buffalo State Community.

The President's Awards, Chancellor's Awards, and the SUNY Honorary Degree of Doctor of Humane Letters were all presented.

"Each of these President's Award recipients in one way or another, serves as an exemplary contributor to the mission of Buffalo State," said Provost Dennis Ponton, who opened the ceremony.

President Podolefsky gave the opening remarks, and stressed the importance of this year's Year of the Arts campaign.

"Whether you're a dancer, a painter, an actor, a scientist, a teacher or an enthusiastic audience member, get involved," Podolefsky said. "Help us make this a year to remember."

Following President Podolefsky was SUNY Board of Trustees member Eunice Lewin, who expressed her admiration of Buffalo State.

"This is a wonderful time to be a part of the Buffalo State Community," she said. "President Podolefsky has just completed a triumphant first year as president, leading this university forward in ways that benefit not only the institution but also our city, our region, and all of New York State."

After Lewin's speech, it was time to honor this year's award recipients. Five President's Awards and three Chancellor's Awards were given to faculty and staff members for their service to the college.

Stephen Ralbovsky was awarded the SUNY Honorary Degree and gave an in-depth speech about his career at Buffalo State. He has worked for record labels such as EMI, Columbia, Elecktra, Arista, Interscope, and RCA. He is the founder of Canvasback Music, which is now a division of Atlantic Records.

As a young music lover, Ralbovsky admired the late night radio DJs who played underground bands on the airwaves. In 1975 he decided to attend Buffalo State College because of its Broadcasting major, and because his high school girlfriend was going to be in attendance. While at Buffalo State he became a concert promoter, bringing many big-name bands to the city.

"Designing a curriculum around my interests, a few really good teachers, the extracurricular activities that I seized on to and ran like crazy with, a shifting musical culture, an odd romance with this strange and wonderful city and some great friends; it all seemed to lead me into pursuing music as a profession," Ralbovsky said.

Rabolvsky thanked music professor Chuck Mancuso for his exceptional music curriculum.

"There has never been quite a student like Stephen," Mancuso said. "He was cutting edge."

Ralbolvksy's speech marked the end of the ceremony, and award winners and audience members gathered outside for a lunch reception.

Ariel Peteres can be reached by email at peters.record@live.com.