Creating opportunities for Buffalo students
UB helped to secure the future of prospective and current students at its fourth annual Scholarship Gala, where 400 business executives, faculty and administrators donated $148,000 towards student scholarships.
According to Suzanne Chamberlain, the senior director for External Affairs, the gala plays an important role in informing the Western New York Community about the financial struggles UB students face.
“[The gala addresses] the need to bring awareness not only to the university, but to the financial needs of students,” Chamberlain said. “It’s a way to engage the folks who aren’t on campus routinely.”
A portion of the money raised at the gala went toward the UB Buffalo Partnership Scholars Program, a fund that helps graduates of Buffalo public schools afford an education at UB.
Students receive full four-year scholarships, a free computer and money for books through the program.
According to Chamberlain, this is the third year the UB Scholarship Gala raised funds for Buffalo public schools. At the event, auctioneers asked attendees if they were willing to bid the full cost of UB tuition and fees.
“We collect donations from the money we raise through sponsorship, auctions and ticket sales,” Chamberlain said.
Chamberlain said that the funds raised at the gala are used for other on-campus purposes. A small percentage is allocated toward a specific university department that a donor designates. The financial aid department distributes the money, investing a portion of the funds into an endowment account for future scholarships.
Chamberlain pointed out that although this is the fourth Scholarship Gala, one aspect set this year’s event apart from former galas.
“This year our theme was reaching others in an international way,” Chamberlain said. “We had a strong international performance component.”
Cultural student groups added to the international atmosphere at the gala. The Organization of Arab Club students performed the Dabke, a traditional Arabic dance. The Latin American Student Association showcased its couples’ routine, called the Alma Nanichi. The Zodiaque Dance Company also entertained attendees during dinner with a montage of hits by Michael J. Jackson.
Additional reporting by staff writer Abraham C.L. Munson Ellis
E-mail: news@ubspectrum.com