Philanthropy plays big role in UB's fundraising

Aside from advanced research, distinguished professors and high academic standards, UB has become a prominent university with help from outside donations.

Every year, UB receives millions of dollars through private and corporate donations that benefit numerous departments in the form of scholarships, facilities and research funding.

"Philanthropic support takes UB to a level of excellence that it couldn't possibly meet with state funding and tuition alone," said Ed Schneider, director of the UB Foundation, which is the department that handles donations.

"UB needs as many resources as possible," said Schneider. "Universities would be struggling with the same problems as public grade school education if it were not for the immense support that is received from private and corporate donations."

Schneider also stressed the importance of these donations in order for major schools to continue their success as an educational resource.

"You won't see a prestigious university in the country that doesn't have substantial private support," said Schneider.

According to Suzanne Chamberlain, senior director of development communications, UB received its most recent major donation of $484,020 from the late Gretchen Joyner in early April.

Chamberlain stated that the money would be used to fund scholarships for medical students at UB.

Chamberlain also mentioned a significant donation that was recently made to UB from Sam Alfiero, who donated $2 million toward building the new Alfiero Center.

Over 150 individuals have contributed to the construction of the new building and the technology that will be furnished inside, according to Chamberlain.

Chamberlain said that many alumni choose to donate money to the school that they graduated from after gaining success in their field. Many people feel that they have gained valuable skills at UB, and want to give something in return.

"A lot of people who donate say, 'I wouldn't be where I am today if it weren't for UB,'" said Chamberlain.

Aside from being a tax write-off, donations benefit the community in many ways. Financial assistance for medical research benefits the health of our community, according to Chamberlain. She also said that Alfiero, who was not a UB graduate, made his donation because he felt that the university brings a lot to the community.

Chamberlain also mentioned that businesses and corporations have their own reasons for making donations.

"Companies and corporations often donate large sums with the purpose of producing better employees, as well as enhancing the economic well-being of the community," said Chamberlain.

"It makes good business sense," she said. "Anyone can donate to any department at UB," said Schneider. "If someone wanted to donate money to The Spectrum, we could make that happen."

UB solicits donations three times a year through a campaign newsletter, which often generates a positive response, according to Chamberlain.

She also mentioned that seniors are expected to make donations prior to graduating.

"Many alumni donate about $100 on average," said Chamberlain. "Some people might donate once a month, once a year, or once in a lifetime and graduating students often make contributions upon request from the library."

"If they graduate in 2005, they are solicited to donate $20.05 to the library," said Chamberlain.

People donate for various reasons; some alumni may give in honor of an inspirational professor, or in honor of other lost alumni, which was frequent after Sept. 11, according to Chamberlain.

Faculty and staff give gifts as well. According to Chamberlain, longtime philosophy professor Peter Hare, who retired a few years ago, left $500,000 to the philosophy department.

Those who donate substantial amounts of money are not allowed to receive anything of value in return for their gift, according to the IRS. Often they will receive tickets to a sports event, or be invited to lunch with the President or Provost, said Chamberlain.

"What we give in return are just small things to get people back to the campus in order to remember the good cause that they have contributed to," said Chamberlain.