A Year-Long Celebration

In 2021, SUNY Buffalo State celebrated an amazing milestone in the institution's history: its sesquicentennial anniversary! 

As we look ahead to our next 150 years, we want you with us as we continue to believe, inspire, and achieve.

150th Anniversary Toolkit

150th logo in four colors
Logo
Logo

Add Buffalo State's 150th anniversary logo to your events, activities, programs, and promotional items.

150th Anniversary invitation
Invitation Templates
Invitation Templates
  • Promote official college sesquicentennial events.
  • Customize with Adobe Acrobat Pro's text edit function.
  • Print invitations at the campus Copy Center.
     
150th Anniversary Powerpoint templates
PowerPoint Templates
150th Anniversary Zoom background
Zoom Backgrounds
150th Anniversary e-mail signature
Email Signatures
150th Anniversary phone background
Phone Wallpapers
150th Anniversary social media filter
Social Media Filters
Social Media Filters

150th Anniversary Events

Civic and Community Engagement Panel Discussion and Community Service Challenge August 16

First-Year Convocation August 27

Bengal Bound August 27

Weeks of Welcome

School of Education Bengal Teachers Reunion September 9

Buffalo State College Day September 17 

Peterson Society Lunch September 17

150 Years of Teacher Education at Buffalo State September 24

Professional Development Schools Consortium Conference September 24

Bengals Dare to Care Day September 25

Buffalo State Foundation Golf and Tennis Scholarship Classic September 27

Homecoming Week September 27-October 3

Bengal Birthday Bash on the Plaza September 28

Alumni Open House September 30

150th Celebration: School of Education Month

Weeks of Welcome

 

Equity and Diversity/EOP Beyond Boundaries Programming Kicks Off

Salsa Dance Demonstration hosted by Modern and Classical Languages, October 1, 2:00 p.m., Student Union Assembly Hall

Homecoming Weekend October 1-3

Science and Mathematics Complex Ribbon Cutting October 1

E. H. Butler Library Open House and Ribbon Cutting October 1

Alumni Award Recipient Dinner October 1

Scholar Donor Breakfast October 2

Alumni Tailgate Brunch October 2

Alumni 50th Dinner October 2

Sunday Family Bengal Kitchen Brunch October 3

Elm Leaves Journal Anniversary Launch October 8 

Trey Kennedy the "Are You for Real?" Tour October 9

Anne Frank Social Justice Festival October 13-15

Faculty/Staff Research and Creativity Day Fall Forum October 14 

Undergraduate Admissions Fall Open House October 17

Africana Studies and its Importance in Academics, Occupations, and Communities October 20

Distinguished Alumni Deborah Oppenheimer Presents Foster Documentary October 21

Heathers the Musical October 22

TFA Students 360 Degree Suspense/Horror Film Series October 22-31

Hudders TR Inaugural Site Master Fellowship Launch October 26

Graduate Fair TBD

Oktoberfest Farmers Market  TBD

Computer Science Conference TBD

Weeks of Welcome

150th Celebration: School of Arts and Sciences

Beyond Boundaries: Dare to Be Diverse TBD

Arboretum Big Dig November 6

Communication Department's Hall of Fame Award Recipient Lecture: "Communications Careers: A Conversation with the NCAA's Bob Williams" November 12

“Resilience: Art & Design, Past + Present" Art and Design Exhibit, Czurles-Nelson Gallery Reception November 18

PRISM Concert November 18

Dealing with Disasters and Emergencies in WNY November 29

Elm Leaves Journal Anniversary Edition TBD

Weeks of Welcome

"The Way We Were" | Celebrating the Art and History of Buffalo State at the Burchfield Penney Art Center, Thursday December 2, 6:00 p.m.–7:30 p.m. All are welcome to this free speaker event. Reception to follow.

Bengal Study Nights December 6-10

Burchfield Penney Art Sale December 3-5

Student Art Sale December 8-9

Weeks of Welcome

150th Celebration: Winterim January 18-22

Weeks of Welcome

150th Celebration: Leading Education, Change, Social Responsibility, and Justice

MLK Speaker: Trini Ross February 2, 6:00 p.m., Burchfield Penney Art Center
Trini E. Ross, U.S. attorney for the Western District of New York, will deliver a talk as the college's 2022 MLK speaker. This event is free and open to the public. Registration is required for in-person attendance. An online viewing option will also be available. 

Buffalo State Basketball: Community Night February 4, 6:30 p.m., Houston Arena
Civic and Community Engagement and Buffalo State Athletics invite community partners to men’s and women’s basketball with a reception and halftime program.

Civic Engagement Series February 10, 11:00 a.m.-1:30 p.m., Campbell Student Union
An opportunity for students, faculty, and staff to learn about social justice issues on a local and national level, engage in on-campus service projects, and become aware of volunteer opportunities. At this event, attendees will learn about racial and economic inequities in the healthcare system. After some discussion, we will make Valentine’s Day cards for the children at Roswell to bring them joy during a very tough time.

Voter Friendly Campus Conversation February 17, 12:15-1:30 p.m., Caudell Hall 209
Learn about the efforts being made across the campus on voter engagement and discuss how you might integrate civic and voter engagement into your curricular and co-curricular experiences

Civic Engagement Series February 24, 11:00 a.m.-1:30 p.m., Campbell Student Union
An opportunity for students, faculty, and staff to learn about social justice issues on a local and national level, engage in on-campus service projects, and become aware of volunteer opportunities. At this event we will begin by defining and discussing the concept of ableism. Participants will learn about historic and systemic problems and then will be able to connect those to current events within the context of the pandemic as well as other areas they may not have realized were influenced by ableism before. After some discussion, we will make laundry soap to share with the senior citizens connected to None Like You/We Care Community Outreach group.

Buffalo Normal School to Africana Studies February 24, 12:15-1:30 p.m., Campbell Student Union Assembly Hall
Programming around Buffalo State’s legacy of transforming the lives of black and brown people. Speakers: Valerie Kinloch, Ph.D., Dean, School of University of Pitsburgh and Buffalo State alumni Craig Centrie, Ph.D., Department of Africana and American Studies University of Bufalo. Screening of short fillm, Be Good, Make Me ProudRegistration is required.

Weeks of Welcome

150th Anniversary Celebration: Graduate School March 1

Maximizing Your LinkedIn Visibility March 7, 5:00 p.m., virtual session
Catherine Vivacqua, Career Development Center, will lead participants through a virtual workshop aimed at improving your LinkedIn profile and maximizing your exposure on the platform. All graduate students, undergraduates, and alumni are invited to attend this virtual session. Hosted by the Graduate School and Graduate Student Association. Join session.

75th Anniversary of Graduate School Week of Celebration March 7-11

Exploring Influence March 8, 5:00 p.m., virtual session
In this interactive session, Kristin Fields, director, Continuing Professional Studies, will help attendees explore ways to navigate and prepare for the unexpected. Participants will come away with strategies to foster a proactive mindset. All graduate students, undergraduates, and alumni are invited to attend this virtual session. Hosted by the Graduate School and Graduate Student Association. Join session.

Time Management: How to Successfully Traverse Your Busy Schedule March 9, 7:00pm. Proper time management can improve your overall wellbeing and effectiveness during your day-to-day routine. During this workshop, Luke Haumesser, Student Leadership and Engagement, will discuss crucial skills needed to achieve a well-balanced life. All graduate students, undergraduates, and alumni are invited to attend this virtual session. Hosted by the Graduate School and Graduate Student Association. Join session.

The Story of Katheryne T. Whittemore (1899-1981) March 10, 12:15-1:30 p.m., Tech Building 160
Hosted by the Geography and Planning Department

Grab & Go Stress Relief Table March 10, 2:00-5:00 p.m. West Lobby of E. H. Butler Library
Meet with Buffalo State GSA representatives and receive baked goods and stress relief merchandise. All graduate students, undergraduates, and alumni are invited to attend. Hosted by the Graduate School and Graduate Student Association.

Pi Day March 14

Planetarium Celebration March 12, 11:00 a.m.-1:00 p.m., Whitworth Ferguson Planetarium (SAMC)
Buffalo State graduate students and graduate program alums and their families are invited to attend one of three planetarium shows free of charge.  Performances include a children’s option, a family-friendly educational experience, and an entertainment-based laser show. Hosted by the Graduate School and Graduate Student AssociationRegistration required.

Cultural Tourism Lecture with Patrick Kaler, president and CEO, Visit Buffalo Niagara/Buffalo Niagara Convention Center/Buffalo Niagara Sports, Commission March 14, 3:00-4:15 p.m., Bulger Communication Center room 214
"Tourism Growth: Positioning Cultural Assets in Erie County and the Re-opening of the Albright-Knox." Faculty, staff, and students are welcome.

Day of Giving March 16-17

Celebrate a World of Flavors March 24, 5:00 p.m., Alumni Center, Costello Hall.
Join us to explore global nutrition/health trends with Buffalo State alumni and registered dietitian Molly Morgan. Refreshments will be served.

Weeks of Welcome

150th Celebration: The Professions April 1

Take Back the Night April 6

Buffalo State Hosts SUNY Model European Union April 7-9

Decade Celebration of the Center for China Studies April 8

Undergraduate Admissions Spring Open House April 9

Alumni Legacy Family Tree Celebration April 18-22

26th Annual Hospitality Ambassador Awards, April 20, 5:30 p.m., Bulger Communication Center 214
Recipients:
Karen Andolina Scott, Executive Director, Journeys End Refugee Services
Jake Brach, Manager-Culinary Learning and Development at Rich Products
Renee Ratliff, College Based Transition Program & People Inc.

Reception hosted by hospitality students immediately following in Caudell Hall, Statler Room and Russell Salvatore Demonstration Kitchen.

Legacy in Dance April 21, 6:00 p.m., Upton Hall 
Hosted by the Buffalo State Theater Department

Homage: Traveling Black History Exhibit April 21, 12:00-6:00 p.m. Campbell Student Union Assembly Hall 

Honors Convocation April 22

Buffalo State Hosts SUNY Undergraduate Research Conference (SURC West) April 23

Campus Diversity and Student Leadership Awards April 26

Professional Development CelebrationApril 27

Public Service Recognition Conference and Award Ceremony (PSRW) April 30

Runway 2022 April 30

150th Anniversary “Cake” Decorating Contest TBA

Internship Appreciation Recognition Event TBA

Creativity and Change Leadership Panel Discussion TBA

Mini-Baha Vehicle Display and Smart Grid Energy Labs TBA

School of the Professions Panel: Business, Criminal Justice, and More TBA

Weeks of Welcome

Celebration of Community Engagement May 3

EOP Convocation May 5

24th Student Research and Creativity Conference May 5-7

Alumni '70s Group Record Reunion Campus Tour and Reception May 6

Alumni '70s Group Record Reunion Dinner May 7

Bengala: Celebrating 150 Years May 7

Research Fair and Ceremony May 13

Commencement May 21

Graduate School Awards TBD

Burchfield Penney Art Center Gala TBD

"I made what turned out to be one of the smartest decisions of my life and transferred to Buffalo State."

- Doug Carpenter, '77

"I still have my Buffalo State sweatshirt, and I wear it to this day. Thank you!"

- Todd L. Borsa, '99

"Buffalo State was like a community where you could move around, have a good time, and succeed."

- Dr. James P. Williams, '62

"Buffalo State was a great choice for me. It was a smaller school, and I was able to receive one-on-one instruction with my teachers."

- Heidy Galan-Honrado, '01, '05

"Many friendships that I made in college lasted for a lifetime."
 

- Carol Ann (Bettcher) Lawton, 56 
Historical images of students at a table

Commitment to Education

Our History

Established in 1871, SUNY Buffalo State's long history and commitment to education are the cornerstones of our respected reputation. Learn about our excellence in teaching, research, service, scholarship, creative activity, and cultural enrichment which has shaped Buffalo State into the academic community we know today.

Our History 1871-Present

Department Histories

1931

Home Economic Department forms

55th

Anniversary of the Great Lakes Center

1992

First lab and courses using computers in the arts

1967

Psychology Department established

65

Years of services from the Speech-Language-Hearing Clinic

Giving Back

Buffalo State's commitment to excellence in education, research, service, scholarship, creative activity, and cultural enrichment has shaped the college community we know and love today.

We need your help to strengthen the institution's future.

Give to Buffalo State
Students posing outside Bulger

150th Anniversary Committees

Co-Chairs

Timothy W. Gordon – Vice President for Student Affairs
George T. Hole – SUNY Distinguished Teaching Professor Emeritus

Committee

Munirah Ali – Student
William J. Benfanti – Associate Vice President for Government Relations
Levearn Burks – Student
R. Scott Burns – Associate Vice President for Development
Renee Carlineo – Director of Athletics, Intercollegiate Athletics
Shantel Coleman – Student
David W. Cox – Assistant Dean, Student Leadership and Engagement
Daniel M. DiLandro – Head of Archives and Special Collections
Rebecca M. Eggleston – Professional Development Center
James M. Finnerty Sr. – Vice President for Institutional Advancement
Ricky L. Fleming – Professor, Music
Maria C. Garrity – Senior Systems Programmer, Information Technology Services
M. Scott Goodman – Interim Dean, School of Natural and Social Sciences
Gaelle Jean-Baptiste – Student, USG President
Carlos R. A. Jones – Interim Dean, School of Arts and Humanities
Brian C. Kantz – Director, Creative Services
Lisa H. Krieger – Associate Vice President for Administrative Services
Richard Lee – Dean Emeritus of the Faculty of Applied Science and Education
Katie Malik – Executive Assistant to Associate Provost, Academic Affairs
Joseph J. Marren Jr. – Professor, Communication Department
Amanda M. Marzolf – Student Affairs Office, Administrative Support
James Mayrose – Provost
Kevin J. Miller – Dean, Graduate School
Carolyn A. Morris-Hunt – Chief Operating Officer, Burchfield Penney Art Center
Jazmene Mosley – Student, GSA President
Latrese N. Myers – Lecturer, Communication Department
Jen-Alyn O’Harra – Student
Wendy A. Paterson – Dean, School of Education
Douglas G. Reid – Lecturer, International Center for Studies in Creativity
Howard M. Reid – Professor, Psychology Department
Dean J. Reinhart – Associate Director, Admissions
Samantha Rzeszut – Student Affairs Operations Assistant, Student Affairs Office
Crystal J. Rodriguez – Chief of Staff, President’s Office
Jamie Sutter – Student
Pamela M. Voyer – Alumni Center Coordinator, Alumni Engagement Office
Rita M. Zientek – Interim Dean, School of the Professions

 

David Ben-Merre – Associate Professor, English
Anthony Chase – Assistant Dean, School of Arts and Humanities
Vicky Furby – Chair and Associate Professor, Music Department
George Hole – Distinguished Teaching Professor, Philosophy
Crystal Rodriguez – Chief Diversity Officer and President’s Chief of Staff