Emeritus Pathway Program

Buffalo State’s new Emeritus Pathway Program is a voluntary initiative designed to honor the extraordinary service of our long-serving, tenured faculty members. This program supports a meaningful transition into Emeriti status while providing opportunities for continued scholarly engagement, teaching opportunities, and legacy-building contributions. The goal is to maintain meaningful, lifelong relationships with valued faculty.

Verification of eligibility will be confirmed with Human Resource Management at the time of application. Faculty members who meet the university’s criteria for the Emeritus Pathway Program will receive a direct, private invitation from the Provost.

No. Participation is completely voluntary. The program is offered as a recognition of service and an opportunity to remain connected to the Buffalo State community.

Benefits include:

• Formal designation as a Buffalo State Emeritus Faculty Member
• A one-time $25,000 Legacy Recognition payment, with options to bestow or retain
• Lifetime membership to Campus House
• Access to identified office space, appropriate to your needs and the university’s availability
• Optional adjunct teaching, based on the needs of the university
• Peterson Society membership and lunch invitations
• Eligibility to support your legacy through department giving or the creation of an endowed scholarship 

Emeriti faculty are bestowed an honored academic identity at Buffalo State. This includes recognition at official events, inclusion in academic directories, access to certain campus resources, and opportunities to contribute to campus life through teaching, mentorship, or scholarship.

Participants may express interest in teaching on a per-course adjunct basis, depending on university needs and availability. 

Professional space will be made available.

Participants may choose to donate their incentive to their academic department’s fund, or create an endowed scholarship in their own name.

Both options include membership in the Peterson Society and an invitation to the annual Peterson Society Luncheon.

What other options are available for the $25,000 Legacy Recognition payment?

The Legacy Giving opportunities are entirely optional but available for those who wish to create a lasting impact. There is also an option to retain the $25,000.

The Buffalo State Foundation has established a fund to support emeriti-led teaching, mentorship, or scholarly projects. The fund helps ensure that emeriti engagement remains vibrant and supported.

Applications close January 30. The application process is private and submitted directly to the Provost’s Office. You can apply here.

Only the Provost’s Office and the Buffalo State Foundation will review applications. This will be handled on a confidential basis. The decision to participate remains private unless the faculty member chooses otherwise.

May 31, 2026, is the final date of employment for approved participants.

Yes. Provost Amitra Wall will host a small-group conversation at noon Monday, Dec. 15, in Butler Library 208. She will be joined by Jim Finnerty, executive director of the Buffalo State Foundation, who will speak about optional Legacy Giving opportunities and Peterson Society membership. Jamie Warnes, AVP for Human Resources, will also be available to assist you as you consider whether the Emeritus Pathway Program aligns with your future plans.

If you prefer to meet in private, one-on-one meetings are available as well.

This is a voluntary program.

Faculty may contact Provost Amitra Wall (Program Overview, Faculty Considerations) and Executive Director of the Buffalo State Foundation Jim Finnerty (Legacy Giving, Emeriti Engagement Fund, Scholarships/Department Funds). Jamie Warnes, AVP for Human Resources, will also be available to assist you as you consider whether the Emeritus Pathway Program aligns with your future plans.

Private inquiries are welcomed and encouraged.