Buffalo State Distinguished Alumnus Award recipients to deliver Commencement addresses on May 17
Three highly accomplished Buffalo State alumni will receive the Buffalo State Distinguished Alumnus Award and address the Class of 2025 during Buffalo State’s 153rd Commencement ceremonies on Saturday, May 17, in the campus Sports Arena.
Del Reid, ’04, founder of 26 Shirts and co-founder of Bills Mafia, will deliver the Commencement address at the 9:00 a.m. School of the Professions ceremony; Morgan Hardy, ’03, chief executive officer of Leadership Buffalo, will speak at the 1:00 p.m. ceremony for the School of Arts and Sciences; and Karen Saxon, ’03, music educator, will address the university’s School of Education 5:00 p.m. ceremony.
Del Reid, Class of 2004
DISTINGUISHED ALUMNUS AWARD
School of the Professions Commencement Address | 9:00 a.m. Ceremony
Del Reid is a passionate community advocate, entrepreneur, and lifelong Buffalo Bills fan. Born and raised in Western New York, he is the co-founder of the Bills Mafia movement, and the visionary behind 26 Shirts. Reid has harnessed the power of sports fandom to make a tangible and lasting impact on the lives of those in need.
In 2011, along with Breyon Harris and Leslie Wille, he initiated the #BillsMafia movement on Twitter, which has since grown into a dedicated online community of Bills fans. Bills Mafia has become known not only for its unwavering support of the Buffalo Bills but also for its philanthropic efforts, exemplifying the positive influence of sports fans coming together for a greater purpose. For his efforts, Reid was named the “Bills 2023 Fan of the Year” by the National Football League.
In 2013, Reid took his passion for football and his desire to give back to the community to the next level by founding 26 Shirts. This innovative platform combines sports, fashion, and charity by designing limited edition, Buffalo-themed apparel. Each shirt sold donates a portion to a specific beneficiary in need. His commitment to making a difference through 26 Shirts has resulted in substantial donations to various charities, helping countless individuals and families facing adversity. To date, 26 Shirts has raised more than $2 million in donations to the community.
By uniting fans under the banner of Bills Mafia and harnessing the power of passionate sports enthusiasts, Reid has demonstrated the potential for sports fandom to drive positive change. However, his life goes beyond simply coining a fanbase hashtag or running a charitable business. His faith is the factor behind the love and compassion he desires to share with every person he meets.
While he is proud of everything Bills Mafia has accomplished to date, he will tell you the most important thing in his life is his marriage to his wife, Chrissy, and their two beautiful daughters.
Morgan Hardy, Class of 2003
DISTINGUISHED ALUMNUS AWARD
School of Arts and Sciences Commencement Address | 1:00 p.m. Ceremony
Morgan Hardy (formally Williams-Bryant) is chief executive officer for Leadership Buffalo, where she oversees the growth and professional development and civic engagement of leaders across the Greater Buffalo area. Formerly, she served as the chief impact officer of Girl Scouts of Western New York, where she oversaw all aspects of membership, volunteer training, and girl programming for nearly 16,000 girls and 7,000 adults in nine counties. Prior to joining Girl Scouts, Hardy was appointed as the youngest female deputy commissioner of the Erie County Youth Services Division, and also served as director of youth and family services for the Community Action Organization of Western New York.
Hardy is the founder and CEO of MWB Ignites, LLC, a global consultancy firm that elevates individuals and organizations through leadership development training and workshops to help awaken untapped talents, gifts, and boundless potential. A dynamic motivational speaker and trailblazer in her field, Hardy has transformed the lives of countless individuals and inspired audiences of all ages to embrace a Champion-level mindset. Her passion for sharing her knowledge and expertise with the public, private, and non-profit sector is what fuels MWB Ignites as a strategic force in leading transformational change in organizations and their people. She is the best-selling author of A Champion’s Prayer Journey and, last fall, she launched her Christian apparel line, Champion Made. A devout Christian, Hardy is a faithful member of Elim Christian Fellowship Church.
Hardy earned a bachelor of arts degree in broadcast communication from Buffalo State and a master of arts degree in organizational leadership from Medaille University. She has served as an adjunct instructor in business, sociology, and philosophy and human relations at Bryant & Stratton College. Most recently, she earned her accreditation as a certified DiSC instructor.
Hardy is a Health Leadership Fellow with the Health Foundation for Western and Central New York and a graduate of Leadership Buffalo. She is also a member of the Buffalo chapter of The Links Incorporated and Delta Sigma Theta Sorority Incorporated, where she serves as chaplain. She currently serves on several boards and committees: Sadie Strong; Project Mona’s House; Women Who Lead WNY; and is a former trustee for Medaille College. She also has received a host of honors and recognition including the 2019 Buffalo State College Young Alumnus Award, Buffalo Business First 40 Under 40 Award, a finalist for the Buffalo Niagara Partnership Athena Award, and named one of Buffalo Business First’s Power 200 Women in WNY, Power 100 Business Leaders of Color, and Power 250 Most Influential People in WNY.
Karen Saxon, Class of 2003
DISTINGUISHED ALUMNUS AWARD
School of Education Commencement Address | 5:00 p.m. Ceremony
Karen Saxon is a distinguished music educator, accomplished musician, and dedicated community leader based in Buffalo, New York. A proud alumna of Buffalo State University, where she received her bachelor of arts in vocal performance in 2003, and the University of Scranton, where she received her master of science in education in educational administration in 2008, she has devoted 27 years to music education in the Buffalo Public Schools. Currently, she serves as a vocal music instructor at City Honors School and as an adjunct voice professor at Buffalo State University.
Saxon is a highly skilled pianist, professional vocalist, and expert choral conductor. She made history as the first-ever musical director for Shea’s Performing Arts Center’s production of Once On This Island and Ujima Theater’s collaboration with Second Generation Theater for The Color Purple. Her leadership in musical direction has helped elevate the Buffalo arts scene.
In 2025, Saxon co-founded AnsariSaxon Productions alongside Naila Ansari Carbonell Catilo, establishing an African American, female-owned professional production company committed to artistic excellence. She also serves on the board of directors for Starring Buffalo and the Buffalo Philharmonic Orchestra, advocating for arts accessibility and education.
A dedicated servant leader, Saxon is the minister of music at First Shiloh Baptist Church and the chair of the Buffalo Branch NAACP ACT-SO Committee, where she works to uplift and mentor young artists and scholars.
Saxon is happily married to Darrell M. Saxon, president and CEO of Thomas T. Edwards Funeral Home Inc. Together, they cherish their three wonderful children: Nathalie (Terrence), Christnell, and Karrengton Williams.
Top image by Jesse Steffan-Colucci, Buffalo State photographer.
