Excellence in Education Awards held on Buffalo State campus, alumni recognized

The 7th Annual Excellence in Education Awards—a Hollywood‑style evening honoring Buffalo’s educators and school leaders presented by Friends For a Better Buffalo and in part by Buffalo State University—were held at the Performing Arts Center at Rockwell Hall on Saturday, May 2.

This annual awards ceremony shines a light on those who elevate education across Buffalo’s public, private, and charter schools. The night was a true awards-show affair complete with red carpet photo opportunities, an awards ceremony, and an exclusive after-party celebration. 

Four Buffalo State alumni were awarded at the event. Of the nominees, 38 were Buffalo State alumni (bolded names indicate winners).

• Marc Adams, ’21, ’23

• Ahmed Akbar, ’20, ’22

• John Augustine, ’86, ’01

• Noemi Bailey, ’06, ’10

• Robert Baxter, ’94, ’03

• Christopher Bigouette, ’19

• Armetha Brown, ’95, ’03

• Bradford Brown, ’95

• Jill Burruano, ’05

• Karen Camp, ’87

• Courtney Champlin, ’05

• Julia Connerton, ’25

• Chelsea Culverhouse, ’98, ’06

• Elizabeth Dirr, ’89

• Kim Donoghue, ’88

• Kimberly Farrell, ’94

• Vera Gracievski, ’02

• Jennifer Hammer, ’93

• Orlando Hill, ’15, ’23

• Michelle Hope-Barnes, ’02, ’05

• Theresa Land, ’97

• Genah Lasbby, ’13

• Victoria Lewis, ’20, ’23

• Catherine Lipsitz, ’11

• Juanita McClain, ’16, ’20

• Maureen McDonnell, ’02

• Marcia Nigro, ’06, ’09

• Kristina Polino, ’12

• Matthew Roll, ’01, ’08

• Norma Rosario, ’03, ’08

• Maria Ruiz, ’15

• Kristen Szantor, ’90, ’97

• Corey Talford, ’18

• Kaylynn Torres, ’19, ’22

• Sarah Vittoria, ’99, ’04, ’12

• Christie Walker, ’23

• Erich Wheeler, ’09

• Khyvana Wilson-Dowell, ’17, ’20

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WGRZ: Buffalo's biggest night in education celebration

Pictured at top: President Bonita R. Durand, Ph.D. 

Photos by Tamara Horstman-Riphahn.