Peterson Society Commemorative Grove to create lasting legacy on Buffalo State campus

As the Peterson Society celebrates its 30th anniversary, Buffalo State University is creating a permanent campus landmark honoring the alumni and friends whose planned gifts have helped secure the university’s future. The Peterson Society Commemorative Grove, championed by longtime volunteer leader and philanthropist Jim Brandys ’71, M.S. ’73, will provide a place of reflection, remembrance, and inspiration for generations to come.

Few individuals have played a more significant role in Buffalo State’s culture of philanthropy than Brandys, who has devoted his time, talent, and philanthropic leadership and support to Buffalo State for more than five decades. His leadership of the landmark “Endowing the Future” campaign helped raise more than $10 million in endowed support and laid the groundwork for the Peterson Society itself. As plans for the Peterson Society’s 30th anniversary began to take shape, Brandys envisioned a permanent space where members could gather, reflect on their impact, and honor those who helped build the Buffalo State community.

“I’m proud of what we have accomplished over the past thirty years,” said Brandys. “It has truly been a collective effort by a community of individuals who care deeply about Buffalo State and its future.”

Located adjacent to the iconic Rockwell Hall, with views of the Hank Mann Quad and the Burchfield Penney Art Center, the grove will serve as a lasting tribute to the individuals whose generosity and foresight have strengthened Buffalo State through planned giving. The grove is designed to honor the vision of Harry W. Peterson and Marian M. Peterson, whose commitment to Buffalo State inspired generations of supporters to invest in the university's future through planned giving.

Visitors will enter through a marker identifying the space and sharing the story of the Petersons and the society. At its center, a decorative terrace featuring poured concrete with an elegant border will lead to a custom Pennsylvania Bluestone bench, selected for its timeless beauty and distinctive character. 

Surrounding the terrace and bench, thoughtfully selected landscaping will create a peaceful setting throughout the seasons. New plantings will include three Japanese Maple trees, three Golden Birch trees, one Chinese Cornelian Cherry tree, and five Chinese Yellowwood trees, creating a lush and inviting environment.

Two stone pillars will anchor the bench. One will recognize individuals who join the Peterson Society during its 30th anniversary year; the other will feature the Peterson Society Honor Roll and a QR code linking visitors to a complete roster of members. Through this digital experience, visitors can hear stories of impact and biographies of members whose lives and generosity have helped shape Buffalo State. In this way, the grove will also serve as a place of remembrance, intended to honor and celebrate the collective legacy of both those who continue to support the university while and also those whose impact endures through the students and programs they helped make possible.

For Brandys, that mission is especially meaningful, as it ensures that the stories of members such as his late wife, Joy—a Buffalo State alumna, Peterson Society member, accomplished artist, volunteer, and devoted supporter of both Buffalo State and the Burchfield Penney Art Center—remain part of the university's living history.

“While the numbers tell an important story, they are not what I treasure most,” Brandys said. “What I cherish are the friendships we’ve formed, the lives we’ve touched, and the memories of Peterson Society members who are no longer with us. It is meaningful that we will now have a place on campus where their voices can still be heard, their generosity remembered, and where their legacy will continue to inspire future generations.”

The Peterson Society Commemorative Grove is expected to be dedicated in 2027. The Buffalo State University Planned Giving Committee will celebrate the society’s 30th Anniversary at the Peterson Society Luncheon on Thursday, October 8, at 11:30 a.m. at The Buffalo Club.

To learn more about the Peterson Society and how planned giving through will bequests, beneficiary designations, and charitable gift annuities creates lasting impact for Buffalo State students, please contact Scott Burns, associate vice president for development, at burnsrs@buffalostate.edu. 

Rendering courtesy Peterson Society; Brandys photo by Buffalo State Marketing & Communications.