Peterson Society inducts 17 new members at thirtieth anniversary luncheon

October 9, 2026

Buffalo State University’s Peterson Society—celebrating its 30th anniversary in 2026—inducted 17 new members during its annual luncheon on Thursday, October 8, at the Buffalo Club. President Jennifer L. Burris, Ph.D., and Vice President for Institutional Advancement and External Relations James M. Finnerty hosted the event.

The Peterson Society recognizes those who have made a generous gift to the university in their wills or through other estate-planning means. The group has a total membership of about 500 donors.

New members welcomed into the society this year included Deborah Gallagher Barger, ’76; Carol Beckley; Cynthia S. Beery, ’74; Patricia S. Bennett, ’69; Mary Ann (Tirone) Cadelli, ’56, ’62 (posthumously); Dr. David R. Charnock, ’80; Betty B. Crouse, ’53 (posthumously); Constance Cheng-fu Hsu (posthumously); Joan McCool; Kathrine R. Morales, ’19; Frances L. Paskowitz, ’85; Kenneth L. Patrick, ’61; Albert F. Riess; Gary K. Siddall, ’12, and Karl Johnston; Kenneth J. Sodaro, ’85; and Benjamin M. Zuffranieri Jr., ’80.

The ceremony also honored members of the society who died during the past year: Dorothy Leichty Brighton, ’49; Mary Ann (Tirone) Cadelli, ’56, ’62; Betty B. Crouse, ’53; F. Dean Hansen, ’59; Constance Cheng-fu Hsu; Norma G. Kummer, ’55; Concetta M. LaPenna, ’57, ’67; Michael Malyak, ’70, ’72; Kevin Reilly; Victor Shanchuk Jr., ’61, ’72; Augustus O. “Bud” Thomas; and Dana E. Tillou.

Special recognition was given to Peterson Society members who took special steps to ensure that their legacy endures well into the future: Maurene C. Bouras, ’69; Nancy A. Chicola, ’66; Kathryn Christmann and Issac Simmons; Robert W. Christmann, ’75, and Karen Christmann, ’77, ’81; Deborah Diehl; Peter Fleischmann and Ilene Fleischmann; Michele M. Fairchild Marko, ’72, and Tedy Marko; and Donn M. Youngstrom.

Peterson Society members who augmented their commitment to the Peterson Society during the 30th anniversary year were also honored: James Brandys, ’71, ’73; Judith L. Elliott, Ph.D., ’82; Gerald C. Mead Jr., ’85, ’86; and Michele M. Fairchild Marko, ’72.

The luncheon featured a keynote speech by Michele M. Fairchild Marko, ’72, and a reflection by Planned Giving Committee Chair James Brandys, ’71, ’73.

The Peterson Society, Buffalo State’s planned giving or legacy society, recognizes those who have made a commitment to Buffalo State through a bequest, gift annuity, charitable trust, life insurance, or other estate-planning technique. These gifts greatly influence the future growth of Buffalo State and its students, providing a powerful and lasting impact.

The Peterson Society is named for the late Harold F. Peterson and his late wife, Lucille Mattern Peterson, ’39, in honor of their legacy of giving to Buffalo State. Dr. Peterson served Buffalo State as a professor and chair of the History Department and became the first faculty member from the college to receive the State University Chancellor’s Award for Excellence in Teaching. He was later honored with the title of Distinguished Professor. Upon retirement, he established a trust that first provided for Lucille during her lifetime and now provides scholarships for Buffalo State students.

For more information about the Peterson Society, please contact Scott Burns, associate vice president for development, at (716) 878-3395.

Pictured: President Jennifer L. Burris, Ph.D. (left); Planned Giving Committee Chair James Brandys; and Vice President for Institutional Advancement and External Relations James M. Finnerty.

Photo by Mark Mulville.

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