50 Plus Club Pamphlet

Three to be honored with Buffalo State Senior Service Award at 50-Plus Club Luncheon

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At the upcoming 50-Plus Club Luncheon on July 12, Buffalo State will honor three alumni with the Senior Service Award, which recognizes alumni who have distinguished themselves through college and community service in support of Buffalo State’s mission. This year’s honorees are Doris (Baker) Belton, ’55, ’63; John Belton, ’61; and Lillian (Lewandowski) Gondree, ’67, ’70.

John and Doris Belton

Lifelong educators, community leaders, and champions of opportunity, Doris and John Belton dedicated their lives to advancing education, faith, and service. Their shared commitment to helping others learn and thrive left a lasting impact on students, families, and communities throughout New York State.

Doris and John Belton

A two-time Buffalo State graduate, Doris earned her bachelor’s degree in 1955 and master’s degree in 1963. She built a distinguished career in vocational and occupational education, ultimately serving as director of occupational education for the New York State Education Department until her retirement in 1992. Beyond her professional accomplishments, Doris co-founded and volunteered as administrator of Refreshing Spring Christian Academy, where she helped guide its growth from a small program housed in a church basement to an independent school facility. Through her leadership, the academy emphasized affordable tuition, individualized instruction, strong academics, and faith-based values, providing educational opportunities to countless young people.

John earned his bachelor’s degree in vocational education from Buffalo State Teachers College in 1961 and began his teaching career in Buffalo before serving as a vocational educator and administrator in the Mohonasen and Schenectady school districts. He later worked with the New York State Education Department and retired from public education in 1989. A visionary educational leader, John helped administer Refreshing Spring Christian Academy and Tree of Life Christian Academy, founded a cooperative after-school program, and played a pivotal role in establishing the International Charter School of Schenectady, the city’s first charter school. His dedication to service extended through his work with the NAACP, his ministry in the Church of God in Christ, and his outreach to hospitals and correctional facilities.

Together, Doris and John exemplify Buffalo State’s tradition of educational excellence, leadership, and service, enriching the lives of generations through their unwavering commitment to learning, faith, and community.

Lillian (Lewandowski) Gondree

A lifelong Buffalonian, Lillian Gondree has dedicated her life to education, community service, and philanthropy. 

Lillian Gondree

A 1964 graduate of Lafayette High School, she was awarded the Margaret McGavern Wenzel Scholarship, which helped launch her academic journey at Buffalo State University. She earned both her bachelor’s and master’s degrees in science education from Buffalo State.

Gondree devoted 35 years to teaching in the Kenmore-Town of Tonawanda Union Free School District, where she inspired generations of students and later served as chair of the Science Department at Hoover Middle School. In recognition of her outstanding contributions to education, she was named Teacher of the Year in 1993. Her influence extended beyond the classroom through collaborations with the Lawrence Hall of Science and publications in journals of the National Science Teachers Association.

Following her retirement from public education, Lillian returned to Buffalo State as a lecturer and mentor, helping prepare future educators. She also continued her commitment to youth development through volunteer work with YMCA programs.

Since joining the College Club of Buffalo in 1974, Lillian has held numerous leadership positions and supported the organization’s mission of community engagement and affordable housing. Alongside her husband, Howard Gondree, she has strengthened the Western New York community through generous philanthropic support of organizations including the Buffalo Zoo, Buffalo Seminary, and the Center for Elder Law & Justice.

Through the Buffalo Community Foundation and the Buffalo State Foundation, Lillian has established scholarships benefiting students at Lafayette High School and Buffalo State. Her generosity has also advanced campus initiatives such as the Honors Program, Whitworth Ferguson Planetarium, Maud Gordon Holmes Arboretum, and Lillian Gondree Astronomy Science Kit Fund.

Today, Gondree remains actively engaged in educational, cultural, and workforce development initiatives while enjoying treasured time with her family.

About the 50-Plus Club
The 50-Plus Club honors Buffalo State alumni who have passed the 50-year landmark since graduation. This year’s annual luncheon, held in the LoRusso Alumni and Visitor Center, takes place Sunday, July 12, from 11:00 a.m. to 1:30 p.m. The price is $25 per person. Please register through the Alumni Association website.

Top image by Buffalo State Marketing & Communications; headshots courtesy of honorees.

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