Three to receive President’s Distinguished Service Award at 153rd Commencement celebration
Buffalo State University will bestow the President’s Distinguished Service Award on three notable individuals during the university’s 153rd Commencement ceremonies on Saturday, May 17, in the campus Sports Arena.
The President’s Distinguished Service Award recognizes individuals or groups who have made significant sustained contributions to Buffalo State University or the larger community that educate the individual, serve the public good, and enrich the broader community.
Russell J. Salvatore
PRESIDENT’S DISTINGUISHED SERVICE AWARD
9:00 a.m. Ceremony | School of the Professions
Russell J. Salvatore, a remarkably successful restaurateur, businessman, and philanthropist, transformed a hot dog stand that he purchased in 1967 into the Buffalo landmark now known as Salvatore’s Italian Gardens. He later established the magnificent Garden Place Hotel as well as Russell’s Steaks, Chops and More, an award-winning steakhouse with its adjacent, five-story Grand Hotel. Each of his businesses has drawn national attention—and is widely known in the area—for its trademark high level of service and exemplary food quality.
Salvatore is one of Western New York’s most generous benefactors, supporting higher education, health care, and a wide variety of other causes. His gift to Buffalo State University established the Russell J. Salvatore Demonstration Kitchen and culinary theatre in Caudell Hall. He also is a major donor to Trocaire College and Niagara University. He purchased flat-screen televisions in 350 patient rooms at Erie County Medical Center, and later became the hospital’s largest private donor with a major gift to the orthopedic unit.
The extensive list of charities that he supports throughout the region includes, but is not limited to, Kids Escaping Drugs, Roswell Park Comprehensive Cancer Center, Variety Club of Buffalo, FeedMore WNY, Cystic Fibrosis Foundation, Muscular Dystrophy Association, WNY Heroes Inc., Buffalo Zoo, Kevin Guest House, and numerous school districts. By establishing the Russell J. Salvatore Foundation, he has ensured that his support of the community he loves will continue in perpetuity.
In addition, Salvatore has inspired regional spirit through many years of sponsoring Buffalo’s New Year’s Eve ball drop and the Canalside area’s Fourth of July fireworks celebration, and purchasing remaining tickets to Bills games to lift a scheduled blackout. A U.S. Army veteran, Salvatore notes that one of his proudest accomplishments is the creation of Patriots and Heroes Park, a three-acre parcel that honors military personnel, first responders, and local heroes. The park provides the community with an “oasis to reflect” and features a 9-11 Memorial, Flight 3407 Memorial, Purple Heart Memorial, World War II Memorial, and replica of Arlington National Cemetery’s Tomb of the Unknown Soldier, among other statues and memorials.
Since his preteen years of peeling potatoes and shining spittoons, Salvatore has always found his calling and passion in creating good times for others. Through many years of long hours, hard work, innovation, and a passion for people, he continues to leave his mark on the community and make Western New York a better place to live.
Dion Dawkins
PRESIDENT’S DISTINGUISHED SERVICE AWARD
1:00 p.m. Ceremony | School of Arts and Sciences
Dion Dawkins is a professional football offensive tackle for the Buffalo Bills of the National Football League (NFL). The Bills selected Dawkins in the second round of the 2017 NFL draft and since that time, he has been a dynamic team leader on the field and an inspirational community leader off the field.
Over the past eight seasons, Dawkins has helped lead the Bills’ resurgence as one of the top teams in the NFL. He has been named to the Pro Bowl four consecutive seasons (2021–2024) and fellow players ranked him as one of the NFL Top 100 Players of 2024. Dawkins also has been selected by the Bills for each of the past three as their nominee for the NFL’s prestigious Walter Payton Man of the Year Award, which recognizes players for their on-field excellence and community service.
Communities all over the country have been positively impacted by the efforts of Mr. Dawkins’ foundation, Dion’s Dreamers, which provides advocacy, mentorship, and support for vulnerable children, young adults, and families. Initially, the foundation helped children pursue their interests, like lessons for aspiring guitar players and singers. Since the pandemic, it has also provided essential items such as clothing, food, school supplies, and hygienic products. Through his foundation, Dawkins shows the power of giving back. He embodies what it means to be a Buffalonian. His deep commitment to underserved communities, sets the tone for future Buffalo Bills who follow in his footsteps.
His in-season community work has also included participating in CPR training of high school student athletes in association with the Buffalo Bills Foundation, Highmark, and the American Heart Association. He also supported the Bills Foundation's initiative, Huddle for Hunger, by donating a truckload of Shnow Crunch cereal towards ending hunger in Western New York.
Dawkins attended Rahway High School in Rahway, New Jersey, before playing college football at Temple University, where he earned his nickname “the Shnowman.” He graduated from Temple in 2017 with a degree in sociology. He was named a First Team American Athletic Conference selection his senior year. He received an invitation to the 2016 Senior Bowl and started at guard for the North team, earning the game’s award for top offensive lineman.
Tonja M. Williams Knight
PRESIDENT’S DISTINGUISHED SERVICE AWARD
5:00 p.m. Ceremony | School of Education
Tonja M. Williams Knight, Ed.D., a leading voice on education, has been the superintendent of the Buffalo Public Schools, the second-largest school district in New York State, since July 14, 2022, when the Buffalo Board of Education unanimously appointed her as superintendent. She has worked for the Buffalo Public Schools for 32 years, rising from the position of school counselor to that of director of guidance and counseling, school principal, assistant superintendent, associate superintendent, interim superintendent, and then superintendent. She is also a proud alumna of the Buffalo Public Schools, having attended School #90, West Hertel Middle, and Riverside High School.
As a lifelong learner, Williams Knight has earned degrees in both executive leadership and business administration, as well as professional and administrative certifications. Her doctoral dissertation work on African American students and the college application process was chosen as the “Most Scholarly Dissertation” by her graduating doctoral cohort. Dr. Williams Knight also earned a Harvard University School Leader Turnaround Certificate. Her work also has included administrative positions at Alfred University and Johnson C. Smith University, a historically black college or university in Charlotte, North Carolina. At Canisius College and Bryant & Stratton Business Institute, she served as an adjunct professor.
Williams Knight has received Business First’s 40 Under Forty Leader Award, City of Buffalo Mayor’s Distinguished Educator Award, Woman Touching the World Recognition, Heart of an Educator Award, Buffalo Black Achiever Award, and Leadership Buffalo 2003 Cohort. She is a member of Alpha Kappa Alpha Sorority Inc., as well as Friendship Baptist Church.
As superintendent, Williams Knight has actively engaged parents, caregivers, students, staff, and the Board of Education to ensure that every student attending a Buffalo public school has access to high-quality instruction that considers their cultural and linguistic backgrounds.
Williams Knight attributes much of her success to her parents, Mr. Anthony Benson Jr., and Ms. Elizabeth Benson, who instilled in both her and her sister, Michelle, the qualities of persistence, hard work, and honesty. Williams Knight, a widower, is the proud mother of two adult daughters, Desiree and Kelly Williams, and one grandson, Cortland Boone. Williams Knight is married to Mr. Major Knight Jr.
