School of Management: Networks offer alumni opportunity
Interested in reconnecting with fellow School of Management alumni in your geographic area? Here are two ways to do so.

Many management alumni across the country are connecting with each other in major cities through Networks, local groups of School of Management alumni in specific cities. In partnership with UB Alumni Association regional chapters, Networks provide opportunities to widen management alumni job connections, enhance business opportunities and forge new relationships. Networks also host their own events, which may be tailored to School of Management alumni interests.

According to our database, significant numbers of management alumni reside in the following cities: Los Angeles, Boston, Atlanta, San Francisco, Washington, DC, Chicago, Dallas, Cleveland, Houston, Denver, Philadelphia, Tampa Bay, Phoenix, Seattle and Charlotte. We already have an active network in the New York City area and are taking steps to form new Networks in Boston and Philadelphia, with event plans under way.

The School of Management Alumni Association is looking for some enthusiastic alumni to help spearhead networking efforts. We will provide help locating area alumni, funding local events and offering other resources (such as School of Management Dean John Thomas) to help kick off Networks. So, if you are in an area with a ³critical mass² of alumni and would like to reconnect with fellow School of Management alumni, please give us a call. Or, if you'd just like to be part of a local Network, please let us know.

For more information, please contact the School of Management Alumni Office at (716) 645-3224 or by e-mail at mgt-alumni@buffalo.edu.


UB Alumni Association chapters
The UB Alumni Association has 18 regional chapters and 11 international chapters, and you are invited to take part in any chapter event. UB Alumni Association chapters serve as a catalyst for university and alumni association activities throughout the world, and provide social and recreational opportunities for alumni. Chapter events include networking, Buffalo wings nights and dinners with prominent UB-affiliated speakers. Also available are volunteer opportunities, such as student recruitment and career mentoring. Alumni and friends of the university interested in chapter affiliation are urged to contact the Office of Alumni Relations at 1-800-284-5382.


School of Public Health and Health Professions: Center contributes to new 'Lids Off' technology
The Rehabilitation Engineering Research Center on Technology Transfer (T2 RERC), located within the School of Public Health and Health Professions, has contributed to the development of a new automated jar opener being marketed by Black & Decker called "Lids Off."

Lids Off is an electronically operated household kitchen appliance designed to assist individuals with the task of opening jars. The device, the size of a standard countertop coffeemaker, uses a motor-driven gear system and a lid-engaging unit to break the vacuum seal and unscrew the lid. The design is unique in that it features a minimal effort approach to opening jars. Lids Off is designed to significantly reduce the amount of effort expended by consumers. The appliance uses 27 of the 29 design and functional features recommended by T2 RERC.

Working with companies around the world, the T2 RERC has a mission: to commercialize advanced technologies and innovative prototypes that increase the functional capabilities of people with disabilities and the elderly.


SOM Web site and events
Find out the latest news and events from the School of Management Alumni Association at our Web site: http://mgt.buffalo.edu/alumni.

Look for upcoming events such as our annual wine tasting and dinner, golf outing and awards banquet. As alumni, you are among the university's greatest assets. Be part of the alumni association and help yourself, the School of Management and the University at Buffalo.


School of Social Work: Safyer named interim dean
Andrew W. Safyer, associate professor of social work, has been named interim dean of the School of Social Work. He succeeds Lawrence Shulman, who stepped down as dean on August 30, 2003 to return to the faculty.

Since 2001, Safyer has served as associate dean for academic affairs and director of the master of social work program in the School of Social Work. He also has served as associate dean for program development and acting associate dean for academic affairs. A member of the UB faculty since 1998, he previously was associate professor of social work at Boston University.

Safyer, a nationally recognized researcher in adolescent mental health, focuses on prevention programs for at-risk youth and their families. He received master's and doctoral degrees in social work and psychology from the University of Michigan, a master's degree from Rutgers University and a bachelor's degree from SUNY College at Purchase.

He is the recipient of the National Institute of Mental Health's Faculty Scholar Award, a highly competitive award presented to M.D.- or Ph.D.-level mental health professionals allowing them to further their clinical research training.