BUFFALO, N.Y. -- University President Satish K. Tripathi has issued a statement regarding Gov. Andrew Cuomo's State of the State address.

"This is very good news for SUNY, and yet another outstanding example of Gov. Cuomo's understanding of the vital role that public higher education is poised to play in revitalizing our communities. We at UB are very grateful for his leadership in advancing our impact as a catalyst for a thriving knowledge-based economy in our region and state, and for his strong commitment to investing $1 billion in Buffalo's economic future.

"The NYSUNY 2020 grant awarded to UB in December will make a tremendous difference for our students, for our university enterprise and for our broader communities, and I am delighted by the news that this successful challenge grant model will be expanded across the SUNY system."

The University at Buffalo is a premier research-intensive public university, a flagship institution in the State University of New York system and its largest and most comprehensive campus. UB's more than 28,000 students pursue their academic interests through more than 300 undergraduate, graduate and professional degree programs. Founded in 1846, the University at Buffalo is a member of the Association of American Universities.