State of the University Address 2023
Published October 13, 2023
Professor Eric Huebner, chair of UB's Department of Music, and Professor Jaman Dunn-Danger perform "My Dream," composer Florence Price's setting of a poem by Langston Hughes.
Good morning, and greetings! I am delighted to welcome you to my 12th annual State of the University address. I would like to begin by thanking the Center for the Arts production group for capturing UB’s spirit in that terrific video. I would like to extend my appreciation, as well, to Chair Huebner and one of our newest faculty members—Professor Dunn-Danger—for that beautiful performance.
In turn, I would like to acknowledge all the faculty, students and staff joining me for our annual university tradition. We have many UB stakeholders with us today, including members of the UB Alumni Association, the UB Council, the UB Foundation, and the SUNY Board of Trustees, along with our civic and community leaders, health care partners and elected officials. We are grateful for our many partners. Thank you all for being here, and for your commitment to UB’s mission of excellence!
Because of you—our immediate scholarly community and our broader circle of friends and partners—I can declare unequivocally that not only is our flagship strong—but it is becoming more vibrant every day. And, today, in scholarly fashion, I intend to defend my thesis with compelling evidence. Although, as something of a disclaimer... I will require a bit more time than the participants in our Three-Minute Thesis competition!
Of course, if you have attended my State of the University address in years past, you already know that. Just as you know that I often use this occasion to set goals for our UB community. Whether related to our academic endeavors, economic development, or community engagement, I have always considered these challenges university-wide calls to action… Assignments on a grand scale, you might say.
Today, as I stand before you, and contemplate every facet of our enterprise, it is abundantly clear that you have taken these challenges to heart. As a result, we are achieving exactly what we set out to do.
"Year in Review at UB"
Uplifting music plays. Balloons fall from ceiling in the Center for the Arts to students below.
Governor Kathy Hochul stands at a podium and says, “Now we think about momentum, right here at the University at Buffalo. The momentum surrounding this institution is powerful.”
Two people stand on a dock and lower a sensor into the water below. Another individual takes measurements from a space overlooking the water.
Two people in white lab coats work with material in a beaker in a lab.
UB faculty and others attend the unveiling of new historical marker in Niagara Falls.
Person in a lab coat and protective glasses looks at purple liquid in a small glass vile.
Aerial view of UB’s North Campus.
A person walks out of the new location for the Startup & Innovation Collaboratory.
Student, Becky Paul-Odionhin, says, “The most important thing that Blackstone really did for me was really just tell me that yes you can.”
Students give presentations on a stage.
Students walk across the stage during commencement.
A student works with material in a basket in a studio.
Students play video games at computers at Level Up.
People talk around a table.
A person looks at a white board as another person writes on it.
People look at a computer screen and discuss what is being displayed.
A group dances on a stage.
A sign for UB’s Institute for Artificial Intelligence and Data Science is shown.
A professor sits with a panel at the front of a room and says, “AI can inadvertently, unconsciously reproduce racial biases. How does that work, and how do we clean them up? Is there a way that humanists, artists can help clean up those biases?”
Two people look at a computer screen.
People look at a historical publication from the Native American Peoples Alliance.
A group from the Department of Indigenous Studies looks at computer screens.
SUNY Chancellor John B. King Jr. says, “And that opportunity for UB to lead on the ethics of AI, that is a sacred responsibility, I believe for higher education in general, for UB in particular.”
Students talk at a table with Vice President for Research and Economic Development Venu Govindaraju.
People use a virtual reality headset.
A professor and student work on a white board.
Two people work in a lab.
A student reads a book at a picnic table.
Kelly Hayes McAlonie says, “Louise Blanchard Bethune was the first professional woman architect in the United States. Part of my story is trying to understand why Louise, why Buffalo, all of the factors that led to, you know, her having the strength to pursue her dream of becoming the first professional woman architect.”
While Ms. McAlonie speaks, a series of clips showing artifacts related to Ms. Bethune are shown along with clips of Ms. McAlonie presenting her research and research being done in UB’s Archives.
An aerial video of UB’s South Campus is shown.
Professor Sebastiano Andreana discusses the Buhite-Dimino Center for Implant Dentistry and Advanced Dental Education saying, “This is and will be an incredible place not only for the students, not only for the patients in Western New York, but for the dental schools in United States.”
While Professor Andreana speaks, a series of clips showing the ribbon cutting for the Center and the new facilities in the Center are shown.
An aerial video of the City of Buffalo is shown.
Professor Timothy Murphy says, “When you have a university-sanctioned and supported institute, that gives this kind of sustainability in our efforts to eliminate health inequities in our community.”
While Professor Murphy speaks, clips showing a community meeting and food donation organization are shown.
A student writes on a chalkboard.
Professor and students look at a computer in a lab.
People walk through an art gallery.
Two people in lab coats look at a computer screen.
President Tripathi presents flowers to Samiha Islam during class, acknowledging her becoming a Truman Scholar.
Samiha says, “When I think of being a global citizen, it’s thinking globally, but acting locally. There’s no point in having knowledge, having a degree if you’re not going to try and help as many people as you can, especially those around you, with it.”
While Samiha speaks, clips of Samiha with her classmates, Samiha standing in front of a row of flags and Samiha talking with people at a table are shown.
Medical students shake hands with Dean Allison Brashear at the Jacobs School of Medicine and Biomedical Sciences’ White Coat Ceremony, and the audience applauses.
Sherice Simpson says, “There is definitely an underrepresented number of African American physicians and women physicians, and so I do hope in my career that I can be a good mentor to other people who look like me, that are interested in pursuing medicine and to encourage them that there are no barriers to your dreams.”
While Sherice speaks, clips of Sherice putting on her white coat and stethoscope are shown.
Students are shown in one of UB’s dining locations.
Christina Hernandez says, “Recently we’ve been able to achieve one of our climate action plan goals by being able to quantify the impact our food system has on greenhouse gas.”
While she speaks, clips of a chef discussing vegetables with students and students receiving food from food stations are shown.
Grace Conrad, joined with three other students, says, “We stand in the front, but we’re behind, you know, a lot of things in regards to sustainability and climate change, we’re so far behind and a lot of other countries are looking for the US and need the US to actually intervene.”
While Grace speaks, clips of Grace and her classmates attending the inaugural Green Summit in Thailand are shown.
Students are shown have a conversation around a table.
Professor Dorothy Siaw-Asamoah says, “To help students have the opportunity not only to think about it, but to do it. Because once they go and they come back, their careers change, their lifestyles change and they have become the impact that we all want them to be in their communities.”
While Professor Siaw-Asamoah speaks, an aerial view of the city and another clip of the group attending the Green Summit is shown.
A student plays tennis.
Students swim in lanes in a pool.
The UB Bulls compete in a basketball game.
President Tripathi and others participate in the groundbreaking of the Brittany Murchie Mulla Sports Performance Center.
Mark Alnutt, Vice President and Director of Athletics, says, “Anytime you put together a performance center, you know, that’s really the foundation to success.”
Brittany Murchie Mulla says, “The construction of a building is much like the development of a superior athlete. It takes planning, time, commitment, execution and true grit.”
While Ms. Mulla speaks, clips of the women’s UB Bulls soccer team competing, celebrating a win, and posing together after the 2022 MAC Championship are shown.
UB Bulls football team is shown competing.
Fans are shown cheering the team on in the stadium.
The marching band drummers march across the field.
International students march with FOCUS with a sign that says, “FOCUS for the culture: Festival of Culture Uniting Students.”
Selma Blair and her service dog sit on stage with Professor Bianca Weinstock-Guttman during the Distinguished Speaker Series event.
Josh Allen speaks on stage.
Dr. Beth Del Genio and Ken Jeong talk on stage during the Distinguished Speaker Series.
Students in UB Bulls shirts give the “Horns Up” sign.
Students with glow sticks enjoy a concert and drone show. The drones take the shape of the interlocking UB and the UB Bull.
Video ends.
Research Expenditures on the Rise
Because of its primacy in our mission, and our aspirations, allow me to begin by talking about research. A short year ago, we were marking a historic first for UB’s research portfolio—namely, our sponsored research expenditures exceeding $200 million.
Even as we celebrated this landmark achievement, I knew we were capable of making a greater impact. That’s why, at my 2022 address, I tasked us to put these expenditures on an even steeper upward trajectory.
In “True Blue” style, our faculty and staff not only accepted the charge... you responded with research benefiting people across the lifespan from infants to new mothers, to the elderly. You reduced disparities by improving access to Indigenous research, teaching and learning, promoting equitable grading practices, caring for patients in medically underserved areas, and improving air quality monitoring in our city.
Moreover, when it came to the environmental crisis, your expansive research had implications for the water we drink; the health of our land; and the air we breathe. Truly, your purposeful response surpassed all expectations. So much so—I am delighted to announce—that UB’s sponsored research expenditures increased 16% over the previous year—to $232 million!!
As you know, enhancing scholarly productivity and growing our research portfolio are essential to achieving UB’s Top 25 Ambition. I always emphasize that our ambition is not motivated by pride, but impact. Without a doubt, our rising research expenditures validate the deepening impact of our disciplinary expertise.
Largest New Faculty Cohort since the 1970s
In recognition, our faculty are being elevated to prestigious scholarly bodies and receiving esteemed honors for their contributions to medicine, art, linguistics, public health, anthropology, urban planning, education, social work, chemistry, pharmacy, dental medicine, law, psychology, nursing, materials science and statistics, among many other disciplines.
To amplify our faculty strengths, I have long contended that we must increase their ranks. Today, I am here to tell you we are doing just that. In January, we unveiled our plan to hire upward of 200 full-time faculty in areas of university strength and global importance. This semester, we welcomed UB’s largest cohort of new faculty in over 40 years.
We are realizing this ambitious goal, in large part, with the state’s conviction in our mission of excellence. I would like to thank Governor Hochul, and the Western New York delegation, for their strategic investment in UB. Like the rest of society, they recognize the significant ways our faculty bring their expertise to bear on the state and world.
"UB in the News"
UB in the News appears on a mostly white screen.
“You’re listening to the BBC World Service.”
“This is CNN.”
“I’m Marco Werman here with the world.”
“NBC News.”
“Starts right now.”
While these voice clips are heard, video clips of a news room with walls of screens, video cameras, sound board, on air sign, radio tower and car volume control dial are shown.
During the rest of the video, video or sound clips of various media interviews are seen and/or heard. If a video interview, a clip of that video is shown. If a sound clip, photos or videos of the UB faculty are shown. A logo of the outlet that broadcast the interview is shown as well.
NPR: All Things Considered: “Yini Zhang, a SUNY Buffalo professor, studying social media.”
NPR: Morning Edition: “Tolu Odunsi is a lecturer in law at the University at Buffalo.”
CNA: “We are joined by Jacob Neiheisel, an associate professor for political science at the University at Buffalo.” Professor Neiheisel: “At the end of the day though, I didn’t see anything that’s fundamentally going to change the nature of this race.”
CBS News: Professor Michael Dambra: “These multiples of 250 to 350 times what the median employee makes seems unusual, but it’s right in line with what’s happened in the past three or four years.”
CNN: “And also with us is Samantha Barbas, a University at Buffalo law professor.” Professor Barbas: “So it really seems that what is going on there is a kind of politically motivated attack on Sullivan.”
Trending Now: “Now, to talk more about the dangerous spread of misinformation online is Heidi Julien, Professor with the Department of Information Science at the University at Buffalo.”
Living on Earth: “Nicholas Rajkovich studies climate adaptation and resilience in cities and buildings.”
BBC Inside Science: “Why and how did we evolve to have mucus at all? I spoke to Omer Gokcumen and Stefan Ruhl at the University at Buffalo.”
PBS News Hour: “SUNY Distinguished Professor, Dr. Thomas Russo, says that even if a COVID test says it’s expired, you could still use it.”
The Nature of Things: Professor Heather Lackos: “This was the site that got me into community archeology. This is a wall of the former Cataract House Hotel.”
All News KCBS Radio: “It’s time now for ‘Ask an Expert’. Stefan Santa-Ramirez, Professor in the Educational Leadership and Policy Department at the University at Buffalo.”
All News KCBS Radio: “Natalie Simpson, an expert in emergency response operations at the University at Buffalo.”
Today: “How common is it for something to hit the moon unintentionally?” Professor John Crassidis: “It’s very uncommon. This is the first time that we know of.”
CNN: “School lockdown drills can help save lives.” Professor Amanda Nickerson: “Yeah, so when done right, we would argue that the benefits outweigh the risks.”
While music plays, an aerial video of Hayes Hall is shown. Bright light starts from the tip of Hayes Hall tower and covers whole screen, then dissipates to show University at Buffalo, the State University of New York lock up on a blue background. Music ends.
Confronting Challenges to Free Speech, Affirmative Action
As you just saw, when confronted with consequential issues, the world turns to UB. But what happens when these issues land at UB’s doorstep? Over the past year, we have been tested on matters as old as the First Amendment and as futuristic as A.I. To the principle of free speech: Let me underscore how critical it is to uphold this constitutional right, not only in the abstract, nor when it is convenient to do so, but also when the speech in question offends our sensibilities. Heckling… shouting down our opponents… suppression… censorship... these have no place in higher education. But opposing ideas we reject with robust arguments grounded in truth, reason and justice? This is what higher education prepares us to do! Remember: Speakers will come and go. But we will always exercise our right to meet weak claims with strong ones, to counter hatred with compassion, and to champion equality and inclusivity.
On that theme, last spring saw the Supreme Court’s ruling on race-conscious admissions. What I stressed then bears repeating today: UB thrives because of our diverse perspectives, backgrounds, cultures, and lived experiences. It enriches our research, our scholarly pursuits, our academic discourse—indeed, all we endeavor to accomplish. As we consider the scope of the Supreme Court’s decision, rest assured: We are responding thoughtfully and strategically to continue cultivating an equitable and welcoming academic community.
This work complements an array of recent initiatives that uphold our values, like enhanced opportunities for students from diverse backgrounds to connect and bond, career fairs, professional training programs for students, and faculty recruitment initiatives, like our VITAL scholars program.
Through my President’s Advisory Council on Race, we are funding pilot projects for civic-minded research. Moreover, we have expanded mentoring programs to reach diverse and first-generation student populations, including graduate students. This is how, in light of the Students for Fair Admissions Decision, we are integrating inclusivity into every corner of our university.
Leveraging AI for the Public Good
I would argue that the final challenge I’d like to discuss today presents as many opportunities as it does concerns. On one hand, artificial intelligence, in the wrong hands, gives rise to manipulation, deception and worse—both in higher education and society at large. In equal measure, this rapidly evolving technology can engender tremendous good. To ensure that generative AI advances excellence in teaching and learning, a UB task force is drafting recommendations to promote its responsible, effective use in the classroom. Concurrently, a UB seed grant program incentivizes innovation in AI across undergraduate, graduate, and professional education.
In research, UB has been leveraging AI for the public good for decades—and, in the process, gaining renown as a pioneer of machine learning. Today, UB stands at the center of AI research and responsible application, with more than 200 UB faculty involved across disciplines. Our reputation as an AI powerhouse is cemented by our National AI Institute for Exceptional Education. This NSF Center of Excellence was created with a $20-million grant—the largest award of its kind. Moreover, it is one of just 25 institutes awarded in the past 4 years. Its work exemplifies how we are collaborating across disciplines to create solutions to significant problems—just as we set out to do.
UB Students Receive Acclaim for Societal Contributions
Even as we tackle today’s challenges, we remain keenly focused on those who will solve tomorrow’s. Whether that means offering opportunities for impactful research, entrepreneurship, or creative expression, we are providing our students a transformative education. For their part, our students are responding with a remarkable resolve to make their mark in their field—and the world! On both fronts, they are succeeding—receiving national and international acclaim as they explore ways to reduce the burden of heart disease, make computers more energy efficient, and improve ER workflow with strategies from the game of chess. Furthermore, as they work to reduce health disparities, help people disproportionately affected by climate change, and achieve narrative justice for Black communities, they are forging a more tolerant, compassionate society.
At UB, we are fortunate to have so many students who are harnessing their education for the greater good. Given the number of higher education institutions experiencing declining enrollment, we are equally fortunate to be meeting our enrollment goals.
Today, I am pleased to note, our enrollment stands at nearly 31,000 students from more than 100 countries and almost every state in the nation! While the vast majority of our students are leveraging their UB education to achieve their life goals, the data indicate that we can do much more to foster student success.
In 2021, I challenged us to work together to improve graduation and retention rates. While we have made modest recent gains in retention, and while our graduation rates remain well above the national average, we have room for ample improvement. And we will improve because our university community has joined hands in this cause.
Notably, our professional staff have responded with programs that empower students to thrive. Launched just last year, peer-assisted learning is already improving median grades in some of UB’s most rigorous courses. Likewise, our student success coaching program helps first-year undergraduates sharpen their classroom skills. During the spring semester, staff coached some 1,500 students in six different academic units. The result? The students who met regularly with their coaches had higher GPAs, and higher average credit completion rates. Although we rightly link student success to faculty mentoring, our staff also play a vital role in this regard.
Realizing Master Plan with Major Upgrades, Renovations
UB staff—particularly in capital planning and facilities—appreciate that our students flourish in environments conducive to discovery and innovation. In realizing our master plan, they have helped transform our living-learning environment. Most recently, their work has led to a welcoming exterior plaza at Capen Hall, enhancements to library study areas, classroom upgrades, the move and expansion of our student entrepreneurial hub, the renovation of Crosby Hall, and the return of residential living to our South Campus.
In addition to the ongoing renovation of Goodyear and Clement Halls, projects in the works include the expansion and redesign of Fargo Quad in the Ellicott Complex, and the rehabilitation of Foster Hall—the future home of the Graduate School of Education.
Major Gift Advances New Building for School of Engineering & Applied Sciences
In keeping with our master plan, we are moving ahead with another major university project—a new academic building for the School of Engineering and Applied Sciences. Over the past 10 years, student enrollment in our engineering programs has risen dramatically. In tandem, the demand for STEM professionals has increased tremendously—across the state and nation. Given this growth—along with our engineering school’s ground-breaking research and robust entrepreneurial activities—a new engineering building has been among our university’s foremost priorities.
UB Alumnus Russell Agrusa stands as President Tripathi announces his generous gift of $20 million to the School of Engineering and Applied Sciences' education and research mission and an additional $20 million for the new engineering building.
You may recall that, in 2022, Governor Hochul approved funding for the building through a capital matching program. Today, it is my great pleasure to announce a monumental advance regarding this project. Thanks to an incredibly dedicated alumnus, we have received a transformational gift to move this building from design to concrete reality! Since he graduated, this alumnus has shown his gratitude for his UB education in many meaningful ways—including sharing in-dispensable guidance as a member of the engineering school’s Dean’s Advisory Council, among other longstanding roles. We are extremely appreciative for his loyalty to UB.
And now, he is showing his commitment with both a $20 million gift to support the School of Engineering and Applied Sciences’ education and research mission, and a $20 million gift for the new engineering building itself!! It is an honor to have this alumnus with us to acknowledge him in person. Russ, would you please stand? Russ Agrusa, on behalf of our entire university community, thank you for your philanthropic commitment to UB!
Related to this wonderful news, I have one more exciting announcement to make. In deep appreciation for Russ and his steadfast dedication to UB, we are naming our new engineering building the Russell L. Agrusa Hall!!
Boldly Buffalo Campaign Exceeds Goal
Since we embarked on our fundraising campaign five years ago, it has powered our boldest ambitions. In enabling us to build and modernize the places where our students learn, discover, and create, the Boldly Buffalo campaign has recast our academic landscape. In creating new scholarships and fellowships it is making our world-class education even more accessible. And by investing in our faculty, it inspires the next generation of change-makers to follow their lead.
Over the past five years, your gifts have gone to work on behalf of UB and the communities we serve. Truly, the difference you have made is remarkable!!
When I announced the Boldly Buffalo campaign in 2018, I maintained that we must encourage more private philanthropy if we are to meet our ambitious goals. Here again, we have done just what we set out to do. In fact, in our 2023 fiscal year, UB achieved an all-time high in fundraising! And now, I am proud to share even more exciting news! Thanks to the numerous gifts received throughout the campaign, we have not only met—but exceeded—our $1 billion goal—a year ahead of schedule!
Thank you, all, for supporting our Boldly Buffalo campaign.
"Boldly Buffalo Highlights"
Uplifting music begins and plays throughout the video.
The video opens with a blue screen. White text appears that says, “In 2018, UB launched BOLDLY BUFFALO, our most ambitious fundraising campaign to date."
White text appears on blue banner that runs along the top of the screen saying, “79,778 donors.”
Two donors appear on screen together.
An instructor points to a poster on “Rational vs. Irrational Thinking.”
A person poses in a doorway next to a sign for the UB Graduate School of Social Work.
Russell Agrusa holds up a piece of the ribbon from the ribbon cutting of Paula’s Plaza.
Two people walk down a hallway.
A person walks through UB’s South Campus on a sunny day.
Dan and Gale Alexander talk with another person.
White text appears on blue banner that runs along the top of the screen saying, “333 new fellowships and scholarships.”
A student sits at a round table and works on a laptop in Davis Hall.
A student works on a laptop outside on UB’s North Campus.
The same student walks outside on UB’s North Campus.
A person walks through UB’s Jacobs School of Medicine and Biomedical Sciences.
A person works at a table with a sign for UB’s School of Nursing in the background.
Three students smile together during UB’s Pitch for a Cause.
A person in a white lab coat walks through a building.
White text appears on blue banner that runs along the top of the screen saying, “41 new endowed chairs and professorships.”
Two people in white lab coats work with machines in a lab.
Two people walk through UB’s Jacobs School of Medicine and Biomedical Sciences.
Professor Luis Chiesa walks in front of a large lecture hall teaching a class.
A person points to a computer screen in a lab.
Professor Joseph Balthasar and a student work in a lab.
A professor talks with students in a classroom.
White text appears on blue banner that runs along the top of the screen saying, “21 new buildings and renovations.”
Aerial video of UB’s Jacobs School of Medicine and Biomedical Sciences.
Video of UB’s Lockwood Library.
A person speaks at a podium during the opening of the Buhite-Dimino Center for Implant Dentistry and Advanced Dental Education.
Dental students practice dental care methods.
Video of the exterior of UB’s Downtown Campus with a sign over a walkway that says, “innovation starts here.”
Students sit in One World Café.
People in white lab coats work in a lab.
Exterior view of UB’s South Campus building undergoing renovations. A fence stands in front saying, “Already achieving. Always improving.”
Aerial video of UB’s North Campus with Davis Hall at the center.
Students sit in Paula’s Plaza.
Aerial video of the exterior of Murchie Family Fieldhouse.
Aerial video of the interior of Murchie Family Fieldhouse.
Aerial video of UB’s South Campus with Hayes Hall at the center.
Blue banners run along the top and the bottom. The top says, “BOLDLY.” The bottom says, “Buffalo.”
The blue banners come together, making the whole screen blue. The words “BOLDLY BUFFALO” slide together to the center of the screen.
Music ends.
I would like to especially acknowledge our donors and campaign volunteers, and our Advancement leadership and staff, for your commitment to our boldest goals.
I’m sure our Advancement team would want me to stress that our Boldly Buffalo campaign is not over. Far from it! Indeed, our campaign will run through next spring, solidly in step with our mission of excellence. That’s because we continue to generate incredible energy and momentum with our historic campaign.
During his State of the University address, President Tripathi announced that the Boldly Buffalo Campaign has exceeded $1 billion.
Everywhere you look, you can see how philanthropic giving to UB is catalyzing student success, accelerating faculty research and impacting the world. And it makes our donors proud to see the very same thing!
Rankings Affirm UB's Deepening Impact
As with all of our endeavors—our campaign...our research...the achievements of our students and faculty...we are determined to elevate, and advance, our institutional mission. By many indications, our intentional planning and implementation are paying off. In terms of international education, UB maintains our longtime position among the top institutions in the nation. And we are enhancing our stature as a globalized university with resonant programs geared to the members of our scholarly community, whether domestic students seeking to study abroad during their first year, international students curious to learn more about U.S. higher education, or scholars from around the world whose academic freedom—and, sometimes, lives—are under threat.
Where international partnerships are concerned, the White House has recognized UB’s collaborations with Indian universities to advance emerging technology. The statement signed by President Biden and Prime Minister Modi also highlights the work of the AAU Task Force on Expanding US-India University Partnerships, which I am honored to co-chair.
In addition to our international reputation, UB figures prominently across a multitude of metrics. A recent New York Times’ ranking reinforces the world-class education that UB provides students from all walks of life. For the fifth time in six years, UB athletics received the Mid-American Conference Award for fostering a culture of diversity, equity, and inclusion. And we were both nationally ranked and nationally honored for our excellence in entrepreneurship. These affirmations are empowering us to further expand our profile in innovation education.
At UB we are committed to offering start-up founders comprehensive support across the spectrum of entrepreneurship--from their “a-ha” moment to the marketplace. As one example, our School of Law’s Entrepreneur Law Clinic, has provided free legal services to more than 150 start-ups since its founding in 2017. And, since we introduced UB’s Cultivator last year, 73 start-ups have benefited from its early-stage investment and coaching.
To speak more broadly of UB’s evolution into a bastion of entrepreneurship, over the past two years our entrepreneurial programs have created nearly 2,000 new jobs and facilitated nearly 1,300 projects between industry and academia. And, in the last decade or so, we have supported nearly 340 start-ups. And so, as a university community, we are progressively generating more—and more robust—economic development across our city, region, and state. As we do, we keep our vision trained not on the bottom line—but the greater good.
When it comes to sustainability, we are held up as a global leader for our campus practices. Earlier in my address, I told you how our research works to mitigate the pace and severity of climate change. Complementing these scholarly contributions, we have introduced two new academic degrees to educate the next generation of climate scientists. It is inspiring to see our students, across disciplines, engaging with communities from the West Side of Buffalo to Kashmir, India, toward a more equitable, sustainable world.
And now, to our academic rankings. In the most recent rankings, our School of Public Health and Health Professions is ranked 32nd among public institutions. Our engineering school is ranked 30th. Our School of Nursing is ranked 23rd. Our School of Pharmacy and Pharmaceutical Sciences is ranked 14th. Our School of Social Work is ranked 10th. And our School of Dental Medicine is ranked 9th. These rankings represent, in no small measure, the powerful contributions of our faculty, and the strategic leadership of our chairs, deans and administrative leaders. I am most appreciative for all you do on behalf of UB.
Steppingstones toward UB's Brightest Future
Our rankings...our reputation...our research expenditures...our living-learning environment...the accomplishments of our students and faculty...our Boldly Buffalo campaign…the impact we are making in society—locally and globally—my thesis has covered a lot of ground. And if I have been successful in its defense, we have much to celebrate.
As we are experiencing this tremendous period in UB’s evolution as a premier public research university, I would argue one more point: namely, that we still have much to do—and even more to look forward to! So—at the risk of cutting the festivities short—I suggest that we keep our congratulations to a minimum. But then--isn’t that the UB way?? We pause to applaud our accomplishments—and then we get right back to work!!
In no time, we will back in our lab, testing out new angles to age-old problems. We will reclaim our spot in the studio to explore the human condition through dance, art, and theater. We will head to class to discuss, debate, and hone our disciplinary expertise. Believe me, it’s always gratifying to receive accolades such as those I mentioned moments ago. But they are not what motivate us. Rather, we are charged by our passion to make a difference. And we measure that difference in the prosperity and vitality of the communities we serve—in Western New York...across the country...around the world.
That is why, I prefer to view our recent accomplishments—as impressive as they are…not as milestones, but, instead, as steppingstones. Steppingstones, each one, guiding us—together—toward UB’s brightest future.
Thank you!
Watch the full video of President Tripathi's State of the University address.
“Year in Review at UB” Video
Uplifting music plays. Balloons fall from ceiling in the Center for the Arts to students below.
Governor Kathy Hochul stands at a podium and says, “Now we think about momentum, right here at the University at Buffalo. The momentum surrounding this institution is powerful.”
Two people stand on a dock and lower a sensor into the water below. Another individual takes measurements from a space overlooking the water.
Two people in white lab coats work with material in a beaker in a lab.
UB faculty and others attend the unveiling of new historical marker in Niagara Falls.
Person in a lab coat and protective glasses looks at purple liquid in a small glass vile.
Aerial view of UB’s North Campus.
A person walks out of the new location for the Startup & Innovation Collaboratory.
Student, Becky Paul-Odionhin, says, “The most important thing that Blackstone really did for me was really just tell me that yes you can.”
Students give presentations on a stage.
Students walk across the stage during commencement.
A student works with material in a basket in a studio.
Students play video games at computers at Level Up.
People talk around a table.
A person looks at a white board as another person writes on it.
People look at a computer screen and discuss what is being displayed.
A group dances on a stage.
A sign for UB’s Institute for Artificial Intelligence and Data Science is shown.
A professor sits with a panel at the front of a room and says, “AI can inadvertently, unconsciously reproduce racial biases. How does that work, and how do we clean them up? Is there a way that humanists, artists can help clean up those biases?”
Two people look at a computer screen.
People look at a historical publication from the Native American Peoples Alliance.
A group from the Department of Indigenous Studies looks at computer screens.
SUNY Chancellor John B. King Jr. says, “And that opportunity for UB to lead on the ethics of AI, that is a sacred responsibility, I believe for higher education in general, for UB in particular.”
Students talk at a table with Vice President for Research and Economic Development Venu Govindaraju.
People use a virtual reality headset.
A professor and student work on a white board.
Two people work in a lab.
A student reads a book at a picnic table.
Kelly Hayes McAlonie says, “Louise Blanchard Bethune was the first professional woman architect in the United States. Part of my story is trying to understand why Louise, why Buffalo, all of the factors that led to, you know, her having the strength to pursue her dream of becoming the first professional woman architect.”
While Ms. McAlonie speaks, a series of clips showing artifacts related to Ms. Bethune are shown along with clips of Ms. McAlonie presenting her research and research being done in UB’s Archives.
An aerial video of UB’s South Campus is shown.
Professor Sebastiano Andreana discusses the Buhite-Dimino Center for Implant Dentistry and Advanced Dental Education saying, “This is and will be an incredible place not only for the students, not only for the patients in Western New York, but for the dental schools in United States.”
While Professor Andreana speaks, a series of clips showing the ribbon cutting for the Center and the new facilities in the Center are shown.
An aerial video of the City of Buffalo is shown.
Professor Timothy Murphy says, “When you have a university-sanctioned and supported institute, that gives this kind of sustainability in our efforts to eliminate health inequities in our community.”
While Professor Murphy speaks, clips showing a community meeting and food donation organization are shown.
A student writes on a chalkboard.
Professor and students look at a computer in a lab.
People walk through an art gallery.
Two people in lab coats look at a computer screen.
President Tripathi presents flowers to Samiha Islam during class, acknowledging her becoming a Truman Scholar.
Samiha says, “When I think of being a global citizen, it’s thinking globally, but acting locally. There’s no point in having knowledge, having a degree if you’re not going to try and help as many people as you can, especially those around you, with it.”
While Samiha speaks, clips of Samiha with her classmates, Samiha standing in front of a row of flags and Samiha talking with people at a table are shown.
Medical students shake hands with Dean Allison Brashear at the Jacobs School of Medicine and Biomedical Sciences’ White Coat Ceremony, and the audience applauses.
Sherice Simpson says, “There is definitely an underrepresented number of African American physicians and women physicians, and so I do hope in my career that I can be a good mentor to other people who look like me, that are interested in pursuing medicine and to encourage them that there are no barriers to your dreams.”
While Sherice speaks, clips of Sherice putting on her white coat and stethoscope are shown.
Students are shown in one of UB’s dining locations.
Christina Hernandez says, “Recently we’ve been able to achieve one of our climate action plan goals by being able to quantify the impact our food system has on greenhouse gas.”
While she speaks, clips of a chef discussing vegetables with students and students receiving food from food stations are shown.
Grace Conrad, joined with three other students, says, “We stand in the front, but we’re behind, you know, a lot of things in regards to sustainability and climate change, we’re so far behind and a lot of other countries are looking for the US and need the US to actually intervene.”
While Grace speaks, clips of Grace and her classmates attending the inaugural Green Summit in Thailand are shown.
Students are shown have a conversation around a table.
Professor Dorothy Siaw-Asamoah says, “To help students have the opportunity not only to think about it, but to do it. Because once they go and they come back, their careers change, their lifestyles change and they have become the impact that we all want them to be in their communities.”
While Professor Siaw-Asamoah speaks, an aerial view of the city and another clip of the group attending the Green Summit is shown.
A student plays tennis.
Students swim in lanes in a pool.
The UB Bulls compete in a basketball game.
President Tripathi and others participate in the groundbreaking of the Brittany Murchie Mulla Sports Performance Center.
Mark Alnutt, Vice President and Director of Athletics, says, “Anytime you put together a performance center, you know, that’s really the foundation to success.”
Brittany Murchie Mulla says, “The construction of a building is much like the development of a superior athlete. It takes planning, time, commitment, execution and true grit.”
While Ms. Mulla speaks, clips of the women’s UB Bulls soccer team competing, celebrating a win, and posing together after the 2022 MAC Championship are shown.
UB Bulls football team is shown competing.
Fans are shown cheering the team on in the stadium.
The marching band drummers march across the field.
International students march with FOCUS with a sign that says, “FOCUS for the culture: Festival of Culture Uniting Students.”
Selma Blair and her service dog sit on stage with Professor Bianca Weinstock-Guttman during the Distinguished Speaker Series event.
Josh Allen speaks on stage.
Dr. Beth Del Genio and Ken Jeong talk on stage during the Distinguished Speaker Series.
Students in UB Bulls shirts give the “Horns Up” sign.
Students with glow sticks enjoy a concert and drone show. The drones take the shape of the interlocking UB and the UB Bull.
Video ends.
Welcome
Good morning, and greetings! I am delighted to welcome you to my 12th annual State of the University address. I would like to begin by thanking the Center for the Arts production group for capturing UB’s spirit in that terrific video. I would like to extend my appreciation, as well, to Chair Huebner and one of our newest faculty members—Professor Dunn-Danger—for that beautiful performance.
[Slide 1: State of the University 2023, University at Buffalo Office of the President]
In turn, I would like to acknowledge all the faculty, students and staff joining me for our annual university tradition. We have many UB stakeholders with us today, including members of the UB Alumni Association, the UB Council, the UB Foundation, and the SUNY Board of Trustees, along with our civic and community leaders, health care partners and elected officials. We are grateful for our many partners. Thank you all for being here, and for your commitment to UB’s mission of excellence!
[Slide 2: Photo collage of four images. 1. Top left. UB Foundation CEO Stacy Knapper and chair of the UB Foundation Board Gregory Bauer. 2. Top right. Alumni and staff at a signup table at the UB Stadium during AlumniFest. 3. Bottom left. UB and SUNY leadership and the WNY delegation of elected officials meet around a table. 4. Bottom right. Reverend Kinzer Pointer shakes hands with community members.]
Because of you—our immediate scholarly community and our broader circle of friends and partners—I can declare unequivocally that not only is our flagship strong—but it is becoming more vibrant every day.
[Slide 3: Photo collage of four images. 1. Top left. University Police dog Congi with his handler Officer Dale Zulawski. 2. Top right. University Archives staff pose together. 3. Bottom left. President and Mrs. Tripathi pose with UB alumnus Woo Joo Lah, MBA ’88, the recipient of the UB Alumni Association’s 2021 International Distinguished Alumni Award. 4. Bottom right. Professor Melissa White in the Department of Music instructs a student practicing violin.]
And, today, in scholarly fashion, I intend to defend my thesis with compelling evidence. Although, as something of a disclaimer... I will require a bit more time than the participants in our Three-Minute Thesis competition!
[Slide 4: Sandipa Bhattacharjee, second place and people’s choice award winner of the Three-Minute Thesis Competition, holds a flag saying, “One slide. Three minutes. Explain your thesis!”]
Of course, if you have attended my State of the University address in years past, you already know that.
[Slide 5: Photo of the 2022 State of the University audience.]
Just as you know that I often use this occasion to set goals for our UB community.
[Slide 6: Photo of celebrating students during the 2023 Senior Toast.]
Whether related to our academic endeavors,
[Slide 7: Architecture and Planning students presenting an architectural design.]
economic development, or community engagement,
[Slide 8: College of Arts and Sciences Dean Robin Schulze and other UB faculty members pose with the new historical marker celebrating Black suffragist Charlotte Dett in Niagara Falls.]
I have always considered these challenges university-wide calls to action… Assignments on a grand scale, you might say.
Today, as I stand before you, and contemplate every facet of our enterprise, it is abundantly clear that you have taken these challenges to heart.
[Slide 9: Students volunteer in the Tool Library.]
As a result, we are achieving exactly what we set out to do.
[Slide 10: SUNY Distinguished Professor Igor Zutic in the Department of Physics stands in front of a white board.]
Research Expenditures on the Rise
Because of its primacy in our mission, and our aspirations, allow me to begin by talking about research.
[Slide 11: A group from the Department of Civil, Structural and Environmental Engineering are photographed in the Structural Engineering and Earthquake Simulation Laboratory.]
A short year ago, we were marking a historic first for UB’s research portfolio—namely, our sponsored research expenditures exceeding $200 million. Even as we celebrated this landmark achievement, I knew we were capable of making a greater impact. That’s why, at my 2022 address, I tasked us to put these expenditures on an even steeper upward trajectory.
[Slide 12: An image of a student in a lab and a graph entitled “Going Beyond 2022’s Success, Sponsored R&D”. The graph shows sponsored research expenditures rising from $164,000 in 2017 to $201,000 in 2022. From 2022 to 2023, the graph depicts a steep incline with an arrow, indicating President Tripathi’s 2022 challenge to continue increasing UB’s research expenditures.]
In “True Blue” style, our faculty and staff not only accepted the charge... you responded with research benefiting people across the lifespan
[Slide 13: Graduate student in the Department of Communicative Disorders and Sciences conduct hearing tests.]
from infants
[Slide 14: Photo of Thomas Langan in the Department of Neurology. Text: $3.8M NIH R01 Grant, Improving Newborn Screening, Jacobs School of Medicine and Biomedical Sciences.]
to new mothers,
[Slide 15: Photo of Mickey Sperlich in the School of Social Work. Text: $150k NIH Award, New and Pregnant Mothers Intervention, School of Social Work.]
to the elderly.
[Slide 16: Image of person holding a phone with texting graphics floating around it. Text: $5M NSF Grant, Helping Older Adults Identify Online Scams, Center for Information Integrity.]
You reduced disparities by improving access to Indigenous research, teaching and learning,
[Slide 17: Photos of Mishuana Goeman, Theresa McCarthy and Mia McKie in the Department of Indigenous Studies. Text: $500k Mellon Grant, Developing Archive, Resource and Knowledge Portal, Department of Indigenous Studies.]
promoting equitable grading practices,
[Slide 18: Photo of computer engineering students working on a handheld screen. Text: $2M NSF Grant, Developing Equitable Grading for Computer Education, School of Engineering and Applied Sciences.]
caring for patients in medically underserved areas,
[Slide 19: Photo of Representative Brian Higgins, Dean Jean Wactawski-Wende, President Tripathi, Brian Pilarski, executive director of the Seneca Babcock Community Association, and Bryan Bollman, member of the Buffalo Common Council in front of the Seneca Babcock Arlene Mychajliw Community Center. Text: $934k in Federal Funding, Mobile Health Unit, School of Public Health and Health Professions.]
and improving air quality monitoring in our city.
[Slide 20: Aerial photo of the City of Buffalo at sunset. Text: $500k EPA Grant, Monitoring Air Pollution in Buffalo, Department of Geography.]
Moreover, when it came to the environmental crisis, your expansive research had implications for the water we drink;
[Slide 21: Photo of Martha Bohm, Diana Aga and Ning Dai from UB’s RENEW Institute. Text: $1.5M NSF Grant, Advancing Self-Sustaining Water Supplies, RENEW Institute.]
the health of our land;
[Slide 22: Photo of student holding up a test tube of liquid in Diana Aga’s lab. Text: $400k NSF Grant, Monitoring Soil Health with In-Ground Sensors, RENEW Institute.]
and the air we breathe.
[Slide 23: Photo of Gang Wu in the Department of Chemical and Biological Engineering. Text: $3M DOE Grant, Creating Catalysts for Hydrogen-Powered Fuel Cells, School of Engineering and Applied Sciences.]
Truly, your purposeful response surpassed all expectations. So much so—I am delighted to announce—that UB’s sponsored research expenditures increased 16% over the previous year—to $232 million!!
As you know, enhancing scholarly productivity and growing our research portfolio are essential to achieving UB’s Top 25 Ambition. I always emphasize that our ambition is not motivated by pride, but impact. Without a doubt, our rising research expenditures validate the deepening impact of our disciplinary expertise.
[Slide 24: Background image of Hayes Hall during sunrise with an arrow pointing upwards. Title: Research on the Rise. Text: Active Awards have increased by 8%. Sponsored research expenditures have increased by 16%. 2022-2023 Sponsored Research Expenditures: $232M Total Research Expenditures: $440M.]
Largest New Faculty Cohort since the 1970s
In recognition, our faculty are being elevated to prestigious scholarly bodies and receiving esteemed honors for their contributions to medicine, art, linguistics, public health, anthropology, urban planning, education,
[Slide 25: Images of award-winning faculty. Pat Tillman Award for Service: Leslie Bisson (JSMBS) and Marc Fineberg (JSMBS). American Society for Nutrition Fellow: Jo Freudenheim (Public Health and Health Professions). NEH Fellowship: Marc Bohlen (Art) and Christian DiCanio (Linguistics). Fulbright Scholars: Edith Gonzalez (Anthropology), Daniel Hess (Architecture and Planning), Katarzyna Kordas (Public Health and Health Professions), Amy VanScoy (Education).
social work, chemistry, pharmacy, dental medicine, law,
[Slide 26: Images of award-winning faculty. National Humanities Center Residential Fellowship: Ana Mariella Bacigalupo (Anthropology). Social Work Pioneer National Association of Social Workers: Diane Elze (Social Work). Robert Holland Jr. Award: Luis Colon (Chemistry). International Society for Pharmacometrics Fellow: Wojciech Krzyzanski (Pharmacy). T. H. Maiman Award for Excellence in Dental Laser Research: Praveen Arany (Dental Medicine). Visiting Fellow University of Cambridge: Matthew Steilen (Law).]
psychology, nursing, materials science and statistics, among many other disciplines.
[Slide 27: Images of award-winning faculty. Nationally Recognized Faculty. Guggenheim Fellow: Eduardo Mercado (Psychology). American Academy of Nursing Fellow: Susan Grinslade (Nursing). American Academy of Arts and Sciences Fellow: Deborah Chung (Engineering and Applied Sciences). 2023 International Prize in Statistics: The late C.R. Rao (Public Health and Health Professions) (1920-2023).
To amplify our faculty strengths, I have long contended that we must increase their ranks. Today, I am here to tell you we are doing just that. In January, we unveiled our plan to hire upward of 200 full-time faculty in areas of university strength and global importance.
[Slide 28: Photo of faculty sitting and standing around a round table outside. Text: Historic Faculty-Hiring Initiative.]
This semester, we welcomed UB’s largest cohort of new faculty in over 40 years.
[Slide 29: 11 photos of new faculty (names not listed on the slide). Text: 154 New Faculty. Largest Cohort since the 1970s.]
We are realizing this ambitious goal, in large part, with the state’s conviction in our mission of excellence. I would like to thank Governor Hochul, and the Western New York delegation, for their strategic investment in UB. Like the rest of society, they recognize the significant ways our faculty bring their expertise to bear on the state and world.
[Slide 30: Photo of Governor Kathy Hochul at a podium, raising hands in celebration with backdrop stating “We Are NY” and “Achieving the New York Dream”.]
“UB in the News” Video
UB in the News appears on a mostly white screen.
“You’re listening to the BBC World Service.”
“This is CNN.”
“I’m Marco Werman here with the world.”
“NBC News.”
“Starts right now.”
While these voice clips are heard, video clips of a news room with walls of screens, video cameras, sound board, on air sign, radio tower and car volume control dial are shown.
During the rest of the video, video or sound clips of various media interviews are seen and/or heard. If a video interview, a clip of that video is shown. If a sound clip, photos or videos of the UB faculty are shown. A logo of the outlet that broadcast the interview is shown as well.
NPR: All Things Considered: “Yini Zhang, a SUNY Buffalo professor, studying social media.”
NPR: Morning Edition: “Tolu Odunsi is a lecturer in law at the University at Buffalo.”
CNA: “We are joined by Jacob Neiheisel, an associate professor for political science at the University at Buffalo.” Professor Neiheisel: “At the end of the day though, I didn’t see anything that’s fundamentally going to change the nature of this race.”
CBS News: Professor Michael Dambra: “These multiples of 250 to 350 times what the median employee makes seems unusual, but it’s right in line with what’s happened in the past three or four years.”
CNN: “And also with us is Samantha Barbas, a University at Buffalo law professor.” Professor Barbas: “So it really seems that what is going on there is a kind of politically motivated attack on Sullivan.”
Trending Now: “Now, to talk more about the dangerous spread of misinformation online is Heidi Julien, Professor with the Department of Information Science at the University at Buffalo.”
Living on Earth: “Nicholas Rajkovich studies climate adaptation and resilience in cities and buildings.”
BBC Inside Science: “Why and how did we evolve to have mucus at all? I spoke to Omer Gokcumen and Stefan Ruhl at the University at Buffalo.”
PBS News Hour: “SUNY Distinguished Professor, Dr. Thomas Russo, says that even if a COVID test says it’s expired, you could still use it.”
The Nature of Things: Professor Heather Lackos: “This was the site that got me into community archeology. This is a wall of the former Cataract House Hotel.”
All News KCBS Radio: “It’s time now for ‘Ask an Expert’. Stefan Santa-Ramirez, Professor in the Educational Leadership and Policy Department at the University at Buffalo.”
All News KCBS Radio: “Natalie Simpson, an expert in emergency response operations at the University at Buffalo.”
Today: “How common is it for something to hit the moon unintentionally?” Professor John Crassidis: “It’s very uncommon. This is the first time that we know of.”
CNN: “School lockdown drills can help save lives.” Professor Amanda Nickerson: “Yeah, so when done right, we would argue that the benefits outweigh the risks.”
While music plays, an aerial video of Hayes Hall is shown. Bright light starts from the tip of Hayes Hall tower and covers whole screen, then dissipates to show University at Buffalo, the State University of New York lock up on a blue background. Music ends.
Confronting Challenges to Free Speech, Affirmative Action
As you just saw, when confronted with consequential issues, the world turns to UB. But what happens when these issues land at UB’s doorstep? Over the past year, we have been tested on matters as old as the First Amendment and as futuristic as A.I.
[Slide 31: Aerial photo of UB’s North Campus at sunset.]
To the principle of free speech: Let me underscore how critical it is to uphold this constitutional right, not only in the abstract, nor when it is convenient to do so, but also when the speech in question offends our sensibilities.
[Slide 32: Students in UB shirts on the North Campus spine. Walkway banner says, “Creating opportunity. Fighting for justice.”]
Heckling… shouting down our opponents… suppression… censorship... these have no place in higher education.
[Slide 33: Close up image of the U.S. Constitution at the National Archives.]
But opposing ideas we reject with robust arguments grounded in truth, reason and justice? This is what higher education prepares us to do! Remember: Speakers will come and go. But we will always exercise our right to meet weak claims with strong ones, to counter hatred with compassion, and to champion equality and inclusivity.
[Slide 34: Photo collage of 3 images. 1. Top left. LGBTQ activist TS Madison speaks on stage at Slee Hall with Esther Turay and A.C. Williams for a Q&A discussion. 2. Bottom left. Bavu Blakes speaks at the Teaching Black History Conference. 3. Right. Students participate in the Pride March on North Campus. Their flag says, “Hate has no home here.”]
On that theme, last spring saw the Supreme Court’s ruling on race-conscious admissions. What I stressed then bears repeating today:
[Slide 35: Photo of the U.S. Supreme Court Building. Text: Students for Fair Admissions v. President and Fellows of Harvard College.]
UB thrives because of our diverse perspectives, backgrounds, cultures, and lived experiences. It enriches our research, our scholarly pursuits, our academic discourse—indeed, all we endeavor to accomplish.
[Slide 36: Photo of students and Victor E. Bull marching during the Festival of Cultures Uniting Students. Their flag says, “FOCUS for the culture: Festival of Culture Uniting Students.”]
As we consider the scope of the Supreme Court’s decision, rest assured: We are responding thoughtfully and strategically to continue cultivating an equitable and welcoming academic community.
[Slide 37: Photo of student presenting her research displayed on a poster board for the School of Engineering and Applied Sciences Summer Research Symposium.]
This work complements an array of recent initiatives that uphold our values, like enhanced opportunities for students from diverse backgrounds to connect and bond,
[Slide 38: A group of students in commencement regalia pose for a picture.]
career fairs,
[Slide 39: Photo of the STEAM Job + Internship Fair put on by the Career Design Center.]
professional training programs for students,
[Slide 40: Photo of two students and faculty member seated around desk. Text: $1.3M Federal Funding to Train Public Health Workers, School of Public Health and Health Professions.]
and faculty recruitment initiatives, like our VITAL scholars program.
[Slide 41: Group photo of Visiting Future Faculty cohort. Text: Visiting Future Faculty Program (VITAL), Fall 2022 Cohort.]
Through my President’s Advisory Council on Race, we are funding pilot projects for civic-minded research.
[Slide 42: Photo of students and faculty talking around a table. Text: $300k Investment in Community-Engaged Research.]
Moreover, we have expanded mentoring programs to reach diverse and first-generation student populations, including graduate students.
[Slide 43: Photo of two individuals in a lab.]
This is how, in light of the Students for Fair Admissions Decision, we are integrating inclusivity into every corner of our university.
[Slide 44: Photo of faculty member speaking into a microphone with other faculty sitting next to him. Text: Distinguished Visiting Scholars, Fall 2023.]
Leveraging AI for the Public Good
I would argue that the final challenge I’d like to discuss today presents as many opportunities as it does concerns. On one hand, artificial intelligence, in the wrong hands, gives rise to manipulation, deception and worse—both in higher education and society at large.
[Slide 45: Photo of a person typing on a computer in a computer lab with another person looking over his shoulder at the computer.]
In equal measure, this rapidly evolving technology can engender tremendous good. To ensure that generative AI advances excellence in teaching and learning, a UB task force is drafting recommendations to promote its responsible, effective use in the classroom.
[Slide 46: Photo of professor teaching a class in a computer lab. Text: Task Force on Generative AI in Teaching and Learning.]
Concurrently, a UB seed grant program incentivizes innovation in AI across undergraduate, graduate, and professional education.
[Slide 47: Photo of students looking at large screens in the Motion Simulation Lab. Text: AI Seed Funding, Integrating AI into Curricular Design.]
In research, UB has been leveraging AI for the public good for decades—and, in the process, gaining renown as a pioneer of machine learning.
[Slide 48: Image of post card with mail processing machinery and example of handwriting recognition program. Logos for Siemens, Australia Post, United States Postal Service, Royal Mail and Lockheed Martin run along the bottom. Text: A Machine Learning Success Story, Pioneering work on Postal Automation at UB. Handwriting recognition for postal automation. Saving hundreds of millions of dollars in labor costs for the US Postal Service. Over 95% of US letter mail sorted without manual intervention. Technology licensed to Australia Post and UK’s Royal Mail.]
Today, UB stands at the center of AI research and responsible application, with more than 200 UB faculty involved across disciplines.
[Slide 49: Photo of panelists on stage during the UB|AI Chat Series, “Harnessing AI for Public Good.”]
Our reputation as an AI powerhouse is cemented by our National AI Institute for Exceptional Education. This NSF Center of Excellence was created with a $20-million grant—the largest award of its kind.
[Slide 50: Photo of Ranga Setlur, Jinjun Xiong, Venu Govindaraju and Letitia Thomas, members of the National AI Institute for Exceptional Education. Text: $20 Million NSF Grant, National AI Institute for Exceptional Education.]
Moreover, it is one of just 25 institutes awarded in the past 4 years. Its work exemplifies how we are collaborating across disciplines to create solutions to significant problems—just as we set out to do.
[Slide 51: Photo collage of three images. 1. Left. Venu Govindaraju pointing to a slide on a screen during the National AI Institute for Exceptional Education kickoff. 2. Top right. Group photo of faculty and staff involved in the National AI Institute for Exceptional Education kickoff. 3. Bottom right. President Tripathi, Provost Weber, Professor Xiong and SUNY Chancellor King watch students demonstrate robot dog’s movement.]
UB Students Receive Acclaim for Societal Contributions
Even as we tackle today’s challenges, we remain keenly focused on those who will solve tomorrow’s. Whether that means offering opportunities for impactful research, entrepreneurship, or creative expression, we are providing our students a transformative education.
[Slide 52: Photo collage of four images. 1. Top left. With snow on the ground, students studying geology collect samples from a bog in Elba, New York. 2. Top right. Student showing her artwork at the Art of Research event at the Buffalo Museum of Science, organized by the Graduate School of Education. 3. Bottom left. Student winners pose with large checks during the Three-minute Thesis Competition. 4. Bottom right. Senior graphic design student works on a tech board in the Center for the Arts.]
For their part, our students are responding with a remarkable resolve to make their mark in their field—and the world!
[Slide 53: Photo collage for three images. 1. Top left. A teacher resident instructs students in a classroom. 2. Bottom left. Social impact fellows pose in the costume area of Gliding Stars of WNY in Tonawanda. 3. Right. Student holds up an orange cauliflower as she bags fresh produce for the Food Box Initiative.]
On both fronts, they are succeeding—receiving national and international acclaim as they explore ways to reduce the burden of heart disease,
[Slide 54: Photo of Ahmed Soliman. Text: Ahmed Soliman, Epidemiology. American Heart Association Pre-Doctoral Fellowship. Studies the impact of PPIs on women’s heart health.]
make computers more energy efficient,
[Slide 55: Photo of Nicholas Cucciniello. Text: Nicholas Cucciniello, Materials Design and Innovation. Office of Science Graduate Student Research Award. 1 of 44 awarded nationally by DOE. Developing computers that use less energy.]
and improve ER workflow with strategies from the game of chess.
[Slide 56: Photo of Adam DeHollander. Text: Adam DeHollander, Industrial and Systems Engineering. 2022 Chessable Research Award. Designing AI to improve ER triage.]
Furthermore, as they work to reduce health disparities,
[Slide 57: Photo of Adam Fryer. Text: Adam Fryer, Social Work. Verne LaMarr Lyons Memorial Scholarship. 1 of 6 awarded annually. Recognizes students committed to working in African American communities.]
help people disproportionately affected by climate change,
[Slide 58: Photo of Devon Gorbey. Text: Devon Gorbey, Geology. Congressional Science Fellowship. Will work on environmental policy issues in Washington, D.C. Focused on inequities of climate change impact.]
and achieve narrative justice for Black communities, they are forging a more tolerant, compassionate society.
[Slide 59: Photo of Alexis Harrell. Text: Alexis Harrell, Psychology & Sociology. 2023 Marshall Scholar. 1 of only 40 national recipients. Conducting racial justice research in the UK.]
At UB, we are fortunate to have so many students who are harnessing their education for the greater good.
[Slide 60: Photo of Samiha Islam. Text: Samiha Islam, Health and Human Services & Statistics. Harry S. Truman Scholar. 1 of only 62 national recipients. Awarded for public service leadership potential.]
Given the number of higher education institutions experiencing declining enrollment, we are equally fortunate to be meeting our enrollment goals.
[Slide 61: Photo of large group of UB students on the football field.]
Today, I am pleased to note, our enrollment stands at nearly 31,000 students from more than 100 countries and almost every state in the nation!
[Slide 62: Photo of students in large classroom. Text: Meeting Our Enrollment Goals. 30,380 Students. More than 100 Countries. 48 States & District of Columbia.]
While the vast majority of our students are leveraging their UB education to achieve their life goals, the data indicate that we can do much more to foster student success.
In 2021, I challenged us to work together to improve graduation and retention rates. While we have made modest recent gains in retention, and while our graduation rates remain well above the national average, we have room for ample improvement. And we will improve because our university community has joined hands in this cause.
[Slide 63: Photo of balloon drop during commencement. Text: Commitment to Improving: Retention and Graduation Rates. Line graph shows retention rates rising from 83.3% in 2020 to our goal of 93% in 2026, 6 year graduation rates rising from 75.1% in 2020 to our goal of 80% in 2026, and 4 year graduation rates rising from 60.8% in 2020 to our goal of 65% in 2026. Animation adds a line for the 2022 year showing our retention rate as 84.5%, 6 year graduation rate as 73.5%, and 4 year graduation rate as 59%.]
Notably, our professional staff have responded with programs that empower students to thrive. Launched just last year, peer-assisted learning is already improving median grades in some of UB’s most rigorous courses.
[Slide 64: Three photos of students tutoring each other. Text: Peer Assisted Learning (PALS). Launched Fall ’22. 800 Students Served. 5-12 point increase in median final grade.]
Likewise, our student success coaching program helps first-year undergraduates sharpen their classroom skills. During the spring semester, staff coached some 1,500 students in six different academic units. The result? The students who met regularly with their coaches had higher GPAs, and higher average credit completion rates.
[Slide 65: Two photos of a student success coach talking to a student. Text: Student Success Coaches. Launched Spring ’23. 1,500 First-Year Students Served. Higher GPAs, Completion Rates.]
Although we rightly link student success to faculty mentoring, our staff also play a vital role in this regard.
[Slide 66: Two photos of students talked to UB staff in the Career Design Center.]
Realizing Master Plan with Major Upgrades, Renovations
UB staff—particularly in capital planning and facilities—appreciate that our students flourish in environments conducive to discovery and innovation. In realizing our master plan, they have helped transform our living-learning environment.
[Slide 67: Instructor demonstrates dental care methods in the pre-clinical simulation lab.]
Most recently, their work has led to a welcoming exterior plaza at Capen Hall,
[Slide 68: Aerial photo of construction work on the Capen Hall Plaza. Text: Capen Hall Plaza.]
enhancements to library study areas,
[Slide 69: Photo of renovated study areas in Lockwood Library. Text: Lockwood Library Study Areas.]
classroom upgrades,
[Slide 70: Photo of large lecture hall. Text: Classroom Upgrades.]
the move and expansion of our student entrepreneurial hub,
[Slide 71: Photo of the new location in the Student Union for the Startup & Innovation Collaboratory, Powered by Blackstone LaunchPad. Text: Startup & Innovation CoLab, Student Union.]
the renovation of Crosby Hall,
[Slide 72: Photo of Crosby Hall. Text: Crosby Hall.]
and the return of residential living to our South Campus.
[Slide 73: Photo collage of three images. 1. Top left. Student pointing to a poster of residence hall construction updates. 2. Bottom left. Students and their families touring a student residence in Goodyear Hall. 3. Right. External image of students and families gathering outside Goodyear Hall. Text: Goodyear Hall and Clement Hall.]
In addition to the ongoing renovation of Goodyear and Clement Halls, projects in the works include the expansion and redesign of Fargo Quad in the Ellicott Complex,
[Slide 74: Photo collage of three images. 1. Top left. Artist’s rendering of a social staircase. 2. Bottom left. Artist’s rendering of interior space in Ellicott overlooking staircase. 3. Right. Artist’s rendering of new external face of Ellicott Complex. Text: The Landing at Ellicott]
and the rehabilitation of Foster Hall—the future home of the Graduate School of Education.
[Slide 75: Photo of Foster Hall with scaffolding on the exterior. Text: Foster Hall.]
Major Gift Advances New Building for School of Engineering & Applied Sciences
In keeping with our master plan, we are moving ahead with another major university project—a new academic building for the School of Engineering and Applied Sciences.
[Slide 76: Aerial photo of Davis Hall. Text: Capital Plan: New Engineering Academic Building.]
Over the past 10 years, student enrollment in our engineering programs has risen dramatically. In tandem, the demand for STEM professionals has increased tremendously—across the state and nation.
[Slide 77: Photo collage of two images. 1. Group of students during Bot Wars event of Engineers Week. 2. Two students work with microcontrollers in a lab.]
Given this growth—along with our engineering school’s ground-breaking research and robust entrepreneurial activities—a new engineering building has been among our university’s foremost priorities.
[Slide 78: A student in a lab holds up a small, black circular object used in their research.]
You may recall that, in 2022, Governor Hochul approved funding for the building through a capital matching program.
[Slide 79: President Satish K. Tripathi and Governor Kathy Hochul sit in the audience with others.]
Today, it is my great pleasure to announce a monumental advance regarding this project. Thanks to an incredibly dedicated alumnus, we have received a transformational gift to move this building from design to concrete reality!
[Slide 80: Aerial photo of Davis Hall and Ketter Hall.]
Since he graduated, this alumnus has shown his gratitude for his UB education in many meaningful ways—
[Slide 81: Photo of students and faculty in Paula T. Agrusa Plaza.]
including sharing in-dispensable guidance as a member of the engineering school’s Dean’s Advisory Council, among other longstanding roles.
[Slide 82: Photo of students and faculty in Paula T. Agrusa Plaza.]
We are extremely appreciative for his loyalty to UB.
And now, he is showing his commitment with both a $20 million gift to support the School of Engineering and Applied Sciences’ education and research mission, and a $20 million gift for the new engineering building itself!! It is an honor to have this alumnus with us to acknowledge him in person. Russ, would you please stand? Russ Agrusa, on behalf of our entire university community, thank you for your philanthropic commitment to UB!
Related to this wonderful news, I have one more exciting announcement to make.
[Slide 83: Photo of Russ Agrusa and President Tripathi at the ribbon cutting of the Paula T. Agrusa Plaza.]
In deep appreciation for Russ and his steadfast dedication to UB, we are naming our new engineering building the Russell L. Agrusa Hall!!
[Slide 84: Background image of Davis Hall. Text: Russell L. Agrusa Hall.]
Boldly Buffalo Campaign Exceeds Goal
Since we embarked on our fundraising campaign five years ago, it has powered our boldest ambitions.
[Slide 85: Overhead view of the 2018 Boldly Buffalo Campaign kickoff in the Student Union.]
In enabling us to build and modernize the places where our students learn, discover, and create, the Boldly Buffalo campaign has recast our academic landscape.
[Slide 86: Photo of VITAL scholars walking through the interior of the Jacobs School of Medicine and Biomedical Sciences.]
In creating new scholarships and fellowships it is making our world-class education even more accessible.
[Slide 87: Photo of a student using a handheld saw in a workshop to build a robot for the Bot Wars event.]
And by investing in our faculty, it inspires the next generation of change-makers to follow their lead.
[Slide 88: A composite image of Professor John Crassidis with planet and space junk, a topic of his research.]
Over the past five years, your gifts have gone to work on behalf of UB and the communities we serve. Truly, the difference you have made is remarkable!!
[Slide 89: Photo of a teacher resident instructing a student at a desk.]
“Boldly Buffalo Highlights” Video
Uplifting music begins and plays throughout the video.
The video opens with a blue screen. White text appears that says, “In 2018, UB launched BOLDLY BUFFALO, our most ambitious fundraising campaign to date."
White text appears on blue banner that runs along the top of the screen saying, “79,778 donors.”
Two donors appear on screen together.
An instructor points to a poster on “Rational vs. Irrational Thinking.”
A person poses in a doorway next to a sign for the UB Graduate School of Social Work.
Russell Agrusa holds up a piece of the ribbon from the ribbon cutting of Paula’s Plaza.
Two people walk down a hallway.
A person walks through UB’s South Campus on a sunny day.
Dan and Gale Alexander talk with another person.
White text appears on blue banner that runs along the top of the screen saying, “333 new fellowships and scholarships.”
A student sits at a round table and works on a laptop in Davis Hall.
A student works on a laptop outside on UB’s North Campus.
The same student walks outside on UB’s North Campus.
A person walks through UB’s Jacobs School of Medicine and Biomedical Sciences.
A person works at a table with a sign for UB’s School of Nursing in the background.
Three students smile together during UB’s Pitch for a Cause.
A person in a white lab coat walks through a building.
White text appears on blue banner that runs along the top of the screen saying, “41 new endowed chairs and professorships.”
Two people in white lab coats work with machines in a lab.
Two people walk through UB’s Jacobs School of Medicine and Biomedical Sciences.
Professor Luis Chiesa walks in front of a large lecture hall teaching a class.
A person points to a computer screen in a lab.
Professor Joseph Balthasar and a student work in a lab.
A professor talks with students in a classroom.
White text appears on blue banner that runs along the top of the screen saying, “21 new buildings and renovations.”
Aerial video of UB’s Jacobs School of Medicine and Biomedical Sciences.
Video of UB’s Lockwood Library.
A person speaks at a podium during the opening of the Buhite-Dimino Center for Implant Dentistry and Advanced Dental Education.
Dental students practice dental care methods.
Video of the exterior of UB’s Downtown Campus with a sign over a walkway that says, “innovation starts here.”
Students sit in One World Café.
People in white lab coats work in a lab.
Exterior view of UB’s South Campus building undergoing renovations. A fence stands in front saying, “Already achieving. Always improving.”
Aerial video of UB’s North Campus with Davis Hall at the center.
Students sit in Paula’s Plaza.
Aerial video of the exterior of Murchie Family Fieldhouse.
Aerial video of the interior of Murchie Family Fieldhouse.
Aerial video of UB’s South Campus with Hayes Hall at the center.
Blue banners run along the top and the bottom. The top says, “BOLDLY.” The bottom says, “Buffalo.”
The blue banners come together, making the whole screen blue. The words “BOLDLY BUFFALO” slide together to the center of the screen.
Music ends.
Boldly Buffalo Campaign Exceeds Goal (continued)
When I announced the Boldly Buffalo campaign in 2018, I maintained that we must encourage more private philanthropy if we are to meet our ambitious goals. Here again, we have done just what we set out to do.
[Slide 90: Photo collage of three images. 1. Top left. Raul and Toni Vazquez pose together in a conference room. 2. Bottom left. Pamela Davis Heilman and Robert Heilman pose together in their home. 3. Right. Dr. Mirdza Neiders poses in Squire Hall.]
In fact, in our 2023 fiscal year, UB achieved an all-time high in fundraising! And now, I am proud to share even more exciting news!
[Slide 91: Photo of students in Paula T. Agrusa Plaza during orientation. Text: $123 Million In 2023 Fiscal Year.]
Thanks to the numerous gifts received throughout the campaign, we have not only met—but exceeded—our $1 billion goal—a year ahead of schedule!
Thank you, all, for supporting our Boldly Buffalo campaign.
[Slide 92: Photo of UB lockup in lights from drone formation over UB’s North Campus. Text: Boldly Buffalo Campaign Has Exceeded $1 Billion.]
I would like to especially acknowledge our donors and campaign volunteers, and our Advancement leadership and staff, for your commitment to our boldest goals. I’m sure our Advancement team would want me to stress that our Boldly Buffalo campaign is not over. Far from it! Indeed, our campaign will run through next spring, solidly in step with our mission of excellence.
[Slide 93: Photo collage of three images. 1. Top left. Photo of Peggy and Jeremy Jacobs. Text: Jeremy & Peggy Jacobs, Honorary Campaign Co-Chairs. 2. Bottom left. Excited photo of Dan and Gail Alexander. Text: Dan & Gail Alexander, Campaign Co-Chairs. 3. Right. Photo of students graduation caps during commencement. One cap is decorated with blue and silver glitter and says, “Thank You.”]
That’s because we continue to generate incredible energy and momentum with our historic campaign.
[Slide 94: Researchers take samples from Ellicott Creek.]
Everywhere you look, you can see how philanthropic giving to UB is catalyzing student success, accelerating faculty research and impacting the world. And it makes our donors proud to see the very same thing!
[Slide 95: Photo collage of four images. 1. Top left. Students talk together during orientation. 2. Top right. Two students give the “horns up” hand signal in UB Stadium. 3. Bottom left. Three students pose together in Costa Rica during a study abroad experience. 4. Bottom right. Faculty member and students pose together in a lab, all wearing white lab coats.]
Rankings Affirm UB’s Deepening Impact
As with all of our endeavors—our campaign...our research...the achievements of our students and faculty...we are determined to elevate, and advance, our institutional mission. By many indications, our intentional planning and implementation are paying off.
[Slide 96: Photo of the Jacobs School of Medicine and Biomedical Sciences’ exterior in fall.]
In terms of international education, UB maintains our longtime position among the top institutions in the nation.
[Slide 97: Photo of a group of students at Baird Point during the international student orientation. Text: Top 30 University for International Enrollment, 20 Straight Years.]
And we are enhancing our stature as a globalized university with resonant programs geared to the members of our scholarly community,
[Slide 98: Two photos. 1. President Tripathi presenting a diploma to a Singapore Institute of Management student. 2. A group of students pose at commencement. Text: Singapore Institute of Management, Commencement 2023.]
whether domestic students seeking to study abroad during their first year,
[Slide 99: Photo of a group of students posing together in Costa Rica during a study abroad experience. Text: First-Year Global Experience, Costa Rica, January 2023.]
international students curious to learn more about U.S. higher education,
[Slide 100: Photo of large international student event in the Center for the Arts. Text: Summer Immersion Program.]
or scholars from around the world whose academic freedom—and, sometimes, lives—are under threat.
[Slide 101: Two photos. 1. Mihreteab Tsighe Taye. 2. Suleyman Demirci. Text: Scholars at Risk Fellowship Program. Mihreteab Tsighe Taye, Ethiopia, Law. Suleyman Demirci, Turkey, History.]
Where international partnerships are concerned, the White House has recognized UB’s collaborations with Indian universities to advance emerging technology.
[Slide 102: Photo of delegates from Indian Institutes of Technology and UB pose together at a table after signing a memorandum of understanding. Text: Joint Statement from India and the United States, September 8, 2023.]
The statement signed by President Biden and Prime Minister Modi also highlights the work of the AAU Task Force on Expanding US-India University Partnerships, which I am honored to co-chair.
[Slide 103: Photos of five AAU task force members. Text: Association of American Universities: America’s Leading Research Universities. Meet the Task Force on Expanding U.S.-India University Partnerships. Leading the effort to strengthen relationships between leading U.S. & Indian research universities. Neelie Bendapudi, Pennsylvania State University. Robert J. Jones, University of Illinois Urbana-Champaign. Pradeep K. Khosla, University of California San Diego. Sunil Kumar, Tufts University. Satish Tripathi, University at Buffalo.]
In addition to our international reputation, UB figures prominently across a multitude of metrics. A recent New York Times’ ranking reinforces the world-class education that UB provides students from all walks of life.
[Slide 104: Photo of students in the stands in UB Stadium. Text: UB Ranks #8 Nationally for Economic Diversity.]
For the fifth time in six years, UB athletics received the Mid-American Conference Award for fostering a culture of diversity, equity, and inclusion.
[Slide 105: Photo of three UB football players running onto the field with white smoke around them. Text: Five-Time 1-MAC Institutional Award Recipient.]
And we were both nationally ranked and nationally honored for our excellence in entrepreneurship.
[Slide 106: Overhead photo of CoLab celebration in the Student Union. Text: UB Ranked Among Top 50 U.S. Universities for Undergraduate Entrepreneurship (The Princeton Review & Entrepreneurship Magazine).]
These affirmations are empowering us to further expand our profile in innovation education.
[Slide 107: Photo of UB Professor Tom Murdock in the School of Management shaking hands with a person as he accepts an award on behalf of UB. Text: Deshpande Symposium Award for Excellence in Student Engagement in Entrepreneurship.]
At UB we are committed to offering start-up founders comprehensive support across the spectrum of entrepreneurship--from their “a-ha” moment to the marketplace.
[Slide 108: Composite image of two individuals from RHM Innovations with their assistive bathing technology product and illustration of a bathroom setting behind them. Text: RHM Innovations Inc., 2023 Panasci Technology Entrepreneurship Competition.]
As one example, our School of Law’s Entrepreneur Law Clinic, has provided free legal services to more than 150 start-ups since its founding in 2017.
[Slide 109: Photo of Professor Matthew Pelkey with a group of students at a table who are part of the School of Law’s Entrepreneurship Law Clinic. Text: School of Law Entrepreneur Law Clinic, Free Legal Services to 150+ Startups.]
And, since we introduced UB’s Cultivator last year, 73 start-ups have benefited from its early-stage investment and coaching.
[Slide 110: Recent UB Cultivator graduates pose in front of a yellow screen with the UB Cultivator logo. Text: UB Cultivator Graduates.]
To speak more broadly of UB’s evolution into a bastion of entrepreneurship, over the past two years our entrepreneurial programs have created nearly 2,000 new jobs and facilitated nearly 1,300 projects between industry and academia. And, in the last decade or so, we have supported nearly 340 start-ups.
[Slide 111: Three medium sized photos. 1. Left. Three people stand around a table full of books. 2. Center. Professor Remi M. Adelaiye-Ogala poses for a photo in the Clinical and Translational Research Center. 3. Right. Panelists Mohamed Munassar, Shareefa Albanna and Asal Barem sit on stage for a discussion for Arab American Heritage Month. Text: Business and Entrepreneur Partnerships. Animation drops in additional text over each photo: 2,000 New Jobs, 1,281 Projects and 337 Start-ups.]
And so, as a university community, we are progressively generating more—and more robust—economic development across our city, region, and state. As we do, we keep our vision trained not on the bottom line—but the greater good.
[Slide 112: Photo of Social Impact Fellows working at an event sponsored by Harvest House.]
When it comes to sustainability, we are held up as a global leader for our campus practices. Earlier in my address, I told you how our research works to mitigate the pace and severity of climate change. Complementing these scholarly contributions, we have introduced two new academic degrees to educate the next generation of climate scientists.
[Slide 113: Photo of bright pink flowers blooming in front of close-up image of Hayes Hall. Text: Sustainability: Leading through Action. UB ranks 2nd nationally for climate action. Ranks among top 10 in affordable and clean energy. New Academic Degrees: Computational Earth Science MS, International Development and Global Health MS.]
It is inspiring to see our students, across disciplines, engaging with communities from the West Side of Buffalo to Kashmir, India, toward a more equitable, sustainable world.
[Slide 114: Photo of students in Letchworth Teaching Forest at night looking for salamanders.]
And now, to our academic rankings. In the most recent rankings, our School of Public Health and Health Professions is ranked 32nd among public institutions. Our engineering school is ranked 30th. Our School of Nursing is ranked 23rd. Our School of Pharmacy and Pharmaceutical Sciences is ranked 14th. Our School of Social Work is ranked 10th. And our School of Dental Medicine is ranked 9th. These rankings represent, in no small measure, the powerful contributions of our faculty, and the strategic leadership of our chairs, deans and administrative leaders. I am most appreciative for all you do on behalf of UB.
[Slide 115: Aerial photo of North Campus. Animation drops the following text onto the slide one at a time, starting with the bottom right and ending with the top left. Text: #32 School of Public Health and Health Professions, #30 School of Engineering and Applied Sciences, #23 School of Nursing, #14 School of Pharmacy and Pharmaceutical Sciences, #10 School of Social Work, #9 School of Dental Medicine.]
Steppingstones toward UB’s Brightest Future
Our rankings...our reputation...
[Slide 116: Photo of three School of Pharmacy and Pharmaceutical Sciences graduates in regalia with more graduates behind them.]
our research expenditures...
[Slide 117: Photo illustration of Professor Andrew Crooks in the Department of Geography overlayed with a matrix of data points.]
our living-learning environment...
[Slide 118: Photo of students at a table in One World Café.]
the accomplishments of our students and faculty...
[Slide 119: Photo of faculty member and student practicing cello.]
our Boldly Buffalo campaign…
[Slide 120: Photo of a group of students outside holding up “I am TRUE BLUE” t-shirts and a “Go Bulls!” sign.]
the impact we are making in society—locally and globally—my thesis has covered a lot of ground.
[Slide 121: Photo of a student buying produce from the Veggie Van.]
And if I have been successful in its defense, we have much to celebrate.
[Slide 122: Photo of six students jumping in front of the University at Buffalo sign on South Campus.]
As we are experiencing this tremendous period in UB’s evolution as a premier public research university, I would argue one more point: namely, that we still have much to do—and even more to look forward to! So—at the risk of cutting the festivities short—I suggest that we keep our congratulations to a minimum.
[Slide 123: Aerial photo of the academic complex on North Campus.]
But then--isn’t that the UB way?? We pause to applaud our accomplishments—and then we get right back to work!!
[Slide 124: Photo of Professor Corrie Stone-Johnson in front of her store Black Rock Books.]
In no time, we will back in our lab, testing out new angles to age-old problems.
[Slide 125. Photo of faculty and student in the lab.]
We will reclaim our spot in the studio to explore the human condition through dance, art, and theater.
[Slide 126: Photo collage of three images. 1. Top left. Two students build a piece out of wood in the Center for the Arts. 2. Bottom left. Two people in an art studio during the Art in the Open event. 3. Right. Overhead photo of a student dance performance in the Center for the Arts.]
We will head to class to discuss, debate, and hone our disciplinary expertise.
[Slide 127: Photo of Professor Jong Han in front of a chalkboard.]
Believe me, it’s always gratifying to receive accolades such as those I mentioned moments ago. But they are not what motivate us.
[Slide 128: Photo of Professor Robert Zivadinov sitting a table and holding a microphone in the Clinical and Translational Research Center talking with others.]
Rather, we are charged by our passion to make a difference.
[Slide 129: Teacher resident instructing a group of students sitting at desks.]
And we measure that difference in the prosperity and vitality of the communities we serve—in Western New York...across the country...around the world.
[Slide 130: Mirna Cadet is photographed holding a book with April Parkhill from Cornerstone Manor.]
That is why, I prefer to view our recent accomplishments—as impressive as they are…not as milestones, but, instead, as steppingstones.
[Slide 131: Photo of the Abbott Library steps on UB’s South Campus in fall.]
Steppingstones, each one, guiding us—together—toward UB’s brightest future.
[Slide 132: Aerial photo of South Campus at sunrise.]
Thank you!
[Slide 133: State of the University 2023, University at Buffalo Office of the President]