November 3, 1994: Vol26n9: Reif scholarship fund will benefit athletics program

By JED NITZBERG
Reporter Contributor
Louis R. Reif, former chairman of National Fuel Gas Company, and his
wife, Nancy, have made a $300,000 charitable remainder trust gift to
UB's Division of Athletics to establish The Louis R. and Nancy C. Reif
Scholarship Fund.
	The fund will provide grants-in-aid to deserving students who
participate in the university's intercollegiate varsity athletic
program.
	"UB's athletic program is becoming a vital rallying point for
the school and students," said Reif, a 1948 graduate of UB. "A strong
sports program benefits the university in many ways. It generates
great feelings and creates a more complete university. A solid
athletics program with widespread philanthropic support will attract a
student body with greater cultural and geographic diversity than we
have now."
	Reif noted that "UB athletics is committed to quality,
bringing in scholar-athletes who have the right balance of
intelligence and athletic ability. UB is not necessarily striving to
produce professional athletes, but graduates who have intelligence
through a fine education, and athletic skill."
	Nelson Townsend, director of the UB Division of Athletics,
said "The university is very pleased to be the recipient of this gift
from the Reif family. We are especially proud to realize that the
goals and philosophies of our program match the interests and concerns
our many friends and alumni have for intercollegiate athletics.
	"With their help, and that of other committed supporters,"
Townsend added, "we will continue to build the kind of competitive
program that the university and community will point to with pride. I,
and the student-athletes of our program, thank them for their
generosity."
	Reif , who has supported the university in many ways over the
years, joined the University at Buffalo Foundation in 1973, and served
as the foundation's chair from 1977-79. He still is a member of the
foundation's board of directors.
	He also has served as national chair of the UB Annual Fund,
and has provided gifts to the UB libraries. Mr. and Mrs. Reif have
long provided leading support on behalf of the university's athletics
program, and are members of the Presidents Associates and UB Founders.
	A Buffalo native, Louis Reif joined the legal staff of
National Fuel Gas in 1952. He was elected vice president of the
utility in 1958. In 1966, he was elected a director of National Fuel,
and, in 1974, was named president. He became chief executive officer
in 1975, and, in 1987, was elected chairman. He retired from National
Fuel in 1989.