UB Alumni Association Achievement Awards

Congrats to 2021 award recipients

On June 3, 2021 the UB Alumni Association will recognize 18 outstanding alumni for their achievements and for bringing distinction to UB during a virtual livestream ceremony.

Alumni accomplishments significantly benefit both society and our university community, advancing the common good and inspiring others with passion and creativity. Please join the University at Buffalo and the UB Alumni Association in honoring the accomplishments of these outstanding alumni.

Ceremony Details

Our 2021 celebration will take place virtually on Thursday, June 3, 2021 at 7 p.m.

Congratulations to the 2021 award winners

The UB Alumni Association will recognize 18 outstanding alumni for their achievements and for bringing distinction to UB.

The 2021 Honorees

The University at Buffalo and the UB Alumni Association honor the accomplishments of these individuals. Click on their award to learn more about the award and this year's awardees .

Samuel P. Capen Award
3/18/21
MARJORIE WINKLER, PhD '80, BS '75
The former vice president of a leading biotechnology company, Winkler made a significant impact on scientific research and development during her career. She has long supported the university as a donor and volunteer.
Walter P. Cooke Community Leadership Award
3/30/21
JOHN BODKIN, MD '76
A clinical assistant professor in the Jacobs School of Medicine and Biomedical Sciences, Bodkin has dedicated his career as a board-certificated family physician in Western New York. He has given countless hours to UB as a volunteer leader.
Clifford C. Furnas Award
3/16/21
ROBERT JACOBY, MS '80
Jacoby spent his 34-year career in the energy industry for Royal Dutch Shell, including several positions in the Middle East and Europe. He also served as a board or committee member of a number of organizations, including the Marine Preservation Association, the Western States Petroleum Association and The International Process Safety Group based in London.
George W. Thorn Award
3/18/21
PHILIP SMITH, PhD '13, MS '13, MS '09
Smith is a tenure-track assistant professor in Miami University’s Department of Kinesiology and Health. His research addresses health inequities resulting from tobacco use and the health risks of vaping. He also serves as an associate editor on the Editorial Board for Nicotine and Tobacco Research.
Philip B. Wels Award
3/18/21
CAROL GLOFF, BS '75
Founder of Carol Gloff & Associates, Gloff spent more than 30 years in the pharmaceutical and biotechnology industry, focusing on drug development and regulatory affairs. She has served as a dedicated UB volunteer in many capacities over the years.
International Distinguished Alumnus
3/18/21
WOOJOO LAH, MBA '88
Lah is president and CEO of LMS Co. Ltd., a supplier of display components for major electronic brands around the globe headquartered in Seoul, South Korea. He is a proud UB alumnus and donor.

Distinguished Alumni Awards

The University at Buffalo and the UB Alumni Association honor the accomplishments of these individuals from every academic unit on campus. Click on their award to learn more.

School of Architecture and Planning
3/18/21
RICHARD PERLMUTTER, BA ’76
Perlmutter is the founder of Argo Development Company, a real estate development firm in metro Washington, D.C.
College of Arts and Sciences
3/18/21
JOHN WALKER, BA ’71
Walker has spent his entire career in the health care industry, working with more than three dozen companies.
School of Dental Medicine
3/18/21
ROBERT J. GENCO, DDS '63 (posthumously)
Genco was a world-renowned researcher in oral science and a tireless advocate for interdisciplinary research and entrepreneurship at UB.
School of Engineering and Applied Sciences
3/18/21
MILIND AJINKYA, PhD ’75, MS ’72
Ajinkya spent some 35 years in the reaction engineering field before retiring from Exxon.
Graduate School of Education
4/26/21
JOHN MCKENNA, EdD '08
McKenna, a recipient of numerous awards as well as a distinguished speaker on educational issues, is Acting Superintendent in the Williamsville Central School District.
School of Law
3/18/21
MICHAEL A. BATTLE, JD '81
A partner at Barnes & Thornburg LLP, in Washington, D.C., Battle previously served as director of the executive office for U.S. Attorneys.
School of Management
3/25/21
DONNA DECAROLIS, MBA '83, BS '81
In her long career with National Fuel Gas Company, DeCarolis has become one of the most respected executives in New York State’s energy sector.
Jacobs School of Medicine and Biomedical Sciences
4/16/21
HILLIARD JASON, EdD '61, MD '58
After more than 60 years of work at the intersection of medicine and education in more than 40 countries, Jason co-founded an educational charity in England and Wales.
School of Nursing
3/25/21
CHERYL MAY-GORE, BA '77, BS '77
May-Gore is an accomplished health care leader, published author and advocate for the advancement of nursing and better patient care.
School of Pharmacy and Pharmaceutical Sciences
3/18/21
JOHN RODGERS, MBA '84, BS '83
As chief operating officer for Independent Health, Rodgers impacts the health and well-being of nearly 400,000 Western New Yorkers.
School of Public Health and Health Professions
3/18/21
BRIAN O'CONNOR, MS ’91, BS ’87
As UB’s assistant vice president for data analytics, O’Connor has led the university in translating large volumes of raw data into actionable intelligence.
School of Social Work
3/25/21
EDO VANDER KOOY, MSW '77, BA '73
A leader and role model in the Western New York social work community, Vander Kooy is the longest-serving volunteer for the School of Social Work.