From Peace Corps volunteer to CEO of Western New York’s largest behavioral health organization, Elizabeth Woike, MSW ’04, is a champion for mental health, empowering others to live their best lives.

When the first Russian ice hockey player to defect to the U.S. nearly sparked an international incident, Helen “Nellie” Drew, JD ’88, was there to help secure his freedom—and his safety.

For 70 years, the Hauptman-Woodward Medical Research Institute (HWI) has grown its reputation along with its downtown Buffalo footprint, from a local medical foundation focused on studying disease, to one of the world’s renowned powerhouses in structural biology research. 

Steven (BS ’75) and Debra (BA ’76) Shepsman may be retired, but they are focused on the future. The future of our planet, that is. 

Thanks to the efforts of Omar Suri, MUP ’25, a new self-sustaining ecosystem will begin improving what now is an overgrown plot of land on UB’s North Campus.

Aga and her RENEW team remain committed to advancing PFAS research, pushing the boundaries of science to mitigate forever chemicals risks and protect global health.