Archived Speeches

"As a UB graduate, not only can you deeply analyze and evaluate the trajectory of society, you can change that trajectory."

"It is a privilege to recognize your achievements, and your commitment to the highest ideals of our university. You are among UB’s most talented and ambitious students. As today’s event highlights, you are accomplishing your life’s goals as you push the boundaries of scholarly research and make exciting discoveries."

"During UB’s very recent history, our university community redoubled our commitment to the communities we serve. In doing so, we have made a profound imprint on society during turbulent times. "

"Today marks not only a major milestone for our graduates, but for our university, as we celebrate UB’s 175th commencement exercises."

"To each and every one of you, thank you for rising to the challenges of the past ten months. Thanks to you, I am proud to report that—175 years after UB’s founding—the state of our university remains strong in spite of these challenges."

"In trying times such as these, our global society needs your inquisitiveness, your engagement, and your inclusive world-view more than ever. The resilience and adaptability you have demonstrated during this crisis will serve you exceedingly well as future leaders of our complex world."

"I would like to take this opportunity to offer comments regarding the Budget Priorities Committee’s six point resolution that will be read during today’s Faculty Senate meeting."

"It is wonderful to see all that you have accomplished in pursuing your life’s goals. And your commitment to excel, even now—in the face of challenging circumstances—inspires all of us in your UB family."

"To meet these challenges, we need to collaborate, innovate and treat each other with compassion. And it has been remarkable to see our students, faculty and staff doing just that."

"At UB, we are committed to fostering a diverse, equitable, and inclusive environment for our students, faculty and staff. This is who we are, and how we identify as a campus community. When we pursue our research and scholarship in an environment where all feel respected, and all have the same opportunities, we are best positioned to excel in these pursuits."

"Today, we embark upon an initiative rooted in a concept of human rights that our university community—and, our broader community—holds near and dear. Namely, the conviction that all of our neighbors deserve the right to a bright, healthy future."

"I believe that the University at Buffalo can rise even further in the ranks of the AAU. I believe that we can cross a new threshold. I believe that, in the next decade, we can situate UB in the Top 25 public research universities in the nation."

"This beautiful space represents an exciting new initiative for UB. It creates a centralized location where our university community can both apply digital methods to scholarship, research and teaching, and use these tools to create new forms of scholarship."

"I know I speak on behalf of the entire UB community when I say how honored and delighted we are to welcome Justice Ginsburg to campus. Today’s event is truly historic – as it marks: the first time a Supreme Court Justice has received a SUNY Honorary Degree; and the first time a Supreme Court Justice has visited our campus."

"In opening the doors to the Murchie Family Fieldhouse, we are opening the doors to exciting new opportunities for our student-athletes to excel in their respective sports."

As with the University of Missouri, the University at Buffalo has been in the midst of a pivotal transformation. We, too, are building on a long history of institutional evolution. And, it seems to me that much of UB’s institutional evolution is relevant to the transformation taking place at the University of Missouri.

"Graduates, your journey as a learner never truly ends. If we have prepared you well in your UB education, you will continue to seek answers about your field throughout your career. And you will continue to seek a deeper understanding of the world throughout your life."

UB has always leveraged our intellect and our creativity for a larger purpose—and we will continue to apply our knowledge, and our innovations, for the public good.

It is my pleasure to have this opportunity to speak at the commencement for the WNY Academic Leadership Academy. And congratulations to all of you for successfully completing this program!

Indeed, the vision of our Clinical and Translational Science Institute and the greater Buffalo Translational Consortium is to develop, test, and share innovative approaches to improve health and reduce health disparities in Buffalo.

Your UB education—truly, the entire scope of your UB experience—has elevated your consciousness about the world around you.

"Through the Malala Fund, and events like tonight’s lecture, Malala continues to advocate for girls and young women to receive an education and to become agents of change in their communities and globally. She is one of the foremost champions for educational opportunity and access."

"A decade ago, we envisioned moving the Jacobs School of Medicine and Biomedical Sciences downtown. Today, we have realized that vision. Just a few weeks from now, faculty and staff will move into our new building. And in January, students will start taking classes there."

"Today, it is my distinct pleasure to celebrate the achievements of the Class of 2017. I offer my heartfelt congratulations to all of the honored graduates gathered here. Your attainment of a twinning degree from Amrita and the University at Buffalo is a great achievement indeed."

It is exciting to envision the innovative and collaborative work our students will be able to achieve in this re-imagined space. The Silverman Library is a shining example of the 21st century learning environment we are providing for our students so they are prepared to making lasting contributions to society.

The completion of this renovation is another tangible result of the strategic planning we have envisioned for our university as part of UB 2020. As a leading 21st century public research university, we have imagined our future, planned for it, and working together, we are building it.

On behalf of the entire University at Buffalo community, I am delighted to welcome all of you to today’s town hall meeting with United States Permanent Representative to the United Nations and a Member of President Obama’s Cabinet, Samantha Power.

Thank you all for joining us as we celebrate the grand opening of this truly exciting educational resource, the Blackstone LaunchPad at UB.

One of the most important and influential American poets of the 20th century, Robert Creeley’s legacy has had a profound impact on our English Department, on our broader university community, and upon a generation of poets and scholars.

Your leadership and commitment are a source of inspiration to our broader educational community, and I thank you for all that you have contributed—and will contribute in the future—for the benefit of the academy at large.

With today’s launch of the free Buffalo Connect Wi-Fi we mark the beginning of a new era of connectivity and opportunity in our city. The University at Buffalo is proud to be a partner in the development of this regional fiber network for our great city.

We are so pleased to have the opportunity to celebrate this very exciting announcement from the National Institutes of Health—a 4-year, $16 million Clinical and Translational Science Award.

In honor of Jeremy Jacobs and the Jacobs family’s tremendous service and generosity to the University at Buffalo over the past 30 years, the university is proud to name the School of Medicine and Biomedical Sciences in their honor.

Today, we are pleased to announce that the foundation has chosen to build on that legacy with a second generous gift continuing the important work of our sports medicine doctors. The Wilson Foundation will give $4 million to establish the Ralph C. Wilson Jr. Center of Excellence in Sports Medicine at the University at Buffalo.

Indeed, David Anderson has left a remarkable legacy at UB through his generosity. His influence will be felt for generations to come because he gave so much more to UB than this beautiful museum we are in tonight.

UB is strongly committed to increasing MWBE participation by fostering the growth and sustainability of minority and women-owned firms.