Archived Speeches

Good evening!

"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.