2014-2015

The Inclusion and Diversity Committee hosted a social Wednesday, July 22 from 12:00 to 1:30 PM in 107 Capen Hall. PSS members brought desserts to share while mingling with co-workers.

2015 SUNY Chancellor’s Award for Excellence in Professional Service:

• Beth A. Corry
• Elaine R. Cusker
• John DellaContrada
• Dr. Valerie Frerichs
• Jacqueline Molik Ghosen
• Krista L. Hanypsiak
• Kevin Leary
• Patricia Shyhalla

2015 Outstanding Service Award Winners:

• Anna Sotelo-Peryea
• Samantha Calabrese

The University at Buffalo excitedly hosted an inaugural Women in STEM Summit on April 23, 2015. The program featured a keynote address and informative panel discussions with local thought leaders representing various STEM disciplines on negotiating power and building your professional network. The event was a collaboration between the School of Engineering and Applied Sciences, the College of Arts and Sciences, the Undergraduate Academies, UB STEM, Academic Affairs, Interdisciplinary Science and Engineering Partnership, Institute for Research and Education on Women and Gender, Intercultural and Diversity Center, Office of Student Engagement, Computing and Information Technology, and the Professional Staff Senate.

Fri., March 20 • Noon – 1 p.m.
Kapoor Hall, South Campus

The PSS Plant Exchange committee hosted a Lunch and Learn session with Linda Mayer, CCE Erie County Master Gardener who presented a talk on perennials.

Tues., Dec. 16 • 11:30 a.m. – 1:30 p.m.
Alumni Arena, North Campus

The PSS Staff Development Committee and UB Athletics offered a tour of the athletics facilities on Tuesday, December 16th from 11:30am-1:30pm. Attendees visited the main gym, natatorium, Reilly Training Room, basketball locker room, media center, equipment room, video board control room, Ed Michael Wrestling Room and Practice Facility, academic wing, fitness center and Bulls Team Shop.

The PSS Inclusion & Diversity Committee again celebrated the holiday season with a potluck lunch on Wednesday, December 10, 2014 in the Student Union, room 210. Colleagues embraced UB’s rich diversity, made real-time connections with fellow professional staff members and enjoyed homemade (or store-bought) dishes representing their unique culture, family history or personal life story.

The PSS partnered with local charitable organizations to collect professional clothing for those in need. New and gently used clothes were collected at three locations through October 31st and at the October 16th General Membership Meeting.

From Combat to Classroom: Helping Veterans Transition to Life on Campus

On October 28th, 2014, the PSS Inclusion & Diversity Committee continued their Education & Advocacy Series with a panel discussion about returning veterans in the university community. Attendees learned about resources veterans, tips for helping returning veterans achieve success, and an understanding of the issues veterans face.

Held Sept. 16, 2014 on UB’s North Campus, the 6th annual free event featured vendors offering ways to green our homes, yards and offices while reducing our environmental footprint. More than 1,100 visitors attended.Learn how to make our community sustainable by reducing your personal environmental footprint.