Campus News

UB extends Boldly Buffalo campaign with historic $1 billion goal

By ERIN WAAS

Published April 30, 2021

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“Now — thanks to the incredible support and engagement of our alumni, campaign volunteers, friends and community partners — we are able to set our sights even higher. ”
President Satish K. Tripathi

Thanks to remarkable fundraising success and record engagement with alumni, friends and community partners, UB is extending its Boldly Buffalo campaign goal to $1 billion, President Satish K. Tripathi announced yesterday.

The campaign has exceeded its original goal of $650 million, raising more than $711 million to date. The campaign is raising funds for student support, faculty research and innovative programs that benefit the world — with a particular emphasis on the Western New York community.

Following Tripathi’s announcement of the new campaign goal at news conference at the Jacobs School of Medicine and Biomedical Sciences, more than 800 alumni and friends logged into a virtual event to celebrate the impact of the Boldly Buffalo campaign and learn more about what the future holds for the university. 

“Since its launch, the Boldly Buffalo campaign has had a transformative impact on our university and the many communities we serve,” Tripathi said. “Now — thanks to the incredible support and engagement of our alumni, campaign volunteers, friends and community partners — we are able to set our sights even higher.”  

President Satish Tripathi offers remarks during the Boldly Buffalo press conference held on April 29, 2021, announcing the expansion of the campaign goal.

President Satish K. Tripathi announces the new $1 billion goal for the Boldly Buffalo campaign at a press conference in the Jacobs School of Medicine and Biomedical Sciences. Photo: Douglas Levere

The Boldly Buffalo campaign plays a pivotal role in UB’s aspiration to be in the Top 25 public research universities in the nation within the next decade. “The public research university is increasingly being called upon to solve the most complex issues of our time,” Tripathi said. “Therefore, it is imperative that we continue to propel UB forward — that we accelerate the pace of discovery, that we make world-class education even more accessible, and that we prepare our students to lead in a rapidly evolving world.

“As we celebrate UB’s 175th anniversary this year, the extension of our Boldly Buffalo campaign positions us to enhance our societal relevance and impact for the next 175 years — and well beyond,” he said.

Through the Boldly Buffalo campaign, donors have supported more than 300 new scholarships and fellowships to help make college more affordable for undergraduate and graduate students, with a focus on attracting high-achieving students from diverse backgrounds. Investments in faculty — with 32 newly endowed faculty positions — help advance research and academic output, and elevate the university’s standing among its peers. Campaign gifts also have allowed UB to build or renovate 15 buildings or spaces.

“Despite challenges presented during the past year, we continue to set new fundraising records” said Rodney M. Grabowski, vice president for university advancement. “More than 74,000 alumni, faculty, staff and friends have already raised their hands to support the Boldly Buffalo campaign and the future of the university.

“As we realize a truly bold vision for UB, for our students and for our broader society, I am energized by the outpouring of support our university continues to receive from our graduates and community partners,” he added.  

Beyond dollars raised, the campaign, which is led by honorary campaign co-chairs Jerry Jacobs, ’60, chair of the UB Council, and his wife, Peggy, and co-chairs and UB graduates Dan Alexander, MD ’99 and BA ’99, and Gail Alexander, BS ’87, has achieved other important objectives, including opportunities for UB graduates to reconnect with each other and the university. Since 2013, more than 95,000 alumni worldwide have engaged with the university through young alumni gatherings, mentorship programs, virtual events and webinars, and new programs like Winter College in Florida and a virtual Alumni Academy.

Achieving the goals of the Boldly Buffalo campaign will enable UB to respond to new challenges and opportunities that arise in higher education and beyond. “Extending the campaign gives the university the opportunity to launch new initiatives, bolster distinctive programs and update facilities,” Grabowski said. “From expanding our role as a leader in interdisciplinary education; to amplifying diversity, equity and inclusion efforts; to reviving Buffalo’s vibrant art scene; UB will continue to be a world-class destination for education, knowledge generation and service.”

Donors and alumni are supporting and improving every facet of life at UB. Read more about the campaign, as well as some of the remarkable donor stories and the inspiring work their gifts support, on the campaign website.