A golden age for Golden Connections

Dave Nuwer, BS ’75, calls it “amazing.” From the campus tour he got last year to the June 5 interactive lunch program, getting back in touch with other UB alumni who have graduated 50 years ago or more has been a great opportunity to compare notes and swap stories -- about the old days and new ones.

“‘Fun’ is not a profound word,” Nuwer, a physical therapist for 45 years now living in Williamsville and recent addition to that 50-year cohort, says about the capacity lunch in the Center for Tomorrow.

“But it was fun.”

“To be able to talk to them and compare notes about the old days – I even met someone who graduated in the 50s.”

Nuwer’s sustained enthusiasm (he was “self-proclaimed social director” in college) is the proverbial tip of the iceberg for a growing cohort of UB’s 50-years-out-or-more alumni. The group has been galvanized by the Office of Advancement with an administrative approach that merges organizational effectiveness with the personal touch.

Introducing Golden Connections, the thriving society of UB grads who have been getting and giving some of the best UB parties and events around.

“The purpose of Golden Connections is to bring together alumni of at least 50 years from all schools and disciplines, to help them stay connected to each other, meet other like alumni, learn about things going on at UB and really just stay plugged into what’s happening,” says Krystal Testa, director of alumni events who guides the Golden Connections.

Testa, whose alumni events office falls under the Division of University Advancement, the fundraising arm of the university, says the main intention of Golden Connections is social and cultural and a chance to continue their life-long learning.”

“Connections, education and camaraderie,” Testa says.  

“(It is) celebrating a lifetime of experiences, friendships and the enduring bond you share with UB,” proclaims its website.

“A chance to reconnect, meet fellow alumni and stay engaged with a university that has grown and evolved right alongside you.”

Golden Connections backs up those lofty ambitions. The program Testa and her Connections team put together for a sold-out Center for Tomorrow “Longevity Luncheon” blended lasting UB school spirit, current UB research and pertinent advice.

“What can help us live longer—and live better?” proclaimed the official invitation going out to Golden Connectees. “It’s one of today’s most important questions, and researchers across the University at Buffalo are leading the way in finding answers.”

Among the impressive list of speakers — each addressing a major subject close to the Connectees’ interests — were: Elsa Bou Ghanem, Interventions to Boost Defense Against Pneumonia During Aging; Stelios Andreadis, Cellular Reprogramming and Metabolic Approaches for Reversing Aging; Andrew Baumgartner, AI & Primary Care – Opportunities and Challenges; and Jill Maye, Exercise and Aging – What is the Link?! Mayer also did risk assessments for individuals after the presentation was over.

The program ended with tours of the Health on Wheels mobile health van, UB’s GRoW Clean Energy Center and a walk along the Solar Strand.

“June 5 was full of pride and offered tangible takeaways for attendees,” says Testa. “It gave people a chance to reconnect with those they haven’t seen in a long time and to meet other fellow alumni they didn’t know, but had adjacent connections to.

“People were excited and proud of all the things happening at UB. They kept commenting on the research, all the things going on now and really how much over the years the campus has changed. And grown. When most of these alums were here there was only the Main Street Campus.”

Nuwer, a born detail person, quickly ticks off the benefits. The growing membership base gives all the ability to get in touch with classmates. The Alumni Office provides “incredible programs,” he says. Golden Connections gives its members an awareness of all that’s happening on all three UB campuses.

The Golden Connections is just getting started. Upcoming events include a virtual Sept. 22 event featuring updates on UB’s athletic teams, Sept. 26 Homecoming tailgate party and football game, and virtual events on Nov. 10 and Feb. 11 during which UB faculty and staff experts share the latest research and happenings at UB. The Office of Alumni Engagement also offers a Webinar Wednesday series and the UB Travel Program – perfect for this group, but open to all alumni.

Nuwer said he would “definitely” recommend Golden Connections to other alumni, but went further than that.

“I’m happy to even locate folks that might be interested,” he said. “That’s what I did for my class.”