On their first day, the scholars got a grand tour of Buffalo, and one of the stops was at the Jacobs School of Medicine and Biomedical Sciences. Photo: Meredith Forrest Kulwicki

Mike Odojewski, facilities planning and management officer at the Jacobs School, points out some features of the atrium. Photo: Meredith Forrest Kulwicki

With the antique gas lamps in the background, Mike Odojewski shares a story about Roswell Park and the assassination of President William McKinley. Photo: Meredith Forrest Kulwicki

On Tuesday, the scholars attended a Haudenosaunee social and dinner. This beaded belt signifies the peace treaty between the Iroquois and Mississauga warriors hunting in the same territory. This concept of one dish (hunting ground) and one spoon (all Peoples sharing the territory are expected to limit the game they take to leave enough for others) is the foundation of many such peace treaties. Photo: Meredith Forrest Kulwicki

UB is located on the traditional territory of the Seneca Nation and a part of the Haudenosaunee Confederacy. This event gave the scholars an opportunity to learn about their people and traditions. Photo: Meredith Forrest Kulwicki

The dinner featured corn soup, frybread, mashed red beans, Indian tacos and strawberry juice. Photo: Meredith Forrest Kulwicki

Scholars were greeted warmly by members of the Indigenous community. Photo: Meredith Forrest Kulwicki

Haudenosaunee social dances are used to celebrate the community, welcome new people and just have fun. Photo: Meredith Forrest Kulwicki

Traditional music accompanies the dances. Photo: Meredith Forrest Kulwicki

Scholar Bi'Anncha T. Andrews (in red) learns one of the dances. Photo: Meredith Forrest Kulwicki

Looks like it was fun for both pupil and teacher. Photo: Meredith Forrest Kulwicki

On Thursday, the scholars met at the Martin House for a tour, reception and dinner. Photo: Douglas Levere

The tour was led by Susana Tejada (foreground), curator of the Martin House. Photo: Douglas Levere

Casidy Campbell examines the wisteria mosaic over the main fireplace. Photo: Douglas Levere

The scholars take in the spectacular "Tree of Life" stained glass windows. Photo: Douglas Levere

In the main conservatory stands the replica of "Winged Victory" or the Nike of Samothrace statue. It was cast from the same mold as the original. Photo: Douglas Levere

During the reception in the Greatbatch Pavilion, the VITAL scholars had a chance to mingle with members of the UB community. Despina Stratigakos (left), vice provost for inclusive excellence, chats with Rashad Williams. Photo: Douglas Levere

Letitia Thomas (center), assistant dean for diversity, School of Engineering and Applied Sciences, engages in a lively conversation with several scholars. Photo: Douglas Levere

After dinner, all the scholars gathered for a group photo with the iconic Martin House in the background. Photo: Douglas Levere