University at Buffalo (UB)
From the Desk of the Vice President
Savor the Summer with Student Life
July 1, 2026
E-Connect
Dear Colleagues:
Thank you to everyone who made last week’s Professional Development Day such a success! Our theme, Bettering Us, sparked wonderful conversations on how we can lead with greater intention and awareness to improve ourselves, our workplace, and the student experience.
We have also officially kicked off another Orientation season! Welcoming our newest Bulls to campus is always a highlight, and the energy of seeing thousands of new students over the next few weeks will surely prime us for a busy August.
I hope to see many of you at our annual Student Life summer picnic next week. Wishing you a wonderful, safe, and happy Fourth of July!
Sincerely
Brian F. Hamluk
Vice President for Student LifeProfessional Development Day Recap
![Wide shot of Dr. Paige Haber-Curran interacting with audience during her keynote speech.]()
Dr. Paige Haber-Curran delivers keynote address on the power of emotionally intelligent leadership.
Last week, Student Life welcomed Dr. Paige Haber-Curran as the keynote speaker for the 2026 Professional Development Day. After the keynote, followed a plethora of breakout sessions presented by Student Life’s own professional staff.
Thank you to the Professional Development Day Planning Committee for making this possible!Thanks to Our Committee Members
Ed Brodka Career Design Center - Career Design Consultant & Group Learning Lead
Remya Ernest Student Life Human Resources - Senior Staff Assistant
Amanda Fries Health Promotion - Program Assistant
Danika Guerin Campus Living - Digital Brand and Marketing Associate
Tyra Henson Student Conduct - Associate DirectorLeadership in Action
![Group photo of the July 2026 Cohort of the Leadership Competencies in Action session.]()
Recently, members from the Student Life Leadership Team and Department Heads participated in a Leadership Competencies in Action workshop in the Student Union. These ongoing sessions were moderated by national coaching and leadership agency TalentRise.
Save the Date
![Magician and assistant stand while doing the "UB Horns Up" gesture.]()
Bulls Welcome Back Blast
Date: Saturday Night, August 22
Time: 8:30 - 9:30 p.m.
Location: UB Stadium
Gates open at 7:30 p.mMark your calendar for the Bulls Welcome Back Blast on Saturday night, August 22.
Celebrate the start of the semester with UB’s biggest pep rally of the year!
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Student Life employees not currently receiving the newsletter, should contact Lisa Bolt at vpsl@buffalo.edu.