University at Buffalo (UB)
Vice President for Student Life
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Strength in Numbers: 2025-26

“It’s our job — and our privilege — to help each student grow as a human being, learn crucial life lessons and get the most out of their time here. ”
8/6/26

Brian F. Hamluk, Vice President for Student Life

Divisional Highlights: One Year, Countless Memories

1,000+ Newly Dedicated Square Feet

LGBTQ+ Center sign outside the center, with students inside.

In the recently opened LGBTQ+ Center, students can meet up with friends and get access to helpful resources. 

500+ Hours of Service

Jessica Williams.

A Student Leadership Reception honored and celebrated students like Jessica Williams ’26, who graduated with hundreds of hours of service.

$1M+ Raised Annually

Group of people and Victor E. Bull in front of food collection bins.

Through a variety of fundraising initiatives, the Division again successfully raised over $1M during the year with sponsorships, endowments and community-based programming.

1,150 More Careers on the Rise

A student presenting a poster to two other people at an event.

In the past two years, the Career Design Center has offered funding and support for more than 1,150 students who likely would not have had experiential learning opportunities otherwise. 

99% (A Very Healthy Approval Rating)

Student sitting in a chair in a medical facility, with a healthcare professional putting cloth around her arm.

In recent surveys, the vast majority of patients said Student Health Services helps them stay at UB and be successful.

Student in a UB shirt leading a large group of students walking outside.
5,000+ New Beginnings

Every summer, thousands of incoming first-year students attend Orientation to make friends, learn what to expect at UB and explore the campus.

Jenell Spitale and Brian Hamluk holding a large trophy.
Giving Back 129%

Student Life raised more than $25,000 for the UB Employees Campaign for the Community — a 29% increase over the Division's goal, earning the coveted Chair’s Cup.

Overhead view of students sitting at a table with plates of food, raising their glasses.
A Gold Medal Experience for 1,500+

During the 2026 Winter Olympics, UB’s Crossroads Culinary Center hosted a special dinner for students featuring flavors from around the world, virtual reality games, a commemorative glass for students, and other Olympic-themed surprises.

UB Dazzlers on a football field with marching band and fans in background.
71,017 Dazzled Fans

Halftime was the main event as the UB Marching Band, Dazzlers Dance Team and Feature Twirlers performed for a full house at Highmark Stadium during a September Buffalo Bills game.

Space for 195,691

Overhead view of Student Union with tables, people sitting, and the UB Bull spirit mark on the wall.

Events in the Student Union, Harriman Hall and select outdoor spaces attracted nearly 200,000 students last year, thanks in part to new student-friendly renovations and improved environmental graphics.

1 of 12 Universities Worldwide

Students and others sitting and standing around a desk in a work environment with laptops.

Thanks to the Startup and Innovation Collaboratory, UB was one of only 12 universities to receive the Outstanding Student Leadership and Engagement award from the Global Consortium for Entrepreneurship Centers.

7,684 Students Right at Home

Student handing another student a plush goose at Home Away Giveaways display.

Campus Living has given resident students hats, scarves and even plush geese through the Home Away Giveaways program, which is their way of saying “thank you” to those who choose to live on campus.

On the Menu: Meals for 25,000

Person cooking a lot of chicken on a large grill or stove.

With three dining halls and more than 40 additional dining operations, the award-winning team at Campus Dining and Shops serves tens of thousands of students, faculty, staff and visitors on an average day. 

Sue Kurowski.
“The Student Union serves as the heart of campus, bringing students together in a space where they can connect, build community and form meaningful relationships outside the classroom. It provides a welcoming environment where students can gather, recharge and feel a stronger sense of belonging.”
8/6/26

Sue Kurowski / Director, Student Unions 

Regina Green.
“Orientation takes the pressure off and shows students that college can be fun.”
8/6/26

Regina Green ’27 / Orientation Leader

Steve Simpson.
“We help improve access to work-based learning opportunities by addressing financial obstacles — and cultivate meaningful connections for students who may not have as much social capital.”
8/6/26

Steve Simpson / Director, Career Design Center

Chris Bragdon.
“It’s crucial that all students feel a sense of belonging within our residential communities. Through programming and conversations, we work hard to help students make connections within their new home and feel seen and valued.”
8/6/26

Chris Bragdon / Associate Director for Residential Life, Campus Living 

Jessica Williams.
“I grew up in a pretty small town, where I knew the same students from kindergarten to the day we graduated high school. When I came to UB, joining clubs let me find a home amongst 30,000 students.”
8/6/26

Jessica Williams ’26 / Founder, Grassroots Lobbying Club

Grace Markey.
“Getting to do what I love most in front of that many people was just amazing.”
8/6/26

Grace Markey ’26 / Captain, Dazzlers Dance Team 

Ray Kohl.
“The students were absolutely amazed with the special event — from the interactive games to the incredible menu. The entire team worked very hard on this and everyone loved it.”
8/6/26

Ray Kohl / Director of Marketing & Communications, Campus Dining and Shops

Brianna Bengert.
“We always have our shelves stocked. That’s something I’m really proud of, that when a student comes into the pantry, they have access to everything they need.”
8/6/26

Brianna Bengert / Student Needs Coordinator, Dean of Students Office 

Jenell Spitale.
“You see people in Student Life who clearly care for the students and are really dedicated to service. That’s such a strong theme throughout the Division and I see that care extend out to the broader community.”
8/6/26

Jenell Spitale / Associate Director, Experiential Learning & Student Employment, Career Design Center 

Kaprishia Covington.
“I really enjoy watching students in the beginning of the semester gain their friend group and enjoy meals together. It’s so fun and rewarding to see all of them growing and turning into incredible people.”
8/6/26

Kaprishia Covington / Assistant Executive Chef

Susan Snyder.
“There is a direct connection between health and the student’s ability to succeed in the classroom.”
8/6/26

Susan Snyder / Director, Student Health Services 

Gi Swords.
“Opening the Center is such a big message to students, because it shows that we’re here for them regardless of the narratives.”
8/6/26

Gi Swords / Assistant Director, LGBTQ+ Center

Hadar Borden.
“Whatever role you’re in, you need to have the skills of an entrepreneur. Students have to think creatively and innovate as the world around them continues to change.”
8/6/26

Hadar Borden / Director, Startup and Innovation Collaboratory 

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