The Buffalo State College Foundation recently surpassed $50 million in total assets.
"This is a significant milestone for us," said Susanne Bair, vice president for institutional advancement. "It means we can provide more scholarships for students and additional assistance for academic programs and student-life initiatives."
When Bair joined the college in 2007, the foundation’s permanently restricted funds stood at $15 million. That category has almost doubled to $27.7 million today. Between 2013 and 2014, total assets increased more than $10 million.
The growth is partially due to a final gift of $2.25 million from the estate of the late Horace “Hank” Mann that was presented to the college in February. Beginning in 2001, the retired exceptional education professor, who passed away in 2010, gave more than $7 million to Buffalo State, making him the largest individual donor. Other large gifts within the Transforming Lives fundraising campaign also boosted assets.
"The giving we have witnessed speaks to the level in which individuals, foundations, and organizations believe in the mission of Buffalo State and our students," said Buffalo State President Katherine S. Conway-Turner.
"Our donors recognize the important role they play in ensuring that a wide range of students partake of the excellent education Buffalo State provides. This has been especially noticeable in recent years when financial insecurity became the reality for many families in Western New York and beyond. The generous support of individual, foundations, and organizations continues to make a Buffalo State education accessible to many deserving students."
