Since SUNY Buffalo State began its Faculty and Staff Appeal in 1988, the campus community has generously given to this annual spring campaign to support students and the institution. During the 2013 appeal, Buffalo State faculty and staff were particularly generous. More than 500 donors gave a record $192,000 over the campaign’s two-month course, exceeding the campaign’s goal by $4,000.
“For the last several years, Buffalo State has had one of the most successful faculty-staff campaigns in the SUNY system. This commitment on the part of our faculty and staff really speaks to the character of our employees,” said Susanne Bair, vice president for institutional advancement. “I am proud to be part of a campus that understands why we are here—to serve our students.”
Louis Noce, the annual fund officer who has headed up the appeal for the past four years, attributes its increasing success to a strong base of volunteers who are able to articulate how integral the campaign is to student achievement. He also pointed to the hard work of his predecessor, Claire Collier, and others who oversaw the annual appeal before him. Through the years, the appeal has become woven into the campus culture.
“By the end of February people start calling me, knowing that the appeal starts March 1,” Noce said. “Giving to and helping our students is part of who we are.”
One unique aspect of the Buffalo State campaign is that donors can designate where they want their money to go.
“A lot of people have certain departments or groups of students they are passionate about,” Noce said. “I think fund designation plays a big role in our success.”
The size of gifts made by faculty and staff members varies greatly, he said, noting that every gift is important. A contribution of even $5 or $10 per pay period can pay for a semester’s books for a student.
“Buffalo State is fortunate to have received such openhearted donations from our faculty and staff,” Bair said. “It’s our hope to continue this level of giving as we move into the future.”
