Two stunning stained glass windows featuring the new Buffalo State crest will soon emblazon the front of the Campbell Student Union, thanks to a fundraising appeal spearheaded by students.
In the first all-student giving campaign at Buffalo State, representatives from the Inter Greek Organization (IGA) and a student giving committee raised $3,756 to pay for the windows that will flank the doors facing E. H. Butler Library. The windows are expected to be unveiled by commencement, May 18.
The idea for the project came from Kristen Catalano, assistant director of student life. She contacted Dunkirk, New York, artist Cyndy Gailey who created the windows’ design with input from Catalano.
“The project was a natural fit for the Greeks,” said Catalano, noting the campaign dovetailed with the IGA’s newly created standards of excellence that focus on community service and philanthropy. In just a few months, the students raised money from various events along with donations of $125 per organization.
“What was great was not only raising the money but also seeing members of various organizations crossing over to work with members of other organizations in teams,” said IGA President Julian Cepeda. “I am very proud to be part of this.”
Meanwhile, a seven-member student giving committee campaigned throughout the residence halls and set up tables in the student union to secure individual donations.
“I have already seen a culture of philanthropy beginning to form at Buffalo State, which was one of our major goals in having the campaign,” said Meghan Coyne, Institutional Advancement intern who is coordinating the effort. “As we’ve gone on, students have begun to recognize us and the campaign, and there has been a lot of excitement generated about the project.”
