Buffalo State will confer degrees on 1,752 undergraduate and approximately 500 graduate students during its 145th Commencement celebration, Saturday, May 13, in the Sports Arena.
Awards for student excellence, distinguished alumni, and service to the college will also be presented during two baccalaureate ceremonies and one master’s hooding and C.A.S. ceremony.
The President’s Distinguished Service Award will be presented to Paul J. Lamparelli, ’82, president of Lamparelli Construction, at the morning undergraduate ceremony.
Lamparelli formed Lamparelli Construction Co. Inc. in 1994 with his brother, Peter. Headquartered in Cheektowaga, New York, the company has grown to employ more than 45 workers, and its clients include national companies such as Office Depot and Walgreens.
As president of Lamparelli Construction, Lamparelli is committed to rebuilding safe and sustainable neighborhoods. He has more than 24 years’ experience in all aspects of the construction industry.
Lamparelli Construction was designated as one of the Top 100 Private Companies in Western New York by Buffalo Business First in 1997, 1998, 1999, and 2000. With a mix of national and local clients, the company has built a successful business model based on outstanding quality and customer service. In 1999, Lamparelli Construction was named the Cheektowaga Chamber of Commerce’s Small Business of the Year, recognizing its excellence in industry, superior customer service, and growth as an asset to the community.
Lamparelli earned his bachelor of science degree in industrial arts from Buffalo State and has served on the Buffalo State College Foundation Board of Directors for nearly a decade. His leadership and generosity have contributed to the success of the Scholarship Gala and Golf and Tennis Scholarship Classic events, which provide more than $350,000 annually to the Muriel A. Howard Honors Program scholarship fund.
Giving back to the community is part of the management philosophy of Lamparelli Construction. The company has supported community projects such as playgrounds for the Delaware Family YMCA, Gateway Longview, and the YMCA Partner of Youth Campaign. The Associated Builders & Contractors and Construction Exchange of Buffalo and WNY are also part of the company’s community presence. Lamparelli serves on the boards of many local organizations and is an active supporter of Boys & Girls Clubs and the YMCA.
He resides in Buffalo, New York, with his wife, Martha.
