Keith A. Alford

The meeting was called to order and subsequently adjourned to an executive session.

The Council convened to establish a quorum and subsequently moved to adjourn into an executive session to address a matter concerning the employment history of an individual, in accordance with New York State Public Officers' Law.

The council meeting included a tribute to a late member and several key reports. The Norton Medal resolution was approved for the university president. Five naming resolutions for various scholarships, chairs, and funds were endorsed. The university president briefed the council on the proposed state budget, including tuition policy and capital funding, as well as the reopening of campus infrastructure. The provost reported on faculty recognition, research grants in disciplines such as philosophy, dental medicine, and chemical engineering, and initiatives regarding artificial intelligence in education. The student representative discussed international student career outcomes and data visualization tools. Additionally, during an executive session, the council approved resolutions regarding the naming of the Broadview Federal Credit Union Scholarship and sponsorships for athletic facilities.

The Council reviewed and approved two naming resolutions: the Mary E. Fracassi Alzheimer's Research Fund and the Medicinal Chemistry Fund alongside the Kurt E. Merkel, PhD Professorship in Medicinal Chemistry. The President provided a report highlighting progress in research, campus master plan investments, and philanthropy. The Provost discussed a state-funded biofabrication and imaging research hub and recognized faculty achievements in research grants and National Academies elections. Additionally, the Council received a presentation on Artificial Intelligence research progress and initiatives, as well as a student representative report covering parking management systems, student career platforms, and student engagement efforts.

The resolutions presented for endorsement by the University at Buffalo Council centered on several significant recognitions and endorsements. Key discussions involved recommending President Satish K. Tripathi for the 2026 Chancellor Charles P. Norton Medalist award, recognizing his transformative 15-year tenure. Additionally, the Council endorsed the naming of several endowments and chairs, including the Dr. Steven A. Guttenberg Scholarship, the Joanne and William Conway Nursing Scholarships, the Svein Øie and Barbara Woodruff Scholarship in the School of Pharmacy and Pharmaceutical Sciences, the Dr. Angelo Anthony Montagna Chair in Chemical Engineering, and the Dr. Burt H. Rubin Fund for Athletics. Most endorsements stipulated forwarding the recognition to the State University of New York System Administration for final approval.