Suny University At Buffalo

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.

The Chairman presented two naming resolutions for Council approval: one for the Mary E. Fracassi Alzheimer's Research Fund in the Jacobs School of Medicine and Biomedical Sciences, and another for the Medicinal Chemistry Fund and the Kurt E. Merkel, PhD Professorship in Medicinal Chemistry in the Department of Chemistry. The President's report highlighted UB's significant growth over 15 years in research, including major awards and faculty honors, the development of an entrepreneurial ecosystem, campus modernization efforts, and success in philanthropy, noting the Boldly Buffalo campaign exceeded $1.1 billion. The Provost reported on a new state allocation of $50 million to establish a biofabrication and imaging research hub, detailed recent major research grants awarded to faculty members, and noted two faculty members' recent elections to the National Academies. The Council also received an update on UB's extensive investment and progress in Artificial Intelligence research, including involvement with the Empire AI initiative and the launch of the Office of AI Innovation and Integration. The Student Representative shared updates on increased campus liveliness, a new parking management system developed by faculty and students, enhancements to the Career Design Center using a stepping blocks platform and 'Virtual Vic' chatbot, and efforts to track international student employment success.

The meeting included welcoming the new student representative, Mr. Shaurya Jain. The council approved four naming resolutions for a chair in Fluid Mechanics, a Law Scholarship, a chair in Psychiatric Research, and a Scholarship in the School of Dental Medicine. President Tripathi reported on Governor Hochul's visit regarding Empire AI, the welcoming of new faculty and students, and overall enrollment. Presentations were given on undergraduate academic and student life, the impact of the changing federal landscape on research funding, and the development of the Department of AI and Society. The student representative discussed networking opportunities and parking issues.

The meeting included the designation of Jeremy M. Jacobs Sr. as chair emeritus of the UB Council and the approval of the Gerald Friedman, MD '57, and Wendi Friedman Tush Professorship in Nutrition and Health. Updates were provided on the university's academic enterprise, including enrollment trends, faculty achievements, research expenditures, and entrepreneurship efforts. The renovation of the Student Union and the redesign of the Fargo Quad were highlighted, along with plans for the James Joyce Museum. The appointment of Kathleen Heckman as Vice President for University Advancement and Dr. Jeffrey Grabill as the incoming dean of the College of Arts and Sciences were noted. The Student Representative reported on the activities of various student groups.

The meeting included discussions and actions on several key items. Four naming resolutions were approved for the Evens Family Scholarship, the Dr. Margaret Ann Tubbert Farrington Fund for Biological Sciences, the Mrs. Elizabeth A. Guelcher Art Education, Medical Humanities, and Community Room, and the Murchie Shore Data Theater. The council also approved a resolution for the Chancellor Charles P. Norton Medal awarded to Jeremy Jacobs Sr. Updates were provided on the New York State budget and its impact on SUNY and UB, along with recognition of graduating students and faculty achievements. A presentation was given on the newly formed Department of AI and Society, covering its origins, funding, and degree programs. The student representative reported on student activities and accomplishments.