University at Buffalo

Fifty-three University at Buffalo students were selected to participate in SUNY Empire State Service Corp - an opportunity that allows New York State students to be paid for meaningful work that provides lifelong skills and creates lasting impact in their community. Participating students are placed in a cohort aligned with their interest area and engage in paid public service work for 300 hours over the course of the academic year. "The SUNY Empire State Service Corp program gives students the chance to turn learning into action through hands-on service in the local community," Hannah Giarrizzo, assistant director of community and civic engagement at UB, says. "Participants foster meaningful collaboration with community members, strengthen their communication, problem-solving and teamwork skills and deepen their commitment to leading and inspiring others to create positive social change." Students are placed at either an on-campus or community-based host site in one of the following cohorts: K-12 Education, Peer Mental Health, Sustainability, Civic Engagement, Student Success Coaching, FAFSA Completion or Food Insecurity and SNAP. Read more about student achievements by visiting UB's Merit page. About the University at Buffalo The University at Buffalo is a premier, research-intensive public university, and is New York's flagship. UB's more than 30,000 students pursue their academic interests through more than 500 undergraduate, graduate and professional degree programs. Founded in 1846, the University at Buffalo is a member of the Association of American Universities, which is composed of America's leading research universities. AAU's 71 research universities transform lives through education, research and innovation.

The University at Buffalo Marching Band welcomed 177 members for the 2025 season. The Marching Band - nicknamed "Thunder of the East" - is the largest and most visible student musical experience at UB. For over 100 years, the group has entertained tens of thousands of UB fans each season with high-energy performances and True Blue spirit. "I see membership in the UB Marching Band as a journey of tradition and purpose where students grow, inspire others and carry the university's spirit in every performance," James Mauck, Marching Band director, says. "Membership in the UB Marching Band goes beyond music - it's about friendships, inspiration and pride in representing the university." The Marching Band includes woodwinds, brass and drumline sections, along with members of the color guard, feature twirlers and UB Dazzlers (dance team). In addition to performing at UB events, the Marching Band performed in front of 70,000 fans at the Buffalo Bills home game vs. the New Orleans Saints on Sept. 28. UB is New York State's flagship and the largest and most comprehensive institution in the State University of New York system. Read more about student achievements by visiting UB's Merit page. About the University at Buffalo The University at Buffalo is a premier, research-intensive public university, and is New York's flagship. UB's more than 30,000 students pursue their academic interests through more than 500 undergraduate, graduate and professional degree programs. Founded in 1846, the University at Buffalo is a member of the Association of American Universities, which is composed of America's leading research universities. AAU's 71 research universities transform lives through education, research and innovation.

The University at Buffalo welcomed nine Student Engagement peer mentors for the 2025-26 academic year. Peer mentors are a select group of students dedicated to fostering a culture of involvement and growth at the university. They connect students with professional development opportunities and offer mentorship to those seeking to enhance their campus engagement. "Finding opportunities that align with your wants, needs and goals can be tricky at a large institution like UB," Ally Sievers, Student Engagement leadership and development coordinator at UB, says. "Student Engagement peer mentors help bridge that gap by helping their fellow students connect with extra-curricular opportunities and unique academic experiences around the university." Peer mentors are responsible for developing and facilitating three leadership, community engagement or experimental learning-themed workshops for student organizations and campus partners each semester. Peer mentors also serve as advisors for the Developmental Experiences and Leadership and Development Foundations micro-credentials and help facilitate the university's Next Level Leadership Mentoring Conference. UB is New York State's flagship and the largest and most comprehensive institution in the State University of New York system. Read more about student achievements by visiting UB's Merit page. About the University at Buffalo The University at Buffalo is a premier, research-intensive public university, and is New York's flagship. UB's more than 30,000 students pursue their academic interests through more than 500 undergraduate, graduate and professional degree programs. Founded in 1846, the University at Buffalo is a member of the Association of American Universities, which is composed of America's leading research universities. AAU's 71 research universities transform lives through education, research and innovation.

The University at Buffalo welcomed 10 Student Engagement event interns for the 2025-26 academic year. Event interns are a dynamic group of undergraduate students who play a key role in bringing campus events to life at UB. As a team, they promote and implement campus-wide events, creating meaningful experiences that enrich student life. "Finding belonging and community on campus is incredibly important," Ally Sievers, Student Engagement leadership and development coordinator at UB, says. "Student Engagement event interns help to bring our programming to life, helping create student-centered spaces where belonging is encouraged and cultivated." Throughout the year, event interns collaborate with other student leaders and Student Engagement staff to market events and engage the student body through multiple communication channels. Event interns also help facilitate the university's Next Level Leadership Mentoring Conference. UB is New York State's flagship and the largest and most comprehensive institution in the State University of New York system. Read more about student achievements by visiting UB's Merit page. About the University at Buffalo The University at Buffalo is a premier, research-intensive public university, and is New York's flagship. UB's more than 30,000 students pursue their academic interests through more than 500 undergraduate, graduate and professional degree programs. Founded in 1846, the University at Buffalo is a member of the Association of American Universities, which is composed of America's leading research universities. AAU's 71 research universities transform lives through education, research and innovation.

The University at Buffalo has named 32 students to the 2025 Presidential Scholar Class - the largest cohort to date. Presidential Scholars are among the most academically accomplished students in the nation. Presidential Scholars who are New York State residents receive the Presidential Scholarship, valued at $15,000 annually, renewable for four years of undergraduate study. "The Presidential Scholarship is UB's most competitive merit award," Patrick McDevitt, associate dean of undergraduate education and the Honors College, says. "Each year, between 25 and 30 Presidential Scholars are selected from nearly 40,000 applicants to the university. This elite group of future leaders all have demonstrated not only academic excellence, but the potential to impact the university and the wider world." Presidential Scholars are admitted to the UB Honors College. Honors students enjoy many benefits designed to foster academic and personal success - including but not limited to personalized advisement, faculty mentorship, priority registration, access to unique funding opportunities, specialized living communities and a network of global honors alumni. To maintain their scholarship, Presidential Scholars must uphold their enrollment in the Honors College with an overall GPA of at least 3.30 during their first year and an overall GPA of at least a 3.50 for successive years. UB is New York State's flagship and the largest and most comprehensive institution in the State University of New York system. Read more about student achievements by visiting UB's Merit page. About the University at Buffalo The University at Buffalo is a premier, research-intensive public university, and is New York's flagship. UB's more than 30,000 students pursue their academic interests through more than 500 undergraduate, graduate and professional degree programs. Founded in 1846, the University at Buffalo is a member of the Association of American Universities, which is composed of America's leading research universities. AAU's 71 research universities transform lives through education, research and innovation.

Leadership House - a highly selective leadership development program for first-year students enrolled at the University at Buffalo - welcomed 29 students for the 2025-26 academic year. "Leadership House gives students the rare opportunity to learn about leadership while living it," Phyllis Floro, director of student engagement at UB, says. "They step into a supportive community, take on real challenges and discover their own strengths. By the end of the year, they've built confidence, friendships and a sense of purpose that will carry them through college and beyond." Leadership House is a year-long commitment with two leadership-based courses, two retreats, an orientation and various community-building programs throughout the year. Students receive credit for the two classes and dedicate about six hours per month to the program outside of the classroom. While many of the participating students choose to live together on campus, it is not a requirement of the program. Read more about student achievements by visiting UB's Merit page. UB is New York State's flagship and the largest and most comprehensive institution in the State University of New York system. About the University at Buffalo The University at Buffalo is a premier, research-intensive public university, and is New York's flagship. UB's more than 30,000 students pursue their academic interests through more than 500 undergraduate, graduate and professional degree programs. Founded in 1846, the University at Buffalo is a member of the Association of American Universities, which is composed of America's leading research universities. AAU's 71 research universities transform lives through education, research and innovation.

Thirty-six UB students participated in the WNY Sophomore Externship Experience this summer - a program that matches local college sophomores with paid extern opportunities at Western New York's top companies. The externship program, run by the university's Startup and Innovation Collaboratory (CoLab), aims to prepare students for the workforce earlier in their college careers. It was funded by the Bryant Foundation in 2025 and the Prentice Family Foundation in 2024. Participating students earned $4,000, course credit and experience exploring career paths and opportunities throughout WNY. "As the proud host of the WNY Sophomore Externship Experience for the second year, UB is very pleased to see the maturation of the program and the transformative experiences it provides for WNY students," Provost A. Scott Weber says. "We are grateful to the Prentice Family Foundation and Bryant Foundation for their support of the program, and their investment in our future leaders and economic development in our region." A total of 76 students were selected to work with 33 host organizations for the second year of this program. In addition to UB students, the cohort also included sophomores from other Western New York universities, as well as college sophomores elsewhere, as long as they graduated from a local high school. View the full list of participating students and their placements. UB is New York State's flagship and the largest and most comprehensive institution in the State University of New York system. Read more about student achievements by visiting UB's Merit page. About the University at Buffalo The University at Buffalo is a premier, research-intensive public university, and is New York's flagship. UB's more than 30,000 students pursue their academic interests through more than 500 undergraduate, graduate and professional degree programs. Founded in 1846, the University at Buffalo is a member of the Association of American Universities, which is composed of America's leading research universities. AAU's 71 research universities transform lives through education, research and innovation.

The University at Buffalo has named 5,667 students to the spring 2025 dean's list. "Each semester brings new opportunities to celebrate the hard work and dedication of our students," Ann Bisantz, vice provost and dean of undergraduate education, says. "The scholars named to this semester's undergraduate dean's list exemplify what it means to pursue academic excellence with purpose, passion and integrity. We are proud to honor their achievements and look forward to the impact they will continue to make." To qualify for the dean's list, full-time undergraduate students must demonstrate academic excellence by earning a grade point average of at least 3.600 while completing a minimum of 12 UB letter-graded (A-F) credit hours. Students are named to the dean's list at the end of the fall and spring semesters. UB is New York State's flagship university and the largest and most comprehensive institution in the State University of New York system.

The University at Buffalo Honors College enrolled 1,948 students for the 2025-26 academic year, including 575 first-year students. Through an innovative curriculum and unique opportunities outside the classroom, the UB Honors College challenges academically gifted students to enrich their studies and explore their interests across the academic disciplines. "The Honors College aims to bring together intellectually curious students who are committed to excellence, both inside and outside the classroom," Patrick McDevitt, associate dean of undergraduate education and the Honors College, says. "By undertaking the rigorous Honors curriculum, Honors scholars commit to making the most of their undergraduate journey. Through personal advising, material support, and an inclusive community, the Honors College empowers our students to develop and grow into visionary leaders, creative problem-solvers, and engaged global citizens." Honors students enjoy many benefits designed to foster academic and personal success - including personalized advisement, faculty mentorship, priority registration, access to unique funding opportunities, specialized living communities and a network of global honors alumni. Honors students must maintain a 3.300 undergraduate Grade Point Average (GPA) during the first year and at least a 3.500 undergraduate GPA in each successive year to graduate with an overall GPA of 3.500. UB is New York State's flagship and the largest and most comprehensive institution in the State University of New York system. Read more about student achievements by visiting UB's Merit page. About the University at Buffalo The University at Buffalo is a premier, research-intensive public university, and is New York's flagship. UB's more than 30,000 students pursue their academic interests through more than 500 undergraduate, graduate and professional degree programs. Founded in 1846, the University at Buffalo is a member of the Association of American Universities, which is composed of America's leading research universities. AAU's 71 research universities transform lives through education, research and innovation.

The University at Buffalo awarded over 10,100 degrees across 18 school-based degree-conferral ceremonies held May 1-18 and earlier in the academic year. The commencement ceremonies recognized students whose bachelor's, master's or doctoral degrees were conferred by the university in August 2024, February 2025 or June 2025. UB is New York State's flagship and the largest and most comprehensive institution in the State University of New York system.

Fifteen UB students have been named recipients of the SUNY Chancellor's Award for Student Excellence, the highest honor SUNY bestows upon its students. The award, created in 1997, is given annually to recognize high-achieving SUNY students who also excel in such areas as academics, leadership, campus involvement, community service, diversity, equity, inclusion and justice or the arts. Each year, selection committees from each SUNY campus consider nominees, who are then recommended to the chancellor's office. This year's winners were invited to attend an awards ceremony on April 29 in Albany. UB is New York State's flagship and the largest and most comprehensive institution in the State University of New York system.

UB celebrated 34 leaders and four organizations at the Pillars of Leadership Awards on April 30, 2025. The event recognizes individuals and organizations who have demonstrated commitment to leadership, service and mentorship at UB and within the Buffalo community. "Receiving one of these leadership awards is more than just recognition - it's a powerful affirmation of a student's impact, growth and dedication to leading with purpose," Phyllis Floro, student engagement director, says. "It celebrates their contributions to our communities and encourages them to keep striving, learning and inspiring others along the way. It also reminds us of the remarkable work our students do every day." There were 24 award categories, with multiple winners for some awards. Read more about student achievements by visiting UB's Merit page. UB is New York State's flagship and the largest and most comprehensive institution in the State University of New York system.

The University at Buffalo has named 4,330 students to the fall 2024 dean's list. "I am honored to recognize the students on the undergraduate dean's list who excel both in their studies and beyond," Ann Bisantz, dean of undergraduate education, says. "Together, we celebrate their remarkable achievements and the spirit of excellence within our university community." To qualify for the dean's list, full-time undergraduate students must demonstrate academic excellence by earning a grade point average of at least 3.600 while completing a minimum of 15 or more UB credit hours, of which 12 are graded (A-F) credits. Students are named to the dean's list at the end of the fall and spring semesters. UB is New York State's flagship university and the largest and most comprehensive institution in the State University of New York system.

Twenty-eight UB students participated in the WNY Sophomore Externship Experience this summer - a new program that matches local college sophomores with paid extern opportunities at Western New York's top companies. The new externship program, run by the Startup and Innovation Collaboratory (CoLab), is funded by the Prentice Family Foundation as part of its long working relationship with the university and allows students to start preparing for the workforce earlier in their college careers. Participating students earned $4,000, course credit and experience exploring career paths and opportunities throughout WNY. "The WNY Sophomore Externship Experience began as an idea to address important issues retaining more top talent in the region, better-preparing students with the social and technical skills they need for the current workforce," Provost A. Scott Weber says. "It helps students forge the connections and networks they need to be successful, and enables students to spend their summer gaining experience that will benefit their futures, regardless of their financial situation." A total of 47 students were selected as the first cohort of the program, which also allowed sophomores from other Western New York universities, as well as college sophomores elsewhere, as long as they graduated from a local high school. View the full list of participating students and their placements. The experience concluded July 31 with a celebration at Hayes Hall where the students could showcase what they learned working at one of two dozen companies and organizations across the Buffalo region. Watch this video to learn more about the WNY Sophomore Externship Experience.

The University at Buffalo has named 31 students to the 2024 Presidential Scholar Class. Presidential Scholars are among the most academically accomplished students in the nation. Presidential Scholars who are New York State residents receive the Presidential Scholarship, valued at $15,000 annually, renewable for four years of undergraduate study. "Being named a Presidential Scholar is a mark of exceptional distinction," Honors College Academic Director Patrick McDevitt says. "The selection process is lengthy, rigorous and highly competitive. Those who earn this honor have proven their academic excellence, intellectual curiosity and dedication to making meaningful contributions outside the classroom." Presidential Scholars are admitted to the UB Honors College. Honors scholars enjoy many benefits designed to foster academic and personal success - including but not limited to personalized advisement, faculty mentorship, priority registration, access to unique funding opportunities, specialized living communities and a network of global honors alumni. To maintain their scholarship, Presidential Scholars must uphold their enrollment in the Honors College with an overall GPA of at least 3.30 during their first year and an overall GPA of at least 3.50 for successive years. UB is New York State's flagship and the largest and most comprehensive institution in the State University of New York system.

Leadership House - a highly selective leadership development program for first-year students at the University at Buffalo - welcomed 29 students for the 2024-25 academic year. "This program is designed to make sure students get the most out of their time at UB," Phyllis Floro, director of student engagement, says. "Leadership House provides members with opportunities to gain and improve leadership skills, put those skills into action, network with successful Leadership House alumni and establish a supportive community of peers." Leadership House is a year-long commitment with two leadership-based courses, two retreats, an orientation and various community-building programs throughout the year. Students receive credit for the two classes and dedicate about six hours per month to the program outside of the classroom. While many participating students choose to live together, it is not a requirement of the program. UB is New York State's flagship and the largest and most comprehensive institution in the State University of New York system.

The University at Buffalo Honors College enrolled 1,788 students for the 2024-25 academic year. The University at Buffalo Honors College supports and challenges academically gifted students to strengthen their studies and explore their interests across the disciplines. "The Honors College is made up of students who are intellectually ambitious and interested in pushing themselves and others to maximize their undergraduate experiences," Honors College Academic Director Patrick McDevitt says. "Our inclusive curriculum and dedicated staff nurture and support honors scholars as they grow as leaders, creative thinkers and globally-minded citizens." Currently, 1,788 of UB's approximately 20,170 undergraduate students are enrolled in the Honors College. The college welcomed 537 first-year students for fall 2024. The college had one of the largest out-of-state enrollments to date, and welcomed 42 international students representing over a dozen different countries. Honors scholars enjoy many benefits designed to foster academic and personal success - including personalized advisement, faculty mentorship, priority registration, access to unique funding opportunities, specialized living communities and a network of global honors alumni. Honors scholars must maintain a 3.300 undergraduate Grade Point Average (GPA) during the first year and at least a 3.500 undergraduate GPA in each successive year to graduate with an overall GPA of 3.500. UB is New York State's flagship and the largest and most comprehensive institution in the State University of New York system.

The University at Buffalo celebrated over 9,400 students across 23 school-based and university-wide recognition and certificate ceremonies held April 26 through May 19. The graduates join more than 300,000 alumni who reside in every state and 150 countries around the world. The commencement ceremonies recognized students whose bachelor's, master's or doctoral degrees were conferred by the university in August 2023, February 2024 or June 2024. UB is New York State's flagship and the largest and most comprehensive institution in the State University of New York system.

UB celebrated 29 leaders and six student organizations at the Pillars of Leadership Awards on April 25, 2024. The event recognizes individuals and organizations who have demonstrated commitment to leadership, service and mentorship at UB and within the Buffalo community. "Winning one of these awards for a student recognizes and celebrates their commitment and dedication towards actively engaging in leadership development opportunities," Phyllis Floro, student engagement director, says. "It also motivates them to further self-discovery and exploration to continue their growth as a leader." There were 24 awards categories, with multiple winners for some awards. Read more about student achievements by visiting UB's Merit page. UB is New York State's flagship and the largest and most comprehensive institution in the State University of New York system.

The University at Buffalo has named 4,017 students to the fall 2023 dean's list. "Announcing our dean's list is always an exciting moment," Ann Bisantz, dean of undergraduate education, says. "These students have worked hard and dedicated themselves to their studies and have demonstrated academic excellence in their pursuit of an undergraduate degree at UB." To qualify for the dean's list, full-time undergraduate students must demonstrate academic excellence by earning a grade point average of at least 3.600 while completing a minimum of 15 or more UB credit hours, of which 12 are graded (A-F) credits. Students are named to the dean's list at the end of the fall and spring semesters. UB is New York State's flagship and the largest and most comprehensive institution in the State University of New York system. Read more about student achievements by visiting UB's Merit page.

The University at Buffalo has named 4,000 students to the spring 2024 dean's list. "Our undergraduate dean's list students have dedicated themselves to exemplary work in and out of the classroom," Ann Bisantz, dean of undergraduate education, says. "It's an honor to acknowledge these students and celebrate their accomplishments with the entire university community." To qualify for the dean's list, full-time undergraduate students must demonstrate academic excellence by earning a grade point average of at least 3.600 while completing a minimum of 15 or more UB credit hours, of which 12 are graded (A-F) credits. Students are named to the dean's list at the end of the fall and spring semesters. UB is New York State's flagship and the largest and most comprehensive institution in the State University of New York system.

The University at Buffalo has named 30 students to the 2023 Presidential Scholar Class. Presidential Scholars are first-year students who are among the most academically accomplished students in the nation. Presidential Scholars who are New York State residents receive the Presidential Scholarship, valued at $15,000 annually, renewable for four years of undergraduate study. "The Presidential Scholars are a singularly impressive cohort of students," Honors College Academic Director Patrick McDevitt says. "To be chosen, students go through a rigorous application and interview process. Winning scholars have demonstrated not just academic excellence, but intellectual ambition and a commitment to engaging the world beyond the classroom." Presidential Scholars are admitted to the UB Honors College. Honors scholars enjoy many benefits designed to foster academic and personal success - including but not limited to personalized advisement, faculty mentorship, priority registration, access to unique funding opportunities, specialized living communities and a network of global honors alumni. To maintain their scholarship, Presidential Scholars must uphold their enrollment in the Honors College with an overall GPA of at least 3.30 during their first year and an overall GPA of at least a 3.50 for successive years. UB is New York State's flagship and the largest and most comprehensive institution in the State University of New York system.

The University at Buffalo Honors College enrolled 1,661 students for the 2023-24 academic year. The Honors College supports and challenges academically gifted students to strengthen their studies and explore their interests across the disciplines. "The Honors College's enriching and individualized curriculum spans a student's undergraduate career and offers a small college experience within a large research university," Honors College Academic Director Patrick McDevitt says. "We foster leadership, independence, creativity, undergraduate research, global perspectives and civic engagement." Currently, 1,661 of UB's 19,118 undergraduate students are enrolled in the Honors College. The college welcomed 587 first-year students for fall 2023 - the largest and most diverse Honors class yet. Honors scholars enjoy many benefits designed to foster academic and personal success - including personalized advisement, faculty mentorship, priority registration, access to unique funding opportunities, specialized living communities and a network of global honors alumni. Honors scholars must maintain a 3.300 undergraduate Grade Point Average (GPA) during the first year and at least a 3.500 undergraduate GPA in each successive year to graduate with an overall GPA of 3.500. UB is New York State's flagship and the largest and most comprehensive institution in the State University of New York system.

Major General Anthony P. German, the Adjutant General for the State of New York, announces the promotion of members of the New York Army National Guard in recognition of their capability for additional responsibility and leadership.