By Michelle King
Every department and every service at Buffalo State College has been partially funded by alumni contributions and grant money.
Students can get a quality education, but at a cheaper cost than a private institution according to the BSC budget report.
The report shows state funds are make up 35 percent of BSC’s total revenue, auxiliary enterprises (campus expenses such as fees associated with parking permits) at 5 percent, and 40 percent from grants and alumni contributions.
Jennifer Small, alumni events coordinator at BSC, said most of the money received from the funds goes towards improving technology and scholarships.
“In 2003-2004, 4.6 million (dollars) was donated to the college, “Of that, 815,000 (dollars) went to scholarships and over 12,000 (dollars) were from lifetime donors to specific areas,” she said.
Lifetimes donors give BSC money every year to a certain department or to general funding — some leave money through their wills.
Claire Collier, director of annual giving, said services like the study quad in the library have been made possible through alumni fund raising and donors.
“Every part of the college has been affected by the money,” she added. “Everywhere can use more money. The college designates areas they want to focus on, but scholarships are unrestricted.”
All graduate students from BSC are alumni members and are able to benefit from services such as:
- store discounts at many local retailers including: The Buffalo Museum of Science, Premier Self Storage and the Studio Arena Theatre
- the Career Development Center resources
- discounts on Casting Hall Productions
- a reduced rate BSC parking permit
- a reduced 12-month membership fee at the BSC fitness center
To find out more information on the BSC Alumni Foundation visit their Web site at www.buffalostate.edu/alumnifoundation. Applications to become a registered member can be found at www.buffalostate.edu/alumnifoundation/graduates.
Michelle King can be contacted at kingmk23@mail.buffalostate.edu.
|
