I didn’t go to Buffalo State. But I’ve spent enough time on the campus over the years that I’m pretty familiar with the goings on. I also helped to cover the construction process of the Jacqueline Vito LoRusso Alumni & Visitor Center.
Earlier today, while biking by, I wondered [out loud] what the interior looked like. After all, it’s a building that hardly any of us have been inside. I also wondered if they would allow me to photograph the interior without calling ahead. Fortunately, I was met with a few alumni who were more than happy to show off their digs, which they were extremely proud of.
As we walked around the Center, I was told all about the countless activities that are held, including alumni get-togethers, conferences, college prospect orientations, socials, etc. The building is actually deceiving – from the outside it doesn’t look that big, but the inside is spacious. The lobby is the central hub, where everyone likes to hang out. The space is open and bright… and air conditioned. There’s a fireplace, an oversized display cabinet (featuring works by alumni and faculty – current works on loan by Gerald C. Mead Jr., BA ’85, BS ’86), lounge seating, a reception desk, an auditorium, a conference room, and offices. There are also two patios – one upstairs and one downstairs.
All in all, the Center is pretty impressive, and goes a long way toward accommodating some niche needs. It’s definitely the type of place that when you are returning to Buffalo (as a Buff State alum), to participate in a collegiate activity, you feel good about having a place like this to conduct socializing and development endeavors. And thankfully Buffalo State decided to put it on Grant Street, which still could use a lot of other investments by the college.
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