University at Buffalo - The State University of New York

For the News Media

About the UB Believers

UB Believers is a broad-based advocacy group with a shared belief that a strong University at Buffalo will translate into a brighter future for all of Western New York. Members are dedicated to strengthening the region’s economy and the quality of life of its residents by supporting the growth of the University at Buffalo by 40 percent between now and the year 2020. The diverse membership of UB Believers includes representatives from business, education, community organizations and nonprofit agencies, as well as UB alumni, parents, students, faculty and staff.

UB Believers was launched on Aug. 7, 2007 by a coalition of 100 business and community leaders at a news conference in UB’s New York State Center of Excellence in Bioinformatics and Life Sciences. 

About UB 2020’s Growth Plan

UB’s 40-percent growth agenda is tied to its plans to transform into a model 21st-century public university and rise among the ranks of this country’s leading public research universities. The ambitious undertaking is being guided by its UB 2020 strategic plan, focusing on excellence in all areas, and investment in academic programs and research in areas where UB has strategic strengths that place it at an advantage over competing institutions.

Resources

UB Believers

• UB Believers website

Launch of UB Believers and Growth Campaign

• Press release
  “UB Believers" Announce Effort to Better WNY's Future: Report says 40 percent growth of UB will have financial, quality-of-life rewards for the region.
• Press conference video
  A strong UB will translate into a brighter future for all of Buffalo Niagara
• “The Difference a University Makes"
  Publication detailing the impact of the University at Buffalo on the economy of Western New York and the lives of its residents.
• WBFO news podcast
  Launch of UB Believers
• UB Believer campaign collateral
  • Promotional video
  • High-res images from the UB Believers campaign

Background on UB's Growth Plan

• Investing In Excellence, Future of Buffalo Niagara
  Backgrounder on UB 2020, UB’s 40 percent growth and master planning.
• President Simpson's response to the 2008 State of the State Address
  • Transcript
  • Press conference video

President John B. Simpson?s community addresses

• 2006: UB announces plans for 40 percent growth by the year 2020, begins planning process to guide creation of a bigger, stronger university that will improve the region?s economy and quality of life.
• 2007: UB making progress, building momentum with implementation of UB 2020 with support of new advocacy group, UB Believers.
• 2008: A call to the community to support regulatory reforms in Albany to speed the realization of the vast potential of UB 2020.

Media contacts

• Arthur Page, assistant vice president in the UB Office of News Services and Periodicals, at apage@buffalo.edu or 716-645-5000 ext. 1410
• John DellaContrada, national media director in News Services, at dellacon@buffalo.edu or 716-645-5000 ext. 1409