At a glance
Alfred State recently held an event at Russell’s Steakhouse in Buffalo to update alumni on the college and its ongoing Major Gifts Campaign, which has so far raised $5.2 million for athletics, new programs, scholarships, technology, and the greatest needs of the college.
Alfred State College (ASC) hosted a Major Gifts Campaign event on March 11 at Russell’s Steakhouse in Amherst, where alumni had the opportunity to mingle with one another, hear exciting updates about their alma mater, and learn even more about the campaign.
Among the distinguished alumni on hand for the event were The Krog Corp. President Peter Krog, ’62, and his wife, Kim; Buffalo real estate developer Bret Llewellyn, ’80, and his wife, Dawn; Executive Vice President, Chairman, and Owner of Perry’s Ice Cream Brian Perry, ’85, and his wife, Jayne; as well as representatives from Russo’s Development.
Many Major Gift Campaign donors were also present, including Union Concrete President Gary Hill, ’78; M&C Utilities President Joseph Laraiso, ’67; Armada Hoffler Const. Co. Executive Vice President Alan ’79, and his wife, Mary Ellen, ’80 Hunt; and retired SUNY Distinguished Professor Emeritus James Grillo, with his wife Linda.
Alfred State President Dr. Skip Sullivan kicked off the event by welcoming those in attendance and providing a “State of the College” presentation, in which he detailed the exciting updates to the school. Major Gifts Officer Jay Wilder then spoke about the college’s Major Gifts Campaign, which launched in September to raise $8 million for athletics, new programs, scholarships, technology, and the greatest needs of the college.
“Alfred State College changes the lives of students, faculty, and friends. Now our alumni and friends are using their successes to pay it forward in a very big way,” Wilder said of the campaign.
Among the highlights of Wilder’s remarks was the revelation of the new Skip Sullivan Student Special Needs Fund, established by Development Fund Board member and 1967 graduate Joe Laraiso. This fund will assist students with emergency needs and will be funded by existing members of the Development Fund Board of Directors.
Saving one of the biggest moments for last, the college concluded the event by announcing that an anonymous donor has made a $1 million Legacy Gift to Alfred State. This incredibly generous donation brings the Major Gift Campaign’s current total to over $5.2 million.
its ongoing Major Gifts Campaign, which has so far raised $5.2 million for athletics, new programs,
scholarships, technology, and the greatest needs of the college. Pictured from left to right are Gary Hill, ’78;
Joseph Laraiso, ’67; Alfred State College President Dr. Skip Sullivan; retired SUNY Distinguished Professor
Emeritus James J. Grillo; Alan Hunt, ’79; and Major Gifts Officer Jay Wilder.