UB Alumni.

40 years of extraordinary.

Honoring our past. Celebrating our future. 40 extraordinary years.

This year, the Honors College marks its 40th year—a time to honor our past, celebrate our bright future and reflect on the impact UB Honors scholars have made on UB, our local community and the world.

Throughout the 2021-22 academic year, special events and activities are planned to reunite the Honors community. Please join us as we celebrate the Honors College and all those who have made it extraordinary.

Join the celebration:

Historical timeline.

1981

The Honors Program is established with a class of 20 students.

1995

Distinguished Honors Scholarship established (now referred to as the Presidential Honors Scholarship).

1999

Advanced Honors Program established.

2007

Move from Honors Program to Honors College.

2011

Honors College opens state-of-the-art office suite (including student lounge and classroom space).

2014

Faculty Fellows Program established.

Honors by the Numbers

  • Honors College Alumni: 4000+ (representing 48 states and 30 countries).
  • Currently enrolled Honors scholars: 1302.
  • Number of Honors scholars who have won Nationally Competitive Fellowships & Scholarships since 1985:
    • Fulbright – 23
    • Goldwater – 28
    • National Science Foundation (NSF) - 51
    • Marshall - 3
    • Udall – 4

Notable Honors Alumni

  • Dr. Helen Cappuccino, BS ’84: Attending surgeon, surgical oncology at Roswell Park Cancer Institute
  • Dr. John A. Assad, BS ’85: Professor of Neurobiology, Harvard School of Medicine
  • Hon. Henry J. Nowak Jr., BA ’90: Justice, NYS Supreme Court
  • Dr. Stephen J. Turkovich, BA ’99: Chief medical officer, Women and Children’s Hospital of Buffalo
  • Michaelangelo Rocco, BFA ’01: Art director at Universal Studios Japan
  • David Turnbull, BA ’05: Foreign services officer, U.S. Department of State, Washington, D.C.

Last updated: November 14, 2023 9:07 am EST