Peterson Society inducts seven new members

Buffalo State University’s Peterson Society inducted seven new members during its annual luncheon, Thursday, October 9, at the Buffalo Club. Interim President Bonita R. Durand, Ph.D., and vice president for institutional advancement and external relations James M. Finnerty hosted the event.

The Peterson Society recognizes those who have made a generous gift to the university in their wills or through other estate-planning means. The group has a total membership of nearly 500 donors.

New members welcomed into the society this year included Donald DePerro, ’81 (posthumous), and Rosalia “Lia” DePerro; Douglas Easton and Rosellen Ring-Easton; Anthony Ippolito; Daniel J. Scanlon, ’21; and Issac P. Simmons.

The ceremony also honored members of the society who died during the past year: Dorothy Christine “Tristine” Beery, ’70; Nancy B. Belfer, ’51; Joy Brandys; Helen (Wernejowski) Costello, ’50; Donald DePerro, ’81; James E. Hofmeister, ’61, ’70; Paul R. Homer; Ruthe L. Nemmer, ’51; Paul H. Sanio, ’63, ’66; Carolyn L. Schnatz, ’54; Louis P. Semrau Jr., ’63; and Sonia Young, ’54.

The luncheon featured a reflection by Planned Giving Committee Chair James Brandys, ’71, ’73.

The Peterson Society, Buffalo State’s planned giving or legacy society, recognizes those who have made a commitment to Buffalo State through a bequest, gift annuity, charitable trust, life insurance, or other estate-planning technique. These gifts greatly influence the future growth of Buffalo State and its students, providing a powerful and lasting impact.

The Peterson Society is named for the late Harold F. Peterson and his late wife, Lucille Mattern Peterson, ’39, in honor of their legacy of giving to Buffalo State. Dr. Peterson served Buffalo State as a professor and chair of the History Department and became the first faculty member from the college to receive the State University Chancellor’s Award for Excellence in Teaching. He was later honored with the title of Distinguished Professor. Upon retirement, he established a trust that first provided for Lucille during her lifetime and now provides scholarships for Buffalo State students.

For more information about the Peterson Society, please contact Scott Burns, associate vice president for development, at (716) 878-3395.