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AMHERST, N.Y. – ˿����Ƶ College’s annual Scholarship Gala on Sept. 7 was a resounding success with nearly $30,000 raised for student scholarships.

The gala included the presentation of the 2018 Community Excellence Award to Joan “Joni” Cooper Stovroff, president of Stovroff and Taylor Realtors.

A long-time entrepreneur, leader, and philanthropist in the Buffalo Niagara region, Stovroff is a member of the ˿����Ƶ Community Advisory Board and the college’s Joan Cooper Stovroff Endowed Scholarship for Women was established by her family in recognition of her exemplary career as a business leader.

In presenting the award, ˿����Ƶ President Gary Olson said, “Joni is committed to the good of others and to helping our community and ˿����Ƶ. Her talents, integrity, and generosity make her an outstanding honoree and an exemplary role model for our students.”

Proceeds from the sold-out event, which was held as part of ˿����Ƶ’s Founders Celebration, will contribute to the $22 million goal for the “Drive to 75” campaign, the college’s first-ever comprehensive campaign.               

At the gala, Olson said, “The educational dreams of our students are made possible thanks to much-needed scholarship support funded by this premier event. It is the confidence that each of you has in our students that has made this Scholarship Gala such a tremendous success.”

Olson announced at the gala that more than 84 percent of the campaign goal has been raised, an increase of nearly 10 percent since the public launch 12 months ago.

“This campaign is crucial to taking ˿����Ƶ to the next level of excellence, and it supports our vision for what comes next for our institution and for our students,” he said.

Student speaker Emily Buzzard, who received a bachelor’s degree in social work from ˿����Ƶ in May and is currently pursuing a master of social work, shared with attendees the positive impact of the many learning experiences provided by the college.

“All of the opportunities and experiences I have had in college existed because of ˿����Ƶ’s consistent drive to network, build a strong academic foundation, and push for students to seek experiences outside of the classroom,” said Buzzard, a Trustee Scholar during her undergraduate studies. “˿����Ƶ cultivates strong, professional, and well-rounded students that make a positive difference in the community. My time and accomplishments over the past four years have proved to me that ˿����Ƶ makes things happen.”