SUNY Erie Celebrates 2025 — Resilience and Remembrance
On May 14, 2025, the Erie Community College Foundation proudly welcomed over 250 guests to the SUNY Erie Celebrates breakfast at The Admiral Room in downtown Buffalo. This year’s theme, Resilience & Hope, resonated deeply as the event coincided with the third anniversary of the tragic 5/14 shooting. Attendees joined in a heartfelt moment of silence to honor the victims and their families, with special recognition given to keynote speaker and honoree Mark Talley, whose mother, Geraldine Talley, was among those lost.
The morning’s program honored nine individuals—students, alumni, faculty, staff, and community members—who embody the spirit of SUNY Erie and the power of education to create lasting change. Distinguished Alumni included Buffalo Mayor Christopher Scanlon, Cynthia (Suarez) Battista, and Tuona Batchelor. Faculty and staff awards were presented to Donald Lee Jr., Patricia McNair, and Alex Nwora. Heart of SUNY Erie Student Awards went to Tammy Marillo and Antwoine Hatten, recognizing their exceptional contributions both on campus and in the community.
Mark Talley was recognized as the Community Hero Award recipient for his tireless advocacy through Agents for Advocacy. His moving remarks underscored the importance of resilience, healing, and collective action in the face of tragedy.
The event highlighted the profound economic and social impact of SUNY Erie, with over $650 million contributed annually by alumni to the regional economy and significant scholarship support provided to students.
We are grateful to all who joined us and to our sponsors for making this celebration possible. Together, we look forward to a future built on resilience, hope, and the transformative power of education.
Faculty, retirees, students, staff, alumni, and supporters alike bring their talent, spirit, expertise, and energy every day, making SUNY Erie the gem that it is.
In recognition of the diverse contributions that strengthen our community, we expanded the scope of our awards program. While we continue to honor our Distinguished Alumni—those whose professional and personal achievements reflect the values of SUNY Erie—we also introduced four new awards. These honors celebrate the many faces of excellence within our college:
The Heart of SUNY Erie Student Award, recognizing students who embody resilience, compassion, and commitment to their peers.
The SUNY Erie Faculty Service Award, honoring a faculty member whose leadership and dedication go far beyond the classroom.
The SUNY Erie Staff Service Award, celebrating staff members whose behind-the-scenes work ensures SUNY Erie’s daily success.
The SUNY Erie Community Hero Award, spotlighting individuals who use their talents and resources to lift up the entire community.
Together, these awards tell the story of a community that doesn’t just learn and work together—but lifts, supports, and inspires one another every day.
Special Thanks to Our Sponsors!
We extend our deepest gratitude to the sponsors who made the 2025 SUNY Erie Celebrates event possible. Your generous support not only helped create a memorable morning of recognition and reflection, but also fuels the continued growth and success of our students and programs.
A special thank you to:
Tops Friendly Markets, our Keystone Sponsor, for their steadfast commitment to SUNY Erie and to the resilience of our broader community.
Saxton Sign Corporation, our Gold Sponsor, for their belief in the transformative power of education.
Danforth, our Silver Sponsor, for their dedication to innovation, workforce development, and educational advancement.
M&T Bank, whose community partnership and support help make events like this possible and continue to strengthen our region.
ECMC, whose support underscores the vital connection between healthcare, education, and community resilience.
Check out photos from the event!!
Pictured Above: SUNY Erie Celebrates images and attendees
