We all grumble about the state of the world, the country, the weather, reality TV, self-serving politicians, and so on, and we typically end our rants with a helpless, what-are-you gonna-do shrug. But every once in a while, a group of individuals coalesce into a team with a willingness to get up off the metaphorical couch, step into the fray, and take action.

So it is with the faculty and staff who have elected to join John Siskar in commiting to the development of a proposal for Buffalo State to take on the daunting role of Educational Partnership Organization (EPO) for struggling Lafayette High School. Given the complex challenges inherent in urban education in general, coupled with the unique array of variables affecting Lafayette, most of us would have to conclude, this is a tough, tough mission. One that not everyone would be willing to accept. But this group of professionals boldly raised its collective hand and basically said, "we're in." The members know from the get-go that making measurable improvement in a designated failing school is a muddy, uphill slog. But this team of BSC educators and partners is making the the big leap. The easy thing would be to take a pass, since this is a no-net high wire act. But the EPO group is willing to put its knowledge, skills, and expertise on the line in order to work with Lafayette faculty, staff, and  Buffalo Public Schools administration to help bring a new, sustainable learning culture to students in dire need.

This effort is a great example of social entrepreneurism at its finest. Bravo!

I recently participated in an interesting on-campus conversation during which, the subject of Buffalo State's image came up. This very astute colleague with whom I spoke, observed that Buff State is often held in higher esteem by other institutions of higher learning and other related organizations than is often the case right here on campus. While this is clearly anecdotal, I sense a size 12 kernel of truth to that. As with our views of the city itself, we sometimes just don't appreciate what we have.

This year's Faculty and Staff Research and Creativity Fall Forum was a powerful reminder of the amazing work done here by an exceptional group of deep thinkers and go-getters. Anyone strolling through the gym last Thursday couldn't help but be impressed by the energy and excitement of the presenters as they enthusiastically shared the fruits of their intellectual harvest with colleagues and students. Now I won't pretend that I understood even a tiny fraction of what Sierpinski's Gasket Fractal is all about, but fortunately Joaquin Carbonara does, and he seemed happy to explain it to anyone who seemed interested. Same with Bill Wieczorek and his team, as with Kim Irvine, and Joe Zawicki, and Gina Pannozzo...I could go on and on but you get the picture. There really is a lot going on around here that genuinely distinguishes Buffalo State and its deeply committed, talented faculty and staff. Group hug.