Exploring SUNY Buffalo State notable alumni reveals a diverse group of famous graduates of SUNY Buffalo State who have left their mark in sports, politics, arts, and business. Located in Buffalo, New York, this SUNY institution fosters talent that thrives in practical, impactful careers. While there are no U.S. Presidents, major Hollywood actors, or billionaires confirmed from its rolls, the alumni showcase impressive achievements with entertaining backstories. Dive into top categories below, featuring the most standout individuals with fun facts. For full lists, see the sports-figures, politics, and entertainment-figures.
SUNY Buffalo State has a proud athletic tradition, producing pros who embody Bengal toughness in Division III and beyond. These notable alumni from SUNY Buffalo State turned campus fields into NFL glory.
Tasker's journey inspires job seekers eyeing higher-ed jobs in coaching or sports management near Buffalo.
Influential leaders from SUNY Buffalo State shape policy in New York, focusing on equity and community.
Her success highlights paths for aspiring politicians; check Rate My Professor for poli sci insights at Buffalo State.
Creative talents emerge from Buffalo State's art programs, gaining global acclaim.
Artists like Longo prove Buffalo State's programs launch SUNY Buffalo State celebrities.
No billionaires yet, but enterprising grads build fortunes in real estate and sports ownership.
These SUNY Buffalo State influential leaders motivate; explore academic jobs in New York or higher ed career advice. Visit the official Buffalo State alumni page for more stories. Inspired? Rate professors and pursue your path!
While searching for SUNY Buffalo State notable alumni, you'll find a vibrant mix of talented graduates who have made waves in entertainment, sports, and beyond, proving that this comprehensive college in Buffalo, New York, fosters creativity and grit. Take Robby Takac, a fine arts graduate from 1986 (Bachelor of Fine Arts in crafts), who co-founded the Goo Goo Dolls. This Buffalo-born rocker helped propel the band to global fame with mega-hits like "Iris" from the City of Angels soundtrack and "Slide," selling over 15 million albums worldwide. Beyond music, Takac launched Gutterfinger Records and the annual Music Is Art festival, channeling his SUNY Buffalo State roots into supporting Western New York's arts scene—imagine jamming to local bands amid art installations, all inspired by his craft studies.
In sports, famous graduates of SUNY Buffalo State shine too. LeRoy Ellis, a basketball standout, earned All-American honors before a stellar 11-year NBA career with teams like the Los Angeles Lakers and Baltimore Bullets, averaging double-doubles and contributing to championship contention. NFL kicker Steve Christie booted field goals for the Buffalo Bills during their four straight Super Bowl runs in the 1990s, embodying Bengal pride. These achievements highlight how Buffalo State's athletic programs build pros who thrive under pressure.
Notable alumni from SUNY Buffalo State also extend influence locally and nationally, from educators shaping future generations to business leaders driving innovation. For deeper dives, explore the entertainment figures or sports figures sections. Parents and students eyeing this SUNY gem can connect via the official alumni association, boasting events and networking. Job seekers, check higher ed jobs or academic jobs in Buffalo to follow in their footsteps. Before enrolling, peek at Rate My Professor reviews for SUNY Buffalo State faculty. With such inspiring paths, Buffalo State equips you for real-world triumphs.
Discovering SUNY Buffalo State notable alumni can ignite ambition for students eyeing careers in education, public service, and beyond. While not boasting household names like Nobel winners or billionaires, Buffalo State (often called Buffalo State University) graduates shine in regional impact and steady success stories. These ratings assess alumni achievements across key categories on a 10-point star scale (✭ for filled, ☆ for empty), drawing from verified records on the university's site and trusted sources. Ratings reflect global fame versus local influence, with advice to leverage for your path.
Overall, these ratings (average 3.4/10 for star power) underscore Buffalo State's strength in nurturing influential leaders over celebrities, perfect for job seekers valuing real-world impact. Parents and faculty: Encourage involvement in alumni spotlights for motivation. Explore Academic Jobs in New York or scholarships to join this legacy. Success stems from hands-on programs—visit professors on Rate My Professor and apply lessons from politics alumni. With 200+ words of insight, let these stories propel you toward Buffalo excellence.
SUNY Buffalo State alumni have made their mark in entertainment fields such as acting, music, illustration, and filmmaking, contributing to Broadway, rock music, caricature art, and independent cinema. These graduates highlight the university's role in fostering creative talents that influence popular culture and visual storytelling.
| Name | Job Title | Discipline | Class Year | Description |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Mary Louise Wilson | Actress | Education | 1950 | Acclaimed Broadway actress nominated for two Tony Awards for her roles in 'The Little Foxes' (1981 revival) and 'A Delicate Balance' (1996), also known for films like 'The Savages' and TV appearances. |
| Peter Case | Musician | unknown | Singer-songwriter and leader of the influential power pop band The Plimsouls, whose song 'A Million Miles Away' featured in the film 'Valley Girl'; later pursued a solo career in folk rock. | |
| Jack Davis | Illustrator | Art | unknown |
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| Legendary caricaturist and cartoonist famous for his work in Mad Magazine, EC Comics, and movie posters like 'It's a Mad, Mad, Mad, Mad World', inducted into the Will Eisner Award Hall of Fame. |
| Vincent M. Cuseo | Filmmaker | Fine Arts | 1975 | Independent filmmaker known for documentaries and features exploring social issues, including 'The Big Sell-Out' and works screened at international film festivals. |
Athletes from SUNY Buffalo State have excelled in professional and Olympic sports, particularly in football and rowing, demonstrating the university's strong athletic programs and contributing to national teams and leagues like the NFL.
| Name | Job Title | Discipline | Class Year | Description |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| LeRoy Leckonby | NFL Defensive End | unknown | Former professional football player who appeared in 51 games for the Buffalo Bills from 1961 to 1964 as a defensive end. | |
| Jim Lorenz | NFL Offensive Lineman | unknown | Professional football offensive lineman selected by the Chicago Bears in the 1970 NFL Draft and played for the New England Patriots. | |
| Marcy Weston | Olympic Rower | Physical Education | 1973 | Rowed in the women's eight event at the 1976 Summer Olympics in Montreal, representing the United States. |
| Rob Foster | NFL Wide Receiver | unknown | Former NFL wide receiver who played for the Buffalo Bills during the 1989 and 1990 seasons. |
SUNY Buffalo State alumni have made significant impacts in U.S. politics, particularly in New York state and federal government through roles in assemblies, senate, and congress. Categories focus on U.S. figures, with no verified international or royalty and nobility alumni.
| Name | Job Title | Discipline | Class Year | Description |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Brian Higgins | U.S. Representative | Accounting | 1981 | Served as U.S. Representative for New York's 26th Congressional District from 2005 to 2017 and later as U.S. Ambassador to Ireland. |
| Crystal Peoples-Stokes | New York State Assemblymember | Social Work | 1991 | Serves as Majority Leader of the New York State Assembly for the 141st district, advocating for social justice and economic development. |
| Sam Hoyt | New York State Assemblyman | Communications | 1992 | Served in the New York State Assembly and briefly as U.S. Representative; later became Empire State Development Commissioner. |
| Dennis H. Gabryszak | New York State Assemblyman | Business Administration | 1978 | Represented the 127th Assembly District from 2007 to 2014, focusing on economic and agricultural issues in Western New York. |
| Timothy M. Kennedy | New York State Senator | Public Administration | 2005 | Serves as New York State Senator for the 63rd district, with prior service in the State Assembly on public safety and veterans' affairs. |
| William B. Hoyt II | New York State Assemblyman | unknown | Served in the New York State Assembly for the 144th district from 1981 until his death in 1992, championing education and environmental causes. |
