Tech Hub among 40+ programs being supported during Buffalo State Gives
Buffalo State Gives 2025, the university’s seventh annual Day of Giving, returns March 12 and offers the opportunity to support departments and programs across campus. Donors can be sure that wherever they choose to give, their donation will have a profound impact on Buffalo State students.
More than 40 departments and programs are participating in this year’s campaign, including the Art and Design Department’s Tech Hub, a multiuse space that serves as both a classroom and a research lab that offers interdisciplinary digital fabrication services to students, staff, faculty, and the greater Buffalo community.
“The Tech Hub was inspired to join Buffalo State Gives this year with the aid of Art and Design chair Candace Masters to expand its impact and ensure that students, faculty, and the Buffalo community continue to have access to cutting-edge digital fabrication resources,” said Jaclyn Ellis, lecturer and Tech Hub area coordinator. “As an interdisciplinary space, the Tech Hub plays a crucial role in fostering innovation across multiple fields, from fashion and interior design to fine arts and engineering.”
Buffalo State Gives 2025
Official giving period: Noon on March 12 to noon on March 13, 2025 (donations remain open until March 21)
The Tech Hub’s journey to becoming a vital campuswide resource has been marked by collaboration and commitment to student success.
“We started the Tech Hub with the strong support of Dean [Ben] Christy in 2012 in one of the miniscule interior design office spaces,” said Jorg Schnier, associate professor in the Art and Design Department, who, along with associate professor Tara Nahabetian, was instrumental in the hub’s creation. “In 2016 the Tech Hub moved over to Upton Hall 214, the space that is now the faculty copy room. In late 2017, we finally got Upton 222.”
Many academic projects require prototyping, modeling, and digital fabrication, which give students a strong foundation for graduate studies, independent research, and post-graduation job opportunities. Donations from campaigns like BSG 2025 will play a pivotal role in the program’s evolution and future success.
“Donations help purchase new tools and software, offering students access to industry-standard technology,” Ellis said. “Employers seek candidates with experience in digital fabrication, Computer-aided design (CAD) software, rapid prototyping, and advanced manufacturing technologies. The Tech Hub helps bridge the gap between academia and industry, empowering students to excel in their careers and adapt to rapidly evolving technological advancements.”
“The experience in the Tech Hub will be very helpful if I take on graphic design or 3D design in my future,” said Destiny Gullo, a sophomore art and design student. “It’s very exciting to see where it will take me.”
Currently, the hub is equipped with 3D printers and scanners, Computer Numerical Control (CNC) machine, vinyl cutter, laser cutter, three sewing machines, and 15 computer lab workstations. The hub’s three work-study students and one safety monitor assist with equipment operation and maintenance, which allows them to gain invaluable work experience. Donations would also allow the hub to extend its hours of operation and increase similar student opportunities.
Advancements for the Tech Hub are just one example of how BSG 2025 fuels growth across campus. BSG donations also help fund scholarships, internship and research opportunities, essential instructional equipment, and programs like Honors and EOP, as well as student emergency funding, Intercollegiate Athletics, and much more.
“Buffalo State Gives isn’t just about raising money; it’s about rallying our entire community in a shared mission to provide a top-notch education for our students,” said Kate Lockhart, director of alumni giving and stewardship. “And just as importantly, it’s a way to shine a spotlight on the exciting things happening at Buffalo State, inspiring engagement and support for initiatives that might not be well-known off campus.”
While the main campaign runs from noon March 12 to noon March 13, donors can give to the cause(s) of their choosing anytime between now and March 21 by visiting the Buffalo State Gives website.
Lead photo: Jaclyn Ellis, Tech Hub area coordinator.
Photos by Jesse Steffan-Colucci, Buffalo State photographer.
