A loud boom, symbolizing the University of Buffalo’s vigor in new developments — specifically the building of an atomic research center — marked the first all-alumni dinner Friday evening in Nortorn Union.
The boom was the concluding sound effect in a series of historical skits based on highlights of UB’s years since 1846.
The dinner honored Robert B. Adam, president of Adam, Meldrum & Anderson, as 1959 Niagara Frontier Businessman of the Year and Miss Emma E. Deters, retiring registrar, as recipient of the Alumni Distinguished Service Award.
Dr. Clifford C. Furnas, chancellor, who earlier had seen himself represented on stage entangled in red tape—a recollection of his return to the campus after serving as assistant secretary of defense in Washington, told 200 alumni that a unified group heralds the building of “the greatest university in the country.”
All Divisions Represented
The dinner brought together alumni from all of the university’s 13 academic divisions.
The university received a $21,000 check as the 1960 loyalty gift from alumni. Presentation was by Charles Percival Jr., president of the General Alumni Board.
Mr. Adam received his award certificate, given by the Business Administration Alumni Association, from William A. Kloesz, association president.
The department store head was honored for efforts to promote downtown redevelopment, community service activities and wise business guidance to organizations he serves as director or trustee.
He is a director of the Manufacturers & Traders Trust Co., the Delaware, Lackawanna & Western Railroad and the New York State Electric & Gas Co.
In Community Services
He also is a trustee of the Erie County Savings Bank and a member of the board of the Niagara Share Corp.
He is a past president of the Main Street Association, the Convention & Tourist Bureau and the Retail Merchants Association and has served as a director of the United Community Chest-Red Cross Appeal, the YMCA and the Association for the Blind.
In 1954, the Buffalo Junior Chamber of Commerce awarded him its Gold Key Award as Buffalo’s outstanding young man.
