2009 AWARDS LUNCHEON

  Service Award

Angelo M. Fatta, Ph.D.

Angelo Fatta, Ph.D., President of The CTC Group, has selflessly devoted his time and resources to area non-profits for many years.  Adhering to the ideals of service, Dr. Fatta has worked as a pro-bono executive for many organizations, increasing their resources many times over.  Noted by peers as 'benevolent' and 'humble', he led the Buffalo Philharmonic Orchestra in its successful $32 million capital campaign, securing the BPO's legacy for future generations.  He also assisted with the growth of the Buffalo Niagara Medical Campus.  Dr. Fatta is Chair of the board of trustees of the University at Buffalo Foundation, Inc., and has served on several boards of directors, including Canisius College, the Burchfield-Penney Art Center, Ronald McDonald Children's Charities, and the Buffalo Transportation/Pierce Arrow Museum.  Dr. Fatta and his family also support the welfare and development of Western New York children through their own philanthropic organization, the Fatta Foundation.

 

  Diversity Award

Professor Surgit Singh

Dr. Surgit Sinhg, chemistry professor at Buffalo State College, uses his own life experiences to promote a dialogue for diversity. Dr. Singh was the first practicing Sikh to move to Western New York, and he took the initiative to educate others about his religion and culture.  He was a driving force in the development of a "Religion in Schools" policy, which later became a national model.  Dr. Singh has been honored by Buffalo Area Metropolitan Ministries, the NYS Social Studies Teachers Association, the Amherst Republican Committee, and the National Federation for Just Communities of WNY, where he also served as a board member.  Dr. Singh is a founding trustee of the Niagara Frontier Sikh Society, where he integrated many Sikhs into our community after 9/11.  He is a founding member of the Amherst Diversity Coalition, and is a board member for the Network of Religious Communities.

 

Inclusion Award

Lana D. Benatovich

Lana Benatovich, LB'89, is the President of The National Federation for Just Communities of Western New York.  As President, Mrs. Benatovich has overseen the development, coordination and promotion of year round programmingof youth leadership conferences, youth camps, community policing initiatives, cultural awareness workshops, Interfaith/Intercultural community events, pro-active, anti-hate and anti-violence programming, and other programs that address the enhancement of human relations in our community.  She was the first recipient of the Racial Justice Award from the YWCA in 2007.  In 1999, she received the President's Award from the Western New York Women's Bar Association and an Honorary Doctorate Degree from Canisius College.  Mrs. Benatovich has also been honored by St. Bonaventure University, Buffalo Area Metropolitan Ministries, and the Buffalo Public Schools Department of Integration.  She is the co-chairperson of the Erie County Coordinating Council on Children and Families and a past president on the Buffalo Council on World Affairs.

 

Openness to Change Award

Stuart Angert

Stuart Angert, LB'02, may have officially retired in 2006 as president of Fiserv Automotive Solutions, but he remains committed - full-time - to transforming Buffalo into a healthier and more vital place in which to live and work.  His openness to change is exemplified both in his entrepreneurial and innovative career; and in his long-time practice of giving freely of his time, inspiring others to seek innovation and positive change.   Many non-profit and business boards have benefited from his considerable intellect and business acumen, including: The Adirondack Park Institute; Boys and Girls Clubs of Buffalo; The Buffalo and Erie County Workforce Investment Board; The Community Foundation for Greater Buffalo; Hauptman-Woodward Institute; Independent Health; KeyBank Advisory Board; Leadership Buffalo; Medaille College; Meszaros International Center for Entrpreneurship; Nichols School; NYS Office of Parks, Recreation and Historic Preservation; Paul Smith's College of the Adirondacks; and the University at Buffalo Center for Entrepreneurial Leadership.

 

Leadership Impact Award

Warde Manuel

Warde Manuel, Athletic Director at the University at Buffalo, not only brought a major football championship to Western New York, but also earned the respect and attention of the entire nation.  Mr. Manuel has transformed the culture of UB athletics, strengthening student-athlete resources, and placing an emphasis on pride and tradition.  He uses his leadership impact not only to celebrate sport, but to acknowledge the importance of academics as well; elevating the status of the University at Buffalo from regional gem, to national jewel.  Mr. Manuel was selected as an executive mentor for the NCAA Fellows Leadership Development Program; and was named to the Sports Business Journal's National 40 Under 40 if 2008, as well as Business First's 40 Under 40 of 2007.  He also received the Women's Sports Foundation Opportunity Award in 2007, for making significantstrides in providing equitable athletic opportunities for female student-athletes.