Three years ago the Student Association installed a digital welcome sign in front of the Student Union for $30,000. Within a year the sign broke, and it's been that way ever since.
Last spring, SA purchased a fiberglass buffalo for nearly $2,000 with student fee money. It was supposed to be decorated and displayed on campus, but for two semesters it's been collecting dust in storage.
To many students, the sign and the buffalo each represent a failed investment by SA with student money.
UB and student officials say, however, that undergraduates should soon see a turnaround on both projects.
The sign by the Student Union, which has the words "provided by your undergraduate fees" next to its blank display, is not repairable, and plans are underway to replace it, said David Ballard, associate director of Student Life.
"The sign has a lot of things wrong with it," Ballard said. "The system itself is antiquated. The physical connection that you need to operate the sign is broken, and the company who originally built the sign is out of business, so we can't order new parts or software."
The new sign would go approximately in the same spot as the old one, but it would be larger and cost between $30,000 and $40,000, according to Ballard.
Some students, like junior psychology major Delisa Joseph, said they don't think the cost is worth it.
"I didn't even know it was broken," Joseph said. "I don't think anybody read it, so I don't see the point in putting it back. That's just a waste of money."
Although some students said they think a new sign would be a waste, Ballard said he's received many requests to replace it.
Victoria Shaw, a junior psychology major, said she thinks money on a new one would be well spent.
"I liked the sign. I saw it during orientation when it was working and I thought it was cool. It was nice that it showed upcoming events. I like to know what's going on," Shaw said. "A new sign is worth the money."
SA President Burgio said he hasn't had many requests to replace the sign, but there are other reasons to do so.
"I don't think anyone really cares that much about it," he said. "Replacing the sign is more of a (public relations) thing so SA can advertise its events. Plus, it just looks bad to have a broken sign in front of the Union. It's an eyesore."
Before he finishes his tenure as SA president, Burgio said he hopes to correct a second eyesore by getting the fiberglass buffalo bought last spring out of storage and into the Student Union.
"It's been finished since this fall, but it's been in storage while Student Life gets the necessary architectural approval," he said.
The buffalo is dedicated to former UB President William Greiner, and Burgio said the design will be kept a secret until Greiner sees it. The finished sculpture, Burgio said, will be worth the wait.
"It's gorgeous. When you see it you'll be amazed that an undergraduate did it," Burgio said. "It's a phenomenal piece of sculpture and it will make the Union look good."
When SA bought the buffalo, it asked students to submit design ideas. Art major Marissa McCarriagher's design was selected and she worked on the buffalo for nearly seven months, Burgio said.
McCarriagher's work will be revealed to Greiner in a small ceremony after spring break when the statue will move out of storage and into its permanent home in the Student Union.
As for the sign, Ballard said he hopes to have it completed before graduation.
"We want to be able to say 'Congratulations' to the class of 2005," Ballard said.
