THOMAS ZAFONTE

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Guardians of graduation day

Between sound, lighting, sets, multiple ceremonies, managing thousands of people, video graphics and more, UB employees have plenty to oversee during commencement season. Director of University Events Bill Regan and his staff oversee the logistics and most of the staging for every ceremony in Alumni Arena. Ceremonies fall on the same day at UB, giving UB Facilities and events workers only four hours to have the building ready between graduations.

The voices of UB commencement

Mike Brown is ready for “the biggest honor” of his UB career. Brown was selected to be the student speaker at the undergraduate commencement ceremony for the College of Arts and Sciences this year.

Fraternity holds banquet as UB architecture formal despite ban on Greek life events

Sigma Chi Omega held an event at the 31 Club on April 27 during the ban on social fraternity events, according to photos, anonymous sources and 31 Club office staff. The 31 Club didn’t have an event planned for the frat that day, but was holding a “UB architecture formal,” according to restaurant management. 

UB considering removing Steven Butcher from Athletics Hall of Fame following fraud scheme

Steven Butcher, a UB Athletics Hall of Fame inductee ‘07, has a sentencing trial set on June 12 after pleading guilty to $45 million of insurance fraud in New Jersey.  Butcher, the all-time leading scorer in UB men’s soccer history, may not be in the hall of fame for much longer.

The library of human perseverance

Logan Smith-Carlos, a Hamburg native and high school sophomore, recalled a time in middle school when he ran away from home and found himself sitting on a bridge watching a “beautiful” sunset.

Infamous alumni

UB has a very solid alumni record. From graduates like Wolf Blitzer, Khalil Mack and Terry Gross to dropouts like Ronnie James Dio, the school has plenty to be proud of when it comes to past students.

Students unsure of Career Services' role

Students say getting a job is a top priority after graduation but less than 8% made an appointment at Career Services last year.  Roughly 52% of students, according to a Spectrum survey, don’t even know UB has a career office.

Sweet Home Senior High School officials remove ropes course on UB land

Sweet Home Senior High School officials removed the abandoned ropes course on UB land last month, according to UB Spokesperson Kate McKenna. The Spectrum confirmed the removal Saturday, after high school and UB officials said they planned to take the course down this past November.

Exclusive Q&A with acclaimed journalist Ronan Farrow

Ronan Farrow has gone from a 15-year-old college graduate to joining a White House administration at 22. Farrow, now 31, has been heralded for his reporting on sexual abuse cases, winning the Pulitzer for his reporting on the Harvey Weinstein sexual abuse scandal. Farrow had an exclusive interview with The Spectrum shortly before his speech in the Center for the Arts for the 32nd Distinguished Speakers Series. 

Ronan Farrow emphasizes public service, the ‘inner voice’ during UB Distinguished Speakers Series

Ronan Farrow, Pulitzer Prize-winning journalist, said the spirit of American diplomacy is “far from great shape.” He said people need to rise to create stability and opportunity. Farrow spoke about the power of journalism and diplomacy to a packed audience in the Center for the Arts on Thursday night. Farrow is an investigative journalist whose work on Harvey Weinstein’s sexual assault scandal earned him international acclaim. Farrow spoke for roughly an hour and a half on topics such as his bestselling book "War on Peace" and his journalistic work on sexual violence. Farrow wrapped up the night with an on-stage Q&A session and book signing.

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Steven Butcher’s name on the UB Athletics Hall of Fame Wall. Butcher will have his sentencing trial on June 12, after pleading guilty to $45 million in insurance fraud.

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UB rowing club practices early on the water. The rowing club is coming off a successful end to its season.

The women’s tennis team reacting to the announcement of its first round NCAA Tournament opponent, the Northwestern Wildcats. The Bulls will travel to Evanston, Illinois for the first round matchup on May 11.

Sophomore business student L’Oniele Salim. Junior business student Kota Hatasaki. Sophomore business student Yubin Xie. International students continue to pursue their college education a year into the Trump administration.

Sophomore business student Yubin Xie. International students continue to pursue their college education a year into the Trump administration.

Sophomore business student L’Oniele Salim. International students continue to pursue their college education a year into the Trump administration.

Junior business student Kota Hatasaki. International students continue to pursue their college education a year into the Trump administration.

Eight months after UB cutting four Division I teams, the club rowing team continues to wait for a decision from SUNY on use of the former rowing teams equipment.

A hustler tries blocking a pirate during an ultimate frisbee game. Many dream match-ups happened this past weekend at the Danse Macabre frisbee tournament. 

The men’s Rugby team and the women’s lacrosse team practicing. Both teams have dealt with field scheduling problems in the winter and spring.