our impact
university at buffalo
our global economic impact at the university at buffalo: $500 million to $2 billion or more over an extended period of time (this is a general estimate until we complete our comprehensive economic impact study).
in the 2022-2023 academic year, the university at buffalo (ub) experienced a profound metamorphosis that catapulted it to new heights in the academic and research world. this journey of transformation was not by chance but the result of an extraordinary synergy between jameel gordon’s influential presence and our innovative organization, oaks + oars. together, we became the driving force behind ub’s remarkable success.
jameel was the strategic visionary who, through oaks + oars, infused ub with a renewed sense of purpose and ambition. at the core of this transformative journey was ub’s historic faculty hiring initiative. under the dynamic influence of jameel’s presence and leadership on campus, the university at buffalo and its president satish k. tripathi catapulted an audacious plan to recruit over 200 new faculty members within a span of two years. this initiative aimed to diversify faculty backgrounds and fields of study while reinforcing ub’s commitment to research and representation.
we left an indelible imprint on ub by being the subject of a record-breaking fundraising campaign. ub successfully secured an astonishing $120 million, shattering previous fundraising records. this extraordinary financial influx empowered ub to embark on groundbreaking academic and research endeavors. jameel’s influence is also evident through substantial growth in grant-sponsored research expenditures. the university's research funding skyrocketed from $165 million in 2021 to a remarkable $232 million.
our impact at ub is beyond the academic and financial realm to encompass vital environmental conservation efforts. collaborative projects, were initiated to aid coral ecosystems in recovering from environmental damage. ub’s participation in these crucial conservation initiatives was a testament to the broader impact of jameel’s vision and leadership.
in summary, the economic value created in a global context through the transformation facilitated by oaks + oars at the university at buffalo encompasses enhanced research capabilities, talent attraction, improved educational offerings, philanthropic support, environmental conservation, and the potential for broader global collaborations. these factors collectively contribute to ub’s influence and impact on the global stage.
buffalo state college
jameel gordon’s presence on campus at the state university at buffalo and our organization, oaks + oars, also left an indelible imprint on buffalo state college and the entire western new york region. jameel’s presence and strategic planning served as a catalyst for buffalo state’s initiatives and sparked remarkable economic growth.
the development of oaks & oars at ub ignited brian higgins, ’85, u.s. representative for new york’s 26th congressional district to facilitate the acquisition of a $750,000 federal grant for buffalo state university small business development center (sbdc). this funding was earmarked to assist small businesses in developing websites and expanding their online sales. this financial infusion catalyzed economic growth.
the sbdc, under renewed pressure on brian higgins congressional district, took the lead in an e-commerce program. e-commerce, particularly during the pandemic, experienced substantial growth as it became a preferred choice for consumers. jameel’s influence on the sbdc leadership in this space empowered local businesses to adapt to the digital age and hopefully remain profitable. this support also encourages diversity and inclusivity, fostering economic empowerment among underrepresented groups.
the program involved detailed surveys, enabling business owners to identify their unique brand identity, desired website features, and company goals. experienced website developers then worked to improve or create websites for more than two dozen local entrepreneurs. this resulted in an enhanced online presence and accessibility for local businesses.
the interconnected world offers small-business owners the opportunity to reach a global customer base. however, many of these entrepreneurs lack the expertise and resources to create effective websites. the program, championed and executed by the expert team at the sbdc, provided economic opportunities for local entrepreneurs by empowering them to establish secure and well-designed websites.
the presence and the influence of oaks + oars on the university at buffalo campus was not only a catalyst for buffalo state college’s initiatives but also a driver of economic growth in western new york. the transformative impact led to increased funding, the development of small businesses, support for minority- and women-owned enterprises, and a stronger digital presence for local entrepreneurs.
villa marie college
jameel gordon’s presence on campus at the state university at buffalo and our organization, oaks + oars, also left an indelible imprint on villa maria college and the greater buffalo community. jameel’s strategic planning and strategy also served as a catalyst for villa maria college’s innovative endeavors, fostering resilience and empowerment.
villa maria college, inspired by our emphasis on diversity, equity, and inclusion, began to proudly boast about its own diverse student body. this approach not only enriches the educational experience but also reflects a commitment to accessibility and opportunity for all, fostering economic growth through education.
our presence in buffalo on campus at ub ignited villa maria college to hire resiliency trainer duncan kirkwood to establish the center for resiliency at villa maria college. this program equips students, including those from the east side of buffalo, with essential skills to overcome unexpected setbacks. by preparing students to face challenges and setbacks head-on, the center fosters educational persistence and empowers individuals to thrive in their careers.
villa maria college is now promoting its dedication to removing barriers to success for its students, with an emphasis on accessibility. this commitment ensures that students from erie county and the city of buffalo, primarily the east side, have access to quality education. this commitment to access drives economic value by providing educational opportunities to underserved communities.
this initiative by villa maria college underscores the importance of community engagement. the center for resiliency is not just an initiative for villa maria college but extends its impact to area high schools. by reaching out to the community and partnering with local schools, the economic value created by the program extends beyond the college campus.
the focus on resilience, empowerment, and the removal of barriers directly contributes to student success. empowered students are more likely to complete their education, which leads to a skilled workforce and contributes to the economic growth of the region.
oaks + oars have been a driving force in villa maria college’s mission to empower students, enhance resilience, and foster inclusivity. our presence at the university at buffalo campus and our strategic business planning and strategy have catalyzed villa maria college’s initiatives, contributing to economic value through diversity, access to education, community engagement, and student success. this case study highlights the profound impact of dedicated leadership and strategic planning in creating economic value while ensuring that education is accessible to all.
western new york
economic impact:
increased research funding: the influx of research grants attracted to the region could lead to further development of research infrastructure, creation of new research jobs, and commercialization of research findings.
enhanced talent attraction: hiring a diverse pool of faculty and attracting talented researchers could bolster the region's reputation as a research hub and attract other businesses and investments.
improved educational offerings: enhanced education quality and diversified programs could attract more students and contribute to a more skilled workforce in the region.
small business development: the support provided to small businesses in the region could lead to increased sales, job creation, and diversification of the local economy.
increased philanthropy: the record-breaking fundraising campaign could attract additional funding for initiatives in the region.
social impact :
increased diversity and inclusion: hiring diverse faculty and promoting diversity in education could foster a more inclusive communities and attract talent from underrepresented groups.
greater access to education: removing barriers to education could increase access to higher education for underserved communities.
empowerment and resilience: development of programs that could equip individuals with skills to overcome challenges and contribute to their personal and professional success.
community engagement: collaboration between universities and high schools could strengthen community connections and improve educational outcomes for students.
cultural impact:
enhanced research reputation: increased research activity and publications could elevate the region's profile as a center for innovation and scholarship.
diversification of cultural offerings: a more diverse community could bring new perspectives and enrich the cultural fabric of the region.
support for local businesses: increased economic activity and success of small businesses could contribute to the vibrancy and diversity of the local community.
it is important to note that these are just potential impacts, and the actual outcomes may vary depending on various factors.
new york state
economic impact:
enhanced state reputation: increased research activity and innovation could elevate new york’s profile as a research leader, attracting talent and investments across the state.
boost to state economy: increased research funding, talent attraction, and business development could have ripple effects across the state, fostering economic growth and job creation.
improved educational ecosystem: enhanced educational offerings could benefit students statewide, contributing to a more skilled workforce and attracting talent from across the country.
statewide support for small businesses: the success of the sbdc program in western new york could lead to similar initiatives statewide, supporting small businesses and entrepreneurs throughout new york.
social impact:
promoting statewide diversity and inclusion: efforts to increase diversity could set a precedent for other institutions across the state, contributing to a more inclusive and equitable educational landscape.
increased access to quality education: expanding access to education in western new york could inspire similar initiatives statewide, improving educational opportunities and outcomes for marginalized communities across new york.
building statewide resilience: programs like the center for resiliency at villa maria college could be replicated across the state, equipping individuals with essential skills to navigate challenges and thrive.
cultural impact:
enhancing new york’s cultural landscape: a more diverse population could enrich the cultural fabric of the state through new perspectives and experiences.
supporting statewide arts and culture: increased economic activity could potentially benefit arts and cultural organizations across the state.
promoting innovation and collaboration: increased research activity could foster collaboration with other universities and research institutions within and outside new york, contributing to knowledge development and innovation across the state.
it’s important to note that these are potential impacts, and their actualization depends on factors like scalability, funding, and state-level support. nevertheless, the initiatives and achievements presented hold potential to contribute positively to the overall economic, social, and cultural landscape of new york state.