A WALK IN THE WOODS - University at Buffalo

Past Presidential VisitsSince the Fillmore era, UB has hostedfour other speakers who once held theoffice of President of the United States.1847 CHANCELLOR’SADDRESSMillard Fillmore1850-1853“The time has come when such an institutionis indispensable to the wants andhonor of our city. I appeal to every fatherwho has a son to educate.”1988 UB DISTINGUISHEDSPEAKERS SERIESGerald R. Ford1974-1977“These encroachments on presidentialpower must be removed if we want betterfiscal responsibility.”NANCY J PARISIOne student’s shining momentUntil Barack Obama’s visit to campus, Silvana C. D’Ettorre of GrandIsland, N.Y., had never given a public speech. That changed in abig way as the UB sophomore stood before thousands of people inAlumni Arena and welcomed the president to Western New York.In a headline, the Buffalo News called her “UB’s most famousstudent.”“Of all the opportunities I’ve had as a University at Buffalostudent, the opportunity I had [during the president’s visit] is by farthe most amazing,” says D’Ettorre, an exercise science major whoplans to enroll in UB’s School of Dental Medicine.D’Ettorre, who stayed up until 4 a.m. preparing herspeech, admits that she was extremely nervous to speak infront of the estimated 7,200 people in attendance. Beforehand,she briefly met Obama in the heart of Alumni Arena. “It was likemeeting a cool dad,” says D’Ettorre, who received a hug from thepresident as he walked onstage.During her speech, D’Ettorre said UB is a prime example ofSilvana D’Ettorre introduces Obama. a “low-cost, high-quality” education. She praised the university’sFinish in 4 program, in which students pledge to graduate in fouryears and UB commits to providing them the resources they need. “Personally, knowing that I haveguaranteed graduation after four years makes me completely comfortable that I will not have anyadditional unexpected loans, especially during a time of increased college costs.”D’Ettorre found out she had been selected to introduce the president when she received a callfrom the White House. Earlier, campus officials had submitted her name along with other nominationsfor this distinct honor. Watching from the audience while she gave her address were herparents, Alan and Rachelle; her brother, Nikolas, a UB senior; and sister Sierra, a high school senior.1989 UB DISTINGUISHEDSPEAKERS SERIESJimmy Carter1977-1981“Regardless of how different presidentsare one from another, there’s no reasonwhy our leaders should not have at leastthree simple characteristics: Our presidentsshould be competent, compassionateand tell the truth. That’s not askingtoo much.”1999 UB DISTINGUISHEDSPEAKERS SERIESGeorge H. W. Bush1989-1993“One thing I have learned is that timetruly flies by. I wish I were a student. Iwish I were 20 instead of 75. I wish I werejust starting, because I am an unabashedoptimist about the kind of world you’reinheriting.”2002 UB DISTINGUISHEDSPEAKERS SERIESBill Clinton1993-2001“Which is more important to you whenlooking at people around you—yourinteresting differences or your commonhumanity? You have very different notionsabout the nature of truth, the valueof life, the use of power and the contentof community, depending on how youanswer that first question.”www.alumni.buffalo.edu UBTODAY Fall 2013 11