This is exactly what I've been talkin about. Being from a suburb of Boston, MA, my school would mean a lot more to me if it were branded as simply the State University of New York at Buffalo. In fact, I stopped introducing myself as a student at the University at Buffalo.

I agree 110% with what this guy is talking about, and I'm excited for what's coming.

b

Being a lifelong WNYer, I'm still not sure how I feel about the name change deal.  Yes, it definitely would be helpful as far as the athletic department being concerned.  I do think a step up in conference would help UB draw really well in this area.  However, like everything else, we'd be losing our WNY identity in it.  What you guys don't see, because , no offense, you haven't lived here long enough to see it happen time and time again, but as soon as downstate gets wind of this, all hell will break loose and all the "what about us's" will rear their ugly head and it will become another battle just like it did with UB2020, with downstate and NYC holding the power.  

Remember. It's not just athletically you would be getting a boost. It would also be, more importantly, academically. You would be invited to join the CIC where UB would be constantly collaborating with the most prestigious research institutions in the United State of America. If you wanted to take Swahili for example, and UB didn't offer it but Wisconsin did, you could sign up to take that course through the University of Wisconsin at New York State tuition rates.

And you are right about downstate. That was part of the problem in 2002. They will be your biggest hurdle. I know Stony Brook, Binghamton, and Albany are already showing signs of jealousy.

One thing that amazes me about New York State is how the state government seems to stifle the academic advancement of the individual Universities so as to make everyone equal. Let's hope that doesn't happen this time around.

Oh, believe me, I know, academically speaking, UB is right there with the rest of of the Big Ten schools.  

I have a saying about NYS.  "New York State: screwing the pooch since 1776".  If you didn't know, they were the only state to abstain from the vote for independence because they couldn't get their direction from the State legislature at the time to agree.  I fear that has been and alway will be, if something that might benefit WNY, unless it behooves downstate/NYC, it's a no go, and if they do allow us to have something, they're are the first in line to take it from us.  Don't get me started on electricity.

And, from one penn state fan too another, since your in WNY, you'll consider taking in some UB this season, even though you don't have any ties, I don't either and still enjoy the tailgating and games.  UB is my 1B favorite as a football fan  with Penn State being  my 1A.

I keep saying I'm going to go to a UB Game. But we've had Penn State season tickets pretty much since we graduated in 1975. I've MAYBE missed 10 Penn State games since then. But I would DEFINITELY like to go to a UB game sometime. : ^ )

You should, it's a good time.  We have a couple of us from on here that tailgate together and we are always looking to meet some
more .  Plus it would be fun to have a couple more penn staters aboard if only to rib our resident Oklahoma fan.

Hopefully you've seen the personal messages function that we have here, check that tomorrow. 

Now we can have a little fun , I'll give you some names, don't worry nobody here knows who the heck they are, but you will,  give me one word that comes to mind when reading them.
Surma, Peetz, Erickson, Frazier?

This is exactly what I've been talkin about. Being from a suburb of Boston, MA, my school would mean a lot more to me if it were branded as simply the State University of New York at Buffalo. In fact, I stopped introducing myself as a student at the University at Buffalo.

I agree 110% with what this guy is talking about, and I'm excited for what's coming.

b

Being a lifelong WNYer, I'm still not sure how I feel about the name change deal.  Yes, it definitely would be helpful as far as the athletic department being concerned.  I do think a step up in conference would help UB draw really well in this area.  However, like everything else, we'd be losing our WNY identity in it.  What you guys don't see, because , no offense, you haven't lived here long enough to see it happen time and time again, but as soon as downstate gets wind of this, all hell will break loose and all the "what about us's" will rear their ugly head and it will become another battle just like it did with UB2020, with downstate and NYC holding the power.  

Remember. It's not just athletically you would be getting a boost. It would also be, more importantly, academically. You would be invited to join the CIC where UB would be constantly collaborating with the most prestigious research institutions in the United State of America. If you wanted to take Swahili for example, and UB didn't offer it but Wisconsin did, you could sign up to take that course through the University of Wisconsin at New York State tuition rates.

And you are right about downstate. That was part of the problem in 2002. They will be your biggest hurdle. I know Stony Brook, Binghamton, and Albany are already showing signs of jealousy.

One thing that amazes me about New York State is how the state government seems to stifle the academic advancement of the individual Universities so as to make everyone equal. Let's hope that doesn't happen this time around.

Oh, believe me, I know, academically speaking, UB is right there with the rest of of the Big Ten schools.  

I have a saying about NYS.  "New York State: screwing the pooch since 1776".  If you didn't know, they were the only state to abstain from the vote for independence because they couldn't get their direction from the State legislature at the time to agree.  I fear that has been and alway will be, if something that might benefit WNY, unless it behooves downstate/NYC, it's a no go, and if they do allow us to have something, they're are the first in line to take it from us.  Don't get me started on electricity.

And, from one penn state fan too another, since your in WNY, you'll consider taking in some UB this season, even though you don't have any ties, I don't either and still enjoy the tailgating and games.  UB is my 1B favorite as a football fan  with Penn State being  my 1A.

I keep saying I'm going to go to a UB Game. But we've had Penn State season tickets pretty much since we graduated in 1975. I've MAYBE missed 10 Penn State games since then. But I would DEFINITELY like to go to a UB game sometime. : ^ )

This is exactly what I've been talkin about. Being from a suburb of Boston, MA, my school would mean a lot more to me if it were branded as simply the State University of New York at Buffalo. In fact, I stopped introducing myself as a student at the University at Buffalo.

I agree 110% with what this guy is talking about, and I'm excited for what's coming.

b

Being a lifelong WNYer, I'm still not sure how I feel about the name change deal.  Yes, it definitely would be helpful as far as the athletic department being concerned.  I do think a step up in conference would help UB draw really well in this area.  However, like everything else, we'd be losing our WNY identity in it.  What you guys don't see, because , no offense, you haven't lived here long enough to see it happen time and time again, but as soon as downstate gets wind of this, all hell will break loose and all the "what about us's" will rear their ugly head and it will become another battle just like it did with UB2020, with downstate and NYC holding the power.  

You have to consider the fact more current UB students are Metro NYC kids than Buffalo Kids. When the University made the decision to be a part of SUNY back in the 50's this was inevitable and, I think, good. It would raise the awareness of the school which would raise the awareness of how Buffalo has a lot more than Chicken Wings and empty grain elevators. It would help throughout the state and, more importantly, nationwide.

I do think you're right, this could be a big nasty fight in smAlbany.

That's just it Tim.  I don't think WNY would care that much about the name change, lord knows they hardly care now, and if it came with a better conference as an added benefit, I think it would really help.  But I do think where people will care is if they see downstate/NYC sucking all the benefit, whatever it may be down to them.  If they can allow WNY to keep a majority of the benefits from the name change here, it would make alot of people feel better about losing the Buffalo identity.

And before all the NYCers get on here going "what did we do?", give me back my electricity.

This is exactly what I've been talkin about. Being from a suburb of Boston, MA, my school would mean a lot more to me if it were branded as simply the State University of New York at Buffalo. In fact, I stopped introducing myself as a student at the University at Buffalo.

I agree 110% with what this guy is talking about, and I'm excited for what's coming.

b

Being a lifelong WNYer, I'm still not sure how I feel about the name change deal.  Yes, it definitely would be helpful as far as the athletic department being concerned.  I do think a step up in conference would help UB draw really well in this area.  However, like everything else, we'd be losing our WNY identity in it.  What you guys don't see, because , no offense, you haven't lived here long enough to see it happen time and time again, but as soon as downstate gets wind of this, all hell will break loose and all the "what about us's" will rear their ugly head and it will become another battle just like it did with UB2020, with downstate and NYC holding the power.  

Remember. It's not just athletically you would be getting a boost. It would also be, more importantly, academically. You would be invited to join the CIC where UB would be constantly collaborating with the most prestigious research institutions in the United State of America. If you wanted to take Swahili for example, and UB didn't offer it but Wisconsin did, you could sign up to take that course through the University of Wisconsin at New York State tuition rates.

And you are right about downstate. That was part of the problem in 2002. They will be your biggest hurdle. I know Stony Brook, Binghamton, and Albany are already showing signs of jealousy.

One thing that amazes me about New York State is how the state government seems to stifle the academic advancement of the individual Universities so as to make everyone equal. Let's hope that doesn't happen this time around.

Oh, believe me, I know, academically speaking, UB is right there with the rest of of the Big Ten schools.  

I have a saying about NYS.  "New York State: screwing the pooch since 1776".  If you didn't know, they were the only state to abstain from the vote for independence because they couldn't get their direction from the State legislature at the time to agree.  I fear that has been and alway will be, if something that might benefit WNY, unless it behooves downstate/NYC, it's a no go, and if they do allow us to have something, they're are the first in line to take it from us.  Don't get me started on electricity.

And, from one penn state fan too another, since your in WNY, you'll consider taking in some UB this season, even though you don't have any ties, I don't either and still enjoy the tailgating and games.  UB is my 1B favorite as a football fan  with Penn State being  my 1A.

This is exactly what I've been talkin about. Being from a suburb of Boston, MA, my school would mean a lot more to me if it were branded as simply the State University of New York at Buffalo. In fact, I stopped introducing myself as a student at the University at Buffalo.

I agree 110% with what this guy is talking about, and I'm excited for what's coming.

b

Being a lifelong WNYer, I'm still not sure how I feel about the name change deal.  Yes, it definitely would be helpful as far as the athletic department being concerned.  I do think a step up in conference would help UB draw really well in this area.  However, like everything else, we'd be losing our WNY identity in it.  What you guys don't see, because , no offense, you haven't lived here long enough to see it happen time and time again, but as soon as downstate gets wind of this, all hell will break loose and all the "what about us's" will rear their ugly head and it will become another battle just like it did with UB2020, with downstate and NYC holding the power.  

You have to consider the fact more current UB students are Metro NYC kids than Buffalo Kids. When the University made the decision to be a part of SUNY back in the 50's this was inevitable and, I think, good. It would raise the awareness of the school which would raise the awareness of how Buffalo has a lot more than Chicken Wings and empty grain elevators. It would help throughout the state and, more importantly, nationwide.

I do think you're right, this could be a big nasty fight in smAlbany.

This is exactly what I've been talkin about. Being from a suburb of Boston, MA, my school would mean a lot more to me if it were branded as simply the State University of New York at Buffalo. In fact, I stopped introducing myself as a student at the University at Buffalo.

I agree 110% with what this guy is talking about, and I'm excited for what's coming.

b

Being a lifelong WNYer, I'm still not sure how I feel about the name change deal.  Yes, it definitely would be helpful as far as the athletic department being concerned.  I do think a step up in conference would help UB draw really well in this area.  However, like everything else, we'd be losing our WNY identity in it.  What you guys don't see, because , no offense, you haven't lived here long enough to see it happen time and time again, but as soon as downstate gets wind of this, all hell will break loose and all the "what about us's" will rear their ugly head and it will become another battle just like it did with UB2020, with downstate and NYC holding the power.  

Remember. It's not just athletically you would be getting a boost. It would also be, more importantly, academically. You would be invited to join the CIC where UB would be constantly collaborating with the most prestigious research institutions in the United State of America. If you wanted to take Swahili for example, and UB didn't offer it but Wisconsin did, you could sign up to take that course through the University of Wisconsin at New York State tuition rates.

And you are right about downstate. That was part of the problem in 2002. They will be your biggest hurdle. I know Stony Brook, Binghamton, and Albany are already showing signs of jealousy.

One thing that amazes me about New York State is how the state government seems to stifle the academic advancement of the individual Universities so as to make everyone equal. Let's hope that doesn't happen this time around.

I find it quite interesting that somebody has really thought about this just out of the blue.  Buffalo Lion, do you have ties to WNY?

Honestly, I'm wondering what got you thinking about UB and brought you to this little corner of the interwebs.

Back in 2002, Tom Golisano was approached by UB officials about donating to the University. Golisano said he would only do it if the University changed their name to New York State University. If he was going to donate millions, he was only going to do it if it would really make a difference.

He thought it would do wonders for Western New York if the Internationally known Flagship of New York State was UB. But he also knew that unless UB changed their name to New York State University, they would always be looked at as small time by the rest of the Country. He wanted UB to take that next step to becoming an Internationally known and respected University that everyone in the Country could identify with.

It was at that time that UB had low level talks with the Big Ten. They knew the Big Ten was slowly and quietly looking for a 12th school, but were in no hurry to expand just yet. The Big Ten basically told UB that as long as they remained named the University of Buffalo, there was nothing to talk about. Of course, the rest is history. Golisano's request to rebrand was turned down, and everyone went their own separate ways.

Now you are at a crossroads again where the timing may be just right to rebrand. The Big Ten will be looking for two additional Universities to take them to 16, and many of the AAU schools that would like to join are tied up in Grant of Rights Agreements with their own individual Conferences. UConn is a lynchpin.

If UConn obtains AAU status before we renew our 1st tier contract in 2017, we MAY offer them a bid. But we will need a 16th school to accompany them. If everyone else is tied up in GOR Contracts, that just might put you in a VERY good position.

To answer your other question, yes, I currently live in Western New York, but have no other ties to the area.

Have you ever discussed this on a penn state/big ten message board before, at least the UB aspect of it.  Just curious what kind of reception it got if so.  I spend quite a bit if time on Black Shoe Diaries and very rarely see stuff like this discussed there. 

I have never posted (I don't think) on Black Shoes Dairy. But I post on Rivals and Scout all the time. I not only post on the Penn State site, but I post on many others too. I always go by the name of BUFFALO LION or BuffaloLion. To the best of my knowledge, the only site I've ever been blacklisted from ironically is UConn's Rivals site.

I got blacklisted on there back when BC jumped to the ACC, and the UConn guys didn't like what I had to tell them. The reason it's ironic is because from what I understand, I'm now considered somewhat of a "hero" to them over there and they have dedicated an entire thread to me on their expansion board. : ^ )

They do talk expansion there on BSD, but I rarely see UB ever mentioned.  The most interest they've shown in UB, is once when Scrap (Tom Bradley) was let go at the end of 2011, and asked the question if UB might be an interesting landing spot for him to start over had Quinn been let go at UB.  And the whole Alex and Michael Zordich connection.

This is exactly what I've been talkin about. Being from a suburb of Boston, MA, my school would mean a lot more to me if it were branded as simply the State University of New York at Buffalo. In fact, I stopped introducing myself as a student at the University at Buffalo.

I agree 110% with what this guy is talking about, and I'm excited for what's coming.

b

Being a lifelong WNYer, I'm still not sure how I feel about the name change deal.  Yes, it definitely would be helpful as far as the athletic department being concerned.  I do think a step up in conference would help UB draw really well in this area.  However, like everything else, we'd be losing our WNY identity in it.  What you guys don't see, because , no offense, you haven't lived here long enough to see it happen time and time again, but as soon as downstate gets wind of this, all hell will break loose and all the "what about us's" will rear their ugly head and it will become another battle just like it did with UB2020, with downstate and NYC holding the power.  

I find it quite interesting that somebody has really thought about this just out of the blue.  Buffalo Lion, do you have ties to WNY?

Honestly, I'm wondering what got you thinking about UB and brought you to this little corner of the interwebs.

Back in 2002, Tom Golisano was approached by UB officials about donating to the University. Golisano said he would only do it if the University changed their name to New York State University. If he was going to donate millions, he was only going to do it if it would really make a difference.

He thought it would do wonders for Western New York if the Internationally known Flagship of New York State was UB. But he also knew that unless UB changed their name to New York State University, they would always be looked at as small time by the rest of the Country. He wanted UB to take that next step to becoming an Internationally known and respected University that everyone in the Country could identify with.

It was at that time that UB had low level talks with the Big Ten. They knew the Big Ten was slowly and quietly looking for a 12th school, but were in no hurry to expand just yet. The Big Ten basically told UB that as long as they remained named the University of Buffalo, there was nothing to talk about. Of course, the rest is history. Golisano's request to rebrand was turned down, and everyone went their own separate ways.

Now you are at a crossroads again where the timing may be just right to rebrand. The Big Ten will be looking for two additional Universities to take them to 16, and many of the AAU schools that would like to join are tied up in Grant of Rights Agreements with their own individual Conferences. UConn is a lynchpin.

If UConn obtains AAU status before we renew our 1st tier contract in 2017, we MAY offer them a bid. But we will need a 16th school to accompany them. If everyone else is tied up in GOR Contracts, that just might put you in a VERY good position.

To answer your other question, yes, I currently live in Western New York, but have no other ties to the area.

Have you ever discussed this on a penn state/big ten message board before, at least the UB aspect of it.  Just curious what kind of reception it got if so.  I spend quite a bit if time on Black Shoe Diaries and very rarely see stuff like this discussed there. 

I have never posted (I don't think) on Black Shoes Dairy. But I post on Rivals and Scout all the time. I not only post on the Penn State site, but I post on many others too. I always go by the name of BUFFALO LION or BuffaloLion. To the best of my knowledge, the only site I've ever been blacklisted from ironically is UConn's Rivals site.

I got blacklisted on there back when BC jumped to the ACC, and the UConn guys didn't like what I had to tell them. The reason it's ironic is because from what I understand, I'm now considered somewhat of a "hero" to them over there and they have dedicated an entire thread to me on their expansion board. : ^ )

Also, we would brand ourselves as the State University of New York, rather than the New York State University. Just a clarification.