Congratulations, Class of 2023!

Dean Robert G. Shibley will deliver this year's Commencement keynote, his final message to graduates as he prepares to conclude more than 12 years at the helm of the School of Architecture and Planning. 

One of UB’s most public-facing Deans, Shibley has led the School on a trajectory of growth and rising prominence on the global stage. He has steered a city-as-classroom approach that has contributed to the revivification of Buffalo and Western New York while lifting up the relevance of the built environment professions. He also oversaw the School’s participation in several international exhibitions, the renovations of both Hayes and Crosby Halls, while introducing new programs in affordable housing, real estate development, historic preservation and sustainability leadership. A member of the UB faculty since 1982, he has served as Dean since 2011.

We are pleased to welcome Sabri Hafiz Uddin, who will graduate with his BS in Architecture, to share remarks as the Class of 2023 Student Speaker. Sabri will reflect on the student experience at UB’s School of Architecture and Planning and how it has prepared the Class of 2023 to take on the grand challenges facing the built environment today. 

Student awards to be presented at Commencement include the Alpha Rho Chi Medal in recognition of professionalism in leadership, service and merit, the ARCC / King Student Medal for Excellence in Architectural + Environmental Research, the American Institute for Architects Medal for Academic Excellence, the American Institute for Certified Planners Planning Excellence Award, and the Master of Urban Planning Best Final Project Award.

Dean Shibley will also present the Dean's Medal - the highest honor bestowed by the School - to two distinguished UB alumni who have dedicated their life and careers to the advancement of equity and social justice through community development and urban planning.

Dale White, a 2005 graduate of our BA in Environmental Design program, is a real estate developer focused on equitable, green community development. He currently serves as principal for acquisitions and development at Bastogne Development Partners, driving social impact investment through community-based development and affordable housing. A dedicated friend of the School, Dale was recently appointed as our Inaugural Fellow in Affordable Housing, helping to shape our newly launched Graduate Certificate in Affordable Housing.

Gail Wells, who holds a master's degree in urban planning and a bachelor's degree in public policy and urban planning from UB, is a social activist, historian, urban planner, gardener, entrepreneur and educator. Founder of Buffalo Freedom Gardens, she is part of a coalition of food justice advocates working across Buffalo to build resilience in communities of need. Wells is a longtime collaborator of the School's Food Systems Planning and Health Communities Lab.