BUFFALO, NY - Nearly 600 guests helped raise an extraordinary $136,084.00at the 48th annual Regents Scholarship Ball, held on May 3. 
The money raised from the gala will be used to grow the Board of Regents Scholarship Fund, which provides annual scholarships to deserving students who otherwise would not be able to take advantage of a Canisius education.
Martin J. Berardi ’79 and Deborah A. DiMatteo MBA ’88 served as co-chairs of this year’s ball and played key roles in the event’s success. Independent Health was the presenting sponsor for the evening, which included the presentation of the 2014 Distinguished Citizen Achievement Award to Russ Brandon, president and chief executive officer of the Buffalo Bills.
During Brandon’s tenure with the NFL franchise, he played an integral role in negotiating a new stadium lease agreement, between the Bills, the State of New York and Erie County, to keep the franchise in Western New York for the foreseeable future. Brandon grew the team’s sponsorship revenues by forming alliances with key business partners and developed the team into a regional franchise, expanding the Bills’ reach into Rochester and Southern Ontario. Both strategic moves have positioned the Buffalo Bills organization for long-term sustainability in the league.
Learn more about honoree Russ Brandon by watching the Regents Ball video.
