The sign on UB's new Educational Opportunity Center now includes the name of former Assembly Deputy Speaker Arthur Eve, the man behind a variety of programs and centers to expand educational opportunity.
Speakers during the ceremony to name the building for the North Buffalo resident cited his work on everything from what is now First Niagara Center to the Educational Opportunity Program for students across the state.
"Our university and our community are inspired by the legacy and leadership of Arthur Eve and we will continue to work together to sustain and build this legacy," said UB President Satish Tripathi.
"In that spirit we are honored to recognize his inspiring example as we dedicate this new home for the UB Educational Opportunity Center in his name."
The $26 million complex is connected to the university's Downtown Gateway on the edge of the Buffalo Niagara Medical Campus. It serves around 1,900 a year.
Rep. Brian Higgins says he went to Albany as a young assemblyman and wanted to understand Eve's success in getting money for this area.
"I can remember the first budget came out and it short-changed Buffalo and its educational system. And, all of a sudden this voice comes bellowing through the Assembly Chamber, Art Eve's voice. He calls his friend and collaborator, Dale Volker. By noon the problem is solved," Higgins recalled.
"The investments today really are on the shoulders of Arthur Eve," said Lieutenant Governor Robert Duffy.
Duffy says Eve could get money for Western New York that the former Rochester Mayor couldn't get for his city.
