Buffalo State, as it is generally known, is the biggest comprehensive four-year college in the State University of New York system. Founded as a teacher training college in 1871, it now offers more than 175 undergraduate courses for over 10,000 students. Four-year courses were introduced in 1925, and master＊s programmes 20 years later.
Buffalo is the second largest city in the state, and on the shores of Lake Erie, just 20 miles from magnificent Niagara Falls, the set of waterfalls which separate the US from Canada. Though much of the 20th century saw its population fall in relation to other major cities, Buffalo has blossomed in recent decades, and its notable architecture, designed by Frank Lloyd Wright and others, seemly network of parks, and rising number of galleries and music venues make it one of New York＊s most liveable cities. It is also home to major teams in two of the country＊s most popular sports, the Buffalo Bills (American football) and the Buffalo Sabres (ice hockey).
Several of its programmes, including applied economics, creative studies, adult education, forensic science and art conservation, are not available at any other SUNY college. Buffalo State is the first SUNY institution to run a study abroad programme, in Siena, Italy. Guest speakers at the college have included Muhammad Ali and Hillary Clinton.
Grover Cleveland, the only president of the United States to serve non-consecutive terms in office, from 1885 to 1889 and 1893 to 1897, Emmy-winning director and screenwriter Diane English, and Goo-Goo Dolls lead singer John Rzeznik grace Buffalo State＊s list of alumni.
