Give back if you can

Edward Curvish spent some seven years at UB obtaining his bachelor's in history and government and his master's in education. He attended UB because his father, a physician, had earned his medical degree from UB, and Edward's filial loyalty demanded he honor his father's wishes to attend the older man's alma mater.

"I can't complain," he says. "We were taught by some fine, educated individuals who were well-respected and well-written in their areas. They'd bring up anecdotes that hadn't ever been published. We also had some good students who kept it interesting. You wanted to go to your classes."

Curvish spent nearly 40 years teaching science to high-schoolers in Buffalo and Elmira. He was tenured in three school districts. When Curvish talks about his time in the classroom, however, he's most emphatic about living up to his students' needs.

"It was a privilege to have the opportunity to work with future leaders," says Curvish. "You've got to be a good listener, because students say things to you. And you have to be aware of what you're saying because your beliefs influence them. I didn't take that lightly. I realized you can help people, but you could also hurt one or two, and you might not be aware of it."

After finding information on a planned gift his father made to UB, Curvish got in touch with the development office to ask about some specific terms of the agreement. After ironing out the details, he began thinking.

"I know the endowed part of the school is critical," he says. He realized that making his own gift would "be of great benefit.

"I have the means," he continues, "and I realize, which I hope others do, that I wouldn't be where I am unless I went to the school." He has specified a gift in his will and made more contributions to his father's award.

Retired from teaching, Curvish maintains contact with UB and visits the campus a couple of times a year.