Helping as many students as they can

When architects of international significance come to campus to lecture to and work with students at the University at Buffalo School of Architecture and Planning, the visits, in part, will be because of the generosity of an architecture grad and his wife. 

A $30,000 gift from Christopher Michael Martell and his wife, Sally, supports a lecture program that will be important in advancing the school and building the reputation of the graduate program in architecture at UB.

Martell is the owner of Rainbow Products Services, which specializes in concert sound and lighting.  He holds two degrees from the School of Architecture and Planning -- a bachelor’s degree received in 1996 and a master’s degree in architecture awarded in 2001. Sally is executive director of The Klingenstein Third Generation Foundation.

“We wanted to give back to the school in a way that would benefit as many students in the program as possible,” Mike explained. “We wanted to direct some of our efforts at UB, where I received an excellent education.”

“Thanks to the Martells,” said Dean Brian Carter, “Our students will gain new understandings of design and better appreciation of the creative insights and inspiration of gifted architects.”