BUFFALO, NY ­ The University at Buffalo 2001-2002 Blue & White Club Scholarship Drive kicks off on Wednesday, January 31st with the goal of raising an unprecedented $500,000 to aid UB's growing Division I-A athletic program.

The five-week, volunteer-driven campaign is designed to build membership in the Blue & White Club, the booster organization of UB Athletics. Funds generated through this effort are used to offset increased costs associated with athletic scholarships.

"The growth in the Blue & White Club membership has been dramatic over the past few years. To a large extent, this affirms the ongoing effort of all involved in building the athletics program at UB," commented UB Director of Athletics Bob Arkeilpane. "We need all alumni and friends of the program to take an active role and 'invest in the Bulls.' Continued growth in this area is critical in realizing our goal of building a championship caliber program."

The success of the scholarship drive is documented by the fact that five years ago the Athletic Department set its bar at $100,000. Five successful campaigns later, the goal is now a half-million dollars, led by a volunteer group headed by Chairperson Gary Joseph, attorney with Sarles, Frey & Joseph, and Vice Chair Marshall Wood, medical consultant with Wood Consulting Services.

This year's campaign will be highlighted with an opportunity for all UB fans to meet Jim Hofher, the new head football coach of the Bulls. At this session Hofher will share his plans for the future of UB Football and highlight the 2001 recruiting class. Anyone interested in attending can make arrangements by contacting the Blue & White Club offices at 645-6867.

"I have been a long-time supporter of UB Athletics and understand the importance of this drive as it relates to the long-term success of the program," said Gary Joseph. "With the program still in its infancy at the Division I-A level, the athletic program and its deserving student-athletes are very much in need of our support."

"The athletic programs at UB represent Western New York and Buffalo at the highest level of collegiate competition and add much to the quality of life in this area," said Joseph. "They certainly deserve our support as they build a first-rate program in the Mid-American Conference."

Last year, the Division raised over $300,000 in scholarship money through the drive.