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Mary C. Glenn, Assistant Dean for Community Engagement in the School of Public Health and Health Professions, has announced her retirement after decades of service to the University at Buffalo. During her time at UB, Mary has worked on behalf of the Schools of Medicine, Nursing, Social Work and Public Health and Health Professions through fulfilling philanthropy and alumni engagement-based work in Advancement, as well as later joining the School of Public Health and Health Professions as their inaugural position in community relations.
Although Mary has been instrumental in the mission-critical work of her professional positions, such as spearheading a mentoring program for public health students, creating the framework for graduate-level student emergency funds, working tirelessly to reach campaign goals for the health sciences schools, and connecting alumni, donors, and friends to their passions through our university programming and academics, Mary is a relationship builder at her core. Anyone who meets Mary immediately feels like a longstanding friend with her warm demeanor, kind heart, and comedic relief.
Mary is a memorable colleague, mentor to students and those she supervises, a mother, a sister, a daughter, and a true friend. She has been supported through her successful career by a caring and loving family, who mean the world to her, including her husband, Tom, and children, Maggie and Sean. Mary will always be the first to support a worthy cause, a fiercely loyal confidant, and a listening ear.
To celebrate Mary’s career and retirement, we are raising funds to support students in the School of Public Health and Health Professions, a cause close to Mary’s heart – supporting the next generation. Funds raised will support UB students in need of financial assistance due to personal circumstances and economic hardships that would compromise their enrollment in their degree program. Congratulations to Mary on this much deserved milestone, thank you for helping us celebrate her legacy at UB!
This was taken during the celebration of life for Dad. She has been an amazing friend and supporter to all things UB. Happy Retirement, Mary!
Beth & Leanne
Quotes from Friends and Colleagues of Mary:
Mary has been a cherished friend and colleague for many years. Her dedication, creativity and passion were always so appreciated – not to mention her kindness. I am also grateful for all the guidance and support she provided not only to me, but to our health sciences team.
-Leigh Yates, Assistant Dean and Executive Director of Advancement, UB School of Pharmacy and Pharmaceutical Sciences
I first met Mary when I joined the UB School of Public Health and Health Professions over a decade ago and since that time she has been a dear friend, colleague, and all-around mountain mover! She excels at connecting people with common interests, finding ways to achieve goals, and rolling up her sleeves to do whatever is needed to get the work done. She is a tireless advocate for those most at-risk and is always willing to lend a hand, greeting everyone with a smile and lightening the mood in every room she enters. Mary has inspired me every day for over ten years. She has been a networker-extraordinaire and she will be greatly missed, but the connections she made for us will carry our School well into the future to help us shape health initiatives in our communities for years to come. At SPHHP, we’ll continue to feel her legacy every day in the great things our future holds. We are beyond grateful for all she’s done, and we wish her the most amazing retirement!
-Kim Krytus, PhD, MPH/MSW, CPH; Assistant Dean and Director of Graduate Public Health Programs, SPHHP
I had the pleasure of meeting Mary when she first came to UB as our director of development in the School of Nursing. Mary’s vibrant and engaging personality was both inspiring and exhilarating making working alongside her with our alumni and donors a joy. Her genuine interest and kindness towards others was palpable and most certainly contributed to her immense professional success. I am grateful to count her among my closest friends and wish her well as she enjoys this much deserved next chapter in her life.
-Donna Tyrpak, School of Nursing
Mary is truly one of the loveliest people I have met during my time at UB. I don’t think I ever saw her without a smile on her face. I’m very happy for her as she takes this next step on her life journey. I hope she enjoys many, many years of joy, prosperity and love with her family and friends.
-Justine Hessler, Human and Organizational Resources Coordinator, Division of University Advancement
Beautiful Lady inside and out. Thank you for all your support for me and the School of Social Work. Mary is always True Blue. Have the best retirement, My Friend!
-Rita Andolina
Mary was the development officer for the School of Social Work (and other schools) for many years. She taught me so much about development, especially about the importance of relationships. She was beloved and trusted by donors, alumni, students, faculty, and staff. But what’s most extraordinary about Mary is who she is. She is passionate about people, their stories, and truly connecting with them. When you are with Mary you know she is completely engaged with you: she is listening and you can feel her genuineness, caring and compassion. These are rare qualities and they are essential to everything in work and life. I feel privileged to know Mary, am grateful for all she gave me and UB, and I’m excited to see what she does for her next chapter.
-Nancy Smyth, PhD, Professor and former dean of the School of Social Work
Mary was instrumental in helping to establish an annual award at the School of Nursing in memory of our son, Ethan Christian '12. This endowment continues to grow and recognizes a graduating senior who has demonstrated "exceptional care, compassion and excellence in the practice of nursing." This wouldn't have happened without Mary's guidance and support. She is truly a gift and a blessing--wonderful in every way!
-Dean & Patricia Christian
Emily & Erick Christian
