Help EOP Students Cross the Stage with Pride

For students in the Educational Opportunity Program (EOP), graduation is more than a milestone—it’s a hard-earned triumph. But as they approach this moment, many face one final hurdle: the cost of participating in commencement.

The Need

By the end of the semester, most EOP students have used their resources on essentials like tuition, housing, and food. The additional $100 for a cap and gown can be out of reach. UB’s Gowns for Grads program helps—but limited funding means not every student is served. Graduation regalia represents achievement, belonging, and recognition. It honors years of perseverance through hardship, allows students to proudly represent EOP and can help inspire future students. 

No one should miss, or feel invisible during, this moment.

Our Goal

Ensure every EOP graduate can participate in commencement by funding:

• Caps and gowns (approximately $100 each)
• EOP stoles (approximately $30 each and currently underfunded)

Beyond caps & gowns, graduation stoles not only honor all their hard work but they allow graduates to visibly identify as EOP alumni. This visibility reinforces their connection to the program, celebrates their perseverance, and inspires future students. 

The Impact

The Educational Opportunity Program was established to expand access to higher education by providing academic support and supplemental financial assistance. EOP students often balance academics with significant financial and personal challenges. Many are first-generation and from low-income backgrounds, navigating not just tuition, but the full cost of college life. Last fall, 23% were unable to pay their bills and register for classes—and more than 10% still face this challenge this spring. EOP provides critical academic and emotional support to help students persist. Your gift ensures they can also fully celebrate their success at graduation.

Your support will ensure that all EOP students regardless of means are able to participate in graduation and showcase their EOP pride.

 Students like Tyrahel who experienced a sudden brain aneurysm in 2021 leading to emergency surgery and months of recovery. EOP staff immediately stepped in, visiting him, sending him well wishes and collecting funds to help his family travel from their home in Brooklyn to stay in Buffalo while Tyrahel recovered and relearned how to walk, talk, read and write.

Remarkably undeterred by this setback Tyrahel returned to campus in 2022 and earned a spot on the Dean's Honor List. He is now preparing for the next chapter—medical school following his Spring graduation.  From setbacks to success, Tyrahel’s story reminds us that resilience and community can turn challenges into triumphs. 

Make a Difference

• $100 supports one student’s regalia
• Every gift helps ensure no EOP student is left behind

Your support makes sure every graduate can cross the stage with pride.