Putting passion into action
Two paths converged for Emilie Rosenbluth, and they led straight to her new position as associate director of advancement for the School of Law.
One path was her legal background; she spent four years with the Buffalo law firm Hodgson Russ, including three years as a paralegal. The other was her philanthropic development work for the Community Foundation for Greater Buffalo and, as a volunteer, for several charitable causes. That path, she says, grew from her deep interest in hearing people’s stories and helping them to fund what they’re passionate about.
In her new role at UB, she’ll have a foot in both worlds, building relationships with alumni and friends of the school, and connecting them with opportunities to make a significant difference in fostering the next generation of lawyers.
Rosenbluth, a California native who has lived in Western New York since age 16, is a graduate of Canisius College, where she earned a bachelor’s degree in political science and urban studies.
"With our alumni all over the world, I am looking forward to learning what has inspired them, how UB School of Law changed their lives, and how we can all work together to ensure the best possible experience for our students." - Emilie Rosenbluth
Emilie Rosenbluth can be reached at 716-645-2113 or ebrosenb@buffalo.edu. Her office is located in 411 O’Brian Hall.
How does your law firm experience help in connecting with people in the legal community?
There are all different kinds of lawyers, and it’s all about learning people’s personalities and helping them to be comfortable. It helps to know that the law school has so many different programs that I can connect people with where their support can make a real difference, from student fellowships, to our Advocacy Institute, to our clinics, and so much more.
The School of Law is known for the fierce loyalty of its alumni. How does that affect your work?
We have so many people who remember how great their experience was at the law school – judges and lawyers who feel indebted to the school as the starting point for their careers. They know that their support is so important to helping our current students succeed and keeping the school accessible and affordable.
How will you use your background in development to help potential donors with their giving decisions?
One of the best things about my job is that I have the opportunity to help people focus on what is most important to them. At the law school, that means assisting students and there are a number of ways that potential donors can do that. Maximizing tax benefits sometimes plays a role in giving decisions but, for most people, the tax implications are secondary. They give because they’re passionate about what they’re giving to and because they care about the mission. And that’s what I’m here to help them with.
Your extensive volunteer work shows a real commitment to Western New York. What do you expect to learn from the law school community?
When I moved here, I became passionate about this community – I wanted to learn everything I could about this building or that neighborhood. Western New York is like a small living room – no matter where you go, you run into someone you know. I really like that.
With our alumni all over the world, I am looking forward to learning what has inspired them, how UB School of Law changed their lives, and how we can all work together to ensure the best possible experience for our students.