Tom Calderone, President of VH1, will receive an honorary doctorate of human letters from Buffalo State College during Commencement this Saturday.
Calderone graduated from Buffalo State in 1986 before going on to become President of VH1. He was the program director at WBNY, the school's radio station, and is responsible for the alternative format the station still plays today. He remains heavily involved in the station's alumni chapter, frequently sets up internships for students and visits the campus frequently.
“Anyone who knows me knows that Buffalo State remains a very special place for me because the school helped mold me into the person that I am today,” said Calderone. “My years there were a truly positive 360-degree experience from my teachers and my classes to WBNY and back to all of my fellow students. I am deeply gratified to receive this honor and want to thank the SUNY Board of Trustees, Dr. Howard and my teacher and mentor Tom McCray.”
Calderone is also the chairman of VH1's Save the Music Foundation, which has donated $40 million of music instruments to help restore music education in schools. He is also in charge of the network's partnership with the Global Fund to Fight AIDS, Tuberculosis, Malaira, and VH1 Classic's "Rock Autism" as well.
“Tom Calderone’s work as chairman of the VH1 Save the Music Foundation epitomizes the college’s vision statement to improve our region, our nation and our world, one student at a time,” said Buffalo State College President Muriel A. Howard. “Over the years, Tom has returned to campus regularly, generously sharing his time, experience and wisdom with our students. For all of his accomplishments, as well as those to come, we look forward to presenting Tom Calderone with a SUNY honorary doctorate of humane letters.”
This Saturday will mark Buffalo State's 136th commencement. The school will honor 1800 undergraduates and 700 graduate students during 3 ceremonies.