Dr. Horace Mann: Share Your Story

Beloved Buffalo State Exceptional Education Department educator Dr. Horace Mann positively impacted thousands of lives throughout his career at Buffalo State. He helped to educate more than 7,000 exceptional education teachers throughout his nearly 40 year career, spanning from 1953 to his retirement in 1992.

Under his leadership, the undergraduate and graduate programs in exceptional education at Buffalo State rose to prominence and became among the largest in the United States. He was one of the top thought-leaders in the exceptional education field, and gave presentations on the topic around the world. Dr. Mann maintained a close relationship with Buffalo State after retiring, as he had an office on campus and performed extensive service to the college. He’s also the largest individual donor in the college’s history, having given $5.2 million to Buffalo State.

Exceptional education alumni were invited to attend the Horace Mann Quad Dedication Ceremony on Tuesday, October 20, 2015.

Alumni Perspective: Dr. Mann’s Impact

“I do not know what my life would have been if this caring person had not taken a chance on me! I am honored to have known Dr. Horace Mann, a special, special individual and educator!” - Karl Oldag, ‘63

“I was both an undergraduate and graduate student of the Exceptional Education department at Buffalo State College. Hank Mann was an amazing professor! I'll never forget his sense of humor,  his advocacy work for people with disabilities,  his amazing stories of his travels,  his ability to help people be accepting and tolerant of everyone and anyone.

I learned so much from Dr. Mann...he helped me in so many ways. His teachings have supported my professional growth throughout my years as an educator and I'll never forget him.

I frequently wish that I could sit and talk with Dr. Mann about current trends in the field.  I miss him dearly!” - Denise Capece, ’90, ‘94

"I have very fond memories of my years at Buffalo State Teachers College when the chair of the [Exceptional Education Department] was Dr. Mann. And how fortunate I was to meet him a few years ago in Florida and spent a few delightful days with him and mutual friends." - Barbara Ritchin, '61

How did Dr. Mann impact your life? Send your story to alumni@buffalostate.edu, and it could be shared on our web and social media sites.


Originally posted: October 2015