Mary Kirsch Boehm, '56

When Mary Kirsch Boehm came to Buffalo State in 1952, she became an active member of campus life, joining Pi Kappa Rho, the Newman Club, the Psychology Club and Future Teachers of America and serving as the program director for the Upper Class Camp and as editor of the pledge manual. After receiving her bachelor’s degree in Elementary Education in 1956, she maintained her ties with Buffalo State, taking additional science courses, attending alumni events, and serving as co-chair of the Class of 1956 Scholarship Committee.

Mary was a dedicated science teacher with the Kenmore-Tonawanda School District for 37 years, teaching primarily high school biology, advanced biology, and junior high school science. Her passion for science inspired her students and was recognized by the district when she was promoted to district chair of the science department, a position she held for 15 years.

Always interested in exploring the world around them, Mary and her husband, Raymond (now deceased), traveled extensively and visited more than 60 countries on six continents. Her inquiring mind led her to her second passion, art. She has been a docent at the Albright-Knox Art Gallery since 1971 and has led thousands in guided tours of the museum. Wherever they traveled, art museums and collecting art were always on the itinerary.

Raymond and Mary established this Fund to promote their high regard for education and learning and in honor of Mary’s love of science and her career as a science teacher.