Harvey Weinstein, owner and co-creator of Miramax Films is a UB alumnist. Born in Queens, New York, in 1952, Weinstein attended UB from 1969-1973 as an English major. While at UB, he played a large role in the University Union Activities Board (UUAB). UUAB funds many student activities here at UB, several of which are concerts held here on campus. His involvement in the production of rock concerts sparked his interest in the rock industry. From this interest Weinstein, and UB student Horace "Corky" Burger, formed Harvey and Corkey Productions with the intent of producing concerts in the Buffalo area. In 1972, the two produced a concert with Stephen Stills, which launched their musical career. The production company became an asset to the Buffalo music scene.

In 1979, after Bob Weinstein (Harvey's brother) joined the team, they renamed their company Miramax, and opened their offices here in Buffalo. Miramax pictures is known for it's revolutionary style. They are responsible for the production of such films as "Pulp Fiction," "The Cider House Rules," "Shakespeare in Love," "The Crying Game," "Trainspotting," and "The English Patient," just to mention a few.

Another famous UB alum is well known not so much in life, but in death. Gregory B. Jarvis was a crew member on the infamous Challenger mission. Jarvis graduated UB in 1967 with a bachelor of science degree in electrical engineering. He then went on to join the space division of the Air Force in El Segundo, California. From the Air Force, Jarvis went on the join the Hughes Aircraft Space and Communications group.

Chosen from over 600 engineer applicants from Hughes Aircraft, Jarvis' job on the Challenger was Payload Specialist (or subsystems engineering manager). In other words, he planned to conduct fluid dynamics experiments that would have tested satellite reactions to shuttle maneuvers and simulated spacecraft movements. Unfortunately, Jarvis was not able to perform these tests. On January 28, 1986, as many of us remember, the Challenger exploded and Jarvis was one of the seven who died that day. In his memory, the electrical and engineering sciences building here at UB (Jarvis Hall) was named for him, and the UB flag that he brought aboard the Challenger was recovered from the wreckage and stored in the University Archives.