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Welcome to the Statler Center

The National Statler Center is a program of the Olmsted Center for Sight. Our job training programs are a unique and exciting concept in employment and training that provides individuals with visual impairments or physical disabilities with the right tools for successful careers in a rapidly growing industries such as hospitality, customer service and contact centers.


Statler and STEC Class Dates for 2010

Statler Center has announced its schedule for its Buffalo job training program for 2010 with courses specializing in hospitality related careers. Additionally, the Statler Training and Employment Connection (STEC) dates were released, specializing in customer service for contact centers, financial and medical offices, transportation, and communications. Both programs focus on the skills required for students to obtain employment upon graduation.

Statler: September 8-November 18, 2010
STEC: September 8-October 27, 2010

Interested? For more information please contact: Jeff Pease at 716.888.4526


Statler Center Observes 10th Anniversary
Celebrating the Training and Employment Success of more than 360 Graduates

Nearly 200 people came together to celebrate the National Statler Center’s 10th Anniversary; the celebration was held in conjunction with the graduation of our 34th Hospitality class.

The Statler Center was founded in 1999 by Ronald Maier, President of the Olmsted Center for Sight. Statler was envisioned as becoming the leading training and employment opportunity center for blind, visually impaired, and physically disabled individuals. With a focus on opportunities in the hospitality and hotel industry, the Statler Foundation was approached to help fund the new center—and they generously agreed to support the concept.

Picture of Brian Follett

Brian Follett

Bob Bennett of the Statler Foundation served as MC at the 10th Anniversary event, and he represented the passion and personality that is Statler. Mr. Bennett first introduced Class 34 Student Speaker Brian Follett (Wakefield, RI). Brian reflected on the cause of his vision loss (a tick bite that resulted in Lyme disease) and described how he has overcome the resulting vision loss—through a winning attitude, desire for learning, and personal growth. He reflected that those same character traits are held by all his classmates. Each student brings unique personal experiences to the classroom, and yet they share a common goal for education and career success.

Brian was followed by Aaron Siegel, of the Herb Siegel Foundation, another generous benefactor. Mr. Siegel presented the Dr. James J. Scibetta Award to a student who exemplifies the Statler commitment to hospitality, dedication to pursuit of one’s goals, and leadership in the classroom. Pedlyn Guerrier (New York, NY) received the award and a handsome check in recognition of her excellence.

The graduation commencement continued with ceremonial awards of the Graduate Certificates, honoring each of the dedicated students for their accomplishment.

Picture of Kevin Mitchel receiving award
Kevin Mitchel receiving award

Our guest speaker was Kevin Mitchell, a graduate of Class 10, 2002. Kevin received the “Outstanding Graduate Award”. Since graduation, he has worked at the Crown Plaza (Albany, NY) as the PBX switchboard operator. Kevin is highly regarded at the hotel and their Director of Human Resources, Trudy Hinkle, was in attendance. Trudy accepted an award on behalf of the hotel management in recognition of their being such an important employer, and had nice words to say about Kevin. In his presentation, Kevin attested to the life changes Statler has brought him. He praised the program, the faculty and the foundations that support Statler, all critical to the success of every graduate. Kevin commended the graduating class on their accomplishment and wished them the same employment success which he has worked hard to achieve.

Picture of Class 34
Class 34

Other important guests were present, including dozens of past Statler graduates, members of the Statler Foundation Board of Trustees, employers of Statler graduates, and Olmsted and Statler center benefactors. There was representation from Congressman Brian Higgins office, including recitation of the July 20th Congressional Record where Congressman Higgins spoke to the US House of Representatives bringing attention to Olmsted Center for Sight and the Statler Center by recognizing their outstanding role serving the blind, visually impaired and physically disabled community. Also, Assemblyman Sam Hoyt issued a Proclamation that cited Statler’s outstanding service, and stated that July 29, 2010 will be forever known as “Statler Center Ten Year Anniversary Day”. This was witnessed into Assembly of the State of New York.

The event ceremony was followed by a festive reception where guests shared their reflections of Statler successes and memories, and considered the future of continued Statler service to the blind, visually impaired and physically disabled community.


What do Statler Graduates Have to Say?

“I was in the very first class of the Statler Center and graduated in December 1999. Within a few months, I was hired at the Adam’s Mark Hotel and have been working full time ever since. The Statler Center not only challenged me academically, but also gave me the self-confidence, skills, and support to do my job.” - Pearl Arnold, Statler Hospitality Class #1, 1999

“I came to Statler as an unemployed and a not up-to-par-with-my-skills person. STEP training fine tuned my skills and introduced me to state-of-the-art software being used in the world of customer service. All this gave me the confidence and skills I needed to look for and secure employment. One of the things that amazed me about Statler’s classes is that everyone in the class came to the table with different skill levels. The teachers were able to keep everyone working at the same pace. As a result of graduating from the STEP class, I am now a Relay Operator for Sprint Corp and am working for Communication Services for the Deaf, USA Relay, as a full-time operator utilizing all my computer and customer service skills.”- Maria Heinlein, STEP Class #3, 2008


Statler Center Receives $45,000 Grant!

Community Foundation for Greater Buffalo LogoStatler Center was awarded a $45,000 grant from the Community Foundation for Greater Buffalo! This grant will be used to hire a Job Developer who will assist Statler Center graduates with finding permanent employment.

Statler's commitment to job placement is an important aspect of our service to our graduates and the community. We gratefully acknowledge this gift from the Community Foundation for Greater Buffalo as they celebrate their 90th anniversary.