We are honored to celebrate the meaningful and thoughtful philanthropy of our good friend and colleague, Michael Boots.
A strong supporter of the arts during his 22+ year career at UAlbany, Michael has given generously whenever asked. Whether helping provide art supplies to students, providing funding through the various endowments he has established, or encouraging donors to support the arts in its many forms on campus, he is among our most passionate supporters. 
Michael established The “Jack” W. and Gertrude Horan Memorial Art Museum Endowment to honor his former neighbors on Elm Circle in Massena, N.Y., with the intention of familiarizing students with the Art Museum’s offerings.  Michael admired Jack’s talents and sees this endowment as a fitting way to memorialize “a wonderful artist” whose works included oil paintings of nature and still-life scenes.
Michael also established “The Art Supplies Account,” which provides student-artists with the materials they need to create their expressive pieces and not worry about how to pay for critical resources. Michael believes that allowing students to focus on their art, rather than the expense, encourages creativity and freedom.
We are grateful to Michael for taking it a substantial step further by committing extremely generous planned gifts that will someday benefit the Art Museum (The Charles R., Shirley C. and Eileen M. Boots Endowment for the Arts), the Department of Art & Art History (The Michael A. Boots Art Department Endowed Fund) and our Center for Women in Government (The Michael A. Boots Award for IFW/CWGCS).
A one-of-a kind through his philanthropy, thoughtfulness toward others, and love of the arts, we celebrate and cherish Michael’s friendship, charity and incredible support of the University at Albany and its students.
 
–I'll Be Your Mirror