Judith and Stanford Lipsey
Judith and Stanford Lipsey are influential civic leaders and philanthropists whose dedication to community, culture, and preservation has shaped Western New York. Stanford, a Pulitzer Prize winning journalist and preservation advocate, played a key role in Buffalo’s revitalization and in protecting its architectural heritage. Judith carries this legacy forward through her leadership with the Lipsey Architecture Center Buffalo, Roswell Park, the SPCA, and other cultural initiatives. Their vision and generosity continue to strengthen the region and enrich local life.
Stanford Lipsey
Stanford Lipsey (1927-2016) was an influential publisher, philanthropist, photographer, and community leader whose impact spanned Omaha, Buffalo, and beyond. Born in Omaha, he developed an early passion for photography and journalism, becoming a high school and university photographer before graduating from the University of Michigan in 1948. After serving as editor of Air Pulse at Offutt Air Force Base during the Korean War, he joined the Sun Newspapers of Omaha in 1952, eventually rising to publisher and owner. His leadership brought national attention when the Sun won the 1973 Pulitzer Prize for its investigative expose on Boys Town, an achievement he coordinated alongside Warren Buffett.
Stan sold the Sun to Buffett’s Berkshire Hathaway in 1969, beginning a lifelong professional partnership and friendship. In 1983, he became publisher of The Buffalo News, guiding it through fierce competition, economic challenges, and the transition to digital journalism. Widely credited with strengthening the newspaper, Stan supported newsroom stability and emphasized strong community centered reporting throughout his three-decade tenure.
Beyond journalism, Stan emerged as a transformative civic force in Western New York. He championed major regional projects, including the redevelopment of the Buffalo Niagara International Airport, the revitalization of Roswell Park Cancer Institute, and the restorations of the Darwin D. Martin House and the Richardson Olmsted Complex. As a committed philanthropist, often in partnership with his wife Judi, he gave more than $1 million dollars to multiple institutions and served on numerous nonprofit, arts, educational, and civic boards.
Stan was also a passionate jazz advocate, founding the long running Jazz at the Albright Knox series, and an acclaimed photographer whose work appeared in prominent galleries. Known for his energy, humor, and deep belief in Buffalo’s potential, he left a lasting imprint on journalism, architecture, culture, and community development.
Judith C. Lipsey
Judith Lipsey vision, leadership, and philanthropy has been a defining force in the preservation and promotion of Western New York’s architectural, artistic, and humanitarian landscape. Her commitment to community leadership grew alongside her husband, Stan Lipsey, whose deep passion for Buffalo’s architectural heritage, journalism, and civic revitalization shaped much of the region’s modern identity.
Central to Judi’s efforts is the Lipsey Architecture Center Buffalo, a project envisioned by her husband and now championed by her with unwavering dedication. Serving on the boards of both the LACB and the Richardson Olmsted Campus, she works to realize a transformative cultural hub that celebrates Buffalo’s extraordinary architectural legacy through exhibitions, programs, education, and community engagement. Judi is deeply involved in guiding the center’s direction, advancing restoration efforts, and ensuring that her husband’s vision of an accessible, vibrant architectural gateway continues to take shape.
Beyond preservation, Judi is a passionate advocate for health and social welfare. She serves on the Roswell Park Alliance Foundation Board, helping steer critical research and clinical initiatives, including emerging treatments for aggressive cancers. Her commitment extends to animal welfare through her work with the SPCA and the successful low cost veterinary clinic she helped establish to keep pets with families who cannot afford traditional care.
Culturally, she continues the legacy of the Lipsey Jazz at the Albright Knox free concert series, preserving one of Buffalo’s beloved summer traditions.
Through her leadership, generosity, and devotion to the community, Judith Lipsey has become a steward of Buffalo’s cultural identity and a driving force in shaping its future.
Some of the Supported Charities and Institutions
- Roswell Park Cancer Institute
- Darwin D. Martin House / Martin House Restoration Corporation
- Richardson Olmsted Complex / Richardson Restoration Corporation
- SPCA of Erie County
- University of Michigan
- Jewish Foundation of Western New York
- Junior League Decorator Show House (Buffalo)
- Guide Dogs of the Desert (Palm Springs, CA)
- American Newspaper Publisher Association
- Artpark & Company
- Buffalo Niagara Partnership
- Buffalo Philharmonic Orchestra
- Buffalo State College Foundation
- Business Council of New York State
- Canisius University
- Greater Buffalo Development Foundation
- National Conference of Christians and Jews
- National Multiple Sclerosis Society (Nebraska/Iowa Chapter)
- Newspaper Advertising Bureau
- University at Buffalo Foundation
- Korean War National Museum
- Buffalo Area Chamber of Commerce
- New York State Business Council
- University at Buffalo School of Management
- Business Backs the Bills
- Marine Midland Bank (community role, board)
- Tralfamadore Jazz Institute
- Cradle Beach Camp
- The News Neediest Fund
- Books for Kids
- Kids Day initiative
Supporting the Martin House in Perpetuity
“What could be better than being a donor to that extraordinary legacy? It speaks to our own humanity, doesn’t it, to be involved in something as extraordinary as this.”
– Judith C. Lipsey
Judith Lipsey at the groundbreaking of the Lipsey Architecture Center Buffalo
Articles
Judi Lipsey: The Architecture of Preservation — Jeff Miers — Traffic East
Legacy Story: Stanford Lipsey – The Central High School Foundation
Stanford Lipsey | Jewish Federation of Omaha Foundation
Stanford Lipsey, 89, Publisher Whose Nebraska Weeklies Won Pulitzer, Dies – The New York Times
Stanford Lipsey | Buffalo AKG Art Museum
Brilliance: The Stanford Lipsey Art Glass Collection – Burchfield Penney Art Center
The Foundation for Jewish Philanthropies would be honored to assist you and your family in preserving your legacy through the education of future generations.