L to R Humberto Hernandez Ariza ’21; Geo.rey Abraskin ’02, ’05; Theresa Kolodziej ’83, ’04; President Olson; Hon. Patrick O’Sullivan ’85; Annie Foster Ahmed ’86; and Chair of the Alumni Board Damian F. Desbordes ’08, ’13.
Five exceptional graduates were recognized during Daemen University’s annual Distinguished Alumni Awards in September 2025.
Award recipients, selected by the Alumni Association Board of Directors, included Humberto Hernandez Ariza, EdD ’21, Graduate of the Last Decade; Hon. Patrick J. O’Sullivan, J.S.C. ’85, Advancement in Career; Theresa A. Kolodziej, PT, DPT, PhD ’83, ’04, Dedication to the University; Annie Foster Ahmed, EdM ’86, Outstanding Service to the Community; and Geoffrey Abraskin, PT, DPT, CWS ’02, ’05, Distinguished Alumni.
Hernandez Ariza earned his MS in leadership and innovation from Daemen. He sparked a prolific research journey with his thesis that has since resulted in more than 10 peer-reviewed publications on topics including artificial intelligence, universal design, and student success.
O’Sullivan was honored with the Mary Angela Canavan Award while pursuing his BS in biology at Daemen. He currently serves as a New York State Supreme Court Justice in the 6th Judicial District, covering 10 counties across Upstate New York.
Kolodziej has devoted her career to advancing physical therapy education and patient-centered care. She earned her BSPT from Daemen in 1983 and later returned to complete her transitional DPT in 2004.
Foster Ahmed has championed educational equity and student success at every academic level. She earned her biology degree from Daemen, after which she completed a master’s in science education from SUNY Buffalo while working at Daemen as assistant director of the Collegiate Science and Technology Entry Program (CSTEP).
Abraskin earned his BS in natural science in 2002 and doctorate in physical therapy in 2005 from Daemen. He currently serves as president of hospice and palliative care at Amedisys, a leading national healthcare company.
Abraskin was moved by the Distinguished Alumni award, saying, “No matter how far I’ve traveled or how much I’ve grown, Daemen remains my foundation. It’s where I learned that leadership is about service, that excellence is a habit, and that community is built one relationship at a time. Daemen taught me to lead with heart, to think critically, and to never stop striving for better—for my patients, my colleagues, and my community. This has led me to my guiding leadership principle—if we take amazing care of our people and our patients, we will accomplish everything we set out to do.”
