The 2025 Founders Celebration, one of Daemen’s most iconic annual events, brought generations of alums together with faculty, staff, trustees, and community members to celebrate the strong heritage and promising future of the institution and its graduates.

A Gala to Remember

During Daemen’s Annual Scholarship Gala, President Gary A. Olson announced the launch of the $40 million comprehensive campaign, Moving Forward: The Campaign for Daemen’s Future, a pivotal fundraising campaign to elevate academic excellence, prepare tomorrow’s leaders, and enhance university infrastructure over the next five years.

In addition, John Yurtchuk received the Community Excellence Award for his ongoing dedication and generosity to Daemen and the Western New York community.

President Olson presented the award to Yurtchuk, noting, “Everyone in this room knows how important John is to the Western New York community. He is devoted to Daemen and especially to our students. John knows what a difference we make in their lives, and he does his part to help make Daemen the successful university it is today.”

Ringing in Excellence

Seven distinguished members of the Daemen community, including Sr. Jo-Anne Grabowski ’73, representing the Sisters of St. Francis who founded the college; John Yurtchuk, chairman of

Daemen’s Board of Trustees; Lynn Marinelli ’85, representing Daemen alums; Awa Cisse, representing Daemen students; Dr. Deborah Napolitano, Faculty Senate president; Dr. Kevin Telford, representing the faculty emeriti; and President Olson rang the bell to commemorate the university’s 78 years of academic excellence.