(L-R) Dr. Lynn Worsham, President Gary Olson, Bill Gacioch, and Nancy Haberman Gacioch.

Daemen College President Gary Olson announced at the college’s annual scholarship gala that 95 percent of the goal has been reached for the Drive to 75 campaign, the most ambitious fundraising effort in its history. The current total percentage raised for the campaign, which was publicly launched at the 2017 gala, represents an impressive 10 percent increase in a year.

The announcement was made at the gala held as part of Daemen’s Founders Celebration. The 2019 gala raised $30,000 for student scholarships and will contribute to the Drive to 75 goal to raise $22 million.

Nancy Haberman Gacioch ’62 and her husband, Bill Gacioch, were credited for making a gift at the gala that closed the gap for Daemen to attain 95 percent of the Drive to 75 goal.

Also at the gala, Gabrielle Sinnott ’19, who received a bachelor’s degree in history and political science from Daemen, talked about the great impact scholarship support had on her as a student.

“Receiving a Trustee Scholarship allowed me to afford an unparalleled education and to focus on making the most of my college experience,” said Sinnott, who is currently pursuing a master of public and international affairs as a foreign language and area studies fellow at the University of Pittsburgh.

The gala also included the presentation of this year’s Community Excellence Award to Stuart Angert, a distinguished leader and supporter of the Western New York and Adirondack regions.

For more details on the campaign, visit driveto75.daemen.edu.