The start of a new year is an opportune time for reflection. As we close out Daemen’s 75th anniversary year, there is much to celebrate and commemorate as we reflect on all we have accomplished in our 75 years as an institution of academic excellence. Our strength and resiliency as a college over these last seven plus decades is a testament to the support of our dedicated Daemen community.

This support and dedication led to the successful closing of our first-ever comprehensive campaign, The Drive to 75, where we exceeded our $22 million goal by over $4.5 million. The $26.5 million total was announced in front of a full crowd at our annual scholarship gala in the Reikart Ballroom of nearby Jazzboline, where we celebrated our 75th and came together to support our talented Daemen students.

This Daemen Today issue highlights our campaign milestone as well as numerous examples of the university’s growing national distinction while, at the same time, honoring our past through our celebration of the institution’s diamond anniversary. Daemen continues to achieve numerous distinctions that elevate the college’s profile not only regionally but nationally, including the reaffirmation of our place in the prestigious Carnegie Classification’s highest tier: doctoral. Also notable is that three of our athletics teams made it to the Elite 8, further solidifying our status not only as Western New York’s premier Division II program but as one of the best programs in all of Division II nationally.

Daemen’s emerging national distinction allows the institution to maintain its position as Western New York’s premier health sciences educator and also contributed to Daemen being the most selective university in the Western New York region, according to a new data analysis by Buffalo Business First. Despite the enrollment challenges being experienced in higher education nationwide, at Daemen we are committed to maintaining our high standards.

Daemen is a special place. The pressures on higher education continue to intensify, making sustainability and survival a constant challenge for many smaller institutions. Together, we are shaping Daemen’s future and showing that we are up to the challenge. Daemen has come a long way in 75 years, and I am confident that the best is yet to come. Thank you for your ongoing support and commitment.

With pride in Daemen,

Gary A. Olson
President