It’s hard to believe we’ve reached the end of another academic year and an extremely productive one at that. Daemen continues to gain momentum in academics and cutting-edge research, athletics, student-centered services, and community partnerships.

I am thrilled to report Daemen’s decade-long campus beautification is now complete. Thanks to our donors – students, alums, faculty, staff, and partners – Daemen and our surrounding neighborhood is truly transformed. Beautification and sustainability-focused initiatives include over two hundred newly planted trees, a remarkable stone perimeter wall, improved wayfinding and signage, a reflective garden, Founders Bell, and the crown jewel of campus – Saffrin Public Square.

Saffrin Public Square reshapes Daemen into a serene and park-like setting. The Square boasts a greenspace, mature trees, a stone patio adjacent to the Yurtchuk Student Center, outdoor seating, ornate lighting, the Peace & Love statue, and – most magnificent of all – our centerpiece fountain of Italian granite. The goal of this entire project was to create an inviting home where students would be happy to spend the next four or more years of their lives. We look forward to welcoming you to campus for Founders Week, where we will have an official ribbon cutting for the fountain and the close of this decade-long project. In the meantime, I encourage you to visit campus and marvel at its transformation.

In addition to campus beautification, Daemen had a lot to celebrate this year, including a new partnership to launch the Institute for Mobility Innovation & Technology (IMIT) and the newly named Scott Bieler College of Health Professions. Our students, faculty, and staff also earned much-deserved recognition for their academic accomplishments on the local, national, and international levels. The Athletics Program posted its most successful season in the institution’s history.

To top it off, I’m happy to report that we secured over $10 million in external funding for the 2023-2024 fiscal year – a record-breaking amount for the university. I want to thank everyone who helped make this a banner year. In this magazine, you can read more about these major achievements and learn about the various opportunities the university provides students to ensure they receive a first-class education and are prepared for life after graduation.

This is all possible because of you and everyone else who makes up our dedicated Daemen community. Thank you for being a part of our journey to making Daemen University such a special place.

Forever Daemen,

Gary A. Olson
President