Commencement is one of my favorite times of the year because we celebrate our Daemen College graduates receiving their degrees. It was an honor to share this special day with the Class of 2018 at Daemen’s 67th annual commencement, and I extend heartfelt congratulations to all of our new alumni as they embark on the next exciting chapter in their lives.
To understand the tremendous value of a Daemen education, you need to look no further than our outstanding students and alumni. Their achievements represent the academic excellence and exceptional college experience that we provide every day to our students. Our dedicated faculty and staff and supportive campus community are key to developing the skills, abilities, and talents that enable our students to become successful professionals in their chosen field. The depth and breadth of our curriculum, learning opportunities, and experiential experiences empower students to be successful and to create a promising future for themselves.
In this issue of Daemen Today, you will read about several of our impressive young alumni who have already achieved great things and are featured in our inaugural Daemen Under 40 Class of honorees. This select group of alumni are shining examples of all that can be achieved with a Daemen education and that what they learn inside and outside the classroom will remain with them well beyond their college years. They are leaving an indelible mark on the world around them. We are proud to call this exceptional group of graduates “Daemen alums.”
Although private colleges like Daemen have faced many challenges this year, we have much to celebrate. I am pleased to report that as of the end of this fiscal year we have reached 83 percent of our $22 million goal in the college’s “Drive to 75” comprehensive campaign, which we publicly launched last fall. Thank you to all our donors who have helped us to achieve this significant milestone in the campaign. Your generosity is a wonderful gift to our current students and future generations. In the coming months, we will continue to engage with our donors as we work toward reaching our campaign goal.
Building on this positive momentum, we have added new academic programs and vital educational partnerships, expanded learning opportunities, enhanced our academic environment, and developed new student-centered initiatives.
I am thankful to everyone for their commitment and hard work in continuing to build on Daemen’s reputation as a college of national distinction, which has garnered many recent distinctions and designations. All of this and more will power us forward as we advance the college and continue our commitment to carrying on Daemen’s tradition of academic excellence.
Once again, congratulations to the Daemen Class of 2018! Remember, you are now and forever a part of the Daemen family. I invite you to reach out and stay connected with your alma mater.
Go Wildcats!
Gary A. Olson
President
