As part of an ongoing effort to enlist the Daemen community to share the university’s story, here is another batch of talking points for outspoken alums and friends.
President Olson and Trustees Named to Power 250 List
In the 10th annual Buffalo Business First Power 250 list, a yearly ranking of the region’s most influential people, President Gary Olson has once again joined the top 100 – ranking number 89 overall – along with many leaders associated with Daemen, including trustees and alums.
New NYS Law Wins Passage with Daemen Advocacy
A new New York State law will help improve the treatment of thousands of people with autism spectrum disorder and those with behavioral health needs in the state. Influential in lobbying for the signature of Governor Kathy Hochul were Deborah Napolitano and Vicki Madaus Knapp, faculty in the Behavioral Science department.
Robert Gioia appointed to Daemen Board of Trustees
In June, Gioia – a civic leader in western New York for nearly 50 years and retired president of The John R. Oishei Foundation – joined Daemen’s Board. During his 15 years at the helm of the Oishei Foundation – one of the largest private foundations in the region – Gioia directed a team that awarded more than 2,300 grants worth more than $240 million.
USA Hockey Chooses Daemen for National Camp
USA Hockey chose Daemen University to host the nation’s top young players in the sport. This summer, hundreds of American players ages 15 to 17 will be based at the university’s main campus while competing at the Northtown Center at Amherst.
Student Animated Films Awarded Telly Awards
Three Daemen students from the Class of 2020 (Jack Gatto, Austin Deer, and Geoff Roberts) have won Telly Awards – prestigious honors recognizing excellence in video and television – for short films they created while seniors studying animation at the university.
Daemen “Williemojis” Garner 355 Million Views Worldwide
“Williemojis” – small digital icons, known as GIFs, of Daemen’s mascot Willie the Wildcat – have gained an international following. Used primarily in social media and text messages, the phenomenon is the brainchild of Cameron Garrity ’13, Daemen’s Senior Graphic Designer.
