Bidding Farewell to Kim & Jeff Pagano

Daemen University is home to many icons. A quick survey of alums may recall the autumnal clang of Founders Bell or the rallying cheers of home-team spectators during Blue Madness. And then, of course, there are the people. Ask any Wildcat who graduated in this century which individuals loom largest in their memories and there’s a good chance they’ll respond in accord: Kim and Jeff Pagano.

Since 1992 and 2000, respectively, Kim and Jeff have been integral figures of the Daemen community, guiding students and families as they navigated each and every step of the collegiate process. Earlier this year, they announced that spring 2024 would be their last semester – concluding 56 years of collective service to the university. 

Over the years, Kim has transitioned from an admissions counselor to assistant director of admissions/event coordinator, to director of orientation and transition services, director of orientation and student leadership development, and finally assistant dean for student and family engagement. Jeff has held his ground in the Division of Business Affairs as the director of financial aid.

It’s dizzying to think of the many twists of fate that made it all happen.

“We met before Kim started at Daemen,” explained Jeff, when asked how the couple first got together.

“A friend of a friend introduced us,” Kim added. “We found out that Jeff grew up across the street from my grandmother, and we have been together ever since.”

Around the same time, a faculty mentor encouraged Kim to seek out a position in higher education.

“There was an opening for an admissions counselor at Canisius that I applied for but did not get,” Kim recalled of the career-defining turn. “A few months later, I was offered the job here.”

It would be a few years, however, before the pair joined forces on the Main Street campus. When the chance to work in the Office of Financial Aid presented itself, Jeff knew it would be the right fit.

“I had gotten to know several people here through various events that I attended with Kim,” said Jeff. “I especially liked the small office size and the opportunity to work with students and their families.”

The Paganos attest that what kept them here all these years – and what they’ll miss the most – is the people.

“I’ve been proud to be part of the professional growth of many of my colleagues in the financial aid office over the years,” explained Jeff. “It’s been a pleasure watching them advance their careers at Daemen and at other institutions.”

“Over the years, some referred to me as their ‘mom away from home,’” Kim said, reflecting on her experiences supporting students through difficult chapters of their journey. “To see them walk across that stage at graduation and thrive post-graduation is a feeling very few outside of education can truly understand and appreciate.”

As this chapter comes to a close – both for Kim and Jeff, as well as for Daemen – we asked them how they hope they will be remembered at the institution.

“I hope it’s more than just ‘The Financial Aid Guy,’” Jeff joked, with a nod to his all-too-familiar moniker. “I always tried to make that difficult task of attending and graduating from college a little bit easier for students and their families.”

“I know I am just a small part of that bigger picture,” Kim concluded. “I hope our legacy is just one of giving your best and remembering your mission.”

Kim and Jeff will celebrate their 30-year wedding anniversary in August, auspiciously commencing a well-deserved retirement, new adventures, and the enduring legacy of two incredible educators.