University Names Golisano School of Health & Human Sciences
Daemen University has named a new school – the Golisano School of Health & Human Sciences – in recognition of B. Thomas Golisano, entrepreneur, philanthropist, and the founder of Paychex; and his ongoing support of the institution.
— B. Thomas Golisano
In September 2024, Golisano presented Daemen with a $5 million unrestricted gift – the largest single gift in the institution’s history – which provides scholarship opportunities, as well as the redesign of class space on the Daemen campus, among other initiatives.
“We are overwhelmed by Mr. Golisano’s generosity to Daemen,” said Dr. Lisa Rafalson, founding dean of Daemen’s College of Health, Human Sciences, and Business. “His commitment to higher education enables us to enhance student access to education and support campus improvements that exemplify Daemen’s ongoing reputation as an institution of national distinction.”
“Mr. Golisano’s generosity will enable us to further our academic excellence across the institution, and for that we are grateful,” said Dr. Michael Brogan, executive vice president for academic affairs and provost.
The Golisano School of Health & Human Sciences includes undergraduate and graduate programs in health promotion, public health, social work, behavioral science, and leadership.
“I’m honored to be recognized by Daemen University with the naming of the School of Health & Human Sciences,” said Golisano. “I’m proud to support innovative programs and facilities that are elevating health standards for future generations. I know that Daemen University is making a meaningful difference in preparing students for careers focused on leadership, service, health, and social impact; and I see this donation as an investment in their futures.”
Brown, Falletta, & Marinelli Appointed Trustees of Daemen University
Daemen University’s Board of Trustees voted unanimously to appoint three new members to its ranks. The board, which meets quarterly, confirmed Byron Brown ’24 at its November 2024 meeting. JoAnne Falletta and Lynn Marinelli ’85 were appointed in March 2025.
Brown was Buffalo’s longest-serving mayor and is now president and CEO of Western Regional Off-Track Betting Corporation, as well as a 2024 graduate of Daemen’s MS in Leadership & Innovation program.
Falletta is a multiple Grammy Award-winning conductor and music director of the Buffalo Philharmonic Orchestra. She was awarded an honorary degree of Doctor of Humane Letters in recognition of her tremendous accomplishments at Daemen’s 2024 commencement ceremony.
Marinelli, director of intergovernmental relations at Empire State Development’s Western New York office, was awarded the 2006 Distinguished Alumni Award from Daemen, where she earned her BA in English.
“We continue to fill our board with exceptional trustees whose commitment to academic excellence will propel our university forward,” said John Yurtchuk, chairman of the Daemen board. “Their expertise and contributions to society will be an invaluable resource to our Daemen community.”
Daemen’s board includes a number of prominent Buffalo leaders: Brian Higgins, former congressman and now CEO of Shea’s Performing Arts Center; Candace Johnson, president and CEO of Roswell Park Comprehensive Cancer Center; Scott Bieler, president of West Herr Auto Group; and Thomas Reynolds, former congressman and now senior policy advisor at Holland & Knight.
Hammer ’06 returns to Daemen as Sr. Associate VP for Advancement
Kathryn (Belliotti) Hammer ’06, a dedicated alum and former director of alumni relations, returned to Daemen in August 2024 as the associate vice president for advancement and was promoted in January 2025 to senior associate vice president.
Hammer oversees fundraising, donor relationships, alumni engagement, and special events. She champions alumni successes – from personal milestones to professional accomplishments.
“I am honored to lead Daemen’s efforts to nurture alumni’s lifelong connection with their collegiate home,” Hammer shared. “There are no better success stories for Daemen than those of our graduates.”
University Dedicates Timothy M. Kennedy Institute
Daemen University dedicated the Timothy M. Kennedy Institute for Mobility Innovation & Technology (IMIT) at Villa Maria College in July 2025 to honor U.S. Congressman Tim Kennedy.
The IMIT is one of a limited number of state-of-the-art clinics that provides advanced post-acute
physical therapy rehabilitation to patients of all ages impacted by stroke, multiple sclerosis, spinal cord and traumatic brain injuries, and other neurological or orthopedic conditions, through new robotic devices and assistive technologies.
The clinic was brought to fruition through $3 million in external funding, including a $1 .2 million state grant procured by Kennedy in his former role as N.Y. State senator.
“I want to thank Congressman Kennedy for his faith in this project,” said President Gary A. Olson.
Alum Designs New Collector Britney Spears Toy Set from Fisher-Price
Alum and Chair of Daemen’s Alumni Engagement Committee, Andy Lawrence ’09, led the development of the Little People Collector Britney Spears Special Edition Set from Fisher-Price to commemorate the 25th anniversary of the global superstar’s debut album. “Seeing this set hit store shelves around the world couldn’t ‘Gimme More’ pride and joy,” said Lawrence.
MSW Students Receive $10k Scholarships from Patrick P. Lee Foundation
For the second year in a row, five Daemen students in the Master’s in Social Work (MSW) program – Jessica Sass, Jalisa Harper, Rhonda DiPronio, Lisa King, and Christina Carter, MSW ’25 – each received a $1 0,000 scholarship from the Patrick P. Lee Foundation. The scholars have pledged to provide mental health services in WNY for five years after obtaining their degrees.
Eight Animation Student Films Featured at BIFF — Buffalo International Film Festival
The 2024 Buffalo International Film Festival screened 223 films from more than 35 countries. Eight of the 1 8 cartoon shorts featured were produced by Daemen Animation students. “It felt like all my work, time, and effort from pursuing my Animation degree at Daemen was paying off,” reflected Alexis Payne ’24, whose film, Hamster Heist, was screened at BIFF.
HOPE Summit Ignites Meaningful Change
This spring, Daemen University hosted the HOPE (How Our Purpose Evolves) Summit, bringing the community together to exchange ideas, connect with others, and cultivate meaningful conversations that inspire new perspectives and leadership growth.
Faculty, staff members, and students presented a variety of topics through interactive workshops, storytelling, and artistic expression. Adjunct professor of Business and Entrepreneurship, Juweria Dahir, delivered the keynote address.
“The HOPE Summit is where reflection meets action – a space to reimagine purpose, build community, and ignite meaningful change,” said Tiffany Hamilton, vice president of institutional equity and belonging. “We hope attendees leave feeling inspired by the voices around them and empowered to make an impact in their communities and beyond.”
New Species of Aquatic Isopod Identified by Alum
Charsie Yox ’24, a Daemen Biology alum, co-authored a published research paper, in which she identified and named an aquatic isopod that she found during a sophomore year research trip.
Yox and her colleagues at Miami University in Oxford, Ohio were studying isopod genetics to better understand how they dispersed so dramatically throughout the region.
Upon review of the DNA sequences gathered on the expedition, a sample collected by Yox was identified as a new species. “Since I did the DNA extraction and shared it with the lab,” Yox explained, “I was asked to name the species.”
Yox named the species Lirceus Exohyalus, meaning ‘outer transparency,’ a Latin nod to the outline of the isopod’s transparent exoskeleton, which had not been observed in other species.
Williams Honored with Buffalo Business First’s IDEA Award
Adriane Z. Williams ’01, assistant director for academic advisement, was honored in the sixth annual IDEA Awards – presented by Buffalo Business First – in recognition of her dedication to inclusion, diversity, equity, and awareness.
“Receiving the IDEA award means so much because I’m being recognized for doing what I love to do,” said Williams. “And being able to do it here at my alma mater is double the honor.”
Williams was nominated by Tiffany Hamilton, who lauded her work with the Liberty Partnership Program, Daemen’s diversity and inclusion initiatives, the support groups Sister 2 Sister and SEEN, and her efforts to combat food insecurity through the Campus Care Cupboard.
Campus Beautification Project Concludes with Fountain Dedication
The university had much to celebrate during fall 2024’s Founders Celebration, including the culmination of a decade-long beautification project that transformed the campus into a picturesque park-like setting.
President Gary A. Olson’s vision of creating a traditional campus quad, combined with the university’s ongoing commitment to sustainability, transformed asphalt into green space, fostering a sense of community and inspiration for students throughout their Daemen journey.
The campus transformation included the planting of 260 trees, a stone wall spanning the front of campus, the historic Founders Bell installation behind Rosary Hall, an honorary international peace garden featuring Ringo Starr’s ‘Peace & Love’ statue, and an Italian granite fountain at the heart of Saffrin Public Square, the final element of the beautification project.
OIson, along with Board Chair John Yurtchuk, Board Vice Chair Paul Saffrin, Executive Vice President for Academic Affairs and Provost Dr. Michael Brogan, and Town of Amherst Supervisor Brian Kulpa marked this significant milestone in Daemen’s history with a ribbon cutting ceremony at the fountain.
“This is a momentous day in Daemen’s history,” said Olson. “The impact of this decade-long transformation has been pivotal in shaping the culture of our campus community, and I am incredibly proud to mark this achievement with today’s fountain dedication.”
Mary Wilson Honored at Daemen Gala
Philanthropist Mary Wilson, a life trustee of the Ralph C. Wilson, Jr. Foundation, was honored with the 2024 Community Excellence Award during Daemen’s annual Scholarship Gala, in recognition of her selfless leadership and the positive impact she has made on the Western New York region.
“Mary Wilson embodies the spirit of Daemen,” said President Gary A. Olson. “Her unwavering dedication and heartfelt contributions have transformed countless lives and inspired others to do the same.”
In 2006, Wilson founded the Western New York Girls in Sports program. Her support of local organizations, including the Buffalo AKG Art Museum, Burchfield Penney Art Center, Buffalo Philharmonic Orchestra, Oishei Children’s Hospital, and FeedMore WNY, reflects her commitment to enriching the lives of those around her.
Wilson, a former board member of the USTA Foundation, competed in the Wimbledon Championships in 1976. Wilson also served as president of the National Senior Women’s Tennis Association, playing in many international events. She was ranked number one in the 60 and over category.
“Mary’s love for the Buffalo community is limitless, and she is in turn cherished by those she serves,” said Olson.
Daemen Celebrates Distinguished Alums
Daemen honored five exceptional graduates during its annual Distinguished Alumni Awards in September 2024.
Award recipients, selected by the Alumni Association Board of Directors, included Shelby Janczyk ’18, Graduate of the Last Decade (GOLD); Melodie Baker PhD ’09, Advancement in Career; Kim Pagano ’08, Dedication to the University; David Forstadt PsyD ’06, Outstanding Service to the Community; and Brian Pettit ’99, Distinguished Alumni.
Janczyk holds a BFA in Graphic Design from Daemen, and is currently pursuing her master’s degree in Leadership & Innovation. She was honored for playing a vital role in shaping the university’s visual identity and storytelling.
Baker earned a master’s degree in Executive Leadership & Change (now Leadership & Innovation) from Daemen. She was recognized for founding ImpactSTATS Inc. to drive social change through diversity, equity, and inclusion.
Pagano holds a master’s degree in Executive Leadership & Change from Daemen. She was celebrated for dedicating 32 years of service to Daemen across multiple leadership roles.
Forstadt earned his bachelor’s degree in Psychology from Daemen in 2006. He was acknowledged for challenging the social stigmas surrounding addiction and mental health through his work.
Pettit received the Distinguished Alumni Award for achieving distinction in his career and the community, as well as his dedication to Daemen. With over 20 years’ experience as a physical therapist, Pettit currently serves the Rochester Regional Health Care community as an in-home physical therapist. Pettit is also known for his collegiate basketball career and induction into the Daemen Hall of Fame. He and his wife, Jaime Erskine-Pettit ’00, a 2023 inductee, are the first alumni couple to receive Distinguished Alumni Awards.
“The achievements of these remarkable Daemen graduates exemplify the spirit and values of the University. We are incredibly proud to celebrate the lasting impact they have made on both Daemen and the community,” said Kate Hammer, senior associate VP for advancement.
