Daemen University celebrated its 74th commencement with undergraduate and graduate ceremonies on Saturday, May 17, 2025, at Kleinhans Music Hall.

President Gary A. Olson addressed the graduating class, commending their academic prowess, values, and resiliency, stating, “I feel confident that no matter what challenges you experience in your life, you will continue to meet those challenges with wisdom and integrity.”

The Lumsden Award – presented annually to the senior with the highest cumulative grade point average in the graduating class – was awarded to Robert L. Chaffee, a Physician Assistant Studies major who maintained a 4.0 GPA throughout his undergraduate studies and graduated summa cum laude.

Mary Wilson, philanthropist and life trustee of the Ralph C. Wilson, Jr. Foundation, served as the undergraduate commencement speaker. U.S. Congressman Timothy Kennedy delivered the graduate commencement address.

Wilson and Kennedy were each awarded the honorary degree of Doctor of Humane Letters during their respective ceremonies.