Daemen College’s annual Scholarship Gala on Sept. 7 was a resounding success with $30,000 raised for student scholarships.

The gala included the presentation of the 2018 Community Excellence Award to Joan “Joni” Cooper Stovroff, president of Stovroff and Taylor Realtors.

A long-time entrepreneur, leader, and philanthropist in the Buffalo Niagara region, Stovroff is a member of the Daemen Community Advisory Board. Also, the college’s Joan Cooper Stovroff Endowed Scholarship for Women was established by her family in recognition of her exemplary career as a business leader.

In presenting the award, Daemen President Gary Olson said, “Joni is committed to the good of others and to helping our community and Daemen. Her talents, integrity, and generosity make her an outstanding honoree and an exemplary role model for our students.”

Proceeds from the sold-out event, which was held as part of Daemen’s Founders Celebration, will contribute to the $22 million goal for the “Drive to 75” campaign, the college’s first-ever comprehensive campaign.

Student speaker Emily Buzzard, who received a bachelor’s degree in social work from Daemen in May and is currently pursuing a master of social work, shared with attendees the positive impact of the many learning experiences provided by the college.

“All of the opportunities and experiences I have had in college existed because of Daemen’s consistent drive to network, build a strong academic foundation, and push for students to seek experiences outside of the classroom,” said Buzzard, a Trustee Scholar during her undergraduate studies.