Daemen Board of Trustees Chair, John Yurtchuk, was honored with the Community Excellence Award during Daemen’s Annual Scholarship Gala on Friday, Sept. 26, at the Reikart Ballroom at Jazzboline.
Daemen President Gary A. Olson presented the award to Yurtchuk, noting, “Everyone in this room knows how important John is to the Western New York community. He is devoted to Daemen and especially to our students. John knows what a difference we make in their lives, and he does his part to help make Daemen the successful university it is today.”
The award, which recognizes a community member who serves as an exemplary leader and defines the spirit of Daemen, was presented to Yurtchuk for his contributions to the greater community and his passion for making a difference.
Fellow Daemen Board of Trustees members shared their accolades for Yurtchuk.
Scott Bieler said, “John is the ‘real deal’ who sincerely cares about making a positive and lasting difference in our community. Western New York is truly blessed to have the leadership of both John and his wife, Carolyn. Their presence and contributions are both deeply valued and profoundly meaningful.”
John and Carolyn Yurtchuk
JoAnn Falletta added, “John is a creative genius, a polymath, an explorer, a visionary, a man who is in the vanguard but always has time for memories of the past. Deeply loved by myself and the entire Buffalo Philharmonic, John is our hero.”
Thomas J. Quatroche, Jr. noted, “When John chooses to provide volunteer leadership for an organization in our community, he puts 110% behind his efforts, nothing less. Because of his commitment, he has left a lasting legacy in our community for years to come. He is a kind, good-humored, and generous person who I am proud to call my friend.”
The Honorable Thomas Reynolds shared, “John is a Western New York treasure. His achievements, success, and leadership in education, business, and as a philanthropist have made such an impact on so many.”