Deans Scoop Up Recognition for Students

By | October 14, 2025

Daemen University’s three college academic deans hosted the annual Dean’s List Reception on Saturday, Sept. 27, with an ice cream social in Daemen Hall, recognizing students who made the Dean’s List in fall 2024 and/or spring 2025.Two women and a man wearing blue aprons, standing arm-in-arm in front of a blue Daemen backdrop with blue and white balloons.

Dr. Greg Ford, founding dean of the Scott Bieler College of Health Professions, Dr. Lisa Rafalson, founding dean of the College of Health, Human Sciences, and Business, and Dr. Heather Stassen, founding dean of the College of Arts, Sciences and Education, scooped vanilla, chocolate, and Daemen’s signature flavor, Wildcat ice cream, provided by Sweet Jenny’s for more than 80 students and guests. Two women and a man wearing blue aprons, scooping ice cream behind a counter and serving it to students

The deans shared personal congratulatory messages with students during the event. 

Ford said, “This tradition provides an opportunity to celebrate our students’ academic success in an intimate, meaningful way. We are so proud of their deep work, grit, and dedication to the academic pursuit of excellence.”

Rafalson added, “Scooping ice cream for our guests was light-hearted fun and it was nice to celebrate our high performing students.”

Stassen stated, “The Dean’s List reception is one of my favorite traditions. It gives us the chance to recognize students who not only excel academically but also demonstrate the resilience and determination that define our community. We are proud to celebrate their achievements and look forward to all they will accomplish.”

Students and guests enjoyed photo opportunities holding oversized Dean’s List certificates and taking selfies in front of the university backdrop.

Two young female students holding an oversized Dean's List Recipient certificate standing in front of a blue Daemen backdrop with blue and white balloons. Four young female students holding two oversized Dean's List Recipient certificates standing in front of a blue Daemen backdrop with blue and white balloons. Young female and male student holding an oversized Dean's List Recipient certificate standing in front of a blue Daemen backdrop with blue and white balloons.