Founders Celebration, Daemen’s annual commemoration of the college’s past, present and future, will feature an array of festivities and campus traditions from Monday, Sept. 27 to Sunday, Oct. 3. 
A hallmark of the celebration is the ceremonial ringing of Founders Bell, returning as an in-person event after being presented virtually last year.
The Thursday, Sept. 30 event will feature representatives from the college’s seven decades each ringing the bell—initially crafted in 1858 and refurbished with support from the college’s Class of 1967—which is located adjacent to Founders Walkway outside Daemen’s historic Rosary Hall.
The weeklong Founders Celebration takes on special meaning this year, with the return of many in-person events on campus, and as the college prepares to mark its 75th anniversary in 2022.
“Our community has been an extraordinary source of strength, stability and a driver of progress for the college,” said Gary Olson, president of the Daemen. “We look forward to celebrating safely together, with alums, students and all who make Daemen such a special place.”
Among the highlights of Founders Celebration are:
- State of the College Address by President Olson, Thursday, Sept. 27 at 3:30 p.m. (virtual)
- Distinguished Alumni Awards, Thursday, Sept. 27 at 7 p.m. (virtual)
- Many Wildcats athletic events, including tennis, volley and soccer matches—men’s and women’s teams—throughout the week
- Casino Night, Friday Oct. 1 at 10 p.m. (Wick)
A full schedule of events is available on a new Founders Celebration website.