Daemen University will host its annual campus-wide Founders Celebration from Sept. 29 to Oct. 1 in recognition of its 75th anniversary, and its many accomplishments throughout the years.
This year’s celebration is the first Daemen will hold with its official university status.
To begin the festivities, 75 faculty, staff, and students will ring the iconic Founders Bell at 11 a.m. on Thursday, Sept. 29, to mark each year of the institution’s existence. Following the ceremony, a campus-wide luncheon will be held in the Wick Center dining room.
“This year’s Founders Celebration is even more exciting because we get to reflect on 75 years of history and tradition,” said Greg Nayor, senior vice president for strategic initiatives. “The university has put together a tremendous array of entertainment and activities to truly engage this community.”
Alumni Events
The Distinguished Alumni Awards Dinner will take place at 6 p.m. on Thursday in the Wick Center Social Room. This long-standing tradition has been held since 1986 and recognizes graduates who have made a difference, as well as highlights their achievements and societal contributions.
“These awards are the most prestigious honors an institution of higher education can bestow upon its alumni,” said Emily Hockwater ’16, director of Alumni Relations at Daemen University. “This year, as in years past, our recipients represent how Daemen alumni are leaders in their chosen professions and communities. This event brings everyone together during Founders Celebration, which is one of the most important times of the year at Daemen.”
On Friday, Sept. 30, the Daemen University Annual Scholarship Gala will be held at 6 p.m at the Jazzboline Ballroom, 5010 Main Street, Amherst, N.Y. All proceeds from this formal event will directly support student scholarships.
Student-centered Activities
Additional festivities will take place on campus Friday evening, including a Casino Night, hosted by students of the Lambda Chi Iota sorority, from 6-9 p.m. in the Wick Center Social Room. S’mores will be served at the Wick Center back lawn from 9-11 p.m. to close the day’s events.
The Finale
Founders Celebration will culminate on Saturday, Oct. 1, beginning with a brunch in the Wick Center dining room from 11 a.m. to 1 p.m.
Immediately afterward, all members of the Daemen community are invited to visit local shops on Main Street from 1-4 p.m. during Daemen Day in Amherst. Free trolley rides will be provided to and from Daemen and the bustling Amherst and Williamsville business districts.
“Daemen Day in Amherst is a wonderful way to bring together our students and their families, alums, and our community as a whole,” said Hockwater. “This event demonstrates our support of local businesses and encourages people to explore our surrounding community. Daemen has an advantage of being situated in such a dynamic and thriving area of Buffalo.”
To round out Founders Celebration, a Food Truck Rodeo and Music Festival will take place from 4-7 p.m. on the Wick Center back lawn, followed by family-friendly entertainment in the Wick Center Social Room.
Learn more about the many events and activities happening throughout Founders Celebration here.