Paul Saffrin, the vice chair of the Daemen University Board of Trustees, was awarded the Presidential Medal – the institution’s highest recognition reserved for individuals who serve as strong, positive role models for students and alums – during a special ceremony on July 6th in Rosary Hall.
Honoring individuals who have made a significant effort to improve the quality of life in Western New York, the award is presented to those who have also made contributions toward the growth and advancement of Daemen and have invested substantial time, effort, and resources to improve the world and humanity.
“Paul is a successful international businessman and philanthropist,” President Gary A. Olson told the room of distinguished guests as he introduced Saffrin. “We would like to honor you for your many achievements and contributions to society, as well as your dedication to Daemen University.”
With his wife and three daughters proudly watching, Saffrin said, “The vision President Olson has is outstanding. Daemen wouldn’t be a university without his drive for the school to be recognized for what it truly is. It’s wonderful to be a part of Daemen’s success.”
A strong supporter of the Western New York community, Saffrin is a trustee of the Paul A. Saffrin Foundation and served on the Daemen Community Advisory Board until his appointment as trustee in 2017. That same year, the university’s Paul A. Saffrin Center for Sustainability and Civic Engagement was named in honor of his years of service and contributions to Daemen.
Saffrin, a Midwest native, earned a bachelor’s degree in international marketing and psychology from Bradley University.