President Gary A. Olson
Daemen College President Gary A. Olson hosted on Nov. 14 the latest in a series of town hall forums to give faculty and staff the opportunity to address questions on college initiatives and issues.
At the forum, Olson highlighted key campus construction projects, including the opening of Honors House and Alumni House, and the addition of a new parking lot near these new facilities. He also pointed out that renovation work is continuing on Schenck Hall, one of the college’s main academic buildings that houses classrooms, laboratories, and a 300-seat lecture hall.
“These projects have reshaped our campus with the addition of new facilities, improved learning spaces, and an enhanced campus environment,” said Olson. “Our main goal is to enrich our campus in ways that will benefit our students, faculty, staff, and visitors.”
During the question and answer session, Olson discussed Daemen’s recently announced $1 million gift from the Paul A. Saffrin Foundation, which is the largest private donation in the college’s history. The newly named Paul A. Saffrin Center for Sustainability and Civic Engagement will use the funding to enhance and expand its efforts locally and in communities around the world.
“Designating this historic gift to environmental issues is an area that Mr. Saffrin is very passionate about and wholeheartedly believes in,” said Olson. “His immense generosity will create a strong environmental legacy that will help create a more sustainable future for generations to come.”
When asked about Daemen’s first-ever active shooter drill held in the fall, Olson noted the exercise was a great success and emphasized its importance as part of many other campus safety and security improvements.
“Over the past few years, we have devoted tremendous effort to increase the safety of our entire college community and have vastly improved security measures across campus,” said Olson.
The town hall forum concluded with a faculty and staff reception.