Kate Hammer ‘06, a well-loved alum and former employee, is returning to Daemen as the Associate Vice President for Advancement on August 19, 2024. Kate previously served in Alumni Relations at Daemen from 2008-2022. She most recently served as Director of Alumni and Community Engagement at another local institution.
As AVP for Advancement, Hammer will oversee Fundraising and Donor Relationships, Alumni Engagement, and other special events. She will collaborate with the Daemen community on how to best leverage engagement and fundraising strategies with Daemen’s priorities for student success and institutional excellence. Kate will champion our alumni’s successes—from their personal achievements to their professional accomplishments.
“I am honored to help lead Daemen’s efforts to nurture the lifelong connection alumni have with their collegiate home,” Kate shared, adding “There are no better success stories for Daemen than those of our graduates.”
“Kate brings with her a wealth of institutional knowledge and a personal connection with many of our alums and friends of Daemen,” noted Dr. Mario Hicks, VP for Institutional Advancement. “From her founding of the Tradition Keeper Medal Program to her recognition for community service, we know she’ll enhance and push our advancement efforts to new levels of success.”
Kate earned a BFA in painting from Daemen and a master’s in student personnel administration from Canisius. In 2016, the Buffalo Urban League Young Professions awarded her the Community Service Award. In 2021, Kate was recognized with a PRSA Excalibur Award for “Daemen Forum | A Panel Series.”
Her artwork has been featured in various establishments, most notably the Town of Tonawanda Courthouse mural. In 2022, Kate was recognized for her achievements with a Daemen Distinguished Alumni Award.
She resides in Lancaster, N.Y., with her husband, fellow alumnus, Brian ‘02, and children Audrey and Natalie.