Daemen University celebrated its 74th commencement with undergraduate and graduate ceremonies on Saturday, May 17, at Kleinhans Music Hall.
Daemen President, Gary A. Olson, addressed the graduating class, commending their academic prowess, values, and resiliency, stating, “I feel confident that no matter what challenges you experience in your life, you will continue to meet those challenges with wisdom and integrity.”
The Lumsden Award—presented annually to the senior with the highest cumulative grade point average in the graduating class—was awarded to Robert L. Chaffee, a Physician Assistant Studies major who maintained a 4.0 GPA throughout his undergraduate studies and graduated summa cum laude.
Mary Wilson, philanthropist and life trustee of the Ralph C. Wilson, Jr. Foundation, served as the undergraduate commencement speaker. 
Wilson inspired graduates with success stories about Ralph’s vision, tenacity, and willingness to embrace risks, as well as his passion for improving the quality of life for communities in Western New York and Southeast Michigan. Wilson encouraged students with her parting words, saying, “Find your passion and give it your all. Ralph gave it his all. Go Wildcats and go Bills!”
U.S. Congressman Timothy Kennedy served as the graduate commencement speaker.
Kennedy shared insight about his journey from becoming an occupational therapist to following his passion for public service, telling graduates, “I believe it’s important to make plans and have goals, and do everything in our power to achieve our highest and greatest potential, and you have and you will.” He added, “The greatness is in you, graduates. You’ve achieved this extraordinary level of education and are ready to take on the world. You should be so proud of what you’ve accomplished.” Kennedy closed by reminding graduates, “Life is a journey, not a guided tour. Now, graduates, your journey begins.”
Wilson and Kennedy were each awarded the honorary degree of Doctor of Humane Letters during their respective ceremonies.