Members of the Daemen University community gathered in Daemen Hall on Nov. 11 to honor veterans during the annual Veterans Day ceremony.
Casey Swan
Casey Swan, a member of the Daemen Student Veterans of America Chapter, opened the ceremony, providing a brief history of how Veterans Day was established and introducing Daemen alum, Annie Brady-Brown ’12 who performed the National Anthem.
Swan narrated the fallen comrade table ceremony, a tribute to service members who are prisoners of war, missing in action, or have died in the line of duty, while additional members of the Daemen Student Veterans of America Chapter set the small round table for one with symbolic items.
Annie Brady Brown
Executive Vice President for Academic Affairs, Provost, and Air Force veteran Dr. Michael Brogan served as the keynote speaker, saying, “Today, I stand before you with the tremendous honor of recognizing all those who’ve willingly sacrificed to serve and protect what we hold so dearly — freedom.”
He reflected on Sister Mary Angela Canavan, a pioneer who led Rosary Hill College from 1953 to 1973, and introduced open admission for all veterans in 1971, making Rosary Hill the first college in Western New York to establish an open-enrollment policy for veterans. Brogan stated, “It is my belief that Sister Canavan’s vision of open admissions for veterans has, without question, saved lives by giving veterans an opportunity to explore finding purpose after serving.”
Daemen continues Sister Canavan’s legacy today, providing customized academic support and counseling for nearly 100 veterans and military-aligned students. Brogan announced, on behalf of the Board of Trustees and Dr. Olson, that Daemen is expanding its Veteran Promise, effective spring 2026. It will include a $5,000 academic support stipend to be used toward books, technology, transportation, and other expenses, as well as a meal voucher, free parking, and free individualized career coaching. This more than doubles Daemen’s prior commitment of $2,000.
Brogan remarked, “We stand proud and ready to support every veteran and military-aligned student as they strive to find purpose and achieve goals. Today it’s our privilege to say thank you and to let all veterans know we appreciate your service and honor your sacrifice.”
Visit this link for more information about Daemen Veterans Services.