Daemen Board of Trustees Chair John R. Yurtchuk was honored as the 2025 Outstanding Philanthropist during the Western New York National Philanthropy Day Luncheon and Awards Presentation at Buffalo Riverworks on Nov. 12. 
He was nominated by Daemen University for his continued support, dedication, and generosity to the university and the broader community, and is Daemen’s largest individual donor to-date.
Yurtchuk was moved by this prestigious recognition, saying, “This was unexpected and much appreciated.” Through his philanthropic endeavors, he strives to lead by example: “I want to encourage others to give back to their communities. There are so many wonderful causes to support across Western New York, including cultural organizations, animal welfare organizations, and educational institutions. I am truly honored to be nominated by Daemen University.”
President Gary A. Olson was proud to nominate Yurtchuk on behalf of the university, saying, “John is a dear friend to me and to Daemen, and we can’t think of a better way to honor his selfless example than to recognize him for his overwhelming generosity to our institution and the greater Western New York community.”