Dedication Honors Gift for Campus Stone Wall

By | October 30, 2020
Wall dedication group at the front of campus wearing masks

President Olson joins friends of Estelle Siegel, and her late husband, Bernard, who were honored for their support toward the stone wall that graces campus grounds.

Daemen College hosted a dedication ceremony on Oct. 23 to honor Estelle Siegel and her late husband, Bernard, for their generous support for the construction of a decorative stone wall that beautifies the front and west end of campus. In recognition of the Siegel’s’ generosity, Daemen has installed a plaque acknowledging their support that made the stone wall possible.

“We are grateful to the Siegels for their contributions to make this beautiful stone wall a reality,” said Daemen President Gary Olson. “The wall is a highly visible part of our campus beautification project and has helped to create a park-like setting that can be enjoyed by both the campus and surrounding community.”

Wall Dedication PlaqueLong-time Williamsville residents, the Siegels owned the first automated car wash in the area and also built a successful real estate business. They have been donors and friends of Daemen for many years, and Estelle remains connected to and engaged with the college.

The Siegels’ legacy at the college will be showcased for generations to come through the decorative multi-tiered wall that their support helped build. The stone wall, that extends across the entire front of campus on Main Street and down to the Getzville entrance, was completed as part of a three-year campus beautification project. The wall addition included matching stone signs at the campus’s three main entrances to provide a cohesive and elegant look to the campus.

Rachel Jones standing in front of wall dedication plaque

Daemen nursing student Rachel Jones, recipient of a scholarship sponsored by the Bernard and Estelle Siegel Foundation.

The Siegels also contributed to the ongoing beautification by purchasing commemorative trees that were planted across campus. Their investments in Daemen continue to enhance the aesthetics of the campus grounds.

“The Siegels’ support has forever changed the beauty of our campus and created a welcoming environment that will be enjoyed by our college community, visitors, and our neighbors for years to come,” said Olson. “We are greatly inspired by Estelle’s continued commitment to Daemen. Bernie will be dearly missed by all who knew him at Daemen, but his legacy will live on.”