Daemen University’s annual Founders Celebration commenced with the ceremonial ringing of the Founders Bell on Thursday, Sept. 25.
L to R: Dr. Kevin Telford, Dr. Deborah Napolitano, John Yurtchuk, Awa Cisse, President Olson, Lynn Marinelli, Jo-Anne Grabowski
Seven distinguished members of the Daemen community, including Jo-Anne Grabowski ‘73, representing the Sisters of St. Francis who founded the college; John Yurtchuk, Chairman of Daemen’s Board of Trustees; Lynn Marinelli, ‘85, representing Daemen alums; Awa Cisse, Student Government President; Dr. Deborah Napolitano, Faculty Senate President; Dr. Kevin Telford, representing the Faculty Emeriti; and President Gary A. Olson rang the bell to commemorate the university’s 78 years of academic excellence.
Additional students, faculty, and staff signed up for the coveted opportunity to ring the bell.
The festivities continued later that evening with the 2025 Distinguished Alumni Awards, held in Daemen Hall, that honored five exceptional graduates who exemplify Daemen’s values.
This year’s award recipients included Dr. Humberto Hernandez Ariza ’21, Graduate of the Last Decade; Hon. Patrick J. O’Sullivan, J.S.C. ’85, Advancement in Career; Theresa A. Kolodziej, PT, DPT, PhD ’83, Dedication to the University; Annie Foster Ahmed, Ed.M. ’86, Outstanding Service to the Community; and Geoffrey Abraskin, PT, DPT, CWS ’02, ’05, Distinguished Alumni. 
On Friday evening, during Daemen’s Annual Scholarship Gala, Olson presented Yurtchuk with the Community Excellence Award, and also celebrated the generosity and support of Daemen alums, corporate sponsors, and friends of the university.
Additional Founders Celebration festivities included a photo contest of the Founders Bell, a door decorating contest, and campus events throughout the weekend for students, alumni, family, and friends to enjoy.