L to R: Humberto Hernandez Ariza, Geoffrey Abraskin, Theresa A. Kolodziej, Dr. Gary Olson, Patrick J. O’Sullivan, Annie Foster Ahmed, Damian F. Desbordes
Five exceptional graduates were recognized during Daemen University’s annual Distinguished Alumni Awards on Thursday, Sept. 25.
This year’s award recipients, selected by the Alumni Association Board of Directors, 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.
Abraskin was moved by the Distinguished Alumni award, saying, “No matter how far I’ve traveled or how much I’ve grown, Daemen remains my foundation. It’s where I learned that leadership is about service, that excellence is a habit, and that community is built one relationship at a time. Daemen taught me to lead with heart, to think critically, and to never stop striving for better — for my patients, my colleagues, and my community. This has led me to my guiding leadership principle — if we take amazing care of our people and our patients, we will accomplish everything we set out to do.”
Ariza, ‘21, is a bold and visionary leader in education, innovation, and inclusive leadership. A 2021 graduate of Daemen University’s M.S. in Leadership and Innovation program, he sparked a prolific research journey with his thesis that has since resulted in more than 10 peer-reviewed publications on topics including artificial intelligence, universal design, and student success.
With a doctorate in Educational Leadership, Dr. Hernandez is internationally recognized for his thought leadership, having presented at over 50 conferences across North America, Latin America, and Europe. He is the recipient of the prestigious AAC&U Future Leaders Award and the author of two influential books focused on transforming education through technology and innovation. He also founded two companies—one with global reach—and launched a podcast that has connected with listeners in over 35 countries.
O’Sullivan, ‘85, earned his Bachelor of Science in Biology from Daemen University in 1985, where he was honored with the Mary Angela Canavan Award. He currently serves as a New York State Supreme Court Justice in the 6th Judicial District, covering ten counties across Upstate New York. Justice O’Sullivan previously presided as a County Court Judge in Madison County, handling matters in County, Family, and Surrogate Courts.
Before his judicial appointments, Justice O’Sullivan built a respected career as a trial attorney, successfully trying cases in State and Federal courts across the region. He was recognized in Super Lawyers magazine as one of Upstate New York’s top trial attorneys. Passionate about legal education, he taught Trial Practice at Syracuse University College of Law for more than a decade and served on the adjunct faculty at SUNY, where he taught New York Criminal Procedure and Penal Law.
Kolodziej, ‘83, has devoted her career to advancing physical therapy education and patient-centered care. A member of Daemen’s Class of 1983, she earned her BSPT and later returned to complete her transitional DPT in 2004. Her passion for interdisciplinary learning also led her to pursue a master’s degree in Social Science and a PhD in Anthropology from the University at Buffalo.
Since joining the Daemen Physical Therapy faculty in 1988, Kolodziej has shaped countless healthcare professionals through her work as Assistant Clinical Professor and Director of Clinical Education. Whether teaching Psychosocial Aspects of Health and Disability, preparing students for clinical placements, or mentoring capstone research, she remains committed to developing compassionate, skilled practitioners.
Foster Ahmed, ‘86, has championed educational equity and student success at every academic level. A proud Daemen graduate with a degree in Biology, she completed a Master’s in Science Education from SUNY Buffalo while working at Daemen as Assistant Director of the Collegiate Science and Technology Entry Program (CSTEP). There, she mentored underrepresented students in STEM, setting the stage for a lifelong commitment to access and advocacy.
Foster Ahmed later joined the University of Maryland starting as a coordinator and advancing to the position of Associate Director for Pre-College Programs, leading two federally funded TRiO initiatives—Upward Bound and Upward Bound Math/Science—which supported low-income and first-generation students. Since 2014, she has served as Director of the Macklin Center at the Universities at Shady Grove, continuing to help students overcome barriers to higher education.
Abraskin, ‘02, ‘05, earned his Bachelor of Science in Natural Science (2002) and Doctorate in Physical Therapy (2005) from Daemen University.
He currently serves as President of Hospice and Palliative Care at Amedisys, a leading national healthcare company. In this role, Abraskin oversees a $900 million hospice division and palliative care program, managing more than 6,200 employees nationwide. With over 15 years’ healthcare leadership experience, Abraskin is widely recognized for his clinical and operational expertise in home health and hospice care. Under his leadership, the division has achieved top-tier patient outcomes and industry-leading retention rates.
Abraskin remains deeply connected to his alma mater, having served on the Daemen University Alumni Board and the Distinguished Alumni Award committee.
“This is one of my favorite nights of the year when we recognize and celebrate our distinguished alums,” said Kate Hammer, senior associate VP for advancement. “Their leadership, dedication, and achievements exemplify Daemen’s mission and we are proud to honor them for their significant contributions to the community.”