Daemen President Gary A. Olson delivered a promising State of the University address to faculty and staff on Friday, Oct. 10, highlighting the institution’s resiliency amid the evolving academic landscape. 
Olson was optimistic in sharing milestones and future initiatives, including:
- Entering the academic year with a robust first-year class and a larger-than-expected graduate class due to the recent expansion of academic offerings.
- Reaffirmation of Daemen’s investment grade rating by Fitch Ratings — which the university has maintained since 2018 — as well as its “outlook: positive” assessment, demonstrating its confidence in the university’s future.
- Development of Daemen’s 2025-30 Strategic Plan, focusing on rigorous academics, university life and climate, community engagement, university infrastructure, and fiscal stability.
- Reopening of Daemen Hall with a refurbished first floor, including the Bistro and theater to accommodate meetings, receptions, classes, and other academic events.
- Launch of Moving Forward: The Campaign for Daemen’s Future, a $40 million campaign co-chaired by Trustees John Yurtchuk and Scott Bieler that will help elevate academic excellence, prepare tomorrow’s leaders, and enhance university infrastructure over the next five years.
- Perfect first-time pass rate on the PA National Certifying Exam by 55 newly graduated PT students. The national average is 92%.
Olson recognized Distinguished Professor of Political Science & Pre Law Advisor, Dr. Lisa Parshall, who was elected to the board of the Society for History in the Federal Government, serving alongside governmental historians from various federal agencies and a handful of academics.
In addition, Olson celebrated Daemen’s Vice President for Athletics, Traci Murphy, for being named a 2025 Woman of Influence by Buffalo Business First and one of four NCAA Division II recipients of the National Association of Collegiate Directors of Athletics “2024-25 Athletics Directors of the Year Award.”
Olson closed out his address by applauding faculty and staff, saying, “I would like to thank each and every one of you for spending time with us today, and for everything you do, every day, to make our great university such a special place.”