President Gary A. Olson, Board Vice Chair Paul Saffrin, and Board Chair John Yurtchuk
Daemen University had much to celebrate during its annual Founders Celebration, including the culmination of a decade-long beautification project that transformed the campus into a picturesque park-like setting.
President Gary A. Olson’s vision of creating a traditional campus quad, combined with the university’s ongoing commitment to sustainability, transformed asphalt into green space, fostering a sense of community and inspiration for students throughout their Daemen journey.
The campus transformation included the planting of 260 trees, a stone wall spanning the front of campus, the historic Founders Bell installation behind Rosary Hall, an honorary international peace garden featuring Ringo Starr’s ‘Peace & Love’ statue, and an Italian granite fountain at the heart of Saffrin Public Square, the final element of the beautification project.
OIson, along with Board Chair John Yurtchuk, Board Vice Chair Paul Saffrin, Executive Vice President for Academic Affairs and Provost Dr. Michael Brogan, and Town of Amherst Supervisor Brian Kulpa marked this significant milestone in Daemen’s history with a ribbon cutting ceremony at the fountain.
“This is a momentous day in Daemen’s history,” said Olson. “The impact of this decade-long transformation has been pivotal in shaping the culture of our campus community, and I am incredibly proud to mark this achievement with today’s fountain dedication.”