Daemen University President Gary A. Olson announced during the annual Scholarship Gala on September 25 that only one year into the five-year Comprehensive Campaign the university has achieved over 72% of its $40 million fundraising goal. 
Reaching this milestone during the first year of the Campaign, Moving Forward, launched during last year’s Gala, is “something we can all be proud of,” Olson said to Gala attendees. “Your unwavering dedication to Daemen and our students has been pivotal to reaching this milestone and is further shaping the culture of excellence that exists today in all facets of the university.”
President Olson, Lynn Worsham, Carolyn Yurtchuk, John Yurtchuk
Olson acknowledged the two Moving Forward co-chairs, Daemen Board Chairman, John Yurtchuk, and Daemen Trustee, Scott Bieler, lauding them for their dedication and leadership, saying, “Of course, you can’t go wrong when you have two superheroes chairing the campaign!”
He also recognized the Gala’s newest sponsor, Highmark Health. Daemen’s Kennedy Institute for Mobility Innovation & Technology recently received a $200,000 grant from Highmark’s Blue Fund.
Former Daemen Trustee, Paul Saffrin, received the Community Excellence Award, in recognition of his exemplary leadership and ongoing support of Daemen and the community. “Tonight’s award serves as an expression of Daemen’s gratitude for Paul’s contributions to the greater community and his passion for making a difference,” said Olson. Saffrin served on the Daemen board for three full terms, including several years as Vice Chairman.
President Olson, Paul Saffrin
In 2023, Saffrin received Daemen’s Presidential Medal. Later that same year, the newly constructed campus quad was officially named Saffrin Public Square in honor of his instrumental role in bringing the quad to fruition.
“Thanks in part to Paul’s generosity and love for Western New York, our community is a much better place today,” Olson said.