Daemen University honored six distinguished alums during the 40th Annual Distinguished Alumni Awards on September 24. 
This year’s award recipients, selected by the Alumni Association Board of Directors, included Catherine LePage-Campbell ’84, Daemen Diamond Alumni; Trina Burruss ’06, Distinguished Alumni; Geoffrey Gatza ’02, Advancement in Career; Phyllis Murawski ’03, ’10, Outstanding Service to the Community; Philip “PJ” Tudisco ’05, ’11, Dedication to the University; and Ricardo Márquez ’20, Graduate of the Last Decade (G.O.L.D.).
Catherine LePage-Campbell ’84 earned a B.S. in Business Administration (concentration in accounting) from Daemen. She is Chief Operating Officer of Carolina Complete Health (CCH), a Centene Corporation subsidiary, and a health care executive with more than 30 years’ experience. She has extensive experience improving access and outcomes for uninsured and underinsured populations and advancing partnerships that address social determinants of health, including health care access, housing, transportation, education, and food insecurity.
Trina Burruss ‘06 earned an M.S. in Leadership & Innovation from Daemen. She is President and CEO of United Way of Buffalo & Erie County. She recently led United Way in launching the Community Resilience Fund as an ongoing vehicle for strengthening the community and providing support in the face of emerging needs and disruptive events. She maintains a strong commitment to education and workforce development.
Geoffrey Gatza ‘02 earned a B.S. in Accounting with a minor in Literature from Daemen. He is the founder and publisher of BlazeVOX [books], an independent press based in Buffalo, N.Y., dedicated to innovative fiction and contemporary poetry. His career as a writer, publisher, and arts advocate bridges accounting, entrepreneurship, and contemporary literature. In addition to his publishing work, he maintains an active creative practice that includes poetry and visual art.
Phyllis Murawski ’03, ’10 earned a B.S. in Nursing (2003) and M.S. in Executive Leadership and Change (2010) from Daemen. She is the Chief Quality Officer at Erie County Medical Center (ECMC), where she leads organization-wide initiatives focused on patient safety, quality improvement, and clinical outcomes. Her professional career began in critical care nursing and evolved into healthcare leadership, where she now oversees systems designed to enhance care delivery and patient experience across the organization.
Philip “PJ” Tudisco ’05, ’11 earned a B.A. in Psychological Sciences (2005) and M.S. in Executive Leadership and Change (2011) from Daemen. He is a Ventures Development Lead within the Office of Innovation at M&T Bank, where he manages strategic venture capital partnerships and startup collaborations focused on digital assets, blockchain infrastructure, and emerging financial technologies. He remains actively engaged in supporting innovation across Western New York and mentoring emerging entrepreneurs.
Ricardo Márquez ’20 earned a B.A. in Political Science with minors in Spanish, Pre-Law, and Criminal Law from Daemen. He is the Expo Park / South Los Angeles Community Engagement Lead for the LA28 Olympic and Paralympic Organizing Committee. Márquez is a political advocate and civic leader dedicated to advancing social equity and addressing systemic barriers.Through his professional and civic work, he remains focused on expanding access, strengthening communities, and advancing equitable public policy.
“We are honored to celebrate these distinguished alums who exemplify the university’s qualities in their communities each and every day,” said Kate Hammer, senior associate vice president for advancement. “Their ongoing dedication to Daemen, community service, and career achievement reflect the best of what our graduates contribute to this world.”