HISTORY AND IDENTITY
Daemen College is a private, nonsectarian, co-educational, comprehensive college in Amherst, New York. Its attractive suburban location offers convenient access to the cultural amenities of metropolitan Buffalo and the scenic outdoor recreation areas of Western New York, the Niagara Frontier, and the Great Lakes. In addition, the College is near Canada, with cosmopolitan Toronto in easy driving distance.
The College was established in 1947 as Rosary Hill College by the Sisters of St. Francis of Penance and Christian Charity, whose foundress was Magdalene Daemen, a Dutch woman dedicated to working with the poor. Her faith and courage have inspired many to give themselves to the service of others. The College has been accredited by the Middle States Commission on Higher Education since 1956. Institutional accreditation was last reaffirmed in 2006. Originally a liberal arts college for women, the College became co-educational in 1971, extending its commitment to academic excellence to the education of both men and women. In 1976, the College became independent and nonsectarian, changing its name to Daemen College. In 1992, New York State amended the college's charter, authorizing the award of graduate level degrees as well as baccalaureate degrees.
Committed to an academic atmosphere that leads to open inquiry and debate, Daemen has achieved a creative balance between programs providing career preparation and education in the liberal arts. Programs in the major and the competency-based core curriculum encourage students to expand their horizons beyond the classroom through internships, service-learning, clinical and field experiences, collaborative research with faculty, and study abroad. The Core Curriculum is designed to develop students' skills and competencies in seven areas that will benefit them personally and professionally throughout their lives.
MISSION STATEMENT
The mission of Daemen College is to prepare students for life and leadership in an increasingly complex world. Founded on the principle that education should elevate human dignity and foster civic responsibility and compassion, the College seeks to integrate the intellectual qualities acquired through study of the liberal arts with the education necessary for professional accomplishment. This integration which recognizes equal value in liberal studies and professional programs aims at preparing graduates who are dedicated to the health and well-being of both their local and global communities.
With a Daemen education, students will acquire the skill to solve problems creatively and think critically. They will be comfortable with diversity and will recognize the importance of a global perspective. They will be able to work with others and be invigorated by environments that present challenges and demand innovation. Daemen students are expected to be active participants in their own education and informed citizens who understand that learning is a life-long journey.
At the heart of Daemen's integrated learning experience is the relationship that can develop between the College's faculty and its students. Daemen prides itself on maintaining a student-centered atmosphere and a close professional and collaborative association among all members of the College community. Assisted by a supportive faculty, Daemen students are encouraged to pursue goals beyond their initial expectations, to respond to academic challenges, and to develop habits of mind that enrich their lives and their community.
Learning Outcome Goals
Daemen College graduates students who:
1. Are informed citizens, prepared to play productive roles in local and global communities both as effective participants and leaders.
2. Are prepared to work collaboratively as well as independently in the pursuit of knowledge and problem resolution.
3. Engage in higher order thinking.
4. Make reasoned ethical choices and consider connections between values and behavior.
5. Can effectively access, evaluate, and apply relevant and valid information using a variety of information resources.
6. Have writing and speaking skills necessary for effective communication.
7. Are well prepared to pursue meaningful career opportunities or advanced study.
