Founders Celebration is an annual campus-wide event at Daemen University honoring the institution’s origins, commemorating its rich history of scholarship—and continuing its momentum forward. This re-imagined celebration combines Homecoming, Family Weekend, Alumni Weekend, and Founders Day to create one spectacular week-long schedule of events.
The celebration features traditions and events including:
- Founders Day Bell Ringing—Join this ceremony and gathering of the university community at the Founders Bell outside Rosary Hall. Representatives of the university’s seven decades each ring the bell, initially crafted in 1858—the year the university’s namesake, Mother Magdalene Daemen, passed away—and refurbished with support from the university’s Class of 1967
- Distinguished Alumni Awards Dinner—Attend this annual reception, established in 1986, that recognizes graduates who have made a difference and highlights their achievements and societal contributions
- Athletics Events—Cheer on the Daemen Wildcats during matches at Karrer Field and Lumsden Gymnasium
- Student & Family-Centric Events—Enjoy the Food Truck Rodeo and Music Festival, S'mores Night, and try your luck at Casino Night. Play games for chips that you can "cash in" for terrific prizes!
- Daemen Day in Amherst—Enjoy free trolley rides up and down Main Street to offer the Daemen community a chance to visit, shop, and dine at many establishments in the Amherst and Williamsville business districts. Special discounts will be provided to Daemen community members.
Event Registration
Many events are open to the entire Daemen community, while some are centered on specific Daemen groups. Review the event list below for information on what to expect and who is invited to attend.
Family members who pre-register and attend the Founders Celebration will receive a commemorative t-shirt. Event registration will open Summer 2023.
Wednesday, September 27
Thursday, September 28
Annual Founders Bell Ringing
11:00 AM
Founders Bell
Students, Alumni, Faculty, Staff
Join us for this annual event including welcomes and reflections from various Daemen dignitaries and ulmonates with the ringing of the Founders Bell by various Daemen constituents including the President, faculty, student, alumni and 47 bell ringers to represent the founding in 1947.
Campus-Wide Luncheon
11:00 AM - 1:00 PM
Wick Student Center Dining Room
Students, Alumni, Faculty, Staff
After the annual Bell Ringing, all Daemen University students, faculty, staff, alumni, and families are welcome to attend the Founders Celebration Luncheon.
Distinguished Alumni Dinner
6:00:00 PM - 9:00 PM
Wick Student Center Social Room
Students, Alumni, Faculty, Staff
Established in 1986, this annual reception recognizes graduates who have made a difference and highlights their achievements and societal contributions.
Friday, September 29
Founders Celebration Welcome & Info Desk
3:00 PM-8:00 PM
Wick Student Center Lobby
Students, Alumni, Faculty, Staff, Families
Founders Participants can check-in, get a schedule of the weekend, and ask any questions about upcoming events. Those who pre-registered can pick up their Founders Celebration T-shirts.
TGIF: Founders Friday
4:30 PM - 6:30 PM
Wick Student Center Wildcat Den
Students, Alumni, Faculty, Staff, Families
Daemen Favorites Night in the Dining Hall
5:00 PM-7:00 PM
Wick Student Center Dining Hall
Students, Alumni, Faculty, Staff, Families
Casino Night
7:00 PM - 10:00 PM
Wick Student Center Social Room
Students, Alumni, Faculty, Staff, Families
Try your luck! Casino-style games played with chips that you can "cash in" for lottery tickets to some terrific prizes! Hosted by Student Activities.
Scholarship Gala
6:00 PM - 11:00 PM
Jazzboline
Alumni, Faculty, Staff, Donors
The Scholarship Gala is our annual scholarship fundraiser which provides financial assistance for today’s Daemen students. Through this event and thanks to generous Daemen alumni, corporate sponsors, and friends of the University, the dream of achieving a college education becomes a reality for deserving students.
S'Mores Night & Swag Swap
9:00 PM - 11:00 PM
Wick Student Center Back Patio & Courts
Students, Families
Come down to the WICK Patio to swap out your old Daemen or other college/university clothing for some new Daemen University threads! We will be taking all types of clothing in good condition so it can be donated to local areas of need and you'll get some new duds; it's a WIN/WIN!
Saturday, September 30
Founders Celebration Welcome & Info Desk
10:00 AM-8:00 PM
Wick Student Center Lobby
Students, Alumni, Faculty, Staff, Families
Founders Participants can check-in, get a schedule of the weekend, and ask any questions about upcoming events. Those who pre-registered can pick up their Founders Celebration T-shirts.
Family & Alumni Campus Tours
10:00 AM
Rosary start
Students, Alumni, Families
Take this complimentary tour by an Admissions tour guide and see all the new and exciting updates around campus!
Entertainment Brunch w/Alfie
11:00 AM - 1:00 PM
Wick Student Center Dining Room
Students, Alumni, Faculty, Staff, Families
Daemen Quad Ribbon Cutting & President's Reception
1:00 PM - 2:00pm
Daemen Quad
Students, Alumni, Faculty, Staff, Families
Family & Alumni Campus Tours
1:30 PM
Rosary start
Students, Alumni, Families
Take this complimentary tour by an Admissions tour guide and see all the new and exciting updates around campus!
Daemen Day In Amherst
1:00 PM - 4:00 PM
Trolley Pick up at Wick Student Center
Students, Alumni, Faculty, Staff, Families
Daemen Day in Amherst is a special celebration to connect the University community with Main Street’s thriving business district. Free trolley rides will be available up and down Main Street to offer the Daemen community a chance to visit, shop, and dine at many establishments in the Amherst and Williamsville business districts. Many businesses will offer special "Daemen discounts" and free shirts will be given to the first 100 people to take the trolley.
Food Truck Rodeo & Music by Dan Erickson
4:00 PM - 7:00 PM
Wick Student Center Back Lawn
Students, Alumni, Faculty, Staff, Families
Do you like food featuring local restaurants?! Do you like LIVE MUSIC?! Then come to the Wick Student Center for both!!!
Mentalist Robert Channing
7:00 PM-7:45 PM
Wick Student Center Social Room
Students, Alumni, Faculty, Staff, Families
Come meet the man who already knows what you're thinking... You've seen Robert Channing on America's Got Talent, The Steve Harvey Show, Fox and Friends, and many others. Now, you'll see him tonight at Daemen! Come for a night with America's foremost mind-reader and supernatural entertainer- Robert Channing! Free event for the Daemen Community.
Blue Madness
8:00 PM-9:30 PM
Lumsden Gymnasium
Students, Alumni, Faculty, Staff, Families