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 for 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, get some new gear at the Swag Swap Night, be "amazed" with mentalist Robert Channing, and try your luck at Casino Night!
- Trolley Rides to the Historic Village of Williamsville—Enjoy free trolley rides up and down Main Street, offering the Daemen community a chance to visit, shop, and dine at the many establishments in the historic Village of Williamsville. Stop by to grab tasty treats at the various restaurants and creamery, shop at the quaint boutiques and stores, and view the interconnecting ponds and waterfall at the picturesque Glen Park.
Some 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 Pre-Registration
PLEASE NOTE: Founders Celebration 2023 Pre-Registration has ended. However, you are still welcome to attend all of the Founders Celebration events listed below.
Schedule of Events
Scroll down for a detailed list and descriptions of each Founders Celebration event. Looking for an abridged printable version of the schedule events? CLICK HERE.
Sunday, September 24
Women's Soccer vs. Lake Erie
11:00 AM
Karrer Field
Students, Alumni, Faculty, Staff, Families
Come cheer on the Wildcats as they welcome the Lake Erie Storm to Karrer Field for a non-conference game. This event is free and open to the public - no ticket required. Please be advised that Karrer Field does not have bleacher seating; spectators are encouraged to bring their own chairs or blankets.
Cost: No Cost
Registration: Not required
Wednesday, September 27
Daemen Years of Service Recognition Event
3:00 PM - 5:00 PM
John R. Yurtchuk Student Center Social Room (formerly the Wick Center)
Faculty, Staff
We are recognizing service to the University! There are more than 50 faculty and staff this year celebrating a service milestone here at Daemen! All employees are welcome to have ice cream and reminisce in the John R. Yurtuchuk Social Room.
Cost: No Cost
Registration: Encouraged - see email sent to all employees
Women's Volleyball vs. Roberts Wesleyan
6:00 PM
Lumsden Gymnasium
Students, Alumni, Faculty, Staff, Families
Come cheer on the two-time defending East Coast Conference champion Wildcats as they welcome longtime rival Roberts Wesleyan to Lumsden Gymnasium.
Cost: Tickets are required for entry; tickets are available at no charge to Daemen students, faculty and staff who are registered for an All Sports Pass. general admission tickets are available for purchase using the link below ($5 standard admission; $3 senior admission (age 65+); $3 youth admission (age 10 & under).
Registration: Tickets are required for entry
Founders Bingo!
7:00 PM
John R. Yurtchuk Student Center Social Room (formerly the Wick Center)
Students
Daemen Students are invited to join the CAT Team for a fun night and to test their luck at winning some AMAZING PRIZES!!!
Cost: No Cost
Registration: Not required
Thursday, September 28
Annual Founders Bell Ringing
11:30 AM
Founders Bell
Students, Alumni, Faculty, Staff
Join us for this annual event including welcomes and reflections from various Daemen dignitaries and culminates 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.
Cost: No Cost
Registration: Not required
Campus-Wide Luncheon
11:00 AM - 1:30 PM
John R. Yurtchuk Student Center Dining Room (formerly the Wick Center)
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.
Cost: No Cost
Registration: Not required
Saffrin Public Square Ribbon Cutting & Reception
1:00 PM
Paul Saffrin Public Square
Students, Alumni, Faculty, Staff, Families
Official ribbon cutting ceremony and dedication of our new quad, the Saffrin Public Square. 1:00pm ceremony and remarks, followed by light refreshments and cookies.
Cost: No Cost
Registration: Not required
Distinguished Alumni Dinner
6:00 PM - 9:00 PM
John R. Yurtchuk Student Center Social Room (formerly the Wick Center)
Students, Alumni, Faculty, Staff
Established in 1986, this annual reception recognizes graduates who have made a difference and highlights their achievements and societal contributions.
Cost: $75
Registration: Required
Friday, September 29
Founders Celebration Welcome & Info Desk
3:00 PM-8:00 PM
John R. Yurtchuk Student Center Lobby (formerly the Wick Center)
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
John R. Yurtchuk Student Center Wildcat Den (formerly the Wick Center)
Students, Alumni, Faculty, Staff, Families
Join us for one of Daemen's favorite traditions, TGIF!
TGIF is a partnership between various student organizations and the Student Activities Office. The event provides free food and activities every Friday. This special edition, Founder Celebration TGIF, is hosted by Students Veterans Alliance and will feature live entertainment, food, and a specialty cocktail for those who are 21 years old or older (with proper government ID).
Some of the food items available at the event: Loaded French Fry Rar, Build Your Own Slider Bar, Bacon-Wrapped Scallops, and more!
Cost: No Cost
Registration: Not required
Coed Recreational Basketball Tourney
5:00-6:30 PM
John R. Yurtchuk Student Center Outdoor Court
Students, Alumni, Faculty, Staff, Families
Open to all of the Daemen Community, the Founders Day 3v3 Basketball Tournament is a fun opportunity to meet others while competing outside on the hard court for basketball supremacy! Students, parents, siblings (age 14+), alums, faculty, and staff are all welcome!
Cost: No Cost
Registration: Required
Daemen Favorites Night in the Dining Hall
5:00 PM-7:00 PM
John R. Yurtchuk Student Center Dining Hall (formerly the Wick Center)
Students, Alumni, Faculty, Staff, Families
This is our traditional student dinner, but for this night we have highlighted some of the food items that students like best. Some of the items available will be: BBQ Ribs, Vegan Buffalo Cauliflower Tacos, Mac N' Cheese, and more!
Cost: Free for students with Daemen ID, $10 per guest
Registration: Not required, pay at the door
Casino Night
7:00 PM - 10:00 PM
John R. Yurtchuk Student Center Social Room (formerly the Wick Center)
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.
Cost: No Cost
Registration: Not required
Scholarship Gala
6:00 PM - 11:00 PM
Jazzboline
Alumni, Faculty, Staff, Friends of the University
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.
Cost: $250
Registration: Required
Swag Swap Night
9:00 PM - 11:00 PM
John R. Yurtchuk Student Center Back Patio & Courts (formerly the Wick Center)
Students
Come down to the YURTCHUK 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!
Cost: No Cost
Registration: Not required
Saturday, September 30
Daemen Cares Day
9:00 AM-1:00PM
WNY Community
Students, Faculty, Staff
"The Saffrin Center/Service Learning staff is happy to announce that Daemen Cares Day is back! This volunteering opportunity is open to the entire Daemen student, faculty, and staff. Please consider donating three hours of your time and talent to help out in Buffalo communities that would benefit from your generosity. Please fill out the form to secure your spot at the preferred location. Sign up will close at 8pm on Monday, September 25."
Cost: No Cost
Registration: Required
Campus Store Open
10:00 AM - 2:00 PM
Campus Bookstore
Students, Alumni, Faculty, Staff, Families
Stock up on your Daemen swag! The Campus Store, located in the first level of Duns Scotus, will be open special hours from 10:00am-12:00pm to honor the Founders Celebration!
Cost: N/A
Registration: Not required
Founders Celebration Welcome & Info Desk
10:00 AM-8:00 PM
John R. Yurtchuk Student Center Lobby (formerly the Wick Center)
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 Hall start
Students, Alumni, Families
Take this complimentary tour by an Admissions tour guide and see all the new and exciting updates around campus!
Cost: No Cost
Registration: Not required
Entertainment Brunch w/Alfie
11:00 AM - 1:00 PM
John R. Yurtchuk Student Center Dining Room (formerly the Wick Center)
Students, Alumni, Faculty, Staff, Families
Enjoy a delicious brunch which features the guitar styling of local legend Alfie Allesandra. Alfie will surprise you with the range of genres he is able to play and will even take requests!
This will be our tradtional brunch menu with made-to-order omelettes, cheddar scrambled eggs, loaded cheesy wraps, pancakes, french toast with whipped cream and berries, and more! A mimosa bar for individuals 21 yrs and older (with proper government ID) will also be available.
Cost: Fee for students with Daemen ID, $9 per guest
Registration: Not required, pay at the door
Deans List Reception
1:00pm-2:00 PM
John R. Yurtchuk Student Center Social Room
Students, Families
The Founding Deans of the three colleges invite all Dean's List Recipients and their guests to a dessert reception to celebrate academic achievements from the 2022-2023 academic year. All students who earned a 3.5 GPA or above in the fall and/or spring term should RSVP through the email sent to their Daemen email address.
Cost: No Cost
Registration: By Invitation Only
Family & Alumni Campus Tours
1:30 PM
Rosary Hall start
Students, Alumni, Families
Take this complimentary tour by an Admissions tour guide and see all the new and exciting updates around campus!
Cost: No Cost
Registration: Not required
Trolley Rides to the Historic Village of Williamsville
1:00 PM - 4:00 PM
Trolley Pick up at John R. Yurtchuk Student Center (formerly the Wick Center)
Students, Alumni, Faculty, Staff, Families
Enjoy free trolley rides up and down Main Street, offering the Daemen community a chance to visit, shop, and dine at the many establishments in the historic Village of Williamsville. Stop by to grab tasty treats at the various restaurants and creamery, shop at the quaint boutiques and stores, and view the interconnecting ponds and waterfall at the picturesque Glen Park.
Cost: No Cost for the trolley from Daemen to Williamsville
Registration: Not required
Food Truck Rodeo & Music by Alumni, Dan Erickson
4:00 PM - 6:00 PM
John R. Yurtchuk Student Center Back Lawn (formerly the Wick Center)
Students, Alumni, Faculty, Staff, Families
Do you like food featuring local restaurants?! Do you like LIVE MUSIC?! Then come to the Yurtchuk Student Center for both!!!
Cost: Free to first 100 family members in attendance, and free to first 300 students in attendance. $12 cost per person after complimentary tickets have been dispersed.
Registration: Not required
Mentalist Robert Channing
6:00 PM-6:45 PM
John R. Yurtchuk Student Center Social Room (formerly the Wick Center)
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!
Cost: No Cost
Registration: Not required
Blue Madness
7:00 PM-8:30 PM
Lumsden Gymnasium
Students, Alumni, Faculty, Staff, Families
Help Daemen tip-off the basketball season with this pep rally-style event featuring the Daemen men's and women's basketball teams. Meet the teams that have become perennial contenders within the NCAA Division II East Region. Contests, giveaways and special performances are included in this event that has become a staple of Daemen's fall calendar.
Cost: No Cost
Registration: Not required