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 Awards, 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—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 Royal Park and Lumsden Gymnasium.
- Student & Family-Centric Events—Enjoy the Wildcat Family Social, get some new gear at the Founders Giveaway, and try your luck at Casino Night!
Who Can Attend?
Some events are open to the entire Daemen community, while others are designed for specific groups of students, families, or alumni. Please review the full schedule to see what’s open to you.
Registration
Family Weekend Events
Families should register For Family Weekend Events through Eventbrite.
Student Events
Current students should register for Founders Celebration activities on Daemen Connect.
Tuesday, September 22
Goat Yoga
11:30 AM - 1:30 PM
Yurtchuk North Lawn
Students, Faculty, Staff, Alumni
Like Yoga... Love Goats?! Then Join us for a fun afternoon of relaxing yoga and cute goats; what a pair!!!
Cost: No Cost
Women's Volleyball vs. Slippery Rock
6:30 PM - 8:30 PM
Lumsden Gymnasium
Students, Faculty, Staff, Alumni
Cost: No Cost For Students/Faculty/Staff
Registration: Tickets required for additional spectators
Wednesday, September 23
Founders Bingo!
8:00 PM
Yurtchuk Student Center Dining Room
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
Daemen Years of Service Recognition Event
3:00 PM - 5:00 PM
Yurtchuk Student Center Social Room
Faculty, Staff
We are recognizing service to the University! There are more than 35 faculty and staff this year celebrating a service milestone here at Daemen! All employees are welcome to enjoy in light fare and libations in the John R. Yurtchuk Student Center Social Room.
Cost: No Cost
Registration: Encouraged
Thursday, September 24
Annual Founders Bell Ringing
11:30 AM
Founders Bell, Rosary Hall Lawn
Students, Faculty, Staff, Alumni
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.
Cost: No Cost
Registration: Not required
Campus-Wide Luncheon
11:00 AM - 1:30 PM
Yurtchuk Student Center Dining Room
Students, 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
Distinguished Alumni Awards
6:00 PM - 9:00 PM
Yurtchuk Student Center, Social Room
Alumni
Established in 1986, this annual reception recognizes graduates who have made a difference and highlights their achievements and societal contributions. Guests are invited to celebrate our newest distinguished alumni.
Cost: $45
Registration: Required
Friday, September 25
Daemen Days Trolly - Campus to "Town"
10:30 AM - 2:30 PM
Yurtchuk Student Center, Stops Along Main Street
Students, Families, Faculty, Staff, Alumni
Cost: No Cost
Registration: Not required
Founders Celebration Information Station
2:00 PM - 8:00 PM
Yurtchuk Student Center, Student Desk
Students, Families,Faculty, Staff, Alumni
Discover the fun of Family Weekend! Families can stop by the Information Station to check-in or register for the activities happening across campus. Have questions? Our Founders Team is happy to help!
Cost: No Cost
Registration: Not required
Founders TGIF & Casino Night
4:30 PM - 7:30 PM
Yurtchuk Student Center, Social Room
Students, Families, Faculty & Staff
Come join students from The Student Government and The Vets Club as we host a night of great food and casino games! Try your luck and skill for you chance to win some amazing prizes!
Registration: Required for families and guests
Scholarship Gala
6:00 PM - 9:00 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.
Cost: $275
Registration: Required
Saturday, September 26
Deans List Reception
1:00 PM - 2:00 PM
Yurtchuk Student Center, Wildcat Den
Students
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 2025-26 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
Campus Store Open
10:00 AM - 2:00 PM
Duns Scotus, Campus Store
Students, Alumni, Faculty, Staff, Families
Stock up on your Daemen gear! Visit the bookstore for Special Founders Celebration hours. A coupon is available!
Cost: No Cost
Registration: Not required
Fall Fest
10:00 AM - 3:00 PM
Royal Park
Students, Families, Faculty, Staff, Alumni
Come join us at Royal Park for two amazing soccer games, free food from Coyote Cafe, an upclose magician, balloon and caricature artists, and a photobooth; what a day!!! The soccer games will be from 10:00 am - 4:00 pm with the events listed above running from 11:00 am - 1:00 pm.
Ticket required for entry.
Trolly shuttle for Fall Fest and Games
10:30 AM - 4:00 PM
Daemen to Royal Park
Students, Families, Faculty, Staff, Alumni
Come join us at Royal Park for two amazing soccer games, free food from Coyote Cafe, an upclose magician, balloon and caricature artists, and a photobooth; what a day!!! The soccer games will be from 10:00 am - 4:00 pm with the events listed above running from 11:00 am - 1:00 pm.
Ticket required for entry.
Founders Brunch
11:00 am - 1:00 pm
Yurtchuk Student Center, Dining Hall
Students, Families, Faculty & Staff
Pre-Registration is strongly encouraged.
For those who do not register, payment will be accepted at the entrance to the Dining Hall.
S'More Fun!
6:00 PM - 9:00 PM
Yurtchuk Student Center, Back Lawn
Students
Come to the YSC Back Lawn to enjoy a cozy fire and some s'mores with Residence Life!
Founders Celebration Information Station
10:00 AM - 5:00 PM
Yurtchuk Student Center, Student Desk
Students, Families,Faculty, Staff, Alumni
Discover the fun of Family Weekend! Families can stop by the Information Station to check-in or register for the activities happening across campus. Have questions? Our Founders Team is happy to help!
Cost: No Cost
Registration: Not required