By Kaity Hersee, Staff Writer
Many know of homecoming season, from high schools or from the media individuals consume daily. Here at Daemen, there is another tradition, one that honors the founders and the very basis of the Daemen University we know today: Founders Week. It’s a week full of fun events that connect students and faculty to the origins of the university while providing entertainment for everyone.
However, one of the most important things about this week is the Founder’s Bell ceremony. The Founders Bell ringing “honors Daemen’s origins, heritage, and, most importantly, a long tradition of academic excellence in higher education,” (Daemen Community Observes Founders Celebration, Daemen Today). Students are able to sign up to be a part of the yearly ringing of the Founders Bell.
The Founders Bell is a key aspect of Daemen’s heritage and traditions. Many can cite that it is something deeply important to Daemen.
“In planning the Class of 1967 50th reunion, I learned how much their Daemen experience meant to them”, Kate Hammer, associate vice president for advancement said. “The Class of 1967 felt it was vital to contribute to the Founders Bell Campaign, eager to be part of a lasting legacy for their alma mater. Their gift ensures that generations of students and graduates alike will share in the meaningful tradition of the ringing of the Founders Bell”
The other events that we had this week were set up by Student Activities, who hope to provide an entertaining week for students.
“Just come to them!” Nathan Flintjer, director of student activities said. The Campus Activities Team (CAT) team created a number of events that appeal to families as well, like the food truck day and the TGIF Friday paired with Casino Night.
“Next year is going to look different,” Flintjer mentioned. However, he assures students next will have all the same fun that we enjoyed this year. CAT has worked hard to create a week of events all students across Daemen can enjoy while reconnecting with the heritage of the school.
One of the most well-attended and enjoyed events of this week was the Bingo Night. It had a variety of prizes that satisfied the winners, and even those who didn’t win had fun.
“It was so fun! I hope they do it again, with more prizes next time.” Aly Dalton, a first-year education major said.
Though there were many disappointed escalations heard throughout the event, there were more sounds of excitement and laughter from Daemen students of all years.
“I’ve been playing bingo [at Daemen] for five years, and I finally won,” Haley Hinds, a first-year PA graduate student, who graduated with her bachelor’s in biochemistry in May of 2024, said.
Hinds won the biggest prize of the night, a Nintendo Switch that included the newest Mario Kart on the full board bingo.
Casino Night was another hit and was paired with TGIF. Students and staff alike had the chance to play some classic casino games, without the risk of losing all their money. There were many stations set up with a variety of games, with plenty of food on the side.