AMHERST, N.Y. – Daemen College recognized the outstanding achievements of graduating students in the Daemen College Class of 2016 at the college’s Annual Excellence Awards Ceremony held May 20 as part of commencement weekend activities.

“We extend congratulations to these exceptional students and commend their many accomplishments in the classroom, on campus, and in our community,” said Daemen President Gary A. Olson.

Departmental award winners are:

Accounting and Business Administration

• Gino Cammilleri of Rochester – Outstanding Accounting Student Award
• Casey Oliphant of Lockport – Outstanding Paralegal Studies Award
• Christopher Urbanski of Lancaster – Charles Sabatino Sport Management Graduate of the Year

Athletic Training

• Rachel Reichart of Marilla – Sue Rocque Award
• Meghan Short of Amherst – Clinical Excellence Award

Education

• Marci Tirone of Williamsville – Undergraduate Excellence in Education Award

English

• Daniel Gertis of Tonawanda – John T. Masterson Award
• Stephanie Parwulski of Clarence Center – Senior Thesis Award
• Ann Marie Rose of Williamsville – Katharine A. Sullivan Award for Excellence in Adolescent English Education

Global and Local Sustainability

• Julia Roetzer of Sloan – Outstanding Graduate Award

Health Care Studies

• Michelle Larimore of Horseheads – Student of Distinction Award

History and Political Science

• Ebony Fripp of Bronx – Best Senior Thesis Award (Political Science)
• Emily Kraft of Williamsville – Best Senior Thesis Award (History)

Math/Computer Science

• Maria McGrath of Penfield – Euclid Award

Modern Language

• Joseph Biddle of Hamburg – Modern Language Senior Project Award
• Christine Kozlowski of Cheektowaga – Modern Languages Award

Natural Sciences

• Joseph Biddle of Hamburg – Outstanding Student Award
• Frank Poppolo of Amherst – Outstanding Student Research Project Award

Nursing

• Kristyn Durick of Akron – Excellence in Advanced Nursing Practice Award (Graduate)
• Anita Mosher of Conewango Valley – Emerging Leader Award (Undergraduate)
• Outstanding Leader Award presented posthumously to Paula Williams

Physical Therapy

• Justin Kozlowski of Dunkirk – Physical Therapy Department Faculty Recognition Award
• Carly Sno of Malta – New York Physical Therapy Association Student Participation Award
• Kevin Stevens of Olean – Richard Schweichler Award for Academic Excellence

Physician Assistant

• Molly Austin of Castleton – Faculty Recognition Award

Psychology

• Alexis Lillie of Rochester – Outstanding Community Service Award
• Mark Poblocki of Akron – Outstanding Academic Achievement Award

Public Health

• Cierra D’Amico of Niagara Falls – Master of Public Health Leadership Award
• Christina Reding of East Amherst – Master of Public Health Academic Achievement Award

Social Work

• Katelyn Carr of North Tonawanda – Outstanding Performance in Field Education - BASW
• Amee Pecoraro of Cheektowaga – Outstanding Achievement in Social Work – MSW
• Chelsea Small of Forestville – Outstanding Performance in Field Education – MSW
• Rachel Spencer of West Seneca – Outstanding Achievement in Social Work – BASW

Visual and Performing Arts

• Daniel Budziszewski of Cheektowaga – Studio Achievement in Animation (“Sweatbox Award”)
• Samuel Pagano of South Wales – Outstanding Achievement in Visual Communication
• Xiao Yang of Amherst – Excellence in Studio Arts

                Campus-wide award recipients include:

• Ramel Haines of Bronx - Mary Angela Canavan Award, which recognizes an undergraduate student who has made significant contributions to the betterment of student life at the college. He earned a bachelor’s degree in business administration.
• Christopher Ponichtera of Depew – Alumni Senior Award, which recognizes an undergraduate student who has demonstrated exceptional dedication to the larger community. He earned a bachelor’s degree in physical therapy.
• Justin Richmond of East Stroudsburg, Pa. - President’s Award, which recognizes an undergraduate student who has exhibited dedication, care and concern for their fellow students. He earned a bachelor’s degree in childhood and special education.
• Daemen College Tradition Keeper: The DC Book Medal – Jessica Maulucci of Tonawanda; Maria McGrath of Penfield; Holli Nesbitt of Rochester; Mark Poblocki of Akron; Christopher Ponichtera of Depew; Kelsey Reeder of Livonia; Amanda Smith of Amherst; and Kelsey Zahno of Wilson.