BUFFALO, N.Y. -- Paula Witherell, director of institutional communications at Daemen College, has been named the 2016 Am-Pol Eagle Citizen of the Year for Media in recognition of her contributions to the Polish-American community.       

She joined this year’s individuals and organizations honored in 11 other categories at a Mass and awards presentation held April 29 in St. Adalbert Basilica in Buffalo.

“It is a tremendous honor to be recognized by a community with such a rich heritage in Western New York and that has always been an important part of my life,” said Witherell. “I am truly proud to receive this award from the Polish-American community.”

In honoring the 2016 Citizens of the Year, the Am-Pol Eagle noted: “They join a long list of people and groups who have added to the quality of life in our community and have shown a light on our Polish ancestry and culture.”

Prior to joining Daemen, Witherell served as assistant to the president for communications at SUNY Buffalo State, from where she earned a master’s certificate in strategic public relations and a bachelor’s degree in communications. A graduate of the Western New York Consortium of Higher Education’s Women’s Leadership Institute, she was also previously director of public relations at Hilbert College.

Witherell’s professional work has been recognized with many Excalibur Awards from the Public Relations Society of America Buffalo Niagara Chapter and the Council for Advancement and Support of Education.

She resides in West Seneca.