AMHERST, N.Y. – Daemen College celebrated the accomplishments of five outstanding graduates at the 2015 Distinguished Alumni Awards dinner held in their honor on Nov. 6.

“We are proud to recognize the stellar accomplishments of this year’s recipients, who embody the positive impact our college has on the lives of our graduates,” said Daemen President Gary A. Olson. “It is an honor to pay tribute to these exceptional individuals.”

Dr. Richanne C. Mankey, Daemen vice president for institutional advancement, noted, “The Distinguished Alumni Awards celebrate graduates who have embraced the college’s values and outstanding education as they have attained great success and made a tremendous difference in our communities.”

The 2015 award winners are: Louise Continelli-Berke ’74 of Clarence, Advancement in Career; Sr. Edith Wyss, OSF ‘66, of Lewiston, Dedication to the College; Peter L. Brodie ’92 of Delanson, Service to the Community; and Stephanie N. Foreman ’06 of Buffalo, Graduate of the Last Decade.        

The event culminated with President Olson presenting the Distinguished Alumna Award, the highest honor, to Buffalo resident Sr. Maria Pares ’69, who has had an illustrious 40-year career as a women’s basketball coach.

In presenting the award, Olson said, “Sr. Maria is well-known in the Western New York community for her enduring commitment to women’s athletics and the education of young women. Her lifetime of successes and exceptional leadership and talent exemplifies the spirit of our great college and the highest ideals of this award.”

Past Distinguished Alumni Award winners from across the decades, as well as family, friends, and members of the college community were in attendance at the event to honor the 2015 award recipients.