AMHERST, N.Y. – Daemen College’s newly named Lawrence and Mary Arlene George Memorial Reading Garden was formally opened at a dedication and ribbon-cutting ceremony held on Oct. 26.

The reading garden, located outside the college’s Research and Information Commons, has been established with a generous gift from Elizabeth “Liz” George Ivers, a 1970 graduate of Rosary Hill College (now Daemen College).

“It is because of Liz’s immense generosity that we officially open the Lawrence and Mary Arlene George Memorial Reading Garden, which will serve as an enduring symbol of Liz’s strong support, commitment and belief in her alma mater,” said Craig Harris, vice president for institutional advancement. “This new reading garden will provide an inviting and serene setting where students and others in our Daemen community may relax, study, or gather.”

The ceremonial opening of the Lawrence and Mary Arlene George Memorial Reading Garden, named in honor of Ivers’ parents, took place prior to the start of the 2018 Distinguished Alumni Awards dinner. At last year’s awards event, Ivers was honored with the Distinguished Alumna Award, the highest honor presented to a graduate.

A Houston resident, Ivers has been a strong supporter of the college as a member of the Daemen Alumni Board and she also established the Elizabeth George Ivers Endowed Scholarship for Women.    

Ivers earned a bachelor’s degree in history and government from Rosary Hill College (now Daemen) and went on to have a successful 43-year career at several major U.S. corporations, including Twin Fair, Inc., in Buffalo, and Houston-based Browning-Ferris Industries and EOG Resources.

The gift from Ivers will contribute to the $22 million goal for Daemen’s “Drive to 75” campaign, the college’s first-ever comprehensive campaign.