AMHERST, N.Y. – Daemen College Class of 2018 graduating students from diverse backgrounds were recognized at the college’s second annual ALHANA (African, Latino, Hispanic, Asian, Native American) Graduation Celebration held on May 2.

College faculty and staff joined together to honor graduates and their achievements at the on-campus celebration, where each student were presented a certificate in recognition of their graduation. Remarks were given by Frank Williams, vice president for enrollment management, and Dr. Greg Nayor, vice president for student affairs.

The ALHANA Graduation Celebration also featured a keynote address given by Kelvin Espinal ’10, an advisory manager at Deloitte and Touche. He earned a master’s degree in professional accounting and a bachelor’s degree in accounting, both from Daemen.

“The ALHANA Graduation is a new tradition at Daemen that offers the college community a special opportunity to celebrate the successes of graduating multicultural students,” said Alvin Roberts, director of diversity and multicultural affairs. “We are pleased to hold this celebration and to recognize the diversity of our students, including many who have overcome various challenges to achieve their dream of earning a college degree.”

This year’s ALHANA Graduation Celebration was co-sponsored by the Office of Diversity and Multicultural Affairs, Arthur O. Eve Higher Education Opportunity Program, Office of Academic Advisement, Daemen Athletics, and the Office of Admissions.