AMHERST, N.Y. – Daemen College has selected 12 outstanding incoming freshmen to receive 2016 Trustee Scholarships, the college’s most prestigious academic scholarship that is renewable throughout their undergraduate studies. The college has also awarded six Transfer Trustee Scholarships to high-achieving new transfer students.

To be considered for the Trustee Scholarship, prospective first-year students are nominated by Daemen President Gary A. Olson to apply for the awards and then participate in interviews with college faculty and staff. More than 185 exceptional students from California, Colorado, Connecticut, New York, North Carolina, Pennsylvania, Texas, and other states from across the U.S., as well as from Nigeria and Romania competed for this year’s coveted scholarships.   

Selection is based on academic achievement, vision for self and society, enthusiasm and inspiration, academic and personal discipline, and leadership ability. Both intellect and character are considered, and selected scholars are those who have the potential to make a difference in their careers and in the Daemen and external communities.

Prospective transfer students are also nominated by Daemen’s president to compete for Trustee Scholarships and engage in interviews on Transfer Trustee Scholar’s Night held in the spring. Scholarships are awarded to transfer students based on the same selection criteria as freshmen recipients.

Daemen 2016 Trustee Scholars are:

• Rebecca Chilelli of Lancaster, Lancaster Central High School – paralegal studies major.
• Kristina Corra of Clarence, Clarence Central High School – physical therapy major.
• Molly Fields of Erie, Pa., Pennsylvania Cyber Charter School – history and political science major.
• Samantha Garcia of Ozone Park, Scholars’ Academy – pre-veterinary medicine major.
• Alec Karcher of Lancaster, Lancaster Central High School – undeclared major.
• Sydney MacInnis of Superior, Colo., Fairview High School – business administration major.
• Julianna Moffitt of Mission Viejo, Calif., Capistrano Valley High School – education major.
• Moriah Gregory of Sodus, home schooled – athletic training major.
• Erica Mucci of East Aurora, East Aurora High School – undeclared major.
• Jessica Schrader of Jamestown, Southwestern Central High School – pre-veterinary medicine major.
• Zachary Smith of Fort Covington, Salmon River High School – physician assistant major.
• Katelyn Szymkowski of Lancaster, Christian Central Academy – physician assistant major.

This year’s Trustee Transfer Scholars are:

• Katherine Casale of West Henrietta – physical therapy major.
• Emma Cercone of Buffalo – business administration major.
• Katelin Kleis of Hamburg – social work major.
• Anthony Lucia of Waterbury, Conn. – physical therapy major.
• Kristyn Mott of Batavia – business administration major.
• Kelsey Strom of Jamestown – paralegal studies major.