AMHERST, N.Y. -- Daemen College’s Class of 2017 graduating students from diverse backgrounds were honored at the institution’s inaugural multicultural graduation celebration held on May 2 in the Wick Campus Center Social Room.

Daemen faculty and staff came together to recognize graduates and their achievements at the college’s first-ever ALHANA (African, Latino, Hispanic, Asian, Native American) Graduation Celebration.

The event included a keynote address presented by Kadeem Johnson ’14, and remarks given by Frank Williams, interim vice president for enrollment management, and Dr. Greg Nayor, vice president for student affairs. Students in attendance also each received a certificate in recognition of their graduation.

“As commencement approaches, this new event is a wonderful way to honor the successes of our graduating multicultural students and to recognize this important milestone in their lives,” said Alvin Roberts, director of diversity and multicultural affairs. “We are proud to celebrate the diversity of our students and to commemorate their achievement of earning a college degree from Daemen.”

The 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.

“As they look forward to commencement, our ALHANA students will join our other proud graduates who serve as exceptional role models for current and future students,” said Beverly Weeks, director of HEOP.