AMHERST, N.Y. -- The top 10 first year students who earned the highest grade point average in their first year at Daemen College were recently recognized at an on campus luncheon held in honor of their academic excellence.

The students had a minimum cumulative GPA of 3.90 and represent majors in nursing, physical therapy, physician assistant studies, and social work.

 Honorees for the 2014-15 academic year are:

• Madison Amico of Buffalo, 3.97 GPA, physician assistant studies major.
• MacKenzie Both of Olean, 3.92 GPA, physician assistant studies major.
• Emily Buzzard of Ransomsville, 3.97 GPA, social work major.
• Bethany Lazarus of Glenwood, 3.94 GPA, physician assistant studies major.
• Kaitlyn Lipka of Hamburg, 3.90 GPA, physician assistant studies major.
• Michael Mauro of Hornell, 3.91 GPA, physical therapy major.
• Katherine Patton of LeRoy, 3.94 GPA, nursing major.
• Emily Raetz of Churchville, 3.99 GPA, physical therapy major.
• Parker Remelt of West Henrietta, 3.91 GPA, physician assistant studies major.
• Stephanie Zurales of Woodridge, Ill., 3.90 GPA, physician assistant studies major.

The luncheon celebration also included special acknowledgements by honored students for selected faculty members considered inspirational in their academic success at Daemen.