AMHERST, N.Y. – Russell Sage College has honored alumna Yolanda Morris ’97, director of admissions events and special programs at Daemen College, with a 2017 Woman of Influence Award in recognition of her contributions in the community and in her professional field.

Presented by the RSC Alumnae Association, the award recognizes alumnae who have achieved a high level of success in living the college’s ideals of “to be, to know, to do.”

As noted in her nomination, “Yolanda is a true inspiration to the lives she has touched, and is highly regarded by her supervisor, colleagues, faculty, and staff. She has maintained a professional career in higher education while also caring for her twin sons, both with special needs, and is active in the Western New York autism community. Through it all she continues to shine.”

During her 10-year tenure at Daemen, Morris held various positions in the college’s admissions office prior to being named to her current director role. She is also advisor for the student organization Sister to Sister and has served on many college committees.

Morris, a 2016 honoree of a Buffalo Black Achievers Annual Award, is a member of College Student Educators International and has been a presenter at regional professional conferences.

She received a bachelor’s degree in English and secondary education from RSC and a master’s degree in student personnel administration from SUNY Buffalo State.

Morris is a Williamsville resident.