AMHERST, N.Y. – John Yurtchuk, chair of the Daemen College Board of Trustees, has been appointed to the board of directors for the National Trust for the Humanities, a charitable organization that supports the prestigious National Endowment for the Humanities (NEH).

The trust serves as an advocate for the humanities and supports the work of the NEH, which promotes research, education, preservation, and public programs in the humanities. Yurtchuk succeeds board member Cokie Roberts, a prominent journalist and political commentator, who passed away this year.

Chairman and an owner of Calspan, Yurtchuk is a highly-regarded leader and active supporter of various organizations in the Buffalo Niagara region. He was elected this year as Daemen’s board chair, having served as a trustee for the college since 2014.

“We extend our heartfelt congratulations to John for being named to this renowned national board,” said Daemen President Gary Olson. “This distinguished appointment exemplifies John’s distinction as a respected leader and his impressive experience, vision, and long-standing dedication to advancing the humanities regionally and nationally.”

In the local community, Yurtchuk is chair of the Buffalo Philharmonic Orchestra Board of Trustees, chair-elect/vice chair of the American Red Cross Greater Buffalo Branch, and serves on the board of Eyes On America. He is also a past board member of the Albright-Knox Art Gallery.

“The Buffalo Philharmonic and I send our warmest congratulations to John Yurtchuk on his appointment to the National Trust for the Humanities,” said JoAnn Falletta, music director of the Buffalo Philharmonic Orchestra. “We are proud of his tremendous accomplishments and celebrate this very special recognition of the chair of our BPO Board of Trustees. 

The trust’s 14-member board, which is comprised of notable leaders from across the U.S.,  focuses on increasing awareness of the work done by the NEH, generates new sources of financial support for the NEH and the humanities, and serves as the vehicle for donations to the NEH from foundations, corporations, and individual supporters.

The NEH supports projects that preserve America’s cultural legacy and provides access to historically significant materials and artifacts in museums, libraries, and historical organizations. It also strengthens cultural and educational institutions through grants, engages the public in learning programs, supports the professional development of teachers, and uses technology to enhance research and provide free public access to the humanities.

On Nov. 21, Yurtchuk attended the ceremony where President Trump presented the National Medal of Humanities to this year’s recipients: The Claremont Institute, Teresa Lozano Long, Patrick O’Connell, and author James Patterson.