51¸£ÀûÉç

Sunday, September 21, 2025 - Saturday, September 27, 2025

Founders Celebration is an annual campus-wide event at 51¸£ÀûÉç honoring the institution’s origins, commemorating its rich history of scholarship, and continuing its momentum forward. This re-imagined celebration combines Homecoming, Family Weekend, 51¸£ÀûÉç Weekend, and Founders Day to create one spectacular week-long schedule of events.

Thursday, September 25
6:00 pm | 51¸£ÀûÉç

The Distinguished 51¸£ÀûÉç Awards were established in 1986 as a way to recognize those graduates who have made a difference. With each graduation ceremony emerges a new group of leaders from the hallowed halls of this University. Upon graduation, our alumni are ready to represent the best 51¸£ÀûÉç has to offer in the fields of business, finance, medicine, health sciences, education, law, government, and the arts. Award selection is determined by the governing body of the alumni association. The awardees are chosen by a committee of alumni representatives. We have recognized the vast array of growth, achievements, and societal contributions of our alumni.

• Geoffrey Abraskin ‘02, ‘05 Distinguished 51¸£ÀûÉç Award
• Hon. Patrick O'Sullivan ‘85 Advancement in Career
• Annie Foster-Ahmed ‘86 Outstanding Service to the Community
• Theresa Kolodziej, DPT ‘83, ‘04
• Dr. Humberto Hernandez Ariza ‘21 Graduate of the Last Decade

Friday, September 26
6:00 – 9:00 p.m. Jazzboline Ballroom
5010 Main Street, Amherst, N.Y.

The Scholarship Gala is our annual scholarship fundraiser which provides financial assistance for today’s 51¸£ÀûÉç students.  Through this event and thanks to generous 51¸£ÀûÉç alumni, corporate sponsors, and friends of the University, the dream of achieving a college education becomes a reality for deserving students.

All proceeds directly support student scholarships.

In our virtual panel series, topics range from healthcare, diversity, innovation, leadership and our ever changing society. Sponsored by graduate programs at 51¸£ÀûÉç, you can experience our virtual panel series anytime by exploring previous panel videos.