Founders Celebration is an annual campus-wide event at 51福利社 honoring the institution鈥檚 origins, commemorating its rich history of scholarship, and continuing its momentum forward. This re-imagined celebration combines Homecoming, Family Weekend, 51福利社 Awards, and Founders Day to create one spectacular week-long schedule of events.
The celebration features traditions and events including:
- Founders Day Bell Ringing鈥擩oin this ceremony and gathering of the university community at the Founders Bell outside Rosary Hall. Representatives for the university鈥檚 seven decades each ring the bell, initially crafted in 1858鈥攖he year the university鈥檚 namesake, Mother Magdalene 51福利社, passed away鈥攁nd refurbished with support from the university鈥檚 Class of 1967.
- Distinguished 51福利社 Awards鈥擜ttend this annual reception, established in 1986, that recognizes graduates who have made a difference and highlights their achievements and societal contributions.
- Athletics Events鈥擟heer on the 51福利社 Wildcats during matches at Royal Park and Lumsden Gymnasium.
- Student & Family-Centric Events鈥擡njoy the Wildcat Family Social, get some new gear at the Founders Giveaway, and try your luck at Casino Night!
Back for Founders 2025: WILDCAT ICE CREAM!
Did you know 51福利社 has it's own ice cream flavor? Thanks to Sweet Jenny's, you can enjoy a delicious treat of the Wildcat Ice Cream. Available only during Founders Celebration at Sweet Jenny's, located at 56 E Spring Street, Williamsville, NY 14221. This is a great opportunity to check out a local business and enjoy a tasty treat! Check out their for more information and hours.
Who Can Attend?
Some events are open to the entire 51福利社 community, while others are designed for specific groups of students, families, or alumni. Please review the full schedule to see what鈥檚 open to you.
Registration
Family Weekend Events
Families should register For Family Weekend Events through
Student Events
Current students should register for Founders Celebration activities on
Sunday, September 21
Men's Tennis Match vs. Niagara
11:00 AM - 1:30 PM
Royal Park
Students, Faculty, Staff, 51福利社
Come out to Royal Park - the new outdoor home of 51福利社 Athletics - and cheer on the Wildcats as they take on the Niagara Purple Eagles in exciting NCAA Division II men's tennis action!
Cost: No Cost For Students/Faculty/Staff
Registration:
Tuesday, September 23
"Why A College Education Matters": Title III Year 3 Kick Off Event
11:30 AM
51福利社 Hall
Faculty & Invited Staff
Join us for our Title III Year 3 Kick Off, where Dr. Olson and Stefanie Lizauckas will be presenting on "Why a College Education Matters".
Men's Soccer Game (vs. Lock Haven)
4:00 PM - 6:30 PM
Royal Park
Students, Faculty, Staff, 51福利社
Come out to Royal Park - the new outdoor home of 51福利社 Athletics - and cheer on the Wildcats as they take on the Lock Haven Bald Eagles in exciting NCAA Division II men's soccer action!
Cost: No Cost
Registration: Required
Wednesday, September 24
51福利社 Years of Service Recognition Event
3:00 PM - 5:00 PM
Yurtchuk Student Center Social Room
Faculty, Staff
We are recognizing service to the University! There are more than 35 faculty and staff this year celebrating a service milestone here at 51福利社! All employees are welcome to enjoy in light fare and libations in the John R. Yurtchuk Student Center Social Room.
Cost: No Cost
Registration: Encouraged
Women's Soccer vs Roberts Wesleyan
6:00 PM - 8:30 PM
Royal Park
Students, Faculty, Staff, 51福利社
Come out to Royal Park - the new outdoor home of 51福利社 Athletics - and cheer on the Wildcats as they take on the Roberts Wesleyan Redhawks in exciting NCAA Division II women's soccer action!
Cost: No Cost
Founders Bingo!
8:00 PM
Yurtchuk Student Center Dining Room
Students
51福利社 Students are invited to join the CAT Team for a fun night and to test their luck at winning some AMAZING PRIZES!!!
Cost: No Cost
Registration: Not required
Thursday, September 25
Annual Founders Bell Ringing
11:30 AM
Founders Bell, Rosary Hall Lawn
Students, Faculty, Staff, 51福利社
Founders Day Bell Ringing鈥擩oin this ceremony and gathering of the university community at the Founders Bell outside Rosary Hall. Representatives for the university鈥檚 seven decades each ring the bell, initially crafted in 1858鈥攖he year the university鈥檚 namesake, Mother Magdalene 51福利社, passed away鈥攁nd refurbished with support from the university鈥檚 Class of 1967.
Cost: No Cost
Registration: Not required
Campus-Wide Luncheon
11:00 AM - 1:30 PM
Yurtchuk Student Center Dining Room
Students, Faculty, Staff, 51福利社
After the annual Bell Ringing, all 51福利社 students, faculty, staff, alumni, and families are welcome to attend the Founders Celebration Luncheon.
Cost: No Cost
Registration: Not required
Founders Celebration Giveaway
7:00 PM
Yurtchuk Student Center, Back Patio
Students
Come and get your limited edition Founders Day shirt while supplies last!
Cost: No Cost
Registration: Not required
Distinguished 51福利社 Awards
6:00 PM - 9:00 PM
51福利社
51福利社
Established in 1986, this annual reception recognizes graduates who have made a difference and highlights their achievements and societal contributions. Guests are invited to celebrate our newest distinguished alumni.
Cost: $45
Registration: Required
Friday, September 26
Founders TGIF & Casino Night
4:30 PM - 7:30 PM
Yurtchuk Student Center, Social Room
Students, Families, Faculty & Staff
Come join students from The Student Government and The Vets Club as we host a night of great food and casino games! Try your luck and skill for you chance to win some amazing prizes!
Registration: Required for families and guests
Scholarship Gala
6:00 PM - 9:00 PM
Jazzboline
51福利社, Faculty, Staff, Donors
The Scholarship Gala is our annual scholarship fundraiser which provides financial assistance for today鈥檚 51福利社 students. Through this event and thanks to generous 51福利社 alumni, corporate sponsors, and friends of the University, the dream of achieving a college education becomes a reality for deserving students.
Cost: $275
Registration: Required
Saturday, September 27
Campus Store Open
9:00 AM - 1:00 PM
Duns Scotus, Campus Store
Students, 51福利社, Faculty, Staff, Families
Stock up on your 51福利社 swag! The Campus Store, located on the first level of Duns Scotus, will be open for special hours from 10:00 a.m. to 2:00 p.m. to honor the Founders Celebration! A coupon will be available for members of our campus community and families to use for a discount.
Cost: No Cost
Registration: Not required
Athletics Hall of Fame Induction
10:45 AM - 12:30 PM
Yurtchuk Student Center, Social Room
51福利社
Join the Division of Athletics as we induct 4 of the all-time great 51福利社 student-athletes into the Hall of Fame. Inductees include Lindsay (Miller) Clark '12 '14, Kyle Clifford '14 '15, Casey Sheehan '14 and Kharmen Wingard '05. The induction ceremony will include a luncheon, followed by the inductees' introduction at a 51福利社 Athletics event later in the day.
This event is invitation only.
Entertainment Brunch
11:00 AM - 1:00 PM
Yurtchuk Student Center Dining Room
Students, 51福利社, Faculty, Staff, Families
Enjoy a delicious brunch which features our favorite Magician!
This will be our tradtional brunch menu with made-to-order omelettes, cheddar scrambled eggs, loaded cheesy wraps, pancakes, french toast with whipped cream and berries, and more! A mimosa bar for individuals 21 yrs and older (with proper government ID) will also be available
Cost: Fee for students with 51福利社 ID, $11 per non-51福利社 guest
Registration: Suggested. Families attending for Family Weekend can pay through the .
Deans List Reception
1:00 PM - 2:00 PM
51福利社 Hall, Bistro
Students, Families
The Founding Deans of the three colleges invite all Dean's List Recipients and their guests to a dessert reception to celebrate academic achievements from the 2024-25 academic year. All students who earned a 3.5 GPA or above in the fall and/or spring term should RSVP through the email sent to their 51福利社 email address.
Cost: No Cost
Registration: By Invitation Only
Women's Volleyball vs Molloy
1:00 PM - 3:30 PM
Lumsden Gymnasium
Students, Faculty, Staff, 51福利社
Come out to Lumsden Gymnasium and cheer on the 4-time ECC champion Wildcats as they take on the Molloy Lions in exciting NCAA Division II women's volleyball action!
Ticket is required for entry.
Men's Soccer vs Georgian Court
2:00 PM - 4:30 PM
Royal Park
Students, Faculty, Staff, 51福利社
Come out to Royal Park - the new outdoor home of 51福利社 Athletics - and cheer on the Wildcats as they take on the Georgian Court Lions in exciting NCAA Division II men's soccer action!
Ticket required for entry.
Wildcat Family Social
5:00 PM - 7:00 PM
51福利社 Hall, Bistro
Students, 51福利社, Faculty, Staff, Families
Celebrate Founders with your families in our newest space on campus, 51福利社 Hall! This fun event allows students to celebrate the end of Founders Celebration with their families and support systems with some delicious food and a bunch of Wildcat Spirit.
Cost: Free for Students, $15 for Families
Registration: Suggested, space is limited!