D’Youville University Honors 2025 Distinguished Alumni at Annual Awards Dinner

D’Youville University celebrated the achievements of its alumni and community champions at the 2025 Distinguished Alumni Awards Dinner, held Saturday, September 20 in the Health Professions Hub. The annual event brought together graduates, faculty, staff, and friends to honor extraordinary individuals whose leadership, service, and professional excellence embody the spirit of D’Youville. Patrick Ryan, a reporter at WIVB/WNLO-TV News 4 Buffalo emceed the awards ceremony.

“The D’Youville Distinguished Alumni Awards Dinner celebrates the extraordinary accomplishments of our alumni and friends, whose lives exemplify leadership, resilience, and service,” said President Lorrie Clemo. “Each honoree inspires us to live the mission of D’Youville with courage, compassion, and commitment to others.”

Honorees at the 2025 Distinguished Alumni Awards Dinner included:

Young Alumni Award – Dara Gill ‘17
This year’s Young Alumni Award was presented to Dara Gill, who transformed her personal journey with Multiple Sclerosis into a mission of advocacy and patient care. As a clinician, advocate, and community leader, Gill has advanced awareness around autoimmune disorders while also supporting patients across hospital and home-care settings. Her advocacy has reached national audiences, including a feature in Women’s Health magazine.

Spirit of D’Youville Award – Fran Schmidt
For the first time, D’Youville presented the Spirit of D’Youville Award, recognizing non-alumni whose service has profoundly shaped the university. Fran Schmidt, longtime director of Career Services, was honored for her decades of mentorship and leadership that inspired students to achieve their fullest potential.

Delta Sigma Award – Christine Yakubec ‘70
The Delta Sigma Award, the university’s highest honor rooted in the legacy of Saint Marguerite d’Youville, was presented to Christine Yakubec. Known for her tireless tutoring and encouragement, Yakubec has championed student success with warmth, intelligence, and dedication.

Career Achievement Awards – Dr. Mark Beehler & Dr. Marjorie Quint-Bouzid
Two alumni were honored with the Career Achievement Award:

• Dr. Mark Beehler ‘14, superintendent of Salamanca City Central School District, was recognized for raising graduation rates and creating inclusive programs that uplift Native American students and families.
• Dr. Marjorie Quint-Bouzid ‘85, chief nurse executive at Kaleida Health, was honored for her visionary leadership in nursing, healthcare administration, and her commitment to excellence in patient care and workforce development.

Anne Lum Award – Judy Po-Chedly Wilkins ‘74
The event concluded with the Anne Lum Award, D’Youville’s most prestigious alumni honor, awarded to Judy Po-Chedly Wilkins. A distinguished nurse, Peace Corps volunteer, and healthcare leader, Wilkins has coupled professional achievement with decades of community service and leadership, including her role as a standout student-athlete and member of the inaugural Athletics Hall of Fame class.

Renee Orr, director of alumni engagement, added: “The Distinguished Alumni Awards Dinner is a treasured tradition, bringing our community together to honor graduates and friends who have truly made a difference. We are proud to recognize this year’s recipients and the legacy they continue to build.”

The 2025 Distinguished Alumni Awards Dinner highlighted the power of education, service, and resilience, underscoring D’Youville’s ongoing mission to prepare leaders for lives of impact.