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Top Stories of 2025 from D’Youville University
December 12, 2025
A year defined by momentum, mission, and meaningful impact
From important new academic programs to achievements on fields and courts, the following are stories that defined the momentum of D’Youville University in 2025.
As we move to the beginning of 2026, let’s look back at the important moments in what will be remembered as an historic 2025 for D’Youville, the city of Buffalo, and all of Western New York.
The following is our rundown of the Top 12 (because 10 wasn’t enough) stories from the past year. Keep up with all D’Youville University news year-round on Facebook, Instagram, our news site, or D’Mensions Magazine.
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12. D’Youville University Faculty Achieve Record Scholarly Impact and Research Funding in 2024–25
D’Youville faculty reached an institutional milestone by achieving record-high scholarly funding, publications, and research activity in 2025. Over $2 million in grants supported initiatives in public health, technology in healthcare education, community well-being, biomedical research, and workforce development. The increase reflects strategic investment in faculty enrichment, interdisciplinary research models, and institutional infrastructure. Students also benefited from expanded research opportunities, including grant-supported assistantships and applied learning experiences. The rise in scholarly output strengthens national recognition and supports program accreditation, educational innovation, and community partnerships.
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11. Reunions and celebrations as D'Youville Athletics honors 2024-25 Hall of Fame inductees
On February 15, 2025, D’Youville Athletics honored its 2024–25 Hall of Fame class, inducting standout contributors including Danielle Kabel ’14 (women’s soccer), the entire 2011 championship softball team, and prominent Buffalo community figure Drew Cerza ’84 (men’s basketball). The induction recognized both individual and team achievements, celebrating excellence on the field and lasting contributions to D’Youville’s athletics legacy. It highlighted the strong sense of community among alumni, current students, coaches, and supporters, connecting past success to the university’s evolving athletic identity.
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10. D’Youville University to Host Buffalo Democratic Mayoral Debate
On June 3, 2025, D’Youville hosted the Buffalo Democratic mayoral debate at its historic Kavinoky Theatre. Five candidates participated, with live broadcast on WIVB-TV and WIVB+. The first hour aired on television, followed by a public town-hall segment with audience questions. The event underscored D’Youville’s civic role bringing together students, faculty, community members, and local political leaders to engage in vital democratic discussion. It demonstrated the university’s growing identity as a community hub and its commitment to civic engagement and public discourse.
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9. Catholic Health Dedicates New PACE Program Location in Partnership with D’Youville
On May 14, 2025, Catholic Health dedicated a new PACE (Program of All-Inclusive Care for the Elderly) center inside the School of Arts, Sciences, and Education building at D’Youville. This facility offers comprehensive medical and social services, medical care, adult day services, transportation, home care, prescription coverage, and coordinated care plans so seniors can remain in their homes safely and with dignity. The partnership boosts elder care access across Western New York and provides real-world clinical training opportunities for D’Youville students, strengthening community health while advancing healthcare education.
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In November 2025, D’Youville University’s athletics program was honored for the third straight year with the NCAA Presidents’ Award for Academic Excellence, an indication of sustained academic achievement among student-athletes. With a year-to-year Academic Success Rate of 91%, the Saints joined only 43 Division II schools nationwide to meet the threshold of 90 percent or higher. That consistency underscores D’Youville’s commitment to holistic student success, balancing athletic competition with rigorous academics and preparing student-athletes for life beyond the field.
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7. Vital Pharmacy Paves the Way for Community & Neighborhood Health in Western New York
On July 30, 2025, Vital Pharmacy was honored with the 2025 CPESN Most Engaged Pharmacy Award, the only pharmacy in Western New York to receive the recognition. Located on the D’Youville campus at the Health Professions Hub, Vital Pharmacy welcomed more than 2,000 brand new customers following several regional pharmacy closures. Its services, including free “Vital Packs” (pre-sorted medication packs), medication synchronization, and home delivery simplify medication management for patients. The award underscores how the pharmacy’s academic partnership and community focus are improving access, compliance, and health outcomes for residents, especially in Buffalo’s West Side.
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6. D’Youville University Welcomes U.S. Congressman Tim Kennedy as Commencement Speaker
Commencement in May 2025 was marked by the inspiring presence of U.S. Congressman and 1999 D’Youville alumnus, Tim Kennedy, who delivered a keynote centered on leadership, service, and civic responsibility. Speaking to graduates, families, faculty, and community partners, Kennedy highlighted D’Youville’s legacy of preparing individuals who shape and strengthen their communities. His message encouraged graduates to pursue their careers boldly while upholding values of compassion, advocacy, and resilience. Kennedy’s participation underscored D’Youville’s growing visibility in regional policy and public leadership spaces.
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5. D’Youville University Rises for the Fourth Straight Year in National Rankings
In the 2026 edition of U.S. News & World Report Best Colleges, D’Youville climbed again, now ranked No. 242 nationally, up 17 spots from the prior year. The school also earned the distinctions of #1 private university in Buffalo, #14 nationwide for earnings above a high school diploma (#3 in New York), and #101 in Social Mobility (#2 in Buffalo). This sustained upward trend reflects improvements in graduation rates, post-graduate earnings, program expansion (graduate, doctoral, online), thriving Division II athletics, and the upcoming College of Medicine.
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4. D’Youville University Approved to Enroll Students in New College of Medicine
D’Youville secured pre-accreditation approval from the Commission on Osteopathic College Accreditation (COCA) to open its College of Osteopathic Medicine, the first new medical school in Western New York in nearly 200 years. The planned medical school site at 285 Delaware Avenue in downtown Buffalo will house high-quality facilities to train future physicians. The inaugural class of 90 students will begin in Fall 2026, expanding to 180 per class by 2028, and ultimately 720 by 2031. Nearly 50 clinical affiliations are already in place. The move signals D’Youville’s commitment to addressing critical physician shortages and strengthening regional healthcare.
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3. D’Youville Ranks Second Top Western New York Institutions for Long-Term Return on Investment
A national study by the Georgetown University Center on Education and the Workforce ranked D’Youville second among Western New York institutions for long-term return on investment. Over a 40-year span, graduates realize an average ROI of $2.16 million, with an estimated $214,000 ROI after just 10 years. This recognition highlights both immediate and long-term value of a D’Youville degree, reinforcing the university’s mission to deliver accessible, meaningful education that leads to stable, rewarding careers especially in healthcare, business, and professional fields.
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2. D’Youville University Reports Strong Fall 2025 Enrollment Growth
Fall 2025 enrollment surged to 2,893 students, up from 2,556 in Fall 2024, a 13% increase overall. Graduate enrollment saw a 21% jump (from 1,298 to 1,567), driven by high-demand health-profession programs like the Master of Science in Family Nurse Practitioner and Psychiatric Mental Health Nurse Practitioner tracks. The RN-to-BSN online program grew over 460% and business management also saw growth. This robust enrollment reflects confidence in D’Youville’s expanding academic portfolio, including new programs and a soon-to-launch medical school, and underscores its growing reputation in healthcare and leadership education.
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1. The Legend of the New Saint
On campus, the beloved Saint Bernard mascots “Saint” and “Maggie” welcomed a new four-legged member to the family. The new Saint, discovered on a snowy, music-filled winter night was introduced as a fresh spirit to carry D’Youville’s values of compassion, community, and joy to games and campus life. D’Youville students helped select the name the newest mascot, making the tradition inclusive and participatory. This playful yet meaningful renewal of tradition reflects D’Youville’s spirit: caring, welcoming, and always ready to lift the campus and community spirit.
“This year reflects much more than milestones, it reflects who we are becoming at D’Youville University,” said President Lorrie Clemo.
Our continued momentum, from rising national recognition to transformative healthcare initiatives and the launch of the College of Osteopathic Medicine, is powered by a community deeply committed to service, innovation, and the success of others. As we honor our achievements in 2025, we also reaffirm our mission: to educate ethical leaders who improve lives and strengthen communities. The progress we celebrate today is only the beginning of what we will continue to accomplish together.
As 2025 concludes, D’Youville stands stronger, more connected, and more mission-driven than ever before. The year’s achievements reflect not just institutional progress, but the extraordinary dedication of the students, faculty, staff, alumni, and community who make transformation possible. With new programs, partnerships, recognition, and momentum, the university looks to the future with purpose and optimism. The story continues, and the best chapters are still ahead.”
Here’s to another year of learning, leadership, and service to Buffalo, Western New York, and beyond.
