D’Youville University Celebrates Donor Impact at 2026 Annual Scholarship Luncheon

More than 50 scholarship donors, student recipients, alumni, and university leaders gathered in Heritage Hall of the Koessler Administration Building for D’Youville University’s Annual Scholarship Luncheon on March 5 to celebrate the transformative power of philanthropy and the achievements of student scholars.

The luncheon offered a meaningful opportunity for donors to meet the students whose lives they are helping to shape, while students shared how scholarship support is enabling them to pursue their educational and professional goals.

For many D’Youville students, the path to a college degree and the dreams that follow are made possible through the generosity of alumni and friends who invest in scholarships.

“Scholarships do far more than reduce the cost of education,” said President Lorrie Clemo. “They open doors, remove barriers, and create opportunities for talented students to reach their full potential. Our donors make it possible for students to focus on their studies, grow as leaders, and ultimately serve their communities in meaningful ways.”

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The annual gathering celebrates both the generosity of those who give and the determination of students who benefit from that support. Throughout the program, student speakers shared personal stories about the role philanthropy has played in their academic journeys, highlighting the profound impact scholarships have on access to higher education.

Miriam Hanna, a third year student majoring in Occupational Therapy, spoke to luncheon guests about her decision to attend D’Youville, her decision to become an Occupational Therapist, and her gratitude for institutional and donor scholarship support: 

Your generosity reaches far beyond this campus. The impact of your support will extend to the patients and communities we will one day serve. In a world filled with uncertainty, please know that your belief in students like me has not gone unnoticed. Because of your kindness and generosity, I am able to stand here today pursuing a career dedicated to helping others. So, from the bottom of my heart, thank you for investing in my education and in the futures of so many students here at D’Youville.

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University leaders also emphasized the strong connection between donors and students that events like the luncheon help foster. By bringing benefactors and scholarship recipients together, the gathering reinforces the shared sense of community and mission that defines D’Youville.

“These scholarships represent belief, a special belief in the potential of our students and in the power of education to change lives,” said Britt Davis, Vice President for Advancement. “We are deeply grateful to our donors and alumni supporters whose generosity makes opportunities possible for so many deserving students. Their commitment to D’Youville ensures that our students can pursue their goals and graduate prepared to make a difference in their communities.”

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President Clemo further praised the dedication and accomplishments of the university’s students, noting that their success reflects both their own determination and the support of the broader D’Youville community.

“Our students inspire us every day with their resilience, curiosity, and commitment to excellence,” Clemo said. “We are incredibly proud of the hard work they put into their studies and the bright futures they are building. Today we celebrate not only their achievements, but also the generosity of those who believe in them.”

The D’Youville University Annual Scholarship Luncheon is a meaningful university tradition that tangibly demonstrates how philanthropy continues to empower D’Youville students to pursue their ambitions and shape a better future for their communities.