Founders Celebration is an annual campus-wide event at Ë¿¹ÏÊÓƵ honoring the institution’s origins, commemorating its rich history of scholarship, and continuing its momentum forward. This re-imagined celebration combines Homecoming, Family Weekend, Alumni Weekend, and Founders Day to create one spectacular week-long schedule of events.
The celebration features traditions and events including:
- Founders Day Bell Ringing—Join this ceremony and gathering of the university community at the Founders Bell outside Rosary Hall. Representatives for the university’s seven decades each ring the bell, initially crafted in 1858—the year the university’s namesake, Mother Magdalene Ë¿¹ÏÊÓƵ, passed away—and refurbished with support from the university’s Class of 1967.
- Distinguished Alumni Awards Dinner—Attend this annual reception, established in 1986, that recognizes graduates who have made a difference and highlights their achievements and societal contributions.
- Athletics Events—Cheer on the Ë¿¹ÏÊÓƵ Wildcats during matches at Karrer Field and Lumsden Gymnasium.
- Student & Family-Centric Events—Enjoy the Food Truck Rodeo, get some new gear at the Founders Giveaway, and try your luck at Casino Night!
Check out in the Village of Williamsville to try Ë¿¹ÏÊÓƵ's signature Wildcat Ice Cream! It's only available during Founders Celebration. Don't miss your chance for this sweet tradition and to explore the shops around the village during the week.
Some events are open to the entire Ë¿¹ÏÊÓƵ community, while some are centered on specific Ë¿¹ÏÊÓƵ groups. Review the event list below for information on what to expect and who is invited to attend.
Sunday, September 29
Women's Volleyball vs. St. Thomas Aquinas
12:00 PM
Lumsden Gymnasium
Students, Faculty, Staff
Come cheer on the 3-time defending East Coast Conference women's volleyball champion Ë¿¹ÏÊÓƵ Wildcats as they take on the St. Thomas Aquinas Spartans!
Cost: No Cost For Students/Faculty/Staff
Registration:
Wednesday, October 2
Ë¿¹ÏÊÓƵ 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 50 faclty and staff this year celebrating a service milestone here at Ë¿¹ÏÊÓƵ! 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
Men's & Women's Soccer Doubleheader vs. Roberts Wesleyan
1:00 PM - 6:00 PM
Karrer Field (Park School of Buffalo)
Students, Faculty, Staff
Come cheer on the Ë¿¹ÏÊÓƵ Wildcats as they take on long-time rival Roberts Wesleyan in an East Coast Conference men's & women's soccer doubleheader!
Cost: No Cost
Founders Bingo!
8:00 PM
Yurtchuk Student Center Dining Room
Students
Ë¿¹ÏÊÓƵ 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, October 3
Annual Founders Bell Ringing
11:30 AM
Founders Bell
Students, Faculty, Staff
Join us for this annual event, which includes welcomes and reflections from Ë¿¹ÏÊÓƵ dignitaries. The event culminates with the ringing of the Founders Bell by Ë¿¹ÏÊÓƵ community members including the President, faculty, student, alumni, and bell ringers.
Cost: No Cost
Registration: Not required
Campus-Wide Luncheon
11:00 AM - 1:30 PM
Yurtchuk Student Center Dining Room
Students, Alumni, Faculty, Staff
After the annual Bell Ringing, all Ë¿¹ÏÊÓƵ students, faculty, staff, alumni, and families are welcome to attend the Founders Celebration Luncheon.
Cost: No Cost
Registration: Not required
Campus Beautification Initiative Ceremony
1:00 PM - 1:30 PM
Saffrin Public Square - Fountain
Students, Alumni, Faculty, Staff, Families, Trustees & Donors
Experience the transformation: Join us to celebrate a decade of Ë¿¹ÏÊÓƵ's transformation, culminating in the dedication of our majestic fountain in Saffrin Public Square
Cost: No Cost
Registration: Not required
Distinguished Alumni Dinner
6:00 PM - 8:30 PM
Yurtchuk Student Center Social Room
Students, Alumni, Faculty, Staff
Established in 1986, this annual reception recognizes graduates who have made a difference and highlights their achievements and societal contributions.
Cost: $75
Registration: Required
Friday, October 4
Founders Celebration Welcome & Info Desk
3:00 PM - 8:00 PM
Yurtchuk Student Center Lobby
Students, Alumni, Faculty, Staff, Families
Founders Participants can check-in, get a schedule of the weekend, and ask any questions about upcoming events.
Cornhole Tournament
4:00 PM - 5:00 PM
Outdoor Court
Students, Alumni, Faculty, Staff, Families
Register your team of two and join in the Founders Celebration Cornhole Tournament! Win prizes and have fun as you vie for the Cornhole Championship Trophy!
Cost: No Cost
Registration:
Founders TGIF & Casino Night
4:30 PM - 7:30 PM
Yurtchuk Student Center Social Room
Students, Alumni, Faculty, Staff, Families
Try your luck! Casino-style games played with chips that you can "cash in" for lotter tickets to some great prizes! Hosted by Student Activities.
Cost: No Cost
Registration: Not required
Founders Celebration Giveaway
7:30 PM - Until Supplies Run Out!
Yurtchuk Student Center Back Patio
Students
CAT (Campus Activities Team) will be giving out limited edition Ë¿¹ÏÊÓƵ clothing items free to students to celebrate Founders.
Cost: No Cost
Registration: Not required
Scholarship Gala
6:00 PM - 10:00 PM
Jazzboline
Alumni, Faculty, Staff, Donors
The Scholarship Gala is our annual scholarship fundraiser which provides financial assistance for today’s Ë¿¹ÏÊÓƵ students. Through this event and thanks to generous Ë¿¹ÏÊÓƵ alumni, corporate sponsors, and friends of the University, the dream of achieving a college education becomes a reality for deserving students.
Cost: $250
Saturday, October 5
Founders Celebration Welcome & Info Desk
10:00 AM - 6:30 PM
Yurtchuk Student Center Lobby
Students, Alumni, Faculty, Staff, Families
Founders Participants can check-in, get a schedule of the weekend, and ask any questions about upcoming events. Those who pre-registered can pick up their Founders Celebration T-shirts.
Campus Store Open
10:00 AM - 2:00 PM
Duns Scotus
Students, Alumni, Faculty, Staff, Families
Stock up on your Ë¿¹ÏÊÓƵ swag! The Campus Store, located in the first level of Duns Scotus, will be open special hours from 10:00am-2:00pm to honor the Founders Celebration!
Cost: No Cost
Registration: Not required
Entertainment Brunch
11:00 AM - 1:00 PM
Yurtchuk Student Center Dining Room
Students, Alumni, Faculty, Staff, Families
Enjoy a delicious brunch which features the guitar styling of local legend Alfie Allesandra. Alfie will surprise you with the range of genres he is able to play and will even take requests!
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 Ë¿¹ÏÊÓƵ ID, $9 per guest
Registration: Not required, pay at the door
Class of 2014, 10th Reunion
1:00 PM - 4:00 PM
Wildcat Den
Alumni, Faculty, Staff
10th reunion gathering for the Class of 2014
Cost: $25
Registration: Required
Alumni Campus Tour for the Class of 2014
Class of 2014! Check out how campus has changed over the past ten years. This tour will occur during your event.
Deans List Reception
1:00 PM - 2:00 PM
Yurtchuk Student Center Social Room
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 2023-2024 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 Ë¿¹ÏÊÓƵ email address.
Cost: No Cost
Registration: By Invitation Only
Food Truck Rodeo & Music by Mike Carlo '13
4:00 PM - 6:00 PM
Yurtchuk Student Center Back Lawn
Students, Alumni, Faculty, Staff, Families
Do You Like FREE FOOD featuring local restaurants?! Do you like LIVE MUSIC?! Then come to the Yurtchuk Student Center for both!!!
Cost: Free to first 100 family members in attendance, and free to first 300 students in attendance. $12 cost per person after complimentary tickets have been dispersed.
Registration: Not required