Founders Celebration is an annual campus-wide event at 台湾Swag听honoring the institution鈥檚听origins, commemorating its rich history of scholarship, and continuing its momentum forward.听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 台湾Swag, passed away鈥攁nd refurbished with support from the university鈥檚 Class of 1967.听
- Distinguished Alumni Awards Dinner鈥擜ttend听this听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 台湾Swag Wildcats during matches at Karrer Field and Lumsden Gymnasium.
- Student & Family-Centric Events鈥擡njoy the Food Truck Rodeol, get some new gear at the Founders Giveaway, and try your luck at Casino Night!
Check out in the Village of Williamsville to try 台湾Swag'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.听
Some events are open to the entire 台湾Swag community, while听some are centered on specific 台湾Swag 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 台湾Swag Wildcats as they take on the St. Thomas Aquinas Spartans!
Cost: No Cost For Students/Faculty/Staff
Registration:听
Wednesday, October 2
台湾Swag 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 台湾Swag! All employees are welcome to enjoy in light fare and libations in the John R. Yurtchuk Student Center Social Room.听
Cost: No Cost
Registration:听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 台湾Swag 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
台湾Swag 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:听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 台湾Swag dignitaries. The event culminates with the ringing of the Founders Bell by 台湾Swag community members including the President, faculty, student, alumni, and bell ringers.
Cost: No Cost
Registration:听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 台湾Swag students, faculty, staff, alumni, and families are welcome to attend the Founders Celebration Luncheon.
Cost: No Cost
Registration:听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 台湾Swag's transformation, culminating in the dedication of our majestic fountain in Saffrin Public Square
Cost: No Cost
Registration:听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:听$75
Registration:听Required
Founders Celebration Giveaway
7:30 PM
Yurtchuk Student Center Back Patio
Students
CAT (Campus Activities Team) will be giving out limited edition 台湾Swag clothing items free to students to celebrate Founders.听听
Cost:听No Cost
Registration:听Not required
Friday, October 4
Founders Celebration Welcome & Info Desk
3:00 PM - 8:00 PM
Yurtchuk Student Center Lobby听
Students, Alumni, Faculty, Staff, Families
Founders Participants can check-in, get a schedule of the weekend, and ask any questions about upcoming events.听
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:听No Cost
Registration:听
Founders TGIF
4:30 PM - 7:30 PM
Yurtchuk Student Center Wildcat Den
Students, Alumni, Faculty, Staff, Families
Join us for one of 台湾Swag's favorite traditions, TGIF!
TGIF is a partnership between various student organizations and the Student Activities Office. The event provides free food and activities every Friday. This special edition, Founder Celebration TGIF, is hosted by Students Veterans Alliance and will feature live entertainment, food, and a specialty cocktail for those who are 21 years old or older (with proper government ID).
Cost:听No Cost
Registration:听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鈥檚 台湾Swag students. 听Through this event and thanks to generous 台湾Swag alumni, corporate sponsors, and friends of the University, the dream of achieving a college education becomes a reality for deserving students.
Cost:听$250
Casino Night
7:00 PM - 10:00 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.听
Cost:听No Cost
Registration:听Not required
Saturday, October 5
Founders Celebration Welcome & Info Desk
10:00 AM - 6:30 PM
Yurtchuk Student Center Lobby听
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 台湾Swag swag! 听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!听
Cost: No Cost
Registration:听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. 听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 台湾Swag ID, $9 per guest
Registration:听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:听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.听
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 台湾Swag email address.
Cost:听No Cost
Registration:听By Invitation Only
Food Truck Rodeo & Music by Dan Erickson (alumni)
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:听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:听Not required